how to make a holiday cheese board.

Hello, friends! Remember me? I know it's been a few weeks, but I'll blame it on the craziness of the holidays. We also celebrated {jv}'s first birthday a couple weeks early, so I was nose deep in primary colored balloons and decor for most of November. Speaking of entertaining, I'm so excited to be back to share a little collaboration I did recently with Sid Wainer & Son® in the spirit of the holidays!

Based less than twenty minutes from our home in Rhode Island, Sid Wainer & Son® is a top-notch local supplier of specialty food, cheese, and produce. (I legitimately see their trucks outside all of my favorite local restaurants!) Since 1914, they have worked with the best New England farmers to create a unique and diverse line of products. They also ship many of their tasty goodies nationwide, so thankfully, you're only a few clicks away from having these delicious treats on your table. Read on for a few tips I pulled together on making your own holiday cheese board!

Cheeses from left to right: Kilchurn Estate® Mustard and Ale Cheddar Cheese, Kilchurn Estate® Sage Derby Cheese + Kilchurn Estate® Krystal Pure Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese // Meats from left to right: Jansal Valley® Spicy Sopressata + Jansal Valley® Cacciatorino Salami // Extras: Jansal Valley® Dried Black Mission Figs, Jansal Valley® Huckleberry Spreadable Fruit + Jansal Valley® Cranberry Honey

There are many schools of thought about what makes a good cheese board. A curated mix of flavors and textures is crucial to concocting a crowd-pleasing display for your next party. When Sid Wainer & Son® sent over these treats, it took everything I had not to eat it all before I took the photos. In no particular order, here are a few thoughts that were swirling around in my head on the topic...

• Some people simply place a block or wheel of cheese on their cheese boards. If the cheese board you're making is for a small group of people (who are familiar with one another), I think that is perfectly appropriate. However, if you're creating a cheese board for a larger crowd, cutting the pieces in advance can make a big difference. There is less pressure on your guests to cut perfect slices. More people can also cycle quickly through the cheese board.  
• Make it your goal to include a diverse set of flavors that work in concert. I loved that the folks at Sid Wainer & Son® included cheeses with different flavor profiles. You want to make sure you have something for everyone. (Speaking of which, check with your guests to accommodate any food allergies or situations -- your pregnant friends can't have some common cheese board accouterments and neither can your friends who adhere to a gluten-free diet. You can easily make some substitutions to fit everyone's needs.)
• If your cheese board can't accommodate all of your treats, pull out a few small bowls which can swoop in and save the day. Along with a few sliced figs, I placed crackers and almonds in other bowls to keep it all organized. 
• Even though winter is almost here, my rosemary plant is still thriving. I cut a few sprigs to use as a garnish in those small bowls and on the cheese board itself. If you don't have your own plant, you can easily snag them at your local grocery store -- or a large bundle from Sid Wainer & Son® here. Not only are they wonderfully fragrant, these sprigs add a pretty pop of green to your cheese board. (Fun fact: I love rosemary so much that I asked to include it in my wedding bouquet. It is a symbol of remembrance. My grandmother's name was also Rosemarie, so it has extra significance for me.)
• I placed the Jansal Valley® Dried Black Mission Figs, Jansal Valley® Huckleberry Spreadable Fruit + Jansal Valley® Cranberry Honey on a separate cheese board to keep the mess at a minimum. As your guests are assembling their bites, they can add a fruity finish without disrupting the flow of others around the cheese board.

While my tips aren't necessarily groundbreaking, I hope they give you a few new ideas for the next time you pull together a cheese board. Thanks again to Sid Wainer & Son for spoiling me with these delicious goodies. Now that I know they ship nationally, I know a way to make someone's day this holiday season. I mean... who wouldn't love a care package full of cheese? xoxo {av}

This post was sponsored by Sid Wainer & Son®. I was provided with the products shown above, in exchange for sharing this post with my readers. All opinions are my own -- and I carefully curate which brands appear on {long distance loving}.

a blogger baby shower.

At the end of October, two of my dearest friends -- Kate {of DomestiKatedLife} and Lindsay {of Lindsay Jean Design + Duchess} -- threw baby {v} and me the shower to end all showers. From the moment I walked in the door, I was overwhelmed with their thoughtfulness and creativity. I knew these two would throw an amazing shower, but I had no clue just how incredible it would be. They truly outdid themselves on this one. 

You can see a few of my favorite details from the shower below, but you can see even more from the hostesses themselves. Take a peek at this post from Lindsay and this post from Kate for more photos and the sources of the goodies they used!

my favorite funfetti cupcakes with EDIBLE gold star sprinkles! 

a cheese plate found in every pregnant woman's dreams: completely pasteurized + delightful! 

mint chocolate anything is my weakness // a donut tasting bar?! I can't make this stuff up...

pretty drinks for the pregnant + non-pregnant crowd on the most colorful bar cart around.

When I started this blog four years ago, I never envisioned that two friends I made from blogging would throw me a baby shower of such beautiful proportions. Fast forward to today: I truly see the internet as the vessel to meet the people who were supposed to be in my life from the get-go. Many of the ladies who attended {and sent gifts from near and far} also happen to be sweet friends made courtesy of the world wide web. To everyone who came or sent their love, you sure know how to make a girl -- and baby {v} -- feel loved! You all nailed it with your gorgeous gifts. Baby {v} will be one well-outfitted and cuddly little one ;) I may sound like a broken record, but I mean it: thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kate and Lindsay! xoxo {av}

darling doormats for all budgets.

1) West Elm Anchor Doormat {$28.95} // 2) Classic Home Darcy Doormat {$35.00}

3) Rubber-Cel Herringbone Coir Doormat {$30.99} // 4) L.L. Bean Nautical Rope Doormat {$44.99}

5) Entryways Simply Green Non-Slip Coir Doormat {$29.97} // 6) Trans Ocean Signal Flags Doormat {$39.90}

7) Lulu and Georgia Arya Doormat {$40.00} // 8) Bungalow Flooring Neoprene Radial Weave Doormat {$24.97}

9) Frontgate Hydrangea Non-Monogrammed Coco Entry Mat {$71.00} // 10) Liora Manne Starfish Mat {$29.99}

With our house build in progress, my mind is constantly running with the little details...though we have plenty of big details to choose first. Since I left the nest for college, I haven't had a doormat of my own. It seems like a small thing, but dorm and apartment living aren't exactly conducive to displaying a little personality with your doormat. This month, I devoted my Houzz ideabook to a few darling doormats which fit in all budgets. Even after doing this round-up, I still can't make up my mind about which one will grace our front porch later this year. With so many pretty options, I may have to pick a few seasonal favorites ;)

Do you have any secret spots where you find fun yet functional home goods? While I love places like HomeGoods, I don't have time to stop by weekly for new items. You never fail me with your knowledge, so I can't wait to hear your ideas.  xoxo {av}

12 creative chocolate chip cookie recipes.

top row {L to R}: Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Caramel-Filled Cookies via The Domestic Rebel // Cap'n Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies via Oh Joy! // Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies via Indigo Scones

second row {L to R}: Brown Butter + Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies via Rustic Brooklyn // Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies via Two Peas & Their Pod // Neiman Marcus $250 Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies via Gluten Free on a Shoestring

third row {L to R}: Toasted Marshmallow + Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies via Clockwork Lemon // Hot Fudge Chocolate Chip Cookie Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches via Half Baked Harvest // Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookie Dunkers via Yes to Yum

bottom row {L to R}: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Parfaits via How Sweet Eats // Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies via Averie Cooks // Soft Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies via Cookies & Cups

This weekend, I'm hosting a little blind wine tasting and pasta night with seven ladies from the {v} family. While I know chocolate chip cookies don't exactly pair well with pasta, a cozy night-in calls for a big plate of these beloved treats. Not only do chocolate chip cookies give our place the best smell, they are always crowd-pleasers. The 12 bloggers behind these recipes gave the classic chocolate chip cookie their own twist--and I can't get enough. They all just sound so yummy that I can't decide on just one. Do you have a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe? I am never one to turn down a great cookie recipe. Have a happy weekend! xoxo {av}

P.S. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you might like my board by the same name on Pinterest ;)

last minute valentine's day ideas.

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or not this year, you have to admit its cheery colors are essential for surviving this dreary winter! These seven ideas will solve your last-minute woes: whip up any of the bunch and your valentine will be singing your praises to the moon and back...

1) Crunchy Creamy Sweet: This Valentine's Day Bark is the perfect treat: colorful, yummy, and easy to share. If you make a large batch, you can still save some for yourself!

2) Real Simple: Use an old matchbook to create this clever little card. Make it extra special by using a matchbook from your favorite restaurant!

3) Martha Stewart Weddings: As a map lover, this simple DIY stood out from the pack. Print a map to place on the existing mat in a frame and share one of your favorite places with your valentine and/or best friend. {If time permits, you could even buy a vintage map on eBay or elsewhere on the interwebs!}

4) Style Me Pretty: Though the Style Me Pretty team is spot-on with their suggestion to make these for your bridesmaids, these glitter tote bags serve so many other needs. Whip together one of these glittery concoctions for a quick gift or use it to transport your goodies--and conveniently leave it behind as a gift. Sneaky sneaky...

5) The Novice Chef: The first moment I saw these marbled red velvet cheesecake brownies, I knew it was love. The rich red color is perfect for Valentine's Day--or any day really ;)

6) Young House Love: Displaying keys can be a poignant, everyday reminder of how much your love has endured. As a long distance survivor, I think this little DIY is extra meaningful.

7) Paper & Stitch: Long after Valentine's Day is over, you can still create your own mylar goodie bags. Until then, whip up these shiny bags to serve your tasty treats in style!

Still stumped on what to make for your sweetheart {or your best friend!} this Valentine's Day? There are plenty of other ideas my future diy + sweet tooth boards on Pinterest. If you want to send your love on paper, you better get a move on. Though my preference is always snail mail, I think Paperless Post is the best for virtual valentines! What other treats do you have up your sleeve for Valentine's Day this year? xoxo {av}

(happy) holiday entertaining.

from top to bottom: Crate & Barrel Gatsby Bar Tools with Ice Bucket  //  Kate Spade Glitter Coasters  //  Serena & Lily Fresco Beverage Bowl  //  Design Darling Monogrammed Stir Sticks  //  Mark & Graham Medium Crystal Decanter {also monogrammable!}  //  Kate Spade Pierrepont Place Corkscrew & Bottle Opener  //  Cathy's Concepts Cheers Shooters

Last week, I shared 12 must-serve holiday drinks. This week, I'm here with a few fun ways to present them! Prepping your home for a holiday party doesn't require the investment in purely holiday pieces. Many of these pretty serving pieces would also make great gifts for the favorite host or hostess in your life. The seven goodies above are proof that you can simply jazz up your presentation--and make it last well into the new year (and beyond)! 

Would you add anything to this happy round-up? Whether you are a hostess with the mostest or simply on the guest list, I hope these pretty pieces bring some beauty to your holiday preparations! xoxo {av}

attempting at-home macarons.

I may not be the world's greatest cook, but I do love to bake. For years, I've wanted to try my hand at macarons, so when a class on the subject popped up, I registered immediately! In the three hours I spent in the lab kitchen at Johnson & Wales, I quickly learned I wouldn't master these treats in my first attempt. I did pick up a thing or two which might spare you some frustration if you attempt them at home!

It isn't any surprise, but baking requires a great deal of precision. Making macarons is no different. Nailing the temperatures will determine whether your macarons rise or fall. Our instructor gave a simple formula for success, which you can see on the whiteboard below. Different types of macarons may require slightly different temperature readings, but as a whole, sticking to these numbers will ensure your success on the quest for great macarons.

With an enormous amount of devices and bowls, space is absolutely key when making macarons at home. Being a good juggler might also help you have success with macarons. {I'm only slightly kidding!} You'll be moving at a mile a minute and having everything in close reach is so important!

Don't have a big kitchen? Don't fret! You can make due, but you will need to think through your process first. Regardless of your counter space, I wouldn't recommend making macarons without first measuring out your ingredients and having all your tools at the ready.

Above all, patience is an absolute must. You may have to throw out batches {I did!}, but with each "failed" batch, you'll learn more about how to nail them with your next attempt. Speaking of patience: making macarons requires aged egg yolks, so plan accordingly. If you want to make these sweet treats, doing them last-minute isn't really an option.

Though I admired the cake decorating projects at my local 4-H fair, I never participated in the art, so when it came to actually piping out the macarons, my nerves were high. The chef made it seem so easy {as evidenced below}, but it took me piping out nearly 80 of them before I really felt like I had the swing of it. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. Your first few of macarons may not look like they were made at Ladurée, but that's ok. They'll still taste great ;)

Remember how I said patience was an absolute must? I repeat: patience is an absolute must. Before you can put them in the oven, you need to let them rest for sixty minutes or so. After that, you'll pop them in the oven. I promise that you'll want to eat these little guys without the filling when you see their cute tops rise in the oven. Hang tight though--letting the macaron shells rest for at least 20 minutes before putting on any filling is a non-negotiable. 

While my first set of macarons may not look like those you buy in stores, I was pretty darn proud of how they tasted. See those circles? When piping out the macarons, it helps to have a guide for how large to make your sweet circles. You can do this by simply tracing a small circular item with a pencil and then flipping your parchment paper before piping your macarons. Easy peasy! It helps with the uniformity of size and shape.

Download a copy of the vanilla bean macaron and salted caramel filling recipes here!

Making macarons may be tedious, but the end result is entirely worth it. If you take the time to have all your ingredients and utensils ready, you'll save a boatload of frustration later. While I haven't attempted them at home just yet, I have big plans for future bridal and baby showers ;)

If you've made macarons at home, what other advice would you give? 
Have a fantastic Monday--and treat yourself to something today! You deserve it! xoxo {av}

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refreshing.

A very happy Thursday to you, friends :) It may feel a little like a Monday, but thankfully, there are only two days left in this week! I captured a few fun photos on Instagram in the last few days. I seriously wish the entire summer was devoted to the red, white and blue.

{cv} walked downstairs in this outfit before seeing me...and I couldn't help but smile. We were pretty patriotic, huh? {I snapped up that top and those shorts at J.Crew on sale last week!} We hopped over to Bristol, RI to see their crazy festivities. Let's just say it was an all-American extravaganza, complete with frozen lemonade, flags, and fireworks.

To add to the fun of your summer festivities, don't miss a little guest post I did over one of my daily reads, DomestiKated Life. I'm sharing my love of backyard brews in Kate's summer entertaining series. I have one of my favorite {and unexpected} cocktails on tap--along with plenty of ways to make it come to life in your own backyard. Be sure to check out all the goodness here!

Phew! Are you tired of me yet? Go ahead and jump over to DomestiKated Life to see more about these backyard brews. I'll see y'all back here bright and early for some patriotic Friday's Fancies. Feel free to link up any outfits you've shared over the course of the week :) See you then!

a perfect pastime.

Though I can't really believe it, {cv} and I celebrate three years in our apartment complex this month. Sadly, we just discovered this hidden yet magical courtyard--complete with grills! We both grew up loving backyard barbeques, so this find was quite a revelation :) Sure, we may have to cart all the food and tools down the elevator, but our recent grilling exploits have us even more excited to get in our own house. With that in mind, this little round-up has me dreaming of future BBQ feasts...

find them here: grill - candle holders - melamine bowls - serving utensils - meat markers - napkins - Tervis Tumbler + lid

The best part? Most of these items are on sale at Sur La Table! I wish I could snatch them up, but our apartment is already full to the brim. I'll just cross my fingers they'll have more next year! 

I'll see you all tomorrow for the {color}block party :) Until then...