AN IRISH HOLIDAY MARTINI

I have my husband do the bartending in our house so I am going off of memory! I make a lot of things up as I go I realize, it's more fun that way! Use a shot glass to measure out 3 shots of Bailey's and 2 shots of the Vodka of your choice, I like Grey Goose. Shake with a handful of ice in a martini shaker for a minute until it gets chilled to the touch. Pour into a Martini glass and add a miniature candy cane as your stir stick. It will eventually dissolve into your martini giving it a yummy mint flavor. ENJOY!!

Recipe courtesy of : My mom Judi Loud <3
Photo credit: Google images & Bevmo.com

THE ULTIMATE MAN GIFTS

1. For watching the game with their boys

2. Classic Barware by Kate Spade, for the sophisticated Man

 3. Portable spotlight for grilling or home improvements

4. For the active Man, new goggles for the slopes

5. For the Man who enjoys his grill

6.  Ipod dock for the aspiring DJ

7. Single serving coffee maker for the early riser

Photo credit & Purchase info: http://www.gifts.com/

YOU RED MY MIND

Loving bright RED lips for the holiday season! I like the combination of simple eye make-up and a pop of red on the lips & nails. 

Photo credit: http://www.fashionsquad.com/

Others Unknown

BAKED BRIE & CORN CASSEROLE

This year we were asked to bring an appetizer to my Uncle's house for Thanksgiving.  I wanted to find a warm appetizer that was festive, delicious, & easy!  I love the combination of brie, honey, and a flaky puff pastry crust so this recipe is perfect!  Serve with Granny Smith apple slices, fresh sliced bread , or your favorite crackers.
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/honey-brie-spread/Detail.aspx

I also attended a "Turkey Fry Party" this past weekend and had the most amazing corn casserole, a recipe from Paula Deen (shout out to Irby the chef of the party).  This is a great side dish idea & it is pretty simple.  The picture doesn't do it justice....it is sooo good!  Click the link below for the recipe. 
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/corn-casserole-recipe/index.html

Photo credit: http://www.nestingnewbies.com/ & http://www.food.com/

WEEKEND SHOPPING

While the Hubs was off golfing I decided to do a little shopping this weekend! 

1. I bought 2 cashmere wraps, one in a really pretty purple and a heather grey one.  You can never have enough of these wraps & of course you need every color!

2. I bought a charcoal grey Alternative hoodie that is super comfortable and will be perfect to wear running errands or on my way to spin class.  These hoodies have been featured in Allure Magazine.

3. Lastly, I bought these Nike Free shoes, my Fabulous friend/neighbor talked me into them and I absolutely love them.  They are really light and comfortable, they are made to mimic the feeling of running barefoot!  Kind of weird I know.   

Pictures and Purchase info http://www.nordstrom.com/

SHOE OBSESSION

Loving these NEW black velvet chunky wedge shoes from ALDO.  They are perfect to wear to your upcoming holiday parties with tights and skirts/shorts or a simple dress.  These will cost you $130 dollars and will definitely be a must on my Christmas wish list!  hint hint Santa
FYI...they are 5.5 inches high

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/platforms/81649900-hessling/99 T

VERSATILE

This Italian leather purse/clutch by Melanie Auld is FAB!  It comes with two straps to choose from so you can switch up the look of the purse to match your outfit.  Option 1 a matching leather strap for daytime casual, Option 2 a delicate gold chain for a dressier look, & or Option 3 simply remove the straps for an over sized clutch. Her purses have been featured in Lucky and InStyle Magazine! Check out her website for pricing and details!  http://www.melanieaulddesigns.com/.

HOLIDAY CHEER

PEAR & CRANBERRY BELLINI

Ingredients

Serves 8

1 cup pear nectar

1 cup cranberry juice cocktail

1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

Directions

1.In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

Photo credit & Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/

AMERICAN APPAREL

They have your BASICS covered!

1. We have a German Shepherd and I can never find clothes to fit an XL dogie, but American Apparel has a basic tee for every shape and sized pup! 

2.Digging their basic clutch for your everyday errands. 

3. I had to pick this guy because I was drawn to his mustache, the thermal shirt he is wearing comes in a pack of 3 (gray, black, and white). 

4. Lastly how sweet is this babies little hat for $6.50, it comes in several colors. 

http://www.americanapparel.net/

PICK ME UP

http://www.singer22.com/b17.html

http://www.singer22.com/a201pmhd.html

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-sales/11025/14169/BOWLING%2BWITH%2BLARGE%2BHANDLE

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fnecklace&product%5Fid=1082131343&Page=16&pgcount=25

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3117668?origin=category&resultback=1354

Lusting after these peices!  Purchase info provided on each link attached.  Happy Shopping!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This burlap banner hand painted white is great for the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays.

Can be hung over a fireplace, in an entry way, or by your dining table. Priced at $22

http://www.etsy.com/people/funkyshique?ref=ls_profile

Love this hand painted turkey on an old page torn from a book, only $7!!

http://www.etsy.com/people/DevilDollCreations?ref=ls_profile

Burlap sack turned into festive turkey pillow, gobble gobble!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61294003/sale-rustic-turkey-pillow-slip-ready-to

These white birch candles are great for Thanksgiving & Christmas centerpieces. $15

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51856283/white-birch-votive-candle-holders?ref=v1_other_1

All of these items can be purchased on Etsy.com.  I have included their links below each picture.

ABC SANDWICH

While sitting in the dentist chair this morning getting my teeth cleaned, a show called Tyler's Ultimate came on the TV.  I had no choice but to watch since I was stuck in the cleaning chair & I was starved from skipping breakfast to keep my teeth extra clean!  So I caught bits and pieces of his recipe in between the rinsing and scraping but he made the most delicious looking grilled cheese sandwich.  I can't wait to try this simple sandwich at home.

Here are the rough measurements and Ingredients:

Ingredients:
Serves 4
(8) Slices Artisan White Bread thinly sliced
(4) 1/2 inch Slices of Fresh White American Cheese
(2) Green Apples, thinly cut
Dijon Mustard
(1) Package of Bacon

He baked the bacon on a cookie sheet until crunchy, I would guess at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  Spread Dijon Mustard on only one side of the bread.  Next he layered each sandwich with one slice of cheese, 3-4 slices of bacon and apple slices.  Buttered a griddle and let each sandwich grill for 5 minutes on each side.

OK so I found the actual recipe online, click below.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/grilled-cheese-recipe/index.html

Photo credit: Google images

LADY LIKE

This dress is a great piece for any girl's wardrobe.  We all know black is flattering and classic but the lace keeps it interesting.  Lace is everywhere right know and I think it is so feminine & flirty.  I love the three quarter length sleeves because it hides the arms... I hate showing my white arms in the winter & it keeps you a little warmer. This dress by Madewell is called the last dance black dress & is priced at $178, buy it here: http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSESSKIRTS/dresses/PRDOVR~32413/32413.jsp

FESTIVE FOR FALL

Thanksgiving Decor Inspiration
Photo Credits:
1. MarthaStewart.com
2. Better Homes & Garden
3. Better Homes & Garden
4. Pottery Barn
5. Z Gallerie

HERE IT IS

SEE THE LATEST VIDEO ABOUT THE H&M DESIGNER COLLABORATION.

SNEAK PEEK

So excited to see the collaboration between LANVIN & H&M tomorrow online!  The collection hits stores Nov 23rd. and I have a feeling the line will sell out quickly.  Check it out!

Photo Credit: H&M