NEW YEAR'S EVE SPARKLE

2016 here we come! Are you excited for the new year? I am! Even though every day offers a fresh start, there's nothing like the feeling of a brand spankin' new year. But before we get to goal setting and resolutions, let's party! 

Do you know what you are going to wear to your New Year's Eve party? You know it has to sparkle, and in my opinion you can't have enough. May I suggest an all sequin dress like this silver one? 

To keep yourself warm try pairing a faux fur jacket, black leather jacket or a tuxedo blazer. 

If you love this idea for you NYE outfit, below is a list of dresses you can buy online or in stores right this second.

1. Topshop Brushed Bronze Sequin Dress
2. Forever 21 Contemporary Sequin Shift Dress
3. Dress the Population Lola Sequin Bodycon Dress
4. Lavish Alive Velvet Sequin Open Sleeve Midi Dress
5. ASOS Sequin Kimono Maxi Dress

Photos by Michelle Herrick, Styling Alex Evjen of AVE Styles, Hair by Kim Cornwell and Makeup/Modeling by Sarah Hubbell

MINI JALAPENO PIGS IN A BLANKET

This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

What food is cozier than pigs in a blanket?! haha. Here's a fast and easy recipe from my house to yours that is perfect to serve at your holiday party this weekend or during a movie night at home. You only need three ingredients: crescent rolls, lil' smokies and jalapeno cream cheese. We like a little spice at our house, but if you don't like spicy things you can substitute regular cream cheese too. 

Pop some popcorn, pop the tops on some ice cold Coca-Cola and enjoy your movie night.

MINI JALAPENO PIGS IN A BLANKET
by Nicky Vender

1 Tube crescent rolls
Tub of jalapeno cream cheese
Beef lil' smokies

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Unroll crescents and use a knife to cut each triangle into thirds lengthwise. At the thick part of the dough, add a dollop of 1/4 tsp cream cheese. Then place one smokie on top of cream cheese and roll up. Place the rolled crescents onto a large cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until golden. Makes 24 minis.

Photos by Melissa Jill

CARAMEL APPLE DESSERT NACHOS

This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

When you think of a movie night what foods come to mind? Popcorn and nachos with an ice cold Coca-Cola, right? Well, I've shared with you two popcorn recipes, and now it's time to share a killer nacho recipe. These aren't your average savory nachos...Nope, these are dessert nachos. They are even better if you ask me. Cinnamon sugar chips with fresh chunks of apple and salted caramel whipped cream. Need I say more? This recipe only takes 10 minutes tops too! Serve it on a circular platter like this one from Coca-Cola and it almost looks like a Christmas wreath. Let me know how you like it!

CARAMEL APPLE DESSERT NACHOS
by Nicky Vender

1 Bag Tortilla chips
1/2 C Butter, melted
3/4 C Sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup salted caramel sauce
1 red apple, finely diced
1 green apple, finely diced

To make the chips, place in a large bowl and drizzle the melted butter over them. Toss gently to coat. Then combine the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the chips, tossing until evenly covered.

To make the caramel cream, blend together cream cheese and caramel sauce in a stand mixer until there are no lumps and it is light and fluffy. To assemble the nachos, place the cinnamon and sugar chips on a plate. Sprinkle with diced apples. Place caramel cream in a bowl. Dip and enjoy!

Photos by Melissa Jill

5 TIPS FOR STYLING A COZY HOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This post is sponsored by Coca Cola.

Ryan and I recently moved to the suburbs, so this is the first time we are decorating for Christmas in our new home. Though our style has always been fairly modern and contemporary, the suburban life lends itself to more traditional elements of architecture and interior design. Even though I miss the mid-century vibe of our 1950's ranch house, I am thankful for the cozy quality of our new home.

I wish that this was my real house, but the same rules and elements of creating a warm and inviting space shown here apply to mine. What we have here is a gorgeous exposed Rafter House styled by Coley and Lindsey of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The house was our set for a holiday movie night with Coca-Cola licensed merchandise. Coley and Lindsey did an amazing job bringing my vision to life.

Want to make your home feel just as cozy as this? See below for five must-haves to create your holiday gathering space:

PLENTY OF THROWS - Soft fuzzy textures automatically bring a the level of cozy up 100%. Try layering a mixture of faux fur and knit throws. You can drape them across your sofa or fold them up in a basket by the fireplace. NOTE: Try not to make the blankets look too perfect. You want to make a lived-in feeling, so let the ends of the blankets drape over the basket and let wrinkles lay where they may.

KNIT PILLOWS - Though my husband doesn't always love a ton of throw pillows on a couch they sure do make a space more full and inviting. You can also lay some on the floor by the fireplace to create an invitation to come, sit and stay awhile too. You can find this Vintage Coca-Cola Graphic pillow here.

CANDLES - There's nothing like the warmth of candlelight. Placing candles throughout your home is always a great way to make someone feel at home.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN - Fresh pine, evergreen and burning firewood -those are the smells of winter. Bring those comforting scents indoors by placing fresh evergreen and pine in vases. 

STICK WITH WARM, NEUTRAL COLORS - A lot of color can be fun, but not all colors make you feel relaxed. In fact, color theory suggests that red, yellow and orange tones can make people feel more energetic. Of course, around the holidays we want to have some red in the mix, so try to use it as an accent to brown, ivory and gray.

Photos by Melissa Jill, Art Direction AVE Styles; Prop styling by Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market; House courtesy of Rafter House; Hand-written art by Katie Sterbenz.

CUTE UGLY SWEATER DIY

This is the last weekend of Christmas parties. Can you believe it? If you happen to be attending an ugly sweater party or if your child is having a Christmas party at school here are two fast DIY Christmas sweater you can make. 

All you need is a sweater from Savers, a hot glue gun, your decoration of choice (red pom-poms or silver tinsel work great) and a pair of scissors.

Step 1: Heat up your glue gun and lay your sweater flat on the table.

Step 2: Cut your tinsel to size and place on your sweater. If you're using pom-poms lay out where you would like them to go first. 

Step 3: Squirt the glue onto the sweater and then place your decoration on top.

Step 4: Let stand for 15-20 minutes to ensure the glue is dry.

Step 5: Get dressed for your party!

This post is sponsored by Savers; photos by Rennai Hoefer.