Thursday, December 29, 2011

Frosty Cake Pops

by Meredith
 
This delicious treat my friend made for a holiday party.  These are better than your average cake pops, as she makes a cake mix, breaks it up, mixes in canned frosting and shapes them into balls before dipping them in frosting and decorating.  Since I've tried hers, Starbucks' cake pops don't even come close.  Delicious.


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Capris and Boots

by Meredith

Who would ever think this style would take off?  However, I love it.  Don't put your dress capris in a box for winter, instead pair them with your cute pair of boots. 
 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gingerbread Cookies

by Meredith

I love making gingerbread cookies at Christmastime.  The sweet, flavorful spices make me know the holidays are truly upon us. I use my mom's old Betty Crocker Cookbook, but you can find the classic recipe here.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Knit Headband

By Meredith
This season I love my knit headband. It keeps me warm without flattening my hair and is very stylish! I love it so much that many people on my Christmas list are going to receive their own this season.  This fall, I started to knit my own, but ended up buying one at a local boutique store.  I discovered that I need some time to practice.  I'm not giving up thought - even if it takes me until spring for it to look good!  There's always next year.  I'm using this great pattern I found online, click here!  You may want to use it too.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Amish Friendship Bread

by Meredith

One tradition I started during the holidays while in college was to make Amish Friendship Bread for my friends and family.  I didn't have a job and my friends and I didn't want to exchange anything too pricey, so this is what I found as a fun share.  The sweet, cinnamon-flavored bread was a hit, and now is expected to be made each year.  :)

Click the link above to read about how this bread came to be.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Curly Girl Design

by Meredith

Curly Girl Design is a brand I absolutely love.  I discovered this line of products while browsing my local Bibelot store in Linden Hills area of Minneapolis.  This whimsical line is created by a young woman, Leigh, who is originally from St . Louis, MO.  Her products inspire me and add color to many aspects of my life.  If you're looking for a gift for any female friend or relative look at the website.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Peppermint Chocolate Coffee

by Meredith

I made this sweet treat last weekend while decorating our home for Christmas.  It's perfect just to make just for yourself, but could also be great for holiday parties.  I found it on the wonderful Paula Deen's website.

Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients add to grocery list:
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
  • 2 tablespoons peppermint syrup or peppermint baking chips
  • 1/2 cup (4-ounces) hot fresh brewed coffee
  • whipped cream, for garnish
  • chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions

To a coffee mug, add chocolate syrup, peppermint syrup and coffee. Mix together. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Disney Princess Dress Up - Your Way

by Meredith

Who says there is a time in your life when you must stop dressing like your favorite Disney princess?  I've found a way to let that never happen. This list of options is Amazing.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

For Skin that Changes like the Minnesota Seasons

by Meredith

Sometimes my skin gets out of wack and gets more oily, producing more blemishes.  However, many face cleansers dry out my face.  Living in Minnesota, winters are not good to my skin and it easily chaps.  Gross, I know right?  However, I found something that really works for me.  It's Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Regiment.  It's a three step system that allows me to put my best face forward, cleansing, moisturizing and riding me of blemishes.  I love that it's all natural - using real items you understand immediately.  The main ingredient is willow bark extract.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

DIY Miss Piggy's $595 Pink Glitter Heels

by Meredith

Miss Piggy has expensive taste that I love. To promote her newest Muppets movie, Miss Piggy charmed her way into the footwear aisle of Saks Fifth Avenue.  The fashionable pig has inspired an envy inducing pair of heels, the Jerome C. Rousseau for Walt Disney Signature Diva Glitter Pump, for sale in January.  The only issue?  The official movie merchandise sells for $595.  So, how can you DIY for less?

 This is super easy and a great way to rejuvenate a pair of worn out heels.  For this version I found an example of someone who used a worn-out pair of bright pink heels.

What you need:
  • High heels
  • Glitter
  • Acrylic glue
  • Sandpaper
  • A paint brush
  • Spray-on lacquer (find it amongst the spray paints)

How to:
1.  Clean the shoes, and then lightly sand them to rough up the surface so the glue sticks properly.

2.  Mix the glue and glitter together in a container.
3.  Paint the shoe with the glitter glue.
4. Sprinkle the shoes with extra glitter to fully coat them. Don't worry about getting glitter inside the shoes, just clean them up once the glue has dried.
5. Once you are happy with the glitter and it has dried, spray the shoes with a coat of spray on lacquer. This will stop the glitter from falling of.