Monday, November 30, 2009

Coolest Giveaway!

Ladies, just a quick update post, check out Fantabulously Frugal for the greatest 3 giveaways! She has things like Gucci sunglasses and a Kate Spade passport cover! Her blog is great too, so check her out!

Celebrate Me Home

Being Home has been an absolute blast. I love being with friends and family, enjoying good food and even better company. I am headed back to Virginia for just a short time for finals, before my parents pick me up for Christmas Break and from there we are headed on a little "mini-vacation" to Washington, DC with dear family friends to enjoy seeing Washington all decorated for Christmas! I wanted to share one of the greatest songs with you all, it's an old one, but it never gets old! Kenny Loggin's "Celebrate Me Home".


Make sure whenever your loved ones come home for the holidays that you Celebrate them home. Have a wonderful day!
Yours,
sCe

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Home Alone House

I have forever been a fan of the move Home Alone. Of course, over the holiday it was on several times and every time I watch it, I cannot help but to drool over the Illinois house. According to Wikipedia, it is located in 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois. Winnetka is a suburb of Chicago around 19 miles north of the city. Along with the Father of the Bride house, this $2.2 house is a favorite. It is classic, and even for the movie being almost 20 years old, the house still appeals to me. I found this great website that shows tons of different pictures of scenes from the movie and scenes that are taken in the actual house, click here to check it out!I absolutely love the many windows, especially the very top two sticking out from the roof. The grounds are kept so lovely too, making this house have even more curb appeal.I love the printed wallpaper. Most of the times, I think it looks very tacky, and in this case, it does give off the 90's vibe, but I'm ok with that.The green color used on many of the upstairs walls almost reminds me of the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. Nothing in the house it too matchy and there are many vibrant colors, but they all seem to mix perfectly. Do you absolutely love this house as much as I do? Have a wonderful day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tonight I went to a great restaurant with m family called Avenue B. It's a new restaurant that my parents were lucky enough to go to the opening of. They loved it so much, they brought along my sister and I as well as my aunt, uncle, and grandparents. It was out of this world, simply fabulous. I had pecan crusted walleye with wilted spinach and spaghetti squash in a pomegranate beurre blanc sauce. I have never had a more delicious fish dish! So if you are ever in the Pittsburgh area, I highly suggest you to check out Avenue B. It's located in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. On that note, I have looked up an amazing recipe on allrecipes.com that has spaghetti squash in it. I fell in love with it tonight, and with squash in season, it's a perfect dish! I would love to share it all with you, and I hope to make it sometime this week!

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons sliced black olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  2. Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven, and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm.
  4. Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sauteed vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and basil. Serve warm.
Have a happy day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Last week I wrote about John Mayer's new Album that came out on November 17 called Battle Studies. Well let me just say, his song called "Heartbreak Warfare" is simply amazing. I encourage you all to check it out! I was lucky enough to see a recording of his live concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on the Fuse channel and it was SO good. If you have verizon fios, it's channel 716. It's my new favorite channel and definitely worth checking out. A few nights ago, they had a Dave Matthews Band concert on there which was amazing too.

This is from the recorded performance! It's so great live! Also, staying on the topic of music, Dave Matthews Band is coming to a theater near you December 11-17. When I saw New Moon (which if you have not heard, it is the largest grossing opening day box office film on recording according to the wall street journal.) Dave Matthews in 3d will be in theaters for just one week, and I am so excited to see this! I have been a Dave fan forever, and have seen him live countless times. I even went to NYC for a long weekend to see him and Tim Reynolds play at Radio City Music Hall which was incredible! So all of you DMB fans mark your calendars for December 11-17!
Have a wonderful day!!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, November 23, 2009

Festive Fun

I love love love wearing holiday themed items whether it be a red and green pin, or go all out in a red and green outfit. I love the Vineyard Vines Santa Hat Headband, it is understated, but also festive!
$30
L.L. Bean also has their seasonal Boat and Tote bags out! How cute would this look with a chunky sweater and jeans, just going to a casual lunch! Or even cuter, you could put some goodies in it and give it as goodie bag at your holiday party! This would also be darling for a little girl to carry her loot in! $22
Plus this week in the Target $1 section, I snagged a super cute red and green grosgrain ribbon bow headband! When it makes it's debut, I'll be sure to post a picture! Have you snagged any adorable holiday accessories!? I'd love to know!! Have a wonderful day!
Yours,
sCe

Saturday, November 21, 2009


I am back in Pittsburgh, and it is so wonderful to be home! Yesterday I spent a wonderful day with my aunt doing some much needed shopping! We had lunch at the Cheesecake factory which was amazing as usual and the area was decked out for Christmas (above picture)! I definitely recommend the Thai Chicken Pasta, and for dessert I had brownie sundae cheesecake which was incredible! I can never go to CF without getting cheesecake! While shopping, we popped into Target and I found two adorable things that I just had to share with you all!

This pillow reminded me of the Lilly peacock dress, and I think would look fabulous as a throw pillow for a couch. Too bad purple doesn't match anything in my house!
Snagged this snowman right up! It was too cute and not only can be used for Christmas but I think well into February! Tonight is a Family and Friends get-together which I'm very excited for! We are having an amazing shrimp dish. I will post the recipe for you all tomorrow! It's definitely one of my favorite foods of all time! Have a wonderful Saturday!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Home For The Holidays!


Tomorrow afternoon I will be heading back to my lovely Pittsburgh for my Thanksgiving break! I get to spend a nice long week at home. I am so excited to see family and friends, and just spend time in the city of champions!!Also, a big thank you to The Luckiest Mrs. for giving me an award that she created herself! Congrats to her on her 101 post!! For this award, we are supposed to share 10 things that make me happy!
1. Spending time with family and friends!
2. Dark chocolate, pumpkin bars, hot fudge, any type of dessert!
3. Jewelry of all kinds
4. Pittsburgh
5. Receiving good grades
6. Shopping
7. Giving gifts
8. Frank Sinatra Christmas music
9. My puppy
10. Working out

Thanks again for the award!! I encourage you all to post something today about the 10 things that make you happy! I loved sharing my list with you all!

Outfit of the day (sorry for the horrendous pic quality, once again, I used my phone):

Turtleneck: Gap, Suede Vest: Lands End, Skirt: J.Crew, Boots: Macy's

Sorry for the randomness of this post, I will be back with a post on Friday when I'm home!! Have a wonderful day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

"Battle Studies"

John Mayer's new album, "Battle Studies" comes out today! I cannot wait to have a chance to listen to it! I love his music, and can't wait to see what he has in store for us! Is anyone else as excited as I am?! Have a lovely day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, November 16, 2009

Christmas Giving

As much as I love receiving gifts, I also love giving them. There's something so wonderful about giving someone something so perfect for them and seeing them so thrilled. So just as the December issue of Town and Country did, I will share my go to gift giving items that are sure to please many.
At $150, this is not too expensive for a close friend, a cousin, sister, niece, or other special girl in your life! I know many young girls around 13-17 would be thrilled to receive a little blue box with this inside!
Twilight Lipgloss $20. Twilight fans can now get their hands on "vampire themed" cosmetics. Now I am one to stick to my favorite lipglosses, but wouldn't this be a fun stocking stuffer for all of the Twilight fans out there!Hunter Welly Socks $30. This is for someone who has everything under the sun. They're a fun gift, and they will appreciate it, becuase it's not an item many people know about.. plus it will keep their feet extra warm and dry!Talbot's cashmere wrap $129. Becuase who doesn't like cashmere?

Brooks Brothers Audobon Double Mallard Pin $348. I love Mallard Ducks, in fact my first word was duck becuase we had so many Mallard icons throughout our home. This is sure to please a bird lover, or someone who collects pins!
Lilly Pulitzer Bon Voyage Travel Case $58. It's a really fun gift for a Lilly love of course, or a traveler. To add a personal touch to this gift, add her favorite lipgloss and small toiletries so she's all set to go wherever her travels take her!RedEnvelope.com Lp Coasters $24.95. Eco friendly becuase they are from old records, and great for the music buff! I think these would be so fun to give to a guy! It's a very unique gift!

What are your go-to gift giving things? Have a lovely Monday!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Countdown has Begun!


Does anyone else realize what is in just 10 short days?! Not only is it the start of Thanksgiving break for this college girl but..... NEW MOON comes out! This is just too exciting, I have been waiting for this since last year when Twilight came out. Yes, I do admit I'm a bit obsessed (and I'm nearly 20 years old) but how can you resist the looks of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner?! Is anyone going to the midnight showing? Unfortunately, I am not considering I will have endured a long ride home from school on Thursday, but I can assure you that on Friday I will be in the theater!
Speaking of obsessions, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is coming out on DVD December 7th! Not only is this less than a month away, but it will make the perfect gift for HP fans young and old!
Have a fantastic Day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, November 9, 2009

Table Settings for the Holidays

I think it's very important when hosting any holiday sit down dinner to set the table properly. I've known how to set a table since my parents gave me Brooks Brother's "A Lady At the Table" where it has a section on how to properly set a table. If you aren't familiar with how to set a table, there is a great video here. With Thanksgiving just 17 days away, and Christmas only 46 days away (so exciting!) the busy entertaining duties of everyone are in full swing! One of my favorite things that we do for the holiday season is host Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a celebration built around food so of course, the table must be set to display the wonderful food! A must in my book for hosting a sit down dinner is to have beautiful charger plates. I think charger plates can make any table look more elegant and inviting. Here are some of my favorites:
Crate & Barrel $12.95Crate & Barrel $16Food Service Warehouse $87 for 4
Mikasa Astor Place Charger $89.99Sur La Table $15.96

What are your favorite things about setting the table for a special occasion? Do you add any interesting personal touches? I'd love to know! Also, check out the lovely Christine's blog The Sweet Sea, she just started it, and I love it already! Have a wonderful Monday!
Yours,
sCe

Outfit of the Day:

Turtleneck: Gap Body, Dress: Anne Taylor Loft, Shoes: Wanted, Watch: Invicta

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Amazing Cherry Crunch Recipe!

With the holidays coming upon us, often times I find myself with a slew of errands to complete before the arrival of the actual holiday. Between dinner parties, family visiting, and catching up with family and friends, there isn't much time to whip up a delicious dessert for many guests. I am going to share with you all one of my favorite desserts of all time. It is so simple, I have been able to make it since my Grammie taught me at age 8. It's called Cherry Crunnch, I promise it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!

What You'll Need:
3T Butter
8oz Package Yellow Cake Mix
1 21oz can Cherry pie fill

1.Cut butter into dry cake mix until crumbly; reserve 1/3 cup of mixture. Press remainder into an 8 x 8 x 2 " baking dish, building up about 1/2 " around sides.
2.Spoon cherry pie filling over crumb mixture to 1/2 "
3.
Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!

It's such a quick and easy treat for the Holiday season! Do you have any easy meals or desserts to please a crowd? I'd love to know!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween Re-Cap & Happy November!

First off, happy November to everyone! Can you believe it is November is already here? I feel like just yesterday I was just lounging by the pool, and now we're only a little over three weeks away from Thanksgiving! This past weekend, was so great! I am going to share all 3 of my costumes (in college, it's necessary for you to dress up all weekend, so here they are):I was a Tiffany "box", Tom Cruise from Risky Business, and a Cheetah. I totally recommend doing the Tiffany "box" idea, it was so simple. I ordered the dress from Forever 21, then I wrote in the Tiffany style font onto the dress with marker, and got a plastic headband and attached a present bow to the headband. It was a real hit, and everyone seemed to think it was great! What were you for Halloween? Have a great day!
Yours,
sCe
 

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