colorful teaspoons

Have you ever checked out the website LEIF??  I found the most colorful teaspoon sets that would make stirring or eating anything more fun.  They are made in France and the sets come with six spoons for $32.  Color sets come in mixed berries, mixed greens, and glacier.  Fun... right?!

cute idea

[via]

Wedding favors are always a tough decision... so when I saw this creative idea, I immediately thought how easy and affordable they would be to re-create.  The ribbon and message can be tied into your wedding colors, and if you want to get really cute, you can use colored marshmallows.

eye catching

[via]

Saw this and thought how lovely the eye makeup is.  Would be so beautiful for the holidays, especially with a sparkly dress and killer heels. 

what i'm lovin' ~ thanksgiving leftovers

Now that Thanksgiving has passed us, what do we do with all the leftovers?  The oh so smart Martha Stewart has some delicious recipes that I am wanting to try with my leftovers.  Don't these look so scrumptious?!

leftover filled pocket pies

cranberry tartlets

turkey and onion sandwich

happy thanksgiving

[photo via pinterest.com]

To everyone out there... Happy Thanksgiving.  

I hope you enjoy your day filled with family, friends, and love. 

turkey week ~ how to carve the bird

Another Thanksgiving element is how to carve the turkey.  After all the hard work, carving the turkey is just as important.  Watch the video tutorial above on how to carve the bird.  Everyone wants to eat delicious and delicately carved pieces, versus a macheted bird.

turkey week ~ roasting the bird

Now the big question is: at what oven temperature do I roast my turkey and for how long?  I found this handy reference tool on epicurious.com.  Click on the link to find out how to roast the perfect bird, depending on how many pounds it weighs.

Another important element is to make sure if the turkey is cooked.  Watch the video above on how to be sure that the bird is perfect.

turkey week ~ prepping for the roast

Now that we've decided how to flavor the bird, let's review on what we need to do before roasting the turkey in the oven.  There are two techniques on how we should roast the bird, which will you choose?

[photo via]

1. Place the turkey on the rack with the breast side down. This protects the white meat from overcooking and allows it to absorb the juices as they run downward into the bottom of the pan. Then, for the last hour of roasting, carefully remove the pan from the oven and flip the bird over. Return it to the oven with the breast side up, allowing the breast skin to crisp up and get golden brown.

2. If you're worried about flipping a hot and heavy fowl (which can be near-impossible if your bird's more than 16 or 18 pounds), you can roast it breast-side-up the whole time if you take some precautions. Cover the breast with a double-thick layer of buttered aluminum foil or cheesecloth to help insulate it against the heat. Then uncover it an hour before it's done, allowing the skin to darken and crisp. If the skin still looks too pale but the meat is finished, feel free to broil the bird for a minute or two before pulling it out of the oven. (This works best if your broiler unit is attached to the top of your main oven and not in a separate drawer; in the latter case, the bird will only fit if you cut it up into smaller pieces.)

[instructions via epicurious.com]

turkey week ~ moisture & flavor

Since it's Friday and Thanksgiving week is almost here, I thought of dedicating some posts to the bird.  No one wants a flavorless, dried out, or burnt turkey on Thanksgiving, right?  One of the most important elements is preparation and having a plan, so let's get started.  

Today, let's talk about adding moisture and flavor before roasting the bird in the oven.  There are numerous of ways to do this: butter rubs, flavor injections, brining, and dry herb rubs.  Visit epicurious.com for complete instructions and video tutorials for each of the four methods.  My favorite is the butter rub, which is the tutorial above.  See you on Monday for another turkey week post.

what i'm lovin'

[photo via]

With the cold weather already here in many states, we should all be stocking up on our winter gear.  I noticed these arm warmers, and thought they were actually kind of cute.  They are from TopShop and come in two colors - blush and navy blue.  Would you rock some arm warmers this winter? (I might...)

from TopShop ($28)

holiday vodka

This is a creative way on how to serve/display vodka for one's upcoming holiday festivities.  It will keep the vodka chilled, but in a oh so cheery way.  Here's how to do it:
Freeze your vodka in a cranberry-laced block of ice. Takes just five minutes, plus freezing time. Save and clean a square milk or orange-juice carton, and cut the top off. Put your favorite bottle of vodka inside. Add fresh cranberries and fill halfway with water. Freeze for at least four hours. When you're ready to serve, just peel off the milk carton and set your icy drink on a tray to catch the drips.

[via pinterest]

largest yellow diamond

{photo via USA Today}

My oh my!!!  Did you all see that the world's largest yellow diamond was auctioned off for almost $11 MILLION dollars?!  It is 110.03 carats and so so beautiful.  All I can say is WOW!

Love this

{photo via House & Home}

What a simple and eye-popping way to display holiday ornaments.  Cake stands, aren't just for cakes and the ribbon adds a whimsical touch.  I will be doing this when I start decorating for the holidays, come December 1st.

what i'm lovin'

Since Friday was Veterans Day, I decided to take the day off from blogging.  I'll be posting my "what i'm lovin'" from last week... today. 

Look at these amazing coasters!!  They are gorgeous and would look so stylish on the coffee table.  They are from Rablabs NY and a set of 4 is $65.  They have eight different colors to choose from, these are my favorites.  It's what i'm lovin'!!

on my mind

Here are a few snapshots of things that have been on my mind.  I think I'll do a "on my mind" post once a week, in addition to my "what i'm lovin'" posts, which I do every Friday.  I think it'll be directed to snapshots that I've taken of things that are on my mind... {simple as that}.  Here are three for this week. 

My new Gianni Bini "Olivia" Flats in Sierra Tan.  I'm located in Florida, so we have Dillard's here, which is where they are from.

Went to Whole Foods yesterday and picked up some pink grapefruit.  Had it for breakfast this morning and it was amazing.  Sweet and juicy.

Here's a pic of my bull terrier Mike.  We had a very important LSU football game last Saturday night.  Mike had to show his pride, so I put a LSU tattoo on him.  Didn't stick to well, but it was worth it.

emergency kit

Look at this cute wedding day emergency check list?  This is a great tool for any maid of honor, don't you think?  Included are the most important essentials for the bride on her wedding day.  So... for you maid of honors out there, save this list and don't forget it when you prepare the bride's kit. 

[kit list via]

fall leaves and pumpkins

pumpkins placed in a tall apothecary jar

Here are a few instagram shots of fall leaves and pumpkins in my home.  It's always nice to bring fall accents inside... creates a cozy feeling.

fall leaves placed in a amber hurricane

glitter pumpkins placed in the entry

what i'm lovin' ~ dwell studio

hourglass pillar candleholders

Just received a Dwell Studio catalog and lovin' so many items!! Here are a few on my wish list {but there are so many more drool worthy pieces on their site}.  What i'm lovin'.... is Dwell Studio!

metal peacocks

throws

note cards

thanksgiving place cards

pinecone turkey 

With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving soon approaching, people may be starting to gather ideas on how to set the table.  I came across some cute and creative ideas on place cards.  All directions and ideas can be found on Martha Stewart or by just clicking on the link under each photo.

fruit inspired

nutshell

gold pumpkin

basket-weave

glitter nails

Look at these amazing manicures.  I love the delicate use of the glitter nail polish.  The one above is called the glittery ombre manicure and the one below is the glimmering gold gel manicure.  This would be a great look for the upcoming holiday season. 

photos via Refinery29

treats galore

Look at this amazing treat basket from Olive and Cocoa!!  It retails for $98 [a little pricey], but totally recreatable for a much lower cost.  The basket would be the sweetest gift for a child [or adult] with a sweet tooth.  I adore this idea... so fun, colorful, and just makes me smile.  Here's what's in the basket:

• red and white gummy rings
• taffy ribbon
• pink popcorn
• pink gumballs
• old fashioned lollipops
• rock candy
• caramel squares
• ribbon candy
• gummy smiles
• licorice pastels
• mini jawbreakers
• gummy bears
• Swedish fish
• bundle of whimsical paper straws