New Year's already?

Unfortunately the reason I haven't been posting isn't because I've been off doing something fun or glamorous, I've been home sick in bed with the flu.  So annoying to be home when it's prime time for having fun.  I'm getting awfully tired of my bed. 

So what's the plans for this evening?  A fun night out with friends, dinner somewhere posh or a family party spent at home?

{image via Design Sponge}

Were you naughty or nice?

Morning friends! Did Santa bring you everything you wished for? We had a great, laid back Christmas. The kids had the BEST time (of course) and we had a great time watching them have fun. My favorite part has been that the boys have been so busy playing with their new toys and each other that we've all spent a good portion of our weekend in our jammies. I did do a little post holiday shopping yesterday and surprisingly came away with lots of deals. I finally found my black blazer at H&M which will be perfect for a New Years celebration. Thankfully for everyone the after Christmas letdown has been pretty minimal.

So tell me what your favorite gift you received was, here's ours:

Me: Kindle!! (Which of course led me to the what cover dilemma and for once practicality won over fashiony goodness.)

Big: The black Wii (he insists that a white Wii is just a Wii, because it's the original. The red and black ones must be prefaced with their color. Strange, but ok...)

Little: Mater's Monster Truck Wrastlin' (Cars obsession continues.)

Mr. SFD: ??

Tell me all about your holiday, try any new recipes, find some smokin' post Christmas deals??

Eat it :: Foster's Homemade Granola

Christmas mornings are spent at my parents. At Mom's Santa brings your gifts all set up and ready to play with. The kids play with their gifts while the adults attempt to wake up (usually after a late night of elf duty) with their coffee, then we open gifts one by one in age order. The youngest starts and everyone gets a chance to ooh and ahh over each person's present. After all of the gifts are opened we have a big Christmas brunch of my mom's most delicious Eggs Benedict. The only problem with this is as kids the first course was usually the goodies that were in our stockings; for some reason it took us years to wise up and we decided we needed a more substantial snack before brunch. So we came up with yogurt parfaits with homemade granola. Specifically the Foster's Market recipe. It's delish and I'll admit I skip the last step and don't add the dried fruit, not because I don't like dried fruit just because I want to get my hands on it! Here's the recipe just in case you decide you need yogurt and granola on Christmas morning too.

Foster's Homemade Granola
Makes about 6 cups

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1 cup sliced almonds1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

¼ cup canola or safflower oil, plus more for greasing the pan

¾ cup maple syrup

¼ cup honey

½ cup dried cherries or cranberries

½ cup dried apricots, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.

2. Spread the oats, coconut, and almonds on a large baking sheet with sides. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients are lightly toasted but not yet golden. Transfer the ingredients to a large bowl.

3. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Lightly grease the baking sheet with oil or spray with vegetable oil spray.

4. Stir the maple syrup, oil, and honey together in a small bowl, pour over the oats, nuts, and coconut, and toss to coat evenly. Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the granola is just crispy and golden brown, stirring several times while baking. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet, breaking up any large clumps while it is still warm.

5. When the granola has cooled completely, add the cherries and dried apricots and toss to mix. In an airtight container, this will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Vintage Santas

I found this picture last year right after Christmas and saved it until this year. I almost forgot all about it, whoops. We have one of these, it's from my husband's grandparents house and he loves it. I've always kind of thought, "Hmmm, where are we going to put this?" But thankfully I've come around to loving Santa Baby as long as he's hanging out somewhere en masse. Now I just need to find a couple of more of these.

I could kick myself because I did see one at an antiques store but didn't buy it because I had just purchased something else and couldn't justify buying two things. Of course I went back the following week and figured if it was still there it was meant to be. Well I was s.o.l. and after Christmas I'll be combing eBay and Goodwills to see if my Santa can find some friends.

{image credits? I didn't save them, if you know shoot me an email!}

Tropical vacay anyone?

I know it's Christmas but for some reason I keep coming back to this photo and it makes me want to hop on a plane somewhere tropical.

Mojitos anyone?

{via Desire to Inspire}

Love it :: RED

Just a little red vi.sualize roundup. It is my favorite color and it's Christmas after all.

What are you doing during break?

How was your weekend peeps? Mine was good, great in fact. A family dinner and Sunday night was a Christmas carol filled night driving around looking at lights. The only low point was I missed my best girl and her Mr.'s 12 Tastes of Christmas party. That would have been a good one I know. Such a cute idea and their parties always fun. A hilarious couple and they always have amazing eats. Maybe they'll have it again next year (hint hint).

The kids are home from school and you know what this means. It's not usually holiday fellowship and cheer. I will cross my fingers that their happiness at playing together lasts until at least tomorrow. Oh and if I see another cookie I might turn into a cookie because I ate so many this weekend. Note to self: no cookie baking. What other Christmasy activities can we do? Ideas?

{prettiness via Pink Wallpaper}

Santa Photobooth? Love it!

Rats! Why didn't I see this sooner? Big has his Christmas party at school today and I think that this would have been a huge hit. A bunch of littles clowning with Santa accessories would have been too cute...next year.

Cute and not to mention easy all you have to do is print and cut.

{Hostess with the Mostess via Kim Vallee}

Finally feeling it

This is the last week of school for Big and Little is already on holiday break. I'm actually looking forward to the excitement of the the Christmas holiday. Finally! I've been feeling rather Grinchy. Top that with a bad winter cold and it doesn't make for a very happy camper.

But that's changing this week. I'm pretty excited because my little brother is coming home for Christmas from boot camp in a few days. We've missed him. So while I wait I'm going to wrap presents, do some baking and get tackle some projects around the house. I kinda feel like I'm waiting for Santa too!

{image via We Heart It}

New Balance

Several months ago I was contacted by New Balance to see if I would be interested in being a guest editor. Ummm, hello. Of course, flattered! So here's a little about me, the fitness me that you don't hear too much about!

My take on Fitness What I'm dying to try in the new year, Motivation A few of my favorite rewards and Time some Big and Little time in the kitchen.

Thank you so much New Balance for having me!

Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Shopbop Giveway is comment number 2o Laura!!

Yippee!! You'll have to fill me in on what you get with your gift certificate!

(Sorry for the confusion..I'm sucking with dates lately)

On the fence

I really have no idea why I've been wanting a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins. Doesn't really seem to go with the style I usually favor but they look so comfy and I just rolled out of bed cool.

To moc or not?

My weekend

So here I am Monday morning thinking, "Oh no...I've not a single gift. Crap." This is the week peeps, I'm going to get my Christmas shopping all done. For the past couple of years I've been on an school event committee that takes up a big chunk of time in the couple of weeks leading up to it. We had the Winter Wonderland event this past weekend and it was super cute if I do say so myself. Snow, Santa, breakfast, boutique, games, treats, a street hockey tournament, it's got any wintry fun you could ask for. The kids wished that they could go again on Sunday so that makes me happy. Always leave them wanting more right? Well it left me exhausted. I went to bed at 6:30 Saturday night.

Thankfully I'm now rested and ready to tackle all of the housework and laundry that has been piling up on me. Well not really ready because the piles look so daunting but I think a few cups of coffee might perk me up to tackle it...maybe. How was your weekend? Make me jealous and tell me that you've finished all your shopping and your house is all shiny.

{image from JCrew}

Organic Junk

Last night my son asked for Pop-Tarts, he informed me that there are all sorts of flavors. He's tired of the flavor that I buy and he wants the Pop-Tart brand. I tried to go the non-confrontational brush off route with the standard mom line, "We'll see". To which he replied, "It's not fair you never buy anything with hydronated oil". Cute that he sorta really knew my no way ingredient.

{my boys would be in heaven if this showed up at our door, sorry guys not happening.}

So then I explained that while I do my very best not to buy food with partially hydrogenated oil I let him eat stuff with it in it from time to time. Then I also explained that I still do buy treat food, I just check the ingredients and it can't be just any old junk. He wasn't buying my explanation on the whys though. So tell me where do you draw the line? I don't kid myself about organic processed food being "better" because hey a toaster pastry is a toaster pastry...except for those icky few ingredients. Yes, No? My feeling is a treat is a treat but I try to at least buy the best ones that I can when we're feeling treaty.

Love it :: Photo Wreath

I think this photo wreath is the cutest thing going.

{image via Decor8}

Shopbop Giveaway :: Alice + Olivia

Just in time for the holidays! Shopbop is giving away a $100 gift card right here on Sarah's Fab Day. Whoo hoo, right?! Gotta love a giveaway and just in time for getting something cute for those holiday parties. If I were picking I would choose one of these bitchin Alice + Olivia jackets...or maybe one of their dresses, I don't know. They're all fabulous!

And to make sure we follow all the rules go ahead and leave a comment with your favorite from the following Shopbop categories. Flats, Tapeet, Thigh High Boots or Designer Clothing Sale.

Oh and very important - please make sure you leave an email address or make sure your profile is linked so I can contact you if you win.

To make things fun if you decide to blog or tweet about the $100 gift card you can link it and get two more chances to win.

The contest ends December 8th.

The icky portion, the restrictions: • No affiliate codes. (If you're part of Shopbop's affiliate program, you can't get credit for this post.)• No Pennsylvania bloggers. (International is great! Shopbop offers free worldwide delivery in 3 days or less!)

Whatcha been doing?

If you're like me there's been a lot of eating and decorating going on. But it all started Tuesday with Big's Thanksgiving Feast and him starring as Safe Boy in an original first grade fire safety play.

{Big brushing up on his lines for the play}

Followed up with Wednesday cooking and Thursday's traditional family and turkey eating day. The big day of course has no pictures, oops.

{Insert photo here: Pretend it's me eating a gigantic plate of starchy food}

Then there's Friday's ASU game. Dad took both Big and Little to the game and I went home and started the decorations. Seriously how lucky am I? I almost felt guilty going home from tailgating all alone.

{The fab four, Littles with their cousins}

{Oh and yes if you're wondering Little beats to his own drummer. He's sporting the Eminem look}

Then there was the Friday night tree decorating, (as you can see most of the ornaments are concentrated at the bottom), Christmas song singing, hot chocolate drinking extravaganza. Whew, I was tired after all of that but it's a four day marathon people, we have lots to do!

Saturday morning my sweet sister came over and kindly offered (well I pushed her out the door) to take the kids to the park so Mr. SFD and I could get all of the Christmas boxes back up in storage. In honor of Christmas being out and boxes put away Mr. made some Merry Christmas Margaritas. After a little afternoon lie in watching a movie we decided to go head to downtown Tempe to go to their local light parade. Thankfully we got there early to snag some front row seats.

{Me and my sweet sister who will put up with me and my shrimps}

To round out the weekend on Sunday we went to church, we had a family birthday party, a holiday decorating pit stop at my sister-in-law's and then we went to my parents to decorate gingerbread boys and their tree. Whew. You tired yet?

{Their masterpieces}

{Big is quite the helper this year}

{Little decided that his Aunt's phone is far more fun than decorating}

I know it sounds like a lot but I have to tell you I (almost) enjoyed every minute of it. I don't know about you but my kids are ba-nanas right now with their excitement over the holidays. Even though I may get a little testy I just try to remember how exciting this time is for them. Right? I just need to keep repeating this mantra. Anyways I've really just come away from this family weekend, super thankful and happy. I hope yours was just as good!

Sweet Paul

This is hands down my favorite Fall image that I've seen this season.



Thank you Sweet Paul.

Eat it :: Oatmeal

I kind of fall in and out with oatmeal but when I read the way she makes it, it makes me want to try it! I just wonder if I could convince anyone else to eat it besides myself.

Maybe topped with the Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce recipe from my new cookbook?

{via Giver's Log}

Dillon Kyle

I spotted this house on Desire to Inspire by Dillon Kyle Architecture and now I have a major case of house envy.

You know me all anyone has to do is have some barn doors in their home and I have home envy. These are the perfect shade of grey no? I wonder who the designer and photo stylist were on this project?

The Invitation Lady

Have I told you that I'm back over at The Invitation Lady on Tuesdays and Thursdays?

Come check us out, we've missed you.

Hel-lo

Don't worry I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth but I've been quite busy. Along with my 2 hours of daily driving I've been in Kansas City for my sister's wedding, waited in a really long line to get my cookbook signed by Ina Garten and have been working on something pretty fun.

{image via Mary Ruffle}

So in honor of today's busy day I thought you all might like a few good things I've seen around the web.

Fun candy.

Some of the most gorgeously photographed food at Cannelle et Vanille.

Can't figure out what to wear? Copy cat it at Frugal Fashionista.

Modern Tattoos.

What's your color?

Still loving black. You?

{images via Garance Dore and House Beautiful}

Eat it :: More Pumpkin

You all may be getting tired of my pumpkin love affair but I heard Dorie Greenspan and Michele Norris talking about this pumpkin recipe on All Things Considered today and I couldn't help myself.

Seriously doesn't this look divine? The recipe is called Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good and by the looks of it I'll have to agree. You'll have to listen to the segment the way they talk about crispy bacon and the dish in general will make you swoon.

Hugs are good

I saw this today on Arianna Belle and had to share it. Simple and sweet, there's nothing better than that.

{photography by Elizabeth Messina}

Kiss your loved ones and hold them tight today friends

I adore November

Hi friends, how is your November treating you so far? Is everyone up their ears in the Fall deliciousness? I'm going to pretend it's nice and chilly (instead of a warm 92, grrr) tonight I'll be dining alfresco and I'll cross my fingers that I can wear a sweater or better yet my leopard faux fur jacket. Please tell me what you do to get ready for the upcoming holidays. Are you a planner or a procrastinator like myself? I keep wishing that someday I'll wake up with the organized gene. Maybe later I'll get around to putting away the Halloween decorations...maybe.

On another totally unrelated note I need your help. I don't often talk about my spiritual self because this blog is usually a place for pretty things and random musings but sometimes I just need to go there you know? A classmate of Big and also one of his best pals needs your prayers. I won't go into specifics but he suffering from a very serious medical condition and any prayers or positive energy sent toward him and his family would be so appreciated. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

{image from Junkgarden via Mary Ruffle}

Warm and Nesty

I really, really want to feel all warm and nesty but I haven't quite gotten to that point yet. I need a little more chill in the air to wear boots and crave hot chocolate. Is it silly that I get jealous of other places because I know they're already wearing boots? Oh Fall... Now with Halloween already over the next couple of months come at you like a ton of bricks. It's ok though I'm looking forward to what's coming next!

Yikes, I just realized I forgot to link the photography. As much as I would like to take credit for such lovely photos all these photos are not by me!

{Images via Mary Ruffle, misswallflower flickr, Country Living and We Heart It via Mary Ruffle}

Happy Halloween!

Hope your weekend is full of tricks and treats!

{via vi.sualize}

Thank you note

Dear Shoe Gods,

Thank you so much for giving me a husband who may snicker but understands the importance of the perfect, comfy, sparkly pair of shoes even when they are a little bit spendy.

Many, many thanks, Sarah


PS - I will wear these all winter long.