Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween "creeped" on us so quick that we ended up doing our friend/neighbor BOOING today.

I started the tradition last year, and even though we did it the day before Halloween this year, I still wanted to do it for our little guy.

I literally put together this printable within 20 min, put the goodie bags together, and off we went.

I'm offering the printable as a freebie, you can choose to still Boo your friends on Halloween before the trick o treating starts or you can print and save the file in your Halloween stash for next year. There, I gave you a jump start, so no excuses next year!

Hope you like it!


As a friendly reminder do not resale the item or claim as yours. please refer them to this blog.


Monday, October 14, 2013

Free Printable: Halloween Party Invitation

I wanted to share a freebie!

 I know we all love freebies including me. If you need a last minute halloween party invite this is a cute one for all ages.  This would be great for a play date as well.

You can print, but do not claim the image as yours or resell the item. This is for personal use and not commercial use. 

This is a 5x7 jpeg image. Can be printed on card stock or photo paper. Because some of the background is a little on the darker shade, a silver or glittery pen would look great. 
If you would like any changes to this, just email me and I can email you a new one.
I'm all about customizing :)

Thank you, and Enjoy!


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

My Stella & Dot Hostess Party!

What gal does not like jewelry? Well, this gal does, and when my friend asked me if I wanted to host a gathering to show off the Stella & Dot fall collection I jumped to it (and perfect excuse to have a gathering).

They have beautiful pieces. Whether you like to dress up or dress casual, there are pieces for everyone.

I asked my hubby to make a few appetizers and he did not disappoint. I did a little bit of decor to go along with the yummy food.

My Stella & Dot consultant Megan, was great! She was fun and professional. This is her website if your interested in looking and buying some goodies.

The lovely cupcakes were nicely decorated to accompany the beautiful jewelry by Jennifer Wright from  Custom Wishes.



I put together these printable page and put them into frames as additional decoration. Thanks again to the artist Inslee Haynes for giving me permission to use them.



All the appetizers/snacks that the hubby prepared were delicious and refreshing. It was a hot day and the food was nice and cool.





I made my favorite Roasted Poblano Chile Salsa, recipe can be found here.

    



  

 


The scarfs are huge and soft. The bags are just great, and and a lot of color variety available.



This is just some of the jewelry.



I'm wearing one of my favorite necklaces FRIDA!













Printable Halloween Party Invitations

It's hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner. If your looking for a quick printable invitation for your bash, I have a few that you can choose from. Check them out and go to my Etsy shop to purchase. 
Not exactly what your looking for? Send me an email at casadesousacrafts@gmail.com and I can customize an invite for you.

I am also offering a free printable on www.facebook.com/casadesousa starting tomorrow night. Whichever invite gets the most likes will be the FREE PRINTABLE!




                 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Weekend Cooking with "Chef" De Sousa

It's been a little crazy in the De Sousa home, but the hubby still found a way to cook a fancy shmansy meal.  

Do you ever wonder if people actually make the meals that they see on The Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and in all those fancy books? Well you don't have to wonder no more, we are one of those couples that like to cook fancy. Not always, but most of the time.

We have learned that not all fancy meals are difficult to do. 
One of my favorite meals is this one by
 Chef Gordon Ramsey's 
It's fresh and warm, and it's perfect for a hot day!

My husband likes to make pretty much all meals from scratch, so if you prefer to buy the already cleaned and cut frozen squid that's fine as well. He opted to go all out and get the full squid packages. Because this is not one of our own meals, I didn't want to risk on missing any ingredients or steps. So, all the info is from Chef Gordon's website.

Here are the ingredients:

400g baby squid, cleaned
½ tsp Szechuan peppercorns
1 tsp sea salt
¼ tsp five-spice powder
5 heaped tbsp cornflour
Vegetable or groundnut oil, for deep-frying

Cucumber Salad Ingredients:

1 medium cucumber
1 medium carrot
1  red chili, deseeded and finely sliced
Handful of coriander leaves
3 tbsp rice vinegar
½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp caster sugar1 tsp sesame oil

Serving the Meal:

1 red chili, trimmed and finely sliced, to garnish
Small handful of coriander leaves, to garnish
Lime wedges

 First, prepare the cucumber salad. Peel the cucumber and carrot, then slice into long strips, using a vegetable peeler or a mandolin. Cut the strips in half if they are too long. Mix/Toss them in a bowl with the red chili and coriander leaves. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, salt, sugar and sesame oil; set aside.
Open up the cleaned squid and score the flesh making sure not to cut through the flesh completely, once the squid is cored slice the squid (against the score) into thick slices and cut the tentacles in half. Rinse and pat dry with kitchen paper. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the Szechuan peppercorns with the salt to a fine powder. Tip into a small bowl and mix in the five-spice powder and cornflour.
Heat a 5cm depth of oil in a wok over a high heat until a piece of bread dropped into the hot oil sizzles vigorously. Deep-fry the squid rings and tentacles in batches: coat with the seasoned cornflour, shake off excess, then immerse in the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the wok. Deep-fry for about a minute until lightly golden and crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
Keep warm in a low oven while you deep-fry the rest of the squid.
Toss the cucumber salad with the dressing and divide between serving plates. Pile the crispy squid on top and serve with lime wedges.

We apologize in advance for our amateur video taping, it's our first time :)


Our thawed out squid


First you have to clean out the squid, eeww!

oh man, a more detailed part of the cleaning process video did not upload. Sorry!





Once all clean you have to slice it up and the the batter ready for frying.

The first half of the video did not upload, but you place the squid and cut into circle pieces.









The fried squid


Cucumber Salad almost done










Ta Da All Done!


This might seem overwhelming, but trust us, it's well worth it. By the way, the hubby is totally embarrassed that I video taped him, hehehe! I told him that it would help our readers give a better explanation of the recipe!

Would love to know if you tried the recipe and your thoughts!




Sunday, August 18, 2013

Roasted Poblano Chile and Tomato Salsa

One of my favorite snacks to have is chips and salsa. If were out at a restaurant, I will munch on them like theres no tomorrow! I love the spiciness of the salsa and the saltiness of the chips. 

Today I have a super quick recipe that needs only 6 ingredients. This is my sister's recipe and I just crave it. I love this type because one of my favorite Mexican dishes is Chiles Rellenos (Stuffed Peppers), which they use Poblano Chiles to make.

Ingredients:
5 poblano chiles 
7 tomatos
1 clove of garlic
1 green jalapeño
salt and pepper
(1-2 plastic bags)

 I love salsa, and I make quite a big batch. So if you feel that the quantity is too much then do for example 2 tomatoes to 1 poblano chile.

Helpful Tips:
It's kind of a hit and miss with the spiciness of the chiles. Sometimes if you just smell them, they smell spicy. Not sure if that makes sense lol
If you like salsa just not a spicy salsa, then I would suggest de-seeding all the chiles, since the seeds is what makes them spicy.
You can also were some gloves, because you will be taken the skin off the tomatoes and chiles, and it could be hot.

Let's began:
The trick of the recipe is to roast/blister your chili poblanos, tomatos, and jalapeño. I've put them on my small toaster oven under the broiler setting, and I have also put them on top of the stove over an open fire. Today, I used my comal to roast them. It's easier to control how much they roast, you just need to keep turning them, and less of a risk of burning yourself over an open fire.

First I started with the poblano chiles


Keep turning them until they get roasted/charred, then put them in a bag and cover them. This will "sweat" them out and it will be easy to remove the skin.


While I de skinned the the poblano peppers, I roasted the tomatos



I had an already cut tomato, so I just added that in the mix.



Once they were done, I put them in the bag to "sweat".


The tomato skin easily came off.


Blender time.
I added some tomatos on the bottom, some poblano chiles, couple tomatoes on top, and the garlic clove. I didn't put all of the ingredients, cause they didn't fit in there, so I did two batches.


Blend/Pulse until you get the consistency that you want. I like my salsa chunky. Transfer it to a bowl and add the salt and pepper to taste, and your DONE!


I added some cilantro for decoration, but you can easily add cilantro to the recipe.

What's your favorite salsa recipe?







Thursday, August 8, 2013

A Glittery Giveaway!

Who doesn't like a Giveaway? I am super excited to be party of the CRAZY 8 TRAIN Giveaway! I am part of 88 sponsors that have joined together for an awesome cause. It's not only great exposure to all of our blogs and business, but we get to help out PROJECT NIGHT NIGHT! They donate over 25,000 night night packages each year to homeless children, mothers, fathers who need the everyday essentials, that sometimes we take for granted. 




The conductor of the train is the great Kristy from The Purple Pug. Thanks to her, we have a great giveaway and an opportunity to help others. This is my kind of giveaway!! Choo! Choo!

Here are the Giveaway details:
Prizes:
TWO randomly chosen winners will each receive $888 USD in funds via PayPal. You must have a PayPal account to enter.
THREE randomly chosen winners will each receive $88 USD in funds via PayPal. You must have a PayPal account to enter. 
Rules:


Contest is open from August 8, 2013 at 8:00am EST to August 16, 3013 at 7:59am EST. The winners will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. The odds of winning depend on the number of people who enter. Giveaway is open worldwide to all participants 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited by law. Winners are solely responsible for any taxes, duties or reporting as required by law. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Should they not claim their prize within this time, another winner will be selected. Please ensure that the email thepurplepug [at] thepurplepug [dot] com is on your "safe list" as we would hate for you not to get your prize!
Disclosure: This is an independent blogger giveaway. It is in no way associated with PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media network. I did not receive money to be part of or promote this giveaway. Should you have any questions, please contact Kristy at The Purple Pug  via email at thepurplepug[at] thepurplepug [dot] com.

Here is a list of all amazing and talented sponsors: 

thdezign partyKari Lind CreationsSoiree Event DesignSquared Party PrintablesParty on PurposeSwish PrintablesCutie Patootie DesignzMy Sentiments by LiamaTricia Rennea IllustratorThe Shy SocialitesCasa De SousaSparkling Events & DesignsFaith's Cookies and CraftsI Have A FavorVintage ConfectionsWizards & FairiesD's StitchesSweet Georgia Sweet,The Doodling BugBird's PartyPiper's Play ClosetAlli's StudioPiggy Bank PartiesElle Dee DesignsYour Blissful DayKK's FavorsP's & Q's~Event PerfectorsSomething Blu EventsSweet Petite SoireesPainted and SprinkledChloe ChristineStunning PartyTop It Off DesignsGreen Elephant PrintsSensationally Sweet EventsKelly Spalding DesignsThe Party AnimalMade by Cristina MarieDimplePrintsExpressions PaperieValerie's Jewelry CreationsMcClure Couture,Nancy Veitenhans Jamberry Nails Independent ConsultantGiggles & Grace DesignsPainting Paris PinkA Touch of Whimsy DesignsDesigns by NicolinalululilyJust a little SparkleJubilee Supplies,The Party WagonFizzy PartyFancy ThatSew PookieRibbon RevelryA Delicate GiftCreative Designs by ToniFolky Art CandlesOh My! CreativeKatie D's Pampered ChefOne Stylish Party,Unlimited Party ThemesMirabelle CreationsFlaired AffairsGallamore WestThree Little Monkeys StudioSprinkled With PaperMaDa DesignsBeautiful Paper CraftsOne Swell StudioPeckled,Lauren McKinseyThe Epicurean CrafterMyranda's Sweet TreatsSpaceships and Laser Beams,Stampin' Fanatic!Crochet by Danelle RaeSue's Gift Box & Sweet ShoppeButtercup BlingHello, Cuteness!Mad Hatter Tea Par-TeasPaperCandeeMonkey See Monkey Do Art StudioSweet Peach PaperieGarnish Inc.,  Party On! DesignsMiss Party MomClemens DesignsFrog Prince Cake & Cookie DesignThe Knock Knock FactoryLove The DayFlowerz By SuzPrint The PartyI Love Party StyleBirthday in a BookScents You Love

GOOD LUCK!




http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b72fa3/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway








Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Free Printable-No Soliciting Signs

 I am home a huge part of the day, and get annoyed by solicitors at the door. I know that to most of them it's their job, but I just don't want to be bothered. Is that rude of me?

We have a small cute shih tszu dog named Armani. Anytime the doorbell rings he gets excited and starts barking like crazy.  All the barking can also get a bit annoying.

When there is somebody ringing the doorbell, 99.9% it's solicitors and to be honest, I really don't like opening the door to them. I hear all this horror stories of people breaking into a home as soon as a door is opened.

Due to my paranoia, I made these signs in hopes that the unnecessary door bell ringing stops, and I get to give you a free printable Yaay!!

Hope the knocking stops :)
Click here for the download
gridlines will not print, not sure why there are showing :(








Friday, July 19, 2013

Mexican Red Rice Recipe

We live in Northern California, my family (wife's side) lives in Southern CA, and my husbands family lives in Ontario Canada. Anytime we visit either place, we try to get our moms to teach us their homemade recipes. Several weeks ago, we visited Southern CA and I asked my mom to teach me how to make the rice. I've tried it on my own before, and for some reason it never comes out. So this time I watched closely. 
For those of you who would like to make it, here are the ingredients and steps.

 As a reminder, my mom does not measure any of the ingredients. I tried to measure them before she used them, and she was getting frustrated hahaha.

Mahatma Rice
 (measurements on the package can be used for this recipe)
Vegetable Oil
Diced Onions
Salt and Pepper
Small Can of Tomato Sauce
Water
Knorr Chicken or Tomato Flavored Bouillon (powder or a square of bouillon)

First you have to toast the rice in a little bit of oil (she was also frying some chicken on the other pan). Heat some oil and add the rice. 


Seems like a lot of oil, but your going to take the excess out.

After the rice is a little browned, add the chopped/diced onions.


Tilt the pan and take out the excess oil.


Add in the can of tomato sauce.


 After about 3 minutes, add in the water, just enough to cover above the rice.


Add in some Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon and Tomato powder. She uses both kinds, but you can choose just one. Slowly mix it in.


My mom, Love Her!


Bring to a boil, and reduce hit and cover. 


After about 15-20 minutes it's done!
I had already grabbed some, hence the missing section on the right :)


Hope you enjoyed this recipe!




Sunday, July 14, 2013

Weekend Cooking with "Chef" De Sousa

As soon as Friday mornings arrive I get a little to excited. Not only because the weekend is around the corner, but because the hubby gets a cooking! He plans 3 meals for each day. 
Which sometimes for me it's a bit overwhelming. He tends to cook some filling and fancy meals, which, don't get me wrong, they are great, but I don't want to gain the weight that I had just lost during the week. 
It's very rare that he actually makes all 3 planned meals. Sometime from breakfast I'm so full that I can wait till dinner to eat again. 

So here's what he cooked this weekend:

Friday night:
Inspired by Bone Fish Grill, he made the Bang Bang Shrimp. 
Super easy to make. It turned out Spicy,Tangy, and Sweet.
Recipe can be found here.


Saturday morning the hubby didn't cook. We took our little guy to taekwondo class and decided to go for breakfast,

For a late lunch early dinner we had Mussels with a spicy chorizo sauce. After having the meal, we decided that the next time he makes it we would pair it with a angel hair pasta or a rice. The sauce is great and would go great over the rice or pasta. Or this dish can be made as a just an appetizer.
Recipe can be found here.


For Sunday morning, we decided to have brunch. Only because we slept in and it was brunch time lol.
I love french toast, and my stepdaughter uses a simple recipe that I love, so I was a little sketchy about this one. It included almonds, so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. 
Turns out that I love it! Such a yummy recipe, the only thing missing was a Mimosa :)
Almond Toasted Brioche recipe can be found here.


For lunch and dinner we had nothing fancy, we just had left overs. I couldn't eat too much anyways, I was stuffed from what we did eat!





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