Saturday, March 31, 2012

Soft Color & Giveaway Winner

I've been wanting to dye my hair a crazy color because the military never let me and now I'm ready to rebel, but I haven't been brave enough to do it yet. Then I saw Wit & Whistle's post about just making the ends pink, and soon I was carried away with the color inspiration...
Soooo yeah, colored hair might be in my near future. And a flamingo pillow....

On another note, congratulations to Mary from Inside my Hideaway for winning the Ad Space Giveaway! You've won ad space on Little Luck Tree and Swell and Stylish. Shoot me an e-mail for details!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

 Shannon

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Easter DIY Round-Up

Easter is sneaking up quick! Here are some fun DIYs to get ready:
1. I created these Eggless Easter Eggs last year--fun colors & glitter make me happy.
2. Do I ever have a DIY round-up that doesn't include the eighteen25 girls? This Rainbow of Polish is pure genius.
3. These birds in the tree are so fantastic I feel the need to create them immediately.
4. I love this Bunny Silhouette Tray--it's such simple decor for a shelf, a dessert bar, or an entryway.
5. This Paint Chip Garland from The Sweetest Occasion is sooooo pretty. What a brilliant idea!!

I've got a few spring projects in the works I'll be sharing with you. What are you playing with?

♥ Shannon

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ad Space Giveaway

Spring is definitely in the air, isn't it? Music and arts festivals are popping up, as are daffodils, the weather is getting warmer. I love the anticipation of fun warm weather activities.

Today I'd like to introduce you to Rachel from Swell and Stylish
Rachel blogs about design, fashion, food and life. Her blog is adorable and so is she. Here's a cute poem she wrote for you:
"You will see my fancy little finds,
why of course it is swell...
a great little place for all that is well!
An eye for the unique--
Stop by for a peek!"
Some of her weekly features include Take 5 Tuesday, where she features 5 things she's loving; What I bought, where she shares cute things she's purchased for $10 & under (usually thrifting adventure finds); and Feature Friday, where she shares fun people, places & things.

Rachel is kind enough to be giving away 1 medium sized ad space to her blog, and you know what? I'm throwing one in too! That's two ad spaces for April! 

All you have to do to win is visit Swell and Stylish, then come back and leave a comment with your favorite weekly feature.

The winner will be announced on Friday! Good luck!

♥ Shannon

Friday, March 23, 2012

Style Social Blogger Series

So last night I went to the first event in the Style Social Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger Series. It was a DIY Decor event at Anthropologie hosted by Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest and Jen Gotch of ban.do.

It was ah-MAZ-ing.
I was having one of those days where all I wanted to do was stay under the blankets and read. But I had signed up for the event and I've been wanting to meet more crafty people, so I went, albeit all frazzled and (of course) late.

When I arrived, it was kind of like magic.
Bri and Jen had set up tables filled with crafty goodies--it was like an explosion of awesome: glitter, balloons, washi tape, stickers, twine, golden animals, paperclips with attitude, sparkly twine, and knick knacks galore.
We were invited to use any of the supplies we wanted to make a fun garland. I just loved being in a gorgeous setting making crafts, laughing, taking pictures, and just letting our inspiration take us anywhere.
It was exactly what I needed. Also, it was crazy fun meeting Bri and Jen, who were both adorable as can be and super nice--exactly what you'd expect from such creative women!
I came home and promptly hung my garland on the very empty wall above my desk. It makes me smile to look at it, and it reminds me to just loosen up and have fun.

Many thanks to Bri and Jen for such a rockin' idea, to the team at Anthropologie & The Americana at Brand, and all the crafty contributors--especially Angela & Ithyle, who provided the gold animals that have stolen my heart.

There are more workshops coming up over the next few weeks--I'll definitely be going. If you're in the area, maybe I'll see you there!

♥ Shannon

Thursday, March 22, 2012

What I Wore: Spring

Springtime! We have been having lovely sunny weather. It makes me want to wear bright colors.
Outfit details: Blouse: Old Navy; Skirt, Jewelry: Forever21; Sunglasses: Fossil; Pumps: Mossimo; Bag: Italian Boutique

I'm getting excited about picnics, fresh flowers from the farmer's market, sparkling fruit drinks, and sundresses! What are you looking forward to doing this spring?

 ♥ Shannon

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Top o' the Mornin' To Ya!

You're in for a real treat today, ma' darlin's. I've got recipes for Irish Coffee--made with a recipe for dairy-free Bailey's Irish Cream, and some Blarney Scones. And they're all plant-based and planet friendly (read: vegan!). And they are freakin' fantastic. You're welcome.
Blarney Scones
Yields 6-8 medium-sized scones

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 teaspoons (vegan) sugar
1 teaspoon crushed salt
3 tablespoons Earth Balance, room temperature
1/2-3/4 cup Almond Milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil in the oven to warm.

Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to work the Earth Balance into the dry ingredients until the Earth Balance is no longer clumpy.

Working the mixture as little as possible, add 1/2 cup Almond Milk and mix until it forms into a soft, sticky ball. Add more Almond Milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Using a floured rolling pin, gently roll the dough to a 1-inch thick slab. From here, you may use a biscuit cutter to create circular biscuits or a pizza cutter or knife to create triangles (shown). Cut out your individual biscuits.

Remove baking tray from the oven and arrange the scones on it. Bake 8 minutes, turn over, and bake another 4 minutes until lightly golden.

Serve with melted Earth Balance and Agave Nectar, or top with vegan whipped cream.

If you have leftovers, reheat at 350 degrees F or until warmed through. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from here.

Vegan Irish Coffee

Ingredients:
1 ounce vegan Bailey's (below)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup freshly brewed coffee
3 dollops homemade vegan whipped cream

Pour the Bailey's into a warmed mug. Add brown sugar (if desired). Slowly add the freshly brewed coffee while continuously mixing the liquid. All of the sugar should be dissolved. Add the whipped cream slowly--it will float just beneath the surface and it will be divine. You'll see. You can also mix it into the coffee for a smooth drink. Enjoy!

I always use this recipe for whipped cream. I am in love with Organic Authority for giving this to me. So easy and sooo delicious!
I discovered White Russian cocktails right before I went vegan and I was pretty bummed out to lose such a delicious drink. No longer! Here is a delightful and easy recipe for Vegan Bailey's Irish Cream.

Vegan Bailey's Irish Cream

Ingredients:

1 can of coconut milk
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup Jameson Irish Whiskey

Scoop the thick white top of the coconut milk into a mixing bowl. Pour the remaining liquid into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Add chocolate chips, stirring frequently until melted. Pour chocolate mixture into remaining coconut milk. Add vanilla extract and whiskey. Keep refrigerated in a dark bottle.

It's delicious in Irish Coffee or pour it over the rocks with a dash of Almond Milk for a smooth White Russian. Sooo good!

One more thing....
In Ireland it is said that kissing the Blarney Stone will bequeath one with the gift of eloquence. In order to do this, you must climb a high tower, lay on your back suspended over a staggering drop, lay backwards, and kiss the stone. Naturally, I was all over it. Of course, I tried to reach the furthest away from the center of the stone I could. Who knows what that stone's previous dalliances entailed.

It was worth it! If you're ever in Blarney, I say go for it. Then buy yourself a magnet that says "So stone me! I kissed it!".

Happy St. Patrick's Day, ma' hearts!

 Shannon

Friday, March 16, 2012

Last-Minute Green!

If there is one thing you need on St. Patrick's Day, it is a statement piece. I plan on sporting this huge bow in my hair. Making this bow is seriously so easy--and it only takes about 10 minutes--perfect if you're in a pinch! (See what I did there? Pinch? Because it's St. Patrick's Day?)
I love that it is over-sized and playful! Definitely an eye-catcher. Here's how you do it:
Things you'll need:
-- Green fabric (9"x25")
-- Scissors
-- Barrette clip
-- Sewing machine (or needle & thread)
-- Glue gun
1. Cut off one end of the fabric (1" x 9"). Set aside.

Lay remaining 9"x24" right side up. Fold one left side over just past the center.
2. Fold the right side over just past the center so it overlaps left side. Pin top and bottom edges. Sew top. Sew bottom. It will resemble an open-back pillow case.
3. Turn right-side out.
4. Accordion-fold your bow.
5. Pinch together the center. Wrap the remaining strip around the middle. 
6. Sew or glue the ends of the strip to the back of the bow.
7. Glue the bow to the barrette clip.
8. Enjoy!
I had fun styling it with a loose pony tail and with a twisted half-up half-down look.
Next step, a bow for pups. Doodles Weaver sends her regards.

 Shannon

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

St. Patrick's Day DIY Round-Up

I just love a reason to celebrate! Growing up, the leprechauns would create a bit of mayhem: they would knock over furniture, hang underoos from ceiling fans, and dye our dairy and toilet water green (one year, even our dog!).

It's no less fun as an adult. Here are a few of my favorite crafts and projects for St. Patrick's Day:
1. DIY Green Vases & Subway Art from the eighteen25 girls. I'm totally in love with their display.
2. Super cute Paper Shamrocks from EllinĂ©e. 
3.  Shamrock Boutonnieres from the ever-amazing Martha Stewart!
 4. Simple as That St. Patrick's Day Banner. I love the printed paper touch.
5. I'm in love with these bottle printables from Benign Objects--perfect for kids or adults!

Will you be celebrating this year?

 Shannon

Monday, March 12, 2012

Seeing Green


Are you ready for St. Patrick's Day? These amazing pumps from ModCloth and this etsy print should get you in the mood.

On another note, many of you have asked about my acting endeavors. Here are a few updates:
I've had quite a busy week prepping costumes & shooting a short film with Matt. We spent hours (and hours) shooting to get two minutes of a final cut film. Loved every minute! Even the fact that I was up at 6:00AM to film this, then up til midnight performing in my play that night.
Also last Saturday, HBO's Game Change premiered and I was amped to see that my profile made the final cut for five glorious seconds (that's me on the left--just pretend like you saw it clearly! You and Steven Spielberg--I'm expecting a call from him any minute now).

This film was my first time on a professional studio project. Watching Woody Harrelson and Julianne Moore work was seriously the coolest thing. Even though Woody kept making me giggle and getting me into trouble between takes.

♥ Shannon

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Pencil Brush Tutorial

Today I want to show you how to write on your images in Photoshop--it looks like you're writing with chalk or a pencil. So fun!
First, download a pencil brush. I like this one from KoiFishSushi on deviantART. Double-click on the brush file, then open Photoshop.
Open the image you want to doodle on, then make a new layer. Select the Brush Tool.
Hover over the image and Right Click, then select your new Pencil Brush (it should be the last brush, so you might have to scroll down to find it).
Start drawing! It helps if you have a tablet, which will allow you to hold a stylus and draw, but this can definitely be done with a mouse and some practice. I have the Wacom Intuos3 tablet.

Enjoy!

♥ Shannon

PS: Like the outfit seen in this post? Check out the details here!

Friday, March 2, 2012

What I Wore: Black & White

I've been wedding venue browsing. When I go I like to dress up a bit--so much fun!
Outfit Details: Dress & Coat: White House Black Market; Heels: Mossimo


Also, I'm not sure if you know this already, but planning a wedding is quite a bit of work!

♥ Shannon
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