It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.
One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?
These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.
A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.
Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.
And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).
It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.
One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?
These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.
A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.
Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.
And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).
White elephant gifts are a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family , or coworkers. It takes the pressure off of having to find the perfect gift, because the expectation is that the gift is meant to be lighthearted and fun. Whether you like to go the gag gift route or you enjoy gifting something a bit more practical, these white elephant gift ideas from Amazon will do the trick! See our roundup below.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
1. Add a little dark humor to your every day with this daily calendar!
2. And watch your last nerve go up in flames with this funny candle.
3. Who doesn’t love a good dad joke?! Keep ’em coming with this Dad Joke 3000.
4. Want to know what the future holds? Consult Mr. Predicto for a glimpse of what’s coming.
5. Spread the positivity with this adorable positive duck!
6. The tool that does it al! This multitool is great for anyone to keep handy.
7. Take your drinking games to the next level with shot roulette!
8. Scritch-scratch! Get those hard-to-reach spots with this telescopic back scratcher.
9. Snuggle up like a little burrito with this burrito blanket!
10. Fling those frickin’ chickens! The fun never stops with this silly game.
11. When you just can’t take it anymore, this screaming goat will be there for you with a sympathetic scream.
12. Time doesn’t exist on the toilet . . . until now. Gift this toilet timer to the person who spends way too much time on the john.
13. What makes a better white elephant gift than a pair of comfy cozy elephant slippers??
Need a touch of comfy? Looking for a dash of holiday spirit? If you want to upgrade your cozy holiday home decor game, Walmart has a vast array of holiday throw pillows and blankets that will jazz up any room in the house. See some of our favorite combos below.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas! This red throw pillow with snowflake accents perfectly complements this red and white snowflake-patterned throw blanket.
Santa’s reindeer fly over the village and to the comfort of your couch…snuggle up with them and this black fair isle throw while you patiently wait for Santa to unload his sleigh.
Snow-covered trees pop against a bright red background…and this throw pillow brings brightness to a clean, crisp snowflake blanket.
Merry Christmas!! This classic pillow paired with a red, gray, and cream fair isle blanket that also has a little sherpa pocket for your feet is the perfect duo for unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.
This combo is as sweet as candy! A peppermint swirl throw pillow is a playful addition to this holiday theme throw blanket.
For a farmhouse chic vibe, pair a white tufted throw pillow with a red buffalo plaid blanket.
Your tree isn’t the only thing that came from the farm this year! This adorable throw pillow looks fresh against a solid gray sherpa blanket.
When the gifts have been unwrapped, the dinner has been devoured, and the day starts to come to a close, unwind from all the excitement with this plaid throw pillow and bold red blanket.
A gray and white color scheme is classy and modern, and this throw pillow and knit blanket are both bringing the joy.
There’s no place like home for the holidays! This heartwarming throw pillow and gorgeous teal blanket combo adds a tender touch to your home decor.
Thanks for reading! Which of these holiday throw pillow and blanket duos do you love? Let us know xo.
Need a touch of comfy? Looking for a dash of holiday spirit? If you want to upgrade your cozy holiday home decor game, Walmart has a vast array of holiday throw pillows and blankets that will jazz up any room in the house. See some of our favorite combos below.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas! This red throw pillow with snowflake accents perfectly complements this red and white snowflake-patterned throw blanket.
Santa’s reindeer fly over the village and to the comfort of your couch…snuggle up with them and this black fair isle throw while you patiently wait for Santa to unload his sleigh.
Snow-covered trees pop against a bright red background…and this throw pillow brings brightness to a clean, crisp snowflake blanket.
Merry Christmas!! This classic pillow paired with a red, gray, and cream fair isle blanket that also has a little sherpa pocket for your feet is the perfect duo for unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.
This combo is as sweet as candy! A peppermint swirl throw pillow is a playful addition to this holiday theme throw blanket.
For a farmhouse chic vibe, pair a white tufted throw pillow with a red buffalo plaid blanket.
Your tree isn’t the only thing that came from the farm this year! This adorable throw pillow looks fresh against a solid gray sherpa blanket.
When the gifts have been unwrapped, the dinner has been devoured, and the day starts to come to a close, unwind from all the excitement with this plaid throw pillow and bold red blanket.
A gray and white color scheme is classy and modern, and this throw pillow and knit blanket are both bringing the joy.
There’s no place like home for the holidays! This heartwarming throw pillow and gorgeous teal blanket combo adds a tender touch to your home decor.
Thanks for reading! Which of these holiday throw pillow and blanket duos do you love? Let us know xo.
Need a touch of comfy? Looking for a dash of holiday spirit? If you want to upgrade your cozy holiday home decor game, Walmart has a vast array of holiday throw pillows and blankets that will jazz up any room in the house. See some of our favorite combos below.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas! This red throw pillow with snowflake accents perfectly complements this red and white snowflake-patterned throw blanket.
Santa’s reindeer fly over the village and to the comfort of your couch…snuggle up with them and this black fair isle throw while you patiently wait for Santa to unload his sleigh.
Snow-covered trees pop against a bright red background…and this throw pillow brings brightness to a clean, crisp snowflake blanket.
Merry Christmas!! This classic pillow paired with a red, gray, and cream fair isle blanket that also has a little sherpa pocket for your feet is the perfect duo for unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.
This combo is as sweet as candy! A peppermint swirl throw pillow is a playful addition to this holiday theme throw blanket.
For a farmhouse chic vibe, pair a white tufted throw pillow with a red buffalo plaid blanket.
Your tree isn’t the only thing that came from the farm this year! This adorable throw pillow looks fresh against a solid gray sherpa blanket.
When the gifts have been unwrapped, the dinner has been devoured, and the day starts to come to a close, unwind from all the excitement with this plaid throw pillow and bold red blanket.
A gray and white color scheme is classy and modern, and this throw pillow and knit blanket are both bringing the joy.
There’s no place like home for the holidays! This heartwarming throw pillow and gorgeous teal blanket combo adds a tender touch to your home decor.
Thanks for reading! Which of these holiday throw pillow and blanket duos do you love? Let us know xo.
You don’t have to be a professional interior designer to make your home look like it should be in a magazine! A few tricks of the trade, a handful of statement decorations, and a little personality can go a long way. When it comes to decorating shelves for the holidays, you can fully embrace the spirit of the season while still showcasing your unique style…it’s simple! Check out Kristy’s festively decorated shelves below and see how see pulled some of her favorite holiday pieces together.
The key to decorating your shelves for the holidays is finding balance. Place smaller items in groups or next to larger pieces, choose one or two items to be standout pieces, keep all of the colors in the same color scheme, and add a little greenery for a touch of liveliness.
This wooden tile ledge set (available in 7 different styles) is a sweet way to dress up your shelves for the holidays! Balance the long, low profile with taller, more compact items like this beautiful Lenox deer figurine and tree silhouette photo frame from Decocrated.
Kristy put together this gorgeous nativity scene herself using a statue set and accent pieces like this miniature pine tree and metal star pedestal to complete the look. She also took this tobacco basket and embellished it with this artificial cedar and pine wreath (attached with these) to create her own decorative piece. The white statues really stand out against the darker background items.
Gnomes are a group favorite and item, and this adorable plush pair found their home next to this color-coordinated wooden sign from Decocrated. Red, gray, and cream are clean, modern colors for the holiday.
This vintage Christmas truck is coming straight from the Christmas tree farm with a couple of lush green trees in tow (bonus: they light up!!). The metal, antique design adds a classic touch to any holiday decor…this is definitely a statement piece!
But wait, there’s more! How inviting does this fireplace look surrounded by holiday decor and the mantle hung with nametag-labeled cable knit stockings (with ones for the pups, too) and adorned with fresh cedar tip boughs?? I know I could spend hours cuddled up here in all the coziness!
Mr. Snowman is a friendly face with a smile that lights up as bright as the lamppost he guards, and with the help of his cardinal friends, safely guides the way back home. This little guy fits right in with the rest of the color scheme and adds a dash of personality.
Looking for a sleigh ride in the snow? Craving a cup of hot cocoa to sip on? Or maybe you just want to snuggle up next to a nice, warm fire at the ski lodge…whatever activity is on your mind, this signpost from Decocrated will point you in the right direction! This is a larger decoration that works great as a standalone piece.
Thanks for reading! Which of these decor pieces do you love? Let us know xo.
You don’t have to be a professional interior designer to make your home look like it should be in a magazine! A few tricks of the trade, a handful of statement decorations, and a little personality can go a long way. When it comes to decorating shelves for the holidays, you can fully embrace the spirit of the season while still showcasing your unique style…it’s simple! Check out Kristy’s festively decorated shelves below and see how see pulled some of her favorite holiday pieces together.
The key to decorating your shelves for the holidays is finding balance. Place smaller items in groups or next to larger pieces, choose one or two items to be standout pieces, keep all of the colors in the same color scheme, and add a little greenery for a touch of liveliness.
This wooden tile ledge set (available in 7 different styles) is a sweet way to dress up your shelves for the holidays! Balance the long, low profile with taller, more compact items like this beautiful Lenox deer figurine and tree silhouette photo frame from Decocrated.
Kristy put together this gorgeous nativity scene herself using a statue set and accent pieces like this miniature pine tree and metal star pedestal to complete the look. She also took this tobacco basket and embellished it with this artificial cedar and pine wreath (attached with these) to create her own decorative piece. The white statues really stand out against the darker background items.
Gnomes are a group favorite and item, and this adorable plush pair found their home next to this color-coordinated wooden sign from Decocrated. Red, gray, and cream are clean, modern colors for the holiday.
This vintage Christmas truck is coming straight from the Christmas tree farm with a couple of lush green trees in tow (bonus: they light up!!). The metal, antique design adds a classic touch to any holiday decor…this is definitely a statement piece!
But wait, there’s more! How inviting does this fireplace look surrounded by holiday decor and the mantle hung with nametag-labeled cable knit stockings (with ones for the pups, too) and adorned with fresh cedar tip boughs?? I know I could spend hours cuddled up here in all the coziness!
Mr. Snowman is a friendly face with a smile that lights up as bright as the lamppost he guards, and with the help of his cardinal friends, safely guides the way back home. This little guy fits right in with the rest of the color scheme and adds a dash of personality.
Looking for a sleigh ride in the snow? Craving a cup of hot cocoa to sip on? Or maybe you just want to snuggle up next to a nice, warm fire at the ski lodge…whatever activity is on your mind, this signpost from Decocrated will point you in the right direction! This is a larger decoration that works great as a standalone piece.
Thanks for reading! Which of these decor pieces do you love? Let us know xo.
Christmas trees may just be the most versatile holiday decorations out there. With so many types of trees to choose from, real or artificial, and an endless amount of ornaments and decorations to adorn it, you can really tailor your tree to showcase your individual style and personality. Whether you like classic, cutesy, or chic, making your Christmas tree your own is one of the best parts of prepping for the holidays. See our trees, and how we like to decorate them, below.
The Family Tree
This is Kristy’s family tree, and it’s her pride and joy! As a collector of Christmas ornaments, she has curated a gorgeous collection over the years and the resulting tree is a sentimental statement piece. Filled with unique ornaments that mark special moments and occasions in her and her family’s lives, her favorite thing to do is curl up with a cup of coffee and reminisce in the glow of the Christmas lights. Also, this 7.5ft tree happened to be left behind, brand new and never used, by the old owners of her house and was found one day tucked away in the back of the attic…what a lucky find!
This ornament is from Kristy’s family’s first trip to Disney this year. A replica of Cinderella’s castle and other Disney landmarks sit encased inside an iridescent glass Mickey Mouse head. This is Kristy’s favorite ornament!
This little chocolate bar is straight from Hershey Park, where Kristy’s now-husband proposed to her on the weekend of her 30th birthday. How sweet!!
As a business owner, Kristy spends a lot of her time getting work done, and her husband likes to tease her about how hard she works! This grumpy elf sings a little jingle about “taking care of business.” Very fitting.
The Kids’ Tree
Tree | Tree Collar | Bow Tree Topper
Because her family tree is carefully coordinated and decorated, Kristy also puts up a tree (this is a 6.5ft pencil tree) just for the kids so they can join in on the decorating fun! Every year, Elf on the Shelf brings her kids a box of themed goodies filled with items from their favorite characters of the moment, which includes a Christmas ornament. Spiderman, Lion King, Minnie Mouse, and Frozen have been just a few!!
This Disney castle ornament from Lenox is silver-plated, topped with 24k gold accents, and makes a beautiful addition to any tree. Embossed with the year 2021, it’s a commemoration of Kristy’s family trip to Disney this past fall.
If you’re familiar with the story of “The Polar Express,” then you know the meaning behind this bell from Santa’s sleigh! It represents the magic of Christmas and serves as a reminder to believe.
The Grinch is a holiday classic, and this ornament depicts the story of how this mischievous, misunderstood outcast from Whoville tries to steal Christmas.
This Tangled Rapunzel stained-glass ornament and this Frozen Elsa ornament (she sings!!) are both favorites of Kristy’s daughter and add fun princess magic to the kids’ tree.
The Mini Tree
Your tree doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful! I love having and decorating my own tree, but my apartment isn’t very large and I don’t have the room for a full-sized tree. I grabbed this 4.5ft pre-lit tree and I love it! I really made it my own by decking it out in black and gold (my favorite colors) and it fits perfectly in my small space without being overwhelming.
I kept the decorations simple with with these black and gray ball ornaments and gold glitter poinsetta flowers. The animal-print Mickey Mouse heads were a gift from my sister when she went to Disney years ago, but they really complement my black and gold theme, and I love the personal element they add to the tree.
All that glitters IS gold if this tree skirt is any indication! I wasn’t sure if the sequins would be too much in a small space, but I got a smaller skirt (36″) and I am obsessed with it. The sequins add some fun sparkle, and it looks gorgeous glittering under the lights of the tree at night.
Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorite ways to decorate your tree? Let us know xo.
Christmas trees may just be the most versatile holiday decorations out there. With so many types of trees to choose from, real or artificial, and an endless amount of ornaments and decorations to adorn it, you can really tailor your tree to showcase your individual style and personality. Whether you like classic, cutesy, or chic, making your Christmas tree your own is one of the best parts of prepping for the holidays. See our trees, and how we like to decorate them, below.
The Family Tree
This is Kristy’s family tree, and it’s her pride and joy! As a collector of Christmas ornaments, she has curated a gorgeous collection over the years and the resulting tree is a sentimental statement piece. Filled with unique ornaments that mark special moments and occasions in her and her family’s lives, her favorite thing to do is curl up with a cup of coffee and reminisce in the glow of the Christmas lights. Also, this 7.5ft tree happened to be left behind, brand new and never used, by the old owners of her house and was found one day tucked away in the back of the attic…what a lucky find!
This ornament is from Kristy’s family’s first trip to Disney this year. A replica of Cinderella’s castle and other Disney landmarks sit encased inside an iridescent glass Mickey Mouse head. This is Kristy’s favorite ornament!
This little chocolate bar is straight from Hershey Park, where Kristy’s now-husband proposed to her on the weekend of her 30th birthday. How sweet!!
As a business owner, Kristy spends a lot of her time getting work done, and her husband likes to tease her about how hard she works! This grumpy elf sings a little jingle about “taking care of business.” Very fitting.
The Kids’ Tree
Tree | Tree Collar | Bow Tree Topper
Because her family tree is carefully coordinated and decorated, Kristy also puts up a tree (this is a 6.5ft pencil tree) just for the kids so they can join in on the decorating fun! Every year, Elf on the Shelf brings her kids a box of themed goodies filled with items from their favorite characters of the moment, which includes a Christmas ornament. Spiderman, Lion King, Minnie Mouse, and Frozen have been just a few!!
This Disney castle ornament from Lenox is silver-plated, topped with 24k gold accents, and makes a beautiful addition to any tree. Embossed with the year 2021, it’s a commemoration of Kristy’s family trip to Disney this past fall.
If you’re familiar with the story of “The Polar Express,” then you know the meaning behind this bell from Santa’s sleigh! It represents the magic of Christmas and serves as a reminder to believe.
The Grinch is a holiday classic, and this ornament depicts the story of how this mischievous, misunderstood outcast from Whoville tries to steal Christmas.
This Tangled Rapunzel stained-glass ornament and this Frozen Elsa ornament (she sings!!) are both favorites of Kristy’s daughter and add fun princess magic to the kids’ tree.
The Mini Tree
Your tree doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful! I love having and decorating my own tree, but my apartment isn’t very large and I don’t have the room for a full-sized tree. I grabbed this 4.5ft pre-lit tree and I love it! I really made it my own by decking it out in black and gold (my favorite colors) and it fits perfectly in my small space without being overwhelming.
I kept the decorations simple with with these black and gray ball ornaments and gold glitter poinsetta flowers. The animal-print Mickey Mouse heads were a gift from my sister when she went to Disney years ago, but they really complement my black and gold theme, and I love the personal element they add to the tree.
All that glitters IS gold if this tree skirt is any indication! I wasn’t sure if the sequins would be too much in a small space, but I got a smaller skirt (36″) and I am obsessed with it. The sequins add some fun sparkle, and it looks gorgeous glittering under the lights of the tree at night.
Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorite ways to decorate your tree? Let us know xo.
Sometimes your home needs a refresh. And not just a new coat of paint or some different decor pieces, but a total revamp…a whole new vibe for a space that may be outdated and inconvenient. While the thought of completely redoing a room may be overwhelming, it’s easier than you might think! With a little elbow grease and a lot of imagination, you can transform any space into one that’s inviting, relaxed, and comfortable. Check out Kristy’s complete living room renovation below.
Before
Kristy’s old living room was definitely outdated, and this room has been on her “to-do” list since she bought her house. But, as we all know, life happens, and the redo was pushed back more than a few times. Finally though, she had enough of the “casino carpet” as she calls it, the old tiled fireplace, and the lack of storage space, and she put her plan into action! Her vision: bright and clean, yet cozy and comfortable, with lots of shelving for all her decorations and a more favorable layout for her family to enjoy and grow into. Her modern farmhouse living room was ready to come to life.
During
Goodbye casino carpet!! Kristy’s least favorite part of her old living room was the carpet. This bad boy was getting ripped up and tossed out and replaced with gorgeous new hardwood flooring. The dark color was chosen to complement the rest of the light, bright colors that would dominate the space, and give the room a sleek, modern look.
Once the floor was done, it was time to get started on some structural work. Two of those big projects were swapping the old fireplace for a new electric one, and installing three separate floor-to-ceiling shelving units with shelves on top and closed-door cabinets on the bottom. Now she would have a fireplace she could actually use and tons of extra storage space…plus areas to decorate and display her favorite keepsakes!
A couple of simple changes that made a huge difference were adding shiplap to the walls between the shelving units and replacing the overhead light and fan with recessed lighting. The shiplap adds texture and dimension to the space, while the recessed lighting gives it a clean, bright look. The lighting was strategically placed to highlight the shelving units and where the seating areas would be.
After
And it’s done!! Can you believe this transformation?! The living room is a totally new space and it’s ready to be cleaned up and decorated! See how Kristy pulled the whole room together below.
Couch Set | TV Stand | End Table | Area Rug
The furniture is really what brings the whole look together. The couch set, which includes a couch, love seat, and recliner, are made from soft fabric in a dark gray color, which is ideal for Kristy. With two kids and two dogs, she wanted a darker color that still looked clean and modern. The farmhouse-style TV stand has sliding doors to easily hide game consoles and TV accessories, and the white wooden end table has deep shelves inside for plenty of extra storage, plus USB ports for easy charging of everyone’s electronics. The shag area rug, with its beige and cream boho pattern, is stylish and contemporary, and soft enough for the kids to hang out on.
Blanket | Pillows (or these similar ones)
Comfort is key! This soft knit blanket and these gorgeous faux fur pillows add extra coziness to the couches. Perfect for snuggling up by the fire, cuddling during a movie, or taking a short Sunday afternoon nap (one can dream, right?) these cream-colored accessories bring a softness to the gray couches and perfectly complement the area rug to tie the whole look together.
One of Kristy’s main goals with this living room revamp was altering the layout so she could make a dedicated space for her kids to hang out and relax. With the TV hung on the back wall and the furniture placed against the adjacent wall and facing the TV, there is now a large open area for her kids to play and watch TV and movies.
24″ Clock | Decocrated Home Decor Box
Shelves for days, baby!! Look at all that space to decorate and display! These shelving units are Kristy’s favorite part of the redo. As someone who loves to swap decorations with the seasons and holidays, she now has plenty of room to showcase her style and really give the space some personality. Her go-to for decorating? Decocrated!! A lot of her pieces come from the home decor subscription box and she loves being able to add to her collection each season when a new box arrives. Curious as to how you can make the most of your shelving space and wow the world with your decorating skills? Stay tuned for our post on how to decorate shelves!!
And just like that, a brand new living room that’s light, open, and modern, but still inviting and cozy. Now, of course, you’ll probably need to enlist a little help if you want to revamp a room like this. Most of these projects aren’t DIY, and expert knowledge is key to a flawless transformation. Kristy had the awesome crew from P&M Builders, LLC, help her out with this one, and they couldn’t have done a better job. A HUGE thank you to those guys for helping her gorgeous living room vision come to life and making this space one worth hanging out in…all the time.
As Kristy prepares for the holiday season, this living room is going to look like a winter wonderland. Be on the lookout for our how-to guide on decorating for the holidays, and let us now what you think of this amazing transformation!!
Sometimes your home needs a refresh. And not just a new coat of paint or some different decor pieces, but a total revamp…a whole new vibe for a space that may be outdated and inconvenient. While the thought of completely redoing a room may be overwhelming, it’s easier than you might think! With a little elbow grease and a lot of imagination, you can transform any space into one that’s inviting, relaxed, and comfortable. Check out Kristy’s complete living room renovation below.
Before
Kristy’s old living room was definitely outdated, and this room has been on her “to-do” list since she bought her house. But, as we all know, life happens, and the redo was pushed back more than a few times. Finally though, she had enough of the “casino carpet” as she calls it, the old tiled fireplace, and the lack of storage space, and she put her plan into action! Her vision: bright and clean, yet cozy and comfortable, with lots of shelving for all her decorations and a more favorable layout for her family to enjoy and grow into. Her modern farmhouse living room was ready to come to life.
During
Goodbye casino carpet!! Kristy’s least favorite part of her old living room was the carpet. This bad boy was getting ripped up and tossed out and replaced with gorgeous new hardwood flooring. The dark color was chosen to complement the rest of the light, bright colors that would dominate the space, and give the room a sleek, modern look.
Once the floor was done, it was time to get started on some structural work. Two of those big projects were swapping the old fireplace for a new electric one, and installing three separate floor-to-ceiling shelving units with shelves on top and closed-door cabinets on the bottom. Now she would have a fireplace she could actually use and tons of extra storage space…plus areas to decorate and display her favorite keepsakes!
A couple of simple changes that made a huge difference were adding shiplap to the walls between the shelving units and replacing the overhead light and fan with recessed lighting. The shiplap adds texture and dimension to the space, while the recessed lighting gives it a clean, bright look. The lighting was strategically placed to highlight the shelving units and where the seating areas would be.
After
And it’s done!! Can you believe this transformation?! The living room is a totally new space and it’s ready to be cleaned up and decorated! See how Kristy pulled the whole room together below.
Couch Set | TV Stand | End Table | Area Rug
The furniture is really what brings the whole look together. The couch set, which includes a couch, love seat, and recliner, are made from soft fabric in a dark gray color, which is ideal for Kristy. With two kids and two dogs, she wanted a darker color that still looked clean and modern. The farmhouse-style TV stand has sliding doors to easily hide game consoles and TV accessories, and the white wooden end table has deep shelves inside for plenty of extra storage, plus USB ports for easy charging of everyone’s electronics. The shag area rug, with its beige and cream boho pattern, is stylish and contemporary, and soft enough for the kids to hang out on.
Blanket | Pillows (or these similar ones)
Comfort is key! This soft knit blanket and these gorgeous faux fur pillows add extra coziness to the couches. Perfect for snuggling up by the fire, cuddling during a movie, or taking a short Sunday afternoon nap (one can dream, right?) these cream-colored accessories bring a softness to the gray couches and perfectly complement the area rug to tie the whole look together.
One of Kristy’s main goals with this living room revamp was altering the layout so she could make a dedicated space for her kids to hang out and relax. With the TV hung on the back wall and the furniture placed against the adjacent wall and facing the TV, there is now a large open area for her kids to play and watch TV and movies.
24″ Clock | Decocrated Home Decor Box
Shelves for days, baby!! Look at all that space to decorate and display! These shelving units are Kristy’s favorite part of the redo. As someone who loves to swap decorations with the seasons and holidays, she now has plenty of room to showcase her style and really give the space some personality. Her go-to for decorating? Decocrated!! A lot of her pieces come from the home decor subscription box and she loves being able to add to her collection each season when a new box arrives. Curious as to how you can make the most of your shelving space and wow the world with your decorating skills? Stay tuned for our post on how to decorate shelves!!
And just like that, a brand new living room that’s light, open, and modern, but still inviting and cozy. Now, of course, you’ll probably need to enlist a little help if you want to revamp a room like this. Most of these projects aren’t DIY, and expert knowledge is key to a flawless transformation. Kristy had the awesome crew from P&M Builders, LLC, help her out with this one, and they couldn’t have done a better job. A HUGE thank you to those guys for helping her gorgeous living room vision come to life and making this space one worth hanging out in…all the time.
As Kristy prepares for the holiday season, this living room is going to look like a winter wonderland. Be on the lookout for our how-to guide on decorating for the holidays, and let us now what you think of this amazing transformation!!
Holiday tabletops are a simple way to make those family dinners and get-togethers gorgeous and photo-worthy, but they’re also lovely if you’re just looking for a subtle yet stylish way to bring some festivity into your home. These holiday tableware items by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia from Target are both beautiful and budget friendly. See our style guide below.
Placemat | Plate Charger | Dinner Plate | Appetizer Plate | Bowl | Snowberry Pines | Plaid Napkin | Flatware | Serving Board | Wooden Salad Claws | Table Runner | Mistletoe Garland | Lazy Susan | Berry Centerpiece | 3″ Metallic Vase | 4.5″ Metallic Vase | Winterberry Stems | Candles
Set the scene (and table) using lots of neutral pieces accented with pops of red, green, and warm wood. Add a few metallic items, because we all know a little extra shine never hurts! Plaid and stripes are fun festive patterns, so include a tasteful mix of both for dimension. Greenery and candles bring a little life to your tabletop and help complete the holiday look.
Shop the Tabletop
Holiday tabletops are a simple way to make those family dinners and get-togethers gorgeous and photo-worthy, but they’re also lovely if you’re just looking for a subtle yet stylish way to bring some festivity into your home. These holiday tableware items by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia from Target are both beautiful and budget friendly. See our style guide below.
Placemat | Plate Charger | Dinner Plate | Appetizer Plate | Bowl | Snowberry Pines | Plaid Napkin | Flatware | Serving Board | Wooden Salad Claws | Table Runner | Mistletoe Garland | Lazy Susan | Berry Centerpiece | 3″ Metallic Vase | 4.5″ Metallic Vase | Winterberry Stems | Candles
Set the scene (and table) using lots of neutral pieces accented with pops of red, green, and warm wood. Add a few metallic items, because we all know a little extra shine never hurts! Plaid and stripes are fun festive patterns, so include a tasteful mix of both for dimension. Greenery and candles bring a little life to your tabletop and help complete the holiday look.
Shop the Tabletop
As avid collectors of throw blankets, we’re pretty close to being experts on them here at Frugal and Thriving. And we know there’s nothing worse than ordering a throw blanket, counting down the days until it’s delivered, and ripping open the package only to find out that your new blanket is thin and scratchy. Ugh. In order to prevent that from happening to you, we’ve compiled this list of soft, snuggly throw blankets that have at least a 4-star rating, at least 100 ratings accumulated, AND cost less than $50. So don’t just take our word for it – the proof is in the numbers!! And, if you’re just absolutely addicted to Amazon (because hey, aren’t we all even if only just a little?) then keep scrolling for our list of ten beautiful throw blankets from Amazon with 4+star ratings and over one thousand ratings each.
Throw Blankets
This cable knit throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 400 ratings. It’s only $49.99 and comes in 8 different color options!
This chenille throw blanket has a 4.3-star rating with over 100 ratings. It’s only $24.99 and comes in 6 different color options!
This diamond knit throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with almost 400 ratings. It’s only $39.98 and comes in 5 different color options!
This faux fur filled throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 200 ratings. It’s only $48.99 and comes in a gorgeous gray snow leopard print.
This fringe plush throw blanket has a 4.8-star rating with over 2k ratings. It’s only $39.50 and comes in 17 different color options!
This fringed woven throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 100 ratings. It’s only $39.95 and comes in a beautiful blue and cream striped color.
This reversible micromink throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 200 ratings. It’s only $11.99 and comes in 3 different color options!
This ruched faux fur throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 300 ratings. It’s only $38.05 and comes in 5 different color options!
This “The Big One” plush throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with almost 2k ratings. It’s only $11.99 and comes in 65 different color options!
This wicked plush throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with over 400 ratings. It’s only $29.95 and comes in 8 different color options!
Amazon Throw Blankets
This bubble knit throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 2k ratings. It’s only $24.99 and comes in 15 different color options!
This flannel pom pom throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 13k ratings. It’s only $22.99 and comes in 19 different color options!
This luxe faux fur throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with almost 16k ratings. It’s only $26.95 and comes in 8 different color options!
This plush sherpa throw blanket (from Eddie Bauer) has a 4.8-star rating with over 4k ratings. It’s only $22.55 and comes in 23 different color and pattern options!
This rustic farmhouse throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 1.5k ratings. It’s only $19.95 and comes in 3 different color options!
This shaggy faux fur throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 21k ratings. It’s only $20.99 and comes in 7 different color options!
This sherpa throw blanket has a 4.8-star rating with over 6k ratings. It’s only $29.99 and comes in 12 different color options!
This textured knit throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 25k ratings. It’s only $19.99 and comes in 25 different color options!
This Turkish throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 2.5k ratings. It’s only $23.99 and comes in 10 different color options!
This waffle fleece throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with almost 14k ratings. It’s only $15.99 and comes in 22 different color options!
Thanks for reading! Which of these luxurious throw blankets will you be adding to your collection??
As avid collectors of throw blankets, we’re pretty close to being experts on them here at Frugal and Thriving. And we know there’s nothing worse than ordering a throw blanket, counting down the days until it’s delivered, and ripping open the package only to find out that your new blanket is thin and scratchy. Ugh. In order to prevent that from happening to you, we’ve compiled this list of soft, snuggly throw blankets that have at least a 4-star rating, at least 100 ratings accumulated, AND cost less than $50. So don’t just take our word for it – the proof is in the numbers!! And, if you’re just absolutely addicted to Amazon (because hey, aren’t we all even if only just a little?) then keep scrolling for our list of ten beautiful throw blankets from Amazon with 4+star ratings and over one thousand ratings each.
Throw Blankets
This cable knit throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 400 ratings. It’s only $49.99 and comes in 8 different color options!
This chenille throw blanket has a 4.3-star rating with over 100 ratings. It’s only $24.99 and comes in 6 different color options!
This diamond knit throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with almost 400 ratings. It’s only $39.98 and comes in 5 different color options!
This faux fur filled throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 200 ratings. It’s only $48.99 and comes in a gorgeous gray snow leopard print.
This fringe plush throw blanket has a 4.8-star rating with over 2k ratings. It’s only $39.50 and comes in 17 different color options!
This fringed woven throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 100 ratings. It’s only $39.95 and comes in a beautiful blue and cream striped color.
This reversible micromink throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 200 ratings. It’s only $11.99 and comes in 3 different color options!
This ruched faux fur throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 300 ratings. It’s only $38.05 and comes in 5 different color options!
This “The Big One” plush throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with almost 2k ratings. It’s only $11.99 and comes in 65 different color options!
This wicked plush throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with over 400 ratings. It’s only $29.95 and comes in 8 different color options!
Amazon Throw Blankets
This bubble knit throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 2k ratings. It’s only $24.99 and comes in 15 different color options!
This flannel pom pom throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 13k ratings. It’s only $22.99 and comes in 19 different color options!
This luxe faux fur throw blanket has a 4.4-star rating with almost 16k ratings. It’s only $26.95 and comes in 8 different color options!
This plush sherpa throw blanket (from Eddie Bauer) has a 4.8-star rating with over 4k ratings. It’s only $22.55 and comes in 23 different color and pattern options!
This rustic farmhouse throw blanket has a 4.5-star rating with over 1.5k ratings. It’s only $19.95 and comes in 3 different color options!
This shaggy faux fur throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 21k ratings. It’s only $20.99 and comes in 7 different color options!
This sherpa throw blanket has a 4.8-star rating with over 6k ratings. It’s only $29.99 and comes in 12 different color options!
This textured knit throw blanket has a 4.6-star rating with over 25k ratings. It’s only $19.99 and comes in 25 different color options!
This Turkish throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with over 2.5k ratings. It’s only $23.99 and comes in 10 different color options!
This waffle fleece throw blanket has a 4.7-star rating with almost 14k ratings. It’s only $15.99 and comes in 22 different color options!
Thanks for reading! Which of these luxurious throw blankets will you be adding to your collection??
The holiday season is really the season for hosting guests and entertaining friends and family, so you want to make sure your home is warm and welcoming. Since the first stop is usually the entryway of your house, decorate it with elegant holiday decor to make the space feel inviting. Walmart has lots of affordable holiday decorations so you can choose just a few pieces to dress the space up or completely revamp it. See our holiday entryway design guide below.
Artificial Tree | Accent Chair | Throw Pillow | Geometric Mirror | Holly Jolly Wall Art | Fa La La Wall Art | Accent Table | Metal Sculpture | Woodwick Candle | Rattan Sleigh | Antique Truck | Wire Candle Holder | Wooden Lantern | Antique Milk Bottles | Braided Storage Basket | Welcome Sign
We’re decking the halls with this darling decor and bringing the holiday spirit into our ho-ho-homes! A small artificial light-up tree will tie the outdoors to the indoors and liven the space up. Place a velvet chair in a holiday hue next to a wooden shelved accent table adorned with lots of little holiday decorations (balance rich colors with warm woods and metal tones), and hang a few jolly signs on the wall to keep the festive flow. Add a mirror to make the area seem larger and sleigh an entryway worthy of a winter wonderland!
Shop Holiday Decor
The holiday season is really the season for hosting guests and entertaining friends and family, so you want to make sure your home is warm and welcoming. Since the first stop is usually the entryway of your house, decorate it with elegant holiday decor to make the space feel inviting. Walmart has lots of affordable holiday decorations so you can choose just a few pieces to dress the space up or completely revamp it. See our holiday entryway design guide below.
Artificial Tree | Accent Chair | Throw Pillow | Geometric Mirror | Holly Jolly Wall Art | Fa La La Wall Art | Accent Table | Metal Sculpture | Woodwick Candle | Rattan Sleigh | Antique Truck | Wire Candle Holder | Wooden Lantern | Antique Milk Bottles | Braided Storage Basket | Welcome Sign
We’re decking the halls with this darling decor and bringing the holiday spirit into our ho-ho-homes! A small artificial light-up tree will tie the outdoors to the indoors and liven the space up. Place a velvet chair in a holiday hue next to a wooden shelved accent table adorned with lots of little holiday decorations (balance rich colors with warm woods and metal tones), and hang a few jolly signs on the wall to keep the festive flow. Add a mirror to make the area seem larger and sleigh an entryway worthy of a winter wonderland!
Shop Holiday Decor
Pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies…mmmmm. Baked with sweet spices, whipped sugars, fall fruits, and lots of love, autumn treats are simply the best desserts you can make. They warm the home and the heart and bring comfort to everyone. Fall baking season is upon us and we’re sharing some fun fall recipes you can make with a few simple kitchen tools…like the KitchenAid Pro Stand Mixer. Find out more below.
The KitchenAid Pro stand mixer is a dream come true for bakers both new and experienced. Knead, whip, mix, and more – Kristy’s mixer pictured above is the 6-qt bowl mixer, which can handle up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and triple batches of cookie dough. The bowl is wide-mouthed to make adding ingredients easy, and it comes equipped with a pouring shield to minimize spills and messes.
The mixer includes a KP26M1X Professional 600 Series stand mixer, a 6-qt stainless steel wide-mouth bowl with contoured handle, a pouring shield, a spiral dough hook, a flat beater, and a wire whip.
Recipe Inspiration
These KitchenAid recipes from Yummly.com are the perfect fall treats to make with your KitchenAid mixer and accessories!! Grab your ingredients and supplies and get to baking!
Honey Cardamom Pear Upside Down Cake
**Makes 12 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter (for caramel pear base)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/4 cup honey (for caramel pear base)
- 3 medium pears (peeled, cored, quartered and sliced in 1/4″ slices)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup butter (room temp)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Special Equipment: KitchenAid® paddle attachment; 9” round cake pan; saucepan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Place a large tin foil sheet on the rack below your baking rack to catch any bubbling juices while the cake is baking.
- Make the caramel base. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan on medium high heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey and gently whisk until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to come to a heavy bubble, then reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute. Remove from heat, whisk and then spread evenly in the cake pan. Layer 2-3 pears in whatever pattern desired. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and 1/4 cup honey. Set aside.
- Attach the paddle attachment to your KitchenAid® Artisan Stand Mixer, and cream the 3/4 cup butter on speed 6 for one minute. Reduce speed to 4, and slowly stream in the granulated sugar. Once sugar is fully added, increase speed back to speed 6 and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla.
- Reduce mixer speed to 2 and add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture in three additions; beat just until blended after each addition. Spread batter evenly over pears.
- Bake in a preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. (At 50 minutes, if the cake has browned on top but is not cooked through, you can lightly cover with foil for remaining bake time.) Remove cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for five minutes before inverting the cake onto a rimmed plate and releasing the cake. (NOTE: A rimmed plate is necessary to catch the juices that will release when the cake is turned over.)
- Can be served warm, or cooled completely.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
** Makes 9 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 red apple (unpeeled, cored, chopped (202g))
- 1 cup apple cider (divided (250ml))
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (425ml)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (10ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2ml)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5ml)
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (0.5ml)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (75ml)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (54ml)
- 1 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (50ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2ml)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (750ml)
Directions:
- Combine apples and ¾ cup apple cider in medium saucepan; cover. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until softened. Uncover and continue cooking 5 minutes or until apples are tender and cider is almost completely reduced. Purée mixture with an immersion blender or in food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have ½ cup. If you have more, return to saucepan and continue cooking until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.Combine flour, baking powder, salt, spices and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.
- Add granulated sugar and shortening to bowl of KitchenAid® Artisan Mini Stand Mixer. Attach bowl and Flat Beaterto mixer. Turn to Speed 4 and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Turn to Speed 1 and gradually add egg and apple mixture.Continuing on Speed 1, add half the flour mixture, buttermilk and vanilla. After the liquid is fully incorporated, add remaining flour mixture. Mix 1 minute. The mixture will be sticky.
- Spray two 6-cavity full-sized doughnut baking pans generously with vegetable pan spray. Spoon ¼ cup batter into each cavity. Recipe will yield 9 doughnuts.Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in doughnuts comes out clean. Reserve in pan.
- Add remaining ¼ cup apple cider to small saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Transfer to medium bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.Dip each warm donut in the glaze, turning it with a fork. Transfer to cooling rack set on top of a baking sheet and let stand until glaze has set.
Pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies…mmmmm. Baked with sweet spices, whipped sugars, fall fruits, and lots of love, autumn treats are simply the best desserts you can make. They warm the home and the heart and bring comfort to everyone. Fall baking season is upon us and we’re sharing some fun fall recipes you can make with a few simple kitchen tools…like the KitchenAid Pro Stand Mixer. Find out more below.
The KitchenAid Pro stand mixer is a dream come true for bakers both new and experienced. Knead, whip, mix, and more – Kristy’s mixer pictured above is the 6-qt bowl mixer, which can handle up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and triple batches of cookie dough. The bowl is wide-mouthed to make adding ingredients easy, and it comes equipped with a pouring shield to minimize spills and messes.
The mixer includes a KP26M1X Professional 600 Series stand mixer, a 6-qt stainless steel wide-mouth bowl with contoured handle, a pouring shield, a spiral dough hook, a flat beater, and a wire whip.
Recipe Inspiration
These KitchenAid recipes from Yummly.com are the perfect fall treats to make with your KitchenAid mixer and accessories!! Grab your ingredients and supplies and get to baking!
Honey Cardamom Pear Upside Down Cake
**Makes 12 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter (for caramel pear base)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/4 cup honey (for caramel pear base)
- 3 medium pears (peeled, cored, quartered and sliced in 1/4″ slices)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup butter (room temp)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Special Equipment: KitchenAid® paddle attachment; 9” round cake pan; saucepan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Place a large tin foil sheet on the rack below your baking rack to catch any bubbling juices while the cake is baking.
- Make the caramel base. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan on medium high heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey and gently whisk until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to come to a heavy bubble, then reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute. Remove from heat, whisk and then spread evenly in the cake pan. Layer 2-3 pears in whatever pattern desired. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and 1/4 cup honey. Set aside.
- Attach the paddle attachment to your KitchenAid® Artisan Stand Mixer, and cream the 3/4 cup butter on speed 6 for one minute. Reduce speed to 4, and slowly stream in the granulated sugar. Once sugar is fully added, increase speed back to speed 6 and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla.
- Reduce mixer speed to 2 and add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture in three additions; beat just until blended after each addition. Spread batter evenly over pears.
- Bake in a preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. (At 50 minutes, if the cake has browned on top but is not cooked through, you can lightly cover with foil for remaining bake time.) Remove cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for five minutes before inverting the cake onto a rimmed plate and releasing the cake. (NOTE: A rimmed plate is necessary to catch the juices that will release when the cake is turned over.)
- Can be served warm, or cooled completely.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
** Makes 9 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 red apple (unpeeled, cored, chopped (202g))
- 1 cup apple cider (divided (250ml))
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (425ml)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (10ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2ml)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5ml)
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (0.5ml)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (75ml)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (54ml)
- 1 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (50ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2ml)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (750ml)
Directions:
- Combine apples and ¾ cup apple cider in medium saucepan; cover. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until softened. Uncover and continue cooking 5 minutes or until apples are tender and cider is almost completely reduced. Purée mixture with an immersion blender or in food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have ½ cup. If you have more, return to saucepan and continue cooking until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.Combine flour, baking powder, salt, spices and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.
- Add granulated sugar and shortening to bowl of KitchenAid® Artisan Mini Stand Mixer. Attach bowl and Flat Beaterto mixer. Turn to Speed 4 and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Turn to Speed 1 and gradually add egg and apple mixture.Continuing on Speed 1, add half the flour mixture, buttermilk and vanilla. After the liquid is fully incorporated, add remaining flour mixture. Mix 1 minute. The mixture will be sticky.
- Spray two 6-cavity full-sized doughnut baking pans generously with vegetable pan spray. Spoon ¼ cup batter into each cavity. Recipe will yield 9 doughnuts.Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in doughnuts comes out clean. Reserve in pan.
- Add remaining ¼ cup apple cider to small saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Transfer to medium bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.Dip each warm donut in the glaze, turning it with a fork. Transfer to cooling rack set on top of a baking sheet and let stand until glaze has set.
One of the best feelings as the weather gets chillier is switching your bedding from light, breathable fabrics to warm and snuggly sheets and blankets. If you already have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, these bedding sets below certainly won’t make it easier, but you’ll feel so snug you won’t even care that you’ve now snoozed your alarm for the fourth time. Take a look at our favorite options for those cold-weather cuddles.
Faux Fur Bedding
Soft and luxurious, faux fur bedding is the ultimate cold weather indulgence. It gives a modern look to your bedroom while remaining warm and inviting.
Shop Faux Fur Bedding
Fleece/Sherpa
Get comfy and cozy with a fleece or sherpa bedding set. These sets are charming and timeless, and will give you all the warmth you need on a frigid winter night.
Shop Fleece/Sherpa Bedding
Suede/Velvet
A suede or velvet bedding set is elegant and classy. These lush fabrics bring dimension and depth to the boudoir, and make sleeping a dream.
Shop Suede/Velvet Bedding
One of the best feelings as the weather gets chillier is switching your bedding from light, breathable fabrics to warm and snuggly sheets and blankets. If you already have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, these bedding sets below certainly won’t make it easier, but you’ll feel so snug you won’t even care that you’ve now snoozed your alarm for the fourth time. Take a look at our favorite options for those cold-weather cuddles.
Faux Fur Bedding
Soft and luxurious, faux fur bedding is the ultimate cold weather indulgence. It gives a modern look to your bedroom while remaining warm and inviting.
Shop Faux Fur Bedding
Fleece/Sherpa
Get comfy and cozy with a fleece or sherpa bedding set. These sets are charming and timeless, and will give you all the warmth you need on a frigid winter night.
Shop Fleece/Sherpa Bedding
Suede/Velvet
A suede or velvet bedding set is elegant and classy. These lush fabrics bring dimension and depth to the boudoir, and make sleeping a dream.
Shop Suede/Velvet Bedding
A fall wreath is a simple way to add a touch of autumn to any area of your home. Most commonly used to adorn a front door, wreaths can also be hung inside to bring the rustic outdoors into your home. Think of hanging one above a mantle or an entryway table, or used as a table centerpiece to hold a collection of candles or other fall decorations. See these pretty artificial autumn wreaths from Walmart below.
Reds, yellows, oranges, and browns make a wreath fabulous for fall. Berries, pumpkins, sunflowers, and maple leaves are great autumn accessories and add dimension and personality to any wreath. Get one with LED lights to add warmth, or opt for a fun Halloween one to up your spooky decor game.
Shop the Wreaths
Want to get crafty? Try making your own artificial fall wreath! Use the above ones for some inspiration, or let yourself get creative. All you need is a wreath form, some tulle, ribbon, garland, and a few artificial accessories.
A fall wreath is a simple way to add a touch of autumn to any area of your home. Most commonly used to adorn a front door, wreaths can also be hung inside to bring the rustic outdoors into your home. Think of hanging one above a mantle or an entryway table, or used as a table centerpiece to hold a collection of candles or other fall decorations. See these pretty artificial autumn wreaths from Walmart below.
Reds, yellows, oranges, and browns make a wreath fabulous for fall. Berries, pumpkins, sunflowers, and maple leaves are great autumn accessories and add dimension and personality to any wreath. Get one with LED lights to add warmth, or opt for a fun Halloween one to up your spooky decor game.
Shop the Wreaths
Want to get crafty? Try making your own artificial fall wreath! Use the above ones for some inspiration, or let yourself get creative. All you need is a wreath form, some tulle, ribbon, garland, and a few artificial accessories.
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