12 Days of Christmas - for the Dog Lover!!

Can you believe it?  We've come to the end of our 12 Days of Christmas!   I hope you have enjoyed the journey and maybe been inspired in your gift giving.  Just to recap here are our past 11 days of Christmas Gift Giving fun ...

Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole
Day 7:  Accessories Galore
Day 8:  Kindle Paperwhite
Day 9:  Clarisonic Facial Cleaning Brush
Day 10:  Big Green Egg Accessories
Day 11:  Keurig Coffeemaker

Today, we are talking all about one of my favorite subject .. dogs. 

Now you may not have a dog and if not, I'm sorry.  We are crazy about ours.  Here are some cool items that your little furry kids might like.  I saw all of these at our local PetSmart, all except the stockings.   I found those online.

1.  Check out this bed from Martha Stewart.  This is adorable. 


2.  This dog blanket is so cute.


3.  These are leg warmers ... for your dog.  Cracks me up.


4.  Mrs. Claus Dress


5.  Ugly Sweater


6.  Olaf Dog Toy - this is too cute to play with.


7.  This is so cute too.

8.  Candy Cane Dog Treat



9.  I think we need these. 



These photos I took in the store because I thought they were absolutely adorable.  This one is an Olaf dog harness - oh.my.goodness. 

This one is a weather resistant coat ... polka dots ... with a fur hood.   It was all I could do to not leave with this.  If they had had 2 I might have.  Have you ever? 



12 Days of Christmas - It's a Keurig?

Well, it's Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas!  Today we are talking Keurig Coffee Makers.  But first let's recape ...

Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole
Day 7:  Accessories Galore
Day 8:  Kindle Paperwhite
Day 9:  Clarisonic Facial Cleaning Brush
Day 10:  Big Green Egg Accessories

I love my Keurig Coffee Maker but as we know the beauty of it lies in the fact that it makes just one cup at a time allowing everyone to choose their own flavor, caffeine or not, brewing in just a very few seconds.   So I was interested to find out more about the new Keurig 2.0 Brewing System which includes the ability to brew a 4 cup carafe or the traditional one cup.  This smarter Keurig can read the top of the K-cup or K-carafe which is really pretty cool.  So this is the new hot thing from Keurig.  I think it would be a great gift for the coffee drinker in the family.

12 Days of Christmas - Big Green Egg Accessories

Day 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Guide!  Today I thought we better think about the men (and maybe some women Egg-heads - as Big Green Egg-ers are lovingly called).  So I asked around, looked at some BGE forums and came up with a few favorite accessories for our favorite smoker.   But first let's look back at our past 9 days of fun.

Remember ...
Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners and Products
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole
Day 7:  Accessories Galore
Day 8:  Kindle Paperwhite
Day 9:  Clarisonic Facial Cleaning Brush

So here are some of the most useful and favorite accessories for the BGE:
1,  Digital Remote thermometer:   When I asked D about his favorite accessories he immediately said this remote thermometer.  You use it for smoking meat as this device allows you to always know the temp of your grill and the internal temp of your meat. It's not good to open the grill much, if any during slow smokes, and this will keep you aware of the temp at all times.



2.  E and N got D this BGE glove and he loves it.  Better than a pot holder, it is super heat resistant but easy to use when handling all of the hot parts. 


3.  Plate setter:  The place setter is designed to facilitate indirect cooking on the Big Green Egg by providing a heat-directing barrier between the food and the fire, instantly transforming the BGE into an outdoor convection oven. The design of the place setter in conjunction with the thermal properties of the BGE, allows heat to efficiently radiate within the dome while preventing the flames and heat from over-cooking the food.




4.  Grill Brush:  This is patented stainless steel mesh that works much better than a wire brush with no bristles to come loose.  Makes cleaning food off the grates super easy. 


5.  Firestarters - There are several ways to start the fire on the BGE but this is probably the most popular.  D says he has much success with a half of one for our Large BGE.  I have put these in his stocking the last few years. 

This is a great cookbook for BBQ and the fixins' in our humble opinion:  "Wiley's Championship Barbeque:  Secrets Old Men Take to the Grave."   The name of this cookbook caught our eye for obvious reasons when we were in St. Simons one time.  I read it to D all the way home in the car.  It's entertaining  and informative.  You don't have to have a BGE to enjoy this book.




Sidenote:  I loved Wiley's Baked Bean recipe and incorporated a few ingredients like the Rotel tomatoes into my own recipe.  Again, a cooking and recipe bonus - lucky you!     Here's my version of BBQ Rotel Baked Beans:

Ingredients:

1 can baked beans, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup barbeque sauce

1/2 cup bacon bits

1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained

1 heaping tablespoon baked beans

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2.  Put all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.  Pour into prepared baking dish.  Bake for 30-40 minutes until it starts to brown and bubble. 

12 Days of Christmas - Cleansing Brushes!

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Fun!

Remember ...
Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners and Products
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole
Day 7:  Accessories
Day 8:  Kindle Paperwhite

So let's talk about skin care and products.  About 2 years ago, I started using the Clarisonic Mia cleansing brush.  I can tell a huge difference in my skin.  I finally feel like my face is clean when I wash it.  I have since bought these for my mom and E.  When you purchase the brush, you can choose the type brush head you need; whether for sensitive skin, delicate skin, normal, acne or deep pore cleansing.  I purchased the sensitive skin brush head.  There are recommended facial soaps to use with it but quite honestly, I've found that using plain ole Dove soap works the best.    You do need to replace the brush head about every 6 months.  I just pick up a package of two when I'm at Ulta.  These cleansing brushes are available at Ulta, Macy's, Sephora and I think I saw them at Belk. 

I pulled this from the Clarisonic website to give you an idea of the benefits of using the cleansing brush.  "The patented Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing brush uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to deeply cleanse the skin far more effectively, yet more gently, than traditional superficial cleansing or simple rotating brushes.  The result is noticeably smoother, more radiant skin." 



There are several brands of these on the market.  There is the Clinique Purifying Cleansing Brush and Mary Kay also makes one. 

I just love mine and highly recommend for the ladies on your gift giving list. 

12 Days of Christmas - E Reader Edition!

Day 8 - The E-Reader Edition! 

To Recap:
Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole
Day 7:  Accessories

Y'all know I don't know a lot about electronics.  I always say whatever kind of phone my children have is the kind of phone I'm gonna have.  They will have to be the ones to teach me how to use it because I could never figure it out on my own. 

So when they whole e-reader came out I was conflicted for several reasons.  I know we have had this discussion before but I am a lover of a real book, with real pages, and a real smell that I can hold like a book was meant to be held.   All that being said, I'm also close to being a hoarder of books so I have to come to terms with that.  I just can hardly part with a book.  I'm sure it's a sickness.  On the other hand,  I don't want bookstores to go out of business because a bookstore is my happy place.  If I'm having a really bad day, I can go get a coffee at a book store and walk the aisles and I immediately feel better.  Something about it is very soothing and comforting to me.  So, all of that to say, I didn't really know about the e-book/e-reader thing.  However, with much apprehension I said I would try it and D got me a 2nd generation Kindle several years ago.  Well, as with most electronics, things quickly change and it become outdated and on top of that, it quit charging.  But by that time I was on to my iPad which I do really like for the reason that it is a whole lot more than just e-reader.  So, let me just stop here and say that I still bought real books but I read a lot so I was working both sides of the coin - reading some real and some electronic books. 

Okay, so fast forward to about 6 months ago.  D and I are going on a little vacation to a sunny spot and certain things become apparent.  First, D won't let me carry on the airplane the 6 books I had been saving to read just for vacation (something about weight and having to pay and blah, blah, blah).  Second, my iPad is big and more importantly, when you're in the sun you can't see a thing on the screen.  So ... I began thinking I might need another option.  I just happen to think that E's husband, N had got a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas last year and I thought I would talk to him about how he liked it.  Well, he did so I decided to go to the electronics store and actually look at one to see what I thought.  I was pleasantly surprised.  First, the Paperwhite is super light.  It's size is small however, the print is big enough to read.   As a 50-something, that is very important so I was good with that.  Also, the price is reasonable.  And one of the biggest selling points, you can read it in direct sunlight.  And the battery life is amazing.  I have not been disappointed with my purchase at all.    Yes, I still buy real books but I do enjoy it more than I thought.

Also, I receive a daily email from ereaderIQ.com with the free and discounted books for that day.   I've "bought" several books and cookbooks for free or a discounted price. You can go to their website and sign up. 

So,  here is a photo of the Kindle Paperwhite and  link to the case I bought.  This is the 3rd case I've had during my short tenure with the Paperwhite.  So while my Kindle purchase was easy, finding the right case was not. This case protects, is small and just works great. 




So if you have need for an e-reader, I highly recommend the Paperwhite.  But keep in mind that I only have experience with Kindles and the iPad.  This is by far the most user-friendly for basic reading.

12 Days of Christmas - It's Time to Accessorize!

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Fun!

Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners/Products
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4: Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bible and Books
Day 6:  Crock Pot Casserole Dish

Day 7:  Let's Accessorize!

There is nothing I like better than some accessories. So let's look at some jewelry, scarves, shoes and who knows what else.  These would be perfect for the girls on your list or as a little pick-me-up for your own self.  Just sayin.'

A few weeks ago I mentioned this bracelet on a Friday Favorites post.  I wear this bracelet on my left wrist with my watch.

I also love the matching necklace.



I love scarves and they are super popular to wear with everything!
I ordered this on sale on Black Friday and can hardly wait for it to come in. I'm not sure about the size of the whole blanket scarf thing so we'll see. 

I love a buffalo check and they are super popular right now.  This one from Nordstrom is so cute. 



The Puffer vest is super popular, too.  These are cute and super inexpensive.  I've seen a ton of these in the Old Navy store.   I got this Black tweed one at the store in Gainesville for $14.  Love it. 


This quilted tweed vest from J Crew is everywhere.  I bet I saw 10 ladies wearing it at the Georgia game Saturday.  I couldn't find a link to it so it must just be in the stores.



I took a screen shot of this from Pinterest.  Look how cute this is styled.  Love.

 

So last but not least let's talk about shoes.  I got these at the beginning of the season and it probably goes without saying how much I love them.  They are so comfortable. 

 





Actually anything leopard print I love.  I got these Tom's booties last year in solid black and they are awesome.  I can't justify the animal print but look how cute.


I got these at our Target a couple of months ago and have worn them all the time since.    Here's a link to see them online.

So that's a few things that might be cute under the tree.  I'll leave you with one of my favorite sayings from one of my favorite movies ....
 

"the only thing that separates from the animals is our ability to accessorize." 
 --- Clairee, "Steel Magnolias"

 

 

12 Days of Christmas - It's a Crock Pot, sort of!

Well, we are halfway through our 12 Days of Christmas.  I would love to know if you all are buying any of these fabulous products for yourself or those on your gift list.  Please comment and let me know!

Here's our recap:
Day 1:  Erin Condren Planners/Products
Day 2:  Grateful Bags
Day 3:  Riley Clay Designs
Day 4:  Sara Happ Lip Scrub
Day 5:  Bibles and Books

Day 6:  This will come as no surprise to most of you that I had to include a Crock Pot of some sort in our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Fun.    I am a slow cooker fanatic.  I do not understand how anyone who cooks can function without one.  I use at least one (and sometimes two at a time) 4-5 times a week.  I'm not exaggerating. 

I was talking with a friend (who knows me so well) who could hardly wait to tell me about a new Crock Pot product that she had gotten at Target.  I say "product' because this one actually varies from the traditional somewhat.  In a good way.  So when I saw it I knew I had to have it.  I'm sure it is a perfect gift for someone you know.

The Crock Pot Casserole Slow Cooker - why, yes and thank you!



This is the pattern that I got.  It's a Black/White lattice-type pattern.  I've seen it in solid black, red and navy.   When I purchased mine at Target with the purchase I received a $10 gift card.  I got mine about the second week in November so I'm not sure that the promotion still stands.   Either way, at $39.99 this rocks!

 


For Thanksgiving, I made Baked Curried Fruit in it (another recommendation from my same friend -  she had made it for her family) and it was perfect.  I plan to use it like crazy during the Christmas season.  Obviously, if you are doing a casserole that needs to be browned on the top, it won't do that.  But what you can do is take the casserole dish part out of the heating element and stick it in the oven for just a few minutes to brown.  Here is the link to more details on Amazon if you're interested. 

And just because I love y'all so much, here is the recipe for Baked Curried Fruit.  D's mom made this every Christmas for years and I am carrying on the tradition.

Baked Curried Fruit
Ingredients:
1 can (20 ounce) chunk pineapple
1 can (20 ounce) pear slices
1 can (20 ounce) peach slices
1 small jar maraschino cherries
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (or to taste)
Directions: 
1.  Drain fruit and cut up if desired.  Combine fruit in a 2 quart casserole dish. 
2.  Melt butter in a small bowl and add brown sugar and curry powder.  Pour over fruit.
3.  Cook for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Now, this is what I did when I used the Crock Pot Casserole Dish: 
I followed the above directions through Step 2 using the casserole dish from this Crock pot unit.  I put it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Then I put it in the heating element and baked on low for 2 hours.  It was delicious!