Thankful Heart

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; 


but let the thankful heart
sweep through the day and, 


as the magnet finds the iron, 


so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.


-Henry Ward Beecher

I am so thankful. I know life may be full of ups and downs but there are so many blessings in each day if we are willing to look for them. I am abundantly grateful for my family, my friends, my health, and my lovely LSL supporters. Thank you doesn't seem like enough, but I'm appreciative everyday for all that you do, but mostly for you enriching my life and letting me into yours.

Go home and hug your family, remember to say your thank you's (and mean them) and most of all, smile.  

Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings.

xo,

L

*Credit - Elements of Style & Marta Writes

Set the Table

I'm not what you would called "skilled" in the kitchen department, for example, my lovely mother is known to just put me in charge of ice, water and setting the table. Slowly over the years I have graduated to being in charge of making gravy as well. (Which by the way, is something that I take great pride in. And yes, I realize it's just gravy.) As much as I would want this post to be about me bragging over my gravy makin' skills, I thought it would be more fun for you to check out some of these awe-inspiring table settings. Maybe get some ideas for your big holiday table and dazzle your guests when they sit down for their delicious dinner.

via It's Written On The Walls

So elegant
via Birch and Bird

For the kiddie table
via Under the Table & Dreaming

via Under the Table & Dreaming

via Miss Martha S

So simple
via Under the Table & Dreaming

Anything spray painted metallic and I'm on board
via Miss Martha S

Love incorporating the pink on to the table
via Southern Living

Isn't this beautiful? Black and white and touches of shimmer
via Digs Digs

Here's a creative way for those placecard holders...

via Oh How Posh

via Miss Martha S

via New England Fine Living

And as an added bonus, check out ways even more ways to upgrade your table settings here and helpful hints on holiday entertaining here.


Wishing you a wonderful and fulling Thanksgiving!


xo,
L

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Apple Almond Tart

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, paired along with the rapid drop in temperature and the current overcast of the day; this Foodie Friday makes me want to cook and enjoy something comfort-like. To me nothing feels more fall than a delicious baked apple dish. I came across this recipe after drooling over apple desserts on my favorite site. This Apple Almond Tart is from the lovely blog of Sweet Fine Day. Pictured below and paired with caramel ice cream, this is a for sure on my to do list of desserts I must make. 

Apple Almond Tart (makes one 11-inch tart)

{recipe here}

For the crust

2 cups flour


6 ounces butter


5 Tablespoons sugar


1/4 teaspoon salt


1 egg


1 egg yolk 

For the filling

1/2 cup butter, softened


1/2 cup sugar


2 eggs


1/2 cup all-purpose flour


2 ounces finely ground almonds


1 teaspoon almond extract


3-4 apples, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick (any variety of apple would do just fine)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Beat the butter and sugar together in an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, beat for one more minute. Finally, beat in the flour, almonds, and almond extract, stopping to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl if necessary. Spread this mixture in an even layer into the baked tart shell. Begin arranging the sliced apples around the side in overlapping concentric circles, until the entire top of the tart is covered. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center of the tart is firm and fully cooked. Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing.

Bon appetit lovelies!

xo,

L

Poppy Love

I'll admit it, I'm in love. Yes, deep in poppy love. It's true I can't help it, I'm a bit enamored with the color poppy this season. Seriously. I want my entire wardrobe (and okay, my house too) to have pops of poppy sprinkled throughout. Is that too much to ask?  


Is it red? Is it orange? You tell me...

via BHG

via Vogue & Coffee via Elle

via Design*Sponge

via Fashion & Disco

via Studio Ten 25

Double-cloth Townhouse Trench
via J. Crew

via Midwest Living

via Etsy 

via Pinterest 

via Pinterest

What's your favorite color for the season? Do you also feel an inordinate amount of love for a color like I do? No, well, yeah me neither. 


xo,
L

LSL {Thoughts & Quotes} - This Life

via Pinterest

It seems that work and life have been a bit hectic for me lately and I'm being a bad blogger and neglecting my wonderful LSL. I promise to get back to my regularly scheduled broadcasting soon, but in the meantime, this quote really spoke to me. So in what I like to do best, I thought I would share it with you. Life is pretty amazing when you really think about it. Yes, work gets in the way, people get in the way but, brush all that aside and I have to say I'm pretty thankful of my life and where it has led me.

So, take a moment in your own hectic days to just think about this, if not for a minute. It's bound to put a smile on your face.

Ta ta for now lovelies

xo,

L