Christmas is almost here, and I am SO excited! I know I've said it before, but this really is my favorite time of year. I am at my happiest, and I'm convinced it makes me at least a 15% better person than I normally am. I think it's all the eggnog, Christmas movies + festive sparkle that adds the 15%:)

I wish you all the merriest Christmas, happiest Hanukkah, most festive Festivus, and best time celebrating in whatever way you celebrate! I will be taking a little holiday hiatus, but will see you back here to ring in the New Year!

On to the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Lines Orchids

{Tuesday} Bohemian Woodland Wedding

{Wednesday} Molasses + Sugar Inspiration - Plus a Molasses Crackle recipe!

{Thursday} Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner Announced

{Friday} Southern Christmas Engagement Session


Happy holidays!!!

Happy Friday, everyone! Instead of the usual Friday wrap up post (which I'll be posting tomorrow instead), I am bringing you this sweet southern Christmas gem! Nick + Ashley's adorable engagement session was sent over by Sassyfras Studios, and I LOVE it!!! It tells the story of Nick + Ashley heading out to find their very first Christmas tree together. Going to pick out a fresh Christmas tree each year is a special tradition in my family. Whenever possible we cut one down ourselves, so this darling session really hits home for me! I vividly remember going with my husband, back when he was still my boyfriend, to cut down our first tree. Such a treasured memory!

It's time to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway!

The randomly selected lucky lady who won the Gondola dress is...

Katie J. who said...

"I think I would keep it simple and pair the Gondola dress with a jean jacket and a cute pair of oxfords or a pair of neutral or coral flats!"

Congratulations, I will be emailing you shortly!!!

If you didn't win this time around, remember, Shabby Apple is offering a discount code for all readers of The Loveliest Day! Simply enter theloveliesday10off upon check out for 10% off. The code is good for 30 days:)

See you back here tomorrow for the weekly wrap up, and a little holiday send off!

Today's post has two parts. First, a color inspiration board, and second, the source of the inspiration- my favorite holiday cookie! I love to bake, especially at the holidays, but this year I only had the chance to bake once. So of course, I chose my very favorite cookie, the molasses crackle! It is always a total hit with everyone, and seriously the most delicious thing ever. It tastes like the perfect blend of a sugar cookie and gingerbread. Yummy! Here is the little board I put together inspired by molasses + sugar, the key ingredients in these cookies.

And now, on to the recipe! I snapped a few pictures to show how pretty these cookies are in addition to being tasty. As an added bonus, they are really simple to make!

This recipe is adapted from one I found a few years back via Martha Stewart.


You will need...

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-3/4 cup of butter

-1 cup sugar, plus an extra 1/2 cup sugar for rolling the dough in

-1 egg

-1 1/2 tsp baking soda

-1 tsp cinnamon

-1/2 tsp ( I tend to make this a rather heaping 1/2 tsp) nutmeg

-1/2 tsp salt

-1/4 cup molasses


What to do...

- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

- Beat the sugar, butter, egg and molasses together using an electric mixer. Once they are mixed, slowly add in the dry ingredients. I start with the flour, then add baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg + salt. Mix until a dough forms, it shouldn't be too sticky.

- Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough. Roll each tablespoon of dough into a ball, then roll in the extra 1/2 cup of sugar you have set aside. This time I used regular old sugar, but in the past I have used sanding sugar, which looked really pretty. Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes (you may need to adjust depending on your oven), one sheet at a time to get the pretty crackling on top.

This is the last wedding I'll be posting before Christmas, and I must say, it's a pretty good one to end on before my little holiday hiatus! A fantastical bohemian wedding, set amongst a moss covered forest of towering trees in Oregon. Julie Pepin Photography was on hand to capture James + Aileen's magical day, and she truly caught that magic in her images. Here's some more about the wedding, from the bride Aileen...

I have not only attended but also participated in countless weddings. After a while, they all begin to look the same. I was never one to fantasize about my own wedding as they were always more of a chore than a joy. That was, of course, until my own boyfriend whom I'd known since I was 13 got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. As if struck by lightning, I suddenly knew EXACTLY the feel and vibe of our wedding as though I'd been secretly scheming for years. I knew it would be peacock themed and a bit on the rugged fairy tale-esque side with lots of green nature, brown woodsy goodness, and earthy lovin'. I also knew there would be tons of bargain thrift store hunting and DIY projects (which I love) in order to get the most out of our small budget. Lucky for me, James was completely on board and willing to help with everything I decided so long as he didn't have to figure anything out :). The stars aligned and everything began falling into place. There was such an outpouring of love and support from family and friends to help make our wedding celebration our own. What it all boils down to is that the day was perfect and James and I are as content as ducks in a pond!

Vendors:

Photographer: Julie Pepin Photography
Floral Design: Buena Vista Flowers
Event Decorator: Amore Creations by Maria Corral
Caterer: Don Pedro Mayor
Transport: Chafin Farm Carriages
Rentals: A-Z Party Rentals
Desserts: Lupita's Bakery
Bride's Dress: Cocoon Silk

Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm sure many of you have some last minute shopping to do. I know I have a few more things to buy! If you live in, near, or around Chattanooga, TN I have the perfect place for you to pick up those last minute gifts- Lines Orchids, a gorgeous little shop filled with a collection of orchids, plants + distinctive pieces for the home. It is located at Warehouse Row in downtown Chattanooga, a shopping district made up of restored warehouses that is a must visit for all those who love an eclectic, but well curated mix of shopping and dining. Best of all, Lines Orchids is a family-owned business that I am proud to say is run by none other than my family:)

My aunt and cousins opened up this boutique as an extension of the orchid business that has been in the family for four generations. While the specialty is orchids, and not just your garden variety of orchids, but varieties such as phalaenopsis, cattleyas, miltonias, cymbidiums, lady slippers + oncidiums; they also sell a selection of vessels + containers (I'm particularly in love with the zinc containers!), succulents, ivy topiaries, boxwood wreaths, paperwhites, and some of the cutest gift items you ever did see!

On top of all of that, they also offer both vintage and new pieces for the home. When I visited, I wanted to take every last thing home with me...literally!

This boutique is something different than your run of the mill flower shop. It is simple, clean and thoughtful, stocked with charming + uniquely different items for sale.

Yes, this spectacular little boutique is owned by family, and I'm excited to support them, but the reason I had to share this with you today is because I love everything they offer so much! I only wish there was a shop like this near me. It would be hard for me to resist popping in every day to pick up a new treasure.

So check it out, and if you do, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think:) Lines Orchids is open Monday-Saturday, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. You can find them at 1110 Market Street in Chattanooga, and here is the phone number if you want to give them a ring 423.309.7622!

If you don't have any last minute gifts to buy, or holiday centerpieces to pick up, keep this delightful little store in mind for Valentine's Day! I adore cut flowers of course, but there is something really special about being gifted a living plant that you can nurture and enjoy for months, and sometimes even years. A pretty little succulent garden over a dozen roses? Yes, please!

PS- After a day of shopping, make sure to pop in to Public House, a restaurant just a few doors down from Lines Orchids. I ate there a few weeks ago, and I am still thinking about it today. It was that delicious, people! Just a helpful little tip from me to you:)

Happy shopping!