Light Me Up!

After breakfast one Saturday we were wandering around the local Restore. Since we were holding a garage sale the next weekend we weren't really looking for anything in particular. But isn't that when you make the best finds?

At the Restore we found a basket of panels used to make cube storage. 

There were 30 panels, all of the connectors, and even instructions (that I accidentally tore just before I took this picture).

The panels are 14" x 14" each and I thought, wouldn't they make an excellent light tent? I've been asking Tom to make a light tent for me for quite a while - not because I can't make one for myself, but because he has better access to the materials. The panels are white plastic and just thin enough to let a light source through for a diffused look. The price on one panel said $5.00 each.

Per panel? That's crazy. I hid the panel that said $5 and took the basket to the cashier pretending I didn't know how much they were. The cashier said, "I know there was a price on here somewhere...", so I wasn't going to get away with it. I mentioned the "$5 each" and she told me not to be silly, it was the price for the whole basket. Sold! I only wanted 5 panels but I figured I could sell the rest as storage at the yard sale.

Later Tom said I should keep the extra panels in case I needed a larger tent.

They snap together so easily. The panel corners slide into the connectors in two different ways depending on the angle you need. 

And the wire frame is really sturdy. So until we get it together to build (or buy) a better lightbox, I have this one for about 75 cents per cube.

You can use it with both sides up,

A light source on one side for more illumination,

Or with one side removed for stronger light.

It also comes apart easily and you can then make a bigger box if you are photographing something larger.

And if the divisions between panels bothers you, you can hang a piece of fabric or paper over the back to create a smooth background. (I would get rid of the wrinkles first of course!)

I'm so excited to start using it.  After I wash it.  The whole thing is completely filthy.

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I'm linking up here this week!

Beaded Bracelets

We were at Blue Mountain Resort this past weekend for a party hosted by Tom's employer. There is a gift shop in the village called The Olde Stanton Store, and every time we go there I find something new to love.

This time I found these sweet bracelets.

They are made of waxed cotton cord with metal beads that slide along each loop. The clasp is an extremely strong magnet. I was worried that they wouldn't hold on, but so far, so good.

I couldn't decide between the blue and the tan so I got one of each. I wear blue quite a bit and the tan just goes with everything. I've worn them every day so far (not usually together).

They seem pretty easy to make too, if you could get your hands on the materials. 

What do you think of my new find?

Bora Bora Fireballs

As I mentioned last week, I haven't had a lot of time for crafting or renovations. So how about another fun recipe? There's always time for food, right?

This recipe is again from Well Fed by Melissa Joulwan.  Do you think that eventually I'll have reproduced every recipe in her book?  I hope so. There hasn't been a bad one yet. She's my hero.

Today's recipe is called Bora Bora Fireballs. They are basically coconut-coated meatballs, but that name will get your kids interested, won't it?

You'll need:

2 cups toasted shredded coconut
2 pounds ground meat of your choice
1 can of crushed pineapple
2 eggs
1 finely-chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. soya sauce or coconut aminos
1.5 tsp. ginger
1 tbsp. garlic
spices of your choice

Spread the shredded coconut in a frying pan with the heat on medium high and stir occcasionally until all of the coconut is toasted a warm brown. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with a little salt and cayenne pepper, then set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice for later. Make sure the pineapple is very well drained - pressing into it with a spoon to get all of the liquid out. In a bowl, add the pineapple, eggs, ginger, salt, garlic, soya sauce, and chopped onion. Mix well. Now is the time to spice it up as much or as little as you want. Add chopped jalapenos, sriracha, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder - pretty much whatever you have in the cupboard that strikes your fancy. Mix again. Add the ground meat and mix until everything is well combined.

Arrange your bowls of coconut, pineapple juice, and meat mixture so that you have easy access.

Scoop out about a tablespoon of meat, roll it into a ball between your palms, dip it in the pineapple juice, and then roll it lightly in the coconut.

Don't get too heavy-handed with the coconut, just a thin coating. Roll the ball between your palms again to press the coconut in, and then place it on a cookie sheet. 

Once you have the sheet filled, place it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are brown and sizzling.

These are great with any side dish - vegetables or pasta.  They even work as a snack - just as easy to reach for as a cookie or candy.

Do you think this is something you'd try? 

Less crazy than the "chocolate" cauliflower?

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I'm linking up here this week!