DIY: Glitter Shoes

 This is how I saved a pair of old shoes from being sent to the Salvation Army.  I gave them a simple, little holiday makeover.  All you need for this DIY is

- fine glitter in the color(s) of your choice

- Mod Podge with a glossy finish or white glue

- a small paint brush

- a small disposable cup or bowl

Here's how you do it...

 {the supplies}

 {I combined three shades of glitter to get my desired color}

 {mix glitter with glue or Mod Podge}

 {paint the entire shoe.  This was the result after one layer}

{after three layers this was the end result}

Topaz

In an effort to support Small Business Saturday this past weekend my mom and I went out for some Thai food at Topaz.  Everything was AMAZING.  We started off with the Topaz salad which consisted of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, Granny Smith apples, cashews, and a delicious lime peanut dressing.  Next were the crispy shrimp dumplings with sweet chili dipping sauce.  For our main course we had a crispy tilapia in a brown sauce with veggies that came with shrimp tempura and jasmine rice.  Dessert was black sesame mochi.  This was a spectacular dinner experience and I highly recommend it.

 {Topaz salad}

 {crispy shrimp dumplings}

 {crispy tilapia}

 {black sesame mochi}

Scenes From the Weekend

{made a yummy Spanish omelet on Thanksgiving morning}

 Hope your long weekend was as great as ours was!  This weekend consisted of lots of naps, eating, shopping, and of course spending time with family and friends.

Happy Cyber Monday!

 {had an early Turkey Day dinner at my mom's}

 {then went to Christian's sister's house for dessert}

{went out for some early morning Black Friday shopping}

{fell in love with the glittery Christmas ornaments at Anthropologie}

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving!  May your day be full of love, gratitude, and delicious food!  There is so much to be thankful for.

Video: Pumpkin Pie Martini

This is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail.  The blend of pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla is literally like drinking a glass of pumpkin pie.  For the full recipe and directions click here.

I made the following substitutions

• Used just cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice
• made a shortbread cookie rimmer instead of sugar and pumpkin pie spice to give it that "crust" effect
• Used regular vodka.

Enjoy!

Cornbread Stuffing & Mac and Cheese: A Thanksgiving Tradition

Every Thanksgiving I am in charge of making the cornbread stuffing and mac & cheese for the gathering at my mom's house. This is tradition and non-negotiable.  These accompaniments are expected at the table every year. This year I am changing things up just a bit. I am swapping sausage for bacon in the cornbread stuffing as seen here and using a new recipe for the macaroni and cheese. No, worries I have tested it and it is the BEST I have ever made. Are there any dishes you are in charge of making/expected to make for Thanksgiving?

images via Epicurious & Smitten Kitchen

Scenes From The Weekend

 {did some re-decorating with items I already own}

How great is the fact that this is a short work week? This past weekend was spent doing some housework, re-decorating, welcoming a new addition to the family (Chris' cousin's baby), and prepping for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the rest of your short week!

 {wore my new accessories from F21}

{welcomed baby Ruben to the family}

 {went grocery shopping for all the Turkey Day supplies}

{enjoyed watching Jada crack up every time Bella scratched at the sliding door}

Happy 1st Birthday, Jada!

 It truly feels as if it was only yesterday I was announcing you were born.  I cannot believe how quickly this year flew by.  Who would have thought such a tiny, little person could bring so much joy, happiness and love into all of our lives?  You are so sweet, funny and smart.  I can always count on you to brighten my day with just one look into those pretty almond eyes of yours.  May God continue to you bless you today and always.  Happy 1st Birthday Jada!  We love you more than you could ever imagine.

Love always,

Titi Erica & Tio Chris

click here to see Jada's newborn pics

"Cake Smash" pictures taken by Chris (my hubby).

Eye Candy of The Week

 {how gorgeous is Kate Moss' 13 year old sister Lottie?}

I bring you the eye candy of the week a day early.  I found a ton of inspiration on the net this week.  Here's a few images that grabbed my attention...

 {being conservative can still be sexy}

 {Michelle Williams always make me want to go back to my pixie cut}

 {this makes for the perfect Thanksgiving outfit}

{comfy and sparkly}

Images via NY Mag, Fashion Bananas, People, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and The Brooklyn Blonde.

Stuffed Peppers

My father gave me a huge amount of assorted peppers from Holland. I had no idea what to make until I came across this recipe. I made three changes to the original. I used ground turkey instead of beef, arugula instead of spinach and the best one...I charred the peppers on the stove top before stuffing them. This made for a smokier tasting dish.  Making these for a dinner party will surely leave your guests impressed. 

A Hello Kitty 1st Birthday

 As mentioned here this past weekend we had an early celebration for my niece's first birthday, Hello Kitty style.  Seriously, what girl doesn't love that cute kitty?  Getting together with our extended family is always a great and memorable time.  Here are just a few shots of the day...

 {another gorgeous Dominican cake courtesy of Jada's abuela}

 {delicious Hello Kitty cookies made by Jillian}

 {baby and mama}

 {Hello Kitty cakepops and chocolate covered marshmallows made by yours truly}

{proud parents}

Scenes From The Weekend

{party prepping}

What a great weekend!  We had a party in celebration of my niece's first birthday, spent some much needed quality time with my dad, and just felt truly blessed for having so many special people in our lives. On a random note, can we please celebrate Thanksgiving BEFORE Christmas? Just sayin'. Anyway, here are some shots from the weekend. More on Jada's party to come...

 {baked guava cupcakes with cream cheese icing for a dinner party at my house}

 {jazzed up my nails with some Salon Effects}

 {took some time to enjoy the crunch of the falling leaves}

{celebrated Hello Kitty style}