Winter Lanterns & Ice Globes

By Lisa VanWilliams

We love the warm glow of these lanterns and globes. You can pair them up and group them in an area like a bay window, a dark corner, the base of a stairwell with a high ceiling, a reading nook, or over the bed or canopy. You can use them year round, or add in a few stars and lights at Christmas time.  You can create a few different looks with these from a Christmas glow show, to a Bali Beach resort retreat depending on how you do it.

Better Home and Gardens has this great scene created by Karin Lidbeck-Brent in the December 2014 edition that just came out. These are ice globe lanterns made by Wintercraft and you can buy a kit for $17.99 to make these little gems. These are creative ice globes that come in various sizes and you can put a candle or LED light in them. Great for outdoor and indoor use all year round.  Find out more on their website here:
http://www.wintercraft.com/products/starter-kit

 

 

You can find all kinds of paper lanterns online at different price points. Here are a few we looked at:

16" Round Paper Lantern $1.60 each @
http://www.paperlanternstore.com/16evripala.html

24" wide x 6" deep Star Lantern $7.75 each @
http://starlanterns.net/shop/5-point-star-lamps-c-5/aquila-star-lantern-p-138.html

Ham & Brie On French Bread

By Lisa VanWilliams

What to do with that leftover ham and cheese? This is what we have going on.  A big pot of turkey soup with noodles and this.  A crunchy toasted bread with oozing Brie cheese, some sliced up ham, and a spicy mustard kick at the end. You could use any meats or veggies on this like prime rib and Swiss, turkey and cheddar, roasted veggies and provolone, or whatever else you might have on hand. 

Ingredients:
1 French bread loaf
sliced ham
spicy mustard
pickles
Brie cheese sliced

Directions:
Slice the loaf in half and spread your mustard of choice on both sides. Add your ham and cheese (pickles in you prefer them melted in). You can use a Panini press for this, a George Foreman grill, or a pan on the stove - put some weight on it to press it down. Melt the cheese and brown the bread , flip it around in there and it takes around 5-10 mins and serve. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Coconut + Lemon Everyone Soap

By Lisa VanWilliams

We tried this all natural 3 in 1: shampoo, body wash, and bath soap made with pure essential oils and it smells delicious. My kids smelled like little key lime biscuits when they got out of the tub.  It's got a great fragrant smell and a good lather, it does not create that many bubbles.  They offer other scents like Lavender & Aloe, and Citrus & Mint. 

EO is a family owned and operated company based out of Marin, Ca.  They are a certified organic manufacturer that strives to make high grade natural products. They also work with the community by providing donations to shelters, rehabs, and they support the Breast Cancer Fund. 

Plus you get 32oz for $10.99 so it's a great value.  We found this at Whole Foods, but you can order online here:
http://www.eoproducts.com/Categories/Everyone/Everyone-Soap.aspx

Holiday Flannel Sheet Set - Any Size $16.99

By Lisa VanWilliams

If you are looking for that little extra warmth on those cold winter nights then look no further. We love these toasty flannel sheet sets from Target that are on sale right now for $16.99 for ANY size. What a great deal!! Happy Shopping!
http://www.target.com/p/holiday-flannel-sheets/-/A-15093543#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=holiday+flannel+sheets

 

New Kicks - Today's Amazon Deal

By Lisa VanWilliams

Today's Black Friday deal on Amazon.com is 45% off New Balance Running Shoes.  Check them out here:
http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=lp_10347869011_gbsl_rlm_l-1_7582_0534cf78?rh=i%3Afashion%2Cn%3A10347869011%2Cn%3A10347869011&ie=UTF8&node=10347869011&field-enc-merchantbin=ATVPDKIKX0DER

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends getting a new pair of sneakers based on the following criteria:

•  300-500 miles of running or walking, 45-60 hours of basketball, aerobic dance or tennis
• when sneakers show signs of unevenness when placed on flat surface
• sneakers display noticeable creasing

*http://www.aapsm.org/replace_shoes.html

Ambrosia Salad Parfait

By Lisa VanWilliams

Ancient Greeks believed ambrosia was the food or drink of the Gods and those who consumed it would be granted longevity or immortality.*  The ancient remedy was believed to be a mixture of nectar and honey. Today's rendition is a little better though because of the invention of shredded coconut. Early records indicate that fruit ambrosia salad was being made as early as 1877 with oranges, pineapple & coconut.*  This is always a holiday favorite that's great to share with friends and family.

You can use any variations you prefer for your own recipe.  If you don't like grapes, use apples, bananas, or blueberries. If you don't like whipped topping, use vanilla yogurt or pudding.  If you prefer pecans instead of walnuts, switch it up.  You can make this healthier and adjust it to your own families likings by just switching out your options, or adjusting the amounts.

Ingredients:
1 8oz whipped topping
1/2 16oz sour cream
2 1/2 cups coconut flakes
1 15oz fruit cocktail drained
1 20oz pineapple chunks drained
1 11oz mandarin oranges drained
3 cups marshmallows
1 jar maraschino cherries drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Put everything in a bowl and mix it together. Put in air tight container and refrigerate.  This is best served chilled overnight.  If you cant do overnight, a few hours will do. Enjoy!

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosia
*http://www.amazingsaladrecipes.com/articles/salad-history/the-history-of-ambrosia-salad-with-marshmallows/#.VHTbtJUtCos

Door Stoppers - Slamming No More

By Lisa VanWilliams

These are both functional and ornamental at the same time.  Instead of using a brick, rock, or plain door stopper, check out these creative door stoppers.  Do you have an old crooked house? A door you would like to keep open sometimes but it always sways closed? Or maybe it's a nice breezy day and you want to prop open the door on your patio to enjoy the wind?  Here are a few decorative ways to keep that door from slamming shut. 

$23.89 Nautical Rope Ball
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Monkeys-Nautical-Sailors-Stopper/dp/B007RFUHTK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416270827&sr=8-3&keywords=rope+knot+doorstop

$69.00 Pottery Barn Bear
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/animal-door-stoppers/?pkey=e%7Cdoor%2Bstoppers%2Bdecorative%7C319%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules

$17.99  Cast Iron Fleur De Lis
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Co-op-Bristol-Terrace-15-Inch/dp/B0046UV3JC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416271157&sr=8-2&keywords=Decorative+Door+Stoppers

 

$24.03 The Wizard of Oz
http://www.amazon.com/The-Wizard-Ruby-Slippers-Doorstop/dp/B000IGA9A2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416271157&sr=8-4&keywords=Decorative+Door+Stoppers

$23.95 Rustic Iron Mermaid
http://www.amazon.com/Rustic-Iron-Mermaid-Door-Stop/dp/B00BFR195C/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1416271346&sr=8-45&keywords=Decorative+Door+Stoppers

$9.99 Iron Owl
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/cast-iron-owl-doorstop.do?&from=fn

$29.00 (each) Cast Iron Selection
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/cast-iron-doorstop/235770?redirect=y

$19.99 Brass Sailboat
http://www.shopbeachdecor.com/products/Brass-Sailboat-Doorstop.html

$14.99 Cast Iron Bird
http://www.americanchateau.com/Cast-Iron-Bird-Door-Stop-Doorstop-Stopper-Cottage-Decor-NS4ND053/

 



$39.95 Rustic Cast Iron Nautilus Shell
http://www.truemodelships.com/hms-md-115.html#.VGqdK5UtCos

Twelve Sizzling Presents For The Ladies

By Lisa VanWilliams

Here are twelve gift ideas for the good girls out there that deserve that something special.  Some men know what they are getting their ladies and some men have a hard time trying to figure out what they might want. There are tons of gift options out there like purses, perfumes, makeup, shoes, books, hobby supplies, or two tickets to paradise, try to find something she will get excited about.  If you need some help to get started, here are some stylish trends with a range of prices.

 

Also if you want some great stocking stuffer ideas Ulta.com has over 152 items for under $25 that any girl will get excited about. Check them out here:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-stocking%20stuffers/Nty-1?Dy=1&ciSelector=searchResults&Nf=product.price|BTWN+0+25&Nmin=0&Nmax=40 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$25.00 Bathy & Body Works - Signature Favorites

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=travel%20set&origkw=travel+set&sr=1 

$24.00 Sephora Rollerball Sampler (Chloe, Gucci, Juicy Couture, Marc, Jacobs, & Victor & Rolf
http://www.sephora.com/fragrance-rollerball-sampler-for-her-P382349?skuId=1562131

$28.00 Julep The Resort Collections
http://www.sephora.com/the-resort-collection-P385786?skuId=1610997

 



$29.99 Yankee Candle - Winter Wonderland Tumbler Gift Trio
http://www.yankeecandle.com/product/winter-wonderland-tumbler-gift-trio/_/R-1329901

$29.00-$54.00 Urban Decay Naked Palette
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/urban-decay-the-naked-palette-family?ID=1213984&CategoryID=30524&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D261

 

 

$42.00 Old Navy - Women's Fair Isle Open-Front Cardis
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=146194002&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fsweaters-for-women.jsp

 



$55.00 J.Crew Starlight Bracelet
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/bracelets/PRDOVR~C0130/C0130.jsp

 

 

$80 Swarovski Crystal - Thao Black & White Pattern Galaxy
http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/5048961/product/Thao_Black_and_White_Pattern_Galaxy_Smartphone_Incase.html

$250 Rockport Tristina Boot
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/shoes/womens-tall-boots/tristina-boot

 

 

$255 Ray Ban - Brown Classic
http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB8316%20unisex%201-rb8316-black/8053672189193

 

$328.00 Coach Edie Shoulder Bag
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/handbags/shoulder-bags/edie-shoulder-bag-in-signature-jacquard

$520 Gucci Canvas Messenger Bag
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Gucci-Original-GG-Canvas-Messenger-Bag-with-Signature-Web-Strap-Brown/prod158770327_cat47730732__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat47730732%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30%2526Ns%253DMAX_PROMO_PRICE%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod158770327&cmCat=product

12 Days Of Christmas - Gift Ideas For Kids & Young At Heart

By Lisa VanWilliams

Check out these cool gift ideas for kids, you might have even had some of these novelties when you were a kid.  These are all under $16 so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank, whether it's a stocking stuffer or a thoughtful gift, they will surely love these tinker toys.


1st Day

$14.97 Chalk with the Animals
http://www.landofnod.com/bulletin-and-magnet-boards/decor/chalk-with-the-animals-dinosaur/f12226

2nd Day

 

$9.99 Fun Pack S'mores Kit
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/fun+pack+foods+s'mores+kit.do


3rd Day

$4.95 Jacob's Ladder
http://www.landofnod.com/jacobs-ladder/s331875

4th Day

$5.95 Pick Up Sticks
http://www.landofnod.com/pick-up-sticks-game/s349511


5th Day

$5.00 Light-Up Nose
http://www.pier1.com/Light-Up-Nose/2849037,default,pd.html?cgid=stocking-stuffer-for-kids#nav=top&start=1

6th Day

$14.00 Agate Slice Ornament
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopgifts-all/33346990.jsp#/


7th Day

$8.95 1957 Corvette
http://www.landofnod.com/1957-corvette-assorted-colors/s617955

8th Day

$5.00 Vintage Toy Train Whistle
http://www.pier1.com/Vintage-Toy-Train-Whistle/2799081,default,pd.html?cgid=stocking-stuffer-for-kids#nav=top&start=1

9th Day

 

 

$5.25 Bath Bomb - Dashing Santa
http://www.lushusa.com/Bath-Bombs/bath-bombs,en_US,sc.html

10th Day

$10.99 (Online) only Organic Lip Balm Multipack
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6410046

11th Day

$6.95 Tricky Dogs (magnetic Scottie dogs)
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/Orton_Specialties/Just_For_Kids/cat700009

12th Day

$15.14 46" Bozo Bop Bag
http://www.walmart.com/ip/46-Bozo-Bop-Bag/19514844