What's cooking? Chicken with a Mango Tarragon Sauce.

I like posting what I cook on Facebook it is not to brag for me it's a way to inspire others that cooking can be fun and easy if you try. I have come along way 17 years ago I couldn't even boil water but with persistence, watching cooking shows and just collecting recipes that I love I can say now that I enjoy the art of cooking.

I love experimenting in the kitchen I do not use measurements I just feel it and just taste what I need here and there. I love photography so I try to perfect the styling part of my dishes I love a colorful plate.

This sauce came together yesterday after thinking how I can present chicken in different way. I had mango and fresh tarragon leaves so I decided to mix those two with some red onions and some other secret herbs and I birthed this delicious tangy sauce to go with chicken. My kids love it so that means this one is a keeper.

Quick and Healthy: Pumpkin seeds with a kick.

I recently bought pumpkin seeds my daughter really likes and I love it when she snacks on something healthy. But for me I was missing something they seem plain and boring to me.
I spiced it up with spices I had on hand like cumin, Cajun spices, and other stuff I had in my pantry you even add pepper flakes. I coated them with a little bit of grape-seed oil mix them really good and toasted them in a pan. Now I have a yummy healthy snack that punches a spicy kick. Tonight I will paired with my favorite wine and enjoy the weather from my porch.

Breaking Rules.

Who made that rule about not wearing white after labor day.... I just wonder. It's hot outside and still feels like summer so I will be wearing white until it starts cooling down. I feel like a taxi driver cause today I drove all the way to school and back times 3.  A glass of bubbly gave me the spa moment afterwards.

I went to Opulent in Roswell for lunch, I love that they purposely put the fork and knives on the wrong sides of the plate. The food was good, I share a the mussels with my friend and then we each had a salad with grilled shrimp and for dessert we had the Panatone ... delicious.

jeans: Paige (TJmaxx)

shoes: TJmaxx

bag: TJMaxx

top: F21

bracelets: handmade and F21

Homemade Tomato Sauce.

My kids love eating pasta, since I had time I decided to make my own tomato sauce. It is easy and delicious. 

I found the recipe here.

This is an easy and quick stove-top tomato sauce. Forget the store bought jars when you can make your own in 20 minutes!

Author: Gina Matsoukas

Recipe type: sauce

Serves: 2 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 5 cups quartered ripe plum tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• salt & pepper to taste
• dash of red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place quartered tomatoes in a food processor and pulse a few times until almost smooth, but a few pieces/chunks remain. If you want a smoother sauce, just pulse a few extra time.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the shallot and garlic and saute for 2 minutes to soften, careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the tomatoes from the food processor to the skillet and stir.
5. Add the sugar, salt & pepper, red pepper flakes and basil and stir again.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced and thickened.
7. Remove from the heat and pour into a glass jar to reserve if not using immediately.

What I made: Handmade Jewelry

Since I am a bit under the weather, and laying in bed doing nothing is not my thing, I decided to make some jewelry.

I love working with leather, I even played with some clay and came up with some chunky beads.

I redesigned the against sexual violence bracelet.

I hope I can catch some sleep, I love Fall but not the allergies that come with it.

DIY Maxi skirt.

Sometimes I can't still I love making things, whether it's painting something to decorate my house, or a new piece of jewelry I love making something new and exciting.

A month or two ago I took a sewing class, it was an hour class and I thought maybe I can do this, so a couple of weeks later I bought a Bernina sewing machine, I don't have a sewing space yet but I like keeping everything neat in a special place. I have made a couple of zipper pouches, leather clutches (broke a couple of needles that boomeranged in my chest...long story) and pillow covers.

I have been wanting to make an item of clothing so I have been looking on Pinterest , youtube and craftgawker and made my own Maxi skirt. It was a long work and I learned to use knit fabric the second time, and really pinned everything ( I hate pins) . 

I will be taking a couple of sewing classes very soon I can't wait to learn how to read patterns.

You never know you might see me on the RunWay show..... I was just kidding.

Leather Jewelry!

When it rains I try to either sew or make some new jewelry.
I love working with leather there are endless possibilities, here are 5 bracelets I made today.
For some I used old earrings, thread, and suede.