My Favorite Kitchen Gadget

Washington State's annual fair is a family tradition. Between the warm scones, elephant ears and roasted corn, it's something we look forward to each year. Aside from the food, one of our favorite stops has become what we like to call the "gadgets" tents. Inside is a plethora of goods being sold that you likely won't find in any retail store. Over the years, my sweet mom has been suckered into buying some pretty disappointing products like pet hair removers and tupperware lids. But one product has kept us coming back for more - The Salsa Maker.
This hand-powered tool chops and minces quickly and easily with perfect results. It also comes with several attachments for whipping, juicing, shredding and slicing. I pretty much stick to the classic chopping blades but it's nice to have the extras anyway. My favorite uses are mirepoix (carrots, onion and celery) for soup starters or even strawberries as a perfect shortcake topping. But most often, we use it for perfect pico de gallo that I'll even share our recipe for:

Ingredients:
2-3 Roma Tomatoes
1 small sweet onion
1 jalapeno (less if you aren't a fan of spice)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasoned salt
Pepper

Slice your tomatoes in quarters and toss into salsa maker. After cutting off top and bottom, peel off outer onion layer and toss into the maker. Add as much jalapeño as desired. The more you add and the more seeds you add, the hotter your salsa will be. For your first time, scrape out all of the seeds and use about half of your pepper. Add your garlic and a few shakes of seasoned salt and pepper. Close and crank your salsa maker until you've reached the desired consistency. (Mine takes about 8-10 revolutions.) Add salt and pepper to taste.

Above is after just a couple of turns. You can see how quickly all of the ingredients are getting chopped and combined.

The finished product. Everything is super fresh and tastes delicious with tortilla chips or on tacos. We even love to put a little on our tri-tip steak. Yummy.

For a bonus, make a little guacamole by mashing up 1-2 avocados with a fork in a bowl. Add some of your freshly made pico with a dash of extra garlic, salta and pepper. Voila! Table side guac made to perfection.

Obsession: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Mark your calendars, ladies! On April 19, Target is releasing its collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer, the fashion label known for stunning resort wear and bright, beautiful prints. We're loving the collection's fresh, summery colors and retro vibe, which includes items for women, girls, home, and beauty.

A few of our favorites...

See the Look Book on Target.com

We're sure this stuff will go fast, so get to Target early for the best selection. We'll see you there!

Obsession: Cinnamon Bears

One of the best parts about visiting my alma matter is this sweet treat sold at the school's bookstore: cinnamon bears. For being such a delicious candy, I have a surprisingly hard time finding bears that are the perfect combination of chewy, hot and gummy. Occasionally I see bags of generic candy that have wannabes inside, but even those seem to have become scarce.

The BYU bookstore has a plethora of the best cinnamon bears I've ever had. So good, in fact, that while out to a broadway show, I was raving to my brother in law about how incredible these little cubs are and was overheard by a couple in front of us that turned around just to add their own testimonial to the fact that BYU cinnamon bears reign supreme. And while this time was all about cinnamon lips rather than bears (valentine's leftovers) they still were just as delicious as I remembered.

Does anyone else love these yummy treats? Where do you find good ones? I'm going to need a good source once my stock runs out from this trip.

Obsession: Venmo

blog.venmo.com

Ask my friends, and they will swear I secretly work as a rep for Venmo. (Which I'm not, I swear.) Although, I do love any opportunity to talk about my love for this convenient app that was introduced to me several months ago. It's quickly become one of my top three must-have items on my iPhone and I'm all about spreading the love for this handy tool with anyone who will listen.

Venmo is a free app that allows its users to pay each other directly from their phones. By linking a bank account and/or credit card you can pull from your funds and cash out back to your specified account. You can also send charges to friends when they owe you money. Sounds essentially like Paypal right? Well, the two are actually partner companies, but Venmo adds a social element that not only makes paying people more fun, but makes the process a little easier to use.

By linking to Facebook, you can see all of your Venmo-using friends and the descriptions of charges/payments that are made public. It helps when a group of us goes to dinner and one person picks up the check. Once a notification that at least one friend has already paid their portion, it serves as a good reminder for everyone else to pay up. Similarly, it gives a little entertainment value as you try to decode what some of the more cryptic descriptions might mean. Sally paid Joe for winky and ice cream emojis? I didn't even know they were friends.

So worry no more about carrying cash to pay friends back for gas money, splitting the check or the running errands. Download this clever app and get used to saying the words "I'll just Venmo you."

Obsession: Hemp Hand Protector

As if winter wasn’t rough enough, it’s also the season of dry skin. Between the cold weather and all the hand washing to ward off flu germs, my hands are often pretty parched.

The best lotion I’ve ever found is Hemp Hand Protector from The Body Shop. The smell is different from what you’re probably used to with lotions--more earthy and masculine. But it works miracles on even the most moisture-starved hands and heels. It may seem a little pricey but the tube lasts forever. Give it a try!

Hemp Hand Protector, $20

Obsession: TJ's Scone Mix

Susan: I think we should give it to Paul. 
Gabrielle Solis: He's still mourning Susan. He'll probably freak out. 
Susan: It doesn't matter. She was his wife. He deserves to have all the facts. 
Bree Van De Kamp: Well, we could do it gently. We could tell him about it over coffee and pastry. 
Lynette Scavo: That'll be fun. "Paul, we have proof your wife killed herself over some deep dark secret. Another bear claw".                          
                                                                                              - Desperate Housewives Season 1

An important lesson I learned from Desperate Housewives was to never go to someone's home empty-handed. Bree Van de Kamp was the queen of delivering fresh baked goods to new neighbors, casual gatherings and even just to spread a bit of juice gossip. (Which on the show seemed to be every day, right?) But finding time to make something worth sharing in a time crunch is tricky. Thankfully, this Trader Joe's find is the perfect solution. 

In doing my grocery shopping a few months ago, I found these Chocolate Chip scone mixes on the shelf. My kids thought they looked like cookies, so of course, several "I need cookies!" later, I grabbed a box, along with a box of the mixed berry scone mix (berries=healthy, right?) and off we went. 

A few days later, we were asked to come have a play date with a friend. I wanted to bring something over and had about twenty minutes to spare. I added water to my scone mix (seriously...water is the only ingredient you need) and popped them in the oven for about 15 minutes. Not only did they come out looking delicious, but I got rave reviews from my friends, husband and kids - a tough crowd. I, personally, favor the mixed berry version with a cup of tea. My kids still ask for "cookies for breakfast" and love the chocolate chip version. Give them a try and see for yourself how simple and delicious they are!

Obsession: Maldon Sea Salt (and 15 Ways to Use It)

Salt is cooking what air is to breathing. Without it, food is bland and flat. Use it right and even the simplest ingredients become irresistibly flavorful.

My favorite salt is Maldon Sea Salt. It’s what chefs call a “finishing salt.” This is not the salt you use to season your pasta water…it’s the one you sprinkle on top of a finished dish for a little extra oomph.

It’s a cheap thrill too. Order a box on Amazon for less than $6 and keep a little jar by your stove to dress up everything from roasted veggies to ice cream.

Add a sprinkle of Maldon to…

1. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup
2. Grilled or broiled bread
3. S'mores
4. Plain yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil (try it as a sauce for grilled chicken)
5. Your favorite chocolate chip cookies before baking
6. Roasted broccoli (or any roasted veggie)
7. Sliced avocado (or, even better, avocado toast)
8. Grilled steaks
9. Zucchini or banana bread (serve with creme fraiche for an amazing dessert)
10. Sunnyside-up eggs
11. Granola
12. A pizza (like this one)
13. An arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil
14. Baguette slices with butter and thinly sliced radishes
15. Popcorn

Have you tried Maldon? How do you use it?

Get Wild With Water

One of winter's biggest woes is how cold and dry the air is. It makes people like me, who already have a hard time getting in the recommended eight glasses of water each day, really struggle. As a result, my skin is dry, my lips feel chapped and I just don't feel all that great.
Part of my resolutions was to be more conscious of what I'm putting into my body. A big part of that is drinking water as my main beverage. While I already don't drink alcohol, I'm trying to steer clear of pop (even my beloved Diet Coke and Dr Pepper) and other sugar-filled drinks. Instead, I'm keeping a water bottle with me at all times to get in that much needed H20.
And though, the benefits of water should be motivation enough to drink, I admittedly get bored with drinking the same thing all the time. I need a little complexity. And after finding such a love for tea, I decided to take a similar approach to mixing up my water selection.
Introducing: flavored water. Ok, ok. I know, it's not a new concept. But I appreciate a friendly reminder (or two) on how simple and diverse the possibilities are. To get your creative water juices going - pun intended - here are a few no-fail combinations that are favorites at my house:

The quantities all depend on how strong you want the flavor to be. The more you add, the stronger the flavor. Also, the time the fruit is allowed to sit in the water will make the flavor more potent. You can add your fruit, veggies and/or herbs the night before for an extra wow factor. This pitcher and this water bottle are good options if you're trying to keep your water clear from chunks of your enhancers as you drink. Mix and match combinations above to find your favorite!

Silver & Gold

I watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with my son the other night. Besides marvelling at how mean bullies were allowed to be on TV in the ‘60s (even Santa!), the other thing stuck in my head is “Silver and Gold,” the lovely little Christmas ditty sung by Sam the Snowman as the Christmas Town birds go to town decorating a fir tree.

Sam was really onto something. Fifty years later, adding a little silver and gold to your Christmas tree is still a great way to go. Even though my tree is full of rustic wood ornaments, I love the subtle sparkle and dimension a few metallic pieces add. And while you’ve probably already decorated your tree, there’s always room for one or two more ornaments (or wait until after Christmas and snap ‘em up for half price).

Row 1: Crate&Barrel Beaded Pinecones / Anthropologie Wood Monogram
Row 2: World Market Mercury Glass Teardrops / Anthropologie Gold-Flecked Feathers
Row 3: Crate&Barrel Glittery Eggs / Crate&Barrel Glitter Cork Tree
Row 4: CB2 Wire Ornaments / West Elm Gilded Glass Deer

Obsession: Pretty Paper

Gift wrapping season is upon us! My mom used to say the key to enjoying all the Christmas wrapping is to pick out paper you'll love looking at. Because my wrapping skills are limited, finding beautiful paper is my only hope.

Whether you're looking for something festive, something magical and sweet for the kids, or something a little more sophisticated, check out our picks for the prettiest paper around.

Best Christmas

Where to Get It: Birds, Kate's Paperie; Watercolor Mistletoe, Paper Source; Leafy Antlers, Kate's Paperie; Holiday Chalkboard, Paper Source

Best Kids

Where to Get It: Skiing Gnomes, Paper Source; Vintage Toy Catalog, Paper Source; Christmas Countdown, Kate's Paperie; Holiday Foxes, Paper Source 

Best Girly

Where to Get It: Peacocks, World Market; Watercolors, Anthropologie; Tea Cups, Paper Source; Rio Dots, Mara Mi.

Best Graphic Print

Where to Get It: Handmade Gift Wraps, Paper Presentation

Best Blue

Where to Get It: Dandelions, Parkside Paper & Gift; Blue Octopus, Kate's Paperie; Blue Jaipur, Parkside Paper & Gift; Gold Leaves, Papyrus.

You've got the paper...now find the perfect gift with the TJB Gift Guides.

2014 Holiday Gift Guides

Looking for something to get your hard-to-buy-for person this holiday season? We've got you covered. Or maybe you just need some inspiration on what to add to your own list? We've got you there too. Check out our gift guides and you're sure to find something for everyone.

Gifts for Guys

Geeky Guy - Ask him if he speaks a second language and he may ask if C++ counts. From a watch that would make Bruce Wayne envious to a controller with open source functionality, we’ve got the gifts on every geeky guy’s encrypted list.

Outdoorsy Guy - He secretly hopes for a dystopian future so he can spend his days hunting game and building lean-tos. Make his wish come at least partially true with our guide to the best gear at every price.

Sporty Guy - He dreams of home runs and holes-in-one. He may tear up when his team wins the big game. Whether armchair athlete or super jock, here are the best gifts for your sports fanatic.

Modern Man - He’s always in on the latest and greatest, prides himself on his grooming, and may know more about designers than you do. Satisfy his discerning tastes (without breaking the bank) with stylish gifts from our guide for the modern man.

Artsy Guy - He spends his weekends attending gallery openings and waxes poetic on subjects from Baroque sculpture to Banksy. Whether you want to spend big or stay on budget, we have the perfect thing for the artsy guy in your life.

Gifts for Girls

Geeky Girl - She dressed up like Hermione for the Harry Potter premiere and carries a torch for Han Solo. From gadgets to her very own star, here’s what your geeky girl wants this year.

Sporty Girl - Her downward dog has been known to cause serious yogi envy, and her idea of a light run is more like a sprint. From the best workout jacket ever to gear with a touch of girly flair, here are our favorite finds for your fittest friend.

Glamour Girl - She pulls off a cat-eye, accessorizes like Coco, and considers Nordstrom her second home. We’ve found just the thing for the girl who already has everything, including the most wanted hat of the season, the best make-up, and the most glamorous scarf you’ve ever seen.

Domestic Goddess - She knows how to assemble a mean cheese plate, her place always smells like cookies, and her pillows are perfectly plumped. Give the domestic goddess a divine gift to dress her nest.

Artsy Girl - She’s a free spirit who dreams in pastels and makes crafting look cool. Give the girl who walks to the beat of her drum something off the beaten path, from a paper mache zebra to ring with a secret message just for her.

Gifts for Kids

The gift guides for kids on Modern Parents Messy Kids are tough to beat. They have hundreds of toys and activities organized by age and interest. I love that lots of their toy ideas are geared towards creativity and being active. These are my go-to for kids each year.

Throughout the month of December, we'll continue to bring you ideas for some simple DIY gifts, gifts for neighbors and more. Stay tuned!

So which guide matches you best?

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Geeky Guy

Ask him if we speaks a second language and he may ask if C++ counts. From a watch that would make Bruce Wayne envious to a controller with open source functionality, we’ve got the gifts on every geeky guy’s encrypted list.

1. Marvel Retro Interior Print Wallet $20.99 - Business on the outside, party on the inside. This functional wallet allows your guy to let a bit of his heroic personality shine.

2. Beautiful Lego $18.94 - President Business beware; this book takes building Legos to a whole new level.

3. Equation Geek Watch $68.00 - This sleek watch still manages to get your geeky guy's brain working every time he checks the time.

4. Star Trek Enterprise Bottle Opener $19.07 - Beam me up a bottle or two Scotty! This bottle opener is a must for any Star Trek fan.

5. Evolution Controller $39.99 - This controller is the perfect solution for any ultimate gamer out there. It's open source functionality allows users to program the controller for any device according to their own specifications.

6. Geeky Tees $20.00 - Any geek will appreciate the clever graphics and punny jokes on these tees.

7. Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe $12.41 - The vibrant and colorful pages of this book read like a comic itself. The perfect addition to any collection. (And may help you decode the comic world too. Next stop: Comic Con.)

8. Samsung Gear S Smart Watch $300-400 - Make sure your guy is equipped with latest and greatest in wearable technology. This new watch even includes a mini-keyboard and its own phone number.

9. 4 Channel Remote Control Quadcopter $85.99 - The ultimate boy-toy, this remote control copter is even equipped with lights and a camera.

10. Personalized Batman Cufflinks $85.00 - These stylish cufflinks are perfect for vigilantes and geeky guys alike.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Outdoorsy Guy

He secretly hopes for a dystopian future so he can spend his days hunting game and building lean-tos. Make his wish come at least partially true with our guide to the best gear at every price.

1. Survival Bracelet $19.99 - Who would have thought that an almost 8' paracord could turn into something that looks as stylish as these bracelets? The practical emergency uses for the cord make it a great addition to any gift.

2. ENO SingleNest Hammock $59.95 - The quick and easy set-up of these hammocks make sleeping outdoors a little easier. If you're feeling adventurous, splurge for the double hammock.

3. Jetboil Zip Stove $63.96 - For my husband, an ultimate outdoorsman, this stove is a must-have. Perfect for cooking and purifying water outdoors.

4. Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia $24.25 - The ultimate guide for fishing, camping, and doing pretty much anything in the great outdoors.

5. Teton Sports Scout3400 Internal Frame Backpack $65.81 - Whether he's backpacking across Europe or, well, your backyard, this backpack is sure to maximize the gear your guy can carry.

6. Victorinox Swiss Card Lite $47.50 - The Macgyver in your life needs this modern version of a swiss army knife.

7. Rainproof Crank Flashlight and Lantern $18.99 - Beyond being great for camping, these waterproof crank lights are great to keep around the house in case of emergencies.

8. GoPro Hero 3+ Silver $299.99 - This older version of the GoPro still ranks just as high as it's newer versions but saves a few bucks. With that extra cash, you can splurge on some extra accessories too.

9. Patagonia Nano Air Hoody $299.99 - Gear of the Year 2014, this coat feels like wearing air while keeping you toasty warm and dry.

10. HydroFlask Wide Mouth Vacuum Bottle - 40 oz. $36.95 - Hot or cold, this bottle is ready for anything and will keep it at it's original temperature for at least 12 hours.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Modern Man

He’s always in on the latest and greatest, prides himself on his grooming, and may know more about designers than you do. Satisfy his discerning tastes (without breaking the bank) with stylish gifts from our guide for the modern man.

1. Mission Belt $39.95 - Finally! A belt that fits perfectly even if your man's weight fluctuates a pound or two (or ten.) The ratchet technology has no belt loops and looks sleek and modern.

2. Ugg Leighton Chukka Boot $159.95 - Once your modern man puts his foot in this shoe, he'll never want to take it out. Lined with the signature Ugg sheepskin, these super stylish boots are over-the-top comfortable and keep your man's feet warm all winter.

3. Brixton Arden II Snapback Cap $28.00 - In terms of hats, Brixton is where it's at. They've got the most stylish caps around at affordable prices.

4. iPad Air $399.99 - Guys love their gadgets and this device is sure to win your man's heart. Its slimmed-down design and improved processor make this a splurge-worthy item.

5. Nixon Sentry Leather Strap Watch $150.00 - I love the versatility with this leather strap watch. And Nixon is one of the best companies in terms of standing by the quality of their watches.

6. Personalized Tie Bar $15.00 - Help your man spiff up his suit and tie with this personalized tie bar.

7. Mr Taylor Shaving Cream Bowl $14.00 - The scent of this shave cream is perfectly subtle and clean. Normally it has to be ordered directly from London but we've linked a source that will get it to you in time for Christmas.

8. Brookstone Towel Warmer $89.99 - Who doesn't want a nice warm towel waiting for them as they step out of the shower? And this design lets you warm blankets, robes, and more.

9. Sharkk Bluetooth Wireless Speakers $59.00 - Bluetooth speakers are top picks for the holidays this year. This pick was one of the highest rated in terms of sound quality and consistency. They even beat out the high-end brands.

10. Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush $53.00 - If your guy isn't already using a brush and cream to shave, rock his world by getting him started with this luxury badger brush.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Sporty Guy

He dreams of home runs and holes-in-one. He may tear up when his team wins the big game. Whether armchair athlete or super jock, here are the best gifts for your sports fanatic.

1. Nike Kobe 9 EM $160.00 - These sweet shoes are super breathable, lightweight and still manage to look pretty cute.

2. Ballpark Blueprints $170.00 - This is the grown-up version of hanging posters of Michael Jordan in your guy's space. These beautiful blueprints are available for college and national sports stadiums for most sports.

3. Reclining Stadium Seat $46.99 - Whether it's used to cheer on the Seahawks or your little guy (or girl) at their pee-wee game, this seat will help keep tushies warm, dry and comfortable.

4. Portable Table Tennis $21.09 - Perfect for the office, dining room table or any flat surface, this portable game lets your guy stay competitive at a moments notice.

5. Portable Briefcase BBQ Grill $80.00 - For the BBQ enthusiast, this sneaky briefcase is the perfect piece to bring to any tailgating party.

6. Ticket Stub Diary $12.00 - Help your man hold on to memories of that unforgettable game with this easy way to scrapbook and journal.

7. Game Used MLB Bracelet $99.00 - These awesome bracelets are made with game-used MLB baseballs. Wearing one keep s a piece of the game with your guy everywhere he goes.

8. SKLZ Putting Mat $39.99 - My husband definitely needs this putting mat to practice his short game. Maybe then he'd have a chance at beating me on our put put dates.

9. Garmin Forerunner 220 $250.00 - Just in time for those new years resolutions, this sporty heart rate monitor and tracker will kick your guy's fitness into high gear.

10. Sportula 3-Piece Set $49.99 - What better way to tailgate than by branding your guy's favorite sports team emblem as he barbecues?

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Artsy Guy

He spends his weekends attending gallery openings and waxes poetic on subjects from Baroque sculpture to Banksy. Whether you want to spend big or stay on budget, we have the perfect thing for the artsy guy in your life.

1. Handmade Leather Satchel $94.00 - Your artist will look forward to carrying around his gear in this super stylish leather satchel.

2. World Scratch Map $20.00 - Even if your guy hasn't travelled the world yet, this map is sure to get the travel bug to bite.

3. Herringbone Checked Shirt $49.90 - This shirt is so cute and comfortable, you'll be more than a little tempted to steal it from his closet on a regular basis.

4. Guitar Pick Punch $25.00 - Give your songwriter a way to personalize his guitar strumming gear with this awesome punch.

5. DIY Screen Print Kit $64.00 - Make it so your guy can wear his works of art with this home screenprint kit.

6. Humans of New York Book $16.90 - Besides the incredible photographs in this book, the heartfelt stories are sure to make this book a new favorite.

7. 3Doodler $99.00 - Think of this as a starter 3D printer. This incredible pen can build almost anything your artist can imagine.

8. Beardbrand Minimalist's Kit $39.99 - If your guy is keeping his "Mo-vember" look going year round, keep that facial hair in tip-top shape with this beard and mustache oil.

9. Crosley Portable Turntable $99.00 - This beautiful turntable will give your guy a new appreciation for the warm sound of vinyl.

10. Fujifilm Instax Classic Camera $200.00 - Flashback to polaroid days with a new modern look using this cool retro film camera.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Geeky Girl

She dressed up like Hermione for the Harry Potter premiere and carries a torch for Han Solo. From gadgets to her very own star, here’s what your geeky girl wants this year.

1. Literary Scarves $42.00 - I can't get enough of these fashionably clever scarves. Take your pick of stories printed on this accessory.

2. TV iPad Stand $30.00 - Watch Netflix in style with this adorable vintage TV replica stand.

3. Harry Potter Marauders Stacking Mug Set $32.00 - Any geeky girl needs to have these mugs on hand for the next time Padfoot stops by for a cup of tea.

4. Talk Nerdy to Me Pajamas $44.99 - These punny pj's are sure to make your nerdy girl snicker (or snort.)

5. Kindle Paperwhite $119.00 - The ultimate E-reader, this tablet lets you read your favorite book through the wee hours of the night or even out in the sun without a glare.

6. Personalized Star Kit $109.95 - Make your girl feel like a shining star by naming a real one after her.

7. DKnight Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $29.99 - This mini speaker is perfect to take along anywhere you might feel the need to rock out; in the shower, cleaning your place or just hanging out.

8. R2D2 Measuring Cups $19.99 - Every time your girl goes to put together a recipe, she'll get to take this cute little robot apart.

9. Jane Austen Boxed Set $35.00 - A beautiful collection of these classic novels and stories that never get old.

10. Vintage Typewriter Key Necklace $14.50 - These personalized initial necklaces are perfect for a writer or antique lover.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Glamour Girl

She pulls of a cat-eye, accessorizes like Coco, and considers Nordstrom her second home. We’ve found just the thing for the girl who already has everything, including the most wanted hat of the season, the best make-up, and the most glamorous scarf you’ve ever seen.

1. Wide Brim Felt Hat $39.90 - This adorable hat keeps domes warm and looking super fashionable.

2. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette $54.00 - I was skeptical of the hype around the Naked shadow palettes. But this third edition has hues that are absolutely beautiful. The combinations are endless and ensure you'll get maximum usage out of every color.

3. Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life $15.56 - Centered around a fashion icon, this book is the perfect read for any glamour girl on your list.

4. Crystal Peapad Pendant Necklace $38.00 - Sometimes a girl needs a little bling without being too showy. This necklace is perfect for dressing up a simple outfit our pairing with another piece to really wow.

5. Kate Spade Cosmic Glow Sequin Pop Mittens $78.00 - Perfect for the holidays, these glitzy gloves can be worn fingerless or as full mittens. The little bows make the look absolutely perfect.

6. Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle $28.00 - A classic staple, this lovely candle will make your home smell like a dream, or at least, like Anthropologie stores (which is as close to a dream as you can get.)

7. Bed Head Curlipops 1" Curling Wand $29.99 - Beachy waves are a breeze to achieve with this seemingly magic wand. It even comes with a heat proof glove to keep beginners from getting burned.

8. Halogen Leather Wristlet $98.00 - With seemingly hundreds of cards to put in my wallet, it's hard to find one with enough slots and pockets to keep me organized. This trendy wristlet does the trick and can be worn alone or thrown into a cute handbag.

9. Miru Faux Fur Scarf $78.00 - The decadent feathery fur on this scarf screams glamour. It's a great way to dress up an outfit in the cold winter.

10. Sephora Fragrance Sampler for Her $65.00 - Fragrances are a classic gift but so hard to pick something so personal. This sampler lets your girl sample several and trade in a certificate for the full size selection of her choice.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Domestic Goddess

She knows how to assemble a mean cheese plate, her place always smells like cookies, and her pillows are perfectly plumped. Give the domestic goddess a divine gift to dress her nest.

1. Dining Room Measuring Spoons $28.00 - The vintage look of these measuring spoons will make your cook look for more excuses to use them on a daily basis. Think of giving this gift as an investment in your own cookie fund.

2. Bosch Universal Plus Kitchen Machine $389.99 - Move over KitchenAid. Bosch is the new mixing boss. This machine can make bread, mix dough, wash dishes. Ok, maybe not the last one but it's extreme versatility and mixing power put this gift on top.

3. A Boat, A Whale, and A Walrus: Menus and Stories $25.30 - Renee Erickson is my fav Seattle chef and this gorgeous cookbook lets the foodie on your list channel her in their own kitchen. Copy the zucchini bread with creme fraiche recipe before you give the book away.

4. Blendtec Blender $249.95 - Green smoothies are just a few of the things this awesome blender can tackle like a pro. It can make ice cream, soup, dressings, the list goes on and on.

5. Set of 4 Clifton Rose Tea Cups and Saucers $68.00 - You can't get much more dainty and darling than this set of teacups. Perfect to use while watching the upcoming season of Downton Abby.

6. Luxe Faux Fur Throw $79.99 - Curl up with a good book in one of these cozy and lovely faux fur blankets. Its classic design make it neutral enough to be used in any living space.

7. Glassybaby $44.00 - Not only are these handblown votive holders beautiful and available in a rainbow of colors, 10% of the sale of each one is donated to help those in need.

8. Rooster Apron $15.99 - Every domestic goddess needs a good apron. I love the feminine shape and the bold red-and-white print...perfect for the holidays or all yearlong.

9. Striped Marble Serveware $38.00 - Marble is everywhere in top restaurants this year. Your favorite hostess can get in on the trend with this beautiful striped cheeseboard.

10. Hugs and Kisses Appetizer Plate Set $54.00 - Basic white is great for dinner plates, but why not have some fun with appetizer and dessert plates? I love the playful vibe of this set from C. Wonder. Plus, the box is so cute you won't have to bother with wrapping.