by Kimberly

Trader Joe's, I love you.

Friends, the first ever Trader Joe’s in my state opened shop a few weeks ago. Never mind that it’s still a good hour’s drive away from me. I’m still ga-ga for it. To say that I went a little crazy on my first visit would be quite accurate. I was even snapping pics with my phone, so giddy was I. It’s a mecca for the food-sensitive patron or all-around snack hound or conscientious consumer. So many gluten-free goodies to tempt, where shall I start?

Tossed with favorite veggies or sauce and dinner is D-O-N-E. No worries.

Always a good idea to keep mixes like this on hand, for cub scout meetings, sleepovers, breakfast…dont’ you eat brownies for breakfast?

Last box anywhere in the store. Mine. All mine.

I’m a leader in the Udi’s Gluten Free community, a great place to learn more about life without gluten. Live chats, recipes, wise words of wisdom and so on. Join us for a Live Chat Thursday, January 9th! 

 … >> find out more…

Kimberly

...by day, making a home where the buffalo roam. By night, pretty much the same thing, punctuated by the occasional fantasies of sunny beaches, italian movies and sparkling lemonade.

by Allison

How to paper flag banner

how to make paper flag bannerToday it’s how to make a paper flag banner day.

Because it’s January, because it’s literally 7 degrees (F) today, because I need some sun and cheer, because everyone needs a banner in their life, because you’re fabulous.

DIY paper bannerI didn’t intend for this paper flag banner to be a how to tutorial on Petit Elefant.  I was teaching my son how to sew over the weekend, and I decided I needed a paper banner for January because I’m telling you, January is not  my friend.  I need all the sunshine and sparkle and fun I can get in this dark month of the winter, so I whipped one of these up on Saturday.  And then I thought: everyone needs to know how to make a quick paper banner, so you get a tutorial today.  The easiest tutorial known to man, for realsies.

How to paper flag banner supplies:

  • paper
  • scissors
  • ribbon
  • sewing machine

how to paper banner

Step 1: Make a template for whatever shape you’d like to have for your banner.  I chose a triangle because I’m conventional like that (no, not really but let’s pretend), but you could do hearts, squares, whatever your heart desires.  Cut the shape out of … >> 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 make it glitter shoes

// How to make it glitter shoes?  Yes, please! Have you been dying to learn how to make your own glitter shoes?  I won’t lie, I totally have.  Today new DIY fashion editor Stephanie has a great tutorial to teach us all how to do the greatest DIY in the history of ever: how to make your own glitter shoes. I’m squealing on the inside. – Allison //

do it yourself Glitter Shoes

Hi! It’s Stephanie from Henry Happened. It’s time to glitter it up, and I’ve been on the lookout for easy (and cheap) ways how to add sparkle and bling. And you know what looks way better with a coat of glitter? Yep, your basic black flats. Who knew, right?

Well, I guess my daughter could have told me that. She is obsessed with glitter shoes! In fact, we can’t get out the door unless she is wearing sparkly shoes. And she gives my new shoes two thumbs up.

how to glitter shoes

I went with a multicolored glitter for my black flats just so they would match whatever I happened to be wearing. But plain gold or silver would also look great. And don’t be glitter shy if your flats have a pattern – … >> 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 boot cuffs from a sweater

Learning how to make your own boot cuffs from a sweater and how to make your own leg warmers from a sweater is so easy!  Read on to learn how to make your own.

how to boot cuffs from a sweater

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday filled with friends and family and all that good stuff. Now it’s time for New Year’s Resolutions, which, if yours include saving money, being environmentally friendly, and/or staying stylish, this easy DIY project is right up your alley!

HOW TO MAKE BOOT CUFFS FROM A SWEATER

 

boot cuffs from a sweater

If you’ve seen any of the past how to projects I’ve done for both Petit Elefant blog and my own, you may have figured out that I like to make things out of everyday materials you probably already have around the house. One material I’m particularly fond of is old sweaters. Knitted objects are so “in” right now and using sweaters lets you have the finished knitted product without ever having to pick up a set of needles!

DIY sweater cuff

I love wearing boots and tights in the winter, and I love the trend of wearing tall, thick socks under them. However, really thick socks aren’t always comfortable … >> 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 Kimberly

Make-Ahead-Smoothies

During a recent on-line chat, I mentioned one of my quick breakfast solutions, gluten-free, for busy mornings: Make ahead smoothies. The greatness here isn’t so much in the ingredients, but rather in freezing individual portions en masse, and using as needed. Busy morning ahead? Place the frozen smoothies in the fridge the night before and come morning, it’s ready to enjoy. Wholesome breakfast, minimal cleanup! We enjoy them year-round, whenever we’ve got to rush out the door for school, work, skiing, swimming, travel–with all the healthy things in one tasty shot.

We’ve shared other great smoothies here and here, but they haven’t been tested with this make-ahead method. To make-ahead, I usually fill my blender with greek yogurt, a splash of almond milk , organic nut butter, ground flax or oats, cocoa powder and  mostly-frozen bananas (using frozen seems to improve the texture of the smoothie). Then whirr, whirr, whirr until it looks just right.  After that it’s simply a matter of pouring into freezer containers (these are just right for individual portions) which can then be frozen for later, or enjoyed immediately.

My kids’ all-time favorite is the pb-banana-chocolate, though banana-orange-berry and banana-mango-pineapple are tied for … >> find out more…

Kimberly

...by day, making a home where the buffalo roam. By night, pretty much the same thing, punctuated by the occasional fantasies of sunny beaches, italian movies and sparkling lemonade.

by Allison

Twelve New Year’s dresses for under 100

12 new year's eve dresses under $100

12 New Year’s Dresses for Under $ 100

 

For an event that only comes around once a year, it can be pretty crazy how much
money people spend on dresses for New Year’s Eve.  But you don’t have to spend a lot to find a quality party dress that you’ll be able to wear more than just one night.

I’ve rounded up 12 adorable dresses all under $ 100 that you can wear to
ring in the New Year, or to any other party throughout the year! Take your pick of dresses and lose that guilt – these frocks are totally affordable.

 

1, peplum dress, 2, sparkle dress  3, silver dress 4, metallic dress 5, brocade mini dress 6, gold dress 7, pleated tunic 8, bow dress 9, black lace dress 10, black tulle 11, copper dress 12, pencil dress

fashion blogBlogger at Advice from a Twenty Something, Amanda Holstein lives in San Francisco, CA where she writes her modern advice column for the everyday, stylish girl. She’s not your high-fashion guru, she’s your friend who knows about the sale at Madewell and who’ll actually tell you if that shirt doesn’t look good on you (someone … >> 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 make holiday flan with eggnog

Here’s how to make an easy holiday recipe for eggnog flan for that last-minute dessert for any potluck Holiday party. It’s a great egg nog flan that’s easy to pull together, tastes great, and bonus — it’s gluten-free!

how to make holiday eggnog
how to make eggnog flan
make eggnog flan
make holiday eggnog flan

We love to make flan.  It’s my husband’s favorite dessert.  Seeing as this is the season for eggnog, I thought those eggy rum and nutmeg flavors would be great turned into flan.  I added extra rum to the custard and the caramel because, why not?

Baked custards can be a bit of a bother the first time you make one.  Just be sure to bake your flan it in a water bath, i.e. the pie plate goes inside a roasting pan and is then filled with boiling water.  This will keep the custard from curdling and it will also bake evenly.  It does bake for a long time at a lower temperature.  This is a good thing because it results in the silkiest, creamiest texture.  You’ll know it’s baked completely when it just barely wobbles in the center.

Happy Holidays!

eggnog flan

Egg Nog Flan

recipe adapted from Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan

Ingredients:

To Make Caramel:

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

last LAST minute kid gifts

gift guide for kidsSome last, LAST last, last minute kid gifts for the holidays.

I know you’re out there: the procrastinators, the mamas, the aunties and uncles, the dads and godmothers, godparents among you.  I’ve got a seriously very last-minute gift guide for kids for the holidays, with a little something for everyone and every age.  Pajamas for the kids, night goggles to spy Santa, craft kits, craft books, a Ryan Gosling book for the budding feminists among you (by my amaaaaazingly gifted and super wicked smaht friend and scholar Danielle Henderson), makeup (for the way older teen girl), and the newest Just Dance 4 video game for everyone.  Wait till grandpa gets in on that action, it will be a Merry Christmukkah Festivus miracle for all.

 

1, Pajama Bottoms 2, Nerf Night Vision Camcorder 3, Kiwi Crate 4, Feminist Ryan Gosling by Danielle Henderson 5, TIGI Hairspray 6, iPod touch 7, Klutz Twirled Paper Book 8, Skullcandy Headphones 9, Make-Up Collection 10, Sparkle Skirt 11, Ubisoft Just Dance 4 12, Kid’s Pajamas 13, Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes… >> 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

What can you wear to a holiday party?

party pants//   Holiday party time is officially here.  You’re probably all done with your office parties, but there are still plenty of holiday parties between family and friends, and plenty of New Year’s Eve parties on the horizon.  What can you wear to a holiday party?  New editor Amanda has 3 great holiday party outfits for you to think about as you get ready to party it up wherever you are.   //

 

LOOK 1:

what to wear holiday office party

// dress, tights, shoes, earrings, clutch, lips //

 

In my opinion, putting the word “office” and “party” in the same sentence is an
oxymoron, especially when it comes to your outfit. It’s not the easiest thing to get
dolled up for a party while still remembering you’ll be sipping wine with coworkers.
It’s confusing. So how do you combine these two worlds? Simple. Go with something
festive yet classy. Choose festive materials, like lace or sequins, and combine this
with a classy shape, like a pencil skirt or sheath dress. Not sure whether to wear
a dress, skirt, or pants?

Here are three doable options below that are fun and festive, yet still classy enough to break … >> 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.