The House of Elle

House Special: Bacon, Egg, & Cheese in Toast Cups

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:57:00 +0000

I found this cleaver spin on a boring breakfast at The Noshery! These little treats will be a star with the family on Saturday mornings!They're pretty simple to put together and take about 30 minutes to prepare. Great dish to bring to a morning office party or a Bridal Brunch!

All you need is:

6 slices of bread
6 slices of bacon
6 eggs
1/2 cup of shredded cheese
salt & pepper

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin pan with butter non-stick spray.

STEP 2: Using a cookie cutter, cut circles out of bread slices about 3 inches in diameter.

STEP 3: Take bread circles and press them into the muffin pan, set aside.

STEP 4: Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Cook bacon on the skillet until partially cooked but still pliable. That typically takes about 3 minutes.

STEP 5: Shape bacon strips into the toast cups, fill with 1 Tbs of shredded cheese. Place in the oven for 5 minutes, allowing the bacon to toast just a little more. Remove from oven.

STEP 6: Crack your egg and separate out most of the egg white. Drop eggs into the cups, sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Place back in the oven and cook until white begins to set, about another 8 – 10 minutes. The yolk should be creamy.

STEP 7: Remove from oven when done and pop out using a spoon, serve warm.

ENJOY!!!!!

Cocktails at Eight: Mimosa Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:18:00 +0000

I found this great idea for a Mimosa Bar on Sweet Bliss Weddings and just had to share. It's really simple to put together and very fancy looking I must say. All you have to do is offer a small variety of fruit juices (between 3 to 6) in pretty pitchers. Slice and platter some complementary fresh fruit. Mix with Sparkling Wine or Champagne and viola you've got yourself a fabulous Mimosa Bar! Great for anything from a ladies luncheon at home to a wedding!

Design Den: Home Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:00:00 +0000

If there is one thing that I must have in my dream house it's a fabulous home theater. Check out these beautiful spaces!

Contemporary Media Room design by Dallas Interior Designer Lori Withey

Traditional Media Room design by Portland Interior Designer Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Eclectic Media Room design by Minneapolis General Contractor John Kraemer & Sons

Contemporary Basement design by Seattle Architect Paul Moon Design

Traditional Media Room design by Salt Lake City General Contractor Phillips Development

Beauty Bar: DIY Oat Honey Milk Bath

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:55:00 +0000

I have had such a busy couple of weeks so last night I decided to try this relaxing bath treatment I found on SudaBeauty. OMG what a treat! I will do this every time I have a long day from now on. Great way to have add some luxury to your busy life and have a spa day at home!

What you'll need:

1/2 cup of rolled oats
1/3 cup of dry milk
2 tbsp. of honey
Cheesecloth
String

Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl. Pour into cheesecloth and wrap with ribbon. Tie ribbon around the faucet and allow water to run through the cheesecloth. Relax and enjoy!

Design Den: How to Refinish a Kitchenette Set

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:56:00 +0000

I've been wanting to do something to spice up my college dining room set that now resides in my breakfast nook for a while now. So today I decided that I would take the plug and attempt to refinish it. I ordered this great fabric weeks ago but had no plans for it so I decided to use it for this project. What I found was that this project wasn't hard at all. Below is a tutorial on how you can do a fabulous kitchenette refinish in a matter of hours for under $50 bucks.

What you'll need:

Staple Gun
Fabric
Spray paint
Screwdriver

STEP 1: The first step in transforming this kitchenette set from drab to fab was to remove the glass top from the table and seat cushions from the chairs. The glass just slides off easily but I had to unscrew the chair frame from the cushions in order to prepare for painting.

STEP 2: Next I took both the table and chair frames outside where I spray painted them all with a gold household spray paint. It took 4 cans to coat each piece twice.

I found this great fabric at House Fabric that worked great for this project. The fabric was kind of pricy but the quality was exceptional and well worth the price. I only needed a yard to cover all four cushions.

STEP 3: Next I decided on the pattern orientation and I cut the fabric into 4 sections with roughly 3 inches of fabric around the cushion to allow ease of stapling.

STEP 4: After cutting the fabric, I used the staple gun to adhere the fabric to the cushion. The corners were the most difficult part but I just pulled them as tight as possible and worked my way around until they were covered completely.

STEP 5: After covering all the seat cushions and I screwed them back to the frame and WAALAA a masterpiece!!!!

Beauty Bar: How to get a SUPER Bright Smile at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:26:00 +0000

A bright smile is the best accent to any great outfit! Check out this DIY celebrity secret for a brighter whiter smile in minutes!

All you need is:

Strawberries
Bowl
Potato masher (fork will do)
Baking soda
Toothbrush
Knife
Spoon

STEP 1: Chop about 6 strawberries into small pieces.

STEP 2: In a bowl, mash strawberries until you get a juicy jam consistency.

STEP 3: Add a spoon full of baking soda and mix together until you get a paste consistency. It may begin to foam.

STEP 4: Next, add some of the paste on your toothbrush and brush for five minutes. After time has past spit out remaining paste. Do not swallow any of the paste.

The paste doesn't taste that great but it works and it's completely natural! Repeat every day or every other day depending on tooth sensitivity. You will see amazing results after about two weeks!

Cocktails at Eight: Cotton Cantini

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:58:00 +0000

Are you looking for a great signature drink for your Labor Day party tomorrow? Try the Cotton Cantini. This drink is fabulous and fun all at the same time! It's easy to make and is sure to impress!

All you need is:

1/2 oz Pinnacle Cotton Candy Vodka

1/2 oz X Rated Fusion Liquor
1 oz Cranberry juice (100% pure)
A nice size handful of cotton candy

FYI: This recipe makes 1 Martini. If you want to make a whole shaker full multiply the ingredients.

Step 1: In a martini shaker add Ice, cotton candy vodka, X Rated, and cranberry juice.

Step 2: Shake until well mixed and chilled.

Step 3: Take a heaping handful of cotton candy and place in your martini glass

Step 4: Slowly pour the contents of the shaker directly over the cotton candy.

Tada!!! Magic in a glass and the flavors are amazing! FYI, this is a strong drink so if you're a light weight you may want to add a more cranberry juice to dilute it down. It still tastes wonderful!!!

DIY: Citrus Salt Body Scrub

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:03:00 +0000

As fall approaches it's time to start thinking about how to combat dry skin! I stumbled upon this great salt scrub by Paula Deen that is cheap and easy to make and leaves skin exfoliated and moisturized with a light citrus scent to remind you of summer. I tried this scrub and it left my skin so soft! Must try!!!

All you need is:
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
(can substitute light olive oil or vegetable oil; Which ever is in your pantry works. I used olive oil.)

Zest of a lemon
Zest of a lime
Zest of an orange

(Decided to add lime zest mid way thru)

Step 1: Zest lemon, orange, and lime

Step 2: In a medium dry bowl, combine all ingredients making sure to not let any water touch them as it will dissolve the salt.

Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.

Swirl ingredients together with your fingertips to mix before use. Clean body completely and just before exiting shower, apply Citrus Salt Body Scrub to body in a firm circular scrubbing motion with hands or a soft washcloth. Rinse off the mixture and pat body dry with a clean towel.

Design Den: Beautiful Kitchens

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:38:00 +0000

The kitchen is the heart of any home. Check out these beautiful spaces!

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Beauty Bar: Braids and Buns

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:58:00 +0000

The braided bun is perfect for days when nothing else seems to be working. The best part is that it isn't suppose to be perfect so you can throw it together quickly and walk out the door. Perfect for days when you're in a hurry and don't have time to straighten or curl your hair. Check out how you can get these cool looks.

Step 1: Begin french braiding the front section of your hair. Remember this look is suppose to be somewhat messy so it is perfectly okay not to part your hair. Continue french braiding until you past your ear.

Step 2: Once you past your ear. Finish braiding hair section to the end and place small rubber band around the ends to keep from unraveling.

Step 3: Gather all you hair and form a loose bun on the same side as the braid.

Remember there are several variations of this style so be creative and give it your own personal spin!

Sweet Treats: S'mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:02:00 +0000

I saw this stuffed cookie on Pinterest by Jenny at Picky Plate and had to share! Who can turn down a gooey s'more wrapped in a butter crisp chocolate chip cookie...not me! Try this and you WONT be sorry!

What you'll need:

2 sticks softened butter

1 Cup granulated sugar

3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon vanilla

3 1/2 Cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips

24 graham cracker quarters or 12 full sheets separated at perforations

3 Hershey Bars, broken into rows of 3 bars

12 large marshmallows cut in half lengthwise

In a stand or electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, continue to beat until well combined.

Place flour, salt and baking soda into a bowl; mix to combine then add slowly to wet ingredients along with the chocolate chips.

S'mores Ingredients: Chocolate, Marshmallows, and Gram Crackers

Cut marshmallows in half so that they can stay on the gram cracker better.

Instead of full size s’mores, separate the graham crackers into fourths to so they fit well inside the cookie. Layer a graham cracker quarter with 3 Hershey chocolate squares and 2 marshmallow halves. Close with another graham cracker.

Now this is where it gets a little tricky. When you are trying to wrap the graham crackers with dough, the s'more will try and move around. Just do the best you can, they don't have to be perfectly stuffed.

Time to bake!Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silpat liner. Place large cookies onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees or until edges are golden and centers are cooked through. .

Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack or serving plate.

Yum!!!!!!!

Beauty Bar:Baking Soda and Orange Juice Face Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:15:00 +0000

I came across this great DYI facial on Beauty Bets courtesy of Melissa Colgan, the Style Editor at Mpls.St. Paul magazine. Melissa says that this combo gets rid of blackheads and is great for treating hormonal breakouts. This treatment only calls for two ingredients and cost roughly 50 cents to make. Take 20 minutes and treat yourself to clearer skin!

Use 1-2 times/week depending on skin’s sensitivity.

1. Mix 1 tsp. real orange juice with 1 T. baking soda.

2. Spread a thin layer on face and neck.

3. Leave on for 20 minutes.

4. Dampen finger tips and scrub mask in circular motions for extra exfoliation. Rinse.

5. Follow with a gentle toner and moisturizer.

FYI:

The mask will tingle and itch a little but try your best not to talk. Any facial movement will cause the mask to flake off. Also, your skin may be pink afterwards but should go back to normal shortly after the mask is removed.

Cocktails at Eight: Key Lime Pie Martini

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:00 +0000

If you're looking for a creative cocktail that is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next party then you must try this Key Lime Pie Martini!

What you'll need

2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ounces Pinnacle Key Lime Whipped Vodka
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce lime juice

Martini Glass

Decorate the Rim

Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar together in a shallow plate and set aside. In another shallow plate add water. Dip martini glass rim in water, followed by the graham cracker sugar mixture and set aside.

Mix Martini

Place ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Pour into rimmed martini glass and garnish with a lime round.

The Glam Room: Blazin' Blazers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via The House of Elle on Pinterest

The Glam Room: Watch Me Now

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:09:00 +0000

I think it's safe to say you're either a watch person or you're not. I've always wanted to be but I could never get it quite right. I would find these great watches that looked fab in the store, rush home to try it and it just never worked. I felt like it looked out of place and chunky. Well I have decided to try again but this time I am going to pair it with cute bangles and bracelets to give it a feminine touch. I saw this Marc Jacobs watch and just had to have it. What do you think?

Marc Jacob

Design Den: Gold Rush

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:20:00 +0000

Looking for a way to add luxury, sophistication, and timeless style to your space? Adding gold accents in the form of picture frames, drapes, lamps, or furniture can bring your space from flat to fabulous. Gold not only adds a touch of glam to your space, it also adds warmth and makes the space feel more inviting. Check out how these otherwise traditional spaces are transformed by the addition of gold to their color pallet.

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Cocktails at Eight: Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:20:00 +0000

With football season near, creative shots can turn your game day party for ordinary to extraordinary! These adorable Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots are a show stopper and are sure to impress all your guests!

Strawberry Margarita Jello Shot

Making these treats can be tricky at first but a breeze once you mastered the technique. First you must hollow out the strawberries. Now by far this is the hardest part of making these spiked treats but the end result is worth. Make sure to avoid piercing the bottom of the strawberry because the gelatin mixture will leak right out. After hollowing, mix one package of strawberry gelatin with water, add 4oz of tequila, and 2oz of Grand Marnier. Fill the hollowed strawberry with about a tbsp. of the gelatin mixture. (Tip: Using a baby dropper to fill strawberries makes this somewhat difficult task a lot easier). Allow strawberries to chill. Garnish with cute little wedges of lime and you have adorable shots that are sure to impress!

Design Den:Luxurious Closets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Custom Closets add a fabulous touch to any home. By adding mirrored doors and lighted shelving you can turn a boring closet into a high end boutique. Bright pod lights and chandeliers at a touch of glam and make for a great place to showcase all your fashions. Check of these great spaces!!!

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