Jennuine

*GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED* Looking for the perfect holiday dress?  Bombarded by excessive shimmer, glimmer and fluffpuffery in the malls, this is one annual tradition that typically gives me a serious case of  the "bah-humbugs".   Why is it so hard to find a chic little dress that is well made, affordable and versatile enough to outlive the mistletoe and the expiration date on the eggnog? Well, truth be told, it's not.  And you don't even have to brave the crowds and at the mall.  Shabby Apple is an online boutique offering beautiful, classic, quality and affordable women's dresses.   Their vintage-inspired designs capture the elegance and sophistication of bygone eras ~ smartly updated and fit to flatter. The Sunset Boulevard Dress from the " Tinsel Town " Collection The Black Oak Dress from the " Yosemite Collection " The Freshwater Pearl Dress from the " South Pacific " Collection Whether you&#

Inspired by the sweet success of my Pumpkin Pie Fudge with Salted Dark Chocolate Ganache from October, I couldn't help but coax a new holiday confection out of my dreams and in to the kitchen! So here it is...creamy, smooth and delicately flavored Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache .  There's just enough nutmeg and a touch of rum to give the sweet suggestion of the classic holiday drink, but without being too cloyingly sweet, boozy or spiced.   This luscious layered confection is easy to prepare and goes down easy...too easy perhaps.  Everyone who tasted it agreed -- one piece simply isn't enough (even those who swore they don't like eggnog).   Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache (For a printable version of this recipe, click the  "Print Friendly' icon at the bottom of this post) Makes 64 1" pieces For the fudge 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup salted butter, cut in to pieces 1/2 cup sweetened conde

My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living. ~Anais Nin ---------------------------------------- Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ---------------------------------------- This week I'm spotlighting  creative twists on some  holiday favorites... ------------------------------------------------ a creative spin on: The Gift Tag from Flamingo Toes Anthro Penmanship Gift Tags   ----------------------------------------   a creative spin on: The Christmas Card & the Candy Cane from Mommy Minded Candy Cane Photo Card ----------------------------------------   a creative spin on: The Wreath & The Snowman from Northwoods Adventures Simple Outdoor Snowman Decoration

Hoo's ready for an adorable and easy craft you  can put together with your child in an afternoon?   Recently, I had the opportunity to review a copy of Microcrafts: Tiny Treasures to Make and Share from Quirk Books.  When I asked my girls to look through the book and decide on a craft for our rainy afternoon, the girls came back bubbling with excitement and the book bulging with bookmarks.  I'd be lying if I said that the girls didn't nearly come to fisticuffs over which project we'd try first. We ultimately decided on the sweet little plush owls on page 53 (from contributor Sarah Goldschadt ).  What I love most about this project is that it makes perfect use of all the leftover fabric scraps I've been saving -- each owl needs only two 4" pieces of fabric!  When the little owls were complete, we hung them from a twig framework to create whimsical mobiles. Here's how to make your own Mini Owl Mobile: Mini Owl Mobile

Even though our pines don’t give a show of brilliant sunset colors, and our air gets damp and salty, rather than autumn-crisp, there is nevertheless a feeling of coziness and warmth, of homecoming and housewarming, when fall comes around each year. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share one of my recipes that captures the sweetness and spice of this special season! MY PUMPKIN SPICE CRUMB CAKE is an autumn inspired spin on a classic New York crumb cake – a delicate and tender cake topped with loads of delicious, buttery crumbs with just the right amount of pumpkin and spices. It can be baked days in advance, and is the perfect breakfast or brunch item for a quiet morning after the big feast. Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake For the crumb topping: 1 cup (two sticks) melted butter 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup rolled oats

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living! ~ Amanda Bradley ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ------------------------------------------------ Are you ready for the holidays?  Well, if last week's most "clicked" posts are any indication, this is gearing up to be one very creative, colorful and homespun holiday season!  ------------------------------------------------ Felted Wool Christmas Trees from Creative Passage 20 Holiday Wreath Inspirations from Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365 --------------------------------- If you've been featured  (here or on Facebook ) feel free to grab a &q