Thai Chicken Salad

I love to cook--I do it everyday and most often than not for lunch and dinner. On weekends, breakfast too! My daughter is used to home cooked meals and if you say dinner is just ham and cheese she would be so disappointed. I learned to cook when I was 9 or 10. My mother encouraged me to cook and if I didn't like the food my mom would say "Go and cook what you want then." I have decided to share some of my favorite recipes. My friends especially like my eggrolls and oriental noodles but I am the type of cook that doesn't measure, unless it is a new recipe I am following. Most of the everyday stuff I cook (and parties) are from memory handed down to me by my mother and close relatives. I will slowly try to write them down so I can share them here and of course the ones I have collected throughout the years (with measurements).

I am not a salad eater--I would rather have lots and lots of vegetables with some meat mixed in and Jasmine rice. If my main meal is a salad it has to have meat in it! Here's one that I like but I forgot to take a picture of it when I made it the other day. I have this written down in a tattered piece of paper for years-- try it and let me know what you think.

Thai Chicken Salad

Serves 6
Nutrition per serving: 175 calories, 28g. protein, 8g. carb, 3 g. fat,64g chol.

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1/2 c bean sprouts
2 bell peppers
1 bag mixed greens

Dressing
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 lime (juice oly)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp chili powder
2T Teriyaki sauce
1 T water
3 T rice wine vinegar
2 T ginger (fresh grated)
4 scallions (chopped)
1/2 c basil leaves (fresh chopped)
1/2 c mint leaves (fresh chopped)--I don't like mint leaves so I substitute it with more salad greens

Poach chicken in salted water until opaque. Drain and shred into pieces. Combine dressing ingredients and toss with chicken. Add sprouts and peppers. Serve over mixed greens.

All in a Day's Work

I have been one busy bee yesterday. During weekends I don't have a set schedule to sew--it is sporadic to say the least. I have been wanting to add more wristlets since they have been selling really well.

I will work on these later. I need to put the zippers in, do the straps and pockets.

Patiently waiting to be assembled. I love the coffee print which I have been holding on for awhile but I wanted to share it with my customers. I have some in blue and cream and two other different prints. I will probably make a messenger bag.

Tory Wristlets. I love these prints and they are both out of print and hard to find..

Erika wristlets. I will take pictures of the wirstlets outside tomorrow, take the background off then hopefully add it on the site..

Bobbie Medium Handbag which had just been given a makeover--I added a ribbon accent band. See the purse feet? I have decided to make it standard without extra cost plus a hard bottom. All of my bags are heavily interfaced (they can stand on their own) but I don't mind putting in the extra time. I am still waiting for my shipment so I can announce it. That's is why I haven't put the ribbon handbags yet.

Oooh my knee!!

I have been sort of taking it easy this past few days. My poor right knee had a flair up (it was bad today) and I had been limping and boy did it hurt to walk! I was in bed most of the time with cold a pack on my aching knee and occasionally sew so I don't get too backed up. I was told 6 years ago I had effusion( all those years on step classes and stair climbers most likely) and was given some exercises to strengthen it because it was only functioning at 40% and my left knee is taking the extra burden. Well I haven't been doing them religiously and now I am paying for it. Now I have to do them plus at least 20 minutes of cycling everyday--no substitution. Next on my agenda--take my fairly unused bike out of the garage!

Take a Moment

I have been doing a sewing marathon lately. I hate getting backed up--I get so uneasy and I usually get palpitations when I am stressed so I try to be on top of things most of the time. I took it easy today besides I got somebody working in our bedrooms taking out the carpet and putting in wood floors---yes!!! We have allergies and this would help tremendously. When I had my studio done and I can see the dust that gathers on the floor (yikes!) I swore I will never have carpeting ever again.

Sweet smelling gardenia in front of the house. For some reason a lot of people get lost when they come to the house. So when it is blooming I tell them just turn in the driveway with the gardenia (you can smell it even before reaching the house) and it works all the time.

Some of my orchids in front of the house by the door.

Another one by the kitchen window.

I rearranged the back and put more orchids and plants. So peaceful especially when I need to recharge.

This is Sam. He usually comes in the afternoons.

This is it for now. I think I am ready to tackle another sewing marathon!

Ribbon Handbags

My studio had been overrun by ribbons! My daughter and I have been having so much fun designing our ribbon handbags which will be named after my mother.

Just a few of the ribbon shipments I got a few weeks ago.

Ribbons, ribbons and more ribbons!! I have to start organizing them or it will definitely get out of control. There are about 15 plastic boxes like this all over the place.

I just love the blue and brown with just a touch of pink. My 12 year old did these but we can't decided which one would it be.

A couple of finished handbags. I will probably put them on the site sometime next week.

Ms. Kim's Baby Shower

My daughter's dance teacher, Miss Kim had a baby shower last Sunday at the studio. She is due in September and is having a girl, Ava Grace.

Freshly baked goodies from one of the moms. I loved the blondie--best I have tasted--I swear!

Ms.Kim

I gave her a couple of burpies (I am still thinking if I will add them on the site) and a large mommy clutch/wristlet which I also call "poopie bag".

I promised Ms. Kim I will not show this but I can't resist. She looks like Bo Peep!

Taylor and my daughter, Kailene.

With another friend, Regina.

Zippered Tote Bag

I have always been intimidated by zippers. Since most of the dresses I made for my daughter were smocked/heirloom type dresses I didn't have to worry about them. I always used buttons or fancy pins for closure. It took me awhile to do the wristlets because it meant I had to put in the much dreaded zippers. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad and I was able to use the technique I used to line the dresses without any seams showing. Purses are another story though. They are more complicated because of the several layers I have to deal with. I was asked to make a Debbie bag in the Miami print but a Weekender size and zipper closure. It is going to be a birthday present for a friend who adores flamingos (she already got the Debbie bag in the flamingo print). I have searched the net for a tutorial and there are plenty of them but I ended up doing it my way. I am actually proud of it and might add a zippered handbag soon. I received an email from the recepient and she was happy with it!
I made a complete set just in case she wanted matching accessories. She ended up getting the wristlet.

Side View

Top view. I like this kind of zipper closure--it has a "lip". If it doesn't it looks weird to me especially if the handbag is boxed. It tends to look out of proportion because the top is a lot narrower than the bottom.

Pottery Barn Studio

potterybarn, originally uploaded by Lagomorph.

I was browsing through flickr and came across this. I literally clutched my chest with excitement! I love their style and I have all their books. My studio is not as big as this but I love the shelf--exactly what I need. It can be my mailing station where I put the ribbons, tissue paper and some odds and ends. I have been planning to decorate my studio ala PB style. I don't recall seeing this in their catalog or maybe I missed it. I just checked their site and it is not in the catalog anymore. I have actually seen something similar at Michael's. They are called quilt racks and they come unfinished. Maybe I can swing by there this weekend. I know I have to finish decorating but something always comes up. If a big order comes in I can't spare the time to be fixing stuff let alone do the laundry! One of these days I will since it makes such a difference when everything is so orderly and pretty.

Time to go to bed and dream about it.

Beach Party

It was a beautiful Saturday and uncharacteristically cool for this time of year. I hope it stays this way much longer. My daughter turned 12 last May 16 and we had a beach party for her.
The birthday girl doing endless carthweels. Such energy!

Red flag was up but you will surprised so many people ignore it. It kept the lifeguards busy I'll say.

Taking a break.

We had so much fun we decided to go to the beach more often. We should thank our lucky stars--we are only 10 minutes away!

Birthday Girl

My darling daughter is 12 years old today. Time flies so fast! She was so excited last night and can't wait to get her presents. She can wear some of my shoes (I am a 7- 7 1/2) and about one inch shorter than I.

Downtown Stuart Craft Show

Belated Happy Mother's Day! I didn't have a chance to greet everybody over the weekend. I have finally recharged my batteries and ready for the week. The craft show wasn't too bad. It was my first show in this venue which is 10 minutes away from home. I saw a lot of familiar faces as we are a very close knit community and almost everybody knows everybody. A lot of snowbirds who are ready to leave in a couple of weeks before the weather really gets scorching hot. The weather though could have cooperated more. Saturday was cooler but all those love bugs! I didn't even know THOSE were love bugs. I have always thought they were cute and adorable but let me tell you--they are anything but. The plus side is they don't bite. My daughter was so bothered by them she had to go home last Sunday. We need rain but did it have to be Sunday? Well it was just a drizzle for about 10 minutes. Overall I had a great time. People recognized me from the newspaper article and they kept asking me how I find time to make all these purses and the oohs and aahs were music to my ears.

I was lucky enough to be under the shade of a tree. This is my booth with my spanking brand new tent from BJs--I have to fine tune my display. I have to get grids so I can hang my purses along the sides.

People asked my how do I find time to do all these purses? Well I try to make a couple everyday and do stuff around the house on top of that. I multi task--put in the laundry, thaw some meat for dinner, go upstairs to cut and sew, take a break and read a little, check if laundry is done etc, etc. I am a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) and I love to create. I do what I love and I am making money out of it--what more can I ask? I am my own boss and I can play hooky if I want to. I didn't know I have so many until they were all out there on display and it felt soooo good!

I sold a lot of belts and key rings. I will be adding some novelty ribbon belts and key rings on my site hopefully this week assuming my new ribbon shipments (take note--shipments not shipment) will arrive soon!


I had the cutest customers who stopped by. Isn't she the cutest ever? Only two and she is already into purses! This is the first time I have seen bunnies in strollers! I have three ( will have to put them here soon) and I know they won't sit still. I have to go so I can catch up on my sewing. Until next time.

25 things a man in love should know

Here's part II---

Know

1. How to fix a leaky faucet without making jokes about "men's work."

2. How to clean the kitchen without making jokes about "women's work."

3. Sorry ladies I can't put this down here. Contact me if you want to know!

4. Oops!! Can't write this down either. Sorry!

5. Why holding the door or treating you to dinner isn't sexist, but asking whether you're in a bad mood because you're premenstrual is.

6. The location of the lint filter in the dryer.

7. When no means no.

8. What your favorite flower is and where to buy a bouquet of it.

9. Why he shouldn't be jealous of your cat, best friend or the old boyfriend you ate
lunch with last week.

10. Here's another one I can't add--aren't you just dying to know what it is????

11. How to cook foods other than meat.

12. Why what Woody did to Mia was wrong.

13. How to buy his own mother a birthday present.

14. The words to your favorite song and whether his voice is good enough to serenade you with it.

15. Hmmm I wonder if I can omit some words. Okay I'll do that----
How to massage your back without also massaging other distinctly nonback areas.

16. How to massage those nonback areas without giving you the sense he's kneading a particularly tough hunk of dough.

17. When he should leave you alone when you say, "Leave me alone."

18. When not to.

19. How to navigate beyond the beer and chips/snacks/dips aisles at the supermarket.

20. That saying "I'm sorry" does not make him a wimp.

21. How to surprise you in b_d.

22. How to be surprised back.

23. Why you're the best thing that ever happened to him.

24. Why he's the best thing that ever happened to you.

25. How to keep it that way.

Print this out and put it where you better half can see it everyday! Until next time.

25 things every man in love should have

I was organizing one of my drawers today and found a xeroxed copy of it in one of my folders. I thought I might share this--here goes!

HAVE.....

1. A medicine cabinet devoid of old girlfriend's mascara, lipstick and birth control pills.

2. A bed on which the sheets have been changed at least once this season.

3. The self-restraint not to read your journal, should he discover it.

4. A vocabulary that comfortably contains the words commitment, marriage and children.

5. The memory of the first woman he loved- his second grade teacher.

6. A knowledge of the female anatomy that transcends P-----y centerfolds.

7. The ability to talk to your boss, your sister and your aunt Sally about something other that himself.

8. A shirt or sweater or jacket or jeans-so great you want to steal it.

9. A kissing technique that's been updated since high school.

10. The patience to watch your favorite weepy movie without breaking into loud guffaws.

11. An interest he's developed because of you.

12. An interest he maintains (like model trains, not another woman) despite you.

13. A way of introducing you that doesn't depend on the word my.

14. A picture of you as a kid that he thinks is really, really cute.

15. At least one female friend he hasn't slept with.

16. At least one male friend who's happily married.

17. Either great ideas for how to arrange the furniture or no idea at all.

18. The knack of buying you clothing you're not ashamed to wear out of the house.

19. A speaking relationship with your family.

20. At least one pair of underwear without stains, holes or a droopy seat.

21. A CD that always gets you in the mood.

22. A set of headphones for the ones that don't.

23. A past that stays there.

24. A sense of what he'd do with his life if you weren't in it.

25. The conviction that, however wonderful his alternatives, he'd rather be with you.

Okay that's it for now and tomorrow will be part II--25 things every man in love should know.

Photo Shoot

What a big sigh of relief!! My photo shoot just wrapped up and it wasn't that bad--I had been such a wreck this past few days. Actually it was fun. The photographer was nice and took a lot of pictures just in case.... We did it in the back and thank God the weather is just perfect. It will be out this Friday.

Now I can concentrate on making more stuff for my craft show this coming weekend. I have started making key rings and novelty belts and will be adding them on the site soon.

It is so beautiful outside. I wish I have time to just sit and read today but alas I can't because I am running behind schedule. Well maybe just a few minutes!

Taking it Easy

My newspaper interview had been postponed for next Tuesday. I got a little reprieve. I decided to take it easy yesterday before tackling some orders that came in. My left arm was a little bit stiff as I woke up on my left side. I might have slept that way the whole time.

I got a visit from Mr. Turtle while I was reading yesterday. He passes by once in a while and I wish I can just clean that stuff off his back but it is better to leave him alone. Every time I got close he would retreat back in his shell. I let him be until he decided to go back to the lake where a family of ducks was playing. I love this time of day when I can have some peace and quite and just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book.

Later in the afternoon I went back out to rest--my left arm was better. I was mesmerized when I looked up. All these branches silhouetted against the darkening sky and I could hear a flock birds flew over and squirrels scurrying from tree to tree. So peaceful!

How time flies. It is already 3:30. I will organized my workspace because if I don't get on top of things stuff gets piled on my cutting table and it can get overwhelming to put things away later on. That's when I feel so helpless and don't know where to start. When I am in a hurry to finish a project that's when everything goes haywire. I have to get in to the habit of putting things where they belong as soon as I am done with them. Easier said than done but I have gotten better.
I have to get going--maybe I can make one bag before I start to get ready for my daughter's Musical Theater Recital tonight.

Will be featured in local Newspaper

Okay I haven't been posting here lately. I am caught up and more organized than a few weeks ago so I will be posting more often. I have been sort of burned out lately but a phone call a few minutes ago shook me out of it. I got a call from my local newspaper and asked if they could do a story on me and my biz plus a photo. I was shocked and when I heard "picture" alarm bells rang in my ears and I declined. I have been trying to lose weight and haven't gotten to where I want to be and I look terrible in pictures lately. I get very self conscious. Maybe they can retouch my face somewhat and make it more angular--well it won't hurt to ask! Anyway, common sense kicked in and I would be demented to refuse--think about it--free advertising! Who cares if I need to lose weight (I have been good lately, mind you) and this is heaven sent. So I called this nice gentleman back and set up a shoot this Friday morning. Ooh I have to do my nails....

Klutz!

I love to sip my latte in the morning while checking my email or surfing the web. Not anymore--or maybe just put the cup down further away from the keyboard! Of all the things I had to spill it had to be a cup of hot coffee topped with whipped cream and drizzled with cinnamon. I might have turned too sharply to the right. I scrambled to get paper towels hoping I did not do enough damage as the hot liquid go spilled directly on it--talk about bullseye. I feverishly rummaged through the toolbox and didn't even know which kind I needed, painstakingly unscrewed everything hoping I can lift the top portion off so I can clean underneath the keyboards. Guess what--you can't! It is attached securely to the top part and you can only get to the wires. It was a mess inside but let me tell you it did smell wonderful. To cut the story short I got it all cleaned up but this one had to be laid to rest. I love this keyboard-- it so comfortable to use but hard to find. Fortunately my brother had an extra lying around somewhere and I had it hooked up in no time.

New Style--New Products

I haven't posted in awhile. It's been crazy lately---good crazy, that is. I have been doing background removal on the images and I am almost done. It is quite tedious but it's worth it. I have added some new stuff since my last post. I have added fabric belts Beth and Sally named after my two cousins and a bangle wristlet, Tory, named after my niece's daughter. Finally I finished the Laurie bag I talked about last month. Actually I add New Items all the time. I don't like to launch my collection for the season and then wait until the next season. I like to keep it fresh--release a little at a time--so when somebody checks my site she sees new things all the time. It keeps me on my toes and I like to do different bags/fabrics since it takes out the humdrum of cutting, sewing and pressing seams! I don't stock up on a lot yardage of the same fabric either--there's too many fabulous fabrics out there and I don't want to keep using the same fabrics over and over again. When a fabric is sold out I seldom reorder unless I really really love it or a lot of customers are asking for it.

Okay I have to go--I smell Chinese food---I didn't have time to cook so we just ordered!

Drafting a Clutch Pattern

Well I spoke too soon in my last post about our non existent cold front. A few days after that we did have a rather lengthy and much awaited cold weather. Now it is back to the upper 70s but we are supposed to get another one over the weekend.

I have been asked a couple of times to design a clutch with flap. So I have been busy drafting and finally came up with the look I wanted after several prototypes. It reminds of one of my mom's clutches that I used to play dress up with. Hmmm--who should I name it after?

Just in case you didn't notice my poor cutting mat needs to be retired. I have been trying to work on the edges where it is still intact but it can be bothersome and counterproductive as I am cutting the fabric a little at a time and constantly moving in over to the good side. I saw a cutting mat in lavender--that would be lovely!

Brrrrr?

It is a beautiful Sunday morning. We are supposed to have a cold front--in the 50s? Well to us South Floridians that is COLD! It's more like low 70s with gusty winds. Most of us turn on the heater when the temperature drops even for a few degrees. I don't. For one thing our heater isn't hooked up yet and I like it cold as long as my knees don't start hurting. That's when I know it is too cold inside the house. We haven't really had a lot of cold fronts for the last couple of years but Hurricanes, well that's another story. My daughter spent the night with a friend so I can have some time to relax, sit back and catch up on my reading with a cup of cappuccino. I hardly drink regular coffee--I am a latte/cappuccino kind of gal. I have two books that I started reading simultaneously--Feng Shui Your Life by Jayme Barret and Feng Shui Revealed by R.D. Chin. This is my favorite spot until it gets too hot in late Spring, that is. The view is great as I get to see sunrise and sunset, hear the soothing sound of the water, chirping birds, scurrying squirrels and nosy family of ducks that share the space with me. I am waiting for one unusual creature that I haven't seen in awhile. It has a body of a dog but it has a snout like a pig's! If I see it I will try and take a picture and post it here maybe somebody knows what it is.