Holiday Wish List 2017

$105 (3 piece set), Paper clips or cookies? You decide! Justina Blakeney is one of my favorite creatives. Her bohemian, eclectic, color striking style transports me into a dream world filled with positive vibes and natural wonder (plants!). Her newest collection at Target is focused on bedding, while her original products on her website include paper goods and ceramics like these fabulous canisters.

$28, Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean the music stops. Pick from one of five lovely earmuff headphone colors from Freepeople this season. Plug them right into your iPhone and keep walking' in a winter wonderland.

$33, Ahh, reminds me of Paris. French macarons are a sweet and light delight. Dana's Bakery offers an assorted box including flavors like strawberry shortcake and cookie dough. The colorful treats taste as beautiful as they appear. 

$225, The Carry On is essential for easy-peasy stylish travel. Away luggage comes in one classic silhouette, 4 sizes and 12 colors! The smallest of the bunch is the perfect fit for overhead when flying or in the backseat of your car. Did I mention there is a lifetime guarantee, built in battery charger, TSA approved lock, and 360 degrees of wheeling and rolling!?

$24-$125 (avg.), Lillian Grey Vintage is the perfect place to snag a gift for any home decor lover and vintage collector. Each week there is a new offering available, including anything from blue and white heirloom dessert plates, hand painted floral vases, Staffordshire dog figurines, and of course, there is always something new. I scored the dreamiest beautiful blue and white Calico sugar dish that makes me smile every time I look at it. Who wouldn't want a one of a kind decorative piece for their bookshelf or bar cart!?  

$38, A body scrub for a goddess, and that's exactly why your girlfriends deserve this. Pure, clean and natural sea salt exfoliating scrub sounds beautiful for the bath. If the french girls love it, it's gotta' be good. 

$219-$295, Jonathan Adler designs are one of a kind element that fits quite well into any quirky and fancy space. A JA alpaca throw was gifted to Z and I for our wedding and I highly recommend the luxurious home accessory. The blankets come in many colors and a few geometric patterns that are sure to break up any space and add a touch of pizazz to any living and bedroom, even if in a neutral color.

$37, Okay travelers, here is the perfectly posh gift for your alike friends and family. In honor of Louis Vuitton's travel exhibition running in NYC through January 7th 2018, the brand recently released an expansive collection of city travel guides. Each guide is wrapped in a colorful identifying cover and filled with recent must visit restaurants, hotels, and cultural must stop spots. 

$125, For babies first Christmas, or the soon to be college grad. Just a chic little reminder to "keep savin' that money, honey." Slip a few bills inside if the budget so permits.

$22, Calling all planners. Cheers to almost 2018! Time to get ready planning and penciling in all those trips, events, birthdays and celebrations soon to be had. This is a great gift for anyone you know that has a big date approaching. Anna Rifle Bond never ceases to amaze me with her jaw dropping and eye catching illustrations. 

$40, For your new home owner friends, who may or may not have gone to the same University. Go for one logo, or a house divided flag like this. It's perfect for the rival graduates that share a front door. Chances are you rents would love a flag representing you and or your siblings school's, too.

$50, A bright and cheery tea kettle will make any tea drinker happy. My strawberry shaped tea pot adds just a little extra character to the kitchen. And if it's cute like this polka dot pretty, there is no need to store it away!

$48, The most effortless way to style your look is by layering simple pieces of jewelry. One little piece at a time. Mix and match letters and symbols and gift one solo earring to your most stylish friend. No need for two, just one will do.

$18 (a piece), Are these nordic monogram bowls from Terrain, not the dearest dishes you ever did see? The simple almost unseen Scandinavian letter detailing on the inside is quite precious. Perfect for soup, cereal, dip, jewelry, nuts, buttons, etc. One, two, three or four would be a wonderful gift.

$37, I know, I know. I am usually all about Chanel, and I still am, but I think it is time to expand the color spectrum when it comes to lip color in my vanity. I am really into the shades offered by YSL and I think I can trust it will work great, too. All ladies love a nice new lipstick, especially if it's YSL!

 

 

$38 (set of 4), Cheers to living in a world of whimsy! Who thought Sunday brunch boozing could get any better? August Morgan embroidered cocktail napkin sets are funny and divine. I have too many favorites to pick from, I want them all!

$159, This is by far the most comfortable and noteworthy bathrobe on the market. I received  my Missoni robe a few years ago for Christmas, and it's one of my favorite gifts still today. I wear it when I'm hot out of the shower, chilly with a cold, lazy on a Sunday, and even sometimes I wear it down to the pool, just because it feels so right. (Though, Z refuses to be seen with me wearing it in public) The bath towel material and mid calf length combined with the Missoni weave pattern is a fashion lover's paradise! Drink, please!

$52.80, Wish, Dream, Peace, Luck...all good virtues to bestow upon a dear friend, sister, Mom, cousin, or co-worker. A pleasant fortune on the wrist is placed in just the spot that often catches the eye at the right moment to be reminded of such things.

$35, Spice up your life with this collection of empowering female entrepreneurial stories filled with advice and inspiration for all women. In the spirit of women empowering women, this book is quite the gift. Girl power!

$39.95, This is the happiest cheese tray I ever did see. I hate cheese, and I still love this platter. Fishs Eddy has an eclectic assortment of serveware, glassware and dinnerware that are great conversation starters for anyone from political lovers to vintage connoisseurs.

$99-$199, For anyone that likes to cuddle up by the fire, gaze under the stars, runs errands in the chilly morning of Winter, or frequents tailgates and barbecues in the fall time, then a Patagonia pullover zip up is a must.  They come in many different fabrications and patterns and the brand has an amazing history that any nature lover would love to represent!  

$48, In this case, two is definately better than one. Baublebar is offering a few different set combinations with 2-3 drop earrings. This colorful set is by far my favorite. It's there perfect giftable for any fashionista!

$12, Need I say more? For the bakers, gardeners + bakers, and plant, floral lovers. I totally want a set of these for myself this Christmas!

$33-93, A new accessory for Ethel, is a new accessory for me! Consider this a gift for dog and dog owner. Crew La La is a brand I became familiar with when last visiting Charleston, SC last year. I stumbled upon these precious pup collars and leashes in a boutique and have been obsessed ever since. There is an endless amount of pretty patterns to pick from, something that suits all cast of characters. Select from gold or silver finishes and spend an additional $18 to have the collar custom engraved.

$54 (each, $108 total), It wasn't until I lived on the Beach that I learned of the brand Amuse Society, a casual and suave surf beachwear brand that carries femininely designed wetsuits and classically cool loungewear and bohemian swimsuits and trendy graphic tees. No matter the attire, each piece is comfortable and oh so beachy. Every girl can use a matching lounge set for after surfing, skiing, whatever. I am digging this one.

$29, I am a major Drybar junkie. If you ever have the opportunity to get a Drybar blowout, don't pass it up! A GC to the Drybar is a fabulous gift, but really any product from there is just as fab. The little box of detox offers a few of the necessities in keeping healthy fresh hair on the go, and keeps those locks looking lux. Another great giftable is the Drybar duo dry shampoo and conditioner.

$128, Anything as classic and iconic as Pendelton is a great brand to start with when looking for giftables at the holidays. This Motoring Blanket is great to throw in the car and pack along for travels, picnics, beach days and nights.

$199, For anyone who has a KitchenAid mixer and loves to cook. Not only does the pasta attachment make for a fun night with the family, hanging out in the kitchen and making fresh pasta together, but it's also a sensible gift for those that cook from scratch and don't mind taking a little extra time to do so. This gift is on my personal list this year!

$11.95 (+ shipping), Calling all candle lovers! Wax melts are my latest favorite. When I was home to my parent's over Thanksgiving, I couldn't help, but adore the strong scent of wax melts when I entered the downstairs bathroom. Sounds funny, but it smelled amazing! These holiday packs, designed like little gingerbread men, come in warm cozy scents from Snowy Day to Cinnamon Roll and you even get to decide between black/white or red/white baker's twine for wrapping. For a more complete gift, include a wax warmer like THIS rustic one from Kohls. 

$18, Any baker or chef would love a cute set of tea towels. It's always a luxury in the kitchen to replace your dirty tea towels with a clean set of equally adorable and fun cloths. Paper Source has a great selection of hobby and demographic oriented patterns that would make many, more than happy.

$65, The best notebook is the one that is reusable - a notebook cover! Tortoise shell anything is quite attractive and seemingly timeless. The patent material punches this up a bit' and makes it even cooler. Great for any gal that writes, and works a lot or a little.

 

Apple Butter Bars

So all the Apple Butter Bars I made this past weekend are already gone. So, I guess that means I better get around to posting this recipe since they're so good. This dessert reminds me of my childhood. When it was my birthday, I would sometimes bring this tasty treat in to share. I still love them today as much as I did 25 years ago. It's a fitting Fall treat and also a fun splurge for breakfast, anytime. Bring along a jar of your favorite Apple Butter to your host for Thanksgiving. Don't forget to attach a sweet note with this recipe. What a perfect treat? Happy Fall eating! xo RCN

Ingredients:

2 Cups Old Fashion Oats (I use Quaker Oats)

1 Cup Flour

3/4 Cup Sugar

1/4 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Allspice

3/4 Cup Butter, softened

1 Cup Apple Butter (I would maybe up that a little next time I make them)

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9" square baking pan. In a large bowl combine lasts, flour, sugar, salt and spices.  Add butter and beat with electric mixer (I use my stand mixer) on low speed until mixture is crumbly.

Pat half the micro into the pan. Spread apple butter evenly over crumb layer (it's okay if oats mix in some w/ apple butter). Sprinkle remaining crumbs over apple butter and press down gently. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until golden (my oven took more like 35). Slice into  a dozen bars and enjoy!

 

Father's Day Gift Guide

 

Stubhub Giftcard

Chances are pretty high that Dad is into some sort of sport or music. How about an online gift card to Stubhub, where he can purchase tickets to an event that fits perfectly into his schedule. Or, if you know what date and time works, just order the tickets direct on Stubhub and surprise him on Father's Day!

Beach Chair

Maybe Dad frequents the beach or goes once a year. Either way a good beach chair makes all the difference whenever he is sitting facing that ocean blue. As an avid beach goer myself, I recommend a throne must include a head rest, wooden sturdy arms with hard cut out drink holders (otherwise the soft kind are too flimsy for bottles and cups), and the height can't be too low to the ground, but also not too high. This Copa chair marks all the checkmarks! Happy beaching with Dad.

Joe's Stone Crab

Joe's stone crab is the famous establishment in South Beach, Miami known for their Florida stone crab claws. If you have never had stone crab claws, well you are missing out! You can order online for overnight delivery to just about anywhere. Choose your size and quantities and join Dad on Sunday for a perfect seafood feast. An order of the key lime pie is also a really good idea!

SanDisk IXpand flash drive

This is a great gift for the guy that takes a lot of pictures and videos on his phone. This flash drive allows transfer of files (big too) quickly from phone to any computer (or opposite) by using a USB port.  The best part about this, is that Dad's phone or your phone or anyone that uses this flash drive, does not have to have their phone synced with the computer device you are transferring to and from. It doesn't link with iTunes or anything, it just simply drops the files you select from your phone or computer.

Chef Buddy 19 pc Grill Tool Set

If Dad has a grill and likes to grill, maybe it's time for a shiny new set of grilling tools. Nothing like an organized and fresh set of tools, even ones for the grill. Wrap up a few fresh cuts from the local butcher and join Dad for a cookout to celebrate him.

Columbia Shirt

Whether your Dad likes to fish, hang at the beach, or just spends the occasional Saturday outside mowing the lawn or watching a soccer game, these shirts are perfect. They are comfortable, and lightweight with a vented back for cooling. It's the shirt you want to be wearing for pretty much any outdoor Summer activity. And, they come in 19 colors! My Dad lovesss these shirts, so will yours.

Pizzacraft PizzaQue Oven

This pizza oven is the quickest and best way to get a nice homemade crunchy pizza. You'll be happy to achieve the perfect crust in just six minutes once this bad boy gets rolling. Z and I gifted this to our families for Christmas and they love it! We have already tested it out quite a few times at the Nord house. Add on the PizzaQue oven stand/legs as a second gift to help make this a more permanent fixture on the back patio. Also available at Walmart.

Take Dad golfing. Go somewhere nearby, it doesn't have to be the fanciest course. Heck, you don't even need to know how to play. If Dad enjoys golf, he'll love to teach you and spend an afternoon or morning just spending time with you and sharing something he loves to do. (but maybe go to a driving range or for a trial run before - if you are any bit' as competitive as me)

Harry's Shave Kit

So most Dad's shave, right? It's always worth it to change up products once in a while, even Dad. S,o why not give Dad a new option that he'll likely fall in love with, like Harry's? You can order him a kit all ready to go and then if he likes it, you can order him the plan or subscription for his bday or next holiday!

Dress shirts

If Dad often dresses up, (for work) then a dress shirt is likely something he'l like, a lot, because he can never get enough of them. If you know Dad's size, it'll be easy, just keep in mind if he likes a pocket, button down collars, patterns or solids? Also to note, try to stay clear of the all too many "trim fits" out there, unless Dad really is super trim! A tie, is a perfect add on to this gift. Wrap it all up together and gift complete.

Garment Bag

For the traveling Dad. A garment bag is sometimes all Dad may need for the quick one night trip he does for business, or for the suit he is packing for the wedding this weekend. I gifted Z one a few years ago and he has gotten a lot of use out of his.

Omaha Steaks

Steak, poultry, seafood, you name it, Omaha has it. Select Dad's favorite sirloin cut, bacon wrapped, or not. And how about a nice bottle of wine or cheese baked potatoes to go along with? It may seem cliche, but Omaha has been known for some pretty killer meat that I'm sure Dad will enjoy, especially if he likes to grill and cook, too.