NO BAKE Chocolate + Peanut Butter Squares

I'm always looking for simple and easy recipes to try and these chocolate peanut butter squares did not disappoint. Did I mention that they only take 10 minutes to actually make and there isn't any baking involved?

Ingredients

1 cup (low fat) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 sheets)1 cup powdered sugar1 stick butter, melted
1 cup peanut butter + 2 tbsp. peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
 

Directions
1. Take your graham crackers and beat them into crumbs (I used a masher to get the right consistency)

2. When done, combine the graham crackers, butter, sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter in a medium sized mixing bowl

3. Line an 8x8 pan with foil (try your best to lay it as flat as possible) and spread the peanut butter mixture using a spoon to smooth it out

4. Melt the chocolate chips with the additional 2 tbsp of peanut butter and spread that on top of the graham cracker mixture. Again, use a spoon to smooth the top layer out

5. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Take the pan out of the fridge and using a large knife cut them up into squares

Lastly, enjoy!

  

Threshold Accessories

I have always been a fan of Target but they have really been stepping up their game lately. Each time I go to grab something small on the other side of the store, I always find myself conveniently walking through their Threshold aisle on my way to the register. You know the aisle I'm talking about, it's always at one end of the furniture section littered with adorable small night tables, rugs, festive lights and accessories. I've really been loving everything (really, I could post 70 things I want) but here are a few of my favorites and all for under $35

Happy shopping (and saving)!

 

  

  
metal figurines/ woven tapestry/ beaded pillow/ marble rhino heads

Real vs. Deal: Pom Key Chains

I love the idea of adding additional appeal to a purse. Most bags are made to be beautiful without much help, which makes them a real accessory underdog and I like the idea of it even more because of that. Realistically, I can't buy each fabulous pom bag that catches my eye (and there were a lot that did this summer like this and this) but I can, very easily and cost effectively, transfer an accessory between each of my favorite bags to help make them look more stylish. Enter the pom key chain! There are a lot of pricey options out there like this amazing Michael Kors for $48 but I think I've found the perfect (and almost identical) steal of a deal from Merona at Target. It's regularly $9.99 but on sale for $7 right now so hurry up and grab it while you can! I also love this one from Asos and these great Etsy options from ThaiDryGoods, ElisePendants and Hautepinkfluff.

The Perfect Pajama Legging

Waffle Knit Leggings / Mug / Pillows / Do Unto Animals / Sheepskin Blanket

I have been searching high and low for the most perfect pair of pajama leggings ever since spotting them on Pinterest. I immediately loved the look of these and considering how much time I spend in comfortable clothes, I knew I needed to own some. Ultimately, I went with these striped waffle knit leggings from Old Navy (link included above and below) because I loved the material and the price was right for just under $10 with a 50% store discount. I've rounded up the best and most cost efficient options that I could find (under $70) and they include a print and fabric choice for everyone...happy shopping!

1. Fair Isle Legging (30% off with GETSHOPPING) / 2. Heart Lounge Pants / 3. Waffle-knit Legging / 4. Striped Cuff Loungers / 5. Pajama Legging / 6. Sleep Pant

I'm Back!

I've been gone but now I'm back! I'm sorry for being radio silent for over a year now and I could post an elaborate paragraph with 1,000 excuses about why you haven't heard from me in so long but the real reason is, life just caught up with me in a big way. Because of that, I had to make the very tough decision to put this blog on hold. It's been a whirlwind year filled with a lot of change, a ton of learning for my husband and I and too much time spent drooling over fabulous discounted clothing. I'm excited to be back doing what I do best, finding the best chic steals and sharing them.

To quickly recap 2014 and 2015 (so far):

I found out that I was pregnant (in April)

My husband and I ate our way through Europe with two other amazing couples (in May)

 

     

 

                  We finished a HUGE renovation on the second floor of our house (in November)

    

    

I gave birth three weeks early to Crosby Grove Fox (in December)

And we have been settling in to life as a family of four (don't forget about Winnie!) ever since!

Real vs. Deal: Gladiator Sandals

If you are anything like me, even the tiniest hint of nice weather makes you automatically go into the "summer clothes" mindset. In my case, I am already thinking about oh-so-important staples to go with the travel plans I have lined up for the next few months, which also gets me thinking about my first fashion love, sandals. I adore the look of these 2013 collection Stuart Weitzman gladiators with celebrities like Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Kourtney Kardashian sporting them everywhere but the price tag is just too hefty for me to pull the trigger on purchasing them. It's almost been a year and I am still in love with these amazing sandals, which is always a good indication that they should be mine so I started searching for more affordable options. Thanks to DSW, I think I found the perfect substitute for the real thing! For only $44.95, I found these identical gladiators from GC Shoes and I honestly can't tell the difference between the two except for the major cost savings, can you?

Winter Warmer: Homemade Marshmallows

I really love hot chocolate on a cold day and since we have gotten more snow than I know what to do with recently, it's been the perfect opportunity to make it. With Valentine's Day just come and gone, I thought it might be fun to make my own heart (and snowflake to reflect the weather, of course) marshmallows as the perfect compliment to top off my drink. The homemade hot chocolate recipe I typically use is below with simple instructions on how to make your own marshmallows!

Hot Chocolate Recipe

• 4 cups (1 qt.) milk
• 1/3 cup hot water
• dash of sea salt
• 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 1/2 cup sugar

Homemade Marshmallow Recipe

• 8 oz container of Cool Whip Lite
• Baking pan
• Parchment Paper

Marshmallow Instructions
1. Line a baking pan (8'' or smaller) with parchment paper
2. Spread your Cool Whip evenly into the pan and flatten the top as much as possible with a spoon
3. Put it in the freezer for 24 hours so it hardens up
4. When it's hardened, take it out of the freezer and use cookie cutters to form your marshmallows
(note: the Lite Cool Whip didn't harden as much as I was hoping it would and got soft quickly after it was taken out of the freezer so I would try using the regular kind if you can stand the extra calories)
5. Add the marshmallow to your favorite hot drink and enjoy!

 

{DIY} Valentine's Day Candy

I love Valentine's Day but for the most unexpected reasons. My husband and I don't go out to lavish dinners or buy each other expensive gifts (we are planning on Indian and a House of Cards marathon this year) but it's nice to stop the usual bustling in life even just for a day and acknowledge the special person in your life. Since my husband loves chocolate and I have a niece and four nephews who I always send something to, I decided to make my own Valentines candy this year. After scouring Pinterest, I found some great options that I decided to try myself...here is how everything came out!

{DIY} Heart Bites

Following this simple recipe, I made my own heart candies using just white (and milk) chocolate, heart iced cube trays from Michael's and festive toppings! I even took it one step further and made mint candies just by adding some mint extract and green food coloring to the white chocolate...both kinds were delicious!

{DIY} Valentine's Fudge

I was a little weary of making fudge since I had grown up eating the best of the best in Maine but using this recipe that I found on Pinterest, it was actually an easy baking project. Instead of Strawberry, I used pink vanilla icing and although the color might throw you, it's fitting for the holiday in addition to being absolutely delicious (I promise). Lastly, I wrapped the individual pieces up in clear bags tied with festive ribbon to finish it all off!

Military Style

Old Navy sweater/ Madden Girl boots (old but similar here)/ Jcrew Scarf/ Forever21 Jacket/ Jcrew Factory Leggings/ Sekonda watch (last seen here)/ Vintage Coach bag

Sparkly Flats

 

It might be below freezing outside but you wouldn't be able to tell from my feet. I just snagged these amazing gold loafers from Gap for just $10 (down from $39) over the weekend and since I live in flats, getting a flashy new pair at a huge discount always feels like a small victory. Like em'? They are completely sold out online but your local store will likely still have them!

 

Chocolate-dipped Mint and Almond Biscotti

I always see great coffee snacks like these in Starbucks while I patiently wait in line to order but I'd never really given much thought to how easy they would be to make on my own. When I first saw this post on Cupcakes and Cashmere, I was immediately brought back to that Starbucks line and was determinedly decided to take a mini hiatus from the cakes, pies and candy baking phase that had been occupying most of my time. There is nothing better than trying something new so using this chocolate-dipped almond biscotti recipe (I substituted mint extract instead of almond in the directions), I create these tasty biscotti's!

 

Home Decor: White and Gold

I love white and gold separately but I really love both colors even more when they are paired together. There is something so regal about the way they compliment each other and appeal to the eye. Whatever it is, it works! I've recently thought about what white and gold pieces I can incorporate into my own home, which made me stop to wonder if others might be looking for unique and easy ways to do the same thing. This is a taste of what I found and each option allows for a simple integration of flare whether it's for entertaining, to dress up a mantle or just to add a splash of color to a chair. I am a bit biased here because the first picture is a piece from an artwork collection created by my brother-in-law but his plates are amazingly stunning each with a different gold pattern. You better believe that I will be asking for these to complete an entire wall each Christmas for many to come.

1. "From On High" Plate Artwork (prices vary) from Jed Morfit

2. Doha Pillow Cover ($75) from ChaneeVijayTextiles

3. Paper Mache bowl ($13) by Etco

4. Zigzag Serving Tray ($98) from Upintheairsomewhere

5. Scalloped Garland ($12/strand) from Stephlovesben

6. Champagne Flutes (4 for $17) from Indigo

Golden Globes Fashion

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, awards season and what a strong start! I could not believe how beautiful the women at the Golden Globes looked and while there were some missteps, as there always are, I thought the styles worn could be a very exciting indication of what's to come. Each dress was so drastically different that it was hard to identify one major trend but the bold red color choice to match the red carpet certainly stood out in addition to the very simplistic and minimal approach taken with jewelry. Here are a few of my favorites from last night and the oh-so-good looking couples that really stood out.

Unforgettable Looks

Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren/ Cate Blanchett in Armani/ Margot Robbie in Gucci/
Olivia Wilde in Gucci / Taylor Swift in Carolina Herrera

Unforgettable Couples

 

Leslie Mann & Jud Apatow/ Naomi Watts & Liev Schreiber/ Tina Fey & Amy Poehler/

Camila Alves & Matthew McConaughey/ Emma Roberts & Evan Peters

Cheers to 2013

 

2013 has been a great year and as I look back, I feel incredibly grateful.  I'm lucky to have started this project, to be seeking out great deals every day in life that make me smile and to be sharing them with you. As I put two thousand thirteen behind me, I resolve to be even more adventurous in my future endeavors and to never take the small things for granted. Happy New Year and cheers to what lies ahead in 2014!

New Year's Eve Sparkle: What to Buy

Renting not for you? You still have plenty of time to purchase just the right look before the ball drops. Here are a few great sequined dress options that would work for any kind of celebration that night and any budget too since each is under $100. Happy shopping!

forever21 glamorous mini/ ella moss tiara dress/ zero degrees dolman dress/ lulu's beige mini/ forever21 bombshell mini

New Year's Eve Sparkle: What to Rent

Looking for the perfect New Year's Eve outfit? JOIN THE CLUB! We all want to look fabulous on NYE but you also want to buy an outfit you can afford since you won't wear it every day. The perfect solution is to rent....the outfit arrives at your door with another size, just in case and without the hassle of having to try on 100 options. If renting is right for you, try these RTR looks, all for under $50, with the perfect amount of sparkle for the occasion. Happy renting!

badgley mischka dacruz mini/ robert rodriguez dance off mini/ halston heritage roll call mini/ trina turk vega mini

happy holidays

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight."
- 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Holiday Notes

Tis' the season! I love to get crafty with wrapping gifts but nothing dresses up a present more than a great tag. I enjoy using printable templates because they are fool-proof and ensure the note will always look great. Below are a few of my favorites but if you don't see any you like, feel free to use these other great printable sites...just click here or here!

these might be my most favorite tags to use around the holidays. they are classic and look great with any gift since they are all different sizes. just click here to get started (tags pictured are printed on white cardstock)

using craft paper, I printed these tags (4 on each page) and they are great for larger gifts or wine

looking for something a bit more traditional? use this template and print on red paper to help make your gifts stand out