I’ve been interested in learning more about my own personal ancestry, so I’d love an ancestry kit to try. I really like this ancestry + health kit since it adds more value to the testing, but would be happy with just a basic one too.

 

I want to start composting so badly, and eventually use the compost in the vegetable garden (which needs some work itself). I love this tumbling composter because it’s off the ground, locks sturdily so creatures can’t get in, and spins so there’s not manual need to mix up the compost.

 

My dentist recommended I get a water flosser, and also shared that the toothbrush I use isn’t actually as great as I thought it was - which sucks because the convenience and the sleek all-black look made me love it. Apparently, it’s mostly a timer and not cleaning as well as it could be. So I’d love a water flosser and electric toothbrush set, especially because I love the uniformity of having both go hand-in-hand. (second similar option)

 

I love having stainless steel appliances in our kitchen, and I really want a stainless steel trash bin with a lid for a cleaner looking. Also, our keys hang above our trash can so a lid would be really great in releasing the anxiety I have related to worrying our keys are gonna fall into the trash can.

 

I get a lot of packages, including medical supplies, and our porch isn’t covered. An outdoor package bin would be a great resource in keeping my packages safe (and dry!). I like this one because the color is similar to our house, and would create a seamless look for our front porch. (second similar option)

 

I sleep on my side and often find myself having to fold my pillow in half to be just the right size to fit the space along my should, neck, and head. I keep getting ads for Pillow Cube, and I'm sold. I need this thing in my life. 

 

Surprisingly, I don't own a dutch oven, so it's not an easy feat to move something from stove top to the oven. I love this cast iron dutch oven because it's orange and matches all of our other pots and pans. 

This magnetic steel stove shelf topper is absolutely genius. It's sticks straight to the top of the stove with magnets, and eliminates the gap between the stove and the wall, so things like spices can be stored directly on top, clearing up counter space! 

What's handier than an under cabinet organizer shelf? I swear I'm always rearranging things under the kitchen sink because I want it be clean and well-organized. I love that this one works like drawers, and has hooks on the side to hang things like sponges or cloths.

Not to be confused with the magnetic stove shelf topper, I am also so interested in these countertop stove gap covers, which prevent crumbs from falling in between those tiny little cracks. Plus, it creates a uniform, smooth surface where stove meets counter. SO PRACTICAL.

I've said it before, I'll say it again - I want a kayak. A sit-on-top kayak is sturdy, but bulky. I'd definitely need to add a cargo rack atop my car, which is totally fine. But I'm also obsessed with Oru Kayak - they have several different styles, but all of them are foldable. You heard that right - an origami kayak. It folds up for easy storage and transport, then takes less than five minutes to set up and be out on the water. Either way, I don't want to pay $30 to rent a kayak for two hours each time I want to get out on the water. I'd love to have my own, so I can go regularly each spring, summer, and fall.

I love to garden, though haven't really gotten to do so as much since having to work from the office again. I need to totally overhaul the vegetable garden, and any sort of wheelbarrow would be critical to that process. It'd also make it easier to clear out weeks and cut out underbrush, then just wheel it straight out to the woods (or to the composter!).

I drive a Prius and anyone walking past my car could see straight into my cargo area. My car didn't come with a cargo space cover but they're available for specific models of car (including my own). I'd definitely love this practical piece of equipment.

Y'all - Chick-fil-a has released a limited collection of clothing and accessories. I adore the
"I Heart Waffle Fries" hoodie (XXL), but I'm basically obsessed with the entire collection. Check it out here. 

My work ID still hangs in the flimsy case it was given to me in, and I just know that one of these days, it's going to fall off my keychain and I'll need to spend $20 to get a new ID. I've been eyeing a few ID cardholder cases, and think this Coach one is so cute! I just love the little floral accents. The most important part of these is that there's an ID window on the outside of the case - it makes for easy access with my ID.

 

I hate getting ready for work in the morning. I am so lazy in the morning that I literally sit aside my outfits each night before going to bed. Alongside getting ready in the morning, sometimes shoes just feel like too much work. (Anyone else feel like this?) I really want a pair of clogs that are easy to slide on and work with basically anything. Birkenstocks were the shoe to have when I was in middle school, and I thought they were so ugly. As I'm older, these clogs seem like the most practical and comfortable shoes. I really want a pair, and love the Boston Soft Footbed styles in literally any color (10/10.5), but these Vans clogs are also weird and cool (M8.5/W10).

 

Can a girl every have enough Allbirds? I think not. I have three pair in different colors. I love the monotone look (in which I currently have an olive pair and an orange pair). I'd love a plain black pair (11), which would go with any and everything, but I also think these two-tone slip-ons (10.5) are super cool too.

As always, I'm never put out by gift cards to any of my favorite places, or experiences as gifts. I always love to travel, visit state parks, enjoy museums, and an animal interaction at Georgia Aquarium is so high up on my bucket list (or see: 101 in 1001 Round 3).

 

 

Tell me about your holiday wish list. What are you hoping for?

 

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post.

Anyone that hosts a party in their home will want everyone to have the best time, feel comfortable, and remember what a great time they had. Whether hosting a Fourth of July celebration or a birthday party, here is how to make your party one to remember.



Present the best food possible

Every party should have food present. Whether you’re hosting a relaxing birthday dinner or a celebration that involves dancing and nibbles, you should be sure to feed your guests. You won’t want them going home hungry and grumpy. Therefore, you should present the best food to host the best party possible. You can always win people over with good food.

For instance, investing in group catering Mexican food will ensure that everyone at the party has something tasty and fun to eat. Meanwhile, you do not have to stand over a stove for hours and, instead, enjoy the party and the yummy food.



Utilize your outdoor space

When you host a party at home, you don't have to restrict yourself and your guests to your inside space. Whether you have a balcony or a small or large garden, you should utilize your outdoor space so that people can get fresh air and that people can have more space when they need it.

If you have a large enough space, you might even wish to host most of the party outside. No matter the weather, you can hire a marquee and host your party underneath so that you can host your party with no hindrance, whether it rains or snows or is sunny.



Create an atmosphere

If you want to make your party one to remember, you should always ensure you create an atmosphere. If you want people to get up and dance, then you might want to play fun dance music. If you want people to relax over a nice dinner, then playing soft jazz or classical music might be the best option.

Adding music and creating an ambiance will ensure that your guests feel the most relaxed.



Try a themed dress code

Having a themed dress code for your party at home can make it more memorable and fun. You could ask guests to arrive in fancy dress or stick to a color scheme. If you request a dress code, you should follow along and dress your home for the occasion.

For instance, if you request your guests to arrive in 60s themed outfits, you should consider transforming your home into a 60s scene. It will make it more fun and much better for photos.




To be the host with the most or the hostess with the mostess, you should consider these tips so that your guests have a lot more fun, feel more comfortable, and have the best experience possible at your home party. Simply ensuring that your guests have enough good food, and drink and creating an ambiance will ensure that everyone has the best time possible. 

Photo by Restorative Counseling Services

 *This is a sponsored post.

Ways to take care of yourself this holiday season

While holidays are perceived to be a joyous time all around (and I can’t deny how much I love the holidays), this time of year isn’t the best time for everybody. Even for folks who love the holiday season, it can still be an immensely stressful time for many. Keep reading for some tips on taking care of yourself during one of the most stressful times of the year.


Don’t spend what you don’t have

They say money is the root of all evil, and hm, maybe it is. What I will say though is that money certainly is a root for the great majority of many problems on individual bases and on greater societal levels. The holidays really exemplify the stress surrounding finances.

If you’re anything like me, giving gifts is a joyful activity. My love language is gifts, meaning that I not only feel loved by receiving gifts but that I show love but giving gifts. That means that Christmas is a time when I really feel pressure to give the greatest, most thoughtful gifts. I want to note that the keyword there is “thoughtful.” Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be pricey. When giving gifts, it’s important to know the person you’re gifting, everything else can follow. But keep in mind that a thoughtful gift isn’t worth screwing up your financial situation. Sure, you can use credit cards, or buy now - pay later options, but make sure you have a plan to pay things back. Speaking with a financial advisor may be worth considering if you need additional support in keeping your budgeting and setting your financial plans.



Meet with a mental health provider

Again, this time of the year can be overwhelming and just… a lot. I recommend therapy all year round for literally everybody, but with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it may be easy to let go of something as important as a therapy appointment in lieu of other festive activities, or even to rest, but I urge you all to have at least one therapy session this holiday season. 

This is a sponsored post. 

I’ve always been a big advocate for making my spaces home-y and joyful. It brings me a sense of happiness and peace to be in a place that feels like “me.” It doesn’t just bring joy though - it helps build rapport with the folks I work with, both my students and my colleagues. It allows my students to feel more vulnerable, because the space is more welcoming and cozy. I’ve always cozied up my office space with all the things. I’m a self-proclaimed maximalist, and the things that don’t have a space in my home will always have a space in my office.

Scarily, back during the summer, my office flooded and I lost some things. Because of the flood, my office, which is in an old building, had to get full asbestos abatement. It was kind of nerve-wracking, but seemed to go pretty well. I’m not sure who was used to do the abatement, but I do know there are several companies in the area that do that type of work. Trinity Industrial Services is a Demolition company in Atlanta that also provides services such as asbestos abatement. 

*This is a collaborative post

There are many indulgent holiday meat recipes. However, there are a few standout ones that can take your Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner to a whole new level. And here they are.




Slow-roasted roast beef

Beef should be cooked low and slow to respect it properly. But the wait is well worth it. A cut of beef like tenderloin looks great and doesn't have any bones or fat to deal with. And the gravy? Chef's kiss. Always use olive oil, salt, and pepper to flavor food. And if you sear the sides in a pan, you can add more flavor. Learn how to make horseradish sauce so you can serve this creamy side with your amazing beef roast.



Turkey, of course

A fresh turkey is, of course, a holiday favorite and it can feed a small or large group. You can brine a fresh turkey to make it taste better all the way through. But you can also butter the skin and season it however you like. A good way to make sure your turkey stays moist is to place it breast-side down for the first hour, then turn it over and finish cooking. If you cook your turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take 20 minutes per pound plus an extra 20 minutes.



Indulgent holiday meat recipes includes pork crown

There are many different kinds of pork roasts, which makes them great. But a pork crown is beautiful, and the meat is succulent and tasty. To bring out the flavor of pork, you need to season it. A great choice is a dry rub like Bavarian seasoning, which is a mix of brown mustard and different perennial herbs. Presenting a pork crown the right way can take some practice, but once you do, everyone at your table will enjoy eating and feel like royalty for a day.



A tender rack of lamb

Lamb is one of the richest meats you can eat. A rack of lamb is a great choice for a small group because it costs a lot and usually feeds about two people. Lamb tastes and looks different from other meats, and the best way to season it is with olive oil, salt, and pepper. But garlic brings out the flavor of lamb and goes very well with it. You can also add butter, rosemary, and thyme to the leftovers in your pan to make a delicious gravy, even better with a red wine deglaze.



Go bold with some prime rib

Prime rib is a classic cut, but it costs more than other cuts. It's a big piece of meat, so when it's put on the table, it makes a big show. On the other hand, it is very delicate when cooked well. Rub this with olive oil, salt, and pepper, as usual. But you can also cut a few slits and put garlic sleeves in them to flavor the meat from the inside out. Cook for 15 minutes per pound at 350 F. Since prime beef cuts are usually pretty heavy, this can take a while, so plan your cooking intentionally.





The holidays are a time for enjoying good company and, of course, good food. Some of the most indulgent holiday meat recipes include slow-roasted beef, pork crown, and prime rib. What are your favorite kinds of holiday meals?

*This is a collaborative post. 

The costs of gas and electricity are still rising, but you can save money on energy simply by learning how to use your household appliances and devices properly. Here are some tips.