it's a lovely life

20% OFF! COUPON CODE: WINTERSALE2012

2012-01-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

dogs & jewelry photography

2012-01-26T11:50:00.001-05:00

LuLu & Taz

LuLu & Pippa

I think LuLu like Rottweilers

maybe

I am experimenting with some indoor pictures. I just can't be limited to outdoor pictures. Very often I need to take pics at night or when it's snowing - raining - freezing raining - super cloudy - zero degrees. I need an alternative. It is a learning process, that is for sure.

I also bought a mannequin because I hate modeling my jewelry in the listings. It is a bit less personal, but I think a bit more professional.

I just need to get a hand to model my rings. I hate modeling rings the most because this silver smith's hand ain't pretty!

A fresher look...

2012-01-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

the maple coffee table Chris made...

The shelf Chris made for the cd's

He painted the hall the same color as the living room

Stay tuned for these....

Destash

2012-01-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

This parcel of cabochons is for sale in my shop.

*they will not be sold a la carte*

$170

I purchased them for about $261 (wholsesale)

Parcel of cabochons

Chinese turquoise, gem silica, rhodonite, porcelain jasper, butterfly wing jasper, chariote, agate, cherry creek jasper, septarian nodule, ruby in fuchsite, moss agate, fossilized coral, dendrite opal, crazy lace agate with amethyst, druzy, lapis lazuli, royal Sahara jasper, Mexican Dolomite, Mexican jelly opal

and more!

New!

2012-01-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

Pale Green Variscite Necklace ....

Royal Stitchite and garnet necklace ...

Moss Agate Druzy Pocket Heart Back Ring ...

Absolutely NO regard for personal space

2012-01-18T10:57:00.000-05:00

Catching up

2012-01-12T12:50:00.001-05:00

We (meaning Chris) have been doing some improvements on our home for the past 6 weeks (since Chris has been out of work). Danny's room has been patched and painted, the upstairs hall and all of the bedroom doors are freshly painted. Now we (Chris) is working on the last wall of the downstairs hall and the opposite wall in the living room. He is going to make a mounted maple CD shelf for this wall....

We finally have snow! This has been a very strange winter. We had a blizzard before Halloween and nothing until now. Thank goodness the mountains make their own snow. The boys have a snow day today they all just left to go skiing/snowboarding.

The boys both had birthdays in December & January, they are now 15 & 18. I am amazed. Will and I were the same height this time last year, he TOWERS over me now. We all went up north to Bretton Woods last weekend for Will's birthday. Oh, and Danny finally found a part time job on Tuesday! He is so excited. Jobs are so hard to come by. Now we just need to get Chris some work (please Lord please!)

Here are some random shots of our little trip to Boston a couple of weeks ago....

Gram Allisun

Bell made by Paul Revere

Back of Paul Revere's home

Street performer doing a flip over 3 1/2 people!

I'll have some new designs continually being added to my shop very soon. I am finishing a large custom order for the rest of the week.

chunky turqoise bracelet

2012-01-05T15:58:00.002-05:00

ChunkyTurquoiseBracelet

Something(s) New

2012-01-04T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile!

Lilac Stone Floral sterling silver necklace

Rutilated Quartz sterling silver hash mark necklace

Rectangle Rainbow Moonstone Sterling silver wide band ring

Six things you will have in 2012

2012-01-03T14:26:00.002-05:00

One thing you can be certain about in the coming year is that you can't be certain about what is ahead. This is a great blessing, because you do not need to know. To know what is ahead and the details of what will happen would be too great a burden to carry and too great a responsibility to bear.

What you do need to know about the future is not what is ahead of you, but Who is ahead of you. It is the Lord who goes before you, is ahead of you, and is preparing the way for you. Your future is in His sure, strong, caring hands.

I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you. Genesis 28:15 NLT

As you pass through the door of 2011 and enter the door of 2012, here are six of the needs you are certain to have...

1. There will be the need for prayer

2. There will be the need to trust

3. There will be the need to obey

4. There will be the need to forgive

5. There will be the need to be faithful

6. There will be the need for Jesus

Devotional excerpt by Roy Lessin.

Beautiful!!

2012-01-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

LuLu & Granny Cricket

2011-12-31T10:50:00.001-05:00

shih tzu love

stay tuned

2011-12-29T18:44:00.000-05:00

We have been super busy and I am trying to learn how to use a MacBookPro. I AM a PC so this is really different. I'll be back to blogging regularly fairly soon. I just need to settle in a bit.

Chris and I (last night) at an Italian restaurant in Boston's North End ♥

recent pictures

2011-12-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

This tree topper is adorable. I originally purchsed one for my mom and I loved it so much I purchased a another for me. You can find them here.....
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarAndSpice

Today is my last day (day 8) on the master cleanse. It gets easier as you go. I can't do the full 10 days because I want to be able to have my parents traditional Christmas Eve feast and I need a few days to ease back into digesting food again. I feel so much better and I am glad I did the cleanse.
I am still pretty busy with orders but everything that needed to be shipped in time for Christmas has been shipped.
This has been the best holiday season my shop has ever had. What a blessing.

The Master Cleanse

2011-12-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

Have you ever done this? I am on day 2 of 10 days (or maybe less) of the cleanse. I am achy, my tongue is white and furry, and I have a caffeine withdrawal headache. This cleans/detoxification was invented in the 1940's to ease ulcer symptoms.
Master Cleanse is a modified juice fast that permits no food. There are three parts to the regimen: each morning one drinks a 8 oz of water with 2 teaspoons of salt or a cup of herbal laxative tea; this is followed by six to twelve lemonade drinks during the day; and finally a cup of herbal laxative tea in the evening. The lemonade is made from purified or spring water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, organic maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The alleged purpose is to "detoxify" the body and remove excess fat. It is done for a minimum of ten days.
There is no scientific evidence that the diet removes any "toxins", or that it achieves anything beyond temporary weight loss. Though unlikely to be harmful over the short term it can be harmful over the long term. Short term side effects include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration, while long term harm includes loss of muscle mass.

Why am I doing this? I have been feeling so crappy lately. I can't seem to shake my 4+ diet cokes per day habit (I know there are worse things but this is the LAST of my vices) and this is a pretty harmless cleanse/detox. The salt water flush is disgusting but it certainly works. The lemonade is gross too but again, it does the job. I also HATE the taste of "smooth move" tea.

So yeah, it kinda sucks.

I saw this on Face book and thought is was very appropriate for my family

Jackets for sale!!

2011-12-09T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have my eye on a new winter jacket but I can't possibly justify buying one when I have a like new NorthFace I purchased a couple of years ago UNLESS I can sell it! It is a medium (I'd say a size 8). It has a sipper and velcro closure and is very flattering. The retail price is $230 I will sell it for $80. If you would like it, please email me. LMH35LMH@yahoo.com

front

back

detachable hood

I am also selling Will's 686 winter/snowboarding jacket from 2 years ago. He wore it 1 season (3 months) it looks brand new. I paid $114 I'll sell it for $40. It is a size 12-14. Super warm and very cool.

You'll thank me!

2011-12-02T09:09:00.001-05:00

Gorgonzola & Prune Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped prunes, divided
1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs, (see Note)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (1-1 1/4 pounds), trimmed (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

Preparation

Combine 1/4 cup prunes, Gorgonzola, breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon thyme in a small bowl. Cut a horizontal slit along the thin edge of each chicken breast, nearly through to the opposite side. Stuff each breast with about 2 1/2 tablespoons filling. Use a couple of toothpicks to seal the opening. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil, shallot and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme to the pan; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and the remaining 1/4 cup prunes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, scraping up any browned bits, until most of the wine evaporates, about 2 minutes. Whisk broth and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the pan and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, return the chicken and any juices to the pan and turn to coat with sauce. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove toothpicks, slice the chicken and top with the sauce.

Nutrition

Per serving :318 Calories; 9 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 75 mg Cholesterol; 21 g Carbohydrates; 31 g Protein; 2 g Fiber; 541 mg Sodium; 492 mg Potassium
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

The light in my studio right now

2011-12-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

It's actually soothing. I really need that right now. I have been grouchy, short tempered, teary eyed, ultra sensitive-emotional and down right impossible to live with lately. Chris just tries to help me where he can. After I finished working last night (10:30pm) wearing my proper martyrs face I went upstairs to get my Pj's on making absolutely sure Chris noticed the laundry basket I was lugging up the stairs. I came down to him making my herbal tea for me to drink before I go to bed. I need to write him a letter or something because every time I open my mouth some criticism or complaint comes flying out. It is WAY too early for my seasonal affective (or as I call it defective) disorder to start kicking up, isn't it?? I am not sure why my mood is so unstable. I don't need to over think this but I hate behaving in a way that does not reflect Christ in me. I know I am human (unfortunately) and perhaps this is simply a trial to endure but like most trials, I don't like it one bit.

CYBER MONDAY!! Woohoo!

2011-11-28T07:49:00.001-05:00

Lisa's Lovlies

all I want for Christmas .....

2011-11-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

Are These!!!!

Frye Veronica Shortie Boots!!

Blogging will be light because I have to do everything around here.

2011-11-22T10:28:00.001-05:00

This week is already too busy I am going to put blogging aside for a bit. Maybe a bit and blurb here and there but that'll be about it. Oh, and of course new items will always be shown.
I had a mini-meltdown last evening (poor Chris). I was organizing my week and IT IS FULL! Between my 20% off sale that will run from a Pre-Holiday Sale to a Thanksgiving Sale to a Black Friday Sale to a Cyber Monday Sale. Thanksgiving holiday is at my brother Jeff's this year. I am making a cherry cheesecake and sweet potato casserole. I should make that Wednesday evening. Black Friday I go shopping beginning in the middle of the night with Mom because it's just FUN. Today I have a huge list of made to order orders, Danny has an appointment at 12:30 and Pippa needs a check up at the vet. I am making Pork Cacciatore for supper and REALLY need an AA meeting tonight. Yesterday looked the same as today except that I had to go grocery shopping for the week AFTER making supper (Prune and gorgonzola stuffed chicken breast). Chris walks in the door last night after being on a roof all day long and I am frantic waving my recipe around with my work apron still on and jewelry that needed to be buffed and tumbled. He asked me what I needed and I asked him if he could make supper so I could go grocery shopping. He said "there goes my workout" so I said forget it (I don't want to be responsible for him not beginning his new schedule) I was not gracious though. I screwed up my face and acted like the proper martyr/victim. I was going over and over in my head....
"there are 4 grown men in this house and ME. I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING!!!!"

As soon as I realized I was shaky (low blood sugar) I had a coupla prunes and a handful of almonds. It was like magic, my mood lifted in about 10 minutes. I won't blame it all on a little low blood sugar, I was acting like a child. I cooked supper (it was soooo yummy, I'll have to post the recipe) Will and his friend (who was sleeping over) and I quickly ate and went shopping. Chris and Jason then ate and cleaned the kitchen while we were gone. We arrived home at 9:30pm, unpacked the groceries and I had tea and went to bed.

So yeah, the blogging will be a bit light for a bit.

PRE HOLIDAY SALE!

2011-11-18T14:29:00.001-05:00

And these are new today....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86460297/creamy-sky-blue-golden-matrix-turquoise

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86459810/20-off-all-items-today-coupon-code

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86460725/mexican-dolomite-earrings-sterling

I have not accomplished nearly what I had hoped to so far today. I have been very busy around the house. I wanted to make fresh bread to have with dinner tonight but I am running out of time. Shaw's bakery will have to do. Mom and Dad are coming over for our weekly super together and card game. The standings are Dad & Chris 6 Mom & I 4. We need to kick some serious but tonight. You would not believe how competitive my sweet mother is. It is hilarious. I am so looking forward to it.
Chris called me this afternoon from the car and told me he stopped in to see someone we have not seen in a really long time. Someone very special. Someone I miss. I love you Trish.

I stole these pictures

2011-11-15T18:12:00.001-05:00

from Cathy's facebook page.

Women Of Faith Conference Harford Conneticut November 11 &12 2011. I will never be the same. Really. If you EVER have the opportunity, GO!
http://www.womenoffaith.com/

looky here!

2011-11-14T15:24:00.001-05:00

I had been planning this design for awhile now...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86135314/mexican-jelly-opal-bracelet-opal

The most precious and gorgeous pearl I have EVER worked with...
the price is a steal!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86136364/mabe-pearl-ring-sterling-silver-textured

This is just makes you feel feminine and pretty. A little fancy too :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86137269/rainbow-moonstone-chime-necklace-blue

busy week

2011-11-11T05:34:00.001-05:00

I have not kept up with the blog this week but there is not much to report. It's been a busy week in the studio. I have a few new designs to photograph and list. That probably won't happen until Monday. It's 5:30AM and I am getting ready to leave for the Women of Faith conference in Hartford. I am tired but excited. I am accustomed to 8-9 hours of solid uninterrupted sleep every night. Last night I watched Ugly Betty reruns with Chris on Netflix and went to bed at 11PM waking up at 4AM to get ready. Will and his friend are still up. They are pulling an "all-nighter" playing the newly released x-box game Call of Duty three billion or some-such. I brought them to the market last night and allowed a purchase of a 12pk of Mountain Dew, a big bag of Doritos, and Subway subs. To be 14 again....
I think they just finished the last of the Mountain Dew, they are in the back room and they sound giddy.

I better get a move on. Have a great weekend!