An Amazing Nibble and Beautiful Blue Agate

Hi everyone.  It is Sunday again which doesn't make me as sad here in the Summer as it does during the school year!  Imagine that!  My school year will begin again quick as a wink.  It seems once August hits, time flies.  On the bright side, I am looking forward to meet the new kiddos in my class.  I have been having fun, crafting up a storm(mostly jewelry). 

Speaking of jewelry, I had great fun making this necklace and earrings to go with a bracelet I made with my monthly jewelry kits.  I was shocked that I found matching blue agate beads on Ebay very inexpensively.  I just took apart one of the companion bracelets I made with the kit-actually it was an extender to turn any of the other bracelets into a necklace.  I used the beads I got from the extender and the blue agate beads from my online purchase and came up with what I thought was a cool necklace design.  I am very happy with it.  I kept the earrings kind of simple because those agate beads were way too big for that application.  I also changed the clasp on the bracelet because the one the company that makes the kits had me use kept coming undone.  I am really liking this new jewelry making skill I am learning.  It is really addicting!

On the recipe front, I made an amazing hot onion dip from The Kitchen Is My Playground .  I cut the recipe in half-12 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mayo, and 1 large onion very finely chopped.  I don't care for crunchy onions(unless they are green scallions) so I went over and over them when I was chopping.  I baked the dip at 350degrees for 50 minutes.  It was delish.  My husband and I are part-time empty nesters.  I say that because there are many nights during the week both our sons are either working or busy so the hubs and I are on our own.  I came up with the idea for a couple of nights a week of soup and nibbles.   We make hot appetizers(either homemade or from the freezer section) and soup.  This hot dip became an instant favorite nibble!  I ate it warmed up for a couple of days after and it was still yummy!  I think when I am charged to bring something to the next family get together, this is it. 

I have some sewing I want to get to this week.  My husband and I are getting away for the night Thursday which will be nice.  I have a doctors appointment a little over an hour's drive from home, so we take advantage and head a little further to a favorite spot to get away for the night.  Next weekend, we are going to a flea market/craft fair of sorts.  I am looking forward to that.  I am toying with the idea of becoming a vendor next year at this annual event.  I am kind of apprehensive of taking my handiwork to the next level.  I keep thinking I haven't found my niche yet.  I have thought I am the type of person who needs a gentle but firm shove but that is silly.  I need to pull up my big girl pants and go after what I want!  Does that sound convincing?  I hope you all have a great week.  Take care.  Nancy