What I Wore: Navy and pink tunic

I bought this really cute tunic several months ago thinking it would be great with leggings and it's been great to wear layered as it's been getting cold. I wore it on Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve to dinner and a brewery with friends. It meets the key tunic requirement of being long enough in the front and back. There are some that don't meet those requirements and you definitely need to wear a pretty long tank underneath instead but with this one that is not needed although I like layering underneath (and over) for warmth.

Also gotta love fleece lined leggings in the winter!

Tunic: Target (the exact color is caraway seed), similar, similar, similar
Gray sweater cardigan: Marshalls, similar, similar, similar
White tank: Target
Fleece lined leggings: Marshalls, similar
Cognac boots: Born, similar, similar, similar
Pink pashmina: shop in London, similar, similar, similar
Gold disk earrings: Towne & Reese, similar, similar, similar



Linking up to: What I Wore Wednesday, What I Wore to Work, Because Shanna Said So, Tucker Up, PTMT Get Pin-spired, Tip Junkie

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Craisens and Balsamic Glaze

I made these for Christmas Day this year and they were delicious and so colorful! Plus they are a healthy addition when you may have some other not-so-healthy items you are also eating at a holiday gathering. Cheesy potatoes? Pie perhaps?  :)  These aren't a make ahead type of dish but they don't take long (only 25 minutes to roast).

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Craisens and Balsamic Glaze
from: The Pioneer Woman, serves 8

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs of brussel sprouts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries


Trim and clean brussel spouts and cut in half. Arrange on baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast for 25-30 minutes on 375 degrees.

Combine balsamic vinegar and sugar in small pot on stove (I used less sugar than PW did and it didn't need more). Bring to boil and simmer on medium-low until very thick, about 20 minutes.

Drizzle balsamic reduction over brussel sprouts and sprinkle with craisens. Toss and serve immediately. Enjoy!


Prior to adding the glaze.

A couple of close ups of the deliciousness.

Cape on Backwards Baby Bib

I made this bib for my sister in law expecting a baby in February. We had a shower for her about a month ago that I hope to do a post on soon :) She likes to use the word fool a good bit like "that fool just cut me off" for example. I knew she had seen this phrase on pinterest before too and liked it. My mom and I found this free bib pattern for a reversible bib and I found some soft white fleece in my fabric stash as well as some fun gender neutral red and yellow fabric in her stash. I went with the toddler size bib thinking that the baby wouldn't really be wearing a bib until around 6 months and a bigger size will get longer usage.

I wanted one side with the white fleece and one side with red. We cut out the fabric using the pattern and followed the instructions but instead of having the raw edge (which would have been fine if not using fleece for one side) I liked the idea of the bias tape going around in a coordinating yellow color and adding some color to the white side. The bias tape part was the trickiest piece and next time hand basting first would be a big help.

After it was finished, I created the words design in my Silhouette software and printed it out on red heat transfer vinyl and ironed it on.

She got a great laugh out of it when opening it at her shower! Can't wait to see my newest niece/nephew in it!

I highly recommend the bib pattern, it was very easy to use.

Hand Painted Nativity Set

My favorite Christmas present I received was this handmade Nativity set from my mom. After her and I found this stable at a local antique mall, I really wanted a set made from the pegs like she does for Disney Princesses, super heroes, etc. So it wasn't a surprise but I cannot imagine all the time and effort that went into this gift. There are 3 camels, 3 wise-men, 2 sheep, Mary, The Angel, Baby Jesus, Joseph, a donkey and 2 shepherds. And the addition of the wooden star to the stable completes the scene. Each peg is so detailed (even more so than this photo does justice) and I know it will be something I look forward to putting out every year.

I think this just goes to show how much handmade gifts are appreciated. I love making gifts myself, looking through things people make and design on Etsy and buying at local shops. So much thought goes into these types of items and isn't just something you can pick up at Target that a million other people have too (don't get me wrong... I really like Target, I just think handmade gifts are exceptional). It's fun to think about passing down these handmade things to future generations too just like when my mom gives me something that was made for her or for my grandmother etc. it feels special to have something that was theirs.