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November 2011

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Okay, so… I LOVE the holidays. But, as I used to work in retail, Christmas music playing on the overhead makes me cringe before Thanksgiving.
I mean… it was October when I first heard the music this year for goodness sakes.
So, I’m going to go ahead and be with Nordstrom and keep
Christmas from the blog until November 27.
But, then…
check back often, because I have some fun things happening this December on the blog!
(Don’t take it wrong if you’re already featuring Christmas on your blogs. 
Believe me, I’m reading them and pinning ideas away!)
 
Thankfully, there is a TON of inspiration out there for this year’s Thanksgiving festivites.Thanksgiving Goodies I’ve been Finding:

Via Cottage and Vine Etsy Shop



1. I think burlap looks amazing on festive Fall tablescapes.
These placemats from Cottage and Vine look devine! And, if it is too late to get these you could immitate the look by cutting burlap placemats for your dinner guests.

2. Babble has a nice round up of 14 Thanksgiving Printables.

3. Did you know that Pottery Barn has a Design Studio website with tips on entertaining?
I didn’t until recently and I am addicted!
Check out these great tips on how to make a successful kids table for your Thanksgiving feast.

Via Twinkle and Twine

4. Twinkle and Twine has a fantastic tutorail on how to make reusable, felt multi-use bunting by creating several felt letters that will spell different things. So smart and the instructions make it so easy.

5. I’ve recently dicovered How Sweet It Is and the amazing recipes on it. I think this Apple Cider Margarita and Sweet Potato pie will both be making an appearance at this year’s Thanksgiving.

Happy Friday everyone! 

Birthdays are my favorite excuse to throw a party.
My friend’s birthdays are my favorite birthdays to celebrate. 
(Well, until my little guy’s first birthday… I’m sure.)
Alicia’s birthday cake from last year—Carrot Cake!
My friend Alicia has a birthday near the end of November which gives me the perfect excuse to have a Fall themed Dinner party in her honor. I’ve been brainstorming on the party for about a week now and I’m getting quite excited about it. 
Table from Alicia’s birthday dinner 2 years ago.
I’ve decided to make the party a sort of challenge for me to help me keep it on budget and to inspire me to do some fun DIY projects for the blog.
The Details:
Guests: Approximately 16 Guests
  Color Scheme: Browns and Blues inspired by this Inspiration Board from Creature Comforts

 Inspiration Board Links: Burlap and Lace Poms from Jenny Cookies,Winter Tablescape from unknown via Pinterest (if you know please let me know so I can link), Color Inspiration Board from Creature Comforts, Clear Bottles as Candle Holders

I’d like to explore different textures and lighting for this party… 
and of course have some delicious food!

Food Inspiration Board Links: Braised Beef Short Rib Pot Pies from Martha Stewart, Spinach with Garlic Chips from Pioneer Woman, Roasted Carrots from Pioneer Woman, Cake inspiration from Jenny Cookies


 
The Challenge Rules:
Decoration Budget: $25 (must use mostly items that I already own)
Food & Favor Budget: $100
As we are a foodie group each of the guests are bringing a bottle of wine and a dessert or appetizer.
So, my food and favor budget must cover the main course, 2 sides, 2 bottles of wine and favors for 16 people. Certainly a challenge, but totally doable!
Gift Budget: $0— Must be completely homemade from supplies I already own. 
This would be slightly less possible if I didn’t already have something in mind and have an over abundance of supplies at the moment.
I’m a fan of Pinterest.com.
(In case you couldn’t tell!)
But, like many fans I often pin away and don’t actually do/buy/make anything I’ve pinned.
(Sad Face)
Lately I have been challenging myself to actually DO the things I’ve pinned.
This challenge is going to be named {Performing Pins}.
(not too clever, I know.)
If you look at my pinterest board “Fashion: Clothing Wants” you might notice
(like I did)
that I have a thing for the color mustard.
mustard clothing ideas
Sources from top left clockwise: Dark Mustard Tank; Mustard Tank, Bag, Bracelet; Mustard Tights; Mustard Heels; Mustard Tank Blouse*
* No longer for sale
So, when shopping for the fall I kinda went Mustard crazy.
mustard-clothing
Mustard flannel hat from local Fred Meyer, Mustard tights from Hue, Mustard top from Target and Mustard flats from Old Navy.
So, what has this got to do with parties? Well, not a WHOLE lot..
except, that it totally inspired a recent party look for me!
My lovely friends and family recently threw me and my little family a Sip and See when we traveled home to Oklahoma. (Photos coming to the blog soonish.)
I needed something cute, comfortable, Fall-like and party-worthy.
I pulled my inspiration from this beautiful photo from Dee Construction.
I loved the boots. I loved the blue dress. I loved the cardigan. And, I LOVED the mustard tights.
So, I went with it… I did need to find a blue dress with button down front or a flexible v-neck so feeding the little one would be no trouble and I knew that I’d be wearing my dark brown boots and tan sweater so I had to make the outfit work with that. Here is what I came up with:
Mustard Tights Outfit Inspiration
Me and my friend Jill who helped host the party
Mustard Tights Outfit Inspiration
Family Photo
Sweater: Forever 21, Dress: Old Navy, Tights: Hue.com, Boots: Sonoma Life & Style from Kohls
*All of the above links go to the main site because all of the styles (except the tights) are no longer being sold
I think this look would  be great for a
Fall baby shower (as I wore it), Thanksgiving dinner or even a Sunday brunch.
If you’d like to see all the new things I’ve been pinning then follow my Pinterest boards!
And, if you are into Mustard then check out these posts by RubyGirl (Mustard Tights 3 Ways) and Vintage Pretty Pearl (Mustard on my Mind).

What is your favorite color this fall?