Happy Halloween !

   Due to a malfunctioning sewing machine and lack of seamstress skill on my part, the Angry Birds costumes were a fail.  However, Stormy still dressed up and I thought I would share his picture with you all.  He does make a pretty mean Catula.  

Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet

This is such a simple way to revamp that bracelet you grabbed from the dollar bin, found at Goodwill, etc. Here's what you'll need:
-Sturdy Bracelet
-Ribbon of your choice
-Glue (I recommend Fabri-Tac or hot glue)

Wrap a small piece of ribbon around your bracelet to act as a guide. You can either make a full loop or just enough to cover the visible part, it's up to you.  Cut out several piece of ribbon to match your first one (see picture in upper left corner.  How many you need will depend on ribbon width and bracelet size.  Add a dab of glue to the inside of your bracelet, attach the ribbon, wrap over and attach the other end of the ribbon with another dot of glue.  Repeat until you have covered your bracelet, being careful to overlap the ribbon slightly so your bracelet doesn't show through.  

Coffee Confessions

Confession #1
   I love things that are mini-mini animals, mini cupcakes...if you can find the miniature form of something, I'll probably like it.  The exception to this rule is mini corncobs.  I positively loathe them and find them to be somewhat unsettling.  They look like they belong on an episode of X-files rather than in my food.
Confession #2
   I love red lipstick but it intimidates me to wear it.  I've always thought "I'll wear it when I'm more grown up" Oh wait...
Confession #3
   I had Red Bull every day this week and feel no shame.
Confession #4
   I have to check my alarm at least 3 times before I'm able to sleep.
Confession #5
   I can't stand hipsters but love mustaches, scarves and Ray Ban wayfarrers.
Confession#6
   I love planning, but I'm not good at following said plans.
Confession#7
   I talk at the TV.  When something happens in a movie that I don't like, I make sure to voice my opinion.  I also ask questions I don't want the answers to.  "Is *character's name* going to die?"  "It doesn't end this way does it?" Yup, I'm one of those people.

Thirsty Thursday: Gluehwein (Glue what?)

   I don't know about you, but I'm always interested in trying the traditional foods that represent my heritage.  Being predominantly German on my father's side, I saw this and thought I'd give it a whirl.  It is a unique twist on mulled wine, which just seems right this time of year.  It is based off of this recipe, but since I'm a lightweight, I modified it to suit my tastes.  This fills your home with the loveliest spicy aroma, you simply must try it.

1 Bottle (750ml) red wine
2 Cups orange juice
1 Orange, cut into thick slices
1/2 Cup sugar (I used turbinado, but white works fine as well)
4 Tablespoons honey
1 cinnamon stick
10 whole cloves
1 Allspice berry

   Mix orange juice, sugar, honey and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer.  Stick your spices into the orange slices and place them in the saucepan.  Allow to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until fairly thick.  Add your wine and allow the mixture to heat through until steaming.  Pour into mugs and drink!

Mid Week Laugh

Coffee Confessions

Confession #1-I'm a sucker for sparkly make up and accessories but I loathe sparkly clothes.
Confession #2-Sometimes I crave foods by color.  I know.  Weird.  Like all orange food, all white food, all green food, etc.  I don't realize it until it's all on my plate.
Confession #3-I have high expectations when I make a purchase...Whether it is my $1 McDonalds coffee or something far costlier, I expect to get what I asked for.  If I don't, well, you'll know.
Confession #4-I love having naturally curly hair.  Even though it can be rebellious, it still makes me smile.
Confession #5-I almost freaked out when I thought the lady at the check out wasn't going to card me for the wine I bought.  She did, but I felt really old there for a second.
Confession #6-I am really tired of allergy season, and it's only just begun...
Confession #7-I really want a cape for the fall, but I am afraid it will make me look like a hobbit.

Thirsty Thursday: Real Hot Chocolate

   With the onset of fall and the cool evenings I have really been craving hot drinks.  I tried making hot chocolate the other day but the cocoa based powdered mixes just don’t seem to cut it.  So, I set out on a search for a solid “real” hot chocolate recipe.  Mine is adapted from this recipe.  I couldn’t bring myself to make it with half & half like they call for, but I’m sure it would be even more tasty. 

2 ¼ cups milk (I used whole)

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate-chopped

2 ounces milk chocolate-chopped

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder

Heat milk over medium heat until just below simmering.  Remove from heat and stir in chocolate.  Once it is melted, add the rest of the ingredients and whisk thoroughly.  Reheat a bit if needed, then serve. 

While this is lovely as is….here are a few tweeks just for fun.

-add a shake of cinnamon or cayenne for some extra heat

-add 1/2 a shot of your favorite liqueur, such as creme de menthe, irish cream or Frangelico. 

-add a spoon of Nutella

-use flavored chocolate such as orange or raspberry 

Steve Jobs, Remembered.

   I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs today.  While most know him as the driving force behind Apple's genius, he was also the original financial backer of one of my favorite film companies, Pixar.  His vision, passion and remarkable ability to see the potential in others will live on in the hearts of millions. 

Coffee Confessions

Confession #1-I am a product junkie. In other words, I rarely buy the same thing twice. I'm always on the search for a better product.
Confession #2-Fall is my favorite season. I think I could be happy if it was fall all the time.
Confession #3-I am the queen of the unfinished book.
Confession #4-Sometimes I wake up panicky for reasons unknown to me. It's hard to shake.
Confession #5-I am incapable of giving up coffee. I have tried. It just doesn't work. Coffee makes me happy and makes me a better person, why should I give it up?
Confession #6-I can spend all day watching The Big Bang Theory.