A Perfect Way to Start the Season

Darlings,
There is one thing that always initiates the Christmas season for me, and that is watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with my girls. It is absolutely inspiring! Isn't it dolls?hehe. I LOVED the Wild Things, Heavenly Bodies, and Tough Love collections this year... I believe my Christmas list grew a little bit after tonight. 

poll by twiigs.com

My Newest Discovery: Recycled Map Garlands

Darlings,
I am utterly in love with this marvelously crafty idea. All you have to do is pick your favorite location in the world, decide between the multiple options of shades and these garlands (made of vintage maps of the world) could be your very next favorite purchase. 

Holiday Recipe #1

Darlings, 
You voted and a decision was made. I made it for Thanksgiving lunch at the boyfriend's (he had to work the 3pm-11pm shift) and he loved it! Now, I believe you dolls deserve the marvelously delicious recipe since you all played such a big role on my decision. 

The Pumpkin Torte

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided (I used a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon instead)
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 
  

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, eggs, oil and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. 

• Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.

• Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 

• Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. 

• Add the confectioners' sugar, and remaining pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice; beat until smooth. 

• Fold in whipped topping.

• Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. 

• Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a fourth of the filling. 

• Repeat layers three times. 

• Drizzle with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans. 

• Store in the refrigerator.

• . Yield: 10-12 servings.

Recipe from here.

My Black Friday

Darlings,
I most definitely did NOT wake up at 4am or camped out outside stores since 11am yesterday... but I still found marvelous things at my favorite places (below) at 2pm today. I didn't finish my Christmas shopping though, that's what online shopping is for. 

Now tell me dolls, where did you go for Black Friday 

and what was your greatest find?

Coming Soon: Mariel's Ateliers

Darlings, 
I have a surprise for you... I'm am opening a store with Big Cartel! It will officially open in the beginning of December, just in time for holiday shopping and after the stress of finals. Check out some of the items featured so far... I promise there is more to come. I can't wait to hear what you, dolls, think about it.  Have a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday!

Wedding Wednesday: The Elopement

Darlings, 
I know I usually featured big and marvelous weddings for this post but when I came across these pictures I was blown away by its simplicity. I believe it truly captures the true essence of what a wedding is meant to be. It is not about the glitz and glamour, but about professing your love to one another in the most beautiful and sincere way ever.  

Pictures by the wonderful Jill Thomas.

Time for a Flashback

Darlings,
To celebrate the fact that I am officially home for Thanksgiving (and finally reunited with my camera) I am going to share with you some of the pictures I took of last my time here. I know I promised to do this over a month ago but I had been unable to come home until now. 

My love during our spontaneous picnic date on the beach.

The Perfect Blue Dress

Darlings, 
For quite a while now I have been searching for the perfect blue dress without much success... until now. I am completely and utterly in love with Kate's Issa London blue dress. Isn't absolutely stunning? It definitely redefines royal blue. Too bad this piece is completely sold out... I checked. 

Image from Google Images.

Have a Marvelous Weekend!

Darlings,
You know something that I absolutely love to do? To look at old pictures and photo albums... it is absolutely marvelous! Which is why I want to show you, dolls, what I came across this week. This is my beautiful baby sister and I during our spa day a couple of years ago, isn't she just the cutest? 

Featured this week...

• My dessert options for Thanksgiving dinner (Still need your help dolls!)
• Long distance is hard... but I won't have to wait too long (5 more days love!)
• Check out this enchanting wedding in the French Countryside... absolutely beautiful!

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Wedding Wednesday: French Countryside

Darlings,
You voted and this marvelous wedding was the chosen one. Isn't it absolutely beautiful? If you are looking to have an unforgettable wedding in the countryside all the inspiration you need is right here... from the romantic venue in the South of France to the stunning lace gown, it all defines perfection. Profiter chéris!

Photos from here.

"It's a quarter after one... And I need you now"

It's one of those days... 

... I just wish I was home right now. Things would just be easier.

In Search for the Perfect Holiday Dessert

Darlings,
There are exactly nine days left till I go home for Thanksgiving break and I am absolutely excited. I am going to be in charge of the dessert department for our Thanksgiving dinner, but I can't seem to make up my mind on what delicious specialty to make. Which is why I am coming to you, dolls, with it. 

poll by twiigs.com