Recipes & Helpful Tips: 2009

Did You Know?

I am sure that you may find this very interesting :)

How to Afford Clothes and Accessories by Top Designers

Finding the latest runway fashions can be easier and cheaper than you think. These days there are lots of top fashion designers producing apparel for the under $100 market.

Steps

Determine which designer brands you want and make those your targets. Go to vintage and thrift store first (if applicable). Many times you can find vintage designer duds, but you must be diligent and frequent in your search (it will pay off).
Go to Last Chance, Nordstrom's "Off the Rack", Marshall's, etc to search. I've seen Versace jackets at Marshall's for much less than retail.
Bluefly.com is also a good place to get high fashion for less than you would normally pay, but it can still be expensive.
Peruse the outlet malls in your area.

Determine your style. Designers are designers because they are different. Research and decide which designers you like best. Look at current designers and past designers as well.

Tips

Buy expensive items that will stand the test of time - go for classic looks not momentary fads.

Love to Sew quilt contest

Love to Sew is holding their sixth annual quilting contest. Check out for more information at Love to Sew

Oven Baked Sri Lankan Yellow Rice

Ingredients

2 Cups Basmati Rice (soak for 30 minutes and drain)
3 Cups Chicken Stock

1 Small Onion Finely Sliced
2 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Butter
4-6 Whole Cardamoms
2 Pieces Cinnamon Stick
4-5 Cloves
1 Teaspoon Fresh Ginger/Garlic Paste (G&G)
Pinch of Turmeric
Raisins or Green Peas (optional)
Salt

Heat the oil in a saucepan on the stove top. Add the onion and fry until golden brown. Add G&G, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves then cook for about two minutes. Now, add the soaked basmati rice, raisins/green peas (optional) and turmeric. Stir occasionally while frying for another three to four minutes. Transfer this to an oven-safe dish. Add the chicken stock and salt to taste if needed. Cover and bake for twenty to thirty minutes at 325C. Serve with chicken curry and fresh salad. Enjoy!

Tip - My husband loves cumin raitha with yellow rice. Yummy!!

(Raitha - plain yoghurt, cumin powder, water, pepper & salt)

Quick Fix - Buttons

If you lose a button while traveling or don't have time to replace one, use a button pin to attach a shank button.

A button pin looks like a curved safety pin with a bump in it where the shank rests-just insert it through the fabric from the back side, through the button shank back through to the fabric wrong side and latch. Keep in mind this shouldn't be a permanent fix, though it does make buttons removable for cleaning and interchangeable if desired- the perfect answer to adding holiday buttons to an everyday garment without stitching.

Pros

Inexpensive
Available in most sewing notions department
Faster than sewing on a button
A solution for non-washable buttons

My Work Station

This is my sewing table. It's a small area and cozy. The most important thing is it's clutter free and I love it.

If you just purchased a serger or someone gave you one as a thoughtful gift, it's complicated to thread if this is the first time that you've owned one. I received one as a Christmas gift two years ago from my mother-in-law, Sally Duvall. I was finally able to thread it today and it's working great. I want to share some tips with you all. Use four different colors then practice stitching on scrap material. If one side or one of the stitches is not

right, you can always re-thread until it comes out right. Using different colors of thread makes re-threading easier. Good luck to you all!

Take A Mental Subbatical

Pretend you are taking a year off. Make a list of what you would do, then figure out how to make at least one thing on your list come true.

This picture was taken in Tampa Feb 09

Declare a Watchless Day

Take off your timepiece today and go at your own rhythm.

Eyebrow Threading

Take a Dip in the Ocean - At Home

Have you ever noticed how great you feel after a swim in the ocean? Part of the reason is that the magnesium, zinc and potassium in sea salt draws out the lactic acid from your muscles, easing tension. You can simulate the effect in a luxurious bath. Pour one cup of salt into the stream of warm water while filling the tub, turn on the ocean surf CD, light a candle, and indulge.

This photo was taken in Sri Lanka Nov 08

Healthy Tip

We all go through times that we need a shoulder to lean on or a friend to talk to. This is a helpful tip that I have tried and it has helped me and hope that it will help you too.

Create a Fan Club

Make a list of the friends who boost you up. You know the ones that you can call at any time of the day or night and know that they will bring a smile to your face. Don't be afraid to use your list when need it. It is OK to ask for support.

Simple Salad Dressing Recipe from Sri Lanka

Ingredients

Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Sugar
Vinegar (use Balsamic or Apple Cider for an extra special flavor)
Water
Fresh Lemon

Mix all of the above in a bottle. Shake the bottle well before use.

The best thing I like about this dressing is you can use the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste. I love the sweet taste so I add extra sugar. Sugar keeps the salad crunchy.

Healthy Tip: If you are a fruit lover add an apple or pineapple to the salad. Yummy!!!

Recipes & Helpful Tips