Light Summer Fare

When it's getting warmer outside, I can't bog down my stomach with heavy, meaty food. So I fried up some falafel for tonight's dinner. Here is my simplified version of the middle-eastern classic:
1 can garbonzo beans (15.5oz, drained)
1/2 onion, finely minced
1 tblspn. of minced garlic
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. Greek seasoning
Flour
Oil
1. Put drained garbonzo beans in food processor or chopper and pulse until finely chopped and almost paste-like.
2. Combine mashed garbonzo beans with onion, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Mix in 1 tblspn. of flour and gradually mix in more flour until you can shape a nice 2"-3" patty with your hands and it holds well.
4. Heat oil on medium (if you're accustomed to frying you can let it heat while you are shaping the patties, otherwise you may want to keep an eye on it).
5. Fry patties about 5 minutes on each side, or until a nice golden brown (see how mine turned out in the photo).
6. Serve with sliced cucumber and tzatziki sauce.
I made the tzatziki sauce by combining the following:
8 oz. plain yogurt
Half cucumber, finely chopped
1 tblspn. Minced garlic
1 tspn. dried dillweed
Chill after mixing together and dip your cukes and falafel in it.
*I am certainly not touting these as ethnically authentic recipes, but rather my "pantry shortcut" versions to satisfy my cravings. Hope you enjoy them as well!*

Upcycling Crayons

Brooke loves trying to color with her older brothers' crayons but of course they end up broken and really shouldn't be anywhere near a toddler's mouth! So today we upcycled all the little pieces by melting them into larger crayons that will be less likely to become lodged in her windpipe. This is a very simple project, just follow the steps below:

1. Preheat oven to 230°.
   
2. Unwrap all your crayon pieces
   
3. Sort pieces into colors, or just mix them up.
   
4. Put pieces tightly into a muffin pan, or candy mold (one that you don't want to use for food anymore).
   
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until you can't see any more solid pieces.
   
6. Carefully remove from oven and cool (remember it will be liquefied wax so place it where it can't be disturbed).
   
7. After cool take new crayons from molds and start coloring!
   

 

 

Treasures from the Gulf

The wonderful thing about living in Florida is the infinite inspiration provided by natural the beauty here, particularly from the clear, warm waters along the Gulf coast. Take a look at one jewelry-maker's take on the colors and patterns found around the Gulf of Mexico.

Smooth Shaving

I love trying new soaps and scents but I really don't like having a different product for each part of my body or for each shower activity.
Here's a soap that is great for simple washing AND for a thorough shave!
My legs are silky smooth right now after shaving with Pumpkin Spice Mocha soap from LathersbyLinds

This scent also transports me to fall of course, which is an instant pick-me-up sans caffeine!

Great Pairings

I’m not talking about wine, but jewelry colors. These are some of the combos that have really been eye candy for me lately:
Green & Copper—seems like a natural for redheads (I have red hair and green eyes).
Silver & White—understated yet elegant.
Pink & Orange—vibrant and young.
Light Blue & Copper—sunset and sky colors? Not sure, it’s been raining too much in Florida lately.
At the top--Green jade stone bracelet I paired with goldstone beads. I made copper finishings for it.



Light blue dyed howlite stones alternating with copper-colored goldstone beads.

Metal Mania

This is one of my newest creations....I'm finally tinkering more with metals and find it so satisfying! It's taken a few months, but I've been gradually acquiring the tools needed to work with sterling silver and need only a couple more to begin soldering, cutting, etc. on my own (rather than in a class). Thus far I've been working with sterling and copper wire since that doesn't require the extra equipment or finishing steps.
However, I have the following and hope to use them soon:

Pickle pot
Torch
Third hand tweezers
Copper tongs
Solder wire
Pickling solution
Flux

I am looking for an affordable tumbler, and also jeweler's saw with blades. Please leave a comment if you know of a great source. I've purchased several items from Finding King, but maybe someone could sell me a used tumbler.

Meanwhile, I just sketch my ideas. I've been doing that for years and I'm thrilled that I'm actually creating some of them. But late at night or in waiting rooms at least I can make designs that will hopefully be hammered, twisted and soldered at a later point.