Links I Love

1. Spent way too much time reading my reinterpreted “gangsta” Tweets. Just search your @name and enjoy. (Gizoogle.net)

2. Are millennials lazy, narcissistic and delusional or the next greatest generation? (time.com and meritshare.com)

3. A transparent ankle strap DIY. (apairandasparediy.com)

4. These pie boxes would be perfect for summer picnics. (etsy.com)

5. I love the idea of homemade sparkling lavender soda. (gardenista.com)

6. Holly Golightly‘s apartment teaches us 9 important lessons. (huffingtonpost.com)

7. I have a thing for all cold noodle dishes and this one looks insane. (ahouseinthehills.com)

8. I can barely watch these painfully awkwardly (and hilarious) interactions. (buzzfeed.com)

9. Such a dainty, pretty necklace. (revolveclothing.com)

Fleur de Sel Caramels

I had never considered making my own until I stumbled across Mark Bitman’s recipe.  The result was perfectly chewy caramels with just enough salt to bring out the complex flavors of butter, cream and sugar.

{Maldon flakes of salt on top of smooth caramel}

{Make sure to swipe a spoonful of caramel from the bottom of the skillet after you've poured it into the pan.  You know, to speed up the cleaning process.}

{Cut 4×6 sheets of parchment paper for wrappers}

{A perfectly twisted caramel wrapper ready to be unfolded.}

Candied Orange Peels

 {Homemade candied orange peels from a family friend.}

DIY Lip Scrub

You’ll need:

• pure coconut oil
• honey
• brown sugar
• a teaspoon
• a tablespoon
• a mixing bowl
• an empty jar or 2.5 oz baby food jar
• labels (optional)

Make sure that the coconut oil is solid enough to scoop up but soft enough for a spoon to dig in. If the coconut oil is too oily, stick it in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. If the coconut oil is too hard, place it into a sink filled with hot water for 5-10 minutes or until soft. Combine one well-rounded tablespoon of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey into the bowl. Besides smelling and tasting incredible, coconut oil is actually an amazing natural ingredient for skin and body products. The oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that moisturize and nourish the skin while honey contains cleansing and healing properties and is a natural binder.

Mix the coconut oil and honey until they bind together. The consistency should look like thick honey-comb honey. Make sure to mash up all of the coconut lumps so that the mixture is clump-free. This will serve as the base of the scrub.

Add two hand packed teaspoons of brown sugar and fold it into the base. Brown sugar not only tastes fantastic, it is also a great natural exfoliant because it’s not too harsh and leaves skin soft to the touch. All of the brown sugar should be coated in the coconut oil and honey base.

Add one teaspoon of just the oil from coconut oil jar into the bowl. This will help smooth out the mixture and make the scrub extra moisturizing. Transfer the scrub from the bowl into a small jar or container.

The edible scrub will last up to 2 weeks if refrigerated. Before using, allow the scrub to stand at room temperature for a good 10 minutes so that the formula softens a bit. Apply scrub to lips in small, circular motions for 1-2 minutes and rinse off with a warm washcloth. Congratulations – you are now armed with a soft, moisturized, and plump pout. Pucker up! xx