Glammed up Pumpkin

This is what gold spray paint, rhinestones and 5 minutes of time can do to transform your pumpkin. (thank you Pinterest!) So easy and literally these are the only supplies you need.

In years past, I went the old school route and carved out various designs. This was from last year - you might say I'm a fan of pirates.

Happy Halloween!

Spooky fonts for Halloween

Hello lovelies! Looking to spruce up your blog, make your own Halloween cards or just send an email with some creepy letters? Check out these Halloween-y fonts I found on Mashable. Links to where you can download are below each sample.  

 Download "Caracura" font here

Download "Dancing Vampyrish" font here

Download "Face Your Fears" font here

Download "Zombie Holocaust" font here

Download "Evilz" font here

Download "Sketch Bones" font here

And check out these adorable little social media buttons for your FB, Twitter, or blog!

source

sparkly cookies

Yes! Sparkly cookies!  Someone with a love of sweets and sparkles has merged the two creating a perfectly pretty dessert.  Get all the details here on The Purl Bee.  If anyone whips these up for Valentine's Day, I would love to hear about it. 

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate

Tucked away in Asheville, NC is one of the grandest homes in America...the Biltmore Estate, and there is not a better time than Christmas to see it decorated in all it's splendor.  Enjoy and a very merry Christmas to all of you!

Stay:
Grand Bohemian
Grove Park Inn - ask about their Buy 1 Night, Get 1 Free special {going on for a limited time}
The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Eat & Drink:
Sunny Point Cafe - go for breakfast and order the Huevos Rancheros
Bouchon - French comfort food...need I say more?
Zambra Wine & Tapas
Cucina 24
Market Place
The Lobster Trap
Tupelo Honey Cafe

Shop:
Asheville has tons of adorable, quirky shops in the downtown area. If you are looking for Christmas ornaments, definitely take a peek in the gift shops located on the Biltmore Estate.  They are reasonably priced and lovely!

{holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

From the {this is glamorous} blog, this side-swept chignon is easy to create and perfect for upcoming holiday parties.  Red lips finish off the look.

Click here for quick instructions {holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

photos: {this is glamorous} blog

DIY: Tinsel Tree

Another easy DIY project for the holidays!  Rue Magazine's latest edition featured this retro Christmas tree which I duped for cheap, cheap.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any feather boas on hand (that will need to change) so I used a glittery white mini tree skirt instead.  I found the tree at a local gift shop but I've seen similar ones at Target.  The string of pearls and mini ball ornaments are also available at Target for around $8.

Rue Magazine Tinsel Tree 

And this colorful little guy is perched on a desk in my office

Also, be sure to download Rue Mag's adorable stationary...drink tags, party invites and gift tags (pictured below) all free here in their latest issue.  

 

DIY: Holiday Wreaths

I saw this little DIY another blog and am so bummed because can't remember where to give credit!  Pottery Barn is selling gorgeous holiday wreaths that start at $80, but you can make them yourself (it's easy, I promise!) for a fraction of the price.  I put this little piece together last night with materials that only cost $20.  All it takes is a little time and you've got yourself a handmade holiday wreath that looks just as fabulous at PB's.

Here are the materials you will need to recreate this particular wreath (keep in mind, you can always change the colors or get a tinsel one...get creative!).  You can find these items pretty much anywhere... Michael's, Target, Pike's Nursery:

1. Green wreath
2. Red ball ornaments
3. Silver ball ornaments
4. Green (or matching color of your wreath) ornament hooks

Attach the ornaments to the wreath and try to affix them closer to the base of the stems.  That way the tops of the ornaments don't show as much.  You can also tweak them by simply twisting the ornaments clockwise to tighten things up.

 Pottery Barn Wreath

Handmade Wreath

May Your Days Be Shiny & Bright...Holiday Cards

What holiday season would be complete without holiday cards?  Cambria Cove offers absolutely gorgeous boxed cards for sending out Christmas wishes and blessings for the New Year.  For $30 you get a wonderful array of 20 cards (with about 4 different designs) that slip into lovely lined envelopes. 

Or sift through the Holiday Boutique at Kate's Paperie and feel good knowing that some of the collections are printed on "100% post-consumer recycled paper using veggie based ink."

From Vera Wang to Kate Spade to cards like this from MoMA

A Vintage kickback

And a nod to the more classical themes

Images:  Cambria Cove, Kate's Paperie

All Things Pumpkin

Just a little taste of Halloween "treats" to pamper and indulge in...

BEAUTY:

Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel gently detoxes and exfoliates dull skin.  $44 at Sephora.

MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel is a cheaper alternative for a fresh and bright face - $27 on Drugstore.com.

Philosophy Lippies - Trick or Treat Duo in Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Spice....all yours for just $18.

Pumpkin Lotion by Arcona - non greasy and absorbs quickly...what more could you ask for?  $35 on Drugstore.com

HOME:

 

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle available at Neiman's, Bergdorf's and Amazon.com for $32.

SWEETS:
What post would be complete without a cupcake or two?  Check out these "easier than you think" recipes on MarthaStewart.com and Bakerella ...

WATCH:

Tonight on ABC:  It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

















images: Sephora, Drustore.com, ABC, Neiman Marcus, Martha Stewart, Bakerella