Twig Coasters

I love these handmade twig coasters from Martha Stewart. Wouldn't
they be great for a Thanksgiving table? Using the same idea, you could
make matching placemats! And, wouldn't they be pretty wrapped around
a glass candle holder as a centerpiece? I could even see spray painting
them to match your decor. Keep them natural at Thanksgiving, then
spray paint them red, silver or gold to use at Christmas.

Get the how-to here.

Happily Ever After

A year ago today, Jeff and I were having our engagement session at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Since then, a few things have changed. 

We went from a long distance relationship to (finally) living in the same ZIP code.

We moved in together and realized my tiny apartment wasn't big enough for the two of us.

We found a great place to rent that would be our first home together.

We adopted Kevin into our little family.

We got married!

We lived happily ever after. OK, maybe we haven’t quite hit ever after yet, but we’re definitely happy, and I'm looking forward to another great year.

Have a great weekend.

Last weekend Jeff and I took a boat cruise out on the lake. When we left the dock it was fairly warm and sunny, but clouds rolled in right after we were out of the cove (of course). Even though I was a little chilly, I still enjoyed exploring a part of the lake we hadn’t been before. I’m excited to go out again this weekend and see more leaves turning!

Here are some posts I enjoy from around the Web. Maybe you will, too.

A cozy place to sleep in the airport.

Ten words you need to stop misspelling.

Make your own fringy streamers!

Fun lipstick colors.

Print your own wooden invitations.

Very cool DIY orb light.

Giant paint by number.

Rosemary Lemonade Gin Slushes … Yum!

Make your own wall art.

I think I’m going to buy this e-book.

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Last week I was thumbing through the October issue of Country Living magazine and was inspired by their fun Halloween/pumpkin decorating ideas.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m one of those people who decorates for holidays too early. I just get excited and can’t help myself. I'm trying really hard to wait until Oct. 1 to put pumpkins on my patio. I guess it gives me time to plan which of these beauties I'll decorate with this year.

These gilded gourds and pumpkins make me swoon (top) (bottom).

Black and white pumpkins! I’m in love. Get the how-to here.

This bookshelf pumpkin tree made my jaw drop.

This decoupage pumpkin is genius.

See more of Country Living’s pumpkin decorating ideas here.

(photos via countryliving.com)

Glitter Nails

I loved summer's bright nails, but it's time to embrace fall (as if I haven't already: evidence #1, 2, 3, 4) and paint my nails for the season.

I've been wearing lots of gold jewelry lately so I wanted something to match it. I used OPI Bronzed to Perfection for the polish color, and then used gold glitter to add some sparkle.

It’s really easy to do.
1) pick your nail polish and glitter
2) paint two coats of the nail polish
3) apply top coat to the part of your nail where you want the glitter to go (I like the tips)
4) dip a separate small brush into the top coat, then into the glitter, and apply it to your nail
5) apply a top coat over your entire nail to seal the glitter in

Happy Autumn

Happy first day of fall! In honor of my favorite season I made this illustration.

If you'd like a printable PDFof it, leave a comment telling me your favorite part about fall, and email me at amanda.l.dewit@gmail.com. I'll attach the PDF in the reply.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Fall gives me an overwhelming desire to bake (especially pumpkin flavored things), so Sunday I made a pumpkin cheesecake. My mom makes the best cheesecake in the world so even though I was following Paula Deen's recipe, I used a few of her tricks. It turned out great!

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (just crush of the three sleeves that comes in a box)
• 3 T light brown sugar
• 1/2 t ground cinnamon
• 1 stick melted salted butter

Filling:

• 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 (15oz) can pureed pumpkin
• 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 c sour cream
• 1 1/2 c sugar
• 1/2 t ground cinnamon
• 1/4 t pumpkin pie spice
• 2 T all-purpose flour
• 1 t vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For crust:
In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

For filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add eggs one at a time. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.

Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 70 minutes. Remove from the oven (cheesecake will be very jiggly) and let sit until cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Get Paula’s recipe here. Watch Paula’s video here.

Pumpkin Spice for the Thrifty

About this time each year I start getting super excited for fall. Yes, the cooler temperatures are nice, but mostly, I just need to satisfy my year-long craving for a pumpkin spice latte.

Jeff and I walked by Starbucks the other day, and saw the pumpkin spice latte sign (thank you, Jesus!). Then he looks over and says, "You're gonna have a $35 Starbucks bill this week, aren't you?"

"No! Maybe ...," I said in an ashamed voice.

Well, I decided to make my husband (and wallet) happy by making a homemade version of my fall favorite.

Ingredients:

1 t vanilla

2 T sugar

1 C milk

1/4 t pumpkin pie spice

1.5 oz espresso (I used 1/4 C strong coffee)

Optional ingredient (for the morning drinker):

1 jigger whipped-cream-flavored vodka

Directions:

1. Brew your strong coffee or espresso.

2. In a small pan, combine vanilla, sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Pour coffee and milk mixture into mug

4. Add vodka, if desired (I'll never tell if I added it to mine at 9 a.m. or not) (OK, I did. So what, who cares?).

It wasn't exactly the same as Starbucks, but it was close and just as delicious. The best part was already having the ingredients in the house. Instead of about $5, it was basically free!

(Mug from PotteryBarn)



Fall Wish List

For the first time in months, it dropped below 85 degrees here. I’ve been wishing for fall for a few weeks now, and I’m so glad it’s on its way!

Over the long weekend, we had friends visiting from Minnesota – I think they brought the cooler air with them (THANK YOU). Now I’m wishing for some new chilly-weather pieces to fill my closet. Here are a few that’ll fit right in my budget. OK, OK, so the bag doesn’t, but it’s pretty and still going on my wish list.

1. scarf   2. sweater  3. necklace  4. polish  5. boots  6. bag  7. skirt