My Spin on Shake n Bake!

I have always loved shake n bake, but I wanted a way to spice it up.  Here's my twist.  Instead of just moistening the pork or chicken with water use spicy mustard instead.  It is delicious and a super simple way to add a little spice!  Enjoy!

My Jewelry

I wanted to share with all my readers that all the jewelry featured on my blog is for sale.  Right now I have 17 of my brand new Spring/Summer bracelets completed.  Below is the catalog with the each pieces item number.  Please keep in mind that all my collections are made up of one-of-a-kind pieces. So if you're interested in one of my new bracelets please email me at jennifersillimanjewelry@yahoo.com.  Please reference the item number and I will send you all the details, including the price.

Coral and Brown

This is one of my favorite bracelets.  I love the colors coral and brown together.  Expect more bracelets like this coming soon!

Large Stone Bracelets

Large, chunky bracelets have always been a favorite of mine.  I love the statement they make, especially when paired with a crisp, white collared blouse.  

Simple Evil Eye Bracelet

My friend Sarah had me make her this red string Evil Eye bracelet.  It is a great piece!  I sell them for $20.00.  

Here is a little background on the Evil Eye....

Humans have long believed the eye symbol to be an amulet that wards off evil spirits. History references the use of "evil eye" beads in the ancient Orient and Sumeria from 3000 B.C. This belief is still prevalent in Turkey and areas of the Middle East, where many believe that when someone sees your good fortune and is envious, some type of bad luck will befall you. In fact, it is thought that any type of praise, even well meaning, has some form of greed and jealousy attached, and can cause harm. In that part of the world people with colored eyes are believed to be especially harmful with their unusual and enchanting gazes.

To protect against the negative energy of envious looks, people of Middle Eastern societies often use an evil eye bead, or talisman, to redirect the bad spirits back onto the world and keep the bearer safe. Turkish people call the bead "Nazar Boncuk" and versions of it are seen everywhere in their culture. Whether it is displayed at the entrance to a home or office, attached to a baby's clothing, or hung from a car mirror, the intent is the same, to disperse the bad luck away from the owner.

The Best Crock Pot Chicken Dinner

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was my new crock pot!  I love cooking in it.  Mainly because it makes the whole house smell so yummy.  Here is a great recipe I found in Taste of Home.

6 medium red potatoes cut into chunks
4 medium carrots cut into chunks
4 boneless chicken breasts
1 can of condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (undiluted)
1 can of condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (undiluted)

Place potatoes and carrots in your slow cooker.  Top with Chicken.  Combine soups and pour over chicken.  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Enjoy!

Stretch Bracelet Collection Preview

Other bracelets...

My favorite so far....

I just started designing for my Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.  This bracelet is my favorite so far!  I love the green and blue- it reminds me of the ocean.  More to come...

Barrette Holder

So my 15 month old daughter Allyson has a lot of bows and hair clips.  To keep them all organized I made her a holder for them that hangs on her wall!  It was super easy to make- Here are the instructions:

Buy any size frame and remove the glass.

Attach batting to the cardboard that comes with the frame with a hot glue gun.

Cover the batting with your favorite fabric.

Attach ribbons and hang!  Super easy!

Welcome!

Hello everyone!  I am so excited to start this blog so I can begin sharing unique things that come up in my everyday life of being a crafty mom and a jewelry designer.  I plan to share recipes, crafty crafts, and of course my jewelry designs!  I will be blogging EVERYDAY!  Enjoy!