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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Fabulous Crock Pot Cashew Chicken!

   



I am always on the lookout for crock pot recipes that have basic ingredients that I usually have on hand.  There is something almost magical to me about coming home and smelling a home cooked meal that is almost ready to be enjoyed. Btw, whoever invented the crock pot is a genius!
Anyhow, I stumbled upon a website recently that has a ton of interesting looking recipes and to my joy, a lot of crock pot recipes, and wanted to share.
If you try something off of their site please comment back to me and let me know your thoughts. 
This Cashew Chicken recipe was definitely a winner in my house, I hope you and yours enjoy it too!






Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh tenders or chicken breast tenders*
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cashews

Directions:
Combine flour and pepper in large Ziploc bag. Add chicken. Shake to coat with flour mixture. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken about 2 minutes on each side. Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in small bowl; pour over chicken. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Add cashews and stir. Serve over rice. Makes 4-6 servings.
If you want like sauce and want to have some to pour over the chicken and the rice, double the sauce ingredients.


Sunday, January 27, 2013

♥Introducing my Outlaw Glam Collection!
Outlaw Glam - The pretty side of a deadly object




What’s a girl to do when all anyone seems to be thinking and talking about lately is guns and ammunition?
Many of my friends, family members and neighbors have been buying guns lately so it seems that this topic is on a lot of people’s minds. I must admit, in recent weeks I have been consumed with this topic as well.
The problem with this is my job involves  discussing and creating items that make women feel  feminine and pretty, somehow these two topics weren’t meshing well and my creativity was waning.
The other weekend involved going out to some friends land and learning how to shoot  guns.  I watched as round after round of spent ammo came flying out onto the ground.  The gold and silver colors were rather pretty all laying around together, that is when Outlaw Glam was born!
Outlaw Glam was created for the confident woman who loves beautiful things but also appreciates the unconventional.  The whole concept is based on taking something that represents danger and turning it into something glitzy and fabulous. It's also about looking at objects in a whole different context than what they were originally intended for.  

Please check back often to see my newest designs!






Friday, January 25, 2013

Now offering Gift Certificates!!!



Not sure what items in my shop your special someone would like best? 
Take the worry and angst out of gift giving by presenting them with a gift certificate. 
Every woman loves to pick out something pretty for themselves, gift certificates are a great way to let them do just that. 
Gift Certificates also ensure that your special someone will truly love their gift.
My vintage inspired solid perfume lockets are a beautiful and discreet way for your special someone to indulge in their favorite fragrance, any time, anywhere.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121506216/gift-certificate-from-secret-garden 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121506763/gift-certificate-from-secret-garden

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Pantones Color of the Year - 2013





That's right everyone, Emerald is Pantones color of the year for 2013.  We will be seeing a lot of this color in fashion, home accessories, jewelry, fabric, paint colors, you name it!  I personally love the color green but I am envisioning this with so many other colors mixed in for interest and pop!

How did Pantone decide on this color to represent for 2013?  We're sure to hear many theories in the next few months but according to Women's Wear Daily emerald reminds us of simpler things such as grass and Mother Nature.  It also is the color of growth and signifies America in 2013.  The rich tone is all about luxury, just like jewels and money (sadly, many of us are a little low on both of those items right now!)
Whichever version you prefer, Pantone is describing the choice as, "Lively, Radiant, Lush...a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.

That's nice but what does this mean for us?  Well it looks like it's time to visit the Emerald City.  Whether it is for your wardrobe, your kitchen or your bath, here are some tips for embracing and using emerald in your world :)

Lively and radiant:  Just like in nature, greens look good with so many different colors.  Pair it with bold yellows and oranges for a vibrant pop, or pale blue or pink a softer look.



Lush: Emerald is a jewel tone.  Take a hint from jewelry counters and mix it with rich purples, blues, red, blacks and golds.




Balance and harmony: Embrace the zen of emerald by pairing it with grays, whites and muted yellows
or blues.




And if you’re looking to find emerald for a bargain? Check out the after-Christmas sales, the red-and-green holiday is sure to leave lots of green up for grabs.  
Here are some more emerald images to get your creative juices flowing!


















Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Fabulous Chicken Bacon Pasta




Chicken Bacon Pasta
inspired by Tasty Kitchen

I made this for my family the other night and it got rave review, even from my very picky 16 year old!
To lighten it up a bit I used a substitute for the heavy cream:
  • 3-4 cup skim milk and 1/3 cup I can't believe it's not butter buttermilk spray.
  • Let me know what you thought and any substitutions you used!  Enjoy!



  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
    1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or less if you don't want the heat)
    1 tsp garlic powder
    1/2 pound penne pasta
    1/2 cup heavy cream
    1/4 cup cream cheese
    1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
    2 whole eggs
    1/4 tsp ground black pepper
    2 grilled chicken breast, sliced (I marinated the chicken in Lawry's Garlic & Herb marinade)


    Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until done (according to package instructions).

    Place cream and cream cheese in a small saucepan. Heat over low until cream cheese is melted, and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat. Add the parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and pepper and whisk until blended.

    Drain pasta (reserving 1/2 cup of hot water) and return to pot. Immediately add the white sauce and toss to coat. The hot pasta will cook the eggs. Stir in the bacon, and add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.  Top with grilled chicken. 

    Monday, January 21, 2013

    One of my items was featured on
    It's Better Handmade!

    So honored and thrilled that one of my solid perfume locket necklaces was featured on It's Better Handmade.
    A big thanks to the people over on that site :)

    Btw, this item is available for purchase on Etsy.



    Secret Garden Notes 

    I just returned from a weekend trip to my old hometown of Raleigh, NC.
    I love that area and miss it daily!!  Anyhow, went to one of my old haunts for some for vintage jewelry hunting and found this gorgeous antique bronze vintage brooch.  The center piece seems to be some type of bronze metal.  It is so lovely and I am thrilled with the way it turned out.
    This locket can be filled with any of my signature scents.
    Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day :)






    Saturday, January 12, 2013

    Super Easy and Fabulous!!!


    I must admit, I am a huge fan of crock pot cooking.  Nothing makes me happier than to leave the house for the day and come home to the smells of a home cooked meal, ahhhh........
    On that note, I wanted to share with you a fabulous recipe I came across a few months ago.  Everyone in my family loves this dish, even my very finicky 16 year old!
    I hope you and yours enjoy this as much as we do :)

    Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe


    Ingredients:

    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs would be fine too)
    Salt and pepper
    1 cup honey
    1/2 cup soy sauce
    1/2 cup diced onion
    1/4 cup ketchup
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil (could also use olive oil or canola oil)
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional - doesn't really add heat, just adds more flavor)
    4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 Tablespoons water
    Sesame seeds

    Directions: 
    Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.

    *You can also sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top if you want more heat.


    http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/slow-cooker-honey-sesame-chicken-recipe.html

    Wednesday, January 9, 2013



    Time is Running Out!!!

    Only 2 days remain until the Free Giveaway of one of my vintage inspired Solid Perfume Lockets!
    I am reposting the Giveaway Requirements here, don't let time pass you by!

     Requirements:
    Become a follower of my blog.

    Choose one item from my Etsy shop that is your favorite.
    www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes

    Between now and Friday, January 11th, promote that item in as many places as you can such as Pinterest, Wanelo, Facebook, your own blog, Stumbleupon, etc.

    Email me with all the links you have posted
    for the item.  Email is tboezi@hotmail.com

    The person who promotes their item the most wins!
    I will announce the winner on Saturday, if you do not
    want your name posted please mention that when you email me your links.

    Happy posting :)



    Thursday, January 3, 2013

    Freebie Friday!!!


    Hello out there!  I am having a freebie Friday giveaway for my new shop on Etsy.  Interested in getting one of my creations for free?  If so, read on!

    Giveaway Requirements:
    Become a follower of my blog.

    Choose one item from my Etsy shop that is your favorite.
    www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes

    Between now and Friday, January 11th, promote that item in as many places as you can such as Pinterest, Wanelo, Facebook, your own blog, Stumbleupon, etc.

    Email me with all the links you have posted
    for the item.  Email is tboezi@hotmail.com

    The person who promotes their item the most wins!
    I will announce the winner on Saturday, if you do not
    want your name posted please mention that when you email me your links.

    Happy posting :)




    Tuesday, January 1, 2013




    Happy New Year!!!!

    Well we are officially off to a fresh start.  I am hopeful that 2013 will be a better year for us all!
    On that note, as an Artisan I am always looking for great art festivals to exhibit in.  The problem is, unless I have done that particular show before or know someone who has, it can be a lot of time and money wasted.
    I know there are other artists out there and am hopeful they will stumble upon my blog and help out with listing shows they are knowledgeable about.
    Please pass this link along to anyone you may know that could offer some information.  We all succeed by helping one another out :)

    I can start this off by saying there are 2 shows that I have done in the past that I would recommend.  The first is Lazy Daze Art Festival in Cary, NC.
    This is a one day festival that takes place on Saturday,  August 24th this year.
    Last years attendance was a little over 70,000 people for one day, yes, you read that correctly.  This is a great show in a great little town that has a median income of around $85,000. I lived in the Cary area for 10 years and can say without a doubt that this show is widely attended every year.  I would highly recommend this show to anyone who has quality, handmade items. This is a juried show, no resell, premade kit items, etc.


    The next festival I would recommend is in Banner Elk, NC.
    Banner Elk, NC is a fabulous little resort town in the mountains of NC, very close to the Tennessee border.  If you are looking for a beautiful place to visit as well as a great venue to sell your handmade work then I would highly recommend their festivals.  The surrounding areas are well known for great art festivals as well, particularly Blowing Rock, NC.
    Here is the link for Avery Counties Chamber of Commerce site for Banner Elk's Fine Art & Master Crafts festival.  


    And here is the link for Blowing Rock's Art in the Park festivals.





    Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy New Year!!