Recipe- "In Mint Condition" Brownie Bites

Hey Cats!

So, I'm very excited to share this recipe with y'all! It came about when my mom asked me to bake brownies for dinner with some of my extended family. Instead of just making a pan of brownies like your average person, I decided to get a little creative. Also,we had a package of chocolate and mint chips, and I didn't want to just mix them in the batter, so I melted them & drizzled it on top like ganache! Anyways, I'll just go ahead & let you try them for yourselves!
Here's what you'll need:
1. A boxed brownie mix & all the ingredients needed to make the brownies. I used Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge, but you can use whatever! Or if you're feeling super domestic, you can make the brownie batter from scratch!

2. One 10-ounce package of chocolate & mint chips. I used Nestle, but I think they might be a seasonal item, so if you're not making this around Christmas, I think you can get Andes chips, which would probably work just as well!

3. A muffin tin
4. Pam or other non-stick cooking spray. (VERY important)

Here's what you do:

1. Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the box.
2. Distribute evenly (mine was about two huge spoonfuls per hole) in a muffin tin coated VERY WELL in Pam. They stick a little no matter what, but I can't imagine what would have happened if I didn't use anything.
3. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.
4. During the last few minutes of baking, melt half of the chocolate & mint chips, according to the directions on the package. For some reason, I expected it to be green since some of the chips were, but...it wasn't.It was a light brown.

5. Once the brownies are done, go around the edge of each brownie with a knife to make sure they don't stick. After they are cool, remove them from the muffin tins. You'll probably have to use the knife again & be very careful so they don't fall apart!
6. Drizzle each brownie with the chocolate. You can make designs if you have that kind of talent, and if you do, I applaud you. I always stick with the abstract look, it's easier & perfection is optional :).
7. Enjoy! If you let the chocolate set a little, it turns into a ganache-like consistency and is extra delicious!

I really hope you try these, they're super easy, but different from your average brownie! I have forbidden myself from going to Hobby Lobby until I finish my current project, so it might be a couple of days until I'm able to post again, but I promise it will be amazing! Until next time!

OH MY GOSH, I'M BACK AGAIN!

Hey Cats!

So, as you can see from my BSB-inspired title, it has been quite a while since I've posted. There are two reasons for this. 1. There is no time to blog in college. Unless I decided to be lame or fail, neither of which is  an option. and 2. I forgot the password to log in... Anyways, it's Christmas break, and I've been home for about two weeks, and I've just about run out of things to do. So, of course, I decided to revive Sweet Cats. And I have SO MANY IDEAS!!!! Seriously, I'm so excited. Also, next fall I'm moving into a house with 5 of my best friends. Yes, we know it will probably be a little crazy, but we're fully prepared to handle it :). Anyways, I tell you this because I've already started crafting for the house, so I'll have plenty of things to post! And since Pinterest has truly changed my crafting life, I always have an abundance of inspiration! In my next post, I'll share a super recipe I came up with this afternoon...you're going to love it! Until next time!

DIY- Nautical Wastebasket

Hey Cats!

It's been SO LONG since I've posted! I've been super busy with camps and getting ready for college, so I haven't really had time to blog, much less craft! This is something for my dorm room, and I feel like it's kinda cheating, because I painted it with my friends at the beginning of summer. But I'm going to share anyways! As I may have told you, my room is a beach theme. I wanted to incorporate the theme without making it look like a tacky beach house, which has been slightly difficult. I thought that the little rope detailing on this trashcan gave it just the right touch of nautical-ness. You can definitely change this up to match whatever room you're wanting to put it in. I've actually painted one for my room at home, and my sister painted one for our bathroom. It's a great way to add a pop to a room, and it's a good small project when you're feeling slightly crafty. Anyways, here's what you'll need:

- 1 wooden trashcan (I've always gotten them at Hobby Lobby)
- Acrylic paint of your choice (navy & white for stripes)
- Masking tape (for making stripes)
- Hot glue gun
- 1 piece of clean rope that will go around the top of your trashcan

Here's what you do!
1) Paint your trashcan in whatever color or pattern you'd like. For my stripes, I painted the entire trashcan white (I'd recommend using multiple coats). Then, I placed masking tape in straight lines, leaving stripes in between the tape that were the width of the tape. Make sure you press down the edges of the tape so the paint doesn't seep through. Paint the spaces in between the tape and remove the tape when it's dry! I also recommend painting the inside and bottom of the trashcan for a more polished look.
2) Next, cut your rope to a length that will go all the way around the top of the trashcan, giving yourself no more than an inch extra.
3) Tape the ends of the rope so it doesn't fray.

4) Glue one end of the rope to a corner of the trashcan, making sure it lines up directly. You should use a thin line of glue and will probably have to hold it down a while for it to stay.

5) Continue gluing the rope onto the trashcan in small sections.
6) When you reach a corner, chances are (unless you use super skinny rope) you will have to cut the corner in order to turn. Just glue the rope all the way to the corner and then just skip the pointed part of the corner. This is a little hard to explain, so just look at the picture :)

7) Continue gluing the rope until you reach your starting point. You might have a little rope left over, but don't cut it off!

8) Take the extra rope and glue it on top of the other rope, as if you were going to wrap it around again. This time will require LOTS  of glue, and you'll probably need to hold it down for a few minutes to make sure it sticks.

I know this looks a little messy, but just put this part against the wall :)

And you're done! Here's what it looks like!

I'm super excited about this, and I can't wait to see it in my dorm room in 6 DAYS!!! OMG. That being said, since I'm going to college and might have actual social events to attend, I'm not really sure how often I'll be crafting. I won't give it up of course, but it might not be such a giant part of my vida anymore. :( BUT I'm taking all my stuff with me! I have a tub to put it in and everything! So, until next time, whenever that may be!

DIY- Big Fat Headbands

Hey Cats!
This DIY might just be my favorite so far! I love headbands, and I've been wanting some wide ones for quite some time, so this was the perfect project! I used a leftover piece of thin, woven fabric for one, and the bottom band of a sweatshirt for the other. I can't take much credit for the idea for the sweatshirt headband, because I got the idea from the blog Studs and Pearls (http://www.studs-and-pearls.com/2011/02/diy-leftovers-sweashirt-necklace.html). Yes, I did make the sweatshirt blazer, but no, I will not show you, as it turned out looking like something the bag lady would wear (it was my first DIY). As for the woven fabric, I really like the tribal trend, and I thought it would make a great fat headband! I haven't worn either one of them yet, but I forsee them becoming my new bff's once school starts!
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 leftover band from the bottom of a sweatshirt, OR some other semi-stretchy fabric
- 1 piece of thin fabric, long enough to go around your head. (If you don't have any lying around, I would suggest looking for fabric trim rather than regular fabric, because you don't want any ends that can fray)
- 1 piece of wide elastic ( about 1 inch long)
- Sewing maching ( You can do it by hand, but it will probably hold up better if you use a machine)
- Matching thread

Here's what you do!
1) First, we'll make the tribal headband. Trim the fabric so it is about an inch short of fitting around your head. also trimming any frayed edges off.

2) Fold one end of the fabric over about 1/4th of an inch. Using a zig-zag stitch, sew down the center of the fold.

3) Fold the fabric over again, this time making it a little thicker. Using the zig-zag stitch, sew down the middle, going back and forth a few times.

4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other end of the fabric, making sure the folds are on the same side of the fabric.
5) Wrap the fabric around your head again, measuring the gap between the two ends. Cut the elastic to the length of the gap.
6) Using the zig-zag stitch again, sew the elastic onto the fabric, making sure it is centered. I would suggest going back and forth a few times to make sure it's secure.

7) Repeat step 6 to sew the other end of the elastic to the other end of the fabric. Make sure it isn't twisted before you sew!
And you're done! Here's what it looks like:

*DISCLAIMER*I would like to apologize for these next two photos. I understand I look like a tween taking mirror pics, but no one else was at home and I wanted to go ahead and finish this. Sorry. Just know that I don't regularly do this. Also, I got my hair cut and it's shorter than I wanted, so I look like I'm about to go for a run, which is not what I wanted. I might wait until my hair is a little longer to wear these...

Now for the black one!
1) Wrap the fabric around your head to measure. This time, it should fit all the way around your head and overlap a little.
2) Using the zig-zag stitch on your sewing maching, sew the ends together, making sure it isn't twisted. Sew it a few times to make sure it's sturdy.

And you're done! I contemplated adding buttons, but I decided plain black would be more versatile...and also, I didn't really feel like sewing them on. But if you want to add buttons, or rhinestones or anything, go for it! Here's what it looks like!

*The above disclaimer applies to these next 3 photos*

See how easy that was? I plan to do this a few more times, and I want to experiment with different materials. These are very versatile and can be added to basically any outfit. Well, any casual outfit that matches. I'm not really one for an eclectic mix of clothing. I like my solid J-Crew tees and shorts. Which these might look cute with, actually... Anyways, I have no idea what my next DIY project will be, so it might be a while. Let's hope I figure it out soon! Until next time!

DIY- Re-Upholstered Earrings

Hey Cats!
I was perusing my jewelry box the other day looking for something to remake for a DIY. I found these red earrings that I probably never would wear again, and decided to give them a makeover! I contemplated paint, ribbon, and buttons, but I settled on covering them in fabric. It reminded me of recovering a piece of furniture to make it fit better in a room- in the same way, I've recovered these earrings to better fit my wardrobe! I have had this fabric forever, and I don't really remember why I had it in the first place... anyways, it finally came in handy!
Here's what you'll need!
-1 pair of old round earrings,OR earring posts and buttons you can cover in fabric.
- Leftover fabric (You don't need much of this, just a few scrap pieces will do)
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors

Here's what you do!
1) Remove the backs from the earrings, being careful not to bend the posts. I pryed mine off with my fingernails, and it was actually kind of difficult.

2) Cut two small squares of your fabric. A good way to measure is to lay the circle on top of the fabric to see how much you'll need.

3) Turn the fabric over, with the side that you want to show on the bottom and the reverse side facing you. Turn the circle over as well, with the flat side facing you.

4) Take one corner of the square and glue it onto the button, making sure the fabric is pulled tight AND that the button stays in place.

5) Next, take the next corner and glue it in the center of the button.

6) You will notice a small point of fabric in between the two folds you just made. Glue this down too. You will have to hold it down with your fingers, and probably burn yourself with hot glue. I did. Multiple times. But it's worth it :)

7) Continue to glue down the corners and tiny points until the fabric wraps smoothly around the button. Try not to make it too lumpy on the back, because you will have to glue the post on.

8) Glue the post on, making sure it is centered and level. You should hold it down for a few seconds to make sure it sticks. 

9) Repeat steps 3-8 for the other earring, unless you just want one for some reason...

And you're done! Here's what they look like on!

I'm super excited about these & can't wait to wear them! I hope you try this, it's not as hard as you think! Also, I have another DIY coming soon, and I can't wait to share that one either! Until next time!

DIY- Cute As A Button Frame

Hey Cats!
As you may or may not know, I will be going off to college in the fall (yay!), so I have been collecting things to decorate my dorm room and make it feel more like home. I picked up a long collage frame on one of my many trips to Target, but I was worried that it would be too much blue, since I already have lots of blue things (comforter, pillows, lamp, trash can, hangers...you get the picture). My mom suggested that I paint a design on it to add some color, but I didn't really feel like painting, since all I can do is flowers and hearts. So, I decided to glue buttons onto it! It took maybe 30 minutes, and it was super easy! Except for when I burned myself. Anyways, here's what you do!
You will need:
-An inexpensive collage frame (mine was $12.99 from Target), or you could do a mirror or a regular-sized frame.

-Assorted buttons. I bought Grandma's Grab Bag from Hobby Lobby last year, and I'm still using it! You could also use rhinestones in place of buttons. (I used 2 in random spots)

- A hot glue gun

Here's what you do!
1) Decide where you would like the buttons on the frame. I placed mine and then moved them around to make sure I liked where they were. Do this first, because once they've been glued down, they won't be easy to get off!
2) Glue them on!
And you're done! A tip is to wait until the glue has cooled to clean off the little strings, because if it is still hot, it will just stretch out even more. I waited until I had them all glued on and then cleaned it off.
Here's how it turned out!

Since this was so easy a child could have done it, I guess it was more to show you what I made than to tell you how to do it yourself...but I wanted to share! I hope you try this, it's a great way to make anything a little more personal and unique! And also, I have an idea of what my next DIY is, and it's great! I'm so excited! Until next time!

DIY- Summer Camp Chic Bracelet

Hey Cats!
I finally finished my latest DIY project! Well, sort of. I still have to make another one, but I just couldn't wait to share :) I can't take a lot of the credit for this one, I got the idea from the March 20th post of the blog I Spy DIY (http://ispy-diy.blogspot.com/). I also got some tips from the blog ...love Maegan (http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/03/leather-lanyard-bracelet-diy-maeg-it.html). It's really easy, and it reminds me of craft time when I went to camp in elementary and middle school. I always made lanyards, but I never knew what to do with them, so they ended up in a drawer somewhere. I wish I had thought to make bracelets out of them! Anyways, here's how you make it!

You will need:
-2 different colors of plastic string. I used Rexlace & found it at Hobby Lobby.
-A toggle clasp set. Again, Hobby Lobby.

1) First, measure 60-80 inches of each color of lacing. Mine was closer to 60, but it depends on the size you want your bracelet. When in doubt, always go longer! (This is the information I got from ...love Maegan)

2) Next, thread both colors of lacing through the bar part of the clasp, making sure the clasp is in the very center of the lacing and the ends are even.

3) Then, tie a knot at the base of the clasp, under the loop you threaded the lacing through.

4) Now you're ready to start braiding your bracelet! Before you begin, lay your lacing out in the shape of a cross, with the colors across the knot from each other. You should keep it like this at all times while you're working.

5) Bring each pink strand across to the other side, as if they swap places, but keep them straight. Hold it down between your index finger and thumb.

6) Next, the blue strands will swap sides. Bring each blue strand over the first pink strand and under the second, making a box shape.

7) Next, with a blue strand and a pink strand in each hand, pull tight! The loops should tighten into a box like the picture, but if they don't, DO NOT freak out. I had to do this one about 15 times before it worked correctly. It just takes a little patience!

8) Repeat steps 5-7 one more time.
9) This time, we will do basically the same thing, except diagonally. Instead of bringing the pink strands straight across, you will bring them across in a diagonal. You should be able to see the box as a diamond between the two pink loops.

9) Bring the blue strands across in the same over-under manner. I recommend bringing the right strand across the top, it's just easier! And then tighten as you did the first two!
10) Repeat the diagonal box for the entire bracelet! It's actually quite easy and doesn't take a lot of concentration. I watched Dance Moms while I was making mine!
11) After a while, you will start to see a nice pattern forming

12) Keep going until it's as long as you want it to be! Mine was about 6 & 1/2 inches long.

13) When you've reached your stopping point, tie a tight knot at the end.

14) Next, string all 4 strands of the lacing through the loop on the circle part of the clasp. It might be a little challenging to get them to fit, but it can be done!

15) Tie a knot close to the clasp, leaving a little space between the end of the bracelet and the clasp.

16) Continue tying knots, remembering to pull very tightly, until the lacing is too short to do another one. I tied three.

17) Trim the lacing to the length of the shortest strand

And you're done! I would suggest burning the ends of the loose ends a little so they will stick together. I haven't done that yet, but I plan to, because the ends are annoying. Here's what mine looked like!

After I finish my sister's, I might just have to make more in another color! These are great for summer, and I just love it! I'm not really sure what my next DIY will be, but I'm working on it! Until next time!