Happy Present

And here we are. The week of. Christmas just days away and New Years just around the corner. 

This time of year can be joyful and brutal all at the same time. 

But even though the runny noses have been in full force and we are not exactly getting a full nights sleep, during the daylight hours I plan to be present. 

To take in the moments, the good and the bad. Enjoy the company around me. And remember the blessings we are beyond grateful for. 

So this year I am giving myself the gift of presence. As much as I possibly can. 

I hope you find it in your days as well. 

Happy Present(s) to my lovely readers and a Happy Holidays. 

There will be no posts for a few weeks, but lots of fun things to come in 2015. 

See you then. 

xo

Erin 

Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend? Tonight we are celebrating Christmas a little early with some family and going out to dinner at our favorite French restaurant. It is sadly closing tomorrow, so had to get one last visit in! Tomorrow I have two holiday parties with girlfriends and Sunday the Nutcracker with my Mom. So much on the agenda to look forward to.  

I have also started menu planning a bit for next week. This will be the smallest crowd yet, so it has been nice to not think about quantity so much. I am eyeing this ragu for Christmas Eve dinner since church is late and it will be easy to come home to. And a possible surf and turf situation on Christmas Day? Giant crab legs from Costco sound like heaven. And these mushrooms could be a great addition. This only after our traditional Dreamy Sour Cream Waffles. The best part of the day, really. 

Do you have any recipes you love to make for the holidays? Would love some new ones! 

Happy Weekend! 

xoxo

Erin  

Valentino: Winter White Inspiration

Last week Valentino presented a gorgeous all white haute couture collection that was to die for. Here are a few of my personal favorites. 

Gorgeous lace mixed with mod touches and clean lines. It was so so beautiful. 

White can be so hard to pull the trigger on if you are not a bride, but it makes such a statement with minimal effort. Though Valentino may be out of range (way out), there are some options that would yes stunning for this winter. 

White coats in different shapes, but clean lines to covet. 

From Left: Loft $188 (love the soft texture) / Asos $142 (cocoon coats are the shape of the season) / Asos $123 (classic pea coat. love) / Anthropologie $398 (gorgeous shape and love the fur)

I want all of these. How chic is a white dress???

1. This MiH dress is 70% off. So gorge. $168

2. A mod swing dress, much like the Valentinos Asos $85

3. Worship this Asos sweater dress. Pair with booties. $72 

4. The lace bottom offsets the structure well on this Chalk Rider dress. $138

5. Paired with black tights, this is the perfect dress for anything. Anine Bing $200

6. this lace dress is so so pretty. Would look cute with boots. Free People $128

7. Hello NYE dress. For Love & Lemons $194

8. The easiest way to wear white. A cable sweater dress. Madewell $128

xo

Erin 

Simply Decked Halls

Though I never really go ALL out with the decorations, I do like things to be festive around here. This year though everything feels better when it is simpler. 

The tree has only plastic ornaments that will not break. Kind of a bummer in the looks department, but this way the kids can decorate and undecorate the tree to their hearts content with no breakage. Which is really fun to watch. 

Then there are the mantels. Usually done up in garland and lights and this year I was just not feeling that. A more modern aesthetic and clean look was what I craved, so just a couple wreaths and twinkle lights surrounded by the usual suspects. 

Loved making this guy into Rudolph. 

And no, I do not have those fun, matching family stockings. But I love the ones we have.  

And outside, just enough lighting to make the house look merry. 

Of course there are some out on the column. But just like the blogs name, the imperfectness of the entire holiday is what makes it real and not a fantasy. 

I know my tastes in design will change on a constant basis, so it is fun to switch it up each year. Next year there could be a light show and tinsel on every surface. Who knows? 

And in other big big news. Baby girl had her first day of school this week and she rocked it. 

xo

Erin 

Skinny Pancakes

I have been wanting to try making the no flour/no sugar/gluten free pancakes that are all over Pinterest for awhile. And while I will not be retiring my tried and true classic pancake, these are a nice break during the indulgence of the season. 

 I have modified the recipes I have seen a bit since we are not a gluten free house and added just a bit of whole wheat flour, but you can omit the flour if you want (some recipes use coconut flour if you want to try that). 

These pancakes are loved by the kids and full of protein. Bonus is they comes together in seconds and no sticky syrup fingers because they do not even need it. 

Skinny Pancakes

Imperfect Polish 2014

serves 2-3 people 

2 ripe bananas (use those over ripe ones too, even better)

3 eggs

1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (I like pastry flour, but any will do)

few dashes of cinnamon

coconut oil spray (or use any oil you have, like Pam)

Preheat a griddle or large pan to Medium low heat and spray with oil. 

In a blender, magic bullet, or Vitamix combine the rest of the ingredients until smooth. 

Pour batter onto how griddle and cook on one side until bubbling. Flip and cook until well set and just browned. Just like regular pancakes! 

Serve warm with syrup, honey, or nothing at all. the bananas keep them sweet. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Wall of Love

I have lagged a bit on getting our Christmas cards out this year. But thankfully, many people have not. 

This year I wanted to display the cards that are so lovingly sent from those from near and far. Ideally in a place everyone could see them and the kids could pick out friends and family's faces. I had lofty DIY goals that involved string and stars and washi tape. 

And just like every other pinned DIY and bookmarked design blog challenging me to be creative and resourceful, it never happened. 

When the cards started arriving, I decided I did not need anything fancy, just some scotch tape and blank space. So the side of the fridge has become the Wall of Love. A once blank space has started to fill with the pictures of chubby baby cheeks and wide eyed toddlers. Of loving parents, very proud grandparents and tinseled homes. And when each day the wall gets covered more, it makes me a little teary.

There is so much love, so much joy, and so much to be grateful for when I look at that wall. What a beautiful reminder of those that love us and their happy lives. That they are feeling joy and love and special moments together. It really makes the season even more special. 

There is much to be celebrated, and not just in our own lives. But every one's. 

We all have complications, stresses, tragedy, and disappointment. Some more than others. But 'tis the season to be joyful. To be grateful. And to celebrate all the love.  Because there is a lot of it happening all around us. 

And that perfect display is not missed. In fact, the imperfection of it all makes it even more lovely. And I cannot wait to fill it even more. 

Happy Weekend
xo
Erin 

Buffalo Check

I am really digging buffalo check right now. In fashion and interiors. Clearly a bit of cliche in the winter months, but there are so many fun ways to wear it now that go beyond the flannel shirt. 

1. This BB Dakota biker jacket is on sale and so so good. $91 

2. I love the colors of the this shirt and the longer style to wear over leggings. Madewell $79

3. Been looking for a new vest to wear with chunky sweaters. Love this. J. Crew $138

4. A color update on the classic flannel shirt. Gap $54

5. The perfect stocking stuffer, plaid sleep shorts. J. Crew $38

6. A light jacket covered in check would be great for running around in. Ralph Lauren $90 (on sale)

7. I worship Hanna Anderssen for the kids and these pjs would be perfect for Christmas. $38

8. Christmas cookies would look mighty fine in this C. Wonder cookie jar. $58

9. This coat for little girls is too much. I want it in my size. J. Crew $248

Additional sales today on some sites listed above! 

J. Crew 30% everything with code MERRYMERRY

Madewell 30% off with code GOFORIT

xo

Erin 

Ragu Alla Bolognese

There is nothing like the smell of a great tomato sauce on the stove. Bubbling away for hours and teasing you by taking its sweet time getting delicious. And then, the magic. A meaty and gorgeous sauce over silky noodles is heaven and so perfect for a winter meal. This bolognese is one of my favorite for a few reason. One being that it makes a huge pot that freezes well and can be served for months. It also does not require a ton of ingredient, but does include some vegetables for depth and health? ha It is great on pasta, served in a big bowl with crusty bread, or even on top of soft polenta. Time to tuck in. 

Ragu alla Bolognese
Cristina's Tuscan Table, 2007
makes 1 gallon (freezes great and feel free to half or quarter the recipe, cooking times will be shorter)

3 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground lean pork
3 1/4 cups red wine, divided
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, minced*
1 large carrot minced*
2 stalks celery, minced*
3 cloves garlic, minced *Note: to save time, mince the veggies in the food processor
1 cup chopped Italian parsley
1 cup diced pancetta (about 1/2 pound)
salt and pepper to taste
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
18 cups canned tomato puree (I used crushed), about 5- 28 oz cans
pinch of hot red pepper flakes

In a bowl, marinate the beef and pork in 1 3/4 cups wine and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the minced onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and parsley and saute over medium high heat until onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Add the marinated meat, pancetta, salt and pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring with a wooden spoon until meat is browned, about 30 minutes.

Add remaining 1 1/2 cups wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add the bay leaves and tomato paste, and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and red pepper flakes, and simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.

Note: You could easily put this in the slow cooker to bubble as well if you cannot man the stock. 

Enjoy!
xo
Erin

Gift guide 2014: Under $100

Honestly, there are so many great gift ideas. Many of which are under $100, but these are just a few I found that stand out from the crowd and in the very best way. I hope it helps! 

1. Rebecca Minkoff $95 (also comes in blue, red, black)

2. A polaroid camera is honestly so much fun. Never knew until I had one. $100

3. A sign language monogram necklace is too cool. Monserat de Lucca $32

4. Love this catch all in emerald green.  C. Wonder $20

5. Classic cozy moccasin slippers. J. Crew $49

6. This earring set allows you to try all those ear cuffs and mismatched studs you have been curious about. Bauble Bar $100

7. This preppy striped over sized hoodie is perfect Asos $37

8. The best universal make up on the planet. Nars bronzer/blush combo in Orgasm and Laguna $42

9. Such a fan of Garance Dore and her collab with Rifle Paper is so fun. $18

10. This Love cuff would be perfect in an arm party. Kate Spade $88

xo

Erin 

Bronzer Find: Nars Illuminator

I would love nothing more than to to be Magda. To lay in the sun all freaking day, soak up that vitamin D, and get to a golden brown. 

Actually, I was Magda. In college. Hence why I have to avoid the sun at almost all costs now. But I crave that glow. Even in the winter months. 

Bronzer is the best. The absolute best. And while I love a great blush, I really need the look of a bit of sun on my face to feel human. Especially when my skin has not seen the sun in months (hello February). 

The problem with a powder bronzer (much like a powder blush) is that it seems to disappear within hours of applying. So I researched a way to have that glow last all day and into the night. 

Meet Nars Illuminator. 

I use it in Laguna and apply just the very smallest amount where the sun would hit my face if I had been laying around like Magda (top of forehead, top of cheeks, maybe a little on the jaw line for contour). Blend well and you are set. It wasn't even designed to be used like this (you can apply before foundation for a natural illuminated look too), but I love love love it like this. 

Bonus is it comes in a few colors, so if you are looking for blush with more staying power it comes in the ever popular pinky Orgasm. Or if you want just a bit of sheen a pretty and subtle beige. 

Happy Healthy Bronzing. 

xo

Erin 

Happy Weekend

What is on your agenda this weekend? 

(Someone's excited. Mary, not so much)

Matt is out of town, so I will be manning the children solo, wish me luck. I plan on making that lovely rigatoni that was posted a few weeks ago. Already looking forward to it.

 And driving into Amy Poehler's book if I am lucky. 

Although I would really like to see Chef & The Hundred Foot Journey which are both on demand now, so we will see what wins out. 

Brunch on Saturday with a friend will be a nice break and picking up some new decorations for the holidays. Including a wreath! I lagged.

 Doing a lot of my online shopping as well on the couch, a lot of ladies on my list are getting pretty little things from Plum Pretty Sugar. I am a little obsessed. 

I hope you have a cozy and relaxing weekend whatever you are doing. 

xo

Erin 

Minted. More than Cards

We are all doing it. 

Scrolling through the printing sites we love, agonizing over each design, hating the sticker shock, but loving the result. Yes, it is Christmas card design time. 

I have used a few different sites over the years (tiny prints, cocodot, pinhole), but this year I went with Minted. Their design options are beautiful and fun, and they had a clean multi photo design that I think will be great for this year. 

Much to my surprise though as I was searching the site, I found that Minted also sells prints. Gorgeous ones that can be printed in many sizes (including large scale). And to top it off, you can have them framed. I obsess over prints and knowing that a site I trust has some options gets me pumped. 

Check out some of these beauties...

Gorgeous, right? And the pricing is not scary, in fact it is great. 

The other bonus on the site is fabric. I wish that I knew how to sew, but luckily I know someone who could make some great pillows or table linens out of some of these lovelies. The selection for options for little people's rooms is adorable too. 

Love a good find on a site I already love. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: My List

Let's just pretend I was super good this year and Santa was going to drop off a big bag of loot, this is what would be under the tree...

1. I could use a new suit for an upcoming vacay. Love the color block with this top ($44 xs) and this bottom ($40 s). 

2. Ina Garten is my hero and this book is perfect for my life right now. Barefoot Contessa Make Ahead $35

3. This would be a dream. In need of a camel bag. Valentino $2495

4. This romper would also be a fun cover up for my trip. Shopbop $118 s

5. These flats have been on my wish list for awhile. Ferragamo $495

6. I could use a refill of my favorite cleanser. Dermalogica $25

7. This would be an upgrade from my current Camelback. bkr $35

8. This sweater would be so great for lounging around the house. Asos $56 s

9. Always in need of a sweet pajama set. Plum Pretty Sugar $48

10. This soft gray coat is perfect for the winter. J. Crew $395

11. This diamond ring set would be a great stack for my left hand. Gorjana $158

12. I live for my sleep masks and this one is so pretty. Plum Pretty Sugar $22

13. I can always use gift cards to my pilates studio. If you live in or near Barrington, try the pilates or yoga. Amazing. Tensile Strength Studio

I hope this gives you some ideas for your list as well. 

Check out my other gift guides too: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

For the Home 

Statement Jewelry 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: Statement Jewelry

Sometimes a statement piece screams out at you, and sometimes it is the most delicate thing you wear. Either way a unique piece of jewelry for the lady on your list (or yourself) is something that will be treasured for many years. Here are some of my favorites. 

1. This horn and malachite bangle is perfection. Furbish $68

2. Emerald green is certainly never going out of style. These drop earrings are so pretty. Eddie Borgo $125

3. I love the navy update on this classic gold Marc watch. Marc Jacobs $250

4. Nothing is more chic than a gold watch and plain black leather band. This Nixon has great lines too. $125

5. The hassle on this bracelet is so so good.  J. Crew $115

6. I worship a stack of delicate rings all on their own. These have diamonds. Even better. Gorjana $158

Don't forget to check out the other gift guides: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

For the Home

xo

Erin