California Dreaming

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Hooray for vacations! In a couple weeks I will be going to California, and I can't wait. I will definitely be ready to leave the hot and humid south for the amazing California weather I have been hearing about. Here are a few things I'd love to pack in my suitcase.   

Peach Season

Peach crisp is something my family makes every summer. This family recipe started out as an apple crisp recipe from my great great grandmother, but when I was growing up, my mom started making this recipe using peaches instead of apples. The peaches and the streusel topping are the perfect combination for a summer dessert. I recommend serving warm with vanilla bean ice cream. You might even lick the bowl, trust me.

Peach Crisp

2 cups fresh peaches (I used about 12 small to medium size peaches)

3 tablespoons flour

⅓ cup sugar

½-1 teaspoon cinnamon depending on how much you like

Mix together and place in a 9x13 pan sprayed with non-stick spray.

Topping 

2 cups oats

1 cup sugar

½ cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter

Mix throughly. Press over the peaches. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees until the topping is golden. Enjoy with vanilla bean ice cream!

Now Open!

For the past couple of months, I have been making invitations and posters for friends and family.

I decided I could open a shop with some of the things I had made,
so I finally sat down one afternoon and opened my Etsy shop.

I am so happy Sweet Tea & Sparkles is now open!

Back Again

Where have I been??

These past couple of months have been filled with weekend trips, 

working on new projects (more info soon!), and enjoying the warm summer weather. 

I got to spend a weekend in Knoxville visiting friends 

and going to the Old Smokey Moonshine Distillery

My first NBA game visiting one of my closest friends in Memphis

The newest addition to the family!

 The beautiful streets of German Village in Columbus

Home sweet home

                                                                                                                                    

DIY Polka Dot Vase Inspired by Kate Spade

I am a sucker for polka dots, so when I saw this Kate Spade 'larabee dot' vase at Nordstrom I was in love. I have been wanting to try glass etching, so I thought I would try making my own. I had originally planned to use contact paper as the stencil, but I found this tutorial on A Beautiful Mess using reinforcement tabs. GENIUS!  

Supplies:

Clear vase (I got mine for $5.99 at T.J. Maxx)

Glass etching Cream

Reinforcement tabs 

Paint brush

Gloves

How To:

1. Clean the vase with soap and water to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

2. Place the reinforcement tabs around the vase. Make sure there aren't any bubbles for the etching cream to seep under.

3. Glass etching cream is pretty corrosive so wear gloves! Apply a thick layer of cream inside the tabs. Allow the cream to set for 30 minutes or as long as the directions indicate. 

4. Rinse the vase under warm water to remove the cream and tabs. 

5. Admire the beautiful etching!

Wishlist: Office Accessories

notebooks // flower vases // desk calendar // desk cubby // pin board frame // 

pencils // clock // address stamp // polka-dot pouf

I have a desk in my room but I can't remember the last time I used it for more than a place to pile my clothes. I couldn't take the clutter anymore, so I put my organizational skills to work and cleared everything off. Once I add some pretty accessories, it will be the perfect working space.

Lush Lashes

For a more dramatic look, I love wearing false lashes but they can be such a pain to apply. One trick I have found to get the look of false lashes without the hassle is to layer your mascara. This will leave your lashes looking long and luscious!

First, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Next, apply a coat of lengthening mascara. My favorite is Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions. Finally, apply a coat or two of a volumizing mascara. I use Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof.

What are your favorite mascaras?

Sausage, Tomato, and Arugula Fettuccine

This pasta is the definition of light and fresh. It is so simple and easy to put together in about 20 minutes. If you are looking for something at the last minute, this is the perfect dish for the spring. Next time I think I'll add a little kick with some crushed red pepper or spicy sausage. 

Sausage, Tomato, and Arugula Fettuccine

Adapted from Cooking Light

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine

1 tablespoon olive oil 

6 ounces Italian turkey sausage

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 pint cherry tomatoes 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2/3 cup chicken broth (I used vegetable broth because I didn’t have chicken broth)

3 cups baby arugula leaves 

Pecorino Romano cheese, shaved

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. 

While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Break sausage into bite-sized pieces and add to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently to crumble. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes and pepper; cover and cook 2 minutes. Mash tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to break them up. Cover pan; reduce heat to low, and cook 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add pasta, reserved 2/3 cup broth, and arugula; toss well. Sprinkle with pecorino Romano, a must!

Light and Bright

Scarves are the perfect spring accessory. 

Adding a scarf can dress up any casual outfit, 

while adding a little warmth in this fickle spring weather. 

Here are a few that have caught my eye this spring:

1. Piperlime

2. Swell

3. Anthropologie

4. Daily Look

Who knew there were so many ways to tie a scarf! 

Check out a list and how-to's here.

DIY Stripe Clutch

Lately, I have been dying to add a little pop of neon to my wardrobe. A few months ago I spotted this gorgeous Clare Vivier clutch at Anthropologie. I loved the bright stripe down the middle but I didn't love the price. With some acrylic paint and a plain brown clutch, I figured I could make my own.

Supplies:

Leather or faux leather clutch (I purchased mine from here for only $3.99!)

Acrylic craft paint

Paint brush

Painters tape

Fine grit sand paper

Rubbing alcohol

Cotton balls

Small bowl for paint

Mod Podge (I used Satin finish)

Q-tips

How To:

1. Tape off a stripe down the middle of the clutch. If there is a buckle, tape around it as well. 

2. Use the sand paper between the two pieces of tape to rough up the surface of the clutch. This will help the paint stick to the bag.

3. Prep the area you want to paint with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. This helps remove the shiny finish the leather might have. 

4. Paint between the two pieces of tape (I mixed three different colors to get the perfect neon pink). Allow a few minutes for the paint to dry between coats. Apply a couple coats of paint to get the desired look. I applied 5 coats to my clutch.

5. Remove the tape and use a wet Q-tip to remove any bits of paint that seeped underneath the tape.

6. Finally, brush two to three coats of Mod Podge on top of the paint. Allow 15-20 minutes to dry.

You're finished! 

I can't wait to wear mine this spring!

Pear and Blackberry Scones with Cinnamon Honey Butter

After a relaxing week at the beach, I am home and back to reality. 

One morning we stopped at a coffee shop in town, Amavida Coffee and Tea, to pick up coffee and breakfast. One of the pastries that caught my eye was a peach and blackberry scone. It was so delicious that I knew I had to recreate the recipe when I got home.

Since peaches aren't in season, I chose to use pears instead and I am so glad I did!

Oh. My. Goodness. These scones are heavenly. After pulling them out of the oven and letting them cool, I ate not one, not two, but three (whoops!). They are THAT good.

Pear and Blackberry Scones

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

2 almost ripe pears (I used Anjou) 

1 6 oz. package blackberries

1 1/2 cups all-all purpose flour 

1/4 cup granulated sugar plus a little extra to sprinkle on top

1 1/2 teaspoon backing powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 large eggs, 1 for dough, 1 for egg wash

Heat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel and core pears. Cut into 1-inch chunks. Whisk flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar and salt together in the bowl of an electric mixer. Toss in pear chunks, blackberries, bits of butter, heavy cream and 1 egg. With the paddle attachment, mix the dough on low speed until it just comes together. Don’t overmix. 

On a very well floured counter, pat out dough until it is about 6 inches around. Cut into 9 squares and transfer to baking sheet at least two inches apart. Whisk remaining egg in a small dish with 1 teaspoon of water and a pinch of salt. Brush each scone with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar.

Bake scones until firm and golden, about 30-35 minutes. I started out with 25 minutes and ended up cooking them for another 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Serve with cinnamon honey butter. 

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Honey Butter

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa Parties!

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Combine the butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Serve at room temperature.

Life According to my iPhone.

Loving Coconut Oil.

A few weeks ago, I started to hear a lot about coconut oil and how many different uses it has. People were raving about how great it is, so I broke down and bought a jar at Trader Joe's. Can I just say that it is AMAZING! I originally started using it as a body moisturizer after I got out of the shower. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and moisturized, especially during these dry, winter months. It does have a coconut scent but it isn't too overpowering. I personally, really like the smell. 

After a couple weeks of using it after the shower, I decided to start using it as my nighttime facial moisturizer. I was skeptical at first because I thought it might clog my pores. Boy, was I wrong! I have never had issues with acne, but I typically have a small break out once or twice a month. Since I have been using it at night, I haven't broken out and my skin is noticeably healthier. I have even noticed my makeup has been applying more even on my skin. I would definitely recommend trying it on your skin! It is also a great eye makeup remover for those had to remove mascaras and eye liners.

Now I want to start cooking with coconut oil and using it in my hair (I have once or twice, but not enough to see a difference). Let me know if you have tried coconut oil and how you use it!

Cumin Crusted Pork Soft Tacos.

Not only am I ready for warmer weather, I am ready for spring and summer meals. I have been missing fresh fruits and vegetables!

This recipe is a staple in my house because of how delicious and easy it is to prepare. The avocado and tomato salad is my favorite part about the tacos, but the recipe makes more than you will need. I love to eat the extra salad with tortilla chips or even by itself. 

Cumin Crusted Pork Tacos

Adapted from Cooking Light

• Pork:
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (1/2-pound) pork tenderloin 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• Salsa:
• 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
• 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 
• 1 cup cubed peeled avocado 
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 
  
• 1 cup nonfat greek yogurt 
• 2 teaspoons canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce 
• Flour tortillas
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 425°.
• To prepare pork, combine first 5 ingredients. Rub cumin mixture over pork. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook 4 minutes or until browned on all sides. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until a thermometer registers 155°. Remove pork from oven; let stand 5 minutes. Cut pork across grain into thin slices.
• To prepare salsa, combine corn and next 7 ingredients (through beans).
• Combine greek yogurt and chipotle in a blender; process until smooth.
• Spoon about 1 ounce pork onto each tortilla. Top each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons salsa and about 2 teaspoons greek yogurt mixture.