Salted Caramels. NOM.

Come here, little girl... eat some canndyy.

I certainly will, especially when it's salted caramels!

I've been wanting to make candy for a while now, but finally had en excuse: celebrating going to the Edwardian Ball in LA with friends to see Creature Feature. WHAT A GOOD NIGHT TO STUFF OUR FACES.

Here's the recipe:

In one pot warm up 5 tablespoons butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until butter has melted, as seen in photo on left. Turn off heat.

Flapper Frocks and the Future of Downton Abbey

Have you heard the word on the streets? Well, ok I guess there is really nothing "street" about the mind numbingly addicting PBS series Downton Abbey but rumour has it (among other things) that the third season, which enters the 1920s, will be jam packed with cocktails instead of cordials, flapper-riffic slang, hot jazz, and an overall roaring twenties good time. It may be a little early to start planning a season three premiere party for Fall 2012 but it's not too early to start pondering the Grantham ladies' new fashions, which will no doubt be deliciously more daring than demure and more tawdry than Titantic (while hopefully still keeping it Crawley-style classy).

Lady Crawley, is that you?

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 22

Unlimited:

Trip to LA for two to hang out with Ron Jeremy Oh boy. Twatter contest, ends 3/22

Cheap Thrills: For Pet's Sake

"I demand the best, because I am the best." - Oliver, Whoreder Dog

Many of us have surrendered our hearts to a special little fuzzy, scaly or fishy face. I'm not talking about our exes, but rather our pets! I'll admit to spoiling my dog Oliver, but how could I ever deny that face? Our pets give us tons of love and comfort, so this week's Cheap Thrills are dedicated to them.  I looked for fun items that all kinds of pets can enjoy and we can get a little entertainment value out of as well. Ready? Let's fetch!

Get Nailed: Flower Power

Spring is almost here but the weather in Ventura, Ca is still chilly. So to prep myself for spring and the hopefully warm weather it brings, I've decided to do a floral print on my nails. I tried multiple times to paint different styles of flowers until I found one that I liked.

1.) To start with, paint your nails with a light color for the base polish. I used Sally Hansen Insta Dri in Blue Blast which seems to be discontinued. My sister in law found it on clearance at Target for only $3.24. Added bonus, if you use $1/1 MF coupon and $1/1 Target Coupon, it would only be $1.24, if you can still find it...

Heather's Top Ten Bargain Beauty Favs

We all have our favorite beauty buys that are reliable and cheap.

These are mine, ladies.

1. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil. This stuff smells great, lasts a long time, smooths out my hair and makes it feel healthy. $8.

2. Dove Beauty Bar. Gentle enough to use on my face, I always keep a bar in the shower.

Birchbox: February

Birchbox time is upon us again! This month my box was all about skincare and a cool new trend in eyeliner that I've been dying to try. In the last couple of months I've convinced a couple of friends to sign up for Birchbox, two of them got wait-listed for about a month. Birchbox is blowin' up! I think a lot of people were gifted subscriptions over the holidays and it caused a traffic jam of requests. But it all seems to be back to business as usual, so if you've been waiting to subscribe - Go! Go now! Okay, let's take a look at what's in my box this month...

Woes of a Pregnant Whore(der)...

*WARNING* If you do not have a baby, do not want a baby, or are just a baby hater, you might not want to read this post.

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 21

Daily:

NY & Co. giftcard 15 winners a day, ends 3/15

Baking stuff from Cake Boss 20 winners a day, ends 2/29

Single:

Personal laser hair removal thingy 5 winners, ends 2/23. I waaannt ittt.

Meet Katy Perry in Glendale (no transportation), ends 2/21

Bare Minerals Blush and Bronzer 100 winners, ends 2/27

Trip to the Mob Museum in Vegas Ends 2/29

See Mary Poppins on Broadway Ends 2/27.. Herp Derp.

$100 Macys gift card 12 winners, ends 2/29

Trip to NYC Ends 3/4

Acai skincare 75 winners, ends 3/2

A year supply of Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner, ends 3/2

Coachella tickets Ends 3/14

Here We Go, Whoreders

Here we go, Whoreders... Time to enter the Winter Blast of Cash giveaway for your shot at the $700 prize, good luck! Click "Read More" for all the details...

President's Day Extravaganza! !

President's Day offers some KILLER sales (see what I did there?). We've rounded up the best of the best for you to go spend your money on. If you want to buy me a little something while you're out, I look good in jewel tones, wear a size 8.5 in shoes, and love the scent of coconut. Happy Hunting!

Aeropostale- 50% off everything !

Bath & Body Works- Buy 3 Get FREE Signature Collection Body Care! Don't forget to bring this coupon with you as well for an added bonus!

Bitter Baking Co.- 50% off your order of $18 or more. Use discount code BLACKMAIL at checkout!

Claire's- 10 Items for $10, select items only

Cheap Thrills: Creature Comforts

There is a definite chill in the air, kids. Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six weeks of winter, and that means we need to get our warm and comfy Cheap Thrills on! I've slipped on my ~*fancy slippers*~ and searched high and low for the fuzziest, snuggliest, and coziest bargains out there. You know there's going to be at least one Snuggie knock off, so don't even try to be surprised.

Apartment Life and My Industrial Revelation

A few months ago, my boyfriend Casey and I moved into a new apartment. Like, a real apartment. I'm no stranger to apartment living and I have loved each and every one of my past humble rented abodes in their own special way. There was the one bedroom in California that I shared with my dear Heather. In separate I Love Lucy style twin beds, at night we talked across the small bedroom like girls at a sleepover, the hum of the 101 outside of our window. Then there was the 3rd floor of a Victorian brownstone that I shared with girl friends in Jersey City. This old apartment had a definite "Miss Havisham" charm with it's cracked plaster walls, ornate fireplace mantles and stained glass skylight. But, the skylight leaked in the rain as well as the bathtub during certain showers. Oh yes, and this was apartment was next to an abandoned church, an empty lot littered with busted tires and needles, and a bodega that one summer was actually missing an entire wall (for serious, really missing a wall).

Then there was my last apartment, a "garden level" one bedroom next to an awesome but very rowdy gay bar that had nothing "garden" about it unless you're talking about the ants and spiders that also called it home. But this new apartment is different. It's charming but also functional. There's old but pretty parquet floors, tall ceilings and windows, two white architectural columns in the bedroom, a claw foot tub that doesn't leak and subway tiles in the bathroom. There are actual closets to almost completely disguise my "collecting" habits and to stack towels and blankets (something even the nicest urban apartments don't always have). Oh  yea, and it's across from a park that is complete with a gazebo, twinkle lights at night and a dog park (and the occasional hobo or two, but who's counting?). It's not perfect but it's damn sure perfect enough for me.

Let's Go Have a Champagne Jam

Why just drink your booze when you can eat it, too?

I've been wanting to make champagne jelly for a while now... sounds so delicate and ladylike. What better time to make it than Valentines Day?

I already had a bottle of alcohol-free champage laying around (Gross, right? I won it at work and let's face it, I'll never drink it) but feel free to use the real stuff. No need to buy an expensive bottle, but def don't pick up a nasty one either. Don't ruin the taste by being too cheap, Gurrrl.

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 20

20 weeks of sweeping? Where did the time go? Hope some of you have won a few items since I started this!

Daily:

No.

Single:

Trip to the premiere of Hunger Games No transportation (in LA), ends 2/22

Cheap Thrills: Big Love

Greetings and salutations! I'm gonna glam it up this week, specifically for the plus size ladies (such as myself). I love dressing up, but it can sometimes be a struggle to find things that are flattering and well-made if you're a larger size. It's also difficult to stay within your budget because quality clothing is going to cost more, and it's going to set you back even further if you're looking for a plus size option. But it can be done!

For the younger set, prom is just around the corner. I remember dreading formal events when I was younger, because I knew it meant disappointment and heartache in the dressing rooms - when things didn't fit or weren't even available in my size. Fear not! Your fairy godmother is here to help you find the perfect dress without compromising your fashion sensibilities.

Past your prom prime? That doesn't mean you don't have fabulous places to go, chicas. This month alone, I have two events lined up that require dressing up and getting my fancy on. Parties, big nights out, weddings, etc., there's always some sort of event looming on the horizon.

Even if you don't have something on your social calendar yet, take a look at the stuff I've found and rest assured that there are plenty of places to browse, and you don't have to settle for a frumpy frock.

2011: A time to reflect and brag

So, this post may make you hate me a wee bit, but gurrrl, don't hate 'cuz I work hard at sweeping. I want you to realize it's possible to win lots of good stuff, you just gotta keep trying.

Here's my highlights of 2011.

A three day wine tasting vacation

(I've never had so much wine in my life. I liked it)

25 Cheap & Fun Date Ideas for V-Day

V-Day. No, I'm not talking about WWII Victory Day, and I'm not raising awareness to end violence against women and girls. I'm talking about two words dreaded by most men: Valentine's Day ("I'm pregnant" was a close second). Not only is Valentine's Day a horrible movie , and the date of a famous massacre, it is known worldwide as "Spend lots of money on my significant other" Day. This year, break that lousy tradition with my fun and cheap dates. If you have any more ideas, keep 'em coming, and post them in the comment section!

1. Plan a picnic with all your favorite foods! If it is crappy weather, bring the picnic inside and listen to some smooth jams circa 1990!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 19

Daily:

Truffles mmm. Ends 2/14, 70 winners

Trip to Chicago to hang out with the Mythbusters Ends 2/16

Single:

Trip to Japan Ends 2/29

Vintage Chanel bag Ends 2/12

Macbook Ends 2/29

Trip to Aruba Ends 4/30

iPad 3 winners, ends 2/29

Nail polish 24 winners, ends 2/8

Philosophy gift set 10 winners, ends 2/28

Neulash 10 winners, ends 2/29

Thong roses Ends 2/7

Cheap Thrills: Atomic Wedgie

 

Relax, I'm not going to sneak up  behind you and ruin your favorite pair of undies! I'm talkin' about wedge heels, no playground pranks. Wedges are a great way to get some glamazon height without putting your feet through too much torture. Wedges are going to have a high heel with a platform, so you've got a 4-inch platform on a 1 1/2-inch platform, it's comparable to a 2 1/2-inch heel.

Let's explore some elevated territory this week, leave your flats at home and take a walk on the wild wedge side with me.

My Three Favorite C's: Cute, Cheap, Cupcakes !

Hey readers, as many of you know (because I won't stop talking about), it is my daughter Penny's 2nd birthday this Saturday. Today is her birthday party at day care and I wanted to make something fun and cheap for her class as a yummy treat! What better to celebrate with the always fun and delicious Cupcake Cones?

What you will need:

Cupcake Mix

Water

Oil

Eggs

Empty Egg Carton OR Muffin Pan

Frosting (preferably Funfetti)

I got all ingredients for about $7.50 and this made about 24 cupcakes! Cupcake mix & Frosting are on sale at Vons right now, and eggs are on sale at the 99 cent store. If you're lucky, you can find ALL ingredients at the 99 cent store, making it even cheaper !

How to do it:

1.) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) I'm sure all of you know how to make boxed cupcake mix, but just in case... Mix ingredients together in amounts specified on the box until lumps are gone.

3.) Fill cones about 2/3 full of batter as some will sink to the bottom. If you fill it too much, it will overflow while baking (as you will see in my pics lol).

4.) Place cones in either a muffin tin or an egg carton., making sure to stagger them so they have room to puff up. The egg carton DOES NOT catch on fire I swear ! Make sure you take off the top portion of the egg carton as the heat can make the ink smoke, and you don't need it anyways. 

5.)  Bake at 350 for approximately 20 -25 minutes. Take out and let cool completely before frosting.

6. I put my frosting in a Ziploc bag and cut off the tip to make a cheap piping bag. This way you get more of the swirly ice cream look.

7.) Let your little one put on the sprinkles and voila !

Get Nailed: Cupcakes for Penny

My tiny terror Penny is turning two this Saturday the 4th ! Time sure flies. I decided to paint my nails for her. I combined three of her favorite things, sparkles, pink, and cupcakes!

1.) Clean and prep nails with a clear base coat, let dry.

2.) Next I used OPI Italian Love Affair on all but my middle fingers. On my middle fingers I used Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet. I used 2- 3 coats on each nail, but remember to let nails dry between coats !

3.) On my ring fingers and thumbs I used Milani Diamond Dazzle because Penny LOVES "sparkles".

4.) On my pinkies I did polka dots (using a paperclip) and on my pointer fingers I did stripes. Both patterns were done with Milani White Canvas.

5.) Now for the fun part, the cupcake! I painted the bottom half of my middle fingers in bright pink using Essie Surfer Dude (no longer available). I then put stripes through that pink using Milani Draw in Pink. Together, this makes the cupcake wrapper.

Next I chose a medium pink for the cupcake itself using Milani Tip Toe Pink. I made sprinkles on the cake using Milani Nail Art in Blue Print, Green Sketch, Draw in Pink, and White Canvas.

6.) Last thing I did was I used Nicole Berry Sweet for the cherry on top, and slap on a clear top coat and voila !

I went home last night and Penny saw my nails. She said Momma pink nails pretty, OOOOHHH SPARKLES!!! And then she did her sign language for cake and got really excited, mission accomplished ! :)

Sucker for Love

For any of you Whore(der)s who have younger kids that are not yet too cool for Valentine's Day, this post is for you!

Tired of the same 'ol boring Valentine cards your kids fill out every year? Want to do something fun, memorable, and cheap? Make your kid the hit of the classroom on Valentine's day with these four easy-ish hand-made valentines. All you need is colored or construction paper, writing/coloring utensils, lollipops, and tape!

Lovely Lips Lollipop

1.) Draw lips on pink or red paper.

2.) Cut out lips.

3.) Outline lips with a similar color.

4.) Cut a tiny slit in the middle of the lips and push the lollipop stick through so when you suck on the lollipop, you have cartoony exaggerated lips !