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Food and Drink Recipies

Mexican Quinoa

Aysun Taylor

As I prepare my last detox for 2018, I decided to try new recipes to add, so the detoxing process will not feel like a routine.  I found this recipe while browsing pinterest and gave it a try.  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced ( I used 2 tablespoons of the jar minced)
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (I used a sprinkle of cayene pepper)
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (I used one cup of water and 1 vegetable bouillon cube)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  1. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
  2. Serve immediately.

Hope you enjoy just as much as I did,

 

 

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Quilting, Sewing and Crafts

Wine Tote Bag

Aysun Taylor

This past weekend I was able to celebrate a birthday with a long time and dear friend of mine.  Since the event was all black, I want to give her something she could use.  Since we both love wine, and I need something to accent my black, I made us some wine tote bags.  They were a hit!!!!

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Pattern Description: Wine Bottle Tote by Shabby Fabrics

Pattern Sizing:  One size

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, with a minor modification

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love that this was quick and fun project for a Saturday afternoon.  Dislike…this pattern in for narrow wine bottles, not the fat ones.  I will have to make another bag and make some measurement adjustment for a the fat bottles.

Fabric Used: Quilting cottons from Joann Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Instead of using the charm packs, I used quilting cotton and quilted grid lines in it.  I added some bling pieces to it to make it differnent and my own.  I also increased the  length and width of the pattern pieced by 1/2 inch.  I will go back and make adjustment for the larger wine bottles

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? YES

Conclusion: this was a fun and quick project. Great for yourself or as gifts. For those looking to get their sewing and quilting mojo back, this will be the project.

I was able to fine a beautiful wine quilting fabric at Joann’s and use it as the lining for the tote.

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This is the wine tote I presented it to my friend and she LOVED IT!

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Until Next Time….Happy Sewing Everyone..

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Fashion Icons

BHFM: JAX JAXON

Aysun Taylor

BLACK HISTORY FASHION MOMENT:  JAX JAXON

Jay Jaxon

orn in Queens, New York, Jay Jaxon (August 30, 1941 -July 19, 2006) was an “accidental fashion designer,” who was first introduced to the industry by a seamstress girlfriend. He began his rapid rise in the fashion industry at the age of 24. Jaxon, who trained under Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior was called on by couturier Jean-Louis Scherrer to help rescue the failing line. The appointment made him, not only the first black couturier in Paris, but also the first American. The tendency of both French and American press to emphasize his race over his nationality often frustrated Jaxon, but he took it in stride, stating his work would represent “the coming together of a people.”

Pieces by Jaxon were sold in high end luxury department stores such as Bendel’s and Bonwit Teller. Though the house of Jean-Louis Scherrer eventually fell, little is known of Jay Jaxon’s pioneering career. His obituary in the New York Times, reveals that he worked as a costume designer later in his career, for several television shows and major motion pictures, including “Ally McBeal” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

 

HAPPY SEWING,

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Uncategorized

BHFM: PATRICK KELLY

Aysun Taylor

BLACK HISTORY FASHION MOMENT:  PATRICK KELLY

Patrick Kelly

Originally hailing from Vicksburg, Mississippi, Patrick Kelly (September 24, 1954 – January 1, 1990) was a celebrity-favorite designer known for his bright, flamboyant, and chic aesthetic. His bold works occasionally referenced issues of race through the use of charged imagery such as that of the golliwog. Kelly was also a tireless advocate for models of color who counted Naomi Campbell, Iman, and Grace Jones among his circle of friends.

Kelly began his career at the age of 18, working in Atlanta as an unpaid window dresser for Yves Saint Laurent. He eventually received personal sponsorship by a then chairman at the fashion house to travel to Paris to create his namesake label, Patrick Kelly Paris.

In 1988, Patrick Kelly became the first American and the first Black person to be admitted to the prestigious Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode, a French organization which governed the fashion trade in France. His clothing was sold at major department stores including Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s.

Patrick Kelly’s work was the subject of a 2005 retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum, and most recently, a 2014 retrospective at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 

Happy Sewing,

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Fashion Icons

BHFM: Stephen Burrows

Aysun Taylor

BLACK HISTORY FASHION MOMENT:  STEPHEN BURROWS

Stephen Burrows

Stephen Burrows (Born May 15, 1943) is best known for his glamorous garments, inspired by New York nightlife. Burrows graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1966 and began selling his first collection at Bonwit Teller in 1969. His work featured body-conscious silhouettes in bright and metallic fabrics. Throughout his career Burrows has dresses a long list of icons and celebrities, including Diana Ross and Michelle Obama. In 2010 he opened a design studio and showroom in New York City.

Happy Sewing,

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Noted from Superselected.com