DIY Sandals

Hi everyone :) I'm not sure if I posted this before, but I really love the idea, so I thought I would post it anyway, whether you've seen it before on this blog or not. Here are some super cute DIY flip flops that are perfect for the beach or a summer date. If anyone wants to make me a pair of these, please feel free!

Love, July

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DIY Skirt to Shorts

Hey Cliquers! This is a super fun, easy idea on how to turn an old skirt into one of those pairs of shorts that still make it look like you're wearing a skirt. I have not tried this yet because I don't really have any extra skirts lying around at the moment, but I may just have to go out thrifting for one so I can give it a whirl. It's perfect for summer I think!

Love, July

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Iced Coffee Popsicles

Hello everyone! We are so close to summer, I can basically taste it. You can taste it too when you have your very own coffee popsicles so you don't have to swallow any more piping hot beverages in the summer while trying to satisfy your coffee cravings. The good thing about these is that they're totally customizable to fit your taste. Now I'm not a huge coffee person, but I know quite a few people who can't live without it, so I thought I'd share this recipe with you. I like the way she explains it, so I'll just direct you right to the source. Click HERE to get further instructions! 

Love, July

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How to Make a Camera Strap From a Scarf

Hello readers! This spring and summer, I'm sure you'll all want to find your place in the photography fad like every other teenage girl in this lovely planet called earth. I highly recommend trying your eye for capturing the best snapshots of nature, people, or whatever else makes your heart beat. When you go out for your shoots, do it in style with this camera strap from a scarf. Here's how you can make your own!

-July

Supplies: scarf, 2 split rings, 2 chain closures, scissors, sewing machine OR needle/thread, scrap of leather, pen

Step 1: Draw your shape on the leather with a pen making sure the smallest point at the fold fits through the split ring. You'll be folding it over, so mirror one side to the other and trace it. 

Step 2: Cut the leather on the folded line.

Step 3: Repeat to create two of these leather pieces.

Step 4: Connect the chain closure to the split ring.

Step 5: Slide the ring to the middle section of the leather.
Step 6: Fold the end of the scarf in an accordion fold, small enough so that it fits into the leather.
Step 7: Stick the leather to the scarf in place.
Step 8: With your sewing machine, stitch around the edge of the leather (as indicated in the picture)
Make sure you have a special needle that works for leather. Otherwise, hand stitch it.

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Tuck and Cover Gatsby Style Hair

Hello! It feels brilliant to be back with you again. I've been slacking off in the blogging department lately, I know, and I'm sorry that today's post will be another quick one. 

Because I just read the book about a month back, here's a style based on the looks of the time period. I think it's cute and pretty simple, so try it out!

-July

Half Crown Braid Tutorial

This tutorial is honestly a lifesaver for those of you who don't have much time in the mornings before school. It's cute, quick, and best of all, easy. 

-July

Hand Knit Your Own Infinity Scarf (No knitting skills required!)

I have wanted to try this for a while now because scarves are so warm and perfect for the winter. I know this is a little late in season, but you can still make these for gifts or save them until next winter!
-July




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S'mores Croissants Recipe

Source is written on the picture

Hello! I'm sure you're all craving the foods of summer by now. Can't you just taste the strawberry pies, burgers on the grill, and... S'mores over the fire? Mmmm. S'mores just scream "SUMMER NIGHT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE" but now you can enjoy them inside your house any time with this recipe. 

-July

Actually, I couldn't find the recipe, only the picture, however this is simple enough that you guys could figure it out. I tried this a few weeks ago, and it was pretty good, so give this a try!

What you will need:

• Pillsbury Croissant Rolls  
• Chocolate chips
• Little marshmallows

Instructions:

• Open the package of rolls and spread them out on a cookie sheet
• Place a few chocolate chips and marshmallows on the rolls and roll the croissants as instructed on the package 
• Bake according to the time and temperature listed on the croissant package

Reverse French Braided Bun Tutorial

Hair can be the most difficult thing to get right. Each person has a different style and not every hair-do looks good on everyone, so things can get a little sticky when you're trying to figure out the perfect way to dress your up hair. This is something I think looks great on everyone. It's perfect for a day at school, a shopping day, or even a date with a special someone *wink wink*. Without further ado, here is the reverse French braided bun. 
-July

1. Flip your head upside down and brush your hair to smooth out any cowlicks.

2. Take a two-inch section from near the nape of your neck and separate into three pieces.

3. Begin French braiding, working from the bottom up rather than the reverse. It might take a few tries, but you'll be able to feel if the braid is coming out straight without looking in the mirror!

4. Once your braid reaches the crown of your head, smooth the rest up into a high ponytail.

5. Twist the pony around itself to form a ballerina bun and pin in place.

6. An oversized bow clip is totally optional, but it helps hide any bumps at the top of your braid—plus, it just looks adorable!

*Source

Life Hack: French Manicure

I have always struggled to do French tips on my nails. Even though I don't paint them much, French tips are actually something I've attempted!... and failed. You have to be so precise or it just won't look good. Here is an insane life hack that makes doing your nails much easier! 

-July

Three Lovely Valentines Foods

It's Valentine's Eve and whether you'll be spending the day with someone special or sitting on the the couch alone for the entire night, these three recipes are definite must-tries for the holiday. 

The Best Red Velvet Cupcakes Ever

Recipe and Source

Cupid's Strawberry Float

Recipe and Source

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts

Source

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Love,
July

The *Perfect* Smoothie

Let's face it. If you're anything like me, it's nearly impossible to get your smoothie how you want it no matter what you try. You blend and blend, but it's either too thick, too thin, has too much flavor, or sometimes, not enough flavor! So there it sits, half drunk, your good, healthy intentions ruined.
It's also possible that you have never experienced any of this and your smoothie comes out perfect every time. If that sounds like you, pay no attention to this, but if you can relate to my sob story, then this is definitely the post for you.

**The fifth step is completely optional! If you don't have any of those things lying around your house, don't freak out. You can skip it, although it does make your smoothie healthier!

Source

Guest Post: Destiny Skye with Bandana Waves

Hello lovelies! As you might remember, July and I decided to start a once a month guest post where we bring in an awesome person to sprinkle their creative magic here at the Creative Clique. So without further ado, here's Destiny with an awesome wavy hair tutorial! (:

Hey everyone, I'm Destiny Skye! First of all, thanks to Seana and July for letting me guest post. I'm a sarcastic, homeschooled teenager who lives somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere. I love Jesus, books, music, chocolate and Doctor Who (yes, in that order).

Also, I'm obsessed with getting my hair curly/wavy without heat or hair products. My hair isn't too long, about to my upper back and I have a bit of trouble getting it wavy. I found this video in one of my endless searches and here's the tutorial. The pictures are mine and the video I found online.

So here are....Bandana Waves!

Hope it worked and y’all liked it.

Allons-y!

~D. Skye <3

Super Easy DIY Hi-lo Skirt

Hola (hello)! Buenas dias (good day). It's July! I've had a poll up on this blog for a while asking what you want to see more of, and if you haven't voted on that yet, please do!
Anyway, since food posts aren't very popular, I think I'll start doing more DIY type of stuff. Here's a cute, yet insanely easy skirt that YOU can make all by yourself!

I think this is absolutely adorable and chic. If you have a long skirt that's just not in anymore, create yourself one of these and it'll be wearable again! Or if you don't, I'm sure you can easily find some at thrift shops. 

I want to try this for summer. :)

<3 July 

Winter Recipe Poll Winner: Peppermint Chocolate Marshmallows

Hello! 

It's July :) How were your holidays? Good I hope. I finally got around to making the winning food product from our poll, and I really did do it this time unlike the fall one... whoopsies. If you were paying any attention, you may have noticed that the Three Broomstick's Butterbeer and the Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows had tied with a vote of 4 each, and I really didn't want to make both, so I picked one. I picked the marshmallows. If you were dying to try some butterbeer and are now in hopeless dispair, I'll send you the recipe, so don't you fret on little bit. Same goes for any of the recipes. 

*Note* I actually did make the eggnog fudge for a Christmas party and it did not turn out. It was too sweet and did not taste like eggnog at all :(

Here goes nothing. 

Below is what I was trying to imitate: 

And now what actually came out:

Now obviously, mine don't look as showy or fancy, but just ask Sea.. I am no professional chef, so it's justified. I didn't feel like there needed to be any sticks in them because when the chocolate hardened it was easy enough to just pick them up and pop them right in!

If you want to know how to make them, I can tell you what the picture would since there was no written recipe. Thankfully, it's self-explanatory.

What you'll need: 

• 12 big marshmallows
• 3 candy canes
• About a 1/4 bag of chocolate chips (or 3oz). 

What you'll do:

• First melt the chocolate in bowl (I did it in the microwave, but I suppose you could also do it in a pan on the stove)
• Crush the candy canes in a food processor (make sure you get them small enough) then place them in a bowl
• Dip a marshmallow into the chocolate about halfway and immediately cover with candy canes
• Place on wax paper and wait for them to harden which won't take long
• Enjoy! 

Now for my thoughts on this creation. I honestly didn't like it that much. I think it was the candy canes that did it for me and I would have enjoyed just a plain chocolate covered marshmallow better than this embellished one! It's really easy and if you like candy canes, go for it and tell me how it turns out for you! 

Happy belated holidays!

July

Flat Iron Curls (Easy Edition!)

I myself have finally mastered flat iron curls normally, but I've found an easier version for those of you who want a similar look without the hassle of trying to wrestle with your flat iron for hours.

Step 1: 
Start out with dry hair. It can be Day 2 hair (meaning you haven't washed it for a day), or it can be freshly washed. Either works.

Step 2: 
Take your index finger and middle finger and place them together, wrapping a 1-2 inch section of hair around them.

Step 3:
Gently take the wrapped hair off of your fingers. You should have a loop of hair similar to the picture.

Step 4: 
Take your flat iron and clamp it shut on the loop of hair. You can clamp it a few times or you can try leaving it clamped for a little longer amount of time. I would recommend not leaving the flat iron on your hair for too long or it will burn your hair.

Step 5: 
Repeat on the rest of your hair and voila! Gorgeous, beachy-esque waves.

NOTE: 
If you're worried about hair damage from the flat iron's heat, pick up some heat protectant from the store. If you spritz that all over your it will help to protect your hair from being damaged.

Winter Recipe Poll!

Hello everyone! I'm still very sorry about our last recipe thing that I promised to make, but this time, I promise I WILL get around to it since I'm done with musical, NaNo's over, and we have a little something called CHRISTMAS BREAK coming up.

Well, I need your help again to vote for the winter recipe that you want me to make, review, and share the instructions for.
Here are your options!

Three Broomsticks' Butterbeer (a different and more accurate recipe than what I've posted before)

Eggnog Fudge 

Eggnog Milkshake (erm.... not the spiked kind.... who do you think we are??? ;) heehee)

Peppermint Chocolate Marshmallows

And there you have it, folks. Please, please vote on which one you want me to make! And don't worry, I checked all the recipes this time so I will be able to make whichever one you choose :)

Love ya,

July

Fall Recipe Poll- Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes

Hey everyone! Welcome to the results of the Fall Recipe Poll. I am sooo, sooo sorry that I didn't get this post up sooner, and even sorrier that I never had a chance to make these! 

Technically, the carmel apple shake won, but I made the huge mistake of not checking out the recipe beforehand and some of the ingredients were things that you can only buy online or in health food stores. I didn't want to get into that because I would probably only make the shake once or twice. Therefore, you guys get the recipe of the Chai Latte Cupcakes. 

I love chai tea lattes, so I'm hoping that when I do actually get the chance to make these, they will be just as yummy as I imagine!

In this recipe, you start with the basic cupcakes (which is below) and then you add other things to make the cupcakes chai, pumpkin chai, or vanilla chai. 

*Source

The Perfect Yellow Cupcake Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter (I soften this up in the microwave first, after cutting this into cubes for easier mashing)

2 cups sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 eggs

3 cups sifted cake flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk (my secret: I use low fat goat’s milk which tastes like cream)

2 tablespoons of either melted cream cheese or sour cream (really adds a lot of moisture!!!)

If this is all you want to do, scoop into your muffin papers/tins and bake at 350 for 20 25 minutes. You can freeze after they cool, if needed.

Now, onto the fun stuff:

Chai Latte Cupcakes

What you will do is bring 1 cup of water to boil and place two black tea bags (does not matter if it is decaffeinated, in fact I often make it without caffeine because I have a lot of friends who don’t like caffeine) in the water. Let it boil for about 2 minutes, then reduce to a simmer and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it reduces to 1/3 a cup of water. You’ll add HALF of that to your basic batter. Then you will add the following spices:

* 2 tablespoons Cinnamon

* 1 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1 teaspoon nutmeg

* 1 teaspoon black pepper

* 1 teaspoon cloves

I almost always add MORE spices than that, but I am giving you the minimum because I know that people have different tastes than me, so just taste your batter and adjust accordingly.

The frosting for this should be a buttercream frosting with the addition of 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Vanilla Chai Latte Cupcakes

Simply add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to vanilla to the batter and when making the buttercream frosting add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and then sprinkle each cupcake with a little cinnamon.

Pumpkin Chai Latte Cupcakes

To the Chai Latte cupcake batter, mix in 1 cup of NON SPICED pumpkin puree. If you have only pre-spiced pumpkin puree, please adjust your spices accordingly.

Frost these with a cream cheese/butter frosting with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla mixed in.

And since it is the season, a generous topping crunchy orange sugar sprinkles is always super nice!

Winter Is Coming (A Side Updo Tutorial)

Living in the north of the US means one thing: We get snow. And just this weekend we got some snow, and it was one of the most gorgeous things I've seen in a while. With winter already around the corner (or for some of us, it's already here), and that means it's time to break out the cozy sweaters and delicious peppermint goodies.

And some of you will definitely have some Christmas, New Years, and other holiday parties that go along with winter. Struggling to find a hairstyle to go with your outfit? I've found a tutorial that's perfect for any occasion and looks adorable.

SOURCE

Happy winter!

♡ Seana

Triple Headband Braid Twist

Hello, lovelies! Apologies for the absence of new posts, but I've got my hands full with schoolwork and other crazy things that come along with being in high school. (: But now I'm going to share with you a gorgeous hairstyle that's essentially just three headband braids and a little poof.

Necessities:

- Hairbrush

- Rat tail comb (or any other teasing tool)

- Elastic hair bands

- Bobby pins

- Hairspray (optional)

Steps:

*Brush out your hair so that there are no tangles and knots.*

1.) Divide your hair as if you were going to create a half-up hairstyle. Tease that section of hair lightly, smoothing over the top to hide the teasing and making it look sleeker and not so gnarly.

2.) Gently twist the teased section and pin it on the back of your head with bobby pins.

3.) Divide the rest of your remaining hair into two parts.

4.) Take a little section of hair (near your ear) from one of the two parts and braid it with a regular 3-strand braid.

5.) Take that braid and drape it across your head like a headband, and pin it on the other side, hiding the end of the braid underneath a little bit of your hair.

6.) Braid the two remaining sections, repeating the headband style that you did for the first one. Hide the ends and bobby pins underneath the other braids.

7.) Finish with hairspray to set the look and tackle any tricky flyaways.

Voila!