Sweet & Savory Sandwiches

By {Casey}

I'm not a great cook. I take that back. I'm a horrible cook. I try, I really do! Somehow the recipe I find never quite looks or tastes the way it should. I watch Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, and any other cooking competition show I can squeeze into my not-so-busy schedule. The thing is, I see someone make a delicious beer cheese soup and think to myself, "Well shit! I have beer and cheese!" Apparently, heating up Natty Light & Velveeta Cheese on the stove doesn't have quite the same look, taste, texture...{I'm sorry for making you try this CO}.

I have finally found something that's quick, easy, and delicious.
Check out these strawberry, goat cheese and arugula sandwiches!

I found this recipe in a random Hy-Vee magazine that was sent to my house I normally would toss in the trash. It looked pretty, and I loved everything in the ingredients section so I gave it a whirl. I recommend making these when you are short on time, but need to impress. {Think friends coming over for an impromptu brunch, family stopping by unannounced...etc}. It took me 5 minutes to make 2 of these. Carbs, goat cheese, strawberries...what's not to love?

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard 
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• 4 ounces soft honey goat cheese 
• 4 English Muffins
• 1 cup arugula leaves
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 4 teaspoons sliced green onions

Directions:

• To prepare vinaigrette, in a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt & pepper; set aside.
• Spread 1 tablespoon {or more} goat cheese on each English Muffin. Top with arugula, strawberries and green onion. Drizzle Vinaigrette over sandwiches.

I'm not one to improvise, as that usually ends up in a beer cheese soup scenario {should've used Bud Light}...however there are so many ways to make this if you don't have certain ingredients in your kitchen. Ex: I used ground mustard instead of whole grain mustard, regular balsamic vinegar rather than white, and you can use spinach, blueberries and feta cheese if you want to go another route! The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Gifting Ideas {Little Ones... Girls Edition}

By {Molly}

I have 3 nieces {plus 2 nephews} and I know it can be impossible to find something their mom and dad, grandparents, or other aunts and uncles aren't already getting them for Christmas. So what do you get the girl who literally already has everything? I usually stick to my guns and only buy them things that either mean something to me, will mean something to them, or that their mom would never buy them {sorry sisters...}. That way they are more likely to remember who gave it to them.

My goal is to give them something special they will remember for years to come! Even if the toy isn't special, maybe it's something you play with them every time you come over, even when they're too young for it. Or it's something you wrote a very special not to them in that they will only fully appreciate when they are older.  Little touches can make even something picked up at Target extra special!

1. Who doesn't want a fuzzy cozy fleece onesie? I would sleep in that.

2. Unless you aren't around kids, ever, or have been under a rock you have heard about Rainbow Looms. Most kids already have one but if they don't they need one ASAP. They are bracelet making kids using small rubber bands {think braces size}. Sound lame? Well it's even cool for 11 year old boys to do it... so it's not.

3. I stumbled on this camera and instantly fell in love. It's from a company called Bigshot. The great thing about it is that you build the camera yourself and learn all about how they work. Then you have a digital camera to spark your photography skills.

4. I want a tutu dress... what girl of any age doesn't?

5. It's been proven time and again that learning music helps with so many other aspects of learning. Start them off young with a pink guitar!

6. And a glittery headband. I stole borrowed one of these from my 7 year old niece Anna a few years ago. She never got it back... it's now my New Years Eve accessory. Maybe it's time to replace hers?

7. Goldie Blox is revolutionizing the toys we buy for little girls. They are focused more on learning engineering skills. At first I thought, well that sounds boring. They tailor made them so that they are things girls are still interested in. My niece is getting some for Christmas already from her mom and I have to say I can't wait to play with them!

8. I mean this is what I'm getting all three of my nieces.... obviously.

9. I love the fact that this book is always given as a graduation gift. Why not start it off early? It's such a great inspiring book wrapped up in a pretty colorful package.

xoxo,
Molly

Living Social

By {Casey}

I hope by now you all have found Living Social, a website similar to Groupon giving "deals-of-the-day". I still subscribe to both, and have found there are some truly great gift ideas on here! Yes, we always get way too many emails, especially this time of year. I recommend snuggling up in a fuzzy blanket on the couch while your TV is set on another Bravo marathon, and looking through all the deals on Living Social. Here are a few of my current favorites. Be warned, the deals don't last forever! {Wow, could I have sounded more like a sales-y skank?}

1. Personalized Coasters - $15 for 4
I think this is a great idea for almost anyone on your list. Boyfriend/Girlfriend, Parents, Grandparents, Siblings...add a picture of you and them on a coaster and they are sure to love it. These make great housewarming gifts as well!

Photo found at Shutterfly

2. Suzy Kuzy Beer Mit - $10

This beer koozie/glove comes in 5 colors and screams perfect gift for my dad. All the men in my life, {boyfriend, brother, dad, grandpa} love grilling outside and drinking beer. I can think of nothing that would suit them better than being able to drink outside in the bitter cold with a beer mit.

3. Photo Wall Calendar - $5 for 1 

This is the best deal for a photo calendar I think I've ever seen. I would love one of these! {Hint hint}. I make one for my Mom almost every year, and she cries every time. Use pictures of you, your family, your pets, etc. This is the best gift for the sentimental sap in your family.

Photo found at Vistaprint

4. Bath & Body Works - Free 30% off

Couldn't get any better. This is just a free coupon for 30% off! All you have to do is claim the offer on LivingSocial. You have to do it in store by December 13th. There are tons of items to choose from, but my personal favorite is the Fresh Balsam candle. Makes your house smell like Christmas all the time!

Hope this helps you with your shopping!

Emails & Online Shopping & Deals! Oh My!

By {Morgan}

I want to share my favorite daily shop emails with you just in time for Christmas shopping. I highly recommend signing up for them, even if you feel like you already receive too much 'junk mail'. To be honest, I don't open each of these every day ... but when I do, I always enjoy browsing, gathering ideas & inspiration, and love it when I find a good deal or one of a kind piece.
There's definitely something for everyone on your Christmas list in these shops!

These online shops feature different items every day. There's art, home decor, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, toys, furniture, bedding, luggage ... a little bit of everything.

The two largest {in terms of items per day} are Joss & Main and One Kings Lane.

Joss & Main

"For those who delight in discovery, the thrill of the find, and a daily dose of design inspiration, Joss & Main is a premier members-only site that offers limited-time sales on the world's best brands for your home and life." Joss and Main - About Us 

One Kings Lane 

"Because Design Is a Journey…
Every day, we launch new sales offering exceptional
value on top-brand, vintage, and designer items. Most sales
last 72 hours. Be sure to shop early (and often)!" One Kings Lane - About Us

{a few fun finds @ One Kings Lane}

If you love independent stores - this next online shop is for you!

Scoutmob

Shoppe: "We're promoting independent artisans, craftsmen, designers and the like--giving you access to their inspired goods and authentic creations alongside the vision and the passionate processes that make them special. there are the things that add personality to our homes, stories to our lives and that "awww, you're so thoughtful" sentiment to our gift-givings." Scoutmob - About Us

Local: "We set out to explore the unique, the local, the downright curious desitnations that make a city great by way of our sweet mobile incentives, under-the-radar events, and intel from our on-the-ground Scouts. Basically, it's everything that makes you think, "You know what? This city is #&$%ing awesome!"" Scoutmob - About Us

How cool is that?!?
{sneak peak @ Scoutmob}

The following 2 shops feature 1 {or 2} deals of the day. Items are usually over 50% off original prices.

Pick Your Plum 

New deals are posted at 7:00 am MST everyday. These 2 deals that were posted this week.

Both printed delivery boxes and alphabet stamps were only $4.99 / 58% and 66% off!
Items range from party & craft supplies to hats, jewelry & scarves.
Pick Your Plum is a great email to watch if you are getting ready for a party.
{think paper straws, wooden utensils, gift bags}

The Plaid Barn

This online shop emails out a deal of the day and also has items listed under accessories, kits and supplies available on the website.
This Aztec Sweater was posted for 61% off and FREE SHIPPING ... for only $26.99

And my newest find is Antique Farm House.

They have multiple sales every day on the website.
Check out their featured gift wrapping station. My heart swoons.

Visit the sites and sign-up for the daily emails. When you find that perfect gift or item for your home, it will make overloading your inbox worth it!

Peace, Love & Online Shopping,
Morgan

Holiday Gifting {Under $50}

By {Molly}

Faux Fur Blanket // Wine & Champagne Glasses // Hola TShirt // Jewelry Dish // Earrings // 

iPad Case // Locals Only Coffee Table Book // Candle // Scarf // Clutch

xoxo,

Molly