{ i spy a diy - the peppermint dreams cardigan }

I wanted something festive, but casual to wear on Christmas this year. I spotted this vintage Anthropologie ribbon embellished cardigan on ebay a few weeks back and thought the idea of it was sweet. But I wasn't too keen on the minty green color, so I decided to DIY a version to wear this holiday season (and beyond).
 I started with an Old Navy, gray flower-embellished cardigan that I got on super sale. First, I carefully removed the fabric flowers. Then I used this cute, stripey bias tape (purchased on etsy) to add a peter pan "collar" and placket. Lastly, I changed out the buttons for some square, sparkley Swarovski beauties. At $1.50 a pop, those little lovelies were the most expensive part of the whole project.
In my opinion, an Anthropologie-inspired DIY creation is special, and, as such, deserves its own delightful name. Introducing.......the Peppermint Dreams cardigan.
I think those buttons are my favorite part.

Are you planning on wearing something special this Christmas?

{ making me smile... }

I am SO excited that Christmas is almost here! I've got a bazillion gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, and scores of messes to clean up. But I am so thrilled to be spending time with family in just a few short days. These images are making my spirit bright, and I hope they do the same for you. Have a wonderful holiday! :)

*via the bottom of the ironing basket

{ real recipe - junior mint brownie bites }

I made these up on the fly a few years ago when I needed something yummy to take to a cookie exchange. They've become a delicious holiday tradition at our house. These little bites of heaven are easy peasy to make (thanks to Ghirardelli's boxed brownie mix) and so festive. You really should make these. You'll be glad you did!

You will need:

• 1 box Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge brownie mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 jar Betty Crocker Whipped Vanilla OR Cream Cheese Frosting
• peppermint extract
• candy canes
• 1 box Junior Mints
  
  Preheat oven to 325°F. Follow the brownie mix directions for mixing the brownies. Spray a 24 count mini-muffin tin with cooking spray. Fill each cup just a little over half way. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Do not overbake. Nobody likes a rock-like brownie! ;) Let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove mini brownies from pan. Top with the Ghirardelli chocolate fudge ganache topping. In a bowl, mix together a couple drops of peppermint extract and the frosting. Keep adding more extract if you want yours "mintier". I think they taste best with just a subtle mint flavor. Put frosting into plastic bag, cut a little hole at one corner, and pipe onto mini brownies. Now comes the fun part: ask the closest, cutie-pie toddler to grab his/her toy hammer to help you crush the candy canes. Put the unwrapped canes into a zip lock back, and get to smashing and crushing! This is a favorite part at our house. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on brownies. Top each with a junior mint. Enjoy! (makes about three and a half dozen (42) mini brownies)

*via polkadotsandpuppies

{ handmade holiday }

I love handmade holiday decorations and gifts this time of year. These tags say it all :)

*via ana-white

{ thankful }

I have SO much to be thankful for. I hope all of you do too. Wishing everyone a joyous Thanksgiving! Hope yours is filled with delicious food, family, and plenty of laughter. * via country living

{ pop up perfection }

Kate Spade's first UK shop came in the form of this stunning "pop up shop". This charming Covent Garden boutique was only open for a month, and is now closed :( Good thing I still have these happy photos to oooooh and ahhhh over.

* via kate spade

{ thursday thoughts }

* via erin jane shop, valentina design, mary kate mcdevitt

{ wednesday wish list }

A few swell things I'm eyeing right now...

Dangit. I've been swooning over this sweet bicycle print shirtdress from Anthropologie for a few months, but it looks like it's now sold out. I suppose I'll need to start stalking ebay for this one. You know you're a grown up when you have Silpat baking pads on your Christmas list. I've heard OUTSTANDING things about these. These tape measure brooches are just so cool and clever.

* via anthropologie, pinch of salt, tallulah taboo

{ making me smile... }

This adorable pom pom crochet hat for your special puppers (who may or may not hate you after you force said puppers to don adorable hat).

* via beantown homemade

{ this about sums up today }

* via fairlight day

{ making me smile... }

I feel like chalkboard painted everything has been done to death in interiors. But something about this table top feels unique and inspired to me.

* via suzie beezie

{ pardon my absence, and a ? }

My deepest apologies to you lovely readers who may have been checking in here and not seen any new posts for some time now. I've been very busy as of late, and honestly, also a tad uninspired with ideas to post about. I'm trying to get out of my funk and back into blogging. So here goes....
Hanging televisions over fireplaces...how do you feel about this? This subject matter has become the great debate between the Mr. and myself lately. I've never really been a fan of it. I don't think I'm alone here. I feel like putting that big black box above the mantle has been taboo in the design world for a while. And yet, recently I'm seeing more and more examples of spaces where this whole look comes across as polished, beautifully minimalist, and just plain right.

Very pretty, huh? There's also just something that makes sense about combining these two focal points into one. But I think I'd still prefer a compromise solution. Perhaps something like this.or this What about you? Do you like the look of a sleek plasma screen over the mantle or do you prefer the television be housed atop an entertainment center of sorts? Or are you like me and prefer the idea of being able to hide the TV away when not in use?

*via kerrrisdale design, emily a. clark, country living

{ attention, anthropologie addicts! }

The lovely Anjali over at Golden Means is giving away three Anthropologie gift cards to celebrate her blog's 2nd anniversary. If you're interested, you can enter here.

{ making me smile... }

glasses collection
Originally uploaded by Alexandra Timpau

Isn't there a sort of simple genius to this photo? I think it's absolutely brilliant. It also makes me wish I wore glasses ;)

{ thursday thoughts }

*via i wish i was the moon, not your average ordinary, yes, please

{ i am loving }

the genius idea of using ordinary mason jars to create rustic, chic, stunning chandeliers and pendants.

*via oh lovely day, apartment therapy, design sponge

{ thursday thoughts }

*via susan branch, mary ruffle, jeans beans

{ making me smile... }

Now this is what I call tailgating! I'll bring the oversized cozy, tartan plaid throw and pumpkin muffins. Who's bringing the apple cider and cinnamon sticks?
I live for this time of year. I hope you're enjoying these Autumn days filled with sparkling sunshine and crisp breezes as much as I am.
*via country living, mary ruffle