Surprise! Guest Post: The Vault Files

Happy Wednesday my dears! I have a lovely treat for you:

Gaby from The Vault Files is visiting today as a surprise guest post!

She's brought with her a few birthday essentials that are to die for ......

Hi everyone! I'm Gaby from The Vault Files and I'm thrilled to join Amanda's B-day celebration week along with all the fantastic bloggers she has invited! 

I have put together what I consider my must-haves for a girly Birthday Party, hope you enjoy it!

Via Style me Pretty

Via Fairy tales are True

 Via Pinterest

Via Bakerella

 Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest

Via Style me Pretty

Thank you so much Amanda for letting me be part of your celebration week! I wish you a very Happy Birthday (and week!) ;)

Um, Yes Please!

How amazing is this round up?

These must-have's definitely add up to one fabulous birthday!

Thank you so so so much Gaby for saying hello today.

Can't wait to plan your next visit!

Guest Post: A Day in the Life and Mind

I'm so excited to have the super cute and always hilarious Jaclyn from A Day in the Life and Mind.... 

 Being that we had our fair share of fun times together at The Ohio State University I can promise you she is as silly, carefree, and beautiful in person as she is in the blog world.

If you haven't visited her, you MUST.

Today she is sharing a fabulous birthday gift guide and all for under $50 .... so here we go!

Happy Birthday (week) Amanda!  I am Jaclyn from "A Day in the Life and Mind...", and I went to college with Amanda, so I am excited to be guest posting in honor of her birthday!  With all the many friends, sisters, brothers, cousins, blah blah blahhh, it is hard to manage budgets for each of their birthdays.  Today I am sharing a few birthday gift ideas under $50 that are sure to still keep your wallet full.  

Enjoy!

Thanks again, Amanda for having me and have a wonderful birthday!!

Thank you so much Jaclyn for visiting today ~ stop by anytime you want!

Such great choices, I love them all! 

One thing is for sure, she definitely knows my love for Urban Outfitters.

And how funny is that picture!?  Oh, college!

Guest Post: chartreuse & a twist

Kicking off this birthday filled week is the wonderful Brynn from chartreuse and a twist. 

I fell in love with her and her adorable blog the second I laid my eyes on it.

Her insane ability to find amazing thrifted treasures and her always gorgeous color crushes are just a few of the reasons I visit her everyday in this fabulous little blog world.

Enjoy!

Hello, lovely readers of Eclectic Snapshots :) I am Brynn from chartreuse & a twist and I am so happy to be here today! Amanda and I originally bonded in the bloggy world over our shared love of vintage and thrift treasures...and then just recently found out that we are both Sagittarians :) Our birthdays are just a week apart...mine was just yesterday and Amanda's is Sunday! I am sharing my birthday MUSTS today...the "ingredients" {so to speak} to the perfect birthday! 

1. the birthday outfit is essential!!! every birthday girl MUST have the perfect birthday ensemble {and i'm thinking this hot little ensemble makes a perfect statement!}

2. fancy birthday cocktails are simply the best! what better way to get the {birthday} party started??!!!!!

3. eat beautiful cake! i can't imagine a birthday without some sort of cake! cheesecake, cupcake...etc...it's just a birthday tradition that is a must for me :)

4. shake, shake, shake it!!! i am such a shaker i just can't help it ;) dancing on my birthday is a major must...and it doesn't just have to be out & about...it could be somewhere as simple as my own living room! i just love to let free and dance!!!

5. treat yourself...i am not one that expects gifts on my birthday...it is not what it's all about for me...but I absolutely treat myself :) yep, that's right! i am all about treating myself for my birthday... because, truly, why not?!

so there you have it! the ingredients to a perfect birthday!!! amanda, i wish you the happiest of birthdays and hope that you get all of this and more :) thank you so much for having me over today!

xoxoxo brynn

A HUGE thank you and a Happy Birthday to my fellow Sagittarius, Brynn, for sharing these birthday festive ingredients. 
Any one of these would make a great addition to my celebration this coming weekend!

Blog Series: Birthday Fun

I am so excited to announce that I will be having my first ever guest post this week! 

Not only am I completely blessed to have one guest, but there will actually be FOUR wonderful ladies popping in to say hello.

On December 4th I will be celebrating my 26th birthday and it seemed like the perfect time to have a few visitors here at Eclectic Snapshots.

Since my birthday falls on the beginning of the week this year I decided to make my "birthday week" the week before.

WAY more fun to build up to it, wouldn't you say?

I've gotten a sneak peak at the birthday fun these ladies have put together and I can't wait to share.

Mid-week I'll be checking in with you all.

Until then show these beauties some love!

xoxo

Amanda

Thanksgiving

Happy Wednesday!
This usually would be a "Because I'm Hungry" post but I'm currently away at Grandma's for a long weekend. So in honor of the holiday I rounded up a few particularly festive images!


I'm taking tomorrow off to enjoy the good food and spend time with my family.
But I'll be back Friday for Friday's Fancies.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
xoxo
Amanda 


{images via Pinterest}

Inspiration

This week all I'm seeing is red and it is because once we return from grandma's this weekend I will begin helping my parents paint their kitchen! My mom has picked out this gorgeous, deep shade of red and I can't wait to see how it turns out! Dad painted the ceiling this past weekend while I was at their house and it has left me so anxious to get over there and help out!

{images via Pinterest}

Upcycling

It's no secret that I have a love for visiting antique malls and thrift stores. But what I love even more than that is finding items I can give new life to. That is probably why a lot of my free time is spent online looking for new projects to tackle.

My newest discovery was found over at Country Living: 10 Easy Upcycling Craft Projects. 

These crafty little ideas could also be seen on the Nate Berkus Show by CL Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Gray Miller.

Below are the ones I'm loving most.

Chicken Feeder Lamps

Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

Rake Stemware Holder

Ruler-Topped Table

Crate Shelving

You can find the rest of these crafty little projects here.

What about you?

Any projects you currently have your eyes on?

I'd love to hear!

A Little of This, A Little of That

Happy Friday Lovelies. 

You know what that means ... Friday's Fancies

 This week it's all about mixing and matching over at Long Distance Loving.

That means anything goes when it comes to colors, prints, and textures.

This is one trend I have fallen in love with and need to make it happen in my life more often!

I had a hard time choosing between the two tops so I've offered up two options.

Option one is all about color and fun while option two shows off the always stunning black and gold combo.

Enjoy!

The Shorts

Outfit One:

Top - Clutch - Shoes

Outfit Two:

 Top - Clutch - Shoes

If you are in need of a little mix-and-match inspiration pop on over to Atlantic-Pacific.

The always stunning Blair has definitely mastered this look!

Friendsgiving

This Saturday I will be attending a "Friendsgiving" so all week I've been on the hunt for a fabulous recipe to share. My usual go-to's, Food Network and Martha Stewart, weren't showing me anything that I fell in love with. So I popped over to Spoon Fork Bacon knowing they would have something beautiful and of course delicious.

And boy, was I right!

The winner is: 

Sausage and Sage Stuffing with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Hazelnuts

Makes 1 9”x 12” baking dish

Ingredients:

2¼ – 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

¾ lb sweet Italian sausage, cut into bite sized pieces

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

3 ½ tablespoons sage, minced

3 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons thyme, minced

2 sourdough baguettes (completely stale), cut into 1 inch cubes

2/3 cup dried cranberries

2/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Pour broth into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat. Cover and set aside.

3. Pour oil in a sauté pan and place over medium high heat.

4. Add sausage to pan and brown for 4 to 5 minutes.

5. Remove sausage from pan and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

6. Drain fat from pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan and sauté onions and carrots for 3 minutes.

7. Add sage, chives and thyme and sauté for another 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Pour onion mixture over browned sausage and gently toss together.

9. Add baguette cubes, dried cranberries and hazelnuts to the bowl and fold together.

10. Pour hot broth over bread mixture and stir together until fully incorporated and well combined.

11. Generously grease a baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter and fill with the stuffing mixture.

12. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes.

13. Remove from oven and uncover. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and place back in the oven for 15 minutes, uncovered.

14. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

{recipe and photo via Spook Fork Bacon}

I love the rustic feel and look of this dish. And anything with sausage and cranberries is always delicious.

Check in Monday to see if it was a winner with my friends!

Monkeys Always Look

While checking out the Emily Henderson Holiday Guide I stumbled upon these little gems.

Allison D Cecil is the mastermind behind Monkeys Always Look. And I must say, for picking up metalsmithing on accident she does amazing work.

So to pick up some of your own fabulous "organic nature inspired jewelry" head on over to her shop.

 Whether it's for some one else or even a treat for yourself, I promise you will love what you find!

Weekend by Instagram

It's Monday! 

Which means another link up party over at a {little} dash of ash.

Pop on over to check out all the other Instagram posts.

My weekend was relaxing and a little crazy all at the same time; a good mix of sleep, working out, good food, a little shopping and a special birthday celebration:

.

1. New perfume from H&M {2 other scents available!} sitting pretty on my vanity tray. 

2. My obsession: my Jonathan Adler Starbucks Card, couldn't live without!

3. A chilly night snuggled up at my parents under the best blanket ever ... made by grandma pattison.

4. Only the best ice cream EVER ~ Graeter's Mocha Chocolate Chip, seriously amazing.

5. The gorgeous Brent Spence Bridge on a beautiful Saturday morning in Cincinnati.

6. A much needed mani {My Private Jet by OPI} and a new ring from Banana Republic.

7. Fell in love with this fun and pretty clutch at DSW ..... I think it needs to be mine.

8. Banana Republic's belt display.

9 and 10. SPARKLE by Steve Madden at DSW {nine came home with me!}

11. Anna Julianne and myself at The Wine Guy to celebrate Julianne's birthday.

12. Claire Taylor and Lauren ... gorgeous friends on the other half of the table.

13. Fire roasted tomato bisque with a sour cream drizzle and croutons to top it off.

14. Sweet glazed salmon over top a bed of au gratin potatoes and topped with a pepper and corn salsa.

15. and 16. The gorgeous and super delicious cake that was paired with champagne.

All That Glitters is Gold

This week marks a very special day over at Long Distance Loving: 

It is the 50th week for {av}'s link up party, Friday's Fancies. 

What better way to celebrate this anniversary than with a little something GOLDEN!

And even some SPARKLE.

And of course a HUGE thank you to {av} for bringing us all together every Friday!

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13

Happy Weekend Loves!

Starting The Weekend

Here's a super fun tune to jump start the weekend!

{Outasight: Tonight is the Night}

A Night In Nashville

The 45th CMA Awards were last night in Nashville.

All of the biggest Country stars were in attendance and I must say ....

TOTAL girl crush on Carrie Underwood.

Every dress she appeared on stage in was as good if not better than the one before.

It's almost sickening how that girl can make anything look good.

For those of you who missed it here's who went home a winner.

The Alligator Pear

Lately I have been on a huge avocado kick. Most likely because it's amazing in about everything I eat: omelets, turkey burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, salsas ... the list could go on forever.

So here is a yummy recipe in honor of my current obsession.

Turkey-Avocado Club

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 8 slices turkey bacon
• 1 avocado, halved and pitted
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 slices whole-grain bread, lightly toasted
• 8 small leaves romaine lettuce
• 1 tomato, cut into 8 slices
• 12 ounces sliced low-sodium deli turkey breast
• 1/2 small English cucumber, sliced

Directions

Toss the onion with the vinegar and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Let stand 15 minutes, then drain. Meanwhile, cook the turkey bacon as the label directs until crisp.

Mash the avocado with the yogurt in another small bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Lay 4 slices of bread on a cutting board and spread with half of the avocado-yogurt mixture. Top with the lettuce and tomato and season with salt and pepper. Add a layer of turkey breast, bacon, cucumber and red onion. Spread the remaining avocado mixture on the remaining 4 bread slices and place spread-side down on top of the sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half to serve.

{recipe and photo found here}

Other tasty avocado recipes: 

Chicken Avocado Egg Rolls

Mango & Avocado Salad

Avocado Goat Cheese Dip

Pineapple & Avocado Salsa

Guacamole

More For Less

With Christmas coming faster than I'd like it's time to start getting in the gift giving mindset. 

I tend to check out the sale areas first to see if there is anything my friends and family would enjoy. I put myself on a budget for each person so hitting the sale section is a nice way to get more and spend less. Not to mention the sale at Urban Outfitters {my favorite store} is always a great place for one of a kind, fun, quirky gifts.

These are just a few of the items I'd love to give this year.

{I'm loving 3, 4 and 6.}

1: Jewelry Box

2: Candle Votive

3: Artwork

4: Wooden Pendant Lampshade

5: Basket Weave Pillow

6: Lounge Chair

7: Rug

8: Tiered Jewelry Stand

What about you? 

Any places you always check first when Christmas shopping?

Weekend via Instagram

Happy Monday Lovelies! 

How was your weekend? Anything fun and exciting?

Mine was pretty low key being that I some how acquired a terrible cold. 

Friday night was spent cuddled up on the couch watching Big Fish, drinking lots of tea and a little online shopping.

Saturday started with an early morning workout and of course Starbucks. I then spent the day at my favorite antique mall. I've been on the hunt for a new desk for my room and I love the look of the antique metal top farm tables and this antique mall has TONS. The problem now is deciding which to get: a colored top with white base or a white top with white base I could paint myself. Thoughts?

Saturday night I headed out to the official Alabama Alumni bar with my best girl friends {a few graduated from Alabama} to watch the Alabama LSU game.

Sunday  was spent sleeping in which I rarely get to do and then watching the Bengals game and enjoying dinner at my parents.

I'm still not feeling 100% but this weekend sure helped.

Jungle Glam

Coral Hinged Upscale Biaocchi Satin Zip Resort Chic Opening Night

It's officially chilly here in Cincinnati, I know this because I put the electric blanket on my bed this week ... brrrr!

So when {av} sent out this weeks theme for Friday's Fancies I was beyond thrilled.

JUNGLE GLAM.

In honor of the debut of Lilly Pulitzer's Resort Collection.

The colors and prints bring a warmth to the future winter months that I can't even begin to describe. 

You MUST go check it out yourself. 

Although my chosen look is basic with pops of sparkle, color and print this new collection has so much to offer. There is a piece for anyone!

Pop on over to {av}'s to check out the rest of the fabulous outfits this week.

Happy Weekend Loves!