jar it up

like the average girl, i have too much stuff.

to keep all my bracelets organized and contained, i like to store them in this jar. it's inexpensive ($6, the container store), simple, and looks cute on your dresser! just toss your jewels in and enjoy being clutter-free! you could use this jar method to store a variety of trinkets.

TAG, you're it!

last friday i met some friends for happy hour at TAG, a swanky, new-ish place on larimer. here is the result:

2 x $5 dark and stormy (ginger beer/rum cocktail) + $5 avocado CA roll = mere $15 later, feeling satisfied and slightly buzzed

the happy hour offerings also included gourmet mini sliders and generously filled tacos. i would recommend to others, especially given the reasonable prices. i'm interested in trying for dinner as well, the menu is creative and the place got packed!

check them out here: http://www.tag-restaurant.com/

dress up them boots!

i came across this post on dailycandy.com (awesome site, i strive to be even similar to it). these are straps you put around your boots to dress them up. how cool?!

boots are expensive and take up lots of precious closet space. like me, you probably only have a pair or two. now you can easily change your look. the straps are all different...some are colorful, some metallic, others leather and studded.

check it out here: http://the2bandits.com/

and if you're feeling crafty, as i often am, you could DIY (do-it-yourself). just some fancy ribbon, elastic, glue gun, and some gems or charms if you'd like. i think i'll try this weekend, in fact! will keep you posted...

make em' roll

it's always good to have a joke in your back pocket. my friend kristen gave me this one, and i thought it was quite funny. plus, appropriate for all ages!

q: how do you wake up lady gaga?
a: you poke-her-face!

bark, bark

over the holidays i tried out a new barefoot contessa recipe, french bark. i cannot take the credit, as ina told me exactly what to do, but i did make 3 batches and recieved rave reviews.

this is a perfect eat-with-your-fingers dessert to serve at a party, wrap up as a hostess gift, or indulgence for yourself. but more importantly, it could not be easier.

and so, i share:

9 1/2 oz. very good semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
8 oz. very good bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 c. whole roasted, salted cashews
1 c. chopped dried apricots
1/2 c. dried cranberries
(note: you could substitute any dried fruits you prefer)

melt the 2 chocolates in a bowl in microwave. meanwhile, line a sheet pan with parchment paper, turning the paper facedown on pan. pour the melted chocolate over the paper and spread to form a rectangle, taking up the entire pan. evenly sprinkle the cashews, apricots and cranberries over the chocolate. set aside for 2 hours until firm. break apart and serve.