Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Crock-Pot Recipe | Soup From Scratch Pt. 1







There's nothing like eating a deliciously healthy and hearty soup on those cold winter afternoons and nights!  Here's a quick and easy way to make one from scratch using veggies, beans and spices you probably already have in your fridge!!  Watch the video and give the recipe a try.  You'll thank me later!

 xoxo  L 

Thursday, December 25, 2014

File Cabinet Makeover - DIY Bring On The Glam Collection

$100 Bedroom Makeover!

I'm still in the throws of restyling my bedroom for less than $100.  Last week I shared the antiqued mirror I created for my bedroom for under $10!  So this week, I decided to use the remaining paint to transform this old thrift store file cabinet in a glamorous side table. 

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE A VIDEO TUTORIAL?  COMMENT BELOW!
To achieve this look, I picked up an old file cabinet from The Brown Elephant, a local thrift store. I love to donate and pick up items from this place because the proceeds support AIDS research and support services for teens.  They Rock! 

After picking up the file cabinet (which was only $18 and in great condition!) I brought it home, cleaned it with a damp sponge, removed the handles and spray painted the sides with "Chrome" Rustolium Metallic paint.  OPTIONAL: After spraying a side, I blotted it with a towel in a few spots, then sprayed it again.  This gives the surface a shiny and matte antiqued look. Skip this optional step if you'd like a completely even toned finish.

Then I sprayed the handles with "Window Effect" paint.  Last time I used the window effect paint on glass, but today I used it on the plastic. It creates a pewter effect that adds a nice contrast the shine of the metallic surface of the cabinet.

I let everything dry, replaced the handles and voila - a beautifully glam piece for my new bedroom look!  How do you like it?

If you're interested in following my bedroom restyle journey, follow this blog for updates!  :) 

Happy holidays!  See ya soon!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Taste Bud Tuesday: Burgundy Pepper Lamb Tips and Vegetables

Foodie Alert!!!

Every year make a special new meal or two during the holiday season. I'm just loving lamb these days, so I thought I'd share this super easy, quick, healthy and DELICIOUS recipe with you! 

Trader Joe's Burgundy Pepper Lamb Tips and a little pricey, but well worth it! A package usually goes for $15 - $17 but you can serve up to 5 people or do like me - cook half then freeze the other half for later.  GREAT BARGAIN! 

I sear the meat in a skillet on high heat in about 2 tbs of olive oil for a about 3 minutes, then cook it on medium for 4-5 minutes. TIP: Searing the meat first helps to seal the juices inside the meat and results in a beautiful browning on the outside. No need to add spices because it's already been marinaded and unlike some other pre seasoned meats, the flavor is perfect!  And this is coming from a girl who LOVES her spices!


Go ahead and remove the meat from the skillet and set it to the side.  Using the same skillet toss in your sliced or chopped veggies!  I used yellow squash, zucchini, red pepper and onion.  Toss them into the same pan you used for the meat and saute them in the juices created by the meat.  Cook until they soften a bit.  Add a little more olive oil as needed. SMELLS DELISH!



Now add in the meat to the veggies along with a 1/2 tsp of minced garlic. Cook and mix or about 4 minutes on medium heat.  Don't let the veggies get too soft or dry out the meat.  And Voila! 
You can eat this with a salad or add roasted potatoes...what ever strikes your fancy!  You could also skewer the meat after searing it (adding in the chopped veggies on the skewer) and make Kabobs!

Go ahead and try it and hollar back in the comment section below! 

Flat Twist Out | Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker + Almond Jai Twist Butter

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

DIY Antiqued Mirror Glass - under $10

 I'm so happy to share my latest DIY with you!!! If you like a little glam with an antiqued look, you'll love this!!!  I've been experimenting with this vintage antiqued mirror look since early spring.   I've used in on my makeup brush holder and a small picture frame and decided to
 renew the beauty of an old wall hanging \ frame I purchased about 15 years ago.  I had actually broken the frame but wasn't ready to get rid of it so I thought I'd this beautiful faux look for my beauty table.
It's soothing, beautiful and inexpensive!!! 

Materials used:
Rustolium Metalic Spray Paint in Chrome
Rustolium Mirror Illusion Spray Paint
An old frame

Want a tutorial?  Just let me know by leaving a note in the comments section! :)
Thanks guys!