Bright & Bold

Dress: H&M, Coat: She Inside (similar), Shoes: Nordstrom (similar), Earrings: ILY Couture (no longer available also love these), Clutch: Clare Vivier (similar non-foldover style), Sunglasses: Similar Karen Walker, Necklace: J. Crew, Bracelet: Swarovski, Lips: MAC ' Girl About Town'

I love this color combination.  With the grey weather we have been having lately, this was the perfect outfit to add a little color (okay a lot of color) to the day.  I love mixing leopard with bright bold colors. Hope this outfit brightens your day! Thanks for stopping by!

XO,

SJR

Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Ingredients:

1 batch of brownies

1 package of caramels or Rolos

1 package melting chocolate or chocolate chips

Sea Salt

This is the first time I made these, and I must say, they were a hit! They are relatively easy to make.  You start by making up a batch of brownies (any kind you would like).  You can use a box mix or make them from scratch. Let the brownies cool completely and then cut them into squares.  I used caramel squares, but you could also use Rolos.  I cut the caramels in half so there wouldn't be too much caramel, but you can use the whole square if you want more caramel.  Wrap each individual brownie around the caramel and form it into a ball.  Refrigerate brownie balls for about an hour.  Melt the chocolate and dip the brownie balls into the chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.  Let them harden and enjoy!  These treats have the perfect mix of salt and sweetness.  Thanks for stopping by!

XO,
SJR

Merry Christmas!

Skirt: H&M (similar here and here), Shirt: Nordstrom, Earrings: ILY Couture (also love these and these), Shoes: Sole Society (similar here, here, and here also obsessed with these), Jacket: Forever 21 (similar here and here), Necklace: Mindy Mae's Market, Bracelet: Swarovski, Clutch: Clare Vivier 

Merry Christmas! Although we aren't having a white Christmas (not ideal weather to say the least), it is a very merry Christmas for us this year! So much to be thankful for. I am so happy to have my sister and brother-in-law home and it is so nice that Zach's family is in town and will be spending Christmas with my family. Wishing you all a wonderful day filled with family, food, and love.

XO,

SJR

Christmas Baking 101

Merry Christmas Eve! I am loving winter break and having so much time to shop, wrap, bake, and decorate.  I hope you are all having a great week so far, and you are ready for Christmas tomorrow! I can't believe it is Christmas Eve already!  Today I wanted to share my favorite holiday go-to cookies.  I make these ones every year.  The sugar cookie recipe I use I already shared on the blog a few days ago.  They are my favorite because I just love decorating them.  It brings back such great memories of decorating cookies with my family when I was younger.  Every year I also make Russian teacakes, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Peanut Butter Balls. I wanted to share the recipes I use. I usually like to try a new recipe every year too, but I'm still finishing them up so I'll share that recipe a little later. 

Peanut Butter Blossoms

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or shortening

1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg

Roll into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Put in Hersey kiss while warm.  Let cool and enjoy!

Russian Teacakes (pictured in the middle)

1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Extra powdered sugar

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Roll in powdered sugar while warm. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Balls

1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1/2 cup butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp. shortening +  1-2 cups chocolate chips (I use dark chocolate) to dip

Mix ingredients and roll into 1 inch balls.  Refrigerate for at least an hour.  Melt shortening and chocolate chips (use 50% power if using the microwave) and dip peanut butter balls into chocolate.  You can dip half of the ball or the whole ball (I dip the whole thing--no such thing at too much chocolate!). Let harden and enjoy!

PS- You can't get through the holidays without a fun holiday cocktail! I found this drink mix & these adorable mirrored mini cake stand and serving tray at Home Goods and I adore this monogram Anthropologie mug.

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know how your Christmas baking is going!

XO,

SJR

Houndstooth + Lace

Skirt: Express (no longer available online- similar style here), Top: She Inside (similar), Bag: Tory Burch, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Earrings: Love Stylize, Boots: Hunter, Coat: H&M 

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Here is another holiday look.  During the holidays I love wearing black and white with a pop of red. With the terrible weather we have been having I have been wearing my rain boots a lot, and I wanted to share this coat I just from H&M. Such a good find (it is now 50% off!)! I love the faux fur collar and even though I already have quite a few black coats, I couldn't pass this one up! This skirt is also one of my favorites. I love the shape and as I have mentioned in previous posts, I love how Express skirts fit.  This houndstooth print is perfect for the holidays. I am also kind of obsessed with the lace top. It is perfect for wearing with high waisted skirts. Thanks for reading!

XO,

SJR