When it’s cold out, I find it difficult to dress for nights out. I want to look cute but at the same time I just want to be warm. Since I don’t want my legs to freeze in a dress, I usually stick with the less-than-glamorous formula of jeans and some kind of sweater. Or I opt to wear leggings and tights. I’m comfortable, but I end up feeling a little ‘blah.’ Last weekend we had a themed party to attend. What better excuse to dress casual and fit in than an ugly sweater party?
Not only are you bound to be warm it a big sweater but also comfortable the entire night. It’s also quite hilarious to see how creative some people get.
Did I mention they had a photo booth? How fun is that?
Looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas? It takes just 10 minutes to make, is completely customizable and best of all, it’s inexpensive! If you bake on a regular basis, you’ll already have all of the ingredients on hand.
Then when you’re done, tie a bow with a holiday tag and you have a Christmas gift to give to someone!
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup m&m’s
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
In a pint size mason jar, layer the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, m&m’s, brown sugar and sugar, packing each layer tightly.
Add a ribbon and a tag with the following directions:
Empty jar of cookie mix into a mixing bowl; mix well. Add 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted, 1 beaten egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until blended.
Roll into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees until edges are lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Cool on cookie sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Makes 1 dozen cookies.
This summer rocked my socks off and I will miss it terribly. I know there are technically a few weeks left of summer, but labor day always marks a sort of goodbye to summer in my head. Ever so much that on Friday I started packing up my summer clothes and digging out all of my boots and cardigans! It’s bittersweet as always to see summer go but I am always looking forward to the fall activities!
On Saturday, I drove up to Fort Wayne to have breakfast with my high school friend Kari at the cutest little cafe downtown. We ordered jam sandwiches on the most delicious biscuits topped with egg, bacon and cheese. After breakfast I headed to my parents for two full days out and about!
Hope you had a wonderful memorial day weekend! I feel like we have accomplished so much the past few days, and even over the weekend too. but then again it’s a big blur. i know there was a lot of moving into our new condo, lots of unpacking, lots of visitors, & some rearranging of furniture and de-cluttering in the condo.
There was lots of red, white & blue that was worn. Lots of beer that was drank. There was a lot of Indy 500 action. Lots and lots of walking at the track. Lots of people watching. Lots of Uber rides to and from Broadripple.
There was too little of sleep this entire weekend. There was a lot of visitors at our place. There was lots of time spent by the pool.
Have a great remainder of your week! happy start of summer, friends!
This morning I woke and left the house before Jake… so that when he woke up he would find tons of post-its of all the reasons why I love him left all over the the mirror!
Do you guys have any fun plans for Valentine’s Day? I’m most definitely eating as many chocolates as my heart desires. i can’t wait! We are planning on heading down South to hang out with my cousin, ordering pizza & playing games.
Oh and P.S J.crew is having a huge in store + online sale this weekend with an extra 40-50% off final sale styles using code: WEEKENDMUST (through monday…)
Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s never been just about being in a relationship, but rather a special day to spoil those that I love. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, sweet little gestures go a long way. You don’t have to go over the top, just do something meaningful and thoughtful. Last year I did 14 Days of Valentine’s Day! for Jake and thought I would share this easy and affordable gift idea with you all.
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups sour cream
For the Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
6 tablespoons heavy cream
Food coloring, optional
Sprinkles, optional
directions:
1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and beat at low speed until combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Dough will be a little sticky and that is ok. Divide dough into two sections. Flatten into rectangles about 1½ inches thick, then wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats; set aside.
5. Lightly flour the countertop and the top of the dough. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7 minutes, until cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Cook cookies completely before frosting.
6. To make the frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and vanilla extract. Slowly beat in powdered sugar and the pinch of salt. Once smooth and creamy, add in heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat at medium-high speed for a minute or two until light and fluffy. Add food coloring, if desired, and beat until combined.
7. Once cookies have cooled completely, frost and add sprinkles, if desired. Allow frosting to set, then store in an air-tight container.
Beauty in Everything 