{Hand-Painted} Hanging Fall Sign

It is officially Fall today in our my home!  Most of my Fall decorations are out, including this new hand-painted Fall sign which I painted last week.  It was my original intent to hang it on our front door, but I love the way it looks on our key rack. 

Happy Fall to All! 

{Sweet Cupcakes} Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I was asked to bake cupcakes for a Memorial Day BBQ we were attending at a friend's house, and I jumped at the opportunity!  I had a busy, crazy, stressful week...but baking cupcakes always gives me something to look forward to.  This recipe {no surprise that it's Martha's} is by far the best red velvet recipe I've ever tried!

There is something so mysteriously decadent about red velvet cupcakes...you just can't put your finger on it.  And my, oh my are they delicious!  I dare say that these are my favorite cupcakes of all time!  I also love the new Wilton liners I found at Michael's.  This recipe {for both the cake & the frosting} is a must!

P.S. Found the cake plate at Homegoods for $6.99...score!

{Wine Wednesday} Reggiano Lambrusco le Grotte Rosso Dolce

I love, love, love Lambrusco!  I usually opt for the inexpensive and easy-to-find Riunite brand {still a favorite} but this bottle caught my eye at Trader Joe's.  Honestly, I didn't even know that there were other Lambrusco brands! 

While doing a little research, I found that this Lambrusco is produced in the region of Emil-Romagna, just north of Tuscany.  This region also produces balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, and prosciutto.  No wonder it was so delicious!

It was sweet, but had more of a true red wine flavor than Riunite does.  Final verdict:  love it! And for about $6 at Trader Joe's, it's quite a steal.  Cheers!

Keep Calm & Carry On

And this shall be my mantra for the rest of the week...

To say that I have too much on my plate right now would be a serious understatement.  I'm afraid The Sweet Life Studio will be out of service for the rest of the week.  Hopefully I'll have lots of goodies to blog about after this brief hiatus.  Some extra time would be nice too...please, Lord?!

Have a great week, everyone!  A little prayer for my sanity would be appreciated. ; )

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a relaxing day off celebrated with your loved ones!

Mine is going to be celebrated with dear family and friends, as well as these bad boys...

{photo courtesy of Martha Stewart}

Oh how I love three-day weekends.  God bless your day!

Oh, That's Right! Money Doesn't Grow on Trees.

I got to spend some quality "girl-time" with my mother and sister in-law yesterday.  We headed to South Coast Plaza for some lunch and shopping. 

We started the day off with a yummy lunch at the newly opened Seasons 52. This is such a cool restaurant. All the ingredients are seasonal and fresh, and guess what...every meal is under 475 calories! They don't cook with any butter, and somehow, the food is still filling and delicious. I highly recommend it!

Then came the shopping.  Now, when I "have money to spend" I LOVE to shop.  With teaching credential fees, masters tuitions to pay, never-ending weddings to attend, and home improvements upon my hubby and I...this was needless to say, not one of those days for me.  I couldn't help but lust over all of the cute fall clothes that are out right now!  Such as...

Now, I definitely don't consider myself a girly-girl...but I am loving all the sequin pieces that are out right now!

{photos courtesy of Banana Republic, J. CREW, & Nordstrom}

Sigh...I just love all of the soft colors...the leather...the slouchy, comfy sweaters....the metallics...chunky jewels...and GLITTER!!!

I always say..."A girl can dream."  For now, I'll stick to finding my deals and steals {OK, knock-offs} at places like this...

I do love a good bargain!

Happy Labor Day Weekend, everybody!

Genius! A Cupcake in a Jar!

While browsing through one of my favorite blogs, P is for Party, I came across these adorable little treats!  I love, love, love cupcakes (especially red velvet).  Aren't these just the cutest?

{photos courtesy of Cakies}

Click here for DIY instructions on how to make these genius jars of yummy goodness.  Perfect for dessert, party favors, or a sweet gift.  

 I will DEFINITELY be giving these a try...and soon!