Valentine’s Crush on Blush Swing Dress Sewing Tutorial

Blush Swing Dress Tutorial by Bunny Baubles Blog

Blush, the newest color of the season, has me all kinds of excited. Flattering on all sorts of skin tones, it’s no wonder everyone has been sporting it in coats, accessories, and dresses. Pink is also the perfect color for a Valentine’s Day getup, and it’s only a week away!  Though Kyle and I aren’t huge Valentine’s Day enthusiasts, usually spending the day together just cooking and hanging out to avoid the craziness of restaurants, I’m open to the commitment of wearing pink. Continue reading “Valentine’s Crush on Blush Swing Dress Sewing Tutorial”

Superbowl Snack Recipe Archive

Though my Superbowl plans are not yet set, I am sure to be watching the game, rooting on my third adopted team (Go Broncos!), and snacking hard core.

I like to bring something to the party that’s a little different from everyone else. Though wings, pizza, and chips are needed, there always tends to be like five times too many of all of them. If you’re looking for something original to surprise everyone with, try one of the recipes I’ve shared over the last couple of years!

1. Fresh Mango Salsa – It’s great to have an alternative to the normal salsa with this fresh and zesty one!

mango salsa conclusion

2. Hummus (for cheaters – so easy!)

Hummus for Cheaters 4

3. The godly Chuy’s Jalapeno Ranch Dip  – This might not look like much, but get back to me in an hour when you’re still chowing down like you’ll never get to have it again.

Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch Dip by Bunny Baubles Blog 2

4. Baked Shoestring Sweet Potato Fries – Grab a handful – or ten – they’re baked and way better for you than the normal chips.

Baked Shoestring Sweet Potato Fries by Bunny Baubles Blog 9

5. Decadent Crabby Avocado Dip – This is a great way to feed your vegetarian friends since it eats like a meal and so simple to throw together.

Crabby Avocado Dip by Bunny Baubles 6

Lavender Earl Gray Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Lavender Earl Gray Tea Shortbread Cookies by Bunny Baubles Blog

There’s just something about tea time that rushes me into relaxation. Nostalgic memories of my mother and grandma pouring big pots of English Breakfast and passing around a tray of goodies swirl through my mind every time I sit down for a cup. My siblings and I would come home from school and plop down at the kitchen table to jabber on about our days while scrambling to pass the milk and sugar. Continue reading “Lavender Earl Gray Shortbread Cookie Recipe”

Clementine Sunshine Cocktail Recipe

Clementine Sunshine Cocktail by Bunny Baubles 6

A couple of weeks ago Megan and I tried to plan a happy hour with our girl friends, but to our dismay everyone was busy. It then proceeded to hail golf ball sized pieces of ice in Houston, so the two of us decided to have a night in with cocktails and the HBO Go movie selection. The only problem was that we hadn’t necessarily planned for making cocktails, so every site we tried for “make a cocktail out of what you have in the house” resulted in needing to go to the store. We’re crafty and adventurous (obviously, noting the crazy Friday night we had planned), so we decided to wing it. Continue reading “Clementine Sunshine Cocktail Recipe”

DIY Fur Pillow Cases

DIY Fur Pillow Case by Bunny Baubles Blog

This post should not be coming as any surprise, seeing as I told you I was totally gung ho about redecorating my new sofa with none other than fur pillows. They are all over the place in the stores, and I think that they give a really nice contrast in texture to a modern space. I shopped around and found some beautiful ones at Target, Pottery Barn, and Overstock, but none of them had removable pillow cases! There’s no way that furry pillow is not going to need a wash every once in a while… Continue reading “DIY Fur Pillow Cases”

Home Decor Inspiration for 2016

A new year, a new set of decor! Well, sort of. I don’t have the funds to totally redo my entire apartment, so I am going to focus on small accent changes that will really give my place a new look.  I did this a little last year too at the start of the year, and coming home to my apartment after two weeks in Chicago inspired me to brighten up the place again. Check out my list below, and get excited for some DIY’s!

#1. My new couch is coming TODAY! I will not recommend this store, since I had the worst time getting this couch on time (AKA it was quite late…and still isn’t technically here…), but I am really in love with the mid century modern style and quality… I suggest ordering online as the people there are much more helpful than in store.

Photo Credit: Joybird
Photo Credit: Joybird

#2. With a new couch comes loads more pillows. Though I love color, I have found that most everything I have purchased over the years has been in color, and it’s getting a little overwhelming. I am going to work on adding more black and white to the couch, and definitely some fur for texture!

Photo Credit: New Zealand Design Blog
Photo Credit: New Zealand Design Blog
Photo Credit: Brit and Co
Photo Credit: Brit and Co
Photo Credit: Pretty Designs
Photo Credit: Pretty Designs

#3. Is it wrong if I want paint all of my picture frames gold? And pretty much every other object I see? Seeing as gold is incredibly trendy and paint is cheap, I see a lot of gold DIY’s coming in the future. Also, I made this DIY art almost two years ago, but I think it’s time to add something new into the mix. I’m looking at creating some sort of art wall, potentially a stag head or some sort of gold leaf quote.

Photo Credit: Hub Pages
Photo Credit: Hub Pages
Photo Credit: Little Red Window
Photo Credit: Little Red Window
Photo Credit: The DIY Playbook
Photo Credit: The DIY Playbook

#4. I am going to commit to some succulents. I’ve wanted to buy them for so long but have been afraid I will kill them… but even if I do, they are only $3 and then hopefully I will learn how to keep them alive in the future? Hope and dreams of a non-gardener.

Photo Credit: The Blondie Locks
Photo Credit: The Blondie Locks
Photo Credit: Waiting On Martha
Photo Credit: Waiting On Martha

What do you all think? Any suggestions on how to organize, decorate, and overall improve my living space?

Gold Pleated Midi Skirt Sewing Tutorial

Gold Pleated Skirt Tutorial by Bunny Baubles Blog 3

If this skirt doesn’t say holidays and celebration to you, then I don’t know what does. It’s shiny, glimmering, and makes me feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast (as noted by the twirling seen below). Continue reading “Gold Pleated Midi Skirt Sewing Tutorial”

Two Years with Bunny Baubles

Can you believe it’s only been two years since Bunny Baubles’ first post? I feel like this blog has been a part of my life forever. In a way it has, since my love for sweets, sewing, and general DIY’ing has been ongoing since the 90’s, but the writing only began two years ago. Things have really changed around here and will continue to in the near future (aka, a site revamp – coming soon!). Coincidentally, my first post was about thumbprint cookies and here I am today baking them again with my sister for Christmas. She’s a little bit taller and my photography skills have improved a bit, but the recipe hasn’t changed and neither has my love to create.

I hope you all have enjoyed the site as much as I have. It’s been a dream, a labor of love, and an escape from normalcy. I’ve managed to get at least one post up a week for an entire two years, and I really consider that an accomplishment with travel, a 40 hour work week, and life possibly getting in the way. I’ve only been able to keep it going because it’s just fun. I love writing, I love creating, and I love sharing my successes and failures with you all. I also truly appreciate all of the support and motivation I get from my readers, family, and friends. Your kind words and continuous inspiration keep my mind churning with ideas each and every day, and I thank you so much for that!

What’s next for Bunny Baubles, you might ask? Well, I’ve been asked many times about pushing the blog to become a job or a money making machine, but there’s something so idyllic about the way it is today. I adore baking and sewing, and I don’t want to ever put those de-stressing activities into a stress driving compartment of my life. On top of that, I really love my current job and am able to do both things within the time frame and budget I currently have going. I could reconsider some day down the road, but I promise that you can continue to see what you have been seeing from me since the start. Combining sugar, eggs, and butter into delectable treats, and forming some resemblance of an outfit or costume out of needle and thread or hot glue and glitter.

I’ve shared a few of my favorite posts from the last two years below.

1. My Favorite DIY Clothing Piece: The Seersucker Off-the-shoulder Dress

Seersucker Off the Shoulder Dress Tutorial by Bunny Baubles Blog

Though I’ve loved so many of the clothing tutorials I’ve posted, this one somehow takes the cake. It was so different from anything I had ever made and was inspired by such an expensive piece that I felt really gratified to complete it and be able to call it a Julia original.

2. My Favorite Collaboration: Brunch at Mark’s

Brunch at Mark's by Bunny Baubles Blog 35

It may have taken us hours to make, but I just have incredible memories from this breakfast. Great friends abound, and waiting never made a breakfast combo taste so good. If you’re looking for food porn that will undoubtedly make you drool, you have to check this out.

3. My Favorite Go To Recipe: Lemon Squares

IMG_5740

I make this recipe every year as soon as the weather starts to turn in the Spring. They are, without a doubt in my mind, the best lemon squares I’ve ever had, and I give full credit to Joy of Cooking for blessing me with their presence. They are also my boyfriend’s favorite, so there’s a special place in my heart for these guys.

4. My Favorite Brunch Item: Breakfast Egg Tart

Christmas Breakfast - Gourmet Egg Tart

This thing is incredible. Somewhere between the ease of making it and the vibrant flavor combo I die a little each time I have it.

5. My Favorite Home Decor Piece: Tribal Pillow Shams

DIY Pillow Sham by Bunny Baubles Blog

These pillows make me happy. They turn my otherwise West Elm ready mid-century modern crisp white bed (which I adore) into my bed. Colorful and ridiculous and fun.

6. My Favorite Costume: Flapper Dress

Great Gatsby Soiree by Bunny Baubles 1

Though I’ve loved wearing every costume I’ve made, this one gives me the best memories. A best friends’ birthday complete with singing into champagne bottles probably has something to do with that. It’s also turned into a wearable dress afterwards – always a plus!

7. The Most Laughable Post: Buttercream Frosting

Buttercream Frosting - frosting the cake outside (2)

I had discovered that outdoor lighting was a good thing, but resorted to frosting a cake outside in the courtyard next to an abstract fountain… because that makes sense…

8. The Most Fun/Surprising Cookie Recipe: Margarita Cocktail Cookies

Margarita Cookies by Bunny Baubles Blog 5

These were such an experiment, and they turned out better than I could have imagined. I loved making them, I loved shooting the photos, and I loved eating them even more. A success story that any parent would be proud to share.

9. My Favorite Cake that I’m Questioning Why I Haven’t Made It Again… : Blueberry Lemon Bundt

Blueberry Lemon Cake - full

Seriously, what have I been doing with my life and my oven for the past 1.5 years?

10. Award for the Worst Photos for the Best Baked Good: Funeral Cake

funeral cake on counter

If you’ve had this, you know it’s 10 times better than these photos will have you believe.

What have been your favorite posts? What more would you like to see from me? I am only as creative as the inspiration I get from the environment around me, so if you have an incredible idea and would like to see it come to fruition, please let me know! Love you all, and I hope you have the most wonderful holidays!