2015 Highlights - Best Year Yet

Usually at the end of a year, I am looking forward to the following year to start something fresh and work toward new goals.  This year, however, I wish I could just freeze and bottle up forever.  I have been blessed with the birth of my beautiful son, Gavin, in 2015 and I will always cherish this year as it has been filled with more joy, happiness, and love than I could ever have imagine for myself. 

Happy New Year + thank you for all of your support! 

Best of Fashion

Best of Hair

Best of Moments

credits: 5 Diamond Photography | Beauty Entourage | Sassy Mouth Photo | Style Blazer | Serene Sky Boutique

Ever After,

Jamie

Greek Yogurt "Cookie Dough"

If you are like me, you probably overdosed on sugar for Christmas & are trying to eat healthy now that all the festivities are over.  When I am craving something sweet, I love to have a healthier option and this Greek yogurt "cookie dough" recipe is so delicious and satisfying.  It is full of protein which is an added bonus!  I was so impressed at how much this actually tastes like cookie dough.

Ingredients:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp peannut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
-  1/4 tsp vanilla
-  pinch of sea salt
-  1 tbsp chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate) 

Directions: Add peanut butter, honey, vanilla, sea salt and mix well.  Add chocolate chips ( as many as little as you want), stir and enjoy!

Festive Decor {on a budget}

Since it was Gavin's first Christmas, I wanted to make sure we had some new decor so we can go all out this year.  However, I did not want to spend a fortune since I have over 20 people to shop for (with half being kids!).  I was lucky enough to find some incredible deals, while still hosting the perfect Christmas dinner!

 Monogrammed stockings: Target | Drink dispensers: Crate + Barrel (gifted) | Mr. & Mrs. Clause wine toppers: Kohl's (perfect hostess gift) | Red truck ornament: Target | Deer wall decor: Homegoods | Fleece blanket: Old Navy (only $5!) | Bow swearer: Aeropostale (last season)| Chalkboard: Target (only $3!) | Sequined pillow: Homegoods | Faux Birchwood: Homegoods | Infant hooded sweater: Carter's

Ever After,

Jamie

Last Minute Homemade Gift Ideas

Fear not, procrastinators.  Retail stores are going to be a nightmare today so I am going to save you a trip.  You might have to run to a craft store but it will not be nearly as frightful as a department store.  If you have fruit, glass jars (either mason jars or you can even recycle a jar!), sugar, and some spices, you will have the perfect recipe for a thoughtful & yummy gift.  These homemade gifts make a great hostess gift as well instead of the typical (and safe) bottle of wine (which always works too).  Kelly from Party Like a Vegan gifted me Apple Pie filling and some delicious homemade jam and also shared the recipes!

Homemade apple pie filling

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples)

Directions:
In a large pot, blend together sugar, cornstarch or clear gel, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the 10 cups of water and lemon juice with a wire whisk. Cook and stir until bubbly and thick; remove from heat.

While the filling is cooking peel and slice the apples. Add apples to a solution of 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 quart of water to avoid discoloration while you peel all the apples.

Drain the fruit well before packing in jars. Pack apples into clean, hot canning jars leaving an inch from the top of the jar.

Fill with the hot syrup, leaving 1/2 inch space from the top of the jar. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the insides of each jar. Close the jars with sterile lids and rims.

Process in a boiling water bath for 20 -30 minutes Use a jar tongs to remove the jars from water Place the jars on a dish towel to dry and allow the jars to cool for several hours.

Check the seals to make certain the lids are sealed properly (the lids should be lowered in the middle and not move up or down)
- See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples)

Directions:
In a large pot, blend together sugar, cornstarch or clear gel, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the 10 cups of water and lemon juice with a wire whisk. Cook and stir until bubbly and thick; remove from heat.

While the filling is cooking peel and slice the apples. Add apples to a solution of 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 quart of water to avoid discoloration while you peel all the apples.

Drain the fruit well before packing in jars. Pack apples into clean, hot canning jars leaving an inch from the top of the jar.

Fill with the hot syrup, leaving 1/2 inch space from the top of the jar. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the insides of each jar. Close the jars with sterile lids and rims.

Process in a boiling water bath for 20 -30 minutes Use a jar tongs to remove the jars from water Place the jars on a dish towel to dry and allow the jars to cool for several hours.

Check the seals to make certain the lids are sealed properly (the lids should be lowered in the middle and not move up or down) - See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples) - See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

• 4 cups white sugar
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 4 tsp cinnamon
• 5 tblsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 10 cups water (divided)
• 7 quarts apples

Directions: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt with 5 cups of water.  Mix well over low heat until all is dissolved.  Slowly add the remaining water. Cook stirring often until thick and bubbly then add lemon juice.  Peel and chop apples into wedges and full mason jars.  Pour sugar mixture over the apple and seal.
 Then decorate your jar!

Ever After,

Jamie

Stocking Stuffers Under $15

1.  For your girlfriends: adorable, cozy booties that balance comfort & style from Apparel Candy.


2. Stocking stuffer for your family: These soft buffalo check trouser socks (now 25% off)


3. For your coffee buddy at work: This cheeky mug.


4. Who doesn't want to wear Gingerbread PJs to bed on Christmas? (on sale, too!)


5. For the cat-lover in your life:  This adorable cat tail ring-holder  (BONUS: proceeds help animal shelters!)


Ever After,

Jamie

Staying Healthy Without Depriving Yourself

Eating healthy ALL the time can be really frustrating. I try to make my eating and cooking habits a lifestyle rather than a diet so I feel like I am not depriving myself. Here are a few tips I swear by that will help you stay healthy, on track, and still satisfied.

1. Always be prepared. If you have a crazy day at work, when you get home and there is nothing to eat, you are more likely to indulge in something unhealthy because you are so hungry. When I go grocery shopping (usually on Sundays), I plan out what is for lunch and dinner for the week. For example, Monday: crock pot bean soup, Tuesday: Seared Eggplant with veggies, Wednesday: Grilled chicken with butternut squash, and so on.

2. Before a big party or event that you know there will be tempting food, eat something before the event. Heading to a gala where dinner is at 8pm and you know you will eat all the bacon-wrapped scallops in sight? Munch on something before the event to fill up your tummy. Some carrots with hummus or whole grain toast with some peanut butter will hold you over until dinner!

3. Cut out added sugar. Whether it’s juice, soda, snacks, try to avoid foods that are sweetened. Drink water as much as you can and eat foods that are naturally sweet like fruit, cinnamon, and coconut flavors. I even put cinnamon in my coffee instead of sugar and it’s delicious! Also, when I do drink juice, I mix up half with water, For example, if I am drinking cranberry juice, I fill the cup up halfway and the rest with water. This way you get the benefits of the juice with half the sugar.

4. If it’s 10 cents, it’s probably crap. You are better off raising your grocery budget or spending more time coupon-clipping then you are trying to eat on $20 per week. Veggies are actually cheap compared to meats so you can get a cart-full of organize veggies, skip the steak and you will have spent less money! I try to eat organic and watch for sales as well as being resourceful with leftovers.

5. Eating out can be healthy too. I love to dine out and eat well at a nice restaurant; I just pay attention to the menu. First, if it’s a table with bread, I tell them to take it away… It’s way too tempting to just sit there. Also, try to do a veggie side. Craving a burger? Go for it once in a while but get a side salad instead of the fries and you will save half the calories. Checking out the menu online beforehand is also a great idea so you can see if they have healthy options or provide nutritional information.

Ever After,

Jamie

I Wish I Said Something

    
    I should have spoken up for the Mom who was chastised for absolutely no good reason.  We always talk about children standing up to bullies but too often, we are too quiet as adults.
   
      I met a friend, who is expecting her first child, for lunch today at an eclectic marketplace on the shoreline.  It's a  market that sells fresh produce, meats, and has an amazing salad bar-- perfect for a post-Thankgiving lunch.  We grabbed a table quickly since it was very busy and since the tables are very close together, she separated two tables so it would leave room for more people.  An older man, probably in his late seventies or early eighties scooped up the seat next to us with his newspaper and coffee. 

      As I was complaining about getting no sleep with Gavin waking up every hour, and my friend sharing her pregnancy aches and pains, we noticed a mom with three children next to us.  They were sharing bites of their sandwiches and the cute little girl asked if she can go to the library.  I imagine the Mom said no because she started to cry and squirm around in her seat.

     The older gentleman next to us, slammed down his paper, and went right up to the Mom, who was now overwhelmed cleaning up her three childrens' dishes, and pointed in her face and said, "Can you watch your child?"  The Mom gave him a forced fake smile and said, "I am trying my best."  My stuffed grape leaf almost feel out of my mouth as I gave a look to my and we both rolled our eyes and looked at the gentleman in disbelief for his words.  But we said nothing.

     The Mom scurried out, as her daughter was screaming, "But I want to go to the library!"  She was disheveled and stressed as she gathered her three children in their coats and cleaned up their crusts and crumbs.  As I ordered an au lait to go (in which I completely butchered the pronunciation), I wished I had said something in that moment.

    What would I have said?  As a new mom, I have this new found respect for other moms and feel the need to stand up for one another; support one another. I wish I had supported her and went up to her after to tell her that her daughter was perfectly fine (believe me, I have heard my fair share of real tantrums) and that man was out of line.  I wish I had told her that, I too, was a Mom, and thought she was doing a great job with her daughter.  I wish I said something.  It  just bothered me that the gentlemen was so ruthless with her in a place that you would expect children, noise, and chaos.  I am willing to bet he had never cared for three children on his own.  I wish I let her know that as a sleep-deprived, working Mom, that I was on her side.  Next time, I will say something.  Moms, we should stick together.

Ever After,

Jamie

Caped in New England

Cape: Nordstrom's|  AEO Skinny Pant in Olive| Booties: Charming Charlie| Eyeglasses:  Burberry

You will notice that I am recycling a lot of the same pieces to make completely new outfits. Mainly, I am trying to be somewhat minimalist this year, especially since we have accumulated so much stuff since Gavin's birth.  Extra closet space turned into storage space for diapers and toys and I have had to put a limit on how much new stuff comes back into the house (or so my husband tries).  However, I have become the queen of sneaking bags in when he's not home.  Any of you ever done that? :)

Ever After,

Jamie

Outfit Outtakes: Last Week's Lineup

Last week was again, one of those weeks in New England where you want to have both your t-shirts and scarves on hand.  Booties are always my best friend this time of year since they can pair with a casual pair of skinny jeans but also with a dress for work as well. Wednesday's sweater I have definitely over-worn this season but it is so cozy that I cannot help myself. The ivory dress I wore on Friday came from Dresslink, just in time for date night! I definitely got a lot of holiday shopping and gift wrapping done last week... how is your holiday shopping going?

Monday: Striped dress: Forever 21 | Booties: Trask | Faux leather jacket: Express
Tuesday: Merlot skinny pants: AEO | Booties: Charming Charlie | Chambray shirt: Kohl's
Wednesday: Skinny jeans: Forever 21 | Fur Booties: Guess | Bethany Mota sweater: Aeropostale (last season)
Thursday: Maroon vest: T.J. Maxx | Jeans: Old Navy | Booties: Trask
Friday: Geometric dress c/o Dresslink | Over-the-knee boots: Boohoo | Jingles successfully photo-bombed this pic!

Ever After,

Jamie

Loose Curls + Corduroy

Button down corduroy skirt: Urban Outfitters also worn here | Boots: Macy's |Abigail turtleneck in ivory: Urban Outfitters | Lips: MAC Charismatic

Ever After,

Jamie