Here’s a little something to keep you smiling pretty at those obligatory holiday gatherings with your in-laws (okay, maybe it’s just me who needs it). A little stainless steel flask disguised as a Christmas ornament. It even features a flat bottom should you need to put it down at some point. So now you can be the perfect, doting son or daughter in-law when you show up with a present and a smile.

from Urban Outfitters via Badder Homes and Gardens

Dog lover first, photographer second, Erin Vey is clearly one of the lucky ones who was able to turn her true passion into a job. Initially a portrait photographer she was able to take that skill and put it to good use with her non-human subjects. I wish cats could be so photogenic because she truly captures the spirit of dogs unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. Love it! Love it! Love it!

Like the mustache trend, I can’t seem to get over the floral pin and hair accessory trend either. I spotted these Rosebud pin corsages from heart of light yesterday on Cup of Joe and absolutely adore them. The holidays around my house are pretty casual. Like jeans and sweatshirts casual. You might even see a pair of sweat pants creep in every now and again too (I know – gasp). But how sweet would one of these little colorful pins be on a cardigan (thanks example photo) with simple pair of jeans and flats. The perfect way to dress up my schlumpy holiday wear, I think. It would be like instant party attire!

I’ve never really thought of Taylor Swift one way or the other. But after this, I’ve gotta admit – I kinda dig her.

Okay, okay, I know the whole mustache trend is getting a little tired, but sadly – I just can’t get enough of it. And this Humunga Stache Dog Chew Toy made me literally laugh out loud. Now if only I had a dog.

via Incredible Things

image via Mark Klotz

If you live in Southern California, in or near San Diego – get out your calendar – it’s San Diego Beer Week! More than an actual week, the celebration is a ten-day countywide festival that attracts beer tourism, fosters knowledge, and serves as a showcase for San Diego’s craft beer community. I’m a little late as the event began on Nov. 6, but it goes until the 15th so there’s still time to enjoy some of the 200+ events. Hooray beer!

The holidays are upon us. Time to get fat. Although I’m pretty sure I’ve got a head start. Hurry – you’ve got some catching up to do.

LINGUINE WITH CHICKEN, ARTICHOKES & SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
image & recipe via Confections of a Foodie Bride, adapted from Pioneer Woman

1lb linguine
2 chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Sea salt & cracked black pepper
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 14.5 oz can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup chicken broth, more as needed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
2 Tbsp chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
1 Tbsp chopped parsley, plus additional for garnish

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain (reserving 1/2 cup pasta water) and place in a large bowl.
2. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large sauce pan until hot. Liberally salt and pepper the sides of the chicken and place in the pan to sear. Flip when the chicken gets nice and browned, 3-4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Add remaining olive oil and butter to pan. Add onions and red pepper flakes to pan and cook until the onions are translucent, stirring to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Add chicken, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through, and then remove from heat.
5. Pour sauce over the top of the pasta. Toss with the Parmesan, basil, and parsley until coated. Add a couple of splashes of pasta water – or if you forget to reserve it, some chicken broth – if you need to thin the sauce a bit.

This is one for all the service industry people. If you have ever worked in a restaurant, retail setting or other service-related industry, you will get a kick out of this. We have all come across that super special customer at one time or another who is simply unforgettable, which could have been for any number of reasons. And you know that old staple of service-related jobs, “The customer is always right.” Yeah, we know that’s not true.

Not Always Right is a collection of quotes from these particularly memorable customers. The folks behind Not Always Right believe that while customers deserve to be treated right, so do the employees and the other folks that serve them. Not Always Right is about leveling the playing field for those of us who toil and sweat every day trying to juggle demanding customers and often unreasonable corporate expectations. At the end of the day, it’s about remembering that whether we’re a customer or an employee, we’re all human, foibles and all.

Check out some of the quotes from the site:

Just for the record – I’m pretty sure I’ve had that last customer. At multiple jobs. God help me that I never have to wait tables again!

The title may sound funny, but I swear – once you try it, you will be instantly hooked. It’s no secret that I’m slightly addicted to pizza. And just when I thought pizza couldn’t get any better, I discover it grilled. It’s the cats meow. No shit. I will save you the details of how I discovered grilled pizza, but let’s just say there were cocktails involved. Perhaps a few too many of them.

I need to try grilling my pizza from scratch as all I’ve done up until now is reheat it – sometimes to a blackened, charred crisp. Which is why I (and you) need the Grill Friends Pizza Crisper from The Pro BBQ Shop. It comes with a silicone pizza mat which is one of the best ways to keep your pizza warm and crazy easy to clean. Just slap a few pieces into the crisper and put it on the grill and in no time, your pizza will be just as good as when it was delivered. Buh-bye to soggy, steaming microwaved crust, there’s a new pizza in town!

Damn. Now I’m hungry.

I live in California, the land of hippieville (sorry, treehuggers) and doing everything green. The place where they practically shun you from the grocery store if you show up without your own bags. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for living a greener life, but it’s just taking me a little longer to get there because it’s not entirely affordable.

Anyhoo… I did my due diligence and got a whole slew of reusable bags (Baggus are the best, in my opinion) but I got to thinking the last time I was at the store – does it really make a difference for me to use all these fabric bags to carry my groceries home if I’m putting all my produce into plastic bags at the store? Seems kind of counterintuitive, no? So I started looking into reusable bags I could use for my produce and here’s what I’ve found.

3B, which stands for Belief Beyond Bags – a women owned company based out of Denver, Colorado. Made of fine mesh, the bags are see-through, machine washable and virtually weightless. They come in a set of 3 bags – two 11 X 14 inche bags and one, larger 14.5 X 18.5 bag. The set sells for $7.50 and currently they are running a free shipping special when you buy four.

Baggu Produce – from the same makers of my favorite reusable shoppers, come 100% nylon mesh bags to hold and store fresh produce. The small size (9” x 12”) holds a bunch of green beans, 4 oranges or 6 lemons. The large (12” x 16”) is just right for a head of lettuce, a dozen apples, or some kale. They are also machine washable and sell for $3 for the small and $4 for the large.

ECOBAGS from Delight. These come in a set of 4 and include 2 large cotton sacks (17” x 13”) and 2 large certified organic cotton netted sacks (12”x15”). They feature a drawstring closure and are also machine washable. Each set sells for $15.50.

Love for Earth on Etsy. Made of dual layered nylon netting, overlocked for the strongest seams. Overlocked seams do not fray or loosen with time like many single stitches do. The closure is an enclosed real satin ribbon (or white or black cotton drawstring). A set is $15.75 and includes 6 bags – 2 XL (11X14), 2 med (12X10), 2 smalls that are great for 3-4 small fruits, a handful of herbs, snacks, or lunches, etc.

What do you think? Have you jumped on the bag wagon? Which ones do you have or better yet – which ones will you choose? Can anyone help me decide?