happy holidays!

christmas baking

Maybe it's because I've been in a baking sort of mood (it's one of my favorite gifts to give), but I love the food and treats that go along with Christmas. I found They Draw and Cook through my sister's blog and love the combination of recipes and illustration. Sadly, I base a lot about the recipe on how much I like the illustration. Here are some of my favorites.

All recipes from They Draw and Cook.
(click on recipes to make them larger)

christmas ideas

A little taste of some items on my Christmas list.

1. Starlette Crown from Giant Dwarf, $50 2. Baked Explorations Cookbook, $19.77 3. Vintage Raptors Chart, $300 (Saw some vintage biology charts at an antique store a little while back and fell in love!) 4. Denim Tote Bag, $42 5. Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, $16.47 6. Jensen Wood Turntable, $88 7. Sweater Boots, $25 (I used to hate these but they've grown on me. They look sooo comfy.)

it's beginning to feel a lot like christmas!

After an amazingly productive day of Christmas shopping, 4 hours of non-stop Christmas music to the slight annoyance of co-workers, and a large peppermint flavored coffee, I am in the holiday spirit! I now need to focus on preparations for the 2nd annual Christmas party hosted by the bf that is in just 2 short days. I think eggnog and mulled wine are a must. These photos are so cheery and great inspiration for our party.

Photos by Chris Everard.

globe hunting

I have a bit of an obsession with globes. My collection has been steadily growing and I'm always on the lookout. This version from Upon a Fold is a fun twist on the classic.

applesauce cake

I just made this wonderful cake for my book club girls and it was delicious. I see a whole lot more applesauce cake in my future this holiday season.

Picture and recipe from Smitten Kitchen.

darling oxfords

I've fallen in love with the oxford style lately. I found so many great deals on cute pairs while shopping on Black Friday (yes, I was one of those) and didn't pounce on any but luckily I have found some great options online.





top to bottom:
1. SM Oxford Flat, DSW, $49.95 2. Envy Tango Oxford, DSW, $59.95
3. & 4. Bursley, Aldo, $41.99 5. Ann Marino Library Oxford, DSW, $44.95 6. Audrey Brooke Stake Oxford, DSW, $69.95

longing for a change

I've been contemplating a new hair color lately...red?

Image from here.

weekend project with the sister

Food and crafts. That's sums up my family-time. My sister and I made wreaths based on this tutorial that I previously featured in a "10 things" post.
My apartment is officially Christmas-fied.
Picture by me of my newly decorated front door. (I apologize for my extremely poor hallway lighting).

10 things i'm loving

1. newsprint leaf garland, $16 2. Anthropologie T-Rex, $28 3. west egg frock, $59.99, almond extract dress, $134.99 (i'm in love with creams and ivories lately) 4. riding boots! Steve Madden Button Up Greyson, $119, Aldo Marquerite, $79.98 5. Gilmore Girls (obsessed for the last few weeks) 6. paper mache fox by Elizabeth Jardine (A-mazing!) 7. origami alphabet (I'm trying to think of a way to incorporate them into my next project) 8. dress form, $300 (would love to own one) 9. Try Hard Every Day 10. Manu Clustur Necklace, $50

party dresses

If I had money to spare and a great holiday party to attend I've have a hard time choosing.

Both from Madewell.

beautiful interiors

I came across the portfolio of S.R. Gambrel on Apartment Therapy and fell in love. In my opinion high end design can be a little cold and unwelcoming but I feel like I could move right into any of these homes.






All photos from the portfolio of S.R. Gambrel.

the holiday season is upon us

Halloween through the end of the year is my absolute favorite time of year. I've refrained from starting up the Christmas music just yet but that hasn't stopped me from starting my shopping and planning. I'm looking forward to breaking out my Christmas decorations, and snow, and parties. The crazy 70 degree weather we've had the past few days hasn't helped in getting into the holiday mindset though.

I saved this image last year and don't remember where it's from. It's been patiently waiting in my inspiration folder all year.

oh me, oh my

rhino, giraffe, zebra
all from Anthropologie

I do have a gift card burning a hole in my wallet...

10 things i'm loving

clockwise from top left

ikea solsta sofa bed only $149(!!!) I really want to try to snag it while it's super cheap; men's cameo ring from erie basin, it sadly isn't in his shop any longer but I still love it; lovely autumn wreath how-to from my new favorite blog, A Beautiful Mess; old navy plaid skirt; Tim Gunn's book Gunn's Golden Rules (a great and fast read!); this map pillow really inspired me this week; MINI PUMPKINS!; the Archeologist's Daughter Dress from ModCloth; my halloween candy of choice this year, Butterfingers; Langston glasses from Warby Parker, I love everything about this company.