I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! I'm still recovering from all of the fun we had with family, but it's not go...
Elizabeth Messina via Eat Drink Garden
Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? The hubby is off for the next 5 days (yay!!) and we'll be having lots of family time with both of our families so I am super excited about that. It will be so nice to step back from our daily routine to focus on all that we've been so blessed with. Sometimes I forget that and only focus on what I don't have in my life. But I have to remember that the world is much larger than my life. That I am just a small part of it and days that seem unfair or awful to me would be viewed as a blessing for so many less fortunate people in the world.
I just want to thank you all for following this blog and joining me on my daily ventures in home, fashion, and mommy-hood. Having you all as readers makes writing this blog that much more rewarding for me.
I will be taking a short break from the blog until Friday, but follow me on Instagram to see all the family fun (and shopping) I'll be up to during this Thanksgiving break. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
xo,
Elizabeth Messina via Eat Drink Garden Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? The hubby is off for the next 5 days (yay!!) and we'...
{Coach Urbane Crossbody Bag} {ALICE by Temperley jumpsuit} {Oasis Soft Faux Fur Coat} {Rebecca Minkoff Pearl Stud Hinge Bangle} {Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Rings} {Nine West Kenie Black Suede Heels} {J.Crew Moroccan Stone Earrings} {Fringed Fanfare Clutch}
Good morning loves!! Who's so happy it's a shortened week and that Thanksgiving is just a few days away?? Me! Me! We're getting somewhat lucky this year because we aren't hosting Thanksgiving OR Christmas, so the pressure is off. Meaning, I've got more time (and energy) to work on my annual Holiday Wish Lists for you guys. Okay, well they're really for me, ha! My family members depend on these wish lists for guidance on what to get me, so I need to come through with making these. And if not hosting any major holiday dinner leaves me with more peace of mind and time to work on these, then I am all for it. And it's never really a difficult thing to do when it's all things I wouldn't mind at all finding under the Christmas tree, right?
I didn't mean to create an outfit wish list, but it does seem that I've managed to do that. But every single item is something that I would love to get as a Christmas gift. That ALICE by Temperley jumpsuit might be a tad pricey, but it's my kind of jumpsuit. The embroidered black organza is a dream and it's such a great alternative to an LBD. And seeing it as an LBD does make it worthy as an investment piece that you could wear over and over again, no? And I'm in need of a new faux fur jacket. I love the one I purchased from Zara a few years ago, but I'm thinking I need one that's lighter in color. As if I need any more crossbody bags, but this Coach Urbane one might just be the end-all-be-all. Do you have any favorites in the bunch? What are you hoping to get this year?
{ Coach Urbane Crossbody Bag } { ALICE by Temperley jumpsuit } { Oasis Soft Faux Fur Coat } { Rebecca Minkoff Pearl Stud Hinge Bangle } { D...
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Sophie Blake Jewelry Trunk Show at Tabandeh in Chevy Chase, MD. It was my first time seeing Sophie's jewelry in person and I have to tell you, they did not disappoint one bit! I had checked out her website beforehand, so I knew to expect Art Deco inspired jewelry (my fave!). They were much more statement-making in person and I wanted to take it all home. Her pieces are bold, edgy, yet still have that extra something to make it unique, and not like everything else out on the market.
And if you're local to the MD/DC/VA area, I highly recommend making a trip to Tabandeh. The store, expertly curated by Tabandeh Sizdahkhani (the owner), is filled with some of the most beautiful fashions and jewelry I've ever seen. One of my favorite pieces from her store (not from Sophie's collection) were these incredible gorgeous tassel necklaces {see below}.
Don't forget, tomorrow is South Moon Under's Grand Reopening Party, so come to the Annapolis Towne Center to join me and Caitlin in helping them celebrate their new digs!
The.perfect.necklace.
These earrings were made for holiday parties, no?
And then I died after I saw these. These are not from Sophie Blake's collection, but I had to share because it was that good.
Somewhat random, okay very random, but I just wanted to share a few photos of Cora from our recent trip to Sandy Point State Park.
We had told her the Bay Bridge was right over there, and she started to point and say "Bay Bridge"!
The look on her face tells it all. She was having a blast at the park.
We had to take advantage of the unusually warm weather on Monday for some family time fun at Sandy Point State Park. Cora loved being on the beach and playing with the sand. It was hard for us to leave.
We pretty much had the beach to ourselves so it was so fun to see Cora run around without worrying about her bothering anyone.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Sophie Blake Jewelry Trunk Show at Tabandeh in Chevy Chase, MD. It was my first time seeing ...
It's been a long time coming, but here is Cora's playroom! I should probably mention that this is in no way a final reveal of her space. It's rather an in-progress update. Because things take so long to complete, I just wanted to share with you guys what's been happening so far since it's been in the works for some time. We've had it set up for a few weeks now, and we still have a few more things to get and do but for the most part it is complete! She's been enjoying her new room and I am so happy that we decided to create it for her. In addition to creating her playroom, we got our living/family room back. What I mean is, our living/family room was a makeshift playroom complete with a giant playpen filled with all of her toys and books. But now that she has a playroom, we've been able to move all of her toys and books upstairs and most importantly (to me at least), remove the eyesore of a playpen that took up so much space in our living/family room. Yay to restoring it back to a somewhat grown-up space! Don't get me wrong, the playpen was a life-saver for that chunk of time when she first started to walk. But seeing it every time I come down the stairs was not exactly what I wanted to see in our main living space.
As I mentioned before, we still have a few more things to get for the space. Like some more lighting, specifically a chandelier, even though Steve dislikes overhead lighting (I'm trying to change his mind about this general statement). Then there is the major issue of the fabric that came with the cushions for the storage benches we got from Ikea. You'll see below, but they just do not jive with the rest of the room. And a gallery wall needs to happen above the t.v. I'm slow to collect artwork since it's the holidays and it's not exactly a priority regarding the budget, but I promise you it'll happen as soon as the holidays are over. The one thing we are getting before the holidays is a play table. We thought we were going to get one from Ikea, but it turns out that they're all really, really lightweight and Cora could easily turn it over or climb on it and break it. Yes, she is a climber. No, she did not get that from me. Once we find a heavy-duty one, we'll add it to her room.
I've been debating whether or not window treatments are a necessity and I think we're going to hold off on this one for a while. It's not as if we need privacy in that room so really no rush. We've got some white faux wood blinds in there from when it was our guest room so we've left them there for now.
But I'll let you get to the photos instead of all this talk. Enjoy!!
Had to add some holiday cheer to her playroom with the lit garland. And thank you to Birdaria for this lovely Hearts Canvas Wall Art gift for Cora's playroom! It's perfect!
You know Steve had to have this in her playroom. But ya know, it actually works well in here.
Remember this painting that Steve created for Cora's 1st birthday party? Here it is! We still haven't put it up on the walls, but we'll eventually do that. And the Ikea storage benches were the perfect storage solution for this space. And don't worry, I'm having the cushions recovered as soon as I find the right fabric...
We had to get these adorable rattan chairs for her play table, right? And a play table is on the list of things still to get.
Those HomeGoods bins I picked up a while ago are seriously the perfect catch-all for her toys and puzzles.
It's been a long time coming, but here is Cora's playroom! I should probably mention that this is in no way a final reveal of her s...
{Tall Nailhead Upholstered Headboard} {Vanguard Blown Glass Bubble Droplet Chandelier} {Samode Quilt} {DwellStudio Converge Votive Nickel} {Palm Beach Pillow} {Warren Nightstand} {Linden Gray Duvet} {Snow Leopard Rug}
Happy Monday!! So, I know this is out of the ordinary that this isn't a Weekend Recap post, but I was really loving this Vanguard Blown Glass Bubble Droplet Chandelier so much so that I had to create a bedroom around it. It's a little Cali, a little French, but modern all at the same time. I'm absolutely in love with it and am now having dreams about it. Crazy, I know. But when it comes to something so beautiful and absolutely perfect, you just can't help it. What do you guys think? Love it? Or hate it?
{ Tall Nailhead Upholstered Headboard } { Vanguard Blown Glass Bubble Droplet Chandelier } { Samode Quilt } { DwellStudio Converge Votive N...
TGIF you guys!! This was a really great week for me and the weekend is only going to get even better. I've been slowly working on getting our master bedroom complete. It's been a long time coming that I give this space the attention that it deserves. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I got a photo from our trip to Nice, France blown up to go right above our dresser. I'm also waiting to get some bedding from Crane and Canopy, one of my favorite bedding retailers. We've had our current bedding for some time now and it just leaves a lot to be desired. And don't think I forgot to tell you guys about the gallery wall right next to my vanity/desk. It's almost done, I just need to take a quick trip to Michaels to get some more picture hanging tools.
So as you can see, this week, lots of progress was made and I am one happy girl. There are still a few things left to get. Oh, ya know like a headboard, a chandelier of some kind, and a new nightstand for Steve. But once those little things are taken care of, then we're done. Kidding aside, the room is really starting to come together and Steve and I are so happy with what it can become. A full reveal of the bedroom will be coming soon!
Now, getting to some real fun stuff. Our South Moon Under in Annapolis, recently moved to a new and improved location, the Annapolis Towne Center, and they are having a BIG reopening party to celebrate the move. The best part is you guys are invited to join in on the fun! It's all happening next Thursday (11/21) from 6pm-9pm and I will be there with Caitlin to help join in on the festivities. One piece of advice if you are planning on coming: get there early because I've been told the swag bags are ahhhhmazing.
And if the swag bags weren't enticing enough, they are also offering a 20% off ALL purchases! Do I need to say that again?? As if this wasn't a surprise, I've got my eyes on a few items. These gold sequin pants are perfect for holiday parties, right? And I might just have to pick up this Free People Pullover Sweater...
If you're local to the Annapolis area or just want to come and party with us, please stop by next Thursday (11/21) at the new South Moon Under at the Annapolis Towne Center! See you all there!
TGIF you guys!! This was a really great week for me and the weekend is only going to get even better. I've been slowly working on getti...
{1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13}
It's that time of the year again! Holiday Wish Lists are back! And I'm starting off with one of my favorite categories: home accessories. I've said in previous Wish List posts that most of the time all of the items are things I want for myself. Yes, it's a rather selfish thing to create and share on the interwebs, isn't it? But I like to rationalize my selfishness with the fact that this helps my family members with their Christmas shopping for me. It's all to help them out, really. And even though I want everything in this board, I'm pretty sure most of you will want something on it, or at least want to gift someone with one of these items.
#1: Crane & Canopy has some of the cutest gifts and this gnome wine stopper just had to be added to my wish list. It's so festive and whimsical, no?
#2: I've been on the look out for a new box to go on our foyer table and I think this might be it.
#3: I often find myself drawn towards rectangular trays, so I think it's time to change it up and get a round one.
#4: Colorful napkins are my jam and if it's in a somewhat large-scale print then I'm sold. This one might need to get in my linen closet, stat.
#5: This gilded candle will look perfect either one the bar or the fireplace mantel.
#6: I could see this little guy on a stack of books or on our dresser in our bedroom. He'll add the right amount of bling, don't you think?
#7: This isn't really for me. I can picture it in Cora's playroom as part of her gallery wall. So I guess this board isn't completely selfish, huh?
#8: You know I've always wanted a faux fur throw and this one isn't too expensive but looks it. Anyone want to gift it to me? Pretty please?
#9: We have iPhone chargers all over the house (except for my desk) and I think this little guy would add some graphic quality to my desk all the while charging my phone.
#10: I haven't bought or received any coffee table books in a while so I'm thinking this Scalamandre one is perfect to acquire next.
#11: Every single one of Arianna's pillow covers are gorgeous, but this leopard print one is saying it needs to be mine. Specifically, for my desk chair.
#12: I'm almost becoming hoarder-like when it comes to vases and this one might have to be the next conquest of mine.
#13: I saw this and almost died because it's just too perfect for Cora's playroom.
{ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 } It's that time of the year again! Holiday Wish Lists are back! A...
Good morning! I've got a special treat for you. Or rather a recipe for a special treat. Last Friday, I was on a pinning spree and saw that my friend, Tammy, had just pinned this, which I immediately re-pinned. And then as if on cue, I really, really wanted it. Like badly. So what's a girl to do? Well, lucky for me I actually had a few items that I thought would help me recreate the same thing, but in a much quicker fashion. I had some pie crust in the freezer (saved it for a day like this) along with some apple pie filling (also got just in case of potential Fall dessert cravings), which I knew would be the perfect and easy way to create those mini apple pies I saw on Pinterest.
I decided that since I didn't have those adorable mini pie pans, I would use the next best thing: a cupcake pan. And it worked out just fine. I have seen enough cooking/baking shows, that I thought I could wing this without a recipe to follow. I mean, how bad could it turn out with pie crust and apple pie filling, right? Not so bad, people. This is definitely going to be a go-to dessert recipe when I have no time to bake anything and want it to look like I slaved away in the kitchen baking up a storm. That's the kind of dessert I'm talking about. Easy, delicious, and makes you look like a pro. So let's get to it, shall we?
Ingredients
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust (from 14-oz box), softened as directed on box
1 21oz. can of Apple Pie Filling (Cinnamon Spice Apple is the one I used)
1 egg, beaten
Sugar, to sprinkle the tops of the pies
Flour, for dusting
Tools
Cupcake Pan (no need to grease this)
Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutter (3" diameter)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Roll out the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the pie crust so that it's about 1/8" thick. Don't go too thin or else they'll break when you try to take them out of the pan after baking. Use a large cookie cutter (I used a scalloped edge one which gives it a decorative look) to cut out rounds that will go into the cupcake pan as well as on top of the filling. After cutting out the rounds, roll them out with a rolling pin just a little bit so that they're large enough to line the insides of the cupcake pan. If you run out of rounds for topping the pies, roll out the scraps until you have enough. Chop up the apple pie filling so that you have 1/3" sized pieces. Then spoon the filling to fill 3/4 of the way up in each pie crust. Place the additional rounds you cut out on top of the filled cups and press them lightly so that the cups are sealed. Vent the tops with small slits to release any steam. Then brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. This will help with browning and adds a nice shine to the pastry. Sprinkle sugar on top. Pop them in the oven for 18-25 minutes or until they are a golden brown color. Let them cool in the cupcake pan for 5-10 minutes. Then carefully remove them and onto a cooling rack. These can obviously be eaten immediately or enjoyed later. But I would recommend reheating them in the oven or toaster oven so that the filling gets nice and warm. Then enjoy!
A two ingredient dessert recipe is exactly the type of dessert I want (and can make) at home. Especially, when a craving strikes, which is exactly what happened this time around.
Good morning! I've got a special treat for you. Or rather a recipe for a special treat. Last Friday, I was on a pinning spree and saw ...
It's been a while hasn't it? I thought that since it's been some time since my last post, this should be a good one. And I hope you guys think so. Here is my second outfit post! Did I redeem myself from being gone for a few days?
The other day, I went into H&M for a quick stop to check out the toddler clothes. I went in and got a few pieces for Cora, but came out lusting after this short sleeve coat that was only $59.95!! When I got home, I felt like an idiot for not picking it up because we all know what happened the last time I let something fabulous go. Well, I went back to H&M with all fingers crossed that it would magically still be there. I figured it would be gone within the week since there were only a few left when I first saw it. BUT, it looks like luck was on my side because there she was! Waiting for me to pick her up and take her home!
One thing I've learned about myself over time is that I really hate bundling up when the weather starts getting cold. With piling on sweaters, thick coats, and scarves, I start feeling somewhat claustrophobic. Especially since everywhere you go, they blast the heat, and worse, you have to deal with the heat in cars - nauseating! Yes, I know. I'm a weirdo, but it's the absolute truth. So anything to keep me warm yet somewhat cool at the same time is what I'm looking for. And I think this short sleeve coat is going to do just that. It's kind of like a cape, but unlike most capes you can wear a bag that goes over your shoulder. A win-win situation I'd say.
What do you guys think? Are you in favor of short-sleeve coats? Or not really feeling it? I'd love to know!
Pardon my b**** face here. Looking through the photos from this shoot, I make this face a lot. Whoops!
This vintage gorgeousness is coming to my shop real soon!
{H&M Coat in stores} {Dittos Calypso Jeans} {Old Navy Crossbody Tassel Bag} {Ralph Lauren Boots from TJMaxx} {H&M Cable Knit Sweater, similar} {Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses} {J.Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace} {J.Crew Leopard Bracelet} {Kate Spade Mom Idiom Bracelet, similar} {Vintage Link Watch} {Vintage Snake Rhinestone Cuff, coming soon to Shop Proper Hunt!} {Vintage Green Ring}
It's been a while hasn't it? I thought that since it's been some time since my last post, this should be a good one. And I hope...
