Fashion

I had posted a few of the recipes I have planned for this week on my Instagram and it sounds like you all could use some ideas too. With my favorite cooking partner, my mom, finally here to visit we have a lot of catch up cooking to do. I love a cozy week with lots of new recipes with a sprinkling of the traditions we hold dear. Here are the recipes we have on the agenda:

Appetizers:

Salami & Provolone Phyllo Dough Rolls: Give me all the melty cheese in dough

Cacio e Pepe Puffs: My Mom said you can make in advance and freeze!

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail: We bought the Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili sauce to dip to switch it up

Entrees:

Skillet Roasted Chicken: My mom swears this is a crowd pleaser. This Half Baked Harvest one I made last week is also such a one pan winner.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn Sauce: having a hard time find the peppercorns, so might just make it without!

Truffle Mash Potatoes: Truffle butter makes everything extra special

Traditional Meatballs with Arrabiata Sauce: A casual comfy meal on Christmas Day is my favorite since I will still be in pajamas

Ultimate Garlic Bread: Because that spicy sauce is going to need something to dip in it. Love the addition of lemon zest.

Mini Wedge Salad Platter: An elegant way to serve something with ranch all over it

Breakfast:

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants: Stock up and make them all break, they are the best. You can find in the frozen food section and the plain mini ones are also perfection.

Sour Cream Waffles: These are sacred in our family. Dreamy is an understatement and perfect with bacon and coffee

Dutch Baby with Apples & Cinnamon: I have never made one and excited to! Or at least watch my mom do it ha (recipe from Modern Comfort Food, not available online)

Dessert:

Christmas Tree Cake: We always make a birthday cake for Jesus for Christmas Eve and this one looks so cute! (image above)

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies: I just love a soft sugar cookie. Lucky for me, my mom is a great baker and I am a good taste tester.

Would love to hear any recipes you are excited to try too. As far as I am concerned we will keep this up until break is over so I need more ideas!

xo

Erin

It seems that everyone is wanting to think outside the box this year on gifting, which I love. And with so many small businesses trying to make the season extra brighter the options have gotten more exciting. I wanted to put a little list together that would have gifts for anyone on your list that you may not have seen yet. Hopefully this helps with the rest of that list you have going.

1. A custom travel tote with packing blocks she can look forward to packing $175
2. Faux Shearling clogs is the only shoe/slipper they need $29
3. The crazy at home facial the internet raves about $29 or get the whole set
4. Dinner for 6 from Momofuku to your door $169
5. Super fun Blue Light Blocking Glasses that also give back $42
6. A Gray Malin Amalfi coast puzzle to remind them of their travels $25
7. The Tesla of razors $19
8. Who doesn’t need a sherpa fur onesie?! $41
9. A rad all blacked out watch $135
10. A Masterclass subscription to learn chess, tennis skills, cooking with masters, and business classes with the best of the best.
11. Father & Son Boomba sock sets for their stockings $64
12. Keith Herring Domino sees for the gamers $40
13. For the outdoorsy dude, a flask that is also a flashlight $95
14. A custom whiskey barrel to elevate the bar $85
15. A custom family tree would be just the sweetest $65
16. A weekly news magazine for little inquiring minds $49 for 25 Issues

xo

Erin

I was seriously on the fence on doing any gift guides this year. I know you are all inundated with so many ads and guides and it can be so noisy. Also, gifting feels different this year to me. Do you think so too? If I had to guess everyone will be more focused on the littles joys of cookie baking and tree trimming and snuggle holiday movie time than lots of gifts. It just feels more like another lesson coming from this year that it is the moments that matter, not the things.

But I did hear from some of you that you still love a few ideas, especially for teachers, helpers, and loved ones you may not be seeing this year. So here is a little list of gifts that support small shops and retailers, which I am really trying to look to first before going to a large retailer.

And if there are any lists you would like to see, please tell me and I will put it together because I love ya! Here are all the gift guides from years past if you need it.

1. These custom tree toppers are the most fun and come in different finishes $50
2. I LOVE these super soft organic pajamas. Especially this little heart print that gives back to Baby2Baby. $52
3. All of the best Glossier make up for $40! You get to pick all the colors too. I wear the cloud paint every day, my favorite.
4. How cool is this custom one line portrait drawing? You can print it on anything and make their day. She does Pets too! $19
5. A custom initial necklace with endless options is always a winner $23-$55
6. How cute is this custom craft rainbow? $26
7. Who wouldn’t adore a leopard 2021 Planner? This company makes so many pretty prints $23
8. This luxurious and insanely good smelling lotion and body wash is the perfect set. $50 total for both
9. File under the cutest gift that is the most functional. These sweet food storage covers are such a cute little gift for your foodie friend. $19
10. Love these custom Lego Trays for easy moving around $38
11. These ankle weights are on my list and this site gives back with every purchase of any item! Buying these provide a care package for a pediatric chemo patient. $40 Make sure to check out the entire site.
12.  I am so into a signet ring and this one is perfect $50

xo

Erin