Heart Jewelry

A little teaser for pre Valentines Day.

Some heart themed jewelry designs of mine:

All items available for purchase here

And this darling little charm bracelet is the newest addition, made by special request for my nieces 8th birthday earlier this month. I am so in love with it that I decided to add it to my line in, sizing for all ages.

Granola Perfected

I have been working on perfecting this recipe for many years, actually I have probably been making this since I was about 19 years old. I love to make a big batch about once a month to have around for breakfast and snacking. It always comes out a bit different depending on what I have around and my 'flavor mood' when I'm making it.

This is my basic recipe, but no need to follow closely. As long as your proportions are semi-similar and you don't burn it then it will come out super yummy!

I am also posting the original recipe I based mine off from Moosewood Restaurant, so you can see how a recipe can evolve over the years based on your own personal likes.

Granola Perfected

Ingredients:
4 or 5 cups rolled oats (not quick oat)
2 cups coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans)
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
4 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp cinnamon 
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 honey
1 tsp fine grain sea salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Sometimes I also add:
1/4 cup chopped crystalized ginger 
1/4 cocoa nibs
3/4 dried fruit
lots more coconut (because this is one of my favorite things ever)

Directions:
1. Place all the dry ingredients (nuts, oats, seeds, salt and cinnamon) in a large bowl and stir together.
2. In a small saucepan on low heat, warm the oil, honey or syrup, and salt.  Stir the vanilla.
3. Gradually pour in the warm oil and honey over the dry mixture and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Spread the granola on an un–oiled baking sheet. In a preheated 325 degree oven, bake for 30 minutes. Check at 15 minutes and stir if needed or desired (you don't want the bottom to burn and this prevents clumping, but I like clusters so I try not stir if I am not at risk of burning the bottom).  Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing.

Yields: apx 8 cups
Hands-on-time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes

Original Moosewood Restaurant Ingredients:
1/4 cup safflower oil
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 cups coarsely chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts)
6 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
3/4 cup dried fruit
1/3 cup shredded coconut
2 tbsp. sesame seeds

Happy Baking!

Foxy Nails Winter 2014

Foxy Nails Holiday Glitter Edition!

The holidays really hit my nails the past few months. Glitter was my trend.

Floss Gloss 'Tanlines' with Mineral Fusion 'Cerulean Rock' coated with Fanchromatic 'Misty Mountians'

Floss Gloss 'Wavepool' with Sephora by OPI 'Are You Glistening'

Formula X 'UR Square'

Bold colors with one nail layered in golds seem to be my favorite.

Mineral Fusion 'Cerulean Rock' with Mineral Fusion 'Glimmer' 

Floss Gloss 'Blood Suede & Tears' with American Apparel 'Gold Flash' topped with Julep 'Oscar'

Floss Gloss 'Faded' and Julep 'Brielle 'with American Apparel 'Gold Flash'  topped with Mineral Fusion 'Glimmer' 

Hello 2014!!!

Not my actual New Years Eve, but maybe some year

Not my actual New Years Eve, but maybe some year

2013 was full of so many new projects and a really exciting time for change in my business. As I look forward to the new year I  am excited for more beauty and adventure in my life! Some things I see in the coming year include launching more of my Fox & Doll Beauty Line along with availability through a full online shopping site, sharing some hair styling tutorials, providing product reviews and recommendations on this blog, creating more vintage inspired wearable items (jewelry and clothes) and continuing to teach an expanded selection of beauty workshops. I hope you will continue to join me in following along to see what the new year brings. Feedback, suggestions and general comments are always welcome. Cheers to the new year ahead and here’s to success for all! xo Shana

This was my actual New Years Eve, Fondue for me and my boyfriend

This was my actual New Years Eve with Fondue for me and my boyfriend