Home Decor: Team USA

                

Are you in the midst of planning your Olympic closing ceremony party? Below are home decor products that have caught my attention and scream Team USA! 

     

  

Planked USA Panels Wall Art by Pottery Barn

1950s Olympic Barometer from V&M

                                                                       

  Louisa Settee from Anthropologie  

                     

American Flag Pillow from ABC Carpet & Home  

   

Olympic Cupcakes by Williams & Sonoma

















Blue KitchenAid Mixer from Sur la Table

                     
      

Ceramic Berry Baskets from Sur la Table















Bodum Fyrkat Red Grill from Crate & Barrel

Cupcake Du Jour: Olympic Red Velvet

You may have heard of Georgetown Cupcakes from the show on TLC, DC Cupcakes, but what they are really known for are their delicious specialty cupcakes. In honor of the 2012 Olympics, they have decorated their classic red velvet cupcake with a fondant gold medal on top. 

After you try this cupcake for yourself, use the recipe below to make your own!

Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups (125 grams) sifted cake flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoons (10 grams) regular or Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cups (150 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk

1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring

1/2 teaspoon white distilled vinegar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Red Velvet Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line 12 muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.

In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.

In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter. 

Divide the batter evenly among the 12  muffin cups and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 - 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes and them remove from pan. Let cool completely before frosting. 

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners' (icing or powdered) sugar, sifted

2/3 cup (160 ml) cold heavy whipping cream(double cream) (35-40% butterfat)

Directions:

In the bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners sugar and beat until smooth. Using the whisk attachment, gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is thick enough to pipe. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency.

Enjoy!

Inspiration: 2012 Olympics

Fashion: Pretend To Be Irish For A Day

So you're like me and have absolutely nothing green in your closet but still want to join in the festivities. Instead of buying clothes you'll never wear again try adding a couple accessories to your outfit. Below is a list of items showed above.

Moustache Necklace ($2.99 Party City)
Sequin Bow Headband ($3.99 Party City)
Emerald Opaque Pantyhose ($14.00 American Apparel)
Superslick Liquid Eye Liner ($18.50 M.A.C.)

Inspiration: St. Patrick's Day

The Arts: "Eleanor Roosevelt: American Experience"

Eleanor Roosevelt is my favorite first lady, because during her husband's reign she portrayed both grace and power. She transformed the role of first lady and set a standard that most Presidents’ wives have trouble living up to today. This documentary has created a comprehensive portrait of one of history's most fascinating subjects.

Fashion: Find Your Inner Power Woman

As many of you may know, March is National Women's History Month and today is International Women's Day. Above are a few women that are known for having such a powerful presence in society. Miss Piggy, Hilary Clinton, Jacqueline Kennedy, Condoleezza Rice, Michelle Obama, Anna Wintour and Margaret Thatcher. The ladies all agree that crimson and royal blue are the two most crucial power colors. They all also consistently agree that a strong woman should always have her hair down, a fitted wool suit, power pearls, lipstick and sensible heels. Below is this look for $550-4,400.

Wool Crepe Jacket ($199.00 Ann Taylor)
Wool Crepe Pencil Skirt ($99.99 Ann Taylor)
Akoya Special Edition Set- Yellow Gold ($3,950.00 Mikimoto)
*Man-made alternative ($270.00 Majoria via Saks Fifth Avenue)*
Mona Leather Pump ($198.00 Jcrew)
Rouge Allure Velvet ($32.50 Chanel)
The Nudes Collection Sheer to Waist Hosiery ($20.00 Donna Karen New York)