Cooking – Page 4

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2014!

September 22, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s POPSUGAR TIME!!!! Today I am reviewing the September 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box.The box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get into it!

September 2014 Must Have Box:

Stereo Earbuds by Nicole Miller

$20

I needed a new pair of earbuds, and I can’t wait to use these! I love the dark blue color that I received, though I’m not sure if everyone got the same color. If you are subscribed to PopSugar Must Have Box, what color earbuds did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Superfine Purse Size Hairspray by Orbie

$21.50

I like the sleek packaging of this hairspray, and I will definitely use this for travel! It smells pretty nice, too.

Almond Brownie by Urban Remedy

$6.99

I thought this might be kind of strange…it’s a 100% raw and organic…but it was REALLY good!! It wasn’t the same as biting into a chocolate fudge brownie or anything, but it was a nice dense bar with a nice dark cacao chocolate-y taste. That said, would I pay $6 for one of these? Probably not.

Gold Foil Arrow Pencils by Letter C Design

$7.50

I *looove* the sleek black pencils with the gold details! I haven’t used these yet, but they look gorgeous on my desk! I love that they threw in a small pencil sharpener too, because I haven’t used a pencil that wasn’t mechanical in ages.

Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin by Tilo Scarves

$125

This is far and away my favorite item in the box this month!!! I looooove this scarf! When I first glanced at it, I only saw charoal, but once opened it is a beautiful mix of grays and a raisin brown…GORGEOUS! Seriously, stunning! This makes the most basic tee look beautiful.

Garance Doré Assorted Girls Set by Rifle Paper Co.

$18

I love having blank notecards to send to friends and loved ones! I also will use these for giveaway winners : ) Super cute!

Special Extras:

Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Minis by Ghiradelli

This was an awesome “extra”! I am ashamed to say how quickly these disappeared, but hey at least I can blame it on the pregnancy…right??! SOO yummy!

$20 Nike Giftcard

I don’t reeeeally count this, because you have to make a purchase to use this, but I will definitely hang onto it and it’s nice to have on hand.

This is one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have Boxes in awhile! And with a total of $198.99 it is clearly WELL worth the $39 price point since I have already been using most of the products! As usual : ) Have you subscribed to any subscription boxes or bags yet? I would love to hear about them in the comments! I finally caved and got my first Ipsy Glambag and I will put a review up on Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to see that if you haven’t subscribed already : )

Super Cute Apple Donut Holes!! Fun Fall Treat!

September 17, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Last year I found these adorable donut holes in a magazine, I think Parents Magazine, and my daughter and I had a great time making them together! This year we wanted to make them again and share them with all of you! If you like these, please “pin” them to your Pinterest! Just scroll or hover over any picture until the pink “Pin” button appears : ) Or, click the pink “P” social media button at the bottom of this post!

Here is a picture of Hailey making these last year : )

Apple Donut Holes:

Ingredients:

Plain donut holes (I really like this recipe for donuts, or you can use store bought which I did this time!! Tip: If you can only find glazed store bought that is okay too)

1 1/2 Confectioners (powerdered) sugar

3-4 tablespoons water

Red and/or green sprinkles

Brown or black candy for the apple stem (I used Chocolate Twizzlers)

Green candy for the leaf (I used green Fruit Roll-Ups last year but this year couldn’t find them so I used Green Sour Rips)

Directions:

In a large bowl mix 1 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar with 3-4 tablespoons of water to make a simple glaze. There are a couple of ways to do the next step: 1) Dip donut holes into the glaze and then roll into either the red or green sprinkles or 2) Use a metal BBQ skewer and then drizzle the donuts with the glaze and then sprinkle the sprinkles onto the donuts while you spin the skewer. Next, place the donuts onto a wax paper covered plate or tray. Cut the Twizzlers into small stems for the apples and press into the top of your little donut apple (this is very easy if you used the skewer method mentioned above). Next, cut the green candy into little leaf shapes (don’t worry, they don’t have to be perfect!) and press gently into the donut next to the step. Ta-da! You’re done!! Let the donuts dry so they aren’t sticky from the glaze, and then devour!!

Action shot! This is a messy dessert, but a really fun one for kiddos!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I think these make adorable and impressive treats for a party or just getting together with friends : ) Get excited for some subscription box giveaways next week!! And on Friday don’t forget to check out my column “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop blog!!

My Random Everyday Essentials!

July 18, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

I talk a lot about my favorite beauty items and monthly favorites, but I thought that it would be fun to talk about the random essentials that I consider must-have items every day. I got the idea for this post after having a conversation with a girl from a new company called Man Crates, but was not paid whatsoever for this post. As always, all ideas and options are my own. Man Crates is a new company who ship out gifts for men in cool wooden crates for all different occastions! I might have to try one for my husband : ) I think it’s nice that it isn’t a subscription service so it’s just a one time purchase. Please be sure to let me know what items YOU have to have or use every day by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) : ) All of my social media links are at the top of this page!!

My Random Everyday Essentials:

#1 LOTS OF WATER (ARROW H2o ON THE GO JUG)

I LOVE this water bottle! I carry this room to room throughout our house more than my cell phone, and we all know that’s saying something! I carry this in the car with me or when out and about for the day. Also, for those who struggle to drink enough water through out the day I *highly* suggest getting a jug like this so you have a better idea of how much you’ve actually drank. Is it just me who finds I drink WAY more out of a straw or sport spout than a regular cup? Let me know in the comments!

#2 PURITY FACIAL CLEANSER FROM PHILOSOPHY

Not just any facewash will do! It took me YEARS to find my perfect facewash and I buy the largest sizes possible when purchasing this. It is a little bit pricier and cannot be purchased at the drugstore, but I find that I use such a small amount that it lasts a long time. I usually use eye makeup remover and then a makeup removing wipe, but this DOES breakdown my makeup very well when I skip the remover on lazy days. I notice such a difference in my skin when I use this! My skin is clear, it doesn’t dry me out, it smells lovely, and my skin just feels extra clean after using it.

#3 MINI NOTEBOOK FROM GRAPHIC IMAGE

I am a list maker and I like to have something that fits into my bag easily so that I can write something down wherever I am! I love this mini notebook from Graphic Image and the fact that it is so pretty just makes every day a little more fancy and special, which I love : ) I love being able to jot down whatever I think of so that it actually can get crossed off the list.

#4 NATURE VALLEY SWEET & SALTY ALMOND GRONOLA BAR

I am not one to skip breakfast, so on days when I am really rushed I like to have these on hand to grab and get a little protein in to start my day. I also get what I like to call “hangry” which is that when I get really hunrgy I get angry ; ) I loose patience, and with two toddlers and a hectic schedule?! That can’t happen! So these bars help me be the best mom/wife/human possible by tiding me over until I can eat something more substantial.

#5 EOS LIPBALM

I originally bought this because the packaging is cute and I really didn’t expect it to be better than my other lipbalm or chapstick type products but I was wrong!! I use this every day before applying my lip color to help give me a nice base to work with. I love that it gives such a nice light layer of moisture and doesn’t give me a weird chapstick taste. My 3 year old also LOVES this so I sometimes have to share ; )

Okay, that’s it!! Now, what are YOUR must-have items? I want to know! Thank you for reading and have a fun weekend!!

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JULY 2014!

July 16, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!!

Today I am *SO* excited to be reviewing the PopSugar Must Have Box for July 2014!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get right into it!!

JULY 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Beach Hat from Michael Stars

$48

I LOVE Michael Stars and I was thrilled to see a fun sun hat in this months box. I have several beach hats and floppy hats now, and I really need to find more opportunities to wear them! This is a nice hat becasue it isn’t too huge and oversized (which is fabulous also!), and that makes it wearable on a more frequent basis.

Sunscreen and Lotion from Sun Bum

$20

First off, these smell AMAZING!! I love that coconut, sunscreen-y scent! I always wear sunscreen, and I am always happy to have some more on hand. Also, the packaging is so cute!!

Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang Foods

These are so tasty! I shared a few with Stephan because we are both huge coconut fans, but now I am going to have to get some more of these! I love that the only ingredients are coconut, sugar cane, and salt.

Jump Rope With Soft Grip Handles from TKO

$13

I have been wanting an athletic jump rope for awhile now, and I am really excited to try this out. And I’m not sure how fast you’d have to jump to burn 170 calories in 15 minutes…but it claims that it is possible, so SIGN ME UP!

Chevron Paper Straws from ACME Party Box Company

I love paper straws and these ones are so cute!

Ziggy Salad Servers from French Bull

$12

These are so cute! I love that PopSugar includes so many fun kitchen gadgets because they are all things that I typically wouldn’t buy myself, but absolutely adore! Summer is the perfect time to show off such fun serveware!!

Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara from Revlon

This is the special extra this month and I am glad that it’s an extra. As you all know, I love makeup! But I would prefer and eye shadow, a lip product, or maybe a blush. Ohh or nail polish…but that’s not quite makeup ; ) I know mascara is easy because there isn’t a color-match issue, and I will definitely try this one out!

This box has a total value of just over $110 and I am VERY happy with it!! Do you subscribe to PopSugar or any other subscription boxes? As always, I would love to hear about them!! I hope that you have a WONDERFUL rest of your week! And don’t forget to enter my Ell and Emm bracelet giveaway!!

Creative S’more Ideas!

July 4, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday! And Happy 4th of July!!

I want to keep today’s post super quick since it is a holiday and I’m sure you all have fabulous plans! But if you’re looking for some last minute ideas for a 4th of July treat, try one (or all!) of these easy s’more ideas : ) You can get creative with it, I made up all of these (with a little help from my daughter on the gummi worm one! hehe), but I am sure there are lots of yummy creations you could make. If you enjoy this post, please post in to Pinterest!

1) Almond Joy S’more

For this I used Almond Joy Frosting, coconut flakes, and of course, a marshmallow! My husband ate this one and said it was amazing!! I think I will have to make one for myself soon ; )

2) Reeses S’more

I used a piece of a Reese’s bar, but I am sure a classic Reese’s cup would work just as well! I loved the Reese’s with the marshmallow…. nom nom nom!

3) Gummi Worm S’more

The gummi worm genius was thanks to my sweet Hailey doll : ) She is so creative and a foodie at three! I love it. Try it out, it’s delicious!

4) Chocolate Oreo S’more

Hershey’s chocolate and an Oreo cookie…what is not to love?! This was very sweet and delicious!!

5) Oreo Nutella S’more

Nutella Hazelnut Spread with an open faced Oreo….mmmmm!

6) Classic S’more

Chocolate, marshmallow, and grahmn crackers…but you knew that ; )

Okay, that’s it! I hope that you have a fantastic holiday weekend with your family! Please stay safe and thank you for reading this on such a busy day!! XO

EASY 4th of July Cake!!

July 2, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have been making the recipe that I am sharing today for YEARS! I remember sitting on my parents deck reading one of my mom’s magazines (Good Housekeeping, maybe?!), finding this recipe, and asking my mom if we could make it for the 4th. This recipe is great because you can make it in 15 minutes and it’s a light, summery cake that everybody loves.

4th of July Cake:

Ingredients:

1 frozen pound cake (I used Sara Lee brand)

1 tub of Cool Whip

1 cup of strawberries

1 cup of blueberries

Directions:

Thaw the pound cake and the Cool Whip. ( TIP: If you want to make this fast, put the Cool Whip into the fridge when you get home instead of the freezer and thaw the pound cake in the microwave : ) Directions for quick thawing is on the packaging. ) Wash the strawberries, cut the top off, and then cut lengthwise. Wash the blueberries. Cut the pound cake into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices depending on the size of your baking dish (I used a 13 inch by 9 inch pan) and lay the slices into your pan. You may need to cut some of the pound cake slices in half to fill the pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the Cool Whip generously over the pound cake. Then put your berries on top!! I usually make this into an American flag, but this year I let my 3 year old have at it and decorate it herself. That’s it!! Easiest cake ever! And then just be sure to refrigerate the cake. Enjoy!!

I hope that you liked this recipe! I like making this cake all summer long : ) If there are any recipes you would like to see on Leah Tackles, be sure to let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!

5 Great Summer Hostess Gift Ideas!!

June 27, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

Whenever you are invited into someones home for a party or over to dinner it is kind to bring a gift to show your appreciation.Today I want to share 5 ideas for hostess (or host!) gifts that will make sure you’re always on the invite list! My column, Leah’s Friday Five, on The Pearls and Pastries Blog today will also be featuring 5 more ideas for hostess gifts!

#1 Pie or Other Dessert

A pie is such a nice gesture, and something that can be shared at the dinner or party. It would be so sweet to include the recipe, or to bake it in a pretty pie plate! My favorite pie plates are the ones with the recipe written on the plate…so retro and cute!

#2 Serving Plate

A decorative serving plate that can be displayed or used is also such a nice gift! The one shown was a gift and I adore it! Along with that, I think everyone likes pretty much anything that has their schools mascot or logo on it…I know I do!

#3 King Cube Tray or Other Cocktail Trinket

I have talked about the King Cube Tray before, and that is because I love this thing! It can be used for cocktails, but it’s also great for lemonade and iced tea!

#4 Go Vino Go Anywhere Flutes

These are SO awesome! I think anyone would appreciate these because they are so unique and would be perfect for a picnic or out on the boat.

#5 A Candle

I am a big fan of the 3-Wick candles from Bath and Body Works, but I finally got a Diamond Candle from a sweet sweet friend which I’ve been wanting to try for a loooong time now.

What do you like to take to parties to thank your host or hostess? I would love to hear your ideas! You can click the link by the title of this post to leave a comment : ) Have a wonderful day!!

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

Homemade Baked Elephant Ears!

June 6, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!

Today I want to share a recipe that I found flipping through Taste of Home Magazine (I know, again! I am not paid by them whatsoever, I just love the recipes they offer!): Baked Elephant Ears!! I think these would be so fun for any summer party! If you make these, I would LOVE to hear about it, so comment (click the link by the title of this post) to let me know about it!

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water between 110° to 115°

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

1/3 cup milk

1 egg yolk

Filling:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Dough:

In a small bowl dissolve yeast in the warm water. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mix until crumbly. Stir the milk and egg yolk into the disolved yeast. Add the yeast mix to the flour mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and put into the fridge for 2 hours. Preheat you over to 375°. Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 18X10 inch rectangle.

Filling:

Spread the butter onto the rolled out dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough up jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal the dough after you have rolled it up. Cut into approximately 24 slices that are 3/4 inches thick. Cover the slices with plastic wrap until you are ready to work with each slice.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture on a sheet of waxed paper, top with a slice of dough, and top with another 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar. Press or roll the dough into a 4 inch circle.

Baking:

Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet that is coated in cooking spray. Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Cool onto wire racks.

Thank you so much for reading : ) If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side of this screen! I hope that you have a fabulous weekend! XO

May Lifestyle Favorites and Mini Beauty Haul

May 30, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!! : )

On Wednesday I did a May Beauty Favorites post, so today I am going to share my two May lifestyle favorites along with a mini beauty haul since my lifestyle favorites this month wouldn’t make a very long post ; ) If there are any movies, books, foods, apps…all that good stuff….that’d you’d like to share, please comment and let me know! I would love to hear from you : )

Lifestyle Favorites:

Food:

Quaker Lightly Salted Rice Cakes

I have been loving these with peanut butter for a quick and healthy snack! So yummy 🙂

Arrow H2O On the Go

I drink a lot of water, and the hardest part for me is refilling my bottles, so when I’m at home this is a fantastic option!

Mini Beauty Haul:

Covergirl TRUMagic The Luminizer Shimmer

I am always excited to try a new highlighter, and the texture of this sort of feels like a cream, so I was intrigued. This unfortunately is something I don’t think I will be reaching for often because the swatch shows such an obvious amount of gold glitter! With a highlight I want a subtle shimmer, not something the screams that I just applied glitter to my face. I do like the texure of this product, but I do not suggest it. They do sell a clear TRUMagic and a TRUMagic bronzer that I have heard better things about.

Jordana FabuLiner Liquid Eye Liner in 01 Black

This is liquid liner pen and I have used the dark brown but wanted to pick up the black! This is AWESOME and costs $2! I find mine at Walgreens.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips

This is basically just a super adorable little jar of pink Vaseline that’s got a slight soft rose smell! I LOVE the subtle scent, and I already use Vasiline on my lips, so why not pick this cutie up?! It is a VERY sheer wash of color, so don’t expect this to be as pigmented as it looks in the jar, but I am excited to have it.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow

This iconic cream formula lipstick has been around since the 1950’s and I am just now picking it up! I can’t wait to wear this color!

Okay, that is it! Super quick Friday post! Be sure to check out my column “Leah’s Friday Five” on the fabulous Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog that went up today as well. If you liked this post, please subscribe! You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Have a fabulous weekend! XO

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