Snapshots
{new puppy: jack}
For those of you that do not know – I have never been a huge fan of animals. My college roommate can vouch for that. However on Tuesday that all changed when I bought this 11 week old Morkie. If you have any tips on potty training or tips in general please share! My weekend will be filled with plenty of prepping and decorating for Thanksgiving. What are your plans?
{favorite way to wear a scarf}
{working on Christmas gifts}
{cider and molasses cookie at Yates}
Party Girl Commandments
It\’s the holiday season, which can mean only one thing: It\’s party time girls! Whether it’s a small get-together, holiday soiree or dinner with family – knowing how to navigate the room with ease is crucial.
Your Arrival
- Thou shall arrive within the first 30 minutes.
- Thou shall thank the host for a beautiful party and provide the host with a small gift such as a candle, ornament…etc (most people bring alcohol so be different).
- Thou shalt not be tacky and bring uninvited guests.
Drink, Drank….. don\’t get Drunk
- Thou shalt not drink excessively.
- Thou shalt not present thyself a sloppy mess.
In Regards to Drinking and Eating
- Thou shalt not drink excessively or present thyself as a sloppy mess.
- Thou shalt not double dip (put the dip on a plate).
- Thou shalt not over eat.
- Thou shalt only clean teeth in the background.
Conversation
- Thou shalt not complain.
- Thou shall avoid topics pertaining to work.
The Departure
- Thou shalt not “pop in” to the party for 15 minutes and leave
- Thou shall always say good-bye to the host.
- Thou shalt not ever leave before dessert is served.
What are your Party Girl Commandments?
Scents of the Season
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One of my favorite ways to make my house smell amazing around the holidays is with simmering potpourri. In the spring I make this one, which is the same one Williams-Sonoma simmers in store. During the cooler months, I like a simmering potpourri that captures the smell of the season; orange slices (you can use just your orange peel too), cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star of anise. Simply put your potpourri into a pot and fill ¾ full of water. Simmer on low heat and be sure to always keep water in your pot. Your whole house will be filled with an wonderful aroma.
Apple Cider Donuts
With Thanksgiving only a week away and thoughts soon transitioning to Christmas it created the perfect opportunity for my favorite fall combination; donuts and cider. I took a trip to Yates Cider Mill, and bought a gallon of cider and instead of buying their donuts I came home and made my own and used some cider to create a delicious apple cider glaze. These donuts require no complicated recipe. Simple buy Pillsbury Grands Flaky Rolls, cut out a circle center (fry these up for donut holes), fry in 350 degree oil until each side is golden brown, dip in an apple cider glaze (1-2 cups sugar mixed with cinnamon and apple cider mixed for a thick but thin consistency), allow to drip a couple minutes on a cool rack and enjoy with a cup of mulled cider. To reheat place in the microwave for 7-15 seconds depending on your microwave.
A Monogrammed Holiday
When it comes to monogrammed items I have two favorite websites, Marley Lilly and Personalized From Me To You. Both websites offer fabulous goods at a variety of price points. Marley Lilly offers a wider variety of product. While Personalized From Me To You offers less products but custom draws your monogram for jewelry pieces making each one unique. With the holidays quickly approaching remember that monogrammed pieces are custom made and the wait time is a couple weeks in most cases. So order now to make sure you fabulous items arrive on time. Trust me… you don’t want to be like me last year!
Fashion meets Food 