Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Thanksgiving Grub

We have officially entered my favorite food season of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas - oh me oh my! 

I love pumpkin, Turkey, cinnamon, stuffing (even though "technically" I really like dressing), wine, cranberry jelly (yes straight out of the can), bread and more wine.  It is all just scrump-diddly-uptious! 

My favorite kind of potatoes (besides french fries) is Classic Potato Gratin .  I am really excited that I get enjoy some on Thursday.  It has been a long time!

I despise lumpy mashed potatoes and am really picky when it comes to mashers.  I am pretty sure that this Potato Masher  from Williams Sonoma would aid in the creation of perfect mashers for Turkey Day.

I have been responsible for the turkey portion of our meal for the past 7 Thanksgivings, but this year I passed the torch.  I will say for those of you in charge of your own turkey should most definitely try brining the bird.  Crate & Barrel makes it really easy with this handy dandy Turkey Brine and Brining Bag  all in one.  Just boil up the mix, place in the enclosed bag, toss in the turkey and voila!  Instant goodness. 

I love stuffed mushrooms and often times cannot partake in enjoying them since they are filled with crab most times.  However I am pretty sure I can enjoy this Tuscan Stuffed Mushroom Mix.  The mix is full of tasty spices and makes stuffing mushrooms so easy (it also makes those allergic to shellfish really happy). 

I warned you that I am a lover of pumpkin, and this Perfect Endings Pumpkin Cheesecake is sure to please any and all who love pumpkin.  Not only is is lovely to look at, but the flavor I imagine is equally amazing.  Pumpkin Cheesecake is also a nice way to mix it up from the traditional pumpkin pie. 

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This Thanksgiving I will be dividing my time between two separate parties.  For the first party I will be enjoying wine (most likely a few bottles of this or this) and apps.  My contribution will be Mac and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash. I am taking a chance, as I have never made it before...but it looks just so pretty and festive and I am sure will be equally delectable. 

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For my second Thanksgiving celebration of the day I will be sitting down for dinner and responsible for dessert.  Apple pie and pumpkin mousse will already be present, so I opted to try and recreate one of my favorite desserts from Westside Tavern the Sticky Toffee Cake.  This recipe does not look easy to make, but if it turns out even 80% as good as the original I am alright with that. 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods?  What are you responsible for?  Any recipes you would like to share? 

Happy Eating!

Holiday Gift Ideas #8 ~ These Are The Days Of Our Lives...

I think it is so important to write every single day (thus why I have a blog) to release whatever is on your mind, or how you are feeling. However, sometimes just staring at the pages and not knowing what to write down can be super frustrating. Which is why these Keel's Simple Diary would make an awesome gift for ANYONE! Boys, Girls, Sister, Brother, Co-Worker, etc....

The Keel's Simple Diary has prompts ready and you just answer the questions posed. Perfect for getting out your feelings, and really pondering your day even if only for five minutes. I love, love, love it. Personal, thoughtful and affordable has never been so easy!

Holiday Gift Ideas #7 ~ Jim Jams

To me pajamas (jim jams as my roomie calls them) and Christmas go hand in hand. Growing up we were always allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve and that one present was ALWAYS PJ's to sleep in that evening and wake up to open presents in. It was a cute tradition and it is something I think I will pass along once I have a family of my own.

Below are some great Forever Frugal Friday PJ's that are just too good to pass up!

The classic, can't go wrong Plaid Flannel PJ Pant.

For the friend or sister in warmer climates, why not try the Plaid PJ Short Set.

These Striped PJ Pant are on my own personal wish list. Soft, cozy and reminiscent of my childhood.

The Polka Dot PJ Pant a innocent and sweet in pink.

For that naughty friend of yours, why not these racy Lace Print Boxy Shorts?

Holiday Gift Ideas #6 ~ Betty Crocker Style

For the friend who likes to get her Martha Stewart/Betty Crocker on, why not gift her a darling apron so she can look just as cute baking as her creations turn out?

I am loving the colors of this cute retro Chloe Rose Bouquet Full Apron.

Is it just me or do you totally want this Extra Ingredient Apron to be an actual dress? If the back wasn't totally open and exposed I would so sport this out for cocktails with the girls.

Love this retro Perfect Circle Hostess Apron.

I am a sucker for anything aqua and yellow, so this Stockholm Floral Apron immediately caught my eye (available in other colors as well).

The ultimate in girlie girl aprons, this Sugar Rush Ruffled Apron has me all giddy and wanting to bake something light and fluffy.

Baking in the kitchen has never been so stylish and affordable!

Holiday Gift Ideas #4 ~ Votivo For All

What smells good, looks pretty and can light up an entire room (no, it's not me - j/k) .....well the Votivo Holdiay Collection Candles of course! I recently had the pleasure of smelling this collection, and let me just say, they do NOT disappoint. Not only are the scents divine and holiday-icious, but the candles themselves are very pretty and will blend in with any decor.

Christmas Sage

Freshly harvested juniper berries, tangy hemlock cones, and fragrant emerald hued spruce boughs transform the rustic cabin into a light filled workshop where dreams are crafted with pride and hope fills the heart eternal with gifts that truly linger...and inspire memories for generations to come. (Translation - Smells like a Christmas tree.... but better)

Clementine & Clove

An ode to a bygone era- coarsely chopped clove with fresh cinnamon sticks and dashes of black peppered nutmeg gently coat the dried Clementine oranges and fresh thyme sprigs, all wrapped to the tune of an old Christmas carol—a perfect symphony of the senses. (Translation - Smells like a caramel apple cider from Starbucks....but better)

Red Current

A savory blend of tart red currants and golden fruit glaze ladled over coarsely ground vanilla bean ice cream and served along side of raspberry filled sugar cookies… the original Red Currant. (Translation - Your home will smell like fresh baked good out of the oven....but better)

Winter Soltice

Early morning, 6:00am on the longest day of the year- the rich spurt of pine spice and cold, cold wet winter are scorched by the brazen blaze of the crystal, powerful, white light. Unabashedly, three elements collide - the water, the earth, and the sun – tantalizing the senses into perfect, harmonious solstice. (Translation - Smells like the first breath of air when you walk your dog in a forest....but better)

Joie De Noel

In a centuries old tradition, darkened hearty cut spices, woody strands of aged rosemary, fragrant spruce and delicate hemlock boughs are mulled with caravan herbs and thickened honey combs in a blackened copper kettle over an open cherry wood flame: an unspoken welcome home anytime throughout the year. (Translation - It smells like marshmallows, hot chocolate, cookies, and eggnog & rum....but better)

Any of these candles are sure to be a hit for a secret Santa gift, co-worker, friend, or just yourself! Picking the scent is what will be difficult but with descriptions like these, it should be a breeze!

Holiday Gift Ideas #3 ~ Glove Love

Happy Friday Folks! I cannot believe the first weekend of December is already here and there are only 20 shopping days left. A great, practical, trendy and affordable gift this holiday season are gloves.

These Fingerless Cable Gloves are not only darling but totally functional with your fingers free to navigate. I love the contrast of the cable knit against the tough studs.

A bit more lady like and traditional, these Rosette Gloves are a perfect fit.

My personal favorite however are these Sequin Bow Striped Gloves. Love the grey and cream combo and those sequin bows are just the icing on the cake.

So go ahead, spread some love with the gift of gloves!

Holiday Gift Ideas #1 ~ My Philosophy

...is that you can never go wrong giving Philosophy products for gifts. Their packaging is absolutely darling, their prices are very reasonable and the products smell just incredible! Below are some fabulous gift ideas for that friend, co-worker, assistant or secret Santa you're just not sure what to get.

The A Kiss & A Wish lip shine set would be a perfect little stocking stuffer, or you could break the 4 lip glosses apart and add them as decoration to another gift.

Nothing says holidays more than this Candy Cane 3 in 1 wash. This yummy scent is sure to help wake you up in the morning.

The First Snow Gift Set is great for that 13 year old that is just about impossible to shop for. The shimmer lotion and lip gloss will definitely bring a sparkling smile to her face.

I am pretty sure Oprah was the first to put the Gingerbread Man Salt Scrub on the map, but it hasn't gone very far and it really does provide results. A great gift for anyone who wants to scrub away the past year, and let the new them shine in 2010.

Speaking of 2010...it is only 30 days away and it is never to early to prep yourself and celebrate with bubbles. This Bring On The Bubbles is sure to help with the headache brought on by those "other bubbles".

I am all for puns and this Have A Cherry Christmas is just too fun.

Have that friend or family member who is naughty but also nice? Then the Holiday Spice & Everything Nice duo is just what Santa ordered.

Have that friend who goes away to the family cabin or skiing in Vail every holiday? The Winter Escape kit will have her skipping those extra calories of marshmallows by the fire, because this tube of lip gloss will be hitting her sweet tooth just right.

We all know that Santa likes his milk & cookies, but why not do him and Mrs. Claus a favor and leave him this cute set out instead?

On my personal wish list from Santa is the Old Fashioned Eggnog 3 in 1 wash. It smells just like my eggnog latte tastes and I am pretty sure it would be pretty heavenly to be surrounded by this scent in the shower every morning.

Whomever you are gifting for, Philosophy has got something for every price range and most definitely for everybody on your list!

VIA Coffee Milkshake

When I first learned of Starbucks VIA instant coffee I was a little weary. I hold my Starbucks coffee in the highest regard and I just have never really experienced an instant coffee that I think is up to par with brewed coffee...and then I tried it.

Believe it or not, it's pretty, pretty, pretty, good (said in my best Larry David voice). I throw some water in my tea kettle whilst getting ready in the AM and when the whistle blows I pour it in my to go mug and head out the door to work. It is smooth, convenient and totally tasty.

On the weekends, I like to get a little more creative with my coffee choices and this past weekend I concocted a savory VIA Coffee Milkshake.

Here's what you need. A pint of your favorite ice cream (I used Dulce de Leche, but would recommend using your favorite coffee flavored ice cream instead), 16 oz of milk, a cup of ice and depending on how strong you like your coffee 1 or 2 packets of Starbucks VIA coffee.

Just throw it all in the blender, and voila!

Throw a straw in it and sit back and enjoy.

Another Starbucks note...I heart those beautiful red cups (as seen here - don't worry I still need to get a pic with my cup for this season) and love the yumminess that is holiday drinks every season. Although I cannot enjoy my eggnog latte for another 9 days, I decided to try their new Caramel Brulee Latte...

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I enjoyed it for the first three sips and then it was just a little too sweet for me. However if you like your coffee on the sweeter side I would definitely advise you to give a shot.

What's your signature holiday beverage? Have you tried the VIA? What do you think? Have any coffee inspired recipes like this one that you want to share?

It's Back.....

Upon arriving at Mr. & Mrs. R's house late Thursday evening, I was greeted with a delightful and familiar scent in the guest room. And then I saw it (and minorly freaked out might I add) ....the Spiced Chestnut Essential Oils Room Spray. The scent that Williams Sonoma had discontinued last season. The scent that prompted me to write this.

And wouldn't you just know, that I had to capture with my camera the goodness for you all. Believe me when I say, I am a huge nerd when it comes to scents and my reaction was similar to that of someone who just won the lottery. I quickly slathered on the lotion, sniffed the display candle and enjoyed the yummy scent that is Spiced Chestnut.

Thank you Williams Sonoma for bringing Chestnut back!

Wino Wednesday: Beer Me!!

I haven't really tried any new wines lately and instead have been sticking to my safe favorites.... so I thought I would share a fantastic seasonal beer just in time for the holidays!

Samuel Adams Winter Lager is a dark and hearty beer. I am not generally a fan of dark, amber beers at all. However, I tried this tasty treat a few years back and I always pick up at least a 6 pack every holiday season. It is dark without being heavy, but I must warn you that the alcohol content is higher on this beer then I am used to, and they will catch up to you fast.

So, mix it up and try this one out, it won't be around for long and once it's gone, you will have to wait until next year to enjoy it again!

Cheers!