Carol's Christmas Cookies: Whipped Shortbread

Christmas has the BEST recipes for sweet treats, or as my chef friends calls it "Sweet Shit". My mother always has put on a spread for Christmas of treats that are AMAZING! I love using her recipes each season, like THIS 'Dream Bar' Recipe.

One of my all time favourites are her Whipped Shortbread Cookies. They are easy to make and the literally melt in your mouth.

What you need:

1lb of butter

1/2 cup of cornstarch

1 cup icing sugar

3 cups flour (all-purpose)

*Candies is you want to decorate them - We garnished our with Canadian Smarties this year.

How To:

*Beat with electric mix master until the mixture is the consistency of whipping cream. 

*Remove mixture from the bowl using a tea spoon and place each cookie on the cookie sheet.

*Bake at 325 for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Add decorations before baking!

*Let cool and ENJOY! 

My mom and nephew baked ours this year!

LisaG's Gift Guide 2013

We are getting close to the big day and I composed this gift guide for all you 'last minute' shoppers who need a little inspiration!

I am in LOVE with this technology. We all have 35mm negatives lying around from days gone by. Imagine if you can have the images on your phone to share? AMAZING! Use it in conjunction with the Lomoscanner app. Shop now and save 10%  (its only $59) (Lomography)

SHOP InvenTORI Online or In Store.

There is a collection of fabulous finds from Tori as well as brands that she loves! 

There are only 4 Evolution Rewind Rings Left!!!

 For the Tori FAN they are offering autographed copies of her NEW book, Spelling It Like It Is! 

Pink Sugar Crystals: Does Santa need some sparkle? 

 There is no time before Christmas for a custom creation BUT you can e-mail them for a Gift Certificate for that special someones stocking!

Remember my custom, monogram phone case?

They have these and a wide range other other products.

Little Maven Clothing for the stylish tot in your life!!

* Baby to 6yr

It is great quality, stylish and an affordable price point.

HURRY all items are on SALE!

Image: Tamara Wickstrom

Love Fashion & Fiction? This is the sweetest series for Tweens, Teens and any Fashion lover with an imagination! The Time Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Fabulous, One-of-a-kind Cocktail Rings and Hair Accessories from Evolution Rewind!

Shipping is ALWAYS complimentary!

 Shop: Showgirl Hair Piece

Shop: REWIND RINGS (Image: Tom Fowler)

EVOLUTION VINTAGE GIFT CARD!

Give the gift of FASHION! 

Let EV Stylist LisaG (ME) help you re-style fashion's past current!

BEST STOCKING STUFFER:

Marchesa for REVLON 3d Jewel Nail Appliques

(Found at most grocery stores and pharmacy's, wherever REVLON is sold)

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Remember, gifts are fabulous but the best gift you can give your loved ones is your time, attention and LOVE! 

Love your Stylish Santa,

LisaG

XOX

Wrap It Up: DIY Wrapping Paper

I have a very specific vision when it comes to color schemes, especially at Christmas. My tree is a mix of Magenta, Silver, White/Pearl, with a dash of black velvet and rhinestones. We recently moved into a new home in April and as the holidays came closer I realized that my living room had to be re-painted in order to accommodate my Christmas decor (True Story) Bye Bye burgundy, hello magenta!

I have come to find out in lieu of using only silver paper which is easy to find I have a hard time acquiring corresponding wrapping paper. The prints and tones that are cohesive seem to be difficult to find and when I do they are so expensive. So I took on the task of creating said wrapping paper on my own.

I also love to include my kids in as much as I can when it comes to creating. Life is so busy and moves so fast that each moment I get to spend with them is really my ultimate goal (and subsequent reward).  My five year old daughter Kaleigh was thrilled to be my paper princess and help me paint our custom wrapping paper.

It took only a few hours and it was a lot of fun.

What You Need:

*Rolls of brown packing paper (buy from the dollar store as it seems to be a little thinner than the 3M brand and easier for wrapping). (Cost $2)

*Acrylic paints in a variety of shades and tones that are cohesive with your color pallette. I used metallic pink, pearl, matte purple, magenta, metallic silver acrylic paint and spray paint. Also brushes (I had on hand) and a small craft roller (Approx Cost: $10)

*Creativity

How We Made It: 

We decided on 4 designs/prints (3 pictured below). 

We painted and left the paper outside to dry. Acrylics are fast drying, especially outside.  

Once dry you can start wrapping. I got ribbon and tulle to use for bows and I printed off black and white photographs to use in place of traditional "tags".  I placed the image of the person who belonged to the gift on the front and in some cases signed who is was from. If I had an image of the two people together (from/to) I included that photo.

These are the first 3 gifts I wrapped with my custom paper. I have a lot of paper to come from the two large rolls we painted. I want to ensure that everyone in the family receives a custom wrapped gift Christmas Day! It is a great conversation piece and your gift recipients will be delighted with the thought and effort you put into their gifts AND how you WRAPPED IT UP!

How do you WRAP IT UP?  

Share your traditions and/or ideas in the comments below!

The Evolution of a DIY Tree Topper

I have been on MAJOR Christmas preparation hiatus and have had little time to post here. My out of town visitors have arrived and now that the holiday's are in full swing I am onto the crafting phase of the year.

I started with my tree topper.  It has evolved over the last 3 years and I wanted to share how I made it.  I can't be the only one who is not a fan of the classic angel or star topper. You don't have to spend a lot on the crowning glory of your tree. You can use items you already have on hand and incorporate new ones as your taste and tree decor evolves.

Year 1:

This year I utilized a natural looking small "wreath" that was pre-done with faux snow, cranberries and pine. The focal point is the "H" which was the cake topper on my wedding cake. and I purchased a small glitter red flower arrangement from the dollar store, took it apart and added it to the topper along with ribbon.

Total coast: $7 (H monogram not included)

Year 2:

I changed my tree decor from the classic red/silver to a more modern black velvet, magenta and pearls. The accent colors being white and silver.

I purchased a floral foam small wreath along with silver metallic ribbon. I wrapped the wreath to cover the green.

I had a black velvet Vintage hat from my eBoutique that was seriously damaged and unwearable. I'm no milliner so instead of repairing it to wear I re purposed it into two uses. The first was a fabulous showgirl hairband using the vintage velvet and feathers and the second was my tree topper.

I strung loose faux pearls along thread and attached it to trim the hat. 

I also used silver Christmas tree ornament hooks to secure and anchor some loose pearls to the 'wreath' along with some white feathers. 

Additional Cost: $6

Year 3 (This Year):

Another variation of this DIY tree topper has taken place a top my Christmas tree.

Keeping the original foundation and materials I have added a Vintage 1950's brooch to add some sparkle. I have also incorporated some magenta metallic elements I got on sale at Michaels (70% off holiday decor now!)

Additional cost: $6

For under $20 I have had 3 years of amazing, custom tree toppers.

What top's your tree?