Friday, December 27, 2013

DIY: GEM DRINK STIRRERS

While making this Glittered Gem Garland, I decided to whip up a few stir sticks to help ring in the new year. I love the festive touch they add to a glass of champagne and they're easier to make than you'd think. The process was similar to making the garland, but instead of stringing the gems, I snipped off the bottom of each gem and inserted a bamboo skewer before adding a coat of Mod Podge and gold glitter. For more details on the materials I used, click the link above and check out the instructions for the Glittered Gem Garland. Cheers to the new year!
Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS+ROSE.
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Monday, December 23, 2013

DIY: HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

As I mentioned last year, DIY wrapping paper is something I had been wanting to try, but due to my tendency to overbook myself around the holidays, wrapping presents always became a last minute task and making my own wrapping paper seemed out of the question. I played around with stamped kraft paper last year, which was quick and easy, but I wanted to try something new. I have been drawn to black and white graphic prints lately, so experimenting with black Sharpies and white out seemed like the best idea. It was quick, super easy and I love how it turned out!


Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS+ROSE.

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

2013 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: PT. II

If you're like me and have waited until the last minute to finish up your holiday shopping, then this gift guide is for you. These gift ideas are perfect for the host or hostess, your friend with a new home or your sister who needs to upgrade her dorm room.

Shop These Items: 1. Zara Home Metallic Pillow 2. Marbled Leather Cat Coasters 3. Leif Pompom Garland 4. Anthropologie Sweater Throw Blanket 5. Poketo Brass Bottle Opener 6. ShopHDB Sandal Wood Candle 7. Artsy Modern Envelope Mail Holder

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Monday, December 16, 2013

DIY: GLITTERED GEM GARLAND

Last holiday season I had my eye on this geometric garland, but didn't love the price, so when I spotted it again this year, I was determined to make my own. Instead of using standard geometric shapes, I used reusable gem-shaped ice cubes that I had on hand, and strung them using an upholstery needle and thread. I love the modern touch it adds to my holiday decor and will no doubt be pulling it out for years to come! Heck, I may even find a way to keep it up year round. It's just too pretty to put away!


SUPPLIES:
gem shaped reusable ice cubes
• upholstery needle
• upholstery thread
• gold spray paint
• gold glitter
• mod podge
• paint brush
• scissors
• ruler

1 & 2. Begin by snipping off the plastic plug at the top of each ice cube and drain the water out. Lay the drained ice cubes out on a towel to dry overnight. Once the ice cubes are dry, they are ready to be strung.

3 & 4. Measure out approximately 3 yards of thread and tie a loop at one end and secure it with a double not. Thread the needle and carefully pierce each gem horizontally and secure it in place with another double knot. Leaving approximately 5 inches of space from the first gem, make another double knot and string another gem. Repeat this process until your garland is the desired length. Once all the gems are strung, finish off the end with another loop so your garland can easily be hung.


5. In a well ventilated area, spray paint your garland gold using thin even coats. Next, apply an even coat of Mod Podge to each gem and cover with gold glitter. Once the first coat of Mod Podge and glitter dries, add a second coat of Mod Podge to seal the glitter in place, preventing it from shedding all over. Lastly, find a place to hang your new creation and sit back and admire your work!

Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

2013 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: PT I

Finding the perfect gifts can be a bit daunting this time of year, which is why I've decided to continue my tradition of compiling a few gift guides for you. I have always found that if I do my research before I head to the store, and create a list of exactly who I need to buy for and what my budget is, it makes shopping a lot less stressful. I'm the type that is easily distracted, so if I have a game plan of what I need before I go to the store or start aimlessly clicking around the internet, it makes things a lot easier. This first gift guide is full of fun ideas for your gal pals. My personal favorites are the cat ring and the colorblocked gloves! So cute, right?

Shop These Items: 1. Waiting on Martha Deer Wine Stopper 2. Anthropologie Holiday Bobby Pin Set 3. Ban.do Heart Necklace 4. Leif Colorblock Touch Gloves 5. CatBird Cat Ring 6. Leif Felted Cactus Ornament 7. Kindah Khalidy Blah Blah Blah Mini Pouch 8. Julia Kostreva Half Moon Polka Dot iPhone Case.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

LET'S EAT: VEGAN QUINOA AND SWEET POTATO CHILI


We're well into soup season, so I figured it was about time to share this vegan quinoa and sweet potato chili. Now I know what you're thinking, and to be honest the thought of meatless chili never crossed my mind until I came upon this recipe, but I promise you won't even miss the meat. This chili it hearty and flavorful and is given a southwestern flare with black beans, cumin and avocado.

VEGAN QUINOA AND SWEET POTATO CHILI  

serves 6

one 29 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
one 6 oz can tomato paste
one 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
32 oz vegetable stock
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite sized chunks
1 cup dry quinoa
salt and pepper to taste
avocado, cilantro for garnish  (optional)

Heat the oil in a large heavy soup pot over medium low heat. Add onions, and cook until soft and they start to turn brown (about 10 minutes). Add the garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, fire roasted tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano and chicken stock and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the beans and potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, then add the quinoa. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes – 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until quinoa and potatoes are cooked and the chili has thickened. Add a bit of water if the chili becomes too thick for your liking. Top with avocado and chopped cilantro.


Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE. Recipe adapted from here.
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