Blog Has Moved!

Please visit me on my new site, My Lovely Surroundings.

Thanks for reading and see you soon!

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

Lovely Day for a Canoe Ride

I felt like I was living in a J. Crew photoshoot during my little canoe ride earlier this week. So rustic and wholesome.
Looking forward to a very productive weekend. I can't wait to put up my Christmas tree and finish a few DIY  projects. That's right! Christmas decorating already! Please don't judge me, Thanksgiving is only 6 days away, I'm not that early!

Apple Crisp

A simple Apple Crisp is such a delicious and easy dessert, provided you have the right tools. An apple peeler/corer turns the dreaded chore of prepping apples into an effortless and almost fun step in the baking process. It is a must have gadget for anyone who enjoys making pies, crips, fruit tarts, and other sweet treats. Plus, this easy to use tool not only works on apples, but other fruits and vegetables like pears or potatoes. Find one at Bed Bath and Beyond or Williams-Sonoma just in time for that Thanksgiving pie! With the help of my peeler/corer I was able to whip up this Apple Crisp in about 10 minutes!

6 Medium tart apples, sliced, cored and peeled. ¼ cup water 1 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup All Purpose Flour ½ cup quick or old-fashioned oats ½ cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottom of a baking dish (9 x 13 works well). Spread sliced apples in a pan and add water to pan. In a mixing bowl, stir remaining ingredients together until well mixed. Sprinkle over apples. Bake 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm and top with cream or vanilla ice cream (if desired, but I think it’s a must)

Amicalola Falls

Took a TON of pictures this weekend up in the mountains. The leaves were absolutely perfect. If you live in or near Georgia, I would highly recommend a visit to Amicalola falls, especially this time of year.

Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

A perfect soup to have simmering all afternoon on a fall Saturday.

1 lb lentils

1 lb sweet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed

1 Cup onion

4 Garlic cloves

2 Stalks celery

1 Cup carrots

1 Cup mushrooms

32 oz Vegetable Chicken broth

2 Bouillon cubes

1 tsp Each of cumin, cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions, mushrooms, garlic, celery and carrots in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft. Combine with other ingredients in large pot or slow cooker. The flavor comes out after a couple of hours, so let it simmer for awhile before serving. Pairs well with a cornbread, or nice crusty white bread, and a seasonal ale. Enjoy!

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 1 hour +

Happy Friday!

Looking forward to a lovely autumn weekend in the North Georgia Mountains before the weather turns. My plans include biking, photographing the beautiful fall foliage, watching some football and (hopefully) squeezing in a bit of antiquing!
Have a great weekend everyone!

A cool abandoned chimney I found last year around this time

The Selby Is In Your Place Book Online Until Tomorrow!

Ever wonder where creatives like Christian Louboutin, Erin Wasson, or Karl Lagerfield rest their head at night after a long day of being amazing? Well photographer Todd Selby shows us just that in his latest project, a photography book titled The Selby Is  In Your Place? The Selby, which began as a website two years ago, gives readers a look into the personal living spaces of some very interesting and creative individuals. The colorful homes featured in the website and corresponding book offer detailing and decorating unlike anything you would expect to see in a typical home decor website or book. Selby's knack for capturing the unexpected and his attention to detail only add to the eclectic rooms captured in this inspiring collection.

The 258 page book can be seen here in its entirety until tomorrow at 9 am ET, so hurry up and check it out!

The book can also be purchased on Amazon.com for only $23.10 and would make a lovely holiday gift.

All That Glitters

Until recently, I didn't spend a lot of time, effort, or money for that matter, on adding jewelry to my wardrobe. I'm not sure what changed in me, but it seems I've grown a new appreciation for how jewelery adds a little sparkle to my look and my day.

Below are a few of the places I often find some of my favorite bling. You'll notice some of the expected places like J.Crew and Anthropologie, but I've also recently discovered that American Eagle has really cute, really affordable jewelry in their stores and online. Seriously! That place you used to buy sweatshirts and plaid shirts in middle school has unbelievable deals on jewelry as well! Who knew?!

I am also a huge fan of the Stella & Dot line which is sold exclusively online or at trunk shows and the website Old Hollywood has really unique one-of-a-kind pieces from up and coming designers.

1. J.Crew Crystal Bracelet $98
2. J. Crew Ring $50
3. Anthropologie Brooch Necklace $48
4. Anthropologie Druzy Quartz Ring $128
5. Anthropologie Globe Necklace $42
6. Anthropologie Chainmail Earrings $38
7. Anthropologie Audrey Earrings $28
8. Stella & Dot Stackable Rings $49
9. Stella & Dot Brooch $49
10. Stella & Dot Gold/Silver Necklace $39
11. Old Hollywood Rosebud Ring $48
12. AE Hematite Studs $12.50
13. AE Crystal Necklace $15.50
14. AE Rhinestone Bracelet $15.50
15. AE Mesh Bracelet $15.50
16. AE Amethyst Ring $15.50