Pop!

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image via OKCpopups.com
They are finally here! I have been mentioning the pop-ups for the past couple weeks now, well they are finally open and oh so wonderful! 
Last weekend was opening weekend. The little igloos opened their doors on Black Friday, and I had the chance to head down to Midtown OKC and shop around! My boss from my internship this summer was the mastermind behind the whole village of igloo shops. It was so fun to see her and my other intern pal!
The ships are all placed up on a hill at the corner of 9th & Walker. Next to the shops is even a mini Christmas Tree lot!
image via Holiday Pop-Ups Facebook

The shops are open every weekend Thursday-Saturday 11-9 p.m. then on Sunday noon-6 p.m. This past weekend featured some of my favorite shops, Heirloom Shoe, Sara Kate Studios and Pencil Shavings Studio!
All of the shops did an amazing job of styling their lithe pop-ups. Pencil Shavings had some fab display. How great are these honeycomb balls hanging from the ceiling? Read Pencil Shavings blog post today to see more of her amazing shop!
image via Holiday Pop-Ups Facebook
If you are near the Oklahoma City area you have to come see this little igloo village of pop-up shops. They are a great way to stay local for your holiday shopping. 
Chirps & Cheers, Blue Seven, Birdie, and Plenty Mercantile are some must see shops this weekend, and don't forget I will be at The Social Club pop-up December 20th and 21st.
xo annie

Indecisive

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I like to think I'm not a picky person, but I've come to find out I am. I went through the purse debate earlier this fall before finally settling on one, but I've also been on the hunt for a new wallet and watch for um, the past two years. For the past two Christmases and birthdays my mom keeps asking if I found anything I like.
This is where you guys come in. I finally found a handful of wallets I actually like, but now I can't decide. S.O.S.! What do you think? Give me some feedback!

wallets

1/2/3/4/5/6 

So, apparently I have a thing for purple. Please comment with your suggestions!
xo annie

Bites of My Life

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Only two days of school, tons of family time and lots of food made for a great week last week. The night before Thanksgiving was spent getting fancy for a party with some really fun people. 
Woke up early on Thursday to get going with all the festivities. The morning had a slight downside when our cable went out and we missed the whole Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. After some necessary pouting, the cooking began. After the original feast, a plate of pie, a round of leftovers and a family game of Scategories, I went to sleep full and very happy!
Friday and Saturday I made a stop at the pop-ups (I'll do a review on them later this week!). Saw high school friends Friday and spent Saturday in the presence of Mr. John Mayer. 
Lastly, on Sunday, mom, dad, Kathleen and I drove out to the tree farm to pick up our Christmas tree. We have been going to the same tree farm for 21 years. I have the best memories of playing hide and go seek between the rows of trees and getting a candy cane and a glass of apple cider from inside the trailer at the farm. Thanksgiving is over and it's now full fledged christmas time.
-Dolled up for a fun party with friends last Wednesday.
-Kudos to my mom and 8 year old cousin for making our turkey shaped relish tray. 
-The Tucker Thanksgiving feast. My family does Thanksgiving best if I do say so myself!
-Pumpkin, pecan, chocolate and apple. The feast isn't complete without the pies!
-Got last minute tickets to see John Mayer Saturday. The show was perfect as always.
-The food didn't stop on Thursday.  My dad had smoked some salmon a few weeks ago, so I put together some smoked salmon crostini for an evening snack! {Toasted sliced baguette, whipped cream cheese and feta, smoked salmon, red onion and capers}
-Discovered the best salad at one of my favorite restaurants after shopping through the pop-ups. Next time you go to Saturn Grill you have to try the falafel salad!
-An old Christmas card still hanging up at our local Christmas tree farm.
I'm back at school for dead week and finals. I'll be studying until the semester is over, but then I'm on break for a whole month! 
xo annie

A Tucker Family Thanksgiving

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I am so excited about this post today! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I'm pretty sure my family does it best. We clearly love food, so Thanksgiving is like the Super Bowl of meals. 
I've put together a replica of our meal with recipes I found around the internet which are very similar. Then I found a few recipes that are either inspired by or put a twist on some of our classic Tucker Thanksgiving dishes.
I am all about traditions and like to stick to them. We have been making a majority of these recipes every year since before I was born. When someone tries to suggest we don't make one of our Thanksgiving staples, it never goes over well.
-Creamed corn (everyone's favorite side dish)
-Brussels sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts (this is the exact recipe we use)
-Mashed potatoes
-Sweet potatoes with marshmallows and pecans
-Cranberry sauce
-Dressing NOT stuffing (they are the same thing, but depending on where you are from depends on what you call it.
-Pumpkin Pie (recipe is on the Libby's can)
-Sister Schubert rolls (nothing fancy, they come in the freezer section but nothing is better!
-Pecan pie
-Apple pie
-Chocolate pudding pie (just for my cousin Dillon)
We have a lot of memories with these recipes. I think my family's favorite is..written on the recipe for the dressing there is a note that says "Bruce fix the toilet." About 20 years ago when someone was handwriting out the recipe they felt the need to make note that my uncle needed to remember to fix the toilet!
Everyone has a job too. I make the pumpkin pie, my dad and Kathleen make the dressing, my aunt Gina, Claire and I make the apple pie (no recipe involved) and then it's usually all of the kids standing over the counter peeling potatoes for the mashed potatoes. 

Now for a twist on some of our classics like creamed corn, mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potatoes, rolls and pumpkin pie! If my family dared to mess with tradition, I would suggest some of these recipes.

-Brown butter mashed potatoes (this may actually be happening this year)
It's time to start prepping for Thursday. Maybe my family's Thanksgiving menu inspires your family! Let me know if you try any of these recipes.
xo annie