Thanksgiving Weekending

After such a beautiful long holiday weekend, it's hard to get back into my normal routine. But I'm excited for Cyber Monday, as my favorite kind of shopping is online shopping. Cheers to Monday morning coffee and fantastic online deals.

The long holiday weekend was laid back yet packed to the brim full of Thanksgiving prep, Black Friday shopping (on actual Black Friday - none of that Thanksgiving evening nonsense), Christmas tree shopping, and decorating for next week's annual holiday party at the house.

Wednesday, I enjoyed a glass of champs before going to see the final Hunger Games movie. That evening I prepped what I could for Thanksgiving dinner and relaxed on the couch watching holiday specials.

Thursday was all about the parade, delicious food, game night, time with family, and giving thanks.

Friday, I was a bad blogger and didn't take a single photo. Between shopping, going out for lunch, and making the house explode with Christmas cheer I was pretty tired and ended up staying in for the evening.

Saturday was time to pick out a Christmas tree.

We went to a tree farm that had cut your own trees, pre-cut trees, ziplining, a bounce pillow, a petting zoo, hayrides, and food tents. After having some fun, we loaded up the truck with two beautiful trees to officially ring in the Christmas season.

After running some more holiday errands, it was time for some Thanksgiving leftovers, champs, and game night by the fire pit. 

Sunday was all about getting the house ready for the annual party next week, the tree is up, decorations are out, lights are everywhere, and I couldn't be happier. 

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Now onto the good stuff! It's my favorite online shopping day of the year, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite deals with you for today.

Kate Spade

Bar Method - $49 new client special and $69 welcome back special (unlimited classes for 30 days)

Target - 15% off sitewide + free shipping

Nordstrom

Bath and Body Works - 3-wick candles are $12 each + $10 off a $30 order with offer code BESTWEEKEND. I already placed my order, and picked up these amazing scents:

Happy Shopping!

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Joining Biana and Meghan for Weekending

and

Erin for Weekend Snapshots

*Cheers to a fabulous week*

Bar Method Bath & Body Works Kate Spade Nordstrom Target

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Urban Decay Naked Line Holiday Favs

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I can't believe the holiday season is officially upon us. Tomorrow I'm ready to enjoy this feast, and relax with a game night complete with wine and Christmas movies. With all the parties and sales on the horizon, I wanted to share my favorite Urban Decay picks from their fabulous Naked line which create the perfect party look complete with holiday sparkle.

Naked Illuminated - I picked this up last year for holiday parties, and loved the subtle shimmer it gives. I apply to my cheekbones, chest, and shoulders for extra sparkle.

Naked Skin Beauty Balm - Flawless BB cream that provides amazing coverage while perfecting the "no makeup look".

Naked on the Run Palette - I just received this gorgeous palette from the VIB sale. I love that it has everything I need in one palette for traveling or for after work touch-ups.

Naked3 Palette - Still in love with the rosy hues of this palette. Perfect for rose gold holiday looks.

Naked Smoky Palette - my new favorite eyeshadow palette! I blended several shades the other night at a friend's "Kick off to the Holidays" party for the perfect smoky eye after the palette's namesake.

Naked Flushed Double-Ended Brush - Perfect for my new On the Run palette to use on the blush, bronzer, and highlighting powders for that holiday glow.

Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette - I could not be more excited about this palette, it'll have me walking in the spiderwebs and singing "I'm just a girl". How gorgeous are the "Baby" and "Pop" shades?

Naked Skin Weightless Concealer - after all those holiday parties and extra happy hours in the coming weeks, I'll be needing concealer to cover-up those pesky under eye dark circles.

Don't forget to check the Sephora app for a preview of their $10 limited edition Black Friday Beauty Deals!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with friends and family!

beauty Naked Palette Sephora Urban Decay

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Eat, Drink, and Be Thankful

I could not be more excited for the short work week and for Thanksgiving on Thursday! I'm hosting Thanksgiving at the house, and have finalized the menu which I thought would be fun to share with you all today.

Appetizers

I married into an Italian family, and we're big on caprese salad with some drizzled olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Always goes quick!

I also can't wait to try out this apple brie crostini from the gals at The Sequin Notebook. Perfect pre-dinner snack!

Mimosas because champs

Mulled Wine in the crock pot

Main Course

Mashed Potatoes from scratch

Green Bean Casserole

Stuffing

Package of Pepperidge Farms Stuffing
Butter
1/2 sweet vidalia onion
2 stalks of celery
1/2 package of Jimmy Deans Turkey Sausage
1 egg
1/2 macintosh apple
poultry seasoning

Sautee onion and celery in butter
Mix together with the rest of the ingredients and move to a greased casserole dish
Cover with foil and bake for one hour at 325-350 degrees

Gravy

1/2 stick of unsalted butter
flour
1/2 carton of reduced sodium chicken broth
poultry seasoning
onion powder

Candied Yams

4 lbs. of sweet potatoes, quartered
1 and 1/4 cups of butter
3/4 cups of brown sugar
3 cups of mini marshmallows, divided
Cinnamon to taste
Nutmeg to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Add potatoes and boil until slightly underdone, about 15 minutes
Drain, cool, and peel
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, 2 cups of marshmallows, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook, stirring occasionally until melted.
Stir potatoes into marshamallow mixture.
While stirring, mash and break the others into bite size chunks.
Transfer to a casserole dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, and remove from oven and cover top evenly with remaining marshmallows.
Return to oven until golden brown

Turkey

Stuffed Shells 

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie Martinis

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Candy Corn White Chocolate Chip Cookies

What's on your Thanksgiving menu?

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1. Follow Emily and myself on GFC and Bloglovin

2. Link up your favorite recipes or food related posts

3. Grab our Recipe Swap button and link back to both of our blogs

4. Be sure to visit other blogs and find new recipes! 

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Kicking off the Holidays Weekending

Tis the season for holiday parties and creating memories with friends...

On Friday, I finally received my VIB goodies from the Sephora VIB Sale.

 

Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette | L'Occitane Shea Butter Festive Ornament |  Travel Pop-Up Brush | Glimmer In Her Eye Brush Set {sold out} - similar

On Saturday I went to get my hair done (finally) and went a little darker for the holiday season.

Then it was time to kick off the holiday season at our friend's annual party with good food and good times with friends.

How adorable is the pupper Maximus watching Emily put together her delicious cheese ball dip? 

Sunday was about mimosas, bunnies on bars, German food, das boot, and darts with Pamela

Don't forget that Barre3 is offering a free class all through Thanksgiving if you bring in 3 canned goods for donation.

Joining Biana and Meghan for Weekending

and

Erin for Weekend Snapshots

*Cheers to a fabulous week*

Sephora Urban Decay VIB

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Smile It's Friday

Happy Friday! Our last weekend before turkey day, and I'm still trying to finalize my menu for the big day. What I do know is that there will be mimosas, sangria, and pumpkin cheesecake... you know the important stuff.

1. My Disney annual pass expired a few months ago, so I didn't get the chance to meet the fabulous Kristen when she met the other Orlando gals at Epcot. But we made up for it with a delicious dinner blate at Yard House.

2. Barre3 is running a special now through Wednesday that if you bring in 3 canned goods, you can enjoy a free class. If you've never tried Barre3, you can read my full review of Barre3 vs. Bar Method here. Round up some canned goods and go get your "turkey burn" on!

3. The Royals are back! I still love how this show reminds me of a cross between Tyrant and Gossip Girl.

4. Don't forget to enter the $325 Nordstrom giveaway celebrating Pamela's blogiversary. You can enter this fabulous giveaway here.

The Gorgeous Co-hosts:

Cheshire Kat Blog | B Loved Boston | Champagne & Suitcases | Going The Distance | Love & Bellinis

Green Fashionista | Kids & Cabernet | Pink & Fabulous | From Here To Eternity | Martinis & Bikinis

Pink Persistence | Miss in the Midwest | A Memory of Us | The Sequin Notebook | Birdie to Be

MakeupHER | Christina Lea Loves | The Wandering Weekenders | Medicine & Manicures | Meet @ The Barre

5. Loving my recent finds on Pinterest:

Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

Barre3 Blate

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