Working For The Weekend

Christmas is a marathon not a sprint, folks...and I think it's safe to say said marathon has begun.  I'm using this weekend to write my list and check it twice, start my shopping and drink no less than three cups of hot chocolate.  Preferably by a fire of some kind.  I'm particularly fond of this weeks links so I really hope you enjoy them.  Have the holly-est, jolly-est weekend and I'll see you Monday!

Is it bad that I'm seriously considering doing this?

We may need to have a longer discussion about this later...I'm obsessed.

Proud of your state?  Prove it.

The ultimate party dress.

Noted.

Just...beyond genius!

So sweet...

The least DIY-looking DIY present I've ever seen.

These shoes.  I just.  I can't.

Cool!

Holiday Gift Guide: One for the Kiddos

There's no getting around the fact that kids are fun to shop for.  Their clothes are adorable, their toys are fun and- if they're smart like my nephew, Blake- they make a big deal out anything you give them...which in turn makes you want to buy them more.  For our first gift guide of the season, I picked out a few nifty items I think kids and parents alike will love....it's almost too much cute for one post.  Honestly, my face hurts from smiling.

1. Striped Bunny, Polaryn O. Pyret $22  2. Orange Fox Slippers, AlexandAlexa $17  3. R2D2 Baby Costume, Etsy $48  4. My Food Passport, Uncommon Goods $10  5. Knit Turban, Zara Kids $9.90  6. Chalkboard Laptop, Anthropologie $68  7. Pride and Prejudice BabyLit Book, Amazon $9.99

The Foodie Files

The timing on today's Foodie Files is somewhat unfortunate as I spent all day yesterday in bed with a stomach bug.  Needless to say food is the last thing I want to think about at the moment.  But!  The show must go on.  My Dad whipped up this pork tenderloin over Thanksgiving weekend and man, was it ever a hit.  Since my family is pretty giant this particular recipe had to feed many mouths so you may want to scale it down a bit...or better yet, make the whole thing and enjoy a some leftovers.  You'll be sad when it's gone, believe me.

Ingredients: 

11/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
4 small pork tenderloins
1/2 chicken stock
1/2 cup red wine
1 small package of carrots
1-2 large red onions
3-4 zucchini 

Sauce:
5 TBS of olive oil
5 large garlic cloves
4 large sprigs of thyme
5-6 sprigs of rosemary
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 red wine
1 cup cranberries

Wash and towel dry pork, then salt and pepper to taste.  Brown pork on stovetop in a large casserole pan for about 6 minutes on each side, then deglaze pan using chicken stock.  

Add wine and reduce to half.  Wash and cut vegetables into pieces (2 bites each size), then add vegetables to meat and stir until pieces are coated.  Cook in a 350 degree oven for 11/2 hours.

For the sauce, brown garlic in olive oil till golden.  Add cranberries and cook on low for 2-3 minutes.  Add herbs.  Add stock and cook for another 5 minutes, then wine and let simmer 15-20 minutes more.  Salt and pepper to taste.  

Arrange pork and vegetables on a platter and spoon on sauce.  Serve immediately with extra sauce available on table.

Mirror, Mirror

There's so many reasons to love the holidays...you get to give presents, you get to get presents, you get to decorate cookies and have classic movie marathons and wear incredibly cheesy pajamas.  But if you're lucky, you get to dress up (and if you're really lucky, you get to dress up a lot)...for parties and plays and various festivities...it's just the best.  I put together a dressy ensemble that strays a bit from a traditional color palate (Christmas or otherwise).  The little black dress is famous for a reason, but sometimes you've just gotta add a little interest to the mix.  You didn't see that yellow skirt coming, did you?  That's what I love about it.

1. Nightfall Statement Collar, Noir Jewelry  2. Animal Jacquard High Neck Cami, Topshop $56  3. Shannon Wool Crepe Skirt, Jonathan Saunders $735  4. Fur Scarf, Urban Outfitters  5. Blush Heels, Just Fab $39.99  6. Courtney Lady Printed Canvas Clutch, Anya Hindmarch $650

Get It Together: Haute Heirlooms

1. Set of 8 Silver Trimmed Highball glasses, High Street Market $68  2. Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Chandelier, Branca $5,500  3. Heirloom Fringe Velvet Pillow, ABC Carpet & Home $125  4. Belmont Brass Table Lamp, High Street Market $395  5. Vintage Pair of Side Chairs, High Street Market $895  6. Forest Park Gold Table, Shor $825  7. Agate Stacking Boxes, Lillie $95-$140

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

So...how was your Thanksgiving?  Ours was pretty magical if I don't say so myself.  The food was obviously on point, but it was the lounging and the laughing and the plain 'ol quality time that was my favorite.  There's something special about people you can do absolutely nothing with and still have the best day ever...I'm super thankful to have a big family full of them.  But enough about gratitude (kidding), let's talk Christmas.  Are you venturing out into the madness today?  Any war stories to speak of?  I'm gonna have to live vicariously though you guys on this one cause I can't quite bring myself to face those crowds.  Too scary.  So excited the most wonderful time of the year is here, though!  Enjoy it and I'll see you Monday!

Happy Black Friday!

Man, does this sound good.

Pick your poison...

I love a lot of these.

Everything about this is good and right.

So incredibly cool...

Pretty.  

Crispy Risotto Cheese balls.  Hello!

What a lovely print.

Neat concept.