Two Thousand Eleven

If I'm being honest, I must admit that 2011 was a difficult year. From having to move away from my husband to the loss of loved ones, this past year took a toll on us. But despite the heartache and sadness, we found many things to be grateful for and tried desperately to soak up every precious moment. 2012 holds the promise of being an truly incredible year, with my pending graduation and licensure, the possibility of owning a home, and a new puppy addition to our family [more on that later].

Happy 2012.
xoxo

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A Rainy Christmas Day

This year Christmas Day was a rainy affair, forcing us to spend the vast majority of the day inside. I did manage to do a bit of puddle jumping, which isn't quite as fun as building a snowman, but in the south, you take what you can get. It was a wonderful day, and I am so very thankful for my beautiful and supportive family.

Crewcuts blouse, Banana Republic skirt, HUE tights, Simply Vera socks, F21 scarf, H&M belt, Hunter wellies, Anthropologie necklace, vintage and J. Crew bracelets

xoxo

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Merry Merry

Hope yours was just as merry.
xoxo

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Handmade Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is traditions is the giving and receiving of handmade gifts. Last year my mother-in-law made all the girls a tote bag out of multiple fabrics, and it is one of my most treasured gifts. Unfortunately, I'm not that talented in the sewing department, so I typically stick with edible gifts. I really love the simplicity of layering ingredients in a mason jar and tying festive trinkets to the front. This year I wanted to do something besides sweets, so I made fruited rice curry in a jar {and for the non-curry lovers in the family, I made a couple jars of brownie mix}.

Happy handmade holidays.

xoxo

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Southern Traditions: Cornbread

One of my favorite meals growing up included sweet potatoes, green beans, zucchini and squash with onions, okra {find a recipe here}, and cornbread. The leftovers were especially delicious. I remember my mom making the cornbread in a cast iron mold shaped like corn husks, and I always wanted one immediately out of the oven. While cornbread isn't exactly the healthiest side dish, its a wonderful treat when added to a bowl of chili on a cold winter night.

The traditional recipe is fairly straight-forward, and you can find one here or on the back of the cornmeal package.

I'm finally crossing it off my list.

xoxo

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Simple Saturday

It seems as though button front shirts have become my daytime weekend go-to. Whether due to overindulging in silk camisoles and cardigans or fancy sweaters and skirts during the week or sheer laziness {most likely the latter}, my modest collection of has recently been put to great use {evidence here, here, and here}. This combination of pink + blue was the perfect ensemble for a Saturday afternoon comprised of lunch, strolling downtown and grocery-ing.

H&M and Crewcuts blouses, The Loft skinnies, gifted booties {thanks e!}, H&M scarf, vintage clutch, vintage, Anthropologie necklace, Loft & J. Crew bracelets, Target watch, Sally Hansen Navy Baby polish

Do you have a favorite weekend outfit?

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Art of Being Feminine

Gift giving for the ladies in my life is very rarely a challenge as most of my female counterparts are pleased with sparkly, feminine or cozy items that I am equally pleased to provide. I generally create a theme among my gifts, and this year I am focusing on the senses. Here are some of my favorite girly items to taste, see, smell, hear and feel.

Miss Dior fragrance

Your favorite champagne --  pair with St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

A mixed tape {always a great gift}

Mukluk slippers   

Leather glovettes

J. Crew Saturday pants

 MK Watch

St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

Kate Spade bow ring

Soap & Glory body wash {my absolute favorite!}

You can find the men's version of this guide here.

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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NOLA

Last week I spent five days in New Orleans for a professional conference. While most of my time was spent networking, researching and schmoozing, I did manage to sneak away and stroll through the French Quarter {the open air market was my favorite part}, eat a delicious brunch at Stanley and admire the plethora of local art in Jackson Square, savor hot cocoa and beignets at the original Cafe du Monde, enjoy a five-star dinner at the swanky Clancy's restaurant, and a witness late-night piano duel at Pat O'Briens.

My favorite part of the city was by far the food, {Bourbon Street was not my cup of tea} and I wish husband could have been there for every meal. Perhaps it was that I missed him or that I had professional commitments, but I must say, as fun as my trip turned out to be, I won't be hurrying back to NOLA any time soon. It's just too good being at home with those you love.

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Gift of Manliness

Buying for your man is definitely more of a challenge than buying for your girlfriends, and often times involves purchases that you don't know much about. {Hello ammunition, alternators, power tools and toolboxes.} I've rounded up a collection of gifts for this year, so whether you need stocking stuffers or are starting from scratch, I'm certain that one of these items would please even the manliest of men.

J. Crew Cotton-Cashmere Sweater

Moonshine cologne

Miniot wooden iPhone case

Pendelton Ranier National Park blanket

A mixed tape

Durango Coffee Company Western Blend

Vintage cocktails recipe book

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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Sorbet

H&M blouse & scarf, J. Crew cords, jacket via Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger booties, F21 earrings, vintage &a J. Crew bracelets

While the combination of pink and orange often takes me back to elementary school lunches and Hibachi restaurant desserts, the color combo was perfect for a casual weekend outfit. Inspired by the rose-colored horses on this scarf, I paired my favorite skinny cords with a simple silk blouse to create a sorbet-hued look that is far from elementary {or Japanese, for that matter}.

{Looking out for a squirrel attack - I swear he was throwing acorns at me....}

xoxo

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Tinsel

Somewhere in the craziness of life over the past few weeks, I found time to decorate just a bit for the holiday season. A simple tree decorated with antlers, blue lights and tinsel above the television, and a few strategically placed glass ornaments brought a hint of Christmas cheer to our home.

xoxo

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Brown + Black

Everyone is familiar with the fashion "rule" stating that the combination of brown and black is frowned upon, but I've recently realized that it's one of my go-to pairings. {Not that I've ever been one to adhere to fashion rules. At the age of five, my favorite boots were white cowgirls, and I'd boldly wear them all year long, despite those post-labor day frowns.} I especially love putting black with a rich cognac and accessorizing with gold. That combination led me to this casual Thanksgiving weekend outfit that was perfect for a dinner with friends.

The Loft blazer, F21 shirt & scarf, Banana Republic skirt, HUE tights, Tommy Hilfiger booties, Anthropologie necklace, vintage belt, vintage & J. Crew jewelry

xoxo

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Thanksgiving

{My masterpiece pumpkin pie}

This year Thanksgiving was especially important in my family as we recently experienced the loss of a very precious loved one. It's difficult to think about last year's celebration, when we were blissfully unaware that our time together was coming to a close. But if I have learned anything throughout this season of grief, it's that we must truly treasure each and every moment of our time together. And that is exactly what this year's Thanksgiving weekend was about.

{My nephew "driving" the truck... I love the little tongue sticking out in concentration.}

{My mom's breakfast casserole - to die for.}

{Cuddling with this little guy. He's so grown up now!}

I'm already looking forward to Christmas Eve.
xoxo


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