Take a minute and watch it, it's good.

Do you use saw dust??

To elevate and/or even out your stones?  In the past I used scrap sterling sheet and I still do if I need to step up large stones but for little stone setting sawdust is the best.  I had never heard of using saw dust and I saw it on Monsterslayer.com and thought I'd give it a go.  I have been using it for months now and it has made setting small matching stones so much easier, it makes a huge difference in my labor.

 When I match up stones to make earrings my stones almost never match up in thickness.  The saw dust makes every cab seem exactly the same.

Voila!

This is a custom order I just finished.  The stone is outstanding.  I love it that the back is pretty as well so if it ever flips around it's no biggie.

I'll be posting 3 pairs of chain dangles, 1 pair of bar dangles, and an INCREDIBLE Mexican Jelly Opal ring tomorrow (so long as it's not raining).

Tuesday ..... What's New?

What's new with me and mine?  Glad you asked!:

* A friend from down south that Chris grew up with was having a tough time so he is now staying with us and working with Chris.  It's like having another member of the family.  He is super easy to live with.  He's been here for about 6 weeks now.

This picture was taken in the middle of August.  We went hiking in the White Mountains.

* My teenage sons not especially know for their selflessness volunteered to share a room (tiny rooms) indefinitely so Jason can have a space of his own.  I am very proud of them.
* I purchased a new computer a couple of months ago.  It's cool.
* Since being newly active on FaceBook, I have seen a couple of people that I have not talk to since High School.  This is not always fun and exciting for me because the person they new is not who I am today.  Not even close.  I also realized through this that I have an amends to make to one person who was a particularly close friend and a good friend while I definitely was not. 
*Pippa is getting huge!  LuLu can make Pippa cry when she has had enough.
* Danny is a Senior this year and doing okay.  He needs some prayer for his impulsiveness and defiance.
* Will is a Freshman and has adjusted to High School easily.  He has a girlfriend.  He informed me the other day that she is a Christian.  It's cool that he values that.
* I am a but nervous about business lately, it is at an all time low.  God ALWAYS provides.  I am willing to take any course He would have me take.  Really - anything.
* Chris and I need to start up our budget we learned at Financial Peace University last winter and apply it now!
*  We purchased our seasons ski passes early this year and were able to get a good discount. 
* I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new maple floor.  Thanks to my talented and very hard working husband.
* Women's community bible study starts this morning and will go on for the rest of the year.  I am happy to be taking part in it!
* Danny is taking the Alpha course!!!!
* Dad is doing really great adjusting to his "new life"  I love that man more than I ever thought possible.  I have been spending a lot more time with my parents since his heart attack and it's been really wonderful.  I shared my story with them last Sunday and told them my experience with coming to Jesus.  I told them about what I believe.  They were open minded.  Please pray for them, I really would love to see them in Heaven some day.  They are such good people, but that just is not enough. 
* Chris brought Pippa for her first hike without a leash and she did great!  We want her to be a hiking/camping dog so we are trying to teach her while she is very young but large enough to handle the climb.
*LuLu has been totally dissed on this blog since Pippa come into our home.  I assure you she has not been dissed in our home.  In fact we appreciate her loving mild manners all the more!!
*The leaves are falling from the trees like crazy.  My boys are already dreading "rake weekend"

That's about it for now.  Thanks for hanging in!

This is precious!

You may have seen this, I am not sure how popular it is but a friend posted it on Facebook and I loved it so much I want to share it here.

This is what happens when you lay on Pippa's bed...

Jerk Turkey Soup

It's feeling very fall-like around these parts so I thought I would try a new soup and it is DELISH!!  Perfect with a thick wedge of crusty wheat bread.

 

Ingredients

	1/4 tsp ground allspice
	1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
	1/2 tsp ground ginger
	1/2 tsp garlic salt
	1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
	1 + pound(s) turkey breast, cut in 1-inch chunks
	1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
	1 medium onion(s), chopped
	28 oz canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted with green chilies, undrained
	15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
	2 cup(s) canned chicken broth
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
	2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, minced

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine allspice, cayenne, ginger, garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add turkey and toss to coat; set aside for 15 minutes.
  
• Place turkey in a 5-quart slow cooker; add any spices remaining in bowl. Add garlic, onion, tomatoes, beans, broth, salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; stir. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 7 hours. Stir in lime juice and cilantro; let sit for 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

20% OFF ALL ITEMS IN THE SHOP TODAY! and a bit on ring stone setting...

Now for the ring stone setting tip.  Always keep in mind that I am self taught when I describe or share any of my "techniques".  They may be obvious like, "duh who doesn't know that, I learned that my first day of silver smith school" or you may be thinking, "gosh NO don't do it that way, there is a MUCH BETTER and easier way".  By the way if you ever are thinking the latter, CONVO or Email me and let me in on the "non-secret".

In the beginning I used a vise to set ring settings.  This was okay, not great.  I then saw that another silversmithing acquaintance had this cool swivel vise so I could angle and move it as I was setting the stone.  The joy was short lived.  I purchase a ring clamp and never used it because I could never get a good grip on it.  Well, Chris ALWAYS pays attention to my smithing needs and he grabbed my ring clamp and said he'd be back.  He walked into my studio with a wooden board with 2 holes in it.  The rectangle board lays right across my lap.  I secure the ring in the clamp and put the clamp in the hole (you only need on hole, Chris made one slightly bigger than the other just in case) and I was able to comfortably set the stone and move the clamp as needed.  Having the board across my lap gives the best possible leverage you can have.  My bezel roller hardly ever slips onto the stone because of improper leverage or a crappy angle.  It's soooo simple, yet I would have never thought of it (thanks Chris).

Pretty cool huh?  Or did you all already know this?

Thursday ..... Shop Update

Bat Guano sterling silver wide band sun stamped ring - Happy Halloween

Bat Guano and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise sterling silver Lariat

Snow White Circle Druzy sterling silver snake chain necklace

Robins Egg Blue lavendar and White Druzy sterling silver snake chain necklace 

Brown with pink and blue Jasper Druzy and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sterling Silver Necklace 

Wednesday

Tuesday

My Kids won't be my friends on Facebook. I am not surprised. I really don't want to be their friends anyhow. Well not really anyway. Maybe. No. It would be like listening into their phone conversations wouldn't it? No, definitely not. I think.

I was trying to make a nice profile photo yesterday showing me and a piece of jewelry from the shop. I am miserable at taking a decent picture. Here are a few.....







They are kinda bad but on second look, I like the middle one.

This is the one I settled on. For now....


I did spend a bit of time uploading photographs of all of my one of a kind jewelry from the last few months. I wonder if there is a way to take a photo album from my regular account and put copy it to my Lisa's Lovlies wall. I do know the difference between a "page" and regular Facebook account, I think. The page is more public and likes are definitely different than friends.

Okay, entirely enough of me!

Monday ... I'm on Facebook

Well, I am officially on Facebook

I have been told by many that is in my best interest to promote Lisa's Lovlies via Facebook despite my extreme apprehension regarding social sites. I will tell you that I am struggling because I have no clue the first thing about using Facebook. I'm sure with a bit of time invested it will get much easier. If any of you have any tips that you think could help me, I'd love to hear from you!! Oh and I guess I need friends? or likes? If you could be so kind as to click the like box on the right side of the screen, I think it does something but I'm not sure what. Anyway, click it will ya?

I had supper with my Ma and Dad last night. I went over there with Pippa and LuLu. My parents have 3 dogs. Their youngest dog Charlie is 2 years old and he and Pippa play so well together. Ma made a heart healthy delicious supper. My father is loosing weight (the healthy way) and look so good. I am very proud of him. He seems just a tiny bit different in personality. Maybe a bit more gentle or almost innocent.

Friday Night 'round the house

 My boys are enjoying that it is finally Friday 

(they are not allowed to play x-box on school days)

 This is Pippa's favorite toy.  It is obnoxious.  The next time you go to Walmart, visit the animal section and you will see this chicken with the dog toys.  Give it a good squeeze.

 LuLu is a princess.  She has a gorgeous bed and her very own ottoman.

 Pippa is showing off the new maple floor Chris built while we were at the Cape.  It's in the kitchen and hallway leading to the kitchen.  He made it random width and did the finish himself.  The best part is it was a surprise!  I had no clue he was putting in a new floor.

 LuLu is waiting for me to give her a cookie (Iam's tiny bone)

I went to the salon today and got a keratin treatment.  My hair is VERY straight right now.  The stylist put the keratin on and then we waited 20 minutes, blow dry, then she flat ironed the whole thing.  I am not meant to shampoo for 48 hours.  My hair is a bit damaged and I am growing it long so I thought it would be a good idea to have this treatment and a trim. 

Have a great night!

Thursday ... smoothies

 

1 scoop whey protein powder 

*I use vanilla, any brand will do

3/4 cup skim milk

Hand full of frozen (no sugar added) or fresh fruit

1/2 banana (if you are trying to loose weight you can skip the banana)

*Blend everything together until smooth.  If the shake is too thick, add a touch of water or more milk

Enjoy!

Oh, also...never be afraid to add a handful of Kale or a tbsp of fish oil to your smoothie.

Wednesday

That's all :)

Tuesday

I am a bit paranoid that I am getting vertigo again (remember 2 winters ago?) It could be just nothing and probably is but it worries me because it makes daily living the pits.  I despise being nauseous and dizzy (doesn't everyone?) My father is looking pretty good.  We were there when he arrived home from the hospital.  They gave me a gorgeous gold and sterling bracelet made only in Cape Cod.  It is not meant to be taken off.  The bangle screws together by the gold ball and it fits close to the wrist.  It is the most beautiful bracelet I have ever had.  My mom has one as well to remind us of what we went through together at the Cape.

We also both wear the same ring. It does not have any sentimental value, we just both love it and never take it off. You can ALWAYS find it here..... 

Free Floating ... Kinetic Pearl Ring

I also wanted to show a custom black pearl ring I made that I really really adore.

I am enjoying using more and more different varieties of pearls in my designs. 

I better scoot, I need to get together some recipes and email them to Dad.  We stopped over yesterday and I told them about the smoothies I drink just about daily and I think Ma went right out and purchased everything so they can start making them as well. 

On a lighter note.....

There are not many pictures of our vacation, but here are a few....

My youngest brother and Eddie

Mom forcing Will to look at the camera by pulling the back of his hair (you go Ma!)



Will helping cousin Kate



Eddie (Ma's psycho Chihuahua)

Will and Gigi in the cottage


Eddie is in love with my grandmother


Update on my father.....
I spoke to Ma yesterday and she told me they put in the defibrillator pacemaker with great success. He should be discharged some time today (the heart attack happened on Aug 24). He needs so much prayer. My father has always lived by "I'll live to be 100" He has been saying this since I was a small child. For some reason he has always thought he could do whatever he wanted to his body and it would not matter. He always feels good and has had no medical problems his entire life (not that he knew of). He gets yearly checkups. His heart is damaged in all three areas, the muscle is weak, he has severe coronary artery disease, and the electrical part of the heart that tells it to beat etc is messed up. He will need to change is entire life style. My dad has always had a few beers every day of his life after work, smoked cigarettes, and ate whatever he wants. These things along with reading books and his family are what make him happy. Well 3 out of the 5 things that he lives for can't happen any longer if he wants to live. He also can't drive for 6 months due to the defibrillator pacemaker. He has a fantastic attitude and that definitely helps. My mother has told him she is now officially "the warden" and "his worst nightmare". My mom is ready to make the change of diet with him so encourage success. This will help her very much. She has leg problems and I think if she lost a good bit of weight it would help so much.

Thank you so much for the emails, convos, and especially the prayer! Keep it coming!