For The Love Of Cooking

I say...It's the holidays and you get a permission slip for a little bottoms up fun!

What better cocktail to kick the season off with than a Cranberry Mojito?

With just the perfect amount of festiveness it's sure to be tasty!

Stay tuned for my personal review...

recipe

I personally want to serve this bev up in a mason jar to entice the fellas?

BUT, are cranberry's and fruit in a bev an automatic no go for the guys?

My sweets says...YES, but ugh I still refuse to believe! 

Thoughts?!

Quote Of The Week

Can you believe in just a few days we will welcome the last and most joyful month of the year, December?

There is just something so cozy and special about this time of year when you just want to let bigons be bigons, welcome everyone with open arms, and come together to celebrate such a magical holiday.

I have been on a decorating frenzy lately as I am hosting my very first Christmas soiree for my closest friends in just a couple weeks.  I am losing a little steam in the deck the halls department but, with only a little to go I think watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas (wine glass in hand) tonight will give me just enough cheer to push me through!

Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer.

Cheer to all Whos far and near.

Christmas Day is in our grasp

So long as we have hands to clasp.

Christmas Day will always be

Just as long as we have we.

Welcome, Christmas, while we stand

Heart to heart... and hand in hand.

-How the Grinch stole Christmas

Oh don't ya just love the Grinch? 

My all time favorite holiday movie!!

Visit DC instagram later tonight for a speical apperance by the green fella! 

CYBER MONDAY {DCshop up to 50% OFF}

No rest for the weary!

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Quote Of The Week

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Give thanks this Thursday as you gather with family and friends.

I have been a little down in the dumps as my family will be scattered this Thanksgiving but, everything was just put back into perspective when I heard of a family spending their holidays in the hospital with their father that is ill.

“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.”

Regina Brett

When my brother and I were little my mama would always sing this to us...

Count your blessings name then one by one.  Count your blessing see what God has done!

An extra special thank you to my amazing parents who have ALWAYS stood by my brother and me through everything.  Thank you for always putting your children first and giving us all the opportunities you have.  There is something very special about knowing you have a family to lean and call on.  If my brother and I can even be half the parents one day that our parents have been to us...well then, we will be doing even better than ok!

I love you Mama and Daddy!

Last year at Part I of my 30th birhday celebrations! 

80's throwback skating-rink party!

For The Love Of Cooking

Delectable treats to complete your Thanksgiving Feast!

Pecan Pie Bars

recipe

Cranberry Bliss

recipes

Pumpkin Cupcake with Graham Cracker Crust

recipe

Apple Cherry Cobbler Pinwheel

recipe

I Spy {Your Inner Bad Girl}

Yes...this post is WAY past due but, better late than never right?!

The leather trend has been hitting the scene since early spring and now is at an all time high. 
Next time you're standing in the grocery line bored out of your mind, grab just about any fashion mag and flip a glossy or two.  You will surely land on a pair of rockin' leather pants!  

Randomness:
Why is it when we slip on even the tiniest bit of leather, we suddenly take on the persona of a total bad a$$?!  

roundup...

shop the look

1, 2, 3, 4

I sure hope you are a fan because from the looks of the Spring 2013 runways, this trend is not going anywhere.  That's right inner bad chick...rock on!

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Quote Of The Week

Everyday people shape and influence your life.

Find the right people and you'll be a better person for it.

-unknown

 

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*Day 3 of being thankful*

I am thankful for amazing friends who make me laugh till my cheeks hurt and are always there to lend their support and love!

 

xoxo,

Sunday Sanctuary

It has been a while since I last featured a Sunday Sanctuary post but, I laid eyes on one of the most stunning living rooms I've seen in a long time and sharing with you all was a total must!

From the dark walnut walls accented with an upholstered inset, to the zebra ottoman, and hello how in the world could you miss the insanely gorgeous chandelier by Thomas Grant, there is no detail missed in this room or the entire home for that matter.

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Day {2} of being thankful...

 I am thankful for a little Yorkie named Presley Hope that has brought the most unconditional love and company into my life for the past 10 years.  My sweet baby girls turns 11 on January 3rd!  

Is it just me or does that precious little face of hers STILL look like a puppy?!

Sweet P has started to slow down a tiny bit but, trust me, there is a ton of spunk left in my little girl!

I picked up two of her Christmas presents this weekend.  

The best part is watching her open them...she gets soooo excited! 

Thanksgiving DIY Roundup

This past Monday I had all intentions of spending the entire day unpacking from my weekend trip to LA (pics to come), recovering from the jet-lag, and decorating my home for Christmas.  Unfortunately, a red eye flight really doesn't do the body justice in the Z's department.  As I did stick to the majority of my to-do list starting with unpacking and washing all my clothes, (thank you Starbucks for the energy boost) I didn't quite make it past the time zone AND fall time change...talk about double whammy!

As of today, I have officially started the process of decorating for Christmas...OK, so I have moved  all festive decor down from the attic and into the guest room where it sits waiting to dazzle in display.  Yes, I realize for most of you it's probably entirely too early to decorate for the occasion but, in my defense I only decorate the inside for now.  The outside decor will come to life just a day or two before we gobble down the turkey!

The one thing I never want to do is decorate for an upcoming season while overlooking a very important holiday that officially kicks off the season while reminding us to give thanks!

So, I have decided to first share a few simple and cost efficient DIY's offering chic decor for your Thanksgiving Day and second wrapping up every blog from now until November 22 with something I am thankful for. 

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Aren't these all so darling?  Adding even one of these tiny details to your day of thanks will completely take your gathering up a notch! 

*Day 1 of Thanks*

I am thankful for the ability to rise and shine every morning and embrace whatever the day may bring! 

For The Love Of Cooking

Can you believe Thanksgiving is in two weeks?!  I am starting to understand what the older and ever so wise generation meant when they said "cherish these days...the older you get the faster the years go."   I swear it feels like I just turned the big 3-0 and now today I'm exactly 2 months away from turning 31?!  
Holy Moly...time please, I'm begging you stand still for just a little while!  

OK, deep breath...let's get the heart rate back down (after that realization) and back on track!  

Now, where were we?!  Oh yeah...Thanksgiving!  So it's time to start planning the menus and of course the all day veg sesh that will ensue after we're all completely stuffed yet STILL feel the need to graze the ridiculous amounts of leftovers!

Paula Dean per usual is offering up a tasty Turkey Cranberry Sandwich perfect for leftovers! 

recipe

The past two years I have made a delish (if I do say so myself) Cranberry Orange Relish that has been a total hit.  However, this year while checking out the Gourmet Food selection offered by Saks Fifth Ave I stumbled across a Cranberry Cherry Marsala.  After reading the reviews on the side dish, I'm starting to think I may simplify life, pay $20 and let Saks do a little of the cooking!  

What do you think?  

Is it complete turkey day blasphemy to shop online for my menu items?! 

I Spy: Tablescapes

Browsing glossy pages and the worldwide web for beautiful and unique tablescapes is one of my many guilty pleasures.  Once I start the swooning process I have to seriously stop, look at the clock and give myself a cutoff time of when I will move on to more "productive" tasks.  If there is wine in hand, I tend to "hit the snooze button" and extend my indulge sesh in 5 minute increments!  

I told you...total guilty pleasure. 

Last night as I was re-organizing my Pinterest boards (yes, this is what I do with my spare-time) it dawned on me that I did not have a board dedicated completely to tablescapes?!  Ok, this immediately had to be corrected.  Slowly I am adding some of my faves and new finds but, in the meantime feast your eyes and enjoy while the collection expands. 

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Quote Of The Week

“In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, 

skepticism and humbug, and 

we shall want to live more musically.” 

-vincent van gogh

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As we reach the final days of the presidential election I urge us all to embrace the sides that we support BUT, to eliminate the slander and hateful words that in the end will only cause heartache and further destruction.  Unfortunately, our country and the world will never be in total agreement however, if we all just put forth the effort to be more respectful of each others views and feelings we will at least be taking a tiny step in the right direction.

xoxo,