Fashion Fun - Stripes + Sweater = Love

Howdy!  It's Thursday!! Now, this is going to make me sound really immature, but I get absolutely giddy about Thursday nights because Vampire Diaries is on.  I know.  I'm no longer a high school teenager, but I can't help it.  This show makes me so happy.  It's shameful.  The best part though, is that Mister has tennis practice on Thursday nights so I can watch it alone (read: without feeling embarrassed by my school girl guilty pleasure).

Last weekend we had a chance to have a date night and it was so fun.  We saw Taken 2.  Very intense, but really good.  I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try out my new sweater/dress/sweater dress??

I left the tag on during the pics because I had to see if it was really going to work for me!

 These are terrible photos, but I paired the sweater with black leggings and boots.  I tell you.  I'm going to start enlisting a helper to take these Fashion Fun pics.  It's really hard!

This photo makes me laugh because it looks like I'm trying to be a super serious model.  Ha!  That's my "how do I take this photo without also capturing all the mess in the background" face.

There's a more normal one!

Anyone have something new to wear this weekend?  What kind of things do you like to wear in the fall?

Okay.  Only a few more hours till Vampire Diaries!!  Stop laughing.  You know you have a guilty pleasure show too!  Do tell...

XO,
  Sara

Guest Room Progress - New Fabric

Hello there!  Little Man is still not adjusted to the time change so I've been up for awhile.  Yay for productivity!  Just a tiny touch of sarcasm there, tiny.

Well, I've been making my way through my guest room/office makeover.  Here's what I still need to do:

Bedding (new? repurpose?)
Mirror
Expedit
Curtains
Cover footstool
Cover chair
Paint
Photo Ledge
Closet
Lamps

That's A LOT!  <sigh>  I know it will get there.  I'm fighting my natural tendencies which are to go, go, go until it's done.  I'm trying to be a good wife girl and stick to a budget.  It makes it all the more interesting...and each step is so much more satisfying.

Okay.  Back to what I have done!

You'll notice "cover footstool" and "cover chair" are crossed off.  That's what I'm here to share!

I found two shower curtains at Target on super clearance.  I loved the pattern and color and went with it.  They're kind of a mustardy gold with a neat feather design.

I popped the bench seat off and opted to keep the old fabric on to pad the bench more. See my cute helper?

Then, I just pulled the fabric really tight and wrapped the bench seat like a present, using an upholstery gun as I went.  Really good DIY'ers iron their fabric first.  My mom would be horrified that I didn't.  I get in project mode and I just have to get it done.  It worked out fine, mom! :)

Really pull those corners in tight and be sure to put enough staples in.

Voila!  One bench down, one chair to go.  Much harder, but still doable.

I did the same thing with the chair cushion, however I removed the old fabric and tacks.  My Nana recovered this cushion for me a few years ago before she passed.  It was really hard to take it off, but I knew she was laughing at me saying, "go on girl! Don't be so silly".  Love her.

The corners of a chair cushion are much harder, but if you cut tiny slits in the fabric, you can get a cleaner, tighter fit.  Just work with it till you get all the bunches out.

TWO projects in one day!!  The ball is officially rolling people.  I used this same fabric to make curtains...they're not quite finished yet as I need to add some extra length.  I have some cool ideas in mind as to how to achieve this extra length.  I'll be sure to keep you posted!

Anyone recovered anything recently?  Isn't it satisfying to do something that seems so hard and makes such a change?  I've got some dining room chairs that will be my next victims project.

See you tomorrow for a new look I'm working this Fall....the sweater dress and leggings thing.  So many possibilities!

XO,
  Sara

Pumpkin Praline Cake...Yep

Mmmmm.  Are you salivating just from the title?  You should be.  This cake is ah-mazing.  It's a pumpkin flavored cake with a praline "crust" and whipped cream frosting.  Definitely not something you would want to eat everyday, but the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.  Bring this along and steal the show!  Move over turkey!

(It should be noted that the writing of this post was interrupted by a loud sound from my son's room, which turned out to be him throwing a dog bone at his wall to "keep it away" from Winnie.  There is a dent.  I am not happy.  There.  I had to get it out.)


Now, this recipe is started with a box mix, which I usually NEVER use, however, I found this recipe on Pinterest and followed it from the Betty Crocker site.  Next time, I will probably use my own yellow cake recipe instead of a box, but if you like the simplicity of a box, it turns out great!

Here's what you need to get started:

  1/2     cup butter

1/4    cup whipping cream
1       cup packed brown sugar
3/4    cup coarsely chopped pecans
1       box yellow cake mix
1       cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/2    cup water
1/3    cup vegetable oil
4       eggs
1 1/2  teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (I made my own mix of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice)

Preheat the oven to 325.  Melt the butter, whipping cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat.  When the butter is melted, pour into 2 ungreased 9 inch round cake pans and sprinkle with pecans.  This will form a cool praline crust on the top of each layer.

Next, beat cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil, eggs, and 1 tsp of pie spice with a mixer on low, just until moistened.  Then, mix on medium for 2 minutes.  Spoon batter into the pans, over the pecan layer.  I prefer to beat with my hand mixer versus my stand mixer so I have more control.

Bake for 41-47 minutes and let cool 5 minutes.  Transfer from pans to a cooling rack.  You have to let them cool completely before you add the frosting, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, whip up some frosting.  Don't you dare use a grocery store tub!  This is just too easy and so much better.  Not to mention, you know exactly what is in it.  Here's the recipe I used.  Betty Crocker says to add the remaining pie spice to the frosting, however, I left this part out.  I wanted each part (the cake and the icing) to stand alone.

You'll need:

4 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream

Beat it all together until soft peaks form.  Don't over beat.

Spread one cake (praline side up) with the frosting.  Place the other layer on top (praline side up) and use the remaining frosting to cover the top.  You may have a little extra.  Lick the bowl!  It's so good!  Garnish with a few chopped pecans.

The frosting will ooze out the sides a little, but I think it makes for an intriguing display.  Don't you just want to run your finger along the edge?

It truly is out of this world. I recently brought this to a potluck and I was asked for the recipe before they even tasted it.

And one more shot for inspiration while your oven's preheating ;).

What are you having for Thanksgiving dessert?  Do you like to keep it traditional or throw in a new recipe?

Tomorrow I'll be showing another snapshot of the s-l-o-w progress in the guest room.  We'll get there someday!

XO,
  Sara

Black and Gold Tray

Welcome to another week at Nest Your Best!  Did you enjoy your extra hour of sleep?  I spent mine changing sheets at 4 am due to a certain toddler...sigh.

It's Monday again, but tomorrow is Election Day.  That's sort of like a holiday, right?  My son's out of school so we're counting it.

This past weekend I picked up the cutest little black and gold Moroccan tray.  It's true, I didn't need it, but it sure doesn't hurt the dresser on the upstairs landing.  It kind of brings in the eclectic, classy, rustic, chic thing I'm going for.  Is that even a style?  Who knows!  I just know what I like and the number one rule of decorating...surround yourself with what YOU like!  Who cares what the "pros" say!

Isn't it nifty?  It looks fab reflecting in the silver bowl...if I do say so myself!

 Anyone else scoop up anything noteworthy this weekend?  It's all about the little touches isn't it?  Don't get me wrong.  I love a big overhaul as much as the next gal, but sometimes a perfect little tray will do the trick...

I've got a scrumptious cake to share with you tomorrow so don't miss that!

Also, I'd like to give a quick "Hooray!" to my sis-in-law who abides in NYC and is finally with power and water again.  I know it was a rough week and we're all just so happy you are safe...even if your fridge has seen better days!  To all of you who are still struggling after Sandy (and reading this much later because of it), our continued support and prayers.

XO,
  Sara

Guest Room "Schedule"

Happy Friday everyone!  We survived a holiday week and are heading into the weekend.  Ahhh....

A few weeks ago I made over an old frame for the guest room/office project.  The room is s-l-o-w-l-y beginning to take shape.

I don't know about you, but when I travel, I like knowing the "plan".  Especially when I'm a houseguest.  My goal is always to fit in to my host's schedule as easily as I can and help out too.  It helps me stress less and plan fun activities for my family as well.  Maybe having a little one has made me this way!

So, I wanted to make a little "schedule" for the room.  I say "schedule" in quotes, because the goal is not to plan out my guests' itinerary, but to simply share with them the things we have going on so they can plan around them.  For example, when the Little Man has school, what time we need to leave for church on Sunday, etc.  Our guest room is going to get a W.O.R.K.O.U.T this holiday season, so I'm trying to plan ahead as much as possible!

I'll show you what I mean...

I started with this frame that holds 6 photos.  Look at my little baby!  Time flies!

I took the photos and the mat out and inserted scrapbook paper I trimmed to fit.  I wanted something that brought a little pattern and color, but nothing that would be too hard to read writing on.

Then, I hung it on the back of the guest room door with Command picture hangers.  That's it!

It's a quick reference point for guests to see what's happening during their stay.  We try to leave our schedule as open as possible when we have guests, but life happens.  Especially when you have kids and sports.

So far, it's been a big hit!  Have you made anything neat and functional lately?  Could you use a "schedule" in your guest room?

Have a great weekend, friends!

The Halloween Aftermath

Good morning!  We are all suffering from sugar hangovers over here. 

 Repeat with me, "I will NOT eat any candy today".

We decided playing in all of our costumes was the best way to come down after an eventful Halloween week.  

How awesome is this guy?  Baby aviators?  Come on.  He was supposed to be the pilot this year, but the dragon won out.  Maybe next year...

The rooster from last year.  I love this costume.  I want one in my size.  It just looks so comfy.

                                                         
                      And the dragon.  "Stomping through the woods."  His words, not mine.

It was a good Halloween, but we are now in November.  Flip your calendars, put away your jack-o-lanterns, and dust off your pilgrims and turkeys.  Time for my favorite holiday.  No gimmicks, no commercialism, just gratitude.  We can always use some of that.  (I'd be grateful if the Mister would not leave his orange shorts on the floor...just sayin')

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget to become a follower.  I'd be ever so grateful!

XO,
  Sara

Halloween Tablescape

Happy Halloween Friends...a little bit late.  I started this post in time to get it to you on Halloween, but it just didn't happen.  Things got crazy around here!

This is my 10 minute tablescape.  Literally.  Between preschool drop-off, picking out a fall book to read for Little Man's party later, cutting up fruit for the party, getting myself looking presentable, I had 10 minutes to create a fun table for our Halloween supper.

This might be a new thing for us.  Ten Minute Tables.  I like it.  I'm creating a new label for it right now!

I started with chalkboard chargers I made last spring.  I thought the black would lend a scary element...

Then, a few holiday themed words and drawings...

I used a strip of burlap for the runner and the same metallic pumpkins from my Fall Tablescape.

The gold pinecones I used throughout my home for fall were quick place card holders.  The place cards are just construction paper and chalk with the initial of the guest.

This cute printable was a Pinterest find.  Popping it in a frame made an instant centerpiece.

The mercury glass candle holders are from Pottery Barn.  I LOVE them.  You will be seeing more of them this Christmas...

I placed a couple leftover white craft pumpkins on top of the candle sticks because I couldn't track down the right candles in my 10 minutes.  I think I like this look better!

I'm a firm believer in using it if you have it.  We were so fortunate to have been gifted lots of china when we got married and I use it baby!  Even if we're just having chili and cornbread.  Why not, right?

Well, there you have it.  Not bad for 10 minutes, eh?  How was everyone's Halloween?!?  My little guy really raked in the candy.  There is no way we could ever eat it all!  Not that I want to try!  He was really in to it this year.  So cute when they start getting the concepts of each holiday...

 Enjoy the sugar come down today!

Source List

Candle Sticks - Pottery barn

White Pumpkins - Michaels

Silver Pumpkins - Hobby Lobby

Chargers - DIY

Polka Dot plates - Kate Spade

China Bowls - Wedgewood

Runner - DIY

Napkins - Tuesday Morning

Framed Art - Pinterest Printable

Pinecones - Michaels