Friday, November 27, 2015

Cherry Velvet, If You Please...


Anyone else think of "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles when they read Cherry Velvet? No? Hmm. I can't be the only one who associates nearly everything with music. Then again, maybe I am...

Happy Friday, boys and girls! Happy Day After Thanksgiving, too! And if you're down with being insane (like Cody and his mom!), Happy Black Friday!


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Simple & Easy Pumpkin Bars


Getting sick of the pumpkin posts yet? NEVER! This is what November is for, my friends, and seeing as December begins next week, I knew I had to bring you at least one more great pumpkin recipe. This one is the best because it's also very simple and easy to whip together.

A luscious treat that takes nearly zero effort? Count me in!


Monday, November 23, 2015

The LindyBop Courtney Dress (and a Customer Service Tale)


I know I've told you before (and I will tell anyone who will listen!) but I really so absolutely love LindyBop. Mostly because of their amazing dresses and selection (with one example being this precious Courtney dress I got during their big sale recently) but also because their customer service rocks my socks.They're quick to respond to your inquiries and are quick to make mistakes corrected so that you leave happy.

I have a tale to share, my friends. You may read it, you may not, but I am sharing it here as I share my new favorite dress. I don't even care that it's probably more suitable for Spring or Summer. YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, SEASONS!


OK, let's focus here.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

The Vintage Bazaar's Holiday Jubilee in ModCloth


I discovered a new antique/vintage extravaganza in my area recently - The Vintage Bazaar! Like the Brimfield Show you've heard me babble about, the Vintage Bazaar happens three times a year and their last event, taking place in early November, is their Holiday Jubilee.

Vintage decorations, antiques, and Christmas??

It really was an event made for me. How did they know?

Unlike Brimfield, there is a $10 admission fee but it's totally worth it! The event takes place on a farm and vendors fill their multiple tents and heated greenhouses with holiday goodies, vintage, and antique items. Among the vendors there are food trucks selling yummy delights and stands serving hot cocoa and cider.



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

What's Sara Reading? November Edition


Happy Mid-November! Are you counting down the days until Thanksgiving like I am? Come at me, pumpkin pie and turkey! We are hosting our second annual Friendsgiving this weekend and I couldn't be more pumped. We started hosting a Thanksgiving for our friends last year after I officially moved in with Cody and it was so much fun we decided to do it again this year. Do I see a tradition starting?

It's hard, though, because we have limited space in our old house. I don't necessarily want guests eating on our couch so we're going to have to squeeze into our makeshift long dining room table made of our 6 seat dining table lined up with our cheap foldout Walmart table. We may have to grab a square card table this year to put some additional friends planning on joining. I guess that's the challenge with dinner parties - you just can't invite everyone and have to be selective. We can really only cater to 10-12 people comfortably!

But we're not here to hear about my dinner party woes. No way! We're here to get this month's round up of books I've been reading. Once again, it's a hefty list (earlier editions tended to be 3-4 books, lately I'm sharing 5!). I gotta say, I've been reading more now that I have a Kindle. I don't know if it's because I am reading faster when the book is in digital form or if perhaps I read slower before to make a book last longer since ordering actual books took longer since they arrived via the mailbox. Not sure what it is, but I don't mind!

I read books like I eat snacks - by the handful!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies


My absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie. Forget all other pies, I'll take pumpkin every time.  A big slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream is just downright dreamy. It also makes a scrumptious breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving!

I think I could eat an entire pie myself if I tried - well, OK, maybe not. But I'd sure try!


Now, when we think of Thanksgiving desserts, it's the traditional pies we think of. Ooey gooey filling nestled into a flaky crust, right? Well, who says pie has to come in a crust, cut in a pie plate, served on a smaller plate, and eaten with a fork, all princess-like?

NO ONE!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Looking Like a Million Bucks (Without Spending a Million Bucks)


Hello, my name is Sara and I have a dress buying problem. But I don't call it a problem. It's my collection. In my dressing room, I have a clothing rack full of dresses and skirts and that is what makes me happy. I feel great when I look great from head to toe - coordinated accessories included!

Now, before I get too far, I want to clarify some things. I know from reading the above, you probably have one of two reactions. You have either laughed and thought Oh that's so Sara! She's so cute! or you kinda of rolled your eyes and thought ugh how does she afford to buy all of these dresses? Seriously?

It's OK. I know. I know because sometimes I think similar thoughts!


No, I am not about to describe in detail my monthly expenses and income to show you how I do it and where my money goes. I'm a lady, after all!

What I do want to do in this post, however, is talk about building a retro/vintage/pinup wardrobe without breaking the bank - because it is possible! It's not easy and it doesn't all come at once (trust me when I say my wardrobe is a collection gathered over the years) but with some patience, some attention to detail, and knowing a few good spots to always keep on your radar, you can do it, too.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Ashley is Sweet 16!


Just a couple weeks ago, Ashley celebrated her Sweet 16 with a large group of her friends, gal pals, and family. Dressed in a voluminous princess-esque gown covered in gems and sparkly stones, Ashley practically glowed as she danced and partied it up at her party.

I've known Ashley and her family for over 6 years. Her mom, Jay, was one of my managers in the studio I worked for when I graduated college. Ashley and her little sis, Ariana, always visited the studio and were quite used to being in front of the camera.


I haven't worked in the studio in over 4 years now but a bunch of us still see each other and hang out. Jay is one of the bunch and when she called me to shoot Ashley's portrait session as well as her party, I didn't hesitate to say yes.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Spinach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms


Confession time - one of my favorite foods are mushrooms.

I have always loved mushrooms. I remember being a little girl and eating my weight in stuffed mushrooms whenever I was able to. I had weird favorites as a kid, what can I say?

Whenever there'd be a family gathering or we'd go out to the Chinese food buffet, my first thought would be "I wonder if there will be stuffed mushrooms there..."

Not kidding. They felt fancy to me and they were just so gosh darn delicious!

Now, as an adult, I still love mushrooms and eat them on everything - pizza (always on pizza), pasta, stir fry, and by themselves, preferably stuffed.

Stuffed mushrooms are still my favorite way to eat them. You can stuff a mushroom with pretty much anything and that's so fun! A seafood and breadcrumb mixture (hello!), a tomato and mozzarella combo (so tasty!), or like these!