SIPIDI Saturday: Graduation Tassel DIY

Life always seems to full of random odds and ends that one never knows exactly what to do with. Graduation tassels are certainly one of those items. Though neat to have a souvenir from your high school or college graduation, what in the world do you do with it after the strains of Pomp and Circumstance have faded away? Luckily Pinterest had the answer! When I discovered this pin I knew I had to try it.

Materials
Glass or plastic ornament bulb
Tassel

I originally thought that these ornament bulbs were only made out of glass. However, during my latest visit to Hobby Lobby I quickly discovered that they also come in plastic! This proved to perfect for this project, and it will prove much easier to store since it is not as fragile as glass. On a side note I also scored the ornament for $0.47, now if only the tassel had cost that much ;)

I thought it would be as simple as sliding the tassel through the opening of the ornament, however, my numbers proved too big for the opening. This required pliers to push the two numbers closer together and then refasten them to the tassel.

This worked out well, though it still required a bit of maneuvering through the opening of the ornament. Just another reason I was glad it was plastic, not glass!

Once inside the ornament, I kept the last part of the tassel outside and inserted the metal top hanger back into the ornament. The lid had cuts in the metal which allowed me to pull the tassel end up through the top and make an easy hanger.

Tada! 

A perfect little way to showcase your tassel!

SIPIDI Saturday: Hearts on a Tree

Remember this tree?

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays faded away I decided it was time for a tree make over. After all, Valentines Day is on the way, and what could be better then some decorations to celebrate the event!?!?! After I saw this pin  I knew immediately it would be the perfect addition for my tree. Simple, easy and adorable! Here's how :)

1. Cut two strips of felt 3 in. x 9 in.

 2. Draw vertical lines 1 inch apart on one of the felt strips.

3. Place the strips on top of each other with the chalk stripes facing in.

4. Sew down one edge.

5. Once sewn flip material over so the lines are now on the outside. Sew the two open edges closed.

 6. Once everything is sewed, cut down the lines.

 7. You now have the finished heart!

8. I added a string loop to hang them on my tree and made white hearts to go with the red. The result....

Perfect!

Add a few pictures of your Valentine and you are ready to go! :)

SIPIDI Saturday: Downton Abbey Edition

There is something special about new beginnings, particularly when they involve a new year! Of course what could be better to start the new year then a new season of Downton Abbey! Oh yes! That fantastic show that has captured the hearts of so many. In some ways I feel like a 15-year-old girl squealing about her favorite boy band, and not a 24 year old gushing about her favorite TV show on PBS. Sounds silly I know, but there is something so delightful about a decent TV show and this one has certainly got me hooked. Now if I could just get my husband to name a future child Sybil…hmmm…;)

Now with the first episode on tomorrow evening I knew I had to get creative and make something to celebrate. My mom (an equally enthusiastic fan) and sister are going to be joining me for an evening of fun and British accents. So what to make to celebrate? Well cake of course! It couldn't be a party without cake. I found this delicious looking recipe on Pinterest and was sold. Time to get baking and pull out the china and lace doilies. Check back soon for all the delicious goodness!


Vanilla Cake

Cake Mix
- 5 large egg whites
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2-1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1-3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into cubes

Whipped Vanilla Bean Frosting
- 3 sticks + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
- 3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt

Instructions

Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease, line with parchment, and flour two round 8-inch pans.
2. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, combine and stir the egg whites, 1/4 cup of milk, and the vanilla. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the dry ingredients together on low speed for 30 seconds.
4. Add the butter and remaining milk, and mix on low speed until just moistened. Increase to medium speed and mix for 1-1/2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl and begin to add the egg mixture in 3 separate batches; beat on medium speed for 20 seconds after each addition.
5. Divide the batter into two, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake 25-35 minutes or until a cake tester comes clean when inserted into the center.

Frosting
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter for 8 minutes on medium speed.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix for 7 minutes. Frosting will be light, creamy, and fluffy.

SIPIDI Saturday: Best Apple Pie!

Nothing screams fall and Thanksgiving more then a perfect apple pie. Something about the idea of biting into gooey apples, a flaky crust, and crumbly topping is just divine. Now to be perfectly honest I do not eat apple pie for the apples. They are nice add on, but the real delicious goodness comes from the crumble topping and caramel that layers on top. I know I know...so bad...but oh so good! My Mom used to make this in the past and after finding this pin, I knew I had to do it myself! The result was a combination of what my Mom has used and my own creation. Try it yourself, I promise it won't disappoint!

 Apple Pie Recipe

1 Pie Crust
6 Tablespoons butter melted
1/4 Cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 Cups white flour
6 apples, peeled, cored and cut into slices
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a medium mixing bowl combine butter, brown sugar and 1 cup flour. Pinch with fingers until large crumbs form. Place in freezer.

In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and remaining 1/4 cup flour. Stir until everything is dissolved and scrape mixture into pie crust, arranging apples as compactly as possible. Bake for 35 minutes 350 degrees.

Pull pie out and spread crumb topping over apples and bake 30-40 minutes longer until topping is golden brown.

Caramel Recipe 

1/2 Cup brown sugar
3 Tablespoons butter
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Can sweet and condensed milk

Boil for 3-5 minutes in the microwave stirring occasionally until thick. Let sit for awhile before pouring over the pie. There have been times when I've added a bit of flour to make it thicker as well.

Okay I will admit I cheated with a store bought crust :)

I like using a variety of apples, makes the flavor more interesting. 

If you even get to the flavor through the crumbs and caramel ;)

My fabulous apple peeler. Found mine at a garage sale, such a great invention!

Even convinced my husband to operate the machinery 

Perfect slices!

Getting ready to mix

All ready to go!

The crumbs have been added and baked.

Now for the caramel

Done!

Oh yummm!!! The smell alone is to die for. Happy eating!

SIPIDI Saturday: Earring Organizer

Siippeeedeee...siippiiidddiii...sseeppee....huh? What in the world is SIPIDI Saturday? If you're wondering, you would not be the first (just ask my very confused tech guy, aka: the husband). SIPIDI Saturday or Saw It Pinned It Did It Saturday, is all about creating something off of Pinterest. You know, that place that everyone is addicted to and loves despite trying their best not to. Like the general masses, I am no exception. It might be a little unhealthy, but so is ice-cream and you don't see anyone giving that up anytime soon ;). I thought this would be the perfect motivation to complete all those awesome projects I am always pinning but never manage to get to. Perhaps it'll motivate you too!

Today’s project is super easy and adorable. I love earrings, but I have never had a good place to display them. Anything I have seen in the stores has run anywhere from $20-$30, but I wanted a less expensive version. When I saw this pin on Pinterest, I knew I had found the solution! Here's how you can make your own!

Materials
- Embroidery hoops (Hobby Lobby had various sizes ranging $1-$3 depending on the size)
- Doilies (I had a few from various garage sales or that had been given to me. You can find them at your local antique store or the Dollar store)

 1. Grab your loop and separate the pieces.

2. Drape your doily over the inside hoop and place the outside loop over it. Fit the pieces together. 

3. Pull the edges of the doily around the outside to get it perfectly taunt. If you have some hangover that is totally fine. It actually works great if you have a lot of hoop earrings!

The end result is a great holder that can hold a lot of earrings and looks adorable on your wall!

As you can see, mine is a little loaded down :). Guess it is time to make another one!