Sunset & Vine

Instead of waiting once a year for the holy Girl Scout Cookie Season, you can make these recipes as you please.

Homemade Somoa’s

Ingredients for the cookie: (recipe from here and here)

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Ingredients for topping:

• 3 cups shredded coconut
• 12 ounces of caramels
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 8 ounces chocolate chips

for the directions continue here.

Homemade Thin Mints

Ingredients (recipe found here and here)

• 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp peppermint extract

directions for the thin mints click here.

Such a perfect piece for spring and summer! I can’t wait to make this as soon possible. The steps are so easy to follow and I know I will be wearing this often. Learn more about the original designer here.

Martha strikes again: guests will love the idea of being able to take a trip down memory lane with old photographs. Regardless if the guest of honor is turning 21 or if a couple is celebrating 50 years, this idea is a beautiful and entertaining way to celebrate the occasion. 

I am a huge fan of anything wooden, it recently has become a serious obsession.  I love the natural look and the woodsy feel. This wolf den coat rack is such a beautiful peice that both I and my boyfriend can agree upon. I love the idea of this being the focal point as you walk into an apartment or house. Since we have a bit of a crafty background, this might just become our summer time project.

Today I received a card from Playhouse reminding me my birthday is rounding the corner, maybe a dress like this one will help me celebrate. 

French Connection Rothko Sequin Dress $161.37

I don’t care if I am in my twenties, I still wouldn’t mind this being my birthday cake. How sweet it is brings you this adorable idea for little kids and little kids at heart. The recipe provides around 12 delicious pancakes and is guaranteed to put a smile on anyones face.

Ingredients (for the pancakes):

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup yellow cake mix
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 cups milk (I used vanilla almond milk)
• assorted sprinkles

Ingredients (for the glaze):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• assorted sprinkles

Directions (for the pancakes):

Combine flour, cake mix, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Add 1 cup of milk, egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. You want the batter to look like regular pancake batter; not too thin, not too thick. This will vary greatly on the brand of cake mix you use. Start with 1 cup of milk and add more if needed. I suggest a small taste test as well to see if the pancakes are flavored enough.

Preheat a skillet on medium heat (I use an electric grilled and turn it to 250 degrees). Fold desired amount of sprinkles into batter. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with vanilla glaze.

Directions (for the glaze):

 Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. You may need to add a little more sugar or water/milk to reach desired consistency. Mix into glaze and drizzle on pancakes. 

Cut and enjoy! 

I think Tyler and I just found our couples costume for Halloween this year! (A few months early, but) so funny!

I’m using this rainy day (Why is it raining? I’m in California now, not Germany) to look up new ideas for redecorating my home bedroom. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around unpacking all my bags, so instead I’m focusing all of my (semi-slept) energy into everything from flooring to reorganizing my desk. Here’s whats inspiring me:

Photos are from Pinterest.com

Honestly.. WTF has the best idea for unused garage workshop supplies. All you need are 3 strands of twine cut into one yard pieces and 18 small brass hex nuts. Follow the simple and easy instructions here

The last thing I wanted to do was leave the guy I love. It was a truly tough goodbye that ended in slight tears. The amount of time I spent with him in Germany was amazing and the people that surrounded me there were unbelievable. I wish I could relive it all over again. Thank God to Sex in the City for helping me get through the watery-eyed flight. Although I did miss the simple things in life, like Target, In-N-Out, real Diet Coke, and sunshine, I am happy to have had an opportunity to live abroad and experience another lifestyle/culture. I even caught myself saying ” Dankeschön” (thank you) to the flight attendant after I touched down in Los Angeles.. whoops. I have a strong feeling I’ll be seeing Deutschland again soon. Until we meet again Germany

1. Carry all from Italian Luxe Boutique 

2. Bamford Yak wool blanket shawl $1,995

3. Metal Aviator Sunglasses $30

4. Bright White Stretch V-Neck $13

5. MD Pipe Skinny Jean $50

6. Suede knee flap boots $440

by Icsmom

Ingredients (for cupcakes):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• *2 1/4 tsp cocoa powder
• *1 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
• *2 tsp vanilla extract 

Ingredients (frosting): 

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened 
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• *2 tsps vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted powdered sugar 

Directions:

check here

These are unbelievably gorgeous. For information and pricing: DolorisPetunia

A fun idea for birthdays