Friday Favorites – Donuts *

Posted in Uncategorized by Twine With A Twist

In honor of #NationalDonutDay I figured I would dig up an oldie but goodie of mine and share some savory #donut recipes with you all! Enjoy the recipes and the wonderful ladies who put them together!! 🙂

So if you’ve not yet noticed. . . I’m obsessed with donuts. I frequently just search the word Donut on Pinterest to creep on all of the amazing pictures. It’s like when I hear the term “Food Porn” . . . My brain: Donuts – Every. Single. Time. -Don’t even care. They are just incredibly pretty. I even have a dedicated Donut Pinterest board. Don’t believe me? Just check it out for yourselves.

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23Jun2014

A Fun 5 Minute Photo Session! *

Posted in Photography by Twine With A Twist

♥ Love . Laugh . Photograph ♥

19Jun2014

DIY Frozen Hot Chocolate – The Perfect Summer Treat! *

Posted in Creative Chaos by Twine With A Twist

Come one, come all: It’s Twine With A Twist’s weekly installment of “Do It Yourself Thursdays” and this week I’m featuring my Frozen Hot Chocolate! It’s incredibly simple and can be made with ingredients that you probably already have lying around your home – Yay for that!

This recipe is beyond tasty and with just over a minute of spare time, you can be serving one of the most delicious drinks your friends have had all summer! With some simple directions and a mgic bullet or blender, you’re on your way to making you next addiction!

Ice (1 1/2 cups)
Milk (1 cup)
Hot Coco Mix (1 packet -With Marshmallows Is Best!)
French Vanilla Cream (A Splash To Taste)
Reddi Whip – (Chocolate)

Now I know that most of you have over half these items in your home already, but if you don’t – they are incredibly cheap! You of course can substitute your milk, creamer and coco mix to your preference but I definitely recommend the chocolate Reddi Whip- It’s a deal breaker!! I picked mine up for $2 and the coco mix was only $1.29! all the ingredients listed above make up to 10+ beverages and it was altogether less than $9 for the items you see (That’s less than 90 cents per drink!! – Talk about a bargain beverage. Skip the drive-thru and hefty prices for your next frozen treat, this is totally worth it!

Fill your blender or bullet (what I’m using) with 1 and a half cups of ice.
Pour 1 cup of milk into the blender (or until it’s just above the ice).
Add a tablespoon or so of French Vanilla Cream (To taste).
Place the lid on and blend until smooth – Add milk as needed.
Pour and top with Reddi Whip. – Enjoy! ♥

So go ahead and try this refreshing twist on an old treat and let me know how yours turns out! Also, make sure you stop on over to Artsy Corner Thursday’s with Artsy Fartsy Mama & Cox’s Corner to share your own DIY projects & recipes! Twine With A Twist was Featured last week for the DIY Lemonade Stand! ♥ Thanks Ladies!!

Thanks for stopping by for Do It Yourself Thursdays @ Twine With A Twist! See you next week.

Cheers,

18Jun2014

As If I Needed A Reason . . . Confessions *

Posted in Mimosas & Mommyhood by Twine With A Twist

So it’s my favorite Blogging day of the week! Why? Because I don’t have to get all creative. I just get to throw it all up and hope you people consider my word vomit worthy of the internet. If not, I’m sorry. Not really, but I’ll say it anyhow. Regardless, it’s time to confess:

So our power went out this morning due to a crazy storm. I would love to tell you that this is the reason I’m not posting until 4pm, but it’s not. I confess: I’m just lazy. After a morning spent living like a pilgrim, I decided to finally use a lighter to get my gas stove top going and make myself some hot water the old-fashioned way. Tea was a necessity. I then took it upon myself to completely remodel my daughter’s bedroom. (Because what else are you supposed to do with no internet, tv, bullet blender, and lights?) It wasn’t until about an hour and a half into this ordeal that I realized the power was back on. By mistake. I moved a lamp across the room and turned it on by habit, -TADA-it actually turned on. My dumb ass would have probably spent the better half of another 5 hours before I realized I wasn’t in the cretaceous period if not for that lamp. Thank God I’m stupid.

I literally watched a full 25 hours of Pretty Little Liars Season 4 in only 5 days. That’s pathetic. Like seriously, that’s the equivalent of me staying up nonstop for an entire night AND day and not leaving the couch for anything. Or just basically doing nothing for like 5 days (5 hours a day) I don’t even care. I was all caught up for the second episode of Season 2 last night. It was like running my first marathon. #ForLazyPeople. I was so proud, until I realized I had to put up with commercials. Aint Nobody Got Time For That. Not to mention, I have to actually WAIT 7 days for the next episode? This must be what coming off drugs feels like. . . . #FirstWorldProblems.

I had to pay $64.00 for the dry cleaning that I picked up this morning. WHAT THE F. I don’t even have a career that involves getting suits and pants pressed. I’ve not been this annoyed with spending money on stupid shit for at least 3 months. I left feeling pretty much like this:

Tomorrow is Day 100 on my 100 Happy Days Challenge. I have NO clue what I should photograph to go out with a “Bang”. I could seriously use some inspiration so feel free to leave a comment or two on what you think would make a great finale!

I wore a dress and heels this weekend that would have looked great on a 21-year-old. On me? Not so much. I mean I can pull off leopard heels from time to time, but platform? No thanks, not EVER again. I also rode a party bus and danced at a club that featured half-naked women in platform cages and extremely loud music that I wasn’t familiar with. It became incredibly clear in a short amount of time that I’m officially not a 20 something, even if I’m entitled to another 1.5 years of 2_. It was an awesome night but for the first time in a long time, a bed, any bed, had never felt so fantastic. But seriously, I’m sticking with skinny jeans from here on out. . . .

I can’t stop making Frozen Hot Chocolates (And NOT From Tim Horton’s This Time!! – (See previous post that explains my past addiction). I came up with a homemade alternative (because I’m a frugal bitch) that is so stupid simple it’s just silly not to make 2-3 a day. Or 4. I am addicted already and I only decided to play around with a few recipes last week. So obsessed actually that I’m using my DIY Thursday post tomorrow to feature a recipe you can make with stuff you probably all have lying around your house already. Check it out if you want in on the affordable goodness that is to come.

On that note I’m getting the hell out of here before the power goes again . . . another storm rolling in! But before I run, let me remind you to head on over to Humpday Confessions with Kathy over at Vodka & Soda – the perfect place to air your dirty laundry.

If that’s not really your style (but seriously, who don’t love a good reason to get it all out), get on over to The Hump Day Blog Hop with Liz at Fitness Blondie, another great way to meet new Bloggers and share your simple selfs!

Cheers,

18Jun2014

A Trip To The Detroit Zoo *

Posted in Photography by Twine With A Twist

Detroit Zoo – Smiles – Laughter – Girl Time – Sunshine – Animals – Explore – Love – Learning – Summer

Cheers,

16Jun2014

Acceptance – Have The Life You Want. *

Posted in Mimosas & Mommyhood by Twine With A Twist

Creating the perfect life is no simple task. For most of us, it’s never enough. We will always be looking for that next step or the next best thing to come along. While I’ve often fell victim to a similar train of thought, I’ve recently begun to accept life on life’s terms. I’ve strayed from my typical “Type A” personality and learned to smell the roses. Looking back on the past year of my life, I’ve had a variety of ups and downs. With the utmost honesty I can say I’m not alone. But how do you deal?

I used to stress, I used to plan, I used to worry. I had my reasons. It’s normal to try and control the situation. . . .but have you ever considered just having a little faith? Today I plan, but not the outcome. Today I stress, but on a 30 second clock. Once those 30 seconds are up, I move on. If I spent the entire day stuck on one thing, I would completely forget to enjoy the DAY. I used to worry. Not anymore. Things always work out if we just do the next right thing. I can’t control the world today, but I can control me and for what it’s worth, that’s enough.

While this sounds incredibly simple, it’s the act of truly accepting things, people, and places just the way they are that’s truly a trial. The line at the local market, the old lady in the parking lot that can’t pull out fast enough (insert sarcasm here), the dirty dishes in the sink. It’s all waiting to steal away your afternoon. One wrong moment and your entire day could be ruined. Am I right? Well listen up, your only answer is acceptance:

Acceptance in human psychology is a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest or exit. The concept is close in meaning to ‘acquiescence’, derived from the Latin ‘acquiēscere’ (to find rest in).

Finding Rest. THAT is the key. It’s all about accepting life on life’s terms instead of trying to fight the world all the time. Things happen for a reason. I’ve found a lot of serenity in knowing that I don’t have to have all the answers. I can count my blessings and sleep sound. Life is good today.

Cheers,

12Jun2014

DIY :{Simple}: LeMoNaDe Stand! *

Posted in Creative Chaos by Twine With A Twist

So with summer in the works and a restless toddler on my hands, I recently took to Pinterest for some good ol’ fashioned inspiration! You see, last year I came across an event that was truly touching, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation‘s National Lemonade Days – An annual event that raises money for all forms of childhood cancer through the act of selling lemonade. Unfortunately, I had come across the event about two weeks too late, but I vowed to remember it this time around. Sure enough, as spring sprung, I took to the pins to search out the perfect lemonade stand just in time for the 10th anniversary of ALSF, and we found it!

Compliments of Vanessa over at See Vanessa Craft, we were provided the perfect plans to construct a quick, affordable and sturdy little Lemonade Stand! After reviewing the plans that Vanessa provided, I decided to make a few small adjustments of my own. Nothing drastic but just a few differences to note.

Below are the supplies and directions for the Lemonade Stand my daughter and I put together:

(2) Unfinished Wood Crates – Found At Michaels (12.5 x 18 x 9.75 Inches)

$13.99 per crate – 2 x 50% off Coupons – $13.92

(2) 8 Foot Boards (1 1/2 x 3/4 Inches Thick) CUT TO:

(2) 48 inch Long Boards

(6) 16 inch Support Boards

$2.98 per board- $5.96

(1) 16 x 36 Inch Pine Board (3/4 Inches Thick) CUT TO:

(1) 27 x 9 Inches

(1) 27 x 8 Inches

Left Over Wood: 16 x 9 Inches – Would Work Great For A Menu Sign!

$6.90

– Nails & Hammer – A Nail Gun If You Have One (This Really Helped To Speed Up Our Process!)

Free- Already Owned

(2) Cans Of Valspar Outdoor Spray Paint – Color Optional – I used “Koi Pond”.

$4.98 per can – $9.96

(1) 4×6 Inch Photo Frame (Of Your Choice)

$1.00

(1) Lemonade Print – 4×6 Inches

Free – Designed and Printed At Home. Print Also Available At: TwineWithATwist.Etsy.Com

Additional Paint, Paper Banner & Stencil Supplies:

$2.00 – Miscellaneous Acrylic Paints / Stencil – FREE – Created With Cricut / Paper – FREE.

TOTAL: $39.74

With a budget you can work with, this stand is easy on the wallet. To believe the compliments I received on such a frugal project! I was incredibly thankful for Vanessa’s plans. Now, on to the directions!

Step 1: Buy your materials and if possible (I Highly Recommend This), have one of the employees at your local hardware store cut the wood for you to size! I’m personally no good with our table saw and I’m pretty sure that’s not the best option for this project anyhow, I opted for the “please help me” look and it worked. You can too!

Step 2: Lay out all your supplies to get organized. This works best for me so that I don’t go losing things. It’s also helpful when your toddler is feeling in a helpful mood. . .

Step 3: Nail the two crates together by nailing (4) of your (6) 16 Inch support boards in the back 4 corners. (This is where my directions differ slightly from Vanessa’s: I decided to move the support boards to the back of our crates as I wanted to have the large board and 48″ boards on the backside of the stand itself.) Make sure to put the boards in BEFORE you push the crates together to nail. I made the small error the first time around of nailing just the support board to the crate and the nails came out the other side (see below). #Woops. Thankfully I had additional wood to cover these open nails! Next, nail the last two 16 Inch support beams in the front corners for additional support.

Step 4: Nail your 48 Inch beams onto the outside of your stand, lining them up parallel to the inner 16″ boards. It should look something like this:

Step 5: Nail Your 27 x 9 Inch board at the top of the 48″ boards – see the photo below for reference.

Step 6: Nail the 27 x 8 Inch Board to the top of the stand, I let the board hang over the edge to create more counter space, also creating multiple levels. (You may or may not prefer this and can cut to your preference).

Step 7: Paint Your Stand! I used about 1.5 cans of the Valspar Outdoor Spray Paint. Luckily we have extra for touch ups! Make sure to let dry overnight before decorating!

Step 8: Print a lemonade sign and hang in your 4×6 frame. You may wish to paint your frame to match before – allow time to dry if you wish to do so! Nail a single nail into the front and center of your stand. Hang your frame!

Step 9: Decorate Your Booth! This is the fun part. Get creative and match to your personal taste! I wanted to utilize bright colors so we decided on a variety of fun and summery shades! Our banner was created with the Cricut along with the stencil I designed to paint “Lemonade Stand” on the board. We finished it off with some bright decor, a small chalkboard sign, my daughter’s handprint and a few potted flowers. We even grabbed Paige’s favorite Chalkboard frame to display a daily menu!

Step 10: Make a pitcher of lemonade, bake a few treats, and hit the streets! Your new Lemonade Stand is ready for use!

For more information regarding ALHS or how our fundraising efforts turned out, please read more about it HERE and TODAY, this same post is being featured with Chelsee so don’t forget to stop on by Southern Beauty Guide for a few good reads {as always} by Chelsee!

Cheers!

11Jun2014

For The Lack Of A Better Title – Confessions. *

Posted in Mimosas & Mommyhood by Twine With A Twist

It’s been a long week my friends. I say that in a good way. . . but truthfully, I’m exhausted. So anyhow, lets get in on the fun that is every Wednesday and jump right off the confession high dive!

I watched Orange is the New Black – Season Two release in less than 24 hours. I felt seriously guilty until I realized that half the First World had done the same. I actually fell short of a few people, and they have full time jobs. WHAT?? Major slacking on my part. Anyhow, it was GREAT. I wish I could make these shows last longer, but I’m a binger. I can’t help myself. Line them up, knock them down. #sorryNOTsorry. For now, I’ll pretty much be recovering as such until next June. . . .

I rolled right out of one addiction and into another. I woke up this morning and started season 4 of Pretty Little Liars. Since I didn’t start obsessing over this dramatic nonsense until last fall, I was forced to wait out season 4 for Netflix. Of course season 5 started last night but that’s what DVR is for. #Duh. I figured I would start by first watching the season finale of season 3 to refresh my memory. . . only to watch the first episode of season 4 that was a total recap. So annoying. I would have been totally pissed if I was actually a devoted fan of this crap and had waited between seasons for a “brand new episode” that just told me everything I already know. If the first episode of season 5 is anything like this, please let me know now. I will just delete it off my DVR now. . . I need room for other non-important shows. Ok but really, enough TV. I need to get a life.

I have a bachelorette party this weekend that I can’t wait for! I confess: these events are my jam. I can’t get enough of a big girls night out and bus loads of dramatic bitching. It’s a blessing to call this a “night out”. Really it is! Did I mention I won’t be drinking? SMFH. Never mind, kill me now. No but seriously, it should be fun. I just need to figure out if I’m going to give up on my “eyebrow strike” or not. . . . these little caterpillars are getting frisky. I also have no idea how to dress sexy. I mean I try my best, but I never get to the comfort level. I’m either Vegas or Baby Shower. . . . god help us that I’m not both on Saturday. I’m thinking this GIF would make deciding my attire that much easier. . .

I can’t stop eating cookies. Like 3 sleeves of Oreos and at least a dozen quick mix sugar cookies (with frosting). I made cookies for my daughter’s lemonade stand this past weekend and had to “get rid of them”. . . AKA eat the remaining cookies in under 2 days. . . Now I can’t stop. I want more. #Help.

I’m currently playing housewife and recently realized I was better at meal planning when I was in the office 5 days a week then when I’m sitting my ass 10 feet away from our stove, ALL DAY. It’s a mix between “I don’t care” and “it’s too late to defrost this – lets order pizza”. I actually like cooking too, it’s just I can feel the laziness taking over my routine. I’m giving up. On the bright side, today I picked up a french baguette to grill with dinner. . . I just don’t know what “dinner” that would be. Did I mention it’s already 5pm? #BreadWithASideOfBread. #HopeYouLikeIt. #ILoveBread.

My daughter is really starting to test me. After a handful of tantrums, tempers and tossing shit about, I’m pretty sure my husband is losing his mind with the both of us. You can only argue with a 2 year old so many times until you start to sound like one yourself. #Me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t come home from work today . . . or worse: If he did.

I can still use my toilet without removing my daughter’s training seat. I have the ass of an eight year old boy and I’m not even upset about it. On the other hand, Paige gets VERY upset about it.

I am being featured as a guest blogger tomorrow with Chelsee over at Southern Beauty Guide. . . I had no idea how to send this post. I seriously sent her like 9 emails, copy and pasted, html, millions of photo files. . . .I am pretty sure she will never ask me to guest blog for her again, thinks I’m crazy or both. #Noob. It’s a little DIY I did on our lemonade stand! I’m extremely excited but also nervous. I’ll have it up on the blog tomorrow so please leave me some love!!

So that about sums it up. . . a week full of confessions only to be followed by a recap full of GIFS. #ILoveThisDay. If you want to get in on the weekly tradition of Humpday Confessions with Kathy at Vodka And Soda make sure to share the link below:

Or if you just want to meet new peeps and spread the good word, get in on The Hump Day Blog Hop With Liz over at Fitness Blondie!

Cheers,

9Jun2014

National Lemonade Days – #OneCupAtATime *

Posted in Mimosas & Mommyhood by Twine With A Twist

So while I typically am horrible about re-capping my weekends, I couldn’t wait to share with everyone the eventful fun that took place at the Jazz Castle these past few days!

National Lemonade Day’s 10th Anniversary took place – an annual event inspired by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. This foundation began 10 years ago when Alex, at the age of four, opened her first Lemonade stand to help find a cure for all childhood cancers, including her own. Since then, over 20,000 Alex’s Lemonade Stands have popped up around the country and National Lemonade Days have helped to support – in unity – Alex’s dream of finding a cure. With each and every year becoming bigger and better than the last, what once started in Alex’s front yard has spread across a nation and now annually raises over 1 Million Dollars in support of funding research for all forms of childhood cancer! This year the event – since it began, has now surpassed 80 Million Dollars in funding. . . . Incredible!

As a young girl, I myself helped in efforts to raise money for a local girl with Neuroblastoma, one of the more common forms of childhood cancer. Amber was her name and she attended my elementary school. At the time, I was 11 years old. I worked for the local paper and wrote a weekly column under the “Teen Writers” section. I thought I could help by dedicating an article to a fundraiser that my family and friends had thought up and much to our surprise the local support was astounding! We raised over $27,000 in only a few short months, raffled a brand new truck and even attracted the attention of our local news and radio. Amber and her family, as my own, were overwhelmed with the outpouring of affection and felt incredibly blessed.

While Amber gracefully passed a short while after at the age of 6, she left my family and our community with heavy hearts, but also with hope. Amber’s funeral was absolutely beautiful and the hundreds of people that attended let go of so many balloons skyward that you swore the sky was left colored for days. It was an incredibly tough experience to go through at a young age and while I can only imagine the hurt and pain her parents endured (as I myself am now a mother), It’s always left a huge impact on me personally. Childhood cancer isn’t fair. It’s unbearable and it’s unimaginable. While I’ve spent a better part of my life dedicating my time to a variety of fundraisers, charities and reputable causes; childhood cancer is still the most meaningful to me. While I know that a cure isn’t quite yet in our reach, I’m happy to take part in what little I can do.

With all that being said, it brings me to this weekend and the unbelievable experience I got to share and pass along to my daughter. We began last week by building her lemonade stand. With the help of grandma (my mom) we spent a wonderful afternoon buying supplies, constructing and painting what was soon to be her very own Lemonade Stand! (A blog post will be coming later this week with a “DIY – How To Build Your Own Lemonade Stand. – Stay tuned!) Once finished, we snapped some photos and put it aside for what was soon to be an exciting weekend of instilling in my daughter the value of giving back. *We even dedicated our donation page to Amber.

Saturday afternoon, we busted out the supplies, baked some cookies and stirred up some lemons for what was sure to be a fun-filled weekend. We spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday afternoon taking to the streets while also sharing our event with our friends and family in the social stratosphere. We had a goal to raise $150 in this little amount of time. . . . .Overall it was an incredibly successful endeavor!

So all in all we learned some incredibly valuable lessons, laughed a lot, and had some overly generous customers! Paige even reached her goal of $150 and then some. . . . All together she helped to fund over 3 hours of research dedicated to finding a cure for Neuroblastoma! It was an excellent experience and I’m such a proud mommy!

Also: If you feel so inclined to make a donation, Paige’s Online Stand will be open until June 15th and you can do so HERE! Any little amount helps, #OneCupAtATime. Oh, and we thank you in advance! We were incredibly blessed to take part in something so small, yet so worthwhile and can’t wait to participate again next year! ♥

If you would like to learn more about ALSF – Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation or how to get involved, please visit: www.alexslemonade.org! They host hundreds of events annually and make sure that you take part in next year’s Annual Lemonade Days to #Mix.Pour.FindACure.

For other news related to ALSF check out these great stories:

Alex’s mom, Liz Scott and hero Bridget Smith visited “The Today Show” to kick off the weekend. Watch the video.
Surprise! Nobody knew that Jon Bon Jovi was going to visit hero Mario Carpino’s stand on Saturday, June 7. See the photos.
“NBC Nightly News” ran a story wrapping up the weekend on Sunday, June 8. Watch the video.

Cheers,

6Jun2014

Friday Favorites – Donuts *

Posted in Mimosas & Mommyhood by Twine With A Twist

I’ve even had the personal dream of owning my own Donut Shop. I’m completely incapable of not burning garlic bread, yet I feel that donuts could possibly be my calling. #Right. But seriously, I have an entire business plan worked out in my head (and half on paper). I just have to figure out how it is you make a donut. Oh, and I want the crazy wild donuts too. . . like the Donut Bar or Voodoo Donuts. I’m not kidding! Nothing like this exists in Detroit and I swear It could very well be my next dream come true. Unfortunately funding doesn’t grow on trees and like I said, I don’t even know how to make a donut, let alone like 25 different flavors. . . regardless, in honor of my obsession and Friday Favorites I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite Donut pics, along with recipes!

1. (Gluten Free) Mini Cake Donuts –86Lemons

2. Peach Donuts Glazed With White Chocolate & Pistachios – Veggie-Wedgie

3. Strawberry Frosted Donuts – Sally’s Baking Obsession

4. Coconut Lime Donuts – On Sugar Mountain

5. Cinnabon Donuts – Something Swanky

6.Glazed Baked Red Velvet Donuts –Macaroni & Cheesecake

7. Blueberry Lemon Glazed Donuts – Country Cleaver

8. Chocolate Donuts With Blood Orange Glaze – Heather Christo

9. Cinnamon Brown Sugar Donuts – Little Miss Momma

10. Strawberry Buttermilk Mini Donuts – Hungry Girl Por Vida

I seriously need to try just ONE of these recipes. I think I’ll make it a goal for this week! #DonutDetermination. I can’t get enough. . . . YUM!

What’s your favorite donut? Have you ever tried creating your own Donut recipe? I’m curious!!

Happy Friday!!

Cheers,

	Fluffy French Bulldo… on Friday Favorites: Frenchy Frid…
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	Francisco on Free Valentine Prints! *

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