Give The Gift of Finanical Freedom This Holiday Season

Do you have a college grad that could use some financial guidance?   Or, maybe ways to stay on a budget or to start to invest and save those paychecks?  Do you and your hubby sometimes question your retirement or college planning?  Or do you simply just want to be better financially educated or want your financial questions asked?  Perhaps your elderly parents need some financial guidance during these crazy times…I worked with my sponsors, New Leaf Financial to offer gift certificates for their expertise…60 minutes of financial planning for only $150.  This offer is open to all including college students, and millennials!!!!  I love this idea and am so happy that we are able to bring this incredible offer to our readers.  For more information, please EMAIL New Leaf.


Gifts For All The Men In Your Life

I didn’t want to leave the men out…here are some of my favorite picks for all the dad, sons, uncles, nephews, teachers on your list!!!!!!  

My son actually put this on his list..such a fun idea for someone who likes to travel or travels for work!!!


This smart TV is incredible..it connects to your wifi and you can watch all of your movies, netflix, hulu, amazon..its incredible and really well priced…


My husband received this as a gift a while ago and loves it…perfect for a coffee or tea lover!!!!


Prefect for the grill master!!!


A gadget for dad!!!!


Men need pampering products too!!!!!


This could provide hours of family fun, make sure to get the accessories frequently bought together!!!!


My son’s favorite shoes….on sale too!!!!!


And all boys love their toys!!!!

Easy & Skinny Artichoke Dip

I am posting this recipe for my sweet friend Theresa….She was just telling me that she had the best spinach and artichoke dip and I wanted her to try this.  I have not made it yet but I am going to try it on Sunday.  My son just got home for the Christmas break.  I am sooo happy..The band is back together again!!!!!!!!!  Bon Weekend!!!!!

image happyhealthymama

adapted from “Mind Full” Mom

  • ounces reduced fat cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach defrosted and drained
  • 1/2 cup jarred artichokes drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup Feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients until well incorporated and transfer to a 1 quart baking dish. 
  2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  3. Serve with veggies, tortilla chips or pita chips

Do You Need Some Stocking Stuffers?

Here are some of my favorite Christmas stocking gifts.  I tried to find something for everyone on your list….

This adorable melting snowman is so much fun for all ages!!!!

Heres a cute thing for Mom or Mom’s mom, Bestie, Sister, Aunt..!!!!! It gets great reviews!!!

Soooo Cozy!!!!

A friend from California gave these to us a few years ago and we have been addicted ever since…its my mom’s favorite gift!!!!

For all candy lovers!!!!!

Everyone should have this lightning fast phone charger!!!

Who can resist a cute ornament!!!????

These are one of this year’s Oprah’s favorite things!!!!! Sooo cute and warm….

These bangles are gorgeous!!!!!

These hot chocolate pops are awesome!!!

My daughters are getting this mascara….

So sooooo good!!!!!!! Every stocking should have one!!!!

Everyone loves bath bombs!!!!

This Cryto Therapy ball was voted one of the best gifts for 2018!!!

My daughter’s favorite sunglasses are now on super sale!!!

These are the cutest makeup brushes…we first saw them in Paris!!!!

Oh and the best styling brush is back in stock…hurry before it sells out again!!!!

Holiday Tablesettings Quick Guide

Here is a quick holiday table setting tutorial with some helpful entertaining tips from our Sponsor Iconic Modern Home.  So now that you have all of those awesome holiday items from Home Goods, what do you do with them?  Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate some of the things I found in my Home Goods recap into your holiday tablescape.  I suggest if you are interested in using one of these photos for inspiration, taking it with you when you shop!!!!

Here’s an idea for the Woodland Reindeer, artificial trees, and plaid placements!!!
image pinterest

Decorative napkins rings and Christmas trees really stand out on this table…It is a nice touch to put a festive favor at everyone’s plate, like these mini gingerbread houses!!
image /www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris
The plaid tablecloth with simple china, red goblets and decorative green branch and single floral accents really make this table pop.  Gold flatware is on my wishlist for sure!!!
image stacieflinner.com

I love this children’s table…great way to incorporate all the cute festive mugs and dessert plates…
image www.lovethispic.com

The printed tablecloth is amazing and a great way to incorporate gold accessories, including the gold glasses!!!!
image southernliving.com
We have seen so many of these mercury glass trees in Home Goods.  I love how they used a tall one surrounded by simple leaves for the centerpiece…also the red goblets make an appearance again as do the festive dessert plates!!!
image betweennapsontheporch.com

This rustic table is so elegant and simple.  The greens really take center stage.  All you need is a simple neutral runner and napkins!
image goodhousekeeping.com

I love the decorative reindeer, red vase and simple greens as the centerpiece.  The red goblets are here again, with holiday napkins and plaid chargers…all readily available at Home Goods!!
image betweennapsontheporch
Here is the tin Angel!!!!!  
image pinterest
Now onto creating seamless entertaining spaces!  Thanks Iconic Modern Home!!!!.

1.  Lighting – Clean White Light Illuminates Area



2. Seating – Inviting and Organized for Optimal Flow


3. De-Clutter – Remove Personal Items, Paper, Mail and “Stuff” to Ready the Space

4.  Custom Home Automation – Handheld Convenient Automation For All Things Ambiance
Music
Lights
Blinds/Window Treatments
Videos
Doors
Appliances

Home Goods Round Up!!!!

I went yesterday to the Port Chester Home Goods, not once but twice.  I needed to go home edit my photos and then go back to take more.  The store was jam packed..Honestly it was probably one of the best selections I have seen for gifts, holiday decor and decorative items.  I am in a Home Goods haze but happy for sure!!!!!   Here are some of the things I found!!!!  Good Luck Shopping and drop me a note letting me know what you found!!!

Please someone go and buy this skier wine cooler..so perfect for ski lovers or for a ski house!!!  Now I feel like I should have bought it…its soooo unique.

These silver nutcrackers were gorgeous!!!

Loved this appetizer dish and mercury glass string lights!!!  When I went back I found a matching tray for the holly dish…SCORE!!!

Also love this Ralph Lauren desk lamp..so chic!!!!  Please someone..don’t leave it there!!!

There were some amazing modern pieces of art!!!

These lighted flocked trees are perfection!!!!

More metallic nutcrackers….different sizes!

These beaded salad bowls would make a great gift for the person who likes to entertain!!!

This Christmas cheese dome is adorable!!!

I also love the holiday cutting boards….great grab bag gift!!!  They were selling fast!!!

There were glitter reindeer galore!!! And these were such a great large size.

I was dying over these fur cozie mugs…I’m sad I left them there!!!

How incredible is this large orb candle holder?

Who wouldn’t love a huge chocolate Santa under the tree!!!????

This marble tiered stand would look great in a kitchen with marble countertops!!!!

How adorable are these woodland reindeer?

I fell in love with these mirrored boxes!!!
How awesome would these vintage snow shoes look in a ski house or even in a mud room!!!??

Love these mugs and dessert dishes…

How awesome is the Rachel Zoe faux fur blanket?!!???  I might go back….

These dog ornaments are fab!!!!

More ski house finds!!!

They had a really great collection of Christmas stockings!!! This photo does not do them justice!!!

I saw these aluminum Angels on instagram last year..They were selling them like crazy at Round Top in Texas..I cannot believe they had one at Home Goods!!!!

More of the metallic Nutcracker statues.  I keep thinking of them for my piano.

More cool modern art!!!

More large glitter reindeer!!!

This platter is the greatest…It would def become an heirloom!!!

Run don’t walk for these gold glasses!!!  At $3.99 each how can you resist…perfect for a Holiday bar cart!!!

Also these pasta bowls are a must buy too!!!!