Birds of a Feather

I was excited when I got an opportunity to create an outfit using the lovely Winterberry Tart Coat from Modcloth. I loved the deep burgundy color of the coat but wanted to stay away from too many dark colors, so I found a colorful scarf to use as a jumping off point. From there I pulled the color of the tights from the birds, the golden trims from the bright yellow, then finally the shoes and purse worked with the black ink outlines of the birds. Every item shown is available online at Modcloth.com to create your very own Birds of a Feather outfit :)

Birds of a Feather by amberupbeat featuring flat shoes

Steve Madden red coat
modcloth.com

Cotton tight
modcloth.com

Flat shoes
modcloth.com

Imitation handbag
modcloth.com

Nickel free earrings
modcloth.com

Disaster Designs cotton shawl
modcloth.com

Recipes | Very Veggie Potato Soup

As the title entails it is a lot of vegetables and it is absolutely delicious! I tried to make it healthy but since I was using leftovers and what I had on hand I think it could use some tweaking to make it healthier. Until next time this is how you make this easy soup.

• 1 Small Package of Frozen Mixed Vegetables ( I used the "California Blend")
• 4-5 Small Red Potatoes
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 2 Teaspoons Paprika
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• To Taste Salt/Pepper 

1. First off you want to peel those potatoes and get them in boiling water to soften up just a little (about 10-15 minutes) meanwhile you want to soften up the frozen mixed vegetables.
2. Once the potatoes are soft but still firm put them in the food processor or blender along with the mixed vegetables, peeled garlic cloves. Puree everything then add in the Cream of Mushroom, and continue to puree until you get the texture you want (some people like it a little chunky while others may like it smoother.) 
3. Put the puree in a saucepan on medium low, add in your spices and allow it to cook for about five minutes.
4. Turn it down to low heat and stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream.
5. Scoop it into a big bowl with low-fat cheese and a little hot sauce if desired and as always enjoy!

Like I said I used what I had on hand so next time I might change it a bit. Maybe try a low sodium chicken broth rather than the Cream of Mushroom and just add in fresh mushrooms. Also replacing the sour cream with a low-fat variation or even try greek/regular low fat plain yogurt instead. It's definitely something I want to try again especially with Fall around the corner :)

Vintage Find 7/20

I've been searching for more Paint-By-Numbers for the wall in the living room and I finally found another that I love! I had went with the family to an antique mall where I found a few awesome pieces but they were way over priced or not the style I was looking towards. A few weeks later I went out shopping with my Mom and we decided to check out a local antique store and stumbled upon this beauty plus it was at a great price!

Here it is hanging up but I think it needs something else, maybe some more smaller PBN to go underneath it?  What are some of your recent finds?

Eleven Questions

I was tagged by Jenny from Magic Cat Jenny about two week ago and I've been slowly (but surely) filling out these questions as I've worked a hectic schedule! 

The Rules: Answer the 11 questions, tag 11 people & let them know, and ask them a new set of questions. I'm not sure if I know 11 bloggers to tag that have not already done this yet, but we'll find out.

1. What’s the #1 most played song on your iTunes/iPod/Phone/etc?
   Hating Every Minute by Alkaline Trio
2. What is your favorite body part?My butt...just kidding, not really, I guess I would say my legs. They may not be perfect but I've learned to love them.
3. What was one of the best parties you have ever been to?
   Not a real party person but if you call it a "mini" party I love doing double dates with my bff and her fiance, we always have a fun time.
4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?
   I've only been told I've looked like few people famous people: Winona Ryder, Shannyn Sossamon (when she was in A Knight's Tale) and some lady from J.A.G. I don't think I look like any of those ladies or anyone in particular
5. If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?
   Building a future business with a friend, we haven't had time to really work on stuff even though we have a majority of the idea down. It would be nice to just spend a year working on this awesome idea.
6. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
   There are some many from books and television shows, probably I'd either be Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender (cartoon NOT movie) or the Doctor from Doctor Who
7. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
   A Story Not Quite Finished
8. When was the last time you were nervous?
   More like when was the last time I wasn't?
9. What is something you learned in the last week?
   A few things this week at the Bakery.
10. Name a blog or two you always read.
    I always check up on my bigger blogs (like over 10,000 followers) because they always have something new but I love to check out Magic Cat Jenny (of course!) Wanderland Vintage, Of Corgis & Cocktails...basically everyone that I've met through blogger are on my frequent (if not daily) reading list.
11. What is your favorite thing about blogging, why do you do it?
    It's a place for me to record my life, I love looking back and just reading what I wrote in the moment. I also love sharing ideas with all my readers. Even though I'm not on here as frequently as when I started I still love reading comments and thinking of blog post ideas.

 

Guess What Today Is?

It's my 23rd birthday!!

I know twenty-three isn't anything special, and unlike Taylor Swift I'm no longer feeling twenty-two. Friday I went out with the Grandparents, Mom, Step-Dad and my Brother to Roadhouse (Texas Roadhouse but I like calling it that). I ordered one of their margaritas, which was huge, luckily I had a little help drinking it because even though it wasn't too strong it was still too much. My Grandpa mentioned last Sunday how he was going to tell them it was my birthday so they'd sing, but I just brushed it off and said, "Sure". It was pretty crowded when we got there and they had already came out a few times to sing Happy Birthday to other tables. While we were waiting on our food he told the waitress it was my birthday, but I quickly shook my head 'no' and she said, "Well would you like a free ice cream?" Thinking she took pity on me I answered "Okay", she replied, "Then you'll have to let us sing to you!" I got hooked in by free ice cream, but I wasn't sure if they were going to really sing to me or not. Well as soon as we were finished eating I hear the clapping...I got the spotlight on me and got some free ice cream. It wasn't as horrible since my Grandpa also told them about my Grandma's birthday being a few days ago, so I wasn't the only one getting sung too. All in all I had a great time with the family, and I'm excited to go out with friends later tonight for some Sushi :)

Sponsor In August!

Where has this month gone? I mean seriously, my birthday is at the end of the month and that's coming up in a few days!

Well as per usual Sponsorship is free, so if you're interested check out the Sponsorship page and send me an email with what option you'd like to do!

Birthday Wish List

Tattoo // Leopard Print Flats // Doctor the Recipe Shakers // KitchenAid Mixer // Drawstring Backpack //Denim Vest

Next Saturday will be my 23rd Birthday and I can't believe that it's only in a week! Even though I'm still unsure on what I'm going to do on my birthday I did have a good idea of what I wanted for it.

• New Tattoo- I've gotten money saved up and just looking for a time to go down and get another one. There were so many ideas but I like the idea of a ship wheel and possibly adding a Doctor Who spin to it.
• Leopard Print Flats- I love flats and wear them all the time so these leopard print ones would go perfect for my (slow) growing collection.
• Doctor the Recipe Shakes- I think they're just darn adorable and I love Doctor Who.
• KitchenAid Mixer- The item that inspired my recent tattoo is something I've wanted for a while, though I may not get it for my birthday it's too pretty not to put on here.
• Drawstring Backpack- Though I don't carry a backpack much, but I going to a concert/festival a few days after my birthday and this would be too perfect (plus cute) to carry all the things.
• Denim Vest- Who doesn't want a cool denim vest they and trick out with patches and pins? 

Recipes | Grilled Ranch Zucchini

One thing I love about Summer is fresh vegetables from my Grandpa's garden. A few weeks ago he sent me home with huge a zucchini squash that I had no idea what to do with. Luckily my Mom was nearby and mentioned a great recipe that she makes all the time! It's easy, delicious, and did I mention affordable?

What You'll Need:

• Zucchini Squash
• Ranch Dressing Packet
• Sheet Tray
• Grill (Outdoor or Indoor)

1. Clean zucchini and cut off the narrow part of the squash. Take the thicker half and slice 1/2" pieces. Take the narrow piece and cut lengthwise to get long strips.
   *This way you use the whole squash and don't have to worry about small pieces falling between the grill.
2. Lay out zucchini pieces and sprinkle both sides with the ranch packet.
3. Leave on the grill for about 2-3  minutes then flip; if there isn't any grill marks leave it for a few minutes longer.
4. Once the other side is done you're ready to eat!

We paired our ranch zucchini with a pasta and cheese sauce, but it's perfect as just a side dish too!

Sponsor In July!!

It's still a slow start on bringing back the blog but I'm still hopeful that it can be done. I have plenty of space and as always it's free! Just click on the Sponsor tab for more information and email me before Sunday :)

Recipes | Passion-Apple Tea

At the end of the term my friend and I discovered this secret drink after hearing someone order it at Starbucks. It was fantastic and it was all we ordered until the end of school. Basically it was their Passion fruit lemonade with apple juice instead of lemonade, so I was on the look out for the passion fruit tea. I finally found it and it taste exactly like the original :)

What You'll Need:

• Tazo Iced Passion Herbal Infusion
• Quart (32 oz.)Boiling Water
• Quart (or more) Apple Juice
• Simple Syrup* (optional)

1. The instructions are rather easy for the tea, take the boiling water into a heat safe pitcher and drop the packet in, allow to steep for 5 minutes. 
2. Pour a little over a quart of apple juice into the mixture (feel free to adjust to your liking) and there you go!
3. I think the sugar in the apple juice is plenty, but if you want it sweeter just adjust it by using simple syrup.
4. Enjoy!

*Simple Syrup*

- Equal parts sugar and water-

1. Place all ingredients into a pot and heat until the sugar water mixture begins to boil.
2. Allow to cool before using.

Sponsor In June!

I know it's already June, but since I'm trying to be more active with the blog I felt that I could do monthly Sponsorship again. Now it's not going to be as intense as I use to have it with different sizes or a big Sponsor Spotlight (I really want to keep it simple for a while) but you'll still get some of the same features from before!

The Semi-new Sponsorship

• I'll host up to 20 Sponsors each month.
• As before it'll be 100% Free 
• Ad size is 200x100 (see image above for reference)
• Sponsors can do giveaways and/or guest post (please contact me in advance to discuss)
• Ads will cycle with every page refresh, so everyone gets some attention.
• Ad for Ad available: I'll keep your ad up for as long as you keep mine up on your blog, this way you don't have to worry about renewal each month. (please contact me if you're interested)

I'm trying to think of a neat way to do a Sponsor Spotlight but in a shorter version to get attention to your blog! It may not happen this month but will be an option for the near future.

If you're interested please email me at: amberupbeat[at]aol[dot]com

* This is a non-profit blog, but I still have the right to deny Sponsorship or Giveaways if I feel that they do not represent my blog or what my followers are interested in.

D.I.Y | Metallic Dipped Shoes

I've seen the new shoe style with the tips "dipped" in gold/silver or a whole new color all together. I have  only one pair of saddle shoes (got them for a steal a few years back) and they are rather scuffed up in the front and back. At the moment I don't have a ton of money to spend on a new pair of cute shoes so what is a girl to do? Paint them! It was super easy and I put together an easy d.i.y so you can fix up your old pair of shoes too.

Supplies:

• Shoes
• Masking Tape
• Paint Brush (a cheap one with can be thrown away afterwards
• Liquid Gold Leaf or Metallic Acrylic Paint
• High Grit Sandpaper

1. Take high grit sandpaper and soften the edges of the scuff, this also helps to get rid of any peeling pieces of the fake leather. 
2. Take the masking tape and take out your design, make sure to lay it cleanly so there is no bumps on the edges where paint and seep through.
3. Tape the edges of the shoe's sole to keep the paint from getting on the bottom of your shoes.
4. Take Metallic Gold Leaf/Acrylic Paint and brush it on the desired area, it may take a couple coats to get the shine you want.
   *I had leftover liquid gold leaf from years ago and it gives it a really shiny metallic look. However, it has a strong odor and must be used in a well ventilated area and try not to get it on your skin.
5. While the paint is still a little wet, carefully peel off the tape making sure not to bump the paint.
6. Let dry for at least a few hours to a whole day before wearing.
7. Enjoy you're revamped shoes!!

High Hair Headband Gang

I'm letting my hair grow out and even though it's only a little past my shoulders I want to play with it style wise. The last time I grew my hair to donate, Pinterest had just started, so all those cute ideas for long hair were not utilized to their full potential. This time I'm going to play around with different hairstyles and just have fun...like with my first attempt at a high bun that I always see on the fashion blogs.

So am I cool enough for the High Hair Headband Gang? 

Learning

I've survived my first week at the bagel shop, though the last two days I was at a different store and let me tell you it was an experience. It was a lot busier and was a challenge as I was still learning how to make sandwiches, all the while trying to figure out where things were in this store. The boss at the end of the was encouraging and said I did a good job for being so busy;  it's nice to know I wasn't as horrible at it as I thought. On another note I got to spend some time over at the bakery Saturday and made a batch of cupcakes, iced a few of their Chocolate Mocha cupcakes, and decorated one of their famous Stairway to Heaven cake. The owner is really nice and passionate about this business, I'm glad to be working there part time before my internship to get to know the business better. 

This is really a new experience for me, not the working part because I've had jobs before, but all of this learning all at once. Classes has helped me out at the bakery, but I'm still learning my way around there and then learning the menu at the bagel shop. I feel like I don't have a lot of time to do some of the things I have planned with all the random hours, and it doesn't help that when I do take a nap it's ends up being 2-3 hours long. It's a big adjustment on my time (I forgot today was Sunday!) and I'm just going to have to get use  to it.  

The Harder You Work

Art by MUTI

Sometimes you work your butt off and you don't feel like you're getting anywhere. Then there is that moment that you realize that those days have only built up to make you lucky. It's seems so surreal and I'm just feeling really lucky after working hard and going to school to do what I've always wanted. I recently got hired at a local bagel shop, which seems to be going very well, then the local bakery has invited me to work part time before I have to do my internship with them. Now the old me would feel completely overwhelmed thinking about holding two jobs, but things have just fallen into place. The bagel shop closes at 3pm and the bakery owner told me she would need me on weekends around 5pm, hopefully there'll be no issues trying to work around my schedule. I'm don't officially have my Baking and Pastry Arts degree until after the internship, however I can't believe I have found such awesome jobs during the summer time. 

I was wanting to do more for the blog since school was over and it's been lacking some, but I'm going to have to wait and see how my schedule interferes with it. I do want to start some new segments, restart old and kind of redesign a few so I can get them done quickly. There is also a side project I want to start again with making some jewelry, mostly just to get rid of my current inventory, we'll see how that goes. I'm probably putting too much on my plate already, however, like the quote says, "The harder you work, the luckier you get," and I'm starting to really see this in action.

New Tattoo (About Time)

I have been wanting another tattoo since I got my first one, but I was always a bit hesitant. Either I couldn't decide on what to get or I didn't have the money, it was just alway something keeping me from getting one. I finally just seized an opportunity and did it, I can't believe how wonderfully amazing it turned out. I'm still in shock and just overwhelmed with how perfectly it turned out.

Today was the last day of school forever, it was my last set of labs and I was excited (and nervous) to be getting closer to doing what I enjoy doing, baking, and I wanted to celebrate this new start. I had a few ideas but I found a Kitchen Aid Mixer tattoo on pinterest that I liked the most. I walked into Blood Sweat and Tears Tattoo not sure if I could get an appointment today, but as soon as I showed the lady the photo she knew who to give to. Little Jenn Small is a great artist and I have seen some of her work. I basically gave her free range besides showing her the picture and saying I'd like the flowers behind it. I said I wanted the mixer blue and she suggested this color and all else fell into place. Even though I was getting tattooed I had a great time talking about incorporating my geekiness into my future wedding, Arrested Development (which I definitely need to watch!) and just chit chatting. I'm just in awe at how wonderful it turned out and so glad I finally got me another tattoo :)

Vintage Finds 5/4

I haven't been thrifting in forever since I don't have room for any furniture and I'm content with my current collections. Though I want to build up on some of my other ones I just don't have the room to display the things like I like so until then I was taking a break. However, I went to the thrift store with my Mom and scored some wedding stuff :)

Our wedding colors are being pulled from different shades of blue, red and yellow. The dessert tier was in perfect condition and the set of cloth napkins would be perfect for making a banner. I want to collect more for banners and to put on top of the dessert bar. 

My Mom had these beautiful goblets and even though I have room for them now I eventually want to use them in my future house. Until then I thought they'd fit perfectly on the tables for the wedding, maybe with succulents in them or a small bouquet. It's a set of 6 so I can use these and maybe throw in a few milk glass vases to mix up with the vintage soda bottles with single or filler flowers.

This is the gem of the finds but I can't take the credit for finding it. As I mentioned before my Mom and her husband run a little antique store, he was doing some picking and found this type writer. He fixed the ribbon and I started working on it some more cleaning it and making it type better. I told him how awesome it was and he said I could have it! It was sweet of him and I now have it running pretty good it just sticks on a few keys. I still need to clean off the keys some more but it's in great condition for being used.

I'm posting most of my wedding stuff via tumblr on Future Mrs. Cooper so feel free to check that out for some great ideas and current updates!