Zansus Purses: SF's Conscious "Up-Cycled" Designers

When someone asks you "who made your purse" do you respond by saying the designer or who actually made it? Where were the materials sourced from? Are they sustainable? These are all questions that many of us take for granted when purchasing a new handbag and all things that are on the forefront of Zansus Purses minds.

Creative and eco-friendly, Sushanta Bhandarkar and Naz Saeed are two interior designers that rescue fabric from going to the land fill and use it to create their unique line of handbags. This year they participated in Discarded to Divine, an incredible charity event in the Bay Area furthering the idea of using materials that others would throw away.

They rescue, re-purpose, up-cycle, and rethink traditional design.

 

Not only do they create wearable designs, they also have a non-profit organization called Empowering World Change to encourage families and people of all ages to become more aware of environmental sustainability and sound eco practices. Never underestimate the power of one. Their mission is:

ONE CHILD AT A TIME
ONE HOUSEHOLD AT A TIME
ONE SCHOOL AT A TIME
ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME

This year, Zansus Purses a proud sponsor of the Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips "Who We Love" Event taking place this Saturday in Madison, WI. They have donated two gorgeous handbags as part of our total makeover packages. We are honored to have such an amazing group support our efforts and share in our philosophies. Thank you, Sushanta and Naz for all that you do to make this world a better place.

Let's Be Real- What To Wear on Saturday Night

We have received numerous inquiries about what to wear to the upcoming Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips"Who We Love" event and will anyone judge them... No, you will not be judged and I want you all to be comfortable in your clothing and in your skin. We want you to dress for yourself and represent who you are. This party is for you, our readers. To celebrate your continuous love and support that we receive from you day in and day out.

We want you to use this opportunity to dress fashionably if you choose to but not if you don't. We would hope that you wouldn't cruise over in sweat pants or PJ's but you get my point. If you don't know what to wear or don't have anything to wear, don't sweat it. This event is designed to address these challenges. We have scouted out vendors to help guide you, teach you and provide you with their contact info to create long term relationships. Kim and I will be readily available to chat and provide information or tips. We are the tip chics. This is what we do. And to be honest with you, I don't even know what I am going to wear yet. What I do know, is that I have a closet with clothing to choose from and a BFF that can lend me something if I'm not feelin' it.

So with that being said, I want you to join us on Saturday to celebrate you and the businesses that we chose to honor while sampling fun treats, getting your make-up touched up, having your hair done or shopping with some of the vendors. This is an event to celebrate YOU. It only works if you are there to celebrate with us with or without some "fashionable attire'. Your attitude is fashion enough. Besides, without you all, we wouldn't be. See you there!

Love and Sugar Kisses,

Cynnie and Kim

Sunday Supper: Cast Iron Buttermilk Fried Chicken- A Day Dedicated to Dad and Childhood Favorites

My Dad shares his love through his cooking and I have learned to do the same. There is nothing more personal than preparing a savory dish or a sweet treat for someone to present and watching their face light up upon receipt. Food is a commonplace for all mankind that reminds us of family, home and comfort. Today's post is about the dishes that dad used to prepare for me when I was a little girl and still will when I am home.

My Dad had his own business and would come home to a home cooked meal after a long day, kick up his feet and watch a little tube. His favorite team is the Green Bay Packers so Sunday's consisted of a sixer, his favorite quilt and a small RCA. We would have "cook outs", as we called them, which means barbecue in other parts of the country. I guess we were a literal bunch; we cooked outside in our huge back yard. The smell of hamburgers and brats penetrated the neighborhood and Dad always wrote our names in mustard on his plate. That was our favorite!

He had a series of cars that were quite memorable including this old blue Buick that had white plastic smelling interior with a hood that was so long I had to scoot all the way forward to see over the dash to a sea of blue hood. I could hardly see the massive emblem waaaaayyyyy down at the end.  We also were a part of the first minivan revolution. Ours had that faux wood paneling with corduroy seats. Ok, maybe they weren't corduroy. As soon as we got it, my parents packed up all the kids and a babysitter and we headed over 1500 miles on a road trip to Walt Disney World. 

He would bring us little toys now and again. My Grandpa built us the most beautiful toys of all time including a deluxe dollhouse that had three bedrooms, a dining room, kitchen and living space. The roof was on hinges and could open up to store . I wanted to be a teacher so he built me a huge chalkboard for my "classroom" and a little wooden wheelbarrow to take out to the garden with him. We was a green thumb with beautiful red roses and bright delicious tomatoes. We would sit around the table with thick juicy slices and sprinkle them with salt and pepper or sugar for the kids. Guess which one I chose?

I still stop and smell the roses every chance that I get to take in the sweet smell of Grandpa and every time I slice a fresh tomato, I envision us gathered around the table laughing and sharing love. Today's post is dedicated to to my Daddy and my Grandpa who always had their hand in the kitchen and made the most delicious meals.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

What You Need
Skin on chicken drummies, bone in breasts and bone-in thighs enough to feed a small army
fresh sage
buttermilk
kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
paprika
flour
oil for frying
A paper bag of good size
A cast iron skillet
metal tongs
metal rack

What To Do
Lightly season your chicken with salt and pepper then add to the marinade. Let chicken soak over night in the buttermilk, salt, pepper and fresh sage.

For the breading, combine 2-21/2c. of all purpose flour, 1 t. of salt and pepper, 2 t. paprika in small bowl. Dump mix into paper bag and give it a good shake. remove chicken pieces from the marinade and lightly dry before sticking them in the bag. Place a few pieces in the bag at a time and shake, shake, shake.

Place your breaded pieces on a cookie sheet and allow to rest in the fridge for approximately 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large cast iron skillet, heat approximately 2/12-3 c. of cooking oil over LOW heat. Be careful now, this is how many kitchen fires start. I would know...I burnt down an apartment this way...The oil should be about 350 degrees. You can always use a little Fry Daddy too. Whatever suits you.

Test the heat of the oil by dropping in a piece to see if the oil bubbles. When oil is ready place chicken in skin side down and leave it alone for 6-8 minutes than flip and cook for another ten. When chicken is cooked through, transfer to the metal rack and let rest while you finish your other pieces. If you are a little slow on the giddy-up, keep them warm in the oven while you finish.

Happy Father's Day to all you Daddies out there!

A One On One Interview with Fashion Designer Sarah Liller

"Clothes aren't just about looking good but also about feeling good about yourself when you wear them, and that feeling of joy and ease is the core of my design inspiration." -Sarah Liller

I am continually inspired by Sarah's passion her work. I remember the day that I met her like it was yesterday; she was the only one in the room who asked a smart question with intention and direction. Of course I had to meet her! I was completely blown away by her latest video and photo shoot taken in the heart of this beautiful city. It reflects everything that her clothes represent; carefree, beautiful and completely comfortable. I still watch it and want an ice cream cone every time! I can't wait to have her clothes walk down the runway at our upcoming event next Saturday.

Fashion, Love, and Rock n' Roll...

Three words that Sarah Liller lives by.

Cyn: How long have you been designing and when was the moment that you realized fashion design was your calling?

Sarah: My mom was a pretty accomplished seamstress and made a lot of my clothes growing up. She taught me to sew when I was 13 (I still use her Kenmore sewing machine from the 70's). I had always sketched outfits I wanted to make, but I now had the skills to make my designs into a reality. I worked at a fabric store in high school and started making most of my own clothes, since I never really liked anything in the stores at that time. In college, I kind of put design on the backburner. I worked on my bachelor's and master's degrees (in chemistry of all things) and while in grad school, realized how unhappy I was with my career path at the time. I did some soul searching and realized that the only thing I could really get passionate about was fashion, so I applied to Parson's in New York, was accepted, and moved the following August, not having ever been there before. It was the best decision I've ever made in my life. Parson's taught me pattern making and draping and helped me develop my identity as a designer, and every time I design a dress and manifest it from sketch to 3D, I am reminded of how good of a decision it was.

In what ways does the SF fashion scene parallel the NYC fashion scene? Which do you prefer?

San Francisco is a great place to be an up and coming designer. In New York, it's very easy to get lost in the sea of new designers. Also, the fashion scene in New York is much more trend driven. Trends are great, but the customer who completely follows trends is finicky and hard to keep. San Francisco fashion is more about defining who the designer is, what their aesthetic is, producing locally, and showing the public something they've never seen before. Trends come and go, but having a defined design perspective and knowing your customer gives your company lasting power.

What is your opinion of the fashion scene in SF? Who do you admire the most and why?

One of my greatest inspirations in the design world is Betsey Johnson. She owned her company completely up until a couple years ago, which gave her control over her name and the brand. She knew her customer and was true to her aesthetic even as styles changed. She adapted but didn't completely change with coming and going trends, she made a lot of money doing it, and she seems super fun. My long term goal is to grow my company like she did, slowly with a lot of control over the look and quality of the brand.

She also really loves what she does. When asked about any advice she can give to young up and coming designers she always says, "Love it! You have to love it because it's a lot of work." It's so true! Through the late nights and long hours sewing until your fingers bleed, you have to have a love for what you do because only about 5% of fashion is glamorous, the rest is a lot of hard work.

Tell me more about the inspiration behind your designs. What designers do you look to for inspiration? 

A lot of designers are inspired by art or other visual media, but I find that I am really inspired by music, life, and emotion. I tie a lot of the way I'm dressing to how I feel at the time. I want my clothes to mirror my customer's mood. They are carefree, easy, and beautiful because I want women to feel that way. The clothes are inspired by the attitude of a care-free girl who loves experiencing life.

"Clothes aren't just about looking good but also about feeling good about yourself when you wear them, and that feeling of joy and ease is the core of my design inspiration." -Sarah Liller

Want more? Visit her website at http://www.sarahliller.com

Who Do You Love? 2011 Fashion and Beauty Expo and Summer Runway Show

Double Click on image below to expand

Win a Complete Makeover! Get your Tickets Now!!

We are celebrating YOU this summer! Join us for an incredible fashion and beauty event Saturday, June 25th! 
  

Join us!

Do you like to shop? Yes.

Do you like to look and feel beautiful? Yes.

Do you want a chance to wine a head to toe makeover? YES!

Do you want to learn the industry's latest? Yes!

Do you want to nibble and sip while socializing with the industry's best? YES!

So...What are you waiting for?

Grab your friends and join us for the best fashion event of the summer!

Who: You and your bestie
What: Fashion and Beauty Expo wioth Summer Runway Show
Where: Madison, WI
When: Next Saturday, June 25th
Why: Because you love us as much as we love you!

Buy Your Tickets Now!

You could be a winner!

Each event ticket includes a “guidebook” to Who We Love for 2011, tasty culinary samplings, beauty and style entertainment, professional dance performance and a beginner instruction, a raffle ticket for the Summer Makeover giveaway, and a priceless shopping, socializing and networking opportunity!

We are giving away two Total Makeover Packages including:

A new dress

A new handbag

New shoes

A New hair do

New jewelry

A new workout routine
And new skin care

Check it out!! Additional prizes will also be available.

Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips Summer Makeover Prizes will include:

• Haircut, Color & Style from Avant Garde Salon and Hello Gorgeous Salon

• Fashionable New Looks from Effie’s Heart,

• Handbags from Zansus Purses,

• Shoes & Accessories from Sugar Sugar Shoes and Zahava Designs

• Workout Program from Dustin Maher Fitness

• Skincare from Heliotrope
  

The night will close with the not to be missed fashion event of 2011, Hesperidian Productions “SUMMER RUNWAY SHOW” for your viewing pleasure showcasing collections from high quality local designers and boutiques, sponsored by Aniu Salon!

Who are we bringing with us?
Gracing the runway with some west coast love!

Sarah Liller Designs

Effie's Heart

Alley: A fabulous menswear line of urban workwear inspired by a SF firefighter.

TICKETS

Tickets for this event are $15.00 in advance, or $25.00 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased here through Zahava Designs (see link below). Tickets are non-refundable. Fashionable attire required and no children under 16 years of age will be admitted.

http://www.zahavadesigns.net/store/product.php?productid=167&cat=30&page=1

$5 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to Gio’s Garden. Please take a moment and read about this phenomenal cause founded in Madison, WI and supported wildly by our community.
http://giosgarden.org/about.aspx

Win an Effie's Heart Jackie Dress in Blueberry Stripe! Enter Today!

Enter For A Chance To Win

Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips
and
Effie's Heart 

ONLINE GIVEAWAY! 

There are three ways to enter. Want to learn how? See below! 

Enter Today!

What to do: 

Choose one of the three ways below to enter in the contest to win the Effie's Heart Jackie Dress! A $92 value!

Become a FAN or a FOLLOWER 

LIKE ME on Facebook:

Search our URL address or click the link below:

Fan Page: www. sugarlipslifestyletips.com

FOLLOW ME on Twitter

Search: sugardollies

Don't Tweet or Friend? Then Share The Sugar

Share our website with your friends!  

Email your friends with our website address telling them why you think that they would love it. Copy us on the email at the following email address: sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

Already A Fan or a Follower? 

Simply upload your favorite photo of yourself to Facebook or Tweet me and include why you love Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips. 

Good Luck!

Official Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ELIGIBILITY: The "Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips and Effie's Heart Online Giveaway" is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia and are at least sixteen (16) years of age at the time of entry. The contest is subject to Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Use of profanity will automatically disqualify any entry. SPONSOR: The sweepstakes is sponsored by Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips and Effie's Heart All Rights Reserved. CONTEST PERIOD: Contest will begin Saturday, June 11th at 1 Am PST and will end on Saturday, July 9h, 2011 at 11:59 pm PST. Entries that are entered before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. AGREEMENT OF OFFICIAL RULES: Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrants full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of the Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with the Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein. PRIZE DRAWING: On or about July 10th, 2011, the Sponsor will select a potential winner in a random drawing from all eligible entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the official winner via email on or about July 10th, 2011. If the potential winner can not be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select and alternate potential winner. Need not be present to win. Merchandise will be shipped; contact information and physical address must be provided when requested. 

Fashion Friday with Effie's Heart: Classic, Practical and Eternal Designs

From across a crowded speakeasy, with a silky smooth jazz melody painting a portrait of breathtaking romance, Effie’s heart was stolen by an unassuming stranger and would forever be changed.  Her world would be filled with a brilliant kaleidoscope of color, and her smile would be eternal.  Effie’s Heart, is a love story with an ending that captivates and charms through creative and stunning fashionable designs that illustrate her memoirs.

A complete head to toe collection of designs full of vintage charm and energy that simply sings, every piece Effie’s Heart brings forward not only makes a beautiful statement, but is also completely practical.  Made from breathable 100% cotton, and softly stretchable cotton blends that feel like your favorite jersey t-shirt but look like you a custom, vintage inspired design.  Each look bursts with originality, is peppered with colors and details from years gone by, and challenges mainstream design with a mighty hand…and wins. 

Effie’s Heart is a women’s wear clothing line that caters to women who adore a beautifully eclectic design, but prefer not to remove wearability from their wardrobe.  Kimo, a self proclaimed “fashion adventurist,” founded Effie’s Heart based on the belief that comfort and fashion go hand in hand and style should be completely accessible.  Her inspiration and originality is perfectly charming and completely endearing, and at Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips, we absolutely adore her for this.  

I asked Kimo what inspired her latest collection and she said"Spring and Summer 2011 were inspired by "the perfect vacation".  We have nostalgic memories of faraway places. Our clothing gives you the chance to be yourself with value, comfort, and style in toe. Our knitwear allows for insta-matic dressing. While being on tour around the globe, enjoy low maintenance fashion with pockets.  Our hyper-classic prints and joyful color palate will help you revel in warm weather bliss!  The mega bonus is that your Effie's Heart fashions will last beyond the season.  Our designs are classic, practical, and eternal."

I couldn't agree more. I have worn my Jackie Dress (pictured above) wine tasting in Paso Robles, a wine dinner with corporate heads and to work with a beautiful black cardigan, sheer black nylons  and patent black pumps.  I use my "Moma Tota Papa"tote (pictured left) for everything. It is casual and playful with plenty of space without being cumbersome. Her styles are truly versatile and practical, wash well and can go anywhere. I invite you to see more at http://www.effiesheart.com/

Here are a few of our favorites! 

The Countdown Begins: 2011 Fashion Expo and Summer Runway Show

We are so close! The countdown begins as we are 17 days away to the fashion event of the summer!

Who/What: Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips and Hesperidian Productions presents a Fashion Expo and Summer Runway Show
Where: Tempo Ballroom, Madison, WI
When: Saturday, June 25th, 2011

For your independent style, your environmental awareness, your consciousness of health, and your stylish minds. For all that you do, we love you.

Madison, WI: Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips is an online resource that demystifies beauty, fashion, health and wellness. We aim to help increase the confidence of our readers one tip at a time and ultimately create a better life for future generations.

Hesperidian Productions is a full service production company dedicated to development of the social experience and communication with the public. Our in house film, fashion and events departments allow a cohesive message to be created and expressed through different forms of interactive media.

For one day only, June 25, 2011; Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips is joining forces with Hesperidian Productions to bring you a celebration of people we love with an afternoon of amazing food, breathtaking beauty, and heart pounding fashion. Meet and mingle with some of our favorite independent designers..., stylists, models, retailers and more. All ready to share with you exactly the amazing qualities that makes Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips love them so very much. And as if that doesn't make for the perfect event, end the night with a runway show complete with lust worthy independent designs.

The Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips Who We Love 2011 Event and Hesperidian Productions Summer Runway Show will include a heavenly tasting table with mouthwatering treats and sugary sweets, on site trunk show shopping opportunities from head turning fashion retailers we love, hair and beauty style demonstrations, professional dance performances, covetable Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips Summer Makeover prizes will be awarded to the luckiest stars in the room!

The Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips Summer Makeover Prizes will include:
Haircut, Color & Style from Avant Garde Salon and Hello Gorgeous Salon
Fashionable New Looks from Effie's Heart,
Handbags from Zansus Purses,
Shoes & Accessories from Sugar Sugar Shoes and Zahava Designs
Workout Program from Dustin Maher Fitness
Skincare from Heliotrope

The night will close with the not to be missed fashion event of 2011, Hesperidian Productions "SUMMER RUNWAY SHOW" for your viewing pleasure showcasing collections from high quality local designers and boutiques, sponsored by Aniu Salon!

Tickets for this event are $15.00 in advance, or $25.00 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased here through Zahava Designs. Tickets are non-refundable.
http://www.zahavadesigns.net/store/product.php?productid=167&cat=30&page=1

$5 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to Gio’s Garden. Please take a moment and read about this phenomenal cause founded in Madison, WI and supported wildly by our community.
http://giosgarden.org/about.aspx

Each event ticket includes a “guidebook” to Who We Love for 2011, tasty culinary samplings, beauty and style entertainment, professional dance performance and a beginner instruction, a raffle ticket for the Summer Makeover giveaway, and a priceless shopping, socializing and networking opportunity!

Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the door for $5 each; all proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be donated to Gio’s Garden.

Please contact Kimberlee Smith at misskimberlee@hotmail.com for marketing opportunities at this event.

5 Summer Must Have Accessories That I Can't Live Without

Every season I choose a handful of must haves. Here are my top 5:

The New School Flip Flop by VOLCOM. Perfect for a sundress or shorts and is easy to pack and carry any where any time. 

A layered look from Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti's Diamonds By the Yard and New Bottle Collection in Gold. It makes me look tan! Great to layer together or separate over a flowy summery pattern. 

Add a little shatter to your polish to create a fun effect. OPI's Shatter in Black or Silver from the Katy Perry Collection. 

Protect Yourself! ALBA Hawaiian Sun 45- Wear this rain or shine and reapply often near the pool. Protect that beautiful face of yours. 

RENO from ShoeDazzle: This cute little animal friendly clutch is a soft square, perfectly structured and has plenty of space for everything. Includes a shoulder strap too. My choice: STONE also offered in black and brown.

Getting Rid of Acne: Skin Care Boot Camp with Jane Norman-20 Days to Clearer Skin

Have you ever met someone who inspires you in every way? Someone who is so passionate about what they do that it could make you cry knowing you have finally met the one who can actually help you? I met that person and can not believe how much my life has changed in a matter of moments. I can't wait to tell you how spectacular this will be and share the results on camera.

I began this blog for one reason:
To show people that things aren't always as difficult as they may seem with a little help from someone who has been there, done that and willing to share that experience. It is my mission to increase the confidence of my readers one tip at a time by demystifying beauty, fashion, health and wellness one tip at a time. To make intimidating subjects more approachable while remaining accessible and affordable. I rely on industry experts resources to keep my information current and valuable. Sometimes I am the one in need a tip too. Here's my story...

Heartbreaking Acne
Most of my adult life I have had acne. As I moved from a teen to an adult, I started experiencing extreme hormonal breakouts on my chin and near my jaw line. It was painful, hard to look at and made me feel terrible. It was crushing.

In the last three years, I have lost my confidence on more than one occasion due to an extreme break out on my face, back and even my chest. I am always conscious of how I am standing, which side is to the camera and if my tank top shows too much skin. The kicker in all this, is that it is getting WORSE with age. The reality of it is that I am a thirty something with worse acne than when I was a teenager.

I have experienced many different treatments, many different products, spent numerous dollars, exhausted time trying to figure this out for myself with some results but nothing earthshaking. The bottom line: I don't know what I need, I know what I want. I need an expert.

Last Friday, I experienced a glimmer of hope.

Hope that this will one day pass and with the right care, stay away for good. I met a trusted authority who places my needs first. One who genuinely cares about who I am, what my skin care goals are, and remains conscious of my budget. For the first time in fifteen years, I feel beautiful without makeup and this is just the beginning.

I invite you to join me on this journey and see my progression as I begin to experience the treatments that are customized to my skin care needs. Understand that this is a lifestyle change not a 20 day hiatus. With any change, new habits are formed and I will share those with you. The photo below illustrates the redness throughout my nose, blemishes on my cheek and jawline, scaring near my mouth and on my chin, the inconsistent coloring throughout my cheeks, age spots, freckles and other sun damage. Let's see how this changes!

<-------sun damage on forehead

<-----sun damage, dark spots around eyes and on cheeks

<------redness throughout nose and lower cheeks
<------Blemishes near ear and on cheek
<------Acne scars on chin near end of lip

Sunday Supper: Spinach and Garlic Chicken Sausage Over Fresh Fettucini

Close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting street side at a small table in a European restaurant. The streets are made of cobblestone and you have a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful architecture that was constructed by individuals far before our time.  The locals are casually coming and going from the market with raw produce and freshly made pasta in hand. Your server brings you a glass of the house wine and you order in anticipation of what is to come.

Like may places in Europe, the menu consists of five choices all of which are prepared that day with unprocessed ingredients. You aren't offered 45 menu choices or fifteen different dressings. You are offered seasonal slow cooked meals that can be enjoyed slowly and savored over great conversation. Your salad is simply tossed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Your wine is small glass and costs only a few Euros. It is a simple way of living well. Whenever I want to escape the pressures of the American lifestyle, I turn on some French or Italian music and begin to experience therapy in a whole new way by preparing a meal with fresh, local fare and paired with a beautiful glass of wine.

Today's dish is reflective of that mindset. It is simple and delicious made with fresh pasta and two of my favorite spring vegetables; spinach and english Peas. There is truly no comparison to freshly made pasta. An associate of mine to a trip to Italy to unwind after a family hardship and met her husband at a small cafe. They fell madly in love and returned to the states to start a family and a life here in San Francisco. We had the pleasure of dining at his restaurant where freshly made pasta is the only pasta that is on the menu. With every bite, you wanted more of this delicate brilliance. Since then, I seek out freshly made pasta whenever I can and I hope that you will too.

What You Will Need

Fresh Fettucini Pasta
English Peas
Fresh Organic Spinach (Why Organic? Click here)
1 Myer Lemon
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Cracked Black Pepper
1 Small Yellow Onion
Garlic and Spinach Chicken Sausage

***Sugar Tip: You can find chicken sausage at your local butcher counter or you can buy it from Aidells

What To Do

In a large pan over medium high heat, add 2 T. olive oil. slice or crumble the chicken sausage.. Add to the pan. Dice onion and add to the pan. Stir to combine. Allow onions to sweat and caramelize approximately two-four minutes scraping the brown form the bottom of the pan. Stir in the English Peas. Bring water to a boil in a large stock pot. Your pasta will only take 2-4 minutes to cook so keep that in mind while cooking. It will be the last thing you do before serving. Ensure that your sausage is thoroughly cooked then add spinach and reduce heat to low. Cover the pan so the spinach wilts from the heat. Drop your pasta into the boiling water and allow to cook for a few minutes. Drain well- do not rinse. In a large bowl toss pasta with a touch of olive oil and a drizzle of lemon juice. Top with sausage mixture and toss. Plate in bowls and serve with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.