|
December 17, 2014

Homemade Sugar Scrubs

Homemade Sugar Scrubs // shutterbean

I’ve always been obsessed with scents & smells and in the past few months I’ve developed a thing for Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. This year I’m including some homemade sugar scrubs in my homemade gift repertoire because I know I’d love to get them myself and they’re EASY to make. The best part is that they’re all edible…not that you SHOULD eat them, but it means that everything is non-toxic in these sugar scrubs. Skin exfoliation & hydration is super important this time of year, so it’s a nice reminder to treat yo’self!

Homemade Sugar Scrubs // shutterbean

Before we get started, you should know that not all essential oils are created equal. A few months ago, I took a SUPER informational class by the owners of Floracopeia and have been a huge fan of their oils since. I’ve been trying out some other companies, but so far I’m really enjoying their oils, blends & flower essences. Their quality is exceptional and they’re extremely helpful & knowledgeable. Just thought you should know that!

Here’s a little peek into my stash. I call this my emotional tool kit. As you can see, I labeled my oils with washi tape so I’d easily be able to spot the oils I need.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs // shutterbean

OK so I’m about to drop a lot of information on you. You ready?

CONTINUE READING

|
December 16, 2014

Roasted Cashew Sesame Brittle

Roasted Cashew & Sesame Brittle // shutterbean

New recipe! Roasted Cashew Sesame Brittle

I hate to humblebrag but I’m really good at staying away from candy. Like…with all the Halloween candy we had in our house this year, I only ate one piece. I made sure it was a Take5 bar. Worry not!

Roasted Cashew & Sesame Brittle // shutterbean

However…this brittle?  I totally LOST MY FREAKING MIND eating it.  There’s something about the salty/sweet/ savory/ crunchy/ buttery/ nutty goodness that makes it absolutely irresistible. I polished off a good portion in record time..spurring me to make another batch.  I think it’s the crunch…It’s all of it really.

Roasted Cashew & Sesame Brittle // shutterbean

Watch out…you may not have enough left to give away this holiday season.

Consider yourself warned.

Make a double batch.

Seriously.

CONTINUE READING

|
December 15, 2014

Homemade Gift Ideas

Homemade Gift Ideas // shutterbean

10 days until Christmas. WHOA. That’s kinda soon. We still have time to make homemade gifts, though. PLENTY OF TIME! Let’s dip into my archives and brainstorm all the things you could easily make for your loved ones this holiday season!

CONTINUE READING

|
December 14, 2014

And I Quote:

People take different roads // shutterbean

When you possess light within// shutterbean

Politeness is the art // shutterbean

The stars are the street lights // shutterbean

In the right light // shutterbean

|
December 13, 2014

My Everyday Life: Week 50

Here’s what this past week looked like:

Big storm this week. It was nice to see a little piece of sun on Friday.

My Everyday Life: Week 50

Hey. It’s me. I’m in the puddle.

My Everyday Life: Week 50

#stormwatch

My Everyday Life: Week 50

The sky was purple.

My Everyday Life: Week 50

Meal prep this week:

My Everyday Life: Week 50

CONTINUE READING

|
December 12, 2014

I love lists, Friday!

I LOVE LISTS FRIDAY!

  1. People from London label where things are in the US. Hilarious.
  2. This piece about motherhood is so real.
  3. The unhappiest people you’ll meet in the comment sections…
  4. Six Rules for Dining Out
  5. Williams-Sonoma Catalog REAL TALK.
  6. What Niagara Falls looked like without water.
  7. A great list of podcasts for you become obsessed with.
  8. Family Photos Gone WRONG.
  9. Ahh! All of my favorites from my childhood!
  10. These Citrus Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls are calling my name!
  11. SF neighborhoods explained through emojis. hahaha
  12. I love fireplaces.
  13. My email IS A MONSTER.
  14. Now THAT’S how you apply for a job. 
  15. Let’s talk about finances!
  16. This movie looks SO GOOD.
  17. Should I Wash My Hair Today?
  18. Fun project alert! Homemade Lip Gloss.
  19. On Rejection & Criticism
  20. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

mybites

Sarcastic Cooking adapted my Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits

Think Fruitful made my  Sausage & Kale Stuffed Shells

|
December 11, 2014

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli Cookies // shutterbean

My Dad is one of those people who doesn’torder dessert yet… if YOU order dessert, he will attack your dessert with his spoon. I secretly like to watch this happen, so I make sure to order desserts he would enjoy. His dessert choices resemble mine…he likes banana bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, anything with peanut butter or bananas, coffee cakes and ALL Italian cookies. He goes nuts for biscotti, sfogliatelle and pignoli (pine nut cookies). I think anything that can be dunked into milky coffee is one of his prerequisites.

Pignoli Cookies // shutterbean

These cookies are an Italian classic. I made them a few years ago (never blogged about them though!) and I found this recipe in Martha Stewart’s Cookies cookbook recently. If you’ve never had pignoli cookies, they have an almond paste base which makes them wonderfully chewy. The pine nuts add a nice little crunch and give then cookies a little bit of depth.  What I love about them is that they’re not super sweet. I suppose my Dad would agree. He claims not to like sweets….

Pignoli Cookies // shutterbean

If you’re looking to put an unexpected cookie in your cookie tray this year, you should make these!  But keep my Dad away from your tray. You’ll have none left. My mom is probably nodding her head in agreement right now.

CONTINUE READING