Don't Forget!

Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway!
You can win this fabulous necklace "Mad Hatter's Time Keeper"

Click here for the original post to enter! Contest closes tomorrow!

Capital Ken: Men's Scarves

Scarves can keep your man warm when you’re not around. Consider this versatile collection for holiday gift-giving.

Forzieri, Paisley Print Wool and Silk Reversible Men's Scarf, $98.00

Silk scarves aren’t just for the theatre or the opera. They not only add an element of je ne sais quoi, but they’re surprisingly warm. Treat your man to one!

Banana Republic, Two-tone rib-knit Scarf, $49.50

This is a great scarf for almost all occasions. It comes in two colors, and both go with everything!

L.L.Bean, Irish Cashmere Scarf, Tartan, $59.50

Every man needs a casual plaid scarf. The small tartan plaid isn’t overpowering, plus it’s cashmere!

It List!

Happy Friday!  Take some time to check out these great links!

• i love that features the best beauty trends for the holidays... including the bold red lip (a la Taylor Swift). Check out her tips!
• the capital barbie rounds up sweaters for men - which happens to be my favorite gift to give this time of year!   See what her top picks are.  (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• the posh blog has her gift picks for teens - aren't they so hard to buy for? I love her ideas and this little camera is too fun! (find the posh blog on twitter!)
• suze wears clothes puts together three fun looks around this gorgeous floral scarf.  See how she styles it up! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
• second street east DIY's a holiday wreath - the finished product is gorgeous and it looks so simple!  Don't miss this tutorial! (find second street east on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style rounds up her inspiration each week in a not-to-be-missed post.  I'm drooling over this statement wallpaper for a powder room! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• free to be stacia lee pulls together a really gorgeous casual holiday look. I am now completely drooling over this lace top! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy hits the nail on the head with another thought provoking post in her "she" series. Check out the simple but thoughtful post!  Don't you want to be this gal? (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• gs lillian manages to convince me I need an orange coat and matching shoes this winter with just one post.  Doesn't she look amazing? (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls give a quick diy on how to make the perfect bow from tulle. I am in love with this idea... time to get wrapping!
• the daily be (formerly 'things i do think wear see love dream') wears one pair of khakis in two different outfits.  Check out her looks and be inspired for khakis beyond business casual! (find the daily be on twitter!)
• so much to smile about rounds up a fun gift guide for the homebody that I am loving.  Candles, blankets and cozy clothes, yes please! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
• rachael, really says 'merry december' with this gorgeous fall/winter outfit.  If you are in a warmer climate... you know fall just arrived! (find rachael, really on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life for less, for info on how you can be involved - click here! 

Friday Foodday!

TGIF! What do you have planned for this weekend? Any holiday shopping? How about something for yourself? Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway!

Snickerdoodles
c/o Mrs. Sigg and All Recipes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets. 

Peppermint Mug Chocolate Cakes
c/o Lauren's Latest

 Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons brownie mix
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons beaten egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• cool whip, for garnish
• crushed candy canes, for garnish

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix brownie mix together with oil, egg, water and peppermint extract until well combined. Divide evenly between two greased mugs. Microwave on high 1 - 1 1/2 minutes or until cake starts to pull away from the sides and is puffed. (The cake should look moist still, but not like there's any batter left.) Cool 1 minute and remove from mug. Top warm cakes with cool whip and crushed candy canes. Serve immediately while still warm.

Mexican Hot Chocolate
c/o Kitchen Bellicious

  Ingredients

• 2 ounces of Mexican sweet chocolate, ground (use food processor and ground chocolate into tiny bits)
• 1 ounce of white chocolate, ground (use food processor and ground chocolate into tiny bits)
• 4 TBSP crushed peppermint candies ( I also grounded this in the food processor)
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (by the good stuff)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch of cayenne pepper *optional
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt

 Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. To make a drink, fill cup with 1/3 cup of cocoa mixture and pour in 1 cup hot milk. Stir to combine and enjoy! You can also use water if you prefer.