Thanksgiving: A Double Take

Thanksgiving 2011 came and went... and it was so nice. A very low key day, with close family and good times. We shot "turkeys" in the backyard (balloons), stuffed ourselves to the bursting point (although once again I failed to realize my full potential - how come I can never eat as much at Thanksgiving as I can at other times???) and I even went undefeated in Wii Sport boxing.

As always, there is much, much, much to be thankful for. I have the love and support of an amazing family, caring and dedicated friends, a really great job that fits perfectly into my life right now, and a God who is looking out for me and gives me more grace than I could ever begin to deserve.

AND the weather was beautiful. I kept the food prep simple this year (see more below) and had plenty of time to shoot some photos. No, I wasn't suffering from multiple personality disorder or dreaming about a twin sister; I just decided to totally rip off a clever photo idea I saw online. It made editing pictures twice the usual fun... and I am definitely doing this again sometime. ;)

What I'm Wearing:

• Military Jacket by CHEROKEE - hand-me-down
• Blouse by ELLE - thrifted
• Jeans by Paris Blues - thrifted
• Shoes by FRANCO SARTO - from DSW
• Earrings - from Kohl's

The blouse was made in Indonesia, looks as if it is handmade, and has these cute little flower pinwheels around the yoked neckline. I am just crazy about this orange-y red color - so much fun to wear! The jeans and jacket are favorites of mine, as are the shoes (which I've had for almost four years now) but I ended up ditching them for some black flats (that I just got as Savers for $5) before the party started. High heels are not the most practical way to carry around a person stuffed full of turkey. :P

For the first time in a while, I didn't go crazy and make my usual sweet desserts or fancy recipes. Instead, I stuck to a couple of appetizers for earlier in the day. I gave Martha Stewart's Sweet Onion Dip a try. At first, I was disappointed with the way it tasted, but after it sat in the fridge overnight it was delicious. The onions really soaked through the whole thing and made it sweet and yummy. It was a big hit.

I also cooked a basic Cheese Fondue (I've been using this recipe for years - it's so easy!) which is always popular. Yesterday was no exception.

This was the first year that I decided to brave the crowds and try a little bit of "Black Friday" shopping. Lydia and I pried our eyes open until midnight and headed over to Kohl's to shop their deals. We pulled into the parking lot to find banners proclaiming that (contrary to the flyers) it didn't start until 1 am. We both said "forget it," and thus ended our "Black Friday" adventures. We'll see if I get up the courage to join the insanity next year...

__________________________________________________

So, how was your Thanksgiving? Did you make anything new, wear anything special, or drag yourself out of bed for the shopping madness? I want to hear all about it! :)

I'm so thankful for everyone who takes the time to read the blog. God bless you.

-Amanda xo

P.S. I totally forgot to mention the new hair! I've actually had it this way for about a month now, and really love it. I've wanted a long bob for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. It's been so much fun trying different styles - straight, super curly, ends-flipped-out-like-Mary-Tayler-Moore... a total blast. I'm planning on growing it back out again, but am pretty sure this style will be revisited sometime in the future. ;)

Read More

Pretties and Inspirations for the week...

Scarves are probably the most beautiful and brilliant accessory ever invented. I love when you find that one that is just the perfect color, length and texture. And soft, moss green sweaters are just... mmmm.

Words like these give me perspective, encourage me to be more productive and not take one day for granted, and offer a special sort of comfort.

I am not a huge of pumpkin or cinnamon rolls, but this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancake recipe sounds intriguing. :)

Add some interest and personality to your wardrobe with homemade boot socks. They're super simple, keep you cozy, and look completely fab.

This is kind of what it looked like here in Massachusetts after the freak snow storm a couple of weeks ago... except that every tree lost branches, nearly buried our house, and took out the electricity.

Surprising and unique furniture is one of my favorite things... and this corner sofa fits the bill. So unexpected and totally chic.

The organization freak in me also loves to find the prettiest and most practical ways to store and display things. This necklace rack (featuring adorable mis-matched doorknobs) fits the bill perfectly.

Yes, things can be functional and still look good. I'm not sure what the price tag is on this laptop case, but I'm loving it.

Recycle, reuse, and turn the ordinary into something beautiful! This first gorgeous gift box is made from a used plastic wrap or tin foil box. And what quicker and better way to gift cookies than in a couple of water bottles? Brilliant.

Vintage hair and makeup is THE BEST.

I love trailers and campers that are made over into homes, and this one is close to perfection. So comfortable, realistic, and peaceful.

I've had a lot on my mind over the past month, and these words gave me even more to ponder. I am rather obsessive about holding onto things, but now I wonder if there comes a time to let one dream go and reach for another. Still trying to figure out how it all works, but it's a beautiful thought.

What pretty things inspire you this week? :)

-Amanda xo

Read More

Vintage Film Noir Looks from Gucci

Fall fashion is just the best. In my mind, there's nothing as wonderful as boots, scarves, hats, gloves, and a fabulous coat. The extra layers provide so much room for creativity, a chance to work with different textures, patterns and colors, and you can always wear a light, breezy gown underneath, if you are so inclined. (That's the sad thing about summer. You can't put a winter coat on over your sundress. :P)

When I saw these images from Gucci's FallWinter 2011 collection, I was struck by the vintage "film noir" feel. You can just imagine the a girl wearing these ensembles... walking in the lamplight of a deserted street. Maybe she's got a long-kept family secret. Maybe she's a detective on the edge of unraveling a mystery. Or maybe she just has impeccable taste in clothing. Regardless, the coat, hat, and boots make her look confident and ready to handle whatever comes her way. (And if Agatha Christie is writing this story, it's probably going to be dangerous. ;)

I absolutely love this coat. Double-breasted styles are classic and flattering on most figures, and the deep blue shade is perfect. Bright jewel tones can be added throughout the fall and are very popular for winter. I love the pairing of the different shades in the coat, hat and scarf... all in the same family, but different.

The magenta/maroon ensemble also blends similar colors in harmony. The wide-brimmed hats and something poufy around the neckline really make most of these looks. Whether the poufy thing is fur, the collar of the coat, or a scarf, it adds strength and shape to the look. And a wide-brimmed hat looks extra sharp with a feather. ;)

When you think of strength, black is the color that comes to mind. It's a great basic shade for a classic look, and goes with (almost) everything. A good pair of black boots is also an big fall essential. I'd suggest that they're no so skyscraper-ish as the ones shown here. :P Also, a skinny belt adds definition and interest to a look that could be too plain on its own.

The olive color of this dress evokes the uniforms of World War II, which was happening during the height of the film noir era. The dress is accessorized with simple neutrals, but the bright scarf adds a punch of color, perking up the entire outfit.

There's nothing like a beautiful red dress for an evening out. This one, with it's subtle - yet intricate - draped fabric, is dressed up and with a matching neck scarf and a decorative rose. An oversized clutch, bracelet and shoes add an unusual touch, and the simple ponytail is an excellent finish.

Once again, it's hard to beat black when it comes to classics. The LBD on the left finds its strength in simplicity, with minimal accessories and decoration. The flowing, more daytime-appropriate look on the right has a simple polka-dot pattern, which is its own accessory. Some things just don't need embellishment.

________________________________________________________ 

I think I'm going to be keeping a look out for a wide-brimmed hat this winter... and maybe a longer coat. Who doesn't want to be Ingrid Bergman or Lauren Bacall every now and again? ;)

-Amanda

Images: Gucci

Read More