Just For Fun

The SWEET Life

Jun 262010
 

Part of living a life of beauty is helping it be a little SWEETER for others.

Last night two of my sons were baptized.  They each made their own personal decision to live their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ, and we wanted to celebrate!  Some beautiful friends and family came out to celebrate with us, so the boys and I wanted to treat them with a little thank you gift.  What better way to treat than with sweets?!  Hey a beautiful life knows there are times to be disciplined and eat healthy, and there are times it is OK to indulge just a little.  :)

The Favor Boxes the Boys and I put together

The Favor Boxes the Boys and I put together

So we decided to make fudge.  And well, Lori can’t just make one kind of fudge, she has to make two and add in an option for the friends with chocolate/wheat/dairy issues.  :)   I had requests for the recipes for one in particular so I thought I would post it for everyone, and for myself included because, like many times, I altered it as I was making it.  I will also post links to the other two which were great as well.

Lori’s OUTRAGEOUS Candy Bar Fudge

Lori's OUTRAGEOUS Candy Bar Fudge

Lori's OUTRAGEOUS Candy Bar Fudge

For the Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  1. Line an 11″x7″ baking pan with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.  This will make it easier to remove the fudge from the pan later and cut it.
  2. In a heavy sauce pan combine butter, cocoa powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar and milk.
  3. Slowly bring mixture to a boil, being careful to stir constantly and not scorch the chocolate.  Once the mixture has come to a boil, remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla.  Use a hand mixer to cream the mixture to ensure there are no lumps.
  4. Pour the chocolate fudge into the bottom of the prepared pan.

For the Middle Layer:

10 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped

1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips

1 tablespoon water

1 cup chopped salted cashews

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

  1. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave caramels, butterscotch and water and microwave on medium power until they have melted.  Stir and check frequently so you don’t scorch the butterscotch.
  2. Stir in the cashews and marshmallows and firmly press mixture into pan on top of the fudge.
  3. Place pan in refrigerator to allow this layer to firm up a bit.

Top Layer:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a small microwave safe bowl microwave chips until melted.  Spread melted chocolate over caramel layer.  Continue chilling until firm, about 2 hours total.

To Serve:

Use the aluminum foil to lift fudge from the pan and place on a cutting board.  Peal foil away from sides.  I used a large bread knife to make long smooth cuts through the fudge, pressing down firmly.  Do not “saw” the fudge or it will crumble.  Enjoy!

The other Recipes

They definitely deserve credit because they are also each very good, they were just out shined a little.

Pure Chocolate Fudge & Almond Butter Cookies

Pure Chocolate Fudge & Almond Butter Cookies

For the Purist:

I made a creamy chocolate fudge.  I used this recipe and made minor changes.  I decreased the butter to 2 tablespoons, omitted the nuts and changed the chocolates to 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate and 1/2 cup (four squares) of Girradelli’s unsweetened chocolate.

On the Lighter Side:

I made an Almond Nut Butter cookie.  These are great because they not only don’t have any flour, but also no dairy, chocolate or peanuts so they are great for those with allergy issues.  AND a lot of people liked them!  I replaced the hersey kisses with roasted salted almonds and used almond extract instead of vanilla.  Find the recipe here.

Enjoy the SWEET LIFE!!!

LoveLoriButton

Nail the Fireworks

Jun 232010
 

I always think you should have some fun with your personal style.  No need to take ourselves too seriously.  So every now and then I like to do a little extra with my nails, and holidays always seem like a great reason to play.

So today I had my nails done and did something a little patriotic with a simple graphic wink at fireworks.  I was admiring the finished product and thought the design would be pretty simple to duplicate yourself.  Having my nails done is one of the small luxuries I indulge in, but if you want to have some “do-it-yourself” fun with your own nails, this is an easy way to go!

This simple design was only $5 extra for the full set, and can be easiy duplicated by yourself.

This simple design was only $5 extra for the full set, and can be easily duplicated by yourself.

After you have filed and cleaned your nails, here is what you will need to polish them:

Base coat – Use a ridge filler if needed.  Base coat will help make the polish last longer.

White French Tip Polish – You could also use a soft silver or even just clear.

A Piece of scrap paper

Red, Blue & Yellow Polish – I used a shimmery aqua blue, shimmery blue red, and yellow.  You could use gold or silver polish to replace the yellow if you can not find it.  I have also seen some nail designers use craft paint for designs.

A Dried Up Ball Point Pen – Be sure any excess/dried up ink is cleaned off the tip.

Top Coat

Step 1 :  Put a thin coat of base coat on your nails and allow to dry for a couple of minutes.  Having a fan nearby is handy for moving things along, or a hair dry on the cool setting.

Step 2 : Paint a thin coat of the white french tip nail polish on your entire nail.  The best way to paint your nails is in three even strokes; one down the center of your nail, and then one down either side.  Multiple strokes can make the polish not go on as smoothly.  Allow this coat to dry for a few minutes.

Step 3 : Paint a second coat of the white french tip nail polish.  Be sure to give this coat plenty of drying time.  Polish should be fairly well set before moving on.

Step 4 :  Use the brush from the red nail polish to put a small bit of red polish on the piece of scrap paper.  Touch the very tip of the ball point pen (just the ball itself) into the red polish and carefully dot the tip of the pen onto the outside corner of one of your finger nails.  You can use the paper to test the amount of polish that gets transferred before doing it on your nail.  One touch should do it, but you can carefully repeat one time if needed.  Place one dot on the outside corner of each nail.

Three simple dots of bold color on a plain background make a fun graphic statement

Three simple dots of bold color on a plain background make a fun graphic statement

Step 5 :   Repeat step 4 with the blue and yellow polishes, being careful to clean the tip of the pen before switching colors.  Allow several minutes for the three colors to dry before finishing.

Step 6 :  Go over each dry nail with a coat of top coat.  Be extra careful not to over brush with the top coat, and stick with the three brush stroke rule.  Over working it can soften and smudge the design below.

Step 7 :  Air/Fan/Hairdryer dry and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Patriotic Nails!

LoveLoriButton

Clean in Style

Apr 062010
 

I don’t quite know what it is about Spring that makes us all want to go on cleaning binges.  The warm sun shine, the green hillsides, the colorful blooms on the trees…  You’d think all of these  things would say “run outside and play!” not “stay inside and clean all day.”  But, then again, maybe all of those things inspire us with new creative energy and then all of the pollen billowing  through the air keeps us inside.  :)

Clean Cute in these great oil cloth gloves by JulieMeyer

"Clean in Style" in these great oil cloth gloves by JulieMeyer

No matter the reason, I see so many of my friends bursting with cleaning and organizing energy, and I  have joined in right along with them.  After my last big FB fan sale I went through my inventory to discover that I am running low on supplies for many of my collections.  So 20 of my pieces are now on Clearance or Sample Sale.  When they are gone, they are gone, never to return!

His Wings Earrings - Retailed for $18, Clearance Price $12

His Wings Earrings - Retailed for $18, Clearance Price $12

So, in honor of my “Spring Cleaning” Clearance Sale, and since I am the self titled “Style Girl” (hahaha) may I present:

Clean in Style/Clean Cute

I would call myself about 1/2 “practical Mom” and 1/2 “style chick.”  On days when I know I will be doing lots of cleaning and organizing you will  find me in my jeans, t-shirt and rhinestone studded ball cap, or even more likely in my flannels busily working away.

On other days you might catch me shampooing my carpets in heels because the mood struck me mid-day and I was not about to take the time to change or I was too darned cute to waste it.  :)

You cant help but Clean Cute in this darling apron by boojiboo

You can't help but "Clean Cute" in this darling apron by boojiboo

Those are the  days when you need a pair of those great gloves from JulieMeyer (I got a couple pairs from her at Christmas time for gifts!) and a darling apron to protect your outfit like this one from boojiboo.   And of course, why not “clean cute” with some bright colored dish cloths to keep the festivities going.

Bright Colors Dish Cloth Set by XeniaHome

Bright Colors Dish Cloth Set by XeniaHome

Organize Cute too!!!

Cleaning for me also nearly always includes organizing.  Being  the home school Mom of three boys and running a business out of my 3 bedroom home in which my  husband also runs his business, means that I need to be well organized or I would be swimming in toys, books, beads, paper work….

And since I  am a creative person I like to use my creative juices when ever I can while I am organizing.   A recent organizational project included installing basic Ikea shelving units into an alcove, stacking them with baskets for toys, and covering the entire alcove with floor to ceiling curtains that  matched the wall  color so Mom can hide the mess when visitors come.

Organize Cute with these fun tags from krazykatedesigns

"Organize Cute" with these fun tags from krazykatedesigns

A fun part of the project was making labels for the baskets.  I wrote out words like “Star Wars Toys,” “Train Tracks,” and “Cars” on pieces of paper, burned the edges to make them look like an old treasure map, laminated  & punched holes in them, and then tied them to the  baskets  with strips of leather.  If you want to “Organize Cute” with a little less work, maybe try some pre-made tags like these from Krazy Kate Designs.

Do You Have Some great “Clean Cute” or “Organize Cute” ideas?  Share them with us!

Happy Spring Cleaning!

LoveLoriButton

What are We Missing?

Mar 182010
 

I just got this e-mail.  I thought it was so appropriate to my blog I had to share.  You may have seen it before, but meditate on it again.

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.. 

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. 

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition..

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. 

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made. 

How many other things are we missing?

How many special persons pass us by and we do not MAKE ANY EFFORT TO get to know them?

Drink in the beauty all around you!

LoveLoriButton

The Gratitude Project – Day 2 – Travels

Nov 212009
 

TheGratitudeProjectOne thing I have been very conscious of in my life is my diversity of experiences.  I am very grateful for the variety I have had in my life because it has shaped my creative gifts, my eye, my tastes, my attitudes, my heart, my ideas about people and life. The highs and the lows, the fancy and not so fancy have all made me who I am.

So today I am going to try to write down some of those diverse experiences, starting with my travels.

Off roading in Cozumel

Off roading in Cozumel

  • I have CAMPED in my backyard, in a playhouse, under the stars, in a tent, in an RV, in a car, on a porch, and in a cabin.  I have camped in the redwoods, on the beach, in the desert, on the Rhine River at the base of a castle, in the heart of Paris, along the Berlin wall with gun fire in the distance, on a hillside over looking Florence Italy, at the base of the Swiss Alps, in the Yosemite Valley, in Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Natl parks.

    Biking in Lake Tahoe with Jayden in tow

    Biking in Lake Tahoe with Jayden in tow

  • I have traveled by dune buggy, 4 wheel ATV, Volkswagon beetle and Volkswagon van, sedan, station wagon, minivan, box truck, light rail, city bus, school bus, Bart, train, boat, cruise ship, and airplane.  While traveling I have ridden on bicycles, horses, wagons, wave runners, speed boats, golf carts, paddle boats, water skiis, snow skiis, a kayak, snow mobile, ski lifts, sky trails, zip lines, a Mercedes ‘tank/truck’, water taxis, jeep, gigantic slides and elevators inside mines, subway trains, taxis, funiclars, gondola lifts, catamarans, horse and carriage, a white water raft, and a submarine.

    A Submarine in St. Thomas

    A Submarine in St. Thomas

  • I have slept at cheap motels with lumpy matresses and bed vibrators (LOL!) and in luxury penthouse suites with balconies bigger than my house.  I have been flooded out of a tent, camped in mud, and been in an intense thunder & lightning rain storm on a boat in the Siene river.  I have been rushed to the hospital in Prague in a freezing cold ‘ambulance’ while the drivers smoked cigarettes.

    Black Tie Dinner with my Honey

    Black Tie Dinner with my Honey

  • I have watched the sunset from the Eiffel Tower, shopped in occupied East Berlin and stood in a subway station surrounded by guards with machine guns, been in the ovens at Auschwitz, walked inside a glacier, swam in the Mediterranean, explored catacombs and mines, seen Old Faithful, swam with dolphins and with gigantic sting rays, seen my Great-Great-G?-Uncle’s artwork in the castle in Prague, nursed my son in the West Wing of the White house and waved to the President of the United States as he lifted off in a helicopter from the back lawn, learned how to sew seed beads by an American Indian, listened to a Venetian Orchestra inside an old church in Venice, seen the Swiss Alps from the top, had a beer in the Hofbrauhaus in Munchen at the age of 15, hiked to the top of Mt. Lassen, gone off roading in a jeep on the beach in Cozumel, and been the literal butt of a ventriloquist’s dummy’s joke.
Being SUPER embarrassed by the dummy. ;)

Being SUPER embarrassed by the dummy. ;)

The most exciting thing about experiences is that they come every day.  I have traveled many places, but I have a long list of places I still want to visit, people and places I still want to see, and that I am thankful for too.  It gives me many things to look forward to.

Standing infront of a dream in Key West

Standing in front of a dream in Key West

Happy Dreaming, Traveling, Journaling, and Grateful Living,

LoveLoriButton

 Older Entries  Newer Entries