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{weekend} lovelies

December 7, 2013

:: 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

Snow Angel Cupcakes // The Cake Blog

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Stella & Dot Holiday Favorites!

December 3, 2013

‘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…]

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins

November 14, 2013

:: Pumpkin Nutella Muffins ::

Oh my goodness, you guys! This is the BEST muffin combination… pumpkin + Nutella! During this time of year, I typically make plain pumpkin muffins and occasionally add in chocolate chips… but let me tell you, swirling in a dollop of creamy Nutella made an incredibly decadent difference! The pumpkin is flavorful and moist, while the Nutella creates a rich, chewy, chocolatey muffin top!

I doubled the recipe below and it made 18 muffins and one loaf to give away to a neighbor. This is the perfect baked treat to give to friends and family! If preparing this recipe as a loaf for others… you may want to buy a few of these darling paper loaf pans from Sur la Table. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a simple bow… it makes for the perfect hostess gift or sweet treat for neighbors for the holidays! Enjoy! [Read more…]

Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans

November 5, 2013

:: Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans ::

It’s that time of year! The time where we all pull out our favorite family recipes for the holidays! This happens to be one of my personal loves that I make every Thanksgiving! It’s the ultimate comfort food… using yams {or sweet potatoes}, milk, butter, vanilla and pecans! It’s baked to perfection and served warm! Most of the ingredients you most likely have in your pantry… which makes this dish even more enticing!

I know that yams are not always a favorite {especially the candied kind topped with marshmallows that we often find during the holidays}; however, this dish is a great alternative to the typical yams or sweet potatoes served. The rich potato mixture is mildly sweet with a hint of vanilla, and the topping…. perfectly crunchy with the baked pecans, warm brown sugar and melted butter! I promise this will become one of your ‘go-to’ holiday recipes!

I hope that you’ll whip up this tasty dish to serve at one of your holiday get togethers this year! As Julia Child once said, “Everything in moderation…including moderation.” Enjoy, my friends!

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