Sunday, April 7, 2013

Saturday. in photos.






I am trying to get back into this blogging thing, but a lot is going on. Here are some photo recaps of this Saturday.

1. Practicing ukulele 2. self photo. i have been working out and dieting for what seems like ever, but it is working, slowly and surely. down 6 pounds since I started. 3. Grapefruit, limes and blood oranges from the grocery store. Apparently I am really into citrus this week. 4.- 6. Keith and I are not big drinkers. However, we have tried our hand at infused vodka before. I had some vodka from a few months ago, that we were not drinking, so I mixed blood oranges and blueberries together in the infuser, and added the whipped cream vodka and we ended up with this purple mixture, that was pretty good in diet lemon-lime soda. Again, as not big drinkers, we were happy with how the mixture turned out, our first batch back in December was a disaster- cucumbers do not survive in liquor, FYI.

This week has loads of stuff coming up in it, including wedding cake testing and flower shopping. !!! More to come later.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Return

I have been M.I.A. for a year or so. A lot has happened in that year, including a lack of activity in my jewelry business. Life got in the way, yadda yadda yadda.

What's new? I am an aunt, to an almost one year old. I am engaged to marry Keith. I am still drinking a lot of tea and watching a lot of crime shows on tv.

I do play ukulele now. not well, but I am trying.

Things are looking up for this gal. I hope to continue this project. Fingers crossed this time I get better at this blogging thing.

Monday, May 21, 2012


I have been MIA for a bit as life events have popped up. The last few months have seen some tears and some big huge smiles. But now, I'm back and ready to continue the growth of Loki's Jellybeans. I have done two craft shows this year so far, and have a third one in about 3 weeks. I'm getting excited.

I have been on vacation the last week or so, so I'm still trying to juggle personal and professional life to catch up. I promise I will post more when I have something exciting to talk about. Maybe next time a recipe. MAYBE

Thursday, March 15, 2012


This picture (although few years old) sums up how I have felt lately. I have been sick with sinusitis for the last 2.5 weeks. On top of that was work, Loki's jellybeans, and making 90+ soaps for my sisters baby shower. So all-in-all I was tired. constantly.

The weather has been gorgeous. and things are changing, I can feel it. I have lost a bunch of weight, and I want to continue. working out will restart tomorrow when I know my sinuses can hold up.

I also plan on changing and growing. blah blah blah. more to come ladies and gents. more to come.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

derby!


List update: 75.) go to a roller derby event crossing off another thing from the list. Last night Keith and I went to the roller derby. It was pretty amazing, but you'll have to excuse the bad photo, it doesn't do it justice. It was on a flat track, and it was pretty fun and intense. Keith and I had a blast and thought of millions of fun derby names on the way back to my apartment. I secretly got the bug and really am interested in doing roller derby now, but I am pretty accident prone, and I'm not sure I can even skate anymore...

We will go to more derby events in our future. it was a blast.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

my list update

I am slowly, i repeat SLOWLY am making headway on my list. and by headway I mean, I have done more then 1/2 of one.... So here is my update....

1.) make a steak pie- As someone who lived in Scotland, I miss this dish so much.
2.) increase Lokibean sales by 10%
3.) do at least 6 craft shows
4.) write 200 pages in a novel
5.) take a fused glass class
6.) learn to sodier rings
7.) go to Galena- Galena has a home of my favorite president: Ulysses S Grant and its only within a few hours of my home, perfect right??
8.) learn to make 5 different kinds of donuts I have officially made 2, 3 more to go.
9.) lose 20 pounds
10.) go to centinnial beach- a local pool
11.) hike at starved rock
12.) make homemade tortillas
13.) go to the cabin- my cabin in northern michigan
14.) make a bundt cake mini count right???
15.) save $$
16.) make 1/2 my christmas gifts
17.) eat at a fancy restaurant, like super fancy
18.) blog twice or three times a week
19.) do photo a day challenge
20.) be more daring in my cuisine choices
21.) eat lunch everyday- sometimes the day just gets the best of me and I forget lunch
22.) eat breakfast everyday- sometime I don't like to wake up on time... whoops
23.) go to Brookfield zoo
24.) learn to play The Way We Gte By on piano
25.) learn to play Jessies Girls on ukelele
26.) join a boxing class
27.) learn to make cupcakes without a box
28.) buy a soda maker, and make 3 homemade sodas without premade syrup
29.) eat healthier
30.) go to four movies at the theater- I HATE movie theaters, but Keith loves them. I need to learn to compromise more.
31.) go visit MSU
32.) take my gre
33.) apply to grad school
34.) finish my education certificate
35.) ride a rollercoaster
36.) go to a water park
37.) make homemade empanadas
38.) make a vertical garden- my patio is just big enough for one and a small bistro set
39.) add something new to my shop every week
40.) go to springfield
41.) eat a ponyshoe (burger with fries on it)
42.) set up my craft room
43.) make an apple pie
44.) make pesto from scratch
45.) make noodles from scratch
46.) make a meatloaf
47.) sell at least one screenprinted item
48.) find two new soap molds
49.) swim in a lake- Every summer I used to go camping at a lake and couldn't get enough of swimming there, then I moved to Chicago and the thought of swimming in a lake that close to pollution frightened me, so now I need to find a new lake out here to swim in, or go to northern michigan
50.) have a date night with keith every week- Keith is a full time student and full time worker, so I never see him, this will make some special us time.
51.) make a new tablecloth
52.) go on a vacation to another state outside illinois or michigan
53.) go natural in medicine- I mean focus on gingers, mint, etc.
54.) go to woods more- again, I miss running through the woods as a child. I felt at home in it.
56.) Send in a post secret
57.) go to smoque barbq- great restaurant in chicago
58.) Run a 5k
59.) do something new with my hair
60.) cook every meal for one full week
61.) try a new recipe once every 3 weeks
62.) rejoin NAI
63.) Go camping
64.) take an art class
65.) read a classic literature book- I have gotten away from classic lit for things about forensics, and such so I need to get back.
66.) learn to make resin post earrings
67.) go to at least one restaurant featured on diners, drive thrus, and dives- K and I love to watch this show, and the places look so good, so we will go.
68.) do one new thing on Mackinac Island
69.) discover 6 new bands
70.) go to a concert
71.) keep up on an appointment book- I am usually good for the first month of the year then I lose interest
72.) try a new kind of pizza- I am a plain jane pizza gal, I need to try new things
73.) go to a forest preserve
74.) join a sports team
75.) go to a roller derby event
76.) make ice cream from scratch
77.) go to a museum I have never been to before
78.) read one book about a president I don't know much about
79.) go to a presidental museum or library
80.) become a member in the craft community
81.) learn a new craft
82.) beat one video game (keith can help)
83.) wear my own jewelry more
84.) make a multistrand necklace
85.) join MSU alumini society
86.) make a scarf not just dye or decorate
87.) go on a food trip
88.) Make homemade pasties
89.) wear dresses more
90.) make a stained glass piece
91.) read 13 books
92.) get a massage
93.) stop biting my nails
94.) learn how to can
95.) participate in november novel in a month month
96.) join the library and go there more
97.) finish the ulysses s. grant cross stitch
98.) back up all my photos on my computer
99.) wear a bathing suit with confidence
100.) keep a personal journal
101.) take a road trip and stop whenever I want to

55.) disappeared, so I will add a new one: 55.) sell one hand dyed silk scarf

So I am not doing too well in the first month eh? well, I will work on it. promise!v

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Easy Crockpot Chicken recipe


This is the easiest recipe ever! I found it originally on pinterest.

Materials: (can you tell I am an educator and write a lot of lessons?)
-Skinless, boneless chicken breasts. I usually use three since it's just Keith and I who eat dinner.
-one 16 ounce can of salsa, I used pineapple mango last time. it was amazing
-1 package of taco seasoning

Put chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the taco season on chicken, then pour the can of salsa on top. Mix the salsa and seasoning. Put in the crockpot for 4 hours of high, or roughyl 6 hrs on low. You can tell its down when it shreds with a fork.

this is such a simple and delicious recipe. hope you enjoy!

Monday, February 6, 2012

do over.

Things have gotten slow on the news front. I'm still plugging away at my goals. However, I have only accomplished a few, and already stopped the blogging 2 or 3 times per week, take a photo each day, and eat lunch everyday. But I'm going to try again.


That being said, I have accomplished getting a cold that knocked me out for 2 weeks, turning an age that is pretty close to 30 and that makes me uncomfortable, and eating my weight in cake. Okay, so maybe not the last one. My birthday was pretty amazing. I got some great presents from Keith, including a neato handmade ring out of a fordite. I will post more about that later.

So things are starting over now. I'm currently making TWO recipes I found on pinterest, and just worked out. I am trying to make positive changes in my life and focusing on making me a better person, inside and out.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Snow is Coming

I just got back from a grocery store. I was buying stuff for work (as a museum education, my orders have gotten so strange!) anyway, there was an older couple behind me in line. I noticed they had lots of canned food, microwavable dinners, etc. They explained loudly to the woman behind them, they were preparing for snow. This made me think, we live in Illinois, shouldn't they be used to snow?

This is my first winter away from Lake Michigan, maybe it's milder, or maybe its worse. I don't know yet. However, I grew up in Michigan so I do know snow totals. When the new says up to 6 inches, it really means 1/2 inch or so. Even if it is 6 inches, That's not terrible. Roads might be bad yes, but to stop you from getting groceries all through the weekend, no.

Last year it snowed. and snowed. and snowed. and ended in TWO adult snow days (best days ever!) Yes, I did stock up before that snow storm, but this time I didn't. I have some food, like normal amount but I'm not stock piling. Am I going to get screwed tomorrow? let's hope not. That being said, I overthink things like snow, and how to react to snow.

I am somewhat excited by the idea of snow. But again, not too much as I like the warmth a lot too.

stay warm out there kids.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

A week in photos

Remember my list of 101 things to do in 2012? Well one of those was a photo a day. Some days I take more then one, and somedays I struggle to even manage one... anyway, here is my week in photos. Sunday night 1/1/12- I made mini-bundt cakes for the first time. These are chocolate chip bundts. So yummy! (also a goal!)

Monday, 1/2/12- I painted my nails fun pink with sparkles. Then I noticed it matched my top. Matchy-matchy.


Tuesday 1/3/12- Homemade potstickers and rice. They don't look that pretty but they were yummy! Wednesday 1/4/12- Keith painted my toenails a nice blue with small glitter. Fun!
Thursday 1/5/12- Pizza for dinner. yumm!

Friday 1/6/12- I'm totally geeked about this blue and silver glittery nailpolish! I am so happy I got it. It was a Birthday month gift to myself.

Saturday 1/7/12-I have an empty plate Saturday night (tonight). So This is what I have planned: make bundt cakes, start on my second book of the new year (finished one, only 12 more to achieve my goal), wear my super comfy slippers my aunt got me for Christmas, watch tv, and drink some tea while relaxing. Perfect Saturday night. I remember when I used to go out, and stay out til 3 drinking the blue and pink colored martinis and taking cabs around town. Somedays I miss that, but other days I am perfectly happy in my apartment being a homebody.

So that, my friends, is my past week in photos. I plan on doing this every week (if I remember). I also plan on blogging more regularly, this week has been a fluke that I haven't gotten around to it. But I do have to say, I am keeping up on my goals (mostly).

Sunday, January 1, 2012

new goals for 2012.

Happy new year!!!! So I'm not big on resolutions, instead I created a list of 101 things I want to accomplish in 2012. These go along with my standard everyday goals: be successful in my job, be the best person I can, find humor in life, be the best daughter, sister, and girlfriend I possibly can, etc. I have all of 2012 to work on these, and hope to blog about them along my way....

Below is my list. I encourage you to do the same, it was very therapeutic.

1.) make a steak pie- As someone who lived in Scotland, I miss this dish so much.
2.) increase Lokibean sales by 10%
3.) do at least 6 craft shows
4.) write 200 pages in a novel
5.) take a fused glass class
6.) learn to sodier rings
7.) go to Galena- Galena has a home of my favorite president: Ulysses S Grant and its only within a few hours of my home, perfect right??
8.) learn to make 5 different kinds of donuts
9.) lose 20 pounds
10.) go to centinnial beach- a local pool
11.) hike at starved rock
12.) make homemade tortillas
13.) go to the cabin- my cabin in northern michigan
14.) make a bundt cake
15.) save $$
16.) make 1/2 my christmas gifts
17.) eat at a fancy restaurant, like super fancy
18.) blog twice or three times a week
19.) do photo a day challenge
20.) be more daring in my cuisine choices
21.) eat lunch everyday- sometimes the day just gets the best of me and I forget lunch
22.) eat breakfast everyday- sometime I don't like to wake up on time... whoops
23.) go to Brookfield zoo
24.) learn to play The Way We Gte By on piano
25.) learn to play Jessies Girls on ukelele
26.) join a boxing class
27.) learn to make cupcakes without a box
28.) buy a soda maker, and make 3 homemade sodas without premade syrup
29.) eat healthier
30.) go to four movies at the theater- I HATE movie theaters, but Keith loves them. I need to learn to compromise more.
31.) go visit MSU
32.) take my gre
33.) apply to grad school
34.) finish my education certificate
35.) ride a rollercoaster
36.) go to a water park
37.) make homemade empanadas
38.) make a vertical garden- my patio is just big enough for one and a small bistro set
39.) add something new to my shop every week
40.) go to springfield
41.) eat a ponyshoe (burger with fries on it)
42.) set up my craft room
43.) make an apple pie
44.) make pesto from scratch
45.) make noodles from scratch
46.) make a meatloaf
47.) sell at least one screenprinted item
48.) find two new soap molds
49.) swim in a lake- Every summer I used to go camping at a lake and couldn't get enough of swimming there, then I moved to Chicago and the thought of swimming in a lake that close to pollution frightened me, so now I need to find a new lake out here to swim in, or go to northern michigan
50.) have a date night with keith every week- Keith is a full time student and full time worker, so I never see him, this will make some special us time.
51.) make a new tablecloth
52.) go on a vacation to another state outside illinois or michigan
53.) go natural in medicine- I mean focus on gingers, mint, etc.
54.) go to woods more- again, I miss running through the woods as a child. I felt at home in it.
56.) Send in a post secret
57.) go to smoque barbq- great restaurant in chicago
58.) Run a 5k
59.) do something new with my hair
60.) cook every meal for one full week
61.) try a new recipe once every 3 weeks
62.) rejoin NAI
63.) Go camping
64.) take an art class
65.) read a classic literature book- I have gotten away from classic lit for things about forensics, and such so I need to get back.
66.) learn to make resin post earrings
67.) go to at least one restaurant featured on diners, drive thrus, and dives- K and I love to watch this show, and the places look so good, so we will go.
68.) do one new thing on Mackinac Island
69.) discover 6 new bands
70.) go to a concert
71.) keep up on an appointment book- I am usually good for the first month of the year then I lose interest
72.) try a new kind of pizza- I am a plain jane pizza gal, I need to try new things
73.) go to a forest preserve
74.) join a sports team
75.) go to a roller derby event
76.) make ice cream from scratch
77.) go to a museum I have never been to before
78.) read one book about a president I don't know much about
79.) go to a presidental museum or library
80.) become a member in the craft community
81.) learn a new craft
82.) beat one video game (keith can help)
83.) wear my own jewelry more
84.) make a multistrand necklace
85.) join MSU alumini society
86.) make a scarf not just dye or decorate
87.) go on a food trip
88.) Make homemade pasties
89.) wear dresses more
90.) make a stained glass piece
91.) read 13 books
92.) get a massage
93.) stop biting my nails
94.) learn how to can
95.) participate in november novel in a month month
96.) join the library and go there more
97.) finish the ulysses s. grant cross stitch
98.) back up all my photos on my computer
99.) wear a bathing suit with confidence
100.) keep a personal journal
101.) take a road trip and stop whenever I want to

55.) disappeared, so I will add a new one: 55.) sell one hand dyed silk scarf

So, those are mine. what's yours?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Loki's Jellybeans will return in the new year with EVEN MORE AND BETTER POSTS!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Holiday lights

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me how much I love the holiday season. I love picking out the perfect gift for others, decorating my apartment, drinking hot cocoa, and looking at lights. I love it. So I was so happy when my friend invited Keith and I out to the zoo to see lights! I couldn't wait.

Earlier in the day, Keith and I exchanged Christmas presents, which I will share at a later date, but he got me a new camera. I was so excited to take the camera out for a playdate at the zoo! So I snapped a few photos, and had a blast with friends.


Leaving the zoo, we ran across my favorite historical figure: Ulysses S. Grant. So I took a photo.

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Buying from small business for Keith

This is Keith. He is my boyfriend of 3.75 years. I try to pick out really thoughtful christmas gifts for him, but sometimes its hard because he's such a boy. He wants nerf guns, videogames, and various other zombie trinkets. He also likes science, and especially astronomy.

Anyway, I always have a hard time buying him handmade gifts. But I like to buy everyone on my list at least one handmade gift. He doesn't really need things like cufflinks, or bowties, or anything like that, so usually he gets soap, or lotion, or flavored chapstick. But I was reading in Craft magazine on my google reader, and they posted a link to this page. It was CUTE stuffed planets!!! I knew Keith needed one.

So I ordered it! then, I couldn't wait and gave it to him a little early. Although he still has a large stack under the tree...
Look at how cute!!! I got him the Moon. (although I just showed him the site, and he squealed about the sun) Anyway, I highly recommend these little guys. The ship quickly, they are really well priced for the quality product!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Well, I am alive. I moved to the burbs, and left the city. I didn't have internet for awhile, but now I do! I promise to write more later this week.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Lazy weekend.

So today is pretty low key. We walked round the zoo until the stroller group pushed out of the way of nearly every exhibit, so we left.

Keith is back in school so that means he's working on a paper. He's writing about gender roles, so of course I approve with my anthropology background and being interested in gender roles. I'm working on a report for work. He is visiting with his laptop so he is at the table working, and I'm in my bedroom blasting Belle & Sebastian and Spoon while working away at my laptop. I can't help but think back to MSU senior year where all I did was write paper after paper and listen to music on full blast.

In other news, my store will be updated this week. I'll keep you up to date on details.

Okay back to my report.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Chicago from above

Keith, Erin, and I celebrated her last few days in Chicago by going to the Hancock Observatory. For those of you who have never been to Chicago, the Hancock is located in downtown, but on the north-ish end. It is very close to Lake Michigan. It also provides an AMAZING view of Chicago.

I am leaving the city at the end of this month after 5 years. My heart is full of sadness, but I am okay with it. However, this view made me realize I will miss a lot of Chicago.

I was the only one who didn't have the fear of heights. Keith got over his quickly, which was great! Erin tried really hard and did much better once she had a cocktail in her.
The view down Lake Shore Drive. My apartment in in view...kind of. I love this picture.

The sun set over the city was really breath taking. We ate gelato and watched it, then headed to the signature lounge for a cocktail. it was a lovely night.

The next day Keith and I left for a wedding in Michigan, and one day after that Erin left the city. We already miss her.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Loki asks you to heart Loki's Jellybeans on Etsy! Please? I mean how can you say no to a face like this?!!?!?

Sunday, August 21, 2011

7 things about me.



In keeping with my trying to blog more, I'm going to blog about what I know...me. I thought I would share 7 small things about me, to kind of get to know me a little better.

1.) I like being by lakes, rivers, and even oceans. I especially like the great lakes. Water relaxes me. for the most part.

2.) I met my best friend in the entire world in November 2007. We started dating in Jan. of 2008, and we haven't looked back since. I'm so happy that of all the bars in Chicago, I walked into his and my friend picked the seat at his bar. perfecto.

3.) I get mad when crime solving t.v. shows have inaccurate science. I love forensics, and I love the crime solving t.v. shows, but sometimes I get too wrapped up and end up yelling at Bones about anthropologists not being able to determine that.

4.) Speaking of, I have a degree in anthropology. I focused on historical archaeology, and did quite a bit of lab work. I think the most interesting artifact I analyzed was an old music box motor, which took me nearly 2 years to determine what it was. of course, without asking.

5.) My favorite movies in no order are: ghostbusters, singin in the rain, and wizard of oz.

6.) I started my jewelry career with a simple class at Joanns. My sister suggested taking a class there since it was half off. I signed up, and fell in love. the metal working was what made so excited. Even twisting or bending a wire reminded me of my blacksmithing days.


7.) I am a VERY proud Michigander. I love all things related to Michigan. One day, I will find my way back there... I know it.

Scaves!


So, I haven't kept with my promise to write more on my blog. That is my fault, but I see a lot more posts in my future. I am moving to the burbs soon. I am divided on my feelings for this. I am excited to be closer to work, and no longer have 2 + hour commutes home. But I am sad to leave the city. That being said, I can still visit the city whenever I want via train or car. So I'm not terribly sad.

Anyway, this summer I have had a new friend in Chicago. We both had the same job up on Mackinac Island, however we were a few years apart. Someone we both worked with set us up, since Erin was moving to Chicago alone for an internship at a theater here. I was so happy we met up and we clicked so well!

One Sunday she came over for bread making and scarf dying. I will post photos of our bread making (her- french white bread for an 1820 recipe, and me- lavender rosemary scones!) I then taught her how to dye scarves naturally.

Erin hard at work with cabbage and tea.

Up close of her scarf.


Erin hard at work. We made a total of 10 scarves together using various fruits and flowers. Mine are sitting in the window reacting and dyeing. I cannot wait to show them off.

In other news!! tomorrow is keith's first day back at school. good luck k face!