Thursday, February 02, 2012

DIY: Cake Plate.

Thanks to my recent edition of "Do it Yourself" magazine I was inspired to make a cake plate yesterday which I've been meaning to buy forever now since one of my newest hobbies is baking. Seriously this is one of the simplest projects I've ever done and only cost me a total of $8. I found both the candle stick holder which I used as the stand and the plate at a local thrift store yesterday in the upper east side. The pictures below show my step by step process and my finished product. This would make the perfect gift for any girl who loves to bake or to just display in the kitchen. Have a thrifty Thursday!

Magazine Idea Page:

Step-by-Step Process:

Ta-Dah!

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Book of the Week: The Perfectly Imperfect Home.

I've been meaning to post this book: The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman for some time now... And now that I have a free copy on my hands (Thank you Gilt), I can't wait to share how great it is. Not only are the illustration so girly and cute but Deborah Needleman gives some amazing advice (every girl should know) on how to make your house your home. It's the perfect book for someone my age who is starting to invest in pieces that I want to grow in to and hopefully keep for a long time. For example, she teaches you how to buy sheets according to thread count, material and season, she even points out the essential tools you will need to build an in home bar, and so many other great tips that are key in making a smart investment. And if you don't have money to spend on new things, she shows you tricks on how to rework the pieces you already own to create a space that is more inviting and suitable for your lifestyle in a fresh new way.
Basically, Deborah knows what is up and I promise you won't get through one chapter without learning something new and maybe even the history behind it. Definitely get yourself a copy of this book if you are making a move and dishing out the big bucks on new furniture--- being knowledgeable about the product and decorating in general will make shopping for your new home a much more positive experience and its actually a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A Lil Inspiration From My Fav.

I took this while I was drafting my post earlier this morning on the balcony... Aww shes just so cool!! Happy hump day ya'll!

Claire's Cookie Cake.

For a friends birthday I was trying to think of a yummy dessert that would be easy to make and serve at a restaurant for her birthday dinner. I thought cookies would be a good idea because they would be easy to box and no serving required-- But that was just way too boring. Then it hit me duh-- I could make a cookie cake! Because growing up, who didn't hate the kid that had a cookie cake at their birthday party? They the best!

So here are the easy steps of how to make your own homemade cookie cake that will be a hit. Not to mention I googled where to buy a cookie cake in Manhattan and they were no where to be bought. New York bakery's need to get with it!

Cookie:

1) Make cookie mix according to directions. I used 11/2 bags of Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. There's no reason to try to make them homemade, it's the best! (The trick is to use real butter and make sure you let it soften - Do not melt.)

2) Grease Round Pizza Pan 14-16" and spread dough evenly.

3) Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 Degrees. (Do not walk away-- cooking the cookie until it is golden brown so the cookie is not overcooked and crunchy is key.)

4) Set in fridge to cool for about an hour before icing.

5) Transfer cookie to Pizza Box (I tried to pay for one at a NY pizza place.. but the lil cuties gave me one for free.)

Icing: (You can either make your own white frosting or buy in the can and then dye-- I actually bought it this time because I think it just taste better.)

1) Mix icing with food coloring in separate bowls until desired color is achieved.

2) Transfer frosting to ziplock baggies and clip ends to decorate.

3) Ta-dah!! Who's jealous now?

Other goodies I baked for a co-workers birthday that are pretty simple and easy to share:

Friday, December 16, 2011

Book of the Week.

So I've been doing a little Christmas shopping online.. Okay not a little (A Lot), but I blame it on Gilt. Anyways, I just bought this book for my boyfriend for Christmas and received it in the mail today at work. It basically the classic cocktail bible. Its has simple instructions and anything and everything can be looked up in the index. If you can come up with a drink you want to make, you can find it and about 15 other version for every persons taste and personality. It was on Gilt for $50 but the sale is already down, however you can buy it on Pottery Barn for a full price of $75. It really would make a great gift for the guy you don't know what else to buy for them and if they are not interested in the recipes or learning the craft of mixing drinks, it would still look so classy on your coffee table or displayed in your bookshelf. You really cant go wrong with this book....Everyone likes a fancy drink- or needs one after a long week of work. Below are other great gifts ideas that I bought to wrap up with the book.

Graphic Image: American Bar

Price: $75