State Pride

While procrastinating writing a paper, I decided to browse Etsy, a community marketplace of way too many adorable crafted and re-sold goods.

Of course, as this paper centers around the respective rights of states and the federal government, I found myself browsing state charm necklaces. While this has no academic benefit, it's been a great study break!

One of my favorites is the aptly named "Teensy State Charm Necklace." It really is tiny; the charm is just under the width of a finger. I also like that the state's name is stamped on the charm. Coupled with the delicate chain, it adds a sweet touch to the final product.

I'm a fan of the mismatched metals in these "Home is Where the Heart is" necklaces. There's a certain folksy aspect to them that gives the air of a wonderful back story. The heart also rounds out the cute metaphor of the piece's name.

These necklaces would make a touching gift for someone moving away from home (college students especially) as they serve as a wonderful reminder of the special place we call our home state.

Coffee Art

Like any college student, there are a few too many nights that end in the shocking realization "It's already 3:00? How'd that happen?" and far too many mornings that start too early.

I consistently eat breakfast, a habit instilled by my mom's (generous) practice of sending my siblings and I off to school with what would constitute a weekend brunch in most households. Case in point: my senior year of high school we were asked to share what we had eaten for breakfast as an exercise in my Human Geography class. The aim was to demonstrate eating patterns as both an effect and cause of cultural habits and geographic influences. As student after student responded with some variation of cereal, a Poptart, or no breakfast, I sheepishly downplayed my actual breakfast (eggs benedict with fruit) as an English muffin.

Without my mom at school to cook her amazing breakfasts, I've simplified to a new routine of toast, fruit, and coffee. The coffee I brew is nothing special (it took several tries to dissipate the bitter taste which is about the extent of my skills with the beverage). Partly due to my own inability to make anything beyond a simple cup of Joe, I am fascinated by baristas and their coffee expertise.

A few years ago, while sharing a latte with a friend at a small, local coffee shop, I was first introduced to "coffee art", the practice of drawing designs into the foam topping of espresso drinks. The simple heart swirled into the drink was a special touch that made the shop and its friendly barista extra memorable.

The concept of using food as a medium for art is fascinating. Great cuisine is always judged by presentation, so the extension to beverages is hardly surprising. Like a beautifully presented plate of food, the drink is meant to be consumed. While the brief life of such art is a bit sad, it makes for a wonderful treat.

For the creatively inclined, Wikihow has a how to guide complete with video. This would be a lovely surprise for a friend during an afternoon visit or on a rainy day!

I am smitten...

In an interesting twist on econo-chic, Marisa Lynch of New Dress a Day set herself up with a mighty challenge. Create 365 outfits in as many days for, get this, a dollar an outfit.

Anyone who's stepped foot inside a fabric shop knows even the remnants will run you a dollar or two a yard. Her secret? Salvaging fashion disasters from secondhand shops and garage sales. I suppose that also qualifies her for an eco-chic award (among many, many others).

This...

Lynch cites the film Julie & Julia as her inspiration to harness daily creativity after being laid off from her job. Lucky for us, like Julie Powell, she choose to document her endeavors on a daily blog completed by before, after, and during photos.

... into this!

Not only do I applaud her penchant for thrift, but to churn out a new look every single day for a year? Wow. That's dedication.

Lilly and Lace

I wouldn't consider my personal style overtly preppy. Sure, I own a few cardigans and occasionally wear a polo shirt, but I'm just as likely to don a large boho bag and loose tunic.

One of my friends emailed me about this gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer dress and if only it wasn't outrageously expensive, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

It's definitely chic, in a Jackie-O way. I love the flirty hemline and demure sleeve-length, accented by the sheer quality of the lace. It's a perfect example of how a black dress is elevated by texture.

Now if only it would go on sale...

BCBG Maz Azria

Max Azria has long been one of my favorite fashion designers. I might be a bit biased. Junior year of high school I embarked on the search for my first professional suit.

An important disclaimer: shopping for pants has never been easy for me. Hemlines in particular always fall awkwardly around my ankles, creating a rather unflattering illusion when wearing even the flattest of flats. After several shopping excursions and trying on literally every option at major department stores, my pants loving self was ready to resign to wearing a suit with a skirt bottom.

As much as I ogle designer fashion from afar, I'm more likely (to this day) to buy my jeans on sale for $20. Sheer desperation emboldened my mom to steer me towards the designer section of Dillard's where a row of slacks with unbelievably long hemlines caught my eye. Careful to avoid glancing at the price tag, I quickly tried a pair and was floored to realize they fit perfectly - without alterations.

While the suit was a pricey investment, I console myself with the thought that I saved on tailoring costs. More importantly, the suit still fits like a glove to this day, and has held up beautifully. I've since splurged on another pair of dress pants and a few dress shirts whenever I notice them on sale.

It's comforting to know I have a brand I can go to whenever I need something with a flattering fit and classic style. My senior year prom dress was BCBG, and three years later, would still be lovely for any formal event.

Sure, the clothes are more expensive than most everything else I own, but they wear beautifully and are, to put it simply, an investment. In the meantime, I'll be coveting the Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection!

Imagine...

I've been a longtime fan of mashups, but I'm currently fixated on Mashup-Germany's work, particularly Imagine One Day (So Far Away). If I wasn't so tempted to listen to the rest of his creations, I would definitely just put it on indefinite repeat.


Have you ever heard a song in a mashup before the original? Sometimes I love the snippet but am disappointed by the entire song. Other times, the segment isn't representative of a song I love, and I'm left wondering why the mashup artist included it of all things. Fortunately, I'm really enjoying Mashup-Germany's work (even the songs in other languages). Now to update my iPod...

Shower Cupcakes

A definite advantage to being home is having an oven. An extra perk, more excuses to bake!

One of my mom's good friends hosted a baby shower this weekend, and asked me to make the dessert. An opportunity to make cupcakes with pink decorations? How could I say no?

The colors of the baby's nursery are pink and brown, so I used that as the inspiration for the cupcakes. The base is a vanilla cupcake with whipped chocolate ganache frosting and fondant decorations. Not only did the decorations come out better than expected, but the cakes were delicious. Hopefully I'll find more excuses to bake soon!

Recipes below:

Vanilla Cupcakes (from Martha Stewart, with some changes)
I really like this recipe because it produces a denser cupcake. It's very reminiscent of a sugar cookie, and smells delicious while baking.

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
6 eggs 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. Scrape down bowl, and beat in vanilla extract.
3. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with milk, beating after each addition until combined. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
4. Divide batter among lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Let cool completely before frosting

Whipped Chocolate Ganache (from Chockylit, with some changes)
Thicker than regular ganache, this frosting pipes well for a beautiful presentation.

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1. Chop chocolates and transfer into a heat proof bowl.
2. Heat cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, pour cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute then stir until combined.
3. Add butter and vanilla and stir until combined.
4. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixture and let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Sift powdered sugar into the mixture and beat until combined.
6. Continue to beat with an electric mixer until lighter in color and creamy.