Choker Necklace Give Away Winner and Pedant Puffs

The Winner of the Choker Necklace Give Away is......

Shunshinegirl! Congrats! Please email me the

mailing address you would like the necklace to go to.

gollap1973@yahoo.com

A warm thank you to all who played along and entered the contest.

I plan to do another give away when Goya Designs has it's second year anniversary

in February, so stay tuned.

Now, I'd like to introduce something I've been working 

on for almost a year now.  

The pendant puffs are part of a new jewelry series I created with “minimalist pizazz” as my motto. Every pendant puff showcases designer fabric with a shiny, silver plated bail.   The over all design and cotton cord necklace are "minimalist". The magnetic clasp also fit my minimalist motto as it takes minimal effort to put on and take off.  The "pizazz" comes from the texture, colors and print of the fabric... and shiny bail.

Although these pendant puffs were photographed without their cotton cord necklace, they have them now.  The white flower puff comes with a black cord and the funky puff on the right has a pink cord.  Below are more puffs with awesome fabric.

If you would like high quality, designer fabric go to phat fabric.  Ms. Jamie Christina has plenty to choose from.  

I love geometric shapes and this dusty grey with pink and yellow is super

cute.

Are there any bird lovers out there?  If so, this pendant puff will catch your eye.

Goya Designs is currently closed.  My older sister is hosting a traveling jewelry party at work.  However, if you want any of these reserved for you, comment at the end of this blog asap and I will have my sister pull them out.  

I deeply want to talk about the long process of finalizing the pendant puff.  I have been wanting to incorporate the rich texture, colors and prints fabric has to offer into my jewelry for some time (over a year).  I tried many, many methods to incorporate fabric and beads, but alas, none were satisfactory (to me).  Then, I tried sealing the fabric and using resin to give it a wet, shiny look, but again, not to my satisfaction.  In the end, the minimalist approach won.  The fabric needed to showcase it's fibers in a large enough canvas, so I gave it what it needed.  I did learn something in this process.  Patience?  Hopefully some, but I learned that each failure was ruling methods out.  So, failure was a good thing, cuz it meant I was one step closer to success.  Closer to my goal.  

I think many of us are afraid to fail, but as I faintly remember reading some where 

"Failure is an event, not a person".  

Choker Give Away Closed

The choker necklace give away is now closed.  I will announce the winner

on Monday, August 31st. 

thank you all.

Choker Give Away and Enchilada Lasagna

Choker Necklace Give Away

I just wanted to remind those readers that haven't  signed up for the Choker necklace give away that it's not too late.  Here's the link to the original blog give away that explains the easy directions.  This is your last week to enter.

Enchilada Lasagna

from Sandra Lee's Money Saving Meals cookbook

Cooks Review

* Super easy to make.  Directions were a breeze.

* Ingredients were inexpensive, and generic brands lowered my cost further.   Most of the ingredients were on the same isle or neighboring isles.  This made shopping fast and minimized distractions (the sweet lovers know what I mean).  

* Use the Reynolds Non Stick foil.  I bought regular foil and the cheesey top stuck

to the foil. I had to scrape if off and put it back on the casserole.  Sometimes,

it's better to pay a little more to achieve a great outcome.  

* My grocery store didn't have the McCormick Mexican seasoning.   I guessed as

to what might be in it.  I used granulated onion, cumin, sweet smoked paprika, & pepper.  I was gonna add oregano, but I think that's what my hubby didn't like in

the Greek Chicken the night before.

* None of us like ricotta cheese, so I substituted the ricotta with sour cream.

* I also acidentally bought whole black beans instead of refried, so I just mashed dem up with a potato masher and voula "refried beans".

Taste Review

* I won't mention names but here are the individual ratings for this dish.  Just a

reminder that 1=gross..."never again",  and 10=loved it..."keeper".

*  Person Rating

1 9

2 9

3 4

4 10

5 9

This recipe scored much higher.  My daughter's friend came over and ate with us, and she gave it a 10.

Greek Chicken and Rice by Sandra Lee

Greek Chicken and Rice

I made my first money saving meal out of Sandra's cookbook.  

Now, plated.

Cook Review

* Easy directions and assembly.

* Ingredients were inexpensive.  I bought generic brands to lower the cost further.

* You can brown the chicken ahead, then make the rice mixture and bake the casserole when you're ready to make dinner.

* Very flavorful.  There are so many full flavored ingredients in this one dish that

your taste buds will sing & dance or run away screaming.  Mine sang & danced.

* The Process:  I seasoned and browned the chicken before soccer practice.  I also drained the spinach, artichokes and diced tomatoes as the chicken was browning.  Basically, all the prep work was done before soccer practice.

After soccer practice, I made the rice combination with the spinach and such, covered in it with foil and popped it in the oven.  As the casserole baked, I cleaned up my work station and mopped the sticky floor up from an earlier spill.  In other words, You have about 40 minutes of free time.

Family Review

* Presentation was a success... initially.  My sons saw the onions in it and quickly complained.  

* Taste:  Each person gave me their honest opinion, so I think it's only fair that I be honest with you.  I got Mixed Reviews.  No surprise there.  Remember I mentioned that everyone seems to have opposing taste buds in my family.

Alas, this was not deemed a "keeper" by most.  Now, I know, that I know that

my family is picky.  After hearing everyone's tell like it is comments, I decided to use the rating scale that I have so often used during therapy sessions.

*Rating Scale:  I asked each person to rate the dish from 1 to 10.  One meaning that it was gross, never make it again.  Ten meaning, I loved it.  It's a keeper.

I figured this will keep their unkind comments to themselves and I will get an

accurate rating of their like or dislike of the meal.  On a post-it, I jotted down each person's rating for the chicken, then for the rice.  I placed the post-it on that recipe page.  This will allow me to remember how that recipe was received.   It'll also help out in future dinner planning. 

Just to give you an example of how different my family's taste buds are.  The 

chicken received a 9 from one individual and a 1 from another.  Opposites, I tell ya! The rice received the same polar opposite scores.  

Tonight I am making Sandra's Enchilada Lasagna.  I think, I'll be happy :)

This little piggy already went to the market so today she'll stay home.  I wonder if the piggy will have roast beef tomorrow?

Cooking with Sandra Lee

Preparing tasty meals that won't break the bank have always been a goal and challenge for me.  My kids have opposing taste buds and they just can't seem to agree on a "keeper" recipe.  This adds to the challenge and frustration.  Dinner has become Russian Ru let:  Who will like the meal, who will shoot it down or simply refuse to eat? 

My new attempt is to make meals out of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Money Saving Meals cookbook.  Thanks sissy for gifting me this book for my birthday.

Sandra wrote an opening letter to the user.  That be me.  I love her message about food being a physical representation of love to our family.  I have to quote her.

"Food is a warm hug on a plate... in a bowl... in a cup.  Ladle it generously and everyone in your life will drink it in."  This opening letter set my heart in the right place before even opening a jar or can.  My attitude was adjusted, and feelings of inadequacy tossed.

Sandra also spells out what she considers pantry essentials,  produce must-haves, freezer staples, go to seasonings & spices, and refrigerated essentials.  

Now, this little piggy went to the market.   Chat some more later.

Thank You

I just wanted to say a quick and sincere

Thank You

to all my family and friends that have checked in on us

after the loss of Chase.

I know he touched your lives too.  We grieve and laugh together at the wonderful memories he had with us, our spouses and children.

I also want to thank my "Coms" for sending me all those great pix of Chase.  The pix will be added to a collage we plan on making (hopefully this weekend).

Our Beloved Chase 1997-2009

On August 16th, 2009 our beloved Chase left us.  He was a part of our family for 12 adventurous years.  Although all of us are heart broken and missing him terribly already, we began looking back at pictures of Chasey.  I am unable to share all of them on this blog.  I picked the ones that showed his character.

He loved affection and Eli was always willing to give it.  Chase soaked it up all the time.

Every one that knew Chase, remembers his gentleman manners.  He was always willing to shake hands with you.  He would sit in a proper position, lift his left paw and shake hands with any willing person.  

Not a fan of outside showers, but he was so mild mannered that he allowed the 

kids to make him shiny.  I think he secretly liked being massaged during the shampooing.

This was his last bath.

Even in his old age, Chase was a runner.  He would always dart and bark at any outsiders coming near our/his territory.  He protected us very well.  I miss his barks right now as a matter of fact.  He usually barks at the neighbor's gardener.

Always majestic, even when he was just sitting.

Yesterday was horrible, and instead of memorializing how he left us, I'd rather remember how he lived and brought joy to our family.  

Good Boy Chasey.

All Choked Up-Give Away.

I needed to make something simple and happy to get me back into jewelry making.  Life has kept me busy, and I missed tinkering in the "bead lab" (that's what I call my work station).  In fact, I'm thinking about opening a new etsy shop just for my handmade beads and callin it just that, The Bead Lab.

The chocolate,embossed beads were handmade (by me), and I used colorful glass beads for happy popping color.  I loved the idea of putting the toggle clasp to the side.  I'm always wanting to find easier ways to put on necklaces.  I don't like needing an extra pair of hands in order to wear jewelry.  

I believe jewelry should be no fuss and all joy.

I started using leather for the neck strap some time ago, and it has proven to be comfortable, so I will use it to my hearts content.

The best part of this choker is that I've decided to give it away.  Yup, this is a Give Away. 

How to Enter:

1.  Click on over to my Etsy shop:  Goya Designs and check it out

2.  Come back to the blog and tell me what you liked best or what you would like to see in the shop

(ie. color combos, size, style, etc.)

Rules:

1. One entry per person

2.  Share the opportunity w/family and friends

3.  Be kind in your comments

4. All entries must be with in the U.S.A. and submitted by August 28th 8:00pm P.T.

Winner

1.  Will be announced on August 31st.

2. The winner has two weeks to claim prize by providing me their mailing info.

3.  If winner doesn't claim this delightful choker, then I will re-raffle it.

Good Fortune One and All

I'm still playing with the lights in my home in order to produce pictures with 

clear, consistent lighting.  Excuse the poor lighting.

More Crystal Cove Pix

We were nearly done with our downward hike to the ocean below.  Can you tell how rocky it was?  Nothing could be removed from the state park.  Everything (even a rock) is protected, and I am grateful.  The last thing my little guy needs is another rock sovereign.

Dad and son checking out pelicans flying above us.  Notice, my honey is so captivated he forgot to film.

Nothing could be taken, so there was a huge collection of shells and I think that is dead coral at the bottom right.  

Another breath taking view.  I still have lots more pix, but I won't bore you with them all.  I recommend a visit to Crystal Cove if you are near enough to the LA area.

Crystal Cove State Park

We took a visit to the coast with our long time friends the Estepas.  

Our visit to Crystal Cove was a visit that included all senses.  There was plenty to see. The boys were hands on with the water, crabs, snails, abalone shells, plants and more.  We could taste the salty air. Our hears were full of crashing waves, birds and our own "aahhs".  The smell of the ocean's fresh air cleared my sinuses right up.  There was plenty of fishy seaweed too.  That was very unpleasant to be honest, and it attracted these flys or gnats that would attack us.  Although the guys seemed to enjoyed to hear me and my friend scream through these attacks.

Before getting to the water, we had to take this path, then take a short hike down some rocky terrain.  Doesn't it look like father and son are having some deep conversation.  They weren't.  They are guys after all.

A wave took my guys by surprise.

My honey and I.  What a scene!  

The rock formations were just as breathe taking as the ocean.  

The Estepa & Perez boys gazing at the deep.  No, not really.  They threw rocks and were checkin out how far they landed.  I went picture happy and will share more photos later.  We ended our trip with a delicious meal at El Ranchito restaurant.

You Say It's Your Birthday! Ta TaDa Ta Ta

I kept the cakes simple.  I didn't throw down as I normally do.

Miss Sweet 16 had her carrot cake with some of her friends near and dear.  Family was also there, and it was very chill and relaxed.  I think she enjoyed it.

This was my cake. I told ya I kept it simple.

I forgot to ask my little sister to bring the movie, 16 Candles for the girls to watch last night, but guess what was on T.V. this morning.  Yup, you guessed it.  

I began singing the birthday song that was serenaded to Molly Ringwald .  My honey found the song on YouTube (here's the link).