New Store - Nomi, Newmarket, Ontario

My spring bags can now be found in a beautiful gift store called NOMI, located on Main Street in Newmarket, Ontario. The owner Kristi makes most of the exquisite jewellery that is sold in the store. The store offers the shopper lots of great artisan finds. So drop in and check out the store.

Awesome Dinner

Spanish Chicken with Chorizo Sausage, Potatoes and Carrots

This recipe I found on Pinterest, and it turned out great. Got to love one pan meals. I changed it a bit and added carrots to the original recipe.

2 tablespoons regular olive oil
8 chicken thighs (bone in, with skin)
1 lb chorizo sausages, whole if baby ones, or cut into 4-cm chunks if regular-sized
10 baby potatoes, cut in half
1 bag of baby carrots
1 sweet onion, peeled and roughly chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
grated zest of one orange
salt to taste

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put the 1 tbsp of oil in the bottom of roasting pan (I used large jelly roll baking tray). Rub the skin of the chicken in the oil, season with salt accordingly, place them skin-side up. Divide the chorizo sausages, carrots and the new potatoes between the 2 tins.

Sprinkle the onion and the oregano over, then grate the orange zest over the arranged contents. Cook for 30 minutes and baste the contents with the orange-colored juices. Continue cooking for about 30 minutes or till chicken is done.

California dreaming

In March, my husband and I travelled to California, starting off our trip by driving from San Fran to Carmel, then to Napa and ending in San Fran. What a fantastic trip. We were fortunate to experience great weather, wonderful hotels, amazing food and drink! California is a wonderful state to visit, it seems to have it all. We've also travelled a few years ago from LA to San Diego which was also incredible. Here a few sample shots of our recent trip.

One of a Kind Spring Show

It won't be long until I am standing at the one of a kind show. It starts March 27th and runs until the 31st. I have been busy sewing and designing some fun, summer bags. Hope to see you at the show.

Christmas One of a Kind Sale

Once again, the Toronto One of a Kind Show was a success. I sold quite a few bags this year, met new customers and some repeat customers which is always nice. My wristlets appeared in the fashion show. Thanks to all those who came by the booth and to those who purchased bags. And a special thanks to all those who came down and helped me out.

Handmade in Aurora

One of a Kind Show

Come and visit me at Booth P21 during the last 6 days of the show, from Nov 27 to Dec 2.

Thanksgiving

Once again it is the time of the year when the air seems fresher, our surroundings seem more beautiful and we find ourselves wanting to stay in bed longer. The leaves this year were brilliant, especially the reds and oranges. Just beautiful. Yesterday I made a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that turned out to be delicious, so here is the recipe and happy thanksgiving.

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cups dark chocolate chips
3/4 cups walnut pieces

In a bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda and cinnamon; stir into creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Weekend Getaway to Haliburton

The best getaway is a girls getaway and what better setting is there than a beautiful cottage in the woods. Ontario and autumn are a truly magical combination. The colours were just starting to burst. In another week or two they will be absolutely gorgeous. I suggest you get out there and enjoy. We also had a trip to the dump, to dispose of the wine bottles. I tried my best to improve the look of the huge mound of garbage through photography.

New Fall Bags

I have finally dove head first into the fall and winter sewing. I have so many ideas in my head but only have my two hands to sew and one breaking back. Here are a few new bags. I have made some colorful clutches this fall, inspired by the great selection of fall fashion.