Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I'm always on the prowl for a creative gift - here are a few unique stocking stuffer ideas I've stumbled across lately...

+ Scrabble tile coasters - amazing!

+ Wine cork candles

+ Air quote mittens - for the friend who likes to quote everything

+ The ultimate mug - cookies + coffee in one!

+ Dolmas? Chili Rellanos? Check out this stuffed pepper serving pan

+ Touch screen sensor gloves, I so need these!

+ Giant beer glass (holds 5 beers!)

+ Creative ipad case affectionately known as "Speck"

+ The Nuddle (the snuggie x 10, complete with a kangaroo pouch AND foot pocket)

+ Awesome tasting plate (for all your fave dips)

+ Apple cider caramels - yum!

+ Sweet sparkly clutch

+ Cozy holiday cookbook

image/maryruffle

Weekend Baking: Apple Pie Cookies

This weekend in honor of my alma mater's annual rivalry game I made apple pie cookies via smitten kitchen. When it comes to cookies, I'm usually a unanimous fan of cookies containing some form of chocolate, so I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like these. While they were a bit time consuming, the final product was worthwhile. They're like teeny tiny apple pies, filled cinnamon-sugary, apply goodness (plus a pinch of nutmeg and cloves - which I recommend).

Yum!

Quote of the Week

"When I see it, suddenly, in the air,

all little and white and moving;

then I am in love again and very young

and I believe everything."

~Anne Sexton, in a letter to W.D. Snodgrass (11.28.1958)

image/weheartit

Restaurant #16 - Skillet Diner

I've realized that as we're about to enter December, I'm a bit behind on my restaurant posting. Fear not, I have been trying out many new restaurants, just slacking in the posting department. One new fave restaurant I enjoyed with two girlfriends was Skillet Diner - the stable, immobile spinoff of one of Seattle's favorite food trucks (Skillet).

This food is not for the faint of heart, it's rich, packed with creams, cheese, and rich sauces of all kinds. In a word - glorious! I enjoyed the burger complete with bacon jam, creamy bleu cheese, and arugula...heaven! Although I was quite tempted by pretty much everyone on the menu, especially the mac 'n cheese, southern fried chicken, and "ultimate" grilled cheese. See what I mean about rich cheesy goodness? My personal belief is life's too short, and you can never go wrong with comfort food.

If you're in the market for some down home (delicious) cooking - hit up Skillet diner or chase down the food truck. Believe me, you won't be sorry!!

25 New Restaurants in 2011

#16 - Skillet Diner

#15 - Revel

#14 - The Yard

#13 - Carmelita

#12 - Ravish

#11 - Luc

#10 - Umi Sake House

#9 - Brave Horse Tavern

#8 - Local 360

#7 - Mr. Gyros

#6 - Plaka Estiatorio

#5 - La Casa del Mojito

#4 - Po Dog

#3 - Long Provincial

#2 - Nishino

#1 - June

Black Friday Link Love

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Here are some shopping links for Black Friday...

+ Beautiful lace necklace.

+ A new Thanksgiving tradition - gratitude rolls

+ Octopus inspired to-do list.

+ Delectable desserts 101.

+ Loving easy DIY yarn pumpkins!

+ A modern home-sweet-home print.

+ Tres chic eye mask.

+ Chunky necklaces, here, here, and here.

+ At home DIY cheese making kit!

+ Custom address stamper

image/ohmydarling

Happy Thanksgiving

Our first Thanksgiving as newlyweds.

So much to be thankful for.

Hope you and your loved ones enjoy feasting and merriment together!

image/greedygirl

Dinner Last Night: Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

I guess you could say I was inspired by the cold, wet weather outside to make a meal that was warm, cozy, and comforting. Martha - you came through for me again! Penne with creamy pumpkin sauce was just the ticket! I didn't have half and half on hand so I used soy milk instead, which worked out just fine, and the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that balances out the flavors of pumpkin and cream.

image/marthastewart