Taking the Reigns

I heard a quote today by George Elliot that I thought I would share. It states: "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

So many people are constantly complaining about their situations, or things they wish they could do or be. STOP COMPLAINING, AND DO IT! 

If you want to paint a picture, hike a trail, attempt to bake a soufle than just try. It may work, it may be a total disaster. But the important thing is it was an adventure, and you learned something along the way.

The only person standing in your way is you. Step aside, and go for whatever it is that you've always wanted.

What have you got to lose?

Creatively Chic.....and a little crazy

Miche Mania

It has been too long since I've taken a moment to catch my breath and blog about the latest must haves. So breath in......breath out...whooosh.

Ok, I have been a fan of Miche bags for quite awhile, but I have yet to take the plunge and purchase one. While reading about them on my favorite websites I decided that I the time has come for me to own one, and I will officially be adding it to my birthday list this year. For someone who is obsessed with accessories, and slightly OCD - this opens up a whole new neurotic world for me!


For those of you who don't know how they work, you start with a base bag. They come in three sizes. The one shown below is the "Classic" size.

You then select whatever shell strikes your fancy. The shell and base bag have magnets attached so that they fit together.

The also have fun accessories to change out the handles, add organizer inserts, and storage for all your shells! 

Below are a few that are on my "Must Have List!" I had a hard time not listing practically every shell on the site. I love the names - the remind me of characters from Sex & the City.

Vivian 

Andi

Daisy

 

Jodie 

Maggie

 

 

Stacy

 Samantha

 

 

Dani 

So there you have it. If you don't have one, get one! But first, get me one for my birthday! :) 

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Showers of Acrylic

In the process of trying of trying to envision our bathroom remodel I have been looking at many different things. My vibe that I hope to achive is modern, simplist, and clean lines. Since I will have lots of texture and visual interest with my tile, I do not want a busy shower curtain that will overwhelm the room.

Once again, I have a vision in my head, but nothing tangible to purchase. I stumbled across a wesbsite that does handpainted shower curtains, and I instantly loved their monocromatic look! However, none of their images really popped out at me, and I wasn't in love with their prices.

Then it dawned on me, I could do this! Why spend more time searching for the perfect shower curtain, that doesn't exist in my case. I'll just make it myself!

So now I'm faced with the dilema of what silhouette I would like to paint. This is where you come in, my friends. Let me know which picture you like, or send me one you think would look great!

Let the Adveture begin!

Creatively Chic...and a little crazy

Spring Forward into Fashion

With spring teasing us with these refreshingly warm days, I can't help but think about one of the many perks of spring, ie a new season for fashion! The following are a few must haves I have added to my spring wish list!

Charlotte Russe - Sweatheart Scalloped Shorts

Pearl Bib Necklace 

Elle Enchant Platform Peep - Toe High Heels

Skinny Stretch Pant

Owl Ring

Satin Bermuda Shorts 

So get prepared for the warm weather and get yourself some new duds! 

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy! 

One Step at a Time

As the weather starts to warm up, I've been seeing more and more people jogging around town. I have always wanted to be part of the "jogger's club" and be outside enjoying the fresh air. My past attempts have never worked out, as running has always clashed with my physical issues. However, I've been doing research and found a plan to get me jogging over an 8 week period.

Week 1

Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for a week.

Week 2

Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two.

Week 3

Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three.

Week 4

Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four of those sessions in week four.

Week 5

Walk for 2 minutes, then job for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week five.

Week 6

Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six.

Week 7

Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week.

Week 8

Try walking 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping.

Whether this takes me 8 weeks, or 16 weeks I am determined to get there. I bought a compression belt, (actually found one that fits me!) and a little watch, since I don't wear one reguarly. I'm ready to do something healthy for me!

                    Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Cooking Healthy For Your Baby

I have a wonderful friend who is expecting and therefore I am into looking at "all things baby." Today I came across this amazing appliance made by BEABA called "Babycook." We all know how much I love to cook, and when I do decide to start a family, this will be on my wishlist! Until then, I decided to share it with all of you.

This functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to help you prepare fresh meals for your baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserving their vitamins and flavors. It then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. Parents can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. Sounds like dinner magic!

http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=84098

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Dream Farm - Gadgets of the Week

I recently discovered a new website which I absolutely love. I think I could order every gadget on there! I'm a fan of innovative things and this place is teeming with them!

First up is the Scizza - scissors made for cutting pizza! They also have a variety of uses around your house, but I want this mainly for pizza. I hate how you have to roll the pizza cutter back and forth, it never seeming to make progress!

Next up is the Tapi. This device mounts onto your kitchen faucet and with a slight squeeze creates an instant water fountain! No more dirty dishes to grab a quick drink! I think this would be great for kids!

And there you have it, awesome gadgets your now can't live without!

http://dreamfarm.com.au/

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

Safety Meets Fashion

For those of you who know me well, I am a fan of all things unique! A particular passion of mine is funky, eclectic jewelry. Today while trolling through several websites I came across these bracelets. The more reseach I did, the more excited I became! About five minutes in, and I knew I would be making these. I can't resist the urge to try new things just to see how they turn out!

If you're suddenly experiencing a tingling sensation, and the urge to run to Michael's then let me share the instructions so you can make one too!

1. Safety Pins (enough to fit around your wrist)

2. Beads (as much as you want)

3. Super Glue

4. Elastic cord (.7mm or above recommended)

Open the safety pins, and thread beads onto the open prong, leaving enough space to refasten the pin. Repeat the process until all the safety pins have been beaded.

Glue the pin so that it wouldn't open when you'r wearing it.

Next, cut two 12" pieces of elastic cord.

Thread one of the cords through the hole in the top of a safety pin, then through a spacer bead, and then through the hold in the bottom of another safety pin. Continue to thread in this manner until your bracelet is long enough to go around your wrist.

Then, take the second cord and thread it through the bottom of the bracelet, adding a spacer bead between each safety pin.

So have some fun and spice up your wardrobe with a funky accessory!

Creatively Chic....and a little crazy

My Lips are Turning Blue

This past summer my Mom and I picked buckets of fresh blueberries from a local farm. I love making blueberry muffins, so I wanted to make sure I had some on hand all winter. Plus, the berries from the farm are twice as big and juicy compared to the ones in the store. Last month my Aunt told me about these chocolate covered blueberries she had received for Christmas, and since then I haven't been able to get the idea out of my head. I MUST make these!

I looked up several different types of recipes, and I think it's just up to your individual preference. Some used semi-sweet, milk chocolate, white chocolate and some even used butterscotch. I decided that I would try the white chocolate, and maybe add a bit of blue food coloring.

Wash and pat dry your blueberries. Simply melt the chocolate of your choice. Drop the blueberries in the chocolate, and lay on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets up.

So there you have it, a little fruity sweetness from my kitchen to yours!

Creatively Chic...and a little crazy

The Importance of Family

This past week we drove out to New Mexico for a funeral. While it was a sad occassion, we made the best out of it by visiting with family we had not seen in a long time. One of those visits was to a wonderful lady, whose name is Toni. She is my great aunt. My father's mother died when he was five, and he has not seen my aunt Toni since he was 15, or spent time with that whole side of the family. We decided that it was time to break that cycle, and go meet her.

We pulled up to the house and I could feel my heart pounding, wondering who this woman was, what she was like. I was instantly greeted with a smiling face and pulled into a warm embrace. This was my great aunt. She welcomed us into the house and showed us into her study. Covering up two entire walls was pictures chronicling our family history. My great grandparents, cousins, and second cousins, and  pictures of my grandma. I had only ever seen one. Standing before this monument of family love I couldn't help but become emotional thinking, this is my family, all these people I never knew existed, all this time wasted.

I took a picture of the picture on the wall. My grandma is on the left, Aunt Toni on the right.

My Aunt Toni began telling us stories of her and my grandma from when they were younger, and suddenly I got chills. You know the saying, "you can't escape your genes?" Well I am definitley a believer. Come to find out my grandma was artistic, creative, straight A student with perfectionist tendancies. It sounded as though she was describing me to a T. I've always wondered where I got my artstic streak from, as I seem to be the most passionate about it in my family.

A mosaic my grandma made when she was 10. Toni gave it to my Dad. The only thing we have of my grandma's.

I can't help but wonder what it would have been like if my grandma had lived. I know she made some poor choices in her life, and nobody is perfect. But what would it have felt like if I was standing her in living room, looking at pictures of us on her walls? Would she have been involved in our lives? What could she have taught me? These are things I will never know. But I am so grateful to have met my Aunt Toni, and to have learned some things about my heritage.

Me & Aunt Toni

Creatively Chic...and a little crazy

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