What I've Been Crushing On

{Nana}

{Jack Frost Donuts}

{Getting back to normal}

{World's Best Turkey}

{Simple table setting}

{The best gifts are ones from the heart}

Boots With The Fur

I used to have a collection of vintage coats that consisted of more than four faux fur ones. All of those were from the 50's and 60's era. I had to get rid of those at one point for practical reasons and it nearly broke my heart. So well constructed and well cared for...that is what makes a vintage piece so special. It is in the craftsmanship that I fall head over heels for a something that I can call my own. When I saw that these wardrobe staples were again an appropriate choice for outerwear, I was all in and had to get back in the game. There is something super luxurious about fur and how it feels to wear it. It makes its own statement. Pair it with thigh high boots and you have, in essence, taken over. I doubt you could walk anywhere and not be noticed. Bring it.

{Hat and hoops are old Target. Coat is The Oxford Trunk. Boots are Windsor. Top is Ascot and Hart. Denim is Rock Star super skinny from Old Navy.}

Happy 200th!!!

{Check me out. Now you can find stuff!}

This is my 200th post. I cannot believe what a fun experience this has been for me being able to funnel my creative ideas in a way that entertains other people. I am constantly learning and growing every day with every new post. Not only has it done that, but it has helped me in more ways than anyone can imagine. With every post I learn to love myself a little more, to accept that what I do may not interest everyone and that's o.k., as well and it has pushed me to try new things and expand my own interests. It has challenged me to be more than what I ever thought I could be. I wanted this to be a place where people could get to know me as a person, a woman, and someone who has become what they have always hoped to be...real and honest and approachable. Thank you to everyone who has read these posts. For only having 2 official followers, I have amassed more than 15,600 views in less than a year's worth of posts. YOU all make this worth it for me. With every 'like" on Facebook, my blog opens up to more people. Without your support I would have never accumulated these statistics. You melt my heart. <3

J Lo.

                                         

FRIDAY FEELS

{My father and I having a "moment"}

I don't know if I think of my parents every day anymore. It is kind of like when any relationship ends. Your memories drift into the mist of your mind and you lose sight of them. The best part is many times the negative things seem to dissipate, and the good rise to the surface and remain there. I believe that is how the mind helps heal the heart. Both things codependent on the other for survival. So we cling to those special moments in time, and hold them tightly, as if letting them go would lead to the greatest of all travesties...complete loss of recollection. As we have celebrated this Christmas and the upcoming New Year, let's make memories that last forever.

Make It Personal

{Stamps and acrylic paint from Michael's. Bags were from Urban Outfitters by Baggu.}

I like to personalize things as gifts. It is fun knowing that someone took the time to make something especially for me. I wanted to do that this Christmas for the women in my family because they always have to share. I hope that knowing I took the time to personalize each bag is a special memory for them in the future.

{I used one letter but two or three would work as well}

{I chose acrylic paint because the color choices were more vibrant}

{Make sure you lay them out flat before you begin}

{I used a brush to apply the paint}

{I had to apply it more than once}

{Then use a small brush to add thickness and touch up any rough edges}

What I've Been Crushing On

{Mini loaves of Guinness stout gingerbread}

{Red lips all week}

{Dollar Tree greatness}

{Giving gifts a personal touch}

{Beautiful display here at our mall}

Knock Em Out

{Bourbon Punch}

If you are having people over for a friendly gathering this holiday season, why not try and put together a a cocktail fit for everyone. I like the simplicity it gives to beverage service. Make it just a little sour and a bit sweet and you have perfected the art of the crowd refreshment. 

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

(bring to a boil over low heat)

15 fresh mint sprigs

(5 for the above mixture. Add then let cool)

4 cups grapefruit juice

2 1/2 cups bourbon

12 dashes aromatic bitters

1 cup club soda

lemon and lime slices and remaining mint as a garnish

 {Gin Punch}

I am truly inspired by handmade gifts of any kind. Even the slightest touch of someone's personality to a gift can make it that much more meaningful. This year why not make your own batch of punch and jar it for each of your friends. Add a personal holiday note, and a cute paper straw because this holiday the drinks are on you.

6 oranges quartered

6 lemons quartered

3 limes cut into wheels

1 pint black raspberries

750 ml bottle gin

1 3/4 cup lemon juice

1 1/4 cup simple syrup

3 cups water

750 ml Champagne

refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours

Add Champagne last

Jars I bought at Kroger

Meet The Parents

Short North

Playful, artistic and expressive. Where standing out is fitting in.

{Shoes are Windsor. Top is Good Hyouman. Necklace is Baublebar. Skirt is Lauren Conrad.}

After having that incredible Valentines Day date earlier this year things have progressed normally, you have met the parents casually a couple of times, but now you're ready for the BIG REVEAL. You have been asked to attend the family holiday party. Now normally I would say that it is understandable to be nervous with extended family all around to pick apart you're every flaw. However you, like I, fear no man. Why do you say? Because he loves you. So without question be yourself, but maybe hold off on all your crazy fashion fun for a New York minute. Dress for your audience. Keep your makeup and accessories fairly simple, because you want what you wear to be an expression of how you feel with regard to the invitation. You don't want to show off. You want to fit in. For now.

 Upper Arlington

 Classic and tailored with a bit a fun mixing prints. A little you but a lot of them.

{Shoes are Zara. Trousers and cuff are vintage JCrew. Top is Lauren Conrad.} 

Pickerington

Fun, youthful and athletic. Show off all that hard work in the gym and make his mother a little uncomfortable.

{Sweater is old JCrew. Shorts are tweed with a touch of sparkle from F21. Shoes are Seychelles.}

Powell

Modern and sophisticated with a touch of glamour. You have arrived.

{Dress is old Zara, shoes are newer. Watch is Fossil. Earrings and bracelet are old JCrew}

Carrie Underwood - Last Name

What I've Been Crushing On

{Feeling guilty that I will ruin the logo}

{Holiday ready}

{Fun frames}

{I envy his waistline}

{Mexican tradition}

From The Heart

{A great recipe option can be found here}

My paternal Grandmother made these cookies every year for all of her five children. They each were given their very own tin. She made sugar butter cookies and peanut butter ones, in all shapes and colors, using a traditional metal cookie press. Watching my father and his siblings faux fighting over who had been given more than the other...with my decidedly plump, mumu wearing Polish Grandmother gazing lovingly at her babies, is without a doubt one of my fondest holiday memories. Even after she passed, while I was in college, they argued over which one of them was more deserving of the recipe, the baking sheets and the tins. Funny what people fight over after losing someone they love. For a couple years, when I was lucky enough to live near my father, he and I would get together to carry on the tradition. Sharing memories cloaked in laughter, hovering over a big batch of butter cookies. <3

{Cutting in the butter}

{So many choices she never had}

{Finding just the right amount of pressure}

{Two clicks and then hold for 5 seconds}

{Ready and waiting}

Over The Moon

With such a small frame I believed that a sweater coat would never work for me. I pictured myself engulfed by the fabric and suffocated by the texture. I saw myself disappearing under the statement of it and lost in translation. It has not been anything like that for me. It drapes beautifully and keeps me warm even on the coldest of mornings. It wraps my up in soft comfort and still manages to look sophisticated even though I bought it in a size larger then I typically wear. Best of all it has given me the opportunity to wear some of my summer pieces a little bit longer. Nothing wrong with that.

Jumper is Old Navy. Shoes are Joe's (last season). Sweater I found here. Sunnies are CRAP. Bag is Zara. Necklace is BCP.