Pintern Summer Challenge: Macaroni & Cheese in a Mug

Next blogger up is Myles of Berklee College of Music! He decided to go with this simple and delicious recipe-in-a-mug.

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Yesterday I was in the mood for creamy Macaroni and Cheese, but only had 10 minutes before I had to run out the door. So I went right on to Pinterest and found this great recipe that took a little over 4 minutes. Plus, it only has a few ingredients and it’s much healthier than store bought box brand. The most important thing you need is a Mug. You have to try this recipe out! There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of comforting and creamy Macaroni and Cheese once in blue moon.

**Instead of the Whole grain elbow macaroni (used in the pin), I used medium shells and it came out just as delicious.

What You’ll Need:

A large mug or bowl (I use a big soup mug)
Whole grain elbow macaroni
Water
Cheddar-Jack Shredded Cheese
Splash of milk

What You’ll Do:

1. In a microwave safe {big} mug or bowl (make sure it is a big one or it will boil over), put 1/3 cup whole grain elbow macaroni and 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup water (If you have a stronger microwave than mine, you may need more water… just play with it adding a couple extra Tbs at a time). Microwave for 6 minutes, stirring at 4 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute.

2. The pasta should be cooked and there will be a tiny bit of thick pasta water in the bottom. Leave this water.  Then add a heaping 1/3-cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (pictured below). Return to the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds to melt the cheese.

3. Stir well, adding a small splash of milk (maybe 2 teaspoons). Once it is all stirred together you should have a delicious and creamy Macaroni and Cheese.

Written by Guest Blogger, Myles Marcus

posted by Sandybn
06.14.13
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Pintern Summer Challenge: The Blooming Monogram

Our first blogger to put her pins to the test is Chloe of Penn State! She went for a project that is perfect for the rapidly approaching summer season.

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The Pin: “The Blooming Monogram”

While browsing Pinterest, I came across this really cute Mother’s Day project called Blooming Monogram and I decided I would give it a try. Now, because Mother’s Day has already passed, I went in a more personal direction and decided this would be a cute personal monogram idea. So, let’s get started!

Supplies:

cardboard letters
craft glue (or a hot glue gun)
flower foam
fake flowers
scissors
sharp knife (or exacto knife)

Step One:

Carefully make an incision in the lower corner of your letter and pull back the top layer of cardboard to reveal the hollow insides. Pull it back slowly to avoid any unwanted tearing and it should look like the picture on the right! (you can clean up the edges by ripping off the extra left behind)

Step Two:

Measure and cut your flower foam to fit inside of your letter (check out my concentration face). Once you’re okay with the positioning, use your glue to secure the foam to the inside of your letter. The corners can be a little tricky, but take your time when measuring them and they’ll fit like a glove.

Step Three:

Cut your flowers down to size and start arranging them in the foam (I used daisies, but you can use whatever you want).

And then….


Voila! Your finished product. Two beautiful blooming letters that you can prop up in your bookshelf, or hang on your wall. Too cute! (Don’t mind my wonky flowers, some of the petals were bent from laying in a bag overnight) I think I did alright, what do you think?

What flowers would you use? Try it yourself and let us know!

Written by Guest Blogger, Chloe Leach

posted by Sandybn
06.14.13
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The “Pintern” Summer Challenge

As you’ve probably noticed, we at Barnes & Noble College can’t get enough of Pinterest. From DIYs using miscellaneous household objects to outfit ideas to study tips, we can’t help pinning all day long (don’t deprive yourself, check out our boards!). That’s why this summer, we’re putting our pins to the test. Each week, we’ll be posting a new project and our spirited attempt at it. Full posts →

posted by Sandybn
06.14.13
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DIY Dorm: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner (June 16th, don’t miss it!) and it’s time to get a gift for Dad. Before you run off to try to find the perfect present, we pulled together a list of some great DIYs we’ve come across. Check them out and share your own favorites!

Gift Bags, Father’s Day-Style

Sweeten Dad’s day with a gift bag filled with his favorite goodies. Add a cute touch to this simple, inexpensive present by following these instructions from Paper Crave on how to make and decorate your bag.

Decorated Mugs

Decorate a ceramic mug simply by designing it with Sharpies and sticking your completed work in the oven for 30 min at 350 degrees to make your designs permanent.

Photo Album

Show your appreciation for Dad by putting together pictures into a photo album. Put a creative spin on these with some ideas from Anything & Everything…

Simple, but Thoughtful: a Card

Cards are the quintessential accessory to a gift. Personalize the classic with some DIY twists of your own!

Remember when you used to make pasta-art for your parents? Update the childhood craft with some seriously cool details. The Gold Jellybean has some awesome inspiration using (what else?) bowtie pasta!

Why not make Dad a card that reminds you of him…literally? The Glitter Adventure has another awesome DIY for making a card that looks just like your dad’s suit & tie.

What DIY ideas do you have for Father’s Day? Share them in the comments below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Katherine Chang

posted by Sandybn
06.13.13
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DIY Dorm: T-Shirt Scarf

There are few things we love more than a good upcycling project. When our Guest Blogger sent us this fun DIY, we were eager to share it with our readers. Keep reading for easy-to-follow instructions that show you how to turn an old T-shirt into a brand new scarf!

What You’ll Need:

T-shirt
Scissors
Puff paint

What You’ll Do:

1. Start out decorating the ends of the t-shirt with puff paint

2. Once the paint has dried, cut the shirt across (cut below the arms but give yourself enough room to cut strips).

3. At the bottom of the shirt, cut approximately 1 inch strips all the way across (getting close to making fringes!).

4. Hold the shirt down and pull each strip towards you to create the fringe effect. Stretch out each strip to make them longer (don’t pull too hard or else they might rip off).

5. Once you’ve created the fringe, you can then either single or double wrap your new beautiful t-shirt scarf you just made: easy and inexpensive fashion!

Written by Guest Blogger, Aksa A. of RIT

posted by Sandybn
11.13.12
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DIY Dorm: Memory Jar

I originally came across this post on Pinterest and knew I had to try it out. It’s a simple craft that helps you organize clutter without throwing away trinkets or memories. All you need is a clean jar (I used a salsa jar) and some glass paint (I chose black). For a decorative touch, I painted the outside with a fun design. Voila! My soon-to-be-recycling became a quaint keepsake jar in a few simple steps.

What You’ll Need:

An empty jar (make sure to clean it thoroughly)

Keepsakes to put inside

Puff paint or glass paint

Paintbrush

How will you be decorating your jar? Post a comment below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Aksa A. of RIT

posted by Sandybn
10.24.12
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Halloween Costumes Made Easy

With Halloween right around the corner, there is no better time to start planning your costume. We decided to pull together some of our favorite ideas to make planning your costume a real treat.

MINNIE MOUSE COSTUME:

The items we used for Minnie Mouse: Red Start Dress, Dramatic Lash Kit from e.l.f., Michael Antonio Love Me Suede Pump, Sequined Minnie Mouse Ears Headband, White Gloves

WHERE’S WALDO COSTUME:

The items we used for Waldo: Mossimo Supply Company Striped Shirt, H&M Blue Chinos, Clarks Men’s Bushacre Chukka Boot, Beanie Hat from Village Hat Shop, Giant Candy Cane from the Dollar Tree painted with DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Paint

WITCH COSTUME:

The items we used for the Witch: H&M Lace Dress, Purple and Black Striped Tights,  Lace-Up Platform Booties, Black Witch Hat, Wicket Witch Broom

posted by Sandybn
10.16.12
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DIY Dorm: Desktop Dry Erase Board

Staying organized is one of the most important things a college student can do. Papers, tests, meetings – as the semester moves along, things can really pick up. Make your to-do lists a little more fun with this easy and inexpensive DIY! With just a few materials, you’ll have a new dry erase To-Do list right on your desk.

 

What You’ll Do:

1) Remove the picture frame backing board (the cardboard part attached to the stand) from the frame. Using a pencil and the scrapbook paper, trace around the rectangular part of the backing board. Once you have the tracing, cut out the rectangle.

2) Now, place the glass front in the frame (wipe off any smudges first!). After, place in the scrapbook paper – the way that you would with a photograph. Then, put the backing board in place.

3) I decided to add a some studs to the corners, just for extra decorations.

4) Now, using dry erase markers, you can keep an easy to-do list right on your desk! Just wipe off the writing anytime you need an update!

What’s the first item on your To-Do list?

posted by Sandybn
10.06.12
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DIY Dorm: Chevron Soles

Celebrities everywhere can be seen stomping around in their crimson-soled Louboutin’s. Well, for those of us that shop within a slightly lower (okay, much lower) price range, we’ve got an amazing DIY. Show your weary soles some serious TLC with this budget-friendly project that helps any pair of heels step it up.

What You’ll Need:

Nail Polish color of your choice
Tape (Scotch Tape works fine)
Pair of heels

What You’ll Do:

1. We went with this season’s favorite metallic, gold, to add some shine to our shoes. We used “The Next CEO” from Nicole by O.P.I. as our shade (available at select campus bookstores!).

2. Using Scotch tape, we lined the sides of the sole in order to prevent the polish from getting on the body of the shoe.

3. Now, using the tape, you’re going to form the stencil for the chevron pattern. Snip a few small pieces and place them zig-zagged (like pictured).

4. Using the nail polish, paint along the outline you just created with the tape. You may need to add a second or third coat, depending on your preference. Let dry and remove the tape.

5. Repeat this step towards the top of the sole. You may have to cut the tape thinner so that it does not peel off your previous lines.

6. Make sure all of the paint is dried. Peel off any excess tape and enjoy your new shoes!

Pick up Nicole by O.P.I. nail polish at select campus bookstores and you’re ready to get started!

posted by Sandybn
09.21.12
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DIY Dorm: Instagram Coasters

Before you brush this project off (coasters? who uses coasters?), you’re going to want to take a look at the latest DIY we’ve come across. Using your very own filtered-to-perfection Instagram photos and a few inexpensive materials, we’ll be crafting some customized coasters that will look cool on any surface. Think of it as a new way to display your favorite photos.

What You’ll Need:

-    4in x 4in ceramic tiles (pick some up at Home Depot for only 39 cents)
-    Mod Podge
-    A foam brush
-    Felt pads
-    Clear, waterproof sealant (you can try Walmart for this)
-    Printed Instagram pictures (one for each coaster)

What You’ll Do:

1)      First you’ll need to print your Instagram photos. The easiest way to do this would probably be to screenshot them on your phone and email them to yourself. Once you’ve done this, you can size them so they’ll fit the tiles and print. I used photo paper to ensure that the ink would not bleed when coated with the Mod Podge (plus, it’s sturdier). Cut out each photo square.

2)      Mod Podge one coat onto each of your tiles. Place the photo square where you want it and press out any air bubbles. Let dry – wait 45 minutes to an hour to make sure it’s completely hardened.

3)      Apply 2-3 more thin coats of Mod Podge over the entire tile and on top of the photo. It’s best to apply it both vertically and horizontally. Let dry for an hour.

4)      To make sure the coaster remains water proof, spray a layer of sealant over top of it. Don’t spray too much or it will get goopy. Let dry (follow the directions on the can in order to determine how long you should wait). Spray a second coat of sealant and let that dry as well.

5)      Add the felt pads to each corner of the underside of the tile. Most of these come with adhesive on the bottom but, if not, use some hot glue to attach them.

6)      You’re done! Easy, right?

Send us some photos of your coasters – we’d love to see how they turned out!

Of course we had to Instagram ours once we were done!

posted by Sandybn
09.14.12
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