This Week's Blog Post

Mother of Pearl and Calcite Together!

I love this mix of beads for summer! Included are mother of pearl, white shell and calcite along with copper. 

Very sunny like! I am a sterling silver kind of girl but mix it up from time to time with copper! This set is available at Miss Val’s Creations.

Polenta Dish

This was delicious! 

We started with a layer of polenta and added sliced portabella mushrooms and feta.

Added sliced tomatoes and asparagus which had been sautéed in olive oil.

Then added green bell pepper and zucchini which was also sautéed.

We finished with another layer of polenta and feta.

Then we baked it at 350 for a brief time and it was perfection!!!

Lasik Surgery

I have been wearing glasses and contact lenses since my childhood. It really stinks because I can not see anything without either. It is bad. For years I have wanted to have lasik surgery. At first I waited thinking the costs will drop. Well, they never did! 

A couple of years ago I scheduled a consultation, but I chickened out after watching a video that prepares you for the worst. Everyone I know who has been through it had no problem. My mom had her eyes done 11 years ago and is only now needing reading glasses!

So I finally went for my consultation and have the surgery scheduled in June. I am so excited! I barely make it as a candidate because my prescription is so strong. I just make it within the parameters where the surgeon will do it! Of course the anxiety will build until this is done but I have a huge feeling that it will be one of the best things I will ever do for myself in my lifetime. I have dreamed about waking up and being able to see. This dream is going to come true. :)

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoy your week ahead. ~Val

This Week's Blog Post

Mother of Pearl Necklace

This one screams summer to me!!! 

The stick beads are dyed mother of pearl. I just love the turquoise and green together! I used turquoise magnesite in between each. This pretty piece is available at Miss Val’s Creations.

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

I know this is a cold weather dish, but it has not quite warmed up fully in my neck of the woods (although this coming week is looking warm)! Vegetarian shepherd’s pie is fun to make and can accept so many different substitutes!

For this one we started sautéing summer squash, mushrooms and carrots.

Then added lite soy sauce, freeze dried chives, black pepper and olive oil as needed to create a delicious gravy to taste.

So simple.

We whipped up some mashed potatoes. We always leave the skin on for extra nutrition.

We mixed in corn when putting the veggies in the casserole dish.

Then the mashed potatoes were spread on top along with shredded cheddar for extra pizzazz. We baked it until the cheese started browning a little.

MMMM! Ok, it does not look pretty, but boy does it taste delicious! Amazing comfort food…vegetarian and gluten free style!!!!

 Flowers

These are my mini crocuses that bloom next to my driveway.

This sweet mystery flower is blooming next to them.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a marvelous spring week!  ~Val