by Allison

Pick a bag and fill it with fun jewelry

Need a fun gift idea? Pick a bag and fill it with fun jewelry for the people in your life you love the most. New teen-beat editor Lindsey shares her gift idea today just in time for a little last minute shopping.

pick a bag and fill it with jewelry

This holiday season I am absolutely loving the fun fill a bag idea. The whole point of this gift is to buy a functional and cute purse, then fill it with different types of jewelry. The reason I love the quilted heart shoulder bag for this gift is because of it’s size, color, and function. A small bag is always the best way to go because you don’t want something too big with only a few pieces of jewelry inside, but you also don’t want a clutch that holds hardly anything. This bag comes in three different colors but personally I think the creme color is the most functional for all your friends. A cross body bag has always been my favorite because you can throw it on without having to worry about setting it down (which trust me I do a LOT).

The majority of the accessories I decided to throw into my bag came from Forever21 … >> 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

A weekend romantic comedy to see

The weekend is here guys, thank the heavens above.

Who’s off to see a movie this weekend?  A little something to take the stress off all the holiday prep I know you’re doing right now.  The holidays can be a little nuts, so I hope you’re taking care of yourself right now, for reals. I mentioned it a few weeks back Playing for Keeps opens today, so go get a mani/pedi with your girls and hit the movies to see a little romantic comedy this weekend, you deserve it.

… >> 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

How to make a DIY lip-gloss

how to make a DIY lipgloss

Here’s how to make a DIY lip gloss, which would make a perfect gift for the girls in your life, anytime, anywhere.  The best part about this lip gloss is the fact that a) you’re now a superstar for knowing how to make your own makeup, and b) the lip gloss is all kinds of natural: coconut oil, beeswax, essential oil?  What’s not to love?

make diy lipgloss

So, you probably want to  know how to make this lip gloss already, yes?  Here’s the skivvy:

Supplies* for How to Make a DIY lip-gloss

  • beeswax
  • coconut oil
  • essential oil
  • toothpicks (for stirring)
  • double boiler
  • cheap lipstick for lip-gloss color
  • small containers with screw on lids

how to make a DIY lip-gloss
how to DIY lipgloss
how to make lip-gloss
make home made lipgloss

Step-by-Step:

  • Melt beeswax in a double boiler on high until completely melted.  When it’s completely melted, add coconut oil using a 2:1 ratio of coconut oil to beeswax (at least).  I started out with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1 cup of coconut oil.
  • Mix together until the beeswax and coconut oil are completely combined and have a thin, liquid consistency.
  • Using a dropper, grab some of the mix and squirt it out on a piece of wax paper.  When it has cooled down, test the lip gloss

    • … >> 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

Wrapping presents with simple felt balls

Today, a simple present wrapping (tutorial) with felt balls today, an easy how-to from DIY contributor Steph!

 

wrap presents with simple felt balls
December is officially here! Can you even believe it? Holiday shopping time is quickly dwindling and presents need to get wrapped. This week’s project is a fun and simple way to wrap your presents for your friends and family using felt balls.

Wrapping presents with simple felt balls

 

Materials Needed:

  • Felt Balls: You can purchase these at most craft stores, or if you’re feeling extra crafty, check out my tutorial to make your own!
  • Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle


First things first, wrap up your presents! I used brown craft paper since it provides a simple, neutral background for any sort of embellishments (like felt balls, for example) you want to add to the present.

wrapping presents with simple felt balls

Cut a piece of yarn long enough to wrap around the present 5-8 times, then thread the felt balls onto the yarn.

Start wrapping the yarn around the the present and slide the balls into place as you wrap.

Once the yarn is all wrapped to your liking, tie to secure it on the back of the package.

simple felt wrapping for presents
Once the yarn is all wrapped around, you can slide … >> 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

Finding your tribe of girl friends

tribe of girl friends

A lucky girl is blessed with a tribe of friends, the best of which are girl friends.  Boys, we think you’re great too but we love our girls in a truly, madly, deeply kind of way.  Finding your tribe of girl friends is easier for some than others;  sometimes we grow up surrounded by friends, (I was blessed to have a childhood like that), sometimes we find them in high school and college, and once in a while we find them at work or church or school, or in the carpool pick-up lane.

finding your tribe

However we find them, a girl with close girl friends is a happy one.

There’s an inexplicable relationship between two women, something not eloquently explained by even the greatest of poets.  A great tribe of girl friends will tell you honestly about the lipstick on your teeth, and help you fix your slip which has fallen beneath the hem of your skirt. They’ll help you find the perfect dress, and they’ll gently, kindly, tell you your boyfriend is kind of a tool.

besties

Beyond that, a dear girl friend is there for you even especially in your darkest hours.  She’s the one who hugs you tighter than … >> 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

Christmas Treats, Gluten-Free

For some reason I feel like these festive little treats are rather retro. Maybe because my mother made them for our family and friends every December for years and years, from the time I was very small. And we loved her for it. A little crunchy, a little gooey, sweet, and of course bright green. As were our tongues after chowing down on a couple of these little cuties. At one time, I probably thought that was hilarious.  For years I’ve tried tracking down a recipe that was as good as hers (there are several that are very similar) and with a few modifications this one below came closest. And guess what? They’re gluten-free all on their own.

Christmas Wreath Treats (aka Holly Crackles)

What You’ll Need:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 30-36 large marshmallows (a 10-ounce bag contains 38 to 40)
  • 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons green food color (be generous for best color)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups cornflakes cereal (I suggest a scant 4 cups for a well-coated finished product. Today I used 4 cups exactly and the gooey-ness didn’t go as far as I’d like)
  • Red-hot cinnamon candies, for decorating
What To Do:
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows

… >> 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

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.