Stacey Brecher Online Portfolio

Fill charm!

Fillyour yourhome home with teatime charm!

Whether you find it at a flea market or in your china cabinet, a teacup is the perfect starting point for a stylish home accent!

Love notes!

Heartshaped pad is perfect for leaving messages to your loved ones! $4.95, CarolWilson FineArts.com.

Tiny bouquets!

Get a luxurious-looking arrangement or centerpiece with just a few blooms by cutting stems short and arranging them in teacups!

Stylish suds!

Shea butter guest soap has a fresh, clean linen scent! $4.50 by Michel Design Works, FerrisWheelsAndCarousels.com.

Sweet treat!

China cups make elegant dishes for serving berries, ice cream or cookies!

Treasure trove!

Keep your favorite teacups on a dresser top or closet shelf to hold and display jewelry or hair accessories!

Make your own teacup candle!

It’s easy to transform a cup and saucer into a one-of-a-kind homemade candle!

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Photos: iStockphoto; Copyright Carol Wilson Fine Arts, Inc.; courtesy of vendor (3); HBB/Stacey Brecher (4); Flora Press (2); Mark Lohman/Styling by Sunday Hendrickson; Sunday Hendrickson; Rick Szczechowski/Styling by Sunday Hendrickson.

Drink in the melody!

This keepsake music box in the beloved Royal Albert Old Country Roses pattern plays Pachelbel’s “Canon in D� when wound! $34.99, BedBathAnd Beyond.com.

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Perfect planter!

Set houseplants inside teacups to create extra-special planters!

Tea-riffic towels!

Glue cup and saucer together using a strong glue suitable for china. Cut 6" of candle wicking. Feed through a wick clip until the end sits just inside; clamp with pliers. Rest a pencil across the top of the cup. Dangle wick into cup so clip rests on the bottom. Tie top of wick to pencil.

Slowly pour Microwave 1 cup melted of microwaveable wax into cup, soy wax on high for leaving 3/4" one minute. Stir with space at the a craft stick, then heat top. Make again at one-minute sure wick is still intervals until clear centered after and runny. Shave a you’ve added 1/2"x1/2" piece of the wax. Leave candle dye into meltpencil in place until candle has cooled ed wax; stir until color is blended. For completely. Untie pencil and cut added scent, drip about 30 drops of the wick so that it’s 1/4" long. fragrance oil into the wax and stir.

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Treat guests at your next tea party to these pretty paper napkins that double as hand towels! $6.50 for 16 by Michel Design Works, FerrisWheels AndCarousels. com.

Pretty presentation!

A lovely tiered stand made from plates and teacups is perfect for presenting cookies or petit fours!

Tip: Hold cups and plates together temporarily with craft putty.

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Give your home a

Personalized touch!

Spell out your style with the hottest new decorating trend: Words!

Choose your own favorite letters and phrases for a meaningful message straight from your heart!

Drink up!

Colorful Kate Spade mugs have a moodlifting message on the inner rim! $20 each, Bloomingdales. com.

Beautiful blooms!

Show off mini vases of flowers on a tray adorned with English and French lettering. You can get the look yourself by painting words on a plain tray using stencils!

Easy accent!

Transform an empty wall into a fabulous focal point by hanging simple letters that spell out your favorite phrase!

Letter perfect!

Group these alphabet hooks together to spell out a monogram or name! $14 each, Anthropologie.com.

Make your own personalized message boards!

Serve some love!

Dress up any wall space with eye-catching letters that double as mini message boards!

You’ll smile every time you pass the potatoes when you use this sweetly sentimental bowl! $19.99 by Lenox, BedBathAnd Beyond.com.

Happy meal!

Make a dinner party even more special with place markers put together out of Scrabble tiles!

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Work with 9" flat wooden letters. For each, cut a flexible magnet sheet into a rectangle an inch or so larger than the letter. Spread strong permanent glue evenly on the magnet’s brown side, then apply a sheet of patterned scrapbook paper to the layer of glue, smoothing it down.

Dream big!

Help your imagination take flight with this inspirational plaque! $39.95, Pier1.com.

Warm welcome!

A few mismatched letters make an outstanding decorative accent when they spell out an inviting word!

Photos: Stephanie Roberts; courtesy of vendor (6); Flora Press; Mick Frangou; Mark Lohman/styling by Sunday Hendrickson; HBB.

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paper Place the magnet sheet on a table, on top, side down. Place the wooden letter around backward and facing down, and trace to cut it with pencil. Use an X-ACTO knife out the magnet in the shape of the letter, then glue it to the wooden letter.

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Glue ribbon or tape the thickness of your letter all around the edges. You can then hang your magnetic letters on a wall and adorn them with colorful coordinating magnets!

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w it h lb v e!

Fill your home —andyour yourlife life— Fill your home —and Invite more love into your life this Valentine’s Day—and all year-round—by adding a few romance-boosting feng shui tricks to your home!

Forever “I do�!

Showcasing images of love—like a photo taken on your wedding day—will remind you of a joyous time in your relationship and inspire you to act even more lovingly in the present!

Dinner delight!

To add romance to mealtimes, feng shui experts advise clearing your dining room of any clutter, playing soft music and lighting candles!

Bedroom bliss!

Displaying “pairs,� especially in your bedroom, is a great way to attract love into your life. Try having a matching nightstand and lamp on both sides of your bed to promote balance and relationship harmony!

Mood lighting!

Crystal cure!

Feng shui experts use rose quartz to attract love, so light this candle—studded with pieces of genuine rose quartz—to help set a romantic scene! $48 by The Semi-Precious Home Collection, Gemalagee.com. Save 30% on everything at Gemalagee.com from 1/31/132/14/13 with coupon code WW20!

Pretty peonies!

A gorgeous bloom with an intoxicating scent, the peony has long been used in feng shui to enhance love and romance!

A matching pair of candlesticks symbolizes partnership— and they’re even more effective when used with pink or red candles! $39.99 by Mikasa, QVC.com.

Spicy duo!

Set out these ceramic lovebird salt and pepper shakers to symbolize togetherness! $7.25 for the set, KateAspen.com.

Make a “love�-ly flower arrangement!

It’s easy to create a gorgeous heartfilled flower arrangement that sets the scene for Valentine’s romance!

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Start with a brick of colored floral foam (like an OASIS foam brick in baby pink, $2.89 at Mar shallFloralProducts.com).

Cut off a 1" thick section, holding the block gently to avoid making dents in it.

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Photos: iStockphoto; TK TK TK TKT KT

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Take a heartshaped cookie Place the heart cutter (ours is 2" cutouts inside the wide) and press it vase, and then cover into the cut piece them with slightly of foam to create warm water (the foam a cut-out shape. will absorb the water).

Continue making Finish by arranging a cutouts until you have enough to fill your vase halfway; few of your favorite flowers, keeping the you can also use more than one color stems in the center of the vase so the hearts are visible from all angles! of floral foam for variety.

Photos: John Ellis/styled by Sunday Hendrickson; Mak Media Agency; Courtesy of vendor (3); GAP Interiors/ Costas Picadas; Mick Frangou/IPC Media Plus; Deco & Style/Hamburg (4).

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Instant Creativity

Neat Trick!

It’s so easy to make a

Fun with words!

designer chandelier!

Talk about a conversation starter! These fun coasters are a cinch to make, whether you use leftover tiles from a defunct Scrabble game or pick up a bag of old tiles at a yard sale!

Worth more than $600!

Tip!

Elmer’s Glue-All becomes rigid when dry, so it’s essential for this project.

Be sure not to substitute a glue that remains flexible.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ❑ Punch ball balloon about 16" when inflated ❑ Permanent marker such as Sharpie® ❑ 1 skein, about 120 yds., worsted weight (No. 4) cotton yarn. We used Lily Sugar ’n Cream in hot pink ❑ 2 large bowls ❑ Disposable rubber gloves ❑ 32 oz. Elmer’s® Glue-All ❑ Light fixture and globeshaped fluorescent bulb

Design: Jann Johnson (JannJohnson.com).

Photo: Stacey Brecher/HBB. Elmer’s Products, Inc: Elmers.com or 888-435-6377. Sharpie markers are available wherever office products are sold. Lily yarn is available at Michaels Stores: Michaels.com or 800-642-4235. Light fixture: Westinghouse Mini Pendant Kit 70284 from Home Depot: HomeDepot.com. Punch ball balloons are available in toy and party stores as well as online.

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Blow up the balloon. Knot very tightly. Place on one bowl (for stability). Using the marker, trace a 7" diameter circle around the knot and a 1 1/2" circle directly opposite it.

Protect work surface with newspaper or plastic. Unwind the yarn loosely into the second bowl.

Pour half the glue over it and, wearing gloves, work it into the yarn with your fingers. Add more glue as needed while you work.

Starting with an end, wrap yarn firmly around the balloon in a random pattern, framing both drawn circles but leaving their

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centers open. Try to keep the strands evenly dense all over the ball. Squeeze excess glue out of the yarn as you work so it’s saturated but not dripping.

When finished wrapping, tie string to balloon’s knot and hang it to dry completely, about 48 hours. Wash the bowls as soon as you finish gluing.

Pop balloon, remove it, and gently use a soft brush to clean off any bits of glue that extend beyond the yarn.

Attach light fixture through the smaller open circle, following manufacturer’s instructions.

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Photos: Stacey Brecher/HBB. Mod Podge: Plaid Enterprises: PlaidOnline.com or 800-842-4197. Beacon Adhesives: BeaconCreates.com or 800-865-7238.

Fancy stores sell light fixtures like these for $600 or more, but all it takes is a punch ball balloon, yarn and ordinary white glue to make one yourself!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

❑ Scrabble tiles (16 for each coaster) ❑ Thin cork sheet ❑ X-acto knife

❑ Beacon Quick Grip Permanent Adhesive ❑ Mod Podge ❑ Sponge brush

TRY THE TRICK!

Choose 4 four-letter words and glue them in a square on the cork. After the glue dries, cut the cork around the letters to make the coaster. To protect your tiles from moisture, paint 2-3 coats of Mod Podge over the entire coaster.

Great idea!

No extra Scrabble tiles on hand? You’re in luck—snag a bag of 100 for $14.95 at Amazon.com!

—Stacey Brecher

NEXT WEEK: Patriotic birdhouses!

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Instant Creativity

Smart ways to

Make windows and glass shine!

1Clean naturally!

Combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 Tbs. cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle. Shake it, spritz onto your windows, then wipe it away.

2Remove spots!

Joy!

Love!

Planting lucky bamboo?

Use a plastic pot insert to hold the gravel and water it needs to grow!

Give a good-luck plant!

Share some positive energy with these potted plants full of feng shui luck!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR EACH 6" clay flowerpot DecoArt® acrylic paint; we used True Red, Cadmium Yellow, Sea Breeze and Black 3"-4" stencil of a Chinese character (ours came from Dover Publications’ “Fun with Chinese Symbols Stencils”) Scotch® Painters Tape for Delicate Surfaces Stencil brush 2/3 yd. of braid to match pot color Beacon Fabri-Tac adhesive 1-3 Chinese-style metal or jade-like coins (find them in bead stores)

aint pot; you may need two P coats. Choose a stencil (we chose “love” for our red pot, “joy”

for our yellow pot, “luck” for our red-and-yellow pot and “long life” for our blue one). Cut the stencil nst the pot; tape. so it lies flat against lack paint on a Put a bit of black paper plate. Dip the stencil brush rush on a paper in it, dab the brush towel until it’s alab most dry, then dab it on the stencil in an otion. This up-and-down motion. olor slowly will build the color e edges and keep the u prefer, sharp. Or, if you trace the design onto the pot with a pencil;; remove the stencil and fill fill in with a fine watercolorr brush.

Glue braid around the pot’s rim, seam at center front. o cover the seam.

Glue on a coin to If using three coins, glue the

others 3" to each side of the first.

To continue the feng shui theme, choose plants that are neither spiky nor droopy. We planted a money tree in our red pot, a jade plant in our yellow pot, lucky bamboo in our red-andyellow pot and heart-leaf philodendron in our blue pot.

Long life!

D i Design: J Jann Johnson.

J h Photos: Ph t Stacey St Brecher/HBB; B h /HBB Friedrich F i d i h Strauss/Stockfood.

St Dover Publications: DoverPublications.com. Book’s ISBN is 0-486-416380. Beacon Adhesives: BeaconCreates.com or 800-865-7238. DecoArt: DecoArt.com or 800-367-3047. Braids: M&J Trimming: MJTrim.com or 800-965-8746.

Luck!

All you need is a lemon!

Cut one in half, then rub the cut side over water spots to make them disappear.

Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.

3 Replace glass cleaner with this!

Mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, then fill with water. Shake it, then spray over a glass surface and wipe away for sparkling shine!

4 Streak-proof your panes!

Avoid streaking on your windows with a squeegee.

Swipe it in a horizontal motion to remove the cleaning product.

Wipe off the blade on a towel after each swipe for a no-fuss way to clean!

Great idea!

Don’t forget the corners!

Take a look at where the glass meets the frame.

See spots? Use a clean old toothbrush or cotton swab to remove the grime lurking in the corners!

NEXT WEEK: Sparkling pastel Easter-egg wreath!!

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Instant Creativity

Smart ways to

Clean small appliances!

Decorate your Thanksgiving table with harvest bounty!

1 Kill germs on your can opener!

Add a dab of dish soap to an old toothbrush and scrub the cogs and blades of your electric can opener.

Wipe with a damp paper towel for a sparkling finish!

2 Clean out your coffee maker!

Gorgeous reminders of nature’s bounty and all we have to be grateful for, our wheat-sheaf centerpiece and place cards are also fun and easy to make!

Pour a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water into the water reservoir, then run the machine. Follow with two cycles of cold water. It’ll get rid of flavormarring hard-water deposits and coffee residue so you can wake up to a better tasting brew!

Tip!

Countr y chic!

Prefer a different color combination?

Choose a soft graygreen paper instead of the orange!

Centerpiece

❑ 1 (20"x30") sheet each of art paper in soft gold and pale orange ❑ Fast-drying glue, such as Beacon Fabri-Tac.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ❑ 8" clay flowerpot ❑ 2 yds. of 7/8" ribbon ❑ Autumn-toned faux flower arrangement to fit pot (or arrange your own)

Cut papers 12"x30". Paper-clip together, darker on top. Draw lines across paper 4 1/2" from one long edge, 7" from the other. Cut 1/2" strips from edge to line. Glue papers together along uncut strip; glue that section around pot, light color outside, about 2" from top. At bottom, glue papers under pot; strips will overlap.

At top, glue darker paper strips to pot rim, then curl all strips outward. Glue ribbon around pot; add bow. Set arrangement in pot.

Place card WHAT YOU’LL NEED ❑ 5"x20" strips of papers matching centerpiece (one 20"x30" sheet yields 6 strips) ❑ Paper clips ❑ Glue ❑ Rubber band

❑ 15" of 3/8” ribbon ❑ Wooden skewer cut 7" long ❑ About 2"x3" colored or patterned paper ❑ Marker or letter stickers

Hold papers together same as for centerpiece.

Draw lines, 1/2" apart, down center. Cut 1/4" strips from edges to line. Roll up, darker side in, gluing center channel as you go. Secure with rubber band until dry. Remove band. Glue ribbon around center. Add a bow. Curl paper strips outward at ends. Cut a 3" oval paper name tag. Write or use stickers for name. Glue to end of skewer; insert skewer into center of sheaf.

Design: Brent Pallas. Photos: Stacey Brecher/HBB; XeBeche/iStockphoto. Beacon Adhesives: BeaconCreates.com or 800-865-7238.

3 Blend your blender clean!

Fill your blender halfway with water, a squirt of dish soap and 1 Tbs. baking soda. Put the lid on and blend. The baking soda deodorizes as it breaks down food particles, while the dish soap cuts through grease.

4 Get your toaster crumb-free!

Hate how even after unplugging and cleaning the crumb tray of your toaster, there are always stubborn crumbs left behind? Try this: Spray canned air into the toaster slots, then shake the mess out right into the trashcan!

Great idea!

Don’t forget your garbage disposal!

Toss the peels of a citrus fruit into the disposal and grind ’em up while the water’s running. The citrus oil will clean the blades and leave a fresh smell in your kitchen!

NEXT WEEK: Instant gifts for the Thanksgiving hostess!

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t r Ba m P o fr

It’s Easy To . . .

Wow a crowd with the

Hottest new summer cocktails!

Live your life, Love your bath tu

Whether you serve them at a fancy party or a casual cookout, these trendy drinks will take any gathering from ordinary to unforgettable!

Peachy-Keen Margarita

Touches of peach (from the schnapps and the fruit itself) give regular Margaritas a full-bodied twist!

1 cup frozen peaches 1/4 cup tequila 1/4 cup peach schnapps 2 Tbs. Rose’s lime juice 1 cup ice Peach and lime slices, optional

● In blender, mix peaches, tequila, schnapps, lime juice and ice until smooth but still thick.

Pour into 2 glasses. If desired, garnish with peach and lime slices. Makes 2 servings.

Make it virgin! Replace the tequila and peach schnapps with peach nectar.

Nothing will freshen up your festivities faster than one of these cool refreshers!

Orange-Berry Fizz

This foamy treat is so good, it practically doubles as dessert!

4 Tbs. orange-flavored vodka 1/2 cup raspberry sherbet, softened 4 Tbs. club soda Splash of orange juice Raspberries, optional

● Divide vodka and sherbet between 2 glasses.

Top with club soda and a splash of orange juice, dividing equally.

If desired, garnish each drink with a few raspberries skewered on a toothpick.

Makes 2 servings.

Make it virgin!

Replace vodka and club soda with lemon-lime soda.

Tart ‘n Tangy Lemonade Iced Tea Also known as the Arnold Palmer, this drink is perfect for a sophisticated soiree!

1/2 cup iced tea 1/4 cup lemonflavored vodka 1/4 cup lemonade Lemon wedges, optional ● Combine first 3 ingredients; stir or shake and serve over ice. If desired, garnish with lemon.

Makes 2 servings.

Make it virgin!

Just omit the vodka.

Photos: Blend Images/Photolibrary; Jessica Moran/HBB (4).

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Cool-as-a-Cucumber Mojito

We kicked up this Cuban drink by adding refreshing cucumber!

8 mint leaves 1/4 cup chopped, peeled cucumber 2 Tbs. sugar 4 Tbs. rum 4 Tbs. ginger ale 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice Cucumber and mint, optional ● Divide mint leaves, chopped

cucumber and sugar between 2 tall glasses; stir with back of spoon until sugar dissolves.

Add rum, ginger ale and lime juice, dividing equally. Stir; fill with ice. If desired, garnish with cucumber and mint.

Makes 2 servings.

Make it virgin!

Use more ginger ale instead of rum.

—Stacey Brecher

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Name Telephone Address City

State

Zip

Send to: Premier Bathrooms Inc, 2330 South Nova Rd South Daytona, Florida 32119

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5/16/08

Instant Creativity

Neat Trick!

Invite good fortune with wind chimes!

Playdough from your kitchen!

It takes just 10 minutes to whip up a batch of homemade playdough! And since our version is completely nontoxic, the kids can help tint the dough in their favorite colors!

Feng shui experts believe wind chimes attract good fortune!

And it’s easy to create your own vintage-look chimes from flea market plates and cutlery!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ❑ 2 plates about 8" across ❑ 2 wire plate hangers that fit your plates ❑ 20-gauge beading wire in “silver” ❑ Wire snips ❑ 7 (5 mm) faceted round glass beads ❑ 6 (15 mm) faceted round glass beads ❑ 3 metal spoons 6" long ❑ 2 metal forks 6" long

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NEXT WEEK: Candy-filled birthday clown!

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❑ 2 cups flour ❑ Food coloring ❑ 2 cups (liquid, warm water powder or ❑ 1 cup salt unsweet❑ 2 Tbs. ened drink vegetable mix) oil ❑ Gloves ❑ 1 Tbs. cream of tartar

Make it from flea market finds!

TRY THE TRICK!

Tip!

Use a cup hook to hang your wind chimes where they can swing!

Design: Jennifer & Kitty O’Neil (ONeilSisters. com). Photo: Stacey Brecher/ HBB.

Photos: Stacey Brecher/HBB.

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Following package directions, attach a hanger to each plate with its clips at top and bottom.

For each spoon, cut wire 14"; for each fork, cut it 15"; bend in half to find center. Slide a small bead on one end and move it to the center. Wrap the wire snugly around a handle below its widest point, placing the bead in center front. Cross the wires in back, bring them to the front again, cross and repeat on the back. Twist wires together for the length needed to clear the handle’s tip. Slip a big bead onto one wire then twist remaining lengths together.

Slip the ends of each flatware piece’s wire under one plate hanger’s lower wire, then twist it around itself to secure, adjusting wires so forks hang about a bead’s length lower than spoons. Snip off any protruding ends.

Make hanger. Cut wire 12"; bend in half.

Leaving a 1/2" loop at top; twist twice.

Slide a small bead onto one strand, twist again. Add a large bead; twist again.

Add another small bead then twist the rest of the wires together. Twist the ends securely around the center of plate hanger’s upper wire.

With plates back-to-back, wire their hangers together at top and bottom where their corners meet.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

In a pot, mix together all the ingredients except the food coloring. Over low heat, stir the dough until it starts to stick to the sides of the pot and turns into a mashed potato consistency. When it starts to form a clump in the center of the pot, turn off the heat and let cool. (If your dough is too sticky, cook it longer.) Roll the dough into about five balls, put on gloves to protect your hands, then knead food coloring into the dough, adding more until you reach desired color. To keep your dough soft, store in an airtight container.

Great idea!

If your dough dries out, knead in a bit of water to soften it.

—Stacey Brecher 4/30/12 WOMAN’S WORLD

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4/4/12 9:59 AM

Instant Creativity

Neat Trick!

Make gourmet flavored salts!

Thrill your favorite little girl!

It takes just seconds to turn ordinary salt into fancy gourmet seasoning that’ll add extra zing to everything you serve!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR ANY FLAVOR:

❑ 1/2 cup kosher salt TRY THE TRICK!

Combine salt and your choice of flavorings in food processer; process for 5-10 seconds to incorporate flavors.

Store in an airtight container.

Make her princess dreams come true with a custom-made flower tutu!

Tip!

❑ Velcro® Fabric Fusion® ❑ Beacon Fabri-Tac and WHAT YOU’LL NEED Gem-Tac glues ❑ 5 1/2 yds. 54" ❑ 1 yd. each 1 1/2" green tulle sheer pink and ❑ Green thread violet ribbons ❑ 1/2 yd. dark ❑ 100-150 green felt flat back ❑ 2 (9"x12") pieces rhinestones light green felt ❑ Plastic ❑ 9"x12" piece headeach violet and band fuchsia felt

Reserve 1/2 yd. of tulle for headband; cut the rest into 10 (54"x18") lengths. Stack; pin together along long sides. Using a doubled thread, sew a running stitch along one side. Pulling both ends of thread, gather to fit child’s waist.

Cut dark green felt 2" wide, 3" longer than waist. Iron 2 parallel 3" strips of Velcro’s hook side to waistband’s inside at one end, 2 parallel 2" strips of Velcro’s soft side to its outside at opposite end.

Enlarge leaf and flower patterns (right) at 400%; leaf again at 200%. Cut 4 leaves of each green felt. Glue a small pleat at flat end (top) of each. Alternating colors, use Fabri-Tac to glue leaves’ tops inside waistband, spaced evenly.

Glue gathered tulle inside waistband.

Cut 10 flowers each in fuchsia and violet felt and ribbon. Stack ribbon on felt; use Gem-Tac to glue together

✤ Five-spice salt Add 1 1/2 tsp. Chinese fivespice powder, then process.

Perfect for: Grilled chicken!

Rhinestones give it bling!

✤ Rosemary salt Add 2 Tbs. fresh rosemary leaves, then process.

Perfect for: Sprinkling on grilled corn on the cob!

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3 4

Patterns

at center; add rhinestones. Glue to skirt.

Add more rhinestones at random.

Cover headband with light green felt.

Cut reserved tulle into three 6" strips; stack. Gather one long edge; pull thread tight, forming a circle. Glue center to headband. Add 3 felt-and-ribbon flowers and rhinestones.

5

Flower

Leaf

Photos: Stacey Brecher/HBB.

Design: Robin Tarnoff. Photos: Stacey Brecher/HBB. Beacon Adhesives: BeaconCreates.com or 800-865-7238. Velcro: Velcro.com or 800-225-0180.

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Tulle wilts quickly in humidity, so keep her tutu in a cool, dry place when not in use.

✤ Citrus salt Zest 1 lemon and 1 orange.

Allow zest to dry on a paper towel for a few hours. Add 2 Tbs. mixed orange and lemon zests, then process.

Perfect for: The rim of a margarita glass!

Great idea!

Pour your salt into tiny bottles, label them and give as gifts!

—Stacey Brecher

NEXT WEEK: A trio of painted birdhouses!

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➧$3 in supermarkets

Spectrum Canola Mayonnaise Healthy-eating expert Lauren Zembron (Food ForLiving.wordpress.com) says this mayonnaise is “above and beyond” good. “It’s made with canola oil, so you’re getting a healthier fat, and it doesn’t have any preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup. And because it tastes so good, you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing anything to eat healthier.”

➧$4.99 at Whole Foods

Dynasty Wasabi Mayonnaise For food reviewer Dexie Wharton (FeistyCook. com), this spicy mayo is a standout. “When I discovered this wasabi mayonnaise a few years ago, I said, ‘Wow, that sounds great!’ I love sushi, so my favorite thing to do is mix this mayo with soy sauce for the perfect dip. You can also use it to liven up tuna salad and sandwiches; a thin layer goes a long way because it has a real kick.” ➧$3.29 at SauceN Spice.com

Original Vegenaise Chef Kim Garr (CestLa Vegan.com) promises, “Even if I weren’t a vegan, I’d still use Vegenaise— it’s really creamy but not overpowering.” One of Garr’s favorite switches?

“I make a great tuna salad substitute with chickpeas: You just mash up some chickpeas, add a dollop of Vegenaise, diced shallots, red onion, a spritz of lemon juice—and it has all the flavor of traditional tuna salad!”

➧$3.99 at Whole Foods

The Ojai Cook Lemonaise Foodie extraordinaire Matt Armendariz (Matt Bites.com) says this lemon-infused mayonnaise towers above other flavored pretenders. “There are dozens of flavored mayonnaises out there, but this is different: It has no fillers and has such balanced flavor that it adds an extra dimension to your food: It just makes me happy,” he smiles. ➧$2.99$3.99 at Whole Foods

Photos: Stefanie Sudek/Getty Images; Tara LeMaistre/HBB (5).

Mayonnaise Dressing “Now that I’m retired, I have the time to try different things and tell people about them,” says Jan Rossi (IKnowWhere YouCanFindIt.blogspot. com). So why is this her go-to spread? “I’ve been on Weight Watchers, and when I tried this mayonnaise, I couldn’t believe it—one tablespoon has zero points!” she laughs.

“And it tastes just like regular.”

—Kristina Mastrocola

It’s Easy To . . .

● Keep it cool!

Pop a juice box or water bottle in the freezer the night before. In the a.m., wrap in a paper towel and toss in the lunchbox. It’ll keep food fresh, and be ready to sip by lunch!

● No more messy cupcakes!

Cut a frosted cupcake in half horizontally, flip the top half upside down and press onto the bottom. The icingin-the-middle trick makes the cupcake simple to wrap and less messy to gobble!

● A secret message board!

Transform the inside lid of your kid’s lunchbox into a dryerase board. Simply line with solid contact paper and write a message from Mom or reminders about after-school plans!

● Sleep-in secret!

Try making a bunch of sandwiches (PB&J freezes well!) over the weekend and freezing.

On weekdays, just toss one of your ready-mades into your child’s bag—it’ll be ready to munch when the lunch bell rings!

Tip! Sandwiches made with lunchmeats and cheese are fine to freeze, but hold the condiments! Instead, save mayo, ketchup and mustard packets from restaurants to send along.

—Stacey Brecher

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Photos: BananaStock/Photolibrary; FoodPix/Jupiter Images; Stacey Brecher /HBB (4).

Pack a perfect sch ol lunch!

7/21/09 6:51:09 AM

Allen (busybeingafabu lousmom.blogspot.com) has a confession: “The brownies that my friends rave about actually come from this box!” she smiles. And (shhh!) she even fools her family with the ultra-chocolaty mix. “I use it to make cupcakes, too; they deflate a little when they come out of the oven, which is great because the indentation they get on top is the perfect spot for a scoop of ice cream!” ➧$3.30

It’s Easy To . . .

Halloween is just around the corner! Let little ghosts ’n goblins know they’re welcome by displaying your spooky (or silly) hand-carved creation!

(eatsmartoday.com), adores this low-fat mix.

“It’s moist and fudgy instead of cakey and dry like other low-fat brands.

I like to top it with low-fat ice cream and raspberries to add calcium and antioxidants,” she says.

“And my husband loves when I add chopped peppermint patties.” But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of this healthy choice? “Sure, but I make him burn it off by washing the mixing bowl!” ➧$2.49

Valencia, CA, Jill Jackson learned the brownie basics from her grandmother. “She’s my inspiration—she got her culinary degree in her 60s, and everything she made was from the heart!” Jackson says.

Yet even Grandma would approve of these fast ’n fudgy brownies, courtesy of Duncan Hines: “It has dimensions of flavor beyond the initial sweetness— there are layers of chocolatyness.” ➧$2.25

Party planner Shawn Rabideau (shawnrabi deau.com) loves brownies so much, he’s even added a batch to banana bread batter! “I like mixing flavors, and I love cheesecake, so this is perfect,” he says. “It’s the best of both worlds: I can have my Golden Girls cheesecake moment with brownies!” laughs Rabideau. “I also like to mix them with peanut butter— and Pillsbury makes that mix, too.” ➧$3.49

Carve a perfect pumpkin!

1Slice ’n scoop!

Slice off the top of the pumpkin with a serrated knife; make the cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent the lid from falling in later. Next, slice out the inner circle, keeping the walls at least 1 1/2" thick, and use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to remove seeds and pulp. Flatten the “floor” so it will hold a candle.

2Pick your pattern!

Make your jack-o’-lantern special with free stencils! Print out a pattern from pumpkin masters.com/free_patterns_ main.asp, tape it onto your pumpkin and use a nail to tap holes around the design. All done? Remove the pattern.

away!

3Carve

Using a small serrated paring knife or a little saw tool, begin to carve along the hole pattern.

Start in the center and work your way out to avoid putting pressure on areas you already carved. If you accidentally cut off a piece you need, repair it with a toothpick through the inside of the pumpkin. Finally, Tip! add a flameless After you finish tea light carving, rub the to safely cut areas with illuminate your petroleum jelly to work of art! make it last

Want your pumpkin to last ’til next Halloween?

longer!

Get a Funkin (funkins.com)! These pumpkins made out of a special foam come in all different shapes and sizes and look just like the real thing. Best of all, you can carve ’em, too!

34 WOMAN’S WORLD 10/13/08

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—Stacey Brecher

Photos: Radius Images/Media Bakery; HBB (9).

Papadimitriou of the Charleston Cookie Company (charleston cookie.com) loves this mix for its versatility. “Its fudge pack makes it richer than other brownies, so besides being tastier, you can use it as a foundation for other desserts.” Her favorite?

“The trifle—chefs call it tipsy pudding because after you alternate layers of brownie, whipped cream and berries, you top it off with a drizzle of rum or brandy.

Delicious!” ➧$2.79

8/22/08 1:17:56 PM