Market Tomorrow!

The South of the James Market starts tomorrow at Forest Hill Park from 8-12. I can't wait! I'm looking forward to picking up fresh strawberries and asparagus - YUM!

I'll be running a special for Mother's Day (yes, it is Sunday!) - $2 off all earrings and $3 off any paintings. Richmond peep come on out and join the party!

Time to Re-Charge the Ole' Batteries

New: Swim Fish Swim earrings

I found myself getting a bit (ok, to be honest - more than a bit) CRANKY yesterday with everyone in the house. I snapped at the kids and even the dog who managed to trip me when I walked down the stairs. I realized I needed a serious time out! Usually I take a class one evening a week every summer to get a night out. (everything from adult hip-hop, fencing, jewelry classes, to photo shop lessons) Sadly, I never got around to signing up for anything this summer. We've been so busy with family trips and the markets that it had not been a big deal, UNTIL yesterday. It was time for a little alone time !

So, when hubby came home from work I said, "Can you handle the kids for the evening?" "Where are you going?" they asked.
"I don't really know I" said, "just anywhere."

And that is what I did, and boy did it feel heavenly to do nothing other than putter and browse through a few shops for the evening. Quiet, peaceful, bliss.

Batteries are now fully recharged! I took the dog on a walk to the park this morning and then the kids to Chuck E'Cheese. They had a blast running around and playing games while I got two necklaces made.

A good day indeed.

Check out these crazy mushrooms that I saw on my walk this morning. These monsters were about 8 inches tall!

Happy weekend to you all!
As long as it is not raining I plan on being at the Forest Hill/South of the James Market in the morning. :-)

What's for Dinner?

I've been making this at least once a week since I've been getting some great eggplants at the Farmer's Markets this summer. This is my baked eggplant recipe which is a bit healthier than your traditional version. It is also nice and crispy which I love!

Baked Eggplant Parmeson

1 eggplant sliced
2 eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (I prefer fresh shredded, but the powder also works)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (I like to use the Italian flavor)
Seasonings: red pepper, black pepper, dried basil (just a bit of each)

Directions:
Place sliced eggplants on a tray and sprinkle with salt. Put eggs in bowl. Mix the rest of the ingredients on a separate bowl and put on plate. Dip eggplant in eggs and then each side in mixture on plate. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes. I usually flip the eggplant over after 10 to make sure each side is crispy.

Top with tomato sauce, feta cheese, and some parsley (optional).
Enjoy!!!

Ps. This makes fabulous leftovers! (you can even eat it as a sandwich or on a salad, yum!)

I have been enjoying getting such great produce, baked goods, and flowers at the Market this summer. These were the goodies I got for the 4th of July. I did not realize until I got home from the market that the watermelon was a yellow watermelon. Oopss! It was really good though!

I have finally been listing some items in my shops the past couple of days. I will be listing more tonight. This "Pretty Poppy Blue Skies" Necklace should be in my Ruby Lane shop this evening. :-)

Market Tomorrow

(my booth at Arts in the Park. And my new banner - see previous post)

Oh my, I have been so negligent with me blog lately. I really do have a good excuse .. . I just can't seem to feel like myself. First I had a stomach bug or food poisoning (I'm still not sure which), and then the worst case of allergies ever these past two weeks. I'm thinking sitting in the rain all weekend at Arts in the Park probably did not help matters. Of course, it has now settled into my chest, ugh!

But. . . enough whining already . . . thanks to all of you who came out to the show last weekend! Despite the thunderstorms, it was a great show!

(a rare moment of sunshine from Sunday morning)

I'll be back at the South of the James/Forest Hill tomorrow morning . . . yippee! I can't wait to be back! I'll have lots of special's going on for Mother's Day.

Summer Shows

My latest set up - I made my own earring displays!
Where to find me this summer? I am here, there, and everywhere! :-)

Thursdays - 17th Street Farmers Market 8:30 - 2pm
Saturdays - Forest Hill Farmers Market 8am-12
Sat. Aug 9th - Kickers Family Festival from 4-9pm

Fall Schedule to be posted soon!

Sweet Summertime

"Flowers and Denim" fine silver and kyanite earrings

I just love the beginning of summer! No more getting the kids up at the crack of dawn and rushing to get to the bus on time, no more homework, no more packing lunches!!! The temperature has been back in the 80's and the kiddos and I have been having fun going to the pool, library, and local icecream shop. My husband has been able to work from home on Thursdays so I can sell my jewelry down at the 17th Street Farmer's Market.

I've been feeling very creative lately and have a new line of paintings which I will be posting soon, along with several portrait commissions I am trying to finish up.