Side Note – Celebrities Who Don’t Eat Sugar:

1. Selma Blair (nor gluten)
2. Gwyneth Paltrow
3. Kelly Osbourne
4. Yvonne Strahovski (though she had a birthday at the Sugar Factory)
5. Jessica Biel (while working)
6. Jewel

Leaving sugar behind is sad, so opt for high-quality stuff. I got to sample the Sugar Free Mixed box of Sugar Free Chocolates. And there were several strong winners in this box according to my reputable taste buds.

Here is what there was:

• Sugar Free Chocolate Peppermint Patties
• Sugar Free Chocolate Truffles
• Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups
• Sugar Free Peanut Butter Squares
• Sugar Free Amaretto Truffles
• Sugar Free Caramel Squares

By and far, I loved the Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups and Sugar Free Caramel Squares the most. The PB cups were the perfect shape, size and texture and I would gladly eat a box of these. There are also Peanut Butter squares, which are not quite as good and who knows why! The Caramel Squares have a different constancy than most caramel that you know, but they are chewy (a little softer than you’d think) and really good. There was the addition of salt on the bottom, which was really delicious. (Salty + Sweet is a good combo and you know it – or are you going to pretend you have never mixed peanuts with a bag of M&M’s?! Now that’s what I call gourmet baking! …Oh, maybe not? Heh!)

I didn’t love the peppermint patties because I don’t like any kind of peppermint patty. The chocolate truffles were okay, but I also don’t like the taste of amaretto so the green striped dessert was really pretty but also not for me.

This was a great way to taste an assortment. I definietly recommend the sugar free peanut butter cups and the sugar free caramel squares. If you like those other flavors, you’d likely enjoy them too.

Illinois Nut and Fantasia Chocolate makes gluten free candy, kosher candy, vegan, sugar free candy and organic candy. Whatever you’re voluntarily or not so voluntarily avoiding in your food, they’ve found a way to get it to you anyway.

And we have a giveaway!

Disclaimer: The chocolate box provided for an honest review.

As I walked away, debating this one curtain, I kept thinking bout how I’d always know the vibe of the curtains were Martha Stewart, and I’d feel hopelessly lame for it. Because what I want is something … kind of hip. I’m still young! What I want is curtains like an Anthropologie. They can even be from Anthropologie – but only if they’re on sale. I’m also interested in World Market, Pottery Barn, West Elm (although that’s a bit too modern) and Pier 1. Or anywhere if they look nice, really. But, I suck at making decisions. So I’ve come to you guys for help.

We’re looking for curtains like urban outfitters – curtains like pottery barn – curtains like anthropologie.

My room has green-blue walls and my style codewords would be: romantic, antique, cottage, artistic, sweet, warm, Victorian, french, floral, cozy.

What my room is not? Modern, Bright, Asian, Minimal,  Exotic, Stuffy, White (my current window treatments are white blinds and white sheers, so I missed the mark and have been lazy…because my previous look was very pastel/Monet/airy.)

Here are some curtains I like, with the one on the bottom right the Martha Stewart ones I almost bought:

• Taupe Accacia Curtain $44.99 to $54.99 – World Market, here
• Midnight Courtyard Curtain – Anthropologie
• Wandering Pleats Curtains – Anthropologie
• Neutral Luster Window Panel On Sale $31.96 Orig. $39.95 – Pier 1, here
• Brown & Blue Ombre Damask Panel On Sale $31.96 Orig. $39.95 – Pier 1, here
• Martha Stewart Living Floating Dahlia Panel $20 each – Home Depot – Good Review, here (Larger image here)

That last one is the one I almost bought. And it has this Black Tab thing which I guess means it helps keep light out (so I can sleep in, score.) But from far away it looks (and I know part of the reason is the wooden window in the picture) so hopelessly country dining room! My bedroom of luxury is not… a country dining room in the suburbs! But on the pro side… up close it looked better, it has great reviews, the material was good, the colors are right, and the price is perfect.

Update: I have actually found curtains that I love. They’re sold at JC Penny, where her line is. Oh, did I not mention who they’re by? Cindy Crawford. I know, I know, almost as bad as Martha Stewart, but these work as being simple without being boring, they’re cozy, they’re a little French, and they’re a color that doesn’t fight with my dark walls. While I never would have gone, “Oh, yes, I totally want to buy curtains that have Cindy’s name on them!” I actually find these to be very worthy of a look. Her entire collection has some really nice pieces that might make you think you’ve found curtains like Potter Barn stocks.

Each panel is normally $40.00 but I had a major sale advantage and got four for $20.00 each! That’s half off! Even I can do math that easy.

Cindy Crawford draperies wrap your home in an aura of luxury with the Palais grommet-top window collection. Available in Green, Rust, Shitake and Ivory. I opted for Ivory.

• elegant scroll pattern in sophisticated natural tones
• chenille fabric for a soft, rich texture
• lined for beautiful draping
• grommets are brushed nickel
• available in lengths from 63 to 120″

Shown is the “Nine Drawer Chest” by RSH Catalog. Constructed of dark mahogany, you’d never guess it. “Awash in blue and cream, the artwork is a rendition of an ornate Louis XVI dresser. Ball feet complete the look.”

I think this is kind of a shabby chic look without being too dated as a Martha Stewart kind of deal. It almost looks like it was limed, in fact. I love that it’s transformed into a really playful, sweet piece of furniture by having the Louis XVI dresser painted on the bulky dresser. I have no clue why (and this will sound a bit weird), but it reminds me of the feelings (of magic and beauty!) that I get when I think of The Nutcracker.

You can find the page with this piece of furniture here. However, the price is well over $1,000. So how could you practically achieve a similar look?

Creative Dresser Ideas

1. Take an old dresser and paint the entire thing in a pale wash of blue. You can experiment with paint techniques to give it an aged look, like the sponge off or rag off way. Then use stencils of something sweet like birds in different sizes or a damask pattern, using an off-white color that almost fades into the blue. (Hint: for dimension you could spray paint the stencils with two differnet colors, or use the paint on technique but with two different colors. Stencil images are from Stencil Cafe) If you’re feeling brave, use a pen to sketch emphasis around the birds with some shadows. Or, fill in details of the wings if you’re a good artist.

2. Do the same paint technique I mentioned above, and then actually copy the Louis XVI idea. I suspect you’d want to find the outline of this online and then blow it up several times (ask a pro or a librarian how to best do this) until you are able to trace the image. Because this would require some artistic talent, you might see about hiring someone to do this part. If you do the initial painting, and already have the wooden piece, the price won’t be too expensive. The artist could then paint the Louis desk on just the front, or the front and sides. But skip the back unless people will actually see it.

> If you don’t want to do blue and whites, try peach background and gold.

> There are actually a lot of Stenciled Dresser Ideas I want to share, suddenly! It all gives the same kind of romantic, antique feel. Try stenciling just the sides of a dresser or just the top.

Also, try painting against a matte color in the same color – but as a metallic. See that at work here. That’s a metallic white over what appears to be  a light beige color and it looks so elegant. Stencils used there are by Cutting Edge Stencils.

The colors are monochromatic so they look quite serious here. But you can be more playful…

3. I’m inspired even just by the ornate key spaces and hardware, so you could against take to a stencil and spray paint those types of images over each drawer on a dresser.

P.S. What can you do with a dresser without drawers? You can turn it into a cabinet!

How can you clean without actually getting your hands dirty, how do you deal with a nosey cashier and how do you get your pets to, essentially, love you more? I’m about to discuss this all with you.

How do I unclog my shower drain without a fuss?

Single Girl Problems: My shower drain clogs up once a month because my hair is so long and thick and apparently falling out all the time!

Single Girl Solutions: If you don’t have your Dad around to guilt into cleaning it out, try the Drain Claw (http://www.thedrainclaw.com/) I do not suggest you watch too many Youtube Videos on how it works, because clogged up hair is gross. This is just the most effective and least gross way to remove it that I’ve ever seen.

Single Girl Survival Kit Purchase: For Single Girl Survival you WILL have to clean out your drain every once in a while, you just will. The Drain Claw should be in every Single Girl Survival Kit. Luckily it is not very expensive! Here’s the link so you can Buy the Drain Claw on Amazon  - with fantastic reviews.

How do I make my cat sleep in bed with me?

Single Girl Problems: I want my dog/cat to sleep in the bed with me! They keep me warm, I feel safe, it’s just… nice.

Single Girl Solutions: As you readers know, I have one dog and two cats. The dog is too big to really share a bed, but there have been times when I gave into those little puppy dog eyes and tried to make it work. The other cat Shopcat aka Frida would never stay in bed with me, no matter how much I tried to get her to create the ideal picturesque bedroom scene I had in bed where I’d be reading Jane Austen novels at a record speed while the smell of freshly laundered sheets kept me feeling calm, and my loyal cat stayed by my side. But I learned that I actually preferred to sprawl out, so Frida’s presence wasn’t necessary. Now that I’ve had Posie for a year, I find that she will only sleep in bed with me when I don’t try to force her to do it. Often I wake up and she’s there with me and it’s one of those OMGSOCUTEANDSWEET moments that melt my heart a little bit and affirm every life decision I’ve ever made. And when she snuggles up while I’m sleeping, she adapts to me and in whatever weird way I’m sleeping. Basically, you can’t force it to happen any more than your parents could force you to get a practical business degree over your BA in Fine Arts that is now, of course, pointless.

Single Girl Survival Kit Purchase – You already Have it!: If you absolutely feel like this is needed in your life then I suggest a bodypillow if you have one. Even that silly Dr. Oz suggests sleeping with a pillow between your legs (or a long body pillow) for better sleeping posture or something. Arrange some pillows or a heating pad on your bed so you feel snuggly and warm and and safe. If you absolutely must, go buy a body pillow. But they’re not very attractive in your bedroom and you also may have to pretend you’re pregnant (the cashier will assume this) when you buy one.

P.S. You can try to make your cat or dog feel at ease in the bed by giving them treats there. Although, messy. You can also just try putting their dog/cat bed near your bed.

Love,

Jessica
A Single Girl Who is Reducing her Problems

One item that I hope you like is the “Moroccan Runner” because I bought it! “Spice up your table with an exotic mix of textures and patterns in rich colors. Florals and golds are entwined on crushed velvet for a captivating look and feel. Hand made. 75% Viscose/25% Nylon. Professionally clean. Imported. 72″l x 14″w.” I actually bought this from a different store, but the price was the same. I planned to put it over my vanity but haven’t yet. Those damn beads on the end make Posie want to play and bite at it all the time. I might use it as my bedroom dresser runner instead, although the one I have right now is something my Mom used when she was my age so I’m a bit attached. (It’s white with embroided flowers and some crochet work.)

Pinterest Images You Might Adore

This flower clock looks like an antique.

This shell magnet board reminds me of a mirror my Grandmother had in her bathroom.

Beautiful folders and a great way to display them for a home office.

Isn’t this a pretty and girly home office space? Love the parsons chair.

These are Seaglass Unusual Glasses Frames. They remind me of tortoise shell which is my favorite type of frame design.

Painted Magenta Chest

These metal accent tablets are so curvy and French. “Cabriole” table. The tiers are almost like a cake that you want to decorate. Like maybe with the aviary jars with the little bird toppers? They’re so cute and perfect for the bathroom.

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DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

One idea, done about a bazillion ways!

One item really struck me as something that you can recreate. The item was the CECIL BEATON TRIPTYCH. It’s a picture frame that folds out with three sections. The middle is a photograph from 1956, taken by photographer Cecil Beaton. It was Marilyn’s favorite photo of herself. And then in the two other slots are the two pages of a letter he wrote to Marilyn.

The selling price for this Marilyn Monroe item (which she owned and cherished) is $145,500. But you can put this time kind of priceless gift together for a friend or family member for under $20!

Think about it. All you need is a picture frame (up the ante by having it engraved, if you want), a photo (you can turn it black and white if you want. It can be a photo of them at a younger age. It can be taken by you or even a self photograph), and a letter that you write to your subject, that someone else has written to them (their mentor, a favorite professor, a celebrity, a beloved family friend), or even something they wrote themselves (such as a diary page from their younger years, or a letter they wrote to themself for a school project.)

If you give this as a gift to a younger person or as a gradation gift, you can write the letter about your hopes for their future and how much love and support you have for them.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Men / Boyfriend

Tips: Use a photo of the both of you. Or a photo of them you took. Or maybe a photo of them as a child. Keep it looking professional and they’ll certainly want to put it in their office.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Mom

Tips: See if you can find a letter you wrote to your Mom as a young kid to frame. Or use one of her favorite quotes. You could have something printed that says “We support you and believe in your dreams” and then have family and friends all sign around the quote. There are endless possibilities.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas for Anyone

Tips

1. For the frame search for “triptych picture frame” but also look for picture frames with three sections, no matter what they’re labeled as. You can try online for “three section picture frame” “hinged picture frames” “5 by 7 triple frame” and “triple picture frames.”
2. You don’t have to have three sections. You can have just two sections. That makes it smaller, easier to place on a desk, and you don’t have to write as long of a letter. Heh!
3. Look for a picture frame with a matte built into it for it to look super polished.
4. Check out Target and Marshalls for tons of picture frames on sale! They always have a huge variety.
5. Use a special pen. Much beloved by people with Moleskin journals are the Pilot G2 series of gel pens. They are cheap and don’t bleed through paper. The Cross Tech3 pen is highly reviewed as is the Fisher Space Pen (which also writes upside down – handy.)

Picture Frames Under $20

1. Malden Linear Wood Black Picture Frame
2. Linear Black Picture Frame 5×7″ Double Vertical

Picture Frames Under $30

1. Lawrence Frames Black Wood Hinged Double Picture Frame Matted to 5 by 7 (Favorite Option because it has a matte. Available in Black or Walnut or a Three Frame option.)
2. Lawrence Frames Antique Pewter Hinged Triple 3×5 Picture Frame – Beaded Edge Design
3. Lawrence Frames Hinged Triple Black Wood Picture Frame, Gallery Collection
4. Lawrence Frames Hinged Triple (Vertical) Metal Picture Frame Pewter Finish with Delicate Beading
5. Lawrence Frames Polished Silver Plate 5×7 Hinged Double Horizontal – Bead Border Design
6. Lawrence Frames Hinged Triple Vertical Metal Picture Frame Oil Rubbed Bronze with Delicate Beading

I’m a lazy cook, so I am in the frozen food aisle a lot. Nothing is better to me than being able to just heat up my food and pretend I have a personal chef. And there are some pretty good things you can buy in this aisle, I especially love the Lean Cuisine Thai Meals and the P.F. Changs Orange Chicken Skillet Meal.

I do not recommend Fridays Frozen Skillet Meals or any of their Frozen Foods.

I’ve never had much luck with TGI Fridays Frozen Foods before. They never come out right, but you see that familiar red package and logo and you just go “Okay, one more time!” But every time, the food came out tasting bad. And the less recognizable brands were tastier. (I’ve had the TGI Fridays Frozen Chicken Quesadilla Rolls, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheddar and Bacon Potato Skins…and probably others. I have had frozen mozzarella sticks and frozen potato skins from other brands and actually liked them. So it’s not as though the food just can’t be done right. And I do like the food in actual TGI Fridays restaurants. )

But I did it AGAIN, I saw the package for the new Fridays Skillet Meals, and decided it had to be good, especially for $10.00! So I picked one, and I’m not proud of my choice because it is not healthy at all. It was the Loaded Potato Skillet with Chicken. Inside the bag were frozen potato wedges, tiny frozen pieces of broccoli, some very small white cubes with grill marks that were chicken (but only like 5) and cubes of frozen cheese. I realized I’d made a mistake. The cheese was going to be a problem. And it was. But not the only problem.

I can eat fake cheese – I love Kraft stuff. But this fake cheese smelled so gross. And it made a huge mess in the skillet pan.

I cooked everything per the recipe, using the stove intead of the easier microwave. They tell you to keep it covered for the first 5 minutes. So you don’t stir it. But that made part of the pan burn, which gave everything a burnt flavor.

In the end, I had a big mess of food that tasted (though didn’t look at all) burnt, and the cheese made me literally gag. I ate a small bite of one potato before I gave up. But it tasted so bad. And I wasted ten bucks on that?! I totally want a refund.

TGI Fridays Skillet Meals are gross. Ugh! Why can’t they deliver on their promises of halfway decent food? If I sound bitter it’s because I’m hungry. I didn’t get to eat dinner last night, since my dinner was…this meal.

Have YOU had experience with TGI Fridays frozen meals? Did you like them?

Creative Couples Costumes

Source: http://jushls.tumblr.com/post/11500329724

Mary Poppins and Bert

Isn’t it sweet and nostalgic?

Sourced from http://www.nicolepattersonhairandmakeup.com/portfolio-hair-makeup/pin-up/3

Stylish Halloween Costume Ideas

It’s retro and rockabilly. Dress like a pin up girl and your boyfriend is… a retro zombie? Sure!

Yip Yup Aliens

Try these Award Winning Yip Yip Alien Martians Costumes with a Sesame Street Theme find them by parceledacreage on Etsy. Here

Betty and Don Draper Costumes

Try on this Circa 1957 Vintage Style Dress and twirl about. This dress is by Strawberry Blushes on Etsy, here. And this Vintage Grey Pinstripe Sport Coat is by BrightWall on Etsy, here. And it’s a nice excuse to buy some tumblers, too.

Masquerade Couples Costumes

Why not be romantic and edgy with masquerade masks? I’m fond of the maker Artisian Maskers on Etsy. What is pictured here is the Morte Dorata Skull Mask in Paper Mache (here) and the Fairy Rebel – Gothic Fairy Mask in Papier-Mache and Ebony Black Beadwork with Removable Feather Fascinator (here.)

Source: http://sexxtape.tumblr.com/post/11344636215

Corpse Bride Costume

It’s a fun wedding dress!

How I Met Your Mother Costume Idea

Dress like Marshall and Lily. Items: here.

Vintage Barbie and Ken Costumes

Barbie Solo in the Spotlight Costume -  Women’s Adult Costume on Amazon here, Barbie – Ken Alternative Men’s Adult Costume, here.

Cowboy and Saloon Girl Costumes

Male Adult Gunfighter costume on Amazon here, Sexy Deluxe Saloon Girl Costume on Amazon here.

And how about some Stylish Halloween Costumes just for you?

Pinata

This Pinata Dress is available from Mod Cloth, here

Read more on stylish halloween costumes

I’ve also prepared a Pan Am Costume Halloween post on Small Screen Scoop. Get a preview:

ikea 2011 - This displays another way to pin up a sheer sheet and create a canopy bed feeling.

Because not everyone can afford a four poster canopy bed, take a tip from me. I once recreated the look of a canopy bed using push pins, ribbon and white sheers. Make sure you get the okay from your building supervisor, dorm RA or parents before putting holes in the ceiling, though. I suggest using flat push pins that are white instead of clear, because if they fall down then you’ll see them before you stab your foot with one. You’ll want at least five white sheers, and more is better. The first step is to create the inner canopy part that droops down over the bed horizontally. You might do well to use two or three sheer panels and pin them up in a row as though they were drawers. This will create three puffs over your head from head to toe. Next, you pin the sheers up, making mock corners in the air. Tie the middle section with ribbon to create definition.

Safety tip: Don’t just stand on your bed to do this. Use a step stool, and try to have someone there to help you determine where to push in the pins.

Another idea (that I really like) for how to create a canopy bed “without the BED part” is on the Brock-Haili Block: HERE

If you have a great diy canopy look or story, share it in the comments!