Personal Style: Retrofitting a Batman and Robin T-Shirt

Behold my Batman and Robin tshirt. One of my very first thrifted finds ever,  from yeeaaarrsss ago. My trusty, (nearly) vintage, Chris O'Donnell as Robin ringer tee. The one that always invokes questions from my 5 year old such as, "Is that a boy shirt?" "Why you like to wear that?", "Can we get daddy one?", and so forth.

I like to usually wear the tee like below, but I wanted to snarf it up a bit, so I added this little gray shrug, and smokey eyes. I think it's kind of cute, different, and unexpected.

These jeans have some spandex in them, so I must wear a belt otherwise they keep sliding down. But, I am fresh out of micro black belts and didn't want a gigantour buckle poofing out of the middle of my shirt, so I belted it to the side. It makes for a much better silhouette. Because belt buckles that look like a gut under your shirt is not winning.

The only danger, is random males will comment on any lady wearing a comic type tshirt. Like the magazine salesman guy my kids let in whilst I was telling them to pretend we weren't home. He also complimented my garden gnome.... I think he just wanted a sale. Too bad for him that I don't need any overpriced magazines!
 

*linked to clothed much's rule breaking monday.

Sweet Treats: Chocoley Chocolate And Candied Apples

 
I love chocolate, but don't know a thing about using it. So, when Chocoley sent this amazing kit in exchange for a review, I was totally delighted. It came with tons of goodies I can't wait to try, but here are some of my favorites for now. They also sent me tons of information on how to actually use it. I can tell you, I typically burn chocolate while melting, but this melted so smooth and was very easy to use, and it was a rich, gourmet flavor and texture, unlike other brands of melted chocolate I have used. My readers will receive a discount and a free candy making course, so keep reading for details.

They have so many chocolate products, but I love their dark chocolate (great for snacking when no one is looking). Also, their drizzle Cocoa Lava is amazing too, and they give lots of fun ideas on how to use it.

 My first ever chocolate confectioneries.... so easy and delicious.

First, I used their Caramel Cream Center (and kosher dairy) and Vanilla Cream Center (and kosher dairy) to make these candies. I just rolled them up, dipped them in melted Bada Bing Bada Boom Dark Chocolate Candy Melts (which are also celiac safe/egg free and peanut/tree nut free). After I dipped them, I laid them on wax paper to dry. Then, I melted their Drizzle and Design White Chocolate and drizzled it on. On some pieces, I dabbed a cute little sprinkle polka dot.

Then, I made these candy apples. I have never made candy apples before. It was relatively easy with their directions. I just melted the caramel (about 1/2 lb for 45 seconds) and dipped my cleaned/dried apples. After the caramel hardened, I dipped in melted chocolate and added sprinkles, walnuts and drizzled white chocolate. I so wanted to add mini marshmallows, but I was out. Wouldn't they make super cute Mother's Day gifts... or party favors?

Little Lovables readers get a 15% discount on your first order (excluding tempering machines, shipping, airbrush equipment and sale/clearance items.) Enter coupon code LITTLELOVABLES15 and it expires 5/20/2011.

Also, you can sign up for a free 7 day email chocolate candy molding course, information here.

Be sure to join the community, they have tons of videos, recipes and tutorials, like this chocolate bark and cookie dough balls.

chocoley.com 
facebook.com/bestchocolate
twitter.com/chocolatesupply

*Linked up to Sweet as Sugar Cookies Saturday Sweets Linky.
*Linked to Little Brick Ranch's Foodie Friday.
*Linked to Remodelaholic's Recipe Sundays.

Personal Style: Prairie Cardi Girl

* cardi, khols/ dress, thrifted/ undershirt, thrifted/ boots, candies/belt ck thrifted/ necklace, vintage gift *

Just branching out here style wise today, I'm not sure exactly what rule I haven't broken. The oatmeal fall cardigan with a summery white dress feels like a huge no-no. The big boots with the whispy fabric feels like a no-no.The ruffled white maxi dress straps being exposed was a no-no. I had them tucked under the cardi and pulled them out b/c I thought it looked kind of cute.

4 layers being belted... huge no-no. 2 undershirts, dress, and cardigan... belted. Maybe I won't try this again, made my waist look a little thicker than I would have liked. I was planning on wearing my denim jacket, but it was too muggy of a morning for this. When I found this dress at a garage sale, it was automatically in my mind I would only wear it with the denim jacket. Still debating this. Can't wear it alone b/c the busticles area is huge... hence why it looks like a frilly v-neck under the cardi ;)

 
As for my Rule of Three, in which you use 3 add-ons to make a boring outfit pop, I suppose it would be:

1. vintage necklace (thanks mom, I love wearing this!)
2. twisted belt
3. faux fabric blue roses brooch (already attached on cardigan, but I want to make several more)

 

Linked to:  Elaine's Rule Breaking Monday clothing linky
and :          The Daybook, Awkward and Awesome (#587!)

Sweet Treats: Banana Bread Chocolate Chip and Blackberry Muffins Recipe

I was going to make banana bread. My last loaf was amazing... except for the entire burnt two inch layer on the bottom in that we had to hack away the delicious bread to eat. Let's just say, I'm still learning how to use this decrepit oven of mine.

I thought I would try muffins this time due to the tragedy of my first and last bread experiment. I used a very basic recipe, then as I loaded up the tin for the second batch thought, "Hey, lets have fun with this and try a few things out".

*please excuse my not so beautiful looking pan, thanks*

So, for one row of muffins, I added raisins. Another row, semi-sweet chocolate chips. Another row, blackberries... and one little muffin I mixed in all three (that one coveted muffin was delicious, especially all warm and gooey and smothered in butter!) I'm glad I mixed in some flavor, b/c quite honestly the first batch of banana/walnut muffins were a little bland.

So, as you can see, I still managed to burn these babies a smidgen... even though I seriously cooked them for almost 10 mins less than the suggested time. Maybe I had it set on the wrong heat? Yeah, that must be it... I will be more careful next time, because there WILL be a next time. I used his banana bread recipe and added a few things:

♥ Banana Muffins with Mix-Ins ♥

1/2 c oil
2 eggs
1 c sugar
4 mashed bananas (mashed very, very smooth.... no lumps!)

~mix all together in a bowl, then add in:

2 c flour
1 TB baking soda
1 pinch salt
3/4 c chopped walnuts
cinnamon
dash pure vanilla extract
1 c of either~ raisins, chopped blackberries or semi sweet chocolate chips (c. chips+blackberries are awesome)

~ Grease/flour muffin tin or use cupcake liners. Bake at 350 degrees 25 mins or until toothpick inserted in  center of muffin comes out clean. Top with a bit of butter (I use Smart Balance, makes me feel healthier) and serve.

 *If you are in a major blackberry mood, then try my scones or these ideas*

OH! Linked up to Sweet as Sugar Cookies' Sweets for Saturday linky. TONS of amazing sweets there today.

  

Rule Breaking Monday with Clothed Much: White on White

As a stay at home mom, I *rarely* get dressed up, and that's saying a lot for a hairstylist who used to live to get all fashioned out. So, for my very first outfit post and Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday, I thought this white on white outfit was appropriate. I tend to shy away from color (I'm trying to change that), so all my cardigans are white or ivory. I didn't think a white blouse would work under a white cardi, but I kind of like it. I loved this swiss dot blouse, but it does a weird poof thing when I tuck it since it's an empire waisted tie shirt and is an awkward length untucked, to I needed to cover it since I haven't hemmed it yet.

{cardi: target/ skirt: h&m thrifted, blouse: jc pennies, belt: thrifted vintage, necklace: vintage rhinestone}

I see now how this cardigan has a bubble shape right above the hem and doesn't work with the belt, and I'm not feeling the pleated skirt either, but at least it helped control the shirt poofiness.... oh well, better luck next time!

*Don't forget about my 40% jewelry shop sale and jewelry giveaway here!*

Sweet Treats; Baked Oatmeal Recipe

This recipe is so easy, fast and delicious! I've made this baked oatmeal before with peanut butter, but my family didn't like it too much, I think I added way too much salt (so my fault). But this was perfect... even for the pickiest eaters. I just topped mine with drizzled honey and chopped fresh strawberries. Serve it with bacon for a yummy breakfast.

Ingredients:
 3 c quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c milk
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon


Topping Ideas:
fruit~ strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, raisins)
drizzled honey
chopped fresh mint (optional garnish)
yogurt, maple syrup and raisins
warm milk with sliced banannas
whipped cream and chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 9x9x2 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 mins or until set and edges are lightly browned. (My oven runs hot, so it only took about 26 minutes).

OH! Linked up to Sweet as Sugar Cookies' Sweets for Saturday linky. TONS of amazing sweets there today.

Homefront: Christmas Mantel

 I would love a larger statue of the kneeling Santa and the baby Jesus.

 I love using reds, aquas and whites for Christmas, though it will change one day.

I love love love trees, I think it would be fun to get one each year.

 My childhood gingerbread house debuts, and this vintage reindeer pair I found at a garage sale is a favorite.

 Ornaments and garland that will be going up on the tree.

My oldest son is almost 5 and has been asking about Santa's 'realness'. I found this book and it ties in the Christ child and the Santa legend beautifully, and explores the historial roots of Santa. For any Christian family who loves tradition, but also wants to keep the focus of Christmas on Christ, this book is a must!
It's called A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper
I got mine at Hobby Lobby for $10 and it would make a great Christmas gift!

 

 We found this authentic Chinese drums at Goodwill for an amazing price. they had about 30 of them, so I think a local monastary must have closed down or remodeled around here or something. We got 3 of them!

To see 2009's mantel in my old home, see here. For 2008's mantel in another home, see here.

Post will be linking up with lots of Christmas Mantle parties!

•  The Lettered Cottage Holiday Home Mantel Linky Party
• December 2nd :: Rhoda’s Christmas Vignette
• December 7th  :: Kate’s Christmas Craft
• December 6th  :: Deck the Halls Party @ Between Naps on the Porch
• December 9th  :: Sarah’s Christmas Tree Link up
• December 9th  :: Coastal Charm Open House
• December 10th :: Cloche Party @ A Stroll Through Life
• December 13th :: The Nester’s Holiday Tour of Homes {here at Nesting Place!} AND Kelly @ Kelly’s Korner; Show Us Your Life Christmas Tour {don’t you love how I bold our day?}
• December 15th :: White Christmas Party @ Cuisine Kathleen
• December 15th :: Share the Decor @ No Minimalist Here