modcloth outfit challenge

Amy, a stylist at ModCloth, recently contacted me to compete in their Polyvore outfit challenge, and since I love to shop at ModCloth, I thought I would join the fun!  I was given the main piece which is this adorable “In the Key Chic Dress in Polka Dots” and then I was allowed to use up to 7 addition pieces also sold by ModCloth to finish the ensemble.  So this is what I came up with and pulled together using Polyvore.

Because the dress is so colorful, I went with simple accessories and nude heels and then added this bright, sunny, yellow purse to complete the look.  Something I really love about ModCloth's accessory line is that not only do they have really stylish accessories, but they are very affordable.  Working on this outfit definitely makes me long for warm summer days.  You can find all the details on these beautiful pieces here on my Polyvore page.  They will pick a winner on Monday, Jan. 20, so stayed tuned :)

Have a lovely day!

heart cookies

Hope everyone had a fun weekend!  Preston had his first basketball game on Saturday, but otherwise ours was pretty low key.  With Valentine's Day only 1 month away, I decided give this new cookie cutter a try.  I always like to do something fun for the kids on Valentine's Day and these little heart shaped cookies that sit on the rim of a glass make for a fun treat.  I think these would be perfect for a birthday party or baby shower too.  I found the cookie cutter at World Market.  We also cut regular heart cookies as well using cutters we already had.  And for the cookie dough I used a different sugar cookie recipe then the one I have shared on this site before because it seems to work better for cutting cookie shapes.  The new recipe is below.

Homemade Sugar Cookies

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup margarine
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

1.      Preheat over to 400

2.      Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside

3.      In a separate bowl, mix margarine, 1 cup of sugar and vanilla

4.      Add remaining sugar and eggs and beat

5.      Continue to beat on low speed while slowly pouring in flour mixture

6.      Chill thoroughly

7.      Roll dough to desired thickness on a well floured surface and cut into desired shape

8.      Place cookies on greased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes

9.      Let cool and decorate with icing

Buttery Cookie Icing

Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 margarine softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 

Method

1.      Blend margarine and powdered sugar

2.      Add milk and vanilla mixing until smooth

3.      Add food coloring as desired

4.      After decorating, allow icing to set before stacking cookies

 

 

 

Enjoy!