movember diy: acrylic paint t-shirt makeover

So long Movember... as a salute to you, I made a shirt. It's really easy.
And it goes a little something like this.....

what you need:  acrylic paint,  a paintbrush,  a white shirt (I thrifted mine for just a couple bucks at the local goodwill!),  a cutting board,  a cute quote about movember

what you do:  take your white shirt, stick a cutting board in-between the front of the shirt and the back (so that the paint doesn't leak to the backside) and simply paint away! I free-handed everything since I was feeling too lazy to make a stencil. I started with an outline of a mustache and just started to roughly fill it in. Then I filled in my quote with different fonts and just had fun with it!

Let your paint dry, run it through the wash (and don't worry, acrylic paint is very very permanent!), and then mix + match it with your wardrobe!

So long Movember!

p.s. ♥  clara

moustache cake for movember

Hello friends and Happy Movember!

Since November is drawing to a close, hopefully you've seen some magnificent moustaches (although I won't lie, I've definitely seen my fair share of sketchy ones).  Jordyn and I made a cake to celebrate, and were pretty stoked about finally using our giant moustache mold!

Why yes, that is a moustache comb in the photo above.  Doesn't everyone have one?

Mocha Cake

from: the Food Network

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup of strongly brewed coffee or espresso
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup hot water

Directions:
1) In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients.
2) Add in eggs, vanilla, coffee and oil, and mix until batter is smooth.
3) Slowly add in hot water, until well mixed.
4) Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
*If you're using a mold like ours, be sure to keep checking on it.  We noticed the ends of the moustache cooked quite a bit faster than the middle.  So make sure to be checking if the fattest part of the cake is done!

We chose a chocolate butter cream to top our moustache, but you could definitely do a regular butter cream and make it any colour you desire!

Jordyn used a butter knife to spread the icing, and then made small grooves in it for a bit of texture.  We think that shaved chocolate would also be a neat idea!

Happy Movember!

p.s. ♥ kelsey & jordyn

outfit post: peter pan collar & pastels

I really really love peter pan collars.
I'm shocked that my wardrobe doesn't contain more items with them, but I'm working on remedying that.  I found this top on ruche during a mega sale, and I'm in love!  I love pale pinks, and the lace detailing is just lovely.  I paired it with my mint pants and simple flats, and since it's Fall, and a bit chilly, I added my new favorite navy blazer for warmth!

 blazer: the gap // top: ruche // pants: stitches // shoes: charlotte russe

In other news, I'm off the Edmonton to visit Clara TOMORROW!   I cannot even express how excited I am.  I love that girl so much!

p.s. ♥ kelsey

a weekend in jasper.

I am in love with the mountains and although Edmonton is a little far away from them... I do love that we're still in driving distance of our gorgeous Canadian Rockies. They're definitely one of my favourite places in this world and I'm always amazed by the wildlife I encounter too - there is nothing more humbling to me than being in God's gorgeous creation.

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

John Muir.

p.s. ♥ clara

modcloth // uniquely you - coach dress in noir

dress //  antler ring // cat earrings // bag // tights // shoes // coat // book

I was asked to participate in ModCloth's Uniquely You campaign by styling their Coach Tour Dress in Noir.

Now this may come as a shock to some of you....but I had never actually used polyvore before.  I had been on the site before, and love scrolling through the outfits others come up with, but I had never put together a collage myself.  All I can say is...dang, it's harder than it looks to arrange things nicely!  So, here's my first attempt.  I loved the simplicity of this little black dress, and decided to play up the gold accents with some delicate gold jewelry (and yes, those are cat earrings....I try to hide the cat lady inside of me, but sometimes she sneaks out).  Wine coloured tights, and an emerald bag gave it a bit of colour, making it perfect to wear to a Christmas party.  It's never too early to plan ahead!

p.s. ♥ kelsey

tasty tuesday: caramel apples

I've moved to a new blog!  Head over to The Farmer's Daughter for the full recipe and post.

p.s. ♥ kelsey

outfit post: vintage floral skirt

Jordyn found this gem of a skirt in a vintage thrift shop in downtown Abby, and I'm kind of insanely jealous of it.  It's high-waisted, floral, and overall just lovely.  Let's just say that I'll probably be attempting to "steal" it from her in the near future.

I also would like to think that I had a bit of influence in the styling of this skirt...since Jordyn decided to pair it with a delicate lace top, and a simple grey cardigan.  Definitely something I would do.  I think my style suggestions are slowly being absorbed by her brain!  Resistance is futile.

 skirt: champion jack's // lace top: the garage //cardigan: winners // shoes: sterling

p.s. ♥ kelsey (& jordyn)

ruche holiday cookbook publication!

Ruche's holiday cookbook came out today, and I'm so happy to announce that two of my recipes were chosen to be published in it!  You can find my apple crisp, as well as my apple pie inside on pages 27 and 29 respectively.

The whole book is filled with beautiful photos and yummy looking recipes!  I can't wait to try out a few in the next few weeks.

Happy reading!

p.s. ♥ kelsey

tasty tuesday: roasted butternut squash soup with rosemary cheddar biscuits

I've moved to a new blog!  Head over to The Farmer's Daughter for the full post and recipe!

p.s. ♥ kelsey