Succulents

Here's a easy way to add a little green for those of us that do not have a green thumb. Succulents are low maintenance plants that are a beautiful accent anywhere at home or in the office. I saw some at the gardening center in glass containers that looked very modern. It's easy to replicate the same feel with found items at home.

I used a glass container from an old candle. After the fact, I realized it's better to lay down an inch of gravel or aquarium stones to help drain the soil. Then transplant your succulent, that's it! I bought mine for $2.99 and got 2 plants in one container.

 

Tomato Spinach Quinoa Salad

I was at Farmers Market over the weekend and someone was selling a quinoa salad. I almost bought some and then realised I had some at home in the pantry. This is a very simple and quick preparation. Cook your quinoa and set aside. I added juice from 1/2 of a lemon, chopped sundried tomatoes, 1/4 bag of frozen chopped spinach (defrost in microwave), and tossed with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Next time, I think I try TJ's just chicken, curry powder, and some mango chunks. Sounds good doesn't it?

Glitter Nails

I've seen a lot of glitter nails every where.  Instead of going out and buy glitter nail polish, I used what I already have: clear nail polish and glitter (Joann's dollar bin).  I applied 1 coat and sprinkled glitter on top, then another coat to seal it in. 

Black Raspberry Swirl Cupcakes

I made these black raspberry swirl cupcakes last week. I simply added a teaspoon dollop of black raspberry jam into the cupcakes ans swirled with a toothpick before putting them in the oven. These were finshed with cream cheese frosting.

Peter Pan Hats

For the Piggie's b-day party, I made a bunch of these Peter Pan hats for the boys. Her theme was fairies. I ordered fairy wings for the girls, but wanted to give the boys something they can dress up with as well. Initially I wanted to do Gnome hats, but after consulation with one of my girlfriends, decided the Peter Pan hats would be a better route. I used the tute from Make It & Love It.

Cotton Web Belt - Peguin Knock Off

The inspiration came from Peguin Clothing.  The Mr saw this online and liked it.  I told him I'll make it for him.  How does my version measure up?

The only thing I would change is to go with a wider webbing.

Products I Love - Hand Lotion

I wanted to start sharing on a regular basis on some of the good finds out there.  So my here it goes. 

I've used a lot of different hand lotions.  Especially after having kids, I'm constantly washing my hands.  I hate the greasy feeling you get with some products.  I feel an effective hand lotion should moisturize and absorb into your skin.  That said, my favs are:

These are premium priced products, but a little goes a long way.  I think you'll love them just as I do. 

Boho Bling

Using the same technique as the Hippie Chic bracelets I made, I swapped out the ball and chain for a strand of rhinestones and made this. I love that it's understated bling.  I also used a clasp instead of a bead for closure - more of a finished look.

Saving a candle

I love scented candles. I think that's why I love going into Aveda or Anthropology...it's always scented in their stores. I usually get soy candles since they burn longer, at lower heat, and clean. A few years back I found Wicked Bean at my local farmer's market. I instantly fell in love with their unique scents - White Tea Cactus, Winter Sage, and Chardonnay & Apricots. Sandra, the founder taught me to light candles for at least long enough for the top layer to pool. That way you get a complete burn vs a hole down the middle. I thought this hold true with all candles, nope. I got a soy candle from Pottery Barn as a gift and no matter how long I burn the darn thing, it doesn't seem to pool the top layer. It's a total waste that probably 1/2 of it is left.

Solution:
Put the candle in the microwave to melt down the soy wax.

Drop in a wick and wait.

Ah ha!

Coco

Coconut water is all the craze these days. When I was pregnant with my first, my mother used to buy young coconuts by the case at the asian markets and have me drink these. I got hooked! She still buys in bulk for me. I'm just not very good with hacking the tops off...so she has to do it for me. A case of 9 can go for only $6.99. When I'm in a bind, I settle for Vita Coco. It's as close to the real deal. Other times when the urge hits and I'm at a store that doesn't carry Vita Coco, plan B is Zico.

Instead of Cards

What a great idea!  I have another baby shower to go to this weekend.  I think that's my 6th year to date!  It was requested that in lieu of cards, to give a book and write your well wishes inside.  That way the child would have something of permanence to enjoy.  The only down fall is you really can't get popular books, in fear of the child getting duplicates.  So I hope no one else go this one:

Pom

My parents tree is producing a lot of fruit this year. I came home with 2 re-usable bags full of these lovely pomergrantes. I shared some with my neighbors with plenty left. I usually cut them and peel under a large bowl of water to prevent spraying. But today, I remember seeing an episode of Martha Stewart Living where she got the seeds out but tapping the skin with a wooden spoon! Here's the video clip with the

founder of POM.

I plan on juicing and putting it in the freezer for later use.

There's a ton for recipes on POM Wonderful's website. I can't wait to try the:

POM Sorbetto

Little Mave Guest Giveaway

Little Mave Guest Giveaway

Grograin is hosting a $120 giveaway with Little Mave!

Coconut Cupcakes

I make these a couple times a year, and every time it's a hit. I fell in LOVE with coconut cupcakes years ago when I used to work in Santa Barbara. My co-work Deb would make a batch a couple times each year and bring it in for all to enjoy. I really never even considered trying it, but everyone said I had to, even for someone who doesn't particularly like coconuts, I was an instant fan. Deb made her using Ina Garten's, aka Barefoot Contessa, recipe. Very good, calling for lots of sugar, butter and eggs = 774 per cupcake!

While listening to Good Food on KCRW (local LA NPR radio station), I heard about an interview with LA Times writer Noelle Carter about Auntie Em's. He even included the recipe in his article. So I gave that a try. Tastes pretty darn close to Ina Garten's. It calls for oil instead of butter and less eggs = 463 per cupcake. The recipe yields 18, but I always come out with 20. Mine are probably a wee bit less since I use low fat cream cheese for the frosting.

Special Thank You!

Look at what arrived this week. I entered in Luke & Hailie Girl's giveaway sponsored by Under a New Light a couple weeks ago, and won!

If you have a chance, go check out both the blog and the website.

Banana Carrot Bread

The Piggie and I made this lovely banana carrot bread over the weekend. I found the recipe on Preetys Kitchen blog. I modified it with 1 ½ cups of carrots and 2 mashed bananas. I didn’t have plain apple sauce on hand, but did have a small cup of raspberry applesauce I found in the refrigerator. This is a dense and moist loaf. We're enjoying it very much.

Hippie Chic

I made these wrapped bracelets using the tutorial on Honestly WTF. Since I was out of town and couldn't find the supplies listed, I modified my materials using hemp cord instead of waxed linen, 2mm cotton cord instead of Greek leather, and plastic bead trim instead of ball chain. Looks just as great for a fraction of the price! I'll be trying out the rhinestone version for some extra bling.

This is what $7 buys at Whole Foods

We went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner last night using the a Groupon we bought ($8 for up to $17 in 2 combo meals). Which is good for us because we go there maybe once a month. The Mr stayed with the Piggie as she finished her ice cream cone. *If you don't want the book they give you in the kids meal, you can swap it out for an ice cream cone. I walked over to Whole Foods because my sister has been raving about Icelandic yogurt being better than Greek. Anyways, I went over there with the intent of buying apples and yogurt. I walked in and saw a beautiful display of heirloom tomatoes and had to take one home for me. Finally on my way out I walked by a sea weed display. For $0.99 I wanted to try out their "low sodium" version. To be honest, I really don't know how it compares to the ones you get at the Korean market. Now I know the low sodium is 50mg...I'll make sure I check.

So here's the deal - I'm all about trying to eat organic and buy local. However for $7, I feel like I can get a lot more bang for my buck at farmer's market. I paid $2.49/lb on the apples and $3.59/lb on the tomato. I guess that's the premium I pay for getting pseudo farmer's market fresh on a whim. I'm just saying.

Bird Cage Veil

Bird cage veils are all the rage these days with brides. My sister wanted one for her wedding to my surprise. You can find them all over Etsy and at Bridal Salons. We felt a little hesitant if it would work with her dress and didn't want to spend a small fortune on it. We found a great tutorial on ProjectWedding.com and I ordered supplies from on GS Boutique on Etsy.  Total cost was less than $8.00!  It totally completed her look : )

Fabric Button Magnet

I keep a bag full of scraps from previous projects knowing that one day I can use it for something. Last night I made fabric button magnets. To make your own fabric buttons, you can pick up one of these kits from Joann's. I used pliers to pull off the button loop in the back and glued little round magnets to the back using my E-6000.