Monday, November 26, 2012

DIY Burnt Orange Texas Wreath


(Level of Difficulty: Easy)
By Thuy

Spread the holiday cheer and show your Longhorn pride with this fun DIY wreath!



I had so much fun making the wreath that I decided to make another one! (photos: Thuy)

Step 1. Gather the supplies. You will need:

·         A plain green wreath
·         Decorative orange and white flowers
·         Texas ornaments
·         Orange or white ribbon
·         Craft wire or sturdy green twisty ties

Since I am decorating on a college budget, I took my time hunting for good prices. I found the wreath at Garden Ridge; the flowers and pine cones are from Michael’s; and the Texas ornaments are from Hobby Lobby.

Step 2. Arrange the flowers and ornaments to your liking, but remember to leave room for a bow at the top of the wreath! Try alternating the colors, shapes and sizes.

Step 3. When you are happy with your arrangement, secure the ornaments using their original strings or use craft wire/twisty ties. The flowers should stay in place if you just poke them through the wreath.

Step 4. Make the bow. This part is a little tricky, so I consulted with bow-making experts on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70gvnlixO04. Secure the bow with wire/twisty ties.

Step 5. Hang your wreath for all to see, or wrap it up and give it to Longhorn for Christmas! 


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Things I am Thankful For


The title of this post should actually be: “The People I’m Thankful For.” The people sitting around my family’s table, or the ones that I wish were here, they are the reason that we have a turkey and a table weighed down with delicious food. I love Thanksgiving more than any other holiday because it is a time to give thanks for all the people we’ve been blessed to have in our lives.  

I am also thankful for FOOTBALL!! Thank you, Texas Football for giving me a reason to wear burnt orange. Thank you for bringing my friends and fellow Longhorns together to cheer for our school. And thank you for entertaining my family while we sit in coma-like states after our Thanksgiving feast. Though we said our last “Goodbye to A&M” (in a very memorable fashion!), we are making room this year for new traditions when we welcome the TCU Horned Frogs to Austin.

Here’s to family, friends, food and football! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thuy


Thanksgiving décor on a college budget! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Outfit for What to Wear..Where!

Today I am linking up with Forever 29 for What to Wear Where, Thanksgiving edition!




Since I will be scrambling to get from the Turkey Trot to Thanksgiving lunch with Corey's family at noon, I may opt for something more laid back than the original outfit that I posted in my Thanksgiving Favorites blog. If the weather cools down, I am going to go with my favorite Burnt Orange Skinnies (they stretch, thank gooodness...no one needs tight fitting pants on Turkey Day), a loose fitting denim shirt, flats and light weight accessories (don't want to feel weighed down while trying to eat that third piece of pie!). You can click on each image below for more details on the specific item.

I am thinking that a leopard scarf or a printed cardigan will be a great way to add some fun prints to this chill outfit! I will probably wait and make a last minute decision on which one to wear once I check the weather. ::Secret: I am hoping for the Aztec Printed Cardigan because it is seriously so comfy, y'all.

The horns are playing TCU on Thursday, so of course I will be wearing my Gold Texas Necklace for good luck.

What are you wearing for Thanksgiving? Share your outfit today on www.4ever29blog.com or in the comment section below!

Thanksgiving Outfit for What to Wear..Where!


Friday, November 16, 2012

Texas Holiday Wish List


 ‘Tis the season for freshly baked sugar cookies, Christmas tunes on repeat, strands of twinkling lights, and... presents.

We have selected our favorite pieces from Longhorn Fashions that are perfect for gifting to all of your friends. Or perhaps you will save these for your own wish list!

There is something for everyone, whether your style is classic, glamorous, bohemian or casual chic. So start shopping or start dropping some major hints!

The best part is that all of these items are under $55, so Christmas shopping just became a lot more affordable! 









Longhorn Fashions zig-zag maxi dress, cozy Aztec print sweater, burnt orange print topcrochet detail top, Zebra enamel bangle, turquoise necklace, Sam Edelman Leopard Booties


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie


Thanksgiving Recipe
By Thuy

My family’s Thanksgiving menu always covers the basic, traditional dishes—mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, stuffing and cornbread. However, it’s our signature dishes that I look forward to the most, including bacon-wrapped green beans, marshmallow fruit salad, and Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.

Four years ago, my mom and I watched a special holiday segment on “Oprah” where she was raving about her guest chef’s pumpkin pie. We trusted Oprah, so we decided to try the recipe out and have been making the same pie every year since.

This is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert, because when you’re already over-the-top full but can’t resist a piece of pie, pumpkin “chiffon” is the way to go. It’s light and airy, so I’m always able to find a little more room for one or two slices! Feel free to nap after consuming!



(Recipe: Christina Ferrare. Photo: Oprah.com)

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Servings: Serves 8
Ingredients
·         1 envelope unflavored gelatin
·         1/2 cup sugar
·         1/2 tsp. salt
·         1/2 tsp. cinnamon
·         1/2 tsp. allspice
·         1/4 tsp. ginger
·         1/2 tsp. nutmeg
·         3/4 cup milk
·         2 large egg yolks , beaten
·         1 cup canned pumpkin puree
·         2 egg whites
·         1/4 cup sugar
·         1/2 cup heavy cream , whipped
·         1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
·         Whipped cream for garnish

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the gelatin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg. Stir in the milk, egg yolks and pumpkin. Cook over medium heat until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from the heat and chill until partially set, about 1 hour.

Remove the chilled pumpkin mixture from the refrigerator and give it a stir, set aside.

Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks from. Fold into the pumpkin mixture along with the whipped cream. Pour into the pie crust and chill for 1 hour. Decorate the top with more whipped cream.

I can't wait to enjoy this pie on Thanksgiving in my Burnt Orange Dress and cardigan.