luri & wilma holiday 2011
paisley
public relations and social media consulting hello@paisley-pr.com http://www.paisley-pr.com 214.927.5960
table of
contents march/april issue 2012
welcome to luri & wilma’s third issue!
05
editor’s letter
08
gal on the up & up shop our closet
10
green team lovin’s
33
39
35
50
green tea diy beauty benefits of green tea.
posh party girls party and shop with world girl the girls of the world footprints poshmark app.
18
36
24
37
fashionable rags what’s old is new: spring fashion the vintag way.
travelin’ woman headin’ back to richmond, va.
diy spring shindig throw a slammin’ spring shindig for the ladies.
baking beauty boozed-up cherry cupcakes.
baking essentials a baking girl’s supply checklist.
tracy sun, co founder of poshmark
thank you!! fashion shoot stylist janita colbert fashion shoot models marrajae bair christina wong rachel allen hair stylist natalia lapchenkova interior designer jessica king
have you seen the new l&w online? http://www.lwmagonline.com
editor’s letter
a few of my favorite things this issue: visit page 9 and meet janita and christina of shop our closet. these lovely ladies styled our spring fashion shoot (which you must visit, page 18) and are sure to inspire all of our little fashion-centered biz ladies out there. hop to page 24 to travel to richmond, va with our dc editor charlie heck, learn how to throw a slammin’ spring shindig on page 39, get your baking essentials on point with a bake supply check list on page 37, and as always, click your favorite links to shop, oogle and drool over l&w’s eco-curated content. much love to the folks who made this issue possible! i loves y’all! PT
photo courtesy of d magazine
h
appy spring, luri & wilma ladies! welcome to our third issue! notice any changes? we’ve grown up a little bit since our past issue and decided to rock a sleeker, chic-er yet ever so green look! i am super excited about this issue because for one thing, it’s finally done, and second, it marks our big girl launch! with over 50 pages of good green info to sift through, you guys are sure to have your shopping thirst quenched, get your green lifestyle education on, be entertained, and naturally, diy’ed out!
me and the fabulous brandie gilliam of the organic beauty talk blog at the dallas posh party.we love her blog! http://organicbeautytalk.com
porsha thomas editor-in-chief production
charlie heck
managing editor
the green team
roy moody
senior photographer
anita namara
graphic illustrator
anika rich
beauty contributor
carrie murphy food contributor
christina lemley diy contributor
nicole bodd
special baking contributor
dc interns
joshua lanier photography
janel taylor
pr/social media
jasmine stewart editorial
gals on the up & up shop our closet
lw give us a basic rundown of what you girls do at shop our closet? what are the services you offer?. soc we selectively handpick vintage pieces – predominately dresses and skirts, unless there is a to-die-for blouse we just can’t pass up! we offer amazing vintage jewelry pieces as well as charming little clutches and purses. we travel to different cities and states looking for pieces from all eras, different types of silhouettes, color schemes and patterns that stay true to their era but don’t look too costumey today. we offer styling services to young professionals, as well as photo shoots and currently we sell our vintage pieces exclusively at events. lw who is your clientele? what types of folks reach out to soc for help? soc our clientele range from 21-35 years old. a career orientated, style hog that appreciates mixing their high fashion, and mass fashions with vintage pieces! lw who taught you to sew? soc joann fabrics store! lw what prompted you girls to start soc? soc since sharing the same 10th
grade fashion class, we’ve always had a love for clothing and styling. also, from dressing several of our friends for events, and taking the challenge of our own stale closets at times to come up with something fresh to wear – it was our belief that we had a great eye for not only what looked good, but for making those whom we styled feel like they are right on trend! after I went to parsons school of design in ny and christina moved on from her macy’s shoe buying job in ny, we decided…let’s do it, let’s take the plunge, let’s start our own fashion business. lw what are some things we can expect to see from soc this spring? soc • a new spring campaign on our website. • several soc events around dc, va and md. • online store will open (ps, it’s open now)! lw what all goes on at your soc parties/meetups? soc soc events evoke a totally fun aura. it’s almost like we’re all girlfriends just having a good time hanging out! we love to socialize with our clients. it’s not just about them buying our items. it’s about really interacting with them, learning their style, making sure they leave with that feeling of finding a gem that they know they couldn’t have found anywhere else. it’s an experience! at our events we have cocktails, music, food. it’s just a totally fun atmosphere where all are welcomed! lw what are three goals (short or
long term) you’d like to accomplish for soc? soc to build a solid clientele of ladies to style and dress for event and special occasions and to open a [brick and mortar] store location. lw what advice would you give to budding female entrepreneurs? soc to never give up on your passion whatever it may be! never, never give up. research, research, research! and to have fun and that way it never feels like work!!
shop our closet styled and l&w’s spring fashion shoot! don’t forget to check it out! page 18
green team lovin’s
charlie design turnkpike | $25-75 i love all things repurposed and these custom license plates from design turnpike are on my list of must haves. you can design you own dĂŠcor with prices ranging from around $25-75. http://www.designturnpike.com/
m in need of some mod? | $200 mid-century modern is one of my favorite design periods, orwa designs takes authentic pieces and refurbishes, reconditions and hand paints vintage and antique furniture. most pieces retail around $200. http://etsy.me/xp8JHY
eternity texas sybmol bracelet | $18 you can take the girl out of texas, but i will wear it loud and proud on my sleeve (or wrist) if it’s under tree! this sterling silver bracelet is suspended with burgundy waxed irish linen and is on the top of my wish list! http://etsy.me/rfXTK7
e s e h t h catc e h t t a s folk ! t e k r a m n o t s l bal
carrie coffee can storage my boyfriend loves the kind of coffee that comes in cans and he never wants to throw the used cans away! i was irrationally annoyed at the mounds of coffee cans piling up in my cabinets until i finally (duh!) saw the light. rinsed out, these cans are perfect recycled kitchen storage. mine are full of quinoa, lentils and raisins! i especially dig the bright colors and vintage vibe, plus they’re useful outside of the kitchen, too (pencil holder, anyone?).
seasnax i’ve actually loved those roasty-toasty seaweed snacks for a few years now. they’re simple, healthy, and the perfect alternative to chips. one package is only 42 calories and definitely satisfies that craving for crunch, but without the guilt that usually comes along with indulging in salty snacks. http://store.seasnax.com
flaxseed powder i’ve been hearing all about the benefits of flaxseed - full of omega 3s and fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, tons of antioxidants, just to name a few. i consider myself a pretty health-conscious girl, so i finally bought myself a bag of ground flaxseed, and i will tell you that it totally lives up to the hype. i mix mine into yogurt, baked goods, smoothies and even soups for an extra dose of healthy goodness in my day.
relaxing jasmine perfume oil | $8 coco and lola 10 mL glass roll-on http://cocoandlolabathbody.etsy.com
vegan lavender mint lip scrub | $7.75 aubrey elizabeth apothecary 1oz jar http://aubreyeapothecary.etsy.com
lily of the valley skin cream | $9 long winter farm 4.5oz jar http://www.longwintersoapco.etsy.com
mint and rosemary fizzing foot soak | $6 sweet petula all natural ingredients http://www.sweetpetula.etsy.com
anika
christina craft glue dots part glue, part tape, 100% awesome. glue dots peel off easily from the roll, but stick to just about anything. and the best part? there are no glue drips or visible tape marks. with these little guys you’ll be crafting up a storm. http://bit.ly/ylLjcH
modern decorative eco cotton tape this cotton fabric tape will come in handy for just about any project you’re working on. stamp it with letters to create a stick-on label, pair it with brown craft paper for a modern rustic gift wrapping scheme, decorate the white cotton with colorful markers for a personal touch. http://bit.ly/wF1VJj
divine twine this 100% cotton twine is a luri & wilma triple threat: pretty, vintage, and eco-friendly. the biodegradable twine and packaging mean you can do some guilt-free crafting, and bring an adorably vintage vibe to your project at the same time. http://bit.ly/zvuyWz
snap crafty beads looking to add a special touch to your next project? check out these “uncommonly cool” beads! bright colors, pretty designs, intricate details, and vintage appeal. http://etsy.me/z1nHyR
mistura wooden watch |$195 i don’t usually wear watches, but is this one not amazing? i’m loving that it’s made from renewable wood and that it’s a local find in dallas. http://www.mistura.com/
natural leather soap | $8 this soap is perfect for the manly man in your life. leather fan? good because that’s exactly what it smells like. available at indiegenius. 409 n. zang, dallas, 75208.
maboo sunglasses | $85 if you know me well, you know that i can’t live without sunglasses. this pair from crown verde is handmade from bamboo and totally awesome. can you can dig ‘em. http://bit.ly/x5Uiha
springer design studio lamp | $200 talk about recycling! this is one kick ass lamp from dallas-based décor dude, sean springer of springer design studio. available at indiegenius. 409. n zang, dallas, 75208.
porsha
workin’ girls photography by roy moody styled by shop our closet
luri & wilma loves: spring attire for the vintage-loving working lady.
shop these items now. http://www.shopourclosetonline.com
shop our closet’s tips for vintage shopping: make sure to try it on if you’re buying in the store. if you’re buying online, make sure all sizing is listed. be sure to ask as many questions as you’d like so that you’re not investing in a piece that won’t work for you. if you’re buying designer vintage, make sure it’s authenticated - nothing like getting dooped!
new year’s eve: nye is your night to shine, literally. can you think of anything better than a great vintage sequined dress? we love this sparkly number that we found. we belte it with a gold vintage belt an added a fur coat and classic evening bag for an all-outglamorous look. it’s bound to be a good year if you ring it in wearing this!
n
ed nd
by charlie heck
travelin’ woman photography by roy moody copy by charlie heck
wanna go somewhere? travel with us to richmond, va.
i
n need of some r&r and fresh air, we packed up our pups and headed out in search of some southern hospitality. what we found in richmond, va was an endless supply of college flair, history, local businesses and a pretty cool tattoo shop, cool enough to tattoo texas! we took the scenic route from up north and had to stop at some pre-richmond treasures. if you are headin’ south like us, be sure to stop in ashland for some vintage treasures and a light lunch, you’re gonna need it!
shoppin’ digging on girly things for your domicile? then you’ve got to stop at thrill of the hunt in ashland, va. full of vintage, upcycled, neatly organized and pretty pastel pieces, you’ll be glad you took a short detour from your travels. prices are really reasonable too! http://www.thrillofthehuntva.com thrill of the hunt 315 england street ashland, va 23005 804.368.0184
ready to get dirty? class and trash is exactly what the name implies, raw materials and vintage finds that might have a little dust and dirt on ‘em. if you are looking for some inspiration and diy materials, this is your place! upstairs is much cleaner and organized, if you are in the market for antiques and collectibles. but if you are in it to get dirty, the first floor and outside areas are golden. http://classandtrash.com/index.html
class and trash 11088 washington hwy (route 1) glen allen, va 23059 804.798.0567
on into richmond, our first stop was carytown. voted “best neighborhood to shop in” by southern living, carrytown in richmond has hundreds of locally owned shops, boutiques, restaurants and specialty stores. we can’t name ‘em all so here are our faves! http://www.carytownrva. com hands down the most sparkle we’ve seen in a while, the anthill has everything this jewelry-lovin’ girl could ask for! the best part, everything is vintage, with some pieces dating back to the 1920’s. on top of their huge selection of vintage sparkle, they are home to kay adams jewelry design . kay takes vintage pieces from jewelry and redesigns them for some major statement pieces. the anthill 3439 west cary street richmond, va 23221 804.254.2000 http://anthillantiques.com/ http://kayadams.com next stop, alternatives. full of fair from all over the world, and mostly hand made by women, alternatives is a non-profit. that’s right, every net profit goes backs into their social programs, which support and empower indigenous peoples being displaced from their traditional economies. alternatives 3320 west cary street richmond, va 23221 804.342.5886 http://alternativesonline.com got time to catch a flick? then you best head to byrd theater! built in 1928 as one of the nation’s grand movie palaces, you can still catch a picture show for less than $2. you’ll also get a view back into history, bryd theater has remained virtually untouched since its opening, except for some “minor” technology upgrades of course.
in the mood to buy, sell or trade for some awesome vintage? then rumors should definitely make your richmond to do list. richmond’s first boutique thrift shop, rumors has got everything for both men and women and is super friendly on the wallet. rumors 404 north harrison street richmond, va 23220 804.726.9944 http://rumorsrva.com/ so you’re a texas gal turned east coaster itching to show some home-state-pride? head a block up from rumors and hit absolute art tattoo. a few words of advice: ask for mike, and tell him you’ll take “the charlie”! errr, just ask for the outline of texas and he will do it up just right . . . even though he’s from virginia. absolute art tattoo 917 w. grace street richmond, va
tough girl, charlie heck
if you wanna “get down”, head to the shockroe bottom/ river district. lined with bars, pubs and dancing, this area of richmond has drinking spots galore. our favorite is rosie connolly’s pub. http://rosieconnollys.com. after all of that shoppin’, dancin’, and drinkin’ we found ourselves in need of a heavy duty brunch. with its subdued atmosphere, divine food and bloody mary’s, poe’s pub hit the spot. we dug on our veggie omelet, and drooled over the crab and ham omelet. two thumbs up for the food, the drinks and the short wait! poe’s pub 2706 e. main street richmond, va 23223 http://www.poespub.com history buffs and thrill seekers, you’ll love our next stop at the hollywood cemetary! be on the lookout for the headstones of u.s. presidents james monroe and john tyler, the richmond enquirer founder, thomas richie (which by the way, was dubbed by thomas jefferson as the best newspaper in america!), and numerous civil war casualties make the hollywood cemetary home to some of the oldest marked graves in the country. hollywood cemetery 412 south cherry street richmond, va 23220 http://hollywoodcemetery.org
byrd theater 2908 west cary street richmond, va 23221 showtimes 804.353.9911 http://byrdtheatre.com
we rounded out our richmond trip with a visit to the west end antique mall. in its 18th year with over 250 booths and 53,000 square feet, the west end antique mall is chocked full of vintage and antique pieces. you’ll find a variety of styles, products and price ranges amongst the well-organized booths. be prepared to walk and negotiate, there’s a lot to see! west end antique mall 2004 staples mill road richmond, va 23230 804.359.1600 http://www.westendantiquemall.com
green tea diy by anika rich
g
reen tea is pretty amazing. it’s a natural antiseptic, prevents acne and also contains vitamin a, c and e, (which prevents your skin from aging, woohoo!). check out these two beauty recipes meant to help you reap all of the green benefits of this awesome brew! green tea body scrub ingredients: 2 green tea bags 1-2/3 cup raw sugar 1/2 cup olive oil mix all ingredients together until thoroughly blended pick up the green tea body scrub with the tips of your wet fingers or pour about a tablespoon into the palm of your hand rub gently on skin rinse with warm water
green tea face mask ingredients: 1 green tea bag 1 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons flour cool water (can be replaced by brewed green tea) cut open green tea bag and pour tea leaves in with flour and water mix all ingredients to pancake batter consistency apply to clean face and leave for 15 minutes wash off with your regular cleanser.
2012
beauty trends by anika rich
f
rom fashion week to your fave beauty mags, it’s lookin’ like there are already some soon-to-be beauty staples for this spring. here are the top three trends to prepare for. get ready to rock bright lips this year! vivid shades take guts but look great on everyone. hot pink, electric orange, or a super blue if you’re feeling brave! take a look at wet n’ wild mega last lip color in don’t blink pink ($3 at CVS) pastel nails are back with a vengeance this season (although they never really left). if you’re unsure which color to choose, a nice mint color compliments all skin tones. Check out essie brand nail polish in mint candy apple ($8 at drugstores). peachy blush is all the rage for this spring. pinks, corals, and oranges will add a stunning glow to cheeks. try milani baked powder blush in rose d’oro ($7 at Target)
posh party girls
by porsha thomas
i
f there are two things in life that i love, it’s fashion and a business-savvy lady. the gals behind semi-recently launched iphone app, poshmark, combine the two harmoniously. the san francsico based company allows style-loving chicks like myself to connect with, and shop the closets of fellow fashionphiles. yes. i did say “shop the closets of”. the poshmark app allows users to list gently used duds for sale and then hosts online “posh parties” during which the items are bought and sold. y’all know how much we love second-hand and techie things, so whenever poshmark co-founders tracy sun and joanna reidl found their way to my great state, i just had to drop in. see more party pics on our pin board, and go download that app. it’s time to get to shopping! http://poshmark.com/
baking beauty with nicole bodd
boozed up cherry cupcakes from invites to favors and decor, handmade & the diyfrosting: is the way to go. make
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o you are headin’ to a spring fling and you’re tasked with bringing the sweets. don’t worry we got you. bake up these booze-infused spring goodies and you just might steal the cooking credits! make the cupcake batter: stick and a half of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 3/4 cups of sugar 2 1/2 cups of flour 2 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 3 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla a few drops of red food coloring, to your desired cherry color*
1/2 tsp orange zest 1 cup of sam adams cherry wheat beer 1/4 c milk mix together flour, baking powder and salt. I mixed it in a large measuring cup (easy pouring). in your stand mixer or separate bowl beat butter until creamy. add sugar a little bit at a time, until it’s all incorporated into the butter. add eggs one at a time. add vanilla and food coloring. mix the beer and milk in a cup. add beer / milk mixture then flour mixture alternating a little at a time. bake for 18 minutes at 375 degrees or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
2 egg whites, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 pouch of wild cherry capri sun (or any other flavored Cherry juice of your choice) 1 c sugar 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 1/3 c water in a saucepan, mix sugar, water and cream of tartar. cook on medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is bubbly. in your mixer or large bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla and juice until soft peaks form. slowly add hot sugar mixture, beating continuously. beat for 7 minutes until stiff peaks form. frost your cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
s ’ e l o c ni
w
baked goods
hen it comes to baking delicious treats the opportunities truly are endless, when you have the free time of course. there are a few essentials every experienced or newbie baker should always have on hand to pull off something quick and simple or something amazing and elaborate. with the following ingredients/tools/supplies, you’ll be able to impress even the biggest foodies in record time!
the staples butter- it’s in a lot! stock up on it when its on sale in your grocery store and stick it in the freezer. flour- I prefer buying the smaller bags of it and storing it in freezer bags then placed in a large tupperware container.
check list
jellies/preserves- i always have grape, apricot, and raspberry on hand, use whichever flavors you like best. shredded coconut baking spray - this is an obvious must have, no one wants something ruined because they forgot to grease the pan. cupcake liners- how else are you going to make all the scrumptous cupcakes we’ve shown you! sprinkles, feel free to add any other cute, edible decorations that happen catch your eye. toothpicks- they never fail to let you know when something is done.
sugar (real sugar!)
everyday baking spices – cream of tartar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
powdered/confectioners sugar- whatever you prefer to call it, same thing.
frozen berries - these are good for use in frostings, decorating, or filling.
chocolate chips/butterscotch chips- bad for the waistline, good for the soul – fact!
peanut butter – remember those pb&js we did for the holiday issue? enough said!
extracts: vanilla and almond- these are the two I use the most, but there is also coconut, cinnamon, peppermint and lemon. you will learn what to keep on hand when you narrow down your favorite baked goodies.
baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powderuseful in so many ways. food coloring- just for fun mostly!
karo light corn syrup (http://www.karosyrup. com/)- this is useful when creating caramel and other gooey goodness. cake mix- yes, pre-made cake mix, nothing wrong with it! sometimes its just easier if you’re in a last minute pinch. frosting- same thing as the cake mix, it is definitely helpful to have on hand but i do suggest always making your frosting, a simple buttercream or royal icing is pretty simple and tastes better. shortbread cookies/graham crackers- simple, so many uses!
the hardware rubber spatulas- a baker’s dream tool! they make scraping and mixing a breeze. parchment paper- just in case you run out of baking spray or just prefer this over the spray. melon baller- a double duty tool, i like to use a smallish melon baller to scoop batter for cupcakes, it keeps measurements precise and it’s less messy. piping set- if you want your cookies, cakes and cupcakes a little more festive you can buy a cheap set in any craft store.
or if your really not into baking just yet to invest some extra cash, a plain ziploc bag cut at one of the corners will suffice. measuring cups- when it comes to baking, exact measuring is key. hand mixer- if you love baking and can afford the luxury i highly suggest a kitchenaid stand mixer but a regular hand mixer will do just as well. cupcake pans, cookie sheets, cookie cutters, specialty pans- all dependent on the person baking, choose what you like and will use. now print this out and head to the store to stock up!
coming soon
green pet
diy, girl!
a ladies’ spring shindig
featuring christina lemley and carrie murphy
what started as a spring picnic spread, turned into a patio lunch. which was then transformed, thanks to some last minute snow in dc, into a studio apartment lunch with the ladies. we certainly fly with the punches here at luri & wilma ,but we think you will be thoroughly impressed and perhaps inspired to turn your small apartment into an excuse to eat, drink and be merry with your gal pals. so without further ado, luri & wilma presents a spring fling with the ladies.
the
i
décor
n order to transform your pad into the lunch holdin’ place to be, you’re going to need some décor. christina lemley, our resident diy’er has got you set!
chevron tablecloth isn’t it so satisfying to make something yourself and then put it to good use? this is a great diy that transforms an old canvas drop cloth into a terrific tablecloth or picnic blanket. and the end result will be so cute, you’ll certainly want to use it as often as possible. supplies: painter’s drop cloth with plastic backing plastic drop cloth painter’s tape scissors samples jars of paint paint brush or sponge brush how to: 1. start by laying out your plastic drop cloth to protect your floor. paint will likely seep through your fabric as you’re painting, and you don’t want a big mess. 2. open up your painter’s canvas (or whatever fabric you’ll be using) and lay it out on top of the plastic cloth. painter’s canvas works great, because it has a built-in plastic backing which is ideal for picnic blanket use and will be more durable outside than a regular piece of fabric. 3. if you’re working with a new drop cloth fresh out of the bag, you’ll see lots of wrinkled lines (which you can also see in the photos.) don’t worry about them -- they won’t be too visible in the final product and can actually help you while you’re creating
your pattern. 4. decide on your design. i decided to create a standard chevron pattern across the whole cloth. the wrinkle marks imposed a standard grid pattern on the cloth, which i was able to used as a guide for where to lay the tape to keep my lines straight. if you’re trying to make your design crisp, you’ll need to cut the tape off the roll instead of ripping it, to make sure you have those pointed corners. 5. cover the whole cloth with your pattern. this step was certainly the most time-consuming of them all, because you want to make sure you get the tape exactly how you want it to look. there’s no adjusting once you start painting. and for the best finished product you should make sure you really get that tape to stick to that cloth. run your hand over each piece and make sure paint isn’t going to seep under the tape. 6. start painting! once i got the hang of it, i found it was helpful to pour a bit of paint from the container directly onto the canvas and then spread that paint around. this just helped the painting go faster because the canvas will soak up quite a bit. for the 25 square foot canvas i needed 16 oz of paint which i used from the little sample jars instead
of buying a big gallon of paint. (less cost and less waste!) 7. apply extra coats of paint, if you’d like, and allow paint time to dry. i only used one coat of paint because i liked being able to see some of the texture of the canvas come through the paint. be sure you don’t peel off the tape before everything is really dry, you don’t want paint to seep into the taped area and ruin your hard work. 8. once everything is thoroughly dry,
see it
believe it
peel off the tape, and take a look at your beautiful pattern! it’s so easy, but you’ll end up getting lots of compliments on the final product.
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recycled bottles step one
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he best kind of do-it-yourself projects are ones that are very easy, don’t cost much, and end up looking like a million bucks. this is one of those projects, no one will know you did this yourself. you can make bottles to match any theme and give your party that extra special personalized touch. and while we are all about openin’ up those bottles of vino, you’ve gotta stay hydrated too! fill them up with our infused waters. supplies: empty bottle painter’s tape spray paint stick-on letters how to: 1. find an empty bottle that you want to spruce up. if you’re using an old wine bottle, make sure to get rid of the labels and any residual stickiness (soak ‘em in a tub overnight with some dish washing liquid). i found some great bottles at a local craft store for less than $3 each.
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2. use the stick-on letters to spell out a word onto the bottle. you could use something generic like “drink,” “cheers!,” or “enjoy,” or use something to describe what you plan to serve in the bottle, like, “water,” or “lemonade.” (or anything else you want!) 3. tape off the areas of the bottle that you don’t want to spray paint. be as creative as you want here -- create a funky shape or interesting design. be sure, however, to tape off anything that you don’t want to get painted -- spray paint tends to get everywhere. 4. spray paint the bottle with multiple thin coats. it’s always better to do thin coats instead of thick coats which are prone to drips and air bubbles. 5. once the paint is really dry, go ahead and peel it off and carefully peel off the letters, making sure none of the paint peels off with the letters. if any remaining bits of the letters are stuck to the bottle, use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel them off. let it dry for at least a day or two before you start putting the bottle to use.
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henever i buy a shirt or jacket that comes with extra buttons i always hold onto those buttons, not exactly sure what to do with them. over the years i’ve collected quite a few extra buttons from clothes that i’ve long since given away. this is an easy diy to put those old items to good use.
napkin rings
supplies: empty paper towel or toilet papers rolls scissors spray paint tissue paper glue old buttons (vintage, if you’ve got ‘em)
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how to: 1. gather up your supplies. if you don’t have any old buttons you can easily buy some inexpensive new buttons at any craft or fabric store, and you can find a large selection of vintage options on etsy or ebay. 2. cut your paper towel or toilet paper rolls into individual rings. i made these each about an 1” or 1.5” wide. 3. spray paint each of the rings, inside and out with multiple thin coats of paint. once the paint dried, i wasn’t too happy with the coverage. they just looked like toilet paper rolls covered in paint. so i decided to cover each ring with some matching tissue paper, to provide a smooth outside finish. 4. roll tissue paper around each ring and step put a dot of glue on the seam to hold it together. fold in the ends to create smooth edges, and place some glue inside the ring to hold down the tissue paper and keep it all together. 5. the rolls will now have a much more finished appearance. 6. pull out your buttons and decide which buttons you want on each ring. you can use the buttons to cover the tissue paper glue seam. the buttons can be a bit tricky to glue, so the best way to do this is either to use a hot glue gun, or pour some glue out onto a piece of cardboard so it can get a bit tacky. once it’s extra sticky (it might need to sit for 5-10 minutes), dab a bit onto the back of the buttons and stick onto the ring. let dry, and you’re ready to go! this is an easy way to add some color to your table setting.
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his is about the cutest way to dress up a regular old paper plate. and make it into a useful serving bowl! supplies: paper plates ribbon scissors crimped/pattern scissors pencil double-sided tape how to: 1. gather up your supplies. the old fashioned thin paper plates work best for this do-it-yourself project. 2. use your patterned scissors to cut a scalloped line around the edge of the paper plate. 3. on the back of the plate, draw a grid pattern, dividing the plate into 9 parts. lightly sketch your grid onto the plate, or use a ruler to be more precise. 4. you’ll end up with a pie-shaped wedge drawn in each corner, cut every other line you’ve drawn of those wedges, so you’ll end up with four flaps.
step one
5. fold up the lines you didn’t cut, so you alternate between cut line and folded line. 6. fold all of the pieces up, so you create a box shape. the side of the plate on which you sketched the grid should be the inside of the bowl. 7. use double sided tape to tape the flaps together, to hold it’s shape. 8. to provide some extra strength to hold it together (and to give it some fun color!) use some ribbon around the outside. i put down some double sided tape and then stuck the ribbon to the tape around the perimeter. 9. that’s it! you can put dry items into the bowl (like, candy or bread) or you can line the bowl with some waxed paper if you want to serve something wet (like fruit salad or potato salad.)
step three
see it
believe it
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1. combine chives with cheese and mix until well combined. add salt to your taste.
arrie has put together three great plates for your gal pals to enjoy, but first things first, let’s set up a food and appetizer table. we gathered up our favorite adult beverages but also grabbed a few strawberries, cucumbers and lemon to make infused waters. to compliment them, we’ve chosen some fancy cheeses, to whip up a mascarpone chive spread.
infused water strawberries, cucumbers, lemons or any other fruit you are diggin’ on water pitcher (s) 1. slice up your fruit and add water. chill for a couple of hours. fill your favorite pitcher or use our wine bottle diy to create unique ones. enjoy!
mascarpone chive spread 8 oz mascarpone cheese 5-6 tbsps of chopped chives salt to taste
arugula and clementine salad 2 clementines, peeled and sectioned 2-3 cups of baby arugula, washed 2-3 tbsps feta crumbles sliced almonds to taste for dressing: 1 tbsp lemon juice or orange juice 1.5 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey 1. assemble salad by placing clementine slices on top of arugula, then top with feta and almonds. 2. combine dressing in a small bottle or bowl (if using a bottle, plug it up and shake it!), then drizzle atop salad.
leek quiche 2-3 leeks, depending on size 2-3 tbsps olive oil 2 tsps garlic 4 eggs 2 egg whites 1 ½ cups grated gruyere cheese sprinkle of paprika salt and pepper to taste for pie crust: crust: 1 1/2 cups of flour 1/2 cup of oil 3 tbsps milk 1. preheat oven to 375. 2. then, make the crust. combine all of the ingredients in the pie pan and mix together with your hands. then, press the dough out into the pan, as evenly as you can. set aside. 3. grate the gruyere and set aside. 4. wash the leeks very well and chop into rounds, using the white/light green parts. 5. sauté the garlic and for a few minutes, then the leeks until they’re minutes. season lightly
minty fruit salad 5-8 cups of fresh fruit of your choice (we used a fruit salad mix from the grocery store plus some blueberries) ½ cup of sugar ½ cup of water ½ cup of fresh mint
olive oil together add the leeks. sauté 1. make a quick simple syrup: boil the water soft, about 5-7 and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. with salt and pepper.
2. combine the mint and simple syrup in a 6. while the leeks are cooking, crack your blender or food processor; blend well. eggs into a bowl and, using a whisk, beat them thoroughly, but not roughly. sprinkle in 3. pour mint liquid over the fruit and mix a bit of paprika. well to coat. 7. place cooked leeks in the bottom of the pie. combine cheese and eggs then pour atop leeks. 8. bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. the quiche is done when a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean. this recipe is easily adaptable; add in some fresh herbs, asparagus, tomatoes…whatever your heart desires, really! and if you’re skittish about making pie crust, feel free to use a frozen one. no one will mind, we promise.
visit us on pinterest to view more pics from our spring shindig. http://pinterest.com/luriwilma/
world girl girls changing the world
world footprints
leaving positive footprints one step at a time.
by charlie heck
w
e thrift, we repurpose and reuse. we buy local, vintage and fabulous. we are green, not just by definition but by soul. but do we leave positive footprints when we travel? not sure what all that entails, then let us introduce you to world footprints media - the eco-gal’s new best friend/travel guide. tonya fitzpatrick, executive producer of award-winning world footprints radio, says her and her husband ian started world footprints to help people become better “citizens of the world.” complete with travel videos and tips, a blog and newsletter the dynamic duo say they are focused on “leaving positive footprints, one step at a time.” “we promote a healthy respect for the ecobalance of our planet and the preservation of cultural heritage,” says tonya. “we talk about embracing that we all share a common humanity and respect for other cultures.” and this talk includes everything from travel tips to serious issues happening all over the world. “what world footprints is all about is trying to get people to recognize other people and other cultures. there are differences but we are all part of the same human family,” says
tonya. one of the most important ways to travel responsibly is to embrace the destination. you buy locally grown food, handmade or vintage items, why not when you travel? each place has its own heritage, history, businesses. if we take the time to enjoy and interact with local people and food, it’s a priceless experience, says tonya. growing travel trends are embracing that global citizen mantra. agritourism, one of the newest or some might say the oldest, is connecting tourists to local farms. bill michaels, co-owner and vp of fly creek cider mill & orchard, says agritourism has got room to grow. “people want to know where their food comes from. Fresh and local are now more important than organic and price,” bill says. this year’s cooperstown rotary club’s applefest brought in almost 5,000 attendees, a number which continues to grow. but bill also has some concerns. “there is much more to it than opening your farm to the public. visitors require certain amenities and anyone considering it should be a ‘people person’ and be ready to answer many questions with a smile.”
fly creek also offers summer vacation rentals and is minutes from historic cooperstown, ny. so whether you’re ready to plan that cross-continent vacay or just a little down-home farmin’ be sure to think globally. you can find all sorts of travel tips on the world footprints website. there is a carbon offset calculator, tons of videos and a radio show. plus extended content on their blog (http://www.worldfootprints.com/blog-home) teaches travelers how to find green hotels and what to do in the places they have ventured.
that are doing good things, leaving positive footprints,” says tonya.
along with World Footprints Media, tonya and ian are starting a nonprofit that helps give back to those places they love to travel to. “it’s not much different than what we are doing with World Footprints. we are still telling a story and raising awareness but with the foundation we will operate as a curator, a funding mechanism for organizations
the nonprofit will bring some much-needed media attention to programs such as: fresh start project/culinary schools for young, homeless people and organizations aimed at eliminating human trafficking industry. look for the established non-profit organizations in the next few months. “volunteerism, agritourism, even for just one day, setting aside a small area in your suitcase to deliver school products or medical supplies to a local charity, that’s leaving a positive footprint,” says tonya.
http://plumsintheicebox.typepad.com/