Monday, April 25, 2016

INSPIRATION NATION // 16 TRENDY ESSENTIALS FOR THE #GIRLBOSS!

You see them spanning your newsfeed in Instagram, their sassy lifestyle bits cropping up on Pinterest and their fun Snapchat stories and you're pretty much one yourself (or are on the road to being one) but girlbosses are now gaining recognition and they are here to stay. That being said, no such charming lady can function flawlessly at life without having her own manwomancave which is where I've come to help.
Whatever your style may be, you'll fall in love with at least one of these beautiful essentials every lady needs in her private comfy nook. My style has to do all with balance, having loud, make-you-look-twice pieces coupled with understated beauties, modern in vogue pieces paired with a little vintage decor and finally pieces that invoke relaxation therapy while others that get you all upbeat. Have a look!

PS: None of the mentioned products are sponsored whatsoever. Let's get that straight first. :) Okay, now have a look.

16 trendy essentials for the #girlboss! #inspiration #office #decor #chic #girlboss
1.FABULOUS SEATING FOR YOUR GIRLGANG: 
Remember I said we're trying to be a modern stylista here with luxurious vintage pieces here and there? I think on the whole counter stools are a better bet than a couch because they'll keep your work mode going at the table with the girls. I found these charming vintage wrought iron ones (which come as a set of four <3) from Chairish with a quirky palm print.

2.UPLIFTING SUCCULENTS/FRESH FLOWERS:
Okay fresh flowers/planters are just a given. You simply cannot have a haven without them. I'm reaching out to succulents like these a lot more than flowers these days but it's up to you. They add a vibrant color pop as well. Remember those macrame planters that are bombing pinterest? Time to put some DIY skills to test.

3.A FAB WOVEN RUG:
Rugs = comfort after an exhausting day. If you don't have time for a pedicure, you make sure at least your rug pampers you. This feminine hemp-woven Indian rug from Society Social looks solidly gorgeous and does the job too. (And it's Fair Trade)

4.AN ENGAGING COFFEE TABLE BOOK
Coffee table books can spark a lot of inspiration if chosen right. They're even the perfect companions for someone who visits your den while you prep some things up for them all the while showing your amazing style. Anna Spiro's Absolutely Beautful Things is the coffee table book which just screams to be flipped through.

5.A CLASSY OFFICE TABLE
You'll never feel long drawn out working hours if you have an office table you absolutely adore. If you need more space to pack in stationery make sure you have some storage but this gold and marble table from cb2 doesn't weigh down valuable room space and feels luxe. (or get an identical one custom built, simple enough to do)

6.CHIC DESK ACCESSORIES
Kate Spade desk accessories have suddenly seemed to gone too mainstream in decor roudups and Instagrammer favorites which is why I chose the same gold flair with a little more oomph. This stylish file rack is part of a whole range from Anthropologie and yep, the others look just as divine.

7.GORGEOUS CATCH-ALL ACCESSORIES
Have one huge tray to showcase your collectibles or multiple mini ones like these to store different pieces, but you absolutely need to have a go-to knickknacks storage space.

8.A STYLISH TABLET/PHONE CASE
More than anything, this is a huge expression of who you are so make sure you're sending the right message. Whether you are an understated elegance kind of girl or a bold and colorful lass or maybe even both, Society6 has a darn huge collection of all kinds of gorgeous gadget cases. I just adore this one.

9.AN ECLECTIC ENSEMBLE OF PILLOWS
Ah pillows, prop them against your back or tastefully arrange some throw pillows on the floor for extra seating, but; don't play safe. This is one territory where you should definitely experiment, so mix and match away! I've combined some from Studio McGee here and a tasseled pillow from Target. As you can tell by now, I'm absolutely digging palm prints. (Hey- it's summer!)

10.THE ULTIMATE  GIRLBOSS MUG
Because your morning cup of addicting coffee brew should also double up as your inspiration for the day. Some searching around and I came across these really pretty girlboss mugs

11.THE FUN ACCENT WALL
O.M.Goodness. How can I not have known about these guys before? Since we are keeping everything else patterned/colorful, I decided to go with this simpler cheeky, dotty wallpaper but you could paint the accent wall a coordinating solid color (cue: Pantone's colors of the year are superb) or choose one from this gallery. Instant room pick-me-up!

12.EMPOWERING ART PRINTS
Society6 again. If you are not checking out their or even Minted's collection of Art prints you are honestly missing out on bouts of energy boosts! Check out the ones featured in my round-up here, here, here & here.

13.PRETTY MIRRORED STORAGE
You can keep everything else pretty affordable but splurging on one of these babes will magically turn the entire room expensive looking. I found this mirrored storage to be great for the price and it is 60% off. (or go check out some Youtube tutorials and convert an existing Ikea dresser to a mirrored spectacle)

14.ELEGANT PENDANT LAMP(S)
Okay, so the site does not feature a price tag for these pendant lamps and you need to send an enquiry for these to the designer, BUT they were just so gorgeous I couldn't resist. Metallics always combine beautifully with everything so if you're undecided on what kind of lighting to go for, I suggest golds or coppers for finishes.

15.THE CUTE TO-DO LIST
Rifle paper co. had to make it to "this list". They make some of the cutest and also well-known stationery around so to-do lists or agendas, whatever your pick, gives you the sublime satisfaction of ticking things off at the end of the day and give yourself a pat on the back.

16.A WHIMSICAL MIRROR
Because at the end of the day or whenever you head out, you should look at  yourself and have a little you got it girl pep talk with your reflection. Definite essential for me. ;) How beautiful is this mirror from Lulu & Georgia?


What are your essentials? If you are smitten by any of these, pin and share around!

Have a lovely week and follow me:



Wednesday, January 13, 2016

FREEBIE JUBILEE // DAYLIT SPAS - A VACAY INSPIRED NEW YEAR COLLECTION!

No, I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth but I've decided to keep the blog busy only when I can spare time away from architecture school so that's a bit of sad news; BUT the good news is right here! To kick off 2016, I thought of diving into a fresh and calming theme for my new collection of digi papers. There's a lil bit of everything thrown into the mix. If you love yourself some boho, then you've got to know how closely tied it is to a lot of colorful ornate Indian prints which are breathtaking in their own right. Then there's a bit of agate, carefree doodling and airy lace added in. Lastly, to top of ths free-spirited collection, I've added in the gorgeous Cali palm-tree inspired print. Enjoy!

New Daylit Spas Digipapers Collection from Craft A Doodle Doo #free #digital #prints #art #scrapbooking
          
New Daylit Spas Digipapers Collection from Craft A Doodle Doo #free #digital #prints #art #scrapbooking
 

  DOWNLOAD THE COLLECTION HERE!
and don't forget to share and pin, babes!
........................................
or download all my other collections

Love blue themed AND holiday prints? Click to see this newest hand painted winter collection I've made just for you!




A new subscriber's gift will be landing in your mail soon if you've subscribed to Craft A Doodle Doo. (Again, like the blog I'll be sending out subscriber bonuses only when I'm updating, sorry! That doesn't mean I will compromise on the quality though *wink*)

Troubleshooting download problems:


PS: If you're having trouble downloading the compressed file hon', make sure you have an extractor software like 7zip/Winzip installed to extract the files. (PCs usually have Winzip installed in them) If you're still having trouble, drop me an email at miraclespyer19(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll mail the entire collection to you.If you have themed collection requests you want me to do, do comment to let me know. Take care till then. :)


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Friday, October 2, 2015

CRAVINGS RAVINGS // CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS

One hot and golden afternoon called for another hot and golden beauty: these delicious tenders you see right here! They are beaaaaaautifully crisp and irresistibly tender inside. Unlike so many other versions we know we've all come across, these are not bland at all and are packed with lots and lots of flavor owing to some great spices. All that paired with the most delectable sauce on the side! Now we're talking!

Craft A Doodle Doo - The awesome new fried chicken recipe to try RIGHT NOW! #easy #chicken #tenders

CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS
Serves: 4 (generously)

Ingredients :

1.Buttermilk (as required)
2.Salt to taste
3.Cajun powder - 1 tbsp for the marinade + 3 tbsp for the coating
4. Onion powder -1 tbsp for the marinade + 3 tbsp for the coating
5.Garlic Powder + Garlic and Herb Seasoning -1 tbsp for the marinade + 3 tbsp for the coating
6. White pepper powder - 1/2 tbsp for the marinade + 2 tbsp for the coating
7.Panko breadcrumbs (YES! You need to use Panko!) (1.5 - 2 cups)
8.Hot paprika -1 tsp for the marinade + 1 tbsp for the coating
9.Cayenne pepper powder/chili powder- as hot you'd want to make it (You can also sub red chili sauce if you can tackle the heat)
10.Sugar - 1 tbsp for the coating
10.500 g (a pound) of chicken fillet slit diagonally into thin strips
11. Oil to deep fry

Ingredients(for the sauce)

-2 tbsp regular mayo + 2 tbsp chili mayo ( I used Heinz)
-1 tbsp regular mustard
-1 tsp honey
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1/4 tsp bbq sauce (optional)

Garnish (optional):
A dash of lemon juice + a sprinkle of parsley flakes
Craft A Doodle Doo - The awesome new fried chicken recipe to try RIGHT NOW! #easy #chicken #tenders

Here's how:

1.Make sure your strips are cut evenly so that the cooking is uniform throughout. Marinate them in just enough buttermilk to soak the chicken. Add in all the spices (in the quantities specified for the marination) to the buttermilk and refrigerate for 3 hours to get the chicken beautifully tender.

2.In a ziplock bag, add the breadcrumbs and all the spices again and the sugar (according to the quantities specified for the coating) and shake thoroughly. Set the pan of medium-low heat and test if the oil is hot enough to fry in by sprinkling a bit of the coating mix in the oil and if it fizzes, we're good to go.

3.Place the marinated chicken (in batches) in the ziplock bag and shake till just coated. Individually place them in the oil and don't overcrowd even if tempted (because that is a sure way to make the coating separate and we don't want that happening, right?)

4.Fry evenly on both sides until golden brown. Garnish with a little drizzle of lemon juice and parsley flakes. Dish out on a pretty paper napkin and serve immediately with the sauce.


Craft A Doodle Doo - The awesome new fried chicken recipe to try RIGHT NOW! #easy #chicken #tenders


You NEED to try this. Let me know in the comments if you do. And don't forget to pin to let other people have a chance to relish too!

Too often, recipes call for flavoring only the coating with spcies but really just season with salt and pepper the actual chicken while marinating in buttermilk or brining. That's fine but if you want a bomb of a flavor, you do not do this. Repeat with me : We don't just season with salt and pepper.

Craft A Doodle Doo - The awesome new fried chicken recipe to try RIGHT NOW! #easy #chicken #tenders

PS: (You can also use dressing like Ranch or French. But do, do, please try out the sauce I put up right here for you. It's a winner, I promise.)

I haven't tried baking these as an alternative to deep frying but if you give it a try, I'm sure they'll turn out just as delicious.
Craft A Doodle Doo - The awesome new fried chicken recipe to try RIGHT NOW! #easy #chicken #tenders

Have a brilliant week ahead. xo

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