In the Kitchen: Red Velvet Cupcakes

I know valentine's day is long past, but I really feel that the cuteness of these cupcakes doesn't really need an occasion. I've been wanting to do a red velvet for some time now, so I took advantage of my free time with my spring break and whipped up these little heart-shaped ones. Keeping in mind, I've never made these before, making them was a bit intimidating, since, in honesty, before it's actually fully made and taken out of the oven, the mix looks almost disgusting, somewhat resembling runny play dough. But never fear, once you get past that, they are definitely worth it, especially with that delicious cinnamon cream cheese frosting!

Red Velvet Cupcakes:

Ingredients

CUPCAKE

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 Tablespoons red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

In the bowl with a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes.  Turn mixer to high and add  the egg.  Scrape down the bowl and beat until well incorporated.

In a separate bowl mix together cocoa, vanilla and red food coloring.  Add to the batter, mixing thoroughly until completely combined. 

Turn mixer to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk.  Add half of the flour and mix until combined.  Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining milk and flour.  Beat on high until smooth.

Turn mixer to low and add baking soda and white vinegar.  Turn to high and beat a few more minutes.

Spoon batter into a paper lined cupcake baking pan and bake at 325 F for 20-25 minutes.

Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then place them of a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 Tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• scant 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Beat the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and butter together in the bowl with a mixer. Mix on medium-slow speed until it comes together and is well mixed.

Add the cream cheese all at once and beat on medium to medium-high until incorporated.

Turn the mixer to medium-high and beat for 5 minutes, or until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Do not over-beat as the frosting can quickly become runny.

Life is filled with gray, but now he comes to me

First off, I just wanted to say thank for all your comments recently! I enjoy reading each and everyone of them and truly appreciate it. :]

I've had a few eventful past couple of days. Yesterday I had my first shopping trip in I'm not even sure how long with my friend Olivia, who has a blog of her own, One Time For Your Mind. I ended up coming home with five new dresses! I think I went a bit overboard, but I spent fairly little actually, so it was very well spent. I never find that many things at once!

 

(over-sized tank- american apparel, skirt- forever 21, black lace bodysuit- american apparel, leather jacket- ?)

It was a true spring day, so a breezy, over-sized tank and linen skirt was quite appropriate. Though the skirt was a bit of a regret after finishing off that meal AND chocolate coconut cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory with my cousin later on. Oh my goodness, I was just waiting for a button or zipper to pop from that skirt! 

I really feel the need to show you guys just how fantastic this vintage dress is that I picked up yesterday. I know the print is a bit of a Hawaiian floral, which I'm not usually partial to, but this dress was just too amazing! I can't wait to wear it, especially since it looks so much better on.

 

Also, here's some news for you dolls: I have decided as soon as my blog reaches 50 followers, I will be doing a bit of a giveaway to show just how appreciative I am of my readers. <3

currently listening to: life is better- q-tip featuring norah jones

DIY: pillbox hat

 I find nothing more charming than a piece with character. A timeless vintage-esque locket, a gorgeous cocktail ring, what could possibly add more to an outfit? This is where my hair accessory obsession returns, as I love to adorn even the tip top of my head with something special, such as the simple, yet elegant design of the pillbox hat. And what better way to feel such originality with your pill box hat than if made yourself?

Links à la Mode : The IFB Weekly Roundup

DIY NATION

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
It seems that across the board, there has been a resurgence in DIY, as we are very much living in a world of 'Do it Yourself' everything; ranging from creating or updating or garments' silhouettes and decorative details to showcasing our own versions of runway looks, virtually styling with tools like Polyvore, tackling self-photography, and of course self-publishing via our blog platforms. We reign supreme in the DIY world on a daily basis, and I only see this trend gaining momentum. The roundup of this week's links is definitely an indication, directly and indirectly, of the incredibly creative, innovative, persevering, motivated folks that are part of the new DIY frontier, and of course, IFB!
As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : March 25th

    
• Alex Loves - The Chanel Tattoo Cast
    
• Alice in Stilettos - DIY Faux Fur Ankle Cuffs Inspired by Thakoon
    
• Denim Debutante - How Would You Change the Denim Industry?
    
• Despising Life is so Passé - Spring Cleaning: Detox your Space
    
• Fashion Pulse Daily - The DYI Glue-On Pedicure: Reviewing Revlon’s Perfect Pedicure Kit
    
• Fasshonaburu - Vyque & Alyssa review the "Project Runway" video game and give you a chance to win your own copy!
    
• For Those About to Shop - Designer NADA's Fashion future - how about a 3D film?
    
• Haute World - My real life encounters with Balmain and an exclusive tour inside the label's only boutique in the world.
    
• Idiosyncratic Style - The Personal Style of Fashion Designer, Breeyn McCarney
    
• Independent Fashion Bloggers :  Evolving Influence business, ethics, and the future of fashion blogging videos
    
• Inny Vinny - See No Evil, Hear No Evil: Jezebel exposes photographer Terry Richardson
    
• Lady Peach -The men that have shaped the fashion scene... 5 Male Style Icons
    
• M.I.S.S. - Interview with Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Besame Cosmetics
    
• Retro Chick - How Vanity Sizing is damaging your health
    
• Shrimp Salad Circus - What does color do for your life?
    
• Skinnypurse - Skinny Cargo Pants: Love Them or Hate Them?
    
• Style Eyes - The Wang Effect - A discussion about the phenomenal popularity of all things Wang
    
• Style Symmetry: Style Me Challenge! Wear an Outfit Styled By Someone Else
    
• The Working Wardrobe - Show this rainy season who's boss!
    
• The Coveted - Do you alter vintage?
    
• Tweet - Dark and intricately sculptural clothing by a young, Hungarian designer named Dora Mojzes with an amazing talent
    
• Ventures of Jenn - Vice interviewed Karl Lagerfeld; I broke it down

Where is my ticket out of suburbia?

Today was just one of those days where no matter how many times I pressed that shutter button, I couldn't seem to get a single good shot! The funny part is that I end up putting up the one photo that was actually accidental. 

Being a trapped citizen of suburbia, leaves me with not much of a selection of atmospheres and backdrops. Frankly, I've grown tired of the collection of imitative houses within a five foot distance of each other that I see every. single. day. This is why I aspire to move to a place with culture, diversity, and a lovely field nearby. Or maybe travel abroad to witness and experience all that I've missed thus far in life. A visit to a small bistro in Italy, a stroll down the streets of Paris, make conversation with a gentleman in London, such a romantic notion!

 

(dress- forever21, boyfriend blazer- forever21, heels- steve madden, headband- self-made)

While the next fashion blogger you come across will be filled with excitement over the new pair of Jeffrey Campbells they just received in the mail, (don't get me wrong, I would be thrilled as well!), I was more than delighted to come home to a package with my new mini-heart shaped cake pan. I feel so silly for this, but the anticipation of making some little red velvet cakes seems too perfect now!

currently listening to: younger than yesterday- real estate

Sunshine flood

It seems like every room in my house is flooded with light. It's lovely, really. 

(off-the-shoulder shirt- alloy, shorts- h&m,  bow headband- forever21)

(Don't mind the dog in the background. It's our odd idea of decoration.)

Quite honestly, I'm not much of a purse girl. See that silly little bag I have slung over my shoulder? That's my everyday and everything bag. Similar to how children have their teddies and blankets by their sides, this is my comfort bag. I bought it a few years back in Old Town San Diego during the Cinco De Mayo street festival and have yet to retire it. I'll probably continue with it until it will no longer hold up. Or maybe the perfect purse just has yet to cross my path. Anyone care to go on a thrifting trip with me to find one? :]

Also, I've been really wanting to do a giveaway contest for my blog, but I'm thinking it would be best if I put it off some. At what point with your blog do you think would be best for a giveaway?

currently listening to: let's do it- joan jett & paul westerberg

Spring cleaning: detox your space

What fashion enthusiast wouldn't lust over a closet that could pass as a little boutique? Unfortunately, most are not endowed with such a thing, so we make the best of the lovely, though tiny, space we have. And as the days progress, we learn just how difficult it is to find our favorite pair of tights, and practically everything else amongst our cluttered space. Now Spring is right around the corner, so why not take advantage of that much needed spring cleaning and take your closet a few steps closer to the one you've always wanted.

1. Turn it up.  First of all, who can go through an entire clean up session without the accompaniment of your favorite album? Dance around and have a jam session while throwing out that trash pile you never even knew existed in your closet.
2. Let it go. We all have items that we intended on wearing religiously when we first bought them, which we did, until we grew tired of it after a week and a half. Things go out of style. Things go out of our personal style. And some things end up with ketchup stains far from unnoticeable. Sell it or throw it away, depending on it's condition of course. Or how about make a difference and take the time to donate your clothes to charities like Dress for Success, The Princess Project, or your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
3. Store it. You know those bulky jackets you have taking up space on the right hand side of your closet? I'm sure they are pretty and are some of your closet's most bragged pieces, but who are we kidding? Those darlings will not be seeing the light of day for a couple of seasons. These under the bed storage bags from Bed Bath & Beyond or storage boxes from The Container Store work perfectly when wanting to make room for those new floral dresses you just treated yourself to. If this is too dull for your liking, maybe roam your local outdoor market and find an antique chest to temporarily stash your treasures.
4. Shelve it. Found some little knickknacks and that headband and hat you thought you lost last year on that road trip up the coast? Make them feel welcome and add a little shelf to your closet just for their being. These cheap 2 for $10 shelves from Ikea would definitely do the job.

5.  Coordinate & Organize. Color coordination is one choice of organization that I personally find extremely effective. Separate your different clothing pieces, such as outerwear and skirts, then within that, color coordinate! Clothes and accessories aside, you still have your heels and comfy flats scattered about the floor or kicked off along the side of your bed from wearing their last night on the town. The Container Store also has a solution for this with their 12 pair shoe organizer, which can easily be lined along the bottom of your closet. Hanging organizers also do the job perfectly without overcrowding.
6. Decorate Me Mine. Lastly, just because your space may be small doesn't mean you can't make it your own. If you have a walk-in, wouldn't a mini pink chandelier just be darling to be greeted by every time? If not and have a wall closet, try getting rid of those rickety doors you've never really liked too much and swap for a curtain of choice.

Now stand back and admire your wonderful work, and as they said in elementary school, "give your selves a nice pat on the back." Even better, go bask in the much missed sun and warmth with some delightful little lemon cakes and your beverage of choice. Better yet, bring joy to a now lonely hanger and go treat yourself to a brand new dress for the season. Or maybe two. Okay three. No one's stopping you. <3

currently listening to:  be-bop-a-lula- gene vincent

In the kitchen: gnarely muffins

It seems like you guys never get to see my pretty creations. My lemon lamingtons, my chocolate dipped heart-shaped rice krispie treats I made for Valentine's Day. Sadly, none of them got pictures taken. 

Ah, but you get to see my less than pretty, healthy bran muffins that I made yesterday.  I've been contemplating putting the picture up they are deceiving not very good looking.Yes, I am being superficial with my muffins. haha
Just please keep in mind, they do taste better than they look!

Gnarley Muffins:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup flax seed meal (if you live near a Trader Joe’s, you can get flaxseed meal and oat bran there!)
• 3/4 cup oat bran
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar (I originally used I cup, which worked out fine, but would recommend that extra 1/4 for a little boost of sweetness.)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups carrots, shredded
• 2 apples peeled and shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1.  Using a wooden spoon, mix together flour, flax seed meal, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.

2.  Stir in carrots, apples, raisins and nuts.

3.  Combine milk, eggs and vanilla.  Pour liquid all at once into the dry/fruit mixture.  Stir until ingredients are moistened.  Do not overmix.

4.  Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.  Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

After taking them out of the oven, I realized it is best to let these cool completely before eating.  The sweetness from the fruit and brown sugar is brought out once it is cooled.

 This also gives me a chance to show off my apron that, unlike my muffins, just happens to be pretty enough to be on my blog. My grandma made it for me recently, and I love it! She was on a roll with making these and they all have came out terrific. I will have to get a better picture of it one of these days so you can see the whole thing. 
I also recently jumped on the bandwagon and started a twitter account, so follow? <3
Oh, how I do love my 50's music. 
currently listening to: rock around the clock tonight- bill haley

I came across a dream on wheels

I'm no where near sure what I want to do with my life. I don't know if I'm going to stay a psychology major. I don't know what shoes I am going to wear tomorrow. But I do know that I am madly in love with this car.

I jump around eras, I know. One day I'm on the 50's, next I'm on the 70's.  When I came across this top picture though, I just knew I had to share it! This has been my dream car for the longest time, almost since I first laid eyes on one. These photos only gave me inspiration to just how cute and cozy it could possibly be.

Don't give me a Porsche or a Rolls Royce. I want my VW Bus. <3

Also, I just ordered myself a mini heart-shaped cake pan. I am so excited to get it and put it to use after I was inspired by Sobrina from Quiet Little Horses heart-shaped, black-bottom cupcakes. Too cute.

currently listening to: music- joss stone feat. lauryn hill 

(I LOVE this song!)

photos taken from: weheartit

The underestimated accessory

Yesterday morning I made the major mistake of stepping outside the house in dark jeans and my combat boots, completely oblivious to the heat I would be battling in about an hour. To not encounter such an atrocious situation, I swapped for something far more weather appropriate. I'll admit, I felt a bit odd wearing a skirt again without tights. Something I will have to get used to with these warmer, Southern California days. I will say, I find it humorous every time I wear this skirt, since I managed to incorporate something I originally made for a Halloween costume into something I use in my every day wardrobe.

 

(Nirvana t-shirt- gift, floral skirt- handmade, hat- Urban Outfitters, belt- forever borrowed from my grandpa's closet, purse- Maxx New York)

I truly love this brown fedora of mine. I find it extremely versatile, which is contradictory to how I thought it might be when I first purchased it from Urban Outfitters. Now I actually wear it a lot! 

I have an ongoing love for hats in general. I feel that their contribution to an outfit is almost underestimated. I am lusting for a delightful, little boater hat, such as the wonderful vintage find that I have seen Erin from calivintage wearing. If I had the money right now, I would definitely jump on buying this little ruby red number from Modcloth!

If you're having this sudden desire for these hats as well, I would definitely check out Modcloth's vintage section or browse through Etsy sellers where you're likely to find a wide selection of darling vintage pieces to sit atop your head.

Oh, and I almost forgot! I actually made myself a tiny pill box hat that I will be posting up with the video tutorial later in the week.

QOTD: What's your favorite go to accessory?

currently listening to: chica alborotada- los locos del ritmo

1950's pin-up: Bettie Page

As many of us do, I go through stages, especially when it comes to inspiration. My main focus right now is the legendary, gorgeous pin-up icon, Bettie Page. Though Marilyn Monroe may be the favorite of many, Bettie is picture perfect to me. She exudes such natural beauty that is not common, especially in that smile of hers that makes you acknowledge she is just genuinely happy in front of the camera. And my goodness, who doesn't know those trademark bangs of hers?

Then again, I have been intrigued with the entire idea of the 1950's pin-up girl culture in general for quite some time. Maybe it's their undeniable glamor and poise, or their ability to make any man become weak in the knees. 

The 1950's were such a lovely era overall. I can't help but love to see it reflected in today's fashions.

QOTD:What's your favorite era?

currently listening to: a teenager in love- dion & the belmonts

Light-hearted love

I'm sure I'm not the only one favorable of the neutral blacks and grays of the fall and winter seasons. Though I'm not much of a spring type of girl, there is so much I'm looking forward to for the season! I'll just say, a few floral print dresses will definitely be finding their way into my closet sometime soon.

1. Mod Cloth- $79.99, 2.  Delia's- $44.50, 3. Mod Cloth- $49.99, 4. Urban Outfitters-$78.00, 

5. Top Shop- $70.00, 6. Urban Outfitters- $58.00, 7. Alloy- $39.90

The retro silhouette of Mod Cloth's "Be My Valentine" dress would definitely fit well into my wardrobe. And who wouldn't want the delightful combination of bows and floral as in UO's Kimichi Halter Dress?

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and don't indulge on too many of these sweet season essentials!

currently listening to: ok- holly conlan

Peanut butter time

What can I say? It was just one of those baking sort of days. This is a perfect something if you are in the mood for baking and don't have a wide variety of ingredients on hand. As if just getting to eat them wasn't enough reasoning.

Peanut Butter Cookies:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.  Grease with butter or cooking spray.  

Using a mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter on medium speed until well combined.  Add the sugars and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  

Add the egg and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.  

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and beat on low until just combined.  Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.  

Drop the dough by the scant tablespoon full onto a cookie sheet about 1 1/2-inches apart.  Use the tines of a fork to press the cookies flat.  Bake for 7-10 minutes until the cookies are a deep golden brown along the edges.

(adapted from The Pastry Queen Christmas)

Umbrellas overhead

Earlier this week I attended an orchestra performance at my school for my music history & appreciation class with my boyfriend. Afterward we were randomly roaming the buildings and found ourselves in the three story fine arts building. It really is quite a sight.

 

 Tomorrow I'm planning on heading over to the Urban Outfitters job fair. The notice says to dress causal. I'm not even in the slightest bit exaggerating when I say I have been digging through my closet trying to figure out what to wear. Still no luck!

Any suggestions for an uninspired soul? :] haha

currently listening to: set free- katie gray

Not a clue

Does anyone remember how before my month leave I announced that I finally got a job? Let's just pretend I never said that, because I basically didn't. It turned out to be a disappointment, but hey, things happen for a reason, and I won't let some silly store bring me down. Anyways, it gave me an opportunity to put together some other interview outfits, which I quite enjoy.

This is what I wore for my Loehmann's interview last week. Though the manager did compliment my shirt, I still have yet to get a response. I'm not quite sure why I have my head tilted to one side in both these photos. Almost as if it weighed too much that day. Oh, the mysteries.
Isn't it funny when you barely notice things when looking back at a photo? For example, I wasn't aware how lumpy I looked in the front from tucking in my shirt. haha

currently listening to: souls of gold- sister crayon

Hey baby, you made it somehow.

An example of my new found liking towards pink and all things girly:

I originally decided to make this one specifically for valentine's day, which seems to be quite some time ago now. I figured I would be festive since it was the first year I actually had a real valentine.

By the way, please excuse my messy excuse for hair. My hair is naturally curly, so naturally, my bangs don't like to cooperate much.

currently listening to:  hey baby- j. j. cale

Lalalala

Hello loves. It is now March 7th, and I have been away from my blog for a bit over a month now. How I do miss it! Things are much better now, and life is running smoothly for the most part. Therefore, I have decided to start up again!

Some updates:

• I got my camera fixed!
• I have been doing a few DIY's since I've been gone.
• I cut my fringe. 
• I am admitting that I am a complete nerd, and have become reconnected with playing Pokemon yellow.
• I have overcome my disliking towards pink, and have actually been embracing it quite a bit recently.
• I also got some oxfords that I have been lusting after finally! To my disappointment though, they are a bit small and I have to wait until I get the appropriate size in the mail. 
• I have officially ripped every pair of tights that I have, which is not exactly something I wanted.

• And of course, you can see the visible changes I've made to my blog a bit. Still in progress though. I do prefer this header more, but I feel it needs tweaking. What do you think?

• Lastly, I am beyond ecstatic that Gossip Girl is finally coming back on! I'm sure I'm not the only one. :]

Now I will continue on with my superbly lazy day and wish you all a wonderful week. <3

 currently listening to: australia- the shins