Reckless Love

                                 {Scarf: Target, Dress: TJ Maxx, Boots: Aldo, Tights: Target}

I love Fridays. They bring a happy end to a very long week. I also love my new green scarf. I bought it at Target a few weeks ago for $5 (That’s right, $5). There’s no denying I love a good bargain, as you can probably tell from reading this blog. While I do sometimes lust for more expensive pieces, I enjoy being frugal. There is something incredibly satisfying about finding great pieces and not having to fork out a small fortune for them. Not to mention the glee on my face when people ask me where my scarf is from and I get to reply, “Target! Five Dollars! Epic Win!”. 

A Touch of Christmas

Oh Christmas, how I love thee. This past week we’ve slowly been adding some holiday touches to our apartment. I wanted to add subtle touches here and there… and am happy with the results. Waking up to the fresh smell of my Christmas tree always brightens my day.

Delightfully Simple Flatbread Pizza

Working full time has its ups and downs. By the time I get home from work, I usually do not feel like slaving in the kitchen. I just want simple, healthy, and delicious meals. This meal might not be the healthiest, but it sure is simple and delicious. See below for the easy steps.

Ingredients:

-Naan Whole Grain Flatbread (typically found near the pita bread at the grocery store)

-Basil Pesto

-Pizza Sauce

-Mozzarella Cheese or Cheese Blend

-Feta Cheese (not pictured above, but definitely necessary!)

-Sun Dried Tomatoes

-Sliced Olives

{Spread the basil pesto onto the flatbread}

{Spread the pizza sauce onto the flatbread, over the pesto}

{Sprinkle on the mozzarella or cheese blend, and then top it with the feta}

{Top it with the olives and sun dried tomatoes}

{Bake at 400 degrees, for 9-12 minutes}

If you have a little bit more time on your hand, adding some grilled chicken is really yummy. Also, experimenting with different toppings can be good fun! Enjoy!

No Bake Pecan Clusters

Last Friday I made these little Pecan Clusters. My dear friend Lindsay came over and helped me with them. I love baking and/or doing crafts with friends – it’s a nice way to catch up and bond, and is a fun alternative to the usual coffee or dinner date.

You will need:

Pecan Halves (1 or 2 bags depending on how many you want to make)

Candy Melts: I used chocolate for the base and decorated with white, green, and red (found at your local craft store)

Squirt Bottles or Plastic Sandwich Baggies

Parchment Paper

Make little star/flower clusters with the pecans (on the parchment paper). Melt chocolate using the instructions on the bag, and spoon onto pecans. I left the pecan tips showing for a star effect, but you can also cover the entire cluster. Refrigerate for 12-15 minutes to allow chocolate to harden before decorating.

Melt the different colors/toppings. I like to add a few drops of vegetable oil so they are easier to drizzle. You can use squirt bottles or pour the melts into plastic baggies and cut the tip off. Have fun decorating, refrigerate for approximately 15 more minutes, and enjoy!

Oh, hello.

                 {Top: Thrifted, Scarf: Target, Boots: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls, Jeans: Thrifted}

I had such a great time over the holiday weekend. There were parties, potlucks, good people, and lots of food. I was excited to wear this scarf because I thought the colors were very fitting for Thanksgiving. I felt very festive, and ended up wearing it Wednesday and Friday (outfit repeaters unite!).

The end of Thanksgiving is also significant because it officially begins Christmas time. This is Ryan and me’s first Christmas together as a married couple – so, needless to say, I am pretty excited. There will be lots of decorating, baking, and crafting underway. Cheers!