With posting this I may very well lose some of you readers! I know not everyone is a huge fan of cheesecake, but this recipe sounds so delicious!

Because its the Holiday season and everyone should indulge in desserts this recipe should be one to try.

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Serves 8, Prep time 30 min, Cook time 40 min, Total time 4 hours 10 min

Recipe courtesy of all recipes.

I’m crazy about a lot of things, but today I’m crazy about non-floral centerpieces! If your allergic to flowers, on a budget, wanting to style your wedding without a ton of flowers, or wanting to make your centerpieces meaningful to you then non-floral centerpieces are the way to go!

We all know flowers show off elegance and sophistication, but you can still get that look with non-floral centerpieces. Check out this candle centerpiece I found on Platinum Touch Events, you still have the elegance and sophistication and the best part is you can do this centerpiece on a budget!

I love this simple book centerpiece I found on Off Beat Bride. You have the perfect combination of vintage and simplicity. Why do I love this idea so much? It’s a big time saver and your budget will love you. All you need is ribbon, books, a candle, and a few pieces of candy.

Another great centerpiece I found on Off Beat Bride will have all you crafty people (me included) running to Micheal’s to buy yarn. These yarn centerpieces are one of the easiest DIY projects and will be the perfect alternative to flowers.

Leave it to Martha Stewart to make you swoon over a centerpiece!

I love, love, love these vase centerpieces designed by our very own Dylan List member, Cloud 9 Weddings & Papers. The couple wanted something meaningful in each vase and the creativity flowed into something very one-of-a-kind!

You can check out more of the vases HERE.

For all those candy lovers… We have the perfect centerpiece for you! I adore this antique inspired centerpiece from Life of a Vintage Lover and your guests will adore it too!

Combining cranberries, rosemary, cotton balls, and candles this fall inspired centerpiece via weddingbee.com will knock your socks off! How can you not LOVE this centerpiece? Its perfect.

These are only a few non-floral centerpiece ideas and you can check out a few more HERE and HERE!

Happy Planning!

For the first time ever I will not be stepping into a mall this Holiday season. I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders since deciding to do all of my shopping online this year.

Of course, it got me thinking of all those engaged couples out there who will be roaming stores like Crate & Barrel with their gun in-hand making wedding registries. I’ve blogged a few times about wedding registries and gifts for the bridal party. Well, now it’s time to start putting those gifts into an inspiration board!

I make inspiration boards for just about anything to make sure I don’t stray away from the end vision. This is why I haven’t  made the jump onto pinterest.com, I know its silly, but honestly, I would spend ALL day on there and not get anything done!

Since my favorite color is green I’m inspired by green kitchens. Obviously you can do small splashes of different shades of green for your kitchen but, in the end, its all about bringing the outdoors in!

Want to know where to find all this loot?

Top row: {First 2} Green Bride Guide Green Wedding Gift Shop & Registry, {mixing bowls} Williams-Sonoma Wedding & Gift Registry

Second row: Crate & Barrel

Third row: {first 2} CHEFS Gft Registry! {French Press} Wedding Gifts at Cooking.com

Fourth row: {Roasting pan} Wedding Gifts at Cooking.com, {rectangular baker & Kitchen Aid mixer} Williams-Sonoma Wedding & Gift Registry.

I hope the last few weeks have been a good one for everyone! To say things have been crazy around here would be an understatement!

I’m glad to be back into the swing of things and bringing you a wonderful engagement session submitted by Chyna Darner Photography.I just love that brick wall. Don’t you?

Now that we are all in full Holiday mode there’s no better time to start talking about Holiday cards! As most all of you know I’m in love with Minted. The Freshest Designs on Paper. This year they have some exciting new products to offer and of course they have some fabulous new designs!

For those of you who own your own business make sure you check out the Business Holiday Cards. You can find the perfect style and design to match your company!

You can also Shop Minted’s couples holiday cards. They have some great new designs and this is the perfect way to celebrate your engagement or wedding.

If you had a big year Minted has also updated a new format/layout for their Storyboard suites. You will now be able to tell the story of your year with a unique handmade look. And don’t forget to check out the Exclusive Minibook and Yearline Holiday Photo Cards at Minted.com.

Minted has also launched personalized journals. They are the perfect gift for that someone special in your life. They also have a few planning journals for couples who are engaged and planning your big day!

Happy {early} Holidays !

All photos courtesy of Minted. The Freshest Designs on Paper.

Do you really have to explain anymore? This will get the Holiday season started right!

Hot Spiced Drunken Apple Cider

Serves 8-10, Recipe courtesy of Glamour Magazine and Food52.

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 3/4 bottle of gewurztraminer (or other white wine which is not too dry)
• 4-5 sticks of cinnamon
• 4-5 cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise (or use 1 tbsp. vanilla extract)
• 3-4 tablespoons honey (depends on how sweet the wine you’re using)
• cup or so of fresh cranberrries (or 1 cup apples)

Directions

1. Put the cider and all spices in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. When on low heat add the wine. Do not boil again so the alcohol won’t evaporate too much, just let it warm.
4. Add the cranberries and simmer for a few more minutes until they color the liquid a bit.

Photo courtesy of countryliving.com