Tuesday, December 29, 2009

apps.



The husband surprised me with a new phone for Christmas. If you could have seen the state of my blackberry then you would know this replacement was a very welcome one. With my new phone in hand I am now in the market for some good apps. Tell me your favorites...

jewelry stand.



I like this jewelry stand. Do you?

bacon wrapped jalapeno thingies.



You should make these for New Year's Eve. No really, I'm not kidding.

*photo credit: pioneer woman cooks

Monday, December 21, 2009

merry christmas.



Ryan has the week off.. which means I want the week off too, to hang out and just be together as a family. I hope your holidays are filled with laughter and love, family and friends. Merry Christmas.


*image from country living.

oops and a winner.

I'll blame it on "holiday brain" I failed to announce a second winner for the downeast giveaway. SO I apologize and here is the second winner...


Congratulations erica! Please email me (tangledandtrue@gmail.com) by Thursday morning to claim your prize.

kindle commercial.




I love this commercial, so clever. Have any of you tried out the kindle?

downeast basics {winner!}



Congratulations!! Please contact me (tangledandtrue@gmail.com) by Wednesday morning to claim your prize.

Friday, December 18, 2009

squeeballs {winner!!}



Congratulations!! Please email me (tangledandtrue@gmail.com) by Monday morning in order to claim your prize.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

downeast basics {giveaway!}

This is a giveaway that would surely make my holiday season!! Downeast is one of my go-to stores. They have stylish, modest, good quality clothes and best of all the prices are affordable. You don't have to shell out tons of money to look put together, and in this economy that is worth a lot.

Some of my favorites from their latest holiday line include:

Semi wrap style trench coat that features generous fold over collar with ruffle detail and belt. Hits below the knee. Lined. Cotton. Imported. Available in Limestone (pictured) and black.
You could seriously stop traffic in this jacket. I have seen it in person and it can be dressy or casual. It's my kind of coat.

Polka dot 3/4 sleeve dress with gathered detail on neckline, belt and invisible pockets. Pull over styling.


Fitted dress with tiered ruffles on chest and around neckline. 3" waistband with inverted pleats above and below. Stretch polyester.
Enough with my favorites, the important thing is what your favorites are, because two of you are going to win the item of your choice.. That's right, anything your heart desires. What will you choose? It can be your little holiday gift to yourself.

Would you love to win? be sure to:
*comment on this post with your name
*please only enter once
*answer question above
*giveaway will be open until Monday (12/21)
*winner will be announced Tuesday morning.

Good Luck and Thank you Downeast!

fabric pompoms.



Have you seen these flower poms from once wed? I will definitely be making some of these once the Christmas dust settles. Care to join me? Tutorial here.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Squeeballs {giveaway!!}


We currently have a Wii (which I love), it's great for hours of family entertainment, but I'm slowly realizing how expensive the games can be. They definitely add up quickly. Which is why I am so happy to be giving away Squeeballs today! This is a great family friendly game that will provide hours of fun for everyone.

Squeeballs are 12 toys that are manufactured on a secret island somewhere in the Pacific. Before they can be sold to children around the world, the Squeeballs must be fully put to the test...to the point of destruction! You can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and bounce the Squeeballs. The game features a unique collection of 11 party games, each taking place in a different environment from lava-filled canyons, bowling alleys and kitchens to science labs and snow-capped mountains.

If you'd love to wrap this up and put it under your tree.. tell me which Wii/DS game is the favorite at your house.

Would you love to win? be sure to:
*comment on this post - with your name
*please only enter once
*answer question above
*giveaway will be open until Thursday 12/17
*winner will be announced Friday morning

Good Luck and Thank you Performance Designed Products!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

holiday pretzel treats.



These are dangerously good. Your kids will love helping you make them, they're easy and festive. My kind of treat.

wishbone necklace.



Two Sisters Jewelry is celebrating the 12 days of Christmas by offering one heavily discounted piece of jewelry per day. Today is the wishbone necklace. I am very tempted. Isn't is beautiful?

eleven collection {winner!}


Congratulations Kellie! Please email me (tangledandtrue@gmail.com) by Wednesday morning to claim your prize.


*We have some exciting giveaways this week and next so be sure to check back often!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

a holiday tip.

Tonight I created something extraordinary. No really, I did. I took this chocolate chip cookie recipe (we've talked about it before)..


and I added some of these (I found mine at our local Fred Meyer)



The result had family and friends banging down my door. Okay maybe not banging, but my sister who doesn't even like peppermint had a few.. and I'll leave it at that.

natural pod.


Christmas shopping for Finn is proving difficult this year. He doesn't really need anything and he's not old enough to want anything, still I feel a need to have him represented under the tree.

Natural Pod has always been a favorite shopping spot. Their selection of natural and wooden toys is one of the best I've found. I think this wooden bus might be a perfect fit for Finn. Something he can use now and as he grows.

I'm also on the lookout for some great wooden blocks. Suggestions are welcome!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

eleven collection {giveaway!}

Phoebe: Copper Mary Jane with chocolate elastic band and faux fur trim. $50.


Every year for Christmas I like to pick out the perfect pair of shoes for the girls. The older they get the harder I feel like it is to find shoes I like. Eleven Collection has become a go-to for me. The girls insist on wearing them all the time, thinking they are some of the most comfortable shoes they have. They're stylish, they hold up and wear well. Some of the best shoes I've found.

Aubin: chocolate brown loafer with peanut butter zig-zag accents. $45.

They have multiple styles for girls and boys in sizes ranging from 9 to 3. Made from high quality leather and naturally water resistant (a must around here) you can be sure they won't fall apart before your child outgrows them.

Today one lucky winner can wrap up a pair and put it under their tree. Just tell me which pair you would choose.

Would you love to win? be sure to:
*comment on this post with your name
*answer question above
*please only enter once
*giveaway will be open until Friday 12/11
*winner announced Monday!

Good Luck and Thank You Eleven Collection!!


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

neighbor gifts.



I've made it through the first crazy week of December. Next project neighbor and teacher gifts. I'm leaning towards the homemade granola in cute jars, but then I remembered I'd bookmarked these s'more kits via twig and thistle and can't decide. I'm convinced cute packaging could make anything a good gift. What are you making/taking this holiday season?


*photo taken from marthastewart.com and twig and thistle.

Monday, December 7, 2009

new price.. same great tub.


The Puj tub is now only $39.99, you better hurry to make it in time for the holidays! Your gift will be the hit of the season.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

tears. hope. love.



It's after midnight, the house is dark and quiet. I am exhausted. It's been a long week.. a long week lays ahead, and here I sit, tears streaming down my face. I am riveted. Her story is amazing, she is beautiful and courageous. There are no words to describe what I feel. An intro, four chapters, 18 pictures.. you'll walk away a changed person. I know I did.

two guitars.



If you're not into the photocard, I really like these for holiday cards.

*seen at poppytalk handmade (a great place to shop for a thoughtful/one of a kind gift)

grosgrain.



If I was between a size 2-5, I would absolutely be hoping to win this dress. If you are a size 2-5 try your luck here.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009




I really want this coat, but I can't for the life of me figure out where I saw it. Do you know?




This snowflake banner is perfect. Now to find the time. Tutorial here.

Monday, November 30, 2009


It's December 1st and officially the start of the holiday season. Bring on the Christmas cards! If you haven't checked out hello lucky, you may want to. They have an incredible selection of holiday cards.


The details are stunning. Choose from Christmas cards, photo cards, Hanukkah cards or Letterpress.


For easy access to their holiday cards, see them in the left sidebar.


Sunday, November 29, 2009


If you're looking to impress this holiday season, Sucré is your answer. The perfect hostess gift.. something for that all too impossible to shop for person on your list, your spouse, your best friend, all of them will love what Sucré has to offer.


Macaroons, simple, colorful and delicious.. they're a sure fire hit and almost too pretty to eat.


When the Sugar and Spice Holiday collection showed up on our front porch, serious fighting ensued. The girls, Ryan and I all wanted them. They were heavenly, but I wanted to put these chocolates to the test (even if it meant sacrificing my own desires). I phoned our good friends, knowing they are well versed in the land of chocolate. If they gave Sucré the stamp of approval, that would be the best indicator of all.



I am happy to say they passed with flying colors. They have Dr. Greg and Sara's stamp of approval.. so it's official, they are GOOD!


and they look like pretty glass marbles. You should try some. You'll be glad you did.

Special offer for T+T readers: $10 off your order of $70+ (this can be used for multiple addresses) by using code SUCRÉ at checkout.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Gratitude Journal: Guest Post by Jenn Kirk

What I hope will be a yearly tradition for the month of November is creating a gratitude journal with my children.

At the beginning of the month, I told my oldest son Kai the story about the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving dinner. Each day after, I'd ask him for one thing he was grateful for. I thought it would be fun to record his responses in a book and even had him photograph the things he was grateful for. There were a lot of repeats (hence the book not being very long!) with 'toys' coming up often enough to make me question my parenting skills. But the result is a handmade gratitude journal filled with sweet pictures that Kai took himself. Sweet because I love seeing what inspires him.




As for food, what is now becoming a tradition in our family is to have a very non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Having grown up on rice and noodles, I've always looked forward to turkey and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, but the novelty is completely lost on my husband. So instead of cooking a turkey, I will be roasting a chicken and making a goat cheese and bell pepper pizza -- requests from Kai and my husband. I'm usually a straight-to-dessert type of person, so my treat will be a flourless chocolate cake.

Hope you all get your feast on and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jenn

featured.

Be sure to check out me out on Sensibly Styled today! They're featuring my Thanksgiving outfit pics, and lots of others. They are inspiration for sure. (not mine.. but the others).

One Final Tip and Sanity Saver from amr

Image credit

Or keep your sanity and "savor" this. This is not exactly an idea - more a tip. My mom is a world class cook. No kidding. Her stuffing is made from bread crumbs that she crumbled herself from bread she made herself a few days earlier. Thanksgiving dinner is no joke at my house. It pains me to say this (and I secretly hope she doesn't read it) but last year I had my first bite of Costco's pumpkin pie. And then I had another and another - then another. I kid you not. It tasted EXACTLY the same. I could nearly swear it was made from my mom's own homemade pumpkin pie recipe. So if you're desperate for a little help and relief from your kitchen this week - remember Costco can fool even the most home grown palates.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Lunch: Winter Squash Soup


Despite the heavy meal that looms in the late afternoon/early evening, it's still necessary to eat lunch on Thanksgiving Day. I understand that it's temptation to skip over lunch on Thanksgiving because it's one of theose things you don't want to make time for amidst all the preparation and cooking going on. But, around 11 or 12 your body will be ready for some nourishment.

Each year we like to make this soup for Thanksgiving Day lunch. It's simple, it's easy to make, it's light, and most importantly...delicious! Serve with a light salad, a crusty roll or the Gruyere toasts mentioned with the recipe and you've nailed it. To save time, make the soup a day ahead...soups almost always taste better 24 hours later! Another added time saver is to purchase pre-cut butternut squash at your local gourmet grocery store (refrigerated produce section) or at Costco.

Enjoy!

Stephmodo

Thanksgiving by amr

To me the holidays are all about happy. Whatever I can do to brighten the experience and put a smile on my (and my family's) face - you can be assured I'm all over it! I'm an idea girl - but I've learned from experience that I can't let my brain go too crazy. All the fabulous ideas and projects in the world won't save a stressful and strung-out celebration. So I thought I would share some really simple and successful Thanksgiving tips that won't send you screaming out the back door (a reference to my dear mother who advises me in stressful situations to do that very thing - open the back door and give a good holler. Try it! You'll be surprised how much release it gives :)

First, here is my very favorite recipe for rolls. And I think the title of the recipe will be a good indicator why:

NEVER FAIL REFRIGERATOR ROLL.


As a former roll failure, I was quite giddy to discover a recipe with such promise and encouragement in a few simple words. The biggest trick to these rolls is remembering to make them the day before you take them. Yep, that's the biggest trick. Sounds simple, right? There is one last warning and that is this: Be careful when you bring them anywhere...because they are so soft,delicious, and addictive - you'll be asked to bring them to all your holiday and family functions from then on.

Never Fail Refrigerator Roll

1c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar

Melt together, don't scorch. Set aside to cool.

1 scant T. yeast
1/4 c. warm water
Dissolve yeast in warm water. (Add just a bit of sugar to aid in dissolving the yeast.)

2 t. sugar
3 eggs, beaten
4 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt

Combine eggs and sugar and beat with a fork. Add the milk mixture and yeast and blend with a fork. Add the flour and salt and stir with a fork. (Or just do it all with your kitchen aid- that's what I did) Put in fridge overnight, covered tightly.

Two hours before you want to serve the rolls, roll the dough into a circle on a floured surface. Your dough will be sticky, so use enough flour. Spread with softened or melted butter. Cut into pie shaped wedges (24) and roll up like a croissant. Let rise 2 hours at room temperature.
Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.
Next up, a fun project to send to those you won't get to celebrate with. If your family is anything like mine, you are spread across the states and don't get to spend each holiday with all your family members. This is an especially fun idea for the grandparents who won't be seated at your Thanksgiving table this year.

You know those cute hand print turkeys your kids make at school? Use one of those or make one of your own by painting and "stamping" each child's hand onto cardstock - or even simpler, just trace their hand with crayons and let them color it in with the appropriate turkey details. (Googly eyes are always a hit if you have them on hand.) Either fold the paper in half to make a card or cut it out and paste it onto another piece of cardstock.

Once you have your card, help them print the following poem on the inside:
This isn't just a turkey
As anyone can see

I made it with my hand

Which is a part of me
It comes with lots of love
And I'd like to say
I hope you have a very
Happy Thanksgiving Day

Sweet and simple and sure to put a smile on some faces.

Another fun idea that gets everyone involved in the Thanksgiving Day menu is to set up a voting station. We did this last year for Christmas dinner and it was a huge hit. This year we have used our chalkboard wall to "vote" on Thanksgiving sides about a week before the big day. Sometimes when friends and neighbors drop by, we've asked them to add their favorites to the wall. We are guaranteed our traditional favorites, but this is a fun way to add a couple new twists to the menu.
My last idea - is only an idea - or rather an unchartered recipe. I haven't tested it yet, but am hoping to get to it this weekend. If you make it before I do (or you've made it before) please let me know if it is as delectably delicious as it sounds. I found it in "Southern Lady" magazine. (How much do you love that name? In my mind I see a boardroom full of Paula Deans brainstorming oodles of ideas and recipes.)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Fudge
Makes about 3 pounds

3 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (11-ounce) package white chocolate morsels
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow crème
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups walnuts, toasted

1. Line a 13x9x2-inch pan with aluminum foil; set aside.

2. In a Dutch oven, combine sugar, butter, milk, pumpkin, corn syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer registers 234°.

3. Remove from heat; stir in white chocolate until melted. Stir in remaining ingredients until smooth. Quickly pour into prepared pan. Let cool for 2 hours. Cut into small squares to serve.

image credit

Phew! That's all folks! I hope you've enjoyed some of my Thanksgiving ideas. Thanks Brittany, for letting me be a part of your fantastic blog. It's always been one of my favorites...and fellow readers, please stop by Melt by amr and say hello.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...