April 7, 2016

Fuller House DJ's Wardrobe Part I


I grew up watching Full House. I absolutely loved that show. It's been 21 years since its final episode. So, when I heard there was going to be a reboot of the show, I was super excited and it was one of the biggest reasons I jumped on the Netflix bandwagon. I know, I know, it took me quite a few years to finally join, but I did it and I have no regrets.

I am finally in the year 2016, before Netflix, I had no idea what was going on out there. I hadn't watch a TV show in years because I decided a long time ago to cut my cable. Long story. I will share that on another day, but back to Full House. The reboot, Fuller House, airs exclusively on Netflix and I have binge watching them all in the past week or so and absolutely love it. It's really a sweet show.

I was amazed how they all just fit right back into their former roles. Candace Cameron-Bure, who plays DJ and Jodie Sweetin, who plays Stephanie, have really stood out in regards to their acting, and not to mention, their amazing on-set wardrobe. While, I typically wear what "Stephanie's" character wears, I have been loving "DJ's" outfits.

Here is part I of my some of favorite outfits she has been wearing in the first part of the season.


Episode 1:




In the first episode of Fuller House, DJ wears a two piece Jonathan Simkhai Colorblock cropped top and skirt.


And in one of the very first scenes in the first episode she carries this beautiful tan Clare V.  Messenger bag.



Episode 2:


Denim Top (Similar) |  Boots

In episode 2 of Fuller House, DJ wears a tucked in denim top, gray washed skinny jeans and black ankle boots and simple red necklace. This is something I would definitely wear.
Other similar denim tops include: Bella Dahl Denim Top

And her hair is just perfect isn't it? I have to do a post just on her a hair alone one of these days!


Episode 3:



In episode 3, DJ wears this cute mini lace romper, it's a bit too short for me, but if you have rock'n legs like Candace does I would say go for it. You can always cover up the top half with a fitted black blazer.  Unfortunately, this one is sold out everywhere, but there are a few similar ones:



Episode 4:



In episode 4, DJ wears my absolute favorite look, when she wears this awesome denim Bella Dahl Open Back Halter Dress with brown Via Spiga Brandina Gladiator Sandals and a Clare V. navy bag. As soon as I saw this outfit, I knew I needed to have it. It looks comfortable, yet so chic. They really nailed this whole ensemble. While the sandals and bag are still available, the dress is sold out everyone, but I found a few look-a-likes:


Episode 5:



In this episode, DJ wears a few cute outfits, like this Narciso Rodriguez Colorblock dress (unfortunately is sold out) but I really loved this Clare V. Moyen Messenger bag, which is still available.




Episode 6:



Sweater (similar) | Necklace | Boots 

This is one of my favorite outfits because of the cut of the sweater and the contrasting necklace, paired with skinny jeans and these cute Rag & Bone gray ankle boots, and these Cole Haan booties look exactly like it at half the price.

The navy blue sweater contrasts beautifully with the pink and white howlite necklace. The collar necklace DJ wears is from Bauble Bar and is currently sold out, however, Bauble Bar has a waitlist you can sign up for, here: http://www.baublebar.com/howlite-botanica-collar-necklace.html


So that is Part I of my little wardrobe series of the first few episodes of Fuller House, stay tuned for Part II, with more awesome outfits DJ has worn on the show.

April 5, 2016

Revoking Authorization on Apps in Instagram



As some of you might know, during the day I work in the tech field, so when I am not crafting, taking photos, baking, or in the Taekwondo dojo, I am behind a computer.

And once an a while I will share some tech advice here.

Recently, I was looking for a quick app to repost instagram photos. I found the top three that were free and had great reviews, but when I downloaded the apps they seemed "sketchy", so I wanted to remove them from my device as soon as possible. However, even if you remove an app from your mobile device, that does not mean that you have revoked its authorization to access your content.

In order to full revoke access from an app you installed you will need to do the following:

  1. Visit: https://instagram.com/accounts/manage_access
  2. Login with your Instagram account.
  3. And select 'Revoke Access' on the apps you did not install or would like to revoke access to.



And that's it. Now you can remove the app from your mobile device if you had not done so.

March 24, 2016

Burt's Bee Lipstick


I was in the pharmacy recently, minding my own business, when I came across the new Burt's Bee line of 100% natural lipsticks. And I am big fan of the Burt's Bee line, we use their face wash, exfoliator, lip balms, and deodorants. So, once I saw these lipsticks it gave me a reason to finally toss out all my other lipsticks, as I have been trying to find a natural option. Have you ever read what's in these other lipsticks out there? A lot of them are made with Blue and Red 40 and all sorts of dye and unnatural ingredients. I do what I can not to eat foods with any artificial colors, flavors and ingredients, so why would I put them on my lips? In addition to it being natural, I wanted a natural line that carried pretty colors I could wear, wasn't drying and lasted more than an hour. I have tried countless lipsticks, and most of them do not give full coverage that conditions and lasts. And these had everything I was looking for, so I did throw out quite a few lipsticks.

So far I only have tried two, Lily Lake and Tulip Tide, both in the berry/mauve family. In total this new line of lipsticks come in 14 shades that are all made with natural ingredients like raspberry seed oils, beeswax, Moringa Oil, and Vitamin E

Read more at http://www.burtsbees.com/Lipstick/VM-792850894372,default,pd.html#ZvBJItDveEVEEQqK.99


My daily go to shade has quickly become Tulip Tide, as I have been looking for a light pale pink color to wear everyday. I apply them by first applying a small amount of lip balm, then applying a liner, and then the lipstick. Because these lipsticks are so soft and moisturizing, I find that the liner help holds onto the color longer.


It's a very retro color and I love pairing it with a cat eye.



Lily Lake, is a berry color, which is perfect for me because I don't normally wear strong colors on my lips, but this adds a bright berry color to my lips, while moisturizing my lips and last for a few hours.

So happy this line came out and that I could incorporate natural lipsticks to my daily makeup routine. You can find these at your local pharmacy, I bought mine at Walgreens and Whole Foods. You can also buy them online at the Burt's Bee site.








March 14, 2016

Revani - Greek Cake


Well, I just noticed that most of my posts have been about baking lately. I guess that's a good indicator that I need to take it easy with all the sweet treats I have been baking and consuming.

But, for me, baking is so relaxing. When I am in the kitchen working on a recipe nothing else is on my mind, except for measuring, mixing, and creating. I can stand in the kitchen for hours and bake for a small army.

I have so many favorite treats, usually they involve chocolate, but this one is a greek dessert that usually is only made for celebrations. Revani is one of my favorite Greek cakes, I even prefer it over Baklava, yes, I know, I said it. Call the Greek Police.

Revani is like the Greek version of pound cake, but this pound cake is super moist thanks to the sweet honey/cinnamon syrup that is poured over it. I know..drool..

Ingredients
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
6 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup of fine semolina
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Syrup:
3 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
Teaspoon of lemon juice.


Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and lightly grease your pan, I used a 13×9-inch pan.
  1. In a small bowl combine the flour, semolina and baking powder in a bowl and set to the side.
  2. In a large bowl combine the butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. 
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beat after each one. Stir in the vanilla and begin adding the flour mixture a little at a time until just combined. Pour into baking pan.
  4. Bake at 425 degrees for about 5 minutes then lower oven to 350 degrees and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  5. In a saucepan, stir in all the syrup ingredients at medium, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer on low until the cake is ready.
  6. Add the hot syrup to the cake while it is warm, and a little at a time until the syrup is complete. Set aside, cool to room temperature and serve. You can also save some of the syrup if you plan on serving it later or the next day.

March 9, 2016

Macrame Druzy Bracelets



I have been working on new pieces for The Black Feather shop. I haven't done macrame in years and have recently revisited the technique and with it creating a mix of macrame bracelets with druzies edged in gold in beautiful colors like pink, blue, shades of amethyst, and green. I love the look of the handmade macrame technique with the combination of a strong druzy stone. The cord is silky soft and I made the closures a simple drawstring, so no clasps to worry about.

All of these are now available in my shop.



March 5, 2016

Eggless Pancakes


Didn't have eggs in the morning, but that didn't stop me from making chocolate chip blueberry pancakes🍫 😍 ☕️  To be honest, I actually prefer these over my regular pancakes. They are fluffy and light.


Ingredients

1 cup of flour

a pinch of salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1½ tsp baking powder
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs butter melted (you can substitute) 

1 tsp maple syrup


Mix all of the dry ingredients together first and then add the liquids. The key is to not over mix, there should be little lumps and let the batter rest a few minutes before you pour. I add chocolate chips and blueberries to the mix. You can add any fruits you want. I also love to add bananas and strawberries.


Warm the skillet (pan) on medium heat. I then use a little butter or coconut oil on the skillet.



I then top it off by sprinkling shredded coconut and agave syrup. I love starting my morning like this. Enjoy!! Have a beautiful weekend.


March 2, 2016

Chocolate Chip Muffins


Every time I make muffins, I sing the Muffin Man song. Do you remember the muffin man nursery rhyme? "Do you know the muffin man, the muffin man?"Do you know the muffin man, The muffin man, the muffin man...." and I just keep singing that the whole time. This time I made some chocolate chip muffins, because you can't start the morning without a small helping of chocolate, or in this case lots of it.

All you need is:

2 ½ cups  all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, very softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk 
1 tbsp of maple syrup
2 cups of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°F and place muffin baking cups in a 12 cup muffin tray.

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk and syrup. Slowly add to the dry ingredients until just combined, do not over mix. Over mixing causes the muffins to dry out. they will be more moist if not over mixed.

Divide the batter into the 12 muffin cups and bake at 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. 


This is a perfect little morning breakfast with some fruit to balance out all that yummy chocolate goodness. I brought a few in the office with me and all the others I stored in a tightly covered tupperware, it should last for a good 4 days if placed in a tight container.  But they always taste the best right out of the oven. Enjoy!!

February 23, 2016

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait


My newest addiction are these strawberry yogurt parfaits and they are super easy to make.

All you need is yogurt, I use Greek Yogurt from Fage. It's plain greek yogurt with a 130 calories and 23 grams of protein.

Put some yogurt on the base of a dish, then a layer of cut fresh strawberries, and then another layer of yogurt. I then top it all off with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, drizzle of honey and on some days I add some chocolate chips.


This a perfect breakfast treat or a sweet dessert for any day of the week.