Gift Guide: Under $25

Ok team, we're nearing the end of the shopping season. I know, I know, it's going to be ok. I thought I would do a gift guide for those last minute items that can be for a coworker or maybe a stocking stuffer. Everything on this list is under $25.

Shake: Cocktail book/Metal Wing Bowl/French Press

Tea infuser/Pop Fizz tee/Portable phone charger

iPhone case/Colorblock mug/Elephant bracelet

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Oh Pleated Please

Let's talk pleats. Not your dad's four pleat khaki pants, I am talking dressed up, ladylike pleats. They give movement to a dress/skirt/top and they are a great way to add some fancy to your look without a bit of bling.

The Limited, Pleated Skater Skirt, $29 (!!) with code GIFTME

I'm obsessed with this skirt. And the price. It also comes in three other color options. This is going to be a four season skirt.

Modcloth, Exquisite on the Equinox Dress, $54

I love this dress for a holiday party, I love it for New Years, I love it for Valentine's, and I love it for date night. It's stunning without screaming look at me.

Nordstrom, Pleated A Line Skirt, $34

Tell me when you find a metallic pleated skirt under $40 at Nordstrom? Right. Please, please, just scoop this up while you have a chance. 

Topshop, Floral Pleated Vest, $58

I love this for now layered with a white bow blouse or a suit. I love this for summer as is with a long necklace.

I love pleats in the winter because its a nice contrast from the heavy, bulkier sweaters. Try it with a skirt and branch out to a flawy top!

Be fabulous today!

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Gift Guide: Your BFF

Hello lovebugs,
Happy Monday. I hope you had a great weekend. Today we are going to do another round of gift guides. This set is for your bff. You can tell her anything, you can get dressed to the nines or stay in and watch Gilmore Girls; tell her how you feel with these great gift ideas.

Monogram necklace set/Hat and scarf set/Bobbi pins

Sweater leggings/Julep Box/Gold unicorn

Crossbody bag/Seize the day notepad/scarf

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

It's Friday lovebugs. Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Christmas Punch
c/o Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 2 cups chilled pomegranate juice
• 1 cup chilled cranberry juice
• 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka
• 8 ounces (1 cup) Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur
• 1 cup chilled club soda
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup Simple Syrup

Directions

1. Combine pomegranate and cranberry juice, vodka, Cointreau, club soda, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a punch bowl. Fill glasses with cranberries frozen in ice cubes, and serve. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Shallots

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 1 tsp butter
• 4 pork loin chops (with bone), 1 inch thick, trim all visible fat
• 1/2 tsp salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1 cup fat free chicken stock
• 10 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

Directions

In a large frying pan heat the butter over moderately low heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Raise heat to medium and add the chops to the pan and sauté for 7 minutes. Turn and cook until chops are browned and done to medium, about 7-8 minutes longer. Remove the chops and put in a warm spot.

Add shallots to the pan and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the stock to deglaze the pan, stir in the mustard, 1 tbsp parsley, then add mushrooms, season with fresh pepper and cook about 3 minutes, or until mushrooms are done. Put the chops on a platter and pour the mushroom sauce over the meat, top with remaining parsley.

Chocolate Candy Cane Cake

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1 package (2 layer cake size) chocolate cake mix
• 1 package (3.9oz) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 container (8oz) sour cream
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 package (4oz) semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
• 18 small candy canes, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
For the topping:
• 1 package (4oz) semi-sweet chocolate bar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tub (8oz each) COOL WHIP, thawed
• 4 small candy canes, coarsely chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cake mix with JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, water and milk. Blend completely for about 2-3 minutes. Fold in crushed candy canes and chopped chocolate.
3. Spray two 9inch cake pans with baking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Divide batter evenly into the pans.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes and allow to cool about 5 minutes in the pan. Loosen cake from the sides and invert onto wire racks. Cool cakes COMPLETELY before frosting. We chilled our cake layers in the refrigerator for about an hour.
5. For the ganache, combine the chocolate with the heavy cream in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and heat an additional 30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
6. Place bottom layer of cake on cake plate. Top with melted ganache. Allow to cool slightly before adding COOL WHIP. Spread 3/4 of one container on top of ganache. Top with second layer of cake. Using the remaining COOL WHIP (from the first container and the second), spread evenly over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for garnish.
7. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve. ENJOY