DELICIOUS – Crab, Mango and Avocado Salad

I am so excited for all of the fresh fruit and vegetables that this season brings along with it.  I love experimenting with different recipes and there is nothing like being able to add in the crisp freshness of these foods.  I came across this recipe on Simplyrecipes.com and couldn’t wait to share it with you!

Screen shot 2012 03 12 at 7.57.02 PM DELICIOUS   Crab, Mango and Avocado Salad

Shopping List

For the sauce:

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the salad:

  • 1 lb of fresh lump Dungeness crabmeat, picked through to remove the small pieces of shell or cartilage
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp minced shallot or purple onion
  • 1 medium sized mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 1 firm but ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
  • Tabasco sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Optional: ruby red grapefruit sections, peeled

Instructions

Sauce directions:

Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the mango, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until the fruit is very tender. Add water, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a blender and purée until smooth. Chill.

Alternatively, if you are pressed for time, put all of the sauce ingredients into a blender and purée.

Crab salad directions:

1 In a bowl add the crab meat, 2 tsp of the cilantro, 1 tsp of the mint, the chopped shallot, a Tbsp of lime juice, 2 Tbsp of olive oil, 10 drops of Tabasco sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix carefully with a fork, to avoid breaking up the larger lumps of crab meat. Set aside.

2 In a separate bowl add the mango, avocado, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 Tbsp of lime juice, the remaining cilantro and mint leaves, 10 drops of Tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently with a spoon, taking care not to mush the avocado pieces.

3 Spoon some mango avocado mixture on to a chilled plate, gently mound some crab mixture over it. Garnish with cilantro leaves. For a tasty added touch if you have them, arrange peeled sections of sweet ruby red grapefruit around the salads. The grapefruit provides a flavorful complement to the crab salad.

 

I hope you enjoy this, let me know how it turns out!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS   Crab, Mango and Avocado Salad

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Style Files – Shining Spring Flower Arrangements

Are you seeing the beautiful spring flowers that have been sprouting out all around?  This time of year is so refreshing and cheerful to me and the bright colors are a welcomed sight.  I wanted to share some of my favorite floral inspirations that bring the brightness of spring into your home.

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 8.43.54 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via Gonnagetwed.com

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 8.48.08 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via LouLou Sucre

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 8.50.50 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via B-Movie Star

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 8.53.04 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via Martha Stewart

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 8.56.18 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via Good Housekeeping

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 9.03.08 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via Walks with Bella

Screen shot 2012 03 11 at 9.11.41 PM Style Files   Shining Spring Flower ArrangementsImage via Deck the Halls

Doesn’t your day feel brighter already?  The crisp bright colors bring new life to the season, and to your home!  What’s your favorite spring flower?

To see more of my favorite flower arrangements, check out my Flower Arrangements and Displays Board on Pinterest!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 Style Files   Shining Spring Flower Arrangements

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INSPIRED MONDAY: Flowers

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? I don’t know about where you live, but here in Portland, we have had a mix of rain and sun that has brought on fresh Springtime blooms. Bright spots on the landscape – vibrant yellows of the daffodil, purple tones from the sweet crocus and deep blues and pinks courtesy of the hyacinth! Color is coming back to our rainy city, so this week we celebrate the beauty of flowers! Their magnificence has inspired fabrics, paint colors, furniture design and entire rooms! Stay tuned as we give you tips on arranging the perfect Spring bouquet and even ideas on planting your own flower garden!

92675704801460602 dlRAWdnx f INSPIRED MONDAY: FlowersGet ready to be inspired!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAY: Flowers

Image via here.

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DIY – A Special Reading Nook

If you are at all like me, you love a quiet place to retreat and read a book or some design magazines.  Or maybe you want to carve out a corner for your little ones to enjoy reading.  One of these following ideas may just be perfect for your hideaway.

Transform a closet into a kids reading nook

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 11.51.45 AM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage and Full Instructions via Tip Junkie

Up-cycle two wood pallets to make this perfect corner reading nook

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.04.46 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage and Full Instructions via Kojo Designs

Re-purpose a trampoline in to this dreamy deck lounger

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.08.10 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Houzz-Sure Thing

A whimsical teepee tent with a comfy cushion makes a great hideaway

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.16.05 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Ana White

Find your perfect outdoor quiet space and add some soft cushions and sheer curtains.

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.26.12 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Desde My Ventana

…LOVE this wall of books with a big soft chair

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.34.15 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Blue Eyed Bride

Using a circular canopy and a overstuffed pillow is quick and easy to do.

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.37.19 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Country Living

I thought I would add in some DIY bookshelves for these beautiful spaces as well.

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.42.00 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Home Interiors Zone

This may look familiar from above but taking a double curtain rod,

adding 2 dowels and some fun fabric gives you a great book rack

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.44.23 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Kojo Designs

Painted Ikea spice racks are also great, inexpensive book shelves

Screen shot 2012 03 07 at 1.50.14 PM DIY   A Special Reading NookImage via Aubrey & Lindsay

I hope this gives you the inspiration to create your own space for you and your little ones to get in some quality time.  Make sure to take before and after pictures and share them with me, I can’t wait to see what you will create!

Have a great week!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   A Special Reading Nook

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COLOR PALETTE – Perfectly Pastel

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.18.16 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Design Seeds

With Spring trying to peak through the clouds and Easter just around the corner, I thought it would only be fitting that today’s color palette be all about the pastels.  These soft colors have always looked great in kids rooms and are now starting to venture out to the rest of your home.  Wrap your mind around these beautiful colors of the coming season.

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 10.05.27 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Belle Maison

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.55.48 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Source4Interiors

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.45.05 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Day Dream Decors

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.40.58 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Interiorholic

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.31.11 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Carpet the World

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.36.04 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Glamorous Interiors

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.50.37 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Carpet The World

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 9.53.24 PM COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly PastelImage via Interiorholic

There is sophistication with these colors and spaces that bring a sense of liveliness and calm. 

To see more of my favorite pastels, and other color palettes, click on my Pinterest “Color Palettes” Board.

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 COLOR PALETTE   Perfectly Pastel

 

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STYLE FILES – Magestic Nurseries and Children’s Rooms To Cherish

I am so blessed to have babies galore in my life.  With 4 grandsons (all under the age of 3) and my first granddaughter on her way, I spend countless hours gathering inspiration for nurseries and children’s rooms.  I love the wonder in children’s eyes when they see something magical.  Some of that magic is transferred into enchanted designs in these breathtaking rooms. 

Screen shot 2012 03 02 at 1.43.06 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.23.25 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Niriti.com

Screen shot 2012 03 02 at 1.43.20 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Screen shot 2012 03 02 at 1.59.58 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via RLH Studio

Screen shot 2012 03 02 at 2.04.03 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Anita Roll Murals

Screen shot 2012 03 02 at 2.06.41 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Lynsey Humphrey

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.02.15 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via We Heart It

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.05.49 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Houzz.com

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.09.18 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Pottery Barn Kids

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.26.46 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Cool Kids Rooms

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 5.12.57 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via Femtalks

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 8.30.32 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via MyHomeIdeas.com

Screen shot 2012 03 04 at 8.34.01 PM STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To CherishImage via OntoBaby.com

Sending your kids to their room could take on a whole different meaning!  These sweet, dreamy and sophisticated designs bring style with a little kiss of fantasy.

For some more of my favorite nurseries and kids rooms check out my Pinterest “Nurseries and Kids Rooms” Board.

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES   Magestic Nurseries and Childrens Rooms To Cherish

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INSPIRED MONDAYS: Believe in Magic

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend was just lovely. We had moments of glorious sunshine here in Portland and very mild temperatures! I loved it! Spring is just around the corner! As we watch flowers unfurl and trees blossom, I can’t help but find this time of year magical, don’t you?

This week we will be celebrating magic and how we can bring it into our homes – especially into our children’s rooms! Gorgeous pastel color palettes, secret reading nooks and enchanting nurseries! Are you ready to wave your decorating wand?

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Have a magical Monday!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Believe in Magic

Images via here and here.

 

 

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DIY – Organizing Your Jewelry

I am so excited to share today’s post with you!  Accessories are the polishing touch to your complete room design as well as to your wardrobe.   In keeping with our week’s theme of a personal dressing vanity, we wanted to show you some amazing ideas to organize your jewelry.  

Wrap a board with linen, add a decorative ribbon and use drawer pulls and handles to keep your treasures beautifully in order.

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.42.40 AM DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via One Woman’s Haven

A clean antique rake head with a string for earrings

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.47.14 AM DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via The Green Beagle

Tea cups and saucers

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.50.25 AM DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via We Heart It

A towel bar with shower curtain hangers

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.52.46 AM DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via My Yellow Sandbox

A beautiful antique frame with strips of lace attached

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.55.47 AM 230x300 DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via Etsy

A bamboo placemat and a drawer organizer with door pulls inside

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 11.59.54 AM 300x237 DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via Style Pantry

Use glass-less frames with door pulls or pins

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 12.02.47 PM 300x281 DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via BHG

Fabric covered canvas with hooks attached

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 12.05.00 PM 300x292 DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via Etsy

Framed decorative radiator grates

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 12.09.26 PM 300x297 DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via I Heart Organizing

An antique cheese grater makes a perfect earring organizer.

Screen shot 2012 02 28 at 12.11.28 PM DIY   Organizing Your JewelryImage via Small Town Savvy

These are such easy and creative ways to accessorize both your home and your wardrobe.  Why not give one or two of them a try?

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   Organizing Your Jewelry

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