Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Make your own coasters! The kids can too!

I like to make my own things.
I saw some coasters on etsy that were 6 for $20 which was a bit expensive.
So I decided to make my own.
They turned out more like a kid's craft..
So I am going to make more professional looking ones later...
But it was fun and cute!
The total I payed for material was like $6...and my materials will last so I can make many many many more projects.

First Try:: Cute for a kid's craft.
so on a rainy day with kids or a day off school it will be so fun and quick too!
but not very professional looking

::Materials::

4x4 tiles ($0.16 for white or cream $0.38 other colors)
Mod Podge (dont remember how much between $5-8 I believe, I already had it but it has so many uses!)
4x4 high quality pictures on computer or photo paper (photo is harder to work with)
A can of clear spray paint ($3.47 at walmart)
Foam stickers (200 pack for $1 at the dollar store)

Total:: $11-$16 and you can make a lot more tiles than 6

1. First print out 4x4 pictures (maybe a little bigger just in case)

2. Apply mod podge to the tile with a brush.

3. :::If you use computer paper:::
       Place the picture immediately on the mod podge (put it on slowly from one side to the other to
       prevent bubbles or wrinkles in the picture) and brush another

   :::::If you use photo paper
        Apply the mod podge on the tile and carefully place the picture over it.
        Allow it to dry or the picture will curl (dries quickly,maybe 5 minutes)
        Apply another coat of mod podge over it.

4. In a well ventilated area, spray the clear spray paint and allow it to dry for 10 min. Then you
    can apply another coat if you want. (leave it to dry for an hour before use).


I am going to make more vintage looking ones today or tomorrow.
I will post pictures from each project.

       Enjoy and let me know your results!
       Thank you for visiting.
       Come back soon.

                Sophina.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Vegan Bubble Tea/ Fruit Smoothie. =]

My friend took me to a japanese restaurant when I was 15 and introduced me to what she called "bubble tea" or boba. Boba are tapioca pearls which are delicious in the bubble tea/ smoothie. The drink consists of watermelon, simple syrup, ice and tapioca pearls (optional).

Everytime I would look for the bubble tea everyone would look at me like I was crazy when I asked if they had the fresh watermelon bubble tea. Turns out bubble tea was actually milk with flavored powder. Yuck. So it's called a watermelon smoothie.

I get it every few weeks. And I was thinking I can make it myself without the processed sugars. I haven't tested it yet; but I have a recipe for simple syrup with agave nectar and Click Here for the Recipe for tapioca pearls. For the Smoothie, it's simple

The recipe for Delicious Watermelon Smoothie (substitute any fruit you like)

1 cup watermelon cubes 
1 cup ice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup tapioca pearls (optional)

Blend the watermelon, ice, water and syrup until smooth. Scoop Tapioca pearls into a glass and pour the smoothie over. Enjoy.



The recipe for Simple Syrup

1 part agave nectar 
1 part hot water

Stir until the Agave Nectar has dissolved and let it cool completely and it's ready to use.
Store in the refrigerator if you have any left over.


The Tapoica Pearls

8 parts water
1 part semi moist tapioca pearls

Boil the water and add the pearls. Let them simmer for 40 minutes. DONT cover the pot. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 30 minutes. When the pearls are as soft as you like, drain them and rinse under cold water until completely cool. They are ready for use. =]


Let me know your results/substitutions.



Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.
Thank you for visiting.
Come back soon.




Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.
Thank you for visiting.
Come back soon.

Friday, February 24, 2012

NUT FREE chocolate spread recipe.

I was looking for a chocolate spread like Nutella, but didn't find any recipes that don't contain nuts or seeds.

So I made one up and was told it tastes like Kid's Clif Chocolate Chip Zbars, which I LOVE. I didn't even think of that until I was told that's what it tastes like. =] =]

I don't drink milk anymore and I'm not allergic to nuts so this was not made for myself.
If you want to you can also substitute rice, soy, or any other milk you like.

The recipe NUT FREE Chocolate Spread
(you can substitute with different milks and oils)

5/8 cup oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4-1/2 cup milk (i used 2%) Add 1/4 cup. then little by little to desired consistency.
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt (optional)

Grind oats in a food processor until they are fine grains. Add the other ingredients and blend until smooth. You want it to be more creamy because once it sets in the refrigerator, it will be thicker. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use. Its best to use at room temperature so it makes the Chocolate easier to spread so remove it from the fridge and leave it out for a little while before using (if you like).

Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.
Thank you for visiting.
Come back soon.