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.