Christmas Bucket List

What is the one thing you really want to do this Christmas?

xoxo,

Maddie

Gifts: $25 or under

// Essie Nail Polish  // Roller Ball Perfume // Lush Bath Bomb  // Earrings //  Kate Spade Stationary // Mug //

xoxo,

Maddie

Christmas Wishlist

Instead of doing a December wish-list this month I thought I would change it up and share with you some of the top things on my Christmas list. This isn't everything i'm asking for, but I always go by the rule if there's more on the list, the less likely you are to know what you're getting. I hate figuring out what i'm getting ahead of time so this helps me keep that to a minimum. This year I am asking for a variety of things, which will make getting everything so much more fun! So with that, here is my 2015 Christmas list! 

Hunter Boots: I really want these boots in black. I think they are super cute, and now that it is going to be snowy for a long time, it would be a good thing to have some water proof shoes. I already know so many different outfits that would look adorable with these and I just can't wait!

Patagonia Re-Snap Pullover: I think I want this pullover in red or pink, but either way all I know is that really want it. I have a deep love for pull overs and quarter zips so I know this would be worn all of the time. 

Victoria's Secret PJ set: I think Pajama sets are one of the cuter things in life, so I want a set or two from Victoria's Secret. My favorite patterns are Red/Green Plaid and Red/White Dot. I just think that waking up in warm flannel pajamas is a good way to start any day, even a Monday. 

Nixon Watch: I have been wanting a classic looking watch for quite a while now and I think that I may have found the perfect one. This is a super simple looking watch but it would go with a lot and would be a nice addition to any outfit.

Kate Spade Stationary: It's really hard to go wrong when you are looking at Kate Spade things and this stationary is no exception. I just love the idea of being able to write really cute thank you notes to people, and to hopefully get one back in return.

Moccasin Slippers: I honestly don't know why I don't have a pair of slippers already since I live in a cold place, but I don't so here's the solution. These L.L. Bean slippers look like they would be extremely soft. They would be perfect for me to slip on in the mornings and to wear on the wonderful snow days.


I absolutely love reading other peoples Christmas lists so if you wrote a post on your list, or read a really good one, please let me know! 

Anything special on your Christmas list?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thanksgiving

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Xoxo,

Maddie

Oh My Apple Pie

Hey guys so I thought it would be fun to have a guest blogger post this week so here is a recipes from the The French Bread Girl. This is my mom's blog and she loves to post really good recipes, so if you ever want something to make, this should be your go to. This post is about her apple pie which is one of my all time favorite desserts that she makes. Please comment if you want more types of posts like this (food, guests etc...) and go check out the The French Bread Girl blog!

 

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Apple pie is one of my favorite types of pie. Last weekend I purchased the last of the local apples, about 1 bushel worth.  I know I'll be making apple desserts, sauce and baked apples for the next month or so.  I don't remember where I got  this recipe for apple pie but it is a family favorite.  I like to use a combination of Macintosh and Cortland apples, but you can use what you have on hand. I won't lie for this pie in the picture I used the Pillsbury roll out crust.  When I do have time I like to make a homemade crust, but that really wasn't in the cards last weekend.  If you like to have a double crust pie don't make my butter and sugar topping.  Enjoy the recipe below or just be inspired to play in your kitchen and make some delicious treats for fall.

 

Pie filling and the 2 1/2 bushels in the background.

 

right out of the oven

 

For the Filling:

Peel and slice 7 large apples.  Combine the apples with 1/3 c sugar, 1/4 c AP flour, 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp vanilla extract and spices to taste. (cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice)

Add the apple mixture to the crust.

For the topping:

Combine 1 cup AP flour, 1/2 cup sugar and a combination of the same spices listed above or none at all.  Add 1/4 tsp salt.  Mix all together and add 6 T of butter cut into bits.  I like to combine the mixture with my hands until it becomes small pea sized bits.  Add on top of the apples.

Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees and then reduce to 350 degrees and continue cooking for 35-40 minutes.

Bon Appétit!

Beth 

http://frenchbreadgirl.blogspot.com/ 

Tie Blankets

As the Christmas season is approaching I thought id share with you my favorite handmade Christmas gift to give....Tie Blankets! They are super easy to make, and if you buy with the right sales, super cheap as well. People love getting tie-blankets because it shows time and energy put into making the gift, which makes it even more valuable. 

Supplies: 

You only need three things: scissors, two types of fleece and your hands. The most standard thing when choosing fleece, is to pick one solid color and one patterned color. Almost any craft or fabric store will have fleece. The fleece can be about 2-2 1/2 yards long. The longer the fleece the bigger the blanket. Also, another note with the scissors is that make sure to use sharper scissors because fleece can be hard to cut sometimes.

Step 1: 

Lay the fleeces on top of each other, making sure that the corners match up. 

Step 2:

 Cut off any excess fabric that would make the fleece not line up. 

Step 3:

Cut off the corners with about 3-4 inch sides. The length just depends on how long you want the fringe to be. These squares help make the corners curve the right way. 

Step 4:

Cut lines into the fleece. The lines should be as long as the corner you cut out, and they should be about 1-2 inches apart. This will make the fringe of the blanket. I like to fold over every other section because it makes it easier to see if you are cutting in a straight line and it will also help later on with tying fringe. 

Step 5:

Tie the fringe by taking the top and bottom part of each section and tying it like you would start to tie your shoes. Do this twice for each section. I like to try and make the solid part of the fringe face the patterned part of the blanket. 

Volia! You have just made a beautiful tie blanket that someone would love to have. 

xoxo,

Maddie

Weekend Uniform

This fall I have found myself wearing almost the same thing every weekend. Jeans and a crew neck sweatshirt. After trying to look nice every day of the week, it is just nice to slip into something warm and comfortable. I love crew necks because they can be so many different things, like for colleges or sports, or can have funny pictures on them or a pattern. I wear this so often that I have started referring to it as my weekend uniform. 

Crewneck (similar)  // Jeans // Shoes // Scarf (similar)

xoxo,

Maddie