A-Z Wednesday from Reading at the Beach :)

Good Morning! Welcome to my portion of A-Z Wednesday brought to you by Reading at the Beach.

This week's letter is "J."

To play, simply scan your shelves and piles of books to find a title starting with the letter "J." Post a picture, the title, synopsis, a link to the book (from amazon, etc), and post you link back here at Reading on the Beach. Have fun finding an old friend or maybe something you've been meaning to read, but had forgotten for a time...

My book:

The Jewel of the Nile by Joan Wilder

Synopsis: It should have been a romantic dream come true - cruising along the Mediterranean aboard Jack Colton's magnificent yacht, samplig the pleasures of Monte Carlo and Europe's most glamorous night spots. Yet lovely romance writer Joan Wilder felt something was missing - some spark of excitement, some sense of adventure. So when a handsome Arab ruler begs her to help him write his book, Joan leaps at the chance. Little does Joan dream that her Arab holiday will be much more than anything she and Jack had bargained for. A breathtaking whirlwind of mishaps and mayhem sweeps them across the desert lands and into the heart of a dazzling mystery - centered on the fabled jewel of the Nile - a jewel that many kill for... but only love can win.

Ooh, how lucky am I? My all time favorite movie is Romancing the Stone and this book is the follow-on. I remember finding it at a yard sale when I was in high school and I bought it for 5 cents (yes, this is still the same book - been carried all over the U.S. since then).

Well, this definitely isn't a book from which teachers would want their students to learn any lasting knowledge or life lessons, but as someone once told me, "Everyone needs chewing gum for the brain once in a while." (I think I just need it more often than most!)

This week's favorite... love washed ashore

Such a cute idea! - It's what I was thinking when I first came across this card while browsing through etsy.Simply an example of one of the many thoughtful prints available at Flash Forward Photography.

Huge and Useful Blog Giveaway at It's a July Thing

Want a chance to win a huge collection that includes an embellished journal, a bookmark, Tim Holtz masks, charms, game pieces, studs, old music sheets, an embellished candle, a gold candle plate, appliques, beads, and more... Check out Lynn's blog, It's a July Thing. But hurry - the deadline is 11 Oct!

Fabulous Autumn Giveaway at Diary of an Indy Grrrl

Indy Grrrl is offering a great Halloween prize on her blog! Check it out before it ends on 23 Oct.

100 Mile Fitness Challenge... Week 1

Ok, so I decided to sign myself up for the 100 mile fitness challenge... and this was week 1. If this sort of thing interests you, you can still give it a go and sign up here: I'm #56 on the list! I have been keeping a new workout journal that I started this summer (I always feel like I am starting over again, but I guess that is fitness... one big cycle). I have the journal broken up into 6 week sections so that every six weeks I can change my goals and sort of start a new program which is why the 100 miles by the end of the year appeals to me.

So this period's goals - each week I complete 2 yoga sessions, 1 pilates session, 2 weight-lifting sessions, walk min of 8 miles, 1 bike ride, and 1 time on the elliptical, and concentrate on eating 9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

So update at the end of week 1 - I only hit 3 of my own goals... but I need to start somewhere and now the only direction I can go is up!

Per the 100 mile challenge, my 1-8 Oct mileage is 15!

California Blue Giveaway!

Giveaway at California Blue's Blog! Win some neat beaded earrings - click on the banner above to enter.

Hurry - ends tomorrow!

And don't forget to check out the sale items in this shop.

Waterfall Beauty

Ahh... if only I were still in Hawaii!

And my warm summer breezes had not given way to the chilly autumn gusts!

Picture of Rainbow Falls (in Hilo, Hawaii)

A-Z Wednesday - Reading at the Beach :)

This week's letter: "I"

Check here for the rules and to see other players :)

So scanning my bookshelves, I find, out of more than 1,000 books, only two that begin with the letter "I" (for titles)... of course I found this exercise a lengthy one because my shelves are organized alphabetically by author - but it did make me run over all of the titles again :)

The choice for reading today - if only I could be sitting on the beach, too - is humor.

Tim Allen's I'm Not Really Here.

Synopsis: In I'm Not Really Here, Tim Allen takes a look at men and their relationships to wives, children, friends, the universe, God, and why it's tough to get a good night's sleep. In the Toolman's inimitable way, he deals with some of the urgent questions a man faces: What is real? What should I eat for breakfast? Why do parents always tell you not to stir your ice cream into soup? Why are the canned beans next to the tampons in the supermarket?

I love flowers!

Last week I mentioned a beautiful room at the Coconut Cottage B&B, but I failed to mention the gorgeous gardens surrounding the house. There was a stunning combination of tropical flowers mixed with plants you can find all over the continental U.S. that made it seem both unique vacation and familiar home. Here are a couple of close-ups to share with you:

This week's favorite... Faerie Everything

Today I want to start with this stunning faerie ensemble. Created by The Bohemian Goddess on etsy, each piece, bodice and skirt, can be purchased separately and are equally enchanting. Now, if I only had somewhere I could be dressed up this year...
If faeries aren't your thing, this shop has a great selection of goddess wear and unique vintage finds. But, I'd like to stay in my faerie land for a little while... where money is no matter and I have lots of faerie balls to attend on a weekly basis... For the accessories to go with this beautiful costume:

The Purple Bracelet! Not only has Gypsy Moon Art used my favorite colors, but I believe I could wear this bracelet every day. Check out this shop for a wide selection of wire art!

A tiny ring for my wee little finger! Dee at Bei Creations has wrapped a beautiful ring that would look perfect on my hand as it is kissed by every faerie prince coming to visit my ball!
Jewels for the Neck! Being in faerie land means having an affinity for nature that this beautiful necklace from rwestdesigns just seems to bring out! Check out this shop for some very unique beaded designs.

And last but not least, the shoes. Now these will definitely make a statement and complete my outfit! Craft-Tastrophe's shop changes shoes into creations I would never imagine on my own...

Thank you for taking a few minutes to join me in faerie land. I hope the landing back into reality isn't too bumpy!

Handmade by Amy Giveaway!

Amyzo, creator of Handmade by Amy on etsy, is part of the 12 weeks of Christmas giveaway on SewArtzy's blog.

Hurry and enter before time runs out!

Crafter's Block

Is this even a real phrase?

I feel like it is... (or at least I did from June until this past Saturday...) See this beautiful hawkwing conch. I got it from my mother in Cuba a day after Memorial Day and began working the copper wire around it immediately. (I remember the exact day because it was the day after we had both done a Guantanamo Bay craft fair.) Anyway, that piece came back to the states with me and has sat unfinished (wish I took a picture of it with the ends still flying around haphazardly) - albeit the wire was probably overworked as I tried and tried to make the ends do something that made sense. This past Saturday evening, I had an epiphany: Stop trying to do something outrageous and just do small spirals!I finished it and am now on a roll -18 large book marks, 2 small bookmarks, 5 cards, 2 pendants, and 1 pair of earrings. I would have stayed up all night Saturday and Sunday and kept making stuff, but since my husband doesn't get to enjoy every weekend at home, he doesn't like it if I hide in my crafting room the whole time :)

They weight has lifted, and I feel great!

A bit of Bali in Hawaii

In order to be able to get up and be on the road by 4AM for the Lava tour, my family stayed in a cute little bed and breakfast in the small town of Pahoa on the island of Hawaii - the Coconut Cottage. We made reservations at this B&B based on a phone recommendation from the gentleman with Lava Ocean Adventures, but had no idea where we were really staying.When my husband and I checked in, I couldn't believe we were holding the key to the Bali Spirit Suite. I have long been fascinated by all things Balinese. At the entrance to our room was a Bali Bed and here is a close up of the detail I like so much:At the head of our canopy bed was a traditional Balinese ceremonial umbrella. I wish I had a better picture, but it is the red fringe at the head of the bed. Now, unlike most versions I come across in the states, this is a real ceremonial umbrella - solid wood staff, not the plastic or hollow multi-piece pole that get passed off to tourists. Mom, yes, you would be very jealous... for those that don't know, about a year ago, she was trying to get a much larger Bali bed, the kind I think are like small rooms, into her South Florida home, but could not because the ceilings were too low.

Close-up view of Pele's wrath

So the last two weeks I was on the island of Hawaii and my husband, his parents and I decided to do a 2-day, 1-night trip over to Hilo in order to see Mt Kilauea's current lava flow (which you can currently only see well from the water). Happening upon Lava Ocean Adventures, we decided to do the Sunrise Lava Tour.The tour was well worth it and our pictures in no way do it justice. You are so close to the lava, the air is warm and the boat captain takes you through a ride in the mist. The only pictures that really came out were these two (probably the farthest away the boat was from the lava and after sunrise), but the pictures on Lava Ocean Adventures home page (on the right side, top two) are what it really looked like when we were there.
They get you so close to the lava flow, I almost felt like I could use a yardstick to touch it. Now my in-laws have seen just about all of the flows since 1981, so this might not have been quite as neat when they could walk up to the flow, drop a coin, and watch it melt, but it was still a great experience. If you are out in Hawaii anytime soon, I fully recommend looking this small boat crew up.

For more reading on Pele's story, there is a good abbreviated version here and the Volcanoes National Park has some very interesting and up-to-date information on both the Volcanoes and their legends.

Beautiful Sea Glass... Etsy Product Review #9

Here's a different sort of product review... My mom bought me this beautiful set of sea glass jewelry from a Guantanamo Bay craft fair from the maker of Castaways Jewelry Design. I had the opportunity to meet this talented lady at a memorial day craft fair this year (My table was 2 rows behind and one to the right of her table). When I was comparing her packing up at the end of the show to how my mom and I packed up our tables, I decided she is much more organized that we have ever been :) Now, Castaways Jewelry has let her etsy shop listings expire in August, but hopefully she comes back soon! I noticed that this summer she has a new display in a Guantanamo Bay gift shop and I'm so glad because now people can buy this jewelry all the time versus just at craft shows.

Castaways Jewelry uses only sea glass found on the beaches of Guantanamo Bay to create her designs. My set was accented with amethyst and fresh water pearl beads on silver settings.

So if you're ever at a craft show and see Castaways, you definitely want to check out this booth!

This week's favorite.. ocean capsule

Just glancing at this pendant, I see an ocean wave...

I love how the labradorite and seems to reflect the faceted apatite stones - just like the valley between two waves. Available in the Ample Goddess Jewelry shop on etsy, you will also find lots of other fun wire and bead designs.

The Basil Fairy... Etsy Product Review #8

I've talked about the shop Aunt Jane Can in an earlier blog post. Now, I liked the shop so much, I had to buy this Basil Fairy Notecard. The Basil Fairy Card arrived in my mail box just a couple of days after I ordered it. Aunt Jane makes her own envelopes to mail her cards which is charming and probably a tip for how she keeps her shipping costs very low. The handmade envelope looked like construction paper (green to match the card) on the outside and was lined in white paper.

The electronic picture of this card does not do the beauty of this card any justice, but this is what I will have to live with as I have already posted the card to my grandmother (who in reality is a fairy grandmother).

Don't forget to check out Aunt Jane's alter ego, Blue Jane on her blog.

This week's favorite... pure and simple

Sometimes, I prefer flamboyant and sometimes I prefer the more simple.... these earrings definitely show simple beauty. These hammered discs are one of the many unique designs at Ana Kim's on etsy.

More Dinner Art

A pretty dinner always makes it taste better; don't you think so?

I've been on a bit of an "eat healthier" kick for quite a while (much to my husband's dismay), but recently, he's decided "eating healthy" isn't too bad. This meal was stuffed tomatoes and a white bean consomme with almond milk.I had one problem when I wanted to make it... where to get almond milk? I live outside of a relatively small town and am about an hour from any health food stores. With no time to drive that distance, I ended up researching making my own almond milk [and I buy almonds in 1 gallon size buckets, so I figured I'd have enough almonds on hand :)].

It was surprisingly easy - fill a glass jar with 1/3 almonds, 2/3 water and seal tightly. Leave for 24 (but no more than 48 hours). Run through the blender and then strain out the almond pieces (which can be used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt). The liquid left is your almond milk. Its taste is bland and similar to unsweetened soy, but I bet if it was sweetened it would be better.

So enough rambling. Here is the consomme recipe:
2 cans (19 oz ea) white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 whole cloves garlic
1 sprig rosemary
1 T each finely chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon

Combine beans, milk, garlic, and rosemary in a 3 quart pot over high heat.
Add 1 cup water, simmer for 10 min.
Strain beans over a bown; reserve the liquid.
Discard rosemary and garlic.
Puree 2 cups cooked beans with 1 cup of reserved liquid.
Combine puree with rest of liquid and whole beans in pot.
Heat and stir briefly.
Add herbs, salt and pepper; serve with crusty bread.

Bright Fire Notecard... Etsy Product Review #7

Looking at a neat treasury a bit ago, I ran across this firey peacock print on a notecard from ARTSHARYNE. I love the combination of brilliant colors and vibrancy of the illustration. I received the card from Australia in less than a week and it came in a resealable plastic liner and cardboard lined the envelope. Overall, I believe this is the most professional looking package I have received from any online order.

Sad to say though, the card is no longer in my possession as I have already written on it and posted it in the mail to an aunt who also appreciates artwork and loves animals.

If you like this illustration, check out her blog.

This week's favorite... baby slippers!

Well, as a mother to none and no closer to being an aunt to any child, I have no reason to look at anything kid-related, but aren't these little slippers just adorable!The slippers are available in Palmsprout's shop on etsy, you can also find all sorts of different gifts in her shop.

Goddess Ear Cuff... Etsy Product Review #6

A few weeks ago, I was browsing around and saw an article on a woman who makes ear cuffs and does it full time... so one day, when I came across a sale at Thyme 2 Dream, I couldn't resist getting my own goddess ear cuff :) At Thyme 2 Dream, she makes all items to order, so I was pleasantly surprised when my ear cuff showed up only 2.5 weeks after I ordered it. (I know she has some bad feedback from people who thought she took too long, but I guess for me, on made to order items, I expect 4-6 weeks for delivery because that is what it would have to be for me.)

The ear cuff was placed in a small purple jewelry box (and purple being my favorite color, it made me happy) and the box was shipped in a small bubble mailer. It all arrived in great condition and would work as a great gift (if I didn't like it so much and want to keep it myself!)

I enjoyed this seller and will definitely be back for any of my fairy jewelry needs.

Red Poppies Dancing in the Blue Sky... Finds from etsy

Combinations of Brilliant Red and Bright Blue are one of my favorites.

Do you have a favorite selection here?

This week's favorite... a picture of a beach

I love looking at beach photographs wish I could have all that I find...

Seeing this picture of a woman on the beach, in solitude, in the glare of the sun speaks to me. All noise goes away when I look at it and I feel the calm that I always feel when I am within the distance to hear waves crashing...

Called "Only the Sea" ... can cure the shattered human heart

Frances Melhop is the extremely talented photographer who has the Enchanted Pond on etsy. Like this print? Then you will definitely love these, too: All Summer Long, I Need a Holiday, and Dear Little Toadstool.

Wordless Moonlight - Selections from etsy...

The calmness and beauty of moonlight.

You'll find these moonlight items on etsy by clicking on the photos. Do you have a favorite?

I hate glue!

So yesterday I was trying to work on a large amount of notecards. My wonderful paper cutter, new punches, and scissors were all up to snuff...

However, the glue had it out for me!I cannot tell you how many photos I ruined and how much cardstock I had to throw in my scrap pile before I ended up with this little set of 3 complete cards...

So now, using every stick, bottle and tube of glue I own (except the hot glue gun and bottle of gorilla glue), I am going back to good old fashioned elmer's glue. It seems to never go bad and always works on my corners...

Sometimes I wonder why the simplest thing from when I was a kid always takes me the longest to discover again as an adult?

This week's favorite... look at those eyes!

Browsing around, I was intrigued by the big happy eyes of this polar bear...

He looks like he could walk right out of his shop and give me a hug :)
Created from clay using a pinch pot method, this bell is just too cute, as are the rest of the animals in Wisper On's shop.