Recipe: Cake Pops

I love cake. Like, a lot. And, I really got excited over the "let's put everything good on a stick" trend. Pies, cake, brownies; all of it. But, I have to say that one thing I don't like about those fancy cake pop makers is the lack of frosting. Just dry cake with hard chocolate over it is not okay with me. But, I was also the kid at everyone's birthday party scraping the icing off of the whole cake to have for myself. And, maybe even asking other kids if they were going to eat theirs. Maybe. It was a long time ago, so I could be wrong... Anyways, I found this version of cake pops via the A Beautiful Mess blog a while back, and decided to make the treats in time for Valentine's Day. So, here's what you'll need:

9x13 baking dish, store-bought cake mix, some variety of frosting, chocolate chips of your choice, sprinkles,  and cake pop sticks.

Follow the prep/baking directions on your box-mix, and let your cake cool completely. In a mixing bowl, break it up with your fingers and add half of the frosting from the container (8 oz/1 cup). Use your hands to incorporate the frosting into the cake crumbs. It should look like the mixture above.

Line two baking pans with parchment paper, and begin to roll the cake mixture into 1/2 to 1 inch balls.Once you're done with this, add your sticks into the cake balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In two microwave-safe bowls, add a cup of your chocolate chips. I used white and milk chocolate for mine. You could also use the colored melting chocolate, but I personally think the real chips taste better. Heat the chocolate on high for one minute, and stir. If the chips aren't completely melted after the first minute, continue to heat in 10-second intervals until it is. This will prevent any scorching. Dip your cake pops into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to cover and spread it evenly. Decorate as desired with sprinkles or the opposite colored chocolate.

Sit your finished cake pops back onto the parchment covered pans, and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure the coating has set.

And, there you have it! Cake pops without any extra machinery or lack of frosting. These things are sooooo good, and they're small so you can have, like, 5 at a time. Right?

Enjoy the sweet treat, readers. If any of you are still needing something else for your valentine, I can guarantee they'll be impressed by these. And, you can just dump them and eat your cake pops all alone if they aren't. 

With love,

Heather

Heart, It Races: Valentine's Day Wishlist

For me, Valentine's Day is just an excuse to wear red lipstick, rosy make-up, and heart-printed clothing. But, if I do happen to have big plans for the holiday, you can bet I'll be taking notes from the items shown above. I am crazy for a good mini-dress, and this drop waist number is the perfect balance of playful and romantic. Thigh socks and head wraps are another current obsession of mine, and I love the darker tones and neutral print against rose gold jewelry. And, that bag can make it's way into my life anytime. Or, today. Yeah, today would be great.
I hope this provides plenty of inspo for your Valentine's Day look. Even if your only plans are watching movies, drinking wine, and eating conversation hearts with your friends; which actually sounds way better than waiting for a table at The Cheesecake Factory, just saying.
Lot's of love,
Heather

Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Pot-Pie

As the only vegetarian in my family, I do my best not to hassle anyone with special food requests or point out why I can't eat certain things. It has been a personal choice to exclude meat from my diet, and I really don't expect others to have to appease this. But, I will say that as the years have gone on, my family has surprised me by making sure I don't go without during get-togethers or holidays. Both of my grandmothers usually have some variety of veggie burger on hand, and my mother and sister have been willing to exchange ground beef for soy products whenever we make chili or lasagna; which is awesome. So, when my mom adapted a traditional pot pie recipe for little ol' me, I knew I had to share it. Actually, I knew it after I tasted it. Because it is really freaking good.

Ingredients:

Pre-made pie crust

1 pound package frozen mixed veggies

2 medium redskin potatoes

2-3 cups vegetable stock

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning (like Mrs. dash) to taste

1 egg

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Place one of the pre-made pie dough layers into a pie plate. Boil water in two saucepans, one for the mixed veggies and one for the potatoes, and cook the veggies until tender. Drain and set aside. In another pan, melt your butter and whisk in the flour until you have a rue. Then slowly mix in the vegetable stock; starting with two cups, then adding more to thin out the gravy if needed. Add your seasonings to gravy, and adjust to taste. Add the veggies to the gravy, and stir until they are evenly coated. Pour your filling into the pie crust, then place the remaining layer on top. Pinch the edges closed, either with your fingers or a fork, and poke holes over the top layer of crust with a fork. In a small bowl, mix one egg and a splash of water with a fork. Brush a layer of this mixture over the top, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check on the pot-pie at the halfway point to see browning progress. If the edges are getting too dark before the pie is done, remove the pie from the oven and cover the outside with foil, and continue baking.

And, there you have it! Semi-homemade veggie pot-pie. If you're feeling more ambitious, you could certainly swap out fresh veggies and scratch-baked crust. But, sometimes grocery shortcuts are a godsend, folks. This dish is the perfect comfort food; very filling and flavorful. And, in case you didn't know, the best way to get your recommended dose of vegetables is by smothering them in gravy. 

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit: Heart On My Sleeve

 

The pinafore is but a dream, you guys. I scored this black number at TJ Maxx, and I never want to take it off. My best mate and blogging partner was nice enough to snap a few pictures for me a few days ago. I paid her in food; southwestern veggie salads and a cran-apple fruit salad. Surprised I made something actually good for your health? Well, maybe I shouldn't mention that the apple salad had Raisonettes in it. I just can't stop, and you can't make me. Anyways, Ashley and I were having a heck of a time trying to capture any photos because the wind was so strong. We kept having to take breaks and readjust, or try different areas of the train depot to use instead. During one of our time-outs, we were shocked and disturbed to hear people using the old building for something far more scandalous. You know, because people from these parts have class. We ran away giggling like the adults that we are, obviously.  So, yeah. Have a great Monday, you guys!

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit Details:

Pinafore- TJ Maxx

Sweater- LC by Lauren Conrad (thrifted)

Boots- Gabriel Brothers

Hat- H&M

DIY: Fabric Embroidery Wall Art

     About a year ago, I started buying embroidery hoops at thrift stores whenever I'd stumble upon them. At first, it was with the intention of  bettering my cross stitching skills. Then, it switched to having a focal fabric wall. I have more than enough hoops for both projects now, but have done neither. Womp, womp, womp. So, when I got snowed in on a day that I was supposed to visit some of my old friends from Cleveland, I decided to drown my sorrows in a few projects for Rags and Roses. I still didn't have enough fabric for my original wall art idea, but I did have scrap fabric, old pictures, and cardstock. The picture above was my finished product, and I'm pretty happy with it. This easy project is a great way to use leftover supplies and display photos in another way besides a frame.

I made a few variations of these. The first was using fabric, images cut from a Smash journal, and hot glue. This would work just as well with images from magazines or your own photos. Just insert the fabric into the hoop, tighten the outer ring, and pull the fabric tightly so there are no wrinkles. Arrange and glue your chosen images, and then cut the access fabric from the edges.

The next one was done with a photo I took/doodled on, and some thread. I just stitched it onto the fabric, and secured it with a few knots on the back.

The next two were done with scrapbook paper. I will admit, it's harder to secure the thick paper into the hoop than the fabric. But, once you have it in, it's a much sturdier surface that you could easily glue or write on. I used leftover fake flowers and another photo of mine, both put on with hot glue.

I love how versatile these are. You can easily customize them for any room, or even as a gift; how cute would these be filled with photos of a loved one for Valentines Day!? I plan on making many more of these for a statement wall. 

I hope these provide you with tons of wall art inspo.

With love,

Heather

The Liebster Award

This weekend, I was notified that I have been nominated for The Liebster Award! I was nominated by Natasha from Natoodle. The Liebster Awards focus on smaller sites in the blogging community. This is a huge honor for me, seeming as though Rags and Roses isn't even a year old yet! Here are the rules for the Liebster nominees:

1. Link back to the person who nominated you.

2. Answer the 11 questions given by the nominee before you.

3. Pick your own 11 nominees of smaller or beginning blogs, who then answer your questions.

4. You cannot nominate the person who nominated you.

5. Lastly, tell your nominees you have nominated them.  

 Below are the questions I received for my nomination:

1. Who has been the biggest influence to you in your life? That's a tough one, because so many people have made an impact on my life. Kate Nash, Sylvia Plath, Sofia Coppola, Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Bukowski, Kathleen Hanna, Lou Reed, Jenny Lewis, Wes Anderson, Ben Gibbard, etc. Several books, bands, movie, and television characters have influenced me, as well. But, my mother and sister surpass all. As a single mom, she taught me how to be independent and think for myself. And, my sister has been an amazing example of perseverance and the rewards that come with hard work. I don't know what I'd do without them.

2. What is your favourite type of sweet/candy? Ice cream, preferably from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. The coffee, biscuits and jam, and sweet potato with toasted marshmallow flavors are my three favorites.  

3. If you could have any job in the world what would it be? For me, it would be having a ton of different experiences throughout my lifetime. I want to be a photographer, a journalist, a store-front owner, a magazine editor, a clothing designer, a band member, a blogger; everything. I'm far too indecisive for a career. 

4. Who is your celebrity crush? Ryan Gosling, Joaquin Phoenix, Steve Buscemi, Andy Samberg, and Sam Rockwell. And, Evan Peters. Oh, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Woopsies.

5. What is your favourite product this week? Hmmm, probably Quorn brand meat substitutes. As a vegetarian, they provide protein and add variety to my diet. The "chicken" is the best, and can be used in so many recipes.

6. Do you have any pets? If not, what pet would you like? Sadly, I do not. But, I would love a Tabby cat or a Siberian Husky.

7. What is your favourite colour/make of nail polish? I love Essie, Flower Beauty, and Wet n' Wild brands. And, Urban Outfitters makes a great scented top coat that I love. I tend to stick to darker colors (like burgundy and teal) with metallic or lighter accents (like gold or nude).

8. What is/was your favourite subject to study at school/college/university? English has always been my favorite subject; I love to write and read. I really enjoyed Communications and Woman Studies while I was in college, though.

9. Who is your favourite beauty YouTuber? I don't really have one. I tend to go to Pinterest for any beauty how-to's. I do love Lauren Conrad's Beauty Department blog. But, Youtube for me is strictly for humor, music, and cats.

10.What is your favourite clothing store? Where to start!? I love TJ Maxx, Forever 21, H&M, thrift/vintage shops, Urban Outfitters, and many more. I enjoy cheap clothes from anywhere, really.

11. What is your top beauty tip? I guess just to present yourself however you want and be confident, whether it's with risky fashion or subtle styles. I think it's important to find your own preferences despite mass marketing and advertising plots that make women feel bad about themselves. You are most beautiful when you are happy, and the most happy when you chose things for yourself!

Alright, that does it for me! My nominations for The Liebster Award are:

http://delightfulsunflower.blogspot.com/

http://ohfancy-that.com/

http://maltmemories.blogspot.com/

http://theprettylovelyblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.welcomehometaylor.com/welcome_home/

http://plasticphotography.blogspot.com/

http://barefootinthewood.blogspot.com/

http://raspberriesandsugar.blogspot.com/

http://naturallyjes.blogspot.com.au/

http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com.au/

http://velvet-wolves.blogspot.com/

My questions to you ladies are:

1. What/who inspired you to become a blogger?

2. Who are some of your idols/icons?

3. What are your favorite things to post about?

4. What are your five favorite songs at the moment?

5. What is the last movie you went to see in theaters?

6. If you could only eat one thing forever, what would it be?

7. How have your blogging styles/post subjects changed since you first began?

8. What is the last thing that made you laugh really hard?

9. If your life were a television show, which show would it be?

10. Name at least one thing you can make? (food, crafts, etc.)

11. What are some of your future blogging/life goals?

I look forward to seeing everyone's answers. Thanks again for the nomination, Natasha. I am still so surprised and flattered!

With love,

Heather

Recipe: Nutella Hot Chocolate

Sometimes, your mind creates something out of this world. Be it a song, or a novel, or a technological advancement. Whatever it may be, you instantly know it's great and that it's never been thought of before*. That it will change the course of history, and bring wonder for years to come. For me, it was this Nutella hot chocolate recipe. I was sitting on the computer, drooling over a bunch of dessert recipes, when I simply couldn't take a lack of sweets any longer. I tore my cupboards apart looking for something, anything, to satisfy my sweet tooth. The only thing remotely appealing was a jar of  Nutella: my greatest friend and worst enemy; that stuff  is addicting and so NOT good for you. At all. But, it does taste like heaven, so whatever. Anyways, this idea popped in my head to make hot cocoa with this chocolaty, ultra-fattening sugar spread. (*Which I later found out via Pinterest that I did not in fact invent this concept. Turns out a lot of innovators beat me to the glory long ago.) This is my take on the treat. So, here we go:

In a saucepan, bring 1 and 1/2 cups of milk to a light boil. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of Nutella and a few dashes of cinnamon until smooth. That's all, doods. Simple, but equally delectable. I think next time I might try this with a few tablespoons of espresso, caramel syrup, or cocoa power, to really intensify the flavor. But, don't get me wrong, this was freaking delicious.

Top with a mountain of marshmallows or whipped cream, sprinkle with more cinnamon or cocoa powder, and enjoy. Without guilt, please. This stuff is too good to worry about how bad it is for your New Years' resolution. So, think about that tomorrow, and slip into a chocolate-hazelnut spread induced euphoria.

With love,

Heather