Mark Montano
Designer, Author & TV Host 
Photo Credit: Auxy Espinoza  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show off your crafts... invite your friends over for a refreshing treat!

 

Shrimp and Avocado Soup, 
Serves 4.

You'll need:

  • 2 cups frozen medium shrimp, shelled
  • Spike seasoning
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 10 stalks asparagus, cut into 2-inch sections
  • 4 stalks organic celery, chopped
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 4 sprigs cilantro
  • 6 cups organic chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 ripe avocados, peeled and chopped

Here's how:

  1. In a small sauté pan, add the frozen shrimp and cook about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle the shrimp with a generous amount of the Spike seasoning and the cayenne pepper. 
  3. In a large saucepan, add the asparagus, celery, onion, cilantro, chicken broth, and salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. 
  4. Place the mixture in a food processor along with the avocado and purée. 
  5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and reheat while stirring in the shrimp. Serve hot. 

 

Adapted from "Clean, Green & Lean" by Dr. Walter Crinnion, Wiley.

 

Lifestyle


Let the Sunshine In

Submitted by admin on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 14:32

June 2011

Summer is finally here. Surround yourself with colors of the season, whether or not you’re taking a vacation. These simple home décor projects will add sunshine to your space, no SPF needed. 

Bird-on-a-Branch Dinner Napkins

You might also try this idea on a tablecloth, skirt or even a cotton white shirt. Let your imagination fly!

You’ll Need:

Bird Template
Paper
Pencil
Scissors
12”-square sheet of contact paper
Craft Knife
Plain cloth dinner napkin
Hole punch
Newspaper
Krylon Fusion spray paint
Sewing machine with zigzag stitch
Thread

Here’s How:

  1. Trace a bird template onto paper, cut it out, and trace it onto contact paper.
  2. Cut out the bird with a craft knife and stick the relief (the part with the bird hole in it) onto the napkin where you want it.
  3. Use the hole punch to make a dot for the bird’s eye out of contact paper and stick it in place. Place the napkin on newspaper outdoors.
  4. Cover the rest of the napkin with newspaper so that only the bird part gets sprayed with paint.
  5. Lightly spray the bird three times, waiting about 8 minutes between coats.
  6. When the paint is completely dry, lightly sketch out the branches onto the napkin. 
  7. On your sewing machine zigzag over the branches you’ve sketched. Now it’s time to invite people to dinner!

 

 Colorific Tea Set

Turn a beat-up tea set into the envy of tea drinkers everywhere—dents, bent handles and all.

You’ll Need:

An old silver tea set (or just a teapot)
Silver polish
Fine Sandpaper
Rag
Rubbing Alcohol
Masking tape
Newspapers
Krylon Fusion spray paint
Krylon Crystal Clear enamel spray coating (high gloss)

Here’s How:

  1. Clean your tea set with silver polish to get off all the tarnish.
  2. Sand the pieces with fine sandpaper and then remove all the dust. Wipe down the pieces with rubbing alcohol.
  3. Tape around the inside of the mouth of each piece so that spray paint doesn’t get inside. Set the pieces on newspaper outdoors.
  4. With small strokes, lightly spray paint each piece. Take your time. Don’t overspray them. Use several light coats of paint spaced about 10 minutes apart for the most professional look.
  5. After the pieces are completely dry, spray them with protective finish. Use light colors, waiting 10 minutes between coats, until the pieces are glossy and beautiful. Let them dry for one week before use. Hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. 

 

 

Adapted from The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor, by Mark Montano, Abrams. 

 

 

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