Don’t Open Until Christmas

OK, So most of the shopping is done, all the presents are sorted out and now the hard part…the wrapping.  I love to wrap my gifts in festive paper and glittery bows.  I do cheat and use gift bags as well.  My next trip is to Michaels, Party City and The Dollar Store to stock up on paper, bags, decorative accents, bows and anything else I can find to adorn my packages.  I love all of these ideas that I found below.  Brown craft paper is so popular right now.  But, I think I might take it to the next level and stick with decorative paper.  I did find the cutest wrapping paper with scotty dogs and the sweetest dog gift tags.  I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!!!!  I will post, I promise!!!  Happy Wrapping!!!!
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image one fine day



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This is one of the best You Tube Wrapping Idea Videos

Cookie Pallooza

This week both my daughters have cookie exchanges.  I am sorry but there is nothing more stressful than a cookie exchange!!  You not only want the cookies to taste good but they have to look good as well.  And don’t even get me into finding the perfect cookie tin.  My girls are very particular about this!!!!!   So Sunday we invited a bunch of friends over for a cookie baking Pallooza.  I gave the girls a bunch of easy recipes, left the house to do a few errands, and let them go.  I have to say we were all impressed with the outcome.  You can see my boomerang video below.  It turned out so well, that I had to share the recipes with you.  Happy Baking!!!


Cake Mix Cookies
adapted from all recipes

image Sally’s baking addiction

2 large eggs
1 package white cake mix
1/2 vegetable oil
sprinkles

Mix together cake mix, eggs and oil in a bowl
Make little balls with the dough and place on an untreated cookie sheet
Decorate the balls with sprinkles or any holiday decorations
Bake at 350 degrees for 4-10 minutes


S’mores Cookies
adapted from food network





Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate chips


Slice the cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet
Place 3 or 4 marshmellows and chocolate chips on each cookie
Bake at 350 degrees until just set in the center approx. 8 minutes


Chocolate Cake Cookies
adapted from Betty Crocker



image I made your recipe

1 box chocolate cake mix (devils food or fudge)
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-2 cups chocolate chips


Mix all ingredient until blended
Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet (leave room between the cookies because they spread)
Bake at 350 degrees for approx 8-10 minutes 


Our Cookie Pallooza:







Hostess Gift Guide

Whether you are looking for the perfect hottest gift or a little something to bring to your decor obsessed friend, we have got you covered.  I love all of these choices!!  

Hostess Gift Guide

Fur blanket
wayfair.com

Gold bowl
popmap.com

Jonathan Adler bar tool
bloomingdales.com

Grandin Road drinkware
grandinroad.com

Dinnerware
zgallerie.com

Jonathan Adler serveware
neimanmarcus.com

Holiday serveware
deandeluca.com

Drink coaster
etsy.com

Burberry black candle
net-a-porter.com

Diptyque black candle
net-a-porter.com

Crystal vase
mikasa.com

Pineapple candle
target.com

Hydra LED Booklight
momastore.org

Anthropologie The Coveteur
anthropologie.com

Christmas Shopping at Whole Foods

This time of year there are gifts galore in all stores.  I always say that Whole Foods to me is like a department store…I love browsing at all the interesting products, food and otherwise.  So of course, I have to include them on my list for great gift finds.  


I love these Pure Maple Syrup candles.  They smell soo good and are a such a fun gift.  I love the corrugated tin can container.

Speaking of smelling good, they have so many bars of soap.  All different scents for everyone on your list!!!

These muscle rollers are perfect for the athlete in your family.  I love the colors too!!!!

I fell in love with this Sugar Plum scent.  The lotion is heavenly. Santa please bring me one for my stocking!!!

These feelgoodz slippers are perfect…so cozy and comfy (and they are on sale this week)!!!!!!

How cute are these PJ’s?

I was so impressed with the book selection.  Great titles that I’ve never seen before!!!!

OMG!!!  Juice Beauty Galore…a favorite of Gwyneth’s and mine too

I love the selection of their Le Creuset, all shapes and sizes..the best cookware EVER…

These face masks are so cute and such a great gift at 2 for $6!!!

 When we are in Southampton, I can be found at Tates every morning, picking up my coffee.  I always bring home their yummy cookies for my besties…these gift boxes are fabulous!!!!

The christmas floral department is amazing.  So many good choices.
I loved these light up evergreen trees.  They come with the cutest ornaments too!!!

And of course, if you still are stumped for ideas there is a great selection of gift cards.

The Best Spinach Dip Ever

I am going to a Christmas party and want to bring a really good appetizer that will be a crowd pleaser…I found this recipe and am dying to try it.  I know that spinach dip is a dime a dozen but this is suppose to be the best EVER!!!!  I love the idea that you serve it in a bread round and use the bread for dipping!!!  Bon Appetit!!!

image c’estlavegan





1 cup mayonnaise
1 container sour cream
1 package dry leek soup mix
1 can water chestnuts drained and chopped
1/2 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 loaf round sourdough bread


In a medium bowl mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry leek soup mix, water chestnuts, and chopped spinach.  Chill in the refrigerator 6 hours or overnight.


Remove the top and interior of the sourdough bread.  Fill with the mayonnaise mixture.  Tear removed bread chunks into pieces for dipping.
adapted from all recipes



Theres one other thing I want to share with you…..at my Health Club (more on that later) the girl that runs the healthy cafe makes the most amazing smoothies, salads and snacks.  Today she was serving a Candy Cane smoothie..YUMMMMM….Here are the ingredients in case you want to try it at home.  



– your choice of milk
– candy cane (put in ziplock plastic bag, seal and smash outside of bag until you have little pieces).
– peppermint extract
-Vanilla Protein Powder
Mix all in a blender  until smooth.

Gift Guide For Your Bestie

Our last gift guide is one for your bestie.  I am always searching for gifts for my awesome besties, fabulous book club ladies, and generous sponsors.  I think I have nailed it this year.  There are so many great things, it was hard to narrow it down.  I absolutely love the chevron fur vest.  It is such a great price.  I brought it to a blogger gift swap last week and it was a HIT!!!  Lots of stealing went on.  However, you can never go wrong with hoop earrings and rose gold are so popular now.  But the Laundress Products are hands down the most amazing things you will ever give or receive this season.  The Laundress Ladies know their stuff.  From their Signature Detergent to their wool and cashmere care set, and everything in between, you will be in awe.

Gift Guide For Your Bestie

Gift Guide For Your Bestie by nslifestyles featuring Jonathan Adler

My other absolute favorite gift to give is Beauty Counter Charcoal Cleansing Bar and Charcoal Mask.  You can order these exclusively through our Beauty Counter Sponsor, Susan Mahr at semaher@optonline.net

image Beautycounter

I also LOVE giving books..this fabulous selection is waiting to be wrapped to be sent off to the perfect recipients.

H Halston long top
lordandtaylor.com

Ted Baker handbags tote
$57 – johnlewis.com

Pori rose earrings
overstock.com

Linda Richards pompom hat
Lola NY
http://www.lolany.com
Glove
jmclaughlin.com

TanTowel sun care
southmoonunder.com

Nail polish
orchardmile.com

Chanel nail polish
$23 – selfridges.com

Jonathan Adler serveware
neimanmarcus.com