Back on Monday

Well, my father passed early yesterday morning. I will be taking a few days off and will return Monday.
Here is my latest treasury. It was inspired by a beautiful double rainbow I witnessed this past Spring. I named it for the phenomenon, Alexander's Band; the dark band of sky found between two rainbows.
Let it serve as a reminder that with darkness, there is much beauty and light.

Meatless Monday Recipe

Adapted from a recipe I found online. The filling is so good you can use it for tacos or on it's own as a side dish.

Stuffed Peppers

2 yellow bell peppers
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup cooked red kidney beans
1 green onion, finely sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Slice peppers vertically, remove seeds and membrane. Mix ingredients and fill peppers. Place in pan with 1/4" water, cover and bake @ 325F for 25 minutes.

EBWC Inspired by Picasso

Here is my entry, Blue, for the October Etsy Beadweavers Challenge (EBWC), Inspired by Picasso.
I originally chose one of Picasso’s cubist paintings for my inspiration, but I happened upon The Tragedy and it really struck something in me. When I discovered that it was created after learning of his friend’s death and began Picasso’s Blue Period (blue tones dominated his paintings from 1901-1904), I knew I had to explore this further. I completely identify with the sense of loss & darkness in The Tragedy, having lost my good friend of 25 years last Sept 22nd and watching my father suffer numerous health challenges being on hospice the past four months, soon to pass.
I incorporated a piece of blue beach glass and shell beads to represent the beach/water, three coral branches to represent the three mourning figures, while weaving in various shades of blue & gray, along with black and green seed beads to reflect the overall mood. I wanted to convey the veil of sadness that weighs heavy over your heart, the uneven sharpness, the downward spiral of emotions you can’t escape when grieving, without being too dark or ugly. You can see more pictures in the actual listing here.
I completely enjoyed this challenge; learning more about Picasso, being able to release some of my own blue feelings, and of course creating something new and original.
Please visit our team blog
between the 9th and the 15th to see all the entries from the wonderfully talented artists in this team and vote for your favorite entry!

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.

~ Author Unknown

Treasury of the Day

Meatless Monday Recipe

I believe this has been adapted from a recipe I found online. It is a popular Indian dish that pairs well with Naan, or any bread really.

Saag Aloo

2 tbs oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
pinch of garam masala
1 pound spinach, chopped
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 cup yogurt
4 potatoes, cubed & cooked
squeeze of lemon

Heat oil in large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic, ginger and spices, saute another 3 minutes. Stir in spinach, water, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Use a blender to puree half of the mixture. Return puree to pot with potatoes. Simmer 5-10 minutes. Stir in yogurt, simmer briefly, remove from heat add lemon and serve with Naan Roti, Pita, or whatever bread you prefer.

Sneak Peek

New bracelet, in store soon.

Treasury of the Day

Meatless Monday Recipe

This recipe has been adapted from Whole Foods Market.

Minestrone Stir Fry

1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
elbow pasta, cooked

Saute first 9 ingredients in EVOO for 5 minutes over high heat, adding broth as needed to prevent sticking. Add tomatoes & remaining broth, saute for 3 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients and saute 1 minute longer. Serve over elbow pasta.

Sneak Peek

New necklace, in store soon.

Treasury of the Day

Treasury of the Day

~Blog Hop~

Meatless Monday Recipe

This recipe has been adapted from Veg Web.

Black Bean Tortilla Casserole

2 cups onion, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
1 14 1/2oz can tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup green salsa
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 15oz cans black beans, rinsed & drained
12 6" corn tortillas
8oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cups shredded lettuce
sliced green onions
sliced black olives
1/2 cup sour cream

In skillet, combine onion, pepper, undrained tomatoes, salsa, cumin, and garlic. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add beans and stir. Spread 1/3 of the mixture over bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Top with 6 tortillas, overlap as needed and 1 cup of cheese. Add another 1/3 of mixture, top with remaining tortillas and remaining mixture. Bake covered at 350F for 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and olives and serve with sour cream.

Treasury of the Day

Latest treasury featuring all Moo Crew members

Sneak Peek

New bangle bracelet, in store soon.