Monday, February 10, 2014

Monday Must-Haves-Target Spotlight

It's safe to say that I always have an item or two in my Target online shopping cart, and their Spring 2014 Nate Berkus and Threshold Collections are looking SO right! I'm still on the hunt for pillows and they have a few really solid options that I'm considering! 


Target Spotlight-Nate Berkus and Threshold



Light bulb lamp
target.com


Wood bowl
target.com


Bar tool
target.com


Wine coaster
target.com




Jute basket
target.com



Nate Berkus frame
target.com


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Super Bowl Snacks

I should just let you all know that despite my recent post on Instagram, I am not a fan of the Jets, or of any football (or sports) team. I look forward to the Super Bowl because I love food, parties, and the half time show. I especially loved Bruno Mars' performance-who let's face it, was the real winner of this game! Last week I shared some inspiration for the appetizers that I was planning to make, and I chose the layered chili dip and the corn dog muffins. Both were so easy that I was able to squeeze in a Super Bowl inspired mani! I'm ready to gather inspiration for next year, share your favorite game day recipes with me-what do I NEED to know about!?

In a 9x13 pan, spread cream cheese, then sour cream, followed by chili, and top with shredded cheddar cheese! Pop it into the oven uncovered until cheese is melted and dip is warm. (see, super easy!)


I used 2 boxes of Jiffy mix and filled 24 mini muffin tins 3/4 of the way, chopped the cocktail wienies and sprinkled into the tins, then covered the rest of the way and baked according to the box. (another super easy one!) 


Somehow, I completely forgot to take photos of both the finished muffins and the dip, sorry for the re-post!! I guess I really didn't have time for that mani . . . 

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Toffee Bark

I made this toffee bark as a treat to bring to a Pinterest Party that I attended (more on that in a later post) a few weeks ago and it was delicious! It required 5 ingredients and about 20 minutes of time and it was more than worth those 20 minutes! 


Next time, I would put the saltines in a food processor and grind them into a fine powder to create a less crumbly bark. I also suggest lining your pan with wax or parchment paper for easy removal! 


The original recipe doesn't add chocolate, but it just seemed unfinished to me so I had to add a little in! 


What you'll need:
1 sleeve of saltine crackers
2 bags of chocolate chips (varies based on how much you like)
2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Lay out your saltines along the bottom of your tray. These can be left whole, crushed, or processed to a fine powder
3. Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil for 3 minutes, stirring all the while. After precisely 3 minutes, remove from heat and pour over saltines in an even coat. 
4. Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl over a boiling pot of water to create a make-shift double boiler. I won't judge you for melting chocolate in the microwave if you prefer! 


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Pinterest Party

I think it's pretty evident by now that I ADORE Pinterest (definitely more than I should), what may not be evident is how much my friends also love it! A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a Pinterest Party at a friend's house (Thanks for always hosting, Cait!) where every guest brought an appetizer and dessert made from a recipe found on Pinterest. While at the party, we painted stemless wine glasses and enjoyed tomato soup and paninis made by our gracious hostess. All in all, this party was right up my alley-you know I love friends, food, and crafts! 


This is the adorable Lady Hobbes!! 






My finished glasses!

After curing these beauties in the oven, they are now ready for drinking and dishwasher safe! 


Wednesday Words


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Where is Spring?

So it seems to me that all I need to feel inspired is a bit of caffeine and some sunshine-it definitely does not correlate to temperature because it's only about 22 degrees outside. I've never been tuned in to the seasons except for my complete hatred of the summer months (I dislike being hot and sweaty). So I'm very surprised by my intense desire for Spring to arrive. I want so badly to walk my pups around the block after dinner without them shivering, and I want to have a glass of wine on a blanket in the grass. I would also love for my birthday to arrive ASAP (April 7th is right around the corner, so get shopping). It feels like this snow and cold is never ending and I've found myself poring over warm weather images trying to find solace in the fact that eventually, this will all break and Spring will arrive! 

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Monday Must-Haves-Tech Turn Up

I have been dying for this FujiFilm Instax camera for a few weeks now! Since my introduction to Instagram, I've become obsessed with taking pictures, and this instant camera just went to the top of my bday list! My husband and  I have also noticed a few other areas where we are lacking in the electronics department, namely our lack of phone speakers and me not owning a computer! 

Tech Turn Up