Happy Holidays!
It’s our favorite time of year and we’ve already started celebrating. This is the year I’m finally going to make a proper Beef Wellington for my husband — he’s only been asking for twenty years. And I’m getting a jump on Thanksgiving by working on an amalgamation of the most interesting pumpkin pie recipes I see online — I’m excited to try sweetened condensed coconut milk! I hope you’re enjoying the crisp air and all things cozy. Wishing you good health and a joyous season with the people you love.
xx-Rachel

Holiday Gifting

Simple, practical, affordable

1)These minimalist design Oil + Vinegar Dispensers come with with labels and make for a pretty and practical gift set. The 36 pre-printed labels include extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil and a selection of vinegars. ($25.95)

2) Whether your interest is purely aspirational or you intend to cook your way through it, you will enjoy getting lost in the dreamy landscapes of Freedom Maine, in Erin French’s new cookbook: Big Heart Little Stove. You may have seen her show on The Magnolia Network called The Lost Kitchen — now you can bring a little of the magic to your own table. ($26.60)

3) Saie Glowy Lightweight Illuminator If you don’t like the feel of makeup, you can still get your glow on and bring a little more life to your look with this super lightweight gel. I use the shade called starglow — it’s very subtle, and makes an excellent stocking stuffer! ($16)

4) Powdered pumpkin: pumpkin spice latte lovers, you deserve the real deal! This dried pumpkin powder is nutrient-dense and can also be used to make a righteous pumpkin spice energy ball. Serve it to your guests or pop a bag into stockings! ($16.99)

5) Sweet Laurel Bake Shop in LA has created these Sweet Laurel Baking Mixes and use my baking ingredients of choice: almond flour and maple syrup. Choose between chocolate cake, pancakes and chocolate chip cookies. Most Sprouts Markets carry this line of baking mixes as well! ($12.50)

6) Whether you're a runner, a walker or a stander, Brooks Ghost Running shoes were life changing for me because they have an innovative midsole that’s specifically designed to feel plush underfoot while providing lots of structure. We don't wear shoes in our house and my feet suffered on days I spent time in the kitchen. So I ordered an extra pair to be strictly my indoor shoes. ($140)

7) Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that never goes out of style. Wait for free shipping and you have a really affordable gift to send anyone who loves sweets and appreciates tradition. This nostalgic fave is crafted using custom-blended Guittard chocolate and double-distilled oil of peppermint, and it’s finished with a snowfall of crushed peppermint candy. This year they’ve added their bark in truffle form and I can’t wait to give it a try! ($29.95)

(8) My wonderful old friend Steve Moore is an ubertalented international wedding designer who has just launched a stunning new holiday line. I have so many favorite items — like the hand-dyed velvet ribbon and 2.75-inch star ornaments which I’ll be tying onto my kraft gift bags and bakery boxes. The Bordeaux ribbon color is especially luscious! All the ornaments are gorgeous and come in unusually substantial keepsake boxes that make them perfect for storage or gifting. The faux greenery was painstakingly perfected with hand-painted detail. It’s the very first time I’ve opted for faux greenery because this is the most authentic version I’ve ever seen. I’ll be wrapping the garland around our large wrought iron chandelier, and hanging the oversized cedar wreath — tied with the wide Bordeaux velvet ribbon — above our entry console table. After deciding we weren’t going to go through the fuss and expense of getting a tree, we’re really excited to bring some seasonal beauty into into our home through this reusable greenery. And because it’s not going to wilt, we’re decorating early this year!!!