Christmas?!

 

Image: here

 

Can I just go ahead and say that it doesn't even feel like Christmas to me right now? Well it's two days away! It's not even like I'm scrambling around for gifts or trying to get things done. I've just been working so much lately that I haven't been keeping track of the days. I looked at the calendar this morning and received the shock of a lifetime...tomorrow is Christmas Eve! So if I don't talk to you guys beforehand, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

<3 Ashley

Four Favorites: Holiday Wishlist

SS Print || Perfume || iPhone Case

This week I am very excited to be co-hosting one of my favorite link-ups to participate in: Four Favorites! This link-up is hosted by Ashlyn of Let It Be Beautiful and Kristin of Fancy Things. This week's theme is your holiday wishlist. These are a few of the things I have been pining for the most since the gift giving season began:

iPhone case: Recently one of my favorite sites, The Everygirl, opened their online store with just a few affordable little gifts just in time for Christmas! One of my favorites is this iPhone case (available for the 4/4S/5/5S) with a wonderful quote!

SS Print: I am very open with the fact that I am a huge fan of Stephanie Sterjovski's lovely prints. One in particular that I can see perched on my wall is this beautiful ombré pink one with an Audrey Hepburn quote--I'm also a huge Audrey fan!

Twirl by Kate Spade: We sold this fragrance at work last year and every time I would work in the beauty department I would stop by this bottle and spritz a little on. I'm obsessed with it! 

Vinyl: One of the big things I asked for this year was a record player which has been confirmed. I currently only have one record (the My Fair Lady soundtrack) and would love some more to go along with my new player!

<3 Ashley

What's on your wishlist this Christmas?

Buying or DIY-ing

Image: here

I am happy to announce that fall semester is finally over! Commence the lovely three week holiday break leading up to the spring semester. Granted I will be spending this break working to make money for next semester, but I definitely still have time to hang out, have fun and relax. However, one thing gnawing on my brain is the fact that I still have one more gift to get and I'm not going to be getting a paycheck until next Friday...after Christmas. Therefore, I have a very limited budget on this one. The friend that this gift is for is definitely someone who values creative gifts so I know that she will definitely appreciate the DIY gift. I have until next Thursday to find a project and execute it! I can't say that I have done many DIY projects--I am unfortunately someone who drops the money and takes the easy way out--but I look forward to giving a creative and personal gift; especially since this year marks 15 years of friendship!

<3 Ashley

Do you DIY or buy your gifts? Do you have any favorite DIY projects?

Currently

Since I'm so busy lately and still want to do at least a few posts this week, I figured today I would bust out a short but still very fun post about what I am currently up to...like right now. As we speak. So I am currently...

listening to: "Just Want You To Know" -Backstreet Boys (Note: going to see them tonight here on campus and I'm already fangirling pretty hard!)
eating: Nothing :( But I am drinking some nice water...
wearing: My long, comfy gray sweater and yoga pants
working on: Blogging aside, I am studying for finals. Rhetorical Process to be exact!
loving: My gift from my Secret Santa! Those pillows in the picture up there ^^^^ very festive!
disliking (because hate is a strong word!): Everything about the music video for "Saturday" by Rebecca Black. Like just stop...

<3 Ashley

What are you doing currently?

Holiday Gift Ideas for Her

1.) Royal Blue Swing dress via Tidal Cool Creations

2.) Vienna Victoria bracelet www.viennavictoria.com

3.) Faux Croc Leather Pants via Tidal Cool Creations

4.) Bracelet via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com

5.) Pillows via Charisma Home Decor, www.charismahomedecor.com

6.) Heels via She Palace www.shepalace.com

7.) Heels via She Palace www.shepalace.com

8.) Bracelet via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com

9.) Necklace via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com 

Hey all! Can I just go on record for a minute and say that I have already lost my mind due to finals. Seriously...I'm going a little crazy. As of last night I cannot even focus--the Disney sing-a-long that occurred in our room last night was proof of that. It was a nice little stress reliever though (if you ever find yourself crazy stressed, belting "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas helps!) Today's a new day and I have exactly one week until my first finals. I just need to organize my mind and develop some solid study habits. Time to prioritize!

Anyway, with Christmas coming up I'm sure I'm not the only one searching high and low for the perfect gifts. Above are just a few ideas for the lovely ladies in your life. I for one am a huge fan of the jewelry! You may recognize #2 from Vienna Victoria from this post here. That's still on my own wishlist!

<3 Ashley

So Secret

Image: here

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is the inevitable Secret Santa. We are currently doing one on the floor--gift exchange is this Saturday! I know a lot of people get a little freaked out by it because there is a good chance that you will get someone that you don't know all that well. I think that's the fun part though! That means you can get a little more creative with the gift. Just take one thing you know about the person and go crazy with it!

This year is the first year I've had to shop for a guy, and while we talk and hang out a lot I can't say that I do know too much about him. I do know that he is a Philadelphia Eagles fan though and so with that little piece of information I have gone wild. Every part of this gift has something to do with football, has an Eagles logo or is simply the team colors. I don't think Secret Santa gifts are really the kind that need to be too heartfelt anyway; it's all about fun and surprise!

<3 Ashley

Are you and your friends doing a Secret Santa this year?

It's December

Image: here

Words cannot describe how happy I am to see December again! I love the holiday season so much. Thanksgiving was wonderful; it was great to see family and some friends over the break and of course the dinner wasn't half bad either! Then I went out for Black Friday at midnight WITHOUT a pre-shopping nap and didn't physically harm someone like I thought I would. Instead I did a majority of my Christmas shopping. I got gifts for my brother, one of my good friends and the person on my floor that I picked for Secret Santa (and that gift's a good one!)

Now I'm back to school and ready to buckle down for finals week before I get to go home again in two weeks. Of course with the long break comes work. I cannot say I'm looking forward to that little bit, but you gotta do what you gotta do. But before I even start thinking about the highs and lows of Christmas...I need to get through finals!

<3 Ashley

How was your Thanksgiving? What are you looking forward to in December?

A Little Holiday Spirit

Image: here

It's November 19 and I am officially in the holiday mood. Next week is Thanksgiving and I am so excited to go home and see all my friends and family. I'm pretty sure I've been booked everyday of the week! Usually I don't get too celebratory until Thanksgiving is actually upon us, but I think the excitement I am feeling this year about just going home has sparked an early enthusiasm in me. I mean...I'm listening the Pandora Christmas station as I type this. All I need is the week to move just a little bit faster so that I can get to the holiday festivities on the other side!

<3 Ashley

Are you excited for the holidays? Have you gotten in the spirit yet?

Four Favorites + A Beautiful Day

Print || Door Hanger || Umbrella || Nail Polish

Happy Hump Day everybody! The weather in Pittsburgh today is the stuff of legend--seriously it is GORGEOUS outside. Honestly I think the sun and warmth are responsible for my good attitude; I have an exam today...I should not be this peppy! Anyway, we're halfway through the week which means it's time to link up with Let It Be Beautiful and Fancy Things for Four Favorites! This week is random favorites. Here are a few of the things that have caught my eye in the past few weeks. 

- I don't think there is anyone who doesn't love Stephanie Sterjovski's prints. I love this one from her holiday collection. Also just made available are prints done with Glitter Guide which I already love as well!

- The door hanger says it all. This applies to my entire semester: if I could be in Paris rather than in class that would be ideal.

- This Burberry umbrella is definitely out of my budget, but that doesn't mean I can't stare at it online for hours. Burberry + leopard = wonderful!

- Fall is here which means my nails are going deep: blues, reds and greens. Bordeaux is my favorite nail color to wear in the fall!

I hope you all have a lovely day!

<3 Ashley

What are you loving this week? Join the link up by click on the button below!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Yes, I am still up enjoying the wee hours of Christmas morning. I just wanted to take some time and wish you all a happy holiday before I spend my entire day with family eating, giving gifts, and watching A Christmas Story. I hope that you all enjoy your day with your families and the gifts that you receive.

Enjoy,
<3 Ashley

Stocking Stuffers

In the past week that I have been back working at Kohl's I have been told over and over again by my customers that the most difficult part of the Christmas shopping is the stocking stuffers! I have gotten to thinking about it as well and I agree; the big gifts and gift cards are way easier than those little extras. So here is a list for all of you last minute holiday shoppers (and I know there are plenty!)

1. Nail Polish/Manicure Set You can pick some of these up at stores like Target and Kohl's for under $10

2. Neat Stationary I always find some neat notepads and stationary in the bins at Michael's craft store.

3. Earbuds You don't necessarily need to get the best out there. I have never had a pair of earbuds that last more than a year (in fact, the left side of my current ones just fizzled out!) So you can always gift these to someone knowing that eventually they will need them.

4. Candy This really needs no explanation.

5. Ornaments Handmade or store bought, a lovely new ornament to add to the tree is a nice thing to find in your stocking.

These are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling for you last minute stuffers! I am sure that if you look hard enough you will be able to find other things. There really is no rule, it all just depends on whose stocking it is going into. 

In the event that I remain inactive on here through Christmas I hope that it is a merry one for you! Don't fret, I will definitely be back on before New Years....we have resolutions to talk about! 

<3 Ashley

What do you like in your stocking?

Christmas Cookie: Double Chocolate Biscotti

Sorry, once again I have been a little flighty with updating the blog. Between work and the excitement of the holiday and seeing everyone I have not been able to find much time. Plus, I am planning big changes for the site. The New Year will bring many lovely things I think. To make amends to you for my slight absence, I am pulling out the recipe for, possibly, my absolute favorite dessert for the holidays: double chocolate biscotti. Yummy! So good with coffee after a big Christmas dinner.

Here's what you need:

- 1/2 cup softened butter

- 2/3 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 tsp. baking powder

- 2 eggs

- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 4 (1 ounce) squares white chocolate

- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

And what to do:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in cocoa and baking powder. Beat for two minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in flour by hand. Mix in white chocolate and chocolate chips. Cover dough and chill for about 10 minutes.

- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Divide dough into two parts, roll each part into 9 inch long log. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet, about four inches apart. Flatten slightly.

- Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center will come out clean. Cool for five minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling for one hour.

- Cut into 1/2 inch wide diagonal pieces. Place slices on ungreased cookie sheet, bake at 325 degrees F for nine minutes. Turn cookies over and bake for 7-9 minutes. Cool completely and enjoy! Store in air tight container. Makes about 36 cookies.

I hope that you all try this and enjoy it as much as I do! I am an absolute sucker for anything chocolate and this certainly does the job. :)

<3 Ashley

Christmas Cookies: Chocolate-Espresso Snowcaps

Fa-la-la-la-la finals :| Sorry...this inhabits my thoughts lately. I have my first one tomorrow at 8 AM in a class that I do not do the best in. Getting me up that early is automatically setting me up for failure. But I will try to remain confident. In any event...new cookie recipe for all! I found this one courtesy of Martha Stewart.

What you need:

- 1/2 cup all purpose flour

- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 4 tsp. instant espresso

- 1 tsp. baking powder

- 1/8 tsp. salt

- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter

- 2/3 cups packed, light brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

- 1 tbsp. milk

- confectioner's sugar to coat

What to do:

- In a medium bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, espresso, baking powder and salt. With an electric mixer cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg until well combined; mix in cooled chocolate. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture; beat in milk until combined. Flatten dough into a disk and wrap in plastic. Freeze until firm (about 45 minutes).

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Pour confectioners sugar into a medium bowl and roll the balls in the sugar.

- Place two inches apart on baking sheet. Bake until cookies have spread and cracked about 12-14 minutes. Cool and enjoy! Makes 18 cookies

<3 Ashley

Christmas Cookies: White-Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

Here's a great recipe for some delicious cookies :)

Here's what you need:

- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries; drained and finely chopped

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1 cup cold butter

- 12 oz. white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter; finely chopped

- 1/2 tsp. almond extract

- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

- 2 tsp. shortening

- White nonpareils and/or edible glitter (optional)

Here's what you do:

- Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Spread cherries on paper towel and drain well.

- In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate. Stir in almond extract and, if desired, food coloring. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball.

- Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.

- Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.

- In a small saucepan, combine remaining 8 ounces white chocolate and the shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, roll dipped edge in nonpareils and/or edible glitter. Place cookies on waxed paper until chocolate is set. Makes about 60.

I am excited to try making these for myself! Hope you try them and give some feedback :) For this recipe and more go here

<3 Ashley

Christmas Cookies: Snickerdoodles

During a week like this one, it makes me happy that I have days like today. Two classes, one early and one late. It really makes me feel like I have a generally good day to myself. I have this time to edit a paper, come up with some more blog post topics, and finish my Mass Communications note cards (Study! Study! Study!) Tuesdays and Thursdays are truly my 'Get It Done!' days and I am truly grateful that I have those days. Next semester, I may not be so lucky but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

Today's cookie recipe is a personal favorite of mine: Snickerdoodles! So far, nothing can beat my aunt's 'doodles, but this recipe does at least look promising. During a season of gingerbread and sugar cookies, snickerdoodles are what makes me happiest with a mug of cocoa (of which I may also have a recipe for!)

Here is what you need:

- 1/2 cup of softened butter

- 1 cup and 2 tbsp. granulated sugar; divided

- 1 egg

- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 tsp. baking soda

- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

And here's what you do:

- In a large bowl, cream butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. In a small bowl combine cinnamon and remaining sugar.

- Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 30 cookies.

This recipe here

I am going home in just a week, so I will have plenty of time to fill my kitchen with cookies upon cookies. Yes, I am that girl (the one who will also be wearing a Christmas sweater and singing 'Jingle Bell Rock' while baking!) Have a lovely day today.

<3 Ashley

Who makes the best cookies in your family?

Christmas Cookies: Gingerbread Man

I thought to kick off the Christmas cookie season I would start off with a recipe I found for the classic gingerbread man cookie! If you haven't had the chance to indulge in one you are certainly missing out. I would advise you to hurry to the store for these ingredients and whip up a batch.

Here is what you will need:

- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup dark molasses
- 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
- 1 egg
- powdered sugar icing

What you need for icing:

- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2-3 tbsp. milk or orange juice

Find the directions for making the cookies and icing here! This recipe makes 30 cookies, so there are plenty to go around for a holiday party! :)

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite cookies for the holidays?