hiphugger

speaking of new bags.....

i've been working for a local handbag designer as a seamstress for the past few months.
marcia (the mastermind) designs and cuts the bags out of repurposed/recycled materials.
i (and other talented seamstresses) sew them up, then she attaches a super hip recycled leather belt as the strap.
i was in slo today, so i decided to check 'em out. they are sold in a chic little boutique called ambiance on higuera st. i walk in and see this gorgeous display of hiphuggers.
it was so cool to see some of the bags that i actually helped build.

so here's the scoop......

if you live in the area, marcia's hosting a blow-out/benefit at her studio

sunday, june 7th noon-5

rummage through the "less than perfects" and purchase for 75% off retail

and.....

bring a blanket to donate to the local hospital and enter to win a one of a kind
hiphugger handbag.

go here for more details.

my new bag

look at this cute little bag i picked up today at the
avila valley barn.
it was only$2.95.
you should pick one up next time you're there.
and fill it with some fresh corn on the cob and "lunch box" peaches.

foodies

this is my little brother jimmy.....

he's a father to three beauties...
ava, lizzy, and mia.

he's a great dad.
he even tries to teach them about the art of a delicious meal.

ava gets it...like when she dug into this beef rib at the farmer's market last thursday night.

this is jimmy's beautiful wife chantal....

she is an amazing mother.

while they were visiting us this past week, we got to celebrate chantal's birthday.
jimmy created a meal of some of chantal's favorite foods.
we are so lucky that jimmy is not only a fantastic cook, but that chantal loves greek food.

like this....grilled polenta with orange honey infused greek yogurt with fresh strawberries and pistachios.
the rest of the menu went like this....
hummus and flatbread
greek olives and feta
grilled prawns with oregano
grilled zucchini squash with greek olives and mint
garlic and herb couscous

i think we all felt like we had died and gone to mediterranean heaven.

i've heard so much about the pink champagne cake from the madonna inn bakery, so we had to try it.

i'm certain the girls were more excited than anyone.

some of the other foodie places we visited.....
la tapatia for pork tacos and flan
guiseppe's for seafood, pasta and italian pastry
alphie's for fish tacos and prime rib sandwich
thursday night farmer's market for grilled corn, ribs and asian bbq
avila valley barn for slo maid ice cream and strawberry-rhubarb pie
a mexican bakery for sweet bread
and gramma ann's kitchen for pancakes and more fresh strawberries and cream.

the end

winter squash in the spring

how long can a butternut squash sit on your counter?

my sat for 2 months before i finally made some of
ina garten's....

roasted butternut squash soup with curry condiments

(photo courtesy house beautiful mag)
it's so simple but packs a bunch of flavor. i love how roasting brings out the sweetness of the ingredients, combined with smokiness of the curry. i like mine topped with a little toasted coconut and fresh scallions.

sharin' the love

Congrats to.......Debbie
Emily
Heidi
Jenna
Amy
Thanks for playing girls......now don't forget to pay it forward.

p.s. I know I picked 5, sue me.
p.s.s. I am not sending you valentine cookies girls....but still full of love nonetheless.

Pay It Forward

The Rules

1. Be one of the first Three (3) bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.

2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love!If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Post it on your blog; start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!I will leave a list of names who were the first 3 on my blog as soon as I receive them!I have no clue what it is I will make you, lets see who the winners are first.

I wish we had smell-a-vision.....

Hayashi Farms of the central coast have these beauties sitting out front and center
at their farmstand.
I thought I'd share them with you!

In times like these.... it's the little things that make me happy.
CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRIES
And it's February people.....

Come closer....close your eyes....and inhale.

Now I need one of these.....

I just wish they came in cuter colors, like pink, orange or red...like a strawberry.