Holidaze

I haven't been keeping up with my blog as much as I would like here lately. I've been in a "holidaze" trying to get everything finished. I have several neat ideas to share, but will have to wait until after Christmas since some of my followers will be receiving them as gifts this year!
So instead I decided to share a few simple snack recipes that are easy to make and take to any family gathering this year.

Reindeer Feed:

6 cups Rick Chex or Chocolate Chex cereal
1 bag (12 oz) white vanilla baking chips (2 cups)
1/3 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes (14 miniature)

1. Line cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper. Place cereal in a large bowl.

2. In microwaveable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High for about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 second, until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in half the crushed peppermint candy.

3. Pour over cereal; toss evenly to coat. Spread mixture in single layer on cookie sheet. Immediatley sprinkle with remaining candy. Let stand until set, about 20 minutes. Gently break up coated cereal. Store in airtight container.

Snow Covered Crunch Bars:

If you love Muddy Buddies you'll love these!

1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix 

1 cup butter softened

1 egg

1 pckg semi sweet chocolate chips

2 1/2 cups peanut butter

6 cups Rice Chex Cereal

1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 375. Spray 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, 1/2 cup butter and egg until soft dough forms. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 10 - 12 min. or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.

2. In large microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 cup butter on High about 1 1/2 min. stiring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Add peanut butter, mix until well blended.

3. Place cereal in 1 gallon reseable food storage plastic bag. Using your hands, gently break cereal into small pieces. Gently stir cereal in chcolate mixture until cereal is coated. Spread cereal mixture evenly over cookie crust; gently press. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until bars are set.

So bake away and enjoy the holidays!

Creativly Chic....and a little crazy

Love Grows On Trees

Last year for Christmas my family gave my grandparents a Memory Jar filled with all our favorite memories involving them. They loved it, and I've been wondering ever since then how we would top it this Christmas. I was looking through a magazine and saw a picture of a painting someone had done of their family tree. The more I thought about it, the more I thought, "I'm going to give it a try and see how this turns out."

Now, I'm not very good at painting - but Grandparents are supposed to love whatever their grandkids make, right? I figured if I could do this, anyone could! I decided to document the process and give you step by step instructions in case you wanted to create one for yourself or a gift!

I bought a 20 x 24 canvas. I went with a cheap canvas since most people don't know the difference. Then I put a base layer down, but didn't cover the whole canvas. I also stuck with acrylic paints. They are cheap, easy to use, and dry quickly.

I added a darker color and repeated the same process.

Next I took a pencil and outlined my tree on the canvas.

I put down my first layer of brown for my tree.

I added a second layer and expanded some branches.

I then added my leaves.

I went back in with a small brush and added a darker color of green to the leaves, and some highlights around the tree branches.

I went back with black paint and added dimension to the tree, wrote everyone's names around the leaves, and added "Our Family" at the bottom! This is an inexpensive, but priceless gift!

Creatively Chic.....and a little crazy

Spa-tacular!

This weekend I hosted a "Homemade Spa Day" at my house. I wanted to give my girls a chance to relax and pamper themselves in the midst of holiday madness. The recipes I found online were surprisingly easy and had great results. By the time we were finished we had smooth faces, open pores, and bright nails!

Below are some of my favorites from the day.

So if you're feeling the need to be pampered spread some goop on your face and relax! :)

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Oatmeal Honey Mask

¼ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk

½ cup oatmeal

2 tablespoons honey

Directions

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste consistency has been reached. Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Can be used daily.

Pour Cleaning Strips

This recipe makes a pore cleaning "strip" which works just like those sold in popular drugstores.

1 T Knox unflavored gelatin
1-1/2 T milk

Directions

Mix the two ingredients and microwave for 10 seconds to slightly warm. Using a clean cosmetic brush, apply to nose and chin area. Avoid delicate eye area. Rinse brush immediately.
Allow mixture on nose and chin to dry for 10-15 minutes.
Mixture will dry quite stiff and form a "stiff film."
Peel off the film and stare at all the little porcupine quills that used to be in your nose pores (one of the chief entertainment factors!).

Nail Brightener

1 denture tablet

1 cup warm water

1-2 drops essential oil

Directions

Saturate one denture tablet with a few drops of essential oil of your choice. Drop the tablet into a small bowl of warm water. Soak fingertips 10 minutes. Do no keep mixture. Discard after use.

Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant

8-10 Strawberries

2 tablespoons Apricot Oil (you may substitute olive oil)

1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher salt, or Sea salt.

Directions

Mix together all ingredients into a paste, massage into hands and feet. Rinse and pat dry.

Note: In order to get a "paste like consistency" I added ground oatmeal.

Cooking Up Glamour

While browsing across Etsy this past week I stumbled upon a whole new world of Kitchen Fashion! I have always gravitated towards things that are different, unique and a little funky. So when these pieces appeared on my screen, my jaw dropped!

Now my love of baking and jewelry is no secret to those who know me - but I never imagined I could blend the two together. Talk about statement pieces!

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

You've Been Stamped

Today as I checked my email, waiting for me in my inbox was an message about custom stamps. One click, and I was hooked. I was off browsing the web looking at all my stamping options! Who knew I could order such a variety of stamps. I can think of a million things to stamp my name on! Come close and I"ll stamp your hand "Friend of Jessica's!"

Now for all practical purposes I don't need 37 different types of stamps. But it's nice to know a girl has options. The one stamp I was particuarlly drawn to was an address stamp. I send lots of card and letters each month and I like the idea of a unique touch on my outgoing mail.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61522489/custom-personalized-wood-handle-address

I found this stamp on Etsy - which is just the coolest website ever. Hopefully someday I'll have some extra cash and order it. Until then....you'll be in my thoughts dear stamp.

Creatively Chic...and a little crazy

This Week's Gadget Topic: Clips

I love gadgets that make life easier. This week's focus is on cooking gadgets with clips. These pieces have been the objects of my desire for quite awhile, but I have yet to claim ownership with any of them!

First Up, a lid holder that clips onto the pot! One of the things that drives me crazy is when you lift the lid off the pot and the condensation spills everywhere.

Next up is the lazy spoons. I have perfected the art of getting my spatulas to balance perfectly on the handle - but this would be awesome!

The alternative to the lazy spoons is this pot clip that holds your cooking utensils.

And now for the pies-ta resistance! A hip towel clip. I usually tuck a towel in my back pocket - but what about all the times I don't have pockets!! I think this is a must have!

So add some gadgets to your life and get cookin'!

Creatively Chic......and a little crazy

That's the Way the Cookie Dissolves

Last night I embarked on a home-maid spa adventure. The focus of my attention was to make 'Spa Cookies!" The purpose is to put them in your bathtub and they slowly dissolve. Now, let me tell you - they look like cookies, smell like cookies but I don't recommend tasting them!

I used honey almond oil and they just smelled delicious! Helpful Tip: I made my cookies a little too large. Only half of it dissolved in the bath tub, so next time around I will make them much smaller.

My dog Petey was convinced these were cookies he wanted to try. He followed me into the bathroom and did a double take when I threw a 'cookie' into the tub! He kept watching it and looking at me in disbelief that I would waste a perfectly good 'cookie'!

So treat yourself to a sweet bath....relax, and enjoy!

Creatively Chic...and a little crazy

Bath Cookies

2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 T light oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 eggs
5-6 drops essential oil of your choice

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough.  Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball.  Form all dough into one teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Consider sprinkling the bath balls with herbs, flower petals, cloves, citrus zest and similar aromatic ingredients.   Bake your bath cookies for ten minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, Drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12 baths.

Bring Out the Elastic Pants!

With the holiday season fast approaching I have been searching for new recipes to try. There is no better time to test new recipes than on a room of hungry people who will devour whatever you put in front of them! So I decided to spread the joy and share my research.
Lets start with breakfast. I don't know about you, but the holidays can be rather exhausting. I don't want to have to get up early to fix breakfast for family. So let me introduce to you the "Make Ahead Breakfast!"

Overnight Stuffed French Toast. Make in the evening - and pop in the oven in the morning!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/overnight-stuffed-french-toast-120728.aspx

Do-Ahead Egg Bake. Another one ready to go in the morning!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/do-ahead-egg-bake-120751.aspx

Now onto snacks....

Savory Mexican Monkey Bread - very easy and makes a great snack!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/mexican-monkey-bread-120782.aspx

Rosemary Parmesan Crips - I don't care for olives but evidently some people do!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/rosemary-parmesan-crisps-120786.aspx

Now the best part....dessert!

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake - are there four better words than these?

 http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/triple-chocolate-mousse-cake-120725.aspx

Caramel Apple Cake

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/caramel-apple-dessert-119348.aspx

So there you have it. Be adventurous and add some new items to your holiday menu's this year!

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Ode to Charlotte Russe

I have always been a fan of Charlotte Russe - and it is in my top five favorite stores. But this season, they have exceeded my expectations! They have really stepped up their style and I'm drawn to the chic, modern, feel of their clothes. If anyone wants to know what I want for christmas: CR gift card please!!

So in honor of Charlotte Russe kickin' it up a notch I've decided to post my favorite "Wish I had" picks!

This Blazer has a wonderful sheen to it, and is perfect for work or casual as pictured here. LOVE it!

This is the sweetest skirt - it has a very romantic vibe to it - and would look great with a beaded cardigan.

I love this cami - the possibilities are endless with what you can pair it with!

I'm a sucker for pencil skirts - and I love the simple sophistication of this one.

I love this sweater - the beading adds sparkle, but the fur is so soft!

I actually bought this skirt this week - so obviously it was a MUST HAVE!

So in conclusion - Good Job Charlotte Russe! Your new line has my Chic stamp of approval!

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy



This Week's Gadget Topic: Herbs

I am a food network junkie, and I try to emulate all the fancy cooking techniques that most Chefs use. My latest attempt has been to use fresh herbs in my cooking. I have to admit it adds such freshness and flavor to my dishes. However, I do not have superb knife skills or even the best set of knives for that matter. So I've been researching different gadgets to help "Get My Herb On!"

This is a pair of 5 blade herb scissors that retails for $15. These would be great for cutting up a bunch of parsley or cilantro.

This is a herb roller that retails for $10. This would also be a great alternative to chopping up the herbs.

The other dilemma I've encountered has been how to keep my herbs fresh. Unlike the Chefs on TV, I don't stroll down to my local farmers market every time I need some herbs - and some varieties are not cheap! This herb savor device kit retails for $30 and keeps herbs fresh for 3 weeks. I think I'm in heaven!

Hopefully some of these devices may help eliminate your herb inadequacies as well and inspire you to add some freshness to your dinner!

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Gift Baskets Galore!

With the holidays fast approaching I thought I would share a simple gift basket idea that is sure to wow the lucky person who receives one!

These particular gift baskets I deemed "Magnificent Muffin Baskets!"

If you are making several baskets you can make multiple varieties and split them between the baskets. However, if you're just making one basket then sticking with one type may be the easiest way to go.

Featured above are Blueberry, Eggnog and Cappuccino Chocolate Chunk Muffins.

If you are just taking them over to a friend or family member's house you probably do not need to individually wrap each muffin. However, if it will be a few days before the basket is given, or if your traveling with it, wrapping will help preserve them. Also if you are going to wrap them, I would stay away from streusal toppings as they will make a mess.  Important Tip: Muffins must be completely cool before wrapping them!

Once the muffins are ready to go you can wrap with cellophane, or simply fill up the baskets.

Jumbo Muffins are fun to fill up smaller baskets with, and they also give a "bakery" feel.

You can also purchase stickers that say "Homemade" at Michaels or Hobby Lobby!

So if you're ever in need of a gift idea, consider creating a basket. Everyone appreciates home-made

baked goods!

Creatively Chic.....and a little crazy



For the Love of Shoes

"Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels!"

My wonderful friend surprised me today with an apron that summed me up perfectly. "Will Cook for Shoes" was the statement, and I have to say that I would!  Cooking and Shoes are two of my favorite obsessions. 

I feel that shoes make the outfit just as much as the perfect chunky necklace or funky bracelet. I’ll address the Essential jewelry Pieces every woman must own another time! This is 2010 and we need to reform the “Match your shoes to your bag” mentality.  Just because you are wearing black doesn’t mean you have to wear black shoes! Why not red, blue, pink, purple or a fun print? Quoting Stacy London, “It doesn’t have to match – it just has to go!” 

So in honor of today’s topic I decided to raid my closet and share my colorful collection! 

 Shoes with a fun pattern can add a lot of spice to an outfit!

  Pink, purple and red are fun alternatives to black or brown.

 If your wearing a colorful outfit sometimes a nude shoe is the way to go. 

If you need a traditional color, choose special details like a pointed toe or a bow.

If high heels are not your thing you can still infuse color in your wardrobe with ballet flats. 

Fun embellishments add a sassy flair to an outfit. 

The thing about the perfect pair of shoes is not just how they look, but how they make you feel while wearing them! So next time you are in the shoe department – try stepping outside your comfort zone and treat yourself to a “Fun” pair of shoes. Once you buy them – you’ll be amazed at how many outfits you can wear them with!

Creatively Chic.....and a little crazy 

 

Where's the Cream Filling?

I have always loved to bake, and as I get older I keep expanding my horizons. My latest adventure was to make cream filled cupcakes. I went the easy route this time and bought a store box mix since my main focus was on making the filling. Let the baking adventure begin!

I followed the box recipe exactly - and then filled the cupcake tins.

The best thing for scooping cupcakes or muffins for that matter is an icecream scoop! This ensures your cupcakes are the same size and results in even baking.

Fresh out of the oven. Can you smell the warm chocolate aroma? The next step was attempting to fill them. I bought a cupcake plunger, and yes that is actually what it is called, to remove the centers and fill the cupcakes. However the plunger removed the majority of the cupcake and left a giant crater-sized hole.

Unlike the name, I like the concept of the cupcake plunger but think it would work better on a jumbo cupcake. So instead I resorted to using piping bags. If you have never filled a piping bag - that is an adventure in and of itself! Unfortunatley my hands were too covered in frosting to take  a picture!

I filled the cupcakes by inserting the piping bag tip in the middle of each one.

Then finished off decorating the top with chocolate frosting and sanding sugar. Over all I think it was a success. I plan to experiment with adding various flavors to the cream filling.

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Cream Filling Recipe:

2 tsp very hot water
1/4 tsp salt
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Dissolve the salt in the hot water and allow to cool.

Whip the marshmallow cream, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it begins to get fluffy.  Add the water and whip well.