LoveNow Benefit Bazaar- Nov 5th, 2011

Excited and busy getting ready for this years bazaar. I would love to see all of you there, plus stop by ELEMENT BOUTIQUE table and receive a free signature gift.*
(*no purchase necessary, while supplies last)

LOVENOW BENEFIT BAZAAR

DATE: November 5, 2011 from 9am- 4pm

WHERE: Crossroads Community Church

7708 NE 78th Street

Vancouver, WA 98662

Silent Auction
Raffle
100s of local shops

All for a great cause, benefiting LoveNow Ministry.

 How would you like to get a jump-start on your Christmas shopping? On Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, the Family Room will be transformed into a benefit bazaar of handmade items, complete with a silent auction and raffle. Get into the Christmas spirit early by shopping local artisans, while helping to support the outreach efforts through LoveNow.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the Christmas season and the spirit of giving!

Mango Crab Stack

I am a huge salad lover, especially the onces that have fruits, nuts and unique spices. My husband and I have probably mastered several dozen of different recipes of salads, from which we've selected several of our favorite. The Mango Crab Stack is by far on the top of my list, and I could seriously have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It a small portion, light and colorful salad with spicy sauce that leaves your mouth on fire. The sauce recepe I came up on my own and it really does not have measurements, the cayenne pepper amount could be adjusted to taste.

Ingredients
Mango
Avacado
Red Onion
Bell Pepper
Crab Meat
Salt, Black Pepper (to taste)
Lemon Chives to garnish (optional)

Sauce
Mayo
Tabasco Sauce
Cayenne Red Pepper
Lemon Juice

Chop everything into small squares, layer it with sprinkles of salt and pepper in between layers, then add a sauce on top with some lemon chives for garnish.

NOTE:
The method I use to create a stack is by cutting a buttom off a styrofoam cup and placing it on a plate. Then use it to add layers of each ingredient and pressing it down with a spoon. Once it all done, carefully lifting the cup and sprinkling with sauce.

Don't forget to enjoy.

Rad or Bad?

Please help me decide: RAD OR BAD?
Chunky Wool Chain Scarf in Golden Rod color. I came across a picture in a fashion magazine and decided to make it myself. I want to here your opinion about it. Do you like it? Would you wear it?
I appreciate your responses and comments.

Upcycled Crochet Round Rug

Currently available in my shop is a Upcycled Crochet Rug. It was a fun project to do and I am currently working on a bigger rug for my own bathroom. Check it out in my Etsy Shop and let me know what you think abou it.

Crochet Owl Hat

New in my Etsy Shop, is a Crochet Owl Hat- $25. I used soft, ligh yarns to create this adorable hat. Different colors and sizes are coming soon in to store. Please message me or check back if interested.

Child's Apron

Today is a "Bake a Pizza" day in school for Erika and I decided to sew her an apron. She's had several fo them done by my mom, but unfortunatelly grew out of all of them. I like when she uses an apron when she paints at home or helps me with baking. Every time she sees me put on my apron when I am cooking in the kitchen, she has to get hers as well. What can I say "Like mother, like daughter"

Here is a basic apron style that I end up sewing for her. Since I only had 2 hours to work on it, I made it as simple as possible. Plus with the already excisting design on the fabric I didnt want to cover it up with huge pockets in the middle.

My little Kindergartener

I cannot believe that my first born Erika is going to school this year. We've been debating if she should go this year or wait till next year. I knew it would be a bitter sweet experience for me, since she's been with me 24/7 since birth. It was a last minute decision to let her go this year.
I could tell she was so excited to wake up on that first day of school morning and get ready. Finally all those weeks of waiting paid off and she gets to experience this new stage of her life.

New Hair Do

I came across an awesome blog called The DayBook. She has the most cutest outfits and hair styles, plus the cutest prego I've ever seen. One of the tutorials that she shows, is a bun hair do.
Here is my version of the bun.

Poppy Flower Headbands

I wanted to share some of the beautiful photos I've got from Alana by Amazing Faces, who is wearing my Poppy Flower Headband. She is one beautiful girl.

The poppy flowers are available in several different colors and could be paired up as you desire. They could also be attached to a clip, pin or a plastic headband. Currently on sale in Etsy Shop.

Slice of Kiwi Crochet Earrings

Even though it was in the mid 90s today, I was still in the mood to crochet. So to make something to match this beautiful sunny weather, I came up with these earrings: Slice of Kiwi- $12

Roasted Figs with Mascorpone Ice Cream

I bought these beautiful figs in Costco today and couldn't wait to make a delicious dessert with them.
I happened to have Private Selection Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Ice Cream, from Fredies (which is to die for). So I decided to incorporate two and come up with something yummy. Plus a cool dessert sounded so good on a hot day like this one.

So I cut the figs in half, linned them up on a foil, sprinkled some sea salt and added 1/2 of tea spoon of sugar into each center of the fig. Then roasted in the over on 420 deg. for about 15-20 min.

Figs added to the scoop of Mascorpone Ice Cream made a delishes and easy dessert.

Enjoy.

3 Flower Pins

My latest flower creation, now available in Etsy Store.

Currant Vacherin

Yesturday, we were invited to our friends house to watch meteorite shower by the fire. Even though we had no luck with it, we've enjoyed a yummy Currants Vacherin. Earlier this week, I've picked some currants at my dad's house which I've been wanting to use with meringue. Lets just say "the pursuit of happiness, achieved"

Layers of meringue and Whipped Cream are adorned with red and white currants.

Tiger in a jar

I discovered this blog called "tiger in a jar" and could not get enought of their videos and pictures. Check out for yourself. They are awesome.

Asparagus Salad:


ribboned asparagus salad from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Beet Cake


beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Enjoy.

Surprise Baby Shower!

My oldest sister Yelena is visiting us from Hawaii. Since she is pregnant with her first girl we decided to surprise her with a baby shower. The best part was that she was completely clueless and was so shocked to see her friends and family all gathered at the Papa Haydn.

It's a Girl!!!

ME...

Another beautiful creation by Element Boutique: Gift Set: Bib, Burp Cloth, Pacifier Holder & Onesie.

Abigail won 1st place

Thank you to all who took a minute to vote for my beautiful doll "Abigail". She won 1st place in the 2011 Pals Contest offered by Katchlight Photography and Posh Baby Boutique.

Thank you again for your time and support.

2011 PALS Contest- CLOSED

Please help to win a 2011 PALS Contest by voting for my daughter Abigail. Head over to Katchlight Photography Fan Page and become a fan, then like Abigail's photo. Only likes will count. Contest will run until Saturday, July 2, 2011.

I really apprecite it. Thank you.

Chunky Cowls with Leather Strap

Several of my latest projects that I've enjoyed knitting. These chunky, soft cowls are awesome with a modern touch of a 100% leather strap on the side. The best part about these collars is that they are unisex and look nice on either men and women, boys or girls. I've made one for my daugther and she looks absolutely amazing in it. (I'll post some pictures later) This cowl sure adds a upstyle look to any outfit. More colos and styles are coming soon (closer to fall) but here are a few that I am offering for sale in my Etsy shop.

Brown Cowl with Lilac Leather Strap- $32 (kids size)

White Chunky Cowl with Brown Leather Strap- $34- adult size

White lace cuff with pearl

Beautiful white lace cuff with pearl inclosure. Perfect for that special day: wedding, special occassion or a romantic dinner. Will go beautifully with any outfit.

Red Rosettes with While Lace Detail Hair Piece

I absolutely love the combination of this headband. Beautiful, bright red color rossettes with a elegant white lace detail, makes this hair piece a one of a kind. Currently available on Etsy: $22 shipped.