Effortless Eats: 5 Simple Fourth of July Party Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

The Fourth of July is a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate, and indulge in delicious food. But who says amazing dishes have to be complicated? Today we bring you easy Fourth of July recipes that require just five ingredients or less. From refreshing drinks to savory bites and sweet treats, these recipes will impress your guests without causing kitchen chaos. So, let’s dive in and make your Fourth of July celebration a breeze!

1. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs:

These colorful fruit kabobs are a festive and healthy treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Strawberries, hulled and halved

– Blueberries

– Marshmallows

– Skewers or toothpicks

– Honey or yogurt (optional)

Instructions: Thread a strawberry half, a marshmallow, and a blueberry onto each skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Optionally, drizzle with honey or dip in yogurt for added sweetness. Serve as a refreshing and patriotic snack.

2. Mini Watermelon Pizza:

Make snack time exciting with these Mini Watermelon Pizzas. Gather these ingredients:

– Watermelon, sliced into rounds or triangles

– Greek yogurt or cream cheese

– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

– Shredded coconut or granola (optional)

– Honey for drizzling (optional)

Instructions: Spread a layer of Greek yogurt or cream cheese on each watermelon slice. Arrange fresh berries on top. Optionally, sprinkle shredded coconut or granola for added texture. Drizzle with honey if desired. Let the kids get creative with their own mini watermelon pizzas!

3. Firecracker Popcorn:

This crunchy and colorful popcorn treat will light up the kids’ taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Popcorn, popped

– White chocolate chips or candy melts

– Red and blue food coloring

– Festive sprinkles (optional)

– Popcorn bags or serving bowls

Instructions: Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts according to the package instructions. Divide the melted chocolate into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, mixing until well blended. Drizzle the colored chocolate over the popcorn, alternating between red and blue. Optionally, add festive sprinkles for extra flair. Allow the chocolate to set before serving in popcorn bags or bowls.

4. Star-shaped Pizzas:

Let the kids become mini chefs with these fun and customizable star-shaped pizzas. Gather these ingredients:

– Pre-made pizza dough or tortillas

– Pizza sauce

– Shredded mozzarella cheese

– Mini pepperoni slices or other favorite toppings

– Star-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions: Preheat the oven according to the pizza dough instructions. Roll out the pizza dough or use tortillas as the base. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to create star-shaped pizza crusts. Spread pizza sauce on each star-shaped crust. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add mini pepperoni slices or other desired toppings. Bake according to the dough instructions until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the kids enjoy their homemade star-shaped pizzas!

5. Berry Parfait Cups:

These delightful Berry Parfait Cups are a simple and tasty dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Vanilla yogurt

– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

– Granola or crushed graham crackers

– Clear plastic cups or small bowls

– Honey for drizzling (optional)

Instructions: Layer vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, and granola or crushed graham crackers in clear plastic cups or small bowls. Repeat the layers until the desired amount is reached.

6. Creamy Bacon Ranch Dip:

This irresistible dip is a perfect starter for your Fourth of July party. Gather these ingredients:

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 packet ranch dressing mix

– ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon

– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions: In a bowl, mix sour cream and ranch dressing mix until well combined. Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

7. BBQ Chicken Sliders:

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit among your guests. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

– BBQ sauce

– Slider buns

– Pickles (optional)

– Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions: In a saucepan, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce over medium heat until heated through. Place a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture onto each slider bun. Add pickles and coleslaw if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the finger-licking goodness.

8. Watermelon Feta Skewers:

These refreshing Watermelon Feta Skewers add a burst of flavor to your Fourth of July spread. Gather these ingredients:

– Watermelon, cut into cubes

– Feta cheese, cut into cubes

– Fresh mint leaves

– Balsamic glaze

– Skewers or toothpicks

Instructions: Thread a watermelon cube, a feta cheese cube, and a fresh mint leaf onto each skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added tanginess. Arrange them on a platter and serve as a delightful appetizer.

9. Easy Caprese Salad:

Fresh, vibrant, and effortless, this Easy Caprese Salad is a summer classic. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

– Fresh tomatoes, sliced

– Fresh basil leaves

– Olive oil

– Balsamic glaze

Instructions: Alternate the slices of mozzarella cheese and tomatoes on a platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve as a refreshing side dish.

10. Patriotic Fruit Popsicles:

Cool down and celebrate with these colorful Patriotic Fruit Popsicles. Gather these ingredients:

– Fresh strawberries, sliced

– Fresh blueberries

– Coconut water or fruit juice

– Popsicle molds or small paper cups

– Popsicle sticks

Instructions: Fill each popsicle mold or paper cup with a layer of sliced strawberries. Add a layer of blueberries. Fill the mold with coconut water or fruit juice. Insert popsicle sticks into each mold. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, remove from the molds or cups and serve as a festive frozen treat.

11. Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade:

Quench your thirst with a refreshing and vibrant Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 4 cups cubed watermelon

– Juice of 2 lemons

– 4 cups sparkling water

– Ice cubes

– Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions: In a blender, blend the watermelon until smooth. Strain the juice into a pitcher, then add the lemon juice and sparkling water. Stir gently, add ice cubes, and garnish with mint leaves. Serve chilled.

12. Caprese Skewers:

Create a colorful and delightful appetizer with these Caprese Skewers. Gather these ingredients:

– Fresh cherry tomatoes

– Fresh basil leaves

– Mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

– Balsamic glaze

– Skewers or toothpicks

Instructions: Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve as an elegant finger food option.

13. Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers:

Fire up the grill and savor the smoky flavors of these Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers. Grab these ingredients:

– Boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

– BBQ sauce

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Olive oil

– Skewers

Instructions: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. Thread them onto skewers. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and drizzle with olive oil. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve hot.

14. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad:

Add a patriotic touch to your table with a refreshing Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Strawberries

– Blueberries

– White seedless grapes

– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

– Honey or lime juice (optional)

Instructions: Wash and prepare the fruits. Slice the strawberries. In a bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, and white grapes. Toss gently. Optionally, drizzle with honey or lime juice for extra sweetness. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve chilled.

15. Easy Berry Parfait:

Indulge in a delightful and effortless Easy Berry Parfait for a sweet Fourth of July treat. Gather these ingredients:

– Greek yogurt

– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

– Granola

– Honey (optional)

– Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions: In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola. Repeat the layers until the desired amount is reached. Optionally, drizzle with honey for added sweetness. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

With these five easy Fourth of July recipes requiring just five ingredients or less, you can impress your guests and enjoy a stress-free celebration. From refreshing drinks and savory bites to sweet treats, these dishes capture the flavors and spirit of Independence Day. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let the fireworks fly!

Next up…..Meal Prep tools for under $20!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Tweens and Teens


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#valentinesday #giftideas #giftsforhim #valentinesdaygiftsforguys #giftsforguys

Valentine’s Day Gifts for your hard to shop for man


Every single holiday it’s the same struggle. My husband doesn’t really want anything in particular. And if he does, then he buys it for himself. So I end up searching for unique, sometimes quirky or unusual, often practical gift ideas. Here are some gift ideas for sweetie this Valentine’s Day.

This post contains affiliate links – view full disclaimer here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.


Stuffed And Dipped Strawberries

You read that right – they are STUFFED and DIPPED. Stuffed with peanut butter or banana and hand dipped in chocolate – these are heavenly! You can even order waaay in advance (for Valentine’s Day or any holiday), to make gift giving easy breezy.

Hard Working Man’s Hygiene Kit

For the “Guy’s guy” who still appreciates a bit of pampering. It’s manly, rustic, and practical. This kit is made of all natural ingredients in the USA. Gotta love that!

Do Anything Smart Button

Wait, what? You could use this slightly magical, satisfyingly squishy silicone button to turn the music down or the lights off. But that barely scratches the surface of its possibilities. Need to find your phone, and fast? Press the button. Call a cab while stuffing your suitcase? Press the button. Sprinkle your parched garden from work? Press the button.

Heated Razor

Just imagine the luxury! The GilletteLabs Heated Razor delivers the comfort of a hot towel with every stroke. Featuring a stainless steel warming bar that distributes heat quickly and evenly maintains soothing warmth throughout the shave. Turn your shave into an experience for your senses.

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Happy Socks – Dog Gift Box

How great are these!! If you’re shopping for a man with a great sense of humor, he will love these. They have so many patterns to choose from (Rolling Stones, Patterns, Halloween prints, Pizza, Dots, etc.) it’s almost endless. So help him step up (see what I did there) his sock game, and maybe grab some for the rest of the family too – they have women’s and kids socks too.

The Art of Shaving – Lavender Mid-Size Kit

“The 4 Elements of the perfect shave” in travel friendly sizes. These hand crafted products made from essential oils and high quality botanicals are sure to please.

Oktoberfest Ale Beer Brewing Kit

A gallon of homebrewed Ale makes for a very hoppy holiday!

Polarized Wood Sunglasses

Hand crafted, eco-friendly, polarized….and they float!

Italian Wine Gift Set

This trio includes a light and crisp Pinot Grigio from Veneto, a juicy red from Tuscany and a spicy Nero d’Avola from Sicily. Plenty of other regions and varietals are also available to suite every palette!

Victrola Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player

Ahh, the gift of nostalgia (with a techie twist)! This turntable is so fun and kind of cute too (it comes in so many colors / patterns from camo to american flag to tie dye). Any music lover would appreciate this. Plus, it has bluetooth and connects to your phone.

Duke Cannon Ice Cold Beer Shower Sack and Gift Set

He deserves to be pampered too – but in, like, a manly way! Duke Cannon’s Cold Ass Beer Shower Sack makes a nearly perfect gift. A custom burlap sack packed with Duke Cannon’s grooming essentials, it will last longer than that six-pack. A Portion of Proceeds Benefits U.S. Veterans. Cruelty Free. Made in the USA

YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Beer/Soda Can Holder

YETI products are well known for their high quality stainless steel drinkware. These can holders are great – we have a few that we use often at home or at the pool, beach, and on the boat. They are dishwasher safe, and work beautifully. Anything “YETI” would make a great gift!

Sweet Valentine Cookie Bouquet

Each of the Valentine’s sugar cookies are freshly baked and decorated by hand to create a tasty and beautiful gift.

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Beats EP On-Ear Headphones 

These are great quality headphones at a nice price (under $70!!!). Can’t beat Beats for the sound quality and looks!

Magnetic Armband

With 25 powerful magnets and stretchable material to hold small fasteners and tools on your forearm or bicep, this is the perfect gift for men, fathers, husbands and craftsmen.

Wooden Five-Layer Stadium Wall Art

How cool is this layered wooden stadium? What a fun gift for the man cave collector, NFL superfan, or diehard sports enthusiast. Made right here in the US of A ❤

UGG Tasman Slipper

Even the most rugged manly-man likes cozy tootsies, amirite? Who wouldn’t love a pair of luxurious UGG slippers? They even have a super durable sole so they can be worn inside or outside. Perfection.

Oh! Nuts Chocolate Covered Pretzels Gift Basket

Surprise someone you love with this elegant gift box brimming with yummy snacks. Artisans hand-dip freshly baked pretzel twists in real milk and dark chocolate. These treats are crafted in small batches, and no two are exactly alike!

Bose Frames – Audio Sunglasses with Open Ear Headphones, with Bluetooth Connectivity

Has he been exceptionally good this year? 🙂 These sunglasses are everything. They play music, with nothing in or on your ear, and people around you can’t hear it. It’s so amazing…watch their video to learn more because I can’t properly express how cool they are!

Apple – AirPods with Wireless Charging Case

These can go right on my list too! The new AirPods – complete with Wireless Charging Case – combine the intelligent design with breakthrough technology and crystal clear sound. Powered by the new Apple H1 headphone chip, AirPods now feature hands-free access to Siri using just your voice. And up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge.

Vetelli Hanging Toiletry Bag for Men

For the man who travels often – let him tote his toiletries like a civilized person, instead of throwing everything into a plastic baggy. This would pair nicely with the beard kit, or any luxury grooming products.

Wireless Qi-Certified Fast Charger with Mug Warmer / Cooler

Designed in Detroit for people who want to shake up the industry. The Nomodo Trio quickly charges your wireless capable device utilizing Qi Fast Charging technology. Keep coffee hot the heated plate that was designed to keep his mug as toasty as it was when he brewed it. Or – keep it chill! The cooling plate will keep those cans and cold brews chilled, so they’ll always quench his thirst.

Legendary Whitetails Berber Lined Hooded Flannel

If this doesn’t scream cozy bonfire date night, then I don’t know what does. Lined with a thick super soft berber and insulated with poly-fill for those times when a jacket is too much.


Enjoy these gift ideas for the special guy in your life!


#valentinesday #giftideas #giftsforhim #valentinesdaygiftsforguys #giftsforguys

Festive Valentine’s Day Decor For Your Home

All things Love, Hearts, Red & Pink to sweeten up your home this February.

This post contains affiliate links – view full disclaimer here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.



Fun and Unique Subscription Boxes Available on Amazon

A small package with my name on it arrived at my house one day. It turned out to be the cutest pair of no-show socks, and the first of many surprise sock deliveries!

My husband said “I know how much you like socks (which is true!) so I signed you up for a Sock Fancy subscription through Amazon. Each month you will get a new pair.”.

I thought that was so sweet. I also thought that it was interesting that Amazon had a sock subscription option that I never heard of.

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Upon further investigation, I found a bunch of fun subscription ideas that I had no clue existed, that would make great gifts for a loved one or even yourself.

Amazon Subscription Boxes offer a wide range of subscriptions, including beauty boxes, snack boxes, pet boxes, and lifestyle boxes, among many others!

And when you subscribe through Amazon, you can manage all of your your billing and shipping options – for all of your subscription boxes – in one place. Each subscription box is also backed by Amazon’s A to Z guarantee so you can subscribe with confidence, and cancel at any time.

Here are some of the ones that really caught my attention:

This post contains affiliate links – view full disclaimer here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

1. Sock Fancy – Surprise Pair of Socks Subscription

These are what I got! So far I have received the following:

  • Red, White, and Blue Firecracker socks (it was around July 4th)
  • Palm Tree socks
  • Chili Pepper socks
  • American Flag socks (it was around Labor Day)
  • Multi-color Striped socks

They have a mens and womens option, as well as Crew Socks or No Show Socks. The first month probably costs less than your lunch!

2. Succulent Studios Subscription Box

This monthly subscription of Succulents gives you two 8-week old organic baby succulents, in eco-friendly packaging. They are also super affordable (the first month is probably the cost of your fancy venti double-shot, extra foam, almond-milk, caramel whatever-chino).

Each box contains two unique plants, and you won’t get a repeat for at least 18 months. We choose each month’s succulents based on seasonality, so you get an exciting surprise when we announce them on the first of the month!

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3. Gentleman’s Box – Men’s Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories

The special man in your life can receive a monthly subscription of 4-6 hand picked accessories and grooming essentials valued at over $100. The company pushes to build a community of modern day gentlemen by helping men around the world discover new brands and delivering guides to help men look, feel and be good with each shipment. And, you save 20% on your first box.

4. Bark Box

Don’t forget to spoil your favorite pupper! BarkBox is a monthly subscription of original toys and healthy treats tailored to your dog. Their in-house team designs every toy and partners with American farms to select the best all-natural treats and chews. Every box is created around a fun theme, so each month is a new adventure. BarkBox is more than just a box—it’s a celebration of you and your dog (from people who are just as dog-crazy as you).

Plus, you can save 40% on your first box!

5. Allure Beauty Box

Any beauty lover or makeup aficionado would love this box! Each month the lucky recipient will receive:

  • Top-trending makeup and skincare picks with a $60-$90 value for only $15
  • Each subscription box contains 6 or more beauty products from luxury brands, plus a mini-mag with expert tips
  • At least 2 full sized products in every box, guaranteed
  • Free shipping

6. Hand Packaged Simple Loose Leaf Tea Subscription Box

Explore the world of loose leaf tea! Each month you can look forward to:

  • 4 loose leaf teas in resealable pouches each month
  • 4 to 5 cups per tea, 16 to 20 cups per box
  • Plus Tasting Notes and Reusable Tea Filters

7. Oil Of The Month Subscription Box

For the oil enthusiast – Subscribe to Plant Therapy’s Oil of the Month Box and treat yourself to a little surprise every month. Each month you’ll receive a brand new oil that includes details about the oil, description and background, as well as directions on how-to-use the oil. You’ll be dreaming of ways to use these unique hard-to-find oils. You can expect to receive the same quality oils that you expect to get from Plant Therapy and each oil has its own unique GC/MS report available by request.

Members of the Oil of The Month Club will receive an exclusive oil only available to our Oil of the Month Club Members. The exclusive product will automatically be shipped every month and arrive right to your doorstep!

Depending on the oil, you can expect to find sizes ranging from 2.5-30 mL. All oils will be exclusive to the members of our Oil of the Month Club, and we will be offering undiluted singles as well as unique blends!


There are so many other subscription boxes available too. You can check them all out on Amazon here.


Easy Plant-Based Holiday Side Dishes


Recently I’ve started to embrace more plant-based meal options. I’m not a full blown vegetarian (not even close), and I don’t strictly follow a plant-based or whole food diet, but I’m learning more and more about the health benefits of limiting animal products and refined or processed foods and I’m taking baby steps toward a healthier way of life.

The definition of “Plant-Based” can vary. For me, if a dish primarily contains vegetables, fruit, whole grains, or beans, I would consider it plant-based. I’m ok with some animal products. I love eggs and dairy, and may include those in plant-based options. The idea here is healthier choices, mostly from ingredients derived from plants, and limiting animal products, processed foods, and refined sugars.

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I’m also not a doctor – however it’s pretty widely known and proven that a plant-based diet is a really healthy lifestyle choice. It can reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, and even mental decline such as alzheimers. The only negative, in my opinion, is finding creative and delicious meals around this concept.

In addition to the many, and obvious, health benefits, it’s typically healthier for our increasingly delicate planet.

With the holidays coming up, I wanted to compile a round up of Vegetarian and Plant Based side dish recipes, that are easy enough for a “regular” person, like myself, to pull off. I’m not a cook, and I don’t really even like cooking that much, so I always look for minimal ingredients, and equally minimal required effort. These are recipes that I am willing and able to assemble (I use the term “cook” loosely), and my entire family would eat!

1. Simple Vegan Stuffing

PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MINIMALIST BAKER

2. Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Photos and Recipe: The Busy Baker

3. Hasselback Butternut Squash Roasted Side Dish

Recipe: Forkly

4. Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

If you don’t have an instant pot – do yourself a favor and pick one up! Here is the one I have, and is loved by many (over 37,000 reviews!)! Currently there is an $18 coupon you can click to save more – score!

This post contains affiliate links – view full disclaimer here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

5. Easy Instant Pot Cabbage

Recipe: Shane Made Simple
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6. Crispy roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts 

Recipe: Veganosity

7. Spiralized Sweet Potato Latkes

No spiralizer? I love this one – you can get it here! You can do so much with it, and it’s a really great tool to step up your healthy eating game.

Recipe: Skinnytaste

8. Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Recipe: Dinner Then Dessert
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9. 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Recipe: Real Food Whole Life

Remember – If you have an Instant Pot, you can use it as a Slow Cooker too. If you prefer a dedicated appliance for Slow Cooking (so you can multi-task and cook in both) – here is a fantastic Slow Cooker I recommend.

10. Grilled Polenta with Fresh Tomato Relish

Recipe: Alison’s Allspice

The Best Happy, Feel Good, Eco-Friendly, Give Back Gifts on Amazon

Time for a feel-good shopping list! We all spend tons of time searching for the perfect gifts for friends, colleagues, and loved ones. If you are like me, you occasionally come across a company that gives back, which makes you feel like you are doing a little itty bitty good in the world when you make a purchase.

I started thinking more about this, and I’m quite sure the recipients of my gifts would LOVE to know that they contributed, in some way, to cleaning the ocean, planting trees, supporting our Military, helping puppies, and funding medical research for the most cruel diseases.

I’m not aware of a “roundup” of gift ideas that actually give back, so I started searching and compiling my own. Here are 12 ideas I found on Amazon (because….Amazon), that all donate to wonderful causes. This post makes me so happy! It seems impossible to heal our planet because we have damaged it so far beyond comprehension. One person alone is helpless, but when these companies step up they can move mountains (and clean oceans, and provide clean drinking water to those desperately in need).

So, this season of giving, if you are thinking about how you can make a small impact, that can potentially add up to a significant contribution, you may consider some of these gifts, or browsing these companies. It’s pretty exciting to learn about what they are doing. My heart is so happy just knowing there is kindness and compassion out there in our world ❤

This post contains affiliate links – view full disclaimer here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

  1. Alex and Ani Charity By Design Turtle Rafaelian Bangle Bracelet

ALEX AND ANI will donate 20% of the purchase price from each Sea Turtle Charm Bangle sold to a healing, resilience-building program organized by Tuesday’s Children for young adults directly impacted by global conflict.

  1. Nanook Tumbler Travel Mug

Nanook means ‘Polar Bear’ to the Inuit eskimos. We chose this word to remind us that every Nanook Stainless Steel Tumbler we sell prevents dozens, if not hundreds of plastic water bottles from entering and harming the environment, especially the seas. We donate $1 to the Ocean Conservancy for every tumbler we sell.

  1. Lokai Veterans Cause Collection Bracelet
  1. Stella Artois Better World 2019 Limited Edition Mexico, Peru, and Tanzania Chalice Gift Set

For every Chalice sold and shipped by, Stella Artois will donate 5 years of clean drinking water to someone in the developing world. 

  1. Military Grade Ground Coffee, The Strongest Coffee On The Planet

Each time a Military Grade Coffee product is purchased,10% of NET goes to “The Gary Sinise Foundation” to help with PTSD, housing and other important needs. Our organization is dedicated to helping our veterans. Made in the USA.

  1. Benevolence LA Natural Crystals Necklace – 14K Gold Dipped

Every piece of Benevolence LA gives back. Proceeds from this necklace will contribute towards Lollipop Theater Network, a charity organization that serves children with terminal illness through bringing the movie theaters to them in the hospital.

  1. Mom Bomb Classic Box!

They are made right here in the USA and $5 of every box sold goes to our charitable organization created to help mothers in need.  These make a great gift for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for?  Let’s drop bombs and help moms!

  1. Heart For Hearts Girls Rahel from Ethiopia Doll
  1. 4Ocean Bracelet with Charm Made from 100% Recycled Material Upcycled Jewelry

The ocean is our second home, but so much of it is still unknown. What we do know, is that there’s already too much garbage in it. Eight million tons of plastic trash ends up in the ocean every year and kill over 100 million marine animals. That’s more than enough trash to cover Texas twice. Each bracelet funds the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean.

  1. Puppie Love Rescue Dog Adult Short Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt

Show your love for animals and shop for a cause! Puppie Love donates 10% of their net profits to animal shelters and rescue organizations that rescue dogs from abuse and harmful, cruel conditions. 
A perfect gift for: animal lovers!

  1. Ethique Eco-Friendly Hair Sampler, 5 Piece Variety Pack

Ethique is the world’s first zero waste and most sustainable lifestyle beauty brand. We use biodegradable ingredients and compostable packaging so all our solid bars leave no trace (except the luscious skin and hair it leaves behind, of course!).

To date we saved our planet from over 5 million plastic bottles! We’ve converted thousands of fans to plastic free beauty and are genuinely making a difference to the amount of plastic waste made and disposed of every year. Our new goal is to save 50 million by 2025 (and we’re on track already!). To put our money where our mouth is, each year 20% of our profit goes to charities fighting alongside us to protect the planet. Join the revolution and #giveupthebottle

Gifts that help spread kindness in the world ❤

Here’s $100 – What would you buy yourself?

Suppose you received an anonymous gift of $100 to spend on yourself. What would you buy? Before you say “I would put it toward a bill” or “I would buy so and so a gift” let’s put a few simple rules around this scenario.

  1. You have to spend it on something frivolous, tangible, or otherwise considered a splurge.
  2. You have to spend it on yourself.
  3. You can’t save it, pay a bill with it, but groceries etc.

I have no good answer to this question. It’s not soo much money that you can really go crazy. On the other hand it’s enough money that most of us would put some legitimate thought into a purchasing decision. It’s easier to figure out how to spend $25. Or $500.

So when someone asks you “What do you want for your Birthday / Christmas / Hanukkah / Whatever?” – what do YOU tell them? I need ideas! I suppose Rothys gift cards would always be welcomed. I still have my eye on those camo sneakers! ❤ ❤ ❤

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Are you looking for inspiration for your Thanksgiving table setting?

I have found so many beautiful place settings that will give you great ideas for setting your own. These can work for Christmas tablescapes too!

Thanksgiving is the coziest.

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday. It fills all my senses with joy and coziness, gratitude and comfort. The food is obviously uh-maze-ing, but everything about the day gives me the warm and fuzzies. It’s like everybody stops, just for a bit, to be together and present. Everything is on hold, for the most part, and we are all reminded of what’s important in life.

I’ll pause to recognize those who don’t get a “break” on the day of thanks – the first responders, military personnel, Doctors, Nurses, and so many others. Thank you for working so hard, thank you for being fearless, and thank you for sacrificing family time so others can be cared for. ❤

To really gear up for the holiday season, I have been researching holiday decor, recipes, new traditions, etc. I have seen so many stunning tablescapes that run the gamut of simple and rustic, to elaborate and luxurious. These are so pretty, and I never get sick of admiring them all year round.

Here is a round up of some of my absolute favorites. I have also included my own idea at the end (shopping list included) for a totally simple and beautiful setting that I’m planning to do! Want to skip ahead? Check it out here.

Driven by Decor
my.farmhouse.frantic.life
asuntospublicos

For many years my kids and I would walk around the neighborhood in search of fallen pine needles, pine cones, acorns, beautiful colored leaves, etc. Nature always made the most welcoming tablescape, and I try to find “real” or preserved greenery whenever possible.

My easy tablescape (with shopping list):

Below is my current plan for this year – it’s a work in progress still. Something about the black and white buffalo check with pops of green and natural elements is so classic and pretty. The little bit of gold on the votive holders adds just the right amount of sparkle too. Do you agree? Those pumpkin shaped glasses are on clearance, so if you like them hurry hurry and grab some for your table! The shopping list is below if you are interested in any of these ideas for yourself (this post contains affiliate links – As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

  1. Buffalo Harvest Pumpkin Dinnerware
  2. Round Rattan Chargers Set of 4
  3. Artificial Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Leaves Garland 6 Feet
  4. Dried Natural Hanging Pine Cone Strings
  5. Harvest Pumpkin Shaped Glassware (Currently on clearance!)
  6. 12ct glass votive holders Gold Dipped

A simple linen napkin (like this, or this) will add a little texture without distracting from the theme. I’m thinking this wooden napkin ring would tie in beautifully with the pine cones and chargers.

I hope these lovely tables inspire your holiday dinner. Remember that your loved ones are always the centerpiece, so even if you are eating off of paper plates with plastic utensils (no judgement here!), it’s still wonderful to be together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sephora Gifts for Every Budget

It’s the most beautiful time of the year, and Sephora has tons of gift ideas in all shapes and sizes, and within every budget. I’ve found the best of the best in each price range for you below:

First things first – before we jump in – we have important business to attend to! Do you have a Rakuten (formerly ebates) account? If you do – fantastic! Don’t forget to use it while you shop. If you don’t – stop everything and sign up (for Free) before you do anything else!

The other thing I love about Rakuten is that you can add the “cash back” button to your Google Chrome browser, and it gives you a little reminder when you visit a site that qualifies for rewards.

OK, now on to Sephora…

  1. Stilla – A Knowing Glance Eye Set
  2. Penguin Sponges
  3. Let it Glow Highlighting Kit
  4. Almost Lipstick Mini Duo: For You For Me
  5. Dope Naturally X Sephora Collection Too Pretty To Snooze
  1. tarte Hey Curl, Hey lash curler
  2. beautyblender The Jewel Box Mystery Sponge
  3. Clinique’s Best-Selling Minis
  4. Sephora Collection – Stay Polished Nail Set
  5. Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss Duo
  6. Sephora Favorites – The Next Big Thing
  1. NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Mini Set
  2. Sephora Favorites Superstars (Anastasia / Milk / NARS / Urban Decay / Benefit / Laura Mercier / Too Faced / FENTY)
  3. SEPHORA COLLECTION Shimmer and Shine Brush Set
  4. OLEHENRIKSEN O.M.G. (Oh My Glow) Brightening Set
  5. FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set
  1. IT Cosmetics IT’s Your IT Girl Super Squad!
  2. Lancôme A Skincare Dream
  3. Clarisonic Skincare Mia Prima Facial Cleansing & Pore Minimizing Skincare Device
  4. amika Laser Polish IRED Polished Perfection Straightening Brush Set
  5. Drunk Elephant Shelf- Control™ Night Kit

If you still haven’t found quiiiite what you’re looking for, you can always try the Sephora “Gift Finder” quiz to help narrow down your choices:

I hope this has helped you find just the right gift to pamper, spoil, and inspire your loved ones this holiday season. xo

Need even more gift ideas?