Five Things.

This past weekend I have solely been focusing on creating this video. This video is about one thing that has changed my life. I made it for a video essay contest (in my attempt to win a scholarship). It ended up being such a creative process and I loved every step of making this video. I really hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Also, pleaseee vote for it here: http://scholarships.collegeplus.org/essays/817-five-things

New Knit Scarf

I finally finished this big infinity scarf! I loveee how it turned out. I'm thinking I will put it on Etsy but I seriously need to knit one for myself.

Blueberry Muffins and Blueberry Cobbler

My brother and his fiancé went blueberry picking this afternoon and they came home with the BIGGEST blueberries I've seen! They are so delicious and I immediately wanted to bake with them. I decided upon making blueberry muffins and blueberry apricot cobbler. Both of these desserts turned out great.

The muffins were so easy and they are gluten-free! Here's the recipe: keepitsimplekeepitfresh.blogspot.com
You should totally try it out!

I used the same cobbler recipe that I posted on my blog a while back (I just replaced the blackberries with blueberries and apricots!) Here's the post: Wild Blackberry Cobbler

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe

Yesterday, I made this delicious green tea ice cream! I've been dying to make this for the longest time but had to put it off until I purchased some matcha powder (that stuff is expensive!). The ice cream turned out so perfect. It was creamy and had the perfect sweetness. Next time I make it, I think I'll try using coconut milk in place of the whole milk.

Green Tea Ice Cream 

3/4 cup whole milk
2 egg yolks
5 Tbsp of sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream (I added just a little extra)
1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
3 Tbsp hot water

1) Mix the matcha powder and hot water in a small bowl and set aside.

2) Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a sauce pan until completely combined. Gradually add the whole milk to the egg and sugar while whisking. Set pan on low heat and continue to stir constantly until mixture thickens

5) Soak the bottom of the pan in an ice bath and allow the mixture to cool. Add the green tea to the cooled mixture and stir. Then add the heavy cream and stir until fully combined.

8) Place the mixture in the fridge over night (or for a few hours). Once it's nice and chilled, place mixture in an ice cream maker (or freeze it if you don't have an ice cream maker)

This only filled up half of my ice cream maker so if you plan on serving it to more than three people, I would suggest doubling the recipe.

Knitting and Sewing

So I tried sewing another knit bag but this time I decided to add a zipper. Sewing this bag was not easy due to the thickness of the yarn I used. I also think I needed to change the needle on my sewing machine. But despite my difficulties, I managed to make a decent (and useable!) bag. The stitches are definitely not straight but I hope to improve quickly so I can start selling these! I think my next project will be a knit cross-body purse. Can't wait to start!

Light and Shadows

One thing I've really loved about my Canon Rebel is its ability to accurately capture light and shadows. I feel all my previous cameras distorted lighting so I never took as many pictures. 

Wool Scarf In the Making

I'm currently working on an extra large infinity scarf. I have a bunch of this cozy wool yarn that is such a gorgeous, vintage color. I'm excited to see the outcome. Also, I just made a new Instagram account where I'm going to start posting a knitting picture everyday. It's called Daily Knits. You can follow me here: http://instagram.com/alexaklop

Long Hair Tips: 7 Things I DON'T Do to My Hair

Lately I've really loved my bangs. Also, my hair is finally longer than it was before I cut off my tips. So many people ask how I get my hair so long. It's not really about what I do, it's more about what I DON'T do! 

Here are 7 things I DON'T do to my hair: 

1) I don't blow dry my hair (except for like twice a year). 
2) I don't use a curling iron or straightener (I always put it in curlers or a bun to curl it)
3) I don't wash it everyday (only every other day)
4) I rarely use hair product in it (no nasty gel or spray)
5) I don't dye it (I did do my tips once but NEVER my roots)
6) I don't tease my hair 
7) I don't brush my hair more than once (maybe twice) a day 


I think these are the reasons my hair has no problem growing! I realize that these things can't always be avoided though. Sometime you just need to use your blow dryer so you don't go to work with wet hair! Sometimes you have to tame the frizz with those hair products. Sometimes your bangs decide to stick out and you need your straightener. 

Here are some simple steps to take: 

1) Put your blow dryer on low heat 
2) Start experimenting with no-heat curling methods
3) Try showering with your hair up when you don't need to wash it
4) Find some more natural hair products that won't kill your hair
5) Embrace your natural hair color
6) Try flipping your hair down and use light hair spray to get volume 
7) If you're having a tangly hair day but want to avoid brushing, put it in a messy bun until the next day

I encourage you to do your hair a favor and be lazy every once in a while. Let your hair air dry when you get the chance. Try out all those cool no-heat curling methods. Embrace your natural hair color. Give yourself and your hair a break. 

Outfit of the Week

So I've tried to do this in the past and was horrible at keeping up with it! I'm going to try again and just post an outfit a week. 

Iced Nutella Mocha Recipe

Happy Fourth of July! My day has consisted of: picking flowers, making iced Nutella mochas, sitting by a bonfire while reading, baking a cobbler, eating tacos, taking pictures, bike riding, and spending time with family. What have you done for the 4th?

Here's my Iced Nutella Mocha Recipe 

1 1/2 cups iced coffee
2 cups milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 spoonful Nutella
1 to 2 handfuls of ice (depending on how icy you want it!)
1 or two scoops of ice cream (Optional)

1) To start off make coffee ice cubes with 1/2 cup of your coffee (this is optional)

2) Combine the milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a sauce pan. Stir on medium heat until mixture is hot and everything is dissolved in. Let cool and then place in the fridge. (if you're in a hurry, place it in the freezer for a bit to make it chill faster)

3) Once everything is chilled, put the coffee, milk mixture, ice cubes, and Nutella in a blender (leave out coffee ice cubes). Pulse until everything is mixed. If you decided to add ice cream, then pulse this in with everything else. Before you enjoy your mocha, add your coffee ice cubes to keep your drink nice and cool.
                             (This should make enough for about 2 or 3 people.)