The "IT" List

• Laura Wears dresses up her cozy fair aisle sweater with a blazer for a chic, winter-ready look! Pop over to check out her cute stocking cap, too! (find Laura Wears on Twitter!)
• Peach Gingham pairs polka dots with a fur vest - what an amazing combination! The perfect casual back-to-work outfit! (find Peach Gingham on Twitter!)
• A Devine Life is mad for plaid this season and pairs it with heels and pearls - a beautiful classic look! (find a Devine Life on Twitter!)
• Rach.E. Cakes is jumping on the animal trend in an outfit that is cute and comfortable enough for a long day of traveling at the airport! Pop over to see what furry friend she is sporting! (find Rach.E.Cakes on Twitter!)
• Behind The Dressing Room Door gives us the scoop on a mini sale going on at Anthropologie! Definitely a good time to stock up on dresses and sweaters! (find Behind the Dressing Room Door on Twitter!)
• Living After Midnite found a gem of a bag at a recent sample sale and she hasn't put it down since! Head over to see her fabulous new bag! (find Living After Midnite on Twitter!)
• Fancy Francy shows us how to incorporate tights and leggings into our winter wardrobe! Pop over for some style tips and to check out these two looks! (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• Second Best is rocking her favorite winter staple that we all have - even men! Head over to see what it is and where she found it! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Ishi is all puffed up in her favorite winter coat and it extremely warm, but still chic! Go check it out - such a great price point, too!
• Fleurani shows us that black and blue really do go together! A sophisticated look with a fun, unexpected twist!
• Rachels Look Book proves that neon isn't going anywhere soon with this festive but comfy look! Her sweater is to die for - a must see! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• See Mo Go is finally pulling out her favorite Christmas dress now that Thanksgiving is over - perfect for the holidays! So cute! (find See Mo Go on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic is rocking some fun printed pallazo pants she found while thrifting - such a great find at an even better price! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is dreaming of spring even though winter is just beginning. Head over to check out the fresh and bright dining room she loving this week! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style recreates an outfit that would be perfect for a holiday party with friends in gorgeous winter whites! She also gives some great tips for dressing in monochromatic tones!! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Foxes + Firmoo

sweater {f21 - also love}; jeans {lc}; boots {target}; bag {hobo via tjmaxx}; sunnies {firmoo}; necklace {f21 - also love}; bangle {charming charlies}

I looooove the animal trend going on right now, and knew this sweater had to be mine the second I saw it!! This outfit was prefect for getting through the airport last week. 

Also - how cute are these cat eye sunglasses?? Firmoo, and online glasses retailer, asked me to choose a pair and do an honest review of one of their glasses. Since I almost never wear my prescription glasses, I chose these babies. I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are (I hate sunnies that squeeze your head), the quality seems good, and I love that they came with their own pink case! I've been wearing them a lot since they arrived! So make sure you check Firmoo out, their prices are amazing, especially for regular frames, and your first pair is free! I may get some to match every outfit and finally beat those i-stare-at-the-computer-too-much headaches!

                                                 Xo Cakes

ps - linking up with {this girls life} and {the pleated poppy}!

Thanksgiving Leftovers

{something i've always wanted to make: Giada's Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli}

Have you ever wondered how to make Monica's infamous Thanksgiving leftover sandwich from Friends? The gravy soaked bread in the middle, or 'moist maker' seems like it would either disgusting or amazing. I cant decide which. I'm thinking about finding out today.

I hope everyone had a fantastic and gluttonous day yesterday!

Some other fun ideas:
Sheppard's Pie
A casserole from the turkey, pumpkin, and leftover veggies
Pizza with toppings like squash and sage
Use the turkey and potatoes in a breakfast hash
 

Xo Cakes       

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! First married holidays.. eeeek! I'm so excited. But that could also be a sugar high from all the pumpkin cake batter I just sampled...

Xo Cakes       

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving: Stuffin'

{whiskey sausage apple stuffing}

Do you call it stuffing or dressing? Its always been stuffing to me. Either way, I seriously want to make about 4 different stuffings this year. There are so many good recipes! I'll actually be making {these} cute little stuffin' muffin's. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Xo Cakes       

 

{sourdough sweet potato and cranberry stuffing}

 

{chesapeake bay sausage and crab stuffing}

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving: Sides

{Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Garlic Butter and Sage Sauce}

I was searching all over for updated ideas for sides this year. I know everyone does mash, pearl onions, cranberry sauce, etc. This year, consider something to make the meal stand out a little bit more! Seasonal and hearty, here are some ideas to complement your turkey!

Xo Cakes        

{my apple and sausage quinoa}

{Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding}

{French Green Beans with Butter Sauce and Crispy Leeks}

{Double Stuffed Potatoes}

Little Moments

{a genius little mirror and gloss combo from birchbox}

Sometimes simple moments are the best ones. Here are a few smiles from the past week. Thanksgiving is almost here - I'm baking away and looking forward to some time with family.

Click {here} to find out if you won the giveaway!

Xo Cakes          

{happy 30th Matt!}

{coffee and pinterest}

{a geode}

{tequila sunrise}

The 'IT' List

• My Fashionate Life thinks that sweater weather is better and is finally getting to partake in all of the fall fashion! She looks so cute in her layers! (find My Fashionlate Life on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic is pulling out a sassy, forgotten about dress for the first time and you won't believe what she paid for it! Go check it out! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique is getting crafty and tackled making a leather pocket for one of her tees! Pop over for the full run-down and to see the amazing final product! (find Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique on Twitter!)
• Glitzy Blues reminds us not to overlook the men's section when shopping! She is sporting her favorite shirt and just happened to find it on the other side of the store! (find Glitzy Blues on Twitter!)
• Fashion Fixation doesn't love the cold, but does love that it gives her a chance to play with layering her summer clothes under sweaters and coats! Love this look! (find Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Peach Gingham found a cute new pair of heels that look way more expensive than they were! Head over to see where she found them and the cute pieces she paired them with! (find Peach Gingham on Twitter!)
• Living After Midnite is taking advantage of a break in the winter weather and going lacy with a side of studs! Oh and did I mention their is a neon jacket involved? A must see! (find Living After Midnite on Twitter!)
• Behind the Dressing Room Door is loving all of the cozy and cute layered looks from Anthropologie! Tons of inspiration for fall here! (find Behind the Dressing Room on Twitter!)
• Rach.E. Cakes is showing us how to make a tasty Thanksgiving inspired snack - pumpkin pie popcorn! Head over for the full recipe - this could be dangerous! (find Rach.E.Cakes on Twitter!)
• A Devine Life is making a floral sundress work for fall by throwing it on with a trench coat and tights! Such a good way to get the most out of your wardrobe! (find a Devine Life on Twitter!)
• Laura Wears looks so chic in a beige from head to toe! A monochromatic look you will definitely want to recreate! (find Laura Wears on Twitter!)
• Ishi wore faux fur for the first time this season! The best way to add instant glamour to any outfit - go check it out!
• Fancy Francy is breaking out of her normal neutral uniform and trying some bold color! She totally knocked it out of the park! (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is dreaming of a very stylish Thanksgiving and put together the perfect room and outfit for the event! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style shows us three ways to style one of winter's must have pieces - a cream cable knit sweater! Pop over for her tips and to see her top picks for adding one to your wardrobe! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Life and Bows - Blog Swap!

Today I'm swaping blogs with the gorgeous Zhanna of Life and Bows! She's always full of great ideas and amazing outfits, so if you haven't followed along yet, make sure you check her out!

 Hi Everyone, My name is Zhanna and I am a lifestyle blogger from Life and Bows. I am so excited that Rachael asked me to guest post about the outfit that I will be wearing on Thanksgiving. I always look forward to the holidays. When we get together as a family I cannot say we really dress up but we always like to look put together so when I saw this Zara skirt I thought it would be perfect for the occasion!! Have a great week everyone!

 

 

  

Skirt: Zara

Sweater- Lauren Conred for Khols

Shoes-Via Spiga

Harvest Apple-Walnut Quinoa

When IGE posted this recipe I knew I had to try it. The maple, apple and cranberry backdrop to chicken and quinoa sounded amazing - and this did not disappoint! I made a couple little tweaks to the original to suit my taste and make it a bit healthier. This quinoa recipe is a keeper.

Tip: Pack it for lunch - its filling AND healthy!

Harvest Apple-Walnut Quinoa
Serves 4 as a main or 8 as a side
recipe adapted from: IGE 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 6oz maple chicken sausage
• 4 green onions
• 2 small apples, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 4 tbsp dried cranberries

 Directions:

• Rinse quinoa very well in a fine mesh strainer under cold, running water. 
• Bring chicken broth to a boil in a small saucepan then add rinsed quinoa. Place a lid on top, then simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add sausage then brown and drain, if necessary.
•  Add cooked chicken sausage, green onions, chopped apple, walnuts, and cranberries to the slightly cooled quinoa. Toss to combine then serve.

Xo Cakes       

Dreaming of Peplum

I've been having a hard time transitioning my peplum to these colder freezing November days, and have been on the hunt for peplum with sleeves!! Here are some of my favs in every price range. Check out the last shopping list, all about holiday skirts {here}.

Don't forget - Tomorrow is the last day to enter the {Velvet Bumble Giveaway}

Splurge
$275 - Tory Burch

Steal
$38 - Franchesca's

In Between
$84 - White House Black Market
** on sale right now for $40!

Linking up with Because Shauna Said So for Random Wednesday!

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn

Do you ever put an outfit together in your head and then look at the pictures and wonder what you could have been thinking? I kind of like that about blogging. It makes me more aware of how my clothes look on me. It also makes me wish my good camera wasn't so big, because I totally missed a good one on Friday. Anywho - since you wouldn't have wanted to see those outfits (except to laugh at me).. how about a tasty low cal snack to tide you over?? 

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn

1. Pop some fresh popcorn - none of that gross microwave bag stuff!
2. In a separate bowl, mix together equal parts of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and stevia in the raw
3. Spray your popcorn with some spray butter, or drizzle the good stuff - you'll need a little something to get the spices to stick!
4. Add your spice mix to the popcorn and toss to coat!

I didn't add quantities because i didn't measure when I made this up.. but the spices/stevia have zero cals and cinnamon is really good for you, so pile on as much as you want :)

Xo Cakes       

 

Little Moments

{amore}

This week I am extremely thankful for my friendships. I am unbelievably lucky to have amazing women in my life who I can talk to about anything, disagree with and not stop loving, and of course always share laughs and wine. Life is a journey, so to me it seems important who you take along for the ride :)
 

In less sappy news, I worked all weekend, but I hope all of your were much better than that! Happy Monday!

Xo Cakes        

{see above }

{pumpkin pie popcorn}

{a new trinket}

Dont forget to enter the {Velvet Bumble Giveaway}!

The Velvet Bumble - Giveaway!

 hair clip {c/o the velvet bumble}; top {ann taylor}; skirt {banana}; scarf {a&f}; tights {j.crew}; shoes {bakers};

How cute is this flower clip accessory? I loved it on my scarf as much as I loved it in my hair. It even gave the perfect amount of polish to a casual grocery run earlier this weekend! 

 Ashley of {The Velvet Bumble} generously offered to send me one of her adorable, unique accessories, so of course I said YES! She makes all of her drool-worthy hair clips, headbands, and necklaces, and even does custom orders! 
And the best part, she wants to give {this one} away to one lucky reader!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The "IT" List

• My Fashionlate Life is trying out a new look - tights and shorts! Head over to see how she styled this look and pulled it off seamlessly! (find My Fashionlate Life on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image toughens up her mini skirt with a pair of biker boots! Such a fun look for fall! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill has officially deemed it coat weather and looks lovely in her winter white! Don't forget to check out her cute shoes, too! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Rachel Coletta is sporting a classic color combo that serves as the perfect palette to mix in just about anything! Pop over to see this amazing look! (find Rachel Coletta on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic shows us how to style one of fall's trends - plum pants! Go check out the two looks that were done on a MAJOR budget! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique brightens up her classic look with a few pops of bold color - accessories can make all the difference! (find Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique on Twitter!)
• Glitzy Blues is rocking her cool weather go-to look - a baggy sweater, tall socks and boots! The perfect combination of style and comfort! (find Glitzy Blues on Twitter!)
• Fashion Fixation is in love with infinity scarves this season! Head over for a peek at this cute accessory and how it takes her look to the next level! (find Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Peach Gingham is sharing one of her favorite pieces from her closet with us - a field jacket! Paired with feminine pants, this makes for one cute look! (find Peach Gingham on Twitter!)
• Living After Midnite looks so pretty in a sweet polka dot top! She is also sporting a fabulous new bag - go check it out! (find Living After Midnite on Twitter!)
• Behind the Dressing Room Door did a little fall shopping and picked up a fabulous new sweater! Pop over to see where she found this gem! (find Behind the Dressing Room on Twitter!)
• Rach.E. Cakes is going all out with color in this work-ready look! Who said fall was for neutrals?! So cute! (find Rach.E.Cakes on Twitter!)
• A Devine Life hasn't seen any signs of cooler weather yet and it rocking a sun dress and boots! Love this look! (find a Devine Life on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is taking inspiration from a fabulous entry way and recreating the look in an outfit and a room! Some great finds! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up five affordable pieces to treat yourself with - each under $25! Amazing pieces you won't feel guilty about adding to your closet! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Skirting the Holidays

Its Thursday, and its been a very busy week! Weather has prevented me from taking many outfit photos, and work from cooking anything exciting, so I thought i'd leave you with a great steal vs. splurge. Today its all about sparkly wonderful holiday skirts!

Don't forget to check back, I'm going to have an exciting giveaway tomorrow!!

Splurge
top: $128 - Free People
bottom: $485 - Diane von Furstenberg

Steal
top: $19.80 - F21
bottom: $22.80 - F21

In Between
top: $59.90 - Express
bottom: $59.90 - Express
** Express skirts are buy one get one 50% off right now!

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving: Breakfast

dying to try this - {pumpkin cream cheese muffins} - make the day before!

So we are finally in November! Not that its anything unique, but I absolutely adore Thanksgiving. Its second only to Christmas for me. So now that Halloween is over, I'm very giddy!!

Thanksgiving is so great because its all about tradition, and being grateful, and FOOD!! So I'll be doing a series this month dedicated to helping you plan your perfect Thanksgiving menu. There will be mix of I-could-never-change-them classics and updates to the traditional.

Today we're taking a look at breakfast, because hey, you need something to get you through 6+ hours of chopping, kneeding, and stirring!

Try one or more of these Thanksgiving morning and start the day off right! Do you have any great recipes to add to the list?

Xo Cakes        

also - linking up yesterdays {dots} with the {pleated poppy}!

my {pumpkin scones} - make the day before!

super easy! 5 ingredient {breakfast ring}

make ahead and snack all day - {apple cider donut holes}

{pumpkin waffles with apple cider syrup} - whip out that waffle maker!

Dotted Cashmere

sweater {j.crew}; skirt {limited}; shoes {madden via tjmaxx}; earrings {cache}; clutch {coach}; scarf {limited}; bangles {loft}{lucky}

I'm on my way to the polls, so just a quicky today in my new favorite sweater! Who says fall can't be colorful!
Get out and VOTE today - make your voice heard!

ps - dont forget to check out the {Velvet Bumble Giveaway}!

Xo Cakes          

 

Little Moments

{new polka dot tights}

After one last Halloween party on Friday, we stayed in Saturday and Sunday. I barely got out of my pajamas, and baked and organized to my hearts content. It was phenomenal - a much appreciated break from the craziness of the past few weeks! Here are a few moments I savored over the last week. 

 How was your weekend??

 Xo Cakes     

{cute packaging for a red velvet cupcake - my fav!}

{homemade tony stark heart by the hubs - now i understand what all the soldering was for}

{saturday morning pumpkin waffles}

{lazy sunday}