Gold Flatware

1., 2., 3., 4.

I've been thinking it would be lovely to have a few sets of gold flatware to make everyday dinners feel fancy and a little regal. Here are a few options...

What do you think of gold flatware? 

What makes a meal feel fancy at your house?  Growing up my mom would always light candles and turn off the lights to make a meal feel special.  It was super cool.

DIY Polka Dot Earrings with Polymer Clay

If you're looking for a discreet homage to the polka-dot, here's a quick and easy DIY.

Supplies: 

Sculpey polymer clay (white and/or any other colors of your choice)

Sharpie fine point paint pens (colors of your choice)

jewelry and metal glue

earring posts and backs

Steps: 

1. Form the Sculpey into two small discs. 

2. Bake according to package instructions.

3. Allow to cool, then glue the Sculpey disc to the earring post back. 

4. After the glue has dried, use the Sharpie to draw scattered dots on the earring. 

5. Allow to dry (which can take a bit...so be careful not to touch) and you are ready to wear your new earrings or give them to a friend. 

How do you feel about polka dots?  Love them or not so much?  Clearly, I'm a big fan, but sometimes a tiny earring is just enough.

S'mores Brownies

When a cozy bonfire and a cool night are too hard to come by, make some S'mores Brownies to fuel your craving.  I just made these for a long awaited girls' weekend that starts in just a few hours!  Of course, they've been taste-tested (wink-wink).

This particular brownie is super easy; I use a Ghirardelli box mix and doctor it up a little. 

S'mores Brownies Recipe

 One box of Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix, which requires 1 egg and 1/2 c vegetable oil

9 honey graham crackers (I use Back to Nature brand)

Approximately,1/2 small jar of Kraft Marshmallow Creme

Mix brownies according to the box instructions; then, stir in 7 crumbled graham crackers. Scrap batter into 8" x 8" baking pan; then, scoop about 9-12 tablespoonfuls of marshmallow creme onto the top of the batter.  Place in 325 degree oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes.  Allow to cool a bit before slicing into 16 delicious brownies.

Package them up pretty for special delivery.

Don't they just look irresistible?!?  Okay, confess. What's your favorite brownie?