Irish Beef Hand Pies

Its no secret that I don't love to cook. I've admitted this before. I love food and I love to eat but I would much rather be doing just about anything else when it comes to cooking. I have been wanting to cut down on our food budget, so I have been cooking alot more but I am being smart about it. I am making double batches of everything I cook and freezing the leftovers for a quick meal. I tried this yummy hand pie recipe from Martha Stewart after searching for freezer meal recipes. This is so easy and sooo yummy! It makes for a great fall-time dinner. Read on for the recipe and step-by-step pictures.

Darling Patterns- an Etsy jewel

Remember my friend Stephanie at Deviantly Domesticated? I have told you about her amazing site that features all things domestic (here), and today I am introducing you to her uber-awesome Etsy shop! Stephanie sells patterns for her gorgeous projects in her shop. I love it all! She is just so talented. I eat up every little thing she makes. Those baby quilts {swoon}... Drop in and take a look around her shop. You are going to love it!

DIY: Five Minute Sweater Pants for Babies

Last year while visiting my sister-in-law, she showed me how to make baby pants out of old sweater sleeves.

Seriously? ...Seriously? ...Seriously!

And, what sweetens the deal even more? It can be done in 2 seams and five minutes! Now, grab an old sweater, a strip of elastic, your sewing machine and lets get busy! Read on to see the picture tutorial.

DIY Halloween Banner

A couple weeks ago, I ran across some black glittered felt. When I saw it I instantly thought how cute it would be to use in a Halloween banner for my fireplace. I had visions of black glittery bats, owls, spiders, and letters spelling out "boo". Because of my No-Halloween-Decorations-Before-October rule, I wont be putting this banner up for another week, but I had to get started on making it if I wanted to use it this year. As I played around, my vision morphed into the bats, candy corns, and words you see now. I just love how it turned out! It is seriously so easy and cost a whooping $2 to make! I even included a printable template for you so the hardest part is done! Read on to get the tutorial...

Fran's Sea Salt Caramels

Oh boy! Are you in store for a treat! Today, I am introducing you to Fran's Salt Caramels. Your life will never be the same! :)

I have lived here in the Seattle area for over 3 years now and I have really enjoyed delving into the local eats and attractions. One of my favorite finds, second only to Duke's Chowder House, is Fran's Chocolates. To be even more specific, Fran's Sea Salt Caramels. I just loooove how the sea salt enhances the flavors of the caramel, but this is probably doesnt surprise you after I posted about Starbucks' Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate huh? Anyway, Fran's has been a Seattleite favorite for 25 years now, but she has recently enjoyed more widespread fame after President Obama and Mrs. Obama declared her sea salt caramels to be their favorite candy after trying some during a Seattle campaign stop. The caramels come in two varieties, Smoked Salt Milk Chocolate and Grey Salt Dark Chocolate. The President likes the Smoked Salt, while the First Lady prefers the Grey. I have to say I am respectfully siding with the First Lady on this one. And as if a presidential endorsement weren't enough, Fran's has recently been featured in the New York Times, The Today Show, Cooking Light Magazine, and even Martha Stewart Living.

These mouthwatering, sophisticated chocolates are absolutely irresistable! Lucky you, even if you arent in the Seattle area you are still able to try these tasty morsels! Fran's is online at franschocolates.com and even here on Amazon. You should think about bookmarking this for gift ideas. I love to send these as holiday gifts!

DIY Autumn Rub-on Transfer Decor

Remember my homemade glass hurricanes? Well, I decided to spiff them up a bit with some rub-on transfers. Rub-on transfers are such an easy and economical way to change up your seasonal decor, and because they are removable you can switch it for every season.  I just love these Fall transfers...awww owls! Read on, to see my picture tutorial...

Buckle up!

This is a seat belt advocacy commercial for Sussex, England. Apparently this has been floating around cyber land for awhile now, but I just saw it for the first time yesterday. So beautiful....what a concept!



I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

I've been featured {a big list of thank you's}

I love sharing all my creative endeavors with you! What I love even more is when I see that you have gotten inspiration, encouragement, joy, or entertainment out of my posts! That is why I started this blog, to find my aloha and to scatter it. This week I have been overjoyed with all the features my posts have received. I like to take the time to thank everyone who valued a project and shared it with others. I do this not to brag or toot my horn, but out of sincere thankfulness. With that said, I'd like to take this time to thank all the wonderful ladies who featured me this week...

DIY Candlestick Hurricanes

I love hurricanes. They have such classic lines and make seasonal decorating so easy. You can change the whole look by just switching out the contents with the seasons. When I first saw tutorials for DIY Hurricanes start floating around blogosphere, I filed away the idea and began scoping out thrift stores for the perfect candlesticks, vases, glasses, and bowls. This is so super simple and cheap! Each hurricane cost me $2! Read on to see how I did it...

A Goodwill Goldmine!

Quite often I can come home from thrifting with just one or two small treasures or even empty handed. The experienced thrifty knows that patience is a virtue, persistence is key, and that tomorrow is another day- another truckload. But yesterday was not one of those days! I walked into Goodwill and felt like I walked into a goldmine! Read on to see my treasures...


My first find of the day were these mint-condition microfiber chairs...

Yep, you read the tag right! $39.99 a piece, with another 20% off furniture sale! I had just walked in the door but I literally raced to find a salesperson so I could claim them! By the time the salesperson and I had returned to the chairs to finish filling out the sales slip there was already a crowd around them. Sorry people, today the luck was mine!


After I shooed the disappointed thrifters off my chairs, I wandered the store a bit more and came across this copper lantern...

Isn't it pretty? I love it and I knew it would go perfectly with my decor. I have drooled over similar lanterns in home decor mags for years now. 


My last thrifty find is this adorable pear lamp. It's so gorgeous! It just might be my favorite... 

Don't you just love when the stars align and you are blessed with such thrifty luck? These finds were like striking gold for me! I find some awesome deals but nothing like this! Have you ever had such a lucky strike? What are your most treasured thrifty finds?

Starbucks' Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate...IS BACK!

It's back!!!!!

No, you are not dreaming or sleep-blogging...it's TRUE!! I saw it with my own eyes and sipped it my own lips! Starbucks has brought back the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate!

I am going to give that last sentence some time to marinate...

Today, while meeting with my gal pal for a cup of joe, my eyes caught a glimpse of something on the menu. It's odd I noticed it really, but there it was, down in the very bottom right-hand corner in humble print, "Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate". {Insert mind blowing, earth shattering, clock stopping SHRIEK!!!! here} My startled barista surely thought I was loony. I immediately ordered and then dialed my hubby to gloat, err... share the good news.

I am so glad Starbucks had a change of heart and brought my favorite drink back. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, says to Fall to me like a cup of this hot chocolate. I can deduce that this drink single-handedly makes up for at least 1/4th of the baby weight I gained in 2008. And now, post losing all said baby weight, I would do it all over again! This sweet, salty, chocolate, caramel, velvety beverage is worth every calorie.

If you are sitting here reading this and don't know first-hand what I am talking about...WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE? Seriously walk...no, RUN to your neighborhood Starbucks and beg your barista for a cup! Seriously!

I am fairly certain this is a nationwide drink now. Since I live in the Seattle area, sometimes they promo stuff in the local stores first. If you are so unlucky as to not have it on your menu, don't fret, you can turn your luck around. I used to work for Starbucks, so here's how you can still order it...

Ask for a Hot Chocolate
Have them add Toffee Nut syrup and caramel sauce.
If they don't have the fancy Fleur de Sel salt/Hawaiian turbinado sugar sprinkles, then I suggest taking it home and adding your own. Just like margaritas and body shots, it's just not the same without the salt. ;)

Deviantly Domesticated

I have someone I have been meaning to introduce you to...Stephanie Hillberry. I found Stephanie through a dear college friend. Stephanie has started an awesome new site and forum for us creatives and crafters....Deviantly Domesticated. Her site has taken the common link party to a new dimension! What is this new site about? Well, it all started when Stephanie traded in her "resume and suit for an apron and a blog"....

"WHEN WE HEAR THE WORD “DEVIANT,” we often think about teenagers with mohawks or couples with odd fetishes. Or we associate it with the word “devious,” which suggests something sinister or shady.

For me, however, “deviant” just means a jaunt off the well-beaten trail–a “deviation” from the normal expectations and patterns. It was, for instance, a deviation for me to quit my 9-5 career in a respectable field to stay home and bake, knit, write and create. I was, essentially, trading in my resume and suit for an apron and blog. And in the process of this transformation, I started recognizing others doing the same thing. Not exactly the same thing, of course, but deviating none the less. Like the stay-at-home mom I know who creates and sells jewelry through an online store, or the engineer who loves to bake elaborate treats for friends and family during her spare time."

Read on to see more from Deviantly Domesticated...

DIY $2 Ruffled Baby Legs

Is there anything cuter than chubby baby legs? Well, maybe if the baby is wearing these ruffled leg warmers! Baby Legs charges $12 for a pair (and they aren't even ruffled!), but thanks to our good friends at Target, we can make these adorable warmers for $2 a pair! Read on, to see my step-by-step picture tutorial...

Boardwalk Empire {Best of the 1920's}

This post marks the end of the Best of the 1920's Throwback week here on FMA. I am a bit sad...I had so much fun delving into this theme. I love the 1920's. Did you realize how much of our modern design was inspired by the fine arts and crafts of the twenties? What did you think? Did you enjoy the theme? Want to see more throwback weeks here on FMA? What era would you like to see next? I was thinking the 1960's...

If you too are sad to see this theme week end, dont fret! You can get your Twenties fix on HBO now...

Have you heard of the new HBO series Boardwalk Empire? Sopranos writer, Terence Winter and Director Martin Scorsese paired together on this new HBO drama set in during the prohibition in the 1920's. The pilot airs on HBO September 19th and this first episode reportedly cost $50 million! The show follows Atlantic City’s birth and the gangsters, bootleggers, and rum-runners who spawned it. It is rumored to be a mash up of the Sopranos and Mad Men. Personally, I cant wait to see it! I love the 1920's and period shows suck me in!



So what do ya think? Think you will watch it? Do you think HBO will make up their huge investment? Guess we will find out!

Spotlight on Tiffany {Best of the 1920's}

Another icon of the 1920's in America are Tiffany lamps. These stunning lamps are the result of very fine handcraftsmanship and artistic design. They are referred to as Tiffany lamps because the creator was Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of Tiffany & Co. Tiffany started up Tiffany Studios and first focused on interior design and stained glass windows. Some of his treasured windows are still popping up in old home renovations. It has been thought until recently that Tiffany lamps were soley designed by Tiffany, but recent revelations suggest that Clara Driscoll and a team of talented young women also played a large role in the lamp designs. Rather ironic, as the 1920's were a turning point for Women's rights.

I adore these lamps and have been scoping them out for a few years now. Nowadays most Tiffany lamps are reproduction but usually still start over $100. Authentic Tiffany's are priceless and a gorgeous piece of American Design history. Aren't they just spectacular?

These next two are my favorites...

But with my move to Alaska on my mind, maybe I should be keeping my eye out for some like this next one...

Before we got orders to move, I literally had these pendants lights from Plow and Hearth in my cart. I planned to put them above my kitchen island. They are so beautiful and they screw right into a recessed light can. That's right! They screw right into a socket!! BRILLIANT! And right now they are only $60!

These are just the lamps that caught my eye. There is so much more out there, anything from sconces to chandeliers. All of these lamps are online at merchants such as Tiffany Lamps Galore, Simply Table Lamps, and Overstock and range in price anywhere from $65 to $309. All images are numbered for reference below:

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Bootlegger Kahlua {Best of the 1920's}

You didnt think we could have a 1920's theme week without a post about the prohibition did you? ;)  Prohibition was enacted in the US from 1920 to 1933. The endeavor has been widely considered a failure as it led to the popularity of "bootlegging" and the rise of organized crime as it became the sole distributor of illegal alcohol. Prohibition also led to the famous speakeasies of the era. A secret nod, shake, and wink could get you into a wild party dripping with "moonshine" and hot jazz! So, to truly pay tribute to the era I had to dig deep and search out the inner bootlegger...

Last Fall my sister-in-law introduced to me to homemade Kahlua. I begged her for the recipe so I could make my own and put it in Christmas gift baskets. It was a HUGE hit! This is so yummy and seriously easy!

Here's what you need to get started...

1 12-cup pot very strong coffee (chocolate flavored is best, I used Godiva Chocolate Truffle)
2 lbs. light brown sugar
6 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 bottle 190 proof Clear Springs or Everclear (In some states, including WA, they dont allow that high of a proof so you have to settle for 151)

Bring coffee to a boil in a large pot. Gradually add 2 lbs. light brown sugar and return to boil stirring constantly. Give the pot an ice bath to cool it to room temperature.

When completely cool, add the vanilla and the alcohol. This recipe yields five 750ml bottles of Kahlua. Technically, the Kahlua is ready to serve but I like to age it for a couple months. I think it smooths out over time. If you want to use this for Christmas gifts, I suggest doing this soon to give time to age.

I save up old liquor bottles to age the Kahlua in, then when I am assembling my gift baskets I transfer it to bottles like these from Amazon...

I am joining these AWESOME link parties!

Just joining in on the Best of the 1920's? Click here to see the whole week!

pssssssssssssst! Like the roomier look to FMA? I got tired of being so crowded so I tweaked the site a bit. Ahhh.....stretch! I'm loving all this room! :)

Update: Sept 14th

This was featured on Under The Table And Dreaming today! :D

 

Flapper Fashionistas {Best of the 1920's}

The 1920's were a historical decade for women. This was a momumental time for Women's Suffrage, and a time when women abandoned the stiff, modest Victorian dresses and corsets for the swinging fashions of the flapper girl. This breakaway from the traditional full length dresses and rib shattering corsets really paved the path for modern fashions. Lately, I've been seeing a big swing back to the 1920's in new fashion trends. For instance, embellished headbands are a close derivatative from the headbands of the flapper girls...

Doesn't this band from Forever 21 conjure up thoughts of speakeasies, fringed dresses, and jazz? Target has their own line of these Flapper inspired bands for $10...

Another piece of today's fashion that can traced back to the twenties are these oh-so-popular cloche hats...

I am totally digging that green buckled cloche. So cute for Fall! And the grey Banana Republic cloche is so classic! If you're looking for something a little more feminine check out this beauty from WonderTrading's Etsy shop....

Or this classy one from Ranch Vintage...

I was giddy when I saw that Banana Republic just came out with a new Art Deco inspired line! Their fashions are a great throwback to the Flappers, but if you want something a little less subtle check out these gorgeous Etsy finds...

Timeless Vixen Vintage

Ahh, isnt that dress just dreamy? I love it! I am also loving the fun, flirty, jersey fringe on this black little number...

Glamarita

Dress and A Ditty {Best of the 1920's}

Remember, my friend Melissa over at Oh My Darling? She gave us our first Dress and a Ditty about a month ago. I love Melissa's musical and fashion taste, so when I decided to do a 1920's throwback week and begged her to contribute! I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

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The 1920’s were quite a time for the blossoming of creative endeavors, with both fashion and music being at the forefront of the Roaring 20’s. More specifically, this era was known as the Jazz Age, for the sudden popularity of this innovative and infectious style of music, and the flapper style went hand-in-hand with the gorgeous sounds of the trumpet or saxophone.


So, for this “dress and a ditty,” we’re going way back into the youtube archives for the song (sorry, no actual footage could be taken at this point in history!) of the “Heebie Jeebies,” a song that was performed and recorded by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five in 1926. This song is viewed as one of the early influences on the jazz movement, plus it helped to popularize the musical style of “scatting.” Eighty-some years later, this song still sounds so very powerful and makes this modern-day lady just want to get up and dance.

Okay, so now that you’re twirling and gyrating to some hot jazz, what’s a 20s-inspired girl to wear? Well, you would definitely be a vintage-inspired stunner in this Ted Baker Embroidered Flapper Dress from ASOS. Seriously, who wants to host a 1920's theme party just so that we have an excuse to wear this beautifully designed and embellished dress.

 

The dropwaist of this Banana Republic silk dress gives it that perfect mix of retro appeal and modern-day relevance. Pairing it with a cloche hat like the one the model is wearing is a nice extra way to pay homage to the aesthetic of the 20s.

And leave it to etsy to be a great resource for pieces with an authentic vintage flair. This lace flapper dress is simply gorgeous, with the deco patterns of the lace and embellishments. Can’t you just imagine it being worn by a very fashion-forward lady, once upon a time?

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Thanks Melissa! You're the cat's meow! ;)

An Ode to My Dream House {Best of the 1920's}

 

Early on in the twentieth century, Craftsman Style or Art & Crafts Style homes became very popular in America. These homes were built to be very efficifent and with very fine craftsmanship. They were defined by their simplicity, a revolt against the highly ornate Victorian era. This timeless and simplicitic design has transcended from the 1920's into the modern day home in so many ways. Take a look at these kitchens for example...

Craftsman style is the height of fashion right now. You cant open a Pottery Barn catalogue (especially PBK) or watch HGTV without seeing one of these kitchens. They are gorgeous! These kitchens are just as popular today as they were during the peak of the Roaring Twenties because of their clean lines, effecient storage (note the cabinets use all the vertical space in the room), and substantial yet simplictic hardware. I just adore those top glass cabinets.....{sigh}

Another defining feature of 1920's home design is the extensive amount of millwork, wainscoting, and built-ins. This is a rendering of a traditional Craftsman style living room...

This is a brand new modern day home...

Note the built-ins, millwork, and beamed ceiling. Isnt it gorgeous? Oh how I wish I owned the key to that house! Here is another example, of a renovated Craftsman home...

All these homes have such an attention to detail and common sense about them. Look at this columned room...

{Sigh} I am in love. One day I will own my dream home, a 1920's Craftmans style bungalow. Until then there have been a few very creative gals improvising and recreating this effect in their own homes. Like Thrifty Decor Chick's staircase...

This was a just a plain-jane, regular staircase until she added her own wainscoting. Click here to see how she did it!

Decor Chick also has a few tricks up her sleeve with this EASY faux wainscoting technique...

Centsational Girl did an awesome job with her living room wainscoting project...

Lastly, I cant write a post about Craftsman home design without mentioning inglenooks.  Ahh, inglenooks... Wouldnt it be lovely to have a room soley devoted to a fireplace? Especially with chilly days of Fall approaching, how wonderful would it be to curl up on one of these benches with some hot cocoa and a good book?

Phew! You made it to the end of this post! Sorry its such a long one, but it was worth it wasn't it? :)

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