Online Deals {Black Friday}

By {Molly}

I love shopping, that shouldn't come as a surprise. What I hate are lines, rude people, shoving, and the anxiety I feel just imaging this. So I do most of my shopping online when I can. Nothing makes my blood boil more than having to wait to look at a sale rack, or push through people just to get a box of shoes.  

Black Friday has never been my families thing, we've never done it and never will so clearly the packed mall shopping hatred runs through my genes. Here are the websites I'm browsing and the items I'm coveting this weekend. 

MADEWELL // 20% off anything {online and in store} // Use code gifton

7 FOR ALL MANKIND // 40% off regular price // Extra 20% off sale // Use code black40

ANTHROPOLOGIE // 25% off anything // Use code Holiday25

CUSP // Extra 20% off sale

TARGET //  Various off depending on department 

JCREW // 30% off anything // Use code Holiday

ST BERNARD SPORTS // 15% off entire store 

Here are my personal picks from each store. If you're doing your Christmas shopping now and want to get me something, these would all be just fine!

xoxo,

Molly 

10 {Things} You Didn't Know About Me {Amy Edition}

By {Amy}

1) I have visited wineries on 5 different continents! North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia have been done.  Asia here I come!!!

2)I think an aqua mask is the cure for all headaches {aka hangovers}.

3)I am terrified of foam! Not Styrofoam, but the foam that you put on your mattress or that you pack fragile items with.  This scene from Little Giants would be my nightmare.

4) I hate when one thing is left on a plate.  It is like you ate all it's little friends and just left that piece all by itself. If I am actually to full to take that one last bite, then I will cut it in half.  As you can imagine this has become a really fun game for my family to drive me insane with.

5) I do not have the ability to dance and hold a drink at the same time.  I like to think this is because of my killer dance moves.  

6) I am distantly related to Alfred Landon, who ran for President against Franklin D. Roosevelt.

 

7) I have jumped off the worlds highest bungy bridge!

8) I drink at least a gallon of milk a week!

                                    

9) I love anything that is soft, furry, gold and/or sparkly.  My roommate {aka fiance} is not thrilled with the nik naks that keep appearing around our place. This pic isn't from my place, but it could be soon!

                                               

10) Living in a big city has made me love and appreciate even more the silence and serenity of the farm.  The small town of Bern, Kansas has become one of my favorite destinations!

Polar Vortex // Coat Season Begins

By {Molly}

If you're not freezing today then I don't know where you live, Hawaii maybe? In Denver right now it's 0 degrees and is going to get down to -9 by tonight. It finally stopped snowing for the first time in 48 hours, but I won't hold my breath for that lasting long. Even with a fleece on, the heater cranked, cozy socks, and a continuously reheated cup of coffee, I'm still shivering.

The best part of this polar vortex is that it's coat season... finally! I love a good coat. Moving from Dallas to Denver basically made my entire collection irrelevant considering all 15 of them were purely for looks, not warmth. I saved a few of my favorites but now I am in dire need of some actual warm, puffy, cozy coats.

Here are some of my favorites I've found.

How do you manage to stay warm when it's frigid outside?

xoxo,
Molly

10 {Things} You Don't Know About Me {Whitney Edition}

1.) Miniature things make me very happy.  Especially tiny monkeys, pigs, lizards, dogs, kittens and the list goes on!

2.) I have a fascination with popping blackheads.  The grosser the better.  I YouTube them on a regular basis.  Blackhead goldmine is a favorite  Click If You Dare

3.) I have consumed over 130 different grape varieties....that I can remember anyway.  I even belong to a special club called, The Wine Century Club (it's just for fun)  Check it out!  You'd be surprised to learn how many grape varieties you have already had.

4.) That leads me to my next fact.  Bubble drunk.  When I get to that special state, I keep to myself.  I observe, giggle and I dance with my hands on hips.

5.) I think old men are adorable.  I wish I had more room in my pocket to collect them all

6.) Open spaces make me want to do handstands. It is instinctive.

7.) I like to eat well.  Not just well, but A LOT!  Growing up, my friend's parents would loath taking me out to eat.  While their daughters were ordering chicken fingers, I ordered the prime rib…and licked my plate.

8.) I am a huge francophile.  I have been to Europe 3 times.  I have been to France 3 times.  The rest of Europe…never.  Quel Dommage, n’est-ce pas?

9.) Lipstick!  I just can’t get enough. This is actually a fairly new addition to my style repertoire.  I used to be one of those girls who thought “I couldn’t pull it off.”  Anyone can and once you do, you’ll be obsessed too!  Oh and I can't talk about my mouth without mentioning that I am missing 3 teeth. I was born without them and no I'm not from {Ar}kansas.

10.) I ALWAYS put aluminum foil on my baking sheets. Peel it off and the clean up is a breeze.  It will change you life.

Beats for {Fall}

By {Molly}

The majorly badass sisters from Haim

Fall is basically everyones favorite season. What’s not to love? Fall gets me really into music for some reason, even more so than usual. I don’t know if it’s the apple cider, football games, or chilly weather but it makes me want to put on a good soundtrack daily and get lost in it. Put on a comfy sweater, big scarf, and sip something warm {preferably with whiskey in it} while listening to Capital Cities, Haim, and my new favorite VERITE.

Here’s a sample of the songs I’ve been playing, loudly, since the chilly weather hit. (Don’t miss #3 especially, it’s my new anthem.)

See something that doesn’t fit with the rest? There’s always a ridiculous top 40 song that I embarrassingly totally love. It feels good to admit it to you guys, very therapeutic.

Don’t forget to follow me on Spotify for an ever changing, always updated playlist.

xoxo,

Molly

10 {Things} You Don’t Know About Me {Moo Edition}

For the next couple weeks the TSP girls are going to let you in on a few secrets about ourselves. Each one of us will participate so you can get to know us even better!

 By {Moo}

To go with the theme of "10 Things You Don't Know About Me" I thought I would enlighten you all just to hopefully take your uncomfort to another level. You're welcome....

1) I couldn't smell until I was 18 years old. (No, I don't LOVE it and my other remaining senses are not super sonic. I am basically legally blind, I choose only to use selective hearing, and I don't particularly like "touching" anything.)

2) I am OBSESSED with ELEPHANTS! I have 7 elephant statues in my 600 sq ft shoebox apartment and all I wanna do is buy more.

3) If I could, I would be Buddhist. However, I drink daily, cuss even more frequently and despise the thought of any organized religion.

4) I run a half marathon once a year.

5) My real name is indeed Amanda, only because the work that is required to complete an offical 'name change' legally is too much for my lazy attitude.

6) I truly believe that John F. Kennedy and I are soulmates and that he is in fact, 'the one that got away.'

7) My drink of choice 113% of the time is Jack Daniel's and Diet Coke. Side note: I actually think
that Jack D is one of the only true relationships I have ever or WILL ever have.

8) My toenails ALWAYS have to be painted, but I refuse to paint them myself so I get pedicures twice a month. I'm also learning to be humble....

9) SPAIN is my absolute favorite place on Earth. Everyone should visit at least once in their life.

10) I am actively trying to turn my hair into dreadlocks. I succeeded with one dread this summer. Just gotta keep pushing yourself to the next level.

xoxo
Moo

{snail} MAIL

By {Morgan}

I love receiving snail mail. There is something about opening the mailbox and seeing a cute envelope {because we all know the best mail comes in adorned packaging} that makes you feel curious & excited. But, even more than receiving snail mail, I love sending it. It feels good. 

For 5 years I lived on the East Coast {Massachusetts/Connecticut}, a thousand miles away from friends & family in Kansas. Now I live back in Kansas, a thousand miles away from friends on the East Coast. This has given me a whole new appreciation for mail. 

Phone calls, texts, g-chats, emails are great. They keep you connected. But sending & receiving snail mail is even better. 

Why?

I think because {in 2014} it is rare. I think because it is unexpected. I think because it always seems to magically arrive at just the right time. 

As often as I can {which is still not often enough} I try and send a note or a package to a friend many miles away, or one right down the road. Recently I discovered VelvetCrate and it made sending a package super easy & fun. 

"A VelvetCrate is the perfect gift for her, filled with chic, fun, and luxurious gifts she will love. The gifts are traditional, tried-and-true items that women of all ages love.

Our three signature collections - Celebrate, Just Because, and Love - are updated every few months with new brands and gifts that reflect the current season. Each VelvetCrate is delivered in modern packaging with a custom card that can be personalized with your message." www.velvetcrate.com 

Summer CELEBRATE collection

How awesome is that? Recently, I picked Summer CELEBRATE to send to one of my best friends as she wrapped up a summer at Camp. I feel like these 4 beautiful things said, "Cheers! You are awesome. You just worked your butt off, now take care of yourself; hydrate, eat yummy, healthy chow & relax." I felt refreshed looking at it, and I hoped she would feel the same way when receiving it. 

Hearing her tell me the story of how she received the package {almost not opening it, thinking it was for a work related event}, how it caught her off guard, and what perfect timing it came in, made ME feel happy & loved, too. 

I love how the VelvetCrates change from season to season, and that you can choose a ship date {right away, or -when you're on top of your game- in a few days so it is received closest to a birthday, or other occasion}. A VelvetCrate is a lovely, easy way to send a beautiful & unique gift! 

So now, you are all challenged to get out that notecard set & pen, go to www.velvetcrate.com or put together your own package, and send some snail mail! The recipient will be in awe & you will feel pretty darn good too! 

P.S. In talking about snail mail, I have to give a shout out to the TSP girls who I have been lucky enough to call my friends for the past 10 years. These girls are ON IT when it comes to birthday cards, and that is an art; a personal, thoughtful, appreciated art! 

Geek Chic {Warby Parker}

By {Molly}

It’s finally that time of year again, the one all right minded people look forward to all year long. It’s time for football {go cats!}, pumpkin everything, boots galore, and layers. It’s finally Fall!

One of my favorite style trends for Fall has and will always be geek chic. There’s no better time to wear a flannel shirt with your hair in a topknot and throw on a pair of glasses.  Whether you have a prescription or not is totally irrelevant.  Who’s my go to for a great pair of glasses or sunglasses you ask? Warby Parker, of course!

First of all, they give 1 pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair bought, they are also one of the only carbon-neutral companies in the country {we love that!}. They ship you 5 pairs of your choice before you ever buy anything so you can try on the ones you think you like. They are SUPER affordable, starting at $95 a pop. Lastly, they are the best looking, on trend frames you’re going to be able to find.

Photo ℅ Warby Parker

Warby Parker claims their Fall collection is for those who own their style, exercise their wit, and add life to the party. Well we here at TSP kind of think that describes their collection and us perfectly, so we’re all over it.

Here are my favorite picks and the ones that I just ordered to come to me to try on. What do you think? Which ones should I buy?

Photo ℅ of Warby Parker // Baxter Ti in Whiskey Tortoise

Photo ℅ Warby Parker // Baxter Ti in Sugar Maple

Photo ℅ Warby Parker // Durand in Whiskey Tortoise

Photo ℅ Warby Parker // Nash in Crystal

Can you tell I’m super into big frames at the moment? The bigger, the better, the nerdier. That’s my philosophy. Coming from a girl who had to wear bifocals when she was 7… I’m finally fully embracing my geek chic.

Check back in a few weeks when I try on my frames, and decide which pair I should pull the trigger on. I’ll need your advice!

Shop my other favorites from their site below. There’s a ton to choose from. Boys you’re not left out! They have the best men’s frames I’ve seen!

xoxo,
Molly

Fabulous Gadgets {The Veggetti}

 By {Amy}

I know the name of this might have made you look twice but I am talking about the wonderful vegetable spiralizer.   It is one of those “As Seen on TV” items, which I watched an infomercial once on at 3 am {after a cocktail or 12}.  I have never actually made a purchase from one of those, but in this case I wish I would have found it sooner.

I have very few diet rules, but the ones I do have I stick to religiously.  At the top of that list is NO carbs for dinner.   The other two are drink at least three glasses of water and only drink soda from the mini cans.  While the second two are pretty easy to stick to, the no carbs at night can get tricky.  Especially with all the amazing pasta dishes flooding my Pinterest page.  Since I cannot avoid that many pasta dishes, I had been subbing spaghetti squash as a substitute for the noodles. The spaghetti squash substitute is great, but it will be nice to add zucchini into the mix.

Here is my first attempt at it, and it turned out great.  It was a breeze to use and kind of fun!  Just spiral up the zucchini using the Veggetti, add to boiling water for 2 minutes, drain and you are done.  I topped with Bolognese sauce that I had made and it held up great.  In a hurry, just add your favorite jarred marinara sauce and you are done.  I am excited to continue experimenting with other veggies and recipes.

Evolution of the {Perfect} Summer Dish

By {Whitney}

A light and refreshing {red meat} dish sounds like an anomaly, right?  Well, not anymore!  I tried this recipe I found on epicurious the other night and it was outstanding!  As a Kansas gal, I need my red meat, and in the dog days of summer it has the potential to make you feel dense and heavy.  That is why I was so thrilled to find this recipe.  It combines the best of both worlds- keeping it light while still satisfying your carnivorous cravings.

The tapenade offers a wonderful salty, earthiness that really jazzes up this dish and adds a Mediterranean flair.  {Tip- double the tapenade recipe to have later with crackers or bread as a snack}

A flat iron steak is a flavorful and inexpensive piece of meat.  The marinade was magical.  Honestly, I'll probably continue to use the marinade in other recipes as well.   Don't forget to cut against the grain when you have finished cooking the meat.  It is crucial to the tenderness of the meat.

Tomatoes!  Oh Tomatoes!  Summer wouldn't be the same without you.  They add a zing of acidity and a touch of sweetness.  I'm proud to say that these tomatoes all came from my garden this year!  The vibrant colors make a stunning presentation in any dish.

Last, but certainly not least, the greens!  As I mention in the recipe below, I would have preferred to use arugula. The watercress was nice, but I think the bitterness and peppery notes of arugula would have been a better fit.

Hold up.  A meal is never complete without a nice bottle of vino to accompany it.   My suggestion would be a nice red from the South of France.  For instance, a rustic Cahors.  Ca-What? You say?   Cahors is a region in Southwest France and it just so happens to be the original home of the Malbec grape.  Many people associate Malbec with Argentina, but the French have been using it for centuries in their prestigious Bordeaux blends and as the principle grape in Cahors.  Argentinean Malbecs tend to be more fruit forward and soft while the Malbecs of Cahors are known to be more tannic, savory and full of black fruit characteristics.  

Try 2012 Clos la Coutale 

Clos La Coutale can be found in most markets and is approx. $18.00

ingredients

Tapenade:

• 1/3 cup (or more) olive oil 
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil   *I used Olive Oil.  I prefer the flavor if it isn't being cooked*
• 1 cup pitted olives (such as Niçoise or Kalamata), chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced capers
• 1 garlic clove, minced  *I used 2 cloves.  You can never have too much garlic and you never know when a vampire might visit you
• 1 anchovy fillet packed in oil, drained, minced (optional) *They say optional, I say NECESSARY

Steak:

• 2 pounds flatiron, flank, hanger, or skirt steak
• Kosher salt
• Zest and juice of 1 orange *I forgot to use the juice of the orange.  Not because I meant to but because I was 2 glasses deep
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika *This is key, but be careful not to get it on your clothes!  It stains!
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

Tomatoes:

• 4 large tomatoes (about 3 pounds), sliced 1/4" thick
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch watercress, tough stems removed (about 4 cups) *I used watercress, but would have preferred to use ARUGULA.  I think the pepperiness of the arugula would be a nice touch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Ingredient info:Smoked paprika is sold at specialty foods stores and latienda.com.

preparation

For tapenade: 
Stir 1/3 cup olive oil, next 4 ingredients, and anchovy, if using, in a small bowl. Add more olive oil for a thinner tapenade, if desired. (For a smoother sauce, purée tapenade in a food processor or blender.) Set aside.

For steak: 
Place steak in a large baking dish and season generously with salt. Stir orange zest and juice and remaining 6 ingredients in a small bowl to combine. Spread mixture evenly over both sides of steak and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high. Grill steak, turning once, until nicely charred, about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Transfer to a carving board and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

For tomatoes:
Arrange tomatoes on a serving platter. Scatter shallot and parsley over; drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, toss watercress with 1 tablespoon each oil and lemon juice. Season watercress to taste with salt.

Mound watercress on platter. Slice steak against the grain; transfer to platter with tomatoes and watercress. Spoon tapenade on steak and serve alongside

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Flatiron-Steaks-with-Tomatoes-and-Tapenade-395897