Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’s making me think about how fast these past few months have flown by. I mean, March seems like it was ten years ago, but July?? I swear it was just July fourth, like, yesterday. Since Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us faster than you can say “green bean casserole” I’ve decided to help you out in compiling a list of recipes that are bound to be a hit. I’m sure you have your ride or die recipes that your family makes every year, for us, it’s the stuffing and sweet potato casserole, but maybe this year you want to try something new out for those Friendsgiving festivities or smaller scale Thanksgiving dinners you’re having this year — I, for one, am going to miss my great aunt’s cranberry sauce. So good.

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You can thank me later, or just say you’re thankful for this blog when you’re going around the table saying what you’re thankful for. Word of mouth advertising is what I’m going for here. Kidding…. kind of.

I’ve categorized the links based on the type of dish it is, but if you need me to point you in the direction of something specific, don’t hesitate to leave a comment! I’m no chef or recipe master so they’re all links to outside sources. Sharing the love! Some recipes might be classic Thanksgiving dishes and some might be a little different spin on Thanksgiving foods. Thanksgiving is all about appeasing the masses and staying away from politics, right? Right! Also, please note, I tried to list everything that seemed do-able for me. And I’m not a chef. I burn all pans and most foods, but these items all looked like something even I could manage. That being said, I’ve only shared sides and desserts. Turkey is something I just know I would never be able to manage alone.

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SIDES

• Wild Mushroom Risotto

• Kale Salad with Apples and Pumpkin Seeds

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Squash

• Cranberry + Brie Bites

• Classic Deviled Eggs

• Mashed Potatoes

• Mac & Cheese

• Another Mac & Cheese (easy)

• Green Bean Casserole

• Brown Butter Stuffing

• Sweet Potato Bake

• Corn Bread Biscuits

• Sweet Potato Casserole (could be dessert)

• Cranberry Sauce

• Roasted Baby Carrots

• Vegan Biscuits

• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

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DESSERTS

• Classic Fudgy Brownies

• Pecan Pie Brownies

• Cinamon Swirl Bread (definitely on the more difficult side in my opinion)

• Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

• Pumpkin Bread

• Pumpkin Pie

• Cranberry Orange Buns

• Chess Pie

• No-Bake Brownie Bites

• Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

• Cookie Dough Bites (vegan optional)

• Apple Cider Bundt Cake

• Cinamon Roll Bread

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DRINKS

• Apple Cider Sangria

• Cucumber Cooler

• 5-ingredient Sangria

• Thanksgiving Margarita

• Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa

• Pumpkin Pie Martini

• Blood Orange Champagne Punch

Whew! That should at least cover a few of your bases. I’m not sure what I’ll be cooking this year, but I’m sure I’ll use this post as a toolkit if I need a few recipes handy. If you’re more in charge of the table scape and place settings than the actual cooking (aka me) I’ve linked a few cute items that I’m inspired by below.

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for Thanksgiving outfit ideas coming soon!
Thanks for reading!
xo
Chloe

gift guide 2019

This year has flown by. It’s insane. I think, of all the years I’ve been alive, this is the year that has consisted of the most change. For better or worse, everything has changed. If you asked me a year ago where I’d be I would have stared at you like you were the devil. It was a question that freaked me out. I had no idea where I’d be or what I’d be doing or who I’d still be in touch with. In the past year I’ve graduated college, began and ended friendships and relationships, moved to Alabama to live with my grandfather, started, ended, and searched for jobs. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, and I’ve cried while laughing. It’s been a lot, but mostly in the best way possible. Not to get cheesy or dramatic but I think the holidays are so special because it’s the time of year where we reflect upon the past and make goals for the future. It’s kind of like a reset and a revamp if you will. Plus, it’s nice to be surrounded by family and friends.
I really love the holiday season if you can’t tell.

That being said, the holidays can be stressful when it comes to gifts. I know we all like to believe that the holidays aren’t just about giving and receiving gifts, but we all know deep down that they are a big part of it. It’s how we show our appreciation and thanks to those that we love. And, I don’t know about you, but I love to give people the most perfect present ever. I’ve compiled a set of gifts that I think would be perfect to give any woman in your life. Whether it be for your mom, sister, cousin, aunt, grandma, etc. There’s a range of prices and reasons in this guide, but I hope that they can at least inspire a gift for someone that you love + maybe make it a little easier on you as well.

Happy shopping!
chloe

gift guide : on a college student budget

When I was in high school I never believed the whole “college budget” thing. The thing was, I didn’t understand college finances. I mean, there’s a Starbucks five minutes walking from my dorm. There’s a huge fancy mall just a short bus ride away. And don’t even get me started on all of the delicious restaurants that can be delivered thanks to an on campus delivery service. College life is easy, but I’m spending way more money than I ever expected. Next year I’m sure to be a broke college student.

However, with the holidays coming up, it’s time to buy gifts for all of my friends. I have always been the kind of person that is obsessed with gift giving. I love brainstorming what to give who and then finding that perfect item. It’s somewhat of a scavenger hunt with such a rewarding ending. I’ve compiled a list of gifts that I want to get my friends and they all happen to be under $25 which is awesome. 

Let me know in the comments below what you’re giving and/or what’s on your list! I’d love to know! 

mug / candle / socks / banner / earrings / pouch / iphone charger

Thanks for reading.
xox
chloe

Galentines Day

I've never had a Valentine, but I'm sure if I did I'd spend my day being spoiled with chocolate, roses in every color, and maybe a new piece of jewelry. It would be a day all about me, all about love, and all about, wait, did I already say "me?"I like to think that the reason I've never had a Valentine is because boys are intimidated by me and my good looks, but I think it's probably due to the fact that every time I get close to an attractive boy my brain fails me. I stutter, I blush, I get sweaty arm pits, and so on and so forth. I just don't have the ability to be smooth around attractive boys. It's my only* fault in life. *sarcasm

With Valentines Day right around the corner, yet a lack of an actual Valentine, I decided to host a little Galentines party (based on my favorite TV show, Parks and Recreation) with a few of my friends. We decided to make Valentines Day cards for our non-existant boyfriends, eat food (aka Costco cookies and Goldfish), and laugh at our inability to make eye contact with cute boys. Overall, it was a successful day and we had a lot of fun. If you don’t have a Valentines date, or even if you do, I highly suggest getting together with a bunch of girl friends and having a craft party. A little creativity is always fun and makes for good memories! I decided that I'd compile a list of a few cute Galentines Day crafts so that you can jumpstart your party hosting... you're welcome in advance. DIY heart pillow. Perfect for dreaming about holding a conversation with a cute boy. DIY watercolor heart cookies. Because food is a perfectly fine substation for a boyfriend. Food>BoysDIY Piñata love gram.  A great craft to make with a group of friends!

Here are a few pictures from our little party:

I hope you have a LOVEly Valentines day, especially if no boys are involved ;) xox Chloe

Fitness Motivation

It’s officially December, and you know as well as I do what that means…. food. Actually, food in excess. Thanksgiving is basically foreshadowing the way we plan to eat in December. Every meal is treated like our last, I’m talking breakfast, lunch, and dinner equates to full fledged feasts. Now don’t get me wrong, I love food. In fact, I love food so much that it’s starting to become a problem. I feel like, this past week alone, I gained twenty pounds. I might be exaggerating but I did eat a lot. It’s not that I regret it, but I do want to stay fit and fab, so balance is definitely key.

A little known fact about me is that I was on a club swim team from first through ninth grade. I took a little break but I’m now officially back to swimming on my high school’s swim team and it feels fantastic. I’m now totally obsessed with working out and all things healthy (even though I do eat in excess sometimes… *cough after swim practice bonding meals cough*) so here’s what I’ve been loving lately relating to fitness and healthy habits.

-Blogilates: it’s basically your own personal trainer. Casey makes videos at least once a week and they’re all fabulous. There are workouts for every part of your body, and some of my favorites include The Ultimate Body Workout, Lower Belly Flattener, and Perfect Legs Workout. The videos are super easy to follow and I totally recommend taking a few minutes everyday (right before I shower is the prime time for me) to do a little something positive for your body.

-lululemon has been on point lately. I know they had their see through legging scandal recently, but seriously go check out their new arrivals. They have some amazingly fab things. It’s like workout gear from the future. This tank is gorgeous,  these socks are too cute, and these leggings are way too cool.

-Drinking water is so good for your health, but sometimes it feels like such an inconvenience. That’s why having a cute and cool water bottle is so important. I was searching through my cabinets the other day trying to find a good water bottle for swimming and I discovered an oxo one deep in the darkness. I took it to school and then to swimming and got more compliments on it than ever. It was flattering and I now drink a bunch of water.

So there you have it, three ways to increase your fitness motivation. I hope that helps you stay inspired and energized throughout this fattening month. Let me know if you have any healthy recipes… I love discovering new ones!

xox Chloe

Holiday Dresses

It’s hard to believe that another holiday season is amongst us. It seriously feels like I was just shoveling the snow off my sidewalk last week and like the red cups at Starbucks were just here. It’s so strange how days go by so slowly but when you stop and think about which month it actually is your mind gets uber confused and freaked out. I’m not the only one that thinks this, am I? Any way, since the holiday season is here it means that holiday parties are about to be taking over our planners and our social lives. I have zero complaints considering nothing makes me happier than the festiveness of the season and dressing fancier than usual. I decided to compile a list of my favorite holiday dresses for this season. I hope you find a favorite from this list and if not then just enjoy the visuals… I tried to make them somewhat entertaining.

black dress | polka dot dress | sweater dress | red dress | woven dress

let me know which dress is your favorite from these picks! xox Chloe