Happy Thanksgiving

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Just wanted to take the time to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.  There are so many things to be thankful for especially the little things that we never really even take into consideration. 

May you eat to your hearts content and enjoy this special day to the fullest.

Be safe everyone!

Turkey Day Tablescapes

May I have your attention please:  Thanksgiving is exactly one week away!  I needed some tablescape inspiration and this is what I found... 

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If you celebrate Thanksgiving, how is your planning going?

Food Porn of The Week: Pumpkin Flan

At practically all of my family gatherings you are more than likely to find some type of flan included in the dessert menu.  This version is perfect for Thanksgiving, which is right around the corner!  The mildly sweet and earthy flavor of pumpkin just goes so well with this creamy, caramelized goodness.

Flared Out

As you saw here I love my flare and bell bottm jeans.  I can't tell you how happy I am that flares are making there way back into stores.  These look great with a loose button down and some chunky heels.  Here are a few great finds...

True Religion Jeans Carrie Skinny Wide, 349 EUR
J Brand Lovestory Flare Jeans, $178
Tall 38"Jessie Flare Jeans, $85
Twist Seam Flare Jean - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic Dresses,..., $69
Asymmetrical Flare Jean - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $10

Coat Check

{Old Navy}

It has been getting really cold...coat weather cold.  Lady-like coats and jackets are what I crave during this climate transition.  Nothing beats a great fur collar or belted waist.  Here are a few picks that grabbed my attention...

{Rebecca Taylor}

{Anthropologie}

{Top Shop}

{Anthropologie}

{Loeffler Randall}

Cheesesteaks & Art

Here's a few shots of our impromptu trip to Philly this past weekend.  We enjoyed some AMAZING art, architecture, cheesesteaks, cookies, and ice cream.  Now time to detox.

 {Chinatown}

 {Reading Terminal Market}

 
 {The Famous 4th Street Cookie Co.}

 {The line for Jim's Steaks wrapped around the block, but was so worth it}

 

 {Visted the Works on Paper Gallery}

{Some work from the incredible artist, Distort}

A major thanks to Mathew and Linda for being the best tour guides/company ever.  We had a blast.  Hope to do it again sometime ; )

Autumn Lights

Here is the easiest DIY ever...

All you need is a glass candle holder, some spray adhesive, assorted dried leaves, and a pair of scissors for trimming.

1.  Spray the backs of the leaves with adhesive

2.  Apply to candle holder

3.  Trim off any excess off of the bottom 

I love how the leaves glow against the candle light.  Perfect to be placed around the home during a cocktail party.

Have a Great Weekend!

I Luv Leatha

Remember Stella from Project runway? She was the designer that LOVED LEATHA! She was definitely on to something, but as with all things in life, everything in moderation. Just one leather piece can add a touch of modern edginess without making you look like a member of the Hell's Angels. These are a few of my favorite leather silhouettes...

L'Wren Scott Leather Shirt Dress, $4,295

The Row Gilmore Leather top, 1,025 GBP
Current/Elliott The Easy Biker nappa-leather jacket, $835
L'Agence Leather mini skirt, $510
Leather Buckle Shorts - New In - Topshop, 68 GBP

Hope Your Halloween Was Happy

This year Chris (aka Baby Joker) and I (Lil' Smiley) decided to dress as a cholo and chola.  We really got into character.  I watched a bunch of chola makeup tutorials on Youtube like this one and this one to ensure my brows were perfectly arched and my darkly lined lips were on point.  It didn't hurt that we watched Mi Vida Loca for some lingo practice.  It was all in the name of fun.

I must say this was the most comfortable costume I've ever worn.

Did you dress up this year?

What to be for All Hallow's Eve?

Still don't have a Halloween costume?  It's going to be ok.  No one is judging.  For the second year in a row I plan on making up a last minute costume using items straight from my closet.  Check out my DIY Frida costume from last year...

I had everything on hand except for the flowers which I took from my mom's autumn wreath.  Of course I put them back on when I was done ; )

I'll let you know how this year's costume came out next week.

Have a Happy Halloween, ya'll!

The Velvet Underground

Throughout time velvet has gotten a bad rap.  Please don't remind me of the pair of extremely unflattering velvet pants I owned back in the day.  Yikes!  When done the right way velvet can add the perfect touch of texture to an outfit.  Whether you choose to go with basic black or add a splash of color, velvet can be a very good thing.

Marc Jacobs Silk-velvet bow top, $1,300

Butter Jasmine Silk Burnt Out Velvet Jacket by Winter Kate, 297 GBP

Womens's PANTS & SHORTS - shorts - Alexa Chung for Madewell Billie..., $11

Alexander Wang Ribbed-velvet flared leggings, $895

Maison Martin Margiela Embossed Velvet Ankle Boots, 455 GBP

Flair- velvet, $198

VELVET DRAMA TORSADE NECKLACE, $148

ASOS | ASOS Luxurious Feel Velvet Turban at ASOS, 11 EUR

Strawberry Fields Forever

As I mentioned here, I love the warm glow of Central Park in the autumn. That being said, I couldn't think of a more romantic place to be on our anniversary. We took a stroll through the west side of the park which included Strawberry Fields and took some really great shots. These were just a few that were captured.

October 21, 2006

Four years ago today we were married.  The time has gone by so fast.  Can't wait to see what the next four years will bring us.  I Love you, babe ; )

photography by Maggie McGill

"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate." ~Barnett R. Brickner

Food Porn of The Week: Apple Crisp With Vanilla Brown Butter

Apple Crisp is one of my favorite fall deserts.  I like to go pretty traditional when I make my apple crisp.  When I saw this recipe that included a vanilla brown butter I had no other choice, but to include this yummy butter into my crisp.  Hello can anyone say perfection!?  As I was making this yummy deliciousness the intoxicating aroma of fresh vanilla could be smelled throughout the house.  Topped with vanilla bean ice cream, this made for the perfect treat after pumpkin picking.