Thursday, February 13, 2014

Darby Smart Giveaway


I love DIY crafts, and pretty much anything DIY.  I came across Darby Smart a couple months ago, and have been hooked ever since. I cannot wait to share more projects with you in the coming months. You can see one of my projects HERE. 


What is Darby Smart?
There are many options with Darby Smart. You can first sign up to get a subscription for their monthly TO DIY FOR box. Each month Darby Smart send a great DIY project that was designed by leading designers and then delivered to your door, so you can create great projects in the comfort of your own home. You can also select from many other DIY projects like: Etched Champagne Flutes ($29); Gilded Votives ($16); or projects like a Rock Chic Cuff ($29) for those jewelry lovers out there.  The projects are endless.

Cost for Darby Smart Monthly Subscription- $19 per month



Darby Smart was kind enough offer one of my lucky readers a chance to win a SOLD OUT Darby Smart Box! One lucky reader will be picked on February 17th. (Giveaway will be live until Monday 2/17 at 11:59pm EST). You can enter HERE or click image above.


Until next time
Stay Tickled Pink,
Stephanie


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

New Clothing Subscription- Cypress & 5th Review


I really do love hearing about and finding new clothing subscriptions like the one I am going to review below. Cypress & 5th is a new clothing subscription, that sends out some fantastic clothing conveniently right to your door each month.  I am super excited to share with you my first January box with you.

What is Cypress & 5th?
The ladies behind Cypress & 5th believe that ladies deserve to be styled for individuality. Cypress & 5th helps ladies get their own personalized clothing each month. Each month Cypress & 5th specializes a virtual Dressing Room designed just for you. You then go through your personal dressing room each month and pick your choice of 2 or 3 items to be shipped to you for $74.95! There is not contract.  Members have 5 days to view their Dressing Room and decide to either “Keep Shopping” or “Opt Out” for the month.  After the first month’s setup, members who choose to continue will be charged $74.95 on the 5th of each month and have the rest of the month to decide what they want!


January
Cypress & 5th Picks


When you first log into Cypress & 5th you go through their style quiz, so that the stylist can pick the items that fit your style the best.  The Stylist then picks out the items that fit your style best and put them in your Dressing Room for you to pick from.



When I first went through my Dressing Room, I was very impressed with some of the picks, but was not really into some of the other picks. I waited a couple days to actually pick out what I wanted, so when I finally picked out my selections, some of the items were already sold out. I e-mailed Cypress & 5th, and I was super impressed that I was given some other options to choose from.


Blu Pepper Pink Leopard Sweater$36 Retail


It was very hard for me to pick between the shirts while I was going through my Dressing Room. I really liked a couple of the picks. I actually would have went for two top options, rather than a bottom if I could.  After trying on this sweater, I knew immediately that I made a good pick. This sweater is super soft, cozy, and looks great on.  This sweater is definitely my style, and something I would have picked out on my own.


Timing Khaki Jeggings $30 Retail


I was not too sure about the options I had for bottoms, but after working out some more options in my dressing room I was able to decide on these Khaki Jeggings. These are heavier than other leggings/jeggings I have bought on my own, but I really like them. They are perfect for colder weather.


Peach Aztec Print Scarf $20?

I could not find this scarf online, but I estimate that I easily would purchase this online for around $20. What I really love about this scarf, other than the Aztec print, which I love, is that it is an infinity scarf, and super soft. It will be perfect for spring season.

TICKLED PINK OPINION
Overall, I am very pleased with the first box I received from Cypress & 5th. I would have enjoyed it a little more if  all my picks worked together as one outfit. However, Cypress & 5th does a great job of giving style options for each of my selections, which are seen on the cards above. For $74.95, I received around $96 worth of clothing, which is fantastic. I could not be happier with the quality of the clothing as well. I just wish that some of my Dressing Room picks were still available to me when I went back to make my selections for January. But when you snooze, you lose. I should have made my selections earlier. Even for February, I waited a couple days after I got my dressing room and some of my selections were already gone. Thankfully the ladies over at Cypress & 5th are super helpful, and they helped work out some great options for me for my February clothing selection! I see big things in the future for Cypress & 5th, and cannot wait to see more from this great clothing subscription!

If you are interested in getting styled and get your own Dressing Room customized for you through Cypress & 5th, you can HERE, and make sure you let them know I sent you!


Until next time
Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Cupcakes, Cupcakes and More Tickled Pink Cupcakes


I recently had a request to make some cupcakes. After a recent trip to Hello Cupcake, one of my family members was having quite a craving for cupcakes. So, I decided  I would take this task on myself.  A and I immediately went over to the grocery store and purchased all the supplies for a cupcake overhaul in my house.

Here is the list of the cupcake mix and frostings that we bought:
  • Duncan Hines Decadent Red Velvet Cupcake Cake & Frosting Mix;
  • Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Cake Mix
  • Betty Crocker: Super Moist Golden Vanilla Cake Mix
  • Betty Crocker: Rich & Creamy Coconut Pecan Frosting
  • Betty Crocker: Vanilla Frosting; and
  • Betty Crocker: Cream Cheese Frosting



How to make a better cupcake from box cake Mix?

Replace Vegetable Oil with 1 stick melted butter. This is the overwhelming theme of making for a better cupcake on sites throughout the web. And let me tell you it works.

Some also replace the water for buttermilk. I did not do this, but I heard it works.

Add one extra egg to each mix. So if the recipe on the box calls for 3 eggs, add 4 instead.

Add some extra kick to the recipe. I like to add extra something to each cupcake mix I make. For example I added peanut butter to the chocolate cupcake mix.

Vanilla Hazelnut Cupcakes

Mix the  Vanilla Cupcake Mix as indicated on box, and make the additions/changes listed above. To add that extra kick I added a teaspoon of hazelnut extract, and teaspoon of real vanilla extract! Yummy!

To finish this Vanilla Hazelnut Cupcake off I frosted some with Cocunut Pecan Frosting, and some with Vanilla Frosting.

Vanilla Raspberry Cupcakes
Mix the  Vanilla Cupcake Mix as indicated on box, and make the additions/changes listed above. To add that extra kick I added a teaspoon of raspberry extract, and a bit of real vanilla extract! Yummy!


Red Velvet Cupcakes

Mix Red Velvet Cupcake mix as indicated on box, and make the additions/ changes listed above. To add that extra kick I added a teaspoon of vanilla; 1/3 cup of dark chocolate cocoa; and ¼ cup of sourcream.

To finish this Red Velvet Cupcake off I added Cream Cheese filling, and Cream Cheese frosting on top.

Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake
Mix Triple Chocolate Mix Cupcake mix as indicated on box, and make the additions/ changes listed above. To add that extra kick I added a teaspoon of vanilla and 1/2 cup of peanut butter.

To finish this Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake off I frosted some with Cocunut Pecan Frosting, and some with Vanilla Frosting.


As you can see we have a plethora of cupcakes in my household now, but boy are they yummy. Hello, Cupcake!

Until next time
Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

New Subscription- Celebrate American Made Review



I was recently searching around for new subscription boxes, and I ran across Celebrate American Made. I was immediately curious about this box, and wondered why someone had not curated a box like this a long time ago. There are several boxes out there right now that are specific to one state, but none that celebrates American made! When Celebrate American Made graciously offered to send me their January box, I was super excited to share with my readers. And what a better day to post this box on my blog than today, we are celebrating here in Seattle, so I thought lets keep with the theme of celebrations!




What is Celebrate American Made?
Celebrate American Made is a monthly subscription that focus on one state each month. The curators behind the box search the nation to bring you the best food and handcrafted items from that particular state for that month. You get the best of that state, and get to discover what the locals from that state love. The monthly cost is $39.95 each month.



January
Celebrate American Made
VIRGINIA



I have never been to Virginia, but after reading about it in the Intro card that came with the box, and experiencing the products, I think I would like it.  Virginia is for “autumn lovers”, which I love, and for “ beach lovers”, umm I love even more, and for “ history lovers”. Yes, it may seem weird but I really do love history, and going to places where I can imagine what it was like way back in the days. So much fun.

Brigit True Organics Lip Balm  $5
Like always, I never mind getting a good lip balm, and this was fantastic. It immediately went into my purse!


Integrity Food Group- Savannah Grace Traditional Cheese Straws $5
These cheese straws are so yummy! And are made with aged cheddar cheese. What I really like about this, is that even thought you can sit down and eat these in one go round, that these cheese straws come in a great resealable bag, perfect to keep fresh and convenience.



Montebello Kitchen Peanut Soup $8
I have eaten peanuts and peanut sauce, but never have I had peanut soup. This soup was originated from West Africa, and has been reinvented.   This soup after mixing with some chicken or veggie broth is delish. To make even better I would recommend adding chicken.

Graves Mountain Apple Butter $15
I have never tasted a better Apple Butter, this was super tasty.  This Virginia based company established its cannery back in 1980, and used a family recipe to make this tasty treat.

Route 11 Yukon Gold Potato Chips $2
I definitely have a salty tooth, and rather have a tasty chip over candy any day. These yummy chips make me want to hop on over to Virginia and get some more. What is great is that it is really hard to ship chips without smashing them, however, these were still perfect. They still would be great smashed, but even better not.

The Virginia Chutney Co. Spicy Plum Chutney $3
A great chutney made of great ingredients: plums, sugar, brown sugar and raisins and more. It tastes great!


Natalie Kay Letterpress Artwork
This letterpress print was printed to help support a friend, Laura, who was injured in a car accident. All proceeds of this print will go to her family. “Talitha koun”, which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up.”


TICKLED PINK OPINION


I really think this box is just fantastic, and it supports American Made. The monthly cost of this box is $39.95, and the total value of the box was approximately $38. Like all specialty boxes like Celebrate American Made, it would be impossible to get all these wonderful products for the monthly cost of the box, especially after shipping and handling. Additionally, it is great to help support wonderful companies like these showcased in the Virginia Celebrate American Made box.  Celebrate American Made really makes you really feel like you need to take a trip to these wonderful places, like Virginia. They even include other great little informational packets for subscribers to browse through. 




What did you think about the January Celebrate American Made Box? If you are interested in learning more or signing up, you can HERE.

Until next time
Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Green and Blue Super Bowl Seahawks Excitement


 I have been off the grid  for a week now, and I just do not know what has gotten into me.  I just think that the excitement of the week has kept me busy. It really has just been a very exciting week. If you do not know already, but me along with my whole entire family are  huge Seahawks fans. I even worked all home games this year, including the amazing playoff games.  I just wanted to take the time to share a little of the excitement around the Pacific Northwest- Seattle area these days, with the Seahawks amazing Super Bowl win. This is the first Super Bowl win for Seattle Seahawks in franchise history, and it is so exciting! The 12’s have truly melted together and brought some amazing energy into Seattle.


My Super Bowl Sunday was not as exciting as some of my family members, but a nice day at home with my love and our little one watching the game was just perfect for me.  To get ready I made sure my nails were, like always, blue and green. And we all geared up in our Hawks gear, especially purchased for Super Bowl Sunday!





Here is our Seattle Seahawks Blue and Green SuperBowl Sunday Food and Drink Spread, which included



Blue and Green Drinks
Assorted Meats and Crackers
Honey Dew
Celery
Kiwi Fruit Slices
Chicken Apple Sausage
And other snack food
Yummy we tried to stick with only blue and green foods! 

And some great decorations made from our little one. This is the Beast Mode 12th Man Seattle Seahawks Train!



My brother on the other hand was right in the heart of the Super Bowl action. And what a game it was. I actually told my brother he is their good luck charm, and has to go to all games no matter where they at from now on.  If he could I am sure he would. Some pictures straight from the action.

Our favorite , #3, Russell Wilson!!!




 It was so loud there it was a dust bowl of green and blue confetti! I love it! I was so excited my bro could experience it!

And from our Television view... Still super exciting!!





Tomorrow is the victory parade here is Seattle,  as the Hawks bring the Lombardi trophy home to Seattle. The Hawks will definitely will be coming home to best victory parade around. I cannot wait to see all the action.

Now, with the football season wrapped up, what to do with my Sundays?? Haha Well, I am sure I will have no problem filling up my time.  But, I cannot wait until Seahawks season next year.

Way to go Seahawks! Beast Mode!

Until next time, from a Green and Blue 12th Man (Woman),
Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie