Hyped on Stripes

Stripes are definitely in right now; not only for fashion but also interior design. I think it's a great way to add something special to any room. I am actually planning on painting thick stripes on one of my bedroom walls this coming Fall. Here are some photos I have found on Pinterest that have inspired my inner designer. 

(kfddesigns.blogspot.com)

I love the dark and light contrast in this bathroom. Definitely a striking design look. 

(house36.wordpress.com)

These chevron stripes are a little more dramatic but still very chic. I also love how the stripes are offset with a solid wall. 

(savedbygrace.tumblr.com)

This final photo is the look I'm trying to replicate in my bedroom. I think it's classic, crisp and clean. 

Take the Cake

Spring has sprung! What better way to welcome Spring 2012 than with some delectable desserts. One of my favorite springtime desserts is carrot cake topped with homemade cream cheese frosting. I found my recipe from tastykitchen.com and won't try anything else. 

Above are my homemade cupcakes wrapped with fold-over sandwich bags and tied with a bow.

The Cake

2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cup oil

4 whole eggs

1 tsp. vanilla 

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 trp. baking powder 

2 cups raw carrots (around 3 carrots)

optional: 1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and combine with egg mixture. Add in carrots and  nuts (try putting your carrots in the food processor). Place batter in greased pan; I always make cupcakes but you can try 2 round pans or a 9x13 pan. The baking time will depend on the size pan you use, so keep on eye on it.  

The Frosting

8 oz cream cheese 

1 stick butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before you start to frost. This dessert is sure to make a statement at any spring get-together!

Crafty Coolers

Painted coolers are essential for college social events. Wether it's for a mountain weekend, horserace, or just to chill your favorite drinks- theres no doubt these coolers are works of art. Here are some pictures of a cooler I made for a fraternity formal. 

Some tips for making the perfect cooler:

1. Start by priming the cooler. Many cooler are colored so this will not only help the paint to stick but also give you a good base. 

2. Instead of free-handing all the designs, try tracing. Your lines will be straighter and dimensions correct. 

3. Get Sharpie paint pens. I used these for some details on this cooler and now swear by them! They're much easier to write with than an awkward paintbrush.

4. Make sure to buy a clear acrylic coating to protect your cooler from chipping. I used Krylon- Crystal Clear. 

Happy crafting!

Scentsy Update

My Scentsy order arrived earlier this week and I love it just as much as I thought I would!! The scents are amazing and its such a great alternative to candles. 

Below is a photo of my Scentsy in action! 

My favorite scent out of the two is Love Story, which is a sensual blend of jasmine, amber and dark chocolate. It's a fresh scent with sweet undertones and not too strong or overpowering. 

My second scent is Blueberry Cheesecake...thick New York cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries. This is a stronger scent at first but does tone down as you continue to melt it. It's rated one of Scentsy's best selling fragrances and it's easy to see why!

Ditch the wick & flame and try Scentsy!

The Wick is Wack

One of my close friends has recently become a Scentsy consultant and has started me on a Scentsy addiction! Scentsy is a wickless, flameless, candle and fragrance line. The Scentsy system uses fragrance wax (called Scentsy Bars), ceramic warmers and a lightbulb. The wax is warmed by a lightbulb, causing it to melt and wonderful aromas to be released!
Meaning no wicks, open flames or smoke involved! 

(Scentsy)

Here are a few reason why I am in love with this concept:

No longer having to be concerned with the lead used in candle wicks.

I currently live in student housing where traditional candles are not permitted.

Over 80 scents to choose from (I had a hard time deciding which ones to try first)

Replacement parts are very inexpensive; Only $1 for a new lightbulb. 

The wax does not get warmer than body temperature, so it will never burn you.

Scentsy has a life time warranty.

(Scentsy)

I have ordered my first warmer (shown above) and 2 Scentsy bars (Blueberry Cheesecake and Love Story) and am anxiously awaiting their arrival. Feel free to check out my friend's Scentsy website to order & explore! 

https://aftonlilley.scentsy.us/Home