What is an Adventure?

Jennifer posted this over on Facebook and it struck a chord with me..one does not have to rocket to the moon to challenge oneself..or have an impact on others. ..
This has always seemed a very contemplative time of year for me...considering what changes I'd like to put forward for the new year..honing and refining ..

In a few short days we are headed into 2013 ..which I'm in a shock over..2012, I barely knew you..or so it seems ...As a crafts person January ( after crazy Xmas production and shipping)  brings a moment of down time , opening up little blank spots in the never ending mental To Do lists , this in turn allows thoughts and insights to randomly wander in and out more freely.. also the Creative Muse returns from her December vacation.

I happened to be outside at 6am ,putting feed out for the birds,  a nearby church rings it's bell at that time..however today it wasn't just a bing bong bing , but a series of Christmas tunes..ringing thru the darkness ..what unexpected good fortune to be out there to hear this little concert...it's probably been going on all week..but the surprise of it was uplifting .

It occurred to me , that Magic is often to be discovered in very small things and events..and that little bit of surprise brings about a certain sort of joy...

For 2013 ,my wish and hope is that we are more frequently able to discover the simple joys and magic that fill this world.

Thanks..funny

http://www.jibjab.com/view/H37AmTJcTeqsUF3jWJEYpg?utm_campaign=Friends+Timeline&utm_medium=Share&utm_source=Facebook&

Peanut Butter rice crispy treats

Tried Trisha Yearwood's peanut butter rice crispy balls...very sweet and the sugar plus corn syrups made them rather hard and the ball shape was difficult for some to eat...
so trying a new recipe.

Peanut butter rice crispy treats

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
• - OR -
• 1 jar - 7 oz  marshmallow creme
• 1/2 cup peanut butter    
• 6 cups rice crispy cereal 
• options - drizzle melted chocolate on top, or  shredded coconut 

Directions:

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. *Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted.  * if  using jar creme..melt the Peanut butter first,  then stir in the marshmallow creme

 2. Add  RICE cereal...can use Cheerios's as a sub.  Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula  press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until combined. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

** 

Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

taking quality photos set up

I really try to get decent photos..but let's face it, my photo skills need a lot of help..not totally horrible...unlike some I saw on Ebay last night..which left me wondering how on earth that seller thought their, seen thru a fog, photos would get a buyer..but still ..my photos don't do my own work justice..this lady needs to power that shine off her nose..

I visited this site , http://www.handmadeology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/  linked from the Love My Art Jewelry..I can do this..and you can too.... the light set up uses simple, at home items that can be  set up and put away easily..cheap too..using daylight...I do have the advantage of living in Texas where there is plenty of strong sunshine in the winter months ( mostly)... check it out .

Holiday Party

Holiday Cocktails: Spicy GingerMan

Ingredients:

1 oz Vanilla Vodka
1 oz Hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
2 oz Ginger Beer

Cinnamon stick

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake over ice. Pour over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with Cinnamon stick.

* from singlemindedwomen.com

I'm not much of a drinkin' woman..but I love all things Ginger....this sounds very festive for something different  this holiday season..though Butterscotch schnapps??? not sure about that..might just stick to the vanilla, hazelnut and ginger.. 

I absolutely need to start making more jewelry...not just components..

this piece was donated to a benefit for an animal shelter...

The holiday season is not just approaching but HERE...I want to make some earrings for friends.. in researching  good quality earring backs , I prefer lever backs, but a lot of people wear posts which are more affordable in sterling silver than the lever backs..however they might prove to be an interesting attaching challenge..in any case I came upon this article which  had a lot of good info on posts...so just bookmarking it here.

http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/2002/jan02/0102pb1.html