Salmon Swirls

Yum
Got company coming??  Whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers to get the party started.

These little appetizers are easy and you can make plenty using one can of salmon and these simple ingredients.

1 can of salmon deboned  (I get mine from Cosco -Kirkland brand is already de-boned and skinless

2 tblspn sliced/diced jalapeno pepper

1/2 tblspn of the jalapeno pepper liquid

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

4 oz cream cheese

flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Drain salmon and empty into medium size mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.  Ok.. now.. if you like spicy.. add more jalapenos.. (which is what I like – so I always start with 2 tblspns then I add a little at a time to get the spicy desire I want.  Scoop some and spread on a tortilla.

Roll and slice them to your desired thickness.  Place on baking sheet and bake approximately 5-7 mins or until the tortillas feel a bit firm

Remove and serve hot.. Then start popping them in your mouth..

I hope you enjoy these delicious appetizers as much as we do..As always cooking is good with a little “TLC” – TwinsLuvCooking

Ciao!

What I’m Diggin’

One thing I’ve often said is music is so much a part of my life and I love sharing it.. Which is why sometimes I’ll do a post with a song to reflect what or how I’m feeling.  Not sure if you listen to any of them, if so, that’s great to hear, if not, it’s cool.. Not everyone digs music.. (Yea, I still use the old school lingo “Dig” chuckles.. Ooops, I just gave away my age.. (I’m a ’60’s baby).  Not sure if you know the music of Cassandra Wilson.  She’s a jazz singer and I truly adore her style and cultural bohemian vibe.   When I listen to her my mind wonders to some exotic places where I can admire different textures and styles pulled together to create that Afro-centric flair..  Here are some images I captured to share with you…

VIA

VIA

 

VIA

VIA

 

VIA

VIA

Which brings me to feature the home of someone who is dear to me… My aunt – we lovingly refer to as “Pookie”.  Her home is filled with such cultural vibes and exotic touches..and she is a die-hard DIYer and thrifter.  On my trip home last week I visited her and when I walked in I immediately said.. I wanted to welcome you into her home so… Welcome to Pookie’s Paradise…

When you enter, your eyes are greeted by the African mask displayed inside a wooden textured oval frame.  I remember when she got the frame.. We were all at a flea market and a man had a truck load of huge frames he was needing to get rid of.. what luck we had that day..the only unlucky part was our truck wasn’t big enough to take all of them..lol.. but we all managed to score at least two each  🙂 .

She’s not one to fuss with long drapery, and loves to expose her bay windows and let all the sunshine in, so she opted to Go-Green to cover her windows.. I’m totally envious of her green thumb.. (but thankfully it’s starting to rub off on me).  These are all her babies she meticulously takes care of.  Some of which she’s had for over 20 years..

To your right you’ll spot this cozy corner which has a few collectibles she’s had for decades, like the hand carved wooden statue.. A snazzy, cool find she picked up in St. Marteen

And if you eyes caught the painting – like mine- guess what — she’s the artist.. She painted that approximately 40 years ago..It’s called Crying Heart and totally LOVE IT!!

Resting on her coffee table is another hand carved wooden sculpture that she picked up in the Caribbean.

Every little corner is influenced with cultural accents..

Step to her outdoor living space and this is the showpiece in her garden.  The outdoor faux “fireplace”.  This is a curbside find and her creative juices flowed and this is what she did with it.

 

And at night.. look how it’s lit up.. and no it’s not a real fire, it’s red lights inside to create the fire effect.  Isn’t it fab..

This space is called the Hobbit Hole.. chuckles.. (how cute)…

The stained glass has an image that looks sort of  like a bug…  and the fox and midget chair are perfect accents for a hobbit..

She’s got little pockets of garden candy all around her yard and you can see more here.  But before you go, I’d like to introduce you to the lovely lady behind the home of Pookie’s Paradise..

That’s my aunt and I love her and the home she and her husband, Clay made.  It’s one you just kick your shoes off, sit back, relax and enjoy all the good food, music and cultural vibes they share.  I can’t wait to go back to visit again.  If you enjoyed this post and missed my other “Inspired by Music” posts you can see more here.   Until next time – Smooches!!

 

 

 

 

Friday Feature

I get excited when I find another blogger who I just love what they do.  Are you that way too?  That’s why I decided to do Friday Features on the blog once or twice a month.  I’m not one to constantly change decor, but I love when I see what others do, so I live vicariously watching their site.  My first feature is with Nicole over at DesignItVintage.  Nicole, like me, love vintage items and seeing them restored or refinished. What caught my eye on her site was her foyer makeover.  My mouth dropped when I saw and read what she did .  She took her foyer from this;

VIA

VIA

To this!   She started with paint and a stencil and the rest is history.  I absolutely give her a round of  applause

 

VIA

VIA

She did this with gold paint and a large stencil..remarkable.. I give major props to her on creating this stunning grand foyer.

VIA

Gorgeous isn’t it… Nicole has so many other projects that are equally beautiful.. Hop over to her blog, sit back and enjoy the ooo and ahhh moments like I did…  Tell her Jamala sent you  🙂

Have a great weekend and remember – Go ahead, decorate and Get Inspired!

 

 

 

Inspired By!

Hey, hey!! I hope all is well with you and you’re keeping cool.. It’s been blazing here in SC.. and it’s not even Summer yet — Good grief.. the HEAT IS ON!  I’ve been doing a bit of relaxing since the yard sale last week and started reading the Ebook by Kia Salter @ House of KTS.    I’m so glad she created this to share her tips of the trade with us.  Thanks Girl – So far so good!!   Then there was another quick project I wanted to get done – which I did and want to share with you.  I know you’re probably wondering “Where is the freaking chair??? LOL!! I know – I know… but my instructor took ill again.. poor thing.. she suffers badly with rheumatoid arthritis and has not been up to par.. and we are down to the last stretch.  But she says next week so.. in the meantime, I’m busying myself in the garden and other little projects.   If you remember I had this old lamp around and used it for a quick hat stand to display my vintage hats earlier…

I thought I’d use it in the boutique but then another idea hit me…I’ve been wanting to make this planter ever since I saw it posted here.  While cleaning out the garage for the yard sale I found some of the glass shades that didn’t sell before and bingo!  It hit me.. do the project.  I used the super glue E6000 and boy does that stuff work!

I used a Rustoleum spray paint in mint green and lime green to give it a new look.  Attached the shades with the glue and filled with dirt and plants.. and voila!  It’s a Planterabra now!

Planterabra

 

I used plants I already had around – and these are succulents so they won’t be needing much water (and if you’re new here you can see the transformation of the bistro set here)

So basically this project only cost the price of the glue..

It can even be a really cool centerpiece as well for a garden party.  This project was extremely easy and I’m glad The Red Head gave me an even better inspiration on how to use this old lamp.  I’ve been wanting a new edition to the She-Rest Haven and this was the perfect added touch.

It sits on the corner shelf adding just a touch of elegance to blend with the bohemian ambiance

I’m glad I decided to hang the macrame planter (another thrifty find for $1.00) in there.

This plant here, I have to give myself a pat on the back about.. It’s my pineapple plant – grown from the top of a pineapple.  I tried my luck last year and so far – its hanging in there.. so – Woohooo to me!!

 

I just did a few simple changes and this Haven is ready – so let the CHILLAXIN’ BEGIN!!

 

(I’m contemplating on painting the cushions… another blog-buddy did hers and they look great – so I’m thinking.. will keep you posted on it of course) …  But for now.. tah-tah… and remember Go for it! Create and get Inspired..Smooches!

G.O.T – Got me Hooked!

source

source

Ok, this is going to be a silly post but hey, I’m a silly girl at times. After Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones- Dance of the Dragons (click link watch the 8-min clip) I decided to showcase  home decor Dragon themes (since that’s who I’m rooting for).  Are any of my readers a GoT’er?  If so, do you feel me with this??!!  Was the last 5 mins totally awesome or what!!!!

My twin got me hooked on Game of Thrones when she decided to do a yard theme based on the series.  I became intrigued when she chose the words: We are in the North, I give you The Hound and The Night’s Watch who serve and protect The Realm.  hmmmm… ok… sounds interesting…

Here is the clip of her G.O.T Yard Theme

10665359_868333153186591_307249677_n

 

Ok… I’m kinda feeling this… chuckles…

Now you know we can’t have dragons for real, but I thought I’d play around with a bit of Dragon decor, in my mind…Check out this fantastic wall mural blended with the beautiful sofa… Awesome isn’t it!

source

source

This luxury room has a tiny taste of the dragon by using this simple statue as an accent piece

source

source

Back to another fierce wall decal blended with a white sofa and red pillow for that touch of fire

source

source

Pure elegance is this black and white dragon theme – (I could see me with this for sure)

source

source

Even this simple oil burner is a cute little touch for the room.. (not too gawdy)

source

source

But for the bold statement  – go all the way up the wall of the fireplace

source

source

These blue and white hand-painted vases are beautiful touches to add as well

source

source

I can even see adding this in the bath as another simple touch

source

source

and not to mention in the Garden

source

source

But this one took the throne (a sculpted dragon bush- WOW)

source

source

Ok, now I’m all dragoned out.. lol.. but I just thought I’d get this one off..you catch my drift on this.  As you see, I can’t wait till Sunday for the season final episode.. Uggghhhh and it won’t be back till next year.  Way tooooo long..  (at least I get to watch the series all over again) .. Hope you enjoyed my Game of Thrones tribute..

Ciao!