Author: simply gray

breakfast with santa

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Merry Christmas Eve! It is hard to believe that Christmas is tomorrow! It is no secret that I love this time of year, and no matter how old I get, nothing beats the feeling of waking up early on Christmas morning and spending time with loved ones.

Once the presents are opened and the coffee is consumed, breakfast is the next best part! Read on below for two sweet treats to make on Christmas morning!

French Toast Casserole

This French Toast Casserole from Savory Magazine is been my go-to breakfast for the holidays, and it is too good not to share! The recipe is just five ingredients, and you can even prep it overnight and pop it in the oven first thing in the morning!

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Ingredients
1 loaf (16 oz) of cinnamon swirl bread (Pepperidge Farm)
¾ of a container of blueberries
5 eggs
2 ½ cups of half and half
1 tsp of vanilla extract

  • Cut the entire loaf of bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Use a 13 x 9 non-stick pan and lay the cut pieces of bread across the bottom. Once the bottom is covered, continue to layer the bread on top of itself until the full loaf is in the pan.
  • Scatter the blueberries over the bread.
  • Mix the eggs, half and half, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, and pour the mixture over the bread and blueberries.
  • Let sit in the refrigerator overnight or one hour prior to cooking.
  • Preheat the oven to 350º. Cook the casserole for 50 minutes.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and serve immediately!

Pop’s Pancakes

Growing up, my dad always made pancakes for my family on Sunday mornings, and whenever possible, Connor and I continue that tradition for ourselves! Pop’s Pancakes are a twist on the classic Aunt Jemima recipe. His modifications create a much thinner pancake — perfect for stacking on your plate!

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Ingredients
1 cup of Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of half and half
1 egg
1 tbsp of vegetable oil

  • Mix all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until the batter is smooth.
  • Preheat the griddle to 350º and coat with a little butter.
  • Pour batter, cook the pancakes evenly on both sides, pour on the syrup and enjoy!

 

winter slumberland

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Connor and I absolutely love the Christmas season, and celebrating with our friends is one of our favorite parts about this time of year. To officially kick off the holiday season and the countdown to Christmas, we hosted our second annual Winter Slumberland event!

Winter Slumberland is a brunch idea that we came up with where everyone invited shows up in their best Christmas jammies and we eat, drink and be merry! From brunch, mimosas and holiday-inspired desserts to Christmas movies and spending quality time with each other, Winter Slumberland is definitely one of our favorite parties we have ever hosted! Read on below to see how we prepared for this fun holiday brunch!

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To get ready for Winter Slumberland and the holiday season, we decked out the apartment with Christmas decorations. This year, we decided on a blue and silver Christmas tree. With some neutral decorations and pops of red, we worked to transform our apartment into a winter wonderland!

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Once the apartment was decorated, it was time to focus on the menu for Winter Slumberland. From French Toast Casserole and bagels, to quiche, monkey bread and Oreo truffles, there were plenty of options and sweet treats! We also made some holiday treats that were almost too cute to eat! Read on below for some of these fun holiday recipes!

Christmas Tree Brownies

This recipe was so much fun and simple to construct. Start by making your favorite type of brownies and let them cool (for approximately 15 people, we made two boxes). Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangle shapes and add in a small piece of candy cane at the bottom for the tree trunk. Then, we used food coloring to dye vanilla frosting green. With a piping bag, we created a zigzag pattern on the brownies, and we topped them with some crystal and pearl sprinkles for ornaments! Last, but not least, star sprinkles for the tops of each tree!

Santa Hat Pancakes

Another easy holiday recipe! Stack several mini pancakes on large toothpicks (we used six to eight pancakes per stack). Cut the tops of strawberries off to remove the stems and create an even base. Slide a strawberry on top of the pancake stack, and top it with a mini marshmallow! Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the pancake stacks before serving!

Snowman Donut Kebabs

These snowman donut kebabs only require 4 ingredients to make! Stack three mini powdered donuts on a kebab stick. Use a piece of fruit rollup to tie a “scarf” on top of the second donut. Then, add an orange gumdrop nose in the first donut and two green gumdrop buttons in the other two. Finally, add in eyes made out of coal by using black food coloring!

With tons of food to eat, mimosas, coffee, and hot chocolate flowing, and a room full of friends, we spent the day lounging, laughing and celebrating the true meaning of holiday spirit: togetherness.

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breakfast in bed

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This weekend, Connor and I tried out a new recipe that redefined the phrase “breakfast in bed.” While we were fast asleep, our breakfast was cooking all night long. What could be better than waking up to a nice, hot breakfast on a chilly December morning?

We used our slow cooker to make a savory casserole that was filled with some of our favorite breakfast staples: eggs, cheese and hash browns! At the last minute, we even made a game-changing decision to add in some crispy bacon! Read on below for the recipe

Ingredients

1 dozen eggs
24 hash brown patties, frozen
1/2 cup of chopped onions
3 & 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 package of cooked and chopped bacon (or your favorite breakfast meat) — optional!
1 cup of milk
1/4 tsp of ground mustard
1/4 tsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 tsp of pepper, plus more for seasoning

  • Whisk the 12 eggs until fully mixed. Add in the milk, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and whisk until all ingredients are combined.
  • In the slow cooker, start by placing the hash brown patties in as the base for the first layer. We found it best to break the patties up into halves and quarters to fit across the entire pot without too many empty spaces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Add in 1/3 of the onions, as well as 1/3 of the bacon over the hash browns. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top.
  • Repeat this step two more times, so that you have a total of three layers of hash browns, onions, bacon and cheese.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the three-layer casserole. Then add the last 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
  • Cover the slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.

Go to bed, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up to a delicious breakfast casserole first thing in the morning! This hassle-free breakfast is the perfect meal for the holiday season! Bon appétit!

holiday gift guide: under the tree

Published on by simply gray2 Comments

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.”

Now that you have found the perfect stocking stuffers for all of the guys and girls on your list, let’s move onto the gifts that will be under the tree this year!

For the Jetsetter

The Carry-On
This suitcase, sold by Away, is great for anyone who has the travel bug. This suitcase features two compartments and a durable outer shell, as well as an ejectable battery that can charge phones up to 5x. The Carry-On also comes with a TSA-approved lock built into it.

Beats Solo3 Wireless
Help the travelers in your life settle into relaxation mode with these Beats headphones. With excellent sound quality, these wireless headphones will help them tune out the sounds of planes, trains and buses and focus on music or audiobooks until they reach their next destination.

Catalina Canvas Weekender
The Catalina by Lo & Sons is the perfect bag to use for long weekend trips. Available in four colors, this bag is equipped with a separate bottom storage compartment, which is perfect for packing shoes, toiletries or other items you may want to keep away from clothing. The Catalina Collection is comprised of three different weekender bags, and the other available options can be found here.

For the New Homeowner

Keurig Coffee Makers
Coffee, coffee, coffee! Keep your loved ones caffeinated with Keurig’s Special Edition Single Serve Coffee, Latte & Cappuccino Maker. Don’t forget to throw in some pods as well! Keurig’s website is running a special offer of two free boxes of pods with the purchase of this coffee maker by using the code: FREEPODS4ME. If you are looking for a more classic coffee maker, check out other Keurig models here.

11-Bottle Graphite Wine Rack
This hexagon-shaped wine rack fits 11 wine bottles, and is a great gift for anyone who has recently moved into a new home or apartment. Add in a bottle or two of wine to get the collection started!

Eclectic Mercury Votive Holders
Transform the vibe of any room with these white and silver candle holders. This set of 6 votive holders will provide any homeowner with a festive candlelit display.  Add in a set of 6 LED White Votive Candles by Ashland to complete the gift.

For the Homebody

Homebody by Joanna Gaines
With the help of Joanna Gaines’ book, every homebody on your list will feel inspired to create spaces that they will never want to leave. This book pairs well when read with a comfy blanket and a hot cup of coffee in this #Shiplap coffee mug.

Cozy Pom Pom Throw
You can never go wrong with gifting a nice cozy blanket for the holidays. These Pom Pom Throws from Pottery Barn come in three neutral colors that will accent any home space!

Red Cast Iron Fondu Set
Give the gift of a fun night in with this fondu set from Crate&Barrel. Whether your family and friends are cheese lovers or chocolate lovers, this gift is sure to put a smile on everyones’ faces!

For the Hostess

Monette Monogram Cheese Board
Add a personal touch to any kitchen with this monogrammed cheese board from Anthropologie. It is sure to be a hit with the recipients and their guests!

Celine Wine Glasses
This set of four wine glasses are a beautiful addition to any entertainer’s home. Add in a nice bottle of wine and a festive wine tote to the gift, like this one found here.

Home Cocktail Bar Set by BARMIXXO
This bar set includes everything needed for a night of entertaining at home. From a cocktail shaker to a strainer and bottle opener, this 10-piece set has it all. It even comes with a recipe book of more than 150 drink concoctions.

For the Chef

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
If you are a Fixer Upper fan, you will love Joanna’s recipes just as much as you love her decorating style! This cookbook contains everything, from breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes, to appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. This is a great book for anyone who is looking to be a little more adventurous in the kitchen!

Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
This mini KitchenAid Stand Mixer is the perfect addition to any kitchen! It is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the full-sized mixers, and they come in 18 different colors. These mixers are currently on sale through the KitchenAid website.

Atlas 150 Aluminum Pasta Maker
Give the gift of homemade pasta with this pasta maker from Crate&Barrel. From spaghetti to linguine and lasagna, the options are endless for pasta lovers.

For the Fitness Fanatics

Apple Watch
Apple Watch released its Series 4 model, which has been redesigned with a  new look, improved health apps and data, and more connectivity options for users (did someone say Walkie Talkies?!). Grab one with a sports band for the gym-lover in your life.

Fitbit
This year, Fitbit released the Charge 3, the newest addition to the slew of trackers available for fitness lovers. Charge 3 is an advanced fitness tracker with goal-based exercise modes and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. Fitbit also offers the Versa, Alta HD and Iconic models, and each one has distinct features that will have anyone excited to be working out! If you are looking to help the kiddos get fit this holiday season, Fitbit also offers the Ace model for kids 8+.

Himalayan Salt Massage Stone
Gift this to the workout fiend who needs a bit of muscle relaxation and tension released from his or her body. The stone can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer, depending on the type of massage desired. This is a great on-the-go solution for relieving tension knots!

For the Sports-Obsessed

FanChest
For the NFL, NHL or College sports fans in your life, FanChest sells boxes filled with apparel, fan gear, licensed merchandise and more. Choose a team and the type of box you want to send out and watch the recipient rock their favorite teams’ gear all season long! Keep an eye on FanChest, because it looks like NBA and MLB boxes will be added to the site soon!

Game Tickets
There is nothing like a live sporting event! You can never go wrong with gifting tickets to a game for the holidays. Whether the game is the following weekend or months away, the anticipation of seeing your favorite team play is always exciting.

Sports Fan Blankets and Throws
Give the gift of a cozy blanket representing the recipients’ sports teams of choice! They will love curling up with one of these blankets while watching their team play on the big screen!

For the Artists

Prismacolor Premier Double Ended Art Markers
This set of 72-count fine and brush tip markers from Prismacolor will kickstart the artistic inspiration in anyone. Add in this set of two sketchbooks and watch the masterpieces unfold.

Walls Notebook
Bring out the creative side in the artist you know with this unique gift. The Walls Notebook is filled with textured urban walls so the artist can draw in his or her own graffiti-style drawings and other doodles. 

Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book
For the drawing-challenged, this adult coloring book is the perfect alternative. Plus, coloring has proven to be a great stress reliever! Pair this gift with a set of colored pencils!

For the Gamers

A40 TR Headset & MixAmp Pro TR
Help the gamers in your life feel like the pros with this headset that is compatible with PC, Mac and PS4. With Dolby® surround sound processing and voice chat capabilities, this headset also offers comfort and durability for any gamer.

Logitech G903 Wireless Gaming Mouse
This wireless gaming mouse utilizes LIGHTSPEED wireless technology to deliver high-performance capabilities for gamers. This lightweight mouse has up to 11 buttons, has great responsiveness and provides accuracy time after time. 

HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard
Round off your gifts to the gamer in your life with this keyboard. The HyperX Alloy Elite includes features such as dedicated media buttons, dynamic lighting effects and a detachable wrist rest.

For the Card Players

Phase 10
This Rummy-style card game from the makers of Uno requires players to pass through 10 different phases or levels of play. The person who passes phase 10 first, wins! This game will have groups of friends or family playing for hours!

What Do You Meme?
Gift the opportunity of out meme-ing friends and family with this picture-style card game. There are several add-on packs available for purchase as well!

Cards Against Humanity
It does not matter how many times this game is played — it never gets old! If everyone on your list already has the original Cards Against Humanity game, consider gifting some of the expansion packs to add onto the fun!

For your Coworkers

I Am Very Busy Coffee Mug
The mug says it all — gift this to the coworker who always seems to be working on something in the office!

Live Assorted Succulents
Spruce up any desk space with this set of four live succulents from Urban Outfitters. Succulents thrive in indoor and outdoor environments and do not require extensive care, so they are perfect for any office space!

Life Hacks Desk Calendar
Give the gift of 365 days of fun facts and life hacks with this desk calendar. Your coworkers will love learning all of the tips this calendar has to offer!

For the Pets

BarkBox
Give the dog(s) in your life the gift of a dog-party all month long! BarkBox sends out boxes that include toys, treats and a chew that match a particular theme each month. Snag the Grinch-themed box for the holidays before it runs out!

KitNipBox
KitNipBox is a subscription service that sends out boxes for cats that include toys and treats! Gift one box or a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription to your favorite kitties!

Bon Appetit Pet Mat
Help the pets in your life eat in style! This is a black and white rubber mat that will help pets keep the floors nice and clean while they chow down or grab a quick drink!

holiday gift guide: stocking stuffers

Published on by simply gray1 Comment

It truly is the most wonderful time of year, and with our Christmas tree up and decorated, I am in full Christmas mode. While four weeks may seem like a lot of time to go shopping for everyone on your list, time always seems to go by so quickly at this time of year. If you are anything like me — a holiday-shopping procrastinator who goes crazy looking for the right gifts for all of her family and friends — then perhaps you need a bit of guidance in finding the perfect gift for your loved ones.

To help you get the present ideas flowing, I will be posting gift guides to give you some ideas for the holiday season! This week is all about stocking stuffers for all of the girls and guys on your list!

Stocking Stuffers for Her

Tinsy Hoop and Stud Earring Set
Every year, Free People comes out with new earring sets that are the perfect stocking stuffers. This set comes with hoops and studs that are versatile enough for everyday wear. These earrings come in five different colors, so you can easily match any girl’s jewelry style!

Emily Jeffords Monogram Trinket Dish
This monogrammed dish is a beautifully hand-painted item that can be used to display jewelry. It can even be gifted as an add-on to the Free People earring set that is listed above!

Stella & Grace Anti-Wrinkle & Energizing Eye Masks
These eye masks are great to use after a late night out or when wanting to look revitalized and rejuvenated (because let’s be honest, who is really getting 8 hours of sleep every night?). These eye masks are sold in 12 and 24 packs.

Dark Magic Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe eyeshadow palettes always include beautiful colors, and the quality is always amazing. With 10 different shadow colors, this Dark Magic palette is just what a girl needs for the holiday season!

Women’s Ribbed Beanie with Faux-Fur Pom-Pom
This hat will keep any girl warm this winter, whether she is skiing down the slopes or braving a winter storm at home. The best part about it is that it comes in a variety of colors so you can pick her favorite!

Texting Gloves in Everyday Cashmere
The best part about gloves made for touchscreen use is that your hands can stay warm while you use your phone, watch, tablet or other devices! These gloves come in a variety of colors and are great for commuters or girls who are always on the go!

Monogram Candle
Candles are always a great gift, no matter what time of year! This monogram candle from Anthropolgie has a Sparkling Grapefruit scent, and it is a stylish addition to any home, apartment or dorm decor!

Snowman Bomb Bomb
Lush’s bath bombs are the stocking stuffers you need if the girl in your life needs some R&R. If you are looking for a cute holiday-themed stocking stuffer, gift her this Snowman Bomb Bomb bath bomb, which comes with two bath bombs that can be used separately or together! For more bath bombs scents, click here.

Suite One Studio Mimira Mug
For the girl who loves to kickstart her day with a cup of coffee, these Suite One Studio mugs are just what she needs. Help her stay caffeinated all winter long with these hand-painted mugs!

Stocking Stuffers for Him

BirchBoxMan’s Limited Edition Set: One For All
Let BirchBox do the work for you by choosing one of their carefully-curated boxes to fill up any guy’s stocking! From face and body care to shaving and beard care, BirchBox offers a ton of options to choose from. Once the box arrives, instead of wrapping the box for him to open under the tree, fill up his stocking with the products for a great surprise! Check out some of their other collections here!

Men’s Society Stow Away Travel Kit
For the guy who loves a weekend getaway, this travel kit filled with face wash and cream, a mini toothbrush and toothpaste and disposable face towels is perfect. This is a great stocking stuffer for the guy who always likes to be prepared for anything!

Cashmere Seedstitch Beanie and Navy Windowpane Alpaca Scarf
Keep him warm this winter with this hat and scarf combo! Who doesn’t like to be cozy and warm during these chilly winter months?!

Leather Gloves
Sticking with the “keeping him warm” theme, gloves are a great stocking stuffer! These leather gloves from Nordstrom are even touchscreen compatible!

Not Lost Canvas Passport Holder and Luggage Tag
A passport holder and luggage tag set is the perfect gift for the traveler in your life. Send him off on his next trip in style!

Native Union: Lightning Cable Collection
This Lightning Cable Collection will help keep all of his technology charged, whether he is at home or on the go. This collection comes with a keychain charger, a 4-ft charger and a 10-ft charger and is compatible with Apple-Lightning. There are additional options that can be found here.

The Art of Shaving: Beard Maintenance Kit
For the guy with a bit of scruff, this beard maintenance kit from The Art of Shaving includes beard wash, beard conditioner and beard oil to keep his beard clean and smooth all of the time!

Case-Mate Apple Watch Bands
If your guy wears an Apple Watch, chances are that he is using it for his workouts at the gym. Help him polish up his look from fitness fanatic to date-night ready by adding in a leather watch band in his stocking!

Swell Bottle with Personalization
Keep your man hydrated in style with a personalized Swell bottle! Other color and design options can be found here.

JCrew: Fabric Magic Wallet
This fabric wallet, available through JCrew Factory, is a great stocking stuffer for the guy who does not want to worry about the bulk of a wallet. Don’t forget to slip a dollar in for luck!


I hope these stocking stuffer ideas help you this holiday season! Happy Shopping!

slow cooker apple cider

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Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and I am so excited to see my family and share an incredible meal together. I have been testing out different recipes that I can bring for our Thanksgiving feast, and this slow cooker apple cider has definitely made the list. Not only does it taste delicious, but it will also make your house smell amazing while it is cooking!

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Ingredients:
5 gala apples, sliced
1 orange, peeled and sliced
5 cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup of cranberries
6 cups of water

• Cut the tops and bottoms off of the apples before slicing and placing the pieces into the slow cooker. Peel and slice the orange and add it to the pot as well. Add in the cranberries, cinnamon sticks and the water, and stir.
• Cook the mixture on high for four hours.
• Once the cider has finished, mash the fruit pieces into the mixture (I used a potato masher).
• Strain the mixture through a sieve.
• Pour into cups, top with some cooked cranberries and enjoy!

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lemon asparagus chicken

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This recipe for lemon asparagus chicken is absolutely delicious, and I could eat it every single day! It is simple to make, and it is a one-pan dish, so it makes for easy kitchen cleanup!

Processed with VSCO with a5 presetIngredients:
• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 package of Asparagus Spears
• 1/4 cup of Flour
• 3/4 tsp of Sea Salt + more for seasoning
• 1/2 tsp of Pepper + more for seasoning
• 1 tsp of Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp of Dijon Mustard
• 3 tbsp of Lemon Juice
• 1 cup of Chicken Broth
• 1 tbsp of Parsley Flakes
• Olive Oil

Start by mixing the flour with the sea salt and pepper to create the coating for the chicken. Take each piece of chicken and coat both sides.

Add a splash of olive oil into a skillet and cook the chicken on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until slightly golden. Make sure the chicken cooks through.

Once the chicken has been cooked on each side, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Add another splash of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the asparagus. Add in the minced garlic for flavor.

Processed with VSCO with a5 presetWhile the asparagus is cooking, mix the dijon mustard and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Pour this mixture, along with the chicken broth, into the skillet over the asparagus. Sprinkle in the parsley flakes.

Add the chicken back into the skillet with the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Let the broth mixture come to a boil, and then reduce it to a simmer. Cook for a few more minutes, until the asparagus is tender.

Remove from the heat and enjoy!

how to maintain long-distance friendships

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Growing up, one thing I always took for granted was just how close my friends and I all lived to each other. Almost all of my friends lived anywhere between a 5 to 20 minute drive from my home. As we have gotten older, those quick drives have turned into hour-long commutes, whether it be by car, bus, train or plane. Living far from friends can be difficult; however, the friendships are not impossible to maintain. Here are a few tips for keeping your long-distance friendships stronger than ever:

IMG_6104Find the halfway point between you and your friends
A long commute is not that bad all of the time, but now and then it can become tedious. Find the halfway point between all of you, and start researching the towns in that vicinity. Not only will it cut down the time it takes you to be reunited with your besties, but it also gives you an opportunity to explore new places together!  

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Plan a trip
Visiting a place you have never been to before is a great way to be reunited with your friends and satisfy your travel bug. Whether it is a new city or a new state, vacation time with your friends gives you something to look forward to and plan out together.

Send a care package
If you have friends who moved far from home, they may be feeling homesick, especially at this time of year. If your besties cannot make it home for the holidays, send a care package with their holiday and hometown favorites to cheer them up!

Schedule time to see each other
With everyone having lives of their own, plus the distance between you all, the days of calling up your friends 15 minutes before you want to do something are long gone. Whether you meet for dinner and drinks or an afternoon of binge-watching Netflix in sweats, planning a day to get together in advance guarantees you and your friends will get to spend time with each other.

FaceTime
By far, this is the easiest way to get your best-friend-fix when you cannot see each other in person! While a spontaneous FaceTime call is always welcome from friends, setting aside planned time each month helps make sure you stay in touch and up-to-date on each other’s lives. FaceTime also now has a group chat option, but if you don’t have an iPhone, try using Snapchat’s video chatting feature!

I hope these suggestions help keep you and your friends closer than ever, despite the distance between you all! Do you have other ways you maintain long-distance friendships? Feel free to share them with me in the comments below!

the one where we plan friendsgiving

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One thing I have learned over the years is the importance of celebrating friendships. Your friends are your chosen family, and what better way to express your gratitude for them at this time of year than by hosting friendsgiving?

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The rules of friendsgiving are simple: the hosts cook the turkey, gravy and any other menu items they would like, and the rest is up to the guests! From appetizers to side dishes and desserts, it gives guests the opportunity to choose what they would like to bring.

Connor and I have both hosted and been guests at friendsgiving, and no matter what, it is an enjoyable evening filled with good food, laughter and memory-making. Here are some tips for hosting your own friendsgiving event this November:

  • IMG_0181Plan the menu: There are Thanksgiving staples that everyone loves, but writing up a few suggestions will help your friends think outside of the box for other foods to bring if you have a larger guest list. Surprisingly enough, there is such a thing as too many mashed potatoes! Also remember to include food options that cater to any diet choices your friends may have, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian or gluten-free options!
  • Ask your friends to prepare dishes ahead of time: Cooking the turkey is hard enough; having to worry about friends preparing their dishes at the same time that yours is finishing up can definitely get hectic. Instead, have your friends bring their already-cooked meals to the house, and set up sternos for food items to keep everything hot before and throughout dinner!
  • Set up the food buffet style: While setting the table is lovely, with a large group of people and a plethora of food, buffet style just makes everything easier. To make the table setting feel cozier while everyone is dining, light some candles and scatter some small pumpkins and other fall decorations on the table.
  • Processed with VSCO with acg presetMake the event BYOB: Having a few staples on hand is great, but asking friends to bring their favorite types of wine, beer or liquor contributes to the potluck vibe of the evening, and it gives everyone a chance to share their favorite beverages with the group! If you are feeling creative, add a signature drink to the menu, like this apple cider mimosa: apple cider, champagne and a brown sugar rim is the perfect combination for a festive, fall beverage!
  • Go around the table and ask everyone to say one thing they are thankful for: Everyone is going to be so excited to dig into the amazing dinner and desserts that have been prepared for the evening, but it is important to remember why you are all together — to celebrate your friendships and express gratitude for each other. After all, this is what brought you all together for friendsgiving in the first place!

I hope these tips help you host a wonderful friendsgiving event this holiday season! Here is a sample menu to help you get started with the planning! Hope you enjoy gobbling up these tasty dishes!

friendsgiving menu

appetizers
• veggie platter
• meat and cheese platter
• chips and dip / salsa

main course
• turkey
• gravy
• mashed potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• stuffing
• cranberry sauce
• salad
• green bean casserole
• corn and/or other veggies
• mac and cheese
• pasta
• chicken or eggplant parmesan
• dinner rolls

desserts
• apple pie with vanilla ice cream
• pumpkin pie
• pecan pie
• brownies
• cookies
• doughuts

drinks
• red and white wine
• beer
• cider
• sangria
• soda
• hot apple cider
• hot chocolate
• coffee
• water
• signature drink

motivation monday: how to stand out at work and advance your career

Published on by simply gray3 Comments

I truly believe in the phrase, “if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” While it can be difficult to discover what it is that you love to do, I am a firm believer in working hard and never settling. That mentality helped me land a job and advance my career with my dream company in under four years. If you find yourself needing some motivation at work, here are my five tips for ways you can stand out and advance your own career:

Be passionate about what you do: I have had a few jobs since I graduated college, and while I liked and did my best work at all of them, I have to admit that I did not have the same level of passion for those jobs as I do for my current job. My dedication to my work combined with my determination to do well fuels my passion, which helps me be a better leader and employee because I am truly invested in the outcome of my work and the work of my team. I love the industry I am in, and that makes going to work each day enjoyable — no matter how crazy the day can get! When you love what you do, people will notice; figuring out your passions and developing them into your career will always inspire you to work hard and do well.

Step out of your comfort zone: Pursuing opportunities that stray from your job requirements is a great way to stand out at work. It is so easy to slip into the routine of showing up for work each day, performing the same job, leaving and repeating this cycle for the rest of the week, so change it up! Search for new challenges that you otherwise would not encounter in your day-to-day duties, whether it be working with another department, taking on a new assignment or traveling for business. Stepping up and out of your comfort zone will help you network with other employees within your company and may open up doors to opportunities you did not realize existed.

Learn to say yes: Be willing to go the extra mile and put in more work than your daily job duties require. Show initiative at work by always helping others, being reliable, taking on new challenges or working on special projects. Sometimes saying yes all the time does not come with an immediate benefit; however, it will always pay off in the long run. Being the person that your boss, your team and other departments can rely on will help you go far in the workplace.

Find a mentor: We all need people to look up to in life, and the same goes for in the office. Find people who inspire you in your field and talk to them. Find out how they got into the industry you are in, what their career trajectory was and what their successes and their failures were. Ask for advice on how you can follow a similar path to them, and then act on it. Finding people whose work ethic you admire, who are well-respected by others and who do their jobs extraordinarily well is important when searching for mentors. Remember, do not look at those around you as your competition; instead, look to them for inspiration and motivation to become an even better employee.

Become an expert in something: While all aspects of your job should always get your full attention, dedicating a little extra time to learning more about a facet of your industry will be extremely beneficial. Communicate with individuals who are knowledgeable about your industry, study and learn as much as possible so that you can become a subject matter expert on something related to your job. Taking the time to learn more than what your job requires will help you stand out to your peers and leaders, and it will help prepare you for whatever your next step within your industry may be!

If you work hard, learn as much as you can and develop new skill sets, you will definitely stand out as a professional in your field. A strong work ethic combined with passion will take you far in any industry, and when you have the opportunity to do what you love every day, it is extremely rewarding.

I hope these tips help you find some motivation at work this Monday!