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care . grow . strengthen

12/22/2018 0 Comments

Christmas Day Bread Recipe

Christmas Star Twisted Bread 

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A few weeks before Thanksgiving, I saw the cover of Taste of Home magazine with this gorgeous looking bread spread across the page. I immediately snapped a photo and told myself I'd make it for Thanksgiving. In fact, I'd even do a practice one before Thanksgiving to make sure it turned out ok.....well Thanksgiving came and Thanksgiving bread and still the closest I got to baking the bread was sending a text saying that I wanted to do it. 

This is the first Christmas that Brad and I don't have roommates and so I took the opportunity to create some new traditions just for us! This was my chance to finally make this epic looking bread! The first time I tried it, I followed the recipe perfectly and was so excited when the bread actually rose during the hour sit time (I didn't have high hopes for my bread making skills so that fact that I could do it means anyone can.) The only problem with the first batch was that once it had the slightest golden brown top, I took it out and started eating. The edges were good but the middle was a sad state of dough.

I could tell that it would be really good with a different filler and so I decided to give it another go for my company Christmas potluck, this time with pesto and cheese. I stayed patient and let it bake and bake and gave it the good old toothpick test just to make sure it was cooked and was so happy about how it turned out.

So the verdict is in from me, Brad and all my co-workers that this bread tastes as good as it looks. Whether you want something sweet for Christmas morning or a delicious savory appetizer/side for Christmas Eve dinner, this bread is sure to be a conversation starter and taste oh so good. 

Hope your Christmas is filled with delicious goodies and if you want to add this one to your table, here is the original recipe link and below are some other filling ideas that Brad and I brainstormed to try next time.

Filling Options:
Pesto & Cheese
Raspberry Jam
Marionberry Jam
Nutella
Marinara & Mozerella
Garlic Butter & Rosemary

Enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

xoxo,
Jessica

P.S. I'd love to hear your favorite traditions too! What is one of your favorite Christmas day recipes to share with your family?
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12/6/2018 0 Comments

Co-Worker Gift Guide

Best end of year/holiday gift guide for co-workers, your boss, and friends

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'Tis the season for gift guides! ​Lately, there have been a lot of gift guides floating through my feeds and I'm loving it! It is so helpful to see what other people are loving and what they have found to really add value to their lives. Although I find them super helpful for adding to my own Christmas list and/or a close family member, some of the suggestions are just a little out of my price point for gift giving on a bigger scale (i.e. friends and co-workers).
 
I love to give a little something to friends as I meet up for happy hour or coffee around the holiday season. Something that doesn’t break the bank but also shows love and care for having them in my life. The same goes for co-workers, in reality, I actually spend more time with them than friends so a thank you for a great year always goes a long way.
 
That being said, depending how big your circle of friends is, this can quickly become a much bigger expense than intended. I’ve been searching for these go-to gifts this season and rounded up my gift guide for affordable and fabulous gifts to share with all of you. To be fair, I may have overdone the personalization aspect of things, but a lot of time people love the personal touch yet would never get it for themselves so it really adds a little something extra to the gift. 
  1.  Scented candle - ($12.00) These candles are some of my absolute favorites! They smell amazing, burn forever, and once you are done, the jar top makes for an amazing coaster!
  2. Handmade fleece blanket - ($15.00 - $25.00) This is a great DIY gift. It requires no sewing, is quick and easy and you can pick the perfect fabric combination for the person in mind. Joann's always has coupons online so find a deal to make it even more affordable!
  3. Bud vase & eucalyptus leaves - ($10.00) These sleek and minimal vases are the perfect gift for someone to add some good vibes to their home or desk. 
  4. Personalized stationary wax seal - ($15.00 - $25.00)This gift is filled with nostalgia and fun. Most people don't use wax seals anymore but they are actually super fun to do and a great way to add a personal touch to letters. 
  5. Personalized stationary - ($18.00) So often at work we are taking notes or leaving post its. This is a great way to add an extra touch around the office and know for sure who the note is from ;-)
  6. Monogrammed winter gloves - How many times do you lose your pair of black gloves right?! These are a great way to make an affordable staple unique.
  7. Bluetooth tracker -  ($14.00-$25.00) I lose my keys all . the . time! If it's not keys, it's something. We all have that one think we misplace and now you can gift someone the ability to find it. With an 8-pack that breaks down to $13.75 per tile, place it in a gift card holder or mini stocking and you have the perfect functional gift. 
  8. Wine Ornament - (8.00) I've gifted bottles of wine in the past, but these wine ornaments are so festive and a unique twist to a classic co-worker gift. 
  9. Notebook and unique pens - Whether it's journaling for personal development or taking notes during a meeting, a personalized notebook takes something relatively generic and makes it special. If you are willing to splurge a bit, keep your gift under the $30 mark with these super adorable pens from Sparkly Scribes.
​And remember, no matter who the gift is for, a personal, handwritten, holiday greeting card goes a long way. 

​Happy shopping! 

xoxo,
Jessica

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6/7/2018 3 Comments

Summer Must Have List - Fun and Festive

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​Although in San Diego, we are lucky to have amazing weather year round-there is still something so special about summer! Longer days and warmer evenings lend to the perfect recipe for entertaining friends and family and relaxing on weekend mornings. To help get summer started I've put together some of my favorite items for a fun and festive season. Are there any I've missed that are on your list? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Hope you enjoy and happy summer planning! ​
  • one: These are perfect for a cocktail or water bottle. I use it with my Yeti to keep my water cold and still have a straw to drink from. Easy to clean and environmentally friendly!
  • two: I love these Turkish beach towels known as hammamas are really like a personal beach rug. Super cute patterns, plus it's really light and absorbent cotton makes it a great beach accessory. 
  • three: Outdoor lights are the perfect way to add some "juj" to your patio, makes it a dreamy escape and these ones are really durable which I love. 
  • four: YES! That is a test tube of premium wine. Sip and Savor has made a 200 ml, just enough for a glass. Perfect for a picnic and the scientist in me loves it. 
  • five: I am obsessed with these pale pink hobnail glasses. I first saw them at HSL Restaurant in Salt Lake City and now I want them for every summer occasion!
  • six: Get your beach and boho vibes ready for this patio or accent chair. I love the textures and patterns on this one! 
  • seven: This is my new go-to bag. I use it for work and it fits all my electronics, magazines and accessories perfectly. So many little pockets for storage and fits right under the airplane seat. I highly recommend it for your summer travel adventures. 
  • eight: I can't get enough of these gorgeous cement planters by Momma Pots. Grand opening of her retail shop is this weekend and I'm so excited to go!
  • nine: Clearly I'm missing Winston already. How cute are these?! And handmade in Ghana. Such a unique accent for your home.
  • ten: Watermelon is one of my favorite parts of summer. I got this bowl last year and it fits a mini watermelon perfectly. I love serving with it!

xoxo,

Jessica
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