Hi Everyone!
Well, this is the last post for Bella Fortuna Studios. I had originally chosen the name because it was going to be the name of my jewelry line. However, things have changed over the last couple years and I have decided on a different name for my new jewelry business. You can get the scoop on my jewelry, my other art work and my crazy little life at my new blog www.shop1031.blogspot.com. I also have a new shop opening up on etsy.com at www.irisgonyea.etsy.com that I'll be filling with my brand new jewelry designs that you can take home for yourself. I think it's going to be an awesome year with lots of exciting things happening, so I hope to see you there!
xoxox
Iris
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
So much to do!
Okay, I'm super busy today because I'm getting ready for my first jewelry show this weekend and there's so much left to do! Luckily I have an awesome family and my parents were here past midnight last night helping me get things ready.
I did want to share a couple quick pics from our weekend in South Carolina though. We had a great time visiting the boy's family and participating in a big surprise birthday party and an early Christmas. All in less than 3 days!
And on Thursday, Stella and I visited the dog park for the first time. At first, she didn't know what to do with so many other dogs running around but eventually she relaxed and started running around with some new friends. The whole thing was so cute.
Looking around at all the other dogs.
Finally chasing a new friend around. I forget she's still such a baby compared to adult dogs.
Okay gotta go make some jewelry! Hopefully I can post some pics later, but in the meantime if you're in Austin on Sunday I'll be at the Tapestry Dance Company from 10-3 for their Holiday Open House complete with food, drink, crafts and dance demonstrations! It's free and open to the public- find the directions here.
I did want to share a couple quick pics from our weekend in South Carolina though. We had a great time visiting the boy's family and participating in a big surprise birthday party and an early Christmas. All in less than 3 days!
And on Thursday, Stella and I visited the dog park for the first time. At first, she didn't know what to do with so many other dogs running around but eventually she relaxed and started running around with some new friends. The whole thing was so cute.
Looking around at all the other dogs.
Finally chasing a new friend around. I forget she's still such a baby compared to adult dogs.Okay gotta go make some jewelry! Hopefully I can post some pics later, but in the meantime if you're in Austin on Sunday I'll be at the Tapestry Dance Company from 10-3 for their Holiday Open House complete with food, drink, crafts and dance demonstrations! It's free and open to the public- find the directions here.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Headin' South! kind of...
I'm off to South Carolina to visit D's family. Just a quick trip for the weekend, but since I'll be traveling I won't be making any jewelry. Makes me a little sad. I will get to catch up on some reading though and I might do some journal work- and that makes me happy. :D
So, I hope you all have a super fantastic weekend and when I get back I will be sure to post some pictures of the last few necklaces I've made and a few pairs of earrings. I tried today, but I've run out of time and it's very overcast so the pictures were awful. Okay, gotta go pack!
xoxo
So, I hope you all have a super fantastic weekend and when I get back I will be sure to post some pictures of the last few necklaces I've made and a few pairs of earrings. I tried today, but I've run out of time and it's very overcast so the pictures were awful. Okay, gotta go pack!
xoxo
Friday, November 27, 2009
A Little Gratitude
Today I'm filled with this weird feeling, like I should be doing something. I just don't know what that something is. I know I could get some Christmas shopping out of the way, or do laundry (why is there ALWAYS laundry to be done?), or just clean up the house in general; but none of those things feel like what I'm "supposed" to be doing. And I don't know how to figure out what that thing is.
So instead, I'm going to make a list. These are the things I'm thankful for- and I'm only going to list the first 10 that pop into my head because I need to throw the pooch in the car and head over to my mom's house!
I'm thankful for:
1. My family.
2. That my family gets along with each other.
3. My mom's cooking.
4. Pumpkin pie.
5. D. (otherwise known on this blog as "the boy")
6. Stella, my pooch. (otherwise known as "monster", "crazytown", and "wingnut")
7. Technology that helps me keep in touch with my friends and family that are far away, like cell phones, facebook, email, text messages, and smoke signals.
8. The opportunity to visit D's family in South Carolina this coming week.
9. The holidays. I'm one of those suckers that really believes in the spirit of Christmas and that everyone is really the best version of themselves this time of year.
10. Financial Security. I'm not talking about being rich, because I'm not. I'm talking about knowing you'll be able to make the mortgage payment because you're not living beyond your means and your partner (or whoever you share a bank account with) is responsible and doesn't drain the bank account without telling you and you're both on the same page about what to spend money on. Having similar financial goals and spending habits is so important for your peace of mind. It really is a blessing.
Okay, that's it! I'm off to spend some time with my crazy mom and aunt. Trust me, I say crazy with all the love in my heart. I look at their love for each other and friendship as adults and I can only hope that I have that in the future. Of course, I don't have a sister so.... I'll have make do with some really good girlfriends or cousins perhaps.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
xoxoxo
So instead, I'm going to make a list. These are the things I'm thankful for- and I'm only going to list the first 10 that pop into my head because I need to throw the pooch in the car and head over to my mom's house!
I'm thankful for:
1. My family.
2. That my family gets along with each other.
3. My mom's cooking.
4. Pumpkin pie.
5. D. (otherwise known on this blog as "the boy")
6. Stella, my pooch. (otherwise known as "monster", "crazytown", and "wingnut")
7. Technology that helps me keep in touch with my friends and family that are far away, like cell phones, facebook, email, text messages, and smoke signals.
8. The opportunity to visit D's family in South Carolina this coming week.
9. The holidays. I'm one of those suckers that really believes in the spirit of Christmas and that everyone is really the best version of themselves this time of year.
10. Financial Security. I'm not talking about being rich, because I'm not. I'm talking about knowing you'll be able to make the mortgage payment because you're not living beyond your means and your partner (or whoever you share a bank account with) is responsible and doesn't drain the bank account without telling you and you're both on the same page about what to spend money on. Having similar financial goals and spending habits is so important for your peace of mind. It really is a blessing.
Okay, that's it! I'm off to spend some time with my crazy mom and aunt. Trust me, I say crazy with all the love in my heart. I look at their love for each other and friendship as adults and I can only hope that I have that in the future. Of course, I don't have a sister so.... I'll have make do with some really good girlfriends or cousins perhaps.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
xoxoxo
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Vampires and acrobatic dogs
The past couple of days have been busy and there's definitely not enough daylight even in Texas. I'm having trouble forming any type of coherent thoughts right now, so here's a list of what I've been up to.
1. Watching New Moon 12:01am Friday morning with my mom and a million giggling, screaming teenage girls. It was great. And it made remember how cool my mom has always been. Not the you-can-drink-alcohol-when-you're-underage-in-my-house-as-long-as-you-don't-drive-type of cool. But the kind of mom who's up for anything as long as it's not life-threatening, like waking up at 3am to take two freshmen girls to the cowboy breakfast (San Antonio rodeo tradition) and THEN going to work, or taking the bus down to the coast at the spur of the moment to surprise my dad while he was working out of town, or hosting a sleepover for all the girls in the eighth grade knowing full well there would be no sleeping that night. I hope when I have kids and I'm in the middle of work and mortgages and homework and PTA meetings, I can remember to have the same enthusiasm for otherwise foolish pursuits.
2. Watching New Moon the Friday night with a twenty-something friend who is also un-apologetically enamored with the Twilight saga.
3. Watching New Moon with D on Sunday. Yes, for the third time. What?
4. Trying to tire Stella out in the backyard so she doesn't try to eat my laptop.
5. Paying for molto expensive vet visits. $320 for x-rays! Really?
So here's a couple shots of my crazy pooch outside to make you smile.
She's obsessed with rolling around in the grass and doing somersaults over and over. So funny.
I have a tough time getting pictures of her that aren't blurry since she isn't still for long, but I like them anyway. Ciao for now!
xoxo
1. Watching New Moon 12:01am Friday morning with my mom and a million giggling, screaming teenage girls. It was great. And it made remember how cool my mom has always been. Not the you-can-drink-alcohol-when-you're-underage-in-my-house-as-long-as-you-don't-drive-type of cool. But the kind of mom who's up for anything as long as it's not life-threatening, like waking up at 3am to take two freshmen girls to the cowboy breakfast (San Antonio rodeo tradition) and THEN going to work, or taking the bus down to the coast at the spur of the moment to surprise my dad while he was working out of town, or hosting a sleepover for all the girls in the eighth grade knowing full well there would be no sleeping that night. I hope when I have kids and I'm in the middle of work and mortgages and homework and PTA meetings, I can remember to have the same enthusiasm for otherwise foolish pursuits.
2. Watching New Moon the Friday night with a twenty-something friend who is also un-apologetically enamored with the Twilight saga.
3. Watching New Moon with D on Sunday. Yes, for the third time. What?
4. Trying to tire Stella out in the backyard so she doesn't try to eat my laptop.
5. Paying for molto expensive vet visits. $320 for x-rays! Really?
So here's a couple shots of my crazy pooch outside to make you smile.
She's obsessed with rolling around in the grass and doing somersaults over and over. So funny.
I have a tough time getting pictures of her that aren't blurry since she isn't still for long, but I like them anyway. Ciao for now!xoxo
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This might be a keeper
Okay, this is a quick post so I can get back to work making jewelry. Usually I make a piece (of jewelry, art, whatever) thinking it's a great idea and then once it's finished... I hate it. I think, "Ugh! What was I thinking? This is crap." But I think I really like this piece. I'm posting a quick picture I took with my phone even though the shadows are a little out of control.
Tell me what you think.
The large focal bead is carved bone on an aged brass chain. The other beads are wood cylinders, crazy lace agate rondelles, aquamarine rondelles, and violet and gold glass beads.
And, of course, a couple pictures of my little dog. The light is bad at night in my living room but she's just so cute! I bought this little shirt for her on clearance to make the boy happy and I totally expected her to go crazy and promptly tear it to shreds, but once we got it on her she just pranced around and went about her business chewing on every item in the living room.
And a black and white portrait once she tired herself out. I know she'll be small for such a short time, I feel like I need to record as much as possible. She's growing so fast- in the ten days between vet visits she gained 4 pounds! 9 and 1/2 weeks old and she's 14 pounds. Big puppy.
Tell me what you think.
The large focal bead is carved bone on an aged brass chain. The other beads are wood cylinders, crazy lace agate rondelles, aquamarine rondelles, and violet and gold glass beads.
And, of course, a couple pictures of my little dog. The light is bad at night in my living room but she's just so cute! I bought this little shirt for her on clearance to make the boy happy and I totally expected her to go crazy and promptly tear it to shreds, but once we got it on her she just pranced around and went about her business chewing on every item in the living room.
And a black and white portrait once she tired herself out. I know she'll be small for such a short time, I feel like I need to record as much as possible. She's growing so fast- in the ten days between vet visits she gained 4 pounds! 9 and 1/2 weeks old and she's 14 pounds. Big puppy.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Green chicken and sleepy puppies
Tomorrow is my birthday, people. It's a big one, too. I don't have anything amazing planned, but I am going to spoil myself a little with a pedicure and a massage- two of my very favorite things. Unfortunately I have to work those in between doggie walks, a doctor's appointment, and an airport dropoff. Hmmm... now that I think about it, I might have to save those for Friday. That stinks.
So tonight I made some green chicken enchiladas that were really good and really easy- which makes them taste even better, I think. Want the recipe? Okay, shred some chicken (the rotisserie kind from the grocery store or used the canned kind in a pinch). Toss it in a pot with a can of Rotel tomatoes and green chiles, season with some minced/chopped garlic, salt, black pepper and cumin. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce down. Now warm up some white corn tortillas in the microwave and spray some Pam in a casserole dish. Place a tortilla in the dish, place some of the chicken mixture in the center and add a little monterrey jack cheese or some of that yummy white Mexican cheese and then roll up the tortilla to make an enchilada. Repeat this until you fill the casserole dish or have made as many as you'd like. Now pour about a third of a can of Green Chicken Enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas to keep them moist and pop it in the oven (350-375 degrees) for about 5 minutes. Then add some more cheese on top (if you're a cheese hound like the boy) and the rest of the green sauce and put it back in the oven til it's bubbly, probably 10-15 minutes. I served it with some white rice with corn and poblano peppers mixed in and a salad, but you could also use mexican rice or some squash and zucchini. I should have taken a picture, but I didn't think about it at the time. Oh, and this little dish came courtesy of my mom. She's awesome.
And finally, here's a couple of pictures of Stella in my car. She's so funny when she gets tired, it's like she......just.........can't.........go.............on.
And instead of snuggling up on the seat, she finds comfort in laying on my purse. I guess she likes Juicy.
So tonight I made some green chicken enchiladas that were really good and really easy- which makes them taste even better, I think. Want the recipe? Okay, shred some chicken (the rotisserie kind from the grocery store or used the canned kind in a pinch). Toss it in a pot with a can of Rotel tomatoes and green chiles, season with some minced/chopped garlic, salt, black pepper and cumin. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce down. Now warm up some white corn tortillas in the microwave and spray some Pam in a casserole dish. Place a tortilla in the dish, place some of the chicken mixture in the center and add a little monterrey jack cheese or some of that yummy white Mexican cheese and then roll up the tortilla to make an enchilada. Repeat this until you fill the casserole dish or have made as many as you'd like. Now pour about a third of a can of Green Chicken Enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas to keep them moist and pop it in the oven (350-375 degrees) for about 5 minutes. Then add some more cheese on top (if you're a cheese hound like the boy) and the rest of the green sauce and put it back in the oven til it's bubbly, probably 10-15 minutes. I served it with some white rice with corn and poblano peppers mixed in and a salad, but you could also use mexican rice or some squash and zucchini. I should have taken a picture, but I didn't think about it at the time. Oh, and this little dish came courtesy of my mom. She's awesome.
And finally, here's a couple of pictures of Stella in my car. She's so funny when she gets tired, it's like she......just.........can't.........go.............on.
And instead of snuggling up on the seat, she finds comfort in laying on my purse. I guess she likes Juicy. 
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