January 2013 Favorites

Thanks for checking out my January favorites video!

Alexa

DIY - Black and Purple Nails

I hope you enjoy this Do It Yourself video with instructions on how to create metalic purple nails with a black polka dot flash nail.  Thanks for watching!

Alyssa

Outfit of the Day

Happy Sunday!  I hope you enjoy my first outfit of the day video.  All outfit details can be found in the description box on youtube: http://youtu.be/toYJMzHTgLk

Alyssa

Now Bring us some Figgy Pudding

Have you ever wondered what exactly figgy pudding is and how it tastes? Well, I did. So, I located a recipe on the Food Network’s website and decided to test it out for myself. The recipe I followed is below, however I made a few modifications which I have noted at the end.

Pudding Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chopped dried pitted dates
• ½ cup chopped dried figs
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 7 tablespoons of softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 ½ cups self-rising flour
• 2 ½ ounces of grated dark chocolate*
• Pam/butter for coating ramekins** 

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 14 tablespoons of butter***
• Fresh figs for garnish (optional)
• Ice cream or whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Add the dates, dried figs and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then add to a blender and puree.
3. Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs and beat well. Fold in the flour, the pureed date mixture and the chocolate.
4. Put the mixture into 4 buttered, 1-cup individual ramekins, filling halfway or slightly under. Put in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Prepare the sauce by stirring the sugar, cream and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until incorporated.
6. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. May be served in the ramekin or unmolded onto a small serving plate. With paring knife cut a cross in the top of the puddings for the sauce.
7. Pour the sauce into the cross in the center of each pudding, then pour more sauce over the puddings and it allow to soak in slightly. Top with fresh figs and vanilla ice cream or heavily whipped cream. Serve warm.

*This is way too little chocolate. I strongly recommend adding a LOT more chocolate shavings or perhaps a cup of coco powder

**Instead of using individual ramekins, I used a baking pan. Therefore, it took approximately 30 – 35 minutes to bake fully as opposed to the 20 – 25 recommended above.

***14 tablespoons of butter is insane! 7 tablespoons are sufficient.

As far as the taste is concerned, in my opinion it was very similar to a date and nut bread or even banana bread, which is strange because there are no bananas in this recipe. I much prefer chocolaty decadent treats, but this was very good as it was a nice change of pace and now I finally know what figgy pudding is and how it is made.

Alyssa

Holiday Nail Art

 Before

 After I

After II

You’ve probably heard it several times by now, but I’ll remind you again – Christmas is right around the corner! So, don’t wait any longer to adorn your nails in holiday hues. For an early December look I opted for Essie’s Stylenomics on every finger but my ring fingers. For my ring fingers I used Maybelline’s color show nail stickers in a metal prism pattern. This was the first time I used nail stickers and I have to say that it could not have been easier. They went on flawlessly and look great. However, I do find it a little odd that the package only includes 18 stickers, which is two stickers shy of two full manicures. Good thing I don’t plan on using these stickers on every finger, rather I will stick with an accent nail.

You can read Alexa’s earlier post about Sally Hansen’s nail stickers by clicking here.

Alyssa

Can I wear you everyday?

Now that the cold weather has kicked in I’m fully embracing my warm sweaters and fun jackets. One of my favorite pieces this season is my Free People Cypress Jacket which combines the two concepts into one amazing staple piece. The sleeves are made from a thick sweater material (they keep me nice and toasty!) with a design that is beige, navy blue, orange and green. The front and back of the jacket are denim, yes you read that right, this is a sweater denim hybrid. And the piece de resistance is the eagle patch on the back. I love this jacket, it is so warm and it is so beautiful to the point where I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday!

Alexa