Christmas Crafts!

 I love the country chic Christmas decor. It is literally my favorite. Like walking into Pottery Barn during Christmas time. I think that with these pretty signs, some sparkle and burlap I'm half way to a Pottery Barn Christmas. Ha ha if only...... 

 I wrapped a wooden frame with this gold flecked burlap and stenciled (with a pack I found at Target for $1!) Celebrate with black permanent marker. This Nativity frame I've had as well as the red and clear diamonds. The pinecones/holly/garland sticks I found at Walmart.

This awesome burlap frame I found at JoAnnes and the pretty gold/glass trees at Hobby Lobby. 

Because I wanted this space to be full (and because I had 8 canvas frames-Still so excited about that!) I decided to do two songs and two canvas with something else. I traced the snowflakes out using the wooden ones I found at JoAnnes and then filled them in using black acrylic paint from Walmart.

I used a stencil and red acrylic for the last canvas. It got a little smudged, but I still like it!

 For my reindeer canvas I just found a reindeer silhouette online and printed it off. I Mod-podged it to the canvas and covered it with black sparkles. which I then noticed wasn't the best idea because black sparkles got all over the canvas. So I decided to put silver sparkles in the back ground. And I have to say I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

How it was done

I found a pack of 8 slim white canvas at JoAnne Fabric store for $20 and I was pretty excited. I was hoping to frame my Christmas Song printable but when I found these I decided for now they will just have to be mod-podged ha.

 Darn!

Molasses Cookies

So the first time I saw these cookies on Oh Sweet Basil Blog my mouth instantly started watering. I can say that the finished product did not disappoint. I made a few changes here and there but I am sure that my rendition is just as good. If you want the original recipe click here (also I must say that I know my pictures did not turn out very good, or good at all. If you want to see pretty pictures of yummy Food go to Oh Sweet Basil!)

1 package Betty Crocker Molasses Cookie Mix
1 egg
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 TBSP water
mix and scoop and bake at 375 for 10 minutes
place pumpkin marshmallows on top and place back in the oven for 2 minutes
smooth marshmallow

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8oz) package cream cheese -softened
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter -softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
mix the cheese butter together till combined add vanilla and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Keep adding sugar in 1/2 cups till mixture is smooth.

I likes making the frosting before hand so that I could put it on top of the cookies while they were still hot. I like when the frosting is melty!

One Look Two Ways

Sweater: TJ Maxx, Booties: TJ Maxx, Pearls: Forever 21

Jean Jacket: TJ Maxx, Scarf: Target, Shoes: TJ Maxx (Chinese Laundry), Bracelet and Earrings: Target

Core Outfit: Lace Shirt: Forever 21, Pants: Old Navy (RockStar Skinnys)

I sooo love this deep Oxblood Red color this season. And I love when it is paired with soft feminine touches like this lace shirt. Because I love this look so much, I wanted to show you two different ways to accomplish it. The first, a cozy yet stylish, girls night look and the second a comfortable, every-day look. 

I love the contrast of super feminine with the cozy sweater of the first. To me is subtle yet elegant and then the rough and tough vibe you get from a jean jacket mixed with the soft sweetness of the lace shirt, makes a perfect contrast as well. 

A friend of mine had mentioned that she was thankful for finding great deals at the mall, and I would have to agree that is a great feeling. But that is the exact reason I love going to TJ Maxx and Marshall's because you get that great feeling every time you shop. You look at the original price to see that the sweater was $80 and then look at the TJ/Marshall's price and see that it's a whopping 20 bones and all the sudden life seems fantastic! 

Yes, life is good when you shop and get great deals. And even better when you can stay up with the greatest fashions. Can I just say I found these Chinese Laundry shoes at TJ's on sale and aren't they just amazing! I love them a little too much.... Aw well me and my shoes will live happily together!

A Great Chill!

This is what happens when we try to take picturs when it's already dark out. I can't stay still and the pictures come out fuzzy.

                 Scarf & Earrings: Target, Leather Jacket: Marshall's, Shirt: TJ Maxx, Boots: H&M

Yesterday was the first great and true fall chill. We actually got down to 35 degrees, which I don't think has happened since we lived here. It was great but man my morning run was sure a hard one. I feel like such a baby when it comes to the cold now. I've been pampered by this warm (hot really) Texas weather that the 30's seem too cold. Which I know that's freezing, but I lived in Idaho for 4 years. I should be able to handel cold weather. Either way the cool weather meant I was finally able to wear my leather jacket without breaking a sweat during the day. I love this jacket because the sleeves have a ribbing sweater material and you can actually bend your elbows when you wear it ha. Oh and I just have to give Target a little shout out, these earrings..... My word they are pretty and fairly priced! Thank you target! 

 

A Bright Fall

So apparently when I think of bright colors for Fall my mind immediately turns to hues of pink, that and the simple fact that the color pink is very prominante in my closet. Fall is such a gorgeous time of year. The cool brisk weather, the Earth beginning to change and rest for a season and the leaves turning color as a last salute to Summer. So why is it that as soon as the weather turns we (and when I say we what I really mean is department stores and consumers as a whole) decide that black, brown and grey are the seasons uniform. Don't get me wrong I love wearing neutral colors as much as the next person, but vibrant colors are so much more exciting, and fun. Not to mention happy, and isn't this the happiest time of year? So here is my challenge, when you find your self reaching for any neutral colors make a point to also grab a fun color. Layer, mix and match prints and colors and just have fun with it!

Fall Favorite

Sweater and Jeans: T.J. Maxx, Plaid Shirt: Marshalls, Necklace: Forever 21, Booties: Target

One of my super favorite styles this fall are the mega layers. You know when you have a button-up shirt, sweater and a scarf, jacket or vest on top? I love it. Top that off with some blingy jewelry and bam, you're set.  Plaid shirts are a fun way to add more personality to your layers. Incorporate colors from the plaid design in other ares of your outfit, like your top layers or with your accessories. But no matter what you do, make it your own and have fun!