SPRING BREAK WISHLIST // AMERICAN APPAREL

Nylon Tricot Bandeau Bikini Top in White // $17.50 (on sale!)

Stripe Nylon Tricot High-Waist Swim Brief in White Aqua Vertical Stripe // $28

Medium Wash High-Waist Jean Cuff Shorts // $58

Unisex Big Pocket T-Shirt in Creme // $25 

     ...and I want to recover the pocket with a floral print (thanks Pinterest).

Matte Top Coat Polish // $6

Sincerely, Mary Claire

DIY // PERSONALIZED MASON JAR GLASSES

Everyone loves mason jars, right? You can use them for almost anything - flower vases, makeup brush holders, and drinking glasses (which is what will be featured in this post). This is a simple project that makes a great gift or party favor!

Step 1

Find materials to work as a base for the personalized part of the glass. I used patterned duct tape, craft paper with music printed on it, and burlap. Almost anything flexible and light-weight will work.

Step 2

Cut the strip of whichever material so that it will circle the jar once and overlap a bit. Then, secure it. I found that the best way to do this is by using double-sided tape. The Scotch brand is my favorite - it will definitely hold up!

Step 3

Once the band is secured around the mason jar, use puff paint to decorate it. You could also use paint pens or just a Sharpie. Simply write onto the band and then let it sit overnight. It will be dry in the morning.

 

Sincerely, Mary Claire

GIFT WRAPPING // HOT FUDGE

Secret Santa is probably one of the funnest things about Christmas, and I love to go all out with stuff like this. This year was easy because I knew exactly what my person wanted. I didn't have a lot of room for creativity, so I decided to add those little details in the wrapping and with another little home-made treat. 

To make a gift a bit more personal or just to make it cute, the easiest thing to do is to wrap it with craft paper and do some decorating! I just used some puff paint, polka-dotted ribbon, and twine. Be creative, and decorate however you choose!

 

Lastly, the hot fudge. My grandmother has passed down the recipe to my mom, and I can truly say it's the best I've tasted. 

1 can Hershey's syrup

1 stick butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

1 can Eagle-brand milk

Melt the syrup and butter first, and wait until it comes to a rolling boil. Then add the salt and vanilla. Add the milk last, and stir while you pour it in. Turn the temperature down to low and let it simmer. Taste it periodically; you'll know when it's ready.

This stuff is best served warm over ice cream, especially peppermint. One of my personal favorite combinations is a brownie topped with peppermint yogurt and hot fudge.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely, Mary Claire