Bundle Up

I'm not going to lie...it has been so hard to transition back to cold weather here in MN. We were blessed with some warm days so we got spoiled, but winter is back in full force. Needless to say, this post was supposed to be without the coat, but I just couldn't bear it, it was freezing :) Warm coats, wool sweaters, and oversized scarves are necessities, so investing in these key pieces is key (look for some good end of season sales that are everywhere). I always feel like my coat is the only thing on display in winter, so think before you purchase, and make sure you love it! Have a blessed day everyone. 

:: Shop the Post :: 

J.Crew Wool Coat (similar here & here) // AG Jeans // J.Crew Mint Sweater // J.Crew Scarf (similar here & here) // Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag // J.Crew Pumps (similar here & here) // Ray-Ban Sunnies

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson

Pink + Leopard

Winters get long here in Minnesota. And as much as I love fresh fallen snow, bundling up in sweaters and boots, going skiing, and sipping coffee by the fire, you can't help but start to get a little antsy. Dressing in fun colors and patterns during this time of year helps me to feel more upbeat and positive, ready to maximize the day. I love this combination of the girly coat and pumps with the distressed denim. Hope you all are having a wonderful week! 

:: Shop the Post ::

J.Crew Lady Day Coat // Vince Sweater // AG Jeans // J.Crew Pumps // Tory Burch Handbag (similar here) // Ray Ban Sunnies // Tiffany & Co. Necklace

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

Playing in the Snow

I think this is one of my most memorable posts because I got to shoot with Otto in my favorite place in the world as fresh snow was falling :) Every year over New Year's, P and I head north with my family for skiing, relaxing, good cooking, and conversation. It was a wonderful week, and this look is my go-to for hanging out up north - warm and comfortable. 

:: Shop the Post :: 

Stem Comfy Sweatshirt (similar here) // J.Crew Sweater (similar here) // Zella Leggings (my absolute favorite leggings) // Hunter Boots // Steller Handcrafted Goods Mittens // Steger Hat

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

Plaid on Plaid

I finally found a blanket scarf that I am in love with! This find from J.Crew looks great belted with any top you like underneath, or as a wrap with a festive holiday dress. It is so warm and comfortable, while adding that extra bit of "fashion forward" to your ensemble. I love the versatility of this piece and how easy it would transition from day to evening - think black sparkly tank, or a fun wool mini skirt. Merry Christmas everyone! 

:: Shop the Post ::

J.Crew Blanket Scarf (similar here, here, and here) // J.Crew Plaid Top // J.Crew Pixie Pants // J.Crew Belt // Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag // Frye Boots // Ray Ban Sunnies // Tiffany & Co. Necklace // Prestonmade Bangle 

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

Gnocchi with Italian Sausage & Tomato Alfredo Sauce {Food}

Some of my favorite cookbooks of all time are from Nordstrom (see here). The recipes are delicious and gourmet with just the right amount of complexity. This gnocchi is a must-make dish during the cold winter months; P and I just can't get enough of it. And it is even more flavorful the next day as leftovers. This yummy gnocchi is also a great option to serve for entertaining as the holidays approach, as the price per serving is reasonable. Snuggle up with a good glass of red wine and this tasty dish! 

:: Ingredients :: 

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound hot Italian sausage (casings removed)

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups heaving cream (we use 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup milk)

1 can tomato paste

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 pounds vacuum-packed imported gnocchi (we get ours at Lunds)

4 ounces baby spinach

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus more for serving) 

:: Recipe :: 

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meet using the side of a spoon, for about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat browns, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to paper towels to drain. Discard the fat and wipe out the saucepan. 

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the saucepan and return to medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and stir well. Reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often without browning the flour, for 2 minutes. Stir in the cream and tomato paste and whisk well to dissolve the tomato paste. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until lightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set the sauce aside. 

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions until tender. Scoop out and reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the gnocchi well. Return the gnocchi to their cooking pot. 

Stir the spinach and sausage into the sauce. Add to the gnocchi, along with the 1/2 cup Parmigiano. Stir well. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water. Taste and adjust the seasoning. 

Divide the gnocchi evenly among warmed bowls. Serve hot, with additional Parmigiano cheese passed on the side. 

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson