Sugar and Spice

Oh wait and a little chocolate. This is what I've been up to this afternoon.

Chocolate candy cane hearts inspired by Sharnel and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Grahams. I should have gone to the store and gotten some pretty bigger flake Fleur de Sel but Little and I weren't in the mood. We stayed in played, colored and did a little treat making. Much more fun, plus I had the dreaded laundry.

For some reason all of the holiday goodies that I've decided to make are all chocolate. Hot Chocolate on a stick is next on my list, doesn't that just sound yummy?

It's that kind of day

It's gloomy and cold today in Phoenix and that makes us Phoenicians giddy with excitement. We get pull out all the stops with scarves and jackets that rarely see the light of day. In honor of our gray day I've decided to post some pretties that all feature gray.

{images via: Martha Stewart, House Beautiful, unknown via Delight by Design, This is Glamourous and Martha Stewart}

The perfect door

I just saw this picture at The Lettered Cottage and had to post it. Chippy paint on a barn door makes my heart go pitter pat. I'm sure it will be the star in a happy dream tonight.

{Cottage Living Dream Home 2007}

Do you all like Mark Bittman?

This cookbook has totally made it's way on to my must-read list. I really like Mark Bittman, so I had to read the reviews on Amazon and it looks like a goodie. Any of you have it? Do tell.

I'm a carnivore, I will eat beef, chicken, fish, pork, duck (my favorite), not a huge fan of lamb; but you get the picture. My only thing is that I try to eat meat sparingly. I try to eat it no more than once a day and not a lot of it. Sometimes it's more and sometimes it's less but when I go out to dinner I almost always order red meat because we rarely cook it at home. I think I need a few more tricks up my sleeve to make my meat-free meals a bit more appealing to the rest of the crowd in my house, namely Mr. SFD. The kids rarely eat meat unless it's of the processed chicken variety, gag. (Maybe one of these days they'll grow out of it.) So where do you all stand on the meatless meals?

How are you feeling?

How's the weather in your neck of the woods? Does it feel like Christmas yet?

{image from Sea Legs Snapshots Flickr via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

I heart Sue

Apparently so does everyone else. She makes me laugh every time! Check out Sue Sylvester's 20 Outrageous Quotes, I can't decide which one I like better...''I don't trust a man with curly hair. I can't help picturing small birds laying sulfurous eggs in there, and I find it disgusting.''''I am going to create an environment so toxic no one will want to be part of that club. Like the time I sold my house to a nice young couple and salted the earth in the backyard so that nothing could grow there for 100 years. Know why I did that? Because they tried to get me to pay their closing costs.''

{via ew.com}

Busy, busy here

I'm sure we're all in the same boat this crazy month of December. Yesterday my little (well he's 21, that's little to me) brother had an emergency appendectomy so while I was at the hospital I read some commentary from a mom regarding the holidays. She made me laugh because we've all been there, burning your cookies for the bake sale because you're online researching the best deal for that must-have toy. It was sad that it took a hospital visit for me to slow down for a minute and enjoy the company of some of my favorite people, my family. I know we're all stretched a bit thin this time of year, make sure you take a few minutes to snuggle with your kids, pets or significant other because really this time of year is magical. Think back, I'm sure lots of your favorite memories we created during December and I say it's time to make a few more!

On another fun note a couple of weeks ago I talked about peppermint topiaries that we had been making for a school event, while I don't want to ruin the surprise here are a few candylicious ideas that I found at TomKat Studio to get you by. Our topiaries don't look quite like these but they're just as fun.

{image from Creative Hostess via TomKat Studio}

Lizzie Fortunato Jewels for Urban Outfitters

Please tell me am I the last person on the planet to realize that the uber-cool duo of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels has a collection at Urban Outfitters?

Bracelet and necklace you are mine, especially you necklace!

Bows

Sigh, I still am loving bows.

{image via Garance Dore, J.Crew via Jaimee Rose}

How was the weekend?

It's official the Christmas season is here and I'm dying to know how you filled your long weekend. Cookie baking, shopping, movie watching? Do tell. Friday I shopped, Saturday I was a sports spectator and yesterday I did my decorations. Well I should say most of them, there are lots of boxes and totes strewn about and I'm going to pretend I don't see them until tonight. I have lots of last minute details to wrap up for the school event today so this afternoon the house and I have a long awaited date. I didn't really do much damage at all on Friday but I did come away with some gorgeous Wendy Addison glass glittered letters from Domestic Bliss to redo my front door wreath. I want it to look something like this. I'm thinking I would prefer something a bit less simple but I love the general idea. When I'm out running errands today I'll pick up some new ribbon for it. So let's chat it up what's going on?

Are you doing it?

I'm going to brave the stores today. I'm thinking it will be a bit more tame than some of you bargain hunters! I think what's on our list is a few local shops. I'm not looking for anything in particular but it's kind of fun to be out in the hustle and bustle don't ya think? I'm thinking a Gingerbread Latte and Christmas music are in order first thing this morning. While we're on the subject of Christmas I'm dreaming of a pink one this year.

Since I'm the only girl in the house I know it will never happen but it would sure be fun!

{images via Martha Stewart and Just Be Splendid}

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope your day is the kind where nothing burns, the company is fabulous and it ends with you snuggling with someone wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving friends!

xo - Sarah

Dining Rooms

In honor of Thanksgiving here are a few tables that I wouldn't mind eating a meal or two at.

Rooms via Living Etc, Home Sweet Home and House Beautiful

Thanksgiving already?

If you've been wondering where I am I'm still in my little corner of the world going crazy. Last week I wasn't feeling well and I went to the doctor so now after some antibiotics and lots of rest I'm feeling much better. I'm still mourning the loss of all of my saved images for the blog. :( Boo! When I have time I usually try to scour the internet finding things that I adore so when I go to write I have something pretty to inspire me or images to use. Sadly I've got nothing. One of these days when I have a couple spare hours maybe I'll be able to stock some up.

I just have to say I can't believe Thanksgiving is already this Thursday!! Wow. I'm dying to know what's your signature family dish on Thanksgiving. So in the spirit of the holiday let's share.

{image via Martha}

Blog Crush : Full House

My latest blog crush is on Full House. She has lots of style and she lives in town. I want to be her friend. Check out her paper sunburst mirror tutorial, I think a Christmas tree covered with these babies would be oh so pretty.

{via Jaimee Rose}

WWW Daily, sigh.

Thank you Who What Wear I would like it all please. Just what I need more items for my wish list.

Problem solved

Whew. I'm finally back. Hard drive crashes then add to that little to no extra time and all my pretty images gone leaves me and the bloggity blog feeling quite bleak. Thankfully I'll be back but probably not too much this week.

I'm hosting a baby shower on Sunday and I'm up to my eyeballs in peppermint topiaries for an event at Big's school. I'm really wishing I was hanging out at this table, glass of wine in hand of course. So what's new with you peeps tell me something wonderful!

{image via House Beautiful}

Art-O-Mat

I just read about the first local Art-O-Mat, it's the coolest thing ever! I was surprised that I haven't heard about it before (at least in my corner of blogland). Artists sell their work in vintage repurposed cigarette vending machines. Ones that look like this.

Isn't it beyond? You have no idea how much I love it. If you're local go check it out at Vision Gallery in Chandler, I may just be heading in the tomorrow. I don' t want the supply to run out!

Houston we have a problem

For some reason this morning my computer died. I'm hoping between all of my computer saavy family members there might be a resurrection happening sometime tonight. Cross your fingers peeps!

Speaking of sparkly

Wow. What do you think they're having for dinner?

{via Skona Hem}

Good day

I woke up in an insanely good mood. Let's hope it sticks. It's been one of those weeks where I'm really tired of feeling grumpy.

{image via BHG}

Justification

When I got my latest Urban Outfitters catalog I was smitten with a good many things in it. This sparkly beauty being at the top of my list. I love it but my problem with these fun items is that I'm a mom. My day usually consists of cleaning, going to school, park/errands and pilates for work, nothing exciting.

{Don't worry I would never style this tank as a dress, I would pair it with skinnies of course}

So you think with the holidays coming up I can justify something sparkly and fun for the (non-existent at this point) party invitations? Or maybe just date night with Mr. SFD?

Kathryn Ireland fabric

While I wish I could say I spent more time researching the coolest stuff to post here on this blog, usually my time is spent emailing or reading very intellectual stuff like Perez. So I wondered where I have been when I spotted the Kathryn Ireland fabrics on Elements of Style this morning.

These fabrics were calling my name when I saw them this morning. Aren't they pretty?

PS

Oh and while we're on the subject of Williams Sonoma I really think this acorn twine holder would be perfect in my stocking at Christmas this year.

{Hint hint: Honey that's for you. I know you think it's silly but you know how I like little kitchen pretties.}

Little Thanksgiving helper

Last week I walked into Williams Sonoma and it felt like a cruel joke. Inside was all warm and toasty, it felt like fall and outside it was triple digits. In November. Yuck. I went in hoping they would have their mulled cider to sample but instead they were sampling Focaccia Stuffing.

It was really good, but somehow it totally feels like cheating buying something like that. Do you guys cheat or do you dry your own bread and the whole nine yards? I'm curious where you draw the line with Thanksgiving dinner. Is everything from scratch or do you get help along the way?

Stephanie Kao

Handpainted ceramic pretties from Stephanie Kao.

Ralph Lauren Holiday Scent

This is the BEST holiday fragrance out there. Just smelling it makes me happy.

Warm, spicy and not too sweet. You must run out and get it at your local Ralph Lauren.

{I would have linked it but it's not on their site.}

Happy Monday

Happy Monday peeps! Wow, this weekend has been whirlwind which I'm sure you can tell by my lack of posts.

{Did you all love this home in Country Living as much as I did?}

My sisters flew in from Kansas City so we had a great family weekend with lots of fun and yesterday afternoon my mom and I took in Swan Lake. Lots to keep me busy and now I have lots of laundry to do since I didn't get a chance to do it this weekend. So please fill me in what's up with you?

Boo hoo!

Today was my last day at The Invitation Lady {hopefully just for awhile} so expect to see a few more event, wedding and party posts here.

I will still have to get my fix.

See all my greatest hits here.

Stripey

I'll take the day with a side of stripes please.

{images via Belle Maison, Australian House and Garden via Delight by Design, Skona Hem, Domino and via My Life My Loves}

Paint ideas?

Opening this up to anyone with great paint suggestions. I have a powder room that is painted Martha Stewart's Barn red. It was one of her colors when her paint line was at Sherwin Williams. At the time (when we built our house) I loved it and as with all trends now I'm really ready to see it go. In my dreams we would have wainscoting and wallpaper in the WC but that's not really an affordable option so I'm thinking paint.

My mom and I had a brainstorming sesh and thought brown would be a nice option but I'm still on the fence. P-p-please any ideas or pics you could send my way would be extremely helpful, I'm plum out of ideas.

PS - My house is all warm colors and grays and blues are great as suggestions as long as they have a warmer undertone. I need all the help I can get, I'm stumped.

Did you watch?

Even though we don't fall back TV does so last night I stayed up until midnight so I could watch the Drapers in action. I was glad I did, did you watch?

I just started watching Mad Men this season and I love it. Don and Betty are so interesting with their dichotomy of character. You love and loathe them at the same time. Lots of good dramz last night and I don't want to give it all away if you didn't watch it so we can discuss in comments. What are they going to do???