Homemade Almond Milk

Non-dairy milks, such as soy, rice, coconut, hemp, oat and almond are growing in popularity.

These plant-based alternatives are easier for the body to digest, compared to cow’s milk, as they don’t contain lactose. And, some even have added health benefits. For example, almond milk, is high in Vitamin E, Magnesium and Potassium.

While you can purchase milk substitutes at nearly any grocery store, I prefer to make my own. The end result is smooth, silky and just a touch sweet.

Ingredients

1 Cup Raw Almonds

3 Cups Filtered Water

¼ Teaspoon Coconut Oil

¼ Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Equipment

Blender (Vitamix)

Nut Milk Bag (or cheesecloth)

Place the raw almonds in a small bowl and cover with filtered water. Soak the almonds for at least 6 hours, or overnight. The longer the almonds soak, the creamier the milk. When done soaking, drain and rinse the almonds under cold water. Add the almonds to the blender, along with 3 cups filtered water. Blend on high speed for 2 minutes. Turn off the blender, add ¼ teaspoon coconut oil and ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Pulse just to combine.

Over a large bowl, pour the contents into the nut milk bag. Twist the bag tightly, and gently press all the milk from the almond meal (the almond meal will be dry and remain inside the bag).

Store the almond milk in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. But believe me, it won’t last that long! I love to mix this milk into fruit smoothies and it’s delicious with Cold Brew Coffee.



DIY:: Eucalyptus Bath Sachet

Unfortunately, it's that time of year. Both the Mr. and I spent the weekend sick with some sort of never-ending cough/cold. After several days of rest, soup and lots of water, we're starting to feel better. Thank goodness!

During our Saturday of doing nothing, however, I spent time catching up on some recent magazines I hadn't yet read. In the January issue of Martha Stewart, I found this simple solution to help clear congestion and create a spa-like bathroom, in your own home.

The scent of Eucalyptus is energizing and refreshing; especially appealing when you're feeling a little under the weather.

To make the sachet, you only need a few items: fresh eucalyptus (available at Whole Foods), one coffee filter and small piece of twine/string.

Simply place the eucalyptus into the coffee filter and secure with a tie. Hang the sachet from the shower faucet. As the hot water runs, the healing essence of the eucalyptus will perfume your bathroom and clear your sinuses. Ah, it's a good thing.

*Image via Martha Stewart Living

DIY:: 'Thankful for Leftovers' Takeaway Boxes

I always look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers because I never seem to get my fill of turkey, stuffing and all the sides from just one meal.

So guests don't miss out on the extent of the feast, Camille Styles, hostess to one of my favorite lifestyle blogs, had this wonderful idea! DIY:: 'Thankful for Leftovers' Takeaway boxes.

Click HERE for the free printable download. And, Happy Thanksgiving!

*Image via Camille Styles

DIY Brightening Kiwi Mask

We're so excited... Two of our close friends are tying the knot this weekend in Boston! The event will be a festive, fall party, held at an Estate located just outside the city proper. 

I love getting dressed up and usually look for any excuse to do so! For me, part of the fun of attending any soiree is the anticipation and preparation beforehand.

I like to incorporate a brightening face mask into my beauty routine a few days before the event to rid my skin of any impurities and give it a more natural glow. I've used a variety of branded products in the past, but have evolved into making my own at-home scrub. I prefer this variation because it's all-natural, less expensive and very simple to prepare. 

The formulation relies heavily on the super-fruit qualities of kiwi. With its powerful duo of antioxidant vitamin C (more than an orange!) and exfoliating alpha hydroxy fruit acids, kiwi creates more elasticity in the skin.

To prepare, mix: 2 kiwis, pureed + 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (I use plain Greek Yogurt because of the thicker consistency) + 1 tablespoon orange juice + 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl until well blended. Using your fingertips, apply to the entire face (avoiding the eyes). Leave on until dry, then rinse well.

*Image via Martha Stewart

Bon Appetit:: Adorable DIY Place Tags

I'm falling in love with our rooftop more and more every weekend. And, I know it will be especially appealing over the next few weeks, as the summertime heat and humidity breaks and gorgeous fall weather begins to arrive.

Now, that we have our own place, I'm always keeping my eyes out for unique entertaining details. Recently, I happened across these adorable place tags and immediately fell in love. Be sure to download them HERE!

DIY:: Picnic Blanket

Well, I should have been writing my own post last night, but instead, I spent my time admiring all the other creative types out there! It's amazing how many great ideas you can come across, just by exploring a few blogs. 

This was my favorite find of the evening, by far! I'll surely be making this for upcoming afternoon get togethers in Central Park. Because, let's be honest, if you're going to have a picnic, you should probably have a stylish blanket. 

*Image and video from Design Love Fest

DIY:: Spiced Cashew Milk

Before our wedding last year, I attempted the Blue Print Cleanse. And, to be completely honest, I wasn't very successful. By the end of Day 1, I found myself hungry, tired and irritable... Did I mention hungry?

While I probably won't ever be consuming six juices per day again, I was introduced to, and will continue to enjoy, the healthy deliciousness that is: cashew milk.

This sweet, yet satisfying beverage, is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. And, while I'm not on a raw, gluten-free, dairy-free nor vegan diet... It works with all of those!

Spiced Cashew Milk
2 cups raw cashews (soaked in water overnight)
4 cups filtered water
4-5 dates, pitted (soaked in water for about 5 minutes)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamon (optional)

Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender (I highly recommend using a VitaMix) and blend until the cashews are pulverized. Let mixture sit for about 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a layer of cheese cloth and squeeze all the liquid into a bowl. Transfer milk to a glass jar or pitcher and store in the fridge for up to two days.

*Image via Roost

DIY:: Bright, White Towels and Sheets

When it comes to interiors and household items, I'm 'white obsessed'. There's nothing more classic. White dishes always showcase a beautiful meal, white sheets feel luxurious (and give me the best night's sleep), and white towels are a spa-like treat at home.

Many people fear white because they think it's impossible to keep clean. When in fact, white linens are quite easy to wash, brighten and transform into 'just like new'.

To best wash your white linens, follow these simple tricks of the trade:

• Always launder sheets and towels first, before using them. 
• For towels, never use fabric softeners, as they will decrease the towel's ability to absorb water (to be honest, I never use fabric softeners).
• Use a mild detergent. Harsh formulas can thin the fabrics of the linens. I use Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. It smells wonderful.
• I love bleach. While nearly all my other cleaning supplies are eci-friendly, nothing brightens towels and sheets better than Clorox. Wash white towels and white sheets in hot water with 3/4 cup of bleach per regular load.
• Dry on medium-high heat.
• Fold towels and sheets right away.

Garden in the City

April showers bring May flowers... True, even for urban apartment dwellers!

My sister-in-law and I spent Saturday afternoon 'gardening away' in hopes of turning their urban rooftop into a more zen-like space. The area receives direct sunlight all day... Perfect conditions for many flowers and most vegetables and herbs. 

As we had a lot of ground ('rooftop') to cover, we divided our tasks accordingly. I focused on the vegetables and herbs, and Trish handled all the flowers. 

The vegetables were planted in a large bed of organic soil and peat moss, mixed with Miracle Grow fertilizer. 

Twine divided the bed into 12 inch sections, to ensure proper spacing for growth. We decided to use seeds for the vegetables: Radishes, Green Beans, Green Peas and Butter Lettuce. Since tomatoes grow quite large, those were placed in their own large pot.

For the herbs, we purchased seedlings. I can't wait to have an abundance of fresh basil on-hand for all my summer-time recipes! 

What I love most about Trish's rooftop garden is her use of vertical greenery and flowers to cover the, otherwise boring, cement walls. These vines are very young, but just imagine what they will look like mid-summer!

Happy Gardening!

Neon and Polka Dot Presents

As I've mentioned previously on the blog, probably several times, I absolutely LOVE all things paper. Let's be honest, don't we all agree that the prettiness of a package truly makes a present more memorable? Ahem, that's what I thought.


Homemade wrapping paper has recently become very trendy. And, this little number caught my eye because of it's pop-of-color and simplicity. The only supplies needed include:


Kraft Paper (Brown or white)
Stickers (Neon office dots are perfect, but any bright sticker will do)
Twine or Ribbon
Scissors
Tape
(Present... Obviously!)


Another fun variation on this DIY is decorating with colourful Washi tape. 

Simply use different lengths and patterns to decorate your gift box. And, be sure to tie with a brightly coloured ribbon or natural twine. 


*Image via Project Wedding

DIY Harper's BAZAAR Chain Bow Necklace

One trend I haven't fully embraced (but know for sure isn't going away) is the embellished Peter Pan collar. It's been spotted on the runway for a few seasons now and continues to be a coveted design element of top designers.

I've decided I should slowly ease into this look, so when I spotted this necklace online at Harper's BAZAAR, I knew it would be the perfect style transition!

Last week's DIY Charm Necklace tutorial was so popular, I know you'll love this one too! The detailed instructions for the DIY Harper's BAZAAR Chain Bow Necklace can be found HERE. Have fun!

*Images via Who What Wear and Harpers BAZAAR

Simply Charming:: DIY Necklace

I love making my own jewelry and tend to always be on the lookout for pretty charms and beads. So, today's DIY project is a simple charm necklace. The end result is a personalized, delicate accessory that looks great layered with other pieces.

I have a vintage, gold crest charm engraved with the letter 'E' that I've wanted to incorporate into a necklace for a long time. That's what I'm going to use, but feel free to select any charm or bead of your choice! Have fun!

Wedding Wednesday:: DIY Calligraphy



{jones design company}

If I had to choose one wedding element that would never go out of style, I would have to say the art of beautifully written calligraphy. It's always a classic choice, but these days, can have a contemporary twist, making it even more romantic and whimsical.

I was thrilled to find this tutorial from Jones Design Company, on how to 'fake' this beautiful writing. So, let's give it a try! 

First, choose a good fine tip ink pen.

Now, write your letter. You can use pencil first, if you prefer.

To give your letter a "calligraphy feel", make the down-strokes thicker and filled-in, as if you were using an angled calligraphy pen.

Everytime your pen strokes go downward, draw a close line and fill it in.

There you have it! Here's another example of the word love written in cursive.

Then, fill in the downward pen strokes.

Simple, gorgeous, DIY calligraphy. Happy writing!

Images via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Make It:: Gold Clay Bowls

{wit + delight}

{wit + delight}

I fell in love with these delicate, gold-dipped bowls, when I spotted them on Camille Styles and wit + delight. I couldn't resist giving them a try!

The result... Gorgeous homemade faux-porcelain dishes pretty enough to be found in an antique shop. I'm going to make a few more for Valentine's Day gifts!

Make It: Gold Clay Bowl Supplies
1 Block Natural/White Air Dry Clay
Rolling Pin
X-Acto Knife
White Acrylic Paint
Gold Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Clear Gloss Finishing Spray (optional)

1. Remove desired amount of clay, roll into a ball, and flatten with rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thickness.

2. Use another bowl as a mold for your clay. I chose to cut the edges of my clay for a more abstract design.

3. Allow clay to dry in the dish overnight.

4. Once dry, remove clay from the dish. Sand the edges with sand paper, if needed. Paint the entire clay dish (inside and outside) with white paint. Allow the white paint to dry.

5. Then, paint your fun designs in gold! Allow gold paint to dry before spraying clear gloss finishing spray. And that's it!

This gold dish will hold my business cards perfectly!

{Martha Stewart Weddings}

DIY:: Strawberry Brown Sugar Body Scrub

We've reached the breaking point: January's blustery weather has started to play havoc on our skin! Recently, my hands have been so dry, they're almost painful.

So, to fight back against old man winter, I've created my very own exfoliating body scrub, complete with all-natural ingredients. You'll be amazed at how easy and inexpensive this is to make. In fact, you probably already have the supplies at home.

Strawberry Brown Sugar Body Scrub
1 cup brown sugar
Olive oil or almond oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4-5 strawberries, crushed (if frozen, thaw)

Put the brown sugar into a mixing bowl and add enough oil to make the sugar moist, but not wet. Add honey, lemon juice and crushed strawberries. Mix well to fully incorporate ingredients.

To use: Simply put a quarter sized amount of the scrub in your hand and gently scrub fingers, palms and backs of hands. Rinse with warm water and follow with a hand moisturizer.

The result: Good-bye dry skin... Hello smooth, silky softness! Store scrub in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For the Hostess...

Last night we had a Christmas party and I brought the cutest hostess gift as a "thank you": Cranberry, Orange, Vanilla Bean infused vodka. It was so easy and turned out fantastic! I think I'll be making a few more bottles this week to give as gifts!

Cranberry, Orange, Vanilla Bean Infused Vodka

• 1 pound fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 2 oranges, peels cut into 2-inch strips
• 1 (750-ml) bottle good-quality vodka

Place cranberries, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan. 

Place pan over medium heat and stir. Simmer cranberry mixture until the berries burst, about 5 to 6 minutes. Place orange peels in a large glass container with an airtight lid, or large mason jars with lids. Pour vodka over the orange peels.

Allow the cranberry mixture to cool. Pour the cooled mixture into the glass container. Cover tightly and set aside for 3 days to one week. Strain out the cranberries and orange peels and pour mixture into a clean bottle, using a funnel. Store vodka in the refrigerator. And, make sure you put a small label on the back indicating this delicious treat is from you!

Here's a great Cranberry Cosmopolitan recipe to pair with your infused vodka... Courtesy of Martha Stewart.

1 1/2 ounces Cranberry, Orange, Vanilla Bean Vodka

1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 ounce orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau

Ice cubes

Orange peel, for garnish

Cranberries, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Twist orange peel over cocktail and add to glass. Garnish with skewered cranberries; serve immediately.



{Martha Stewart}