Colorwash Bathroom Wall Art

I was feeling a bit inspired to add some art to my master bathroom.  We had a large empty space, in the wall above our tub and I wanted to do something to fill the space and was fitting for an otherwise unglamorous room.  I love white in bathrooms because it just looks so clean, and feels relaxing!

This mini-project was so incredibly easy and made a difference in adding some decor to our otherwise empty wall!  I chose to white wash, but you could easily have each one a different color, or you could have two sets of coordinating canvas.

You'll need:

• 4 square canvas (I used 10x10, but 8x8 would be perfect)
• Wood letters
• Wood glue (and tiny paint brush)
• Spray paint 
• Museum puddy to help keep them on the wall

Step-by-step:
1. Layout all the goods and place the letters on the canvas.  For the bathroom I chose the worlds "BATH RELAX CLEAN WASH"
2. Carefully using wood glue and a tiny paint brush, glue on letters.

3.  Let letters sit for 15 minutes.

4. Put a drop cloth or old newspaper and spray paint the ENTIRE canvas (letter and board).  Don't forget to paint the sides and bottom!
5.  After the paint dries, carefully measure out how you want your frames setup.

6.  I wanted mine in a perfect square, so I cut out 4 10x10 pieces of paper so I could put the nails in the exact spot.  After I hung up the pictures, I also added some museum puddy on each corner to ensure they didn't move.

I had everything on hand, except the canvas - so my project was pretty cost effective AND I love it!

Hope you find a way to decorate this too - kids bathrooms, hallways, even an office!   I think in our guest bathroom I may get a large crosses and do the same thing, in white and brown (to match the guest bath decor!)

-DD

Hawaiian Cookies!

I have really enjoyed using oats in my cookies lately - it offers such a great texture and adds just a hint of flavor!

After making some awesome/tradition oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, I decided to make a remix (based what I had in the pantry!).  They turned out amazing, and I have dubbed them "Hawaiian Cookies" ... not really sure why but with the coconut it seemed right.

You'll need:
1 stick of butter (room temp)
6 tablespoons os sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup of rolled oats 
3/4 cup of flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of white chocolate chips
1 cup of coconut  (if you don't like too much coconut, use 3/4 cup)

Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 350 2. In a medium bowl beat butter (at room temp), sugar, and vanilla.  Beat in egg.  Slowly add in the oats.3. Add dry ingredients on low speed, until just mixed.4. Finally add in the white chocolate chips and coconut.  Mix slowly! 5. Shape dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls and drop them onto cookie sheets (with either a baking sheet or parchment paper).  Using the back of a spoon (or your hand) slightly flatten out the top of each cookie.6. Bake for 10-12 minutes 7. Leave cookies on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.  


Enjoy!
-DD

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Yikes!  It's been a while since I've blogged... just so busy with a best friend's engagement/wedding planning, a 10 day trip to the UK & Ireland, and of course work!

Anyway - I made these delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for a coworker's office baby shower!  They were quite the hit, and a hit for me because they were so easy to make!

Delicious!

You'll need:

1 stick of butter (at room temp)

6 tablespoons of sugar

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 

1 egg

1 1/4 cup of oats (I use quick oats, but you can use rolled)

3/4 cup of flour

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1 cup of chocolate chips 

Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 340 (I found 350 made mine to crispy)
2. In a medium bowl beat butter (at room temp), sugar, and vanilla.  Beat in egg.  Slowly add in the oats.
3. Add dry ingredients on low speed, until just mixed.
4. Finally add in the chocolate chips.  I mixed mine by hand.
5. Shape dough into 1 to 1.5 inch balls and drop them onto cookie sheets (with either a baking sheet or parchment paper).  Using the back of a spoon (or your hand) slightly flatten out the top of each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes (these cook FAST so watch them!)
7. Makes 15-18 cookies!

Enjoy!
-Domesticated Duchess

Gender Reveal Party - Number 2!

More babies!!  My friend Heather is due on September 1st!  I am so excited to meet the sweet little baby!  

On April 13th we hosted a gender reveal party for my friend Heather and her husband Henry!  I hosted another gender reveal party about 2 years ago, so I was definitely ready to throw another one!

This time to greet guests at the door, we had a sign ready:

Voting board - with stickers!  The final voting board was 13 to 12!  Very close!  

Name suggestion - same as last time!  I framed the invite next to the suggestions, just for an extra touch!

"What are you craving" Table!  This was a big hit and I got the idea from the "Jessica Craves it Table" from my last gender party I hosted.  In front of each food, I put a small sign "sweet" , "sour", "crunch", "chewy", "salty"!

THE SPREAD:

Sweet - cupcakes

Salty - Chips, Salsa & Spinach Dip

Sour - Fruit Trey

Chewy - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crunchy - Veggie Trey with Ranch Dip!

Words of Wisdom for the new parents!  Last time we did "Wishes for Baby" so this was something fun and different!

Since I'm not a mom, I just thought of advice that
seem important in all big parts of life!

And finally, for the big reveal my friend Danni help me create the below box!  It is quite hard to decorate a massive box - but I think it is the cutest box ever :)!

The morning of the party I stuffed it with PINK balloons for the big reveal!  

We had so much fun celebrating!  Babies are a blessing - and we are excited to have another baby girl in our group of friends!

Throwing bridal showers and gender reveal showers could just be my favorite things!

-Domesticated Duchess

Makeup Brush Clearer

With the popularity of my eye makeup remover, I decided to post my homemade natural make-up brush cleaner!

And seriously - this works.

Before.... After!!!

Like most women, I wear makeup almost every day.  We all make sure to clean our faces really well, but what about our brushes?  Starting in college, I made a habit to clean my makeup brushes about once a week - mainly to prevent break-outs. 

I used to buy my makeup brush cleaner from Mac Cosmetics, but at $14 it gets pricey - especially if you have multiple brushes.

You'll need:
1 cup of warm water  (I microwave mine in a cup for 30 seconds)
1 tablespoon of dish-soap (I use Dove and Ivory because these are more gentle)
1 tablespoon of white vinegar 

Step-by-step:
1. Make sure your water is warm enough
2. Mix in dish-soap and vinegar with a spoon and stir (bubbles form on top)
3. Dip each brush in the makeup bush cleaner and swirl around (for about 5-10 seconds)
4. Gently rinse out any extra using warm water
5. Form brushes and set to dry on towel overnight.  Large brushes can take a long time to fully dry.

That is gross... it looks like cafe latte. 

Treat your makeup brushes with care!

-DD

Homemade Fruity Gumdrops!

I'm usually not the biggest fan of gummy stuff - I'd rather have chocolate or fruit desserts.  But I was browsing around Hoosier Homemade when I saw homemade gumdrops and I was craving them instantly!

Perfect snack! 

These are simple, and absolutely delicious.  I normally don't like gummy snacks because they are too gummy - these were perfect and made the house smell so sweet!

You can either use a silicon tray of your favorite shapes, or just put them in a pan and then cut them (you can use cookie cutters if you want a cute shape).  I did both.

You'll need:
2 cups of sugar
1 1/3 cups of applesauce, unsweetened 
2 (3 oz) small boxes of your favorite Jello flavor
2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin 
1 teaspoon of lemon juice


Step-by-step:
1.  Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray  (I used a smaller pan and put half in my hearts shaped silicon tray)
2.  In a sauce pan, combine all ingredients and let stand for 1 minute
3.  Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Boil for 2 minutes
4.  Immediately pour into your prepared pan, or silicon trays
5.  Allow to cool for 3 hours in fridge
6.  Take gummy out of silicon tray, or cut out of pan
7.  Using cookie cutters, or just a knife dipped in hot water cut the gum drops
8.  Roll gum drops in extra sugar (optional - I skipped this step)
9.  Store in airtight container!

Consume in 1 week!

-DD

Homemade Hummus

I loved hummus before it was cool.  No really, my grandma used to make hummus all the time as a child.  I remember eating it with crackers or carrots as snack.

Now hummus is a bit hit - and rightfully so - delicious and relatively healthy! 

Serve with carrots, pita bread, crackers or add 
to any sandwich for extra flavor!

Here is one of my favorite recipes!  I like this recipe because all the ingredients are staples in my house - and by that it means it doesn't have tahini.  I don't have anything against tahini, but it's not something we keep in our house. 

You'll need:
1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans (15 oz)  drained and rinsed
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of cumin
sea salt - to taste
1/2 teaspoon of tony's cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
3 tablespoons of sundried tomatoes (optional, but very good!)
parsley, for garnish
paprika, for garnish 

Step-by-step:
1.  Pour all ingredients in blender - mix until very smooth
2.  Add any flavors to taste (I add tony's cajun seasoning because I like it to have a spicy kick)
3.  Put into dish and garnish with parsley, paprika.
4.  Serve with favorite crackers, pita bread, celery or carrots! 

Enjoy!
Domesticated Duchess

Weeknight Pizza Pasta!

Have you ever met someone who didn't like pizza?  Obviously, the answer is no.  Well, the same goes for this pizza pasta!  It's easy, fast, filling and very delicious!

This is a perfect weeknight dinner, and makes a lot for a family - all under $15! 

You'll need:
1 pound of ground hamburger meat
1 jar of pasta sauce (I love Emril's) 
1 package of egg noodles (I use the no yolk brand)
1 1/4 cup of mexican cheese
1 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese
1 package of pepperoni (I always use turkey pepperoni)

Step by step:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Cook pasta according to package instructions
3.  Brown hamburger meat, using your favorite spices (I love Tony's Cajun Seasoning!)
4.  Once hamburger meat is done, mix the entire jar of pasta sauce and meat, layer the bottom of a casserole pan
5.  Put 1/4 cup of all three cheese over the meat sauce mixture
6.  Layer the cooked noodles over the meat sauce and cheese layers. 
7.  On top of the noodles, layer the rest of the cheese (1 cup of each mexican, mozzarella, and cheddar)
8.  Top with pepperoni

Optional:  If your family is pepperoni crazy like mine, add an additional layer of pepperoni on top of the first cheese layer.

Enjoy!
-DD

Oreo 7 Layer Bars!

While shuffling through my pantry, trying to find a treat to bake for a coworker's birthday I found a package of Oreo cookies.   I started thinking about something new and original to bake when it finally hit me: OREO Seven Layer Bars!

Why no one has taken an already awesome 7 layer bar, and make it more awesome with Oreo's is beyond me.  I was beside myself.  I'm pretty sure this is how Edison felt after making the commercialized light bulb.

Yes, these bars are that awesome.

Introducing: Oreo 7 layer bars! 

You'll need:
Package of Oreo cookies
1 stick of butter (melted)
14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup of white chocolate chips
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup of coconut
1 cup of chopped almonds (pecans or walnuts work too!)

Step-by-step:  
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray
3. Using a food processor, crush all the oreos to crumbs.
4. Combine the oreo crumbs with melted butter until all the crumbs are damp.
5. Press crumbs firmly into the bottom of prepared pan, creating the crust.
6.  Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the oreo crumbs.  Use a knife to spread evenly if needed.
7.  Begin layering!  Start with white chocolate chips, then layer the chocolate chips, following with the coconut, and last layer on the chopped nuts.  Gently press down on the layers (you can use a large fork).
8.  Bake for about 15 minutes.
9.  Loosen the bars from the sides of the pan while still warm.  Once completely cool, cut into bars.  Serve at room temp.
10.  Eat seconds.  Or Thirds. 

Enjoy!

-DD 

Cream Cheese Sausage Ball Remix!

I love sausage balls.   In December of 2011 I introduced them to my blog.  I don't know what took me so long - this recipe is so easy, I've been making them since college for any event I had to bring a recipe for a group!

My world was recently shocked when I was browsing Steph's Blog (Plain Chicken) and I saw she makes sausage balls with cream cheese.  I seriously love cream cheese, so much so, that somestimes I make chocolate chip cookies that add a bit of cream cheese! 

Hello, awesomeness!

So I decided to adapt my original recipe by adding some cream cheese.  The response I got was crazy.  Everyone at our New Year's Eve party was craving over the sausage balls!

You’ll Need:
1 pound of sausage (Jimmy Dean HOT)

Eight oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese

1.5 cups of bisquick 

4 oz (half a block) of cream cheese, softened

 

Step-by-step:

1. Leave sausage, cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a bowl until they get to room temperature (I usually leave them out 15 minutes or so)

2. Preheat oven at 390 (once the sausage and cheese are at room temp!)

3. Add in bisquick to the bowl 

4. Using an electric mixer, blend until fully mixed

5. Roll into small walnut sized balls and put on a greased cookie sheet

6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.  This may take longer on your oven!

7.  Serve Warm & Enjoy

-DD

Grown-up Grilled Cheese - For One!

Everyone loves grilled cheese!  The comfort of warm bread with melted cheese has been a hit since age four.  This is my "grown-up" version of this classic lunch - made just for one!

Man approved! 

You'll need:
1 tablespoon of cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon of mayo
1 dash of garlic powder
2 slices of your favorite cheese (I used 2 slices of cheddar, but using two difference slices would be even better!)
2 slices of bread
Butter

Step-by-step:
1. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayo, and garlic powder until cream and smooth. 
2. Spread over your bread.  Sandwich together.
3. Put butter on the outsides of the sandwich.  In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches for about 3 minutes on each side, or until bread is lightly browned and cheese is melted!
4.  Serve warm, and be prepared to make another one because they are so good!

-Marina

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Have you been over to Two Pea's and Their Pod's website?  It is super yummy and make me wish I knew how to stage photos.   Or just how to take pictures like them?  They seriously could make dog food look appetizing.  

Anyway, I was looking for a bite size dessert to take to a party, and I had to look no further than their shop!  This recipe is (very slightly) adapted from theirs.  And many thanks to Josh & Maria!  

Just an FYI - I doubled this recipe because we had a big party, so I wanted to make sure there was plenty + a few leftovers to take to the office!  You can easily half this back.

Delicious soft, chewy cookies!  Looks like Nabisco came by my kitchen!

You'll need:

3 1/2 cups of flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup butter (salted)

1 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cup of white sugar

2 large eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Step-by-step:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mat.

2.  In your stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth.  Add in the eggs (one at a time) and vanilla.  Blend well.

3.  Slowly add in the flour (in half cup increments), and the baking soda until combined.

4.  Slowly stir in the chocolate chips.

5.  Rolls the dough into tiny balls (just under a tablespoon) of dough.  Place on baking sheet and slightly flatten with your hand.

6.  Bake for 8 minutes.  Allow to sit for about 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for cooling. 

Get your milk ready!

-DD

Nutella Stuffed French Toast

I love nutella and the husbands loves french toast!  This is my usual french toast recipe, but made for the chocoholic in you by adding nutella!

Hello, awesomeness!

You'll need:
6 slices of very thin bread (Pepperidge Farm is what I used)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter
Nutella (1/2 cup)

Step-by-step:
1.  Break the eggs into a tin or large tupperware, add the milk, cinnamon and vanilla, then beat with a fork.  
2.  Spread about 2 tablespoons of nutella on the thin bread.  Use a second slice to make a sandwich.
3.  Dip the bread slices, one sandwich at a time, and turn them over.  Don't try to soak them, just get them good and wet. 
4.  Set the griddle or wide frying pan over medium heat.  Drop 2 tablespoons of in and move to grease the whole bottom. 
5.  As the bread slices come out of the batter, put them onto the griddle or frying pan immediate, and cook both sides until golden brown.  Use your spatula to look underneath to make sure you don't burn it.  You may need to add some butter in between cookies to keep it from burning.  
6.  Serve with a dollop of whip cream.

-DD    

Spinach and Cheese Bites!

I love spinach!  Even as a child, I would eat spinach quiche, creamed spinach, and pasta with spinach.  My parents thought it was a bit strange being that my two brothers detested spinach, but anyway - I've always had a love for spinach :)

This easy appetizer is perfect for a party, and is very yummy!  The best thing about it, is you can eat them more guilt free than your usually appetizer foods - like cream cheese poppers, or pepperoni bites.

I love party foods that is bite size, because it's less messy and people seem to enjoy them!  Plus, if you're like me, I like to try a lot of different snacks at a party and this way you can do it guilt free! 

A delicious way to get your veggies in!

You'll need:
2 packages of Phyllo cups (15 cups each) - these taste AWESOME and are low in calories
10 oz of chopped spinach, thawed and well drained    
1/2 cup of shredded cheese (I used Muenster, but you can use Feta for a more authentic greek flavor)
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 green onion (about 2 tablespoons)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (optional)

Step-by-step:
1.  Put the phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake per box directions (usually 3-5 minutes at 350)
2.  Once cooked remove from oven, and leave oven heat on.
3.  In a medium bowl, mix spinach, muenster (or feta) cheese, parmesan cheese, green onion, and garlic powder.  Mix together until well blended. 
4.  In each phyllo cup, put about 1 tablespoon of the spinach mix.
5.  Bake for about 5 minutes (temperature is on the package, but usually 350).
6   Serve warm!

NOTE:  Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the spinach before mixing in step 3.  If it's too wet, the cups will get soggy and gross.

Enjoy, Popeye!
-Marina

PS:  If you're looking for other ideas for a healthy appetizer, you should try my Guacamole!  So good, and guilt-free eating!