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.