Baskets Overflowing With Good Cheer!

Often the best way to package good cheer is in a basket.... to tote to a neighbor's house, to hand off to a favorite teacher, to present to your hostess at that yearly, jolly, Christmas party, or simply a fun way to give a cherished friend or family member that perfect gift.

5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Christmas Savings Now!

It's September 1. Yes, it's the perfect time to talk about Christmas savings and early shopping!

Why? Because Christmas is only 115 days away, and you can start preparing for it now! Too many people wait until December to buy gifts. With no money saved, countless people turn to credit cards in a panic and end up paying for Christmas well into the new year. Not the best approach.

Valentine’s Gifts for Friends and Family

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and romance. Take the opportunity to show your family members and dearest friends how much they’re loved and admired with a thoughtful gift they’ll cherish well past Valentine's Day.

MY FAVORITE THINGS - DECEMBER

The definition of “joy” is widely subjective, but most people would agree that the end of the year holds a special place in their lives. Whether it's because of family and fudge, or snow angels and holiday parties, December is a joyous time. For me, it really is the "most wonderful time of the year". I find joy in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping - yes it's true - and hot chocolate in front of the fire after that long day at the mall, the sound of Santas on the corner as they ring their bells and call out "Merry Christmas" to those who pass by and mistletoe hung where you can see. Bright Christmas lights, whimsical department store windows, cookie decorating parties and the smell of fresh cut evergreens at the local tree lot. Quaint Christmas carolers, the look of my breath as it hangs in the cold December air and if we're really lucky, the crunch of snow under our boots on Christmas Day. What's NOT to love about December? It means family. It means giving. And most of all it means the Christ child. The Son of God was born of a virgin, sent to us as THE gift of Salvation. Love came down, bringing all of mankind our ultimate JOY! What a truly remarkable time of year to celebrate His coming! This is my definition of December joy, what's yours?

If you'd like the individual links to my favorite things, you can find them here.

ROLO Pretzel Delights

I'm sure that this little recipe is nothing new to some of you. But, if you haven't tried it before, then stop what you're doing and run out and buy a bag of Rolo candy. These are so simple and delicious. They're the perfect treat for your Christmas cookie and candy tray this year. Our family has been making these for years. They are my Daddy's favorites and they're always a hit!! Throw a few of these into your next outgoing cookie tin. Your friends and family will thank you.

Cracker Barrel Fall & Halloween Decor

Have you guys been in a Cracker Barrel lately? Or at all? It's been a few years since I set foot inside the Cracker Barrel that is located within 5 miles of our home. My aunt and sister invited me to lunch a few weeks back, and we headed to

Holiday Gift Guide For The Home Cook

Those who love to cook can't ever have too many kitchen gadgets and accessories, so I've been working hard to find the most stylish gifts for those who love to spend time in the kitchen. Do you have a friend or family member who would pick a shopping spree at Williams-Sonoma over a shopping spree at Prada any day of the week? Someone who would rather watch Top Chef over Modern Family when given the remote on a Wednesday night? Below you'll find suggestions for great kitchen-themed presents perfect for the home cook. From fun aprons to durable mixers to out of this world Meyer Lemon Infused Olive Oil, you can find it here with easy to follow links for uncomplicated Christmas shopping! ENJOY!

Macaroon Maker Apron
Fresh First Course Apron
Tramontina Porcelain Covered Cast Iron Gourmet Cookware
Breville Toastie Sandwich Maker
Ceramic Mixing Bowls
Williams-Sonoma Thermo-Clad™ Stainless-Steel Sauté Pan
Cuisinart Stainless-Steel Food Chopper
Set of 8 Stainless Styell Measuring Cups
Zeroll Original Tubmate Ice Cream Spade
Glass Salt Cellar with Lid
Pourfect Whisk-A-Bowl
Large Seasoning Sticks
Painted Amaryllis Butter Dish
KitchenAid Gourmet Measuring Spoons
Candy Thermometer
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6 Quart Dutch Oven
Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust
Red Sur La Table Italian Garlic Cellars
Lemon Verbena Bar Kitchen Hand Soap
Toscana Comfort Mat in Caramel 
French Jacquard Dish Cloths
Lucero Crushed Meyer Lemon Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Antony Joseph Coloured Rings Cutting Board
Five Piece Colorful Kitchen Gadget Set
Giuseppe Giusti Three Gold Medal Balsamic Vinegar
French Tapered Rolling Pin
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor Chopper Grinder
Norpro Ceramic Pie Bird
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale
Cuisinart HM-50 Power Advantage 5-Speed Hand Mixer
Microplane Premium Classic Green Fine Grater Zester

If you STILL can't decide on a gift for the cook in your life why not try the KITCHEN GADGET OF THE MONTH CLUB. Your loved one will receive, via mail, a different kitchen gadget every month for an entire year - brilliant right???

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~

RONDA

GOODIE GOODIE GUMDROPS!

GUMDROPS