The Sweetest Christmas Gift

When you search for Christmas gift ideas you are quickly flooded with all kinds of ideas.
Toys, clothes, books, shoes, etc.

While all that is great! I have another idea for those wanting to give gifts that will be treasured for years to come...

Personalized letters from Santa!

My sweet friend hand crafts these letters and seriously, they're amazing! (Don't just take my word for it, go read her reviews!!) She personally creates each letter based off of your answers from a questionnaire she sends you. It's not a standard template where the neighbor down the street has the same letter with different fill-ins. 

These are so thoughtful it's crazy! Pictures do not do them justice!

Not only are they so well written, but the little details are amazing: Vintage stamps, unique authentic looking postage, stained and shimmery paper that even smells like cookies! She seriously thought of everything! 

I highly recommend these for any kid on your list! She also makes naughty and nice lists and magic santa keys for those lacking a chimney! Check out her Etsy page! You will not be disappointed! 

Noni and Joge

-The Cheap Mama

My Stich Fix Review

Stitch Fix was kind of awesome. I loved the experienced!! I enjoyed every item (except the scarf, but I'm not a big scarf person. It was cute, just not my thing). I would have been more than happy to add every piece to my closet!

But first, the pictures----

The box arrived 3 days early!

My box included a personal note from my stylist on why she selected each piece for me and outfit suggestions for each piece! 

I loved this hi-low top. The fabric was thick and soft, the zippers and criss cross back added some personality to an otherwise simple shirt. It's hard to tell because the lighting sucks in my house, but this top was dark olive. So cute and comfortable and excellent quality. 

This was probably my favorite piece in the whole box. Its 100% what I normally wear haha! I'm a sucker for black and lace. I never would have tried this on in a store because the neck line seemed strange, but once I put it on- I loved it! I almost bought this top.. but with holidays around the corner- that tiny voice said no... But i loved everything about this shirt. 

This is the scarf. It's cute and fun and I like the patterns - I just don't wear scarves much. To be honest, the whole idea of a blanket or square scarf kind of intimidates my non-fashion mind anyway. I have no idea how to wear it. The box included different ways to tie it, but I must be kind of dumb because it just looked like I was hiding in a blanket. 

When I saw this sweater, I was very doubtful. I have a large chest (which I told my stylist about) and I thought for sure this neck line would be bizarre on me. But, that's why I'm not a stylist! Because, guess what? I loved this stinkin' thing too!! It was so soft, comfortable and felt like I could snuggle up in a blanket all day- but was so cute I could wear it anywhere! 

These jeans. I hate trying on jeans. So much so, that I just order the same brand of jeans every.single.time I need new jeans. I know my size at American Eagle so I just add to cart and wait for them to arrive. But now I realize I need to venture out! My stylist said she included these for me because they were super stretchy and great for moving every which way chasing kids.

I can't said I would normally grab a pair of stretchy jeans because my current collection of AE jeggings and jeans have some give to them but stretch out pretty quickly and fall down ALL DAY long. 

But these jeans felt great! They came up high, the waist was less stretchy so they did not slide down on me and they comfortable and so cute!!! I loved them and am keeping an eye out for a sale! 

Overall, I loved it! I had so much fun trying stuff on in the privacy of my own home. Having a few days to really think it over. Having a professional find what fits my needs! The quality of everything was excellent. I felt like my stylist really nailed what I was looking for while pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, their prices were not bad for most people. I, however, only shop off the clearance racks or from odd online shops for insanely cheap. I can't tell you the last time I paid more than $20 for a pair of jeans and spending $12 on a shirt is a splurge for me. I'm disgustingly cheap. Like I said, I wish I wasn't that way all the time.. but for now - I am who I am

**For comparison- the olive top was $54. The black lace top was $44. The navy funnel neck sweater was $64. The scarf was $38. The Jeans were $88. 

If I would have wanted to purchase all 5 items, I was given 25% off the total. Plus the $20 styling fee would go towards my total. So, I could have purchased all 5 items for $196. Which makes me want to puke- but for the quality of the pieces- It's really not a bad price. Just not the right time for me to be spending $200 on nice clothes!

-during my fix profile interview- I selected "the cheaper the better" as my budget. So if you want even nicer pieces- you can increase your budget for them to stay around.

BUT- One day I want a minimal wardrobe made up of quality pieces. Currently, I have a rather large wardrobe made up of a weird collection of cheap pieces. Cheap in quality and price. Which is fine for my currently lifestyle! I get thrown up on a lot.. I'm a personal napkin most days.. I live in leggings and yoga pants.. It's a good day if I get all of my makeup applied before noon! So my cheap wardrobe functions fine for me now! 

But when the day comes that I'm ready to take my wardrobe more seriously- I fully intend to put Stitch Fix to work for me. Additionally, If I had a lot of events I had to dress up for, I would totally use this. But it's not easy for me to drag my two littles to the mall and try on clothes for half the day. 

I hope this helps! 

And no, I don't regret spending the $20 for some style guidance at all! I plan on trying to track down similar pieces for a fraction of the price with some Christmas money! (But that's like comparing shopping at Nordstrom to shopping at Walmart, if that helps -as far as quality and price is concerned.) Which I'm ok with while I'm a human napkin! 😄

I say, give it a try for the holidays!!! Or give a giftcard for someone to try! It's fun for sure! 

 Stitch Fix

-The Cheap Mama

Thanksgiving!

Because we do not live near our families, I plan on cooking the whole meal for Thanksgiving. No potluck style dining or anything like that. So, here is my menu! As it gets closer, I will also share my fall tablescape! (If all goes as planned!)

This year we will be smoking our turkey, and all things smoker, my husband is in charge of. So as far as that specific recipe -it is still in the works.

Turkey
But, a great and easy recipe (especially if you haven't cooked a turkey before) is a good ole Reynold's Oven Bag. I've made many turkeys and you just can't screw one up in a bag. Here is a very easy recipe to follow.

Sides

As far as sides go, I like tradition.

Stuffing (or dressing rather because I will not eat the inside of a turkey...)

*Every other year I have bought my own sourdough and wheat bread, cubed it and toasted it for my stuffing. This year, I'm hoping to save some time but still achieve a higher quality stuffing. The attached link is the recipe I have made in past years. I plan on buying 2 boxes on plain old Stove Top Turkey or Sage Stuffing and making according to package. Once cooked, I'll toss in the cooked sausage, chopped apples and craisins. Then bake until a little toasted on top. But the original recipe is fantastic, (minus the turkey liver....) I just don't want to stand in the kitchen for quite as long this year. :) Hopefully it turns out well!

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

*I cheat and buy the Knorr brand of brown gravy, use a little turkey drippings in place of the liquid on the recipe. *
**Can be made ahead of time**

Sweet Potato Casserole

*can be made ahead of time* 

Green Bean Casserole
*Cream of mushroom soup weirds me out, so this recipe is from scratch.*

Rhodes Rolls

because they're delicious and carbs are my favorite. Obviously. 

Desserts

*make ahead*

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

I'm really trying to talk my husband into having some kind of chocolate pie but he loves his classic Pumpkin Pie... but if I get my way... Chocolate Chip Pie!!

I mean, are we really debating on this??? 😍

Drinks

Cranberry and Rosemary White Christmas Sangria

Grocery List

I'm being naughty and including the ingredients for all 3 pies... Mostly because I can't decide if the Pecan Pie Cheesecake is worth the price and effort... So if I decide to go a different route, I'll just scratch those ingredients off the list. But for now-

Produce Area
1 Golden delicious apple
1 Granny smith apple
1 Braeburn apple
7-8 Potatoes
3lb Sweet potatoes
1 Small onion
1 Garlic bulb
1 and a half pounds green beans (or 2 cans)
1 Mushroom package
Fresh cranberries
1 Sprig of rosemary


Middle of the Store
Dried cranberries
2 boxes Stove Top Stuffing
Gravy mix
Cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Brown sugar
Flour
Pecans (about 4 cups)
Mini Marshmallows
Chicken broth
Panko breadcrumbs
French's Fried Onions
Sugar
Vanilla wafers
Dark corn syrup
Vanilla extract
1 (15oz) canned pumpkin
1 (12oz) evaporated milk
Semi sweet chocolate chips
Hot fudge sauce
Club soda
White grape juice

Cooler Section
Butter. lots of butter.
5 Cream cheese blocks
Milk
Eggs
Half & half
Heavy whipping cream (2) or
Cool whip
2 - 1" deep pie crusts
Vanilla ice cream
Rhodes rolls

Meats
Turkey (see the bottom for the size of turkey for your needs!)
1lb ground breakfast sausage

Alcohol
1 Bottle of Pinot Grigio



Happy Shopping!!! 

-The Cheap Mama

***Remember- everyone will remember the company and conversation before the food and decorations for years to come. So relax and enjoy the holiday! Pull out some cards or games. Maybe grab a 2nd or 3rd bottle of wine!
Also, if you're hosting a large gathering, I can almost guarantee you that no one will care if you use throw away aluminum baking dishes, paper plates or plastic cups! Just make sure you get paper plates that can hold all the food. ALL the food 😋.
Easy clean up and one less thing to worry about!

Meal Plan 3

This round of meal plans is a little smaller than usual. With Thanksgiving just 11 short days away, I will do a separate Thanksgiving post including my entire menu for the day and plans for the leftovers! Having said that, since I typically gain about 5 pounds on Turkey day alone, I tried to keep this batch a little on the lighter side. Tried anyway ;)

Dinners
Bacon and Eggs
Because it's freaking easy. Seriously, if you're not baking your bacon yet- try it! It's cleaner, easier and just as good!
Personally, I preheat my oven to 400, lay down a layer of aluminum foil on a big baking sheet, lay down the bacon and throw it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. (I don't wait for the oven to actually preheat either.) If you really want to decrease the amount of grease, cook your bacon on a cookie cooling rack on top of a baking sheet in the oven. -Use foil though, either way. Bacon grease is disgusting to clean.

Broccoli and Beef (in the crockpot)
https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/185716238/crock-pot-beef-and-broccoli/

Big Chicken Salad
I like to buy the big plastic container of salad mix, toss in some craisins, sliced almonds, cooked chicken, fresh veggies and we are currently on an Olive Garden Italian dressing kick. Obviously, you know how to make a salad and can make it however you'd like! But since it's the star of the show this night, I like to splurge on some extra add-ins to liven it up a little.

Baked Chicken and Rice 
Whatever baked chicken recipe you like. Growing up, I ate a lot of baked chicken coated in Ritz crackers crumbs. May be a winner if you've got littles running around (Ritz Chicken). Or keep it super simple with some olive oil, seasoning and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so. Additionally, we really like the Rice-a-Roni rice pilaf with some toasted almonds thrown in. Don't forget a vegetable :)

Lasagna
I cheat and buy the Barilla No-Boil noodles. They're kind of a life saver. Shaving like 20 minutes off the prep time for this meal. Also, I use the basic recipe on the back of the box. Which I'll include here if you throw the box out and don't want to dig it out of the box 8 more times while you're making it like I do.
**I know what you're thinking... "I thought you said 'light' meals". Which I totally did so to keep this recipe lighter you can make some easy swaps. Instead of noodles, try thinly sliced zucchini (just slice lengthwise, sprinkle with a little salt and toss in a colander to drain while you prep the rest of the goodies. Use as you would regular noodles.) You can also opt for the low fat ricotta or cottage cheese instead of the full fat ricotta. Lastly, you can omit the meat or use ground turkey instead of beef.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings
http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/07/homemade-chicken-and-dumplings-its-easy-really/
I like to add in Mrs. Dash for more flavor.

Deconstructed Stuffed Mushrooms.. kind of
We just made this up one day and it has become a part of our regular cycle.
I cook up some brown or white rice. I slice 2 containers of mushrooms thinly, sauté in a little olive oil until nice and brown. Move to a bowl. Brown some spicy sausage. Toss it all together and sprinkle with feta cheese. If you hate feta, you can use whatever cheese or omit the cheese. It's just a simple quick dish.

Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato & Brussel Sprout skillet
http://www.wellplated.com/chicken-apple-sweet-potato-and-brussels-sprouts-skillet/print/
This is another that regularly makes our fall routine. Everything is in season right now and easy to find. (I skip the bacon)

Creamy Cauliflower  (Alfredo) Pasta
http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-cauliflower-sauce
It's time to jump on the cauliflower band wagon. Seriously, this is a really good sauce! We usually add in chicken or shrimp.




Snacks for this time- 
we are making Spinach Muffins (because my toddler is refusing to eat vegetables...) Honestly, they are pretty good! They don't taste like spinach at all and freeze well.
Oatmeal Energy Bites (I omit the flax seed because I'm cheap.)
and a personal house favorite Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip with homemade granola, for dipping apples or just plain.



Like I said, it's a short list this time. Check back soon for my Thanksgiving post!!


Grocery List
Produce
2 heads of broccoli
Garlic clove
Salad
2 large zucchini (if you want that for your lasagna)
2 granny smith apples
2 sweet potatoes
Brussel sprouts
1-2 heads of cauliflower
2 mushrooms
1 onion

Middle of the store
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Beef broth
Craisins
Sliced almonds
Salad dressing
Mrs. Dash
Flour
Baking powder
Rice Pilaf
2 jars spaghetti sauce
Fettuccine noodles
No boil lasagna noodles (if you're going that route)
Brown rice

Cooler Area
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Mozzerella
Parmesan
Feta cheese
Ricotta cheese

Meat
1lb beef chuck
6 or so chicken breasts
1lb ground beef or turkey
1lb spicy ground sausage



***If you're not finding my meal plan super helpful but like the idea of meal planning-, start an "on the menu" board on pinterest. Pin 5-10 meals or so and all week your recipes are easy to find. While you pin them, jot down the ingredients and you're done. If you like the recipe, pin it to a board called "repeat meals" if you hated it, delete it and forget it ever happened. Every week or two just delete the contents and start over. ***

Have you tried Stitch Fix??

Christmas shopping is already in full swing in my house! I find that the sooner I get gifts taken care of, the sooner I give my full attention to the reason for the season. Also, I tend to find great deals and stay on track much better.
In my Christmas deal searching venture today, I came across Stitch Fix.
I am fully aware that Stitch Fix has been around for a while, however I never really understood what it was or how it worked.
So after being inspired by one of my most favorite bloggers (Hip2Save) I decided to check it out.
Basically, you fill out a pretty thorough questionnaire on your lifestyle, likes and dislikes, sizes, etc. It even asks how frequently you go on date nights or different occasions like that. Additionally, you can link your Pinterest style board or Instagram page to your profile and your personal stylist can browse the items you already know you like!
Next your stylist will handpick 5 clothing items to ship to you!
Once your shipment arrives, you have 3 days to choose which items you would like to keep and those you wish to send back. (all shipping is free)
Now, you do have to pay a $20 stylist fee BUT that $20 goes towards the item(s) you choose to purchase. So, if you decide you do not want to keep anything from your box, you are out the $20.

Rumor has it their prices are pretty high compared to what I normally spend on clothes. They are supposed to be super high quality pieces though.
This is not a subscription required service. You can log in and request boxes as frequently or infrequently as you'd like.

My first box is scheduled to arrive November 17th and I will share what is included in it. Even if the items are pricey, I would imagine the looks could be an inspiration at least for new pieces to look for! I mean, it is a personal stylist selecting items for you and you get to try it all on in in your home, in normal lighting and have a couple days to really decide how you feel about each piece!

So, what a perfect time to give this a shot! Holiday parties coming up, New Years around the corner or even a great gift idea for the hard to shop for person on your list!

Check it out with me!! 

If you have already given Stitch Fix a try, share your experience with me!

-The Cheap Mama

***For a more thorough review of this service please visit Hip2Save and read all about Collin's favorite splurge! As well as getting to see her box contents.