Monday, December 28, 2009
WARNING!! This is addictive - I won't be held responsible!!
Beth's Chili Chocolate Chex Mix
Crunch Mix:
2 boxes of Honey Nut Chex cereal
2 cups pretzels (any shape will do)
1 - 2 cups toffee candy-coated peanuts
2 - 3 cups other chex cereals (your choice wheat, corn, or rice)
Pour all dry ingredients into lg roaster pan
Sauce:
1/2 c butter or margarine
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper*
2 Tbsp Worcester sauce
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
2 - 3 tsp hot sauce*
*adjust the amount of heat to your preference*
Melt butter & brn sugar together, then stir in remaining ingredients - stir 'til sugar is dissolved and sauce is well combined. Drizzle small amounts over cereals & gently fold in, repeat until well coated.
Heat oven 250 degrees -- Bake 15 min's intervals gently stirring mix each time for 60 min's.
Spread mix onto lg cookie sheets or jelly roll pans.
Drizzle Topping:
1 each - 12 oz bag white chocolate & milk chocolate chips
1 - 6.8oz bar Hershey's Milk Chocolate (break into lg pc's)
Kosher salt (omit if you wish)
Microwave white choc chips in glass container for 1 minute on low power, repeat 'til smooth - drizzle over dry mix. Repeat same process with combined milk chocolate chips and broken pc's of chocolate bar - drizzle over mix. Sprinkle small pinches of kosher salt over coated mix and cool completely. Store in air tight containers or ziplock bags, then in cool location or 'fridge.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Merry Christmas from our house!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Feeding Our Song Birds
I made up a batch of Birdie Feeder Treats the other day. It's very easy and fun to do w/the kids!
Treat Mixture:
2 - 3 c bread crumbs, old crackers, old bread, old Cheerios, etc... (I used old freezer burned buns & bread that I forgot were in the freezer)
1 cup birdseed
3 uncored apples - chopped
1 c raisins
1/2 dry fruit - chopped
1 c crisco or lard
1 c sugar
1 - 2 c peanut butter (use more or less depending on amt of dry bread/crackers/cereal used)
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/3 c cornmeal
Very easy to do -- it doesn't have to be accurate, add more or less of what you may want or need too -- use up some things you may already have on hand.
Heat / microwave on low the lard & p-butter until soft for stirring, then fold / stir in dry ingredients. Mix until you have a crumbly sticky dough (sorta' like choc chip cookie dough). Can freeze any remaining mix for later date.
Feeders:
10 - 12 pine cones / several produce netting bags / 10 - 12 orange or grapefruit rind cups (fruit cut in 1/2 w/pulp removed)
string or yarn
To prepare your feeders: wrap 24in piece of string/yarn around the base of the pine cone (bottom petals) and/or 3 strings of equal length threaded thru and knotted in 1/3 sections of the citrus ring cups for hanging. Then carefully press treat mix in between and into pine cones, or fill citrus cups. Or fill the produce plastic net bags and then tie-off the bag's end closed w/12in string and knot (the string ends) for hanging. Hang from tree branches or near your bird feeder location.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Angels, no doubt, are getting busy dusting stars and moonbeams ... hanging some extra shiny touches to shine thru every night. I'll be looking for a very special bright Star to hang a silent prayer on come the 24th ... I'll be celebrating a special birthday. :)
For me, He is the Reason for the Season.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Follow my Blog ... Win this FREE Gem Bracelet!!
Simply follow my blog and you'll be entered!
Taaaa Daaaaa!! Congratulations to Tres Chic Designs Jewelry - she won my 'follow me' blog contest!!
My DH drew her email from a hat that contained all the follower names Sunday night.
Again, congratulations to Sharon and thank you all for "ho, ho, ho ... thanks for the follow!!"
Have yourself a very Merry Christmas!
Kind Regards,
Beth
The prize:
1 - Sterling Gemstone Bracelet
Faceted Rock Crystal Nuggets & Sm Garnet accent stones
set in heavy .925 sterling & toggle closure
length 7 1/2in
The Details:
Follow my Blog & Leave Contact Info before 12/06/09
I'll be drawing one follower Sun 12/06/09
My email: miahasbeads@gmail.com
*Please make sure I have a valid way to contact you by email. US residents only.*
Ho! Ho! Ho! ... thanks for the follow! :D
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Monday, November 2, 2009
Good-Bye Yahoooo...
I closed my Yahoo bead store today. It was running $130 a month compared to ArtFire which is $7 a month -- a no brainer decision! I still have my Yahoo website for finished jewelry.
Please visit my ArtFire Bead Shop if you haven't already ... you'll find oodles of beads & pend's 1,500 listings and over 170 $Dollar Beads right now!!
Mia Bella Collection Beads @ ArtFire
Mia Bella Collection Jewelry @ ArtFire
Mia Bella Collection Jewelry @ Yahoo
Monday, October 19, 2009
Want Some?
I love cake ... all cakes ... all flavors ... with frosting ... without frosting ... I LOVE CAKE!! Yesterday, I had my sons and family gathered together at our house for a belated birthday bash supper ... to celebrate all the birthdays we didn't get to share together. Hot on the grill were Mini Bacon Burgers, Garlic-Parm Tater Wedges, Baby Greens Salad & Vine Ripe Tomatoes ... and of coarse ... Birthday CAKE!! I made sure I saved room for my little path to chocolate heaven. For me, this is the BEST and EASIEST way to a REAL chocolate high!
Note to Self: "Sorry, heaven maybe calorie free....but this is definitely NOT." :D
Easy Path to Chocolate Heaven
~ Grease Bundt pan - Preheat 350*
1 choc cake mix
1 box instant choc pudding
5 eggs
1/2 c. melted butter
2 c. sour cream
1/3 c. veg oil
1/2 tsp. almond extract
~ Mix all at Low speed 'til moist, then mix at Med Speed for 4 mins. Reserve 1 c. batter. Pour into pan.
1 c. choc chips
1/4 c. dk cocoa power
1 c. cake batter (reserved)
~ Stir together 'til well mixed. Spoon dollups of dk chip filling on top of batter, and then cut w/a knife into each dollup so it will swirl within the center of the cake, a few simple cuts is all that is needed.
~Bake 45 - 50 min's (toothpic check, so you don't over bake)
Cool. Place on cake plate add any of the following: desired frosting, a glaze, a light dusting of powder sugar, ice cream, or sliced strawberries! Yummy!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
40%OFF Jewelry & Bead Supplies
Ends Sunday Oct 18th
Simply click any of the sites listed below to start shopping!
Finished Jewelry: My Website - ArtFire - 1000Markets
Bead Supply shops: ArtFire
Please note: Discount is not available or applied to previous orders. All sales final.
*Orders rec'd from 1000Markets, Lollishops, and Yahoo jewelry will receive a sale refund via payment origin - either PayPal or Amazon.*
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Sunday, September 27, 2009
I really am a Pirate....arrrrrrrh!
...or at least it looks like I have Pirate booty! Peruvian opal, aquamarine, freshwater pearls, moonstone, turquoise, coral, faceted gemstones, pendants and oodles of more goodies to come. These are some NEW pieces I've been working on this month....check back, there's MORE to do!! waaahoooooo....
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Who Ordered the Bowl Full of Gemmies?
Take a look at all the pretty little earrings in the simple little bowl....now imagine this -- I've created necklaces to match nearly every single pair!! Plus, there's another little bowl of more earrings I'm beginning to fill up (yep, necklaces to match too). Needless to say, I'm a very productive little beader!! Can't help it. Some people take a break and don't do much, for me this is like not doing much, 'cause I like doing soooo much. Yes, I know....."she must be ill." LOL
The other day while trying not to do anything -- that's not so easy to do, unless your a couch potato, (OK, I confess I have my couch potato moments) I had a "Eureka!" moment....create a Clearance Sale section at my jewelry site!
Sometimes, I'm as dense as a post. So very shortly I'll be filling up a few pg's of Clearance items (more like alot of pg's!). Have to gear up for the Holiday Shoppers, you know. If you'd like to rec' an email sale flyer, sign up at my site ... then you can snag some Super Deals!!
Eeep! Gotta' head back to the work-table....an idea just popped up in my head on how to use those chrysoprase nuggets. Stay tuned for a few more quick peeks at my NEW STUFF!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Time to take a lil break
So far it's a Beee.U.Tee.Full early fall....but i've been cooped up in my 'woman cave' slaving away w/bead & jewelry sales. I actually believe I've turned Day-Glow!! acck! However, all that effort really paid off, my son won't have to take out a student loan for his Sr year! *doing cartwheels* Thank you again!!
Now it's time for a much needed little break for Mom....away from ----> the computer, the beads, twittering, the shops, all that on-line stuff! I may be able to really focus on having some 1-on-1 time with ME and just my work table getting creative again. My heart needs to express and my brain needs the exercise! :D
If you stop by, you may just find me perched on the stump just like lil' Buster up above....just hangin' around taking it easy for a few weeks.....just what the Dr ordered!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Life is Sweet Sale!! Ends Aug 31st
A BIG thank you to all my wonderful customers for making a super success!!
Bead shops: ArtFire -&- My Website
Finished Jewelry: 1000Markets - ArtFire - My Website
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A Little Peek....
I long for the day when I can go shopping again to garage sales, thrift shops, and antique shops as I have always LOVED the look of shabby chic (before it had a name). I actually started collecting shabby chic cottage things as a small child some 40yrs ago, which explains why I have completely NO more storage room! LOL Until I clean out and purge - NO shopping! I need to sort, let go, and make room for cherished newbies.
We're having a neighborhood community garage sale in about 10days....a perfect time to clean out & purge!! Then I can go shabby shopping....yippee!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A Driveway Weed & Bambi's Gang
Each year my lovely little periwinkle Columbine pops up in the same spot....and the DH tries each year to kill it, claiming she's a weed. NOT!! I had planted her about 4ft behind where she is now, in a flower box...but she likes the driveway gravel better. :) A bunch of her babes popped up this year...yipeee!
Since she's close to the house, our local Deer Gang haven't been brave enough to EAT her. BUT my other little wild pink-bonnet Columbine, which is fully loaded w/blossoms, wasn't so lucky. Bambi stripped her of all but 1 little leaf!! Bambi does the same thing w/all my Hollihocks too. They turn them into Toothpick Plants by stripping each stalk clean of all the leaves & blossoms. It is totally depressing to say the least. :(
Each Fall, I try spreading seeds from all the flowers that survive. Then in the Spring, Bambi usually gobbles them up for lunch. I never thought I'd hate Bambi. They ruin my flower garden every year and all attempts I've made for having one. *tearful sigh* I don't fall for those dewy-dark brown-eyes anymore -- NO WAY. What I see are great big RATS now!! So I've waged war on Bambi & his gang. The paint ball gun is locked & loaded. Have you ever seen a hot pink polka-dotted deer? Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ooops, I spilled the Good Wine!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Unexpected Arrival
Friday, June 12, 2009
Yes, I do the all beading myself....
People always ask me with skepticism in their voice "do you really make all your items?" ... I politely reply "Yes, I do, thank you for asking." ... "You're kidding, right?" ... "Nope. I buy all the supplies and assemble them all myself. It's my passion!" :D
Then they will say "so you make up your prices?" ... and again I reply w/a smile "well, someone has too -- as they don't come all put together or tagged ... I really do all the beading. Honest!" I sold so many of my NEW pieces while in CA (very similar to the ones above), that I didn't even have a chance to take pics! Drats!! I guess I better make more....LOL
Here are two trays piled high with gorgeeeeous projects that I piled up yesterday. *I'm soooo into gems matched with freshwater pearls at the moment, can you tell?* I couldn't stop myself and didn't get to bed until way past 12midnight! *yawn* This weekend I'll be ... can you guess? BEADING!! I can't wait to dive in and get started!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Right now here in the Black Hills, we've an abundance of beautiful early summer 'green'. I couldn't help myself from being influenced by the lush green & early blooms surrounding me! *Hence, the gorgeous green beauties shown above.*
These are only a few pieces I finished up for our big sales trip to Santa Ynez Valley, CA -- which was like visiting Emerald City from the land of Oz. I was super busy creating and gathering up all my 'rocks' in order to set up my mini jewelry shop -- along side my DH's meat company's booth. Yep, all the gals swooned, ooo'd & ahhh'd, and scooped up oodles of my baubles!! Yipeee...yeeeehaw!
http://site.miabellajewelryshop.com/home
http://www.apmeats.com/home
We were attending (as vendors) the Light Hands Horsemanship Clinic held in the Santa Ynez Valley.
http://www.lighthandshorsemanship.com/home
http://www.lighthandshorsemanship.com/vendors.htm
My sister who's very good friends with Eitan & Debbie Beth-Halachmy, are the folks who invited us to attend. First, Eitan, this is a man who dreamt of being a cowboy coming from a far away place with nuthin' but 2 nickles in his pocket on a good day and became one one of the most decorated equine riders to date. Second is Debbie, his beautiful bride, and she says "Eitan does everything on the saddle, I do everything off the saddle". She ain't kiddin'. This is one very savy business-brain behind all their horse-scenes, let me tell you! Take a looong look at their incredible site and their outstanding accomplishments:
http://www.cowboydressage.com/home
The clinic was held and hosted at Intrepid Farms, owned by Art Perry. The nicest gentlemen and very attentive host, I must say. He's the fellow you've watched for the last 28yrs riding his steed being the distinguished Grand Marshall Horseman during each New Year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, Ca. His vast collection of beautiful silver embellished saddles and elaborate twinkling costumes displayed in his private museum is absolutely incredible!! Take a look at his place ... you'll drool too!
http://www.intrepidfarms.com/
I have wonderful loyal customer that I was finally able to meet in person, Sandra Nelson. She's just a little bitty thing, but she has her own kind of horsepower!! She nearly hauled off with 1/2 my inventory...okok, not 1/2 but at least a 1/4 of it! LOL *Thank you so much, Sandra!!* She's another accomplished breeder who raises fantastic Morgans, but don't take my word for it ... check it out for yourself! Simply click below to view Sandra's collection:
http://www.madisonavenuemorgans.com
Also, the national magazine 'Cowboys & Indians' was there, one of their lovely little photographer/journalist was taking photos and gathering info to do a write-up for a future 2010 issue. *She bought several bracelets & earrings from me! Yipeeee....*
http://www.cowboysindians.com/home/
There is so much more to share and so many wonderfully kind folks we met for the short time we were there -- we hope to see them next year. :D Even though our road trip ended up being the "road trip from H__L" due to all the mechanical prob's w/the Grama-camper including her 3 blown-out tires on the way ... we lived to tell the tale! I cherish my new memories and won't be forgetting any time soon.
Now that I've got my mojo-beading blood rev'd up and sold a bunch ... it's time to head back to the work-table and crank out more bauble beauties!!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Love for Faceted Sparkles
I find it soooo incredibly hard to pass up ANYTHING that's faceted! You too? So I'm letting everyone know I'm listing stunning gemstone briolettes, genuine faceted freshwater pearls (which aren't so easy to come by), and sparkling little cubic zirconia briolettes ... along with just about anything else I rediscover in my bead bins or get my hands!! Please stop by and check out these beauties including all the others I just listed in my shop. These beauties are simply perfect for creating delicate 'ear candy' goodies or any jewelry hound who loves being creative with faceted loveliness! :D
Monday, April 27, 2009
Our Anniversary will be taking place in early May ... the Lord brought into my life a ray of light which showed me how to trust another again. This wonderful man is my best friend, my pillar of strength, my inspiration, my comfort place, and my partner in life. I am blessed every morning as he invites me into his life everyday ... silently ... as I do him. He and I finally found what true love really feels like. Not the love you share with dear family, precious children, and others in your life....those receive a lovely but different kind of love.
What I've learned the most is that a friend is a gift you give yourself, in order to do so, you have to become one. Beyond all the romance, passion's short self life, and all the marketed ideas of what ought to happen or be like -- which I value with all my heart....it's our friendship that's the biggest gift of all and means the most to me. It's what our Love is based on....a solid foundation of trust and honesty. His heart is the sweetest gift I've ever received and I can't even hold it my hand. But it does come all gift wrapped in a manly-style with ribbons of the softest lips I could ever ask for!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Hi, I'm Beth....I'm a Turquoise Addict
Here's a few tidbits of folklore on one my most fav' stones....it's been coveted for centuries! I truly understand why -- just look at all those fantastic rainbows of blue, teal, olive, rich charcoal matrix and hints tobacco-tan...*swoon*.
Turquoise is the one of the official birth stones for the month of December as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and the Planetary stone for Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius.
The name turquoise is apparently related to the fact that is was brought to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean by Levantine traders, more commonly known as Turks. Its been used as a valuable ornament for ages and was used by the Egyptians thousands of years ago. The color is, of course, turquoise, but its range of color varies from green and greenish blue to sky blue shades.
For centuries, the most valuable turquoise came from Iran (Persia) but today some specimens mined in the southwestern United States compete with it. The name "Persian Turquoise" is now generally used to refer to any turquoise stone that does not have the black or brown veining commonly found in turquoise mined in the United States and used in a style of jewelry created by the American Indians.
The Aztecs mined turquoise in an area now known as New Mexico and a significant amount of turquoise comes from Arizona, California and Nevada in the United States. China has also been found to have very large mining opportunities & quantities of turquoise. China's turquoise mines offer many colors and varieties -- along with large bead manufacturing factories.
Other minerals like chrysocolla have been used to imitate turquoise. Turquoise is often dyed and stabilized with resins to produce a harder stone which retains its color and polish. Reconstituted turquoise is made from small chips and "chalk" to which dyes and plastic resin is added. Pure turquoise is a relatively soft stone ranging between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Folklore, Legend, and Healing Properties:
Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension.
Turquoise is sacred to many Native American's and was carved in the shape of animals and birds. These carvings were placed in the Indians tombs to attract beneficial spirits and to guard the dead. Turquoise was also used by medicine men for healing and by warriors who fixed turquoise to the end of their bows to insure accurate shots.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
~ Happy Easter & Peace to All ~
I adore old vintage postcards, flowers, nature, pretty jewelry & beads and listening to beautiful music playing while viewing them. I hope you enjoy them too. Perhaps a quiet moment to reflect may come to mind to give thanks which may refresh your spirit.
My personal prayer today is for help to be delivered, additional emotional support, food for the hungry, and peace within the hearts of those troubled, suffering, in pain or who recently experienced loss. I pray that God will cradle your soul in His loving Hands to calm your heart, ease your pain, and Bless your life with His Grace & Love. I believe in His Love and the power it brings to souls open and accepting to Him.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Cute as a Button ~ Necklaces
I'll be listing them at Lollishops simply click on my shop's name below:
Mia Bella Collection
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
'New' Czech Art -Glass Button Pendants
I'm offering 'New' Czech Art-Glass Button Pendants!
I value the job that buttons are meant to do and didn't want to ruin it's value as a button or the possibility of using it at a later date as a true button (sewn on). So I created a sterling enhancer which can be removed or left in place if one would like to attach it to a garment with needle and thread. Even though the buttons may look "vintage or antique" they're all fresh from the factory, so there's no previous damage or wear & tear that's taken place.
These 'NEW' Czech glass buttons are purchased directly from the factory distributor and manufactured in Europe. They're 'NEW' -- not vintage or used. A 'new' generation and process enables a very high quality button with fantastic colors present in each of these beautiful glass buttons. Many buttons sold at Etsy or eBay may look similar and claim to be 'vintage or old', however the new technique used today were simply not available 20, 30, 40yrs ago. This age-old process of hand-pressed glass hasn't changed in over 200 years.
Each individual button is pressed in with a long-handled pair of pliers, the ends of the pliers are what hold the design molds. Then each shank is skillfully added at just the right moment while the glass is still very hot. After they've cooled in a special oven, the edge of each button is ground smoothed by a diamond wheel and finished by hand by these skillful craftsmen. The last step is the delicate painting done by hand and/or AB/finishes which are fired finished creating a breath-taking little jewel of a button!
I'll be posting more to use as pendants, buttons, or a fastener for a bracelet design!
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
~ Spring Clean-Up ~
What I've gathered and realize is that I'm a complete numbie-head with blogging. I'm soooo far behind with all that pertains to blogging. Ooofda. However, I'm a quick study! Lately, I've been snoopin' around and reading all sorts of blogs....OMG. It's overwhelming!! My attitude has been "I never thought anyone would want to read about 'me' or my life much." Blogs have always reminded me of a 1-member fan club "Hey all!! This is my personal fan club -- it's all about ME, this is what I do, this is what I like, this is what I don't like, this is what I think, this is what I did yesterday, this is what I fixed for lunch, ... blahblahblah ... People really want to know that stuff?
Hmmm.... Well, I don't think I'll be boring anyone with that sort of stuff. However when my creativity is on fire and I start mass-producing jewelry, or I take some incredible pics, or I begin to design textile folk-art patterns that I used to do....you'll see the results all over my blog! Now THAT is worth sharing!! LOL Take a little peek below....see what I mean? I always liked 'Show & Tell' best. :D
Mia Bella Collection
Stop by and take a little peek!