Painting and dishes

I like painting. I like art and drawing. In high school I drew a lot. I wrote a lot too, but nothing even worrying talking any more about. But with my scribbles I drew. Since getting married and kids I've put aside a lot of the things that gave me joy when I was younger, but seeing my children getting joy from them has made me want to practice again. So this week I got out my seashells that I've had since we first got married and got started. 

I've been thinking about painting shells and using them for ring holders. Never heard of a ring holder? They are those funny little dishes your grandma has by her sink so he can wash the supper dishes or her hand with out losing her ring. Clever right? I've been seeing some fun ones around the internets with animals or tiny Eiffle Towers, but the sea shell idea just felt right to me. 

So far I've finished 4. They are pretty rough but I still like the concept and I have more shells to paint. 

Its getting cold baby

Love Fall in the desert.

Go for a walk, I'm sure the stickers wont poke through my shoes. Lies. 

The rocks that G decided needed painted. 

By our house we have a nice little park and on the corner they have left it pretty much untouched so there's dirt and cactus and tiny desert critters. So my kids love it. Last week we went looking for branches for a craft and my kids picked up rocks to paint. The sun, the air, and the time together is good. Now that its cooled off we have been exploring and wandering around. These next 5 months are why I like the desert.

New products

So I finally had a chance to get some product pictures while I was at the market yesterday. It was so perfect, the weather was cool and overcast. They also had one of my favorite bands playing. So it was a win/win. 

Earrings

More earrings 

Handmade gemstone bracelets

Stretchy glass bead bracelets 

My newest long necklaces 

New bracelet with peridot and sterling silver plated charm

Copper and magnesite sugar skull necklace

Asymmetrical gemstone necklace

New charm necklaces 

Push ourselves

Hello my lovelies! I love this quote from Amy Poehler, and she is right. Let's all remember to surround ourselves with those people who will help push us to how we want to be. 

This summer has just been wizzing by. We've had swim lessons, upcoming family's reunions, weddings, and the like. With everything happening I have found myself creatively stumped and so tired by days end. Sadly it's been showing in my work. I have a whole bag full of earrings that need reworked, pricing signs to make and new ideas are buzzing around like mad. Have two kids has been the best thing ever, and I find inspiration in them constantly. However they don't leave much time to act on it lol. It also doesn't help that I have no concept of time management, apparetly being a real live grown up is hard work lol.

Do any of you have some tricks on keeping up with projects? Or fun things to keep kids entertained during the unbearable summer months? Let me know. And remember to have a glorious and safe 4th of July tomorrow!! 

Super easy chili lunch

Well today I got ambitious and made chili for my husband and I have for lunch during the week. We REALLY like chili at our house so it's kind of a big deal. Lots of beans and lentils with some hamburger. Sometimes I get adventurous and put fancy veggies in it, it's not very good. 'Lets put Brussels sprouts in the chili!' Is met with a look from the Hubs like 'really? we are doing this again are we?' Hahaha. Moving right along, here's my very easy and changeable chili recipe. 

Got onions and garlic? Good, chop 'em up and sautée them in olive oil with salt and pepper and chili powder till nice and soft. I do it on low heat so I can watch the hamburger too. 

My hamburger was frozen so I tossed the chunky things in the pan and kept poking at them till they were cooked all the way through. 

Once the onions and hamburger are done enough for you, throw them together. Like an arranged marriage. All the flavors will soon come to love each other. In the pot I have 2 cans of pinto beans, 1 can of black and 1 can of kidney beans. I think a half packet of taco seasoning got tossed into this marriage too. I skipped the lentils this time around, but you could add them and it doesn't change much. You could had more liquid to thin it out, or drain the beans if you'd like for a thicker chili. 

Super easy right?! I love easy food that I can toss together, it makes me feel like a real chef. Do you have yummy and easy 'arranged marriage' food? Let me know! And of course, thanks for stopping by! 

This week I'm hoping to have a few new jewelry photos for you all! I have several pretty new pieces that I'm excited about. 

Get up and at'em!

 

Because circle photos are cool, guys. Anywho, I got up early and went to the farmers market today, it was really sunny and probably hot but I was lucky and got a shady spot. There was good music, I didn't catch his name sadly but he played Elton John and the Beatles and was very good. Our local market is really fun. I've gotten to know so many talented and kind people. What did you do today? Are you a Saturday Morning kind of person, a sleep in person? I'm both...it depends on how late I stay up:) Its another reason why I love the Market so much, it gets me out of bed and being productive bright and early.

Let's get moving

I love walking. Waking up early and getting out of the house alone or with my kids is an easy way to spend quality time with myself or them. Lately I have been walking around my own neighbor hood, but I usually go to the Historic District or our state park Snow Canyon, that is close by. 

Because we live in the desert getting up early enough to beat the heat is essential, as I get cranky as it gets hotter. Heat aside though, we get to see wildlife, fantastic views, flowers, and cloudless skies for miles! It's breath taking really. 

Do you go for walks? Or jogs, trots, runs etc? Let me know you're favorite time/place.  Do you take kids or go alone? Thanks for reading!