Christmas Snacks: Chex Mix!

Chex Mix is my favorite snack to make during the holidays! If you haven't made this fun snack before, I encourage you to give it a try! It's a pretty straightforward recipe. You can also find several variations of the recipe. I think that this season, I'm going to try and make the bold chex mix.

Original Chex Mix Recipe

3	cups Corn Chex® cereal
3	cups Rice Chex® cereal
3	cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1	cup mixed nuts
1	cup bite-size pretzels
1	cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
6	tablespoons butter or margarine
2	tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2	teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4	teaspoon garlic powder
1/2	teaspoon onion powder

1.	In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
2.	Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.
Oven Directions Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

Favorite Christmas Movie: Home Alone

Home alone is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin, gets left home alone when his family goes to spend their Christmas in Paris. He has to defend for himself against the "wet bandits" (a pair of robbers that clog the drains and leave the sinks on of the homes that they rob). Kevin's set ups to outsmart and hurt the pair of robbers will leave you laughing your socks off. :D If you have seen Home Alone before, check out a few of these pictures! 

Stocking Stuffer Idea: Homemade Lip Moisturizer

I've found another great stocking stuffer idea! If you're the crafty type, try making this Homemade Lip Moisturizer! If you'd like to add some color to your moisturizer add in some of your favorite lipgloss or lipstick! Also, you can add in shimmer or glitter!

This recipe makes enough to fill  6 to 7 – 1/2 oz containers depending on how full you make them.

Ingredients needed:

3 Tbls Coconut Oil

3 Tbls Honey

1 Tbls Beeswax

Using a small saucepan over low heat combine your coconut oil, honey and beeswax.  Stir continually until it is all melted and combined 5-7 minutes.  Remove from heat and carefully spoon into containers.  I used a measuring spoon to fill my containers to ensure I didn’t spill and each container received the same amount. I put 2 1/2 teaspoons in each container.

This is what they looked like right after they were filled.

This is what they look like as the started to cool and harden.  I allowed them to fully cool, about three hours before placing the lids on them.  I also tried to whip the mixture after it was melted to see if it made a difference and then spoon it in.  You can see from the photo below, other than looking messy I didn’t notice a bit of difference, so save yourself some work and spoon it in.

Have some cute little sticker labels made for the tops of the tins and you have some super cute little frugal yet practical homemade gifts!  I have been using this since we made it and love it!

Via: http://thefrugalgreenishmama.com/2012/05/diy-homemade-natural-honey-coconut-lip-moisturizer.html

"Owl" Be Home For Christmas

I don't know about you all...but I've got this crazy love for owls. They're interesting animals and usually resemble wisdom. And they can turn their heads almost all the way around...that's pretty cool. :D Check out this adorable owl ornament you can make with felt! I've included a link to the pattern for the ornament! Happy crafting!

Owl Ornament Pattern

Merry Christmas! 

~Shelby 

Stocking Stuffer Idea: Cozy Toes

Here's a great stocking stuffer idea! Buy some socks and a matching nail polish color and put them in a plastic baggy with the tag on the front saying:

"Wishing you warm cozy toes all winter"

Merry Christmas

Shelby

Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Use this scented sugar scrub to get into the Christmas season! I love the smell of peppermint, and I can't wait to make my own batch of this! Enjoy!

Ingredients/ Supplies

2 cups white granulated sugar

1/4 to 1/3 cup of almond oil (or cocnut oil)

Peppermint Essential Oil
Pink food coloring or raspberry juice
Glass jar/ container
Funnel

Mix the granulated sugar and almond oil together. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.

Divide the mixture equally into two containers. Add food coloring to one half of the mixture.

Layer the mixture in the container of your choice by using a funnel.

Voila! You have a beautiful Peppermint Sugar Scrub! This is a great idea for a Christmas gift!

Merry Christmas! 

Shelby

Christmas Breakfast

When I saw this picture...I just simply had to post about it! This cinnamon pull apart is a great breakfast treat for the Christmas season! Check out the recipe!

2 small tubes refrigerator buttermilk biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

1/2 C. maple syrup

1/3 C. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 C. chopped pecans, optional

1/4 C. chopped almonds, optional

Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if desired).

Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top.

Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring.

Top with remaining syrup and sugar mixtures.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter and enjoy!

Via: All Delicious Things

Elf Quotes

Every year my family and I watch Elf. It is one of our favorite Christmas movies. here are a few of my favorite quotes from the movie. We quote them all year round! :)

Baby it's cold outside...

Just a few weeks ago, it was sunny and 75 degrees! This fall is flying by and we are getting close to winter! Check out a few of this winter's outerwear trends. 

Belts and buttons are a must this season. Especially pea coats! I personally like the longer ones. Also, patterned scarves are as popular as ever this season! Try a chevron pattern if your not sure what pattern you want! Slouch hats and berets are making their way into this season as well! I love them because you can pull them over your ears and because they look great with almost any outfit!

With Love, 

Shelby 

 

Fishtail Braids!

I love braids. I learned to braid when I was 10 years old. I then learned to french braid at about 13, and took a summer to learn how to french braid my own hair at the age of 15. I love doing the fishtail braid! Check out these great ideas on how you can incorporate the fishtail braid into your everyday style! 

With Love,

Shelby 

A few inspirations

  Fall is one of the most busiest times of the year. I often find myself getting used to being so busy that I forget to enjoy life. I got my restricted license this past summer and I have found myself driving without even caring about the world around me. This fall I've really tried to turn the radio down and just thank God for his creation and his beauty that he has created. No matter if its been a bad day and I'm blasting the Taylor Swift, I try to take a moment to be thankful for what is around me. God is SO good, and I tend to overlook his blessings too much. My hardships are blessings from him because I know HE will never fail me and he will always be right by my side.  

   If you've got a busy schedule this week...try to take some time to breathe in this season's blessings. Here are a few inspirational quotes that I have recently found. I hope they inspire you as much as they have inspired me. 

 

With Love,

Shelby 

Back to blogging!

Hey everyone! I've missed blogging so much! School has kept me busy the past month, so I had to put blogging on the back burner. But have no fear! I'm back and ready to start blogging again! I've got some awesome stuff planned for Thanksgiving and Christmastime! I was shopping the other day and found that stores are already playing Christmas music! :) I've missed you all so much, and I can't wait for you to rejoin me on this journey of blogging.

With Love,

Shelby

Fall 2012 Hair Obsession: Sock Buns!

Hey everyone! One of my favorite hairstyles now is called the sock bun. You actually use a sock to create your bun! Check out this tutorial on how to make your sock for your sock bun and how to create your perfect little sock bun!

Here's a few ways to wear this adorable bun!

Thoughts...

Here's a few thoughts that I thought you all might like to read! :) My favorite one would have to be the second one. We are all sinful in the eyes of God. It doesn't matter what we've done. It's all equal in his eyes. But he LOVES us! He created us knowing that we WOULD sin! But he didn't just leave us here alone! He sent his son to be blameless and pure. He died on a cross for you. And when you accept him into your life, you can live in freedom because you are forgiven of your sins! :) This quote by C.S. Lewis always reminds me that I am forgiven, therefore I should forgive others! Do you have a quote that's particularly important to you?

At Home Spa Treatments

These are a few great combinations for at home spa treatments. It's hard on your budget, buying all those expensive spa treatments (masks, bath fizzes, moisturizers...etc). But these treatments are oh so kind to your budget, using things that you probably have in your kitchen! Give some of these a try!

French Twist Side Bun {Hair}

This is a beautiful tutorial for a french twist side bun! To what occasion would you wear this bun to?

With Love,

Shelby

Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce {Food! Yum! Yum!}

Saw these soft pretzel bites and I thought you all would have the same reaction as I did! YUM!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Pretzel or Kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the water, sugar, yeast, and salt on low speed for 10 seconds.  Switch to the dough hook and add the flour and butter.  Mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl and transfer it to a well-oiled bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an wide 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
4. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Slice each rope into 1-inch pieces.  Place a lightly damp towel over the pretzel pieces to prevent them from drying out while you roll and cut the other pieces.
5. Using a slotted spoon lower a handful of the pretzel pieces into the boiling water and boil them for 30 seconds, flipping them around in the water with the spoon a couple of times. Remove the pretzel pieces from the water using the spoon, drain as best you can, and place them on the baking sheets. Brush the top of each pretzel with the melted butter and sprinkle with the pretzel/Kosher salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 10 – 12 minutes. Brush with remaining melted butter before serving. Serve warm.

For the cheese sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (not package pre-shredded cheese – shred your own)
• Kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds, whisking constantly.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk until no lumps of flour remain.  Stirring constantly, bring the milk to a simmer over medium-low heat until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.  Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the shredded cheese until all of the cheese has melted.  Add a pinch of salt, if needed.  Serve warm.  Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave on medium power at 30 second intervals.

Source: Alton Brown

Keeping Healthy Nails {Beauty}

Your nails go through a lot! Take a look at these five tips below to keep your nails healthy and beautiful! Your nails will thank you! :)

Having good sources of protein in your diet. Your hair and nails are made up of a substance called keratin, which is made up of mostly protein! 

Vitamin B. Without a good source of vitamin b your nails will become dry and thin. 

Vitamin C & E. These two important vitamins work together to promote good blood circulation. Good blood circulation in your fingers will give the right amounts of oxygen to your nails to help them grow. 

Use acetone free nail polish removers. Acetone is a chemical that will make your nails dry and brittle. 

Keep your nails hydrated. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly or onto your cuticles and rub it in. Try to do this everyday to keep your nails moisturized! 

With Love,

Shelby

Fall Facial {Beauty}

One of the most trending styles right now is natural. But, to achieve that natural look this fall, you'll need a good facial to keep that beautiful face flawless! Give this one a try!

What You'll Need

Organic lavender essential oil

Cotton washcloth (use organic cotton when possible)

Organic almond butter

Skin toner (try Avalon Organics' Lavender Hydrating Toner or Dr. Hauschka's Facial Toner)

Choose one: honey, organic strawberry yogurt, or organic avocado

Facial How-To

1. Pre-cleanse.

After thoroughly removing any makeup and rinsing your face, fill a sink with warm water. Add two to three drops of lavender oil and stir with your hand. Soak the washcloth in the lavender water, then wring it out and gently press it against your face and neck for 30 seconds.

2. Cleanse.

Put one teaspoon of almond butter and a few drops of lavender water in your palm; rub your hands together to create a paste. Apply to skin using a "press and roll" method, which helps remove dead cells, dirt, and oil: Press your palms against your forehead and roll them outward. Moving down your face and neck, continue the motion until you reach your collarbones. Return to massaging your forehead, and repeat the process for one to three minutes.

3. Rinse and Tone. 

Use another washcloth soaked in lavender water to remove the almond cleansing cream from your face. Rinse with cool water and apply toner.

4. Apply a mask.

Choose one of the following masks, depending on your skin's needs:

- To Moisturize Dry Skin

Half of a mashed organic avocado

- To Brighten Dull Complexions

Organic strawberry yogurt

- To Rid Pores of Impurities

Honey

Apply a thin layer to your face and relax for 20 minutes. Then remove the mask with a warm, wet cloth, and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

With Love,

Shelby

from WholeLiving.com

Ombre Sparkle Nails {Fall 2012 Fashion Obsession}

Hey everyone! The past few weeks I've been seeing a lot of what I call sparkly ombre nails. Some of them are a little over the top, but the simple ones are absolutely adorable! :) Check these out! 

These are a great idea for the holidays! :) 

Simple but chic. I'm loving the light pink!

Very cute! Almost like a ombre french manicure! :) 

What do you think of this nail art? Comment below!

With Love, 

Shelby

Banana Pudding Cookies {Food! Yum! Yum!}

I found this scrumptious recipe for banana pudding cookies...they look so good! 

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Soft banana pudding cookies with white chocolate chips and vanilla wafers. These cookies taste just like banana pudding!

ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (3.4 oz) package banana cream instant pudding mix
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped vanilla wafer cookies
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat and set aside.

2. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the vanilla wafer cookies and white chocolate chips.

3. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden around the edges and set. Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Enjoy!

With Love,

Shelby

Knee Socks {Fashion Obsession}

Lately I've been seeing a lot of knee socks. I didn't like them at first...but now I think they're adorable! Just be sure that you wear them with the right outfit!  They look great with boots.