Pinspiration: Chalkboard Pallet Shelf

Pinspiration

 

This week's post is brought to you by a friend of ours. Rikki runs Day of Diva, which is an event coordination business. Basically, she helps in the month of your wedding and makes a time line for the flow of the wedding, does rehearsal the week of and manages the staff and vendors the day of to make sure that your wedding day runs perfect! She basically prevents you, the bride, from going crazy or throttling any and all of your wedding party and vendors.

By trade, Rikki is an event coordinator, but on any other day when she is not working, she is a bundle of crazy, artistic, sarcastic, ball of energy. She lives in Ventura , Ca and is married to a hottie. We are still friends even though she has a cat. I've known Rikki since the 2nd grade and we used to sing Benny and the Jets together. I think that's all you really need to know.


~Charlotte

From Rikki:

Chalkboard Pallet Shelf

Here are some very simple instructions on how to make a "pallet" shelf. This cost me a total of $22.00 but the feeling of pride in myself for actually making something off Pinterest was priceless, LOL.

It's a Pizza Cake

See what I did there? With the title? BAM.

SO our dear ol' Vanessa celebrated another birthday (forever 29) and I thought to myself, "what better way to celebrate than with a cake that looks like pizza?"

It's easy, my lil readers, let me tell you how to make one for yourself.

First, get a nice, clean box from a pizza place. Or you can use a dirty box, but who likes a dirty box?

Next, buy or borrow a pizza pan. LTRLY, a pan for pizza. I was rull scared to use it since it was going to bake the cake so thin, but trust me. I suppose you can use a deep dish or regular round cake pan as well... but it's not as fun. The pan I used was about 1/2" high - just enough to keep the batter in.

Preheat the oven 25 degrees lower than the recipe calls for.

Make whatever cake batter you choose and only add a small amount to the pan, spreading it thin and even. I only used maybe 1/5 of the mix I had made and added enough to fill about 1-2 mm short of the top of the pan.

Pop in the oven for about the amount of time it takes for cupcakes. I don't know exactly how long it was in there for, I just kept a close watch on it. You may also want to keep a big piece of foil underneath the pan, just in case it was overfilled.

If it doesn't go right you still have enough batter to try a few more times!

Once cooled, very carefully transfer to the box (hardest part of making the cake).

Sauce:  Dyed frosting. Or I suppose you could be fancy and make some sort of berry sauce.

Cheese: Grated white chocolate.

Pepperoni: I started making fondant, but it wasn't going well (new recipe) and I was over it, so I ran to the store and bought natural fruit rolls and cut them with a shot glass. Perfect!


PIZZA PARTY.

Make your own Coloring Book

Making your own coloring book is a great for kids and adults alike. You would think since I'm the "mom" of the group that I stumbled upon this because I was making a coloring book for my 3 year old...nope.

What triggered this was me shopping for the un-shoppable person in my life (you know who you are). I was at Urban Outfitters looking for something cheeky, quirky, and sexy and stumbled upon this Ryan Gosling coloring book. The idea was great, but the price tag of $14 was not! But I was now hooked on this idea of a grown-up sexy man coloring book, so I ventured into making my own! I mean seriously, who doesn't want a book full of this ?

Anyways, there are a few ways to make your own coloring books. The easiest way is to have someone else do it for you, for FREE. Here are the two websites I found that will take almost any picture and turn it into a "coloring book page".

PhotoJoJo

FotoSketcher

Crayola

 Coloring Page Creator

I tried a few of these out and my favorite one was Coloring Page Creator. Here is the book I made...all of awesome men, Oliver "THE Boston Terrier"....oh, and a hot dog. Enjoy!



DIY: Water Bottle Labels

My daughter's birthday just passed I really wanted her party to be memorable. I wanted people to be able to take something home from her party or see something that stands out! I've seen  personalized water bottle labels at many parties and thought that one day I will do them. Well ,today is that day!

You can buy pre-made templates from sites like Online Labels, or  personalized labels &/or templates from sites like Etsy, but I'm going to do this the cheapest way possible!

DIY: Water Bottle Labels

What you will need:

*Strips of paper 1 3/4″ tall x 8 1/2″ wide. It can have a custom design from your computer, or you could even use decorative/scrap booking paper.

*Clear 2" Packing tape

*Bottled water, the smoother the bottle, the better.

Instructions:

1. Remove original labels from water bottles.

2. Lay your pre-measured and cut label out on a flat stable surface. Next pull out a piece of  tape just slightly longer than your paper. If done correctly, you should have just a little bit of tape above and below your paper to help adhere the label to the bottle; and a little bit on each end for extra security.

3.Press the tape as smooth as possible onto the paper, careful not to move the label or get air pockets in the tape if at all possible.

4.Pick up your label and line it up as straight as possible along the side of the bottle where the original label was and apply slowly.

I would like to mention that I have yet to test the "waterproof-ness" of these labels.  I recommend just keeping them chilled in the refrigerator as I haven't experienced any problem with basic condensation but I have not yet tried  throwing them in a cooler or bucket of ice. If you try it, let us know how it works!

Here is my finished product!

and don't forget,

DIY: Candy Wrapper Labels

These labels are fun for any occasion and would even be perfect for the quickly approaching Valentine's day! I happen to have made them for my daughter's Disney "Brave" ("If ye had the chance tah change yer feht, woodjhur?") themed party. Has anyone else seen this movie? I had to watch it 2-3 times to understand most of what they were saying...I get it, you're Scottish. 

Anyways, I found templates online that you could buy, or very specific free printable templates, but no instructions on how to make your own.

Here are some basic instructions so you can make them yourself :

1.Using Microsoft Word, make a rectangle approximately roughly 5.25 x 5.5.
This will be cover a standard 1.55oz candy bar.

2. Using Word Art , clip art, pictures, and additional text boxes, personalize your wrapper for the occasion.

3. Once printed, cut around the solid lines of your rectangle, this will be your wrapper.

4. Fold the wrapper over the candy bar. You can fold it over the original wrapper, or do like I did, (like a nut), wrap the already wrapped candy in foil for a sleeker look, and apply
your label over that. 

5. You can use scotch tape, double sided tape, or glue to adhere the label.

Pictured above is my candy wrapper label and a personalized water bottle label I made as well.

  

Cheap Gardening: What to Plant and When

Are you ready to get your hands dirty for the best tasting produce you've ever had? I sure am. I've been craving old-fashioned tomatoes, berries, cucumbers, peppers, and lots and lots of basil for a few months now.

I have written in the past about getting cheap planters and soil and how to find seeds for cheap or even free, now it's time to figure out when to plant your seeds and what is best for your area.

First, you'll want to figure out what zone you're in. Here's a nice map that allows you to search by your zip code. I am lucky enough to live in Southern California, where we have less "bad weather" even though we complain if it drizzles or drops below 60 degrees. Spoiled people problems.

Next, you can look at charts (or the back of your seed packet if you already have some) to figure out the best time to plant for your zone. Here's a nice basic chart, another that let's you search by zone, or you can get a lil fancy and sign up for this one and order seeds at the same time. If you want to grow anything unusual or heirloom I suggest you just obtain seeds on your own. If you're looking to be more modern, there's even this plant app for $2.

Valentine's Day Etsy Finds

Whether you love or hate Valentine's - there's a way for all to celebrate the day!
I have created another Etsy Treasury, all for under $40. Support artists and small businesses!

Valentine's Day for lovers and otherwise

Etsy sellers: LoveFromHettyandDave, TheMortarandPestle, NetieArt, SugarLaneBakeShop

Hangover Remedies for Whoreders

Did you drink too much last night? I'm writing this ahead of time, but I'm 99.9% sure that my future self did too.

There's plenty of things around your house to help out with that headache and upset stomach. No need to venture out into the wild with smeared makeup and bedhead looking for an answer to your problems. You're welcome. Let's heal together (in the privacy of our own homes).

Eat a banana (for potassium)

Drink an electrolyte-rich drink (Gatorade, coconut water, or even Pedialyte)

Ginger tea for nausea (chop up fresh ginger and add to hot water with a dash of honey, spicy delish)

Hot honey and lemon (hot toddy anyone? ohhh... wait.)

Take a mustard bath to draw out toxins (please tell me if you do this. Also I want pictures)

Get a foot massage (good excuse to get a pedicure, right?)

Drink apple juice

Make a tall glass of chocolate milk (and of course consume it)

Take a nap (I had this post scheduled because you know I'll be nappin' alllll daaaay)

Add a little salt to your water

Or of course you can continue the party and make yourself a tasty Bloody Mary. Mmmm. PINKIES UP!

American Horror Story Premiere Party Time

We Whoreders love a party post, especially when it's about the return of one of our favorite shows! Tomorrow marks the day for the season two premiere of American Horror Story: Asylum. Important note: if you have your DVR set to record the show, update the subscription to the new show title (make sure it includes the word Asylum), otherwise the old setting won't record the new episodes. Because we love any excuse to get together with friends for food and drinks, we put together some ideas you might enjoy for your own premiere party. Hang on to your gimp masks!

Cheap Thrills: DIY Design Inspiration

This post is dedicated to Todd Oldham and Amy Sedaris, my two biggest DIY design and craft inspirations. No doubt many of you have noticed the "Back to School" specials are going up in stores everywhere. It's time to squeeze the last bit of fun out of summer as we gear up to get back into the scholastic groove. Personally, I loved going back to school, mostly because of the shopping it entailed. I still run out to the store and load up on notebooks, pens, pencil cases, and colorful paperclips. I still scoff at wide-ruled paper, because really... we're better than that,  people. Beyond the regular back to school supplies, the college crowd has to contend with their housing situation - door room, sorority/fraternity house, new apartment, etc. Setting up a whole new space for yourself somewhere other than your family home can get expensive, but you still want to make it as comfortable as possible - what's a Whoreder to do?! Don't worry, I've got your inspiration springboard right here...

Breaking Bad - The Scientific Kitchen

Breaking Bad Season 5 premieres tomorrow, July 15th on AMC and THIS girl is excited! I'd celebrate by cooking some meth in my kitchen... but uh... I'll stick to blue rock candy recipes, instead.
I'm all about using science in the kitchen, so let's explore some options, shall we?

Beakers are great for measuring, mixing, and drinking out of! Try this 6 piece set of beakers on Amazon for only $19.95:

Get Nailed: Nautical Nails

It's that time of the year where Nautical print is back in (does it ever really go "out"?) and I'm loving it! I will post later this week a round up of some uber cute nautical themed stuff that you really should consider buying either for yourself or even as a gifts! But for now, I will settle on showing off my awesome (if I do say so myself) nautical print nails!

A few common themes for nautical designs are fish (my fave), a compass, rope/netting, anchors & stripes, pirates, a sail boat or you can even apply 3D nail art ! Don't forget essential colors to have on hand are some combination of white, blue, yellow, red,, silver and/or gold. I could go on and on with all the fun stuff you could do, but believe it or not, I'm going to keep it simple this week and jump on the stripes and anchors bandwagon.

I don't know why I kept running into so many problems with this manicure. I initially couldn't decide which colors I wanted to use or what type of design I wanted to draw. Once I decided what to do, I kept smudging my design and having to start all over. I tried to freehand stripes but I don't have a blue nail art pen or nail brush so those came out horrible, then I tried to paint my nails white, place scotch tape where I wanted the white stripes to go then paint over that with navy blue but it kept ripping off my white polish. In short, I felt like an idiot. I finally decided to paint scotch tape blue, yes I said paint the tape, and cut it into strips.

1) Take a strip of scotch tape and paint it whatever color you would like your stripes to be, let dry.

2) Cut colored tape into straight strips, trim to fit nail and cut them to your preferred thickness (that's what she said).

3) Apply the base coat, then pick a base color. I used white for all fingers except my middle I used a glitter red.

4) Next, after white polish is dry, apply your stripes and cover nails with clear top coat.

5) On my middle nail I chose to draw an anchor which is much easier than you would think. Check out this really simple tutorial here. and BAM!, we're done!

Get Nailed: Lazer Show Mani

I've seen similar versions of this mani all over the place and it is super fun! The best part about it is that it is not only super easy, but there are so many color and design combinations that it's practically endless! I first attempted to do this with my handy scotch tape, but scotch tape and Milani Holographic polishes do not mix. Every time I removed my tape design, the polish would come off too. So I dug into my nail art box of treasures until I found a suitable replacement for the scotch tape... nail art tape. Nail art tape is a cheap and fun way to decorate your nails, so you should invest in some and just keep it around as it's pretty versatile.

1.) For this manicure, after my clear base coat, I painted each a finger a different Holographic color and let dry completely.

2.) Next, I cut small pieces of nail tape and placed them in my desired designs on my nails.

3.) Third, I took a black Milani polish and painted over the entire nail, tape and all.

4.) Quickly removed the tape while the black polish was still wet.

5.) Follow with a clear coat only if you are not using matte polish, and viola! there it is, an easy, quick and unique design that reminds me of an awesome lazer show!

Etsy Treasury: Blindingly Bright

With warm weather finally here, it's time to brighten our wardrobes with Summer shades (or so I've been told, I only wear black). What better way to brighten than with oh-so-popular neon? If you're scared, no worries, a touch here and there will still be exciting!

I gathered some fun pieces on Etsy, all for $20 and less!

Here's the link, kiddos: Blindingly Bright

photos: iphone case by seller shopsway, octopus ring by CABfayre, and cosmetic pouch by PouchAPalooza

Get Nailed: Reinforcement Rings

Here is a fun spin on the Half Moon Mani using those handy little reinforcement stickers once again!

You will need:
Clear base coat
Two contrasting colors
Clear top coat
Reinforcement Stickers


Instructions:
Paint nails with clear base coat, let dry.

Paint nails with "lighter color", or "non-textured" color" ( I used Certainly Cherry first and Purple Glitter second.) Remember to let dry completely or the stickers will adhere to the polish and rip off sections of it upon removal.

Once nails are COMPLETELY dry, place reinforcement stickers randomly on your nails depending on the shape you are looking for. (These clear ones are hard to see as I ran out of white ones but I assure you they are there.)

Paint over each sticker beginning at the rounded edge and brush outwards. Once the nails are painted with the second coat, remove stickers and you will have fun rounded, shapes and edges on your nails.

Let second coat dry and top with a clear and/or fast drying top coat and viola!

Father's Day Craft: Salt Dough Handprints

I was cleaning our house the other day and tucked away in the closet I found a very small hand print keepsake of my husband's chubby little hand from when he was little and it inspired me to make some with my own little one. I first attempted to tackle my dog and get a paw print but she was not having it...

I must admit this project was more for me than it was my husband or our dad(s). As you all know by now, I am obsessed with my daughter. Seriously, I need some help. That being said I not only made one handprint keepsake like a normal person, I made four. Yes, I said four. However I justified it because my husband has a shit ton of (can I say that on TV? Oh we're not on TV? okay then...) awesome dads and we are giving these out for Father's Day presents this year. You can make them for any occasion or even just because they are tons of fun to make with your little ones. An added bonus is there are very few ingredients, they  are non-toxic and easy to clean up.

Ingredients: (Makes 2 hand prints)

*1 cup of salt

*1 cup of flour

*1/2 (ish) cup of water

*Measuring Cup

*Large mixing bowl

Instructions:

1) Pour salt and flour in mixing bowl.

2) Pour water in slowly until you have enough. This part is really trial and error, 1/2 cup seemed to make it a bit sticky so I had to add a bit

more flour.  You do not want it to be sticky or crumbly.

3) Next, mix up the ingredients until you have a nice dough like consistency.

4) Take the dough, cut it in half and make a ball. Flatten the ball until you have a nice looking circle. You can put it into a shallow bowl or container if you want a perfect circle, I however just eyeballed it.

5) Take your little ones hand, foot, or paw and press it firmly into the dough. Make sure you help so they don't wiggle and stretch the dough or mess up the design. However, if you do mess up, all is not lost, just roll it up and start over! Don't forget to poke holes in the dough if you want to string it up when you're done!

6) Put it in the oven at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours. You want it on low heat for a long period of time so it will dry out and harden but not break or burn. (And yes, that is my really dirty oven, don't judge me.) Once they come out, let them cool completely and they are done.








7) This last step is optional. Paint your keepsakes with acrylic paint once they are cool and/or write the date and name of the creature you forced to do this project with you on the keepsake if there is room. I had all ingredients at home; and select Acrylic paints are on sale this week 2 for $1 at Michaels Craft Store plus they always have a bin of .99 cent ribbon. Total cost for me to make these, $2 plus tax!

(I didn't think about until afterwards of course, but you can put food dye into the dough instead of painting it. Ah hindsight, how thou mockest me.)

True Blood Premiere Party

Party time! Whoreders loves any excuse for a party, but we're especially excited that it's True Blood premiere week. After waiting for too many agonizing months, it's time to head back to Bon Temps for more fang bangin' and shifter shenanigans. It's not too late to plan a viewing party, and you don't have to spend a crazy amount of money either. We've put together a few ideas that are easy to do yourself, and won't break the blood bank.



Party Favors/Decorations

Party favors aren't just for kid's parties, big kids like goofy little goodies too. You don't have to go too crazy, because our fabulous friend Marie at Agent Lover already came up with a genius crafty idea we love. These were originally for Valentine's Day, but it would be a snap to turn them into True Blood party favors for your party (or any party, really). Click on the picture or link below and get ready to laugh and fall in love with Marie. And I'm not just saying that because she made me (Vanessa) an Anderson Cooper valentine!

Marie's Valentines For Your Boo

You can either make a bunch of these with different characters ahead of time, or just have all the supplies at the party and let everyone make their own. Go wild, and make an extra Eric Northman brooch for me! 

Fangs a lot.

DIY Beach Hair

After writing last week about what my Summer Hair Essentials are, I realized that my absolute favorite of them all was the sea salt spray to create that messy beachy look. I also realized at the time that I was sure I could make it at home. I looked online and found a few DIY recipes and picked and chose what I wanted in mine to create my own recipe.

What you will need:

Clean Spray Bottle

8 oz Water

Sea Salt (finely ground is best)

Gel

Hair Oil (Coconut, Moroccan, Almond, Etc.) or Conditioner

Optional:

Tea Tree Oil or other Essential Oil

Alcohol

Directions:

In bottle, mix water with 2 tsp. of sea salt (the more salt, the more wave but also the more dry your hair will be)

A tbsp. of hair gel (try to find unscented so it's scent won't compete with the other scents)

A dollop of conditioner or 1 tsp of oil to counteract the dryness.

I put in3-5 drop of Tea Tree Oil for scent and it helps promote a healthy scalp but you can use any type of Essential Oil if you would like.

Combine all ingredients and shake! Make sure to shake well before each use if you put oil in it as the oil will float to the top.

This recipe is very soft and will not give you that "crunch". If you want the crunch, you can add 3/4 tbsp of rubbing alcohol. If you add too much alcohol, it will overpower all other scents. For that extra crunch without alcohol you can also add more salt and/or gel until satisfied with the outcome of your hair. I happened to have all of these products at home so I literally spent $0 !



As you can see I have generally straight hair with a slight wave at the bottom (thank you erratic pregnancy). I put no alcohol and very little gel in my mixture because I hate crunchy gelled out hair, but it still gave me a soft messy wave that I like. I am beyond low maintenance, and at times I may venture into hobo territory, so this style is perfect for me. It's great if you're in a hurry or you need to fix that bed head ASAP. You can spray, scrunch and go or blow dry on low heat/low air or high heat/high air with a diffuser. The options are endless! okay not really, there really is only like three options but still it's super easy! Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Stained Salt

I had a Cinco de Mayo gathering of the tacos on, well... you guessed it - the fifth of May. My friends and I wanted margaritas (to go with our copious amount of tacos) and I decided to have some fun with it. Why not dye the rimming salt the colors of the Mexican flag?

I am a brilliant idea maker.

It's incredibly easy:

The Texas Handroll: A Party in Your Mouth

It's finally Friday (!!) so I'm going to stick with Vanessa's classy party theme here, ya'll.

New York City's Hill Country Chicken in the Flatiron area is an atomic little heaven of rich Southern fare: fried chicken, biscuits, and homemade pies with names like Whiskey Buttermilk and even an apple pie with a cheddar crust (note to self: need to try this). I've ended up here in the past because I love food but also because of it's proximity to an awesome antiques garage and flea market right down the street. This is dangerous stuff. Rummaging for finds (like this) and then settling down for a hot cafeteria-style lunch at HCC is a pretty decadent and perfect day for a girl like me.

One of my favorite things to get is also probably the weirdest on the menu: The Texas Handroll. Just don't sound right, does it? The Texas Handroll is like if Waylon Jennings had went to Japan and returned with a tasty illegitimate love child. It's wrong but so right. It's fried chicken strips (or deep fried avocado if you go with the vegetarian version) with a mound of coleslaw, sweet red pepper jelly, and sliced almonds all wrapped in a flour tortilla like a sushi handroll. Cute right? This thing is a delicious party in your mouth - a slightly disorienting party where you forget who you are and where you were going. Cool, hot, crispy, creamy, crunchy - there are a lot of textures and sensations going on here and it pretty much rules.

This week, craving one and getting bored with usual dinner options, I decided to experiment with making a healthier version at home using some of my favorite foods and and go-to tricks. Here is how it went down.