The Easiest Dessert Around - The Apple Tart

During a quick trip to the grocery store the other night my hubs 

and I decided that we were definitely going to need dessert.  We strolled the bakery and cookie aisle and nothing looked good.  Being a baker, I hate looking at all that processed sugar and fake looking bakery treats.  We left with the promise that I would find something to concoct at the house.  

Gifts for the Eccentric

Gifts are meant to be things you wouldn't buy yourself! So here are 10 gifts for the eccentric friend, relative or maybe even you! These gifts celebrate the best trends of 2013. You can't go wrong with giving emerald, pattern or even a little gold!

1. Henri Bendel I Heart Me Compact $30: At this price this could be your go to gift for all your friends.          Check out Bendel's other patterns.

2. Piperlime Report Lainey Cuffed Heels $99: Cuffed Heels are so in....perfect gift for the shoe loving sister!

3. Bergdorf Goodman Napoleon Perdis Primrose Lashes $15: For the beauty junkie....they will be dying to try these lashes.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Melts Phone Case for iPhone $48: Have a friend with a passion for name brands? "Phone Clothes" is the hottest accessory to have.

5. Amazon Around the World in 80 Raves $14.95: Travel Addict...or the couple with no kids! This book fills you in on the hottest festivals and parties you have to be at around the globe.

6. Lord & Taylor Ciate Caviar Manicure Rainbow $25: I love the idea of DIY Manicure. This kit makes doing your own nails super quick.

7. Etsy Handmade Venice Infinite Scarf by Urbe $20: Shop Small...this beautiful handmade scarf from Turkey is sure to get a lot of compliments.  Urbe is running a sale now. Buy two scarves get free U.S. shipping. Prices are spot on!

8. Bloomingdales Milly Graffiti Flowers Sleeveless Dress $375: O.K. I know PRICEY, but this is what your honey can get you.  Not sure how to justify it, but it can be worn year round!

9. Refinery 29 Kate Spade Bow BackSeam Tight $25.99: Stocking stuffer or cute friend gift.  Kate Spade has super chic patterns and colors for all your gals!

10. Pip & Larkin 3 Block Chain Necklace in Emerald $58: Emerald is so hot right now. Pick one up for your mom and you!

Love and Tulips,

Nicole from Alpharetta

Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids!

So the kids are off from school for Thanksgiving break.....  You need an action plan and FAST to keep them busy.  I have three little ones that will be at my tail if I don't have something prepared.  Check out these simple crafts to keep them going all week long.

The folks over at paper & glitter are offering this super cute printable Thanksgiving kit.  It comes with enough printable activities to decorate a kids Thanksgiving table.  As well as printable menus that you can personalize and your kids can decorate! And it's FREE!

My sister's suitcase has an adorable printable place mat.  This would be perfect on your kids table with a little box of new crayons for each guest.

This is one of my favs! So doing this tomorrow.  Gather some "fallish" colored beads & wire.  Your kids can string them up to hold your Thanksgiving table napkins.  Buggy and Buddy have this tutorial, as well as some other easy fun fall crafts!

Super simple, not a lot of materials, but your kiddos can make entire turkey family!
a pumpkin & a princess gave life to these two pinecone turkeys.  If you don't have feathers on hand...substitute with some fall leaves!

Make and Takes has this cool paper teepee decoration.  I could see my kids getting way into this and wanting to create a whole village.  This is super simple and only requires an adult for the final step, which is hot gluing.

This last one is so simple, but I love the idea! Fingerprint turkeys!!! Throw out a few washable stamp pads and let them create 'thumb" artwork. You could do this and have a contest on who can create the fluffiest looking turkey. Cards by CG had this cute little project.  
Whatever project inspires you, make sure everything is kid friendly and non-toxic....because in my case two will be doing the craft and one will be trying to eat everything on the craft table!
Love and Tulips,
Nicole from Alpharetta

Thanksgiving Table 101

Thanksgiving is in a week! 

If the food stinks make sure at least your 

table looks good!

Here are some stellar ideas for sprucing up the dining room.

This mixes two top trends: Burlap & Gold.  All you need is a can of gold spray paint.
This modern design from a pumpkin and a princess.

I'm Dying for Denim

I was digging through my closet yesterday morning desperately trying to find an appropriate outfit for a day of...wait for it.... fishing with my husband??!!  Seriously, what to wear?  

Well, I ended up fishing out (hee-hee) a denim shirt from the far recesses of my closet.  I was most impressed that it didn't need to be ironed, as well as the fact that it seemed to be a workable option for the day, so I went for it!  

Now, I feel like this is a great option going into fall and to my delight there are tons of options out there from weekend denim to totally cute chambray options for work.  

Check out some of my favorites.

Daydrifter Denim Tee by Anthropology.  Get it here.

Have Oily Skin...Need Help!

I'm not one of those girls that can throw on a trendy necklace and transfer to a clutch  for a day to night look.  Here is my issue, I have oily skin.  I usually need a complete overhaul in the make-up department before being presentable for those Happy Hour cocktails.  Well, I recently re-discovered a long lost favorite of mine from about 10 years ago.  Oil Blotting pads!  Where did they go and why are we not talking about them any more?  I am leading the charge to bring them back!

My favorite is from Shiseido and they are amazing.  Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers are available almost anywhere Shiseido is sold.  They cost $18.50 and are little life savers for girls like me.  

They come packaged in a small blue holder and are the perfect size for your whole face.  The trick is to use them throughout the day.  I love this brand because they do not leave that weird looking white powder finish that some of the others do.  Another great plus for those of us that like to stay on the more natural side of beauty is that they are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

I feel like they hold my make-up in place all day so I only need a quick touch up before going out after work.  And, all that oil is not sitting on my face all day which probably leads to blemishes and clogged pores.

Don't you love it when you find a long lost love!

Love and Tulips,

Amanda from Irvine

Get in the Spirit...It's Halloween Time

I'm not really into Halloween.  Maybe it's that I don't have any kids at home, maybe it's because I can't get into the dressing up thing, maybe it's the temptation of eating a whole bag of Tootsie Rolls!  I don't decorate the house but I do give out the candy and at least make an attempt to partake in the festivities.  So, I thought I would share some of the cute ways to get into the spirit without the ridiculous costume!

My sister's kiddos hamming it up!

How about some cool make up for a way to get into the spirit?  Even if you are not going to dress up, why not do a cool look?  A fresh cat eye, powdered face and a vampy lip.  Halloween for the cool girl.  Get more ideas here.

Hair can always change your look and if your good with your hands, you can create some pretty spooky looks!  What about this option?  Throw on a powdered face, dark make-up and break out the crimper and Voila! You look like you are part of the party. 

If you're anything like me, there is nothing worst than that cheap nylon Halloween costume.  Why not try some real clothes that give a cute nod to "dressing up".  How adorable is this option AND you can wear everything again in your real life!  Get it here.

Lastly, and my favorite why not do something dramatic on your digits!  Nail polish can shout Halloween all week and you can change your look everyday if you like.  Tip-don't go overboard with purchasing these polishes.  While we all love our OPI or Chanel polishes during the year, you can purchase orange and black very cheaply at Target or Ulta to get the look.  Get more nail looks here.

Check out my look for the week!  I used Rimmel London in Black Satin and Orly in Shine on Crazy Diamonds.  Oh and they are crazy long due to Biotin-this stuff is great!

Have a super fun Halloween however you choose to celebrate! 

Love and Tulips, 

Amanda from Irvine