Holy Deliciousness

I got a new shipment of Zultanite today, and I am speechless. I am so in love with these stones!

Zultanite, 6.5mm

Zultanite, 6.5mm

Zultanite, 7mm

Zultanite, 7mm

Zultanite, 7mm

Zultanite, 7.5mm

Zultanite, 7.5mm

Zultanite, 7.5mm

Zultanite, 8mm

Zultanite, 8mm

Zultanite, 8mm

Zultanite, 8.5mm

Zultanite, 8.5mm

Is it boring when I post this many photos of the same type of stone? To me, each one is unique and beautiful but maybe it's just me. :-)

Mac & Cheese

I haven't posted any recipes in a long time... sorry about that. Food blogging falls somewhere pretty low on my priority list, and while I do enjoy it, things have been hectic around here lately!

Here's a mac and cheese recipe that I've been tweaking over the past few months; I finally settled on the 'final' version. I think it strikes a good balance between the uber-healthy vegan mac and cheese recipes I've tried (and been somewhat disappointed with) in the past and the super-decadent variations that inevitably leave me feeling guilty and yucky. And it's one of the only things I cook that Carlos will actually eat. (I choose to believe that is entirely due to his toddler picky-ness, and not a comment on my culinary talent!)

Mac & Cheese

• 16 oz. whole wheat pasta of your choice (I like fusilli best)
• 2-1/4 cups plain soymilk (or other non-dairy milk of your choice)
• 2 T. red miso paste
• 1 roasted red pepper (roast it yourself or go the easy way and buy them in a jar)
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1 T. lemon juice
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 T. cornstarch
• 1 cup Daiya vegan cheese shreds (I prefer the white variety in this recipe but either works fine; other brands will work as well if you don't have Daiya), plus a little extra for sprinkling on top
• 2 T. Earth Balance margarine (optional)

Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil. While you're waiting for it to boil, combine soymilk, miso, red pepper, cashews, lemon juice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch in a blender and process until totally smooth.

Around the time that your water boils and you begin to cook your pasta, pour the blender mixture into a separate pot, add Daiya cheese and margarine, and cook over medium heat, watching carefully and stirring often to prevent scalding. You want to get the cheese sauce to a gentle boil for a few minutes so the corn starch will thicken the mixture up.

Drain cooked pasta and return to large pot. Pour cheese sauce on top and stir. Scoop into individual bowls and top with additional shredded cheese.

New Work

Star sapphire and recycled palladium sterling silver ring (made using customer's own stone)
{ custom order; sold }

Sapphire and recycled palladium sterling silver ring (made using customer's own stone)
{ custom order; sold }

Moissanite and recycled 14k palladium white gold engagement ring
{ custom order; sold }

Moissanite and recycled 14k palladium white gold engagement ring with matching band
{ custom order; sold }

New Work

Afghan tourmaline and recycled palladium sterling silver ring
{ custom order; sold }

Fair trade sapphire and recycled 14k white gold ring, size 6.5
{ to be listed soon in my Etsy shop }

Fair trade Guatemalan jade, recycled sterling silver, and gold pendant
{ custom order; sold }

Moissanite, recycled sterling silver, and recycled 14k rose gold ring, size 8.25
{ to be listed soon in my Etsy shop }

Lab-created alexandrite and recycled 14k white gold ring
{ custom order; sold }

Moissanite and recycled 14k white gold ring, size 6.5
{ to be listed soon in my Etsy shop }

Fair trade peridot and recycled palladium sterling silver cufflinks
{ custom order; sold }

Fair trade amethyst, black spinel, and recycled palladium sterling silver ring
{ custom order; sold }

New Work

Well, it has taken me a while to get back into my jewelry making groove after that amazing vacation in Guatemala, but I think it's safe to say I'm back with a vengeance. I feel like I was hugely productive these past three work days, and I have lots to show for it! (I made more than what's here, but some was repeats of past work so I didn't bother photographing it.)

Moissanite and recycled white gold engagement ring, size 6.5

Fair trade sapphire and recycled 14k palladium white gold engagement ring with moissanite and recycled 14k palladium white gold wedding band
{ custom order; sold }

California green tourmaline and recycled 14k palladium white gold engagement ring with matching bands
{ custom order; sold }

Fair trade peridot, amethyst, citrine, and recycled palladium sterling silver wedding band
{ custom order; sold }

Moissanite, recycled 14k rose gold, and recycled sterling silver wedding band
{ custom order; sold }

New Work

Chatham lab-created emerald, moissanite, and recycled 14k yellow gold engagement ring
{ custom order; sold }

With matching recycled 14k yellow gold band.

Please Help Me Help Oil Spill Victims!

I’m working to collect supplies and financial donations for PATH (People Protecting Animals & Their Habitats) in support of their efforts rescuing and rehabilitating animals impacted by the recent Gulf oil spill. If you are interested in donating any of the items listed below, please contact me and I would be happy to pick them up from you if you're here in Humboldt County. (If you're not local, you can still help! Collect supplies wherever you live and send them to PATH!).

• plastic syringes (for feeding; no needles)
• vet wrap
• WaterPic(s) - water spray - not electric brush
• Sun protection lotion (non animal tested please)
• Wading boots
• Digital camera(s) with appropriate connecting cords
• Vegan snack bars
• Walmart/Target gift cards
• Heating pads (especially needed!)
• Electrical extension cords
• Hotel/airline points/miles
• Financial support - checks made out to 'PATH'
  

Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated. If anyone has any connections with local shipping companies, or knows of an economical way to transport the donated items cross-country affordably and reasonably quickly, that would also be a great help.

Thanks very much.

Tamara
(707) 599-2951

New Work

Fair trade Guatemalan jade, recycled 22k yellow gold, and recycled palladium sterling silver ring, size 7-7.5
{ to be listed soon in my Etsy shop }

Fair trade Guatemalan jade, recycled 22k yellow gold, recycled 14k yellow gold, and recycled sterling silver ring, size 7.25
{ to be listed soon in my Etsy shop }