“[Gratitude] turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
We hope today is filled with the ones you love and the joy of being together. Happy Thanksgiving!
We’re finally settling into our new house, but just as we are unpacking we are packing right back up for a trip to South Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with Josh’s family. As chaotic as the last few weeks have been, I am excited to get away- to lock work away in a corner of my mind and not peek at it again until Monday. To just spend time being thankful- thankful for my little family, and all of the ways that we are blessed. When we return it will be December (how crazy is that?) and the real crazy will begin- so for now I am going to soak up the little joys and this time with my family.
This is the best little cake I have made in awhile. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it is light and festive and filled with cranberries that just scream holiday. I liked it best served warm- but those jammy cranberries are good at any temperature.
This recipe was adapted from Une Gamine Dans La Cuisine.
Happy baking,
Thanksgiving calls for gatherings- friends, family, food. Whether you are traveling to celebrate or staying close to home, it’s always fun to feel put together when you are seeing so many familiar faces. A warm smokey eye works with whatever your plans may be- staying in or going out.
If you don’t own the Naked 2 pallet- put it on your list for Santa immediately. It’s fabulous.
Honestly, any of these colors will create a great warm eye- but for this look I used the white on the end as a highlighter, a medium center brown all over, and the end brown & black to add definition.
To create this look, begin by prepping your face (moisturize, foundation, bronzer- whatever your routine is). Next:
1. Use a light, shimmery brown to sweep your entire lid, focusing on the inner corner.
2. Using quick, brisk brush strokes continue color over entire area that you will be adding shadow, helping to “shape” the look.
3. Using a medium shade, focus on the outer corner of your eye, being sure to leave space between your brow and lid. Add a bit of black to make a more dramatic look, or leave it lighter for a more subtle look.
4. Line your eyes using black liner to mimic the shape of your shadowed lid. Finish with mascara, blush and lipstick or gloss.
Let the festivities begin!
Without a doubt cold weather is here and I have been nothing but a bum the last few weeks. Leggings and big ole sweatshirts – I am ashamed (and comfy). This morning I woke up at 3am unfortunately and even more unfortunate could not fall back to sleep. I decided to workout, eat breakfast and wear a party dress. Taking an item of clothing typically reserved for fancier events and dressing it down for the everyday is one of my favorite style tricks. This dress makes me smile, which is never a bad thing on a Monday. The oversized sweater, scarf and sensible boots keeps me comfortable, a very good thing any day of the week.
|WEARING| Forever 21 dress/open knit sweater similar/moto jacket similar/grey scarf similar/H&M tights/beige boots similar/black hobo similar
Pumpkin spice anything sounds good to me, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas in the air. Unfortunately baking does not happen often in my home therefor the cakes, pies and cookies are all a pipe dream to me. Coffee on the other hand happens. Everyday. No exception. Admittedly I am a half & half only cup o’ joe drinker but when I saw this syrup on Pinterest I had to try. This will now be my weekend treat, bad day pick me up and evening sip. In other words I’ll drink it everyday and gain 10 pounds of sugar weight (that’s why New Year’s resolutions were invented right?!).
recipe from a beautiful mess
As for coffee I find that about 2 tablespoons of syrup per mug plus 2 tablespoons of frothed half & half (or steamed or warmed) works best for my taste buds. It’s really all about preference though. Start out light and adjust accordingly making yourself the perfect treat. This is seriously so simple to make and a mind blowing pumpkin spice experience to boot. I am fairly certain I will regret knowing how fantastic this is at some point in time but for now I shall indulge. Cheers to the flavors of this most wonderful time of the year!
