Clara's Cooking | Dollar Tree Peppermint Bark Recipe

Ah yes, it's that time again! We all have holiday traditions, and one of ours is to have peppermint bark every year! This is more of a "cookie" like version, and we love and prefer it! It is definitely a SPLURGE as far as calories/fat go (ohhh right - so THAT'S the reason I don't make this year round! LOL ).

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDROgtdIQ48

This is an easy recipe that is great to bring to parties or include in treat bags for family and friends (and of course Dollar Tree sells treat bags too).

ALL ingredients may be found at Dollar Tree (YES my Dollar Tree had Ghirardelli chocolate! WHOA!), but some are of better value elsewhere, like granulated sugar. NOTE: THE DOLLAR TREE'S PARCHMENT PAPER WORKS GREAT! Give it a try and tell me what you think of it!


Dollar Tree Peppermint Bark Recipe:


Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temp
1 cup sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
6-9oz bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 to 3/4 cup peppermint candies/candy canes chopped and partially crushed (make as course or fine as you prefer, or you can buy it already crushed for you)
Nonstick spray 
Parchment paper
13x9x2 inch baking sheet


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides of the pan.

2. Mix flour & salt in a large bowl. In the bowl of a stand mixer, use paddle attachment to cream the butter for about 2 minutes.

3.Add sugar little by little to butter mixture until light & fluffy. Slowly mix in vanilla extract, egg yolk, and flour mixture on low speed.

4. Place dough onto baking pan and form a thin layer using moistened fingertips to press and spread the dough. Pierce throughout with a fork.

5. Bake for 30 minutes or until light brown. While crust is still warm, IMMEDIATELY spread chocolate chips on top, gently spreading across pan. The heat from the crust will melt the chips. Sprinkle the candies and carefully press slightly into the chocolate to stick - warning the chocolate will still be hot!

6. Put while chocolate in plastic and allow to sit in a bowl of hot water until melted. Cut a tiny corner of the bag and drizzle the while chocolate over the bark. Chill 1 hour.

7. Lift the bark via the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Chop as desired.

What's your favorite holiday treat?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love + light,

Clara

Dollar Tree Review - Chef Ernesto Vegetable Empanadas

Hi all! Time for another Dollar Tree Review!

I love when vegetarian products come to the Dollar Tree, so I had high hopes for this one. Plus, I thought their veggie burgers and samosas weren't too bad.

Each box contains four empanadas. I baked these at 350F for 5 minutes each side in the toaster oven. It had a good crisp skin but I'm not a fan of the texture inside. 

It's made primarily with black beans, so if you like black bean or lentil tostadas you might like these. Like the other Chef Ernesto products, it has Indian spices (which I normally LOVE), yet this time the taste fell flat.

It also was a bit dry so I ended up adding sweet chili sauce to make it a bit more appetizing.

Overall 6/10, and I would NOT buy it again.

What did you think of these?

Love + light,
Clara

Dollar Tree Learning Corner Tour & Organization

I posted a pic of this on IG awhile ago, and although this video has been on my "to-do" for over 6 months, it took a collaboration to get myself in gear!

A special THANK YOU to Jady A for inviting me to this collaboration, titled "Organized Children Spaces." I absolutely ADORE Jady A's channel and have for a long time (way before I started my own)! Check out her free printables for Early Childhood Learning at http://www.shelfwork.com.

This video takes you on a tour of most of the individual components of this system, and the star of the organizing show are Sterilite's standard shoe boxes. I originally bought the green ones from Dollar Tree, but lately have been finding them at Kroger or Family Dollar, also for $1 each. I like them way better than Dollar Tree Essentials' shoe boxes (I mention why in the video.

See video here: http://bit.ly/1HZecCK

Do you have tips and tricks to organize your child's learning spaces?

Love + light,
Clara

Yearly Questions for Kids

This year we will start a tradition of asking the all of the Slate kids (cousins, etc.) questions about life, and recording their answers in an Elf on the Shelf notebook I bought from DT! It'll be fun to see how their answers differ according to their unique personalities, especially over the upcoming years! 


YEARLY INTERVIEW FOR KIDS:

1.) How old are you? ___________________________________________.
2.) What's your favorite color? ____________________________________
3.) Favorite book(s)?___________________________________________
4.) Favorite toy(s)?_____________________________________________
5.) What is your favorite way to play outside? What sport and team do you like?
6.) My favorite TV show(s) is__________; my favorite movie(s) is_________.
7.) My favorite music/songs are ___________________________________.
8.) My teacher's name is ____________. 
      I love to go to school because _________________________________.
10.) I am really good at _______________, and LOVE to ________________.
11.) Every night I sleep at _____________, cuddling my _________________.
12.) I love to eat and drink _______________________________________.
13.) Animals are cool, especially the ____________because_____________.
14.) _____________________________________________make me laugh.
15.) ____________________________________________ make me upset.
16.) I want to be a _________________________________ when I grow up.
17.) My friends are _____________________________________________.
18.) If I had 3 wishes, they would be: _______________________________
                                                             ______________________________
                                                             ______________________________
19.) This year was busy with ______________________________________.
20.) My plans for next year are: ___________________________________
                                                             ______________________________
                                                             ______________________________


What questions would YOU ask? Feel free to copy and paste!

Happy holidays!

love + light,
Clara

DIY Home Goods Decor!

I LOVE Home Goods, but I refuse to spend $100 for a painting! Decided to use old sample paints to DIY my own Home Goods decor and make it a bit darker to fit my taste! 

See this quick 2-3 minute VIDEO here!

http://bit.ly/1I0FW9Y

I had old canvases in the basement that had paintings of trees, and I wasn't fond of the style nor color. I know it's taboo (VERY TABOO!!!) to paint over paintings, but I did it! I used a few thick layers of white primer paint, and POOF! Gone!

After painting the dining room, I was left will three sample paints in colors I absolutely adore. 

Sample Paint Used (from Home Depot):
Behr Ultra NYPD (medium gray blue, the color we chose for the dining room)
Behr Ultra Midnight Blue (dark gray blue)
Behr Ultra Deep Breath (medium blue)

After putting down some newspaper on the kitchen table, I used water to wipe the dust away and dried the canvases with a kitchen towel. Using the Behr Ultra Deep Breath (medium blue) paint, I started painting at the bottom, knowing that would be the darkest area of the painting (thereby a great place to make my first mistakes! LOL). Using a 1.5 inch Purdy brush (the same we use to paint the house), I dipped directly into the sample container and made large swiping motions across the canvas to get the look of the ocean waves. I did the same with a few swipes of the Behr Ultra NYPD (medium gray blue).

In an effort to make it as streaky as possible (yet make the waves better blend together), I used a little bit of water. As I approached the top of the painting (towards the "sky"), I used less and less paint. I then applied Behr Ultra Midnight Blue (dark gray blue) in thicker textured streaks to simulate rocks.

Optional Step: Working with a wrap around canvases, I decided to continue painting around the edges. Some people prefer to just leave the edges white or paint them black - totally a matter of preference!

And, VOILA! Is it as good as the Home Goods painting? Of course not. It's darker and moodier, but I love it! It's mine, and no else has a copy of this painting. :)

Have you done any painting around your house to mimic expensive decor you've seen at your favorite stores?

love + light,
Clara

I Hate Most Mom Groups - Clara's Confessions

Moms have enough pressure as it is without us putting more on each other. Seriously, WHY do we do this? Why do we pass judgement on each other without learning the full story? Or, why do we pass judgement at all? Is it really necessary? 

Are we REALLY trying to help other moms by "educating" them with unsolicited advice? Or are we trying to give them that advice (which was again, unsolicited) because insecurities? Are we trying to make ourselves feel better about our decisions? What do you think?

See YouTube Video Here: http://bit.ly/1PszJWF

love + light,
Clara

Repurpose a Detergent Bottle into a Cleaning Basket!

Although having a pedestal sink may look pretty, it sucks, yes SUCKS for storage! Storage under the sink in the bathroom usually holds items you may want to hide, like toilet paper, cleaning products, etc.

I was able to find a super inexpensive solution for toilet paper storage, but as far as cleaning supplies, I decided to store them in the nearby laundry room. For easy transport, I repurposed an old detergent bottle - small, but a perfect size! It held the following:

Basic Bathroom Cleaning Supplies (no bathtub/shower in downstairs bath):
- Disinfectant spray
- Toilet gel
- "Windex" type of cleaner
- Microfiber duster
- Microfiber wash cloth
- Wooden barbecue skewer

To see more details on how I made this, see my video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrkU6GGE2I

Here are the basics:

- Mark & cut two large holes in the front and back to insert cleaning bottles, keeping the handle intact
- Make holes to store duster, washcloth, and barbecue skewer
- Cover detergent label with contact paper if you wish!

Wait, a BARBEQUE SKEWER?

Yes! A barbecue skewer is great for really tiny and narrow places that even a toothbrush has difficulty reaching sometimes!

What are some storage solutions you have for the bathroom?

Love + light,

Clara

let there be peace | journal entry

"This is one part, one role that I question if I really have what it takes to fulfill...Do I notice? Do I see her?"

I’d like to share something important that happened in rehearsal today. In preparation for our upcoming concert, we were rehearsing Mark Hayes’ arrangement of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” I honestly never thought twice about this song in the past. However, this arrangement is just amazing (just like most of his arrangements), and even by the fourth rehearsal of the season, the choir’s performance of the song already sounded ETHEREAL. I became overwhelmed with how beautiful the song sounded, and became so tearful that it nearly stopped me from singing. It was one of those incredible moments that you don’t soon forget, that enters into your very core and touches your soul. It was incredible, and at that moment I truly felt the real message of the song. 

There is a part of the song that says:

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every breath I take,
Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment
And live each moment
In PEACE, eternally.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

As with everything these days, in the midst of listening to the beauty of the song, my thoughts strayed to our battles in the first few days of Aria's life. Lately, I have felt so completely inadequate. Sometimes I feel like I should already know what to do as a mom… yet I feel like I am failing all the time. I had succeeded in many areas of my life, but this is one part, one role that I question if I really have what it takes to fulfill.

At that moment, singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” reminded me that I am not nothing, that I STILL CAN MAKE THINGS THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL…things that have meaning, things that are powerful.

During these past few years, I have been searching for a sense of tranquility. Through the ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, meditation, massage, etc., what I have wanted most for the moment was to have peace. I wanted to feel calm and a semblance of some kind of serenity. 

Through the ups and downs, Aria's surgeries, Aria's hospital visits, and now Aria's developmental delays, I have become emotionally exhausted. What I want most for the moment is PEACE….peace away from the disappointment, peace away from the anguish, peace away from self-torment, peace away from feeling angry, peace away from the fatigue. Most of all, peace away from the guilt that it's still my fault. Yes, yes, there nothing I could've done to prevent Aria's medical diagnoses...still, will the guilt ever go away? “With every breath I take”, this is what I want.

Instead of being stuck feeling useless, today’s rehearsal reminded me that there are many things I CAN still do, that I have the ability to contribute some kind of beauty to the world. And beauty often times is in places and moments that you forget to look. Like how Aria looks at me while I change her dressing, change her feeding tube, or mix her IV medication....do I notice? Do I see her? Do I see the beauty that I had a part in making?

She is happy. She is thriving. She is ALIVE.

“To take each moment, and live each moment, in peace eternally”.

Praying to never forget I can do this.

Love + light,

Clara

Dollar Tree Toilet Paper Organizing!

I love organizing that is easy and inexpensive to do. Doesn't get much better than this, hahaha!

YES, I am that excited about organizing toilet paper! Although having a pedestal sink may look pretty, it sucks, yes SUCKS for storage! Storage under the sink in the bathroom usually holds items you may want to hide, like toilet paper. However, the storage solution I made with Dollar Tree items almost made toilet paper look pretty. Okay, maybe not pretty, but it sure looked clean and neat!

Using Dollar Tree products, I made a DOLLAR TREE TOILET PAPER TOWER! Yes, I could've put the toilet paper elsewhere, like a shelf above the door or a basket hanging off the wall. Or, I could've forked over $30+ for a storage shelf sold by Ikea or Home Depot for pedestal sinks.

But, this solution was WAY cheaper (bonus was that I already had all these items on hand)!

You will need:
- Fishing line or very strong twine (you could also use yarn, jute twine, ribbon, etc., if you're okay with it bring visible)
-  A popsicle stick (from the teaching section)
- Tape (any will do)

I showed this in a recent bathroom tour - shows very simple decorating using Dollar Tree, Ikea, and thrifted items! See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB_V8leE8NE

 A few tips:

- Tie the top of the fishing line to the top door hinge
- Use a strong fishing line; you may need 2-3
- Knot the fishing line around the popsicle stick several times, then secure further with tape
- Make sure the tower doesn't interfere with opening the door

Do you have any fun toilet paper storage tricks? Comment below! I LOVE hearing about different storage solutions!

Love + light,
Clara

Dollar Tree Hair Dye - Does it really work?

Happy to say that I am fulfilling one of 2015's New Year's resolutions - trying something new every month! One new thing I tried in October was Dollar Tree's Coloreazy hair dye. I have been eyeing this product for awhile, but like a lot of stuff at Dollar Tree, I end up leaving it or putting it back, either because a) I chickened out, or b) I didn't need it.

Well, with my Summer brown hair dye adventures no longer looking so hot for the Fall, I worked up the courage to try the hair dye,  as my off black roots were definitely coming in (up to 2 inches). I finally needed to buy this product. Well, not really NEED it....like I wouldn't die without the dye, but you know what I mean.

The only other hair dye I've used in recent years if L'Oreal Feria. It is a much stronger product with nearly twice the amount of product per bottle and a conditioner to use afterwards. It definitely was not a fair comparison!

See video here: http://bit.ly/1Gte7GG

At a small 1.4 ounces, I was fairly impressed with this product, but mainly for covering mostly the top areas of my head that were the lightest. SEE MY SHORT YOUTUBE VIDEO for more details regarding coverage time, color I used, and more pros and cons: http://bit.ly/1Gte7GG

For now, here's the basic info:

Dollar Tree Coloreazy Hair Dye PROS:
- No offensive scent
- Inexpensive ($1 at Dollar Tree)

Dollar Tree Coloreazy Hair Dye CONS:
- Small amount of product
- Very thick & creamy (difficult to evenly distribute throughout hair)
- Few color choices at Dollar Tree

So, what's the verdict? Would I buy this product again? The quick and dirty answer is YES, I would, but only for touch ups, and not to change colors drastically (like going from black to blonde, blonde to red, etc.). And I would definitely need at LEAST two at a time, even just for touch ups. Have you used Dollar Tree's hair dye before? What do you think?

New Dollar Tree Haul | Love these new baskets!

New Dollar Tree Haul! If you do any holiday baking, keep an eye out for small bags of Betty Crocker nuts, Baker's Chocolate, Duncan Hines cake mixes, and more! Also, be sure to try the Dollar Tree's parchment paper - I love it for baking holiday treats and kale chips!

CLICK this link to see my video! http://bit.ly/1MY8Jug

Also, I love these baskets! They were new to my Dollar Tree, and great for so many uses! It's like a shopping basket! Let me know if you find other colors besides green or purple at your store!

Dollar Tree Fabric Poms! How to Upcycle T-Shirts! Autumn DIY

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POfN4pg76Jk&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y&index=1

Interested in Fall decor from the Dollar Tree? Love a good Dollar Tree DIY? Check this out!

Do you have some old t-shirts you'd like to upcycle (and don't need anymore rags)? Have a go at making them into decorative pom poms!

The fabric pom pons were made from Dollar Tree t-shirts, and the burlap chevron ribbon is made by FloraCraft, which I also bought at the Dollar Tree! See step-by-step instructions on the video at the end of this blog entry!

I reuse the same wreath and update it from season to season. Having a nice off white burlap serves as a nice base for a wreath all year round!

I had bought three old chairs at Salvation Army a few months back - two ended up metallic gold and live in the living room. The 3rd chair was brought to the front porch and painted with Valspar Ultra Paint + Primer flat 391609 White. The cushion is very easy to update, especially with the use of Dollar Tree pillowcases!

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POfN4pg76Jk&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y&index=1

NEW DOLLAR TREE HAUL! Beauty Review of NYC blush, LA Looks Hairspray

New Dollar Tree Haul! Chevron burlap ribbon, more Nivea, and after a YEAR on my Dollar Tree list, I finally found CHAI TEA!!!! I'm so EXCITED! :) Also found Tayu English Breakfast and Blueberry teas!

I also review LA Looks Mega Hairspray and compare with Salon Selective Firm Hold Hairspray (the non-aerosol type spray bottle). The winner? LA LOOKS! 

Pros of LA Looks Hairspray:
- Better hold (although it's more of a flexible hold, that allows for scrunching and styling time)
- Good scent
- More product for your money

Cons of LA Looks Mega Hold Hairspray:
- Unsure of recyclability of container

The Salon Selectives tended to be watery, plus it's such a small bottle. Not sure how the aerosol-type can works though.

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f11alXiQjhQ&index=3&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y

Dollar Tree Fall Activities for Children | Cheap Activities Collab!

LOVE this collab! See my video for some Dollar Tree activities to do with children. Check out the other videos in this collab as well - some FANTASTIC ideas you won't want to miss!!!

See video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVqj_F7iyiI&list=PLYBU1iiv9k08fsgTIgfJILRZADz3p9k-X&index=27

Dollar tree Haul | Gave in to the Milani craze just a little....for NOW, lol!!!!

New DT Haul! Video link here: http://bit.ly/1WcgUHP 

Huge name brand burlap ribbon, coconut oil hair treatment, and more. #dollartree #dollartreeaa #dollartreefinds#dollartreebeauty #claraslate #loreal #beginningsbyhask #hask#coconutoiltreatment #coconutoil #milani #makeup #lipgloss #burlapribbon#burlap #nivea #cereal #honeybunchesofoats #breakfastbiscuits #crafts#goldthumbtacks #youtube

I loved the Beginnings by Hask Morrocan oil hair treatment I bought a few months ago, I'll probably love the coconut oil one as much, if not more! (LOOOVE coconut!!!!). Also bought some crafty goodies, name brand foods, and several name brand makeup/self-care finds!!!! Love me some DT.