DIY Sunburst Mirror

I've been looking for a decorative piece to put above our bed for awhile, and after seeing some sunburst mirrors on Pinterest, I decided that I would try making my own!

Surely, it can't be that difficult right?

RIGHT! 

This DIY sunburst mirror project took just a few hours, and a few dollars ($7 to be exact) to make!  I already had the spray paint and wall fasteners.

Definitely a successful project - even for beginners. 

Materials needed:

Round mirror (I got the 7 inch size from Michaels)

Brass ring, optional (Again a 7 inch size from Michaels)

Skewers (I got a set of 100 from Target for $2)

Hot Glue Gun (and glue)

Mounting hook or fasteners

Spray Paint (I had a mini can of gold)

Cardboard 

Directions:

-Arrange skewers in desired pattern on back of mirror.  

You can either trim them to desired lengths, or just place them at varying distances from the center of the mirror. 

-Hot glue the skewers down and let dry.  You can do them all at one time, or a few at a time.  (To help the skewers stay in place while gluing, put magazines on them to hold them down.)

-Once dry, spray pain the front of the skewers (the side that you will see).  Be sure to cover the mirror part with newspaper or cloth.  I just did one coat of paint and let it dry.

-If you want the brass ring look, which makes the mirror have more dimension, attach it to the outside of the mirror with hot glue -it should just squeeze right over the edges of the mirror.

-To mount, cut out a 6 inch circle of cardboard and glue to the back of the mirror/skewers.  

Then attach mounting device (either hooks, poster or mounting strips).  

I should have taken step-by-step photos, but my camera was dead...so all I have is the final product!

Let me know if you have questions!

THIS tutorial was very helpful to me!

XOXO

Apple Crumb Muffins

After apple-picking at a local orchard recently, I had LOTS of apples, and nothing to do with them!  On a cooler day this week, I decided to try these Apple Crumb Muffins - they were perfect.  Moist and doughy in the middle, with the perfect cinnamon-sugar topping.  The apple taste wasn't overwhelming, so the next time I think I'll substitute some applesauce for the butter in the muffin mix.  But definitely give these a try - they won't disappoint!  The perfect fall treat :)

Apple Crumb Muffins

Ingredients:

For the muffin:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

pinch of salt

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 large apple, peeled and chopped

2 eggs

1 cup milk

6 tbsp butter, melted and cooled

For the crumb topping:

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 1/2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

2 tbsp light brown sugar

Directions:

Crumb Topping: 
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon.  Add the butter and cut it into the mixture until crumbly. 

Muffins: 
Preheat over to 400 degrees.  Line muffin tin with 12 liners or grease and set aside. 
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. 
Add the chopped apple to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and butter.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the egg mixture.  Stir gently, and be careful not to overmix. 
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and top with the crumb topping.  Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, and then serve or cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!!

Friday's Fancies - Celebrate!

Happy Friday!!  Hope you all had a great week!!

It's been a quiet one here (not complaining), and I've done lots of cooking, baking, reading, and catching up on my some of my favorite shows - Revenge and Revolution!

(And to be honest - a little Real Housewives, eek!)

This week's edition of  Friday's Fancies is all about a party outfit!  I only wish I had somewhere to wear this fancy shmancy look to :)

dress//clutch//jacket//shoes//bracelet//watch//polish

I love the pops of yellow, the print of this gorgeous Tibi dress (on sale now!), and these heels are amazing!  A chic peplum jacket for when it gets cool, pretty jewelry, and a wine colored nail - and we've got our complete "party" outfit!  I have to be honest - I have kind of surprised myself by the fact that there are no sequins, but I still think its G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S :)

(yes I just sang Fergie's song to make sure I spelled that right)

And a huge congrats to {av} for reaching the 100th Friday's Fancies post!  It's been so much fun!

HAPPY WEEKEND, LOVES!!
We are planning on date night in (pizza and board games) and then a Halloween costume party on Saturday!

XOXO

Fall Haul

Over the past couple of months, I've picked up some fall items here and there, and I wanted to show you some of my favorite finds!!  I love shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls....and right now they have some really cute fall and winter items!  If you have a little patience, I think you can always find something you'll love there!

Take a peek at my Fall Hall Video, and y'all tell me what you think!!

Items mentioned:

H&M Leopard Scarf
Cynthia Rowley Orange Scarf - similar

Camel Scarf - similar
Floppy Hat - similar
Madden Girl Booties

Old Navy Rockstar Skinnies

Revlon Polish - Vixen

Revlon - Mistletoe

Essie - Case Study

Essie - Power Clutch

Essie - Stylenomics

OPI - I Brake for Manicures

*What I'm wearing*
Kohl's Sweater (in yellow)
BaubleBar Necklace (sold out!)
(take $10 off your first BaubleBar purchase with code: 4365900!)

What fall items have you been shopping for?

XOXO

European Adventure - Recap!

I finally finished my last European Adventure post (sniff sniff), and a part of me became so sad!  I know we will remember this trip for the rest of our lives, but I just wish I could replay every single moment over and over again!  

I thought I would do a little recap of the cities that we visited over our month-long vacation....

just in case you missed any of the posts:

PARIS

MUNICH

SALZBURG

BAVARIA

PRAGUE

BUDAPEST

VIENNA

FLORENCE {1 and 2}

CINQUE TERRE

AMALFI COAST

ROME {1 and 2}

If you plan to visit any of these cities - please let me know! I'd love to share my thoughts and recommendations!!

XOXO

Friday Five

1. Fall Weather 

How amazing is this weather?!  Here in the Northeast (still can't believe I live here!), the cooler temperatures are here to stay, and I'm loving it.  Leaves are changing colors, falling from the trees, and the scarves and boots are on :)

{morning walks around downtown Princeton}

pics via Instagram- emily8463

2. Fall Fashions

My new wool floppy hat!  Found it at Marshalls for just $14.99!  

And the perfect mustard sweater :)

And this fashionista from Pinterest (it kind of looks like Megan to me!) inspired an recent outfit of mine!

Mustard tunic, black leggings, and a faux fur vest!  LOVE!

(vest, leggings, necklace, flats)

More mustard and faux fur, you ask??

Ok, fine.

I got this fun Zara vest from a consignment store with the tags still on :)  Originally $79 and got it for $24!  And I found these dark greek skinnies at H&M for only $12.95!  They have tons more colors too.

(sweater, pants, booties, Zara vest)

I tweeted this outfit pic and one of my FAVORITE fashionistas tweeted me back! 

Day. Made.

@emilysadlow oooohhh I love! Work it girl!

— Courtney Kerr (@thecourtneykerr) 

3. Philly Cheese-steaks

My parents drove through last weekend for a quick visit and we spent the afternoon in Philadelphia - exploring, shopping, and eating!  We had the BEST philly cheese-steaks and Ruben sandwiches at the Reading Terminal Market!     

4. New Recipes

I had one of my best weeks of recipes last week - every meal was a HUGE hit with me and the hubs.  Here a few of the highlights :)

Pioneer Woman Chili

Chicken Lettuce Wraps 

(recipe to come!)

Chicken Fried Rice

5. Target Loves

I've recently scored a few lovely treats from Tar-jay!  

This bright pink pullover has been a part of my weekly daily wardrobe.  I am so impressed with the quality and material of it - it reminds me so much of the Lululemon pullovers.

C9 by Champion 1/4 Zip Jacket

Eeeeek - I'm so excited about these leather boots from Target!  I just ordered them yesterday, so I haven't received them yet.  But they are modeled after the Frye Harness boots, and I am a huge fan!  I believe they are only on the website, but at $60, shipping is free :)

Target Katherine Harness Boot

What have been your highlights of the week??

XOXO

European Adventure - Rome {2}

Here we have it!  The last post of our European Adventure!  The last city we visited was the magnificent and historic Rome, Italy.  

We had the most wonderful time exploring the Colosseum, ancient ruins, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and much more.  Our best friends from Memphis, Spencer and Katie, were able to join us on this leg of our trip, and it ended up to be the most perfect ending to our vacation!  

{see Part 1 for the first part of our tour through Rome}

there is truly nothing like the Colosseum - it is incredible! 

best group ever!

the beautiful Pantheon

Delicious dinner at Pizzeria de Baffeta

Our last night - at the breathtaking Trevi Fountain

My love!  And best travel partner ever!

What an incredible journey we had through our European Adventures - it was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and one that we will cherish forever!

A Birthday Wish

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST DAD IN THE WORLD!

I love you so much and I am so grateful for you. All of your advice, encouragement, love, and selflessness truly has shaped and molded me into the woman that I am today.  My birthday wish for you is that you know how loved you are.  And how proud I am to call you my dad. 

Thank you for all that you do to support me and John.  You have been such a wonderful father and father-in-law.  John looks up to you so much and he has learned so much from you.  You have been such an excellent model of a loving husband and father.  

So happy we could celebrate with you this week.  Thank you for coming to visit and for always being up for an adventure!  I know I get that side of me from you!  :)

I love you!  May this year be the best one yet!  

Love, 

your (always) little girl