Typical Monday

...except as we're all aware, it's raining!

It feels as if fall has finally gotten here with this first soggy weekend. I like putting on my sweater and socks.

I did my shopping today for the third week of the food stamp challenge. My list was so short I found myself looking for things to add, and I was still under by $4.23!

This exercise has been teaching me some important lessons.

•The first is I tend to purchase the same things week in and week out.

•A list and a calculator are imperative. I also make certain I look for specials as I'm going along and check the ads before starting to shop.

•I don't roam around the store. I know where everything is located, and don't spend much time browsing. If I have to go into unfamiliar territory (aka: the interior of the grocery store) I only head down the aisle that houses what I'm seeking.

•It's important to go grocery shopping when you have time. Rushing in is the best way to go over budget. It's nice to slow down once in awhile, why not at the grocery store?

•It pays to do the math. Today, I had almond milk on my list. One brand was on sale for $2.79. The competing brand wasn't on sale, but there was a coupon for 55¢ off. It was $3.29 before the coupon. After the coupon it was $2.74. Guess which one went into my cart?

•The scales in the produce department are nearly useless! My calculations on six of the bulk items I purchased were off. I had calculated high which is why I didn't spend the full amount this week.

Next week is the last week I'll be shopping on the budget I've given myself. I realize $33.50 per week is not much money to spend on food, but it can be done. I suspect once this personal challenge has come to an end I'll likely continue limiting the amount I spend on groceries.

In other Monday news....

My precious kitty had a visit with the vet today. He's hyperthyroid and has gotten quite thin. Today he weighed in at 8lbs. 11oz! He gained four ounces since his last visit. In human terms that's not much, but in cat terms it's pretty good. The vet was pleased, and depending on his thyroid levels we may adjust his medication. She's also hopeful that with this slight weight gain we may be able to get some lean muscle back onto his scrawny frame.

I sure hope so, he's rather knobby.

Time to go make salads for the week... and since I've had a few people inquiring about them, here's an illustration I found which explains how to make them::

Image source:: http://www.bureauofbetterment.com/blog/salad-in-a-jar/

Did She Make It?

Since I know the burning question on everyone's mind is whether or not I had a successful trip to the grocery store today... NOT! I know you all have much more interesting things to ponder than my personal challenge.

Just in case you're curious... I did it! I was under my budget of $33.50 by $1.12, which means I could have treated myself to the avocado I didn't put on my list because I'd added a bell pepper and knew it was going to be expensive.

When I first entered the store I made certain to check the circular that is always available to see if anything on my list was on sale. Sure enough, canned tomatoes were 2 for $1.00 with a coupon, so I gleefully tore it out and decided to get four cans instead of two. I now have tomatoes to last the rest of the month.

While I was at the store, I purchased freezer bags. The split pea soup I made last week is freezing. I cooked up ground turkey for one of the two salads I make ahead for the week. I froze half of it for next week. There are seven salads in the refrigerator for lunch this week. I also took the time to make the black bean and quinoa dish I wrote about last week.

As promised here is the recipe. I only had a list of the ingredients I use with no measurements. I paid attention (kinda) to what I was doing while I put it together so I could share.

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Carol's Black Bean and Quinoa {aka:: BeanWa}

1 1/2C cooked black beans (or a drained 14oz. can)
2C cooked quinoa
1/2C sliced leeks
1C packaged broccoli slaw or coleslaw
cumin
dried basil
salt
fresh ground pepper
2T olive oil

In a large saute' pan heat olive oil. Add leeks and slaw. Salt and pepper lightly, cook until veggies are translucent. Add quinoa to pan, stir in veggies, continue cooking. Add beans to mixture, stir well. Season with basil, and cumin. Be generous! Add salt and pepper to taste.

This dish is great warmed on top of salad. It's a nice side dish, and makes a good wrap in a spinach tortilla with cheese and salsa. I enjoy the texture of the quinoa, and the sweetness of the cabbage/broccoli in this dish. Plus I suspect it's pretty good for you.

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Now for something completely unrelated to my challenge.

I had a conversation with my next door neighbor this afternoon regarding a very large tree we share between our properties. It's a silver leaf maple. It stands over 40' and is a great source of shade for our west facing homes.

This winter, during a gusty night, a large branch came out of the tree and took out a couple of lines to my neighbor's house. They had a well respected Arborist take a look at it. This was the same gentleman I would have called for a second opinion.

The diagnosis for the tree is pretty grim. It has a fungal rot occurring in the root system. Additionally, a large portion of the tree is a sucker branch that has grown up to constitute more than half the tree. That part of the tree is dangerous in its own right. With the disease process going on it is only a matter of time before the tree comes down and does major damage to one or both of our homes.

My neighbors will be losing a large part of their landscaping when the tree comes down. It has been a shade source for two large rhododendrons, a couple of camillas, a Japanese maple, and many shade loving bedding plants. They're researching quick growing trees to plant in the maple's place, and will put in the largest one they can afford before the end of autumn. They're going to pay for the removal of the tree.

With a heavy heart I've agreed to let them proceed. I've asked they let me know the tree's removal date so I'm not surprised by the sound of chainsaws at a ghastly hour of the morning. Perhaps taking out the maple will let my very tall and columnar Gingko tree start spreading out at the top. It has always competed with the maple trees spreading branches.

As I told my neighbor I guess this is one way to avoid raking up all those leaves this year!

Food for Thought

One of the things I've considered about recording my progress of eating on a food stamp budget is that it really doesn't have much to do with beads... or does it?

Food is what drives our engines. Our brain consumes 20% of the calories we take in daily yet is only 2% of our body weight! To function at its best, the brain needs a constant supply of glucose. Without it you start feeling foggy, sluggish, and your memory starts to lapse.

Is it any wonder why children who are in households that struggle to keep food on the table have a harder time in school?

So, perhaps there is a connection between my project and beads. In order to be creative, learn new techniques, and remember where in the world things are, it will be necessary for me to eat well and keep my brain fed.

Yes, it's only day two, but I'm starting to become a little food obsessed. This morning before I left for the shop, I was certain to have my lunch packed, and my dinner planned. I also decided that a little cooking ahead was in order because I have two evenings that will keep me at the shop late this week.

Here's a picture of some of the salads I like to make in mason jars. I found this idea on Pinterest, and it has to be one of the best time savers I've ever come across. What I really enjoy about making salads for the week is that they're as good at the end of the week as the day I make them. It's so nice to reach into the fridge, grab my lunch, and scoot out the door knowing I'll have something fresh and good to eat.

This evening, I'm cooking ahead. There's a pot of split pea soup bubbling on the stove, and a pan of black beans soaking. I'll cook them up tomorrow to use in a terrific black bean and pasta dish I enjoy.

See... I am a little food obsessed, but then I can be a little bead obsessed, too. Oh well, it's all good.

I Love Monday

... and while I'm at it... I love the time change, too!

I love Monday because it's my day off! In essence, it's like Sunday, except there's no church, and the banks are open.

Monday is an interesting day to have off. The world moves differently. Folks seem friendlier, and less hurried. I can take my time with errands, and not fear I'll be run over by some harried person in a parking lot, or have to listen to the pitiful wails of children kept out past their nap time. Monday is great day to have off... I highly recommend it!

I also like the time change. Most people act like it's a real inconvenience, but honestly, what's the big deal? Time is all a perception anyway. Each one of us gets the same amount, and we are free to use the time we're given any way we wish. Why use it complaining about it? One good thing about the time change is that in six months the time change complainers will have something to complain about again.

Today was especially nice. I had a massage to work out all the aches and pains of the past few weeks. The bank was open, traffic was light, and the grocery store wasn't mobbed. I even got some Christmas shopping done today! I've decided that since I'm out and about on Monday, I might as well start holiday shopping now rather than waiting until the last minute.

I made a pot of my favorite soup for dinner tonight (I'll share the recipe in a minute). At the grocery store today I scored a wonderful buy on brie. Yes, guilty pleasure won out. At $2.29 each, I couldn't just leave them there... so I bought two!

One of my business neighbors made my life a bit easier today. First she gave me an incredible massage, then she made a generous offer.

Give me three minutes, and I'll start lamenting about the lack of space at the shop. I know most of the lack comes from my own perceptions. I'm extremely visual, and do not like too much disorder. I can take a few items that are being processed being out, but beyond that, I want things tucked away. The storage situation for back stock items and supplies has gone beyond my ability to function. As I wrote last night, I'm cleaning out the storage area frequently.

I told Caitlin (my sweet neighbor across the hall, and wonderful massage therapist) about my lack of storage. She offered me the use of her closet! Other than some cleaning supplies, she does not use it. We took a look and although it's on the smallish side, and doesn't have a lock...yet... it will be perfect for storing office supplies, paper products, brooms, and some other strange items that take up valuable space, and irk me every time I encounter them. Color me happy!

Now the soup!

In an issue of Sunset Magazine, I found what I like to refer to as a "Suggestion". I am my mother's daughter, and rarely follow any recipe I find (unless, I'm baking). I enjoy making alterations as I see fit. This recipe was perfect for altering.

Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Ingredients::

1 package Italian Chicken Sausages, removed from the casings (I like the Isernio brand).
2 cartons Wolfgang Puck Organic Free Range Chicken Broth (This broth is so perfectly seasoned you don't have to add salt)
1 small organic leek, chopped
1 bunch organic rainbow chard, chopped
Olive oil

That's all! No seasonings necessary because the sausage and the chicken broth have you covered!

In a large pot, heat olive oil, and saute leeks with sausage. When the leeks and sausage are done, add both cartons of broth. Bring to a boil. Add chard, let soup come back to a boil to soften chard, about 5 minutes. Done!

I like to let the soup sit for 15-20 minutes to cool. It's great with toast, or biscuits. My cat likes it, too!

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Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

One of my favorite things to do, other than play with beads, is writing. My head can be a busy place. Writing helps me get my thoughts out, and into some semblance of order.

Writing here has been challenging for me lately. There's a part of me which thinks I should be all business, and stay on topic. *yawn* When I get into that mindset, I find it difficult to let go, and well, write.

The flip side is 'hey, this is my blog, I can write whatever comes to mind.' I start writing, and the next thing I know I'm thinking no one will be interested. My life is pretty tame. An adventure is a trip to the grocery store. A thrill is shopping for new shoes. See? Tame.

Today, I've decided to blither.

If you've been in lately, you may have noticed (at least I hope you did) that you're seeing less of me. Thanks to Claire mentioning it, I started The 17 Day Diet on June 13th, and have been enjoying great results! I'm eight pounds away from my goal after dropping an amazing 16 pounds in 27 days! Opening my closet is no longer a nightmare. I'm wearing clothes I haven't fit into for several years. I feel great.

My sweetie decided to join me on the plan. You know guys, they're gung-ho for a couple of days, then they start slipping. Consequently, he's been hit and miss, while I've been Miss Dedicated... and because he's a guy, he's lost as much weight as I have. How unfair is that?

I don't know about you, but when I change my eating habits, I turn into a foodie. I become fascinated with finding ways to stay within the plan, but make something really yummy.

Thanks to this diet, I am now searching for a twelve step group. I'm thoroughly addicted to Fage 2% Greek Yogurt mixed with fresh, organic fruit. It's heavenly! I also learned of a great way to enjoy tacos... iceberg lettuce leaves instead of taco shells... out of this world. Oh, and stir fry is absolutely wonderful served over finely sliced, cold Romaine lettuce.

I think the best part of this way of eating for me is how fast I become full. Perhaps it's because I'm filling up on the right stuff.

Next topic.

A couple of weeks ago I joined a retailer's group on Facebook. We're all bead store owners, with a few yarn shops tossed in for fun. What an amazing group! The depth of knowledge, and experience is fantastic. The members are enthusiastic and open. They've shared some great ideas.

I'm telling you all of this because I don't want you to be too surprised when I start putting some of them into place at Dancing Beads. Most of them have to do with ways we can have fun while saving money, and pursuing our shared love of beads.

Hmmm, Facebook has made me think about comments.*

Let's talk about commenting. OK, I'll talk about it. Comments are those nice little notes you write when you enjoy something someone has shared. I know I haven't been here much lately, but I do know there are a few of you who check in regularly... just in case. I would likely write more if I had some feedback.

I love it when someone calls *ahem, not mentioning any names here Mom* to tell me how much s/he enjoyed something I posted, like oh, say a video of my cat, and honey singing a duet. Please don't get me wrong, the call is great, and so are the comments when you're in the shop. Writing a little note here... well, that would mean a great deal to me.

I was just about to mention I have taken the whole day off, then realized, um no, I haven't. There was paperwork squawking at me this morning, so I paid all the bills, and filed things in their proper places. Tomorrow... oh, never mind, I'm working on web stuff. I'll get myself to stop sooner or later.

Speaking of later. Claire and I have signed up for two classes with Marcia Decoster in San Mateo next month! We'll be on our beady road trip from August 12th-14th. I've been practicing right angle weave like a crazed woman. The description of the class said 'must be proficient.' Right now, I'm at 'sufficient,' but I'm getting there. Claire on the other hand can do the stitch with her eyes closed as evidenced by the picture to the right. It's one of Claire's clever creations.

I think we're going to have oodles of fun! Road Trip... and four whole days away from work. It will be the longest I've been away from the shop since opening. I'll probably be like a new mother leaving her baby for the first time. It will be good practice for next February (and that's all I'm going to say about it right now).

I have lots of great customer pictures to upload to Flickr. I love taking pictures of the pieces you all bring in to show me. I've been known to demand immediate removal from time-to-time. Anyway, before a grundle becomes too many, I'm going to post them here as a slide show. You'll agree... we're a very creative, and talented group!

Guess that's enough chitty chat for now. Don't forget about those comments.

*nothing like a few well placed links for Facebook, is there?

Dogwoods at Sunset

One of the great things about having my computer situated so I can see out the large picture window in my living room is witnessing the light changing in dramatic ways.

Earlier this week, after a day of rain, and sunshine, and clouds, the setting sun put on quite the display. The dogwood tree at the edge of my front deck was backlit with the most amazing golden light. Below are four of the 55 pictures I managed to take in the little window when it all came together so divinely.

Pink and orange... just puts a smile on my face!

Monday Meanderings

True confession... it's actually Sunday, but as there's a post waiting in the wings to publish, and I'm in the mood to write. I figured tomorrow would be just as good a day as any to share my thoughts.

OK, come on some thoughts!

Actually, I have lots... such as, when this post goes live I will likely be at the shop bothering my contractor with my camera, getting in the way, and changing my mind again once the cabinets start being built. I have big plans for that small space, I'm just not certain I have enough space for all the big plans.

I guess that remains to be seen.

Painting the walls and the slatwall were on my list of things to do Sunday. Then I sat down at my computer with a cup of coffee, and realized I was tired. Really tired. So tired it was an effort to lift the coffee cup let alone move the mouse around.

At nearly 1pm I posted the following on Facebook:: "Paint or play? Paint or play? So far, play is winning! It's almost 1:00 and I'm still not out of my jammies."

Jammies won!

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I sure had fun playing tour guide this week. Nearly everyone who came in to the shop wanted to check out the new space. The consensus has been that the additional light is wonderful, the room is just big enough, and the carpet in there can really use some attention. My plans have received the stamp of approval from one and all.

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Saturday was an amazing day! There were two classes back to back. Jenny taught Freeform Peyote from 1-3, then ran the shop for me while I taught a make up Wire Wrap 1 class from 3:30-5:30. Sales were brisk from the moment the shop opened until past closing time. Hmmm, that's likely why my pajamas won out.

During the freeform class I joined a discussion about cooking, and eating organic... both of which I truly enjoy. I told the gals in the class about a wonderful polenta pizza I prepare that's vegetarian, organic, and very tasty. The recipe was requested so........

Polenta Pizza

CRUST::
1 1/2C yellow cornmeal
1C cold water
1C boiling water (heated in a medium saucepan)
1/4t salt
1/3C grated Parmesan Cheese

1. Place cornmeal in a small bowl. Add cold water, and stir until uniformly combined.
2. Stir cornmeal mixture into saucepan of boiling water. Cook, stirring, over low heat until thick (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, stir in salt and Parmesan. Form a crust in the buttered 9X13 pan (use wet hands or a spatula to pat into place). Baked uncovered for 30 minutes at 375°. Remove from oven. Turn oven down to 350°.

FILLING:: Here is where you can have some fun!
1T olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 leek sliced
1/2C sliced red bell pepper
1/2C sliced mushrooms (I prefer Crimini)
1/2t oregano
1/2t basil
salt and pepper to taste
1/3# mozzarella cheese, grated
1 medium tomato, sliced
Grated Parmesan cheese for the top

1. Saute' garlic, leeks, peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat, add herbs.
2. Spread mixture over crust. Arrange mozzarella and tomatoes on top, sprinkle on Parmesan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Serves 4.

This recipe is from a collection of recipes published privately by my mom and her friends. They met weekly for over two years to do yoga, and share meals. Their cookbook is one of my favorites.

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Humor me while I share another recipe that has become a real favorite this winter. I came across the inspiration for this soup in Sunset magazine in December. I've changed it enough that think I can call it my own.

Chicken Sausage and Rainbow Chard Soup

4 Italian Chicken Sausages, casings removed. (I use Isernio's Mild, they're free range and minimally processed... according to the package, and we know we can always believe whatever the manufacturer tells us, right?)
2 cartons Wolfgang Puck Free Range Organic Chicken Broth (probably the best prepared broth I have ever encountered)
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
1 leek, cleaned and sliced
1 bunch fresh rainbow chard, cleaned and chopped
1t fennel seed
3T olive oil

In a large pot heat olive oil, add garlic, leek, and fennel seeds. Saute' until garlic and leeks are translucent. Add sausages, breaking them into small pieces, and continue cooking. When sausage is cooked, pour in both cartons of chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil. After soup has started to boil, add the chopped chard, stir, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Soup is ready to serve in 15 minutes. Don't be surprised to find your soup slightly pink as the red stems of the rainbow chard will add color to the broth.

Serve with toast, and enjoy.

I had some for dinner last night, and it was just what I wanted on a rainy Sunday night.

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As much as I love beads, I also love words. Believe it or not, I've been publishing my thoughts online for over five years. There were times I was a bit more dedicated than I have been recently, but it seems that my love of writing is starting to show itself again.

Recently, I came across this page and wanted to share it. The article is about 'paraprosdokians' which is a figure of speech where a sentence or phrase ends in an unexpected manner causing the listener or reader to rethink the first part of the statement. There were 37 examples provided, some were clever, some cute, and a few caused me to laugh out loud!  Here are my favorites::

• Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
• Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
• You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
• If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
• Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
• The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

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One more thing before I end my meanderings::

I hope everyone has an amazing Monday!

Don't Mind Me

... I'm checking something out.

Today, while working on my email via Vertical Response, I discovered they have a new feature. I can now link my email to twitter, and facebook with a link from Vertical Response. What I'm curious about is if I can link it here in this bloggity-blog.

So, without much more ado... other than to say, boy it's really windy outside tonight, tomorrow is my birthday, I had a wonderful class this evening, and I'm rather tired, so why am I doing this instead of going to bed... here's the link.

How really cool, tasty, sweet, and wonderful would be if there was some way I could take all the HTML, images, and miscellaneous hours of work entailed in writing an email, and put the little monster right here on this bloggity-blog-blog.

Yep, just as I thought... I can link, but can't embed. *sigh* Perhaps, that's in the works.

Wonder if anyone has suggested it?

"Dear Vertical Response,

I have a suggestion...."

:O(me yawning) Bedtime

Whirlwind!

Last week was something else! Bizzy, busy.

I was so bushed that last night I went to bed at 7:30. This morning I was rumbled awake at 8:30 by the garbage truck in front of my house. I'm still moving slowly.

A recap of last week.

Sunday:: Finalized, and emailed newsletter announcing the trunk show. Anyone who needs to send out large batches of emails can't go wrong with verticalresponse.com in my opinion. The site has some marvelous features, and is very, very affordable.

Monday:: Taught a wire bracelet class to three very enthusiastic students. We had a grand time. I also ran my weekly errands... bank, post office, printer, and grocery store.

Tuesday:: Worked at the shop, and taught a wire wrap class that evening. I got home at 9:30.

Wednesday:: Ordered seed beads, and stringing material. I treated myself to a class with Claire, and learned how to seed bead bezel a Swarovski Rivoli. It was nearly 10:00 before I went home.

Thursday:: The first Beading Circle started at 2:00. Lorie came in for a refresher on the clasp I'd taught her in the wire working class on Tuesday. Louise, Theresa, and I worked on finishing our Rivoli bezels. Theresa's daughter Amanda came along with her mom. She found the new book on beaded rings, and made two adorable little crystal/seed bead rings for her little girls. Claire dazzled us all with some pieces she'd brought with her, and worked on a project while she was there.

This week... I'll bring cookies!

Friday:: Guy arrived for the trunk show at 12:30! We chatted for nearly an hour, then decided setting up for the following day's activity might not be a bad idea. We started at 2:00, and worked until 6:30.

Saturday:: The trunk show took off like a rocket!! We had customers waiting for the shop to open. There were several times that it was impossible to fit one more person into the sunroom to shop.

I had the opportunity to see what was being purchased, and let me tell you... there are going to be some really cool projects happening in the weeks to come.

My favorite items were the smallest and the largest! There were 2mm seed pearls. Guy explained that it had taken them seven days of shopping in Hong Kong to gather the selection he'd brought.

In case you missed them, I bought a nice selection for the shop.

The largest items they brought were resin beads. They were in the 20-24mm size range. I was particularly attracted to the black and white pieces. There were two strands of striped ovals that I really loved! I loved them so much that when I was helping Guy set up for the show Friday night, I placed them at the bottom of the heap.

They were still there when we were breaking down, so guess what I got! Yeah, I know, grow up Carol :D

J-Me arrived for the show around 1:30 and brought some more things with her. She had metalized charlottes, Soft Flex wire, and their new pave' crystal balls. I made certain to load up on them.

....and peacock beads!

They're wonderful. I purchased bags of loose peacock beads, and strands. If you missed the show, you'll be able to see these beauties. In the days to come, I'll post some projects featuring them.

Saturday night:: We started breaking the show down shortly after 5:00. I shopped for the store for a couple of hours, and we headed to my house for a dinner of pizza, and salad.

After dinner we entertained ourselves with a silly game we've invented. I don't have a TV. Instead, I have a 24" iMac in my living room. We'd each take a turn choosing a song to search for on youtube.com. We're all in the same age group, so it was fun finding videos of the music we grew up with. We'd reminisce about what we were doing at the time the songs were popular, or when they came out. It was a great way to get to know one another better.

The only song we didn't find on youtube was one of Guy's choices. It was by a reggae group from San Francisco known as The Toyes. The song was 'The Lucky Sperm Club.' We found it on Lastfm. Here it is.

This week is going to be a little quieter, but not by much!

A Very Pleasant Surprise

...on a Sunday night!

From Bead&Button

My head is swimming with ideas for ways to advertise/promote the shop. What it isn't filled with is copy... dang it!

I was online a bit ago looking for inspiration. I'm not certain what lead me to the Bead & Button site, but I ended up there. As I was examining the homepage, looking for inspiration I guess, I saw a link for finding a bead shop. Curious, I followed it. I typed 'Oregon' in the search bar and to my surprise found Dancing Beads listed.

My initial reaction was doubt. I figured the information listed would be for the old location. It wasn't, it's all current!! And! And! Get this... not only is the address, and phone number correct, there is even a link to dancingbeads.com! I am over the moon, tickled pink about this!!

Thank you Bead & Button!

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Since Friday afternoon, I've been working on an announcement/newsletter for the shop. I wanted to let everyone know about the upcoming trunk show with J-Me and Guy from Wild Things Beads. There were some other items I wanted to share about classes, the website, this blog, and Facebook.

I was able to embed the Facebook badge into the wysiwyg, however it did not work when I sent the test email to myself. Drats! So, next best thing... create a custom badge, and hope for the best.

I think it turned out pretty cute! Yes, there could be some verbiage, but I planned on adding text underneath it. Perhaps, if I use it in other locations I'll add some.

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On October 11th, I had the pleasure of visiting Angie Britton's shop Indigo Beads in Klamath Falls, with my friend Claire Kimble.

I've been trying to write about our adventure, but it seems as if I can only find one word to describe our experience. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!... oh, and BEADS!

Angie's shop is scrumptious (and I have pictures to prove it)! It's filled not only with an amazing array of the most beautiful beads, it's filled with light, and lots of it... and beads. Indigo Beads has a fabulous selection.

The next time you find yourself in Klamath Falls, plan to spend some time in Angie's delightful shop... and tell her that Claire and Carol sent you.