July 23rd, 2012 § § permalink
I spent yesterday compiling a few of my favorite projects and designs that I’ve done over the last year or so, and I wanted to share my new portfolio with you! I realize that I don’t write much about my day job (working as a server at a seafood restaurant), but that’s mostly because it’s neither exciting nor creative. In fact, it’s the opposite of those things, which is why I decided to put together a portfolio of recent work so that hopefully I can find something I love to do instead of one that consists of taking food orders and getting people more tartar sauce. Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly thankful to have a job that’s flexible and pays well (which is what allows me to keep up with S + C), but I’m beyond ready to move on. So, if you know of anything exciting in Houston (or virtual) let me know. Even if not, I accept prayers even more so!
July 20th, 2012 § § permalink
Honestly, what’s not to love about Jihan Zencirli’s Geronimo studio? If I had to be sent to time-out, I would gladly pay for it to be in a corner of this space! You can drool over the rest on I Art U.
photos by I Art U // typography by Sugar & Cloth
July 19th, 2012 § § permalink
Let’s be frank, if you were to tell someone that you’re having cookies and coffee for breakfast, they would judge you. Heck, I might even judge, although I would be secretly jealous, so I can’t say for sure. Nonetheless, if you say you’re having biscotti and coffee for breakfast it’s all of the sudden classy. I’m not sure why that is but I don’t care! I’m having cookies, uh..biscotti for breakfast. To add a festive punch to it, I decided to dip them in colored white chocolate, which is not only the perfect touch to brighten your morning, but easily transforms them into party perfect bites.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon anise extract, or 3 drops anise oil
- 1 16 ounce bag of white chocolate chips
- Colored powered or oil (for colored chocolate)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and anise flavoring until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet. Place roll onto the prepared cookie sheet, and press down to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. When The cookies are cool enough to handle, slice each one crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes on each side. Slices should be lightly toasted.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a small bowl (using either the microwave or double boiling). Dip each piece into the chocolate and let them cool on wire rack. Once they are completely cooled, dip them again (but only halfway) in colored white chocolate*.
*To color chocolate, you must have either oil based or powdered colors.
Don’t these make for the cutest coffee or tea party?
July 18th, 2012 § § permalink
I’ve come to reluctantly accept the over-priced everything at attractions and major landmarks on some level. I get the whole you’re paying for the experience deal, but what I do have trouble with is when they tell me the $12 drink I just bought comes with a free logo glass. A) It wasn’t free. B) The frugal part of me refuses to throw it away even though I don’t like it because technically I just paid for it three seconds ago. Alas, I ended up with this terribly ugly glass after visiting Beale Street in Memphis last week. Do not fret though, my friends! I’m here to tell you to spray paint your hideous mis-matched souvenir glassware (that you probably only have one of anyways) and transform them into super cute vases!
After spray painting a few thin layers over the entire glass, let it dry and then fill with flowers!
July 17th, 2012 § § permalink
If there are lovely things to be found, you’ll see them on This Little Street. Audrey is the writer and keeper of This Little Street, and also the source of my world traveler envy. I love anyone that will up and move to a new country just for the experience, that’s so astounding to me and I’d love to do that some day (although I get homesick just living in the west, but that’s for another time). Here are some of Audrey’s style bits and pieces–
What’s your summer uniform?
New York has been crazy hot lately, so I’ve got to keep it light and comfy! Especially since I go to the playground every day with the girls – no mini skirt there! I usually wear fitted shorts, unless it’s cool enough that I can wear my skinny pants. Then a comfy but still fancy-ish top – something that will make me feel feminine and pretty. Something lace or some ruffles or a bow maybe. My hat and my ( completely beat-up) leather sandals are also part of the uniform. I like to braid my hair and twist that braid into a bun – it’s so easy and looks a bit more stylish…I wish I knew how (or had the time!) to do fancier hair styles.
What current trend are you obsessing over?
I am totally obsessed with anything coral and peach – happy summer colors! I think that’s really all I’ve shopped for lately – like this dress for example. Wearing bright colors is a bit new for me, I usually stick with neutral colors in my wardrobe – I know this might be a surprise for all my readers as my blog is rather colorful. I like colors around me rather than on me usually…but maybe times are changing?!
Style item you can’t leave the house without?
I am going to be cheesy here (yep, that’s all me!), but I’ll say a good old smile. I am a total believer that you are not fully dressed until you wear a smile. Cheesiness aside and all, I almost never leave the house without my favorite summer hat… that is, when my 2-year-old daughter doesn’t still it from me! It’s become her favorite hat too….even thought it’s waaaaaay too big for her :)
Have a favorite pattern?
I usually would have said polka dots (I’m obsessed!), but right now I am really into flowery/Liberty prints! Not necessarily in my clothes, but I love to spice up my outfits with some fun accessories like these flowery sandals) or this backpack - which is perfect when we go have a picnic in the park. It’s such a great way to add a feminin touch to an outfit.
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Audrey, two things: First, I need those leather sandals. Second, we may be long lost hat sisters. Thanks for sharing your Style Diaries! – xo Ash
Want to share your style? Email me! ashley[at]sugarandcloth.com
