Korean Tofu Salad with Citrus Dressing

When I was in Korea, I had this amazing salad at the Hancook Restaurant at Seoul Tower. So I tried to recreate it. Thinly sliced firm tofu, fried in a bit of oil, then cut in triangles. Very thinly sliced green peppers (and red and yellow and orange if you like) and red onion sauteed for just a few minutes to soften them just a bit. The dressing was veggie oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar and lemon juice. Toss it all together and let it sit in the fridge to marinate as long as you want. I served it over a green salad.
Mine wasn't as good as the one I had in Korea. Their dressing was a bit sweet. Maybe I'll add agave or brown sugar next time I try to make it. I've also read about some soy+sesame+orange juice dressings -- that sounds good too. Happy cooking.... <3

Made by me: 1940's Blouse

Oops, I did it again.

I disappeared for 2 weeks. Life is busy. It happens.

I finally finished this great blouse. The 70 year old pattern (!!!) was very delicate and I was a bit scared I'd rip it to pieces but I think it's gonna survive, and I hope to make at least one more top from it. I just love the style. It's well fitted, has pretty details (like gathering at the neck, a nice square shoulder, and buttons down the back). I'm sure I'll be able to pair it with other items. But when I was sewing it, I had this teal skirt in mind. I'll have to let my imagination roam wild...
:)

Have a great weekend. I'm trying some new recipes this weekend. I'll have a report for you next week.
xoxoxoxo

Summer dressing: T-shirt dress

You can't have enough light fabrics for SoCal summer dressing. I scored this Jason Wu for Target jersey dress in the spring and am finally wearing it! No, it's not the 4th of July, but I think I've clearly established a "red, white & blue is good all summer" theme. And I'll wear anything that vaguely matches these shoes so I can wear them as often as possible. I found this awesome purse when I was in Korea last month. I wanted one similar that I'd seen on ModCloth, but then I came across this one for 1/10th of the price in Seoul and I had to have it. The only issue I have with T-shirt dresses is they have no shape. Gotta belt it. Otherwise, I feel like I'm wearing a muumuu or caftan, and this isn't Hawaii or Morocco. I cannot rock that. Happy summer day. :)

Made by Me: 1960's shift

I finally finished this dress... and have already begun on a vintage top made from the same fabric. I like the eyelets in the fabric and the blue and teal flowers. But I think a heavier fabric with a lining would hang better because of the weight. But I live in warm SoCal so I use very light fabrics for most everything. And re-claimed and re-purposed is my favorite kind of fabric!

I got this pattern and fabric for a dollar at an estate sale.

 

I LOVE my nude patent wedges! They are perfect for summer, and go with just about everything.

Happy sewing!!!!
xoxoxo

Made by Me: July 4th T-shirt

I'm always ready for the Independence Day holiday. There is nothing I love to celebrate more than INDEPENDENCE. Not necessarily my country's, but the independence of the mind, of the spirit, of creativity, as well as the ideas of being responsible and self-sufficient. And let's throw "fiscal" independence in there too. I like the idea of being "independent" in all of these ways. So to celebrate I threw on this festive "cut-up" t-shirt I made a few years ago. Rebellious, yes, but in the spirit of the history of the holiday.
Hope you had a great holiday!
xoxox

Made-by-me skirt too. Remix wedges. Worth every penny.

My assistants, making their first blog entry.

When In Seoul, Shop!

In Seoul the thing to do is shop. If you ask anyone what are the must-see-sights, they might say go to one of the historical palaces or the fabulous N Seoul Tower (both of which i LOVED!) -- but you can be SURE they will tell you to go to at least one if not SEVERAL street markets. There are so many areas where the shops just spill out on the streets and you can enjoy fresh air, people watching, the sounds, smells and energy of the busy city. And the styles for summer are very, very cute. Enjoy these inspiring pics.
Happy shopping and/or travels!

 

Red, white, and blue continued

I love nautical this summer....maybe that is always in style for summer? I think so.
I'm so ready for the 4th of July! All I need is a sparkler.

(Target skirt with BIKES on it -- a great find for $17. H&M top from last winter $12. My new favorite navy booties which I wear nearly everyday now from Amazon.com. Made-by-me ring :)

TREND ALERT!!!

I just got back from East Asia. let me tell you what is on every young thing right now. Lacy doily collars!! Who would've guess that is THE spring/summer icon. It's on every little dress and top you see at every shop in Korea and Japan. Coming to U.S.??? We'll see....