As lame as it may sound, I have zero plans for Halloween this year, and to be honest I am perfectly happy with it. I plan on doing a little baking and having a night in. How great are all these Halloween treats?
{all images link through to recipes on marthastewart.com}
Rugs are much harder to pick out than one would think. I have been looking for a new one for months {who knew it would take so long}! In the past I have chosen rugs that are neutral and bland, with little or no pattern {well expect for this one}. I have been on the hunt for something a little more playful and Urban Outfitters had just the thing. Polka Dots! I went with the navy, and it looks perfect in my kitchen.
I find myself turning to etsy more and more these days. So many unique items, amazing artists and wonderful gifts. Here are a few little treasures I am currently loving!
Heart Nesting Bowls, Vintage Amber Stemware, Branch Necklace, Vintage Dresser, Personalized Notecards, Wooden Mini Bowls
I actually enjoy shopping for kitchen items, from bakeware to bowls and everything in between. Whenever I am shopping for something to add to my kitchen collection, I always think about how it would look if it gets left out on the counter. After all, there is no need to hide everything behind cabinet doors. Over the years I have created quite the colorful collection. Next time you are picking up items for your kitchen skip those boring plastic measuring cups, and go for something a little brighter, and more bold! Here are a few of my favorite kitchen items. {need a house-warming gift? these would be perfect!}
measuring cups, bakeware, cookie jar, oven mits, cake stands
Trays work great to add color, texture and height to flat surfaces. Best part, get bored of the look, just move the tray around the house, from the coffee table, to the nightstand. Here are some of my recent favorite finds below.
{ Z Gallerie $24.95}
{West Elm $22-$24}
{Z Gallerie $29.95}
{Pier 1 $29.98}
{QVC $36.35}
{etsy $35}
I am not a big martini drinker, but when I do have a martini I like mine very chilled. How genius is this glass design? A little out of my price range but the design is perfect to keep your drink “on the rocks”.
{set of 4 $69.95}
|
I have forever been a fan of Le Creuset, and you would be surprised to know I have NEVER paid full price for any of my pieces. I love that the pieces are oven to table and the color options are beautiful! They have a great outlet store {locations here} that always have multiple offers and sometimes hard to find pieces at discounted prices. Also at the outlet the more you buy, the more you save. I have had luck finding pieces at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx as well, you just have to look a little harder. I received an email for a discounted piece this weekend {in-store only} at Williams-Sonoma, and I will be making a visit to pick up mine. This particular piece is on sale for $49.50, from $100! {Offer ends 10/30} |
Ok, ok, you’ve heard enough from me on chevron print…. BUT I can’t help but share my latest DIY project! I have had an ikea rug in my kitchen forever, so boring! I knew I wanted color, but not something over-powering. When in doubt, choose chevron! The rug came out perfect {with a little from my mom}.
I have been wanting to experiment with chocolate and caramel and found the perfect recipe to try {here}. This was maybe one of the easiest recipes I have duplicated! Just a few simple steps and ingredients! I highly recommend making for your next gathering!
{what you will need}
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
bag of mini pretzels
12-oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
sea salt
{step 1}
- lay pretzels out on tin foil on a baking sheet {tin foil is a must in order to remove once bark is complete}
- pre-heat oven to 400
{step 2}
- melt butter over medium heat
- once butter is melted add sugar and stir continuously
- don’t let it boil, browning process should take about 3 minutes
{step 3}
- once sugar and butter have caramelized pour over pretzels
{step 4}
- melt chocolate, there are several ways to do this, I choose to microwave pausing to stir every 30 seconds took about a minute and a half total
{step 5}
- pour melted chocolate over pretzels and caramel, work quickly and use a spoon to spread out chocolate
- sprinkle sea salt {i also added little heath bar bits as well}
- place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let set
{step 6}
- once you remove from the refrigerator break apart to form small pieces of bark {best part about it, no need to be perfect}
- if you have little ones this would be a great step for them to help with
{enjoy!}
*chalkboard frame DIY {here}
I have been debating on writing about Missoni for Target or letting the issue rest {there has been much controversy over the anticipated collection: lack of inventory, women hoarders, ebay price hikes, and advertising running for a campaign that has no merchandise etc.} I decided to give you a little insight on what was a successful shopping trip for me {since I shared with you my anticipation here}!
I have always been much more successful, especially at Target, when visiting store locations that are not in a city or major populated area. I typically drive at least 30 minutes to get to a Target that has less store traffic {my parents live near as well}. I also visit the local Target whenever I am on the road as well. The Target location I went to for the Missoni launch was fully stocked and ready to serve its customers. On that day I was the ONLY customer there for Missoni! It was such a pleasurable experience, and the employees {who were still unpacking a few items} were so kind and helpful! So in this case taking the road less traveled {or store less frequented} lead to my lucky girl finds! I have shared a few finds below!
{P.S. I was actually fortunate enough to place an online order as well, patience paid off in that instance. However still awaiting the deliveries!}
{nesting bowls, tumblers}
{bobby pins, head scarf}
{storage bin, photo frames and candle}
