My Famous Salsa Recipe Revealed!

Without blowing my own trumpet, I am rather well known for my home-made Mexican Salsa. I've never actually given out the recipe, so please find yourselves very very honoured lol! 

I was planning to do the big unveiling once the sunny weather decided to grace us with its presence - however I have held my breath for far far too long!

When I was 17, I went to America with my family for the first time and I fell in love... with Salsa (and the country!) Back in those days, many years ago lol, you couldn't even buy jars of it over in the UK and we were craving more more more. So my step-father (an amazing cook) and I set work to re-create the scrummy dip at home. After many many attempts, we perfected it - phew!!

Image via http://www.dipity.com

I love it with Doritos Lightly Salted Corn Chips, these are the most widely available and the closest I've found to the one's you get in restaurants and America.

Image via Ocado

It's now a given whenever there is a social occasion - "Sara will bring Salsa and chips" - sorry to my friends, I know I didn't on our last girly weekend, but I did bring a giant cupcake to make up for it! So here you are; my magnificent home made Mexican Salsa! I promise you, you will never pick up a jar or tub of the readymade stuff again!

Ingredients

6 plum tomatoes or 2 beef tomatoes chopped into quarters

½ red pepper (jarred roasted pepper works fantastically)

1 x green jalapeno pepper* - stalk cut off, keep back 2 thin slices for garnish

1 x whole clove of garlic- peeled

½ tsp ground cumin

Handful of fresh coriander

Lime juice to taste (concentrated works best)

Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

*Every chilli varies in intensity, so it's a case of experimentation and heat preference. Sometimes I use a whole one, other times half a one can blow your head off!

You can make this with a food processor with the knife blade or by hand. I used to use a special rocker knife but to be honest it works just as well in a food processor and is much quicker.

Method

1. Pop the garlic, chilli, coriander and a pinch of sea salt into the processor and pulse until finely chopped. You will probably need to scrape the sides with a spatula a few times to get it all chopped.

2. Add the tomatoes, red pepper, cumin, lashings of black pepper and pulse. Chunkiness is down to preference - pulse until it's just a little way off how you want it.

3. Add the oil and lemon juice - I start with about 4 drops. I do this towards the very end as if you put it in earlier it can go a bit fizzy

4. Give a final little blitz.

5. I like to add a bit more black pepper at the end as we like it hot!

6. Pour into a lovely colourful bowl, garnish with the slices of chilli and serve with tortilla chips. Store in the fridge - it taste better when it has sat for a hour or so to allow the flavours to marry.

Keeps for 4-5 days if it hasn't been snaffled!


Et voilà or as they say in Mexico "y aquí está" - or so Google Translate says!

Variations 

Substitute the lime for lemon juice and fresh or dried mint for the coriander.

Bloody Mary Salsa - add 10-15ml of vodka and a dash of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

Add a dash of Tequila for an adult Mexican adult twist! "I love Tequila it makes me happy! la la la ( ♥‿♥)"

Roast the tomatoes, garlic and chilli, drizzled in olive oil for 5-10 minutes under the grill, to make a mellow smoky dip.

Use habanero or Scotch bonnet chillies instead - hot hot hot!

For kids - miss the chilli and add a teaspoon of mild smoky paprika.

So there you go, hope you enjoy would you to know what you think. By the way this is my baby, take good care of her; she has been nurtured for many years and it's very hard to let her out into the big wide world! 

Keep your eyes peeled for "My Famous Guacamole Recipe Revealed!" - when I've built up my emmotional strength!!

Clever Jewellery Storage Ideas

I've been browsing the blogosphere and the web to see what ideas are out there for making your own pretty jewellery storage. 

 

This is such a clever idea- Shabby Chic Dangly Earring Display - complete with tutorial! By Kevin and Amanda

I adore this tea cup storage idea, it's so pretty. Mind not sure I'd fancy dusting this room - oh how I hate dust and dusting! 

Image via The Decorista 

This would save on the dusting though - pop them in the drawer!

Visit The Look Today to see this and 6 other great DIY ways de-clutter your beauty closet.

Wow who'd have thought chicken wire would come in handy in the Boudoir?! This belongs Catherine the owner of Hallelu

Wow! I wish I had enough jewels to fill this stand! Via We Heart It

Kill two birds with one stone, store your precious photos and jewellery. Image via HGTV

Pretty lace hangings from La Folie Couture blog

Gosh some people are just so creative and imaginative.

What Makes A Pretty Girl?

Image via Avoiding The Laundry

New Mummy Tips From Another Mummy!

I thought I'd share with you this info I gathered when our son was a baby. I have passed it on to friends, family and clients over the past 6 years and have had lots of positive feedback. It seems to becoming a family heirloom of sorts!

Image via pinterest.com/pin/75927943687184759/

When I became a mum for the first time in my mid 30's, I was very nervous - well actually petrified about getting it wrong! I hungrily gobbled every bit of advice I was given and then used the bits I chose to! It came from various sources including my NCT breastfeeding counsellor, other mums, my sister - a Doula, our family Chiropractor, Midwife and few of my own tips picked up on the way!

Image via West Hill Youth

Looking back, I wish I'd been easier on myself, just relaxed a bit and enjoyed those precious days more. Believe me they are gone so fast - it may not seem it sleepless night after night, but they will be at school and talking Moshi Monsters before you know it! Oh and bugger the housework I say!

This is advice is intended to be simply passed on from one mum to another, to make the journey even more enjoyable and a bit more relaxed! It's great to just dip into when you need help.

Dummies 
We were told by our Chiropractor who specialises in pregnant women and babies, that good quality orthodontic dummies help develop the brain and helps with their breathing - great for colds etc. We found the key is to not give them all the time - sleeps and walking around the supermarket LOL! And we never let our son have access to them; we always kept them in a cupboard out of reach - it made life much easier when he got a mind of his own ha ha! We go the Vitality Clinic in Kenton, Newcastle - my therapist actually attended my entire birth - she is an amazing lady!

Image via Bibi

Our son started to scream when feeding, going on and off the breast and eventually got angry! Then I spoke to the NCT counsellor and she explained he was full, but wanted to comfort suck and his tummy was getting sore with too much milk. So we popped in the dummy and hey presto - a happy bunny! The same applies if they are getting over a tummy bug - hungry but tummy is sore.

What On Earth Is In That Nappy?!
Nice subject I know but like most mum's, you will probably find yourself becoming obsessed!!!
Runny yellow - good healthy poop! (for breastfed babies)
Mucus or bits - your baby may have a cold, they swallow their phlegm etc as they can't blow their nose. I had major panic and thought his insides were coming out, until my cousin’s wife told me it was his phlegm - she is a midwife! Phew!
Green and hard - don't panic but something may be up, best get it checked by doctor.

Image via The Cloth Diaper Whisperer

Clingy Baby Tip

This is one of the best pieces of advice we ever had. Our son used to scream when we put him back into his crib at night. My sister suggested wearing a t-shirt or popping a muslin on my tummy when I was asleep, then when he needed to go back in his cot to put this on the mattress for him to lie on. This works fantastically as it carries your scent and heat, and your little darling thinks you are still there! He still has one of my t-shirts in his bed when he's not well and when he goes for a sleepover - ah bless!

Image via Wallcoo

Some Great Mummy Products
Green Baby do a fantastic Nipple Balm and an amazing award winning Perineal Gel and after birth bath stuff amongst other after birth items!


Olive Oil on Your Babies Lil Bot... yep!
Olive oil is calming, soothing and relieves itching and it makes a great nappy barrier instead of shop bought creams. If you think about it - oil and water don't mix so the urine can't penetrate your precious ones skin! It's much cheaper than nappy cream too, a little goes a long way. You can buy bottles from any good health food shop or chemist - not the food aisle!

Image via Olive Oil Times

Times Between Feeds
Try not to have more than 5 hours between baby's day time feeds - breast or bottle, remember their tummies are tiny and they need to grow!

Image via Christen B Photography

Growth spurts - these are guides, ever baby is different!
7-10 days
6 weeks - this is the most difficult one.
12 weeks - your baby can be distracted with play at this stage.
6 months - you will just notice your little dumpling eating more!

Image from Urban Dorothy

Winding
Our son was in lots of pain with wind poor lamb, so we ended up winding after every feed and giving Woodwards Gripe Water which is made from Dill weed. Some say a breastfed baby doesn't get much wind - not for our precious one! Sometimes it could take 30 mins - 1 hour! Life got much easier when he could burp himself (probably about 4 months).

Image via The Cupcake Blog

As you can see millions of other parents; we didn't have the easiest of rides (the toddler years were a doddle compared to the baby bit!) This was mainly because our son was in a lot of pain as he was lactose intolerant. Also he seemed to get extremely upset when there were loud noises, voices or when we were in busy places - we didn't realise this until he was 3 that he has compacted ear wax, which hits his ear drum when there are loud sounds!!! Saying that he is the best thing to have ever happened to me (and meeting my hubby of course!) I adore being a mum, it's not always easy, it's a constant learning curve and unfortunately you don't get taught this stuff at school! But the rewards far outweigh the tough bits; I wouldn't change it for the world - he is my everything.

Image via Etsy.com

I really hope this helps you as much it has me, my friends, family and clients. I am not a professional in these matters, I just received lots of advice and as I had famous gaga baby brain, I used to write it all down. I just think it's nice to pass on to others.

Oh and you will be given all sorts of advice, I would say smile politely and use what you want - it's your baby and you know what is best! We had very different ways to others, but stuck to our guns hard as it sometimes was, but we have a gorgeous, healthy (touch wood!) loving, funny, caring and very very happy son to show for it!

Image via Advice To Sink In Slowly

Links to Some of My Other Parenting Posts
Looking After Our Precious Teeth
Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies
Watch out for my "Breastfeeding Tips from Another Mummy!" post coming soon.

I would love to hear any other tips you may have.

Beautiful Cupcake and Cakes Gallery - Perfume

From being tiny I've always had a fascination with pretty perfume bottles. 

Heaven! Image via tips.become.com

My mum inherited a little glass bottle with a gold lid studded with jewels from her Nan. For some reason it never stood up and drove her mad - she always knew I was jumping around her bedroom as it just crash onto the dressing table! However as she grew older she started to love that old bottle and one day sadly our wonderful cleaner knocked it over!! Bless mum never had the heart to tell her it was so precious to her.

Marie Antoinette - mini cake inspired by French perfume bottles from XVII Century

by Cakes Haute Couture

Tres opulent cakes Sugar Rush Delights

The Decadence D’Or cupcake costs $750!!! Image via http://www.ripleys.com

Handcrafted from the most exclusive, rich, and enterprising ingredients around the globe. Including Palmira Single Estate Chocolate a special chocolate from the rare and fragile Porcelana Criollo bean in Venezuela. Tahitian Gold Vanilla Caviar- the world’s most labor-intensive agricultural crop, 100 year old Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cogna and edible, metallic gold flakes. Presented on a handmade gold glass curved plate and bowl. Crickey I wouldn't dare eat it!

Pretty pink spray pump. By Miss Muffin Bakery

My favourite pink, by The Caketress

I love the muted colours of this Chanel cake by The Cake Girls

Lastly my favourite perfume of the moment - this one is real - mind wish mine was that big!!

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell. Image via http://www.lipglossiping.com

Eeek I've Nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award!

Wow I've only been blogging since February so I was really honoured and touched to be nominated and in turn win a Versatile Blogger award by Carly over at Thoughts In Little Boxes.

Carly's blog is very cleverly thought out and she has something for everyone. It is set different sections - boxes for Beauty, Food, Craft, Gifts, Media (films, games books etc) and her Soap Box. She is a lovely girl and always takes the time to comment on any of my posts she enjoys. Thank you so much Carly xx

The Versatile Blogger Award is a great way to introduce different bloggers to each other and to promote quality blogs that awardees and their readers may not have discovered otherwise.

Image via http://lovetrekker.com

Ok so here are The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you with a link back
2. Tell 7 facts about yourself
3. Pass this on to 8 newly discovered blogs and let them know they received the award
4. Include the rules in your post
5. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs

Lil old me!

7 Facts About Me

1. I LOVE Spain - it makes me feel so sunny inside. I love the villages, the colours, the people, the language, the food and the weather - everything! One day we'll have a holiday home in a bustling little village - one day!

2. I'm a major bookworm, I would spend hours as a child sitting on the floor in book shops and had my own reading chair in my bedroom. My favourite book is 'Any Human Heart' by William Boyd. As a child it was 'The Land of Green Ginger' by Noel Langley.

3. My must have beauty product is Facial Oil. It gives an intensive boost whilst increasing productivity of your moisturiser by up to 30% - magnificent!

4. I have a major weakness for chocolate and cakes, the darker the chocolate the better. My favourite is Willie's Venezuelan 72.

5. I love eating Pickled Onion crisps and Rolos - together yum yum!

6. I was gymnastic crazy as a child - I have core muscles like "an over stretched elastic band" according to my consultants - a result of endless hours of practising. Ironically I was average and wasn't even in a club!

7. My claim to fame as a child was that my mum knit Super Gran's cardigan!

8 Blogs that I follow, admire and would like to nominate and pass the award to

Fancy Windows - the lovely Eva from Italy shows us stunning images on decor, lifestyle and fashion.

Things We Make - Claire and Ed like to make stuff, Claire - food and Ed - furniture. I've tried quite a few of Claire's recipes and they have all been delicious.

Incredible Things - does just what it says on the tin, introducing you to a vast array of incredible things, so interesting.

Paris Breakfast - Carol lives in New York when she isn't in Paris - how lucky is she!?!? She is passionate about watercolours, patisseries, pets, flowers, teas and jams and I love combining all in her gorgeous paintings. Her blog takes you on a journey of her art adventures. And she is a lovely lady.

Elizabeth Bard - from the author of the fabulous book Lunch In Paris. Taking you on more of her fascinating discoveries of her new home in Provence and of course food!

All Lacquered up - great reference for a therapist or anyone who wants to see a nail colour in action before buying. With lots of pictures of the polish on actual nails and comparisons to similar colours.

Recipes From a Normal Mum - written by Holly, a mum obviously and contestant of the Great British Bake Off 2011. So many delicious recipes - oh yes I am food obsessed!

Bippityboppityboo - a vast collection of amazingly interesting images and quotes. I love spending time scrolling through this blog, makes for great alternative eye candy!

So that's it, please check out these great blogs you won't be disappointed.

To all my nominees - it's over to you now, if you are incredibly busy (as I know some of you are) and haven't time to re nominate, it's ok I love your blogs anyway and look forward to your future posts and hope my readers do too.

Sara xx

Dear Warm Weather

This sums up how I am feeling today!

Image via bippityboppityboo

True Beauty

Putting it into perspective, the 'Loverly' Audrey Hepburn, my heroine - a truly inspirational and strong lady...

Easter Leftovers Slab

Easter has been and the house is overflowing with Easter Eggs. Lots of people have Easter egg meltdowns. Why not try something a bit different this year?

Image via http://www.chocolate-easter-eggs.co.uk

My son loves to make these slabs; we discovered this recipe when we wanted to make an edible gift to take to a Christmas party. For some reason making something with all those eggs and sweeties doesn't seem anywhere as naughty as eating them individually, bit like long car journeys warrant a sweet feast! Sorry going to make you wait right till the end to see the finished result hee hee!

Ingredients
400g left over Easter eggs
200g milk chocolate
200g white chocolate

For the Topping 
Any leftover sweets you have - any big sweets chop or bash into bite sized pieces!
We like: Jelly Bellies, Crunchie, Rolos, Twix, Munchies, Snickers, Haribo, Smarties, Mars Bar - well anything really!

Image via http://www.crazycandies.co.nz

Method
1. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Melt the chocolate - if using different colours, melt separately.
3. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly.
4. Pour most of the chocolate onto the tray.
5. Swirl them together with a skewer, or end of a knife to get a marble effect - or get creative and make your own design.
6. Sprinkle over the sweets.

7. Drizzle over with the remaining chocolate.

8. Pop in the fridge until set.

9. Break into big chunks and devour!

If you're going to do it - you might as well do it well!

Ah Sweet Heaven - I Love Candy in Glasgow.

Image via http://www.list.co.uk

Other ideas for toppings
Toffee Popcorn
Homemade salty popcorn - sweet and salty a perfect combination
Dark chocolate topped with dried strawberries and chopped nuts
Dark chocolate topped with dried cherries and stem ginger
Chopped up Chocolate Brownies - drizzled with white chocolate
Toasted marshmallows
Handmade fudge
Dried bananas and chunky peanut butter
Homemade chocolate chip cookies
Try some chilli powder and cinnamon for a Mexican twist!
Stir in some of your favourite booze to the melted chocolate - Tequila or Vodka are my favourites.
Duchy's Stem Ginger biscuits coated in dark chocolate
I like to go posh and sophisticated and use a high quality chocolate such as Green and Blacks or Willies!

The list goes on and on!


I like to eat mine with Pickled Onion crisps... but guess that's just me - I think!

Beautiful Children's Easter Book

We snuggle up every Easter to read this gorgeous Easter book - The Toy's Easter Surprise by Dugald Steer and illustrated by Susanna Ronchi. It tells the story of Teddy leading the toys on a fantastic Easter egg hunt with a surprise ending!

This embossed book is beautifully illustrated and sprinkled with a touch of Easter glitter here and there, making it even more fun to read! I love it as much as my son! xx

Happy Easter!!

I couldn't resist doing an extra post on stunning Easter goodies. 

Gob smacking giant jungle theme egg, from the very talented

The Chocolate Line in Bruges

Images via http://news.in.msn.com and http://www.ibtimes.com

Awww cute chicken coop - reminds me of Angry Birds!

By La Maison du Chocolat, Paris.
Image via http://en.parisinfo.com

Sweet Easter bunny cake pops, by the very clever
Molly Bakes of London.

Simple elegance Ladurée pistachio egg, chocolate heaven uncovered.

Images via http://makingmagique.com

Chic Easter window at Hediard in Paris.

Image via http://foodloversodyssey.typepad.com

Stunning Pierre Herme's L'Œuf Theobroma - a tribute to chocolate from the Plantation Millot, one of Madagascar's oldest.

Awesome 3ft tall handmade Belgian chocolate bunny from

Madame Chocolat in Beverley Hills.

I saw this amazing bunny being created on one my favourite programmes; Kid in a Candy Store. Watch it here on You Tube. 

No Easter is complete without a peek at Betty's Easter Window in beautiful Yorkshire. This picture is from the hot one we had last year - oh no the chocolate is melting, but still looks amazing!

Image via http://www.harrogate-news.co.uk

Happy chomping! Watch out for my post on how to use up your leftover eggs.