Post 1000

Five most popular posts. Pavlova, Brompton Hobo Bag, Pure Barre, Dreamy Wedding, Gel Manicures.

This post is a milestone for me as it marks my 1000th post since I began Spiral Style, June 15, 2009.  My mission for Spiral Style was to share what gives me pleasure and this is what I said:

What is my pleasure? It is the simple things in life, planting a garden, gathering shells on the beach or going for a run. I get pleasure by creating pieces of jewelry from silver. Pleasure is being with the ones you love. Food, cooking and wine give me pleasure. Travel is a luxurious pleasure.

That day I shared a photo of my garden.

Today I'm about to plant my 2013 garden, in a new location and try some new vegetables.  

I also posted a photo of my jewelry.  You can visit my Etsy site here.

Hammered bangles

Linked hammered rings necklace

Hammered silver post earrings

I think it is time to back away from daily blogging, not finally but as a five times a week blog.  I want to be fresh and not post something just to fill the space.  So you will see posts when I have something I am excited about and really want to share. 

Thank you for following Spiral Style.  I have learned so much in many different ways since I started this blogging adventure and I especially love to read your comments.  I hope you continue to look for my posts on Facebook, as an email or in a reader. 

HAVE A VERY HAPPY MONDAY!

Cilantro Mojito: Happy Weekend

I purchased a beautiful bunch of cilantro this week.  It added wonderful flavor to a black bean and corn salad but I was curious as to how to use this pungent herb to flavor a cocktail

I found a cilantro mojito recipe here.  Cilantro takes the place of mint in this refreshing drink.

Place 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves in a cocktail shaker along with one lime cut into eight pieces.  

Muddle the herb and lime in a cocktail shaker and then remove the lime and add 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.  Add 2 ounces of white rum and 1/2 ice and shake well.  Strain into a glass and add ice, a slice of lime and a sprig of cilantro.  

Enjoy and Happy Weekend!

My DIY Idea on glo.msn.com

Dip It on glo.msn.com

I was notified last week that one of my DIY projects from a post, July of 2011 is featured in a 10 easiest DIY ideas of all times.  This was a project using Plasti Dip, a rubberizing agent.     I'm thrilled to be included in this posting of 10 DIY projects.  You can view all 10 by clicking here and see my entire post by clicking here.  

Coconut Lime Rice Pudding

Coconut Lime Rice Pudding

I found myself with a 1/2 can of coconut milk after making my favorite Coconut Tea Cake which I blogged about here.  So, I made a 1/2 recipe of this delicious, creamy coconut lime rice pudding.  Soaking the rice for a half hour before cooking the pudding helps to shorten the cook time.  Using lite coconut milk and 2% milk will decrease the fat calories of the pudding but still ensure a creamy, rich texture.  

Sweet comfort food!!

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup white basmati rice
• a 13- to 14-ounce can light unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lime zest

In a bowl soak rice in cold water to cover 30 minutes. Drain rice in a sieve. In a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan bring coconut milk, whole milk, rice, sugar, and a pinch salt to a boil and gently simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes. Remove pan from heat.

Stir lime zest into pudding. Divide pudding among four 2/3-cup custard cups. Puddings may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.

Serve puddings warm or chilled and garnish with flaked coconut.

Who Doesn't Need a Tote?

Metallic flecked cork tote $98 cwonder

Kittery tote  $98 Cole Haan

Lucca city tote $475 Tumi

Les Toiles Du Soleil beach bag $89 available for a limited time One King's Lane

Woven parrish tote $398 Coach

Chevron tote $29 limited time One King's Lane

Market basket $49 The Market Basket Co.

Tote handbag - coral $24.99 Target

Ikat Domino tote $29 limited time One King's Lane

Boat and tote $39.95 for large LLBean

Makeup: Classics and Newcomers

In the May issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine there is a Best List: Beauty & Style, chart of iconic colors.  These are tried and true, classic colors that flatter most and will make you happy day after day.  

I swear by the Nars blush, OPI nail laquer, Mac lip pencil and Clinique lipstick colors. 

Two rather new beauty products in my bag are:

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks

These eye color sticks come in a range of 12 colors in a creamy formula that is convenient, long wearing and crease resistent. Apply with a brush or finger.  I love this product for travel or in my gym bag.  

Buxom Sculpted lash mascara

Isn't mascara mostly about the applicator?  

Consider Sculpted Lash Mascara as lash artistry at its best. The “S” shaped brush grabs and thickly coats each lash, allowing you to sculpt, shape and style for a full-on, fanned-out effect. The nutrient-rich formula coats each lash from root to tip, ensuring your volume and shape lasts all day with no clumping or flaking.  (taken from the Sephora site)

It's true, no clumps and you can fan out your lashes for a great effect.  This product makes the most of skimpy lashes.

What products and colors do you depend on?

Spring Salmon and Sugar Snap Peas

Salmon with sweet chili glaze, sugar snap peas, and pea tendrils

Here is a quick, delicious, salmon recipe that exudes spring time with the addition of sugar snap peas and pea tendrils.  Asian flavors, including lots of fresh grated ginger take salmon to new heights of fantastic.

Have this on the table in about 40 minutes after coming home from work (but only 15 minutes of active time) or serve in the dining room to guests.

Salmon with sweet chili glaze, sugar, snap peas, and pea tendrils

Ingredients:

Nonstick vegetable spray

1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger, divided

6 6-ounce salmon fillets with skin

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry Sherry

3 cups pea tendrils or pea sprouts (6 ounces)

Prep:

Line rimmed baking sheet with foil.  Coat with nonstick spray.  Whisk chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon ginger in small bowl.  Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on prepared sheet.  Spoon chili sauce marinade over and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.  

Preheat broiler.  Spoon any marinade remaining on baking sheet over salmon fillets.  Broil salmon without turning until browned in spots and almost opaque in center, 6 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness of fillet. 

Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in wok or heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon ginger and minced garlic; stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds.  Add sugar snap peas and stir until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice wine, and pea tendrils and stir just until wilted, about 1 minutes.  Drizzle with sesame oil.

Place 1 salmon fillet on each plate.  Spoon warm pea mixture over salmon fillet and serve.

Serves 6

Have a delicious weekend!