Archives for December 2014

December 29, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

Nothing kicks off New Year’s Eve like some festive champagne-filled treats! Here are 3 DIY’s for you to ring in the New Year with: 1) White Champagne Cupcakes 2) Fancy Champagne Flutes 3) “Press for Champagne” Framed Button. 

1) White Champagne Cupcakes

What could be better than a cupcake and a glass of champagne? Pop, Fizz, Clink…A champagne cupcake!! I stumbled upon a very similar recipe from Pizzazzerie blog, my inspiration for these New Year’s Eve beauties! Impress your friends on NYE by making these bad boys for your NYE affairs!! Jason and I have some friend’s coming into town, so of course, I had to have a sweet treat around for them! 🙂 These cupcakes are fantastic, very moist (sorry, had to) with the perfect hint of champagne! Simple, Pick up a box of white cake mix and substitute the water for champagne.

{Serving} 24 cupcakes
{Time} 1 hour total

{Cupcake Mix}

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/3 cup veg oil
• 1 ¼ cup champagane
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

{Buttercream Champagne Frosting}

• 4 cups powered sugar
• 1 stick softened butter (I let mine sit out for an hour before use)
• 6 tablespoons of champagne
• sprinkles of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line the cupcake tray with cupcake liners. Let butter set out to get soft.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend cake mix, 1/3 cup veg oil, 1 ¼ champagne, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend well, it is OK that it will be a little bubbly/lumpy.
   
3. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are slightly golden.
4. Remove cupcakes from the tray and let cool on a drying rack for 20 mintues before frosting.
   
5. Frosting: In a mixer, combine 4 cups powered sugar, 1 stick softened buttered, and 6 tablespoons of champagne. Blend on medium for about a minute. Watch closely and turn off when the frosting gets thick.
   
6. Use a plastic bag or piping bag to frost the cupcakes. (Pour frosting into a plastic bag and cut a small whole in the corner to make your own piping bag) I choose to use white sprinkles to stick with the fresh white look, also reminded me of some champagne bubbles!!

 

2) Fancy Champagne Flutes

You salt or sugar the rim of a margarita, so I want to sweeten my champagne flute too! This little trick is so easy but will make your NYE a bit more fancy & bright! All you need to decorate the rim is frosting and sprinkles!! Dip the rim of the glass in frosting and over a bowl, sprinkle the sprinkles over the frosting! Carefully pour the champagne in each glass. Remember, champagne has a lot of foam, so pour small amounts to start.

{What you need}

• Frosting
• Sprinkles
• Cranberries
• Skewers
• Champagne
• (Splash of Cranberry Juice is optional)

As, for the skewers, I used cranberries. Once you have placed the cranberries on the skewers, freeze them for a few hours and you have the perfect trick to keep your bubbly cold!

 

3) “Press for Champagne” Framed Button

I had seen this little treasure on a few websites and blogs. After doing some research, there seems to be a bit of history behind this “Press for Champagne” frame. From what I found, this piece of art may have originated from the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel. The 5-star hotel features some top-of-the-line suites, which is the home to the 1940’s vintage, “Press for Champagne” Button.

So I say, why not recreate this piece of art; it would look adorable in a kitchen or by your bar/bar cart!! It could be the perfect, “out-of-the-box” gift… birthday gift for your bff, gift for your fancy friend, bridesmaid gift, or a mother’s day gift? Push my buttons, and I’ll push this button! In fact, I do not even need an excuse to press this button!! Cheers y’all!

{What you will need}

• Fancy, thick paper of your choice ($.59)
• An exact-o knife ($5)
• A doorbell button ($3.50)
• Gold Frame ($5-10)
• Hot glue gun (optional)
• Poster board/ card board (optional)
• Tape
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Very thin flat head screwdriver or knife

Options/Tips/Notes: If you can not find a gold frame that you like, you can spray paint any frame, gold. The gold really gives it the vintage feel! You may want to use a hot glue gun to ensure the doorbell is secure. I DID NOT use a hot glue gun, but I used a piece of poster board to keep the paper firm. You will not need the glass plate of the frame. My fancy/thick paper went through my printer just fine.

1. Disassemble the doorbell to make it smaller (and flatter). Remove the 2 screws with a Phillips screwdriver and discard. With a flat screwdriver or knife, carefully pry up the two metal tabs that hold down the black piece. Once they are both bent up, the black plastic can be pried off. The doorbell is now ready!
   
2. Next, create the “PRESS FOR CHAMPAGNE” print. I used an off-brand PDF converter, but you can use Microsoft word, Photoshop, or even Paint. First I made a 4” x 4” text box (the size of my frame) to ensure that my font would be centered from left to right, and I gave it a black border to make an easy cutting guide. Then I used the programs ruler to find the center of the box and used the ‘Shapes’ tool to draw a perfect circle to mark the location of the doorbell (my doorbell stated that it needed a 5/8” hole). TIP: try a few test prints on regular paper before using your good paper.
   
3. Now use the exacto knife to carefully cut out the circle, and carefully push the doorbell through. It should fit nicely: too tight and the paper could rip, too big and it will not look right. My doorbell had nice little tabs on the backside that kept the doorbell in place.
   OPTION: To assure a firm print, add a piece of poster board or card board to the back of the “press for champagne” print. SEE PIC BELOW:
   
4. Place the print in the frame, find a good spot to highlight your new craft, and pour some Champagne!!

WOW! Lots of bubbles, lots of fun! I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!! We sure did!! My husband and I just got back from our 10 day trip to Florida and not to rub it in, but I do not go back to my “9-5” until January 5!! If it makes you feel any better though, I am sick, sigh. I have to get better because we have guests coming to visit on the 31st for NYE! Wishing you have a wonderful & fancy New Years Eve!! May you have a happy, healthy, and safe start to 2015!!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

 

December 18, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

There is just something about cobalt blue that is so appealing to my eyes. What is better than a plaid scarf? A plaid scarf that is currently on sale.. Cheers to that!!

Did I mention I adore this shade of blue? Ok ok, I may be biased because it is also known as gator blue in my house (go gators!). I am digging this oversized plaid scarf that I purchased on black Friday from Asos. I have worn it a few times and received several compliments. I think this color combination is bright & playful, which makes the perfect scarf for the winter season that is settling in on us! Winter officially starts in 3 days, December 21!!

{Sweater: J. Crew, similar} {Plaid Scarf: Asos}
{Jeans: Loft} {Purse: Kate Spade, cobalt similar}
{Booties: J. Crew} {Necklace: Stella and Dot}
{Earrings: ILY Couture}

Can you believe we are only one week away from Christmas now?! I hope y’all have finished your shopping & wrapped all of your presents, but most importantly, I hope everyone spends this special holiday season with their family and friends!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

December 16, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

Brunch (noun); a late meal eaten as an alternative to lunch and breakfast; Must be served with a side of mimosas and great friends. Familiar terms: Brunchin’, brunch betch, more mimosas please. The four must-haves to host a holiday brunch: good food, good beverages, good decorations, & most important, good company!! Here are a few ideas to make your holiday brunch a party that your guests will not forget:

1. Name tags: if you want to spruce up your table and place setting, name tags are a wonderful way to add a special holiday touch! I don’t make them because I care about where people sit, I believe it sets a welcoming ambiance at the table.

Instructions:
a. sketch names in pencil.
b. with a pencil and ruler, draw a line at the top to ensure that you bunch even holes for the branch to slide through. Bunch holes about a quarter inch from the side.
c. trace over name sketch with a bold pen.

2. A variety of tasty food: For me, brunch is not about being healthy, it is a special treat and an excuse to dive into bagels, waffles, bacon, pancakes, sausage, etc. I like to offer one healthy choice item, which for this brunch was fruit. Here is the amazing Fruit Dip recipe I used, or as my husband calls it, yummy sugar dip.

Fruit Dip Recipe:

{Ingredients}

• 8 oz fluff
• 8 oz thawed cool whip
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• 8 oz strawberry cream cheese

Combine all ingredients, mix until smooth.

This sausage & egg casserole is one of my must-try’s! Each time my mother and I make it for someone new, they ask for the recipe! So here it is, I would highly encourage everyone to make it for their families for the holidays!

Sausage & Egg Casserole Recipe:

{Time} 25 mins prep; cook for 1 hour
{Serves} 6
{Ingredients} 

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 lb sausage (1 roll)
• 3/4 cup cheese
• 9 slices of white or wheat bread
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon dried dill
• 2 cups milk
• 6 eggs

{Steps}
1. Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter and pour into a 9 x 13 cooking pan, so the butter is at the bottom of the casserole.

2. Brown the sausage, I tend to cook it until it is almost fully brown.

3. Cube the bread. Place 1/2 of the cubed bread into the buttered pan. Sprinkle half of the dill, basil, and cheese on top of the bread. Then layer the remaining bread, herbs, and cheese.

4. Sprinkle the browned sausage on top of the bread mixture. Beat the 6 eggs in a bowl and add the milk. Mix the eggs and milk. Pour the liquid over the contents in the cooking pan.

5. Bake on 350 for 1 hour.

So yummy!!! ENJOY!

3. Presentation: make some fun creations or give some old goodies a fun twist! We live in the age of Pinterest, so why not take advantage! I found my sand dollar pancakes on a tooth pick idea from Pinterest! I served these as my guests were arriving, essentially they were my brunch appetizer. To be festive, I used Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Pancake Mix, you can see it on my Top 10 Trader Joe’s Holiday Must-Trys.

Instructions: Use a turkey baster or squeeze bottle to pour small sand dollars in skillet over medium heat. Create pancakes that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place 4 sand dollars on a tooth pic. Serve with fruit and syrup.

4. And most important, beverages: the standard brunch sip for me is a mimosa. For the holidays, add a fancy touch by using raspberries and a stem of rosemary to decorate the mimosa glass.

I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to create some special memories around your dining room table during the holiday season. I can’t believe we are getting down to the wire, Christmas and New Years are upon us!! I don’t know about you, but this year just flew by!! I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday filled with lots of joy and laughs with your loves!

Merry Christmas!!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

December 11, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

When thinking about traveling, (plane, car, train, or bus) comfort is the first thing that comes to my mind! Yet, being comfortable does not mean you have to give up your sense of style. Find out where to get these fashionable ‘his & her’ totes, perfect for any type of travel!

 HIS: {Plaid Shirt: J. Crew} {Sweater: Old Navy, similar}
{Pants: Old Navy} {Shoes: Nike}
{Men’s Weekender: ILY COUTURE}

HERS: {Dress: J. Crew Factory} {Scarf: Old Navy}
{Converse: Nordstrom, I buy kids size} {Hat: J. Crew}
{Wifey Tote: ILY COUTURE} {Earrings: ILY COUTURE}

I am a firm believer that being comfortable does not have to mean looking like a bum. Don’t get me wrong, we all have days where we just want to kick back and not get out of our PJ’s.. but being comfortable doesn’t have to mean only wearing sweatpants. When I saw this sporty dress from J. Crew Factory, I immediately saw myself throwing it on to run errands, grab a quick lunch, or getting comfy on my next flight. Throw on a hip baseball cap & VOILA, the look is complete!! I adore my monogrammed cap from J. Crew. I ordered it last winter and it has become a lazy-day/snow-day staple.

If you have not checked out the website, ILY COUTURE, I highly recommend taking a peek! One of my favorite fashion bloggers, Christine of HELLOFASHIONBLOG, is the creative genius behind the site. It really is a one-stop shop for adorable apparel; tees, sweatshirts, bags, jewelry, & much more! This may not be your first time seeing me sport my wifey tote, it is THE perfect “kitchen-sink” bag for all of my toting needs. I am happy to say that Jason loves his weekender bag as well! Every guy needs a go-to weekender, so why not have a fashionable one, right? These are both great gifts for your husband, wife, or BFF. We will both be rockin’ our bags for our trip to Florida for Christmas!! Can’t wait!!

Big thanks to Maya for taking the photos, & believe it or not, it starting snowing right after we finished!

Keep in touch,
Dani & Jason

December 7, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like a spiked holiday beverage. Ok, that is not entirely true, but I sure do love a good holiday sip!!

Tis the season to be jolly… falalala.. these two holiday sips will be sure to get you in the “deck the halls” mood!! These are a few of my favorite adult beverages for Winter. These drinks will be fabulous at a holiday party and if children will be attending, they can still enjoy eggnog and ginger brew, without the alcohol! What are your favorite holiday drinks, please share!!

Check out my first line of mugs that are now available in my etsy shop, “I just need one cup before a mimosa!” The “spike the eggnog and let’s be jolly” print can also be found in the etsy shop. All orders must be placed by December 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Spiked Eggnog

       

• 2 oz. spiced rum or light rum
• 6 oz. Trader Joe’s eggnog
• Whip cream
• Nutmeg
• Crushed candy cane

First, pour rum into the mug, then pour eggnog and stir well. Top spiked eggnog with whip cream, a dash of nutmeg, and some crushed candy cane.

Goes great with: Trader Joe’s Peppermint Pretzels (see earlier post for my top 10 Holiday List from Trader Joe’s) and Candy Canes!

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Moscow Mule 

    

• 12 oz. Trader Joe’s Ginger Brew
• 4 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• crushed ice
  

Place each ingredient in a cocktail shaker, shake well for 20 seconds. It is traditional to serve moscow mules in a copper mug with crushed ice. This fabulous copper mug and plaid napkins are from Sur La Table! Decorate with a slice of lime and a gingerbread man cookie!

Goes great with: Trader Joe’s Cocoa Drizzled Kettle Corn and Trader Joe’s Mini Gingerbread Men

Enjoy!! Happy Holidays!!
Keep in touch,
Dani

December 2, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts

This is my top 10 must-try list of Trader Joe’s holidays items. Wow your loved one by using these goodies to create a Christmas gift basket or as stocking stuffers!

Trader Joe’s has been favorite grocery store since moving to VA. Until recently, I felt bad talking about Trader Joe’s in front of my FL people because they were missing out, badly. Now that Trader Joe’s have opened in my two “home” cities, Boca and Jacksonville, FL, I had to do an obligatory Trader Joe’s Holiday must-try list. Trader Joe’s is such a unique store; they are a neighborhood friendly grocery that thrives on an excellent selection and outstanding customer service (if I do say so myself). Trader Joe’s has seasonal items all year round, but Christmas time is by far my favorite. The sweets, goodies, and treats they have to choose from are unreal! Last Christmas, I made my in-laws a big basket full of winter-time goodies that I bought from Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market, and Anthropologie. Making a gift basket is such a wonderful idea! You are able to make them as personal or as impersonal as you please, but you can always pick out items based on someone’s taste or style.

Here is my holy-goodness Trader Joe’s list:

1. Carmel and Dark Chocolate Popcorn Crunch with pecans, walnuts, and cashews ($3.99): This popcorn mix is so yummy!! I first tried it last weekend with my BIL and his girlfriend. Head’s up, there is not a whole lot in the container, but it sure is good!
2. Triple Ginger Brew ($2.99): Unfortunately, this is not a brew like a beer. It is actually soda, similar to ginger ale, but has a much more defined taste. Seasonal must-try!!

3. Cocoa Drizzled Kettle Corn ($1.99): Best snack ever!! This sweet treat is the perfect item to pour into a bowl during a holiday party, you may need 2 bags because it will go quick!

4. Peppermint Pretzel Slims ($2.99): Again, another fabulous sweet! You defiantly have to like peppermint to enjoy this sweet. I personally love sweet and salty, so this would also make a awesome party snack!

5. Wintry Blend Ground Coffee ($7.99): I think all of my fellow coffee snobs will love this blend as much as I do. It has some spice notes, but it just right. The gingerbread is also another must-try seasonal coffee! Try it with Trader Joe’s Coconut non-dairy, non-soy creamer, it is light and yummy!

6. Egg Nog ($2.99): Egg nog, need I say more!? I love a good glass of eggnog during the holidays, it really gets me in the deck the halls kind of mood! Can’t wait to share how to properly spike the eggnog, on the blog next!

7. Chicken Noodle Soup with veggies ($1.99): Some nights you just want something warm and light, this soup is perfect for a cold winter night!! I love this soup so much better than the normal Campbell or Progresso.

8. Gingerbread Pancake Mix ($3.99): Entertain your holiday guests with these fun pancakes! The flavor is not overwhelming, it is quite subtle and tasty!

9. Dark Chocolate Almonds ($1):)
 Can you say best stock stuffer ever? But really, what do you put in a grown man’s stocking? We now have the answer!! A cute idea would be to put the almonds in a DIY goodie bag and call it COAL for all the naughty men in our lives!!

 

10. The Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio: Tahitian Paradise, Fresh Fruit, and Fuji Apple ($8.99): Last but not least.. you never know what you are going to find while grocery shopping! These shower products would make an awesome gift or stocking stuffer! 3 delicious smelling flavors in one pack. I think people often forget the important of exfoliating ever-so-often while showering, so remind them with this all-natural, clever gift! 

 

I hope these items give you an idea as to what goodies can be found at Trader Joe’s this holiday season! These items would perfect to use in a gift basket, you can always add a cute coffee mug and a Drafts & Crafts print (from my etsy) to spruce up any gift basket!! And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for my next post, a little turtle dove tells me, it is going to include how to make some adult beverages with the Ginger Brew and Egg Nog!! If you have any questions about these products, please message me!!

Keep in touch,
Dani