Pinned: Success or Fail? Avocado Macaroni and Cheese

So this avocado mac and cheese has certainly made the rounds on Pinterest. The photo is what really sells it, right? Well, I guess that's probably why it's so big on Pinterest. Plus it sounds like it would work well. Avocado, plus cheese, plus pasta... what's not to love? 

Well, if you basically want guacamole on top of pasta, then topped with melted cheese that is basically what you are getting. It was edible, but only for like a day because it browns quickly. This photo makes it look amazing and if you cook it yourself it will not resemble this at all. See my photos below.

I was excited to use the avocados I bought from the side of the road when KC and I went to the lavender fields.

I used some ricotta in place of some of the milk. I also used gluten free noodles. These changes shouldn't have made too big of a taste change.

You can see it has an ugly color even after just being mixed together.

So, the verdict: FAIL. I really had high expectations for this and it fell very short. Don't bother with this recipe.

Pinned: Success or Fail? Mayo for Water Rings on Wood

The second post in our Pinned series, Sharon reviews what's working and what's not working for her on Pinterest.


This was one of the first pins I noticed on Pinterest and wondered if it had to be true. Mayonnaise as a way to remove water rings on wood? Makes sense. Essentially it’s eggs and oil, with a dash of lemon, vinegar and other spices. If you’ve ever done an at-home hair mask, these are typical ingredients, so it makes sense that this would be what would be good to rehydrate wood. Plus it's all organic materials, so that's better than buying some kind of chemical concoction.

You can see that there was a bit of damage. Also, I hadn't dusted. Sorry!

So, I followed the fairly easy instructions (here's the pin to check it out): put mayo on the affected area and let set overnight (I’ve also read everything from 15 minutes to a couple hours as well, but I think you need a couple hours at least on this one). The next day I used SEVERAL paper towels to mop it up and rub it into the table, which made for a nice shine on the table. You just need to really work to make it not so slimy.

If you are the kind of person that gags at the sight and smell of mayo, well then this one just isn’t for you at all! You’ve got to really spread the stuff around and of course smell it while it’s setting. The dog was going crazy!

After a few hours it's an oil slick.

Results: Pin Fail(ish)
Well, I have to give it a fail, though I think if you are having company over it’s a good way to spruce up your wood. Just do it with time to get the grease and smell off. Also, I might try doing it a couple more times. If you have “thirsty” wood it would probably be a good way to treat it, generally. I admit, it had been there awhile and when I researched it a bit more it says this really works best on fresh stains. I can see that.

This is after a couple of days and it had mostly reappeared. Better, but not brilliant.

I’m a little bummed that this is the second review for the blog that has been a “kinda fail.” But I have other pins that have been successes that I just haven’t reviewed here yet. Hopefully the next one will be more successful.

What about you? What pins have been a bust? Which ones have been a surprising success?

Pinned: Success or Fail? Alvin Corn Cleaner

Today is the first post of a new segment... Pinned: Success or Fail? Now with so many DIYers trying things they pin on Pinterest it is so helpful to get the results & reviews they found. Which pins are awesome and what are your thoughts while trying out the things you are inspired by?

Alvin Corn Cleaner in refillable bottle

Pinned: Success or Fail? Alvin Corn Cleaner

I’m a DIYer mostly out of laziness and cost. Example: I started making my own Febreeze because I have a dog and go through it like whatever it is that people go through things quickly. Making it saves me multiple trips to Target each month and a lot on buying bottles of Febreeze (which isn’t cheap). I have also been making my own household cleaner out of vinegar and water. Super easy. But I’m not really thrilled about the smell and it could do better cutting grease. So when I came across this recipe for “Alvin Corn” cleaner (called that because it uses alcohol, vinegar and cornstarch) on Pinterest, I was intrigued. The pinner who pinned it raved about it. I had to try it and decided to share with you all whether this is a Pin Fail or a Pin Success.

Alvin Corn Recipe
1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 c. warm water
Pin- http://pinterest.com/pin/47217496063223515/

Results: Pin Fail (mostly)
I followed the instructions and tried to mix it really well, but to no avail. The cornstarch clogs up the bottle and drips everywhere. I tried removing the filter at the bottom of my bottle, but that just made it worse. It is super annoying. However, the cleaner itself does seem to work better that just vinegar and water. The problem is just getting it out of the bottle. From now on I will just pour it on a rag to use it. This recipe filled up most of my bottle, so I’ve got a lot left to go through. But when it’s done I will try to do the recipe with either far less or no cornstarch.

Alvin corn photo where you can see the sediment

What about you? What’s your favorite homemade cleaning solution?

Sharon is part-time professor, sometimes DIYer, and full-time mother to a rescued French Bulldog. She lends her creative talents as a PR strategist and writer to small businesses and community organizations. You can follow her at @sharskee or http://pinterest.com/sharon_fain.

What I Wore: Friday 2/3/12

I found this sweet dress thrifting in my neighborhood a couple of weeks ago and I am really loving how bright and colorful it is:

These past few days have rushed past me! Multitasking on projects- seed paper for my EcoEtsy Team, rock candy, address books, and other Valentine's Day goodies has kept me so wrapped up. Between working on multiple tasks and a ton of errands I feel like I look at the time and a huge chunk of my day has vanished. It is wonderful and frustrating at the same time :) It has been so exciting working more and I appreciate everyone's patience while I figure out my working schedule and what works relaying info on the blog.  

Recently I have been getting a ton of new tutorials in line for February and I am really excited to be working on some new ideas. Since rock candy take at least 7 days to make, a tutorial with pictures is going to be a must on Tuesday.  Plus, in the spirit of Super Bowl Sunday- I hope to have some fun ways to upcycle chip bags for all those reminders of a diet breaking day in front of the TV.  Speaking of a diet breaking day in front of the TV... Head over to our Yummy board on Pinterest to see some last minute ideas to feed the gang at your Super Bowl Party tomorrow!

Yeah.... so I definitely got sucked into Pinterest for over an hour when I went to get the link to the Yummy! Board. Dang! That wasn't good of me :( That's what happens when you find yourself working late on a Saturday. 

I guess that's all for tonight. Time for bed! 
XOXO, KC

Find me on Pinterest

For those of you who haven't yet heard, Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board - a place to store visual ideas and inspiration. Pinterest's goal is to connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting. And although it is a fun little time suck- It is one of the most helpful ways to organize things I come across online that I like!

I collect lots of projects- sewing, cooking, wedding, and organizational as well as cute animals and fun inspiration. 

Here is the link to my boards to check them out :-)

XOXO, KC

How-To's Day: Make Heat Pads/ Ice Packs

 (Here is an example of one I made for my Grandpa)

Before the Holidays, Sharon and I stumbled upon this amazing project on Pinterest from blogger elm street life. It is a DIY Heating pad that you can also put in the freezer and use as an ice pack.

 (image via elm street life)

Whitney's project is awesome so I will just be adding my tips and findings here.  For full instructions head over to her post here. 

What I wanted to show you today for the tutorial are some variations I came up with for mine that I am using as a neck warmer/ shoulder saver.  The holidays have taken most of my shoulder strength from me and this heating pad has been a great help with eliminating some of my chronic pain. I didn't stitch as many separate compartments to this heating pad so that it would mold to the curve of my shoulder and stay put.

Note: When cutting the 2 pieces of fabric I cut both pieces 13" X 6"

First thing I found was a bundle of dried Lavender as seen below.  The lavender is quite fragrant while stripping it (aka, get some air breeze of some sort or it will take you out!) Plus it takes a bit to strip it for yourself...

So, to help with time, cost , and hassle wise- My trick to using dried Lavender if you are in a pinch trying to source it is Trader Joe's has these sweet lavender dryer bags which you can dissect and get the dried lavender. As you can tell it varies a little from the Lavender I plucked from the bundle (it is the top one that has less color...).   

I did various tests between the two, the fragrance is pretty much the same; they just look different. If it comes to looks alone, stripping it yourself (minus the people who are awesome and have it in their gardens) can't begin to compare to the TJ's hack. 

Using any dried bean or corn (minus the popcorn-duh, but thought I should note anyway) as the stuffing works really well for the body of the pad.  I find the smaller beans heat more quickly and hold heat nicely. Also, I used a cup used to fill an iron to load the filling in the pouch. It not only helped with accurately pouring the pieces into the flipped holes of the fabric, but it also gave me a receptacle to mix all the ingredients together. :)

Everything else I followed Whitney guidance from her tutorial except I only stitched across the middle making two sections to the heating pad/ ice pack.

What I Wore- Friday 12/09/11

Hi guys! During this time of the year when everyone gets sick usually I can skate by and miss the general yuck.  What I miss in flu season my lady migraines make up for, for sure- but this week has been kicking my butt. At first I thought I maybe coming down with the Flu after exhausting myself planning on UNIQUE LA, but thankfully that wasn't the case.  The unfortunate thing that happened instead was that I got a sinus infection.  I think I have had sinus infections before, but I either didn't realize what it was or it wasn't bad enough to bother me.  This morning however was horrible and when I was able to get to the doctor I found out that I had a migraine on top of sinus infection :( No Buenos. 

Tomorrow I am hosting a Christmas Craft Party Extravaganza at our place and between cleaning/ prepping for that and working on the last batch of Reinbeers, I have been neglecting posting pictures to the blog. They are on Flickr however so if you are needing a fix on the updates or if you need the pictures grab them there :) I will be working through the Holidays getting things labeled and posted.

This dress was everyone's favorite of my Top Shop shopping trip in NYC back in May.  Read more about other outfits from this trip here. Kevin loves yellow, and everyone (the shop girls + Alisa) had nothing but nice things to say about how I looked in this dress and I am glad I listened to them and purchased it.  

When I feel crappy it really makes me happy.  I love how colorful and playful it is.  Plus it is super comfy for working around the house. 

I am obsessed with BOWS! These little shoes are my favorite black flats right now.  Wanna see more bow inspirations check out our Bow board on Pinterest.

I love this cummerbund that I found one of my first trips to Jet Rag.  There was one batch of clothes that took me back to chorus in middle school- We wore black pants, white button up shirts and a red cummerbund. The batch at Jet Rag must have been for people with similar uniforms only the base is black and there was pink, purple, and green motifs- way better than plan 'ol red. I have been waiting for an opportunity to rock out and make the cummerbund a statement piece and I really like mixing patterns when something is this busy. Maybe I can work it into a holiday party outfit... hmmmm. Jeez, no I am trailing trying to think of what I'll be wearing all holidays- I really need to get on making some outfits.  I love dressing all fun over the holidays!!! What is your favorite thing to add to your wardrobe? Or your favorite theme to dress up over the holidays? 

I would love to hear what your favorites are :)

Well, off to get some rest before a busy day! Best wishes to everyone and have a super weekend!

XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday 11/11/11 Anna Sui + Bows

Today I had my first full wedding consultation out in Chino Hills at the McCoy Equestrian Center.  Too bad I didn't dress in equestrian theme in hindsight- that could have been quite interesting. Shucks, a missed opportunity.

Pretty much this whole outfit was my main score second-hand shopping with Alisa on her last visit.  We found the jacket at the Goodwill on Santa Monica Blvd. I picked it up for Alisa and she had one similar already which was totally lucky for me. Out here in LA everyone has a fitted faux leather jacket- preferably something rocker/ motorcycle  jacket fit to mix that hard edge into your wardrobe.  It is not quite brown, not quite black which I thought would be a bad thing- instead I think it actually makes it better. Unless I am clueless and can't tell myself how drastic it sticks out on top of black, that is totally possible too-lol.

The dress an Anna Sui dress is a find from our trip to Wasteland just after I found the jacket.  On that trip I got two dresses at Wasteland that both look great with the jacket :) For more details check out the post on our shopping trip here. 

The overall cut is one of my favorites and I like that I can wear it un belted since I usually belt all of my outfits. When I wear it loose it makes me feel like its one of those trapeze cut artist smock-like shirt. Shout out for teaching me the beauty of belts Alessandra, this is one of my only exceptions I can wear with no definition- I would have no waist ever in my silhouette if it wasn't for you Ale`;) Looking at the pictures of myself I feel like she really deserves that shout out too because defining your waste is a big help! I'll have to try and snap a picture with a belt for next time.

The dress has this awesome retro neck line with a ruffled bib and a long skinny bow at the neck. I wish the bow could be bigger/ fatter, and it could be interesting if the color was black.  I think that would be really fun.  If you are a bow fan like me, make sure you follow my Bow board on Pinterest.

Speaking of bows, I am rocking this fun bow necklace that we also got on the trip at the Melrose Trading Post included in that blog post too. Man, I am realizing Alisa is a good luck charm. Note to self- shop 'till I can't shop no more whenever I can see her!

Well, Looks like the work flow isn't letting up until mid December.  I am going to sneak a break tomorrow to go to Breaking Dawn Part 1 with Sharon and get my hair cut. I will post some fun pictures of my hair tomorrow- I know its going to be cute because my guy is awesome ;)

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend & enjoy yourselves!

XOXO, KC

*NEW* Layout

What do you think about the new layout of the blog??? I spent today updating a lot of the features of the blog because it wasn't very easy to look at previous posts.

Now you can search on the right side by the posting labels, searching the blog archives by month, and 5 of the most popular posts are listed as well. Plus, I got my Pinterest link included which is super great because I love posting inspirational pictures there on my boards.

I haven't added all the new projects to the "Make" tab at the top of the blog, or put all my friends links in the section for that- but hopefully I can get everything linked up soon.

While this post is short, I feel like all the progress I made with the layout is more than adequate for me to  call it a night and start the weekend :)  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! XOXO, KC

Wedding Wednesday- Pinterest

Today's Wedding Wednesday post is about this fun new service Pinterest that is a great way to virtually pin items you like onto inspiration boards. it is GENIUS! I was utilizing Tumblr to do this recently but this site is so easy and fun to use that I think it is something that everyone who gets online a lot for reference should use. Ours is linked to our twitter, but you can link yours to your Facebook too.

Anyway, while I am searching for all things bridal it seems now-a-days I am coming across a lot of awesome items to share.  I thought for Wedding Wednesday I would share with you my wedding boards and you can see if Pinterest is for you.  Check ours out HERE

 I really liked this display yesterday at the Hilton in Beverly Hills last night. I wanted to note it for an amazing way to bring in some height for a white wedding.

Every Wednesday I am going to post an Etsy Wedding Treasury and to kick it off I decided on two different themes:

Whimsy Weddings

Put A Bird On It for Weddings

Off to keep working on projects~

XOXO,

KC