An Oldie but A Goodie

I realize that the Christmas Tree in the background kind of dates this pic, but I never did get around to posting this outfit... what with my breakdown and all, haha.

Anyhoo, I wore this on Christmas Eve and loved it. Something about leopard print paired with red just screams "Festive" to me!
I love how versatile both this skirt and top have turned out to be!

leopard tee - F21 (2011); pencil skirt - Jacob (2010); caridigan - Dynamite (2009);
belt - Gift (2011); heels - BCBG (2009)

Other Ways I've Worn This Forever 21 Leopard Tee...

Don't forget!
You can always click on post labels to see other ways I've remixed items :)

Feeling Festive

I'm a tad late with this outfit, and I completely failed at taking outfit pictures on Christmas day, but the plan is to re-adorn myself and share them before taking off on the 7th.
We all know how much my blog promises are worth though... I apologize ahead of time!

This outfit is from the 15th of December... it feels like forever ago now! We had our intimate staff party at The Shore Club, a gorgeous place downtown. Believe it or not, I was UNDER dressed, but I still love the ensemble anyway.

blouse - H&M (2011); skirt - Jacob (2010); necklace - Stella & Dot;
belt - Vintage; shoes - BCBG (2009)

Ways I've Worn this Jacob Red Pencil Skirt...

Sweet Somethings: Chewy Gingerbread

I get SO MANY compliments on these little beauties. They stay deliciously chewy and freeze really well. If you end up bringing them somewhere as a sweet treat, be sure to bring a few copies of the recipe! You can find the original here.

You will Need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F, and cream together butter & sugar. Then beat in the rest of the "wet"ingredients.
2. Gradually stir the "dry" ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in a bit of sugar, flatten slightly, and place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
   

Easy peasy, and super delish.
Enjoy with Egg Nog or a Hot Toddy :)

Sweet Somethings: Cranberry Walnut Biscotti

With Christmas only days away I've kicked my holiday baking into high gear!

This was my first attempt at biscotti and it was actually surprisingly simple.

You will need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts (or any nut you'd like!)

Directions:

• You start by mixing the oil and the sugar together until you get a really creamy paste... I don't know if anyone's ever made pizzelle, but it kind of looks like that. Add the rest of your "wet" ingredients and mix well.
• Next add your flour, salt, and baking powder. I like to "beat" my mixture with a fork. The dough is REALLY soft and I hate trying to un-stick it from the egg beaters.
• Then add your dried fruit and nuts. I chose cranberries & walnuts, but you could use just about anything. You could even throw a little lemon or orange zest in there for some extra fruitiness!

• When you're done mixing in your deliciousness, you're going to form two logs on a parchment lined baking sheet (about 2" wide by 12" long). Don't forget to wet your hands with COLD water, otherwise the batter sticks to you like mad.

• Bake at 300F for about 35 minutes, or until your logs are lightly browned on top.
• Let them cool down for about 15 minutes, then cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 3/4" slices. If you DON'T wait, your biscotti will turn into a crumbly mess - be warned!
• Put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the sides are browned as well...

And voila! Yummy biscotti that you're not paying $2 a piece for!

BT: Throw Some Glitter, Make it Rain

Let the Holiday festivities begin!
Last Friday night I had the pleasure of attending my boss' annual Latke Party, and nothing says "Holidays" like a little sparkle.

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it. The animal print & sequins just scream "MEL!" I ended up changing into nude tights just before I left the house, but you get the general idea here below.

dress - Dynamite (2011); coat - vintage (2010); purse - vintage (2010);
heels - Spring (2008)

I also put together a page for my closet these last few days, so you can check on my challenge progress. I have no idea how I accumulated so many clothes. This is going to take forever.

Tis the Season for Presents

Only 26 shopping days left until Christmas! While I'm knocking people off of my to-buy-for list, I found a few little items that I'd love to gift myself!
How perfect would this be to keep all your precious jewels on display? I need everything out where I can see it and this is a great solution!
Ikea Serving Platter - $14.99

I'm not usually one for huge danglers, but I'm heading to the Dominican again in the new year and this colour is just amazing.

Stella & Dot "Charlize" Teardrop Earrings - $34

I have been coveting a pair of fire engine red jeans since the end of the summer, but due to my shopping ban have yet to indulge in a pair.

American Eagle Jegging - $46.63

The essential party game.
This one includes tracks like "Everybody Dance Now," "Jump On It," and "Party Rock Anthem." Good Times.

Just Dance 3 for Wii - $34.99

The perfect day planner.
Monthly views, weekly views, and laminated tabs. This one can be personalized any way you'd like on the inside and monogrammed on the front!

Emma Rose & Me via Etsy - $44

What are you guys asking Santa for this year?

BT & Holiday Prep

Surprisingly the shopping ban is going just swimmingly, even with Christmas just around the corner! I managed to find a fake tree for only $35 and I picked up all my decorations on the cheap last January, so I'm pretty much all set! The bf has a job in Toronto all week, but when he gets back next weekend we'll be in full decorating mode!

Christmas presents on the other hand have me a little worried... Does anyone have any creative DIY ideas for friends and family gifts? What do you guys have planned in terms of presents this holiday season? Feel free to share ideas and links in the comments section!

blazer - Ricki's (2009); tee - Smart Set (2010); skinnies - Smart Set (2010);
necklace - Smart Set (2010); heels - BCBG (2009)

Ways I've Worn This Blazer...