Thanksgiving Tablescape + Cake Recipe

Hi Loves! Can you believe Thanksgiving is TWO days away?! My question is: Where did November go? This month seriously flew by. But with Thanksgiving coming up, that means lots of celebrations with friends and family, and most likely some dinner parties! If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, and haven’t figured out your table decorations, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Tyler and I hosted Friendsgiving this past weekend, and I put together a simple and budget friendly tablescape that drew many compliments from our guests (everything is linked below!). And if you don’t love the Target dollar section, you will now, because that’s where I found the grey/white/gold porcelain pumpkins that I used as name cards! I couldn’t be more happy with how this tablescape came together, especially since it didn’t break the bank. And speaking of decorating and tablescapes, this is a new type of post for me on the blog. I love all things home decor and entertaining, and I decided I want to start sharing that with you as well - let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

On to the cake. I’ve recently picked up a fun side hobby, a.k.a. making layer cakes, and I get so excited every time I have a reason to try a new recipe! Because let’s be real; I can’t make cakes unless I have people here to help me eat them. I like to spread the calories around a little bit…lol. I suggest using 9 inch springform cake pans, which can be found at most retailers. Recipe below!

Peach Pound Cake

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks)

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 5 eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• zest of 1 lemon

• 1 lb frozen peaches (thawed and slightly pureed - I used my Nutri Ninja)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease & flour two 9 inch round cake pans and set aside.

Cream together butter and sugar.

Mix in eggs one at a time.

Mix in vanilla extract.

Stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the wet ingredients.

Mix in sour cream.

Fold in lemon zest and peaches, and split batter between the two cake pans.

Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool slightly in pan, and then remove and cool completely on cooling rack.

Bourbon Peach Jam & Raspberry Filling

• 6 cups frozen peaches

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp bourbon

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

Chop frozen peaches.

Add peaches and brown sugar to a medium size pot over high heat.

Bring to a boil. Once boiling, use a fork to break down the peaches.

Continue to cook until the mixture has reduced and thickened by about a third.

Stir in the bourbon during the last minute of cooking. Remove from the heat immediately and cool completely.

Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 8 oz package light cream cheese, room temp

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 4 cups powdered sugar

Add butter and salt to a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir until browned.

Place cream cheese in a separate mixing bowl. Pour browned butter over the top and beat on high speed until mixture is light and fluffy (about 1 min).

Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Assembly of the Cake

Place bottom layer of the cake on a cake stand. Spread peach bourbon jam evenly over the cake layer. Follow with a layer of the raspberry jam. Place second cake layer on top of the bottom cake layer/peach bourbon jam/raspberry jam layers. Frost all around and decorate! I used red pears to add color and interest to the top of the cake since peaches are out of season right now!

As always, happy shopping Loves! And Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo

Candelabra: Hearth & Hand (similar here and here)

Votive Candles: Ashland Basic Elements

Garland: World Market

Large Green Pumpkins: World Market

Small Green Pumpkins: World Market

Porcelain Pumpkins: Target (similar here)

Paper Tags (on pumpkins): Martha Stewert

Napkins: Gee Di Moda

Placemats: Benson Mills

Dining Plates: Better Homes & Gardens

Last Minute Valentine's Day Look

Finding the right gift on Valentine's Day can be difficult, but figuring out what to wear can sometimes be even more of a challenge. Most Valentine's day themed clothing is cheesy and over-the-top, and it can be hard to find a red or pink top/dress that you love when time is running out. A simple solution is to get a little creative with what's already in your closet! Many times, a summery dress can be "winterized" just by adding a layer underneath. I blogged about this dress a few months ago when the weather was still bearable enough to wear by itself. Today, I threw on a black long sleeve turtleneck and tights, and the dress was completely transformed. Now, I'm able to be festive without sacrificing my warmth this Valentine's Day, and at no extra cost. Who doesn't like that?! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: J.Crew

Turtleneck: Ruff Hewn

Tights: HUE

Booties: BCBGeneration

Bag: Michael Kors

Necklace: Previously Owned

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

The Perfect Winter Party Dress

I love dressing up and going to fancy events, but in the winter it is undeniably harder to find the right outfit. It seems like store racks are filled with LBD's and sequin-covered dresses for the holidays, but a girl can only own so many of those before she gets bored. I recently came across this gorgeous Nicole Miller dress (linked below!) and knew it had to be mine. The floral brocade fabric is appropriate for winter months, and the sparkly cobalt blue makes the pattern pop off the dress. Not to mention the open lace back makes any entrance, and exit, one to remember.

I recently wore this for a New Year's Eve party, and received many compliments! I kept the accessories simple by adding black suede ankle strap heels and a black velvet Ralph Lauren crossbody bag. The mixing of fabrics added interest without taking away from the stunning fabric of the dress. If cobalt isn't your color, this dress also comes in a gold/bronze option as well. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Nicole Miller New York

Jacket: Betsey Johnson

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Ralph Lauren

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

The Little Red Dress

With Christmas only a few days away, everyone is frantically trying to finish their shopping and wrap their gifts. Props to all the more organized people out there who are already done #ChristmasLifeGoals. But sometimes, the even bigger struggle is what to wear to Christmas Eve dinner!

I found this dress about two months ago at a J.Crew factory store, and I absolutely love how versatile it can be. I wore this to a wine tasting event with simple black heels and my Michael Kors bag, but this can easily be dressed down by throwing on some slip-on sneakers. My personal fave are the studded MICHAEL Michael Kors pair shown above (and linked below)! For those dealing with snowy, colder temperatures right now though, covering a little more skin is a must for this time of year. Simply throw on a black turtleneck (like this Ruff Hewn Scrunch Turtleneck), some sheer black tights, and a pair of black dress booties (these MICHAEL Michael Kors Arabella booties are GORGEOUS omg), and you're out the door and off to celebrate with family and friends. Just don't be surprised when you receive lots of compliments on your outfit :).

Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: J.Crew Factory

Heels: Mix No. 6

Slip-On Sneakers: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Bag: Michael Kors

Activity Tracker: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

The Perfect Fair Isle Sweater

Fair isle sweaters can be a tricky item; it's hard to find pieces with this pattern that don't lean too "ugly sweater" or childish. This jacquard-knit fair isle sweater from H&M is an exception though, and an awesome one at that (especially when it's priced at $19.99!!). The cream and black color palette keep the pattern from becoming overwhelming, and allow the sparkle threads interlaced throughout to really shine without being over the top. The funnel neck and pre-cuffed sleeves add a nice touch as well. I paired mine with faux leather jeggings from Target to create a pop of color; this maroon is perfect for Christmas, but any color would work here. If you're still trying to decide what to wear to holiday family parties, this is a great casual but cute option that will be comfortable all day long!

Sweater: H&M

Jeggings: Target

Boots: Vince Camuto

Holiday Outfit Vibes

With Christmas only four days away, everyone is frantically buying last minute gifts and preparing for holiday parties, often forgetting one of the most important things: what they are going to wear! Whether it's a family get-together or a New Year's dinner with old friends, you will never go wrong with a little bit of sparkle and fur. This Fever fur coat is the perfect statement piece for any holiday outfit; it's trendy, cozy, and light enough that it can be worn all night long, really allowing it to be the focus of the ensemble. Throwing it over a sparkly tunic, such as this one from Olivia Sky, adds a fun twist. I personally wear glitter statement pieces year round, but for those of you who reserve these items for the true height of the holiday season, now is your time! With the high neck and side slit, this tunic is a great update to styles from previous years. The sparkle doesn't stop there though. These gorgeous booties by GUESS combine tweed with glitter threading, making them truly eye-catching. Anything with tweed accents that you can get your hands on, I encourage you to consider buying. Tweed is just beginning to make its debut in the fashion world again, but is guaranteed to be huge in the coming seasons.

Links below - happy shopping lovelies!

Fur Coat: Fever (Boston Store)

Tunic:  Olivia Sky (Boston Store)

Leggings: See You Monday Los Angeles

Boots:  GUESS (Macy's)

Clutch: DSW

10 Under $20: Gifts for Your Girls!

With Christmas fast approaching, many of us have lots of presents to buy, and girlfriends are some of the most fun people (but also the hardest) to shop for! In my case, I tend to buy two of every gift I find; one for my friend, and one for me (not the best habit). I pulled together an awesome list of items under $20 for every friend in your group - details and links below! Happy Shopping!

1. For the fur-loving friend: This Faux Fur PomPom Clip from Nordstrom is such a cute accessory that is popping up everywhere. And it's so versatile - use as a keychain or clip on the outside of your bag for a fun detail to mix it up!

2. For the friend who loves to bake: This a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e Kate Spade Oven Mitt is the perfect addition to the kitchen. Now baking cookies can be yummy AND pretty. Found at Boston Store!

3. For the jewelry-obsessed friend: This simple and chic Pave Diamond Hook Bangle from Express is a great piece for layering on with all of her other bracelets! Even if she has one that's similar, stacking these bracelets is the fun part, so adding another is always a "do!"

4. For the friend who plans everything: We all have one friend in our group who organizes everything down to the smallest detail. Grab them a 2016 Sugar Paper Monthly/Weekly Planner from Target, and pencil in a girls night for everyone to get together!

5. For the friend who loves monograms: Let's be real. It can get expensive to custom monogram the gifts you find, so why not make it easy and grab one of these Mercury Glass Monogram Ornaments from Anthropologie? Cute, inexpensive, and will look fab on her Christmas tree.

6. For the friend who's obsessed with vino: First of all, who doesn't love a good glass of malbec? Not everyone can drink an entire bottle in one sitting though, so this trendy Bottle Cork from H&M is the perfect way to display that bottle until it's finished!

7. For the friend who always does your makeup: One of the thrills of makeup is trying something new once in a while! Sign your friend up for a subscription to ipsy ($10 a month) and she'll receive new products every month catered to her style. And the best part is they have videos on their website that show you the proper techniques for using those new products!

8. For the friend who is always cold: Cute slippers are an easy go-to for Christmas gifts. These Knit Slippers from H&M will provide the perfect balance between warmth and fashion (those pompoms are so cute!!).

9. For the candle-loving friend: I don't think it's possible to have too many candles, especially when they're as pretty as this Mini Capri Blue Jar Candle from Anthropologie. With its Gardenia & Fig scent, it's sure to freshen up any space, and leave your friend calm and relaxed.

10. For your fashionista friend: Every group of girls has that one friend who is always one trend ahead. This Mismatched Rhinestone Post and Cuff Earring Set from Express is the perfect gift for her - a little edgy and very fashion forward (I own these and they look really cool on)!

FYI it's ok to treat yourself too.

Sparkle On, Lovelies

It's that time of year again; the holidays are just around the corner, and the thought of trying to figure out what to wear for the upcoming flood of parties and family gatherings can be stressful. Well, I'm going to go ahead and say that sequins should be playing a major part of your wardrobe this holiday season. Whether it's a small sequin accent or full on sequin-covered garment, I encourage all of you to add some sparkle to your life. Since these pieces are typically only worn a couple times though, I suggest looking to stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Express to "sparkle up" your wardrobe, since they'll be a little easier on your wallet. Sequin leggings, midi skirts and tops are no stranger to these trend-focused stores, and you'll be sure to find something that fits your personal holiday style, as well as your budget. Sparkle on, lovelies!