Gift Guide: For Your BFF

It's our last set of gift guides and if you haven't found that special something for your bff, this one's for you. These gifts are a step above thoughtful because they're fun. Give these gifts knowing you're going to get a smile in return. I love the quirkiness, happiness, and specialness of all of these. I mean, who doesn't need a ice cream pint koozie?

left to right
Row one: one/two/three
Row two: one/two/three

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Apple Cider Sangria

c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider (the fresh kind, not the fizzy alcoholic kind)
1 bottle dry white wine
1/4 cup calvados or another apple brandy
1/4 cup Triple sec or another orange liqueur
Mixed colors of apples, diced and tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning
Seltzer, sparkling water or sparkling apple cider to finish

Directions

Place the apple cider in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce about 3/4 of the way, until you have approximately 1/4 cup apple cider left; this will take 10 to 15 minutes. Pour into small bowl set over a bowl of ice water and stir; it will cool very quickly this way.

Pour reduced, cooled cider into pitcher. Add wine, apple brandy and triple sec. Add fruit and let sit in the fridge until needed. Add some fizz right before serving; a slotted spoon will help guests hold back the fruit while pouring their glasses, and spoon some on top, if desired.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Potatoes

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 pounds red potatoes, cubed
• 1 tablespoon ranch salad dressing mix
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 
  

Directions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside on paper towels to drain.
2. Toss the potatoes in the each dressing mix and place 1/3 of them into a foil wrapped slow cooker followed by 1/3 of the bacon and cheese and repeat with two more layers of potatoes, bacon and cheese before cooking on low until tender, about 8-10 hours on low of 4-5 hours on high.
3. Sprinkle on the green onions and enjoy!

Fannie May Fudge

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk (I use skim)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 25 regular sized marshmallows (not minis)
• 1 package (12 oz) milk chocolate morsels
• 1 package (12oz) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add marshmallows, chocolate morsels, unsweetened chocolate, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk and butter. Over medium high heat, bring mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, boil for a full two minutes.
4. Pour hot mixture over marshmallow and chocolate and beat with whisk attachment until melted and smooth (may take several minutes).
5. Pour into prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for about 3 hours (or overnight). Remove from refrigerator and cut into 4 large rectangles. Wrap in parchment paper and store in airtight container until ready to use.
6. When ready to use, cut into bite sized pieces and enjoy.

The Game is Tied

I know we are in the thick of sweater weather but I have to throw in some options. I love a feminine tie neck blouse in the winter because it's great for layering. And when you are going from cold outside, to an overheated office, and then a cold conference room, you need options. Here are some of my favorite tie neck tops.

Ann Taylor, Sheer Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse, $89

This to top is so sophisticated. The pin dots on the sheer sleeves make this top look much more expensive than it is.

Nordstrom, 1.STATE Mosaic Print Tie Blouse, $89

I am pairing this with a navy blazer that is extra long. Very chic.

Macy's, Vince Camuto Ruffled Tie Neck Blouse, $89

This will be a staple in your closet. Jeans, pencil skirt, suit, you name it. Check out the peplum detail on the waist.

Anthroplogie, Tie Neck Swing Blouse, $98

I really love this swing hem. It's more casual than you standard button down but this rich color makes it easy to dress up.

The tie neck blouse was inspired by menswear but these wispy tops are anything but. Play with pattern, color, and fit to find the perfect option for you.

Be fabulous today!

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All That Glimmers

Tis the season for sparkles and glitter. That's why I am please to present some of my favorite sparkly shoes this season. These beauties add some pop to your work or cocktail attire. Mix them in with jeans or a dress, they are so versatile and fun.

Topshop, Sprinkle Glitter Slippers, $45

Oh hello puff sparkle perfection. No explanation needed. I just need them

Boden, Audrey Bow Flat, $96

These are not your mom's sparkle flats. But with this stately bow? So lovely.

Nordstrom, BP Maribel Mary Jane Glitter Flats, $49

A little mary jane action? Why not. In gold glitter or black.

Ann Taylor, Dawn Glitter Flats, $98

These are a little celestial, no? I like them with tights or jeans.

As the old saying goes, a little glitter never hurt anyone and if you're not on board with the sparkly dress, try something more subtle. A pop of glimmer this holiday season.

Be fabulous today!

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