Actually

Sweater: Anthropologie (gift); T-Neck: Old Navy (old/similar)

Denim Shirt: J.Crew Outlet (similar); Jeans: LOFT; Boots: Halogen via Nordstrom

Belt: ?; Hat/Gloves: Target; Sunnies: Target; Necklace: Tiffany (gift) 

So this what I actually wore on the first snow day of the year! Almost all the same components, right? For me, this is a foolproof look and my go-to pieces for winter. And, today just happens to be the first day of winter! Can't wait to cook up a new look for the cold we're experiencing again today! 

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

Winter Storm Apparel

 

The day before the world is supposed to come to an end just happens to be our first official snow day. Coincidence? I'm sure some think not! I, however, don't believe it! I mean, really. There is no way the world is ending tomorrow. I still need to wrap all my Christmas gifts and have two more holiday parties to attend. Not to mention a New Year's Eve dinner that will include one amazing tulle skirt from ASOS. 

It isn't hard to crack the code on what I wear on a snow day. If you guessed turtleneck, blanket sweater and tall boots, you guessed correctly! Add a cute hat and fun gloves and you are ready to tackle the elements. And when I say tackle, I mean call your dad to pick you and your son up because you refuse to drive!

I put together what I think is the perfect go-to look on a day like today. Start with a warm, comfy sweater. This one from Anthropologie can be worn so many different way. A major element I look for when purchasing sweaters! Add a t-neck and denim shirt for layers and texture. The ribbed one from Target is great for wearing alone or with a fun scarf. And the denim shirt from J.Crew is a staple piece for any closet. I am a huge fan of colored jeans and this emerald green pair from LOFT is a great neutral. Lastly, add tall boots, like these from Piperlime, to help shield your feet and legs from wind and snow.

 

 

 

 

  

You need a hat and gloves this time of year! I love the jade green and design of these from Target is so fun. I own entirely too many hats and gloves but I wear them all! 

   

If you are out and about, what did you wear today? Whatever it is, I hope you're warm and cozy!

Ice, Ice, Navy

Coat: Ann Taylor; T-Neck: LOFT (similar); Jeans: Joe's Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Circa Joan & David (gift);Necklace: Ann Taylor (gift); Earrings: Silpada;

 Ring: Banana Republic (old); Handbag: J.Crew (gift); Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

 Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express 

  I have only one thing on my mind and that's vacation. Okay that's a lie, I have a million things on my mind.  My house is a pit and I don't know when I will clean it, I haven't started wrapping one gift, how is Santa going to get all of that stuff put together before Christmas morning, what kind of cookies do we leave him as this is the first year he's visiting our home and who's going to bake said cookies?

What I'm not really thinking about is what to wear this week. It is a light week in terms of people actually in the office so I'm going casual! Jeans it is but I don't want to just wear jeans. I want to make them a little dressy and this topper, seen here and here, did the trick! I paired it with a simple cream t-neck, a chunky necklace that looks like icicles and oxblood kitten heels. Add an ice skating rink to the backdrop and this is one cool look!

  

 

 

Girly Gift Guide

For some reason, I am all about girly gifts this year and I don't consider myself a girly girl by nature. Sure I love pretty things, but I also love beer, baseball and hotdogs. As I look at gifts for my girlfriends, I've found that I'm giving jewels, nail polish and anything shiny! So, I've pulled a couple of things together to share with you, in case you too are feeling girly!

I love these Brian Atwood for Target gloves. Elbow length, leather and with tiny silver studs, they make that girly girl so tough!

Who doesn't love a glitter clutch or a gift of three glittery bags? This Target clutch isn't just for night. The large envelope allows you to carry your necessities during the day. And the three bag set from LOFT? Well the usage is endless. Makeup bag for your tote, change purse for all the lose stuff in your tote or a small ID and credit card holder. These things will definitely keep you organized!

There are so many reasons why I love these drop earrings. First off, they remind me of a ring that my grandmother wears. One that I used to wear while sitting on her lap. A sweet memory for sure. And, these from Baublebar would look great on NYE with an LBD and top-knot.

Manicures, especially DIY manis, are all the rage. And, with these two trendy colors A Cut Above and Good As Gold , you are sure to stay glittery and girly all season long. Essie is a definite fav of mine!

 

This is another Nieman Marcus designer for Target, and one of my all time favorites, Marc Jacobs. This black scarf, with just a hint of shine, would look fab-u draped around a winter white sheath.  

Lastly, these shiny baubles are perfect for any girly girl. I am really into rose gold these days and this Baublebar necklace would jazz up any look. The bracelet from LOFT is soft in tone but makes a statement on the arm! 

  

What I love about these pieces is that they are all under $70. I love a cute gift that won't break my wallet!! And, I'm pretty sure any girly girl on your list will love them as well!

Homemade Gift Giving

As I've checked off the applebutter and bread from my bucket list, I had always planned to give them as gifts for the holidays. We can't possibly eat 15 jars of applebutter, right? Well, on second thought....

I wanted to show you a simple but sweet way of giving your homemade gifts. As always, a personal touch makes the gift. All of these items were purchased at Michael's, a place where I could spend all of my time and money! I love craft stores!

What You'll Need:

I created a template to cut circles from red fabric using pinking shears instead of plain scissors.

 
How sweet is this holiday ribbon from the Martha Stewart Craft collection?

I placed the red rounds on top of the jar and tied the holiday ribbon just below the neck. So cute!

I love a good, sturdy basket. I lined each basket with fabric in fun holiday prints. I folded each piece into a triangle, folded each corner of the triangle into itself and placed inside the basket. Continue to play with the fabric to find the right placement. 

 

 
Here they are! The jars of applebutter and baskets ready for filling. All they need is the bread.

This was the finished product! Make sure you place the bread in a clear wrap so the receiver knows what's inside! 

 

There are so many other things that you can do as well. In the past, I've made sweet bread and placed them on chargers that I stenciled with holiday designs. I sealed the stencil with a clear sealant that was food safe. Place your goodies on the plate and wrap in clear cellophane and tie with wired holiday ribbon.

Happy Holiday!!!

Never Out of Style

Dress: Vintage via Boomerang

T-Neck: Target

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Shoe Dazzle

Belt: J.Crew

Necklace: Forever XI

Sunglasses: Prada (gift)

This is the kind of dress that just makes you feel good when you wear it. The fabric is so soft and the fit is perfect. I honestly can't believe it's vintage. It just goes to show that a sheath dress never goes out of style.

The Dress: Before and After

 

  

Happy Friday!

Here's What's Been Baking....

 I've been baking up a storm over the past couple of weeks and having fun doing it! And it really has helped put me in the holiday spirit. That, and the fact that I watch Christmas movies in the kitchen while baking. So far I've watched When Harry Met Sally..., The Holiday and Serendipity. To me, they have Christmas scenes in them so therefore are considered, in fact, Christmas movies.

The first cupcake is a chocolate fudge, peppermint cupcake with peppermint buttercream. I drizzled each cupcake with melted chocolate and topped them with a peppermint Hershey's Kiss. After further testing, I have decided that instead of making the cupcake peppermint, I will add a chocolate, peppermint ganache to the center.

 

These are the gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I can't take any credit for this recipe as Mr. Bobby Flay was the creator. AMAZING!! And hands down the winner.

I toyed with what to top the cupcakes with but decided to go with sprinkles. Who doesn't love sprinkles and they are Christmas colors too!

This is what I've been baking up in my kitchen. How about you? Any good holiday recipes you want to share?