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Domestic

Domestic

Target

July 18, 2013
Decor
Mirrored Side Table / Gold Candle / String Lighting / Gold Dipped Bowl / Sea Urchin Bowl / Metallic Pillow / Glitter Sandals / Gold Crocodile Tray / Silver Rhino / Gold Hammered Bowl / Glass Hurricane
     I went into Target yesterday to pick up some string lights for our patio.  The woman at the entrance greeted me and asked if I would like a cart… I declined her offer, because I only was going to need a couple boxes of lights.   Well, I’m sure you all know where this is going… a few minutes in I was already scouring the aisles for a neglected shopping cart (my pride is too much at times sadly).   Fast forward an hour, and I remembered why I only let myself go there a few times a year.  My cart was piled high with so many goodies and I couldn’t wait to get home to give new homes to all of my finds… check out some of the things I scored above like the $25 gold crocodile tray and super cute sandals (please excuse the metallic moment I was having)!
Domestic

Flower Power

June 27, 2013

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I love the idea of a gorgeous hostess gift, but sometimes a pricey candle or bottle of wine just isn’t in the budget.  My latest obsession has been going to the farmers market and picking up some gorgeous blooms then using gift wrapping paper to create my own bouquet.

024 026I found this awesome polka dotted craft paper that has some weight to it (trimmed/folded the paper accordingly to get that streamlined presentation) and then grabbed some tulle to tie it all together (twine, ribbon, raffia, etc. are all great options).  Attach a little gift tag… or write a note straight on the paper!

Domestic

When There is No More Sugar…

June 20, 2013

Every time I go to cook I’m guaranteed to be missing something – I ran out of sugar, I don’t have enough cream, I forgot to buy buttermilk… so I’ve become gifted at making substitutes for some of my standard “missing items.”

Cooking Substitutes

Now I’m sure the real thing is best… but here are some tips for when you’re in a pickle (or all out of them):

Now baking is tough because as they say it’s “a science not an art,” but for the most part you can substitute these healthy options in most recipes:

  • Applesauce: in place of butter, oil or sugar
  • Avocado: in place of butter (while I do cook with everything on this list, I must admit this is one I haven’t tried yet… but am going to! I want to try this recipe asap)
  • Greek Yogurt: in place of sour cream or mayo (I make aioli with it, put it on baked potatoes, pretty much use it for everything)
  • Rolled Oats: in place of bread crumbs (just whirl in your blender to create a fine powder and use on breaded chicken, etc.)

What substitutions do I need to add to my list?!

Domestic

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

June 16, 2013

Whitney's Camera 729

Happy Father’s Day to the best dad a girl (or 3 could ask for)!  Thank you for all you do and always putting family first… we are so lucky to have a mentor, friend and confidant like you.  Thank you for always rooting for us and always having our back.  We are so lucky to have a dad like you! I love you Dad xo

Domestic

Did You Know?

June 13, 2013

Vintage Cleaning

Here a few helpful hints to help around the house…

  1.  Always let a candle burn fully so that the wax has melted completely through the candle.  When you don’t do this it results in an unevenly burnt candle and decreases its shelf life.  You can help save it by making a little foil cover and burning it until it evenly melts. Make sure to also cut your wick before lighting your candle (too long of wick will result in a smoking candle).
  2. To remove reside from a blender,  pour 1/2 cup warm water and 1/3 baking soda in blender and run for 30 seconds.  Rinse.
  3. Clean your filters! This is definitely a category that I’m working on but cleaning out filters (in your vacuum, in your dryer, etc.) is critical.  It can cause over heating and ultimately the demise of your device/machine, etc.  Here are some great tutorials for your hair dryer, dryer lint filter and vacuum.
  4. Always bring meat to room temperature before grilling it.  I bring mine out of the fridge about an hour before cooking.  It will help it to distribute the heat and brown it evenly.  This also goes for poultry and fish, although I don’t keep it out as long.
  5. Rubbing alcohol is a great stain remover. Don’t use it on a wood finish, but when trying to remove stains off of clothing, rubber soles of shoes, or your carpet a little bit on a rag is a great way to lift pesky stains!
  6. Don’t forget to clean your disposal (or run it for that matter).  Nothing is worse than coming back from work (or worse – vacation) and realizing something was left behind in the disposal.  Make sure to run it every time you put something in there.  I also recommend cleaning it a couple times a month.  I use this tutorial for a fresh/natural option.