The Palette

Category: Food and Drink

Food and Drink

New Years Resolutions: Top 5

When the New Year comes around it is easy to start looking back at the year you had and ahead to the year you would LIKE to have. Here at MCDC we gave the new year a tag line..."2013...it's ALL happening”.

While 2012 was “...making it happen” this year we are excited to keep up with all the hard work that was put into making the year a success! We wanted to share with all of you out top five New Year Resolutions for making your 2013 the best year yet!

 

Resolution #1: Keeping it Organized

Are you trying to run a small business, household, or simply managing to keep up with yourself? We found that lists are the BEST way to manage your time. Lists totally help us to keep track of all that the week ahead holds. Plus it allows us to let go of the stress that all those appointments and orders can have on the mind. By writing it all out we are able to make space in our brains for more creative thoughts!

We recommend finding the system that works best for you. Is it a calendar or note pad? Here are a few good ones:

Since we are floral designers it isn’t a surprise we adore Rifle Paper Co. new 2013 line of note pads and calendars. SO PRETTY! We are excited to start using ours!

 

 

 

 

Images via Rifle Paper Co. 

 

Resolution #2: Keeping Fit

 

Image via Pinterest

 

Are you a yogi? A runner? Hiker? A gym enthusiast? Whatever it is you do to keep your body healthy we have a few ideas on how to KEEP it up in the new year!

Try a NEW class at the gym. Whenever we are feeling like just sitting at the desk and cranking out more work instead of going to the gym we try to add in something “new” to our routine. Maybe its trying the rock n’ roll ballet class or aerobic kick boxing...whatever it takes to make it more exciting! Sometime shaking it up does the trick.

 

 

Resolution #3: Keeping Inspired



Image via Pinterest

 

Being both creative and business minded can be a blessing. It can also be very, very difficult. Sometimes when we want to create we are tired from handling all the business stuff (and vice versa). There are some tried and true tricks to get ourselves excited and inspired to get creative!

Check out what others are up to on your favorite blogs. Here are few of our...what are yours?

  1. Design Love Fest 
  2. Oh Joy! 
  3. The Palette (Obviously!)
  4. Mrs. Lilien 
  5. The Chalkboard Mag 
  6. LA in Bloom 
  7. The Local Rose 

 

Resolution #4: Keeping it Yummy + Good for you!

Clockwise from top: Edible SelbyIn the Green Kitchen: Techniques to Learn by HeartThe Food52 Cookbook, Vol. 2I Am Gratefulall via Amazon.com

Cooking can be a wonderful way to meditate and keep your body running in tip top shape. Here are a few of our favorite “good for you” cookbooks. You are bound to find plenty of healthy plates in these cookbooks!


Resolution #5: Keeping it Light

This resolution is often the hardest one to keep in this busy world we live in. Keeping it light mean not taking yourself too seriously. Being able to shrug off the things that are out of our control and go on with a positive outlook.

A few ways we Moon Canyon Ladies do that is with music, making time for friends and looking up at the stars. Look up when you feel down. Sing when you feel like you don’t have the right words to say. And lean on your buddies when you need to.

 

We hope you all have a wonderful New Year and hope its ALL HAPPENING for you in 2013!!

 

xo amy + kristen

DIY: New Year’s Eve in Style

I went to my local thrift store and picked up some simple champagne flutes. I’ve been brainstorming how I can make them fabulous for the New Year. There are a million glitter DIY ideas, but none really wowed me. So while perusing some of my favorite fashion sites I found my inspiration!



Image via Chanel.com

I’ve been obsessing over these shoes for quite some time. I might not be able to have them in my closet, but I can try to bring some of the Chanel class to my Party!

All you need is a glue gun (or E6000 which is what I used in this tutorial), a champagne flute and quartz crystals.

Start by applying a small amount of the adhesive at the base of the glass.

Start placing the crystals around the base. Working in a small area will help because the glue takes a little bit of time to set. To help prop up the ones that are standing up, frame it with crystals that are laying on their side.




Use a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover to clean up any excess adhesive.

And you're done! Cheers!

Holiday Gift Giving Guide

‘Tis the season for giving, so why not double the giving potential? Instead of fighting the battles of shopping at your local mall check out GiftsThatGive.com. For every $5 that you spend, $1 is donated to a charity of your choice.

With over 100 different brands to choose from, and anything from housewares to clothing, you’re sure to find a gift for everyone!

Here are some great gifting ideas:

1. For the Man in you life - Great packaging and a manly scent, perfect for any gentleman on your list!

2. For the Stylish Girlfriend - Just like the Little Black Dress, this little black clutch is a great go-to piece. You can never go wrong with a classic!

3. For your Child - This gift is sure to get a good laugh when your child of any age opens it!

4. For the Teen - Great for your grandchild, or your baby sitter. This colorful bracelet is the perfect compliment for any “arm-party”.

5. For the Chic Hostess - This has to be the most chic glassware set I have seen yet! A great smoky with a edge! A chic uptown hostess would definitely approve!

6. For the Foodie - You know that friend, the one that makes the most delish munchies for the pot-luck? Well this is sure to please. They will be happy to host a fun cocktail party with this adult science kit!

7. For your Boss - Show your boss that you appreciate their golden knowledge with these great bookends!

8. For the “Oops!” I forgot - Ever forget someone on your list? Or receive a gift unexpectedly? Don’t be caught off guard! Stock up on these adorable Jonathan Adler erasers! They are cute little creatures that are sure to bring a smile to who ever unwraps them! And they will be sure to continue smiling while this critter keeps them company in the office!

Harvest cocktail recipe

When getting prepped for your Thanksgiving celebrations, don’t forget to include a custom cocktail! I love this one because utilizes all the best flavors that fall has to offer. Maple, cider and allspice. It is like a crisp fall day in a glass. You could also omit the ice and heat it up on the stove top to serve after a brisk game of touch football: so versatile!

 

The prefect pairing for turkey and trimmings!

 



The familiar ingredients may already be in your pantry in preparation for fall baking

 



This rum cocktail has a classic crispness and earthy allspice syrup perfect for fall.

 

Recipe:

(Makes one cocktail)

  • 3 oz rum
  • 2 oz apple cider
  • ½ lemon
  • 1 oz allspice maple syrup
  • lemon slice and clove for garnish

 

To make syrup: Simmer 8 allspice berries in 2 cups maple syrup at a low heat for 7-10 minutes. Let cool and strain out allspice. 

Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Serve with a thin lemon slice pierced with a clove. Enjoy!

MILAGRO NAPKIN RING DIY

Bright and bendable Milagros are a kind of religious folk charm. They come in all shapes and sizes and are usually made out of tin. We thought we might try to repurpose these sweet charms into something for the table, so here goes.



 

Supplies:

  • Drill
  • 1/8” drill bit
  • Twine
  • Scissors
  • Drilling surface (wood perhaps)
  • Milagros 


 


Drill two holes on either side of the milagro.



 

String the twine through the holes along the back of the charm.


 


Bend tin slightly into a sort of half circle.


 


Tie twine around napkin.


Voila! Your DIY Milagros napkin ring is complete.

Try Our New Create Your Own Rug Tool!