Recipe: Delicious Bourbon Fudgsicles (grown-ups only!)

INGREDIENTS:
(Makes 6-8 pops)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3.5 oz bittersweet chocolate (70-72%), chopped
• 2 TBS dutch-processed cocoa powder*
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 TBS bourbon* (see below for non-alcoholic suggestion)

• Popsicle molds
• Wooden popsicle sticks

A glorious pile of chopped dark bittersweet baking chocolate!

DIRECTIONS:

Combine sugar, chocolate, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Warm over medium heat and whisk constantly until mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat.

Transfer to a 4 cup glass measure or a bowl with a spout and leave at room temperature to cool for 30 minutes.

Stir in the 2 tablespoons of bourbon then pour into pop molds. Place in freezer and leave for about 3 hours without tops, then add the popsicle sticks and return to freezer for at least 4 more hours.

NOTES:

I used a set of these Tovolo Star Popsicle molds and got 6 pops plus a little extra that made for some damn good hot chocolate :)  These molds have their own tops, but I really prefer to use wooden popsicle sticks because they are longer and the pops stick to the wood better than the plastic (so, fewer instances of the stick coming out of the mold before the popsicle). If you want to cover the ends of the pops while they're in the freezer, use some plastic cling film over each one after they're frozen solid; just use the sticks to poke a hole in the plastic wrap.

*Dutch-Processed cocoa powder is an unsweetened cocoa that has been alkalized to neutralize the acid.  It has a more delicate flavor than the other kind of unsweetened cocoa powder, referred to as Natural cocoa powder which has an intense flavor and tastes quite bitter. Lindt is a popular example of Dutch-Processed cocoa, while Ghirardelli is a well-known Natural cocoa powder.

If you'd like to make a non-alcoholic version, leave out the bourbon and try adding a splash of vanilla extract (about 1/2 tsp). 

How To Make a Cute Belt from an Old Necktie!

This is my second project using the same tie; see how to make an iPhone or iPod pouch case from an old necktie if you want to see another fun tutorial!

SUPPLIES and TOOLS:
• 1 necktie
• marker
• rotary cutter or sharp fabric scissors
• ruler / straight edge
• cutting mat
• needle and thread
• hook and eye closures


First, wrap the tie around your waist at the point you want to wear the belt. I actually tried mine on with my favorite pair of jeans to see exactly how long it would need to be to wear with those, figuring that would be the lowest I would wear it and therefore the longest measurement. I measured mine to overlap by about 6 inches at this longest length; I planned to place the hook 1" from the large end and the first eye 4" from the small end, plus I gave myself another inch to sew the end into a point.


So, mark your tie to cut where you like how much it overlaps and remember to give yourself an extra inch at least for finishing the cut end.

Using a ruler and this Rotary Cutter on a cutting board, I cut off the extra fabric in a nice straight line, and set the extra piece aside for another project (that I'll share with you later!)

Now, fold back the outer layer of fabric about 1.5" and snip any stitches that are connecting it to the lining inside. Cut the lining into a nice point, using the other end of the tie as a guide for the angle if you like. I used sharp fabric scissors here.

Unfold the outer layer of fabric and make sure you have a nice amount overlapping the point so you can fold it in and cover all the lining.

Working with the seam facing upward, cut the top part of the fabric into a point as shown above, keeping the same amount of fabric overlapping as before. That is to say, the lining and the outer layer follow the same angle but the lining is about an inch shorter than the outer layer.

I made some strange cuts (above) to the bottom of the fabric, just to get rid of some extra that would make it too bulky when tucked inside. This part is optional if you can manage to tuck the ends all in nicely without making it lumpy. 

Still working with the seam upward, tuck the top pointed ends of the outer fabric inside the end of the tie, staying on top of the lining layer.  The bottom layer comes up and over the lining and tucks inside as well. We are trying to mimic the finished end of the tie as much as possible (above).  Use a pencil to help you tuck all the fabric as far in as it will go and as flat as you can make it.

With the needle and thread, stitch the ends into place without passing the needle all the way through to the other side of the tie, as this will be the front of the belt. You do want the thread to pass through part of the lining to hold it in place inside the silk.

I'm sure if you have even 2 minutes more experience sewing than me that you can do a much better job. I'm obviously a little out of my element here, but I do take great comfort in the fact that this is the underside of the belt that won't be exposed to critical eyes for the most part :)

Now you're ready to sew the hook on to the underside of the end we just finished. I placed mine just below the V where all the fabric comes together; about an inch from the pointed tip.

Now that the hook is in place, wrap the belt around your waist again at the largest part you may ever want to wear it and use the marker to make a small dot on the top of the small end where the first eye will go. 

If you want to add more eyes to make a variable length belt, you can go ahead and mark those now too. I made my belt with three; one to fit my jeans around my hips, one to fit my actual waist at my belly button, and then one halfway between those, just for the heck of it. You can use as many or as few as you like.

Sew the eyes (or bars, as mine are) into place where you made your marks, and when you're done...you're done! Try on your awesomely adorable new belt and wear it proudly!

I'd love to see your tie belt if you make one like this - feel free to leave a link to your post in the comments here, and of course, I would appreciate a link back to this tutorial if you do use this post as inspiration for a project :)

This is the belt at the shortest length, around my waist. I think this would be so cute with a nice long summery white dress (that I don't have, of course...)

And with my favorite low-rise jeans!


MORE NECKTIE CRAFT PROJECTS (using the rest of this very same tie!) :

DIY: How to make a pretty pouch for your iPhone or iPod with an old necktie


I LOVE to be pinned on Pinterest :)  I hope you'll share with the world by pinning me if you like what you see here! 

Necktie DIY: iPhone or iPod Pouch Tutorial

I've been having so much fun upcycling things lately. 'Re-fashioning' is very appealing to me; not only because it gives outdated things a new life, but because it lets me use my creative problem-solving skills and create something one of a kind! This is my entry for this month's Etsy Fort Worth Upcycle THIS! Craft Challenge. I will show you step by step how I made an iPhone pouch from one of my Dad's old (and I mean oooooold) ties!

As you can see, this tie is a lovely handpainted silk pattern in bright gold and various shades of lilac. Very Retro. Beautiful fabric, but a little garish to be worn as an actual necktie these days, don't you think? I thought it would make a beautiful little fold-over pouch, and I was right!

For DIY, keep reading & let's get started!

SUPPLIES and TOOLS:
• 1 necktie
• rotary cutter or sharp fabric scissors
• ruler / straight edge
• cutting mat
• needle and thread
• decorative snap buttons
• snap fastener or snap fastening pliers

First, fold over the pointed end of the tie and measure from the straight edge that creates. I used a sharpie to mark at 6 and 1/2 inches, because that was a good size to fit my iPhone. If you are creating a pouch for another specific object, measure by sliding it inside the end of the tie, and fold over the flap as if you were closing the pouch. You want to make sure you leave yourself room for the seam at the bottom, so find the end of your object inside the tie and add at least 1/2", then mark for cutting.

I used a ruler and this awesome Fiskars rotary cutter on a cutting board to create a perfect straight cut. You can also use very sharp fabric scissors, of course. (Save the remainder of the fabric; I have some more fun Upcycled Neck Tie project ideas for you!!)

Turn your cut piece inside out. I left the lining of the tie in place, so I didn't have to re-stitch the seam. Plus, I thought it would be great to have that extra padding.

Stitch a straight line to close the end of the pouch, about 1/2" from the end of the fabric. I folded the corners in and sewed them down to create rounded corners for the pouch.  I trimmed the excess fabric using the ruler and rotary cutters again, and then turned the pouch right-side out again.

Using a faux pearl snap and these Dritz snap fastening pliers, I secured the bottom of the snap in place throught the fabric, about 1/4" down from the V of the pouch opening. Refer to your snap package for clear directions on assembling the pieces correctly.  The top of the snap has a different back piece than the bottom part of the snap.

I repeated the process for the top part of the snap, after rotating the bottom part of the jaw on the snap-fastening pliers. Refer to instructions from your particular fastening tool or pliers, and be sure to add the rubber rings to the jaws of the snap fasteners if they are included but not attached already.

That's it! It was super easy, even for someone like me who doesn't sew!

Want to buy the finished pouch? It's a one-of-a-kind piece, for sure. You can get it here. (sold!)

I'd love to see your projects, please feel free to leave links to your own necktie-pouch creations in the comments below, and of course I would appreciate a link back to this tutorial if it has inspired you to post one of your own :)

Come back tomorrow for another Fun Craft Project - I'll show you how to make an adorable belt from an old necktie (using the rest of this very same tie)!

I LOVE to be pinned on Pinterest :)  I hope you'll share with the world by pinning me if you like what you see here! 

10 Fabulous Fun Fourth of July Craft Ideas!

I can't believe that July is just around the corner! To be honest though, it wouldn't really bother me if the summer flies by... after all my life in Texas, it still surprises me how hot it gets and somehow I'm never ready for the heat. I swear each year it's hotter than the last, and I know that the existence of global warming is a highly debated issue, but when you're already over 100º, trust me when I say that every half a degree increase counts. 

Anyway, enough blabbing about the weather; if I choose to live in Texas I probably shouldn't complain about the heat, right?

With Independence Day only a week away, I thought I'd do a nifty little 4th of July Craft Roundup for you to get your creative fireworks a-poppin'!  Here are 10 fun Red, White, and Blue craft tutorials for you to explore. Click on any photo or caption to be taken to the site where you'll find all the step-by-step instructions for each project. Enjoy!

Patriotic Paper Crafted Fireworks by landeeseelandeedo.blogspot.com

 Distressed Red Star 4th of July Striped sign by CraftaholicsAnonymous.net

 Craft stick American Flag Banner by Gingersnapcrafts.com

Festive Fourth of July paper lanterns by thecraftingchicks.com

Fun Red, White, and Blue wooden star door hanger by unslumpingyourself.blogspot.com

 Fourth of July Confetti Paper Rockets by alphamom.com

 Red, White, and Blue American Flag Ruffle Wreath by beingbrook.com

 Star fruit printed bunting flags by alphamom.com

American flag tin can windsock by the-wilson-world.blogspot.com

4th of July tin can luminaries by www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com 

Happy Fourth of July, Everyone!

Feeling inspired by Independence Day? Try my fun DIY Stars & Stripes Patriotic Manicure!

Backyard Flower Mystery Solved: Glorious Orange Daylilies!

Though we've lived in this house for nearly 3 years, I have never before seen these lovelies bloom.

Imagine my happiness to arrive home from vacation and see them in full flower for the first time! They were so breathtaking and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect flower to surprise me; I'm so in love with orange it hurts!

I have always wondered what they were. Seeing them with several buds last summer and watching them wither from the heat and die before blooming (despite my feeble sporadic attempts at watering them) was such a disappointment. Not knowing what they were meant not being sure how to take care of them, and it is such a thrill for me to finally see a burst of life in the otherwise sad and neglected 'garden'. Now I know they loved all the rain we got in May and June, and though I don't expect we'll be so lucky next year, I will be prepared to quench their thirst a little bit more with the hose.

I believe they are orange daylilies, but please correct me if I'm wrong; I am by no means a horticultural expert, and I am basing this assertion solely from comparing this photo to others on google. So, just throwing that out there...

Orange flowers are said to evoke enthusiasm and energy and convey confidence,  and these glorious Daylilies are no exception. A symbol of motherly love, the Daylily adds a beautifully vibrant shade and radiates warmth throughout the garden. 

Just looking at this picture I feel happiness and energy, warmth and vitality. I think it's fair to say that's how the color orange makes me feel in general, and I thought I'd share in the hopes that it might make  you feel that way too!

Yoga Inspired Stackable Gemstone Bracelets on special!

I have been thinking about other e-commerce options besides Etsy a lot lately. I found this option, called ShopLocket, and I thought I'd try it out to see how it works. One of the coolest things is that anyone else can share this item on their blog or website by using the 'embed' button above, just as simply as sharing a video from YouTube!

I hope you may consider sharing it on your blog, if you do please post here and let me know! I'd love to do something special for you in return :)

This set of bracelets is from my new Yoga Inspired Jewelry Collection. I think they turned out fabulously and I can't stop wearing mine (all at once!) They are on special until the 22nd while I test this new platform out, in hopes that I may get to see how smoothly the order process goes from my end, while giving some fans a chance to get a great deal on these awesome new bracelets!

If all goes well, I am thinking I'd love to do a monthly special on the blog using this cool new feature. Wouldn't that be awesome?

I developed these bracelets and the entire Yoga Collection for a friend's brand new studio in West Fort Worth, Temple Road Yoga. If you're in that neck of the woods, I hope you'll stop by and say hello to Angel at and see my jewelry in person!  Also, I am happy to share that you can get 30 Days of Yoga for $30 with this Grand Opening Special through July 21st!

Oh, and if you want to sell anything of yours on your own blog or website, check out ShopLocket. You can literally set it up in minutes and you can sell anything - piano lessons, vintage clothing, e-books. Anything! Plus, you can also embed it in a Facebook fan page!

I hope it works out, I'm really excited about it!

It's Beach Time, Baby!!

I'm so excited I couldn't sleep! We are leaving for the airport in an hour, and I am so happy to be going on vacation for the first time in 8 years; the first actual real vacation with the man I love :) We're off to the beautiful Secrets Resort in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, and I have a feeling this is going to be the best trip ever!!!
I can't wait to take some photos of my own :) I'll see you in a week; hasta la huego!