Month: November 2012

by Allison

Travel to Camden Market England

// New travel editor Gemma recently took a little weekend side trip in Europe and has the scoop on what you need to see when you travel to Camden Market, England.  Which you totally will do after reading this.  (I want to jump ship yesterday.  But then I always want to travel, especially to Europe.) //

travel to camden market England

Most adolescent girls had a picture of Big Ben taped on their bedroom wall (next to their 2’ x 3’ Jude Law poster). We all sang “London Bridge is Falling Down” in nursery school as we sat in a semi-circle, marinating in our soggy diapers. We dreamed of prancing through the streets in cute rain boots and hearing the sexy hum of a British man’s accent. We still dream of London and ache for it (especially after seeing “Skyfall”). The very thought of London screams chic! Classy food, high fashion, UMBRELLAS!! And umbrellas it has… But many forget the rare jewel of London that should not be forgotten:

The Camden Markets.

travel to camden england

Camden is a different world, a fine blend of heaven and hell (and lots of animal-themed hats).

traveling through england

It is located in the Northwest part of London and should not be missed by … >> 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

What are you playing for?

What are you playing for this holiday season?

Nothing says holiday season like seeing an all-star romantic comedy that pulls at your heartstrings and offers up a look at what can happen when given a second chance. “Playing for Keeps” stars Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, and Uma Thurman, with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dennis Quaid. The feel-good flick focuses on a divorced ex-pro soccer player (Butler) who reluctantly becomes his son’s soccer coach, and learns what it really means to be a dad. With some prompting from his ex-wife (Biel), Butler’s character slowly embraces fatherhood, but not without encountering a few bumps and laughs, as he fends off flirtatious soccer moms and gets into other bachelor trouble.

The film is directed by Gabriele Muccino (“The Pursuit of Happyness”), and is rated PG-13.

“Playing for Keeps” is in theaters December 7th. Check out the trailer below!

This Holiday season, what are you playing for? Be sure to check out Playing For Keeps, in theaters December 7th.… >> 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

Recipe for making mint chocolate brownies GF

recipe for mint chocolate brownies GF

Here’s a recipe for making mint chocolate brownies gluten-free (GF).  Everyone needs to have a good (tasty, tasty chocolate) brownie recipe in their repertoire, and this is mine.  With all of those holiday parties just around the corner, whip up a batch or two to take to parties or to give to neighbors who may have gluten issues.  And if you don’t have issues with gluten?  Substitute all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flours for equally scrumptious chocolate brownie-ness.  They’re great for making a good base for brownie sundaes, or mint frosting….or mint frosting topped with dark chocolate shavings.

making gluten free brownies

It’s the Holiday season.  I wait all year to get my mint chocolate recipe on.  Of course you can the rest of the year, it just feels extra appropriate at this time of year.  A word to the wise, you might want to take these to a party to avoid eating the whole pan by yourself.  (Not that I would ever do anything remotely like that.)

Recipe for making mint chocolate brownies GF

Ingredients:

For brownies:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups brown sugar, packed
5 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown rice … >> 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

How-to balloon Christmas tree decoration

This week: How to balloon Christmas tree decoration (okay, ornament) to spiff up your holiday tree.

DIY ornament

The Holiday Season is now in full swing, and I, Stephanie, am knee deep in Holiday crafting projects! Over the long weekend, I made this pretty ornament with my mom (see forthcoming disclaimer) that will look lovely on a tree or mantle or anywhere else you want to add some holiday bling.

Disclaimer: This how to isn’t quite as simple as the past projects I’ve shared with you, and it is MESSY! Make sure you have a large drop cloth and a friend (or two) to help embark on this process, and get ready to get your hands a little dirty!

How to balloon Christmas tree decoration supplies:

  • Balloons – I used 7” round balloons
  • Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
  • Glue, Plain school glue or craft glue both work fine
  • Yarn
  • Ribbon / Glitter, optional (for embellishments)

First things first to make the ornament(s), mix up some glue and water until it is a smooth consistency, and pour the mixture into a container. We used a bread pan lined with plastic wrap because the longer, skinnier shape of the pan worked well for moving … >> 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

Make jeweled bobbies from earrings

This week: make jeweled bobbies from earrings (inspired by Anthropologie jeweled bobby pins).

make jeweled bobbies

Hello again! Steph here to show you yet another fabulously easy DIY project you can make with simple materials you probably have around the house.

make jeweled bobbies

I often peruse Anthropologie’s website for DIY ideas. I absolutely love their style, but it can be a bit out of my price range especially when some of the items can easily be made at home. When I saw these bobbies on their site, I couldn’t resist. Keep reading for the full tutorial:

jewled bobbies

Materials to make jeweled bobbies from earrings:

  • -Bobby Pins
  • -Nail Polish
  • -Costume Jewelry (i.e. The sparkliest earrings you can find)
  • -Felt
  • -Hot Glue
  • -Pliers

make jeweled bobby pins
Paint the top of the bobby pins and let them dry. While the nail polish dries, go ahead and snap off the stems from the back of the earrings. A few bends with pliers snapped those stems right off of my earrings.

jeweled bobby pin how to


Cut out tiny squares of felt and glue them to the back of the jewel. Make sure it’s small enough so you don’t see bits of felt sticking out from the front. Then cut an even smaller piece of felt and “thread” … >> 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

Black Friday craft machine deal

I’ve got a black Friday craft machine deal for you crafters out there.  Even though I’m sitting inside at home, by a cozy warm fire instead of fist-fighting the crowds at a big box store, I’m feeling the black Friday love right along with you.

Minus the black eye(s).

DIY craft

So, Silhouette America is this pretty cool company that makes crazy cool electronic cutting machines that whip out advent calendars, cut vinyl, and make labels for all those handmade gifts you plan on whipping out this year.

Because I know you’re crafty like that.

Go forth and purchase, enjoy, and craft.  Happy Holidays!

black friday Black Friday details: visit the Silhouette homepage and use the promo code PETITE to get this:

  • -1 Silhouette CAMEO® plus 1 copy of Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition (MSRP $349.98) for $229.99
  • -1 Silhouette Portrait™ for $179.99
  • -40 percent off at Silhouette

advent calendar christmas … >> 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

$100 giveaway for some cute kids clothes

Giveaway deadline EXTENDED one week!

Since my blog decided to 404 all over the place with the rest of the interwebs on Cyber Monday yesterday (fun, fun, FUN!) I’m extending the deadline of the Totsy giveaway by one week until Tuesday December 4th!  Thanks for playing (and for your patience) xo!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.  Thank you for entering!

Today’s giveaway is $100 credit to Totsy. Just in time for the holidays, a little giveaway to help clothe the short people in your life with some fabulous duds.  Plus, Totsy is filled to the brim right now with great stuff for everyone, not just the wee ones.  Go nuts!

Christmas gift card

Totsy is having a sale right now on cute kids and maternity clothes, with some items up to nearly 50% off regular retail.  Find cute classic clothes for kids and sweet looking maternity fashion for all you pregnant ladies (and friends of the pregnant ladies).

// GIVEAWAY DETAILS //

 

1. Giveaway runs now through next Monday November 26th, at midnight MST
2. $100.00 Totsy credit for one winner.
3. Entrants must be Totsy members to win, and will have to provide the email address associated with their Totsy account

… >> 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

Best tasting GF holiday stuffing recipe

gluten free cornbread stuffing

Today’s holiday recipe is for the best tasting GF (gluten free) cornbread stuffing out there.  Eating gluten-free can be challenging–easier than it used to be, but still difficult.  Last year was my first gluten-free Thanksgiving and it went pretty well.  I’m hosting my in-laws this year and we’re having a (mostly) gluten-free menu.  Everything I’m making will be GF at least.  That goes for the cornbread stuffing too.  I experimented last year and this year I think I’ve got it!  Even my husband, who isn’t gluten-free, loved it and said it was a winner.

gluten free Thanksgiving stuffing

I adapted my favorite tasting recipe to be GF from Cooks’ Illustrated magazine.  The cornbread recipe itself is really, really good.  Combined with all the traditional holiday stuffing goodies like celery, onions and fresh herbs, and a few of my own additions (pecans and dried cherries), it’s out-of-this-world fabulous.  No joke–I don’t even care about the turkey if this stuffing is around.  This recipe disappears quickly and makes for a really tasty breakfast the next morning too.

Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing Recipe (adapted from Cooks’ Illustrated)

Ingredients:

// For cornbread //

  • 4 Tbsp. melted butter or canola oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/3

    • … >> 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

How to napkin rings for the holidays

how to napkin ring

 

Today’s DIY is how to make napkin rings for the holidays.  Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner the blog world has been chock-full of amazing recipe ideas and round ups. Which, don’t get me wrong, I am totally enjoying every mouth watering picture of turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pies. However, we can’t forget about the rest of the table during the holiday meal!

To help spruce up the place settings, here is an easy do-it-yourself napkin ring project made out of simple materials you probably already have at home.

How to napkin rings for the holidays

Materials:

  • Toilet Paper or Paper towel rolls
  • Yarn Scraps
  • Hot Glue

 
>> Read 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.