Happy New Year!

2012 has been fabulous and inspiring! Looking forward to a new year of styles and inspirations !

Easy Holiday Treat or Gift

If you are going to someone's home for the holidays, why not bring along a treat/gift for the hostess..it is easy and delicious.

Super Easy Nut Brittle

1 tbsp unsalted butter,some extra for greasing
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
11/2 cup roasted,salted peanuts
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract

First you want to grease a large baking tray and spatula.

Then combine the sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 4 minutes on high. Then stir in the butter and peanuts and place back in microwave for additional 3-5 minutes.  It will become a golden brown and appear thick and bubbly.
Be careful--it will be hot!  Stir in the baking soda and vanilla (mixture will foam up). Pour right away onto the greased tray and flatten as thin as possible with the spatula..once it has cooled and hardened, break into pieces.

*if you are not using a microwave --combine sugar,corn syrup,peanuts in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves..then increase heat to high and boil for about 20 minutes,stirring frequently.

Wrap a few pieces in saran wrap, tie a ribbon and what a great hostess gift!
(animal print is so in right now)

Happy Thanksgiving!

The bread pudding is in the oven...yummy.. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Make your own ornaments

I picked up some plain wooden cutouts at JoAnn Fabrics that go with my holiday theme this year. I then sprayed them with glitter spray, attached some ribbon (hot glue) and I now have some one of a kind ornaments that sparkle and will look wonderful on the tree.

Well if you haven't guessed, my theme this year is Hawaiian Tropics!!!

Color Inspirations for the Holidays

It is that time of year again to start the holiday shopping and decorating.  I love to pick a color or theme each year for the holidays and then try to decorate and wrap in the colors or theme that I have come up with.  Here are a few inspirations..

Spray some snow flocking for a frosted look!

Shades of blue

Purple--Green--Pink

The colors are limitless and you can use your own combination to give it your own personal flair!

Hair Trend

One of the hair trends that is hot right now is the hair to the side..A messy ponytail, a braid, or bun-- just bring it towards the side!

www.deaddavesradio.com (check out my brother's radio show)

Gifts from your kitchen

As the holidays are approaching remember you can always bring a gift from your kitchen.

Chocolate Nut Clusters

1 cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup mixed nuts (peanuts,almonds,cashews)

First you melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir in the nuts.  Then drop about a teaspoonful onto a baking sheet or into small paper cups..Chill.

Once they have set..you can wrap in saran wrap and tie a colorful tie..You now have a wonderful gift from your kitchen.

Dresser to media stand

I took and old dresser and removed old hardware and drawers..gave it a good sand (make sure to wear mask) I then took the fronts off of the top two drawers and finished the edges with trim..now it is ready to be stained (I used the color Kona).  I put a glove on and then an old sock over top to apply the stain.

You will have to do several coats of stain.  I have learned that just using a little stain at a time and doing serval coats works better then a thick coat.

After first coat of stain

protective finish

Project completed!

Soft Pastel

Pastels have long been a spring and summer thing, but with some restructuring the soft palette it can be incorporated into your fall/winter wardrobe. Adding pops of pastel to your wardrobe will help perk up your fall/winter wardrobe and get you excited for the upcoming season!!(Spring)

  Add a fabulous multi strand necklace...Throw on a great blazer and jeans for a casual look or dress pants and heels for an at the office look. This is a great from work to dinner look.

Faux Leather Fringe Skirt

Get ready for the holiday parties and wear a fringe skirt!  It is so trendy and will move with your every move...walking across the party or dancing on the floor..the skirt will sure to get you noticed...

skirt ( Forever 21)

Ponytail

www.deaddavesradio.com (check out my brother's radio show)

Purple Fashion

"Historically purple was only worn by an elite few, but in autumn/winter 2012-13 it will be for everyone,"so lavender to amethyst whatever the shade...make sure you wear your purple this season!

top(kohl's)

pants(old navy)

clutch(Coach)

QVC

Big Messy Pony tail

Earrings I made...

www.deaddavesradio.com (Check out my brother's radio show)

Sweater Pillows

 If you want to give your home a warm cozy feeling this winter, make some sweater throw pillows.  I went to the Goodwill and picked up a few sweaters and in just a few easy steps you will have your sweater throw pillows.  First wash and dry your sweaters,then turn the sweater inside out and sew the shape (square,round,etc)of the pillow you desire(leave the bottom open to insert your pillow form).Then cut the sleeves off after you have sewn(if you cut before the knit will unravel) then turn it back outside and insert pillow form or existing throw pillow, close up the bottom with hand stitch.  They give your couch,chair,bed such a warm cozy look and feel...

He already has his head on one!

www.deaddavesradion.com  (check out my brother's radio show)