Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

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:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite.  Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to. 

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain.  It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

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{weekend} lovelies

 

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 :: Weekend Lovelies ::

Couldn’t you just get lost on Pinterest for hours, upon hours, this time of year? There are so many amazing craft ideas, gift guides, comforting recipes, and darling fashion finds! Much of this edition of lovelies have come from my time perusing Pinterest this week. Of course, all links are also inspired by the holidays… I hope that you enjoy!

So… we are expecting lots of snow today {yippee}! Like much of the US… it is cold and icy here in the Southern California mountains! We are hoping to stay cozy by the fire, enjoying board games, sipping warm drinks, and doing art projects while my handsome husby is away at work. I’m planning on an easy, yet delicious crock pot roast to fill our home with delicious smells throughout the day! What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you have some family time planned and are able to take some time for yourself doing something you love! 

P.S. The lovely image above is via: heart. love. weddings. Have a wonderful weekend! {xo}

Twenty Thirteen Holiday Gift Guide // Rue Magazine 

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Snow Angel Cupcakes // The Cake Blog

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Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer

Burrata and Roasted Tomato:: Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer ::

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, as the calendar continues to get filled by things here and there.  Are you feeling a bit like me?  Hoping to take in these small moments to enjoy what the season is all about, but have been asked to bring an appetizer to an event.  This Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer is a win win for all.  It’s simple, tasty, and doesn’t require too much prep time or cook time.  It really is that easy. 

I have to be honest with you, I more often than not love an appetizer that requires multiple steps and takes a bit of time to prepare.  I feel those are the dishes that taste the best and look the best on a platter, but that is entirely the wrong approach when it comes to the holidays.  The company we keep and the family we see is what should require the most of our time.  Simple is best right?!? Good flavors and a nice glass of wine paired with a lovely dish really can make an evening worth the run around.

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Stella & Dot Holiday Favorites!

Holiday Favorites 

‘Tis the season for gift giving! Nicole and I have some fabulous finds to share with you from our favorite, Stella & Dot!  Their jewelry, bags, and accessories are lovely gifts for  family, friends, teachers, and co-workers! Stella’s pieces also make for the perfect hostess gift! {Many of the items we featured are currently on sale!} Simply click here or on the images below to browse the latest items! Hmm… I’m thinking that maybe Nicole and I should write our own Christmas Wish List to Santa this year with a few of these glamorous baubles {wink, wink}!  [Read more…]

In Everything Give Thanks

 

In everything give thanks {via simply happenstance}

They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, so instead of writing out a list of all the blessings in my life that I am so grateful for…. I thought I’d share our life in photos from the past two months. We’ve been fortunate to have had lots of family time lately…  hiking, meandering around the lake, visiting a pumpkin patch, sipping hot cocoa at our favorite coffee shop, homeschooling, skipping rocks, collecting treasures, experiencing the leaves changing, and even playing in our first snowfall of the season! {As usual, I had a tough time narrowing down the photos… yikes!} My heart is truly full… 

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Pumpkin Dessert Squares

Pumpkin Squares

:: Pumpkin Dessert Squares ::

This week is the kick-off to all of our dessert consumption from now until New Year’s Eve.  Well, for me it usually goes beyond that, but I try! I have said it once, twice, three times “I LIKE PUMPKIN!” Too much, but lucky for me it coordinates well with this upcoming holiday. These Pumpkin Dessert Squares remind me of the homey smell of my Grandma Joan’s kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.  She always had a pot of mulling spices heated in a mini crock pot. The joyous aroma of nutmeg blended with pecans and pumpkin brings me back to my childhood.  Thankfully, I came across this recipe right after I got married and it has been a family favorite ever since.  What makes these Pumpkin Dessert Squares so special is the main ingredient called Muirhead’s Pecan Pumpkin Putter.  It can be found at Williams Sonoma. 

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{weekend} lovelies

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:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Welcome Saturday! We are excited for this edition of weekend lovelies.  As always, we like to feature an eclectic mix of our favorite finds. With Thanksgiving this upcoming week, the holiday count down is on! The chilly weather that we have had this week made us start thinking of all things holiday including; the things in life that we are most thankful for.  Next week we plan to focus on some quality family time, as well as, feature some of our favorite last minute Thanksgiving recipes!  Sara and I hope that you have some wonderful upcoming plans for Thursday… or maybe you have a fun list to round up on Black Friday.  Whatever you have planned, we hope it is enjoyable!  We thank you so very much for stopping by and reading our little blog!  We wish you the most delightful week ahead!

Princess Machine // Goldieblox, Rube Goldberg, Beastie Boys

I love Good Morning America! One of my favorite segments on the show is their “Play of the Week.”  One of this weeks plays, was this lovely little video from Goldieblox.  They are a wonderful company that believes in engineering toys for girls in hopes of creating future inventors. This video features girls playing with more than dolls. They’re being scientist and inventors.  With the music of “Girls” by Beastie Boys, this is a fun treat!
 

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DIY Pinecone Garland

 

DIY Pinecone Garland {via Simply Happenstance}

Since moving to the mountains a few months ago… I’ve completely fallen in love with pinecones! Of course, where we live… there’s an abundance! I knew for the holidays I wanted to make a pinecone garland because it looks natural, and fits perfectly in our new mountain setting. I figured the garland would last through Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving as winter decor, as well!  To make it a bit more festive… I added some gold paint and sparkles… because I am just a tad obsessed with gold {in case you didn’t already know that – wink, wink}… and all things sparkly! 

So, for this lovely DIY… you will need only a few supplies which can be purchased at a hardware store {such as Home Depot}, or craft store {such as Michael’s}. You will need: spray paint {I used gold metallic}, glitter  {I used Martha Stewart’s Yellow Gold}, eye hook screws {the size depends on the size of your pinecones}, and jute twine, string, or ribbon.

DIY Pinecone Garland - Supply List {Simply Happenstance}

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Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

:: Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe ::

I am ADDICTED to Costco’s Granola!!!  Have you had it? Shane had to have a semi-intervention with me in regards to their granola, so I needed to whip up a batch of homemade granola stat!  This Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe is healthy, delicious, and it makes your home smell incredible while it’s baking.  The smell of the sweet honey, oats, and walnuts create the perfect fall aroma.  This is exactly why I love granola and oatmeal so much.  It’s healthy, filling, and it can be versatile.  It is a fall favorite, but with a few simple switches, this granola can be enjoyed year around. [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

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:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Happy Saturday! What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you have some fun plans mixed-in with some quality family time! This is actually our 50th Weekend Lovelies post! Wow! Time sure flies! As always… it’s an eclectic, but completely lovely mix of our favorite finds on the web during the last week. Thanks for stopping by our blog… we appreciate you all so much! We hope that you enjoy the links below… and of course, your weekend! 

“We’re Going to Be Friends” // Caroline Pennell  Oh my goodness… Have you guys been watching The Voice? Caroline Pennell has been my {and Miss Sophia Blue’s} personal favorite this season. Her rendition of “We’re Going to Be Friends” plays on repeat {super loud} in our house. It puts a smile on my face every time I hear it! Can you believe this talented girl is only 17-years old? Amazing! You can download her music on iTunes! 

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