Friday Links
Between the freezing weather and catching the flu, this week's been a bit of a doozy. I'm looking forward to recharging this weekend and starting fresh next week. I'll have some fun Valentine's DIYs and printables coming up — I can't believe February is around the corner! Enjoy this week's links and have a cozy weekend!
1 | This recipe for make-ahead steel cut oats has been getting me through the morning. (The Kitchn)
2 | True that. (They All Hate Us)
3 | What I wish winter fashion actually looked like...it's zero degree here right now. (Print by Garance Doré)
4 | Love this uber cool side-diamond ring. (Free People)
5 | My second macaron attempt will be these vanilla bean and dulce de leche buttercream ones. It better go well because they sound damn good! (The Culinary Chronicles)
Happy 2014!
(via the Glitter Guide)
I don't make resolutions for the year, per se, but I do take time to set some goals that are achievable on a daily or weekly basis. I've found that those small promises are easier to keep and lead to more long-term lifestyle changes, which are really more effective in the long run. For example, I had a vague goal last year to get in shape (who doesn't) and I promised myself I would hit up a class once a week. When I started, I ended up loving my new routine so much that I couldn't live without several yoga or barre classes per week. It just became a part of me and I didn't feel healthy and "me" without it. That's when I knew this change was for good. I'm proud of how my lifestyle has improved and am excited to keep it up, and reach even higher, this upcoming year.
I would love to know if you have your own secrets about fulfilling resolutions. Did you make some this year, and how do you plan on tackling them?
Christmas Card Outtakes
Hello again, Monday. You are usually not my friend, but since we're in holiday-countdown mode, I'll be nice.
Our Christmas cards were made and sent last week, and picking just one photo was pretty impossible. I guess we could have sent out a couple designs, but I'm an uncomplicated girl and that just seemed unnecessary. So here are some of our favorites and a few outtake shots from our little shoot with my talented pal Jenna Hunger. I'm still totally obsessed with Jim's red + navy plaid — a little more unexpected but still so perfectly Christmasy.
Getting a dog to smile and say cheese requires a three-ring circus of treats and squeaky toys, but we finally got the right shot of the three of us.
So this was the winner. Thank you, Cooper, for finally understanding what I mean when I say "vogue!" (just kidding).
Hope you guys have a short week ahead, full of gift wrapping and cookie baking! I'll be back on Wednesday with my go-to Christmas cookie recipes. You won't want to miss every delicious bite!
Friday Links + Giveaway Winner!
Thanks to everyone for entering the Pattern Pod giveaway! The winner was chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, and the winner is Emily! Please email me at novak.rachael@gmail.com to claim your prize.
Here are some of my faves for the weekend—hope you are all staying warm out there!
1 | Stamp your correspondence with a clever "vintage email" stamp (Wit & Whistle)
2 | This DIY faux bow clutch is the perfect for holiday parties! (I SPY DIY)
3 | Wishing you all Happy Alcoholidays! (Scout Mob)
4 | These bite-sized holiday bark treats look like an awesome snack. (Happy Hour Projects)
5 | Stella & Dot has released some swoonworthy new arrivals – loving the citron! (Stella & Dot)
Toothakers Wedding Print
Recently, I had the pleasure of creating a custom print for the lovely Kayla Coleman's wedding. She wanted a fun tooth print for their guests to sign as they united as the Toothakers—isn't that so cute? We incorporated their wedding colors into the print and left the tooth blank for signatures.
Kayla wanted the print to be the first thing guests see when they enter their home, and recently shared this photo with me of the final result. The frame she chose is beautiful and I love this cute vignette in their home! The print was printed and framed by Canvas on Demand, and the photo is credited to Kayla, who is an amazing photographer herself.
Thank you, Kayla, for giving me the opportunity to create something special for you! I love hearing how couples are adding personalized touches to their weddings. What are some of the cutest things you've seen lately?
Giveaway: Wrapping Paper from Pattern Pod
SO - for the fun part. Starting today, enter below by completing some or all of the entry options. One winner will be announced Friday, 12/13 here on the blog. From there, we'll get in touch and get you what you need to start wrapping!
Good luck!
*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Pattern Pod. I received one prize for myself and one prize to give away. As always, opinions are my own and promotions are shared because I, too, love the products.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Holiday Ornaments
Happy {Cyber} Monday everyone!
I am trying not to get overwhelmed by holiday deals, but really...how can I help myself when a 50% off sale is happening? But I digress...
Now that the turkey and stuffing has settled, it's totally time for Christmas mode. We put our tree up on Friday and didn't waste any time decorating—I've never decorated so early, but I think having Thanksgiving so late made me ready to move on to the holiday season.
Have you started shopping and decorating yet? Are you totally feeling the holiday love this year?
Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe
It's that time of year again!
The ever-fabulous Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe launches with a bang this Friday, the 29th and runs until Christmas Eve. If you're interested in more local-focused Black Friday shopping, then head to Room Service for some handmade goods, a hot toddy, and some sweets!
I'm thrilled to have some prints and handmade ornaments in this year's shoppe. This event is not to be missed!
More details below - hope to see you all there!
Target Holiday: Cozy Luxe
Our pumpkins were practically still lit when Target came out with their holiday decor collections, which always seems too abrupt, but their decor for holiday is absolutely killing it (per usual) so I don't even mind. I'm so on board.
I love decorating for the holidays but I like to keep it subtle. Anything I buy has to be flexible enough that it could pass as everyday decor (besides our Christmas tree, of course). Typically I keep things neutral and just add a lot of sparkle and metallics, which is why these Target finds are getting me right into the holiday spirit. Affordable and chic—there's really nothing better.
Have you started to decorate yet? I wanted to keep my pumpkins and wheat up until Thanksgiving, but I'm not sure I can wait much longer for Christmas to move in!
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween everyone! I'm looking forward to a night of hard cider and Trick-or-Treating at the house. All of our neighbors come out and I love seeing all of the kids' cute costumes. I seriously look forward to Halloween all year! I'm a dork.
Hope you all have something fun planned, or at least have some treats to enjoy tonight. I've been eating so much candy corn lately that it's showing up in my doodles—so I went ahead and channeled my craving into this pattern.
Happy haunting!