recipe : asparagus-ricotta tart

Never have I ever thought that ricotta was such a versatile cheese. I grew up with ricotta in my lasagna and that was it. Did you know you can flavor it any way you want and ricotta will taste good? Yup, I had no idea either. I was going through a magazine in Target when I saw this tart, but the ricotta was replaced with gruyere. That would be fine, if I didn't already have a ton of ingredients laying around from the Thanksgiving feast. 

I decided to take a look at Smitten Kitchen's ricotta cheese recipe. I had all the ingredients and almost a gallon of heavy cream. So, why not? This idea was perfect. I just licked the ricotta right off the spoon: adding a little honey, or lemon, or paprika, or olive oil. Such a great treat!

I flavored my ricotta with a bit of lemon zest, salt and pepper and voila. Delicious. Possibly the easiest, yet difficult looking, recipe I've ever conquered! By the way, you can use store bought ricotta and you won't have a problem. I just didn't know what I would do with a gallon of heavy cream. 

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Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

art to inspiration : DAS Painting ben will

{DAS Painting by BenWill} {1} {2} {3} {4}

These colors are warm and sophisticated. Totally digging this print too, placed in a matted frame on a plain wall. Yum.

I got a lot of positive comments from my previous art inspired post, so I have been thinking that I turn it into a weekly feature! I know what you're thinking, two new features in one day? Well think about it this way, Christmas came early.

I encourage you to post other things that you find inspirational from the art selection!

happy holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year. 

Just wanted to pop in to give you a run down for the next two weeks. I thought I'd start a tradition on the blog , holiday gift guides! I know I'm a bit late compared to other blogs, but to be honest, I've been so swamped with Thanksgiving. Don't you feel like you're behind on life?! The winter holidays are my favorite time of the year in terms of presents, Starbucks drink selections, fashion and warm moments! I'll be sharing my family's gift guides this week and next. Sound good to you? You will see a link under "weekly features" labeled gift guides if you need to look back on a few!

Additionally, you may see some light posting on the blog this week. This will continue the rest of the week and into next week as I will be taking a little vacation visiting some of the most precious people of my life: college friends and some family. I'll be sure to stop by and say hello every now and then, but trust me, I've got some good posts ready for you! I always look out for you, you know that.

design & vogue : rose gold + navy

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Did you all go out for Black Friday? I was in Orlando, or better known as outlet heaven. It was a zoo! My poor (5 foot) mother got a totally unnecessary verbal beating from a (6 foot) woman. My mom, however, did learn her lesson: never talk to anyone when there's a good sale. One thing that caught my eye was the influx of rose gold pieces. I had been wanting a small gold band ring for such a long time, but opted for a beautiful rose gold band instead and am completely smitten! 

We hit up the Michael Kors, Burberry, Kate Space, Coach, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor outlet and I came across a lot of rose gold and navy options. Two royal colors. I can't get enough of it. Maybe this means getting a navy dress to accompany my band? Yes, you say? Okay.

{weekend notes}

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Black flats polish off a great weekend look.

How healthy do you feel just looking at this?

Modern wall art and you don't even have to be creative.

Whoa?! Chandeliers made of spoons.

Have you started planning for your family over the holidays? Make it especially sweet.

Something you may want to look out for this year, my holiday gift guide! Completely inspired by Whitney and Joanna.

Lets get real, we all need to know how to do this.

A little snippet of my Thanksgiving.

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I hope you enjoyed my week of Thanksgiving posts! It was such a pleasure sharing all my secrets of hosting, cooking and dressing for the holidays with you.

bit of life : snippets of thanksgiving

Without the help of friends and family, this Thanksgiving would not have been memorable. I wish I had taken more pictures, but I didn't have the time in the midst of finishing all the food and basting the turkey!

happy thanksgiving

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As we express our gratitude, 

we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, 

but to live by them. 

John F. Kennedy

***

If there is one thing I'm thankful for, it's all of you. Thank you for giving me the support when I truly needed it. Thank you for appreciating every single post. Thank you for all the wise words and sweet nothings you leave in the comments. There is no other group of people that I hold so close to my heart.
Thank you.

vogue : thanksgiving outfit inspo

Now, what to wear, what to wear keeps going through my head this week. I would love to just hop on over the mall and buy a new outfit, but I can't neglect my preparations and family time! I've narrowed my closet down to 6 Thanksgiving outfits, and I'm stugglin' people. So naturally, I hopped onto Pinterest to find some inspo. 

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Formal & Warm Colors I love a classic, clean look for the holidays. There is no better time to look good for friends and family. The colors on this are extraordinary for the season, and as it is warm here in Florida, the opened toed heels are perfect for the climate. This would be the ideal outfit if you are headed out to a restaurant or a more formal gathering. Go the extra mile in what you wear during the holidays because you're with the most loving people in your life. 

Fun with the Family I love the colors, the pattern, the shoes! This is definitely an option when you're with the family. Family time brings lots of excitement and laughs and why not dress the part too? If you're not much of a skirt of dress girl, pair a nice pair of tailored pants or cropped pants with blouse tucked in. You don't want to be too casual, so add an accent skinny belt and throw up a smile. 

Perfect for the Host Now, this is what I'm talkin about. I want to wear something fun and flirty since we're hosting friends and family this year. I will most likely be running around since I will be warming stuff up, refilling trays and empty cups, and mingling. I need something to move around in and comfortable [especially after all the food]. But I might have to pair it with wedges since they're easier on my feet with all the running around.

Thanksgiving Outfit DOs and DON'Ts 

{DO} wear something you're comfortable in. You're going to be eating, eating and hanging out with family. You clearly don't want to be annoyed with anything you're wearing and constantly thinking about it. 

{DON'T} expose too much cleavage. This is a huge holiday no no! You want to wear lines and seams that keep you off the family's naughty and gossip list, right? On that note, also don't wear anything super short. 

{DO} wear something you can sit on the floor with. If your family loves to get together early and play games before the feast, then wear something that keeps you comfortable and prevents any peeks when sitting on the floor. 

{DON'T} overdo the glitter and make up. If you're going with gold lips, go light on the eye makeup. You can find some great holiday make-up guides here. 

***

Only one post today, friends. Lots of preparation and cooking going on today. How are you getting ready for Thanksgiving? Any day before traditions? 

parties and entertaining : setting up a buffet

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I prefer a buffet style set up for Thanksgiving. There are just too many things to be passed around and I want people to enjoy their dinner instead of getting an arm work out! It's tricky to set up an inviting and beautiful buffet table, but can be done. Here are a few of my tips.

{1} Have silverware, napkins, and placement cards on the dinner table and dinner plates next to the buffet table on either a chair or separate table. This way people don't have to juggle multiple things. You also don't risk anyone dropping anything. The placement cards will encourage people to set down their drink before heading over to get some food and avoid a game of musical chairs. 

{2} The main dish, the Turkey, should be placed in the middle with the side dishes around it. The bowls, which are taller should be placed near the back. The dishes, which are shorter, should be placed towards the front. This way people don't accidentally hit a bowl over with their arm and it is easier for someone to grab something over someone. Try to keep the dry dishes, like rolls, tapered higher.

{3} For the decor, I would suggest using slim and tapered pieces. You already have a ton of dishes and bowls on the table, you don't want it to be overcrowded. Keep the decor near the back, closer to dishes that don't require spoons. If you don't have space on your table, go for something like this!

Do you have any tips on how to set up a buffet table? It's what I'm planning this year and I'd love to hear what you've got up your sleeves!

live to create : last-minute thanksgiving treats

Obviously in the hustle and bustle of everything some of us have the tendency to forget some of the sweetest parts of Thanksgiving, the favors and welcome treats. Here's a few ideas you can take home with you this season with easy in the home items!

This one is my favorite! I want to great the younger kids that will be attending the dinner with a warm treat waiting for them at the front door. I thought why not make cinnamon chip-oatmeal cookies?

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{1} Take a brown paper bag and cut the top big enough to fit the cookie with a little space.

{2} Both the top and bottom will be open, so make four whole punches at equidistant, a quarter-inch above the opening. 

{3} Weave twine or ribbon in then out of the holes. With the two loose ends, tie a bow. 

Since the kids have cookies, I thought I'd fill a little treat for the adults too. Why not try these rosemary pecans from Sweet Paul? They will definitely set the mood for what is coming next.

{1} Just take the other half of the brown paper bag from the cookie pouch and while it is folded, make four whole punches again at equidistant, quarter-inch from the opening. 

{2} Weave a ribbon (twice is much too difficult in this one) in and out until there are two loose ends. I would suggest not tying the ribbon until you are going to put your treat in. 

{3} When you are ready for the treat, I lined the bottom with a paper towel. Place your treat in and tie the ribbon. While carefully scrunching the bag. Don't worry if you are unable to scrunch much of the bag. 

For favors, or even leftovers, I thought I'd carry on the theme of the stamp! I'm actually giving everyone some of my pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies! 

{1} Fold the top flap of the paper bag to the desired height.

{2} Make two whole punches, place twine through the punched holes, and tie a bow with the end pieces. 

***

I wanted to create something that you can find the items for around your house. You obviously don't want to be running around in the midst of all the preparations. I can't wait for everyone to see these little guys! Hope the prep isn't driving you crazy! About to embark on some of the cooking today.

parties and entertaining : unique table settings

During the holidays, I get the urge to buy some table decor. We have friends and family come over during Thanksgiving and Christmas and personally I really can't afford to buy separate tableware for both events. So here's a round up of some of my favorite stores and my idea of the quintessential holiday table setting useful for both Thanksgiving and the winter Holidays.

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{table linens} {plate set} {bowl} {utensils}

{table runner} {napkin ring} {glassware} {candle votives}

{placemats} {napkin rings} {dinnerware} {centerpiece}

Which one is your favorite? 

I personally wish I could have three dinner tables...

recipe : thanksgiving round-up

Happy Thanksgiving week! This week I have come up with a few posts that would [I hope] be of guidance to you for my favorite holiday! I am co-hosting a Thanksgiving dinner party with friends and family and I'm so incredibly excited. As I was prepping my notes for the event, I came across a few east, last-minute ideas that I would love to share with you. You could be the cook, host or just a guest-I'm sure it will be helpful! I am just working on some the decorations, which you can find here. 

Here is a round up of the recipe's I've collected the past few months in preparation for Thanksgiving! 

What do you have stored in your recipe book for the 24th? 

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Mushroom Pâté

Sun-dried Tomato stuffed Mushrooms

Cheese Crisps

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Almonds

Fig Preserves over Brie

Thanksgiving Stuffing

Shaved Carrot Salad

Cream Biscuits

Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Kabocha Squash, Idiazabal, and Herb Soufflé

Spice-Kissed Pumpkin Pie

Caramel Apple Pear Cobbler

Traditional Apple Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake Pie

And now that you're hungry, go have a hearty snack [because that's what I'm about to do and will feel better about myself if you do it too].

{weekend note}

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After a recommendations from Amy, Meli and Jerica, The Hunger Games is a must read.

Did anyone read this? Is it terrible that I'm laughing?

I want these for the holidays. How cute with tights and running around.

Ah, cool. Fashion with a twist.

If you want to get me a Christmas present, get me one of these.

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Having friends over this evening? Here's a recipe.

My plans for the weekend.

How do you dress your LBD?

Planning out Thanksgiving? Look here and here before you begin!

the joy of : mixed prints

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recipe : white bean bruschetta

Since I was in college I always tried to act sophisticated and grown up. Key word here is tried. I often failed, but it was worth a try right? I mean college students and sophistication is not synonymous. Then I graduated, moved to DC and tried this whole sophistication thing again. Okay, not bad. So what was sophistication to me? Dressing in Ann Taylor, baking apple galettes, drinking wine, reading the New York Times, pouring a cup of french pressed coffee. Those things are sophistication. The key feature to sophistication to me, however, was talking the talk: the use of sophisticated words and phrases. People, I'm not sophisticated. It's okay, I don't mind. How did I come to this conclusion, you ask?

My father is the one to blame for this realization. This past weekend I was baking cookies at home and he comes over, looks at the filling and says, "wow, meringue"? Then later that weekend when I was working on this recipe, he comes over and says "wow, tuscan bean crostini"? No, dad. It's just cream cheese filling and white beans with toast bruschetta! So, we take away two things from this. First, I am not sophisticated. Second, my dad is more sophisticated than me. 

... But, I'm a better dresser. 

Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

oh, snap! : defeating lazy

It's true, friends. I have this thing where I make lists and then lists for my lists. I have a copy of each list on my phone, Evernote and written on a scrap paper in my pocket. Then there is thing called, lazy. Lazy always gets in the way of my personal time with lists. It's like that best friend that calls you every time you're alone with your new boyfriend. It really is. So what did I do yesterday? I hung out with my best friend defeated lazy. 

Remember my post about my new Canon AE-1 forever ago? Well, it hasn't died. I just haven't had the time haven't gotten around to have been super lazy with picking up batteries and film to get this sucker snappin'. Yesterday, people, yesterday I made strides. 

Get ready for some exciting posts! 

five essentials : for a relaxing weekend

Yes, I am already thinking about the weekend. Is that a crime?

vogue : polished plaid

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Plaid doesn't have to be a school uniform or only in your dad's closet.

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Seriously, Jennifer and Blair do it best. 

vogue : no more plain jane

via {sweater dress} {clutch} {wedges} {bracelet}

I get that euphoric feeling when I've turned something plain into a site for sore eyes. As I was doing some unnecessary online shopping, I came across this sweater dress from J Crew. I have this undying obsession with little black dresses and make it into a sweater dress and I will die. It's like a painter's blank canvas. Pair it, style it, and voila! 

Tis the season for sweater dresses and family dinner parties. Just because Aunt Doris and Uncle Carl are hosting, doesn't mean you have to look like a bland baked potato. Add a pop of color and a trendy pattern and strut your stuff on the holiday runway.  

parties & entertainment : for the thanksgiving table

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A wood plank, tied burlap or the classic white runner. What's your pick?

Check out this video to see how Camille styles her table.

Personally, I love the wooden plank, but I'm a sucker for classic touches.

design : food for thought

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I was doing some Pinterest-ing last night and I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I've virtually built 3 houses for myself. No joke. I'm no where close owning my own house, let alone build one. So for now, Pinterest it is! Well, back to my story. I noticed that one of the main reasons I have a Pinterest is to meet other bloggers and get inside their imagination hat. So of course I came to the epiphany, people will only consider me a great blogger if I have a fabulous home! Then I thought "oh, I need to find a place in my virtual home to take my food photos!" [This is all completely unrelated, I realize that] Which is when I went hunting and came to this photo...

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If I were to start a blog called "That's what I want" then there would be approximately 836 posts a day. But, I will spare you the insanity. Anyways, you see that skylight and how its sunshine pours onto that spot on the kitchen island? Yes, well, that's what I want for my food photos. So they can be pretty and naturally lit. Other than that, I'm not sure I like this kitchen very much. The sink and stove are on opposite ends of the kitchen and I feel like I would be running laps! 

Do you have a particular place you take your photos? Do you have a specific blogging room?! 

bit of life : cuddle up with a classic

My favorite part of this time of the year is when it gets brisk and dark outside making it the perfect time to grab your blanket, some chamomile and a favorite book. We all know that we're not this lazy in the summer. Right after I graduated from college, my best friend and I compiled a list of books we wanted to read and shared our lists with one another. I had all the classics. This was partly because I didn't really read them when I was in high school and because I wanted to actually know what it was with these books that deemed them as classics.

After making a great dent in the classics section of my reading list, I believe these three are my favorite.

{The Great Gatsby} Set after World War I during the time of the roaring 20s, the plot follows the narration of Gatsby who has a passion for Daisy Buchanan who is already spoken for. As Gatsby throws lavish parties and wins the attention of Daisy, the plot thickens and unfolds tragedy and drama. The imagery leaves you excited if you're a fashion or decor enthusiast. But what I loved was getting to know Gatsby.  

{The Grapes of Wrath} Roll your eyes, but I loved this one. This is Steinbeck's account of the struggle an Oklahoma family endures during the time of the Great Depression in America. Tom and his family leave everything in Oklahoma to make their way to California for a better, more prosperous life, but find themselves in unfortunate situations. 

{Wuthering Heights} As far as love stories go, this is the best! The Notebook has nothing on WH. Catherine finds herself in a bind: choose Heathcliff, the charming yet socially unacceptable soulmate, or Edgar, the respectable yet undesirable. I have the tendency to get intimately involved with plots, and Brontë does a phenomenal job mentally illustrating the characters.

What is your favorite classic and what's on your reading list? 

Yes, I'm fishing for some suggestions. 

{weekend note}

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Happy birthday to the most glamorous, Grace Kelly.

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Budget friendly, yet chic decor DIY.

Oh. Russel.

Im seriously crushing on all these looks.

When Whitney introduced me to Oh Happy Day! I've been OBSESSED.

Lookin' for some cute holiday cards?

* * *

Sorry for the light posting all week! I promise I will be back in action starting Monday. Just need to get caught up with a few things I've left aside for the past 10 or so days. I miss you more than you think I do! Leave me some sugar, lovies!

xoxo.

vogue : for the weekend

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So if you have been following me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably saw that my life has been super cray cray [crazy for all who do not know my highly sought out lexicon] this week. I'm pretty sure I just broke a world record. I decided to treat myself to an evening out with friends and family. This means one thing, shopping! I'm thinking something that screams fun, trendy and sophisticated. I literally spent hours on Pinterest trying to figure out an outfit and then came across this in an old email from Zara.

Knits and sequins are the perfect blend of spunk and confidence with a sprinkle of chic.

parties & entertainment : thanksgiving printable

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I've got to admit, Thanksgiving reminds me of Joey from Friends. That episode where Monica makes an elaborate meal and Joey walks in with his "Thanksgiving pants". Tacky Thanksgiving pants are my thing too, Joey.

***

This year I've been inspired to be more creative. Since I've started blogging I've seen the intricate details some of my fellow blog friends put into dinner parties. Going the extra mile really goes a long way and what better holiday than Thanksgiving? Luckily, I ran into this gem a few months ago. Ellinée Design House's adorable parties are filled with sparkle and inspiration, and you can re-create each event! They provide you with a printable and full instructions to re-create each party. I'm thinking of using their Thanksgiving package!

Now if only my printer could make the dinner...

vogue : navy & black at its best

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Were you ever told that navy and black is a fashion faux pas?
Well, that person lied.

design : bold trim

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Step outside of the box and make a bold statement.

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Looking for a way to draw attention to the fireplace? I found it, people!

art to inspiration : work no. 1138 martin creed

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Where are some unique places you get your closet inspiration from?

live to create : pretty pipe cleaner

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It was a little early two weeks ago when I was pinning Christmas inspiration on Pinterest, I'll let you have that one. But, now it's Starbucks official! Red cups are out and I have proof! So you can't hate me for relishing in some holiday inspo anymore. I've been looking up different ways to wrap presents. I even set up a whole board for it! Okay, okay that board has been up since August. I just love presents.

Anyways, who knew that our favorite crafting material from kindergarten would be so useful today.
You can twist two or braid three to make pretty designs.

What are your wrapping ideas? Or are you not worried about all this yet?

{weekend notes}

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Let us fall in love with the changing leaves.

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Today is second Blog Brunch, whose going!?

New place to find inspiration.

Food porn at its finest.

The most beautiful and inspirational eulogy.

Sigh, take me away.

I'm making these for the next fall into winter dinner party.

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Perfect for the holidays and easy transport.

Add a little copper.

Want to change your bar scene?

As dinner parties abound, these are a few key tips.

the joy of : the lip statement

***
Check out this video to accomplish perfect bold lips!

recipe : apple & fig galette

Straight from the orchard and into the oven.


I take the phrase, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" to a whole new level. I have one every morning, sliced in my salad for lunch, and opt for something apple in most of my sweet dishes for dessert. This dessert, people, is at the top of my list. I made two and they were gone in less than 24 hours. [Did I ever tell you that I failed at sharing in preschool?]

I've also decided to make apple pancakes for breakfast the next day! If you're overwhelmed with all the apples, then I suggest Amy's sweet idea. OR you can mail me all your apples, I'll eat them.

Note, the pate brisee is slightly adapted from Martha Stewart's recipe. If you are going to make the fig jam for the filling, here is my very own recipe.

Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

design : copper in interiors

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