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Gameday Style

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Georgia/Georgia Tech football game. I am a HUGE football fan and I love going to games, especially in Athens. There is such a proud tradition in this cute little college town, and although I'm from Nebraska (Go Huskers!) I can't help but get caught up in the excitement. Plus, the Georgia girls never cease to amaze me with their gameday style. You would not believe the amount of energy and money that goes into assembling their look every Saturday. While most people would think its a little silly to get dressed up to watch a football game, I have to say its one of my favorite parts of the event and it makes for some awesome street style.  Here's a picture of my friend Rayna in her version of the Georgia Gameday dress.

Chartreuse and Teal

At first thought, these two colors don't really seem like a good match, especially for a living space, but after seeing this picture on Apartment Therapy's website, I am on a mission to try to incorporate these colors into my home in any way possible. I'm thinking this inspiration may work best in my living room or dining room, which are both currently in the process of getting a nice little makeover.

I've always been a fan of that awesomely bright chartreuse color, and teal (or turquoise...whichever you prefer) has been sort-of meh for me, not really caring for it one way or another. But, when you put the two together, you've got one of the best combos since PB & J in my book. I even had to buy these running shorts just to sate my appetite until I can find the perfect pillow/throw/rug accents for my home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who does Thanksgiving better than Martha?!?! Sorry Mom, but seriously, how awesome would it be to sit at her table for my 2nd favorite holiday of the year?! 

I have a lot to be thankful for this year and I am looking forward to a lovely day celebraging with a few of the people I love. I hope you have a wonderful day full of fun, food, football, and of course...thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday Online Sales

I've never been one to brave the crowds and fist fights over the crazy deals taking place on Black Friday. I'm not sure if its the turkey induced tryptophan hangover, or the fact that my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers play their annual game vs. Colorado that day, but I much prefer to stay in the comfort of my home (and pajamas) the day after Thanksgiving. This doesn't mean I have to miss out on the savings! I just do what I do best and hop online for great deals. Here are just a few I plan to hit up on Friday:

Barneys.com- Up to 40% off regularly priced items, which means I may be able to afford something from here. Finally!

Apple.com- Chances are someone on you’re shopping for has a gadget from Apple on their wishlist and although they haven’t released what the sales will be exactly, you can expect to save big on laptops, ipods, and accessories. Check it out starting at midnight tomorrow online and in stores (if you dare…)

Jcrew.com-Use code TURKEY to get 25% off orders of $150 or more, now through Sunday. That's huge! Plus you can use this on sale items for even bigger savings.

Express.com- Use promo code 8702 to receive 20% off your entire purchase in store or online. Find men's and women's items for everyone on your list.

Lulus.com-Get 15% off the entire website this week. Use code BLKFRIDAY to get that perfect holiday dress.

Aldoshoes.com- Their annual Black Friday sale starts tomorrow. Plus, they offer free shipping on all standard delivery orders now through the holidays.

Department stores like Nordstrom, Dillards, and Macy's also have great deals, so check them out as well.

Do you like to brave the stores, or shop online on Black Friday?

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

As you may have read in an older post, I am OBSESSED with anything pumpkin flavored.  Over the weekend I prepared these pumpkin cookies to bring to an early Thanksgiving celebration. The frosting is a little messy to whip together, but all in all, these cute little treats were a huge hit.

This would be a great dessert for anyone who doesn't have the time or energy to make a pie, or is too intimidated by pie crusts to attempt one from scratch. And don't even think about using a store bought crust from the freezer section. We can all tell the difference. Especially grandma. 

 Some people may not like nuts on their cookies, so I left a few without the pecan garnish. Other than those unfortunate souls with an allergy, I don't know who would possibly refuse a cute little pecan atop a lovely iced cookie, but perhaps they're out there somewhere. I guess I'll oblige them.

Cookies

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• Pinch of salt

Frosting:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon
• Pecans

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixer, cream the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup and eggs and mix well.Add the pumpkin and mix. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices together. Add these dry ingredients to the batter and mix well.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Cool on racks. When cool, ice with the cream cheese frosting.


For the Frosting: In a mixer, fitted with a paddle, add the cream cheese. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. If frosting is too thick, thin with a little more milk. Fold in the lemon zest. When cookies are cool spread with some of the frosting. Garnish with a pecan.

Enjoy!

November Shopping List

These are just a few items on my wish list this month...

ASOS Slouchy Peg Leg Trousers

OPI Nail Color in Over the Taupe

Fossil Gold Tone Boyfriend Watch

ASOS Embellished Peter Pan Collar Dress

ASOS Tweed Shorts

J. Crew Embellished Chambray Shirt

Purple Down Vest