Stocking Stuffers

December 12, 2016

Chances are, you will not be handing out a list for what you would love in your stocking. However, this stocking stuffer list also acts as ideas for Secret Santa gifts. Or, these "all $30 and under (mostly)", are perfect add on presents. I may or may not be sending this link to Zach, though. The boy's stocking list will be posted tomorrow.

What is your favorite stocking stuffer? xo RCN

Neckerchiefs are everywhere, and quite frankly they are adorable. It is a trend all girls should be trying this winter and up coming Spring. I love the bandanna style ones offered at J.Crew.

Zodiac matches, box of 60 matches (select zodiac sign of choice), Anthropologie, $11

Everyone has a sign, so pick out your girl's Zodiac and gift a cute set of matches. If you need something to go with it, well candles, of course.

Socks are a no brainer. Living Royal has a numerous amount of options for every type of personality, whether it be whimsical, political, colorful, anything!

Primitives by Kathy, set of 2 state dishtowels, Nordstrom, $30

The state hand towels from Primitves by Kathy are great. Visually appealing and also sentimental. You don't ever want to forget where you came from.

Mast Brothers, 2.5oz olive oil chocolate bar, $8

Mast Brothers has delicious chocolate. I originally became a customer because of the beautiful packaging. Last year, I put an anchor wrapped bar in Zach's stocking. This year, I will be buying based on flavor. This Olive Oil bar sounds very interesting.

NFL shop, Eagles or any NFL team beanie, this one $16.79

Most people are sports fans or at least have a team they are loyal to based on geography. Tis' the season for cold weather, so how about a cute NFL or NHL beanie?

Ban-do 2016-2017 17 month agenda, ranging from $10-$16

Soon to be 2017, everyone needs an agenda. Ban-do has adorable options. The books are cute on the inside and out. This one is by far, my fav.

Every year as a child my parents gave my sisters and I an ornament that represented something big or important to us in our lives over the year leading up to Christmas. Zach and I continued this tradition with one another when we began dating in High School. This year, we moved to Miami so I will probably use that as the ornament theme for 2016. I love that our Xmas tree has so many unique ornaments from every year of our lives. This is an excellent, every year, stocking idea.

World Market tropical fruit ceramic measuring spoons, $6.99

World Market has excellent little kitchen gadgets. I have a set of octopus ceramic measuring spoons from there. Don't let the shape fool you. They work just as well as regular old measuring spoons and these are way more interesting to look at.

Chakra stone set for "Balance" includes a Chrysoprase, Green Aventurine, Agate, and Moss Agate, from bestcrystals.com, $6.95

My friend, David, recently gifted me an Amethyst stone as a hostess gift. Not only was the gift extremely well thought out, my birthstone is an amethyst, but the meaning behind it was special. The stone represents good vibes and having a positive and balanced state in my home. I recommend something similar for friends, like these Chakra balance stones.

Herbivore Sea Mist hair spritzer, Urban Outfitters, $10

When I blow dry my hair and don't feel like doing much else to it, I always spritz Sea Mist in my hair. I feel beachy, natural, and smell amazing.

Holly Exley Illustration, set of four post cards, $3.75 + shipping

Holly Exley is one of my favorite insta found illustrators. She may be based out of London, but her Etsy shop ships anywhere. How insanely cute are these four pack of printed post cards? Stripes, cacti, gem stones, cocktails, I love it all.

2 piece salt & pepper shaker set, CB2, $14.95

I have this set of salt and pepper shakers. One, because I love alligators - I know, strange. Also, I love gold and interesting pieces for the apartment. Whether, your a gator fan or not, there are many unique salt and pepper shakers out there right now that would be fitting to a lot of different types of people. Just google.

Currently, my beauty obsession is all about the brows. Sometimes pencils can actually do more damage than not, so I am really into the wax and powder color option. This box has it all and fits perfectly in small bags as well.

Lilly Pulitzer drink hugger set, 2 included, $12

Stockings can't fit too much, so some of the items need to be flexible and fitting. My sister Brittany and I just split a two pack of Lilly koozies recently, and I love them. Colorful patterns are perfect for the beach or your own living room.

Christian Louboutin "Rouge Louboutin" nail polish, Nordstrom, $50

Okay, this is the splurge stocking stuffer. Just like my obsession with designer lipstick, Louboutin nail polish is divine. It works phenomenally and the bottle is absolutely gorgeous. If you love fashion, make sure to read about where the inspiration for the bottle came from. You will then want this polish 2x as much.

Holiday Apps

December 11, 2016

Shrimp Cocktail: Shrimp Cocktail does not need much explaining. After all, it's really just some fresh shrimp and cocktail sauce. The fun factor in serving shrimp cocktail is in the presentation. For our holiday party last night, I served it up with a touch of simple Christmas spirit. All you need is, shrimp, cocktail sauce (we bought a pre-made one from Fresh Market- very good!), crushed ice, cranberries, rosemary, margarita glasses, and a small serving dish for the sauce. The cranberries and rosemary are for garnish only. First, put some cranberries in the margarita glass to fill the neck of the glass, then add crushed ice to keep the shrimp chilled. Place the shrimp hanging over the edge of the glass. Then, add a couple sprigs of rosemary along with cranberries in the center of ice, for final touch.

BLT Bites: Last night, hands down, the absolute favorite of apps was the bread-less BLT bites. This is an easy recipe, looks cute, and people LOVE! All you need is one bag of pre-shedded lettuce (or shred yourself), 1lb of bacon, about 1 cup of mayo, 2-3 packages of campari tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides. Cook the bacon and chop or break up into small bacon bits. Mix the lettuce, mayo, and bacon all together. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, stuff the tomatoes and top with a sprinkle of the bacon crumbles. You may want to add a little more mayo depending on how much mayo you like. You will have enough filling for about 22 tomatoes.

Cream Cheese Roll Ups: Cream cheese roll ups have been a favorite in the Bernard house for a long time. Another, very simple recipe to make. You can add more ingredients to this recipe to doctor it up a bit' more, but usually we stick to using a few ingredients. You need 1 package of cream cheese, one bunch of scallions or green onions (chopped small), 1 lime for juice only, and a pack of 8 large flour tortillas. Mix the cream cheese, lime juice, and chopped green onions all together. Spread over entire surface of tortilla and then roll tortilla. Cut the tortilla into about 3 or 4 pieces, then serve with side of fresh salsa. So easy!

Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is an easy app or side dish, year round. At Christmas, it is fun to make with holiday pasta. You can usually find at grocery stores, or even Homegoods, packs of tri-color festive holiday pasta. For this recipe you will need 1 bag of pasta, 1 bottle of Italian dressing, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 yellow pepper, 1 cup of halved grape tomatoes, 3/4 cup of finely chopped parsley, 1/3 lb of chopped Genoa ham, and 1 package of mini mozzarella balls quartered. After pasta is cooked and chilled, mix all ingredients together. Serve cold. The kids will love the Christmas tree or Santa pasta. It adds color and punch to the table of food.

What is your favorite app to serve at the holidays? Would love more ideas for Christmas Eve!?? xo RCN

Brunswick Stew

November 29, 2016

It's tradition in the Nord household to cook Brunswick Stew following Thanksgiving. We use as many Thanksgiving leftovers as possible to make up this southern soup. The stew is absolutely delicious and flavorful in many ways. There is a little bit' of sweetness, spiciness, saltiness and smokiness. There are quite a few ingredients, but the meat, potatoes and corn come from leftovers, and most of the remaining ingredients are common kitchen spices. This recipe is also great to make following other holiday meal gatherings. The day after Christmas would be an excellent time to make Brunswick, assuming you may have some ham leftovers. You can freeze it, store it, and even ship it. Zach's Dad packed us up a frozen wrapped container to travel with us back to Miami after our Jersey Thanksgiving. No spills or leaks in the suitcase! It tasted just as wonderful, miles away from where it was originally crafted and cooked. There are many versions of the recipe out there online. Our stew recipe comes from Uncle Malcolm. Hope you enjoy! xo RCN

Brunswick Stew

In large pot, combine the following over low heat:

1/2 Cup Butter

3 Cups Chicken or Turkey

3 Cups Diced Potatoes

2 Cups Pork or Ham

1 Cup Diced Onion

2 Cans Swanson Chicken Broth

2 Cups Stewed Diced Tomatoes

1 Can of Corn (can be frozen)

1 Can of Peas (can be frozen)

1/4 Cup of Liquid Smoke

In a large sauce pan combine the following over medium heat:

1/4 Cup Butter

1 3/4 Cups Heinz Ketchup

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Yellow Mustard

1/4 Cup White Vinegar

2 Tbls Worcestershire

1-2 Tbls Tabasco

1 Tbsl of Liquid Smoke

1 1/2 tsp of Lemon Juice

1/2 tsp of Crushed Red Pepper

1 1/2 tsp of Minced Garlic

1 tsp of Black Pepper

Once the sauce is hot, pour into the large pot and simmer until potatoes are tender. Recipe makes enough for a large family, second helpings included.