Hostess Gifts Galore

It’s that time of year when you need gifts for the hostess…..I have brought flowers or wine in the past but I do try to find something that I hope the hostess will have from year to year when she entertains…here are some of my favorite picks!!!  Bon Weekend!!!!

image usnews.com

Hands Down the best gift….this does not need to be planted or even watered…all you have to do is just watch it bloom….I’ve ordered a bunch of these!!!!


These stockings are fabulous!!!!!!


I love this mixing bowl set and…..


This to fill it!!!!!!


This entertainment set is so special…and makes a great presentation…


This serving plate is gorgeous!!!!! Perfect with Christmas cookies!!!!


Love the look of this set of votives..I might need to get these for me!!!!


I had given these out a few years ago, and I still hear how much they are loved….


I think I’ll give some cheese spreaders this year too!!!!


You cannot go wrong with a set of holiday appetizer plates!


These are so cute too…..


These decorative napkins would look good on any table!!!!!






Spinach Mozzarella Chicken Casserole

Today is my dad’s birthday and we are going to celebrate over the weekend but I really wanted to make him something really good for dinner tonight.  I found this recipe on Pinterest a while ago and decided to try it (they say it is good for picky eaters)…It’s so easy (my speciality) and really really good…I highly recommend it!!

image eatwell101.com
adapted from eatwell101.com
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cup spinach, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded



The marinade:

1. Add olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into a Ziplok bag along with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Seal the bag and shake until mixed. Add the chicken breasts, seal, and massage so the chicken is covered in the marinade, set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C).
2. Quickly wilt the spinach in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, set aside.
3. Arrange chicken breasts drained from the marinade in a baking dish. Spread the softened cream cheese over the chicken and lay spinach on top of the cream cheese. Finally, sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
4. Bake the chicken casserole for 20-30 minutes. Chicken is done when cooked through to an internal temperature of 165˚F (75°C). Serve warm with a side of cauliflower rice, or baked veggies. Enjoy!

Decorating for Christmas with Garland

Ever since last Christmas, I have gone garland crazy.  I added garland, around my front door, on my mantle, in my kitchen and up my staircase.  Here are some of the photos I used for inspiration, because there is always room for one more!!!  Happy Decorating!!!!

image www.tipsfromatypicalmomblog.com
image yuyek.com
image godfatherstyle.com
www.betterdecoratingbible.com
image thepeakoftreschic.com
www.homemydesign.com
www.tidbitsandtwine.com
image marthastewart.com
image events.snydle.com
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The Prom on Broadway……a perfect gift for Christmas

Are you looking for a new play to give as a Christmas gift for your teens, college age child, or a feel show for your family?  The Prom on broadway is the next big hit from the geneses of Mean Girls, Aladdin, Elf, The Book of Mormon and MORE!!!  We have tickets for The Prom on Broadway, on Sunday, January 13th at 3:00.  The orchestra seats are $140 each.  Please Email me to save your spot.  Flyers will be available for you to wrap under the tree!!!

What happens when four stars leave the bright lights of Broadway and take leading roles in a small-town controversy making national headlines? Big drama. Bigger laughs. And the biggest musical showstoppers in years! You’ll agree with Variety, The Prom is “musical comedy heaven!”

Here is the REVIEW from the New York Times…..

And a clip of the show that was preformed at the Thanksgiving Day Parade….

Book Club Monday

Are you gearing up for Holiday cookie exchanges?  Both of my girls have them next week.  That means that 4 dozen plus cookies will be coming out of our kitchen.  And, it might take us a few days because we need to practice, no body wants an ugly cookie!!!!! I recently saw a recipe for Christmas Cracker Stackers (which someone told me was the best cookie they ever had BTW!!!!)…from the book Out Of The Box Holiday Baking by blogger Hayley Parker.  This book is now on my list for all my fam and friends who love to bake, esp. easy baking, including my own daughter!!!  Here is the summary…every recipe looks amazing…you have to check it out…..

By starting with cake or brownie mixes, ready-made dough and crusts, and other make- it- simple head starts, Hayley Parker makes holiday baking a breeze. She transforms everyday ingredients into one- of- a- kind desserts and puts new twists on flavors like spicy gingerbread, cool peppermint, and creamy eggnog. Here are candies, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, bars, and more, including: 

  • White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
  • Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
  • Eggnog Pie
  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

From the blogger who makes “even novice bakers feel like pros” (POPSUGAR), these sweet treats are perfect for holiday gift-giving, parties, and unexpected guests―even Santa will be impressed! – Amazon.com


For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

image Amazon.com


More of My Favorite Gifts

I cannot tell you how many times people stop me around town or text me that they LOVE the Amazon gift guide.  I have a whole bunch coming your way in the next few weeks (oh and some non Amazon too!!!).  I hope you enjoy this week’s favorite gifts.  There are some real winners here!!  Bon Weekend!!!!
image raindropsofsapphire.com

These festive napkin rings are perfect if you are hosting a Christmas dinner or for anyone who likes to entertain!


My son actually pointed this out to me…perfect for a teen age or college age child!!!!!


I love these beaded ornament kits….it would be so much fun to get a few and have your girlfriends over for an ornament making party….


There are so many designs to choose from!!!!


They also make a great gift for all ages…this one is sooo gorgeous!!!!


Can you tell I am obsessed!???!??!?!


I read that this sleep aid is on top of many people’s wish list….


This is so great as a teacher gift!!!!


My girls are going to LOVE this necklace!!!!


I have seen this “IT” bag on other sites for triple the price….it also comes in so many fun colors!!!