Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kendra Scott...Perfect Gifts

As I've confessed, I'm obsessed with jewelry.  But really what girl isn't?  A piece of jewelry is ALWAYS a great gift...at least in my opinion.  And I know I've said this before too, but I just love Kendra Scott.  She has an amazing collection that ranges from studs to statement pieces and in all different price points, so you could find something for everyone.  Here are my personal faves!













Maybe this will help you finish up those last few people on your list.  HAPPY SHOPPING!

Tara

***all pictures taken from kendrascott.com.  I'm in no way affiliated with Kendra Scott and am not paid for anything said in this post***

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving


Wishing each and every  one of you a
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
 
Today and this weekend we are going to be spending time with the ones we love.  Our home has touches of fall throughout, yummy food baking in the oven and feels cozy with a fire going.  We truly have so much to be thankful for. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
 
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Hope all of you have a blessed day!
 
Tara

Monday, November 14, 2011

Hosting a Girl’s Night In

Last Monday night, I hosted a girl's night at my house for a CAbi party.  If you aren't familiar with CAbi, it stands for Carol Anderson by invitation and is clothes that are only sold by hostess parties.  So to show the Fall line, I hosted the girl's to a night of eating, drinking wine and shopping!  Doesn't get better than that.

Keeping with the Fall theme, my menu consisted of:
Cheese, Nut & Fruit Plate
Autumn Chopped Salad

Pear & Brie Tart
Mushroom & Goat Cheese Tart
Vegetable & Hummus Tart

Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Pumpkin Pie Dip with Apples & Cinnamon
   Graham Crackers

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The Autumn Chopped Salad recipe came from here at Espresso and Cream.  I left out the bacon to make it vegetarian friendly.  It’s a delicious salad, and I’m already wanting it again!

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For the tarts, I was inspired by Natalie’s recipe here at Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers.  I did make a vegetable and hummus tart although I didn’t quite follow her recipe exactly.  I cheated and bought hummus instead of making my own, and I used puff pastry sheets for all of my tart shells.  I used red bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini and green onions for my vegetables, and I sprinkled a little feta cheese on top. 

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The Pumpkin Pie Dip recipe was found here at Skinny Taste and the Caramel Apple Cupcakes were from here at Mrs. Happy Homemaker.  They are both amazing desserts and were fun to keep with the Fall theme!  The cupcakes are probably some of the best tasting cupcakes ever and they are super easy to make. 
Finally, here is a shot of the Fall table centerpiece and my new lanterns filled with gourds and candles to make the house a little festive!

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Thanks to all of the fabulous bloggers that helped me get inspired for my Fall Girl’s Night In.  I loved trying these new recipes, and I know my friends sure enjoyed trying them too!
Tara

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A New York State of Mind

I'm so excited to share with you all that my hubby and I are going to New York City in mid-December!  I'm over the moon excited because it will be the first time for both of us to visit the big city.  We've had it on our "must visit" list, and the fact that we are going during Christmas time is definitely a dream come true for me.  I'm like a kid, and just can't wait to see the big Christmas tree, the window displays at Macy's and all of the other festive decorations!!  We are staying in a great location and will be right in the middle of it all on Broadway. 


I would love your help though.  Since we've never been, we want to make the most of our time there.  We'll be staying for four nights, but two of the days we'll be there, my husband will be at a conference.  I know for sure we want to visit the Ground Zero Museum.  What other things/places would you suggest should be on the top of our list to see/do? 

We will be going to a Broadway show one night, and we'd like to have an early dinner somewhere close before the show, so any suggestions on that would be great as well.


Also, I'm completely in the holiday spirit now.  I have been Christmas shopping already, and I got my first peppermint mocha this morning in the RED cup!! 

THANK  YOU for your help!
Tara