Sunday, November 15, 2015

Favorite Things Party {2015}



Hi everybody!  Hard to believe, but it's already that time of year again for Melissa's annual Favorite Things Party! Except for last year when I took a blogging break, I have been participating in this since 2009 - aka the blogging Dark Ages!  ;)   I love getting a big cup of coffee and checking out everyone's links and getting new gift ideas - it's like getting a bunch of free personal shoppers at once - I love it! And I'm so honored to be part of the link-up this year - so thank you, Melissa! :)






As usual, since we seem to be on a perpetual budget over here (ha!), I have kept everything super affordable on the list - in fact, this year I believe everything on here is less than $10! It's always a bummer to see a blogger rave about something fabulous only to find out it's way out of your price range - so my goal was to find, once again, things that I loved that hopefully everyone could afford.  I figured if I can afford it on my budget, anyone can! ;)  

I've included gift items, personal items, some favorite foods, and even some favorite recipes below.  So grab your favorite drink and come browse - I hope you leave inspired with something new! :) 




{T O   B U Y}


{1 - Starbucks Packets}

Sometimes Christmas gifts are easy to find, but stocking stuffers can be tough  - am I right?  Enter...these fabulous Starbucks packets.  Just add warm milk, pop it in the microwave, and you are good to go!  My husband loves these drinks and they can be found at Target and other stores. (I found mine at Christmas Tree Shop this year for only $4.99!  They make a ridiculously cold New England day a little easier to bear!}










{2 - Essie Polish in "Velvet Voyage"}

Another fun item to gift is nail polish - no size required and every girl likes a fun new color to try out! :)  I love Essie colors - they go on thick and I can go longer between coats than other brands.  This color is a little darker than I normally go (it's a deep, DEEP purple) but I've been loving the bold color this fall!  





{3 - Yes To: Coconut Lip Balm}

I'm slightly seriously obsessed with all things coconut and this Yes To one is fabulous!  No scary ingredients and easy to find at drugstores - it's like a little bit of summer on your lips all year round! ;) 






{4 - Earrings from Walmart - YES, Walmart!}

I can't remember where I first heard that Walmart sells jewelry, but they do!  And most of it is crazy cheap - these earrings were $2.88!  Now I'm not saying that they might be the best quality metals (haha!) but I've been wearing these silver ones for months now and they haven't bothered my ears at all.  For $2.88 (!!!) they have lots of fun choices so you can pick a pair up to add to a gift or just buy something fun for yourself! :) 





{5 - Sugar Paper Products}

Every year I go to Target to get my Sugar Paper calendar!  They are simple, gorgeous, and affordable.  I mean, if you have to look at a calendar every day, it might as well be pretty, right?  







{6 - Secret Deodorant: "Stress Response"}

Lastly....deodorant.  You may ask why I'm including this in a favorite things party - well, because I sweat.  Like a lot.  Like A LOT a lot.  I am a nervous sweater, which means I am the lucky kind of person who can literally sweat through a sweater if I get nervous enough.  It's awful. I have literally tried every single deodorant out there, including a prescription for a while but it burned so bad I had to stop.  This deodorant is pricey (it will run you about $9 or so probably) but it is SO WORTH IT.  I'm not saying I don't still sweat, but it helps it bajillion times more and - how to put this nicely - helps you not be stinky.  If you are like me and sweat like crazy, seriously try this!  It will help!! :)  







{T O   E A T}

{1 - Trader Joe's Coconut Cookie Thins and 72% Dark}

Continuing on the coconut theme, if you have a Trader Joe's near you, you MUST go purchase these Coconut Thins!!! The coconut flavor is SO good - seriously, you just have to trust me on this!  And if you're a highly classy eater like me, break off a piece of the 72% dark (they sell it right by the registers) and alternate bites of dark chocolate and coconut crisp cookie.  Ahhhhh...you can thank me later! Haha! 





{2 - Starbucks' Caffe Verona blend}

Whether for you or for a gift, Caffe Verona is our favorite blend lately.  I totally won't pretend to be smart enough to know about "finishes" and "notes" and all that stuff when it comes to coffee...but this has a deep, rounded (?) flavor that Chris and I both love.  Plus it's a dark roast so we can get by with slightly smaller tablespoons when filling the coffee pot - see? Delicious AND cost-effective. ;)






{T O   M A K E   &   B A K E}

{1- Feta Dip from Clover Lane}

For the last several years, I have made this Feta Dip from Clover Lane for Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family.  I buy a baguette at the grocery store (although she also has a amazing baguette recipe on her site that I've made before, too!), slice up some thin rounds, and serve it alongside the dip.  It always gets devoured - it's easy and delicious, and BONUS points - with green onions and Roma tomatoes in it, it automatically has Christmas colors in it! Try it for your next party - I promise you won't regret it!


[055[2].jpg]

Photo via Clover Lane



{2- Paula Deen Cheesecake}

The second recipe is a little more complicated - but only because it has several steps (the steps themselves aren't difficult).  The recipe is Paula Deen's "Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping" (say that five times fast! lol!) and it is TO DIE FOR.  Shortbread crust, then cheesecake, then chopped apples with cinnamon, then a brown sugar crumble, then drizzled with caramel.  HELLO!!!  I'm including it here because it would make an amazing Thanksgiving dessert.  I made it in October for our small group and everyone loved it too - you really can't go wrong with a Paula Deen dessert! ;) 


Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Photo via Food Network



That wraps it us for me this year! Please take a peek at all of the other fabulous ladies participating this year, and thank you to Melissa for having me! {If you don't follow Melissa already, you must - she is so down to earth, her style is impeccable, and she just has wonderful ideas to share! I've been following her for years now and she continues to have great content to share.} I'm the last girl to share for today, but tomorrow Centsational Girl heads the list so be sure to pay her a visit! :)

If you want to see things I've shared in years past, click this link to see what I've shared before - things like my favorite perfume and movies haven't changed.  Either that makes me boring or traditional - you can decide! Haha!

Let me know if you were here and if we share a love of anything on my list!  Happy Monday, everyone! :)






Displaying favorite things 2015 at 320 Sycamore.jpg
Displaying favorite things 2015 at 320 Sycamore.jpg

67 comments:

  1. So glad you like the feta dip! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We LOVE it, Sarah! Seriously, my whole family looks forward to it! Lol! Thank you so much for sharing it with the blogging world. :)

      Delete
  2. Hello Jessica! I love that your lists are always budget conscious but wonderful! I love her feta dip too :) And I just picked up my sugar paper planner for next year, I love them. I think I tried the salted caramel because of you last year and loved it. So glad you could join us, thanks for a great list. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for having me, Melissa! I was at Target last night and saw the endcap full of Sugar Paper - hooray! :) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Delete
  3. Hi There! Very nice blog.......

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Jessica,
    This is really fantastic article you have shared here on the title Favorite Things Party. I read your post in detail and got nice information. Hope you will continue with such kind of post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I look forward to read more about this subject, it's really fascinating to read. https://www.ichsanflorist.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Watch Bigg boss 14 live streaming on Bigg boss 14 full episodes.Biggboss14 full episdoes
    will be telecasted live.Bigg boss 14 apne tv.Bigg boss 14 hd episodes will be telecasted live.


    bigg boss 14
    bigg boss 14 latest episode
    bigg boss 14 today episode
    bigg boss 14 watch online

    ReplyDelete
  7. See Biggboss14 live in hd quality on Biggboss14show.Bigg boss 14 will be telecasted
    hopefully in september and it's daily episdoes will be telecasted here. Remember to watch
    Biggboss14 online here.
    bigg boss 14
    bigg boss 14 online
    bigg boss 14 download
    bigg boss 14 all episodes

    ReplyDelete
  8. DO YOU THINK OF GETTING A LOAN??
    APPLY TODAY FOR AFFORDABLE 100% LEGITIMATE HOME/REAL ESTATE/PERSONAL/BUSINESS LOANS Email for immediate response: (dr.bradleylouisloans@gmail.com) Text/Call (917) 383-2689


    DO YOU NEED A LOAN? Are Financially down, Cry no more, Financial problem is nothing to cry about, it is something we will have to fight against in one Love, Understanding, Trust and Unity. So our faith as Legitimate Financial Consultants is putting an end to the financial hardship. We are investors providing financial services and we specialize in both start up projects,Home Finance and existing businesses needing funding or Loan for expansion. We are committed to helping businesses develop and succeed.Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital loan from local banks and other financial institutes? Do you need an urgent loan to buy a house? If Yes worry no more because we are out here to help the less financially privileged get the loan they need to get back on their feet no matter your credit score, you can say goodbye to all your financial crisis and difficulties. We offer loans ranging from ($5,000.00.USD To $500,000,000.00.USD) At a low and affordable interest rate of 2%, without collateral and without credit check. Bradley Louis Loans holds all of the information about how to obtain money quickly and painlessly (dr.bradleylouisloans@gmail.com) Text/Call (917) 383-2689

    Need emergency funds? Apply now and get your cash approval. we offer the following financial services:
    *Personal loans,
    *Debt consolidation loans,
    *Venture capital,
    *Business loans,
    *Education loans,
    *Home loans
    *Car Loans
    *Hotel Loans
    And many more.

    Are you looking for a genuine loan? contacting the right company for a legitimate loan lender has always been a huge problem to clients who have financial problems and in need of a solution to it at an affordable interest rate? Are you in any financial mess or do you need funds to start up your own home project and real estate development? Do you need a loan to start a nice small or large scale and medium business?
    contact us today (dr.bradleylouisloans@gmail.com) Text/Call (917) 383-2689
    Look forward to your response,

    Dr. Bradley Louis
    Text/Call (917) 383-2689

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awesome Buddy Thanks For Sharing This.IF You Need Indian Network Episodes Join Our Website Bigg Boss 14.
    Bigg Boss Season 14 Online.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TESTIMONY ON HOW I GOT MY LOAN FROM A GENUINE FINANCE COMPANY LAST WEEK. Email for immediate response: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    {Dr.Benjamin Scarlet Owen} can also help you with a legit loan offer. He Has also helped some other colleagues of mine. If you need a genuine loan without cost/stress he his the right loan lender to wipe away your financial problems and crisis today. BENJAMIN LOAN INVESTMENTS FINANCE holds all of the information about how to obtain money quickly and painlessly via Call/Text: +1(415)630-7138 Email: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  11. To hire our Escorts Service in Mahipalpur you can speak with our call girl representative over the call. It is very easy to get escort service in Aerocity now. Call us now!! They love to make relationships for the night with Indian men and that is why they join our escort agency to provide foreign Escorts Service in Mahipalpur. These ladies are referred to as Foreign escorts in Aerocity.
    Escorts Service in Gurgaon
    Body Massage in Vasant Kunj, Delhi
    Body Massage in Gurgaon
    Massage Parlor in Mahipalpur

    ReplyDelete
  12. Seeing is believing they say, I knew something was wrong but I couldn't find my way around it. A friend introduced me Whitehatspytech@cyberservices.com, who without physical access to my spouse's phone got full access to all texts, calls, facebook, whatsapp and other social media. I find out my spouse was cheating with someone he met from a secret dating app on the phone(Seeking Arrangements) I'm working on filing for a divorce right now so sad about but it’s only right. You can contact him if you have similar problems

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is one of the best website I have seen in a long 스포츠토토time thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I found out that we still have intelligent informative researchers who can still take time out of their busy schedule to put all this together BEST QUALITY FAKE MALAYSIA PASSPORT I've bookmark your site and furthermore include RSS. keep us refreshed all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I appreciate your time for being able to put on a very insightful article. You are so awesome! So great to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this issue. Its a amazing write-up keep it up. Click Here free fugus post utme past questions

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amazing! Its really amazing article, I have got much clear idea regarding
    from this post. 경마

    ReplyDelete
  17. 카지노
    Some truly nice and useful information on this
    website, also I believe the layout has superb features.

    ReplyDelete
  18. One other issue is when you are in a predicament where you would not have a co-signer then you may genuinely wish to try to exhaust all of your financing options. You can get many grants or loans and other grants that will give you finances to assist with school expenses. Thank you for the post.
    オンラインパチンコ

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Thank you so much 카지노사이트탑

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is one of the best website I have seen in a long time thankyou so much, thankyou for let me share this website to all my friends. 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  21. Someone necessarily help to make significantly articles I would state.
    This is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far?
    click me here카지노

    yang

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi there, There's no doubt that your web site could
    possibly be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however,
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that,
    great website! 송송넷


    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent,
    as well as the content! 송송넷



    ReplyDelete
  24. I found so many exciting matters in this particular content, I would like to request please keep posting such informative content. Check out walmart carpet cleaner rental near uyo

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have just read this blog and I’ll surely come back for more posts, and also this article gives the light in which we can observe the reality of the topic. Thanks for this nice article! Now read this too...university of tennessee enrollment 

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice writing! I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what you've got to say. Thanks for the helpful informing post shared here today. Download FUGUS Post UTME Past Question and Answers

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm impressed, I must say. Actually rarely can i encounter a blog that's both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you could have hit the nail about the head. Your idea is outstanding; the thing is something that too few individuals are speaking intelligently about. We are delighted that we came across this around my try to find some thing with this.메이저사이트


    ReplyDelete
  28. Remarkable! Its in fact amazing post, I have got much clear idea
    regarding from this article. 파친코사이트

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello! This post could not be written any better! 토토


    ReplyDelete
  30. It's amazing that you have that kind of idea writing this article. Thank you for valuable article. 카지노사이트탑

    ReplyDelete
  31. That's a really impressive new idea! casino api It touched me a lot. I would love to hear your opinion on my site. Please come to the site I run once and leave a comment. Thank you.


    ReplyDelete
  32. It has a good meaning. If you always live positively, someday good things will happen. 메이저사이트Let's believe in the power of positivity. Have a nice day.


    ReplyDelete
  33. I really like your blog. Great article. You should also check out this article. Godaddy email login 365

    ReplyDelete
  34. casino trực tuyếnDecember 19, 2021 at 5:55 PM

    This is the perfect post.casino trực tuyến It helped me a lot. If you have time, I hope you come to my site and share your opinions. Have a nice day.


    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm so happy to finally find a post with what I want. 오공슬롯 You have inspired me a lot. If you are satisfied, please visit my website and leave your feedback.


    ReplyDelete
  36. Don't go past my writing! Please read my article only once. Come here and read it once 카지노사이트


    ReplyDelete
  37. It's really nice and meaningful. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing. you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them useful information. 카지노

    ReplyDelete
  38. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. However, I recommend this: 파워볼

    ReplyDelete
  39. That's a Great Source of information. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: 온라인카지노

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow! What an incredible blog. Is as if you read my mind to know what I was searching for. I found what I wanted. Keep writing. Checkout New Year Wishes For Girlfriend

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is an amazing site. I enjoyed reading it, will come back to gather some more knowledge. Meanwhile, check out the deep love messages for her

    ReplyDelete
  42. I will book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too. Feel free to visit my website; 야설

    ReplyDelete
  43. I've been looking for photos and articles on this topic over the past few days due to a school assignment, casino online and I'm really happy to find a post with the material I was looking for! I bookmark and will come often! Thanks :D

    ReplyDelete
  44. Go to Slope Wallet official website and select from Android or iOS for mobile application and select Chrome for desktop. You can also go directly to the Chrome Store, Google Play, or App Store. Then, search "Slope Wallet" and install.
    Atomic Wallet |

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is a very useful blog for me. I can find new problems in your article. 토토사이트, 안전놀이터, 사설토토

    ReplyDelete
  46. It was a very impressive story. I'll look forward to your next article. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  47. You want to deal with your guests right from more seasoned individuals, unsure young people to the bratty little ones who moan noisily at an exhausting party.Austin Mechanical Bull

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your work is just excellent.I really love your work and thanks for sharing this resources.
    If you are a students and looking for best encryption codes assignment then visit here: Encryption Codes Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have read you post, Great work you really did it very well. Keep working like this and sharing with us.
    If you are looking for best Google Assistant Development Company then Qdex Technology is your Google Assistant development partner. We create innovative voice applications and AI-driven solutions to enhance user experiences.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! I am Impressed.
    If you are looking to hire a best Active Site Survey freelancer then Paperub is one of the best platform for Hire Active Site Survey Freelancer for site surveys and network optimization tasks.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thanks for write this kind of informative blog.
    If you are looking to Hover Balls toys for your kids then MyFirsToys offers Kids Hover Balls Toys, gliding smoothly on any surface for hours of active, gravity-defying play.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'll support you for your writing, Thank you for fantastic post

    ReplyDelete
  53. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this unique post! Thanks a lot

    ReplyDelete
  54. We are really grateful for this blog post. Absolutely a Great work, Thankyou!

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is one of the most significant information for me. Thanks for a good points

    ReplyDelete
  56. Keep us updated, looking forward for more posts you will make. Many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information. Stay us informed.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am impressed by the details that you have on this web site. Write more

    ReplyDelete
  59. That is really interesting, You’re an overly skilled blogger. Fantastic post.

    ReplyDelete
  60. The realm of dental merchant processing encompasses the specialized financial services that facilitate payment transactions within dental practices. This sector is tailored to meet the unique needs of dental professionals, ensuring that they can efficiently process payments from patients, insurance companies, and other entities. By utilizing advanced technology and secure payment gateways, dental merchant processing streamlines the billing process, allowing practices to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks.

    Additionally, these services often include features such as recurring billing, mobile payment options, and comprehensive reporting tools, which enhance the overall operational efficiency of dental offices.

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Comments make my day! :) I generally respond to comments right here on my blog. If you have a more specific question for me, you are always welcome to e-mail me at blessedlifeblog{at}gmail{dot}com.