Why Snail Mail Is Good For The Soul + A Giveaway

Why Snail Mail Is Good For The Soul + A Giveaway

Monday, December 21, 2015

Hey y'all! Can I share a joy of mine? Cards. Receiving and sending notecards is a tangible expression of care. Nothing says ' I was just thinking about ya ' quite like paper and ink. I so love opening my mailbox and finding a brightly colored envelope, imperfectly scrolled with my name; The surprise of what might be inside driving me to tear into it like a child, not having the patience to properly break the seal. Perhaps the card will make me chuckle, or smiley warmly. Maybe it will shimmer and shine, or be whimsically watercolored. A handpicked, handwritten note is a treasure in this world of cyber words. Hand written letters and notes are classic. They take effort and thought. They brighten our day and warm our hearts, filling up the deepest part of us that longs for connection.  A thoughtful note to let someone know you care for them, or even just that you were thinking about them, is sweet nectar for the soul. Let us reach out more, and share love through the written word, penned by our own hand!

I received my first Sincerely Box the other day, and it rocked my socks off! I leaped into the most beautiful ocean on creativity when I opened the neatly packed box of notecard love. Each card delightful, charming, and perfectly unique. Then I found the stamps. They are little nuggets of classic fun. It was good, you guys. I am so in love with my little box of cards... I almost do not want to send them anyone. I want them all to self! I am strongly considering framing the "seasonal beverages" card. That one deserves all of the laughing emoji.

What is Sincerely Box you ask? Y'all always asks such great questions ;)

Sincerely Box is a subscription service ( just $24/month ) that sends four unique hand lettered cards and four unique stamps each month. Haley and her husband started the company to encourage people to build their relationships, and keep in touch with one another by sending hand written notes on the most delightful, sassy, and cute cards around! Bonus: You can gift a Sincerely Box to someone you know! Just one box. No subscription needed. You can surprise them with a pretty little box full of happiness.

I can't get over how cute my notecards are! I should not have all the fun though. Haley has so sweetly offered to giveaway a free box of joy to one lucky lady! You can enter to win a free Sincerely Box in the Rafflecopter below ( at the end of this post ). Plus you can use coupon code BOONEANDOWL10 now to get 10% off your own subscription!

Do you love snail mail? When was the last time you sent someone a handwritten letter/note?  Let's chat in the comments XO

ENTER TO WIN A FREE SINCERELY BOX

GIVEAWAY RUNS FROM 12/21 - 12/30

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Holiday Style With A Twist

Holiday Style With A Twist

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

THE GOODS

| ROMPER: LOFT ( SIMILAR )

| TIGHTS: LOFT ( SIMILAR )

| HEELS: MADDEN GIRL ( SIMILAR )

| JEWELRY: C/O MANIC TROUT ( EXACT )

| CLUTCH: HOBO ORIGINAL ( SIMILAR )

December is my favorite month you guys. Everything about it feels magical. The twinkling lights on every house, the smell of mocha lattes brewing, the classic songs on the radio, the excitement of seeing gifts under the tree. It is a happy and most joyous time of year! The street lights here, that run along the main street downtown, are shaped much like candy canes and are currently wrapped with red and white lights.. I need not express my childlike enthusiasm over candy cane lane. I inwardly squeal every time I drive down that road.

With all of the Christmas cheer comes holiday parties! A fashion lovers dream. Shimmery festive dresses are great, but I wanted something different this year. Something classic.. with a twist. I give you a romper. A romper with tights. YAASSS. I had this simple black romper tucked away in the back of my closet from summertime. Paired with jet black tights and a few unique glitzy accessories, it shines! It is a fun and flirty twist for this year's holiday parties. Classic and oh so fun!

Speaking of accessories.. I am a little obsessed with the necklace I am wearing. The green glass beads catch the light and dance on the eye. It is so festive and sophisticated. I am in love! I am extra excited for you guys because Sierra, from Manic Trout, has so generously offered to giveaway one of her beautiful necklaces! Just in time for Christmas no less. You can enter to win in the Rafflecopter below. There are only a few entries so it is especially easy. Happy early Christmas, girls! ;)

Tell me about your holiday style! Love dressing up? Hate it with a passion? Would you try the romper with tights? Let's chat in the comments!

MANIC TROUT GIVEAWAY

Giveaway runs from Decemebr 9th - December 16th.

One winner will be randomly selected and announced/contacted Thursday December 17th.

Good Luck, girls!

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The Best Mocha Cream Pie ( Gluten Free )

The Best Mocha Cream Pie ( Gluten Free )

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Hey hey! I have the most delicious mocha cream pie recipe to share with you guys today. I made two versions on this scratch pie for Thanksgiving, but you can make this anytime, and your family will love you for it ;) It is THE best mocha cream pie. If you need a chocolate fix, with a kick, this mocha cream pie will satisfy your chocolate needs for the rest of your life! It is a silky, rich, chocolate and coffee explosion. Major bonus: the crust for this pie is gluten free, so you can confidently share this pie with your friends and family who stay away from gluten.

__________________ MOCHA CREAM PIE __________________

Prep time: 10 minutes

Working time: 20 minutes

Chill time: 4 hours

Servings: 8

Ingredients For Crust:

1 small bag of chocolate cookies ( about 30 bite size cookies ) I use Pamela's Simple Bites Extreme Chocolate Cookies. They are gluten free, and one bag will make one pie crust. 

1/4 teaspoon of salt.

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter ( melted )

Ingredients For Pie Filling:

1/2 cup of sugar.

4 egg yolks. 

1/4 teaspoon of salt.

2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

2 cups of half-and-half

1/2 cup of brewed coffee ( I use 2 unsweetened instant coffee packets in half a cup of hot water ).

1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips ( I use Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Baking Chips ).

Ingredients For Whipped Cream.

1 cup of heavy whipping cream ( I use Organic Valley ).

2 tablespoons of sugar.

Preparation.

Preheat oven to 350˚F.Process cookies and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in food processor or blender  until fine crumbs appear. Transfer to a medium bowl. Mix in 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Press cookie crumb mixture into 9 inch pie plate or disposable pie tin. Place pie tin on baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Place on rack to cool.

 In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream and 2 tablespoons of sugar on medium-high speed with hand mixer. Beat just till little peaks form. Cover and place in refrigerator until you are ready to serve the pie!

Place 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl and set aside ( I use a metal mixing bowl ). Heat half a cup of water in a heat safe cup or mug and stir in the 2 packets of unsweetend instant coffee. Set aside. In a medium saucepan whisk together the 4 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Whisk in 1/2 cup of coffee and 2 cups of half-and-half. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and whisk leaves a slight trail; 10-12 minutes. Pour over 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and let stand for 2 minutes ( So the chocolate chips can melt thoroughly ). Whisk until smooth. 

Transfer the mocha cream into the cooled pie crust, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and chill for at least four hours. When you are ready to indulge, top the mocha cream pie with the whipped cream and serve! Or eat right from the pie tin.. I will not judge ;)

What is the most delicious pie your have ever eaten!? Think this pie will be a hit with your family? Tell me all about it in the comments!

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Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Hello! As you may have noticed this little ole blog of mine got a facelift and a new name. Welcome to The Nosh Life. You may find that some recipes [ like this one ] still have Boone & Owl branding - Due to the number of styled recipes I have not been able to update the visuals for every post yet. If you enjoyed this recipe and would like to pin it for later please use the updated pinnable image below and help solidify the new branding! Thanks, loves - Jen

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the most inviting sweet of fall. The onset of cool breezy fall weather has inspired me to bake quite a bit in the past week and a half. To me, there is nothing more relaxing than baking. Measuring, mixing, tasting.. it is a cozy release. Since Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner ( nine days away, you guys. NINE. ) I decided to whip up Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies. Say that three times fast! I try to make these at least once during November. They are Thanksgiving wrapped in a cookie. I am known for cake like cookies, and these little pillows of yumminess are exactly that. They are cake like; moist and packed with flavor. They taste like a pumpkin pie made by angels.. but better! 

For this particular recipe, I used a Betty Crocker base sugar cookie mix. This is simply a time saver. You can turn a sugar cookie base into anything you desire! It is a great little trick if you are short on time. 

INGREDIENTS: 

1 box of your favorite sugar cookie mix ( I use Betty Crocker gluten free )

1 stick of butter

1 large egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla ( I use Spice Islands )

1 1/2 teaspoons of water

1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 1/2 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree

1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips ( I use Ghirardelli 60% dark )

1/2 cup of walnuts ( finely chopped ) 

* you can use any nut that you prefer. Chopped almonds or macadamia nuts would be great in this recipe as well!

PREPARATION.

Preheat oven to 350˚. Finely shop walnuts ( or nuts or your choice ) and set aside. 

In a medium mixing bowl combine the sugar cookie base, butter, egg, vanilla, water, and spices ( pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and cocoa ). Mix until a soft dough forms. May appear slightly sandy. Fold in pumpkin puree. A loose dough will form.

Fold in dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.

On your lined baking sheet drop hefty teaspoons full of the cookie dough. Because these cookies are quite cake like, you will need to press down on the dough with the back of your spoon so they do not rise too much. If you like super fluffy cookies, leave the dough drops as is.

Bake for 10 -12 minutes and enjoy!

You can store theses cookies in an airtight container for up to a week ( if they last that long! ) These cookies are amazing warm! Pop them in the microwave for 12 seconds and enjoy with a cold glass of milk during the week!

* do keep in mind that these cookies are very cake like. Once stored, the slight outer crust will soften much like a cupcake top. They are moist and fluffy.

What is your favorite pumpkin flavored dessert? Do you love chocolate and pumpkin together?

Have a beautiful day,

Savory Roasted Carrots

Savory Roasted Carrots

Monday, November 9, 2015

Hey guys! Need a quick healthy recipe? Roasted carrot disks are both savory and sweet! These roasted carrots are so delicious, and you do not have to feel guilty after chowing down.  I have eaten an entire pan by myself! I also turned orange from doing that one too many times. Beta-carotene at its finest. If you are not up for looking like an oompa loompa, share these scrumptious carrots with your loved ones and spread the beta-carotene around ;) 

WHAT YOU NEED:

10 large carrots ( I use orange, purple, and white carrots ).

2 tablespoons of olive oil.

A palm full each ( about 1 1/2 teaspoons) of black pepper, Italian herbs, and onion powder.

COOKING:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dice carrots into round disks and spread out on a lined baking sheet. Pour olive oil evenly over carrots and sprinkle spices. Toss evenly to coat. Bake for 25-30 minutes and enjoy!

It is that simple! The prep is very easy and only takes a few minutes. If you want slightly crisp edges on the smaller disks, roast the carrots for 40 minutes. 

* I use organic carrots from my local fresh market that are absolutely huge. If you are using the typical orange carrots from the grocery store you will need to up the number used x2.

Do you have a healthy recipe that your family loves? Share it/link it up in the comments!

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WEAR || A FEW THINGS

WEAR || A FEW THINGS

Thursday, October 15, 2015

THE GOODS

| TOP: JOSEPH RIBKOFF ( EXACT )

| DENIM: LOFT ( SIMILAR )

| HANDBAG: C/O SOLE SOCIETY ( EXACT )

| HAIR ACCESSORY: ANTHROPOLOGIE ( SIMILAR )

| BOOTIES: BORN CONCEPT ( SIMILAR )

Just a few things...

ONE. I am so happy about this crisp weather lately. I can finally wear all of the cozy tops that I have been hoarding in my closet! Summer is great, do not get me wrong. It has its own treasures. But that fall tho. I ordered this amazing top from Joseph Ribkoff a month or so ago. Cropped top overlay, leather piping, gold zippers on the sides.. It is everything a girl could want! Did I mention that it is extremely comfortable? Well, it is!

TWO. Long walks, deep conversation, and effortless laughter has reminded me lately how precious each moment is. It is easy to take the people we cherish most for granted, and overlook how special even the smallest moment can be. Sometimes it is the smallest things that mean the most. Soak up every minute you have with the dearest to your heart. Wallow in the moments. Drink them in. 

THREE. Why is it that cool weather deceives me into thinking that I can eat whatever I want? Ice cream.. by all means. What's that, a cookie? Better eat it. Need help finishing that piece of quiche?

Perhaps it is the high-waisted leggings and slouchy sweaters. All of that room for a few extra pounds!

FOUR. Speaking of gaining weight. Asparagus hash brown crust quiche is the best thing that your tastebuds will ever encounter. I found this out in a moment of desperation. I popped into Common Ground, a local coffee shop, and selected a piece of asparagus quiche out of extreme post-gym hunger. It was the best thing that I have ever eaten. End of story. 

FIVE. A friend of mine did me a really sweet favor yesterday. She took a few minutes of her time and graciously gave them to me, walking down to my work to bring me lunch because I could not leave the shop. It was a simple favor, a generous gesture, and it touched my heart tremendously. Even if you have just a moment to give to someone or to do a small favor for them, it matters. It is no small thing in the end. Take advantage of those moments. You never know how impactful they might be.

Your turn! What are a few happenings or thoughts that you would like to share?

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 ________________________________ MEET BRITTANY ________________________________

BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  PINTEREST

I was born and bred in Kentucky and honestly don't see myself ever leaving the beautiful bluegrass state. My days are spent practicing law and this blog has allowed me to embrace my creativity and provided an outlet to showcase my interests. It has truly become my baby and I hope that you enjoy reading it half has much I enjoy creating it!

How did you get started blogging? 

I got started blogging mostly because I loved to read blogs. After graduating law school and moving to a new town I found myself unfulfilled and in search of something to fill up my creativity cup. I had wanted to start a blog for years but the time had never been right. I'm so happy I took the plunge!

Where do you find inspiration? 

SO many inspiration mediums! I love flipping and dog earring magazine pages, jotting down ideas in my notebook that come up from chatting with friends, and of course hours of scrolling Pinterest! I've really tried to steer clear of following trends and just blogging about something because other bloggers are doing the same. I find my best ideas come from just channeling the things that happen in my everyday life.

Three things you can't live without..go!

My girlfriends--after college it's so hard to maintain friendships but also so important. I make a conscious effort to put my friendships high on my priority list. Nothing makes me feel more refreshed than a weekend eating, laughing, and dancing with my girls.

My dogs- my little pooches bring such joy to my life. I've recently started fostering dogs and it is so rewarding. They are hard to pass on to the next part of their journey but nothing makes my day more than watching one of my dogs find their forever homes!

Good food- life would be so boring and sad without good food. I have always had a big appetite and food truly is one of the joys of life!

What do you find most beautiful in life? 

This sounds cheesy but the older I get the more I truly realize it's all about the little things. Big moments of happiness or excitement are always fun but learning to cherish the small moments such as a quiet Friday night with your favorite tv show, splurging on dessert, or seeing an old friend really is what makes life oh so beautiful. 

Tell us something we don't know about you!

I hate this question! I always try to think of something super clever or surprising. I'll choose something silly. Something you don't know about me is....I desperately want to love blue cheese. I always order dishes that have it in it hoping to love it but I just don't. I need to stop and accept I just don't like it!

START HERE: Why I Broke Up With Stitch Fix  |  Emotions In The Workplace  |  Pear and Apple Treat

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