Month: November 2011

by Allison

What I wore Wednesday head scarf

Today we’re playing What I wore Wednesday.  Yes I know it’s Tuesday, that’s the kind of Tuesday I’m having.  I’m just going to pretend today is Wednesday and that the week is on fast forward.

Okay?  Okay then.

what I wore Wednesday head scarf
what I wore Wednesday head scarf
what I wore Wednesday gold clutch

Here’s what I’m wearing:

  • denim cap-sleeve,  thrift store {GAP}
  • green cuffed jacket: Anne Taylor Loft
  • brown leather belt: Lands’ End
  • head scarf: flea market {Warsaw}
  • jeans: Lee* jeans
  • shoes: Bass {via Nordstrom Rack}
  • gold clutch: Banana Republic
  • jewelry: Forever 21

I never thought I’d have use for a purse/clutch any smaller than a large sack of laundry, but it turns out clutches are okay by me.  I’m attending a lot more “events” than I used to, and usually a cute clutch gets the job done better than my usual duffel bag size purses.

And I’m still working to get the whole head scarf thing down, but I’m telling you there’s nothing better on the books for a bad hair day.

*disclosure… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

1st holiday gift guide for beauty

beauty holiday gift guide

 

holiday gift guide for beauty

1. Spa Kit

2. Philosophy shower gel & shampoo

3. Philosophy tinsel town

4. Acne Cleanser

5. Rapid Lash {site has sound}

 

*disclosure… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

For baby Afton

Last week I wrote about my friend Kami Bigler whose sweet baby Afton Jean passed away after being born too soon at 26 weeks and 13 ounces.  It’s been a trying time for Kami and her family, but the online community has rallied around them with love and support.  It’s been a heartrendingly beautiful thing to watch, strangers from around the world sending love and prayers while the Biglers have had to do the unthinkable and bury a child.

A fund has been set up to help with the staggering costs the Biglers are left with.  Alma Loveland created two sizes of buttons for you to post on your blog; they link directly to the PayPal account for Kami and her family.  If you’re comfortable with it, please share.

baby Afton

Many many thanks in advance.

Copy and paste the code for the buttons.
Copy and paste the code for the buttons.

photo via No Biggie… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

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by Allison

Black Friday purse giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to Epiphanie bags for giving away such an amazing bag.  Thanks so much for everyone who entered, commented, and tweeted!

The winner is Erica Mueller.  Congratulations Erica!

Remember yesterday I told you to tune in for your very own Black Friday on Petit Elefant?

It’s time.

black friday purse giveaways

Time for a camera purse giveaway.

I feel a little like Oprah.

Giiiiiiiiiiiiveawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy!

camera bag giveaway

I’ve told you how I feel about Epiphanie camera bags.  I like to call them camera purses.

cute camera purse

What is a camera purse, you say?  A camera purse: Noun. Camera purse, used in a sentence: “I cannot live without my Epiphanie camera purse.  I can stock it full of lenses, my makeup, a flash, my iPad {iWish}, oh yes, and the camera itself and still have room for an outfit or two.”

My brilliant and very dear friend Maile Wilson saw a need in the market for a cute camera bag and decided to fill it with gorgeous, beautiful, buttery bags.

The word practical also comes to mind.

I toted my Lola from Salt Lake City to Paris, to Warsaw, to Prague, to….. well.  You get the idea.  I … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Happy Thanksgiving!  Today I’m taking the day off to spend time with my family.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year.  There’s no pressure for gifts, no celebration of gluttony {except maybe the gluttony of all the food in mah belly}, nowhere to go but on the couch next to the fireplace with a game of Monopoly.

happy thanksgiving from my family

I promise you though, while I’m eating pumpkin cheesecake pie today I’m also stashing away a little love for tomorrow.  You want to be here first thing Friday morning to see what I’ve got up my sleeve.  It’s a little surprise for all of you and you won’t. want. to. miss. it.

But for now I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my happiness, and I’m very VERY thankful for all of you who make up such a wonderful community here at Petit Elefant.  Thank you for reading every day.  I’m so grateful you let me share my life with you. xo!… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

The best pie crust you’ve ever made

I don’t want you to get all freaked out about making your own pie crust.  You can do this.  We can totally do this, together.  In fact, you’re going to be super surprised at your mad pie skillz after making a crust or two.

This is seriously the best pie crust you’ll ever make.  Flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth.  Whip this out as a party trick at any old holiday get-together and you’ll be the talk of the town.

Too many clichés in one paragraph? 

Probably.

how to make a pie crust

Ingredients for Pie Crust

  • 2 tbl. white vinegar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 3/4 cup shortening
  • 2 tsp salt

Here’s how it all goes down:

Cut ingredients with pastry blender until coarse.

the best pie crust
best pie crust

mix 1/2 cup ice water, 1 TBL white vinegar, 1 egg

the best pie crust you've ever made

drizzle ice mixture into flour until dough comes together but isn’t sticky or dry.  roll out.

home made pie crust
making a pie crust
make the best pie crust

makes 2 pie crusts or 1 complete pie with a top.

I never said I was Martha, but my pies don’t end up looking completely terrible either.

best pie crust you've ever made

Bake at 475 for 5-8 min for just the crust, or follow baking directions for

Pie!  It’s time for pie!

p.s. {I never make tops for my pies.  Well … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

DIY facial 2 ingredients

You want a facial. You need a facial. But your wallet is sort of… well… your wallet is a bit of a tightwad; it thinks you need to ease up on the beauty budget a little.

DIY facial 2 ingredients

Don’t worry, you don’t need to break up with anyone just yet;  I’ve got a cheap fix for your facial needs.

You knew I would, I always do.

A homemade facial mask using only baking soda and water.  Boom.

  • Step 1: Measure 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.  {I used 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water} Mix well.
  • Step 2:  Apply baking soda mask to face in a thin later all over your face.  Repeat once the bottom layer is dry.
  • Step 3:  Let the baking soda mask dry for 15-20 minutes.   Go watch an episode of Modern Family while you wait.  You’ll thank me for it later.
  • Step 4: Once the face mask is dry, wash it off with warm water and a washcloth until you get all the baking soda off your face.
  • Step 5: When your face is completely dry apply a layer of whatever moisturizer you have

    • … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

Our Costa Rica vacation

A few weeks ago I received an email from an ad agency who represents a small Central American country, claiming The Costa Rica Tourism Board had personally selected me, and wanted to send me on a vacation to Costa Rica.

our costa rica vacation

I did what anyone would do in the situation.  I sent a snarky email right back, asking about the hidden agenda.

There had to be a catch right?  People don’t just call up and offer trips to a gorgeous Central American country for a once in a lifetime trip that happens to cross a few items off your life list.

Never happens.

costa rica gift of happiness

Except when it does.  And then it totally feels like the world stops spinning because that kind of thing just never happens ever, and then one day it happens, and your brain explodes.

costa rican family vacation

So after a bit of back and forth, it turns out a very generous vacation to Costa Rica with my family is actually and totally, happening.

What, what?

Sometime in the next six months {I don’t know when, hopefully sooner than later} I’m headed with the whole famdamily to Central America to visit Costa Rica, the happiest country on the planet… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

Double dream feet Thursday

Remember the fabulous Double Dream Hands fellow? He’s back better, brighter and smile-yer than ever in Double Dream Feet.

Help me Rhonda, I’m so happy.

What’s the best thing you’ve seen on YouTube lately?… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.