11/01/2013

Hope your Halloween was Happy!

Just had to share some pictures of my little pilot.

We bought this cute little airplane costume LAST year at Target.... for like $7.00 ON SALE. Amazing. I built everything else around it.... black pants and shiny black shoes, a white shirt and red tie that we had from my brothers wedding a few months back, a wing pin ordered from Boeing and this cute little pilot hat that was found on amazon!

Mommy was a flight attendant and Daddy was the guy down on the ground that parks the plane. Such a fun costume for Mr. O's second Halloween! 

Here are some cute little pictures to drool over!




12 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAY!

A Charming Story Boutique is gearing up for Christmas and we will be hosting a 12 days of Christmas GIVEAWAY December 1-12!!!!  If you would like to donate an item from your business for the GIVEAWAY we would LOVE to chat with you! Entry items must be at least $20 in value. In return your company will get free publicity on ACSB's Facebook, Blog and Instagram as well as increased traffic to YOUR website and Facebook page!

Please email info@acharmingstoryboutique.com for more information!


9/26/2013

These cookies are Beachin'!

So, as I've blogged before.... I have a new obsession... making sugar cookies. It's totally my creative outlet, stress reliever (I know some of you think I'm nuts for that...) and way to make others feel good. :) 

I made these today with the help of a friend who wanted to learn a little more about royal icing and sugar cookie making. Now, I'm not a professional at ALL...and these are only my 3rd time ever making sugar cookies but I'm pretty happy with the way that they turned out. :)

Thanks to Glorious Treats and Sweet Sugar Belle for the awesome tutorials and recipes!



9/19/2013

A little about me....and my new hobby too!

Aside from running A Charming Story Boutique, I'm a wife and Mommy of a super fun and adorable 17 month old. Mr. O keeps me busy most of the days and right now we are in a stage where he keeps me ALWAYS on my toes. I have a passion for hosting events and making people feel loved by doing special things for them. 

My most recent creative outlet has been decorating sugar cookies. Before I began my research on making the PERFECT sugar cookie I was content buying the Pillsbury dough from the store... boy did I not know what I was missing out on! 


Basic Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut out Cookies
3 cups (450grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
2 sticks (1cup, 226grams)butter, unsalted, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200grams)granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1tbl vanilla extract, vanilla bean past or almond extract
Flavor options: I also like to use lemon zest with combination of vanilla extract or lemon extract, or orange zest.
  • Sift together flour, baking powder, add salt, set aside.
  • In a small dish whisk together egg and vanilla extract, set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl cream together room temperature butter and sugar, about 5 minutes, scrape the bowl twice. Butter creamed with sugar  should be light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add vanilla egg mixture, beating anywhere from 30 seconds to minute until well mixed in.
  • Now gradually in 3 additions add flour. Lower the speed of your mixer to low. Scrape the bowl well after the last addition and beat just until flour is combined.
  • Scrape the cookie dough into a large bowl, and using your hands knead the cookie dough  for about 30 to 60 seconds, until dough comes together.
  • Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight(8hours) or minimum 4hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375F(190C)
  • Divide cookie dough in half. Roll one half of the cookie dough into about 1/4 inch thick, between 2 pieces of parchment paper using rolling guides on each side of the dough.(2 painter's sticks glued together on each side, or 2 pieces of 1/4inch molding)
  • Cut out as many cookies as you can. Place the cookies on a light colored baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cut outs in the fridge for about 15 minutes, or in the freezer 8 minutes.
  • Bake for 9minutes, depending on the oven, turn the sheet once half way through the baking.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes, transfer to cooling rack.
  • Store in the airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze undecorated cookies between pieces of wax paper in a large freeze safe container, for up to 2 months.
  • Decorate cookies as desired with royal icing or other medium that you use
    MY BEST ADVISE: DO NOT SKIP ANY STEPS ABOVE! :) 
    A friend of mine encouraged me to watch some tutorials on Sweet Sugarbelles website and my new addiction was born. I have had so much fun creating and trying to master the art of sugar cookie making. By no means am I an expert but so many people have asked me where I found my recipes or techniques so I thought a blog about it would help pass the word along. :)

    The secret to the perfect icing is Meringue Powder which can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Joann's. Make sure to take a coupon because a small jar of it costs about $5.99! 

    I have found that Sweet SugarBelle's recipe is my favorite and you can find it here: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/04/royal-icing-101-or-all-roads-lead-to-rome/

    My best advice is do a trial batch and see what works for you.... everyone has a different technique that they find most helpful and you won't know what works for you until you give it a whirl. :)

    Here are some pictures of some cookies and other goodies that I made for my sister in laws babyshower recently:






    I have also made these cookies for a friend bridal shower.... 


    If you don't have a creative outlet I encourage you to find one. SO.MUCH.FUN! 

    If you have any cookie questions I'm happy to help! Just leave a comment below. :)






9/07/2013

Sensational Saturday and Sunday SALE!!!!!

For Saturday and Sunday ONLY we are offering a SPECIAL SALE! 

For $26.00 you get:

1 Smooth Stainless Steel Locket
1 27" Stainless Steel Chain
4 Regular Charms of YOUR CHOICE! (This is any charm $3.00 or under)
FREE SHIPPING



Email your PayPal email address and charm selection to info@acharmingstoryboutique.com

Once the invoice is paid, we will SHIP! 

Happy Shopping! 

Remember Christmas is only 16 weeks away!

Full list of charms can be seen at www.acharmingstoryboutique.com

8/19/2013

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Who wants to WIN this adorable Black Stainless Steel Locket? It's one of our HOTTEST sellers and it could be yours for FREE! 

(Plate and charms sold separately.)
You can get up to SIX entries by clicking below and may get one entry a day just by tweeting about the giveaway! 

Click here to ENTER ----> http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzYxMDNiNzJiNWY5NTNmN2QyN2U3MzM5NjNhNWEwOjA=/

8/12/2013

Cutest Wutsey! We've got some new items in stock!

Everyone LOVES that our lockets come WITH a standard chain however we've had customers ask for options for length and style of chains so that they can have different options...Boy have we DELIVERED!!!!

Here are four new stainless steel chains that can be found on our website now! 





Here are a few new charms that are in stock as well:





 

8/04/2013

A Charming Story and Taryn Yager Photography

Last week we had the honor of working with Taryn Yager Photography as we played around in adorable dresses and lockets. Taryn captured the moment and the amount of FUN we all had! Thank you to my wonderful friends and models who took time out of their busy schedules with work and family to come play with A Charming Story Boutique!






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