Sweet Bead Studio — Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

Snow Days

by Cindy on January 31, 2011

Hello! Have you had a few days like this too? I hear the people up in Vermont have had twice this amount of snow. And then there’s those out West who are reporting balmy weather. It has been several snow days off from school for us. Can you see my 6 year old son there seemingly singing praises for an unexpected 3-day break!? 🙂 We are going back to our routines though on Monday. Our midwinter break was fun while it lasted!

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The Snow Miser paid a visit

by Cindy on January 27, 2011

Did you happen to hear? Winter descended upon us late this afternoon with a vengeance. The DC area experienced what they are calling “thundersnow” and “thundersleet”…it was incredible. Flashes of blue in the night sky while the snow came down. Rush hour was a nightmare. When my husband attempted to come home for the second time, it took him 3 hours. The pictures in this Washington Post gallery capture the chaos. The kids will finally don their snowsuits tomorrow and grab their sleds. Finally a good reason for that steep hill in our backyard.

I have a few pictures of jewelry that I can show, after mailing off pieces that won’t be revealed until later this year. My custom order is complete for a very, very patient special customer. For this first bracelet, I recreated my Classic Charm Bracelet…just in time for Valentine’s Day. For the backdrop, I used a nostalgic postcard sent from a soldier in France. I love the embroidery and the touch of Red, White, and Blue.

This next bracelet is such a contrast to the weather today. I recall our summer days spent at the beach …… here a mix of ocean charms and Swarovski crystals complement Shannon Westmeyer’s beautiful white lampwork beads. On a day like today, thoughts of warm weather sure seem wonderful.

I had some fun editing these pictures – with the help of my friend and mentor, Diane Cook. I cherish her friendship since we “met” almost 2 years ago. I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll finally meet in person later this year. 🙂

Stay warm and thanks for stopping by!

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Mississippi Mud Monday

by Cindy on January 23, 2011

Mondays can be tough. Especially in the dead of winter. I have just the thing, though, to warm you from the inside out – Mississippi Mud Cake. This rich and gooey Southern dessert comes in all sorts of variations from cake to pie and is said to resemble the Mississippi River banks. I had my first experience with Mississippi Mud pie when I was in college in Baltimore. One of my best friends and I would go to TGIF’s for a slice of their ice-cream version (which is sadly no longer on the menu). Maybe some of you have a cherished family version that brings you back to your childhood. With my brother in town today for a convention, I decided to give Mississippi Mud a try for our family dinner. It was dense, chocolaty, and delicious!

Mississippi Mud Cake

Cake:

1 c. butter
1/2 c. cocoa
2 c. sugar
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 dash salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. pecans, optional
4 c. mini marshmallows

Chocolate frosting:

1 (16 oz.) package powdered sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. cocoa
1/4 c. softened butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13″ pan with baking spray.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the cocoa and stir. Remove from the heat.
Pour butter mixture in to a mixing bowl and add sugar and eggs. Mix until blended.
Add the vanilla. Mix in the flour and salt. Stir in the pecans.
Put the batter into the prepared pan and cook for 30-35 minutes or until done.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the marshmallows.
For the frosting: Combine all of the ingredients and mix until smooth. Spread on the cooled cake.