Goodytwo's Toffee Company

It's nice to receive unexpected gifts during the holidays. I prefer ones that don't make me fat, but it's kind of inevitable this time of year. At work we received a large box of See's Chocolates ... to split between me and the one other person in the office (hello thighs, yes, there you are), and we were each given a gift box of specialty toffees from a company I had never hear of, Goodytwo's. This toffee shop is located in Scottsdale (we love local!) and is a mom and daughter team who have created various toffee concoctions.

 First, the packaging was amazing! So beautifully wrapped it was practically gift enough. The box was so fun to open and there were 4 different flavors of toffee inside, two of each kind: Traditional, Double-Crossed, Sweet and Salty, and Nutty-Twist. My personal favorite was the traditional, although I could go without the crumbly nuts on top ... a little too messy for me personally. I do wish they had a plain toffee without any chocolate, and it would be great to have a softer toffee to try, too.

Overall, I really liked it! It's a splurge treat or for gifting as it's a little pricey, but very unique and very fun. Way to go, Goodytwo's.

December Women's Birchbox Review

I've been doing a little research on some other month-to-month subscription services and most seem to be about $20 per month, but Birchbox (women's subscription) is only $10 so it's a bit of a deal over the others. I'll be writing about another soon, so stay tuned!

Here are December's goodies:

1. Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: I typically use Garnier Fructise aerosol spray. I feel like aerosol cans give a better mist and coverage. I liked the smell of this one, but not the coverage. I would love to try it in an aerosol can (even though it's not great for the environment). It is a handy little size for TSA when traveling this holiday season! My advice: Skip it.

2. NUXE Fondant Firming Cream: Again, great scent and my skin felt silky smooth! I used it right after I finished my shower. I didn't feel much firming action going on and the price is a little steep, unless it comes in a big vat that lasts for over a year. My advice: Request as a gift.

3. Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss: Nice gentle tingle, but not a lot. It is pretty nourising and my lips do feel smoother! My advice: I'm not much of a gloss girl, but if you are, try it!

4. Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum: I never know what to think of these anti-aging serums. Do they really work or is that just a load of crap? I like to try 'em and hope they work, but I'm no convinced. This one is nice and smooth but I'm just not sold. My advice: Keep searching for the holy grail.

Lifestyle Extra: Twistband Hair Tie: I really like the look of these. It dresses up a pony just the right amount. I've actually been wanting to try these hair ties for a few months now, so I was delighted to see it in the box this month. My advice: Get some. And gift them to your friends with longer hair!

After viewing the prices of what the full-size items cost I have mixed emotions. 1) Yes! Awesome value in this month's Birchbox! 2) Bummer. Can't believe the full-size items are so pricey ... I hope I don't find a fave because I can't afford that habit. I'm always delighted when I find a great deal. Let's get more of those, huh Birchbox peeps?

Christmas Morning Waffles

It's a tie for my favorite breakfast food: thick waffles or eggs benedict. I've been told eggs benny is an old person choice ... au contraire mon frere. But this post isn't about the benny. Thick, gorgeous waffles are easy to do at home. Especially with this fancy pants waffle maker. I love mine! Waring Pro is the bomb.com.

Here's a fab recipe that will tantilize your taste buds. :)

CHRISTMAS MORNING WAFFLES (makes 4 waffles)
2 egg yolks
1.5 cups milk
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup coconut or canola oil
2 egg whites stiffly beaten
1 T. orange zest

Put egg yolks, milk, flour, baking powder, lemon juice, vanilla, salt and oil into a large mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until moistened. Increase to medium speed and mix until smooth. By hand gently fold in egg whites and orange zest. Cook in waffle maker until light brown.

Serving suggestions: Top with syrup, strawberries, candied pecans, and whipped cream.

Casual Dress Shoes for Work

What's worse than wearing a suit and tie every day to work? Wearing dress shoes every single day. Boo. No thanks. It's difficult to find casual shoes dressy enough for work. Look no more. Enter Ben Sherman's Nick Rubber Fashion Sneaker.

I've had mine for about two months now. At first, I was afraid I couldn't pull it off. I was afraid they'd be too casual. Then, I thought they were going to be too dressy. That's when I knew I was onto something. These shoes are right in the middle. The secret (something I searched for high and low) is in the heel, or should I say, the lack thereof.

If you're lucky, you might find some at Nordstrom Rack, but Amazon has some, too!

Identity Theft Sucks: Protect Yourself, People

Identity theft sucks. About two years ago, someone in SoCal (that's short for Southern California) bought $190 worth of flowers on 1-800-Flowers.com with MY MONEY. This same individual, or a cohort, then purchased over $400 worth of groceries. I called +JPMorgan Chase and a local credit union to dispute these charges.

"Um, Hi, I didn't make these purchases. I'm not romantic. Ask my wife. And duh, I'm too poor to shop at Safeway."

The evidence that it wasn't me was overwhelming. An open-and-shut case, right? Not so fast. I had to call the police, file a police report, file separate paperwork for each individual transaction (there were over ten). After nearly $1,000 was stolen from my debit and credit card, I was beyond frustrated. I closed all of my accounts and opened new ones.

Save yourself the headache. #LiveFree. Protect yourself. LifeLock is offering free identity protection for one month. Click here to find out more.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

After Thanksgiving we had leftovers. Imagine that! Creativity is key when using leftovers so people don't actually realize that's what they're eating. But these muffins are delightful! Enter Orange Cranberry Muffins.

1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2  tsp. salt
1 cup chopped cranberries
1 egg
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. orange zest
shredded coconut
chopped nuts

1. Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl.
2. In a seperate bowl mix together egg, orange juice, and oil.
3. Add egg mixture into dry ingredients. Stir in sour cream and orange zest.
4. Add chopped cranberries, coconut, and nuts.
5. Spoon into greased muffin cups.
6. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Makes 15 muffins.

Birchbox Mighty Leaf Tea Review

OK, yes, it's true. My wife asked me to test the +Mighty Leaf Tea sent in last week's +Birchbox. I took the tea to work and it fell out of my pocket. Sue me. However, contrary to what you were led to believe, I did NOT lose the tea. I later found it in my car. Maybe I need the Drop Stop featured on +Shark Tank and +QVC. Now, for the tea review.

First, the presentation and packaging is fabulous. The actual tea bag is delicate and transparent, and the contents of the bag are more substantial and recognizable than most generic brands. Nice work,   +Mighty Leaf Tea.

Organic African Nectar
Full disclosure, a ripe nectarine is the best taste in the world, so I may be biased toward this tea. It was sweet and fruity, but not overwhelming. I will say, however, that this flavor is not an everyday tea. Partake and enjoy in moderation.

Green Tea Tropical
For me, green tea usually lacks in the taste department. Often, I drink it for health reasons or to warm my often cold soul, but this tea will not disappoint. If you're a regular green tea drinker, this is a must try.

Vanilla Bean (Black)

Typically, I'm not a big fan of black teas. This tea was no exception. It was still bitter, only this bitter came with a hint of vanilla. Pass.

Clothespin Christmas Ornaments

It's not the holiday season until you've watched the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer claymation movie. I found these cute, little ornaments with characters from the movie a few years ago. You're suppose to hang them on a tree with metal hooks, but those never keep an ornament facing the right way. This year I decided to try clothespin Christmas ornaments. Here's what I did:

1. Use super glue and attach the small ornament to the wooden clothespin. Let it dry overnight.

2. With a small paint brush, paint the clothespin in sections with modpodge around the ornament and sprinkle with glitter. Continue to apply glue and glitter until the pin is covered to your liking.

3. Apply a last coat of modpodge over the glitter to keep it in place, then put the clip on a surface to dry (I used the edge of a glass).

4. Allow the glue to dry completely then attach the finished ornaments to the tree!

Ornaments were purchased from Wal-Mart a few years ago, but I found these similar ornaments on eBay. Glitter, clothespins, and modpodge were purchased from Hobby Lobby.

The Lodge on the Desert, a Vacation in Tucson, AZ

Vacations are expensive and staycations can feel like a consolation prize. Solution -- drive to Tucson, AZ, duh. It helps when you have a reason to go. We were attending a friend's play at the Beowolf Theater. More on that later. Here's a summary of our mini-vacation, a macation, if you will.

We booked a mystery hotel on +Hotwire. Pressing the "confirm payment" button is half the fun. It's a lot like playing Russian Roulette, but that's what makes a macation fun, danger. The mystery hotel, The Lodge on the Desert. Hooray!

I would love to tell you more about our room, but it wasn't a room at all. We stayed in a "Hacienda." It was spacious, retro, and had a functioning gas fireplace. The foilage and desert landscaping was delightful. The web of pebblestone walkways added character. The pool was heated. The jacuzzi jets were 757-like. It was a dream come true ... until morning. Around 6AM, the staff decided it was time to wake up the entire village. Laundry carts on the pebble walkways, it was cacophony. Stop the music!

All and all, despite the confusing mash of cultural references (do lodges typically have haciendas?), it was a delightful stay. The price was right, it's near downtown Tucson, and the staff was almost annoyingly pleasant.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

I was putting my favorite taco soup recipe together when I discovered I didn't have a key ingredient on hand: taco seasoning. A little Google search and voila! My life is changed. No more store bought taco seasoning packets for me! How long have I been wasting $1+ per seasoning packet while all the ingredients have been in my cupboards the whole time? I found this concoction on allrecipes.com.

1 T. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. It's pretty strong, so be sure to put it in a container that's not going to leak the scent. (Here's a recipe for Taco Soup you can use this recipe in).

I didn't have onion powder on hand, so I added real onions to the recipes. And I used regular salt instead of sea salt. The mixture has an awesome flavor with a little bit of kick. This recipe was a great find!

November Birchbox Review

My first Birchbox was AWESOME. Seriously. I loved just about everything in it. This month .... not so much. But that's OK! I'm all about trying new things, and knowledge is power. Especially beauty knowledge ;). My November Birchbox review might seem a little harsh, but I'm confident more great products will be showing up in December.

1. BeeKind Body Lotion. As a lotion made with honey and ogranic chammomile extracts you would think it smells similar to those things. It doesn't. It smells of lemon Pledge, like the dr. Brandt sample from my first Birchbox. And the consistency is way too runny- I prefer more of a cream. The only thing I really like about this product is part of the funds go to support honey bees and pollenation research. My advice: Donate funds to the bees. Skip the lotion.

2. Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil. My favorite product out of the box this month! My first use was a success and my skin was definitely glowing. Birchbox has a tutorial on different ways to use this pencil, which is really quite helpful since contouring is all the rage. My advice: Read the tutorials, try the pencil, become a contouring queen.

3. Joie Purfume. Scents are a powerful memory trigger. On first whiff I was transported to my sister's bedroom in 1988. This scent, in my opinion, is a mix between big hair and Barbie purfume ... both great things, it just comes on a little strong. My advice: Scent is a personal preference. Try a sample. I won't be buying the $100 bottle.

4. Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask. I felt like I was putting whipped chocolate on my face, but without the chocolate scent. The mask had a nice tingle and dried fairly fast. The full size order is packaged like the sample which is the size of a single coffee creamer ... interesting. And also includes an applicator brush which I'd like to try! My advice: If you're looking for a mud mask explore your options. This is worth a try, but not jaw-dropping.

5. Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads. I wasn't too impressed with the dr. Brandt microderm sample from last time, and the same goes for these buffing beads. I did like how you add the beads to your own cleanser, but the overall result wasn't anything special. It also didn't rinse off as easy as I would have liked. My advice: Pass. I still prefer my St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

Lifestyle Extra: Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches. I'm not much of a tea drinker myself, but my husband enjoys it from time to time. I commissioned him with trying the three different flavors so he took the packs to work. On his way there, they fell out of his pocket. Mighty Leaf will remain a mystery.

Elie's Deli

A co-worker of mine introduced me to an unassuming Greek restaurant a few months ago, Elie's Deli. I do enjoy a good gyro from time to time and was anxious to try a new lunch spot. This family-run biz is clean, quaint, and oh so friendly! It's like Cheers every time we walk in. Our favorite lady at the front counter gives some great suggestions and always has a smile on her face. Of course it's nice to go somewhere friendly, but the real reason we keep returning is the Grilled Chicken Feta Salad. Mmmmm boy!

You can try to duplicate it at home, but I'm sure it won't be as tasty. Elie sure has a way with that grilled chicken. I think it's the combo of the chilled lettuce with the warm chicken that makes it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Here's what it includes:

Iceburg Lettuce
Feta Cheese
Tomato
Cucumber
Black Olives
Red Onion
Fresh off the the grill seasoned chicken
Greek dressing
Served with a side of pita bread

More Shoes, Please

I would venture to guess that I own fewer pairs of shoes than the average female. Since I live in Phoenix, I have sandals o-plenty, but those don't count as shoes. Of all the places to buy footwear, I have found that DSW has the widest variety. It also has an awesome rewards program. You accumulate points from your purchases, plus get an additional certificate to use for your birthday. It's dangerous to walk into this store. I rarely come out empty handed, but I found these online:

Crown Vintage Cherilyn Oxford Pump

I am really into these retro-styled shoes! Grandma Merle was a fashionista and enjoyed the finer things in life, so maybe it's in my blood. The thicker heel is a nice touch and is more sturdy than traditional pumps. I usually wear these with a shorter skirt or skinny jeans. I also own a pair of tan penny loafers in the same brand. Me and Grandma Merle are diggin the Crown Vintage style!

I used my $10 rewards coupon, plus found additional savings from the Retail-Me-Not app, including free shipping. Score! More shoes, please.

AZ Golf Course Review: Coldwater Creek

Golf is great in Arizona, but when the weather cools down, the prices heat up. Here's how I afford it: +GolfNow -- discounts, golf course reviews, and online tee time booking. In the 100 degree plus summer, it's affordable to play the best courses around, but fall through spring, playing a top course is almost out of the question. Enter Coldwater Creek Golf Club.

Technically, Coldwater Creek is in Avondale, just west of Phoenix. True, tee times can be as high as $80, but if you're diligent in your search and willing to play in the afternoon, rates can be as low as $15. 

While the course itself doesn't compare to TPC Scottsdale or Lookout Mountain, the price is right, the pace of play is faster than most, and the condition of the course is above average (especially the greens).

WARNING: Be on the lookout for coyotes. Animal remains on the fairway are not uncommon.

Grade: A

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

My friend Jillian introduced me to this recipe years ago. I think it started as a Weight Watchers recipe? I can't confirm that, but it's a nice fall flavor and super easy to make. The husband doesn't eat chocolate so I substitute the Reese's Peanut Butter chips in his cookies. Those taste amazing, too!

Here's what you need:

1 box Spice Cake mix (I use Duncan Hines, but any brand will work. Carrot Cake is yummy, too)
1-15 oz. can of pumpkin
chocolate or peanut butter chips
chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions: Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Mix the can of pumpkin into the cake mix. Add chips and walnuts to the mixture. Drop spoonfuls of the mix onto a cookie sheet. Bake about 12 minutes.

I like to enjoy the cookies while they are still warm with a glass of milk. This recipe is easy, festive, and satisfies the sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. And with that comes the stress of shopping for the man in your life: boyfriend, brother, father, husband, son, etc. Guys are just tough to shop for! Here's a list of Christmas gift ideas for men to get the ball rolling and help you find just the right present.

1. Birchbox. You need to act fast to get this one in time for the holidays. I get the Birchbox for women, which is $10/month, and the men's subscription is $20/month. This will give your guy something to look forward to for 12 months (or however many months you choose) during the calendar year. The box ships on the 25th and if you live in the west like me, it can take up to 2 weeks to reach your door.

2. Sporting goods. For the athletic guy, you can never go wrong with golf or tennis balls, new basketball shorts, or hiking equipment. Pick your poison.
3. Minimalist Wallet. The days of bulky wallets are gone, people! Is your guy still carrying a wallet in his back pocket? Tell him the front pocket is where it's at. I found this gem while browsing on Etsy. The color is great, and you don't need to carry around much more than this ... if you're male. P.S. Etsy is a great place to browse and get gift inspiration.

4. Magazine subscription. Perhaps Sports Illustrated? Cars? Cooking? Whatever your guy's interest, I'm sure there's a magazine for it. And it's nice to get something in the mail that you don't need to look at the computer to engage with.
5. Socks. Who knew specialty socks were such big biz? Stance Socks has quite the array to choose from, and Nordstrom carries that brand along with others to help the man in your life show a little personality whether in his business suit or swimming trunks. Give your guy a little spice in his life! Who doesn't smile when they see someone wearing fun socks? Someone who doesn't have a soul. That's who.

6. Specialty TV channel. There are some great shows on HBO and Showtime, but unless you've subscribed to that channel, you won't be watching them. You could wait until they come to Netflix, but do you really want to? Also look into NFL Red Zone or NBA TV.

7. Cuff links. This goes along with the fun socks. Cuff links are a simple way to add some pizazz to your guy's ensemble. Obviously they are for a guy who wears proper dress shirts on a regular basis. Think Superman, bullets, dice, etc. The possibilities are endless for the cuff link designs you can find!

8. The Art of Shaving. This store takes the daily task to the next level. It's a way to pamper your man. This kind of gift isn't for every male out there, but those who care about their skin and appearance should appreciate the quality found in the different kits they offer. Everything at this store is a little expensive- be warned.

9. eBooks. Does your guy have a Nook or Kindle? If not, that's another idea. If he does do some research on books that might be up his alley and purchase them for his eReader. It shows you took some initiative and time to choose something just for him. Plus, a guy who reads is super attractive.
10. Bacon of the Month club. For the manliest of men out there, what says "Happy Holidays" like bacon? We purchased this gift for my brother's 40th and it was a smashing hit. Viva la bacon!

Honorable Mention: Stocking Stuffers ideas ....

Chapstick Hydration Lock

Beef Jerky

Ear buds