Aguas Frescas

We're adding some boost to everyday drinking water
here at blah to Tada!.

After all, a little variety makes drinking more fun & less of a chore.

Today, we're making Aguas Frescas. The literal translation: "fresh or cool waters". Refreshing they are indeed! I learned about them from this website and first tried them at Mijita Cocina Mexicana at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco. "Wow!" is all I can say and made a mental note to try making these at home.

This drink of Mexican origin makes use of fresh fruits. My pick -- these mighty-cool cantaloupes:

I simply cube up some cantaloupe flesh (about 2 cups) and add them to a blender. I place the scooped-out seeds in a strainer, put this on top of the blender pitcher and with a spoon, "squeeze" out the juice (producing about 1 tablespoon...we don't want to waste anything, right?). I then add 2 cups of water and blend away! You may add some sugar (before blending) if the fruit isn't that sweet.

Tada! My version of aguas frescas (agua de melon).

You may strain the liquid as you pour it into a pitcher or tall glass barrel-shaped punch bowls (as they are traditionally served). That way, the liquid will be lighter and clearer. I happen to like the pulp so I skipped this step.

Get ready to be refreshed on a hot & humid day!

Pump Up Your Water

This week, we're giving some Tada! to blah, everyday drinking water.

Not that there's anything wrong with regular water.
But if you just add some citrus slices...

Tada! Instant color & flavor!

Ready to say Cheers?

Flavored Water

Happy New Week Everyone! I hope you all had a restful Saturday & Sunday. This week on blah to Tada, we're giving everyday drinking water a little pick-me-up.

Nothing wrong with water, especially a glass with lots of ice cubes!

Why not add some oomph to the ice cubes?
Just add some mint leaves & orange slivers to the water
before freezing.

You'll have lovely-looking ice cubes, I promise.

These frosty cubes will subtly flavor your water as it melts.
Tada! don't you think?

Fit for Evening

Hey, hey...it's Friday!

If you're going to a dressy event soon, today's blah to Tada! transformation will be right up your alley.

This week, it was all about empty tape rings and dispensers. We mustn't leave out that thick round of sealing tape, don't you agree?

It's still useful even after you've used up all the tape!

Okay, I'll reveal today's project -- we're making an evening bag!
We're using the empty tape ring as a handle.

I fashioned the bag using some thick cardboard.
No patterns, just free-form estimates with the help
of a ruler, pencil & eraser (I made many mistakes!).

Wrap the empty tape ring with your choice of fabric.

Secure with a glue gun.

Do the same for the entire bag.
Attach the handle & closures (button & ribbon)
with needle and thread.

Tada! Instant evening purse!
High style without the high price.

You can even slip the handle around your wrist
making it easy to hold a cocktail & plate of hors d' oeuvres.

Leave the bag plain (if using a shiny or printed fabric)
or decorate with bling & beads!

Happy partying & have a Tada! weekend!

Cool Cuff

We're recycling tape-related things this week, from dispensers to those plastic rings left after all the tape has been used up. Today, let's throw in packing tape to the mix. I think the cardboard ring is a fun thing to jazz up!

Doesn't this cry out B-A-N-G-L-E?

It might be too big for your wrist, though (we want people to say "How cute!" and not "Why are you wearing tape around your arm?"). An easy solution is to trim the cardboard with a knife until you've achieved the ideal bangle size.

Cover the board with a piece of fabric and secure with hot glue.

Overlap the ends for a snug fit on the wrist
and accessorize as you please!

I used a frog closure (also attached with hot glue) for a Victorian or Asian touch. You can add silver studs and a shiny skull for a rocker look. Use colorful printed fabric for a bohemian vibe or a strip of faux diamonds so you can wear this to your next formal event.

Tada! A special bangle that's not available at any store!

A Statement Accessory

This week's blah: plastic tape dispensers.

When the tape's all finished, don't throw away the plastic rings!

Wind a ribbon around the ring to instantly change the look!
The more, the merrier.

Then attach the rings to a chain...

Tada! You've got a necklace that makes quite a statement!

Here's another version using two rings, chains and a silk sash:

This will definitely add some Tada! to a simple outfit.

And for yet another version...

Glue the rings together to form a four-leaf clover or
five-petal flower, add sparkly buttons
and attach to a chain.

Wear the necklace off-center and
don't be surprised if this turns out to be
a conversation piece!

I Dream of Paris

Yesterday, we re-used empty tape dispensers to hold different kinds of tape.

Today, I'll show you how we can turn these empty tape rings
from blah to Tada!

Wrap a piece of ribbon (you'll need about 1 yard) around the ring
and secure the ends with a glue gun.

Tada! The plain ring is now a pretty pendant just by
adding a chain and/or a string of pearls.

Finish off with a favorite charm like this tiny Eiffel Tower...

...And you'll have a necklace that's totally unique!