2015 rewind

where did 2015 go? it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating its beginning. now, after 12 months that went by as if someone pressed the fast forward button, we are getting ready to press play on 2016.

i know that the second half of 2015 came with much fewer blog posts. unfortunately, theclairewithredhair was put on pause a few times because of the transition from being a full-time student to being a nine-to-fiver. 2015 was a busy year and sometimes i wonder what i was doing the kept me running around so much. but looking back at 2015, i see that i had quite the year, one that i wouldn't change a thing about. so, without further ado, let's rewind 2015.

mountains and coastal trips

many lasts at UT

graduation and a real job

island hopping in hawaii

a new zip code and a new car 

 

old and new friends

dress-up and 23 candles 

honestly, those pictures don't really do 2015 justice. from january to december, its been a big year. one word to describe it: change. i graduated from UT, started a job in franklin that i absolutely love, and had many lasts as and undergrad and many firsts as a young woman in the real world. 2015, you were fun, you were surprising, you were difficult, you were happy, you were sad. you were lessons learned and you were obstacles overcome. you've been the best year yet, but 2015, its time to say goodbye.

2016, i can't wait to see what you have in store for me. 2016, hello.

xoxo,
clp

peppermint buttercream chocolate cake

my two favorite combinations for christmas baking? chocolate & peppermint. peppermint bark, peppermint chocolate cookies, peppermint hot chocolate. you name it, i'll probably like it. today i am sharing a recipe i made this past weekend... ricotta chocolate cake with peppermint buttercream frosting. i know, ricotta in a cake? trust me (or really, trust my aunt's recipe), the ricotta makes the cake so moist and no one will believe the cake started with a mix! and the buttercream frosting with crushed peppermint in it? perfect way to top the cake off.

ricotta devil's food cake

1 devil’s food cake mix

1 cup ricotta cheese

½ cup oil

1 cup water

2 eggs

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour cake pan and set aside. 
2. in a large bowl, mix all ingredients together using an electric mixer. Pour cake into floured cake pan. 
3. bake at 350 for amount of time specified on cake mix box.
4. allow to cool before icing.

*I made it in 2 9-inch rounds, but because it is so moist, I would probably next time just make it as a sheet cake and easier to slice.

peppermint buttercream frosting

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3.5 cups (32 oz) powdered sugar

2 tsp peppermint extract

1 package crushed candy canes/peppermints – some reserved some for garnish

2-3 tbsp milk, added as needed

1. beat butter until creamed. 
2. gradually add remaining ingredients together with mixer, adding additional milk until desired consistency is reached.
3. store in an airtight container in fridge for up to two weeks. use on cake, cupcakes, cookies, brownies or just eat with a spoon!

it looked so good stella wanted a piece for herself! 

xoxo,

clp

christmas bucket list

who wants to join?

xoxo,

cop

handpicked, just for you

how would you like to walk in a store and feel like everything was handpicked for you? as if everything was personalized just for you? well, that's what Handpicked is: a personalized, hand-selected shop that brings you affordable, specially designed and unique products. its not easy to please everyone (especially me), but Handpicked has done just that. and they have everything: monogrammed anything (shirts, necklaces, rings, the list goes on), statement necklaces, scarves, ponchos, handbags, wallets, and even that little gift (candles, bridal, for him, for anyone) you have been looking all over for.

i walked in to the murfreesboro location and found way more than i thought i would want. my favorites? the oh-so-popular ruana for fall, a long beaded stone necklace and to my surprise, a silver antler necklace.

this fall, the ruana look is everywhere, but i usually see it with skinny jeans, boots, and a crewneck tee. i love that look, but i wanted to change it up with this handpicked ruana. i paired my striped ruana with an olive pike top, wide leg jeans and wedge suede booties. the beaded millie necklace finished the look and gave it the perfect boho-but-polished feel.

to my surprise, i liked this antler necklace. usually one to lean towards gold and not really an antler kind of girl, this antler necklace drew me in and i was hooked! paired with a simple neckline, the silver stood out. it is a great whimsy, out-of-the-box addition to my jewelry box.

next time you come across a Handpicked store, make sure you go in. if you don't have one near, shop online. find your next piece of monogrammed jewelry, perfect accessory to finish off an outfit or just the right gift that have been searching for. they handpick everything, just for you.

shop similar items here: piko top, shawl, antler necklace, beaded necklace

& be sure to follow out Handpicked on facebook, twitter, pinterest, tumblr and instagram! 

xoxo,

clp

this post was sponsored by Handpicked. the opinions are my own.

2015 logo brands warehouse sale

turkey trot your way to the logo brands 2015 warehouse sale november 20-21st (the friday and saturday before thanksgiving)! we only open our warehouse to the public once a year, and this is the only time you can get our products at majorly discounted prices. i'm talking prices that are unheard of. from tailgate tents to ornaments to team apparel, we have a little bit of every team and every league. i am already making my shopping list and planning to be done with my christmas shopping by end of day saturday... goals.

start your wishlist and check it twice at www.logochairs.com.

see the flyer here and come see me at the sale!

xoxo,
clp

some tricks, lots of treats

because making anything halloween themed is fun.

dirt cake trifle

1 package regular Oreos

2 large boxes sugar free instant chocolate pudding

6 cups skim milk 

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup splenda

1 8 oz container sugar free cool whip, slightly softened

candy corn, pumpkin candies, optional

1. put all cookies into large plastic ziplock bag and crush until they resemble "dirt" 
2. mix both boxes of pudding together according to package directions in a large bowl. set aside while the pudding sets.
3. meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and splenda together
4. fold in cool whip and beat until incorporated
5. mix cool cream cheese and cool whip sugar mixture with pudding. beat until the two are combined.
6. layer 1/3 of oreo crumbles on the bottom of your trifle bowl. top with layer of 1/2 of pudding. next layer 1/3 of oreo crumbles then top with remaining pudding. dump the remaining crushed cookies on top. 
7. add seasonal decorations of choice (or leave plain and simple and serve all year!)
8. store in fridge

xoxo,

clp

socializing at pinewood social

this past week has been a busy one. it really started last thursday and ended today. from event planning, prepping, wedding attending, photoshoot-ing and staging, i feel like a worn-out energizer bunny. its been a good week though: the annual conference and company party i planned were a success, the wedding was a blast, the pictures are being developed and the shows are staged.

for entertainment one night for our out-of-town visitors, i booked us bowling and dinner at the oh-so-popular downtown nashville spot, pinewood social. pinewood is the trendy hangout for nashvillians for whatever his or her heart may desire: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, pool (not table,  swimming), bocce ball, bowling and karaoke. go to dine, drink and enjoy.

dine, drink and enjoy we did. a small group of us went and i must say pinewood social is quite a big step up from the ole strike and spare. gone is your typical bowling alley food and glow lights and instead you have new american cuisine and an industrial-chic interior. between spares (or gutter balls in my case), we first munched on fried broccoli (obsessed, but best right out of the kitchen), crispy pork rinds, kale caesar salad and hummus with lavash crackers. the main course brought delicious meatloaf (served bacon-wrapped with sweet potato puree, roasted brussel sprouts and onion rings), fried chicken, and two delicious southern sides. needless to say, i left with a losing bowling score, but a full stomach.

pinewood social lived up to the hype in my book. make it your next friday night (or any night for that matter) plans and see for yourself. get social.

now, for a weekend spent in my murfreesboro, with my stella and sapphire, a manicure and pedicure, a trip to target, some football, chili and cornbread.

xoxo,
clp

favorite fall things

starting to cross things off the fall bucket list today. 

xoxo,

clp

shop the season: marsala

its mid-to-late september and we had one bout of cool weather, so that means its fall right? i chose to pretend it wasn't 85 degrees outside today and have decorated for fall, bought everything pumpkin-flavored i could find (PSA: pumpkin spice latte m&m's... not so good), and have started the closet transition from summer to fall. my favorite color for the fall? pantone's color of the year: marsala. i love this deep, rustic red wine color that makes a statement on its own or as an accent. sophisticated, earthy and rich, its just right for fall fashion. and what better time of the year to wear it than right now, when it complements the season's changing colors so well? so, shop the season in marsala with me and my round up of favorites below!

1 / j. crew skinny stretch cargos

2 / loft leopard jacquard coat

3 / tory burch tassel bag

4 / j. crew feathered crystal necklace

5 / j. crew perfect shirt 

6 / ivanka trump booties

7 / essie "in the lobby" nail polish

8 / bb dakota drapey front jacket

xoxo,

clp

life lately - september edition

well, its been a while. y'all probably thought i was done with the blog scene, but no - just still transitioning to the real world and real job life. so where have i been the past month? here's a quick rewind...

i bought a car. i said goodbye to lady liberty and hello nissan rogue! i absolutely love my new car and may or may not be OCD about keeping it clean (like i am about everything). it was yet another big girl purchase, and one that was necessary. i no longer have to worry about getting from A to B!

i finally got to see my best friend after two and a half months too long without seeing each other. kaitlin came to franklin for the tim mcgraw concert and we made it a girls weekend that was much needed! between friday night and saturday, we saw alpha chi alum sisters, brunched in downtown franklin, sipped and shopped, visited city winery before the concert then sang our hearts out with mr. tim. it was such a fun weekend, and we are already counting the days til i visit her in atlanta later this month.

work has been very busy lately, with college football kicking off! its our peak season as everyone is ordering their tailgate gear, so the logo team has been working hard and still is. the way everyone comes together to help out and do jobs outside their normal tasks is amazing, i have never seen a group of coworkers truly work as a team to get the job done. everyday i am so happy to be part of that team.

i went to a bridal shower of a good friend that i can't wait to see get married in just less than a month! it was so great to get to catch up with my roommates from last summer. i am excited for the wedding, as phillip is best man and the couple is so fun, ensuring it will be a party!

i have met friends for dinner both here in franklin and in murfreesboro, had dinner parties with family friends and spent a few weekends at home. i am so glad that one of my best friends lives in murfreesboro and hope we can keep up our monthly dinner dates!

no matter how near or far from murfreesboro i am, its always nice to spend some time at home. we have celebrated many birthdays, eaten a lot of good food and cake, and spent lots of time together. if labor day marks the end of summer (which in the south, its still going to be hot through the month), my summer has been nothing short of perfect. i've tried some new things, tried to break out of my comfort zone and i really believe i am right where i should be.

so, its been a busy month. i still don't know how my parents had to energy to cook, do PTA, take us to practices, make sure we did our homework, etc. etc. after working all day. i am always so exhausted after my workday that the blog has unfortunately been what had to be put on the back burner. with that being said however, i am hoping to post more regularly. fall clothes are fabulous this year, and i am really itching to make some new dishes with healthy spins!

be on the lookout for the claire with red hair... she's coming back!

xoxo,
clp

plumb wellness cooking class

well my saturday morning was just perfect. why? i spent a few hours of it in the plumb wellness kitchen, learning how to cook three amazing recipes as well as learning about how to live a more healthy life: from plate (the "p" in plumb) to body (the 'b"). i can honestly say i walked away inspired. inspired to look at my life and be more healthy from the inside out. shelly gibbons, the mind behind it all, created plumb from her love of cooking, god's word and her desire to help women understand and live a healthy lifestyle.

not only was it informative and inspirational, it was fun. a small group of women, about 8 of us, gathered around her beautiful kitchen island and sipped tea from mason jars while learning how to cook the three recipes on the summer august menu: stone pit fruit with quinoa granola, strawberry tart with coconut lemon cream and rustic summer squash bake. and the best part: we got to eat and try everything from the ingredients going into the recipe to the finished product (coconut butter may be a new obsession). every recipe was healthy, simple, gluten free and dairy free. one was done in just 15 minutes!

not only was it informative, enlightening and inspirational, it was fun. a small group of women, about 8 of us, gathered around her beautiful kitchen island and sipped tea from mason jars while learning how to cook the three recipes on the summer august menu: stone pit fruit with quinoa granola, strawberry tart with coconut lemon cream and rustic summer squash bake. and the best part: we got to eat and try everything from the ingredients going into the recipe to the finished product (coconut butter may be a new obsession). every recipe was healthy, simple, gluten free and dairy free. one was done in just 15 minutes!

it was such a wonderful class and experience that i am marking my calendar for future ones and hoping i can one day do her one-on-one mentoring plumb wellness program. hop over to her site, www.plumbwellness.com, to sign up for classes, see class-free recipes you can make now, and learn more about the inspiration that shelley is.

you'll leave with recipes in hand, the start of your new grocery list and the motivation to live a healthy, happy life.

xoxo,
clp

summer tweed ootd

leona claire jacket, leona silk top, leona shorts

xoxo,

clp

P.S. everything is final final sale on leonany.com! shop to it! 

fashion at the frist

fashion lovers, get yourself to the italian style exhibit at the frist fast. ending in a month, the exhibit showcases the birth and growth of italian style following WWII. showcasing couture, ready to wear, menswear and womenswear, shoes and accessories, the exhibit is one that you won't want to miss.

yesterday, my mom and grandmother embarked on a girls day that started with iced coffee at the frothy monkey, a visit to the frist where we all lusted over the amazing clothes, an early dinner at the smiling elephant (amazing thai food on 8th ave in nash in the smallest building ever, go eat there asap) and ended with jeni's ice cream on 12th. it was a picture perfect day in my book.

but back to the fashion at the frist. you all know i love clothes, and this exhibit had me transported back to the beginnings of italian style, and also brought me back to styles seen just a few years ago on the runways of milan fashion week. the gang is all there: gucci and pucci, oscar, valentino, missoni, dolce and gabbana, prada, miu miu and versace. (just to name a few). the exhibit ends in early september, so make sure you don't miss it.

j. crew top and shorts (on major sale now!)

xoxo,

clp

olive + peach ootd

target twill vest / target twill shorts / j. crew linen tee / j. crew sandals

xoxo,

clp

show your spots ootd

LEONA silk top and skirt, via spiga wedges (similar)

xoxo,

clp

apartment style

i have been in my apartment here in franklin for just over a month now and have it just about perfect! with the help of my parents (especially my dad - cannot begin to thank him), all but my winter coats have been driven down 840 to franklin from murfreesboro... i might have to clear up some closet space to fit them! i am loving living here, my apartment is in the perfect spot: minutes to work, downtown, cool springs. nashville is just a hop on the interstate away and if i really need to see my mama and daddy, i can be home in 45 minutes. with the exception of needing a coffee table and the back porch and my room still being a work in progress, i have my apartment just about how i want it. a mix of modern and traditional, mostly feminine with hints of masculine, and a whole lot of white, my little place is home.

y'all come visit now! 

xoxo,

clp

summer reading list

suspense / reconstructing amelia (+++) / luckiest girl alive (++)

chick lit / maine (+) / commencement (++) / beach town (-)

historical fiction / the nightingale (++++) 

if you only read one book this summer, make it the nightingale. a novel set in a time period that fascinates me and an illustration of the power of women, it may be one of the best books i have ever read. you won't be sorry turning the pages of that one. 

xoxo,

clp

acme feed & seed

last friday night, i crossed off a restaurant on my nashville bucket list: acme feed & seed. i met my friend (also my personal stylist at j. crew - i am so glad that we have become friends through our love of fashion and how similar we are!) at acme after we had both realized that we had never been and if tom cruise was there on the fourth of july, why hadn't we been yet?! it was different than i expected, but a definite must-go place nonetheless. located on broadway in the heart of nashville, acme is a multi-storied venue, with an inventive modern-southern cuisine, cocktails and live music.

walk in, order your food, get a number, a fight for a table (my only complaint about the place). the first level was crowded with a live band playing, so after getting our food, we made our way upstairs to the second level: quieter but still lively. i ordered the hatchery, which was curried chickpeas, coconut rice, cashews, cilantro and fried egg with fry bread. oh my goodness, was it good or what!? i was really quite impressed by it and the looks of every other dish that passed me by (especially the charcuterie platter that was ordered by the party next to us). katie ordered the classic burger that looked delicious as well.

the atmosphere is uniquely "nashville" and one that honors the traditions of old nashville but also brings in the new nashville. the food is good and its a top bar to go to at night. go for lunch, dinner or drinks and take in the sweeping views of lower broadway. you won't be sorry.

xoxo,
clp

nordstrom anniversary sale finds

the best sale of the year has officially begun... for cardholders, that is. nordstrom's anniversary sale, when they put brand new fall arrivals (including designer brands) on sale only for a limited time, started on thursday for those who hold nordstrom cards. for everyone else, the sale starts july 17th. ever since nordstrom opened in nashville and we experienced the sale for the first time, we have made it a tradition to go together on the first days of early access. thursday afternoon, we met (with our ever-faithful shopping bag holder, daddy) at green hills with iced coffee in hand to shop the sale. and shop we did... check out a few of my favorite and affordable stars of the sale!

1 / beautyblender trio

2 / hinge faux-suede miniskirt 

3 / sara happ lip set

4 / hinge stripe cape

5 / halogen plaid blanket wrap

6 / zella live-in leggings

7 / zella studio tee

8 / volupsa candle trio

9 / halogen "olsen" flat

hurry fast: prices go back up august 1st.

xoxo,
clp

black + white OOTD

one thing i love about LEONA is the versatility of the pieces. the téa tunic, is one of those pieces, which makes them all the more wearable and worth the investment. i first wore it dressed up, and today i threw it on as a tunic over white pants with wedges for a more casual, work look. next way i plan to wear it is with a blazer, and then come fall, with tights and booties.

LEONA téa tunic, LEONA mercer pants (similar & on sale), via spiga wedges (similar) 

for moments when life can't be black and white, there's color. 

xoxo,
clp