Tuesday, November 12, 2013

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!
Scratch N Stef


review and lifestyle blog

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!
Pumpkin Cookies with a twist

Friday, November 8, 2013

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

review and lifestyle blog
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 ....
Beef Jerky
Ear buds

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Favorite POP Sugar Workout Videos

POP Sugar Fitness is my go-to website when I'm working out indoors. They have great videos from celebrity trainers and they're pretty short, usually about 10 minutes. I'll choose three different videos, targeting different areas, so I keep moving for my 30-minute burn session. Here are links to some of my favorite POP Sugar workout videos.

1. THIGHS. They call this the Victoria's Secret Model Workout. Holy moly, your legs will be burning and your booty will hurt for days ... until you get used to do it.

2. ALL-OVER. "Blast Away Belly Fat" is the title of this video. Me-oh-my, it works me over! CAN'T.BREATHE.

3. ARMS. This one is a killer 10 minute arm toning session from Kelly Rippa's personal trainer. Have you seen Kelly's arms? Um, yes please!

4. ABS. I get tired of doing sit-ups for my ab workout, so this changes things up. It's not too intense, but still gets the job done.

5. CARDIO. This last link is for 10-minute cardio. It's fairly simple, but you do still sweat a little. Use this one for your easy or short days when you're running low on time.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

October Birchbox Review

Scratch N StefI was very pleased with my first Birchbox! The packaging is simple, functional, and fun to open. I was surprised with the quality of what was included and the actual value which was in the little box that I paid only $10 for. I've tried all the items that were included and found some new favorites.
Birchbox review
1. dr. brandt- Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant. This was probably the most expensive sample, but it was my least favorite. I didn't notice much of a difference after using it on my face. Plus, it smells a little like lemon Pledge. I'm devoted to my St. Ives Apricot Scrub. My advice: Skip the dr. brandt.

Birchbox review2. Ruffian- Nail Lacquer. Color: Hedge Fund. I loved this great green shade with a little sparkle for fall. I used it in conjunction with my OPI Top Coat and it lasted for days! The brush is easy to hold onto with it's unique design. My advice: Paint those nails $.

Birchbox review3. SARAPOTEMPA- The Half-Up. After a little practice, I got my hair into this bendy little tool. I prefer the low bun look -- I'm not into the up-do or half up look it pictured on the packaging. I've already used this three times since I got my Birchbox last week. I'll probably be trying some of their other products. My advice: Try it ... if you have longer hair.

birchbox october4. theBalm- Stainiac. Color: Beauty Queen. I've used lip stain before and wasn't really sold, but this stuff is great! It's in a gel form, so it's easier to apply and didn't dry my lips like others I've tried. You can use it as a cheek stain, but I haven't been brave enough to try that yet. The color lasts most of the day and I really did like the bright hue. My advice: You NEED to try this one.

Birchbox Find: ChapStick- Hydration Lock. Flavor: Vanilla Creme. I was skeptical, but this chapstick is pretty great. I'm a bit of a lip balm connoisseur and this has been added to my list. Love it! Plus, low risk to try it out. My advice: Stocking stuffer!



Friday, November 1, 2013

Super Easy Dessert Idea

scratch n stef @meischase
There's really not much to say here. This is a super easy dessert idea! Follow the directions on the Pillsbury Crescents package, but roll chocolate chips or Reese's Peanut Butter Chips (my favorite) into the crescents. What comes out of the oven will be a delightful surprise. I had my doubts at first, too. Just try it -- with milk, of course.
Desert idea on scratch n' stef

Chipped Croissants

Dessert croissants

Dessert Croissants