Baby Fever: Mom-to-Be Gift

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As I mentioned in my DIY nursery art video I have a lot of friends expecting babies before the end of the year and attended the first shower this past weekend. I saw that the mom-to-be posted on Facebook that one of the first things she is going to have after the baby comes is a Moscow Mule. I thought to put together a little care package for her with all the ingredients she would need to make the drink. It’s a super simple idea – just wrap the ingredients in a plastic bag, tie with a ribbon, and make a tag that has the drink recipe on it (I created the tag in a word doc). I know it was a baby shower but the mom-to-be deserves a little something too!

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Los Angeles: 30th Birthday Recap

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Last Sunday I turned the big 3-0! I headed to Los Angeles where I got to celebrate the last days in my twenties with amazing friends and great food. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Oh, and did I mention we went to the Justin Timberlake/Jay-Z Legends of the Summer tour at the Rose Bowl!?! Best. Birthday. Ever.

I’m in LA a few times a year and this trip we hit all new spots to eat and drink. I wanted to share with you all where we went cause there was no complaints about anything! I would go back to anyone of these places in a heartbeat. What are you favorite spots to eat and play at in LA?Los Angeles July 2013

The Village: Chill little spot in Studio City where you are sure to spot a celebrity (we did before we even sat down at our table).

  • Eats: Black Mussels, La Loggia Chopped Salad, Crispy Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Cheese Platter
  • Toddies: The Spicy Native, Blacklisted Basil

Blu Jam Cafe: The portions are big, so you could definitely share a dish. I was so full but just kept eating because it is so good.

  • Eats: Chilaquiles, Migas, Spicy Tex Mex Hash, Blueberry Pancakes
  • Toddies: Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Kamil’s favorite juice combo (carrot, beet, celery & ginger)

Cleo: If you want a real LA/Hollywood vibe this place will provide it but without the pretentious attitude.

  • Eats: Lebaneh with Feta, Hummus, Spicy Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts (must have!), Pork Belly Kebabs, Falafel, Grilled Octopus
  • Toddies: Mediterranean Margarita, Clementina, Lotus Flower

Sassafras: We headed here after dinner at Cleo. Sassafras makes you feel like you are in a prohibition bar in the south rather than in downtown LA. There is a laundry list of whiskey to pick from and the live music is a can’t miss.

  • Toddies: Cucumber Smash

Eveleigh: Hands down my favorite place of the weekend! Loved the decor and the views of LA from the outdoor deck (and the waiters were easy on the eyes too!!). They were super accommodating to my gluten allergy and the substitute dishes were delicious! I put a “gf” next to the food items they made gluten free for me.

  • Eats: Granola (gf), Spiced Banana Bread w/ Lemon Yogurt, Avocado Toast (gf, the boiled egg gribiche was to die for!), Spelt Hot Cakes (gf), Baked Eggs, Bubble & Squeak, Truffled Fries
  • Toddies: Almond Milk Latte, French Press Coffee

Melrose Trading Post: Of course we did some vintage shopping!

20130802-182720.jpgBrunch at Eveleigh

20130802-182736.jpgBirthday favor that my BFF made, there was gluten free cookies inside that bag

20130802-182828.jpgA stop at Whole Foods for a picnic in the park at the Rose Bowl before the concert

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6 Ways to Wear a Maxi Skirt

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There was a lot of interest on the original post I did for multi-ways to wear a maxi skirt, so I decided to get a little creative and turn it into a fun video for you all. I mentioned that this skirt is great when traveling light but not until I was putting together the outfits for the video did I realize how great it really is! You can create (at least) 6 completely different looks with just a handful of items.

On a side note, I feel like I’ve been MIA from the blog lately, but the plan is to get back on the bandwagon next week. Things have been extremely busy the last month, so I’m taking a break and ending work a little early today to head to LA to celebrate my 30th birthday with some of my favorites. I promise to come back refreshed and with a bunch of new content (and a little older…)! Happy Friday!

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DIY: “I Love You to the Moon & Back” Nursery Artwork

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There is some major baby fever right now! I have eight friends due by the end of the year, that means tons of baby showers in my future. I always like to get something off of the registry and also include something personalized. This week I’ll show you how to create simple artwork for the saying “I Love You to the Moon & Back.”

The best part is I have curated a kit so that you can easily replicate this craft at home, purchase it here. You can use the kit to create the artwork yourself, or give it to the mom-to-be as a gift.

Tips:

  • Use stickers if you don’t want to hand write the saying.
  • Use a coffee can or bowl if you don’t have a compass.

Don’t forget to share your photos of the crafts you have done on Instagram and tag @likehearted!!

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Gluten Free Zucchini Bread

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My mom has this recipe book that is older than I am. The cover is burnt off, the pages are torn and spilled on but it contains some of the best tasting recipes. I have been craving the Zucchini bread that she always made when I was younger, so I got the recipe and altered it for my gluten free lifestyle (plus I cut out some of the sugar and oil as well).

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cup sugar
  • 2 cups (about 3 medium sized) shredded zucchini
  • 3 cups gluten free flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Using a food processor, shred the zucchini.
  3. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer and then evenly distribute into loaf pan. Bake 1 hour.

Mom’s recipe book!

DIY: Chevron Tray

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I’m constantly looking for home decor accessories and believe this is the biggest challenge when it comes to styling any space. I saw this tray in its raw wood form and decided to transform it to fit the decor at my house. The tray serves a great piece to display jewelry and/or perfume. I’ve put together a kit of all the supplies I used so you can make this exact one at home, purchase it here. If you get the kit send me a pic of the finished product on instagram and tag @likehearted!

BUY THIS KIT:

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Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

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Every summer muddled drinks are on the top of my must-have list. I love the pure freshness that you get when muddling fruits and herbs. Earlier this year when I was in Austin, Texas I discovered jalapeño tequila and instantly knew I had to try to make my own. Both of these things add up to be my summer drink mix: tequila + spicy + muddling =  the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita. This drink recipe is the perfect balance of refreshing with just a kick of heat.

Jalapeno infused Tequila:

Ingredients:

  • 1 jalapeno
  • 1 mason jar (I used a pint size)
  • Silver (Blanco) Tequila (enough to fill the jar)

Directions:

  1. Slice jalapeno and place in the jar.
  2. Pour and fill jar with tequila.
  3. Add lid and let it sit for 3-5 days in a cool/dark place. Once a day shake the jar.
  4. Strain out jalapeno slices/seeds and pour back into mason jar. I keep the jar in the fridge, it’s always good to have chilled tequila on hand.

Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Jalapeno Tequila
  • 5 thinly sliced pieces of cucumber (save one slice for garnish)
  • 2 oz of margarita mix. My favorite is Tres Agaves since it is organic and contains just lime juice and agave nectar. Or substitute with 1 oz fresh lime juice and 1 oz agave nectar.
  • 1 oz Triple Sec
  • 1 slice of jalapeno (for garnish)
  • Margarita salt (I prefer no salt but it makes for a better photo!)

Directions:

  1. Muddle 4 slices of cucumber in shaker glass until the juices are released. If you don’t have time to make the jalapeno infused tequila then add 4 slices of jalapeno to be muddled.
  2. Pour in remaining ingredients into the shaker with a scoop of ice. Add top and shake well.
  3. Prep glass by rimming it with a lime wedge and dipping into salt. Add 5 ice cubes.
  4. Pour mixture into glass. Garnish with cucumber and jalapeno slice.

Dip Dye Ombre Curtains

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I love this dip dye effect as an update to traditional tie dying (you know those shirts that always makes me think of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream). The ombre effect isn’t coming through as well on video, but it is there, I promise! I did 15 minute intervals but you can do longer to achieve the shades that you want. This same technique can be used on clothes, table clothes, etc. Dip dyed napkins make a perfect summer hostess gift!

Materials:

  • Rit Dye

  • White curtains or whatever material you are planning on dying

  • String

Tools:

  • Bucket

  • Rubber Gloves

  • Measuring Cup

  • Wooden or plastic spoon

Steps: Follow instructions that came with your dye. I recommend doing this craft outside.

  1. Prewash fabric.

  2. Tie string around the fabric where you want the dye to stop.

  3. Fill bucket with enough hot water for fabric to move around freely.

  4. Wet fabric in hot water. Ring out and place to the side.

  5. Take 1 packet of dye to 2 cups hot water. Mix and add to bucket.

  6. Add fabric to bucket, let is soak and then in in 15 minute intervals move the fabric out a foot to create an ombre effect.

  7. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.

  8. Wash in warm water with mild detergent.

  9. Dry item in dryer or air dry.

Images: Napkins, Shirt, Shoes,

Summer Entertaining: The Goods

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Summer Entertaining Essentials
  1. Blue Mason Jars – I stocked up on the limited edition blue mason jars. These blue beauties have multi-uses as vases, drinking cups, infusing alcohol (see #8), etc.
  2. Drink Tub – The tub makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.
  3. Pitcher – I prefer this stainless steel pitcher over a glass one, never have to worry about it breaking.
  4. Large Wood Cutting Board – Another multi-use item in my kitchen. I recently bought one of these and have used it as a serving piece for appetizers, part of a bar setup and as a center piece on a table. 
  5. Ikat Bowls – Add a pop of color to the table with these bowls.
  6. Ice Cream Attachment – This KitchenAid attachment has been on my wish list for awhile now. I have a bunch of recipes saved for the day when I actually get one.
  7. Kraft Paper – If you haven’t noticed I like to use kraft paper a lot. It’s a inexpensive material with endless uses.
  8. Jalapeno Infused Tequila – I’m attempting to make my own version this weekend. I’ll post the recipe on the blog soon!
  9. Myspace – I’m still trying to figure out the new Myspace interface but still digging it. Here are the songs I have on repeat this summer.