:: armelle blog ::

homemade larabars ..

2012-05-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

my friend shelby introduced me to homemade larabars, and i've been hooked ever since.

these high energy bars are so easy to make, and they contain a few simple ingredients. nothing artificial here!

i love to pack some around as i am running around town. i am one to get super grumpy when hungry, so when the blood sugar is running low, they really keep me from losing it! and, my kids love them too! they think they are getting a real treat! and, it is all healthy ingredients!

there are endless combinations you could come up with, but my current favorite is almond, oat, and coconut! you can put these together in no time, and pack them up for your next summer hike!

check out the full recipe over on my zupas post this week. click here!

{photo by caroline armelle drake}

diy: duct tape bag

2012-05-17T20:07:00.000-06:00

i am in love with all of the fun duct tape colors and patterns that you can find these days!

i made this fun handbag for my little norah to carry around her treasures, and she just loves it!

duct tape is so much fun to play with! and, there are so many things you can create!

you only need a few supplies to make this darling bag!

be sure to check out my full step by step pictures along with instructions over on the hellobee blog today!

it doesn't take long to create a new little bag! i'm even thinking of doing a bigger version for my summer swim bag, wouldn't that be awesome?!

have fun creating!

{all photos by me, caroline armelle drake}

banana almond and oat smoothie ...

2012-05-17T01:02:00.001-06:00

i have a hard time remembering to eat breakfast. but, i found if i make this tasty banana, almond, and oat smoothie i can sip it while on the go! and, it is packed with all i need and more for an energizing breakfast!

check out my latest post over on the zupas blog for the recipe! click here!

{photo by, caroline armelle drake}

*i am a contributor to the zupas blog, a local restaurant with a blog all about food, with tips and recipes!

quick and easy trail mix ...

2012-05-10T01:06:00.000-06:00

some find it difficult to eat healthy when we are all so busy and constantly on the go. well, with a little preparation, it isn't difficult at all. and, last time i checked fruits like bananas, and apples are very portable and have zero prep time!

trail mix is a great option to pack around, and it packs all sorts of great vitamins, and healthy oils!

check out some great tips on how to make your own trail mix over on my zupas post today! click here!

* i am a contributor to the zupas blog. zupas is a local restaurant with a blog all about food! great recipes and tips, all shared on the blog! be sure to check it out!

armelle jewelry mother's day sale ...

2012-05-03T16:41:00.002-06:00

can you believe that mother's day is may 13th! that's only a week from this sunday!

if you are wondering what to get your mother, then i'll help you out a bit!

i am offering 15% off of your entire purchase in the armelle jewelry shop, now through sunday may 6th!

be sure to enter MOM15 in the coupon section at checkout to receive your discount!

happy shopping!!

veggie tacos for cinco de mayo ...

2012-05-03T16:18:00.004-06:00

do you need a fun dish to share for cinco de mayo coming up this weekend?

i love these veggie tacos! they are a great spin on the boring old taco, and so fresh and tasty!

the roasted butternut squash really gives it a nice little sweetness, and amazing flavor!

check out the full recipe over on my zupas post this week! click, here.

{photo by me, caroline armelle drake}

*i am a contributor to the zupas blog. it is a local restaurant with a blog about all things food, be sure to check it out!

how to: make homemade bubble solution and blowers ...

2012-05-02T15:09:00.001-06:00

the weather is finally warming up, and i have a feeling we will be spending all of our time outdoors from now on!

my children love to blow bubbles, so we pulled out some items we already had in our house, and we made our own homemade bubble solution, along with some bubble blowers and wands!

it is so easy to make, and you can be blowing bubbles in no time!

you can check out the full tutorial on how to make homemade bubble solution, as well as homemade wands and blowers over on my post for the hellobee blog today. click, here.

now, get out there, and blow some bubbles!

{all photos by me, caroline armelle drake}

quinoa with black beans and vegetables ...

2012-04-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

quinoa is quickly becoming the favorite "super food" these days.

it is packed with vitamins and nutrients, and it is also gluten free! it is a nice substitute for rice, and it makes a nice light dinner paired with some veggies!

check out my zupas post this week, i am sharing the recipe for quinoa with black beans and vegetables.
click, here!

{photo by me, caroline drake}

* i am a contributor to the zupas blog. zupas is a local restaurant that has a blog about all things food, great recipes, and tips! be sure to check it out!

welcome sponsor: alice lane home collection + a giveaway ...

2012-04-25T21:09:00.000-06:00

i am excited to introduce you to armelle blog's latest sponsor, alice lane home!

alice lane isn't a stranger to the blog world. items from their amazing store, and their beautiful design work have made the blogging rounds time and time again!

owner jessica bennett named the store alice lane, after the street she built and designed her first beautiful home on. her store showcases beautiful pieces available to purchase from, sofas to rugs to mirrors, to jewelry. alice lane offers a large collection of high quality pieces for your home.

alice lane also has a talented team of designers that offer custom design services for your home.

they also have a wonderful blog where they showcase their latest client projects, new arrivals in their store, and home decor tips. be sure to check it out, here!

and, exciting news for my readers!

alice lane is giving one of you this darling elephant pillow (shown front and back of the pillow side by side) that retails at $150! here is what you have to do to for a chance to win!

congratulations to Jenn Kirk!! Comment #36! you are the winner of the elephant pillow!!

here are the rules for the giveaway: (GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!)
1. you have until thursday, may 3rd, 2012 to enter this giveaway {the giveaway closes at midnight}
2. check out the alice lane blog.
3. then, make 1 comment on this post to enter. *opportunities for more entries, see below for details!
4. no anonymous comments please
5. usa residents only
6. winner will be chosen via random.org and announced friday, may 4th

*for more entries you can: {one entry per option! giving you up to five extra entries, please make a comment for each additional entry to be considered}
1. become a follower/subscribe to the armelle blog.
2. become a follower/subscribe to the alice lane blog. (comment and tell me you subscribe)
3. blog/tweet/facebook about this giveaway on your blog and put the link in your comment/entry.

4. become a fan of armelle on Facebook.

5. follow me on twitter. @carolinearmelle.

**be sure to put one comment for each extra entry.

GOOD LUCK!!!

* this is a sponsored post. all thoughts and opinions are my own. if you are interested in becoming a sponsor on the armelle blog, please email me for current rates. carolinearmelle@gmail.com

{top photo by: allyssa vincent, all other photos by nicole hill gerulat}

snap peas ...

2012-04-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

i love spring! so many wonderful vegetables are staring to come into season!

one of my favorite spring vegetables are snap peas, or sugar snap peas! they are naturally sweet, and so easy to eat raw as a snack, or cooked up along side your dinner!

today i am sharing a recipe for snap peas with shallots and pine nuts over on the my post for zupas today.

be sure to check it out here!

{photo by me, caroline armelle drake}

DIY: custom printed paper bags ...

2012-04-18T10:58:00.002-06:00

did you know that you can design and print your own custom paper bags with your own printer?

it is so nice to be able to customize some party favors with any wording you would like! really, the options are endless!

i am sharing the full tutorial over on hellobee today! click here to check it out!

{all photos by me, caroline armelle drake}

*i am a DIY contributor to the hellobee blog, a wonderful blog full of parenting tips, and DIY's. be sure to check it out!

fox inspired party favors ...

2012-04-17T23:25:00.004-06:00

i am excited to share with you my last little details of thomas' fox inspired party today!
i love to throw together fun goodie bags for parties!

i put together these fox inspired goodie bags for thomas' little cousins that attended the party!

i love to use the party colors as inspiration while i am out shopping for the favors. it is fun to buy goodies and toys that go with the theme and colors!

the party favors included: (sources included)
goodie favor bags- zurchers party store (you can also print your own bags! see the DIY tutorial, here)
green party blower- zurchers party store
black and white japanese masking tape- etsy
a fox sticker- found at the down peach tree lane etsy shop
rock candy sucker- zurchers party store
fox plastic toy- by safari ltd. michaels craft
vending machine capsule filled with jelly bellies- wholesale vending products
dylan's candy bar- jc penny
brown and white chocolate candies- ikea
green gumball- zurchers party store
orange kazoo- zurchers party store

the little fox toy was hard to find. there aren't many little fox related toys out there. but, i am glad i came across this little guy!

and, did you know that you can print your own custom paper bags?
well, i figured out how! it can take a little trial and error.. but, how fun is it to customize your paper bags?

click here to check it out!

see more of the fox inspired birthday party, here. (the party, inspiration, and invitations!)

{all photos by me, caroline armelle drake}

mom's best network ..

2012-04-16T15:42:00.000-06:00

happy monday dear readers!

i am excited to let you know about a brand new site that launched recently called mom's best network!

i love this site because it helps empower women, and helps them to become the best mother's they can be!

and, guess what? i've been ask to be a contributor to this amazing site! little 'ol me! there is quite the line up of talented mom's, so i am over the moon excited to be a part of this amazing network of mom's!

there are so many great resources on the site including - recipes, DIY's, entertaining, fashion, and so much more! i love the h.o.t. products list that are mom approved! so helpful!

be sure to click on over and check it out! so many pretty things to peruse!

the fox inspired birthday party ...

2012-04-13T01:24:00.000-06:00

i'm excited to finally share with you the fox inspired party that i threw for my son thomas' first birthday!

i decided that i wanted to do a brunch for the party! there are so many fun options food wise, and it was fun to put together the menu!

i served milk, chocolate milk, and sparkling clementine juice for the drinks.

i bought some mini cinnamon rolls from costco, and put them on tall cookie pop sticks. i also made a fun donut hole tree. i hung the donut holes on a styrofoam cone painted with chocolate. they are attached with toothpicks.

amazing ham and cheese sliders, (with shirley's bakery rolls!) and individual yogurt parfaits.

my favorite part about the yogurt parfaits was using japanese masking tape to hold on the darling little spoons i found at ikea.

fresh fruit with whipped cream fruit dip.

i thought about making a cake, but ran out of time. since it was a brunch, i thought it would be appropriate to serve a "donut cake" using my favorite chocolate cake donuts from dunford bakeries. i added some fun flags using skewers in the top, and i cut the flags with die cuts from lifestyle crafts.

and, of course there was a candy table.

it was fun to gather candies with the colors of the party. i found most of the candy in the bulk bins at winco, and at zurchers party store.

i always end up getting too much candy, but the kids love it, of course!

i played around with the decor using colors from the theme. i played around with crepe paper fringe, and this is what i came up with! i loved the out come! basically i used jordan's paper fringe tutorial, then twisted the fringe stripes and taped them to a embroider hoop and hung them from fishing wire.

after figuring out how to make them, they didn't take long to make three of them! and, they really made the table pop!

we also taped balloons along the banister using the party colors.

this fox print by olive lake was the inspiration behind the party! so, i displayed it on the entry table along with some flowers and the goodie bags.

i found the cutest little flowers in pots at harmons, a local grocery store. the orange color was perfect for the party, and so darn cute! the succulents and woven pot are from ikea.

and, the goodie bag table! [i'll be sharing more about the goodie bags soon!]

the birthday boy! i can't believe he's one!

me and my sweet youngest child.

we just love our little thomas, and had such a great time celebrating his birthday!

source list:

tablecloth- ikea black and white sofia fabric

white serveware- walmart, target

cake stand- martha stewart for mace's

green trays/tubs- target

chalkboard cardstock- hobby lobby. cut out with lifestyle crafts die cuts.

chalkboard markers- ben franklin crafts

food label holders- sur la table

thomas' high chair- ikea

balloons- zurchers party store

green and white striped straws- zurchers party store

milk glasses- starbucks frappecino glasses, washed and labels taken off with goo gone.

goodie bags- zurchers party store, (will have a tutorial on how to print these soon!)

tiny spoons- ikea dragon spoons

yogurt parfait plastic cups- orson gygi

goodie bag basket- ben franklin craft store

succulents- ikea

bees in succulents- hobby lobby

glass drink containers- ikea

milk glass- thrifted

glass candy containers- hobby lobby

white candy three bowl tray- tai pan trading

small scoops for candy- sur la table

styrofoam cone for donut tree- hobby lobby

black and white striped tape- etsy

for more on the fox party (invitations, etc) click here!

{all photos by me}

asparagus ...

2012-04-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

did you know that we are right in the middle of asparagus season?

i am a huge fan of asparagus! and, so are my children! they love it! did you know that it is part of the lily family? who knew?

you can check out more fun facts on asparagus on my post this week for zupas. click here!

also, if you need a great recipe with asparagus! be sure to try this risotto recipe! i make it all the time, and it's to die for!

happy thursday!

{all photos by me}

* i am a contributor to the cafe zupas blog. a local restaurant with a blog all about food, recipes, and foodie facts! be sure to check it out!

modernthread pillow cover winner ...

2012-04-12T13:03:00.000-06:00

i am excited to announce the winner today of the giveaway for the pillow cover from modernthread.

and, the winner is?!! comment #31, nicole choules!

please email me your mailing address, and i will have modernthread send over your new pillow cover valued at $65!!

and, for the rest of you, be sure to take advantage of 20% off your entire purchase in the modernthread shop! just type ' armelleblog ' at checkout. expires april 30th.

this weekend ...

2012-04-11T16:06:00.001-06:00

a few events you won't want to miss this weekend.

first, piper and chloe kicks off this friday in salt lake city!

some great handmade goodies will be there! be sure to remember, mother's day is coming up!

also, the bijou market kicks off this friday as well in downtown provo!

their will be some great handmade and vintage vendors there as well! i am hoping to head to both for some local handmade goodness!! see you there!

easter ...

2012-04-10T09:24:00.001-06:00

I just love easter, and all the festivities that come with it! we had an amazing easter this year celebrating with family, and appreciating our Savior Jesus Christ!

here are a few pics of our easter.
hope you had a great one as well!

egg white omelet with kale and mushrooms ...

2012-04-06T17:14:00.001-06:00

i am not your typical breakfast person. i have to make myself sit down and eat it, when i remember. but, i am trying to be better about eating the most important meal of the day.

as my obsession with kale continues, i have been trying to come up with some more healthy breakfast options. i made this egg white omelet with kale and mushrooms topped with avocado, and it was amazing! i could eat breakfast a lot more with this on the menu!

check out the recipe over on my zupas post for this week! click here!

p.s. have a great weekend! i'll be throwing a party! wish me luck! and, don't forget to enter the modernthread giveaway here.

{photo by me}

*i am a contributor to the cafe zupas blog. a local restaurants blog all about food, with many recipes and tips!

fox birthday party invites ...

2012-04-05T07:00:00.007-06:00

i mentioned that i am working on a little party for my thomas' first birthday!

i finally got my invitations together and all sent out! (better late than never.. luckily it's just family so they don't care!)

i designed the invitation, and printed it onto kraft paper. i just love kraft paper! it was fun to print color onto kraft paper too! it gives it a fun touch, and is a little more unique than plain white paper!

i loved the idea of including a little mini envelope on the invitation!

i used the mini envelope cutting die from lifestyle crafts to cut out the mini envelopes, and it was just perfect for the look i wanted! (see ad on sidebar for a promo code for 20% your entire purchase from lifestyle crafts!)

i put the party details inside the envelope for our guests to find!

i found the green and white striped paper to make the mini envelopes with at hobby lobby, it is the paper studio brand. it was the perfect color, and the stripes were also perfect for the stripes that i am incorporating into the party!

i found the kraft envelopes at xpedx, the kraft card stock at hobby lobby, and the black and white japanese masking tape on etsy. (just search black and white tape) i used the fonts- print clearly, and easy open face, both can be downloaded for free on dafont.com

the invitations are one of my favorite parts of putting together a party! i hope it makes our guests excited to attend the party!

well, wish me luck on the party! i'm planning to serve a small brunch! i'll be sure to post more party details as they get finished!

see more of the fox birthday party here.

also, my little ezra is turning five next week?! i can't believe it! since he's so old and all now, he asked for a friend party this year. kind of kills me to have his party at one of those kid joints, but he is beyond excited, so i am thrilled to do it for him!

since i was already working on thomas' invites, i put together ezra's invites for his little friends! i have to say, it is pretty nice not to have to plan him a whole other big shin-dig too! the invites were super easy, because i just used the fonts and colors from tommy's. easy-peasy!

{all photos by me}

diy: easter "carrot" snacks ...

2012-04-04T22:05:00.001-06:00

spring is finally here, and i really couldn't be more thrilled! i love the spring season, with everything growing new and fresh! easter has snuck up on me this year, can you believe it's this sunday?

if you are scrambling for some fun easter treats, then this non-candy easter "carrot" snack would be a great addition to your kids easter basket, or a great treat to pass out at your easter egg hunt!

i've seen fun "carrots" at the store filled with orange easter candies, but i thought it would be super fun to use annie's cheddar bunnies cheese crackers. the bunnies are a perfect detail for an easter snack!

you will need to gather a few supplies:

scissors
clear tape
cone-shaped clear bags (found at hobby lobby, xpedex, etsy, local craft stores)
cheddar bunny crackers (found at target, wal-mart, whole foods, etc)
green crepe paper or gift tissue paper

1) fill the cone-shaped bag with the desired amount of cheddar bunny crackers and twist the top of the bag closed.
2) seal the top of the bag closed with a small piece of tape around the twisted area.
3) cut off any excess plastic bag just above where you taped.
4) cut 2 to 2 1/2 in strips of tissue/crepe paper and then cut fringe into the paper on one side stopping about 1/4 to 1/2 inch before you cut through to the other side.
5) take the tissue/crepe paper and wrap it around the tip of the plastic cone bag a few times with the fringy part facing the top.
6) take a small piece of tape, and tape the crepe/tissue paper into place. arrange the fringe, and viola!

fun "easter" carrots that your children will love!

my kids helped me make some for an easter party we attended this week! they had so much fun putting them together, and they just loved giving them to their little friends!

happy easter!

{all photos by me}

welcome sponsor: modern thread + a giveaway ...

2012-04-03T15:28:00.004-06:00

i am so excited to introduce you to the armelle blog's latest sponsor, modernthread!

i have had the pleasure of participating in several shows with tiffany of modernthread, and i am a huge fan of her work!

modernthread is a great source for design savvy sewing! tiffany started modernthread after the birth of her first baby. she loves to indulge in working with beautiful fabrics, and started out making cute modern bibs and has evolved over the years, and now sells beautiful high quality pillows made with designer textiles.

she feels that a great fabric is key to a well designed space! her pillows are the finishing detail that can bring a great room all together! she recommends layering patterns in fabrics, mix and match geometrics with florals, and bring in some large scale with small scale prints! her pillows come in various sizes, including lumbar pillows! modernthread also works with you on creating piece that will work for your space!

so, be sure to check out modernthread the next time you are in need of an amazing piece to spruce up your space! many of my friends, as well as myself, own several her pillows, and they really are so beautiful and such great quality!

i know i have had my eye on this amazing schumacher chaing mai dragon pillow for quite some time now.

and, good news for my readers!

modernthread is giving away this amazing lumbar pillow cover made with schumacher's betwixt designer fabric! a $65 value!

modernthread is also giving a 20% off your entire purchase discount until april 30th for all my armelle blog readers! just type the code " armelleblog " at checkout for the discount!

to enter to win! all you have to do is:

make a comment on this post, and tell me what your favorite pillow is in the modernthread shop! (USA residents only please)

comments will close wednesday, april 11th at midnight! so be sure to enter before then!

to submit extra entries: (be sure to make a comment for each extra entry, up to 4 entries are possible!)
1) subscribe/follow the armelle blog. (then make a comment telling me you are a subscriber)
2) like the armelle facebook page, click here. (then make a comment telling me you like my page)
3) follow armelle on twitter @carolinearmelle (then make a comment telling me you follow my twitter)

good luck! the winner will be announced thursday, april 12th!

* this is a sponsored post. all thoughts and opinions are my own. if you are interested in becoming a sponsor on the armelle blog, please email me for current rates. carolinearmelle@gmail.com

inspiration: a fox birthday party ...

2012-04-02T20:21:00.003-06:00

as you know my little thomas just turned one last week!

i am getting things ready for a little birthday party for him this week, and i thought i'd share with you some inspiration i had for the party.

i received this darling fox print, by oliver lake when i attended alt design summit back in january (i still need to blog about that!). the minute i saw this print, the ball started rolling on color scheme, and what i wanted to do for thomas' first birthday party. i love when inspiration hits in the most un-expected times!

i have had a lot of fun gathering green, orange, brown, black, and white supplies the last few months, so we'll hope it all goes as planned! you can see more inspiration i've found around the web for the party on my foxy pinterest board.

stay tuned for more!

see more from the fox birthday party here.

diy: tie-dye easter eggs ...

2012-03-30T17:20:00.001-06:00

easter is almost here, and we love the tradition of dyeing easter eggs!

this year we wanted to do something a little different, so we decided that we would tie dye our easter eggs. it was really easy, and they turned out so great!

my kids had a great time helping with the eggs, and creating their own little piece of easter egg art!

for the full tutorial on how to tie dye easter eggs, you can click on over to the lovely site, hellobee!

i am a new contributor to their lovely site, and i will be sharing fun diy crafts there every other week!

be sure to check it out!

hope you have a swell weekend! it would be a perfect time to dye all those eggs!

{all photos by me}

white bean and vegetable soup ...

2012-03-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

we try to do some meat-less nights at our house, and opt for dishes with less meat when we can. i like to substitute beans in our diet, because they are high in protein, and so good for you!

i threw together this white bean and vegetable soup the other day for dinner, and no one missed the meat in our meal! it has kale in it, which is becoming a fast favorite of mine!

i am sharing the recipe over on my post for zupas today! click here to check it out!

{photo by me}

*i am a contributor to the zupas blog. zupas is a local restaurant with a blog all about food, with great recipes, facts, and tips!