Winter Favorites: Card Boxes

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 30, 2015

An Adorned Basket

A Golden Birdcage

A Present-Like Box

A Vintage Mailbox

A Window Box

101 List: Vegas, Baby!

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, January 30, 2015
In honour of booking my second trip to Vegas, I though I'd post about my first adventure there...

Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: November 2013

We, as a group of six, had decided a long time prior to turning 21, that once all of us were of age, we'd go celebrate in Las Vegas. Our last one became 21 at the end of September, so we utilized a long weekend in November and went!

Winter Favorites: Holiday

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 28, 2015

Location Decorations

Bridesmaids

Menswear

Bouquet

Reception Decorations

Outdoor Space

Extra Fun

Holiday Themed Photo

Carriage Ride Getaway

For these and more, see my Pinterest board: Inspiration: Christmas

Winter Favorites: Cake

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 27, 2015

Berries and Pinecones on a Wooden Cake Stand

Simply Rustic Florals

Tiffany Blue with Snow Covered Pinecones

Snow Capped Tiers

Etched Wood with Owl Toppers

Winter Favorites: Drinks

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 22, 2015

After-Dinner Drinks

Hot Cranberry Cider

Bailey's Irish Coffee

Cozy Ginger Tea

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Cranberry Spice Tea

Recipe: THE Mac-n-Cheese

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 21, 2015

For a games night last year, I decided to try this recipe I had found on Pinterest called THE Mac-n-Cheese. And let me tell you, it was delicious! What I decided to do to make it a little more interesting was create a Mac-n-Cheese bar. I set bowls out with things like ham, broccoli, tomatoes, bacon, and caramelized onions for my friends to add into their dish.

To Make:
1 pound pasta (I used cavatappi)
½ cup butter (1 stick)
½ cup flour
4 cups whole milk
6 cups shredded cheddar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Boil pasta in salted water.

Melt ½ cup butter in large saucepan over medium heat.
Sprinkle in ½ cup flour and whisk together for 2-3 minutes.
Slowly pour in 4 cups whole milk - whisk as you go, until smooth.
Add 6 cups shredded cheddar.
Add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon pepper.
Add sauce to pasta and stir.

In small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add in ½ cup panko bread crumbs.
Stir constantly until golden brown.
Sprinkle over mac-n-cheese.

Bake in for 12-15 minutes.

The Final Product

Winter Favorites: Food

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 20, 2015
Butternut Squash Soup

Holiday-Themed Cheese and Crackers

Individual Mini Pot Pies

101 List: Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, January 20, 2015
This long weekend, one of my best friends from UC Davis came back up to visit. While she was here, we went shopping (I got new boots), celebrated Clara's birthday (at Chicago Fire), went clubbing (at The Park), and lastly, went wine tasting in Napa! It was a busy weekend, but beyond worth it!

Here is our Napa Valley trip in a nutshell:

Winter Favorites: Centrepieces

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 15, 2015

Illuminate the Table with Candles and Mason Jars

Tall Vases with White Roses and Twinkle Lights

Two Takes on Pinecones and Apothecary Jars

A Rustic Tablescape with Birch Wood Place Settings

101 List: Fill a Sketchbook

by Lavender Elizabeth, January 14, 2015

In my second year of college, I took a class that was required for what my major at the time was (biomechanical engineering) that involved sketching. Each week, we had to complete a certain number of free sketches to get used to it, something that I never thought I'd enjoy. However, the more I did it, the more I really truly enjoyed it. When that realization occurred, I decided to challenge myself to completely fill a sketchbook. Tonight, I completed that goal. I started it January 17, almost exactly three years ago, and whenever I found myself with some free time, I'd take out my book and sketch away! It's never been something I've shared with people, but I'm proud of accomplishing this task I set out for myself, so I've decided to share some of my favourites. Enjoy!
















xoxo
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