Julianne Hough from Footloose Inspired Hairstyle

Hello lovelies,

I created this amazing hair and makeup for an awesome bride recently.  The hairstyle was inspired by Julianne Hough in the movie footloose.  This is the style she wore her hair for the last dance of the movie.  I also think it reminds me a little of the movie Tangled, but maybe that's just because I love disney movies.  They eye makeup and false lashes totally made the look come together, paired with some flawless foundation and a little contouring, she was ready to rock that isle! 

XOXO,
Sharayah

Impressed by IMPRESS Press on Nails!

Okay, so I am a little obsessed with a couple of things in life.  Most of them I am proud of, like my love for Jesus, my husband, family and my cutey pa-tuty puppy, Samantha.  A few of them I am not so proud of...like shoes, makeup and now these stinkin' press on nails. 

It all started because I received a few packs of these beauties in the mail, for free.  BAM!  Love free stuff.  Anyways...I never tried them since I work with my hands so much I figured I would go somewhere and one would just pop off and I'd have to walk around looking like a faloofa with half my nails did.

I ended up breaking down about a week or so ago and smacked on a pair before I had to go to a graduation party for my cousin.  I figured it was only a few hours and I would just be hanging out so I should be good.  Well a week later, they were still on!!  And my week was rough on my hands...I helped my parents move their entire house...and these press on nails didn't even budge. 

So long story still long, I LOVE THESE NAILS.  They are way less expensive than getting your nails done at the salon, it takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, you can mix and match to make your own look (like I did pictured above) and the BEST PART- they will not ruin your actual nail!  That, for me, was the real seal-the-deal-moment.  I hate getting my nails done because when I run out of time...or let's be honest...money, my natural nails look like they went through a war zone. 

So go RIGHT NOW and get yourself a few pairs of these beauties.  You won't regret it!

~Don't forget to visit their website, www.impressmanicure.com and get a $1 off coupon.  They are roughly $5 so getting them even less expensive is even more awesome!

XOXO,
Sharayah

Paleo Cornbread(ish) Muffins

Paleo Cornbread(ish) Muffins
Original Recipe by Our Paleo Life

Ingredients

• ½ cup Almond Flour
• ¼ cup Coconut Flour
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 3 eggs
• 2 Tbsp Ghee, melted
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• ½ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325F.
2. Line a baking pan (I use an 8×8 tin) with parchment paper or other non-stick covering, or grease well.
3. Blend all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
4. Add all the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend well. Using a hand whisk is just fine for this, no need to break out the stand mixer.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
6. If you used parchment to line the pan, grab the flaps and lift the bread out of the pan. Cool and slice.

**I put mine in muffin tins for portion control and ease but you could definitely do this in a pan as the directions state.

Enjoy!

Paleo Tomato Basil Soup

Paleo Tomato Basil Soup
Original Recipe from ME :)

Ingredients
1 28oz can whole tomatoes
2c chicken stock
1 tsp garlic infused olive oil
(to infuse your o.o with garlic just simmer the two together for a few minutes and remove the garlic cloves before using)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 carrot
1/2 yellow onion
1 celery stalk
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes for some heat
fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Throw all the ingredients into a food processor until smooth and creamy.  Heat in a pan until your desired temp and serve.  Taste even better as left overs as the flavors have time to merry even longer.  

**If you are low on time or veggies  this recipe can be used with very minimal ingredients. Canned tomatoes, chicken stock, garlic infused o.o, tom paste, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.  I added in the other veggies since they add an extra dimension to the flavor.  It was so yummy!

Enjoy!

Wonderland Photoshoot by LOVE Bea Photography

Tim and I didn't want any normal 'ole photo shoot; We wanted a unique, fun photoshoot that we would be able to look back on and smile at.  This was such a fun day with two very talented, creative and a little cooky, people: Brandi and Logan, the owners of LOVE Bea.  www.facebook.com/lovebeaphotography

Enjoy!

Perspective.

I came across this picture today on pinterest.  The picture, originally from reuters.com, touched my heart in such a way that I literally stopped what I was doing to take a moment and seriously think about what this would be like.  I go about my day to day life like any other "normal" person.  I am happy, thankful, have great faith in my amazing God, I laugh, cry, get angry, and I complain.  That last part is what I am feeling most guilty about today.  I complain about not having the money to get the newest fashion trends or home decor; I complain about being so hungry I'm "gonna die"; I complain about being bored with drinking water all the time.  It is disgusting.  There are sweet little babies all over this world, literally starving.  Starving.  This poor, innocent child is so emaciated that his body is the shape of his bones.  I have never, in my life, for one single minute, been as hungry as this little boy has been since birth.  Why are we not doing more?  Why is this still happening?  I want to wrap him up in my arms and give him anything he has ever wanted.  Which, once he has told me, will make me feel even more spoiled since his response would probably be something so "miniscule" that I have never even given it thought.  Like food and shelter for him and his family or medicine for when they are sick or clothes when they are cold.  I may never meet this precious child of God but I know that I am going to try and live with the knowledge that I have been blessed with things others have not, that I have been given opportunities to food, water and shelter that others will never have and that only I control my actions, thoughts and words.  My husband and I support children with compassion and other ministries but that is not enough.  I have to figure out some way to do more.  Maybe one day I will be able to travel there and touch there lives in the same way they have touched mine. 

Balsamic Glazed Steak "Sushi"

Balsamic Glazed Steak "Sushi"
Recipe adapted from Picture the Recipe

Before you start, get out your steak and choose whether or not you want to tenderize it.  If you are using a sirloin, you won't have to do that.  Choose a steak with out a lot of fat since you will want to trim that off.
Season your steak, generously, on both sides with salt, pepper, and worcestershire sauce.

While you let that marinate for about 30 mintues (or longer) go ahead and prepare the "stuffing".

 

Slice up your veggies into strips lengthwise, this will work best for putting it into the middle of your "Sushi" Steak.

I used carrots, zucchini, green beans and green onion.  The stiffer the veggie, the better it will hold and look in your roll up.  The green onions went totally limp, I would still add them but possibly add one more veggie like yellow squash!  Some people would probably love to add different peppers, but I am not one of those people :)

Put about 2 tablespoon of butter into a pan add 1/4 c balsamic vinegar, 1/4 c beef broth, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.  (I know sugar is not really paleo friendly, but its such a small amount that makes the world of difference in this sauce!  YOU WANT TO ADD IT!!)  Let that all come to a boil and reduce to about half the amount.  Turn down the heat and transfer into a bowl for later.

In the same pan put 2 cloves of garlic (just slightly crushed) into about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let the garlic flavor the olive oil for a few minutes.  Then turn the heat up to high and saute your veggies in the garlic olive oil for no more than 2-3 minutes and add 1 tsp of Italian seasonings and a pinch of salt.  Transfer that into a separate bowl.

 Now take your steak and lay them out, taking bunches out of your bowl, making sure to get a little bit of everything, fill the steaks and then take toothpicks and seal it all up.

 With olive oil coating the bottom of the same pan you have been using (if your like me, you HATE dishes) place your Steak "Sushi" into the pan seam side down, let them cook for a few minutes and then continue to flip on all side for a few minutes at a time until you get your desired done-ness. 

 Pour the yummy balsamic glaze over the rolls and your done. 

This has got to be one of the most delicious things I have made in a very long time.  My hubby and I were in foodie heaven.

Enjoy!!

I said, Yes!

This is just one of the amazing shots from one of our engagement shoots!  Blue Dandelion Photography out of Wisconsin did a fantastic job.  My now husband, Timothy, was the one who decided on positioning my homemade frames this way and it turned out fantastic!

More from our themed engagement shoot, Wonderland, coming soon!

XOXO

Sharayah

Paleo Creamy Roasted Chicken Breast

Creamy Roasted Chicken Breast
Recipe from Dirty Floor Diaries


Ingredients

4 Chicken Breasts
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 yellow onion (Diced)
1/2 cup High-Quality Full-Fat Coconut Milk
1/3 cup Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Salt

Salt & Pepper (for chicken breasts, to taste)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts and place in glass baking dish.

Heat olive oil in large pan and add onions and mushrooms. Saute until onions are translucent and mushrooms are brown.

Whisk in chicken broth, coconut milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and reduce slightly.

Pour mixture over chicken and place in the oven to bake for 40 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Paleo Shepherds Pie

Paleo Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
1 med yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground lamb, beef or any meat-I used lean beef
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste (I used sun dried tomato pesto)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 egg whites
Mashed Cauliflower (recipe coming soon)
paprika to garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Heat skillet over med-high heat about 3 min.  Add coconut oil and allow to melt, add onion and carrot, reduce heat to med-low and cover.  Allow veggies to get soft but not brown, about 5 min.

Add garlic to pan and stir, about 1 min.   Crumble the ground meat into the pan (I used my hands). Saute until it's cooked through and brown, about 5-10 mins.  Add salt and pepper.

Add tom paste, broth, rosemary and thyme to pan.  Stir then bring to a boil and simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 mins.  Set the pan aside and let it cool for 10-15 mins.  Scramble egg whites until frothy and blend unto the meat mixture.

Put meat mixture into baking dish.  Add mashed cauliflower on to the top of meat. Top with paprika.

Bake for 25-30 mins until the top browns.

ENJOY!

Chili Cilantro Lime Crockpot (Whole) Chicken

Chili Cilantro Lime Crockpot (Whole) Chicken
Original Recipe&Photo by: PaleoPot

Didn't get a picture of this myself since we devoured it the second we got home! So I can not take credit for this photo. This chicken is so good and PALEO friendly!!

What you need:

One large free-range organic whole chicken. Mine was 6 pounds for a 6 quart slow cooker.
Dry rub (black pepper, sea salt, chili powder, cayenne powder, ground cumin). I used about a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, cumin, and a tablespoon each of the chili powder and cayenne .
1/2 cup of lime juice (about 2 limes).
1 extra whole lime for stuffing inside your chicken (yes that makes 3 limes total).
2 generous handfulls of fresh cilantro.
3 cloves of garlic.
1 tbsp of olive oil.

How you make it:

Wash your chicken off under cold tap water and then dry with paper towels.
Dust your chicken with salt & pepper, and apply an even coating of chili powder, cayenne, and cumin to your taste. There is no magic amount or formula to use, yet do try to cover the whole bird with some spice. This also helps give the golden brown color you see in the picture.
In a blender or food processor, combine your lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until an even consistency is reached.
Take your extra lime and poke lots of holes into it with a fork. Now dust this lime with chili powder and stick it into the cavity of your chicken.
Find a ziplock bag or crock pot liner large enough to hold your whole bird. Place your bird in the bag and pour your wet marinade over it. Use your hands to make sure the marinade is applied evenly around the chicken and under the skin, this is the important part. You can puncture the chicken breasts a few times with a knife for the marinade to seep into, yet this is not necessary. Making sure you get the marinade well applied and under the skin will do the trick.
Seal your bag tight so that the marinade is making contact with the chicken all over. I used a crock pot liner bag which I pulled tight around the chicken and marinade, and then stuffed that into another large ziplock bag.
Let your chicken marinade overnight. I know, you have to wait, but the morning will be true dump-and-go style cooking.
Place your chicken in your slow cooker along with any marinade left over in your bag.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. I would recommend closer to 6. It will be glorious.

Coconut (Dark) Chocolate Chip Cookies- NO eggs, sugar or flour!

Coconut (dark) Chocolate Chip Cookies

These beauties are made with NO eggs, Sugar or Flour.

1 C unsweetened coconut flakes
1 C blanched almond flour
1/4 C Sunny’s Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 Tbsp vanilla

1/4 C mini chocolate chips

Mix the coconut and almond flour together until coconut is evenly distributed
Add milk and vanilla and stir until dough forms
Fold in chocolate chips
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden

Can make into about 4 GINORMOUS cookies or a lot of regular sized ones. Tim is in love with these...he was shocked when I told him they were good for him

Enjoy!!

Blueberry Cupcakes with Sugar & Cinnamon Crunch top and Cream Cheese Frosting

Are you drooling yet?  I know I haven't said anything but I think these pictures speak for themselves. 

Here is the recipe for these yummy works of art:

Ingredients:
For the Topping:
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark-brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cupcakes:
1 2/3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 
4 tbls unsalted butter, softened
4 tbls unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
6 ounces blueberries (1 1/4 cups)

For the Icing:
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/4 cup high-quality blueberry jam, such as Hero, strained (3 tablespoons)

Directions

Make the topping: Mix together granulated and brown sugars and cinnamon.


Make the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in upper third of oven. Line cups of a standard muffin tin with baking cups. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then beat in vanilla, scraping down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to low, and beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour. Fold in blueberries.


Divide batter among baking cups. Add topping, pressing to adhere to batter. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 20 to 21 minutes. Remove cupcakes from tin, and let cool completely on a wire rack.


Make the icing: Beat together butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and gradually beat in vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Raise speed to medium-high, and beat 1 minute. Spoon jam on top of icing, and without stirring, spoon icing into a disposable pastry bag. Snip off a 3/4-inch opening in tip, and pipe swirled mounds of icing on top of each cupcake. Although best if eaten immediately, cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 6 hours and brought to room temperature 45 minutes before serving.

Bringing back the Jean Vest

Yesterdays outfit was one of my favorites!  Back skinny jeans, an adorable white long sleeve shirt with a light jean vest.  I dressed it up with a layered necklace and a white watch.  I also wore these amazing black booties from ShoeDazzle called Jamie.  They are on sale now if you go quick you can score a pair for $23!

Jeans: Lauren Conrad (Kohls) Shirt: My closet for the last 4 or 5 YEARS...that is a long time ladies!! Jean Vest: Goodwill Necklace: WetSeal Watch: WetSeal

Plan your vacation in Outfits!

                        Shoes: ShoeDazzle Top: Forever21 Skirt: WetSeal Necklace: Forever21

 Shoes: Charlotte Russe Dress and Belt: Charlotte Russe Necklace: Bought from an African Tribe to support their Women's Jobs and Children :)

 Shoes: ShoeDazzle Dress: Forever21 Necklace: Charlotte Russe

 Lavender Dress: Charlotte Russe Shoes: Charlotte Russe Necklace: WetSeal

Striped Skirt: Forever21 Shoes: Kohls Top: Forever21

Hello Lovelies!

I recently was blessed enough to go on a family vacation.  When I say "family vacation" I mean it...there were almost or just over 40 people from my family who went on a cruise together to the Caribbean!  I know what you may be thinking, what cruise line was it and did you return safely.  We ventured on the Carnival Cruise line, the one that has been having all the issues.  Luckily, we had none, all of our toilets flushed properly and we were never stranded at see with nothing to eat but white bread and onions.  Ick. 

I decided to try and be prepared for this vacation and take pictures of all the different outfits I was going to wear.  I tried to bring as little clothes as possible while also being as cute as possible.  I like to treat everyday like a little fashion show. 

So here are some tips and tricks to traveling and packing the right way the first time.

1.  Try to pick as many things that can be worn together as possible.  For example, the white corset tank top that is the first and last picture.  It is a great top to wear with both outfits, plus, you can add a jacket to either of them or throw it with a pair of pants and VOILA another adorable outfit.  

2.  Shoes.  I would LOVE to bring as many shoes as I have outfits, and I did, but it was NOT a good idea.  Having to jump sit on your suitcase in order for it to close in not ideal. SO, pick shoes that can be worn with many things.  Normally you can get away with bringing a neutral, solid, print and bright pair of shoes and using those as your staples.  If you are not a shoe-a-holic, like myself, than you won't really have a problem with this like I did.

3.  Accessories.   These are the key elements to make each outfit unique.  On trend accessories will give you your specific edge to each and every clothing option.  Pick things that will pop off the pieces in your outfit you have chosen that are going to go with the different outfits in order to make them their own.

4. Just make it your own.  Have fun and don't be afraid to stand out!

XOXO,

Sharayah

My Perfect Ring

Hello Friends,

I recently got married, June 9th, 2012, it was wonderful.  As I go through pictures that lead up to that amazing day I remember how long I waited for the engagement (almost 6 years!) and then the beautiful engagement day that my amazing hubby planned for me. 

First let's just talk about this ring.  Is it not the most gorgeous ring you have ever seen?!  Yes, I am a little biased but I do think my now-hubby did a darn good job of picking out the perfect ring for me! 

It is by Mark Broumand, my then fiance searched far and wide and found this dealer in California.  You can check him out on facebook, make sure you say that I referred you :)

Anyways, there is no platinum showing on the band except for a tiny peek on the bottom, the entire band is straight diamonds and the center of the amazing halo ring is a canary yellow diamond.  *swoon*

I just had to tell you about it.  We didn't have a lot of money but my man saved all those years to get my the ring of my dreams.  I just had to put him up on a pedestal for second.

Happy Friday Lovelies!
Sharayah

Shoes: Something Blue and a little Sparkle, too!

Hello Lovelies,

I am OBSESSED really into shoes.  These particular shoes, I had purchased for my wedding, you know, something Blue.  Clever, I know.  Anywho, I am definitely not someone who pays super close attention to details when I am shopping online.  That, as you know, is never a good thing.  I got these in the mail, fell in love with them and then realized, I was taller than my dad...like A LOT taller.  These babies were over 7" tall!!  WHAT the WHAT?! I could not be taller than my dad as he walked me down the isle.  It forced me to get yet another gorgeous pair, this time by Vera Wang, (I know, so sad, I really hated that I had to buy another pair of shoes) that were about 5" tall, which are the normal height I wear.  My husband, if I haven't told you before, is 6'7" and I am a good 5'4.5"-don't look at me like that...every half an inch counts!-so I normally always rock a pair of heels.  Plus, I just feel sexier in them.

I am going to be posting more on all my fabulous shoes, since it's only right to show them off to the world while I am not wearing them! 

What are your favorite pair of shoes?  Heels, flats, wedges?  Fill me in!

XOXO,
Sharayah

Cutest Puppy Award

Hello Friends!

How BEYOND cute is my doggy?!  This is Samantha, she is my baby.  Samantha is about 3 years old and we think she is a bichon/poodle mix...and she's perfect.  She can't help it, she was born that way.

This was this past Christmas on our way to a family celebration.  My gorgeous sister, Kara, bought her this outfit and needless to say, it fit perfectly.  It was a Cinderella moment, really.  If Cinderella had 27 outfits, a memory foam bed, all natural food and was catered to 24/7.  In fact, as we speak, Samantha is snuggled up on my lap and getting what my husband and I call, "the Treatment."  She is spoiled with good ole' L.O.V.E. 

Anyways, I just wanted to introduce her since I am sure I will be talking about her quite a lot because as of this moment, she is the only baby I have.

Plus she is just super photogenic.  Like I said, she was just born that way, don't hate her 'cuz she's beautiful.

XOXO,
Sharayah

How to: Create a Twine Vase out of a beer bottle

Hello Lovelies!

Feeling crafty again!  I was definitely on a kick a little bit ago and created some pretty gorgeous things.  Toot toot! (<---that was me "tooting" my own horn...oh yeah, I went there)

Anyways, I am sure you want to know why these photos are such poor quality how to create these awesome vases and I am going to tell you how!

1. Grab an empty beer bottle, hot glue gun and some twine.  You can find twine at your local craft store.
2. Keep your twine attached to the roll since you wont know how much you are going to need and don't want any glitches on your vase. 
3. Start AT THE BOTTOM, place glue on the bottom and start wrapping.  Use as much or as little glue as you need depending on how well your twine is sticking.
4.  Keep wrapping up the bottle until you reach the top. Glue and wrap, glue and wrap, that's all there is to it.

Enjoy these!!
XOXO,
Sharayah

Ashley Table, Chairs and Bench

 Hello Lovelies,
 
This is my new table!!  The bench just got here so without the leaf it will seat 6-7 people comfortably!  It's from Ashley Furniture and is the perfect color, I believe.  Super on trend right now and will definitely transcend the changes for many years. 

Just had to share!
XOXO,
Sharayah

I Love FLORAL tableclothes!

Hello Lovelies!

This is my new SPRING table cloth!  I am so excited about it.  As I was "window" shopping at Kohls with a friend of mine, I spotted this beauty on sale for $8, and of course with all the lovely coupons Kohls is constantly offering, I ended up getting it for $6.  You really can not go wrong spending just over 5 bucks...even though I was supposed to be window shopping, I felt like $6 really isn't enough to not spend, know what I'm saying?!  Thought so.  Now if  the Spring weather would just keep up I would be really appreciative. 

I just had to share!
XOXO,
Sharayah

How to Create: Stone Hot Bads & Burner Covers

Hello Lovelies!

Another crafty edition brought to you by yours truly. 
This post is going to be all about how to create Stone Hot Pads or Burner Covers.  Aren't they darling?  I hate the look of those ugly burners and these really cover them up nicely!  How to create it:
1. Get some felt from a local craft store.
2. You'll need a hot glue gun.
3. You'll also need some stones.  I would try to make them as even and flat as possible.  These are from Walmart and are the flattest.  They definitely work but it is almost like fitting a puzzle together because of the various shapes and sizes.  If you want it to look like that, then you won't have a hard time finding stones but if you are looking for a more even, uniform look, I would search until you find the exact ones you are looking for. 
4. Just glue the stones onto the felt and let dry.  Voila!!  You have a beautiful Burner Cover along with hot pads for setting on the table during dinner or a get together. 
Note:  If you would like to use a stiffer fabric than felt please feel free to do so.  Most any material will work. 
WARNING:  Do not put these onto the stove after it has just been on/used.  Felt is flammable and most other products you use will be also.  Please only use these as decor and when you are putting a hot surface ON to the stones.

XOXO,
Sharayah

How to: Wine Cork Letter

Hello Friends!

Every now and then I get the urge to be crafty.  I am sure you've been there, during the hours you've spent pinning glorious pins on Pinterest cleaning on the house, and the heavens open up for those few short minutes and you actually get off the couch stop slaving away on chores to have a little "you" time.  Well this is what I created in that short time!  Thank you to my friends sweet grandmother who gave us hundreds of corks to use!  To create your own Cork Letter:

1. Go to your local craft store (mine was from Hobby Lobby) and purchase a letter of your choice.  The one I used was a wood material, fairly thin, so it doesn't weight too much, and was a nondescript brown color.
2. Gather as many corks as you can find.  There was a variety of sizes and colors, because of the different wines it had housed in it's glory days.  They do sell corks if you don't have any saved or don't drink.  I have seen them at target and other convenience stores.
3. You'll need a hot glue gun.  If you are purchasing one for the first time there will be a few options.  Opt out of the extra hot glue gun or your fingers will look like the fourth of July went off in the basket you were holding on the way to the desert. I did didn't learn that from experience. 
4.  I would definitely put old newspapers or magazine on top of the service if you don't want it to get ruined.  The glue from the gun will drip or stretch and is difficult to get off. 
5. You're all set!!  Let me know how they turn out!

XOXO,
Sharayah

Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting

I just made the most delicious cupcakes...EVER.  What made it was the frosting.  It was the most amazing frosting I have ever tasted.  I will tell you the secret, but only because you asked.  Your asking right?!  Ok, ok, I'll tell you, sheesh!

                                                                       Here it is:
                                                      Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, blend together the cream cheese

and butter until creamy.

Mix in the vanilla,

then gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar.

Beat on a med speed until creamy.

Now, Frost!

Store leftover frosting in the refrigerator after use.

Enjoy!!

 Let me know how you like it :)

Throw a Sprinkle!

Sprinkles are the NEW Showers!  

What comes next?  A Drizzle? 

Hello Lovelies,

     If your like me, you have just started hearing the word Sprinkle thrown around a lot lately.  I had no clue that you were able to have another baby shower after your first one, and it turns out...you can't.  You have a Sprinkle.  Maybe for the third child, you have a drizzle...if that hasn't been invented yet, don't forget you heard it here first!  I can see it now, I'll go down in history as the woman who invented the Drizzle.  Fo shizzle.  Whew, got a little off track there but I am back now *embarrassing*.  Anyways, like I was saying, Sprinkle. 

     This past Saturday I threw my best friend a sprinkle for her second baby boy due in June.  I absolutely love throwing parties and making things look beautiful.  

I had fresh flowers all around.  The picture above is a vase I made out of a empty beer bottle, wrapped with twine.  Isn't cute?!  

 And what Sprinkle would be complete without an assortment of the Mother-to-be-again's cravings.  Which just so happened to be a large array of gummy candies.  

I made the most delicious from scratch Lemonade Cupcakes with Fresh Raspberry Frosting for this amazing event.  They were such a hit!  Check out the recipe in the Foodie section of my blog.

 The mother-to-be (on the left) and myself (on the right) during our, very lady-like, pig out session.

Well, that's it for now!  Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

Sharayah