Mission Accomplished!

I made them! I have completed three necklaces and I just can't stop... Last month I found the best garage sale ever and I walked away with a handful of vintage necklaces. My mission was to re-bead and re-design. My favorite part about these reclaimed vintage necklaces are their clasps. 

Check out the pictures below!

Two strands of irregular-shaped, silver pearls. 

A beautiful pearl clasp

Five strands of muted pearls

I felt like switching up the regular pearl necklace by adding colorful beads of different shapes and sizes.

Once again, a gorgeous clasp!

This necklace uses two costume jewelry roses and a glass, czechoslovakian apple-green bead.

Which is your favorite!

Christmas Confessions

I have a confession to make.  I absolutely HATE baking for Christmas.  Baking for any reason, really.  It's too restrictive and controlled for my style; since I can't eat wheat, it is a tremendous amount of work for something I'm not allowed to enjoy.  Christmas baking seems especially laborious to me because it is expected.  I resent walking past the rows and rows of baking supplies in the grocery stores - the ones that shout at me "You aren't part of an awesome holiday tradition!  You are seriously lacking in all things maternal and womanly!"  So, in response to these horrible baking voices, I have devised a plan.  I scour the local bakeries for Christmas goodies and let the professionals do the work for me.

One of my recent trips took me to Putnam Market in Saratoga Springs, NY.  It is among my favorite guilty pleasures.  Just walking through the store and admiring the shelves of fresh baked goods, specialty items, and delicious savories makes my mouth water. 

 

Since my husband was born and raised in the UK, I love that I can bring him some Christmas 'biscuits' and tea from the homeland.  As for me, I stock up on the things that I can eat - cheese, olives, marinades and sauces - to make holiday entertaining that much easier.

On my way out?  I indulge in the purchase of a gift basket for the upcoming holiday party.  And all of this is infinitely more fun than baking.

Just don't tell my kids.  They still think I slaved over those ginger cookies.

Hello Chocolate, My Old Friend

It is not an exaggeration to say that in this world there are few things I value more than a really good piece of chocolate.  The hunt for it is endless.  There are so many poor quality chocolates masquerading in nice wrappers and pretty boxes.  But when I find a rich, creamy, smooth, velvety chocolate - ah!  The sweet, delicious satisfaction!

Chocolates created at The Chocolate Mill

I am partial to dark chocolate, preferably accompanied by a glass of full-bodied red wine.  During the long, winter evenings, I curl up by the wood stove and read a book with Chocolate and Merlot, my dear friends.  It is enough to make me thankful for short, cold, sunless days.

My favorite chocolate of late is the Caramel with Sea Salt sold at the The Chocolate Mill in Glens Falls, NY - who also brew an incredible cup of coffee.  On my latest trip there, I had sweet potato soup and a house salad.  Both were delicious.  After eating my fill, I purchased chocolates to bring home.  And as soon as this blog is finished, I think I will open the box and uncork the wine.

The little chocolates are the caramels with sea salt

This seems like a good time to wrap up this post, don't you think?  After all, my friends are waiting.