Mango Lime Salsa Salad

                                                   Hello Kitchen
        I haven't blogged in awhile. But now that I have the time, why not?
I have been enjoying my Summer without kids, making time for me!  Exploring me!  Discovering!  Accepting creative challenges and resting!  Resting is really cool!!  Loving the time off. Adding some exercise including walking with friends and a 30 Day Ab Challenge with Léna.  
     There are seasonal faves I have at different restaurants.  Carefully picked but very addictive. My summer favorite is at QDoba.  Their Naked Mango Salsa Salad is just plain tasty.  Since I have the time and energy and refuse to go broke paying for this treat I tried my own version.   

I posted the pic of my creation before I destroyed it and actually had requests for the recipe?!  Perplexed and Pleased!!!!!!
Here's where I started, Pinterest had a Mango Salsa with heat. at
 http://www.clarkscondensed.com/recipes/honey-lime-mango-salsa/#_a5y_p=1724150

When I use recipes I rarely follow them completely. My changes are suited to my taste and digestion. Let's start at the beginning. 

Mango is one of the bestest fruits ever, but I am not a fan of having to get at that delicious meat, so I cheated and bought a pre-packaged  Mango Cup. I won't use that one again because it is packed in light syrup and Mango doesn't need that kind of help. There are other bottled alternatives that I will use or, actually struggle thru the battle of the Mango!
 
Because peppers & I don't get along and they stay with me for way too long, 
I eliminated the ( heat not a NBA reference) Jalapeno and substituted grape tomatoes for the red bell peppers. 
I didn't measure the lime juice or the cilantro. I squeezed the juice from 1 lime; and because I love cilantro used way more than a tbsp.
 

I chopped or diced the Mango, cilantro, grape tomatoes and red onion.
Placed them in a cereal size bowl, added the lime juice and stirred them together.

 I stacked my salad starting with 3 or 4 leafs of chopped Romaine Lettuce as my base,  added a cup of lightly salted brown rice, about 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup of Black Beans, the Salsa and drizzled the Honey on top.  

Q'Doba's salad is served in a tortilla bowl,  so I used a 10" or 12" flour tortilla, toasted in my waffle iron and broke it into bite size pieces.  I forgot the shredded cheese. I'll get that on top next time and I didn't use any dressing.  

            Very satisfying alternative to the trek to my nearest Q'Doba.   

    Mango Lime Salsa Salad w/flour tortilla bites!!!!




 

Tip #3 For Creatives' Peaceful Space

Survival Tips for the Creatives!!

I’ve written a couple of posts about my struggles with being a Creative.

Keeping positive people around.  Haters that have settled for the 9 to 5 gig.

The latest one come after an ongoing lesson. 

        TIP #3 (in no particular order)

Scenario:  A person finds out that you are creative and decides that you should help ‘us’ make money by making their ‘idea’.  

Here are the questions as I see them. 

1. If it’s such a great idea why haven’t you made it into a money maker for yourself?

2. Because they lack the skills to pull off their ‘idea’:   Who’s doing the work while you line 

    your pockets with my sweat and creativity.

3. Did I ask for your ‘inspiration’?

4. Who appointed me the doer of your dreams?

5. When do I make time from the plan I have made for my dreams and work

     to add the work of your (our) project?

6. Why exactly haven’t you learned the skills that it takes to make your own?

                                  &

7. Why did it take me sooooo long to finally,  firmly  say  ‘NO!’

           Here are the facts as I see them:

On numerous occasions, I have been approached by well meaning individuals that lack the creative skills, but certainly not the visionary skills, to produce a line of whatever,  beanies, capes, outer wear. Not a can you make me a custom piece request, but a LINE.

My defenses always go up but the word no, never surfaced. 

          Here are the conclusions:

What I've come to understand:  I'm not a  collaborative creator UNLESS you are a creator. It’s like being an Electrical Engineer and advising a Teacher on the learning style of a certain student you have never observed, taught or met.  You don’t have the required skill set OR info to effectively attach to that student.

Would you allow me to come to your job and advise you on the procedures?

Others may not be bothered by these individuals but it drives me crazy. Like I’ve been waiting around all my life for their vision to save me from my uncreative mind.  So today, I finally put to rest the last of these requests.  I will stay true to my design ethic. I have said a firm NO.

I create from a place of calm, peace and healing.  My creativity is therapeutic. I cannot peacefully create someone else’s vision while mine are on hold. That creates confusion and anger which are not present when I create. May seem eccentric to you, but to me it makes complete and total sense.

So Tip  #3 (in no particular order) for Creatives' Peaceful Space:

       

I will defend my creativity!!!!

   The door to that inner sanctum is open by invitation only!!!

Year of Growth

This is only my 2nd post this year and 2012 is just about over.  Whew!!  Where did it go?  This has been a challenging year. A year of radical changes, but most of all a year of triumphs and victories.
   I ended a 16 month marriage that wasn't working. I was chosen to be a Returning Artists for UCity Schools (a high honor and humbling experience), I faced my fears and pitfalls, examined my relationships and my roles in them.
                But by far my biggest achievement;  Big Change #1: I turned 50.
 I am soooo glad and blessed to be 50.  And what a blessing it has been.  I believe that's why I have done sooo much introspection.  I don't want to continue down the road of people pleasing & negativity. I want to be totally honest with myself & I now have the tools to DEFEND MY HAPPINESS!  I have found the courage to use my voice to protect me.  I am not as concerned with who will or won't like what I'm saying. I have to learn how to temper it with appropriateness when need be, but for the most part if you step on my toe, you will hear about it.

Bout to boogie down!

                                           Big change #2: my baby is in Cali learning her craft.
 Anyone who knows us knows how close we are.  She is living out her destiny and fulfilling her dreams in SanDiego.  I learn so much from her and always have. She is  one of the greatest inspirations I have.  I love that she is extremely content with her decision, and wait patiently as she grows into her dreams.
                                                                  Chef Léna!  
 I still have alot of work to do, but my world is mine to take, shape and mold.  That feels freeing. I'm 50 and free!  I feel like I'm in my 20's again, but this time I have the wisdom & clarity that guides my decisions. It feels like the 1st time you do something you have been afraid to try, and all that anticipatory energy has built up and you let go and you don't fall and even if you do SO WHAT!!!!!!  It's pretty cool!!
                                                   It's my time and I will enjoy it!                       
                                    Thank you God for blessing me, gifting me and molding me!

                                                 by some miracle this is my 50th post?!   Hmmmm!?

2012 creative goals

I want to improve my needle skills. So this is the year. I feel the need to jazz up my funky stuff and learning new stitches and perfecting techniques makes sense to me.
I also have a list of projects I want to make this year. Including: moroccan poufs some home decor items and some scarves. I'll post those as I finish
Here are pics of my 1st stitch this year:
the crocodile stitch. Enjoy!

SallieA's Holiday Gift Guide

My Guide to the frugal gift giver
OR for those of us who can't afford a $275 bottle of Tequila or a $13 bar of oversized soap.
I don't know about you but if I had $275 I'm bill paying & if I pay $13 for a bar of soap (1) ain't nobody using it. (2) it better last a year (3) it better clean, mosturize AND solve some world issue. & (4) it better be wrapped in a $50 bill lol
I love me some O but I don't have O money. So here's my guide to getting thru your 'Santa List' with no money, little money, or strange change. You may have to work a little (DIY) but who doesn't love handmade gifts? hmmmm!! probably the person who did the 5am sales and is still running up credit cards.
My guide covers the senses and is both a DIY Guide & a Handmade Guide featuring members from my Etsy team EAOC.
I have 'pinned' the guides on Pinterest I'll preview them here & link you to them.
                                            
                                                 EARGASM
 Every artist in this guide is native to St Louis. The genres include Poetry, Jazz, Musicals, Gospel, Spirituals, Adult Contemporary, Classical and spicy cool Reggae. Treat your ears to some deliciousness, or your hands to some DIY tutes.

http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-eargasm-holiday-gift-guide/

OUTTA SIGHT

Stepping away (just for this one) from the not so 'O' prices; purchasing a lifetime of enjoyment from this list, because some of us can. Whether it's art, photog, jewelry or a book; handmade or DIY. These guidesnotonly have a plethora of choices but taut a wide price range.

http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-handmade-outta-sight-gift-guide/

http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-diy-outta-sight-holiday-gift-guide/

                                            SMELLS GREAT
This guide assures that you and your home live fragrantly everafter.

Pumpkin Pie Butter by Belle Butters

http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-diy-smell-great-holiday-gift-guide/



 
 

                                                  FEELY

Love soft and lush next to your skin? Or your skin feeling soft and lush

These guides are for you. Some are ready to ship and some are ready to make. Enjoy!!!!!!
http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-feely-holiday-gift-guide/

TASTY

The Holidays are synonymous with overeating. Can't imagine why this was the easiest guide to put together. (I must be hungry alot). This guide are heavy on the DIY and feature 2 of my fave local chefs that will leave
you deliciously satisfied and wanting more!!!!!
http://pinterest.com/salliea47/salliea-s-tasty-holiday-gift-guide/

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude Journal
I have had an exceptional year when it comes to acomplishments. I have overcome a huge obstacle with an understanding that I never thought possible.
Since Gratitude is my new Attitude, I have begun to jot down the positives
in my Gratitude Journal. It has become a reference of sorts when things get rough and heavy.
I shared an entry with my stoic big Sis on her bday and she said to warn her next time.
Always inspired by my dgt's insight at such a young age. My youngest neice is off and walking! And HD3! My Girls I teach always seem to know when I could use a pick-me-up. Some of my fave moments are because they care.
I have much to be thankful for.
I have many to be thankful for.
My fam that supports, my friends that share, my joy because of my upcoming 50th.
And you for reading and following!
SallieA
stay tuned!

And the Winner Is:

The winner of the Wreath Giveaway is:
Mimi R. Thank You to all who entered!
and a special thanks to
THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2011 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!