SPRING

Ok ok so its still pretty chilly out here in New York but I can't help but get excited that this winter is nearing an end! I can't wait to take out my flats and hibernate my coat for good! Well, until next winter that is. 

I'm excited to say that this spring my roommate Tricia and I will be a part of an Astoria craft fair, so I'm starting to come up with some ideas of what I'm going to sell. Here are some flower pots I've been working on. They're quick, easy, and so fun to make! 

Happy almost spring everyone! 

GOUACHE PATTERNS

So I've started a new project! Which is why I have been so quiet. Whenever I feel like I'm on to something good I disappear from the world for a little bit because of how completely obsessed I get with what I'm working on. A friend has asked me to do a series of work for her Yoga studio, so all of these will be for sale soon. Here is a sneak peek of all the works in progress. 

Gouache is one of my favorite mediums, as you can see above. 

Hope everyone has a productive week, happy Monday!

MACARON ATTEMPT

Ever since I was really young I remember loving being in the kitchen. When I wasn't drawing I was making a mess with my Mom's Kitchen Aid (thanks Mom!). I was always experimenting somehow, and it's still true till present day. I still love making messes, and being in the kitchen. So over this past weekend I tried making Macarons. (Keyword: tried.)

Above is a photo of me looking all hopeful before beginning the process.

I found a recipe out of this book, from my favorite The Macaron Cafe. (Btw, check out my two toned Mani!)

Here is the Recipe: 

• 2 3/4 Almond Flour
• 2 3/4 Powdered Sugar
• 8 Egg whites (room temp)
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 - 7 drops of food coloring

• Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
• Prepare your wet ingredient mixture. Separate your 8 egg whites in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt.
• Prepare your dry ingredient mixture. Blend together your almond flour, and powdered sugar. Using a sifter or food processor, make sure there are absolutely no lumps in the mixture. 

1. Watch your egg whites carefully on a slow speed until they become fluffy.
2.  Begin to slowly pour your granulated sugar on medium speed.
3.  Put your mixer on high speed until your egg whites are a very fluffy, and add food coloring of your choice. 
4.  Stop your mixer and check to make sure you egg whites are forming stiff peaks. 
5. Fold your egg whites into your dry ingredients very carefully until your mixture is fully mixed, smooth, and running. (no lumps!)

You can use self made pastry bags, or buy plastic ones at your local baking goods store. Making them is very simple (and cheaper) so I always go with that option. Fill your pastry bag about half way, and begin piping about 1" circles 1" apart on your cookie trays. (Use a size 8 piping tip) Your trays MUST be lined with parchment paper! 

Bake at 300 degrees for 14 minutes. Let them set until completely cool before filling is added. 

I chose to make a simple Chocolate Ganache filling.

• 2 Cups semi sweet chocolate pieces
• 1/2 cup of boiling heavy cream
• Whisk until all lumps are removed. Done!

OK so all of that work, and my final product didn't turn out so pretty. However, they did taste great! I did some asking around to find out why my shells cracked and here is the solution. 

1. Let your batter sit for 15 minutes before putting in the oven. 
2. Tap your tray on the counter a few times before putting in the oven. To ensure all the air is out of the shells. 
3. Touch the tops of your piped shells before putting them in the oven, they should be hard to touch. Not sticky!
4. Rotate your trays in the oven. 

I will be attempting this recipe again next weekend, hopefully it works out a little better. Stay tuned for Macaron updates! 

HELLO!

This week I've been working on some self promotion materials and here is a look at what I have so far, Happy Friday everyone! 

FRAME OBSESSION

OK, I admit it. I'm obsessed with frames! Many people may complain about having to wear glasses, but I actually love being able to wear an extra accessory. Over the years I have collected some great frames, here are my favorites. 

Moscot

OLIVER PEOPLES

In the photo above you can see the pair that I'm currently wearing (and obsessed with) these great Warby Parker frames. They were 2013 fall limited edition, and I snatched them up while they were available. I'll probably start itching to buy a new pair by this summer, thinking about getting at pair at Vint & York. What are some of your favorite designers?

INSTA-FINDINGS

I recently found these awesome creatives on Instagram, my inspiration for the coming week. Happy Monday everyone!

MANI MONDAY: NUDE AND BLACK

I usually like to keep it neutral on my nails, and this week I decided on two neutral tones. I found these colors at my local pharmacy by a company I've never used before - Julie Nail Color. I definitely am impressed so far! Their color selection is great and they were relatively inexpensive (A+ in my book). Nude and black go great together, and look awesome no matter what you're wearing. 

Here is a breakdown of what how I achieved this look: Paint your nails nude, I did two coats. 

With a fine brush paint guidelines for your triangles in black. 

 And for the last step I carefully filled in the black triangles.

I always use Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Top Coat. It's my absolute favorite at the moment - it dries fast and leaves every manicure looking professional. Even if your not the best at painting!

Let me know if you tried out my nail tutorial this week, and show me pics!