Life Lately

TGIF Friends.  This weekend my parents are in town and we have a birthday party for one of my dear friends.  Sterling is so excited because he has the next week off school.  My mom and I are off today to knock out some Christmas shopping and plan for Frances Moon's birthday.

Last weekend my best friend Erin and her family came in town.  I love her like a sister and only wish she lived closer.  Time with close friends is good for the soul.

The kids are always so excited to see each other.   Frances and her daughter Tatum are only 3 weeks apart.   It was so cute to see them together.

I worked on my Thanksgiving table setting this week.  I always like to perfect it before the big day.

Last night I went to my friend Ann's art show at Simply J Boutique.  This was my favorite painting.  You can view some of her work HERE and stay tuned I will be doing a Pop-Up Art Sale with some of her pieces!

I wore my Clu Dress.  I can't tell you how often I wear this dress and I always get compliments on it.  It was previously sold out but is now back in stock.  It runs TTS I am wearing a small.

Clu Dress | Julie Vos Necklace | Madewell Pumps | Claire V Clutch

After Ann's art show we checked out 5 Church, a new restaurant that is opening here this weekend.  They also have a location in Charlotte. 

A few of us girls.

 The interior was so cool.  It was like an old church.

Matt and I finally started Mad Men and we are hooked.  I am not quite sure what we did before Netflix.

I tried a new recipe for green beans and they were so good.  You must try Gaby's recipe for Spicy Garlic Green Beans!

These two cuties, after church.

A little outfit planning for a photo shoot with Frances Moon for her birthday.

Dress (short sleeve version) | Twine and Twig Necklace | Mocs | Headband

Matt snapped the sweetest picture of me rocking Frances this week.  I can't believe how fast she is growing up.  I am savoring  these moments where she just wants me to hold her.  

Don't forget til Sunday you take 20% off the Gigi New York site with code NATALIE20. They are also offering free shipping and personalization for the weekend. and yes I am so excited peonies are back! 

Black Crocodile Bag

Have a great weekend! Truth.

Boots for the Family

Hello Thursday!  One day til the weekend and that makes me happy!  

Today I am teaming up with Rack Room Shoes to share 3 pairs of boots I picked out for myself and the kids. All boots at Rack Room Shoes are currently on sale right now and

Rack Room always offers buy one pair get 50% off the second pair. This is great to shop for the whole family or even buy a few Christmas gifts.

It is next to impossible to get a picture of the kids together so I photographed them separately.

I can't even get over how grown up my little man is looking. 

The Clarks Wallabee boots Sterling is wearing are my favorites for the little boys!

Fox Sweater (similar here) | Gray Jeans | Clarks Boots c/o

They go with everything.  He even wears his to church sometimes too. Plus he says the are comfy and comfortable matters with kids!

Frances Moon picked out these boots.  My lady is boot obsessed these days. If you do decide to order these boots please note they run on the small side.  I actually ordered 2 sizes up for Frances.

Dress | Boots c/o

I love the cute gold detailing on the sides.

As for me I went with these fabulous fringe Minnetonka Booties.

I love them so much I am considering ordering the black as well.  I like the height, they are not knee length or ankle length but right in between.

They have been on constant repeat lately.

Here are three ways I have worn them recently.

Loft Blouse | Kendra Scott Necklace | Boots c/o

Fringe Sweater | Gigi Tote (use code NATALIE20 for 20% off) | Boots | Shanlou Necklace

Plaid Infinity Scarf | Gray Tee | Jeans | Boots

Rack Room also has the same style boot in a tall version and ankle version. 

Tall Fringe | Ankle Fringe

Thanks to Rack Room for partnering on this post!

Pumpkin Tart with Whipped Cream and Almond Toffee + Gigi Discount Code + Mara Sale

Happy Wednesday!!

Here's a little secret. I am not a huge fan of pumpkin pie, pecan pie or any other common Thanksgiving Desserts.  They just are not my favorite,  there are so many other things I would rather eat for dessert.  Last year I was flipping thru my beloved Southern Living and came across this Pumpkin Tart recipe and promptly tore it out and decided it needed to happen for Thanksgiving.  I made it last year and realized I never shared the recipe with you guys.  Perfect timing with Thanksgiving next week if you are still looking for a dessert idea. 

 This tart knocked my socks off.  Every single aspect of it is delicious but the almond toffee and homemade whipped cream take it to another level. I actually doubled the toffee part of the recipe we liked it so much.  I will making it again this year and probably many years to come.   This can be made ahead of time.  I made ours a day ahead last year.

Enjoy!

|| P U M P K I N  T A R T  W I T H   T O F F E E  A L M O N D S ||

via Southern Living

TART

1/2 (14.1-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts 

3/4 cup granulated sugar 

1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

3 cups canned pumpkin 

1/2 cup blackstrap molasses 

6 tablespoons butter, melted 

4 large eggs 

1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk 

ALMOND TOFFEE

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 

4 tablespoons butter 

1 cup slivered almonds 

Vegetable cooking spray 

Parchment paper

WHIPPED CREAM 

2 1/2 cups heavy cream 

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Prepare Tart: Preheat oven to 350°. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch deep-dish tart or quiche pan with removable bottom; press into fluted edges. Whisk together granulated sugar and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together pumpkin and next 2 ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk pumpkin mixture into sugar mixture. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking until blended after each addition. Whisk in evaporated milk, and pour into crust.

2. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

3. Prepare Almond Toffee: Cook brown sugar and 4 Tbsp. butter in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Add almonds, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until golden. Pour mixture onto lightly greased (with cooking spray) parchment paper; cool completely. Break into pieces.

4. Prepare Whipped Cream: Beat cream and 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Top tart with whipped cream; sprinkle with toffee.

........................................................................

I wanted to share that Gigi New York has graciously offered 20% off their site til Sunday with code NATALIE20. This is a great time to buy Christmas Gifts or a treat for yourself if you are looking for a new purse:)

The code can be used on the two purses I helped to design and anything else on the site!

Black Crocodile Purse

Brown Teju Leather

A few other favorites from the new Fall line!

Cobalt Clutch | Carly Cross Body | Colette
Olivia Shopper | Bucket Tote | Saddle Bag

I also wanted to share this Mara Hoffman Sweater.  It is now 57% off (thanks to Kris for heads on he cheaper find I re-linked the sweater)

It is one size fits all.  I wear mine paired with skinny jeans and black leggings.  I love the bright colors and bottom fringe.

These two Mara dresses were just reduced too.   I always love a good Mara printed dress.

Long Sleeve Dress

Short Sleeve Tunic Dress

This blouse is also 50% off.  I have a dress in the same print and love it.
Blouse

I am off to plan the rest of our Thanksgiving menu and party prep for Frances Moon's second birthday!  Lots of fun stuff coming up.

Holiday Cards + $125 Minted Giveaway

It is that time of year to start ordering Christmas Cards!  I have to admit I love Holiday Cards.  I get so excited when I go to get the mail and there are Holiday Cards in our mail box.  I love seeing pictures of my friends and their children that I don't get to see on a regular basis.

 Time and time again I always find my favorites on Minted.  I especially love their Foil Collection.

The past two years I have done cards from the foil collection.

Right now you can use code CHEERS for 15% off + free recipient addressing on your card!

Our card from last year:)

I rounded up my 10 favorite foil designs on Minted but there are so many more fabulous options!

ONE | Happy Holidays

TWO | Wreath

THREE | Dots

FOUR | Its a Wonderful Life

FIVE | JOY

SIX| STRIPES

SEVEN | Tree

EIGHT | Christmas Love

NINE| Square Border

TEN | Wreath

and if you want to do a New Year's Card these are my favorites!

I love the idea of a New Year's Card.

NEW YEARS

NEW YEARS

and best part is Minted has graciously offered one reader the chance to win $125 to use on their site!  Just leave a comment with your email address and favorite greeting card or what you would use the $125 towards! Contest ends Friday 11/20 at 5pm.