Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Here it is...the long awaited arrival of my pumpkin cheesecake recipe!  Last Tuesday, I learned it was National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day so I decided, that afternoon while at the grocery store, that I needed to celebrate the day!  I made my first ever pumpkin cheesecake and it was delicious.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon sugar

For the filling:

3 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all of the crust ingredients together and press onto the bottom and 2/3 of the way up the sides of an 8 inch springform pan.
Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven.
In a mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Add in pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice and mix until smooth.
Pour onto the crust and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until there is just a slight jiggle in the center of the cake.
Turn off oven and crack door to begin cooling.
Once cooled, then put in the refrigerator to chill.
It's important to bring the temperature of the cheesecake down slowly to reduce cracking.
Once chilled, remove from pan, slice and serve.
I added whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of mine!
Enjoy and let me know how yours turns out!

Week in Review: Week 42

I promise I was paying attention during the church service, but the sun coming through the stained glass was too pretty not to capture.

My favorite singer, my favorite city and my favorite number.

Tuesday was National Pumpkin Cheesecake day so I decided I should celebrate the holiday and make one.  Be on the lookout for the recipe soon!

My order from Kate Spade came in!  How cute is it?  The middle item is a ring holder that has a bow on it.

My work Twitter account is now verified!  I can check that item off the bucket list!

I think I might have a slight candle obsession.  To get 20% off your purchase at Diamond Candles, click here.

Someone has it right, it's always a good time for a nap!

It's very rare to get the two of them to in a picture together, let alone sit still and take a good picture.  I love these little munchkins so much!

How was your week on Instagram? As always, be sure to click the link to the right to follow me.

Tuesday Shoesday: Billie

Kellie Pickler wrote a song about them.  Dorothy wore them in Oz.  What could I be talking about?  Red shoes, of course!  Specifically, the Billie shoe from Kate Spade.  I scored these bad boys during my internship and look for any excuse to wear them!  My favorite thing to pair Billie with is a black dress, or dressed down with skinny jeans.  Billie has a three inch heel and a half inch platform.  It's an open toe shoe with a criss-cross vamp.  To be a pump, the shoe is really comfortable, it's easy to walk in and I've lasted all day in the heels.

S'mores Pie Recipe

Who doesn't love s'mores?  Who doesn't love pie?  What better idea than to combine them into a s'mores pie?!?  I first came across this recipe on Pinterest a few years ago, it comes from Shelly over at Cookies and Cups and it's life changing.  This has quickly become a family favorite at my house, it's even been known to cause a few fights over who gets the last piece!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

6 Regular sized Hershey Bars, broken into pieces
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 butter (1 stick) room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 7oz container of marshmallow fluff
Wax paper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch pie pan.
Cream butter and sugar together until well combined.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
On low, mix in flour, graham cracker crumbs and baking powder.
Divide the dough in half; press one half in the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Spread marshmallow fluff over the bottom, then add the broken pieces of chocolate.
Take the second half of the dough and place it on a piece of wax paper, cover it with another piece of wax paper and flatten into a 9-inch circle.
Carefully peel the top piece of wax paper off and flip the crust onto the top of the pie and peel the wax paper off.
Pinch the dough to form a crust.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool, but it is best served warm!

Fair warning, the pie is rich, but it'll leave you wanting s'more!  Let me know how yours turned out!

We've Moved!!!

I have created a new blog and would love for you to check it out.  It has everything you loved about Stepping Out in Style and more.  Head on over to www.topknotsandcurlylocks.blogspot.com and be sure to follow me there!

Week in Review: Week 41

How cute is this saying?  I couldn't resist sharing it and hoping it made someone else smile, too!

My dog may not like me all the time (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I insist on holding her like a baby or dressing her up) but she knows when I'm feeling down and need some cuddles!

I spent Tuesday evening at a friend's house planning her wedding and loving on these two babies.

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton  We were able to see the double rainbow from end to end.  I should've known that the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow is Target!!

My mom sent me a text of what she bought at the grocery store: red velvet ice cream.  It tastes like the real deal.

Kate Spade posted their Friends and Family code to save 30%!

I was trying to get some work done on the blog, but someone decided she needed to sit on my lap and the laptop had to be moved.

How was your week on Instagram? Be sure to click the link to the right to follow me.

Discount at Diamond Candles

Have any of you tried Diamond Candles?  I just ordered my first one and for trying it out, Diamond Candles is giving Top Knots and Curly Locks readers $10 off a purchase!  Most candles are around $25 so you could get one for $15!  Just follow the link to start shopping!  With the holidays around the corner, now is a great time to start stocking up on presents!  Hurry up, this deal is only available for a week!

What are Diamond Candles?

Diamond Candles is a candle company that has a $10 ring in every candle.  It also gives customers a code to enter on their website to see if you've won a ring valued at $100, $1,000 or $5,000!  (So if you use the link provided, it's like getting a candle for only $5 when you add in the value of the guaranteed ring!)  All of the candles are 100% soy, eco-friendly and natural.

Let me know if any of you have tried one or are taking me up on the offer!  I want to hear all about your experience.

I Love My: Steamer

When asked what I wanted for my 23rd birthday, I had one response: a steamer.  I didn't know if this meant I was officially an adult or just proved that I had been a fashion major, but either way, that's all I wanted.

My senior year of high school I worked at aerie by American Eagle and I was the go-to girl when it came to steaming clothes.  During overnight floorset changes, I would spend almost the entire 12-hour shift steaming every article of clothing.

Throughout college, I had an iron and a small ironing sheet.  Desperate times call for desperate measures and the night before graduation, I steamed not only my dress for dinner, but my graduation gown by hanging them in my bathroom while I showered.  They then got sent to my two roommates separate bathrooms.  It did the trick!

I decided it was time for a steamer.  I wanted to make sure it was small enough that I could throw it in a bag and take it with me.  The first steamer I tried was the perfect size for travel, but didn't work.  Then I found this Conair one and fell in love!  It's a little bigger than the first one I bought, but it works so much better and it still easy to travel with.

The steamer I use is the Conair ExtremeSteam Professional Handheld Garment Steamer GS23. It has two different temperature settings and heats up in 75 seconds.  Included with the steamer, you get three different attachments to use for different fabrics.

I got my steamer from Elder Beerman, but you can get it at Target for just $26!

Bargain Finds: BCBGMaxazria Dress

A few weeks ago when Mom and I were in Nashville, we stumbled into a consignment shop, Designer Finds.  I've discovered I have a love/hate relationship with resale and consignment shops.  I love that I can get designer goods for a fraction of the price, but I hate that if something doesn't fit, I can't try it on in another size.

I went into the dressing room weighted down with several items to try on but only came away with two purchases.  Two great purchases.  They actually ended up both being BCBG.  I found this BCBGMaxazria dress and it fit like a glove!

Do you have any good bargain finds to share?

Wardrobe Wednesday Breakdown

     Happy Wardrobe Wednesday Breakdown!  This week's outfit is another one I found while in Nashville.  Maybe it's a good thing I don't live there (yet) since I seem to do a lot of damage shopping there!

Top: Fuzzy Plaid Sweater from Forever 21 $22.90

Pants: LC by Lauren Conrad (they're a couple years old but here's a similar pair from ASOS)

Shoes: Lauren Ralph Lauren Two Toned Riding Boots (these are a couple years old, too)

     I was in the dressing room at Forever 21 trying on something else when this sweater caught my eye.  It was hanging on the door of another dressing room and I fell in love.  I searched the whole store (and you know how big they can be!) before asking for help.  The associate who helped me said she planned on getting the sweater, too!  Not only is the sweater cute, it's so soft!  Seriously, when I felt it, it was like I was touching cashmere!  Cashmere is a little above Forever 21's price point, though, so the sweater is actually acrylic and nylon.  I know, it sounds like it would be itchy, but it's not!  After wearing the sweater, my only complaint is there are flecks of gold string in it and those tend to get caught on things: namely my purse zippers.  Luckily, where the sweater is so shaggy, I can just snip the pulls and it will be okay.  Word of warning: make sure you zip your purse so it doesn't catch on it!

Tuesday Shoesday: LC by Lauren Conrad

     Now that it's officially fall, it's boot weather!  I absolutely love these ankle boots, they go with everything!  As I said before, I have an extremely narrow foot.  I tried these shoes on never expecting them to fit, but they did!  These LC by Lauren Conrad Two Buckle Ankle Boots are from Kohl's.  They come in this tan color and also in black.  The heel is about 3-inches and very easy to walk in.  I wear these boots all the time now.  They're currently on sale, plus Kohl's almost always has a coupon you can use making these shoes even better than they already are!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Muffins

How delicious do those muffins look?  You're not going to believe me when I say those muffins are ... wait for it ... HEALTHY!!  I promise I'm not lying.  I got the recipe from some of the girls over at Tone It Up and had to try it for myself!  Take a look at the recipe below and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

2 scoops chocolate protein powder (I use 2 packets of Plant Fusion protein; 1 packet = 1 scoop)

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Mix all of the ingredients together, then add in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips

Spoon into lightly greased muffin tins

Bake for 8-12 minutes

Let cool and enjoy!

Week in Review: Week 40

     For those of you who don't follow me on Instagram (there's a link to the right, you should do it!), I've been participating in #100happydays.  I've decided to dedicate Sundays on the blog to a week in review of my Instagram posts.

It had been far too long since the four of us were together.

Our DVR had been full forever.  Mom and I had a girls night Monday and cleared it out!

I got to spend the evening with my favorite 3-year-old Owen.  He tells everyone I'm his girlfriend!

I've been a part of the Tone It Up community for about 10 months now and the love and support the members give is so amazing.  I really needed Julia's comment Wednesday.

How could I not share this Elsa dress as part of my #100happydays?  I loved all the dresses and wanted everyone to see them.

Nothing like a cookie and hot tea to help me get through a dreary Friday night at work.

Someone left this on my desk at work Saturday.  Considering our newscast was delayed an hour and a half thanks to football and I was starving, I really needed this cookie!  Plus, it's smiling!

Rent the Runway: A Review

As some of you may know, I was lucky enough to attend this year's Grammy Awards as part of the mosh pit.  This was my second year going and I had a blast.  I saw some incredible performances and some living legends.

When I applied to be a part of this pit this year, I had no idea what I was going to wear.  Last year, I went with a trusted red sequined dress that's fabulous.  This year, though, I was stumped.  I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a new dress nor are there many places to buy fancy dresses in Huntington.  I decided to try something different this year, Rent The Runway.

Several of the celebrities I follow on Instagram have posted pictures wearing dresses from the site but I hadn't actually met anyone who had used them.  I was a little nervous but read through their website and decided I would try a cheaper dress and take a back-up with me to LA.  After days of deliberation and asking people's advice, I ordered Yigal Azrouel's Ian se Beijing dress.  The dress retails for upwards of $1,200 but I got it for a total of $60!


I had a great first experience with Rent The Runway.  After placing the order, I realized I entered the address incorrectly and freaked out; however, customer service was great and changes were made within minutes.  I went ahead and added in the second size for free just in case.  My dress arrived on time in a cute box.  I got to keep the fabulous garment bag the dresses came in as well as the hangers with the company's logo.  The return process was super easy!  A pre-paid UPS envelope came with the dresses so all I had to do was put them in that and drop it off.  The hardest part was finding a UPS in LA, but we did!


My experience with RTR was so great, that I quickly became a pro-member.  For $30, you get free shipping and insurance (a $20 value!) plus a free birthday dress (up to $50!).  I used RTR for a wedding I was in a couple weeks ago.  I rented two dresses.  One dress didn't fit, so I filled out a form and sent it back within 24 hours and was credited the amount of the dress.  The second dress, Lilly Pulitzer's Freja Dress, was so cute and fit like a glove!  It was girly and perfect for the rehearsal wedding.  Plus, included in the order, I was sent a little care kit consisting of Q-Tips and a face scrub/mask.

Have you used Rent the Runway?  If so, what did you think?  If you haven't, let me know and I'll send you a referral code, that way we both get credit!

Alfred Angelo Disney Wedding Dresses: Spring 2015

Just last month, Disney Weddings teased a sketch of their latest wedding gown: a Queen Elsa-inspired gown designed by Alfred Angelo.  Angelo and Disney have paired up for several gorgeous princess inspired weddings dresses and now, Elsa's dress has been revealed during the Alfred Angelo's Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2015.

Here's the sketch that was released last month

And the actual dress

The strapless mermaid dress is available in ivory or pale blue.  It boasts a sweetheart neckline and is embellished with all kinds of jewels.  An Elsa wedding dress wouldn't be complete without a chiffon cape-train hybrid.  The designer also released other princess-inspired gowns.  Here's a look at some of the others:

Ariel

Belle

Cinderella

Rapunzel

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White

Tianna

I always love seeing the Disney Wedding Gowns from year to year.  Who is your favorite?  I think from the 2015 collection, Cinderella tops my list.  Which princess do you wish Disney would use as inspiration for a wedding gown?  Be on the lookout for the dresses when they hit stores in January 2015.

Bargain Finds: Prada Shoes

I am always up for a bargain so when I saw a new designer consignment shop on vacation this summer, I hit the jackpot!

As much as I love a bargain, I don't have the patience to thrift shop; I wish I did though!  Luckily this boutique and consignment shop does the thrifting for me and leaves me the best items.  My family vacations at St. Simons Island right off the coast of Georgia.  While we were waiting for a table at dinner one night, Mom and I found this cute little store, Mixed Nuts.  Two words caught my eyes: DESIGNER and DISCOUNT.  I knew Mom and I had to go back.

The next day, we headed to the boutique where we spent well over an hour trying on clothes.  Mom came out with a Michael Kors dress, tags still attached, for $10 as well as a gorgeous Trina Turk evening gown.  I was disappointed when nothing fit me, until I hit the shoe rack that is.  I found a pair of Prada shoes and guess what...THEY FIT!  That's right, my narrow little foot fit in the shoe.  What can I say?  My feet like designer shoes!  Anyway, not only did I find Prada shoes at a consignment shop, THEY WERE ON SALE!!  That's right.  I walked away with a pair of Prada shoes for just $30.

While I can't wait to vacation at St. Simons again, I really can't wait to go back to Mixed Nuts and see what all I can find!  Do you have any good bargain finds?

Wardrobe Wednesday Breakdown

I recently got this top while visiting Nashville.  It quickly became a favorite and I wanted to share the look with you.

Top: Across Time Top from Free People originally $98, on sale for $29.95

Pants: LC by Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans

Shoes: Classic Reva from Tory Burch

It's hard to see all the beading on the shirt, but it really is gorgeous.  I also love to wear the top with white jeans or a white maxi skirt.  It was after Labor Day when I wore this though, hence the jeans.  What are your thoughts on white after Labor Day?  Is that a rule you think needs to be broken?

Tuesday Shoesday: Sanabel Boot

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I've decided to dedicate Tuesdays on the blog to shoes.  I give you: "Tuesday Shoesday!"

I interned for the shoe division of kate spade new york summer before last and fell in love.  I have a very narrow foot and have always had trouble finding shoes that fit.  Then I landed this internship and was introduced to a whole new world.  These shoes fit me and I became even more obsessed with kate spade than I already was.  It's only fitting to have the inaugural post be a pair of my kates.

 

Sanabel

These shoes are FABULOUS!  I get compliments every time I wear them.  They are red suede with a wedge heel, gold zipped up the back and piping down the side.  These shoes always give me the boost of confidence I need.  They look great with anything, but especially dark skinny jeans.  They come in several colors but who could pass up this red?

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

I love fall time, not just for the fashion, but for the food...especially pumpkin!  Here's the recipe for my favorite homemade pumpkin bread!  What do you guys think?  What are your favorite pumpkin recipes?

Ingredients:
2 1/2 sugar
1 cup applesauce
4 eggs, lightly beaten
16 ounces canned pumpkin
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2/3 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray two 9 by 5 loaf pans with cooking spray.

Mix together sugar and applesauce then stir in eggs and pumpkin.

Combine all the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and water into the wet mixture, mix well.

Divide batter between the two loaf pans and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

NOTE: Can also be divided up into muffin tins, cook for 25-30 minutes.