12.31.2011

Obsession: Waterfall Braid

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Step 1: Section and French Braid


This style works best on straight or loose waves. Brush out all the knots with a wide tooth comb. Part your hair how you normally would, and begin your braid on the right side of your part. Grab the top section and divide into three strands. Braid your strands regularly three times, beginning from the right strand. When you get to the left strand (the part closest to the middle of the scalp), add more hair to it like a French braid and fold that strand to the center.
Step 2: Drop the Strand
This is where it gets tricky. After you've French braided your left strand (now center), drop the right strand and let it fall down. Pick up another small section of hair next to where your original strand fell—that's your new right strand. Braid it into your style as usual and repeat this process—French braid the left strand, drop the right strand, and pick up an adjacent new piece. Gradually cascade the style towards the middle of your head.
Step 3: Pin and Secure
Once you've reached a comfortable point to stop your braid, secure it to your scalp with bobby pins.
Step 4: Fishtail Accent
Braid the remaining piece of hair left from your waterfall into a fishtail braid. Secure the braid with a clear elastic.


Obsession: NYE Manicure

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(Courtesy of thebeautydepartment.com)


TOOLS
Base & Top Coat Nail polish
Dark Gold Nail polish
Light Gold Nail polish
Gold Glitter Nail polish
Tape
STEPS
1. Start with bare nails shaped and ready for your manicure and apply a base coat.
2. Once the base coat has dried, apply 1-2 coats of your darker gold. If it has good coverage just stick with one coat because it will dry faster.
3. On your ring fingers, apply the light gold.
4. Get your glittery gold and apply it on top of the light gold on your ring finger. I like the look of the sparkles on the light gold. It’s totally up to you if you want to keep the darker gold as your base. {Make sure your dark gold nails dry completely before the next step! This can sometimes take up to 30 minutes}
5. Take a piece of tape and put it on your nail at an angle of your choice. It’s easiest to tape all of your nails at once so are not messing around with tape with wet nail polish.
6. Apply the light gold as if you are painting your whole nail. You do not want the paint to be too thick so try to stick to just one coat.
7. Let the paint dry for about 5 minutes and then remove the tape slowly.
8. Apply a top coat and your manicure is complete!!

DIY: Photo Confetti



Use a photo editing program (I love Picnik.com) to give digital pictures of family and friends a sepia tint; print onto matte photo paper. Use 1/2-inch to 1-inch circle punches to cut out faces, as well as extra circles from colored paper and vellum. Sprinkle along the tables at your NYE party, or package the confetti in envelopes and hand them out to guests for a celebratory toss at midnight.

12.30.2011

For the Bedroom: Chandeliers

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Edible Obsessions: Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting



Cupcake Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1/4 tsp of salt
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
16 tbsp of unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups of sugar
3 large eggs
17 oz of sweet potato puree
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

8 large egg whites
2 cups of sugar
1/2 tsp of cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:


Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.  In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir together with a fork and set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition.  Mix in the sweet potatoes and vanilla extract, beating just until combined.  Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners.  Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in the top of a double boiler. Heat the mixture, whisking frequently, until it reaches 160° F with an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in the vanilla until combined. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. Brown with a kitchen torch and garnish with a sprinkle of brown sugar, if desired.




DIY: Candy Cane Scrub



Materials:

A lidded jar or flip-top container
Brown sugar
Cooking oil (almond)
Peppermint essential oil
Optional decorations: ribbon, gift tags, etc

1) Mix sugar with cooking oil until your desired sloughing texture is achieved.
2) Add in a few drops of peppermint essential oil and stir.
3) Decorate the jar as a gift or just keep for yourself!
4) Spread all over feet, lower legs, and hands.

12.29.2011

Edible Obsessions: Flaming Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

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Cupcake Ingredients:
(makes about 20 cupcakes)

3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 tsp of baking soda
3/4 tsp of baking powder
3/4 tsp of salt
2 eggs
3/4 cups of hot water
3/4 cups of heavy cream
3 tbsp of canola oil
2 tsp of vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line tin with cupcake papers and set aside.
Sift together cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add eggs, water, heavy cream, oil, and vanilla. Mix with a hand held mixer until smooth.
Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each half full. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients:

2 sticks of softened butter
4 cups of confectioners' sugar
4 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together sugar, cocoa, and butter; beginning on low speed then increase to high. Beat until fluffy and lightened in color. Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Frost cupcakes.

Flaming Strawberries:

18-24 strawberries- you'll need as many as you have cupcakes
Vodka, rum or your choice of liquor 80 proof or higher.
Hollow the strawberries carefully. If you pierce the side of the strawberry accidentally, start with a new one. Since you'll be setting the liquor aflame, it is important that the strawberry is leak-proof.
Set one strawberry atop each cupcake. Fill strawberries with liquor just before lighting. If you need to light them all at once, (for a party) use a turkey baster to quickly fill all the strawberries and a grill lighter in lieu of matches.

Tips for flaming strawberries:

- Any alcohol below 80 proof will not ignite. Bacardi 151 is a recommended fail-safe.
- You can add a little sugar to the inside of the strawberry to sweeten it up, however, the flame lasts longer without the additional sugar.
- The flaming strawberry will have a burn time of about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not attempt to eat a flaming strawberry.



Obsession: Sparkly Tights

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DIY: Black Lace Candles

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Materials:

Glass votive candles
A yard or two of black lace trim
Needle and thread

Pick up a yard or two of black lace trim (can be found at Michaels or Jo-ann's) and cut off a strip that covers the perimeter of your glass votive candle. Using a needle and black thread, overlap the edges and make small stitches to tack in place.

12.28.2011

DIY: Hanging Handkerchief Vases

diy wedding handkerchief projects

Materials:

Several canning jars
Several handkerchiefs
Ribbon
Bailing wire
Rubber bands
Flowers
Wire Cutters
Scissors
Iron and ironing board

1) Press all of your handkerchiefs flat.
2) Fold the bottom of your handkerchief and the top of the handkerchief down to create a band of fabric that is the same height as the jar. Press the folds.
3) Cut a 2 1/2 foot length of bailing wire. Wrap it tightly around the grooves in the top of the jar, then create a hanger.
4) Wrap the folded handkerchief around the vase and secure it with a rubber band.
5) Cut a length of ribbon (about 18 inches or so) and tie it around the vase to conceal the rubber band. Tie the tails in a bow.
6) add a little water in the bottom of your vase, insert the flowers.
7) Create a grouping of coordinating vases and hang from a tree, an arbor, or from the ceiling.

Edible Obsessions: Peppermint PiƱa Colada



Ingredients:
(makes one drink)

Handful of ice
3 oz of coconut milk (be sure to shake the can first)
1 1/2 oz of premium white rum
1 oz of pineapple juice
2 peppermint sticks
Mint (for garnish)

Add the first four ingredients to a shaker and shake it up. Pour in a glass. Break up one of the peppermint sticks and put it in the drink. This will give the drink the peppermint flavor and create the pink color as it melts. Garnish with the mint and a peppermint stick. 

Obsession: Booties

Although riding boots are forever a classic, high-heeled booties have been trending like crazy lately. They are a great alternative to the classic pump because they keep your feet warm but still look chic. Booties look great with a skirt or dress and a pair of tights, worn with a simple pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, or even faux leather leggings.

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12.27.2011

DIY: Metallic Mason Jar Vase

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Materials:

A glass mason jar of any brand and size
Silver (or gold) spray paint in metallic, gloss, or matte
Newspaper
Glass pebbles

Place jar on newspaper, spray paint the outside of the jar and let dry overnight. Place pebbles inside to help ground your flower arrangement of choice, and voila!

Edible Obsessions: New Year's Eve Champagne Cupcakes



Cupcake Ingredients:
(makes 36 mini cupcakes)

2 3/4 cups of all purpose flour
3 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
2/3 cups of butter
1 1/2 cups of white sugar
3/4 cups of champagne
6 egg whites

Champagne Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups of powdered sugar
1 cup of butter, at room temperature
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
3 tbsp of champagne, at room temperature

For the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, and the blend into creamed mixture alternately with champagne.
In another large, clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter to lighten it, then fold in remaining egg whites. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

For the frosting:

With an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter. Mix on low until well blended, and then on medium for another 2 minutes. Add vanilla and champagne, beating on medium for another minute.


Obsession: Let It Snow Manicure

Even though Christmas has come and gone, it's still winter and the new year is just around the corner! I found this gorgeous manicure from fabfatale.com and it is absolutely perfect for a fun night out or your NYE celebration.

Holiday Christmas Snow Manicure White Glitter Nails China Glaze Frosty

Start with a clear base coat topped with two layers of China Glaze Snow (or a white creme polish of your choice). Next, add a coat of dry fast top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat was used here) and quickly sprinkle a layer of white glitter (which can be found at Michaels). The top coat between the layers will help dry the white creme polish, as well as help the glitter stick faster. Note: Do one nail at a time; the quick dry top coat dries very quickly.
If you'd like this manicure to last longer, coat the top with China Glaze Frosty or a similar polish. Avoid a clear top coat as it will ruin the texture of the glitter.

12.26.2011

Inspiration: New Year's Eve Wedding

I always thought New Year's Eve was the absolute perfect day to get married: new beginnings are the recipe for the start of a new year. Here is a little inspiration:

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DIY: Doily Lamp

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Materials:

A large, thick, round balloon (available at party stores)
Crochet or lace doilies
Wallpaper glue
String
A hanging light fixture or ceiling mount

Blow up the balloon. Paint each doily with plenty of wallpaper glue so they are soaked. Hang the balloon from a string and put the soaked doilies on the balloon, making sure they overlap each other so they will stick together and connect. Put an extra layer of the wallpaper glue over the doilies when they are on the balloon, just for good measure. Let the balloon dry overnight.
Pop the balloon with a needle when the glue is dry. Cut a slit in the ball if you choose to fit it over a hanging light fixture. Use your string to tie the ball around your light fixture or to a ceiling mount for decoration.


12.24.2011

Edible Obsessions: Pumpkin Latte

Here's something to warm you up just in time for Christmas! This pumpkin latte recipe serves 3 and is perfect for relaxing around the house on Christmas evening. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas everyone!

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1 2/3 cups of milk
1/2 cup of mashed cooked sweet pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree
3 tbsp of brown sugar
1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 cup of freshly brewed hot coffee
Whipped cream and cinnamon sugar, to serve

Put the milk, pumpkin, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat gently, whisking constantly until the mixture just reaches boiling point.
Transfer to 3 cups and stir in the coffee. Serve immediately topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.


Edible Obsessions: Snowball Cookies

If you're looking for a last minute dessert to take to a holiday party, these snowball cookies are perfect. They're an old favorite of mine and my mom actually reminded me of this when I came home for the holidays and found her baking them!

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Ingredients:
(makes 2 dozen cookies)

2 cups of flour, sifted
1 cup of butter, softened
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of salt
3/4 cup of chopped pecans
1 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar; beat until creamy. add vanilla extract and mix well. Add flour and salt. Mix until partially incorporated and then add chopped pecans. Mix until a thick, uniform dough forms.
Roll cookies into 1-inch balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until cookies are slightly golden and fragrant. Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool completely on the pan before trying to remove from the baking sheet.
Coat cookies with a generous amount of powdered sugar.

12.23.2011

Last Minute Gift Idea: DIY Chalkboard Mugs

Last minute gift alert! DIY chalkboard mugs. You could also make these for a holiday party where hot chocolate or coffee will be served.



Materials:

Porcelain mug
Painter's tape
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Chalkboard Paint
Soft bristle paint brush
Chalk

Clean and dry your mug. Use painter's tape to mask off the part of the mug you don't want to paint. Apply the paint with a soft bristle brush.
As soon as you are done painting, remove the tape. Let paint dry for 24 hours. Then, bake your mug according to the paint package instructions. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the mug inside until it has gradually cooled to room temperature.

To make this gift extra special, buy some white chalk and write something holiday-themed for the recipient (Merry Christmas, Let It Snow, Santa Baby). Then, tie two pieces of fresh chalk with a pretty ribbon and leave it inside the mug (you could also stick a package of the recipient's favorite hot chocolate or coffee inside). Wrap with cellophane and ribbon, or place in a pretty bag, and viola!

12.22.2011

Holiday Special: Last Minute Ideas

Gift Monogram
Recycle your holiday cards as labels for presents. Draw the recipients initial into the card and cut it out. Punch a hole in the letter and tie to the gift with ribbon.




Peppermint Candy Place Cards
Cut out 3-inch ovals from colorful card stock. Using a hole punch, punch a hole at each end and then neatly write your guests' names on the ovals with black ink. Thread ribbon scraps, each about 6 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide, through the backs of the place cards. Notch the ribbon ends, and set a card at each place setting.




Cookie Cutter Ornaments
Choose patterned paper or color-photocopy pictures onto card stock. Use inexpensive cookie cutters and trace on top; cut out. Dab white craft glue along cutter's edge. Press paper in place; let dry. Thread narrow ribbon through needle; poke between paper and cutter, and wrap ribbon around top of cutter. Slip a bead over ribbon's ends; knot.




Cranberry Flower Frog
Use hard raspberries instead of pebbles or marbles as a flower frog. Wash them well before submerging in water.




Find more last minute ideas on Martha Stewart's website.

DIY: Falling Snowflake Garland

I found this adorable DIY snowflake garland on ohhappyday.com. These are perfect for a winter wonderland themed holiday party, and can even be used to wrap gifts, decorate a mini tree, or hang in the window or on a mantle.



Materials:

White balloons
Thread
Needle
Assorted papers
Snowflake punches (available at Michaels!)
Scissors

Step 1: Begin by punching out lots of paper snowflakes. You can use any color and size you want. Gather your snowflakes and grab your thread and needle
Step 2: Thread about one-yard of thread onto your needle. Knot the very end. Sew through your first paper snowflake and push it down to the end.
Step 3: Create a french knot about one-inch away from your previously threaded snowflake. This will be the barrier that keeps the next snowflake from slipping down and resting on the last one. Continue this process until you have about 8-10 snowflakes per thread.
Step 4: Blow up a balloon, tie and knot in it. Gently take a garland, being careful not to tangle it against itself, and tie or tape it to the knot of the balloon. Release and let it float to the ceiling. Viola!