November Photo Project: Fall

It's the last day of November, which means this month's photo project has come to a close and it's time to share your fall photos! I told myself I wouldn't photograph leaves, but they're pretty much impossible to resist. My photo was taken in my neighborhood. I was bringing home a maple latte and passed by my favorite, ginkgo leaves. Here are a few other fall photos from readers and fellow bloggers:

Those gorgeous red leaves are courtesy of Natalie of Natty Michelle.
The scooped out pumpkin is from Erin of Reading My Tea Leaves.
The sweet shoes and leaves on the steps photo is from Jenny of The Propulsion System.
The bright orange tree is from Claudia of My Little Bungalow.
The happy, little pumpkins are from Candice of The Savory and The Beautiful.
And the sun peaking through those fall leaves is from my mama.

They all captured the beauty of fall so perfectly, don't you think? If you want to share one of your fall photos, you can leave a link below. I'll announce the December theme on Tuesday!

Gifts for the Guys Under $50

Some guys can be tough to shop for, but I find if you appeal to the inner geek, outdoorsman or man-child, things usually turn out all right. Here are my picks, with some assistance from the husband, for the fellas in your life.

1. a hat fit for a fisherman, $47 2. a multi-purpose tool, $40 3. whiskey after-shave, $16 4. a vintage navy cup, $48 5. a sleek and simple travel alarm clock, $40 6. comfy, colorful socks, $23 per pair 7. Ron Swanson wisdom, $20 8. a dapper pocket square, $19 9. a mini espresso maker for the campfire, $38.99 10. a speaker to create a dance party anywhere, $45 11. a customizable block lamp, $45 12. lenses to upgrade your camera phone, $49 13. wooden glider plane, $4.50

Dance Cards

Jonah's parents will be in town next week and we're going to see The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. I'll have to send them one of these adorable cards from Rifle Paper Co. as a thank you. The girl's tiny toe shoes are my favorite, and the Mouse King seems more cute than creepy.

Gifts for the Girls Under $50

Here are my holiday gift picks for all the stylish, sweet and sassy ladies in your life. From your nana to your bff, I think there's something that will work for everyone, and best of all, everything is under $50!

1. the next best thing to a vintage typewriter, $20 2. a vase for tall arrangements, $24 3. an eye mask for catnaps, $24 4. a sweet-smelling candle, $19 5. tea sampler for weekend breakfasts, $23.95 6. Simon & Garfunkel paper dolls, $12 7. a shiny trinket box for shiny trinkets, $25 8. happy socks for happy feet, $12 per pair 9. a set of party glasses, $22 10. a metallic clutch, $39 11. a mason jar shaker to see your cocktails clearly, $29 12. an elephant (piggy) bank, $50

Come back on Thursday to see my picks for the guys!

Thanksgiving Weekend in Photos

I had a cold over Thanskgiving, so our quiet, two person holiday was actually just what I wanted. Alton Brown's turkey method was fairly simple and made for a juicy bird. To go along with it, I made this yummy dressing, my new favorite mashed potatoes, cranberries and the essential sweet potato casserole, which I enjoyed as leftovers in mini portions. I wore that adorable necklace a friend gave me the whole weekend, strolled around the neighborhood, saw two movies, did some online Christmas shopping and bought and decorated our tree. And just like that, it's Christmastime.

By the way, the November photo project ends this week! Send me your photo or share a link to it here this Friday!

Turkey Talk

This was last year's turkey, and although my dad did most of the work, I'm hoping this year's turns out just as lovely. I like to make a turkey every year for just me and Jonah. It's sort of ridiculous, but I consider it all practice for the day I actually host a Thanksgiving, plus we eat turkey sandwiches and turkey soup for days. I've combined all sorts of brining, basting and glazing methods, but this year, I'm going full Alton Brown on it. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Put on some cozy socks and eat lots of sweet potatoes.

Sign of the Times

I've always been drawn to light up letter signs like this. They're the sort of thing that sitcom characters who live in trendy, spacious lofts have, and if there's one thing I've always aspired to, it's that kind of lifestyle.

[photos courtesy of West Vintage Trading Co.]

Weekend in Photos

It was such a fun weekend thanks to some college friends in town. Lots of laughter, guitar playing and friendly competition that occasionally approached unfriendly. Sometimes I think board games are the ultimate test of friendship. We paid a visit to Shake Shack and our favorite hidden park, where we tried to figure out why little kids slid so much faster than us and decided the key was sweatpants. We had a game night with friends over mulled wine and sweets, and I bummed around while the boys watched football and played video games. There's something so wonderful about the ease of old friendships.

Thoughts of the Week

The Thanksgiving menu of my dreams.

Because my husband insists candied yams are a dessert and not a side, I'll let him be right this once.

My knitting skills maxed out at scarf, but this makes me want to give it another go.

Who needs that silly cornucopia anyway?

Christmas shopping should be more glittery than stressful.

All kinds of cocktail inspiration.

Better than a lobster bib.

I could spend every fall morning with a latte and this cranberry-apple crumb cake.

Happy Friday, friends! What are your weekend plans? We have two dear friends arriving in town tonight, and I'm excited for crock pot meals and good times.

Rural Art

These installations by German artist Cornelia Konrads are sort of magical. I just love the way she uses the natural settings and gives such a playful quality to her work. Who could pass up the chance to touch a floating snowball or sit in a giant slingshot?

[spotted on: Colossal; images courtesy of: Cornelia Konrads]

Frocktails: Puttin' on the Spritz

This blend of cranberry juice, ginger ale and Prosecco is the cocktail I served for my birthday last month. It's light, sparkly and perfect for a party this time of year. If you're planning ahead, I think sugared cranberries make a nice garnish. Just be sure to skewer them before the sugar dries as all that handling later on undoes your work.

I partnered my drink with the aptly named Bing Spritzer dress by Karen Walker. I think it's a good match for holiday entertaining. It would be cozy and sweet paired with a big, chunky cardigan, and those tiny polka dots will go along so nicely with the bubbles in your drink.

Cranberry Ginger Spritzer

1 ounce cranberry juice
2 oz. natural ginger ale
2 oz. Proscecco
Sugared cranberries, optional

In a separate glass, combine cranberry juice, ginger ale and Prosecco. Pour into serving glass and garnish. Serves 1.

 Anthropologie's Bing Spritzer dress found here. See last month's dress and drink.

What a Grind

Do you use a mortar and pestle in the kitchen? Most of the time, mine just serves as a garlic bowl, but all these pretty sets make me want to put it to use more often.

[spotted here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]