A Night At The Opera - Don Giovanni

We attended an Opera performance of Don Giovanni at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Saturday evening!   It was a great performance and very interesting.  The stage was well set, with a few changes occasionally, and the costumes were beautiful.  The music along with the singing was very moving, emotional and captivating.   The story well played out on the stage and I felt that it draws you into another time and place.   A memorable experience indeed! 

~ Wine Divine ~

~My love for Wine started a while back when I was living in England, and has grown ever since.  I enjoy red wine the most and usually prefer a full bodied type, dry, deeply colored, rich and aromatic!  I usually go for a first choice of either a Rosso or Cabernet Sauvignon.  I do also enjoy Chianti, Merlot, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.  I love Italian wines.  Love 'em!  They are a favorite.  

We enjoyed dining at a little Italian restaurant in Watford, England named Carnevale, while living near by there, and the owner/manger introduced us to Corvo Rosso.  The full name is Duca di Salaparuta Corvo Sicilia Rosso.  This was usually the wine of choice with many a fine evening enjoying the delicious Italian cuisine there.  Always delicious food and lots of fine wine.  I learned at that time that eating could be and was, as much an experience as a necessity.  I have many memories of long evenings spent there having a great time, and of bringing people there to enjoy the place with us!   I believe the restaurant still exists but it is vastly different than the place I admired.  

We were quite pleased to find Corvo wine when we returned to the states.  Sadly for a while though, we couldn't find any Corvo, but thanks to internet wine shopping we have been able to fulfill our Corvo wishes!  

Corvo Rosso

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wines I enjoy and would recommend!

Taurino - Salice Salentino - Rosso

The search for more Rosso brought us to this fine specimen one day while shopping at a wine store in Greenville, SC.  It was so good we looked for it the next time we were in there.  We did find one lone case and promptly purchased it.  It was the last time we were able to find it there, and so then I got busy searching the internet and found some online.  I had to try out the 2007 since I searched to the moon and back for the 2004, seems it was gone, gone!  I decided on ordering a case for the hubster for Christmas! 

It's so nice to get to share in the gifts we get for others, smart huh?...he he 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Castello di Gabbiano - Chianti Classico - Riserva

This Chianti has a nice full oak flavor and is fruity.  This is a step up from the Chianti Classico, which I see often as a choice at most Italian restaurants.   Made from sangiovese grapes.  Intense, concentrated fruits.  If you like a Chianti I recommend you give this a try! 

~The wine is aged for two years in oak barrels to enhance its structure and richness.  Thirty percent of the wine was aged in small, 55-gallon barriques (French oak barrels), while 70 percent was aged in 500-gallon botti (Slovenian oak barrels). After bottling, the wine rests for another six months before it is released.

Gabbiano Gets It Right - Great article on this wine!

   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

7 Deadly Zins - Zinfandel

This wine was recommended one evening by our server, while we were enjoying a celebration anniversary/birthday dinner at the fondue restaurant the Melting Pot.  We were pleasantly surprised with its wonderful richness.  I honestly can't remember ever having a Zinfandel that wasn't white before that.  None the less I fell in love with this wine and have enjoyed it ever since that evening, and I have even given and received it as a gift!  This has a nice oakey, full rich flavor and every time I have it I remember why I like it so much!  The back of the bottle has a crafted poem containing the seven deadly sins. Oh lord, forgive me my zins.

Michael and David 2007 The Seven deadly Zins Zinfandel - Great article on this wine!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


More to come! :o)

I'll be adding more wines as I try them!

Cheers! *glass clink*

Jewelry by Tammy - Birthday Gifts for my Sister

Some more of my recent completed projects.

I made these for my Sister to spoil her a little for her birthday!  She thanked me a lot, and said she really loved all of them! 
That makes me smile! :o)

Pearls and gold glass.

Pink arylic rounds and pink crystals, with silver and clear glass,

and a crystal heart pendant.

Mauve focal glass bead with clear crystals,

 and mauve and gold glass.

Burgandy and gold glass.

Silver painted acrylics with black, gray and clear glass.

Morning view

The view from our back deck this morning. 

As I sat on the back deck this morning, enjoying a very sunny and beautiful Sunday morning, along with a delicious cup of coffee in hand, the smell of the Privet hedges that are in full bloom are filling the air with sweetness! 

I decided to capture a few photos of that view and share it. 

Sorry, it's too bad this is not smell-a-vision! *wink*

The Privet Hedges

These bloom tiny white flowers that smell so sweet and it fills the air with it's fragrance!

A little closer view of the privet

(front and center here is a golden euonymus shrub)

A closer look at the privet blooms

This grows wild in my back yard and I try to control some of it.  

I enjoy its fast growth and that it adds to our privacy because it gets rather tall. 

I enjoy this time of year when it is in full bloom!  It's beautiful to look at, and smells so good.

Relaxing on a sweet Sunday morning! :o)

Crepes - Sweet or Savory

I went searching for crepes recipes after I had recently enjoyed some delicious crepes at a food festival.  After viewing several, I put a plan together for a recipe that was the easiest, and had the fewest ingredients.  I have used this recipe ever since for making crepes, they are delicious, and they also freeze well ...if you do have leftovers! 

Banana and Nutella Crepes

My favorite crepes to make are Banana and Nutella Crepes.  I used the sweet variation recipe below, and after cooking the crepe added about a tsp. of Nutella to spread over it, then added thin slices of Banana.  The crepe can be folded in half, rolled up like a burrito or fold over sides and then the ends to form a square shape. Drizzle more Nutella on the outside if you like and then sprinkle with powdered sugar....mmmmm these are very delicious!  Try this with Strawberries and Nutella, or Strawberries and Cream Cheese or other fruit filling.  Enjoy!





Crepes Recipe

2 large eggs

3/4 cup light cream

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

3 Tablespoon butter, melted

butter to coat pan

*Sweet or Savory ingredients-see bottom of recipe.

• In a bowl mix eggs, cool melted butter and *sweet or savory variation ingredients.

• While whisking carefully, add 1/2 of the flour,  1/2 of the cream, 1/2 of the water, repeat till all ingredients have been added.

• Place the crepe batter in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This will allow the bubbles to subside so the crepes will be less likely to tear during cooking. The batter will keep for up to 48 hours.

• Heat a small non-stick pan. Add butter to coat pan. Pour 1 ounce of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Cook for approximately 30 seconds and then carefully flip crepe. Cook for another 10 seconds and then remove to the cutting board. Stack crepes between sheets of parchment paper if not preparing immediately. Lay them out flat so they can cool. Continue until all batter is gone. After they have cooled you can stack them and store in seal able plastic bags in the refrigerator for several days, or store in the freezer for up to two months. When using frozen crepes, thaw on a rack before gently peeling apart.

*Savory Variation - Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the egg mixture

*Sweet Variation - Add 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla-extract, and (optional) 2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur to the egg mixture.

It's up to your imagination what you can come up with for great crepes!

Additional links for Crepes recipes below:  I need to try these!

strawberry cheesecake crepe

banana and chocolate mascarpone crepes

crepes with spinach bacon and mushroom filling

photo source
photo source

photo source

- Music Bullet

Here's an interesting new gadget I recently purchased.

The "Music Bullet", this is a mini speaker to attach to a laptop, MP3 player, or smartphone.  It comes with an internal battery, and it recharges via USB connection and runs for 5 to 7 hours on a single charge!  It comes with a USB adaptor, and also the speaker cord attached that retracts into it, which extends about 20 inches.  

There are buttons on the sides that can be pressed, and it will pop up into the open position to increase the bass. As you can see in the photos, next to the ink pen it is quite small in size. I found mine by the "As Seen on TV" area at my local drug store. The cost was $14.99.   I am glad I bought it, the sound is much better now from the laptop, and I can use it with my smartphone or the Ipod, outside or anywhere.  I think it was well worth the price, and it's small enough to take along with you!  It's a great gadget!

Volume up!...

Nutella

Nutella!

This is a new love for me!  I have always been a choc-a-holic, so when I had this for the first time a little while back, I was amazed that I hadn't experienced it before.  Like, where has it been all of my life, how could I have not tried this sooner?  Maybe I never noticed it because of the name, had it been "Cocoa Hazelnut Spread" instead, I'm sure I would have noticed that!  I also realized I'd deprived my children of it as well.  Sorry for that kiddos!  Delicious hazelnut and cocoa.  Helloooo?  Did you hear that? (OK read that?)  Again delicious hazelnut and cocoa.  It's the ultimate comfort food.  Chocolate bliss.  A have-to-have-it!  Need it, want it, gonna go have some right now....be right back!... 

...OK, back now!

I have discovered that Nutella is a great way to start my day, by spreading it on a toasted whole wheat bagel thin.  It compares to Peanut Butter in calories!  So my guilt level is lowered after learning that.  I've recently made Banana and Nutella Crepes, and talk about goodness!  Well, just give those a try and then talk to me about it later!  I feel sure you will enjoy it and so will those you make them for!  I have been seeing many Nutella ideas and recipes online.  

There will be more to come on this subject, I'm sure!  So I felt I needed to pay homage to this new wonderment of fantabulously divine decadence!

Go get a jar if you haven't had it before, or even if you have!  Enjoy!

Keep Smiling!...

~ Tammy ~

 

                                                         photo source

The History of Nutella

Jewelry by Tammy - Earring Sets

A variety of dangle earring sets.

Earrings are the type of jewelry I wear the most.  If I feel a necklace is too much, sometimes I'll just wear earrings.  I made these as a kind of stand alone earring, since I did not make any matching pieces to go with them.  Although they would work well with some of my other pieces, or a simple pearl pendant or a chain.

These are some of the first pieces that I made.

Pearls look good with just about anything in my opinion.  

Pearls stand out nicely and can be worn with a casual outfit, and can easily also dress up a more formal or an elegant look. 

The pearl set were made using two different sized pearls and gold elements and chain.  

The Blue glass teardrop sets were a recycle project.  I purchased a pair of discount earrings that I didn't really like all that well, but I did like the several blue teardrops on them, so I took the earrings apart and made a few different pairs of earrings with them. 

I Tamified them! = My term for when I change something to make it to my liking,

I call this Tamifying, or say it has been Tamified! -  :o)

 Crystals and Pearls

This first pair has two different shaped glass beads, rondelles w/ crystals, and swarovski crystals on the bottom.

This second pair is crystals and pearls, with gold filled rounds and bead caps.  I like that they have that little extra swing to the bottom.

In this first photo, a pair of earrings with pearls, and rondelles with crystals, and the other pair has round and rice pearls, and gold plated rounds with diamond cuts.  Both also have gold seed beads

The black sets are a mix of glass and swarovski crystals, along with gold elements and seed beads.

Grilled Potatoes - Cooked in foil on the grill

- Grilled Potatoes - 

This is an easy and delicious way to cook potatoes, using chopped potatoes with lots of added seasoning for flavor, along with olive oil, wrapped up in a foil pouch and then grilled.  Smoky paprika and chili powder give it great flavor, and a beautiful color too.  I usually make this dish to be cooked on the outdoor grill, but it can be done in the oven also.  Requiring only a small amount of prep time, this is an easy side dish, especially when grilling out, and it's a no fuss crowd pleaser at my place.  It's a family favorite! We call it "Potatoes in foil."

Grilled Potatoes 
In Foil 

My basic recipe for grilled "Potatoes in foil" (as we call it):
 (Use what you like to make them your own and the amounts to your taste.)

Ingredients:
potatoes of choice, chopped/cubed - (I prefer unpeeled small red potatoes - use a 2-4 per person ratio depending on size)
sweet onions chopped or sliced (optional)
Approximate measure of other ingredients below
3-4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried herbs  - ie. mixed italian or of choice (optional)
1/2 tsp season salt
1/2 black pepper

Directions:

Cut potatoes into quarters, and then slice into about half inch thick slices. Add olive oil and seasonings, mix well.

Everything can be mixed in a bowl first or prepared on a large sheet of the foil the potatoes will be wrapped in.  I make it all up on large sheets of foil, toss all the ingredients by hand and then fold the edges up a few times, folding into pouches and close tightly.   Wrap again if necessary.  This keeps the heat, oil, and steam inside as the potatoes cook.  Place pouch (or pouches if making smaller ones) on the grill.  Turn often!

Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes.  The amount of time to cook until done will depend on the heat of the grill.  A light press on the foil pouch with oven gloved hand or a spatula will help determine the potatoes are getting softer.  The pouch can also be removed from the grill or moved from direct heat source and remain unopened and warm for a period of time, while more space is needed on the grill for meats etc.

Enjoy!...

- Hippity-Hoppity Easter's on it's way!

Looking forward to visiting with the family for Easter! 

Just a few goodies to make a couple little Easter baskets for the granddaughters.

Their momma says, "G-ma has to spoil 'em".  I do, I do! :o)   Just a little something extra from Grandma, and Grandpa too!  Chocolate eggs, Peeps, Suckers, Mini-Coloring pages, Sticker book, Snow globe, Bubbles and a Rhinestone Cupcake necklace!

Goodies for the Easter Baskets!

I think they turned out pretty cute!

Little Sis's  Basket

Big Sis's  Basket


I know they will enjoy their baskets.A hippity-hoppity good time will be had!...

An Easter Peep-a-boo!

[:  My -Just for Laughs- today  :]

PEEP-a-boo!

                                                                                                 Photo source

    This made me laugh!  So I had to share it. :o)
I think the photographer had fun with this!




Hope everyone has a blessed Easter!  

Jewelry by Tammy - Variety of Sets

Some of my recent jewelry project completions.  

A variety of necklace and earring sets here.  Made with Glass, Acrylics and Metal beads.  I like the arcrylic beads in some designs for their light weight and soft feel.



Black and pink glass teardrops with black, pink and clear glass,

and black swarovski crystals



Aqua acrylic and,
 gold and aqua glass

Black metal and,

 black and gold glass

  

Lavender and clear crystals with gold glass



Red and gold glass



Navy pearls and,
 gold and clear glass

Purple acrylic and,
gold, clear and purple glass

Turquoise acrylic and glass

 

Turquoise acrylic and glass

 

 

Navy blue arrylic and,

 gold and clear glass

 

Pink and clear acrylic

and gold glass





All Photos Property of Tips, Treats & Treasures

Photos, text, and articles on this site are property of Tips, Treats & Tresures unless other credit is given in the post. If you use a photo on your site, please give credit to Tammy and mention that you got the picture from tips-treats-treasures.blogspot.com.  Thanks!

April Fools!

     

I love a good practical joke, as long as no one gets hurt, well physically anyway!  Some people may not be able to take a joke.  For the most part I believe most people can.  Since I love to laugh, why would I not love a good practical joke, eh?  I have a few memories of some of my antics.  My family has gotten to where they expect me to get up to something on the ol' April Fool's day.  

I have gotten the Hubster with a few good ones.  I had him convinced one year (via a phone conversation) that a couple of men had just come to our home to repo his truck, and that they were on their way to his work address to repo it, since they had quoted me the work address and asked conformation of it being correct. I apologized profusely to him over the phone, and said "I don't know how but the past few payments had not been received."  Well of course he was not very happy with me or the situation at this point, and he became very silent.  I said " Are you there, hello?"  He replied "Yes! I'm just trying to think of where I'm going to go hide my truck!"  I'm feeling like I better let him off the hook, or myself I mean, and then I said "Well maybe you should just not worry about it and be glad that I made an April fool out of you!"  He was indeed relieved and let out a sigh and a laugh, and then said " OK you got me!"  

I've done other little silly things like, a rubber band around the spray nozzle at the kitchen sink.  This one always gets the user of the facet spayed with water when they turn it on!  Also beware, this one could make 'em mad, but hey it's only water!  I also had him thinking I was handing him a hot cup of coffee while he was sitting down in a living room chair.  I carried an empty cup oh so carefully, as if it was full and hot, and then acted as if I stumbled and started to dump it on him.  He did come up about  four foot into the air, and then he saw that there was nothing in the cup!  He shook his head at me and then we both had a good laugh afterwards!  Well maybe I had a better laugh on that one!  All in good fun!  He warns me that I have a couple doozies coming my way, all well deserved I know!  I'm looking over my shoulder, trust me!  

All in good fun!...