Phew! I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and got to spend a few days relaxing alongside family and friends. I'd like to recognize that Thanksgiving is over now that it's Saturday and we can move onto the topic of Winter celebrations but, that's truly not the case quite yet for our household. Today's agenda will be filled trying to replicate my future mother-in-law's famous, homemade beef stew recipe for our very first Friendsgiving tonight. I'd share the link to the recipe if it weren't that I am speaking of a beef stew instruction manual in a Bon Appetit magazine from 1999. That means it's gonna be extra tasty, right? 

Although it will be a modest crowd for our Friendsgiving because many people had prior engagements when we decided to host this, (did I mention how I dislike being an adult yet?), it will be nice to spend time with some close friends regardless. The scrabble, jenga, and plates of cheese and meats will be pulled out once again tonight and another white shirt of mine will undoubtedly be tarnished by the autumn sangria. But, all in all, it has been one big whirlwind of beautiful madness since Wednesday evening and I have the familiar feeling that tomorrow, Oliver and I, are going to need a long nap and a plate or two of biscuits and gravy in our PJs. 

I can feel you all nodding along in agreement from miles away but maybe we should get down to the reason why we're here. I couldn't help but make this weekend's edition of Weekend Links revolved around leftover Thanksgiving recipes, where I'd love to be right now aside from this current in-between-snow-state, home décor for transitioning into Winter, and more. Check it all out below:

Good morning! It has been quite the busy week per usual in our household and I thought I would have gotten a few more tasks checked off my to-do list than I have thus far. So this weekend, for me, it's all about braving the cold to run errands, getting our house tidy in order to host, planning our very first "Friendsgiving", and doing tons and tons of pie practice-runs. Since we will be entertaining our loved ones Friday, Saturday, and Sunday next weekend, I've decided to take my own advice and try to prep as much as I can over the next two days so that we're not running around like lunatics on Friday morning. Basically we're going zero to sixty from now until December or until it begins all over again in anticipation for Christmas and New Years. It's a good thing I love party planning, huh?

One of the things that I've come to realize over the past year is that when we get older, the friends that we waved our goodbyes to when they were heading off to college in another state, really might stay there for good. It's quite a realization I've had; as if I never considered that they might prefer someplace aside from Maryland to live for the next few years {or the rest of their lives?}. Currently, we are lucky enough to be only minutes, or mere streets, away from our immediate family at this time but I know quite a few people that have their loved ones spread out across the globe. So, as this holiday season has reminded me, we should be thankful to spend a few days alongside our friends and family. Even if, sadly, that means seeing each other only 3 times a year and not having the privilege of driving straight to their house at 1 in the morning when you desperately need the familiar comfort of ice cream and Friends re-runs. I suppose this is what growing up is. Not a fan, but at least we have Boholidays with donuts, champagne, and crystal serving trays to look forward to when they come home to celebrate. Check out the rest of our weekend inspiration below:

Food I'm craving this week: Breakfast Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.

This couple's Norwegian wedding photos are absolutely breathtaking. Bonus points for the one where the bride is crying during the vows.

These Caramel Dipped Pears would be the perfect addition to a place setting for any holiday get together.

If you read my Thanksgiving post on Turkeys, Traditions, and Thankfulness, you know by now how much I enjoy the holiday and truly how much goes into every aspect of it when hosting and attending. From Printable Thanksgiving bingo to Caramelized Shallot Bacon Gravy, and more, I've placed all of your holiday necessities in one post for Thursday. 

And if you're still looking for some décor for the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, take a peek at our DIY: Shabby Chic "Gobble, gobble, gobble" sign to make today.

Thanks for reading, have a fabulous weekend!

XO Anna Elizabeth

I started this post with a few items in mind that I am thankful for this year but, as I started to add up {and add to} my mental checklist, I realized I'd be sitting here until approximately December discussing all of the details in which I am grateful for in this particular year. And then, during that moment of writers' block, I just so happen to hear my favorite show, Sex and The City, chiming in in the background. Similar to countless other women in the U.S., I praise Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. I applaud the show for its openness, strong emotional quality, and unwillingness to apologize for the behavior and thoughts of many women. And, maybe it was because I was feeling quite emotional already, but something Charlotte said in this particular episode struck a cord with me. It was when Samantha had gained a bit of a belly after “eating rather than cheating” and was contemplating leaving Smith for good. As she was shoveling yet another piece of chocolate cake into her already-full mouth, the girls asked her when the last time was that she felt happy. She said she couldn't even remember, it must have been months. The girls then glanced sadly around to each other in semi-agreement and Charlotte said something that I will try to always remember even on my most un-inspiring days. She said something along the lines of, “I don’t know about you girls but I am happy every day. Maybe not all day every day; but I am definitely happy at least once a day”. 

So, this is what I am thankful for this year. I am thankful that I'm happy every day. The naïve thought that someone couldn't possibly be happy for at least one moment every day had been unfathomable to me at that point. I am thankful that I come home from work some days and our biggest struggle is deciding who's going to run back to the store because someone {Sam} forgot the Chex Mix for movie night, or maybe forcing myself to get my tennis shoes on and brave the cold of winter in order to take Oliver for a walk. I’m thankful that I’m physically and mentally healthy and that my family and friends are as well. I’m thankful that I absolutely love my job and my partner in crime and our home in a city we love. I’m thankful that I'm growing and can now understand that people go through different types of struggles at different times in their lives and that I have the opportunity to be thankful for the life I've been dealt at this moment in time. 

So, this week I'll be counting my blessings and reminding myself of all of the things that matter most. At the very top of my list? Waking up healthy each and every morning next to someone that makes me feel happy, loved, and appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving!

Surprisingly, this will be the first Thanksgiving myself, Sam, and Oliver have gotten the chance to spend all together thus far because of conflicting family schedules and locations. For the past few years, we haven't made the holiday a priority in our household so, this year I'm very excited to create our own little family traditions centered around Thanksgiving. Throughout the week, I ventured into the blogging world a bit and found out what other people's Thanksgiving traditions consist of so that we can borrow an idea or two this year to start our own. Maybe the Friends Thanksgiving episode marathon, or the tradition where the whole family makes three turkeys together the night before? It's all up in the air this year my friends. Check out the rest of the Thanksgiving traditions on Cupcakes & Cashmere. 

What are some of your family's Thanksgiving traditions? Will you start any new traditions this year? Share with us in the comments below.

"Like" us on Facebook to see more Thanksgiving posts leading up to Thursday. 

Don't forget to check back for our blog post with Tips on Surviving the Holiday Season and our latest edition of Weekend Links on Saturday.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone; cherish your family, friends, and the wonderful food!

XO Anna Elizabeth

Hello Weekenders! This morning I feel like I've gotten done before 9am what I should have all weekend to do. Needless to say, my bailey's and hot chocolate moment last night on the couch was the only time all weekend that I'll be relaxing in my slippers and little black robe. I scrolled through this list of The 10 Best Documentaries on Netflix and found one to kick off my long weekend with that was equal parts refreshing and uplifting. Sam's working out of town for the next two days so I suppose I felt like I needed to be productive this morning as well. I've already cleaned the house top to bottom, made fresh flower arrangements, did a coconut facial, and took Oli for a chilly walk. The rest of my day {and night} will consist of setting up and working a jumbo-scale, BMA "Party of the Century" event in Baltimore. 

I've decided that instead of dreading the cold weather, I will embrace it this year by allowing myself only to think {and talk} about the positive aspects like the approaching holidays, catching up with old friends, comfy sweaters, and the feeling that you get when the first snow falls. Plus, you can't reasonably drink hot apple cider or bailey's in your morning coffee if it's not during the holiday season, so there you go. I hope you all enjoy this weekend, embrace the cold weather, and work on some DIY crafts indoors in the meantime! Take a look below for some inspiration:

Need some motivation to get you going this weekend? Check out the 12 Weekend Habits of Highly Successful People. 

Surprise your guests and serve this Beet Chip Appetizer at your next Fall gathering.

Skip the plastic, these easy to make DIY Leather Folders are perfect for work meetings and weekend seminars!

Dinner food I'm craving this week: Barley Risotto with Kale and Butternut Squash. {Mmmm}

Don't forget to check back this week for our Turkey, Traditions, and Thankfulness post in honor of Thanksgiving.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

XO Anna Elizabeth

Since Halloween is officially behind us, I have been focusing on true Autumn scents and flavors this week. That translates into a whole lotta squash, sweet potatoes, and fig recipes. Thanksgiving last year marked the first time I ever baked a homemade pie so this year I feel that I'm a little bit ahead of the curve you could say. I'm testing out, with Sam happily obliging as my judge, several true Fall recipes including this Quinoa, Kale and Bacon Stuffed Butternut Squash {many of you requested the recipe after seeing it on Instagram this week}, this Roast Garlic Shepherd's Pie, and more. Mmmm, Fall.

Remember my date night post awhile back? Well, it's about that time again {some call it "cuffing season"}, the weather's a little chilly outside, the hot apple cider's cozy inside, and the scrabble box gets dusted off and prepared to play. The colder months are all about board games while we cozy up on the floor in warm blankets and throw pillows. So, aside from working a beautiful event in Baltimore this weekend, these next two days will consist of cooking up some more new recipes, mulled wine, and whooping Sam's butt in scrabble. I hope you guys have a cozy weekend planned too but just in case, I've provided some ideas and inspiration for you below!

Can't stop, won't stop ogling over my favorite Instagram account.

Did you see the new DIY Shabby Chic Thanksgiving sign tutorial we posted last night? Sounds like the perfect craft for this weekend, yes?

These Mini Pumpkin Pies are essential for any cozy date night in!

This Homemade Popcorn Bar will definitely be on the list for my next gathering.

I'm thinking about making this Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce for dinner tonight, and no, not just because it's beautiful {although, that counts for something right?}.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XO Anna Elizabeth

Hi everyone! If you follow Anna Elizabeth Events on Instagram you've likely seen our workshop photos from this particular project during October. I'll admit, I did get a little bit excited about Thanksgiving this year and jumped the gun. It's just that with the apple pies, the rustic tablescapes, the DIY projects, I mean...who wouldn't? I also must confess that this sign is actually one of my recent favorites from the blog and it has been a true struggle to keep it hidden until November. Plus, if you're anything like me, you'll wait until the very last minute to prep for the holidays and with everyone coming over to feast for Thanksgiving, I want you to be able to focus on the food the weekend before, not the home décor. So, eat that Halloween candy fast because this weekend's all about the turkey and gravy.

If you really feel that you need an excuse to start this DIY Thanksgiving project now, just tell people that they really shouldn't be procrast-a-decorating and that maybe you're just being a "responsible" adult or something. Look who's got their pies in a row and their turkey recipe down-pact this year. You go, girl. Gobble, gobble.

Materials:
- (5) 1x4 Wood Pieces
- (2) 2x4 Wood Pieces
- (10) Nails
- Hammer
- Palm Sander or Sandpaper
- Alphabet Stencils
- White Paint
- Burnt Orange Paint
- Yellow Paint
- Brown Paint
- Dark Wood Stain
- Cotton Rag
- Paint Brushes
- Pencil

Instructions:
   1. Assemble wood frame using (5) 1x4 pieces on the front and (2) 2x4 pieces on the back to hold wood in place. Hammer in nails where appropriate. 

2. Use palm sander or sandpaper to smooth front and edges of wood frame to desired texture. Wipe clean.

3. Use cotton rag along with dark wood stain to soak into front of wood pieces. Run rag from one side to the other along the grain. Repeat until you reach desired richness in color. Let dry. 

Stay tuned for my Turkeys, Traditions, and Thankfulness blog post in honor of Thanksgiving to show you my favorite tablescapes, recipes, and more DIY projects for the occasion.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to check back tomorrow for another edition of Weekend Links!

XO Anna Elizabeth

Good morning! How was everyone's Halloween last night? We had a lot of unexpected events in our lives pop up this week so we weren't quite as focused on the holiday this year but it also reminded us to cherish the good days in our lives and to enjoy our family and friends as greatly as possible. We're looking forward to the coming month with visits from our loved ones and gathering together around the dinner table often.

As you may have seen from Instagram, Sam and I dressed up {last-minute} as characters from The Amazing Race, our favorite show. And I mean "last-minute" in the most literal way possible. As in, I was the maniac sprinting in and out of every major store on Thursday night before their doors closed to find our outfits. Over the course of the past 4 years, I've made our Halloween costumes from scratch. Sam is far from a stranger to my routine by now, so he knew when I got home from work Thursday night that it was game-on for DIY-ing. This year, the costume choices were between Survivor, Gone Girl, and The Amazing Race, and clearly the latter won. We decided on The Amazing Race because we've wanted to become contestants on the game show for quite a bit now and clearly we're not budging on living out that dream. However, I have to tell you that finding identical work-out clothes for a man and a woman proved to be quite a bit more difficult than I had originally anticipated. Do couples not dress identical to each other anymore? Is this considered "dorky" now? Because that's pretty much the look I was going for...

Anyhow, I truly hope that you all had an exciting and safe Halloween as we had. I've rounded up a few favorites from this week below including what to do with your leftover Halloween candy {as if there is any}, an alternate way to use your pumpkins for Fall, some comfort food to whip up while you're feeling groggy today, and more!

What was your favorite post this week from around the web? Share it with us in the comments below.

Keep a look-out for my new DIY tutorial on the Shabby Chic Thanksgiving Sign coming this week.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XO Anna Elizabeth