Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What's on your Christmas wish list....


It's Wish List Wednesday...


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and the start of my very first link up party, yaaaaaaaay! So here's the idea... "Wish List Wednesday" is a place to share your holiday wish list with you friends, family and fellow bloggers. All the "must have" items of the year you've been dying to show off.


As for my wish list....well, with a precious new baby girl on the way Christmas in my house is going to be a little on the "awww, that's so adorable" side. I'm not totally giving it up though. Maybe Santa place a little something for me into one of the stockings I'll be hanging from the mantel this year, whataya think? 


So here's what I'm wishing for this year...


Pink Beanie with Pink Feathers 
A super cute Beanie with pink feathers...how could I resist?

Every princess needs a chandelier in her nursery....right?

Speaking of princess....{giggle}

O'ma gosh....I'm dyin' over here....isn't this adorable??

Lovely Crib Bedding

...and furniture fit for a princess!


As for me you ask? I think the one item I'll be looking forward to the most in my stocking this year is...

A cute little clutch to throw in the diaper bag for a super chic 
look I can grab at any given moment!

Ooooh, an maybe these too...

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What????   I've been good, I promise!

Okay so here you go.... "Wish List Wednesday" holiday link party will be hosted by Modern Coastal Vintage every Wednesday for the next three weeks on 11/30/201112/07/2011 and 12/14/07


TO JOIN The Wish List Wednesday Link Party:  1.  Become a follower of Modern Vintage Coastal (if you're not already)  2. Follow Modern Vintage Coastal on Facebook  3.  Insert the Wish List Wednesday button from the sidebar to the right of this blog  4.  Please link your post back to Modern Vintage Coastal  5. All entries will be reviewed and I will select a few fabulous posts to feature  6.  This is a blog hop, so please be sure to stop by other blogs and say hello...maybe you'll find something there to add to your wishlist! Most, importantly....HAVE FUN!!  {WINK}






Tuesday, November 29, 2011

These boots were made for walkin'...

C'mon sing it with me now...."and that's just what they'll do, one of these days
 these boots are gonna  w a l k   a l l   o v e r   y o u"

Ahhh, some days it's so much fun to channel your inner Diva! Well, now that you're gonna have that song stuck in your head all day....why not show you some fabulous footwear to go along with it! Here are some of my favorite looks this season...

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Um, yeah....no one where's the classic look better than Ms. Jennifer Aniston! I had to start off my favorites of the season with this look! I'm a HUGE fan of hers, and her wardrobe. She's a timeless beauty that knows how to pull it all together, simple and sophisticated! 

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Ankle boots and fringe are two great necessities to have in your wardrobe this year!

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Mixing grey and brown is so chic! I love combining the two...whether it's casual or dressy, they always looks great paired up together!

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Pops of color are always a great way to add a little drama to your look....

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...and personality!  {This look is way too cute by the way...I MUST replicate it!}

So which look do you prefer? When you channel your inner Nancy Sinatra....do you prefer a casual flat boot, or a more flirty and fun heeled boot?

All images via Pinterest

Monday, November 28, 2011

Mini Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits...

I don't know about you but when it comes to the holidays and enjoying all the fabulous foods that come along with them...I just can't seem to get enough pumpkin! Since I have so many left over cans of pumpkin in my pantry I thought I'd make a few more delicious treats and share...

I found the pumpkin mousse recipe on this great little blog I stumbled upon called  The Tom Kat Studio. Oh my goodness, is this recipe Fabulous!!  The recipe was originally adapted from Food Network and trust me, if you love pumpkin, you will love these! They are very simple with just a few easy-to-find ingredients.  I followed a recommendation to use regular sugar, rather than superfine and it turned out great.



Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
3 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Ginger snaps, for garnish

Directions

Combine pumpkin, 1 cup cream, sugar and spice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool fully. Whip remaining heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks and fold into cooled pumpkin mixture. After you make the mousse recipe, use these steps to create the mini parfaits:

{1} Add crumbled gingersnaps to bottom of mini parfait glasses

{2} Put the mousse in a large plastic bag. Snip off the corner and pipe a layer into the glasses

{3} Repeat step 2, but with Cool Whip

{4} Top with crushed gingersnaps

{5} Enjoy!

I can not begin to tell you how amazing this was! Hope you love it as much as I did!!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Hot cider bar...

One of my absolute favorite things about the fall/winter season is snuggling up with a delicious warm drink under a cozy blanket and my favorite book or magazine. Today, I found these great ideas for creating your own hot cider bar...perfect for when you're having company over during the holidays! I can't wait to try it....

First – you have to start off with a yummy hot apple cider.  You can use the store bought cider that comes in the jugs (you can find in the refrigerated section of the produce department) or if you have some extra time on your hands you can make it from scratch. Keep the cider warm by using a hot beverage dispenser or a crock pot works nicely as well.
Hot Apple Cider
  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup real maple syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, cut into fourths
  • 1 lemon, cut into fourths
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 6 whole allspice berries
  1. In a large sauce pan, combine the apple cider with the maple syrup.
  2. Stick the whole cloves into 1/4 of the orange through the peel. The add cinnamon sticks along with the lemon and orange pieces to the cider.
  3. Next add the allspice berries. You can place them in a small piece of cheese cloth for easy removal. I just add them and remove them with a spoon after the cider is headed. They mainly stay floating on the top of the cider anyway.
  4. Heat cider over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cinnamon sticks, lemon and orange pieces, and the allspice berries. Serve cider in mugs. Makes 6 one cup servings.

Second –  you need some flavored syrups like Torani and regular old amaple syrup.  Pick flavors that would go well with the cider like pumpkin spice, creme caramel, or white.

Third – get some ice cream.  I recommend going for a higher quality ice cream.  You will only need a small scoop for each cup.  Again pick ice cream flavors that will pair well the cider like dulce de leche, rum raisin, or butter pecan.
Fourth – you need some whipped cream.  Offer several different flavors like 
vanilla, maple, and cinnamon.
Fifth – you need those finishing touches like cinnamon sticks, apple slices and caramel ice cream topping to drizzle over the cream.  Now you have a fancy schmancy gourmet hot apple cider bar.

What's your favorite beverage you like to make this time of year? I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments....and I'm ALWAYS looking for new recipes to share!

Have a wonderful evening, Everyone!

Recipe and images courtesy of: Real Mom Kitchen

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Fall tablescapes just in time for Thanksgiving...

Wow, thanksgiving is already here! If you're like me you're running around the house today trying to make everything look fabulous so you can be the hostess with the mostess. Well, here are some great autum tablescape ideas that I hope inspire you to create a gorgeous home just in time for your thanksgiving company...


Pick some gorgeous colorful leaves from your yard and a spool of thread from your local craft store to create in inexpensive table setting.

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Stagger pumkins and candles across the center for a simple yet elegant look. Can't find white pumpkins, no problem....I always like to think outside the box! Just pick up some white spray paint at the craft store and off you go!

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Feeling adventuresome and have a little extra time on your side? Carve out small pumpkins and place tealights inside for a unique and intimate look!


Running short on time...and budget? Recreate this Pottery Barn look by grabbing some berry and twig branches from the yard and place them in decorative pots and candlesticks you already have lying around the house. Pick up a few inexpensive candles and you're table will look like you spent a fortune. I did this last year and my guest couldn't believe how little I spent for such a gorgeous look. They said my dining room looked like something out of a magazine! {blushing}

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Lanterns are always inviting! You can find them anywhere these days... Pottery Barn, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Target even Walmart! There's lanterns to fit every budget!! Throw a few pumpkins on the table and you have a quick, easy and very country cozy look.


Table runners and napkins in a great fall color make this table pop! Add a few candles inside clear glass vases and again...scatter pumkins across the middle. Here the center of the pumpkins have been carved out and fresh flowers have been placed inside to add a little autum impact!


Small wicker baskets and candles sticks are all you need for this great inexpensive look. Then just grab a few small pumpkins and place them on top of the candlesticks, instead of the traditional candle. If you'd like a little autum glow you can always scatter tealights around the base.


If you're a super busy wife and mom and have no time to decorate, here's a simple solution. Pick up a fresh flower autumn arrangement a couple of candles to place on each side and some fresh fruit to place at each setting and VIOLA! Simple and easy yet very elegant!! 


I LOVE THIS IDEA! Hurrincan vases filled with fresh fruits of the season and nuts! Just add a pillar candle in each one and you're done!! I've seen vases like these into Michael's for around $15 a piece...not too shabby!


Another simple look with lots of impact! Find a festive fall table runner, throw in some matching or coordinating napkins, a few piles of pumkins, squash and gourds, oh and don't forget the antlers (you heard me right....look closely!)  This table setting is the perfect slate to showcase that gorgeous turkey on...just put it on a fabulous server and place in the middle of the table for the centerpiece!


If you're not hosting a big dinner, no worries! Create a table with fall inspired appetizers, desserts and drinks. Stack plates off to the side so guests can help themselves and you have time to mingle!


If you're fortunate enough to have a nice warm autumn day, create this intimate outdoor setting for your guests. It doesn't get much lovlier than this!

However you spend your thanksgiving dinner, I hope it's a wonderful time filled with lots of love, laughter and great memories! Don't forget to take pictures...you'll want those memories to share for many years to come!

(ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF PINTEREST AND POTTERY BARN)

Happy Thanksgiving, Welcome to my home...


HAPPY TURKEY DAY, EVERYONE!
 You know what that means....time to "Gobble 'Til You Wobble"...


...or collapse face first into your plate of food!

In preparation for Thanksgiving this year, I've been busy this week getting my home ready for family and friends. Last week I posted tips and inspirational ideas for Decorating your home for fall, so I figured I would share with you today some of the ways I decorated my home with the ideas I shared:




The dining table is set...


The fireplace mantel decorating with autumn garland, pumpkins, candles...


and a starfish or two! I love mixing beach elements with traditional elements...


A few blankets folded in a basket under the coffee table for guests to snuggle up with in front of the fireplace...



On top of the coffee table sits a wooden tray filled with autumn magazines like Southern Living and Country home and an over-sized glass vase filled with tall leaf stems I picked up at Pier1. This vase is perfect for every season. I just replace the stems with other seasonal stems and flowers...



Autumn inspired pillows in rich saturated colors are scattered around the living room to create an inviting area for lounging...


Autumn inspired area rugs warm up the living and dining room...


Ceramic pumpkins, autumn scented candles (I prefer "Leaves" by Slatkin and Co.) 


under the sofa table I've added a basket of cinnamon scented pine cones accented with pumpkins, gourds and of course, a starfish...




Sitting area in the kitchen accented with an autumn centerpiece. I created the centerpiece with autumn garland, pumpkins, a candle and used chopped cinnamon sticks as a vase filler...


Apothecary jars filled with pumpkins and gourds. They were on clearance at Hobby Lobby and were actually autumn picks used for floral arrangements.  I just pulled the metal pick out and used them as jar fillers....


A pie plate filled with fresh autumn fruit like apples and pears adorns the butcher block counter top in the corner of the kitchen... 


The front foyer accented with a ceramic pumpkin and my favorite Scentsy Candle Warmer. I have Oats N' Honey melting in there right now. It smells so yummy....



The front porch is ready to welcome guests. These pumpkins I also found at Hobby Lobby on clearance. You would never know they were fake! The truth is by the time I went to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins they were all...well lets just say "undesirable". Thank goodness Hobby Lobby!!

Looks like it's going to be a nice day here at the beach to enjoy time with my family and friends. I blessed in so many ways: family, friends, career opportunities, volunteer opportunities, my church and church family as well as all the soldiers that have fought and are currently fighting for my freedom.


Two of the most precious things I am most thankful for today are:


My amazing husband the Lord blessed me with eight years ago, without him I couldn't be half the woman I am today! 


Our new baby girl growing in my tummy that hubby and I will get to meet in April! 
These are definitely two of the most beautiful blessings a girl can have this year!!


What are you most thankful for this year? I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts.
Have a beautiful day everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!!