Substance of Living

If you find yourself single for whatever reason on this Valentine's Day, send out thoughts of love and let the self-pampering begin.   Treat yourself special.  After all, aren't you the best person to be around? Whether February the 14th falls on a work day or not, enjoy some quality time throughout this month.  Here are some ways to luxuriate in your independence: Have fun! Make a Cuddle Basket the day before to enjoy during tonight's movie marathon or some good ol' binge watching of your favorite series.  Include items like a new throw blanket, hot chocolate ( here or here ), gourmet popcorn , and some semi-homemade cookies . Swaddle in your blanket and journal or read. Linger in your lounging wear. Dress up and go to a museum. Treat yourself to something at a spa. Try going tech-free; set your phone for emergency or to receive calls only from your favorites list. Go sightseeing in your own city or visit somewhere that's within a day's drive. Cook yourself a ...

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies DH and I were trying to figure out when Red Velvet anything is not appreciated.  What we were able to decipher is that Christmas, Valentines Day, Birthdays, Parties of any sort, Weekdays, Weekends, in fact any time is appropriate to serve up Red Velvet something or other. We are serving Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies by Duncan Hines with tea this afternoon.  Here's how we did it (of course I had to change up the actual recipe a bit as you'll see in the notes). Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients: (Taken directly from the box) 6 tablespoons Butter 1 cup Powdered Sugar 1 teaspoon Cornstarch 1 box Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix 2 Large Eggs 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Directions: Preheat oven to 375F. Melt Butter and set aside. Combine Cornstarch and Powdered Sugar in a shallow bowl - set aside. Combine and mix by hand the Cake Mix, Cooled Butter, Eggs and Lemon Zest...

Do you LOVE chocolate?  (I do! I do!)  How about Dark Chocolate?  (Absolutely, without a question!!!)  Now, if you combine your love of chocolate with the deliciousness of Sea Salt along with the all-time favorite movie watching snack - Popcorn, then you have a snack that everyone will LOVE. The first time I made this, it was meant to be as a hostess gift.  Guess what?!  My lovely and oh so sexy Husband and I ate the entire first batch!  Can you say "Oink!"?  But we only tasted it one kernel at a time.  We rationed that we had to make sure it tasted good enough to give away.  Oops. The recipe is over on Adrianna's website A Cozy Kitchen and she attributes her good friend Johnna Lynn of Copper Peace for the actual creation. Chocolate Popcorn with Sea Salt Make sure you visit A Cozy Kitchen for the recipe because I followed it exactly with a few minor changes.  I used flavored chocolates. Start with fresh popcorn ker...

Do you remember this heart pillow Lilly and I made DH for Valentine's?  Here's the tutorial I promised. 2013 Valentine's Day Present to DH Pillows are so much fun to make.  Especially pillows that I get to design the pattern.  That way there isn't a wrong or right way!  Okay, I know, I sew like I cook.  A little bit of this and a smidgen of that. To make this heart pillow you will need a few things: Scissors Thread Sewing Machin e (although this could be sewn by hand) Sewing Needle Fabric Stuffing Paper Ribbon Step 1: Fold a large piece of paper or newspaper in half and draw half a heart.  I used a plate to make the top of the heart nice and round.  Then cut out your heart.  The paper heart is about 22" x 22". Step 2: Take two pieces of fabric or fold your fabric in half so that the entire heart fits.  The right sides (pretty side) of the fabric will be together sandwiched inside.  Pin your heart to the fabri...