Vintage Patterns

Vintage patterns are awesome!! I thought my mom had some good ones from the 90's but these are great!!

This is only from the 80's but this Etsy store sells patterns from the 40's on. 

I love the puffy sleeves and cutout back! 

Sydcam123

Purple Skirt

I've been in a mini skirt craze lately and and I'll be honest my first attempt was a dud. I first made a red skirt about 2 sizes to big. I tried my best to trim it down, but it just didn't work so I scrapped it. This purple corduroy version is my second but probably not last attempt.

This should have been a really easy project. I mean its just a simple skirt! I think the issue is that I want it to sit on my natural waist not my hips which is what the pattern is really for. Also next time, I'll remember to line it.

 

I can't for anything get the color to look like it does in person. But it is a really pretty purple. 

Fa la la la!

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

I've been listening to Christmas music for most of November. I personally enjoy a good mix of pop and traditional Christmas music. Some of my favorites are from Britney Spears, NSYNC, Mariah Carey and Straight No Chaser. I also really like the ones from my favorite movies and some songs are just tied to good memories. :)

For your enjoyment.....

Ashley's Christmas Playlist

1. Santa Can you Hear me? - Britney Spears
2. Christmas Tree - Lady Gaga
3. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - NSYNC
4. All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey
5. Christmas Vacation Theme Song
6. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
7. White Christmas - The Drifters (Home Alone)
8. Let it Snow- Christina Aguilera
9. Mele Kalikimaka- Bing Crosby (Christmas Vacation)
10. Last Christmas- Wham
11. Little Drummer Boy- Ashlee and Jessica Simpson
12. Tennessee Christmas- Amy Grant
13. What Christmas Means to Me- Stevie Wonder
14. Baby its Cold Outside- Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
15. The whole Straight No Chaser Christmas Album

Did I miss anything? I know Jessica Simpson and Mariah both have new cd's out, but I haven't listened to them yet.  Let me know if you want a cd. I'll happily make you one and mail it to ya!

Cranberry Bread

My mom always makes Cranberry bread for Christmas morning and really all through the holiday season. She may or may not have her own recipe. But I just used the one on the back of the bag, minus the nuts. Very tasty!

Ingredients: see back of Ocean Spray Cranberries bag.
Bake
Eat
Enjoy!

LRD

It's holiday season!! I love everything about the holidays: family, music, cookies, snowfall, decorations, Christmas movies, cocktail parties, NYE celebrations, and overall cheer in the world. I patiently waited until after Thanksgiving to post anything as I know not everyone prematurely celebrates starting the day after Halloween. :)

I'm not so secretly hoping we get invited to a last minute holiday or cocktail party. I'm dying to make a cocktail dress! I generally prefer to wear a little red dress (LRD) for the holidays. I've found quite few for inspiration while waiting for an invite.

 

Pumpkin- Chocolate Cheesecake

I made the desserts for my family Thanksgiving this weekend. I found this recipe a few years ago when I made it for the first time. I changed a few things and didn't follow the recipe. (read note below) It's probably important to follow the recipe. This took me at least an hour and half to make. Mainly the bake time. Unfortunately this isn't a healthy dessert, but really, is anything at Thanksgiving dinner? It's so yummy that I had the leftovers for breakfast this morning. It's not uncommon for me to eat desserts for breakfast. :) Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake

1 pie crust
12 oz. cream cheese softened (1 1/2 8oz pkgs.)
1/4 c sugar
1 egg lightly beaten
3/4 c mini chocolate chips
1 15oz. can of pumpkin
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
4 eggs lightly beaten
3/4 cup half and half or light cream

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place pie crust in pie pan. Flute edges. Line crust with double thickness foil. Bake 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 6 minutes until golden. Cool. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

2. In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg. Beat on low speed until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture in cooled pastry shell. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate.

 

3. In bowl combine pumpkin, brown sugar and spice. Stir in 4 eggs. Gradually stir in half and half. Slowly pour pumpkin mixture on chocolate layer. To prevent overbrowning, cover pie edge with foil.

 

4. Bake 60-65 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Remove foil. Cool on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate within 2 hours. Top with chopped chocolate.

***NOTE***

For some reason I thought I could just skip step 1. I just baked the whole thing on 375. You CAN do this, but beware its gonna take at least 10-15 minutes longer to bake and the crust might be a little toasty.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Eating!!!

Wedding Look: Green

 

Wedding Look: Plum

Sweet Dance Moves

Do you think we need dance lessons? 

The "Back Bend"

The "Fist Pump"

The "Dan Dance"

NO WAY!! Clearly we are both very talented and when we get together we really cut a rug. 

ha!

 I'm looking forward to embarrassing dance pictures from our wedding!!

Wedding Party Look

I'm stressing/obsessing over the colors for the wedding. I just want the wedding party and reception decor to coordinate. I just can't narrow it down. Maybe yellow and grey?

Nostalgia

Badgley Mischka

JCrew

Nina

Bridesmaid Look

Again, no colors have been chosen. I've just been playing around and getting ideas....

Necklace - White House Black Market

Dress- Alfred Angelo

Shoes- Steve Madden Lux