Snapshots

 {working on thanksgiving decor}
 {my neighbor taught me her famous fudge recipe before I moved}
 {escalator to the top floor of macy\’s in Pittsburgh}
 {mulled cider on a cold night}
{my favorite ice cream at Sarris Candies: tropical twins}

DIY Chan Luu Bracelet

I have been lusting over Chan Luu bracelets for months now, but the price tag was a bit out of budget for something I knew I could make on my own. All you need is leather cording, beads, thread and a button. You can make the bracelet short (so it only wraps around your wrist once) or long (and have it wrap around your wrist multiple times).

What you need:
• leather cord (I bought mine at Michaels)
• round Beads
• size D Nymo thread
• needle
• button


Step 1: Measure your wrist and determine how many times you want the bracelet to wrap around. Double that number and add 3 more inches. For instance: 2 yards will get it around a 7 inch wrist about 4 times.

Step 2: Fold your leather cord in half. At the loop end, tie a knot about 3-4 inches from the end.  Be sure your button will fit into the loop. Attached binder clips to a piece of cardboard or use a clipboard and binder clips to hold the bracelet in place. Thread your needle. I used about a yard and a half for a single wrap bracelet. If you don’t have enough you can always knot the thread and glue it. Knot your thread to your cord and bring your needle up under the right cord through the center.

 Step 3: Bring the thread under the right.

 Step 4: and then under the left.

 Step 5: Repeat until you have your desired amount.

 Step 6: Add a bead to the thread.

 Step 7: Bring the thread under the right.

 Step 8: Through the bead.

 Step 9: and under the left. Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 until you reach your desired length.

Step 10: Once you have your desired length repeat steps 3 and 4 until you match the same amount of thread at the top. Tie a knot and add your button to one side of the leather cord – knot it. Add glue to the end of your thread and you\’re finished!

From Pittsburgh, With Love

Writing this post is a little bittersweet. For the past three years I have been living in Pittsburgh, and while I have had my ups and downs with the city. Living on the East Coast is an experience I will not forget. I am thrilled to be moving back to Michigan, but there is nothing like driving through the Fort Pitt tunnel and getting that first glimpse of Pittsburgh. Here is a peak at some of my favorite memories and pictures from around the ‘burg.
 {The official language of the \’burg}
It\’s Pittsburgh\’s Eiffel Tower, and just as amazing.
 {the view of Pittsburgh from Mount Washington}
 {PNC Park where the Pittsburgh Pirates play}

A Pittsburgh chain known for its unique sandwiches, stacked high with meat, a mound of coleslaw and french fries.

{The BEST mascot ever! Pittsburgh Pirates Parrot}
 {home of Mr. Rogers}
 {Candy castle at Sarris Candies}
 {Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium}
{First no-hitter at PNC Park courtesy of the Reds}

Candy Cupcakes

From October to December most of our homes are filled with treats from candy in October to pies in November and any confection you can dream up in December.  I like to savor each holiday by eating only goodies that I get during that time of year. Since candy can be bought anytime I try to get rid of it as soon as October is over. Candy cupcakes offer a sweet surprise that any will love. Simply use your favorite cake recipe (a box works too), fill the cupcake liners with a little bit of cake batter, add your candy (cut up larger bars),  top with more batter, bake and frost when cool.

Ornate

Ornate is Zoya’s winter 2012 polish collection containing six new glamorous, glimmering lacquers. It’s the ideal collection to get your nails through the holiday season. The coverage is great as well with all polishes opaque in just two coats.What do you think about this holiday collection?
 {Aurora}
Aurora is a purple base with heavy holographic shimmer, and looks gorgeous on any skin tone.
  {Blaze}

Blaze is a cranberry red base with heavy holographic shimmer. Featuring red, purple and pink shimmer for a show-stopping look.
{Electra}

Electra has a clear base and features holographic bar glitter that resembles tinsel. Most likely you will want to wear this over another color, but since I am a huge fan of tinsel I would wear this alone.
 {Logan}

Logan is a deep emerald green with green and gold glitter pieces.
{Storm}

Storm is a black base with holographic shimmer. This would be a perfect polish to ring in the New Year.
{Ziv}

Ziv is a warm gold with deeper gold glitter pieces, and is actually one of my favorite golds.