Wednesday, December 19, 2012

How to Wear Adoravel!

Since I'm no stranger to putting together an outfit or two on this blog, I thought it would be fun to try to add in our jewelry pieces into some seriously, drool worthy outfits. Safe to say, I'm obsessed with all of these and wish I had the means to get my hands on these items!

The vashti necklace featured in a glam and edgy outfit. Those boots are the reason for my existence! And I love mix and matching colors.


The unmei necklace in a casual, glam outfit perfect for vacationing. I love pairing a glam maxi skirt with a casual cotton top - nothing is more comfortable.


The hera bracelet and angkor earrings in a perfect work or date night outfit. Lately have found myself obsessed with open toe booties.


The callia necklace in a summer night at the beach outfit. A comfy sweater is an essential and so is a great fedora.


The palaver necklace in a perfect festival outfit. Coachella or Outside Lands here I come! Especially loving that minimalist Uniform Wares watch.


The Lysa necklace in a perfect garden party or day wedding outfit. How fabulous are those shoes? I'm loving clear accents on heels - that aren't the stripper variety ;)

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Balls


There's nothing more cutesy than a cake pop. On the downside, there's nothing as painful and laborious to make as a cake pop. Yes, they are beautiful, but beauty takes a lot of work; especially these babies. In the center lies a moist red velvet cake crumble mixed with cheese cream frosting, then it's surrounded by a layer of creamy cheesecake, then rolled in some graham cracker crumbs for some crunch, and finally surrounded in white coating chocolate! Whew, that was a lot to get out!


As you can probably tell, there are a lot of steps to these pops, but, what you don't know is that they really are worth it. For a red velvet cheesecake lover, this is pretty much heaven! And for a holiday party, I can't think of any treat more fitting.


Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake Pops
Yields: about 25 - 30 cake pops
Original recipe here.

1 recipe red velvet cake, baked, crumbled (I used my favorite)
1 can of cream cheese frosting
1 baked cheesecake (I used this recipe, or you can use store bought to make it easier)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups white chocolate bark, chopped finely
lollipop sticks 

To make the cake center, mix together the red velvet cake crumbs and cream cheese frosting until thoroughly mixed. Using clean hands, form them into 1" balls and set on a foil lined baking sheet. Set in freezer for 30 minutes to harden, to make them easier to work with. Pour the graham cracker crumbs in a shallow bowl and set next to your cheesecake to make a sort of assembly line. Using a spoon, take about 1 - 2 tbsn. of the cheesecake and wrap around the cake center. This will be difficult, but once you mostly have it covered around in the cheesecake, drop the ball into the graham cracker crumbs and roll around. Once covered in graham cracker crumbs, it will now be easier to roll into a uniform ball. Repeat with remaining cheesecake and cake balls and set onto a foil lined baking sheet. Melt your white chocolate bark (either in 30 second increments in the microwave of using a double boiler). Dip a lollipop stick in the melted chocolate, then stick one into each cheesecake-cake ball. Once all cake balls have been sticked, place in the freezer for 30 minutes until set. Re-melt your chocolate until it is smooth again, since by now it might have hardened a bit. Grab a stick and dip the entire ball into the chocolate until covered. Tap lightly to remove excess, then transfer to a clean foil-lined baking sheet. You can either let them harden on the counter or, if you want to speed up the process, you can set them in the freezer again for 20 - 30 minutes. Enjoy!


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

New Things in the Shop!


Lots of new things in the shop!

Annnnnd... don't forget, 15% off your entire purchase from now until December 25th, with the coupon code: holiday15.


palaver . gold colored rock crystals on brass chain.


it shines like crazy! edgy yet simple - one of my favorites.


eunoia . a simple, charming necklace featuring an authentic swarovski crystal on ultra thin gold-plated chain.


such a delicate statement.


vashti . oversized authentic prehnite stone on chunky, gold-plated, etched chain.


delhi . simple stacking bracelets made of silk cord (either black, red or green) with glass crystal beads (either graphite, jet or bronze).


simple arm candy that is perfect for stacking!


deux foix . layered polished, oversized bronze chain hanging simply from a double strand of brass chain.


chrysler . chunky gold-plated, etched chain adorned with an authentic turquoise stone.


love stacking all my chunky chains! the turquoise adds the perfect amount of color.



pompei . authentic green adventurine stone sticks and gold plated beads on gold plated chain.


chrysler . oversized prehnite stone on polished gold-plated, chunky chain.



chrysler .  chunky gold-plated, etched chain adorned with an oversized authentic swarovski crystal. 


aphrodite .  a double layered, wrap bracelet of mixed metals: gold plated etched chain and silver plated etched chain.


again, with the layering! 



flora . a simple necklace with perfect shine, a floral swarovski crystal set upon gold plated chain.



komorebi . simple and luxe, a champagne colored, authentic swarovski baguette on gold plated chain.



the flora and komorebi layered together.



the giving branch .  a gold plated twig charm on gold plated chain.



lysa . an oversized, authentic, baroque-inspired swarovski pendant on polished, chunky, gold-plated chain.



id . a simple necklace featuring a gold-plated bland id tag on gold plated chain.


a simple yet lovely statement.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Adoravel Holiday Sale!

I have always been a fan of a great sale, and now that my friend and I have our own shop, it's time we spread the love around by having a sale of our own! With the holidays approaching, we are featuring a special sale during these weeks before Christmas (from now to December 25th) so that you can either treat yourself or treat a loved one with some handmade jewelry!

To get 15% off your entire order, just use the coupon code: holiday15.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Pumpkin Pie Marshmallows

It's funny, because when it comes to food, it seems like there are two types of people. There are the "semi-homemade" chefs and the full blown, homemade everything chefs. Some people think that taking the semi-homemade way is a cop out but I feel like the occasional easy meal keeps for a well-rested home cook. 
Sometimes though, I like to challenge myself. I know that it seems like everything I make is a sure winner, but that's only because pictures are a lot more forgiving than taste buds. And sometimes, I mess up things so badly, I don't even post them because I'm so ashamed! But these little things, they are not one of my failures.
Homemade marshmallows have been on my to-do list since forever. I've always had this notion in my head that they would be difficult because I mean, I've never really had homemade marshmallows, ever. After reading numerous times about how easy marshmallows are, I really couldn't pass the opportunity to make pumpkin pie marshmallows. Seriously, pumpkin pie marshmallows?!

Anyways, these were a cinch. The only hard part is dealing with the clean up, because you better believe that these things make for a large mess... in every single corner of your kitchen. Powder everywhere, sticky pots and pans... oy vey! But, the upside is that you're rewarded with little puffy pillows of sweet and spicy goodness. These were really sweet, like, really sweet. A bit too sweet for me to be eaten alone, but perfect in a cup of bittersweet hot chocolate!

Pumpkin Pie Marshmallows
Yields:
Original recipe here.

3 packages of unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 tbsn. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch

Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line a 9x13" baking pan with parchment paper, spray lightly with non-stick spray, then dust with 1/3 of the sugar-cornstarch mixture; set aside. Place 1/2 cup of the cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir to distribute. Let the gelatin dissolve for at least 5 minutes. 

Place the remaining water, corn syrup and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and increase the heat to medium-high and insert a candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it reaches 240 F on a candy thermometer, about 8 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and carefully pour the hot syrup into the stand mixer with the gelatin. Turn the mixer on low to combine, then turn the mixer to high and whip for 12 - 15 minutes or until the mixture is stiff and shiny. 

While the marshmallow is whipping, combine the pumpkin puree, spices and vanilla in a small bowl. When the marshmallow is ready, fold in the pumpkin mixture and stir well until there are no visible pumpkin streaks remaining. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Dust with 1/3 of the sugar-cornstarch mixture and let it sit uncovered for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Turn the marshmallows onto a cutting board and cut into 1 1/2" squares. Dust the sides with the remaining sugar-cornstarch mixture. Store in a container with the lid slightly ajar for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Blueberry-Almond Frangipane Tart


There's one thing I make simply for the fact that I love to eat it, and it's this. I don't do it because I love to make it, because trust me, this pretty thing takes a bit of work - and that's AFTER I simplified the process. But, alas, all that hard work does pay off.


I find myself obsessed with anything that involves frangipane. It's earthy, luxurious and so delicious. I created this variation on my favorite fruit tart, and baked blueberries into the frangipane so they released all of their delicious juices into the almond scented custard. Oh my gosh, it was, divine, simply put. With some more fresh blueberries on top, it really was perfect.


Blueberry-Almond Frangipane Tart
Yields: 2 9" tarts
Original frangipane recipe here.

For the crust:
1 package dry mix sugar cookie dough
+ the ingredients needed to make it, according to the package
 For the frangipane:
8 tbsn. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 cup almond meal or ground almonds
4 tsp. cornstarch
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. almond extract

3 cups fresh blueberries, 1 cup set aside
1/2 cup slivered almonds

First, prepare the frangipane filing. Combine the butter and sugar in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add the ground almonds and pulse to blend. Add the cornstarch and pulse. Mix in the egg, egg yolk and almond extract. Scrape into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using. Before spreading into the tart crust, make sure to bring back to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare the sugar cookie mix according to the directions on the package. Divide the dough among two 9" tart pans with removable bottoms. Spread evenly along the entire surface and up the sides (don't worry if it looks thin - it will puff up during baking). Divide the frangipane among the two tarts and spread evenly on top of the sugar cookie base. Sprinkle each tart with 1 cup of fresh blueberries each, pressing slightly so that they are semi-submerged into the frangipane. Sprinkle the edges of the tart with the slivered almonds. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until the edges are just barely golden and puffed up, while the blueberries have released some of their juices. Set aside to cool a bit. Sprinkle the remaining fresh berries on top of each tart. You can glaze the tart with some melted preserves if you wish or dress it up with some powdered sugar, but I thought it was perfectly beautiful as is.



Monday, October 8, 2012

New Items in the Shop!

hello all!

just wanted to show you some new things in the shop that i'm totally in love with.

enjoy! xxxooo.


mercer in graphite & navy . heavy brass chain contrasted against oversized glass crystals


mercer in graphite . oversized mirrored glass beads contrasted against heavy brass chain


mercer in adventurine stone . semi-precious adventurine stone contrasted against heavy brass chain


l'argent in brass . heavy brass chain secured on delicate thin brass chain


angkor . statement drop earrings made of gold tubes and semi-precious black quartz


l'or . a tiered, double stranded necklace featuring two golden curved bars


adonia . wire wrapped gold plated charm on gold plated chain


unmei . a lariat necklace made of gold plated chain and gold plated charms


aisling in smoke . a sparkling grey glass bead wrapped in brass wire


ancla in rain . oversized glass beads on gold plated chain


milieu in light green opal, rose gold, silver and gold . micro bead and chain rings 


elan . earrings hand forged with mirrored silver glass beads wrapped in brass wire


perse . semi-precious citrine stone on gold plated earring backings


tre . super thin gold-plated tiered satellite chain with mini graphite bead detailing


l'argent in gold . oversized gold curb chain with double stranded gold plated chain