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!!!

Cardinal Wreath Giveaway

Giveaway entries end TODAY!!!!!

The wreath is oval grapevine wreath.  You decide vertical or horizontal, ribbon type.  I will add 11n11 if you want.  You let me know!!!!

TO ENTER

1. Simply leave a comment! on this post!

2. Go to my lil'd Designs facebook page and leave a comment.

http://www.facebook.com/FacebookPages?sk=app_283788381634959#!/pages/lild-Designs/116317521714376

     Automagical Entry:  If you are a fan/ or become a fan of my lil'd Designs page AND your profile pic is Cardinalicious, you are automagically entered!!!!!!
  Winner announced tomorrow!!   Good Luck!!!

Pulled Seam Stitches

I noticed that after 5 years of wear that my fave winter trench had thinned and the stitches had begun to pull across my derriere.

Instead of ripping out the stitches I decided to celebrate my creativity create an 'angel' of sorts from my fabric stash.

My major dilemma: the coat lining. I would have to rip the seam stitches apart and be careful not to accidentally sew it while doing my applique work.

For the body of my 'angel' I used lightly colored African print fabric for the wings. Mud cloth  & Orange Kente for her dress.

Her brown satin face was reinforced with interfacing and hand embroidered eyes using metallic thread. And she sports  locks made from unravelings of Mud cloth and metallic thread.

After arranging the pieces on my coat & pinning them in place, I sewed them only catching the lining a couple of times after a couple of stitches.

My 'angel' was complete but needed a little attention, something was missing. So I dropped the feed dogs and zig-zagged a little design on the mud cloth. Hand sewed the center lining seam and 

VOILA!

  My pulled seam dilemma was solved & my fave trench now reflects my design aesthetic.

How to: DIY HALLOWEEN WREATHS BARGAINISTA STYLE

DIY HALLOWEEN WREATHS BARGAINISTA STYLE

I am a 'bargainista'.  I think from time to time that's where some of my creative ideas come from.

I refuse to be overcharged for something I can make at a fraction of the cost AND have the satisfaction of knowing I made it.    

So here is a tutorial on making simple, 'bargainista' Halloween Wreaths.

Materials needed:

1 or 2- 9' garlands depending on how bulky your garland is (I only needed one for the tute)

1- 12" wire wreath frame or 12" styrofoam wreath

Ribbon for hanging wreath

Halloween decor items: spider rings, mini skeletons (anything that adds spooky) including spider webbing.

Directions:

1.Tie  one end to the wreath form and start wrapping. It's easier to leave the garland on its cardboard.

TIP: if using a foam wreath avoid white background showing through by covering with fabric using hot glue or floral pins or tacks.

                   That was waaaaay too easy!   So you can stop here, but why?!

 Here's where your style comes to play!  You can customize to your taste.

Add as little or as much as you like. Spider webbing, rings, bugs, OR  wire skeleton from middle of wreath.
TIP: non wax dental floss can be substituted for packaged spider webbing.

                                      To hang your wreath tie a knot in about 18" of ribbon

                                                               and place wherever!



Don't they kinda look like spiders and not rats?





all wreaths pictured are available in my Etsy Shop:

http://www.lilddesigns.etsy.com/



5, 4, 3, 2, 1

I am a happy follower of CraftZineBlog.  They are running a series called 5,4,3,2,1. Its purpose is to delve into the creative process of we, the creatives, by asking 5 questions.  Here are my answers:
54321
1 Project You Are Particularly Proud Of
When I was a teen I made an ABC fastener book for a sweet little girl I babysat. Her parents were floored that I would spend my free time like that. It's the 1st project I made for someone else. And their response, not to mention Amy's pleasure, is still overwhelming (I'm tearing up writing this. that was 30 years ago)

2 Mistakes You've Made In the Past
1. Procrastination. Known in my world as Concrastinaion. Nothing like ol' wait til the last minute to make me cut corners and regret finished project.
2. Sharing plans with naysayers.
  Ugggggh!  If you can't see a vision that doesn't include 9to5 I'm not sharing.

3 Things That Make Your Work Unique

1. I'm a rebel. My items reflect that.

I don't do 'normal, quiet or pastels'

I must add a 'twist' or dip of me!

2. I  see ordinary things differently like alot of us creatives , I'm no different.  In my head: A placemat becomes a wall hanging; a vase, a lamp etc.

3. I create from a place of love. I try to channel positivity while creating. I use scented hand lotions while I make. IDK. maybe it's just me, but I wonder where and what 'hand' made

what I purchase.

4 Tools I  Love To Use

1. xl ziploc bags keep my little tools close and together & my  projects organized.

2. The arm of my sofa is my pin cushion. Not a favorite choice for my daughter.

3. My maroon cushion handled Fiskars are for my hands only. I love the weight of them. They are a perfect fit.      

4. My mind. I love it there. It rarely clicks off. I must learn to edit though.

5 Inspirations

1. I have 2 friends in particular whose style is sooo funky and fresh. I often find myself wondering what they'll think or if they would wear what I'm making.

2. Prints and Colors. 'nuff said

3. Home Decor Stores. There are stores that have scarred my daughter for life. P1, GR

4. Nieces & nephews. Their age range: 11 mos-21. They have music in common and are pretty non conservative in style. How fun is that!

5. Other crafters.  If I'm stuck I go to Blogs, blogs, blogs.    My  Street Team: Etsy Artists of Color (very supportive)

My Lover 52909
I have many loves. I am a cheater of sorts. One of my greatest loves is words. I am a lover of words.
I love new phrases. I love new expressions. I love new combinations I love new definitions. I am a lover of words. It amazes me how one little bitty word can carry so much meaning while a bunch of words strung together in a phrase can have little to no meaning what so ever.
(Ex. A player)
He comforts me when I am sad. He is blunt when I need the truth. He is wise when I don't get it. He's not always so kind. His judgements sting. His name calling belittles. He can manipulate with lies. Persuade with empty platitudes. Knows exactly what I need 2 hear to get his way.

Carla on Top Chef

I so enjoy Top Chef. Especially with the energy ball of emotion named Carla. It is just funny hilarious the way she reacts to the challenges. It is a pure, and exhausting to watch her but nonetheless, enjoyable. Thanks, Carla.

Top Chef

Carla is my fave!!!! She does Carla. She is true to her emotions and is supportive of all. Did I mention Carla is my FAVE!!!!!!

Organize the creative mind and space

I saw a saying once: 'A creative mind is never tidy!'. That's me and I'm sticking to it. However being organized, well.......I'm getting there.
Here's what I'm working on right now.
1. Make a chart/list of the craft disciplines/techniques you do. IE: sewing, paper crafting......
2. Decide how to store the various items used for those crafts.
3. Sort thru and make piles
4. Take a long winter's nap because
Organization and a creative mind (this creative mind) don't mix.
5. Ask yourself if u can complete a project w/o having to call a search party to locate the little items that have gone missing.
6. Push pass the feelings of doom and being overwhelmed and meditate on the happy feelings of sunny days to come when all projects get completed because you have found a system that works for you.
A. Seriously your first step is finding what works for you. What's logical. What's comfortable. What's realistic. What's aesthetic and will lead you to calm and balance. Anything short of that will not last. And only lead you back to these organization discussion boards.
Remember to be true to you: if it makes sense to you in your creative space DO IT! Keep your space sacred to you.

Sheeeeee's back

Top Chef All Stars: Carla is back! WhooHoo!!!!!!!! Nuff said!

Just.....belittlement

I just called to say....I just want to be.....I am just. Those statements seem matter of fact because of 'just'. I called....I want....I am.... No qualifier, no limits
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Saying Good-Bye to the Past & Hello to the NOW

I recently decided that my past, past memories and past messages were getting all in my way.


So I started to say good-bye to ended relationships. Saying what I wanted to say, should have said or needed to say. It's been interesting!!! But I actually feel lighter and more free.


I'm far from done. I've got some heavy stuff to say so long to but it is waaaaaaaaay past time.


It's actually been empowering. Stating the obvious of my behavior and other's behavior.


Realizing that I wasn't crazy while this shit was going on. That I lost my voice, or had never found it. That I became someone I thought they wanted to be with, instead of being me.


Once I get through this process I hope to be able to recognize me, the new me with a clear ability to voice my opinions about how I'm being treated, about how I want to be treated and how I deserve to be treated. Being true to myself, not changing me to be with someone.


Those are exciting thoughts. Can't wait to put that into action.


I have been able to get people off my toes, but I need to discern when a more direct approach should be taken. I'll get there.

How to: Funky Strip Scarf

This scarf was inspired by my apparent subconcious love

of floral fabric, lovingly pointed out by my 21 yr old dgt.

This scarf is mostly decorative.

But is stylishly warm and very soft and adds to your funky style points

Materials needed: I use anti pill fleece .

For a two color scarf you will need a 1/4 yard of each color

scissors, a rotary cutter and mat.

1. Placing right sides together,

2. sew a 1/4" seam on both sides of the scarf. (right and left)


Leave bottom & top open. Turn inside out.

3. Line up side seams, this now becomes the middle seam.
TIP: To eliminate bulkiness, pin the side seams together.
Make sure excess fabrice from seams
lays on either side of your new middle seam

Sew 1/4" seam on either side of middle seam.


4. Using rotary cutter, cut 1 1/2" strips from fold to 1/4" from middle seam.

5. Shake out, twist & wear!

There is another version for sale in my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66780433/tamed-strip-scarf

Procrastination

Why does that dirty word begin with 'pro'? Ain't nothing 'pro' about it.....well I am a pro @it! But 'pro' also means: good, benefit....and procrastinators know there's no true good benefit from it. Let's try 'concrastination'. Yeah that's a way better fit. I con myself into thinking that I can get a task completed to the best of my abilities in less time than is humanly possible. If I had started earlier, way earlier, I would have succeeded, but I concrastinated. I like that.
New word: concrastination. (Why do I feel like Andy Rooney?). It works. Con is a much better way of starting that word. Con: to dupe or be duped; not beneficial. Sounds just like it. At times to help us make decisions we make a list of pros and cons. We know people that are pros and we know people who are pros@ conning us; aka: con artists. If we are concrastinators.....we are both!!!!