Cookbooks for Christmas! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to the publisher for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Know someone who loves cookbooks?  Check out some of our favorite cookbooks for holiday gifting this year:

So Good

Food you want to eat, designed by a nutritionist 

By:  Emily English

THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Delicious recipes. Nutritionally balanced. So Good.

When we think of nutrition and eating well, so many of us jump to the words 'diet', 'unenjoyable', and 'sacrifice'. Sometimes we see healthy eating as something we should do, rather than something we want to do.

This is the book to help you kickstart healthy eating as an enjoyable lifelong habit rather than a fad for a week. A perfect collection of over 80 vibrant, tasty and easy recipes all steeped in nutritional science, So Good explains the principles of healthy eating in a fun and relatable way.

With recipes including...

Fluffy Ricotta Lemon Pancakes

Hot Honey Halloumi Avocado Toast

Mango And Crunchy Chickpea Salad, With Jalapeno Dressing.

Chicken And Spicy Guacamole Lunch Time Tacos

Garlic Crumbed Salmon With Courgettes And Yoghurt

Creamy Parmesan Chickpeas With Pickled Chillies

Greek Yoghurt Roasted Strawberry Eton Mess

Food should be a celebration, a memory, a moment. It's not about counting calories; it's about making every meal count. Let every meal you make nourish your body and bring you joy with every bite.

The Great British Baking Show 2024: Comfort Bakes: The official 2024 Great British Bake Off book

The new Great British Baking Show book ties into the 2024 season of the UK's most popular cooking show. Indulge in the very best comfort bakes that you'll want to make time and again, with recipes from Paul, Prue and the bakers.

This new book showcases 80 wonderful bakes inspired by the show's most popular signature themes - Cake, Biscuits, Bread, Pastry, Patisserie, Dessert, Chocolate and Free-from - celebrating the very best in comfort bakes.

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of a fresh bake wafting through the house? Paul, Prue and the 2024 bakers explore comfort in all its forms in these delectable, warm, cosy recipes. These include cakes for cheery family get togethers; recipes with a sense of nostalgia; hearty and warming bakes for cosy nights; and low-effort and quick concoctions that are an immediate balm.

You'll find rhubarb upside-down cake, served with lashings of custard; butterscotch shortbread - the perfect dunking biscuit; cheesy, salty crumpets that couldn't be easier to make; a moreish malted chocolate and honeycomb layer cake, and so much more. Every page of this book is packed with sumptuous bakes that will become go-to recipes whenever good food is what you need.

Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long with these fantastic cookbooks this holiday season! 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Planetary Design: The Ultimate Gift for Coffee Lovers! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Planetary Design for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Today's gift idea is sure to be a hit with coffee lovers!  Check out the Airscape canister from Planetary Designs:

Airscape canisters come in multiple sizes and colors to fit every need and preference.  Here is a more in depth look at the Classic canister and the Kilo Canister:

Airscape Coffee Canister – Classic

Airscape Coffee Canister is a premium coffee storage solution that keeps your coffee fresh for longer. With its patented airtight technology, this canister removes oxygen from the container, preventing coffee from going stale and losing its flavor. The stainless steel Airscape coffee canister is durable and stylish, making it a great addition to any kitchen decor. The Airscape® Classic Coffee Storage Canister comes in various sizes, making it perfect for home, office, or travel.

The Airscape coffee canister is perfect for coffee enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys storing dry goods like tea, sugar, flour, and spices. The container is made from food-grade stainless steel, so it’s safe for storing food items and easy to clean. Get the Airscape coffee canister today and enjoy your coffee as fresh as the day it was roasted. It’s a must-have for any coffee lover looking to elevate their coffee-drinking experience.

Airscape® Kilo Coffee Canister

The Kilo is Planetary Design's largest version of the original Airscape® coffee container. The Airscape® Kilo Coffee Canister has a storage capacity of up to 2.5 pounds of whole coffee, making it the perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts who prefer to buy their coffee in bulk.

The Airscape® Kilo Coffee Canister is not only functional but also visually appealing, with a sleek and modern design that will complement any kitchen decor. Its durable construction ensures that it will last for years to come, and its easy-to-use functionality makes it a favorite among coffee lovers.

Airscape® technology features a patented plunger lid designed to fit snugly against the inside of the tea and coffee canisters. As the Airscape® lid is pressed down, the oxygen is forced out through a two-way valve. Once the plunger is directly above the contents, flip the handle down to prevent further oxygen exchange & dramatically increase the shelf life of your stored goods.

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a home barista, or simply looking for a reliable storage container for your coffee, the Airscape Coffee Canister is the perfect choice for your storage needs. With this canister, you can be sure that your coffee beans will stay fresh and flavorful for longer, allowing you to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee every time

Check out Planetary Design for these Airscape canisters and many other cool gift ideas this holiday season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Ultimate Guide to Postpartum Beauty Recovery

 **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

So much of your time is focused on taking care of your body during pregnancy, managing things like discomfort and morning sickness, that you might not be overly focused on what things might look like after you deliver a baby. This is how things should be but, once all is said and done, a lot of women can feel some issues of self-confidence about the changes they have undergone. Here, we’ll look at a few steps on how you can regain that confidence, and get closer to your pre-partum shape.

Image - CC0 License

Making Time for Self-Care

Amid the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, self-care can often take a backseat. However, carving out moments for yourself is vital for recovery and overall well-being. Schedule small daily rituals, whether it’s a relaxing bath, a quiet moment with a book, or a short meditation session. Partner with your spouse, family, or friends to create a support system that allows you the time and space to recharge. Self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s a necessity for maintaining balance and feeling your best as you navigate postpartum life.

Getting Back to Healthy Living

Regaining your energy and strength after childbirth often involves embracing healthy habits. Start with gentle exercises, such as walking or yoga, to rebuild muscle tone and improve circulation. Consult your doctor before engaging in more intense workouts to ensure your body is ready. Equally important is your diet; focus on nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables to aid recovery and boost energy. Staying hydrated and prioritizing sleep (as much as possible) is also key to feeling vibrant and capable during this demanding time.

Tackling Those Changes

Pregnancy and childbirth bring profound changes to your body, and it’s natural to want to address them. For some, cosmetic procedures like a mommy makeover, a combination of treatments such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, or liposuction, can help restore confidence. If this path appeals to you, consult a qualified surgeon to discuss your goals and ensure it’s the right choice for your needs. Remember, such decisions are deeply personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to approach postpartum recovery. Whether through surgery or natural methods, the goal is to feel comfortable and happy in your body.

Give Your Skin Some Love

Pregnancy can leave lasting effects on your skin, from stretch marks and dryness to hormonal acne and pigmentation. Postpartum skincare is about addressing these concerns while keeping things simple. Use gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers to restore balance to your skin. Retinoids, vitamin C serums, and glycolic acid can be effective for tackling hyperpigmentation or fine lines, but always consult a dermatologist, especially if breastfeeding. Incorporate sun protection into your routine to prevent further damage. With consistent care, your skin can regain its glow and resilience over time.

It may be a smart move to grow to accept aspects of yourself that have changed after pregnancy. However, that said, it doesn’t mean that there are no tools to tackle some of those changes. Hopefully, the tips above will show you that you can do it very well.

The Silicone Kitchen: Amazing Stocking Stuffers for the Home Cook! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to The Silicone Kitchen for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Today's gift idea is a stocking stuffer that is sure to bring a smile to the face of any home cook...Bento Baking Cups from The Silicone Kitchen!

 Each pack of 24 includes 8 rectangle food-grade silicone baking cups in four beautiful colors designed to be as beautiful and functional as your kitchen (2 Vintage Navy, 2 Dusty Blue, 2 Sage Green, 2 Designer White) and 16 square food-grade silicone baking cups in four colors (4 Vintage Navy, 4 Dusty Blue, 4 Sage Green, 4 Designer White)

Each square baking cup measures approximately 5x5 cm (1.97 x 1.97 in), each rectangular baking cup measures approximately 5x10 cm (1.97 x 3.94 in). They are best used free standing on a baking sheet when baking.

Each baking cup is non-toxic, made of 100% food-grade silicone meeting FDA and European LFGB standards, BPA free, and free of odor and taste. Non-stick silicone makes clean up a breeze. Silicone baking cups are dishwasher safe, or hand-wash with soap and water, ready to be reused again and again. Each baking cup is oven safe (up to temperatures of 445° F (230° C), microwave, air fryer, dishwasher, and freezer safe – also safe in for use as a wax melt. Silicone baking cups can be used free-standing on a baking sheet, no need for grease or non-stick spray.

These gorgeous cups come packaged in a signature The Silicone Kitchen reusable, cotton, mesh produce bag – ideal for gift-giving!  Make the home cook on your gift giving list super happy with this fantastic gift that keeps giving for years to come!  

Check out The Silicone Kitchen for these baking cups and so many more lovely gift ideas this holiday gifting season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Our Current Favorite Children's Books For Gifting! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to the publisher for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

We love gifting books and today we are sharing some of our most recent favorite children's books that would make great gift ideas this holiday season!

Find out more about these books below and gift the joy of reading this holiday season!

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Holiday Fantasy

Written and Illustrated by Todd Lockwood

From renowned fantasy illustrator and bestselling author Todd Lockwood comes a holiday picture book that brings young readers a new and magical Christmastime adventure! The timeless Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is brought to life through Lockwood's vibrant and spirited artistic hand. 

Holidays All Year

By: Neil Goldberg & Niko Nickolaou

Illustrated by: John Kelly

Best friends POMP, SNOW, and CIRQUEumstance wrap up Christmas and prepare for more holidays around the world. They study the calendar and learn about different holidays (New Year’s, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Easter, Ramadan, Independence Day, Halloween, Diwali Festival of Lights, and Christmas), as they set out to brighten holidays all year.

A is for Athlete

by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson

Illustrated by Dawn Davison

 

Teaching kids their ABCs and encouraging a variety of different athletic-packed pastimes-now that's a home run of a book. Each letter is accompanied with facts that introduce the rules or provide history for each sport. From "A" is for Athlete to "Z" is for Zamboni and all letters in between, kids will not only grow more confident in their reading skills but might find a new sport or two that they want to learn.

Did You Hear That?

by Antonio Vicente

Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez

 

From the rooster crowing to Grandma sneezing, Antonio Vicente's playful words and Miguel Ordóñez's vibrant illustrations depict a day filled with onomatopoeias that help little ones identify different experiences and emotions. Listen closely-you 

Mary Marianna, Great Owl, And The Chess Master 

by William Morkill

Illustrated by Susana Ramirez Solis

 

A story of learning how to be kind to those that need it most. When Mary Marianna discovers a homeless man on the street, she can't seem to get him out of her mind. Sensing her distress, the Great Owl comes to her with advice about how Mary Marianna can help. With her parents at her side, Mary Marianna does her best to get him on his feet. In doing so, she realizes that it is the smallest of choices to help those in need that make the biggest of differences.

Guac The Avocado Bird 

by Julie Branch-Evans

Illustrated by Stephen Lomozzo

 

In this charming tale from Julie Branch-Evans comes freshly hatched Guac, the one and only avocado bird.

Alone without a home, he searches for a place to call his own. When he finds a vacant birdhouse, Guac settles in, happy to hide himself from everyone else, but he's soon joined by many other creatures who are also looking for a place to live. From cats to ferrets, Guac welcomes them in and finds that embracing each of their unique qualities—including his own—makes for a home full of happiness and love.

Alithia Ramirez Was An Artist 

by Violet Lemay

 

Alithia Ramirez dreamed of studying art in Paris.

She drew the world as it should be—full of color and joy, creativity and fun. From her teachers to her family and friends, Alithia shared her gifts with an open heart. Being an artist is never easy, but she drew every day to practice her skills and help everyone feel the love that art can bring. Written to honor Alithia and all the lives affected by the Uvalde school tragedy, Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist will help preserve the memory of this talented young girl through her story and her artwork.

You Can Throw a Party!

by Jan Gniffke

Illustrated by Rebecca J. Pintos

This charming and vibrant book, You Can Throw a Party!, conveys the importance of celebrating YOU. Gniffke inspires children everywhere to use their imagination and creativity to celebrate with others-whether they are people from your neighborhood, or people in the community you might not know yet. Love yourself and share with others that they, too, are worth celebrating just the way they are!

Puppy Dog, Puppy Dog, Do You Want to Play?

by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson

Illustrated by Marilyn Janovitz

A puppy dog and his dad decide to tackle the day head on with their various favorite activities. From hide and seek to dancing to tag, the duo decides to spend the day in each other's company and make the very most of it. They might just realize that the best parts of any day are the moments they get to spend with one another.

Annabelle Bee And The Butterfly Tree 

by Debra Raso O'Connor 

Illustrated by Stephen Lomozzo

 

Annabelle Bee wishes she could be a lovely butterfly like Benjamin. When one day she saves Benjamin from being caught in a net, the two quickly become best friends! But when Annabelle hears that her mother, the queen, says they need to move to a new hive, she doesn't know what to do! She doesn't want to leave her new friend, but she doesn't want to leave her family. Will the two friends be able to find the perfect place? Children will learn about bravery, friendship, and that no problem is too big to solve in Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

FOXYBAE: Stocking Stuffers for Beauty Lovers! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to FOXYBAE for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Today's gift idea is one of our favorite stocking stuffer ideas for beauty lovers...Shampoo and Conditioner bars from FOXYBAE:

About the bars:

Unleash your hair’s lush and nourished strands of your dreams with the eco-friendly, travel-perfect California Dreaming Moisturizing Shampoo Bar! Packed with a hydrating blend of Monoi Oil, Shea Butter, Rice Protein, and Biotin, this plastic-free shampoo bar effortlessly boosts your hair’s moisture and builds strength. Bonus points that every wash is infused with our signature Foxy scent – it’s like a mini vacay to sun-soaked shores and breezy boardwalks.

California Dreaming Moisturizing Conditioner Bar is your ticket to nourished locks and planet-friendly pampering. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like Biotin, Rice Protein, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil, this bar delivers ultimate hydration and strength to your strands.

Why choose these bars? It's simple: less plastic, more fantastic! One bar equals more than two standard shampoo or conditioner bottles, making it a true eco-warrior that’s designed to last you all season long. Plus, it’s free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and phthalates, crafted with a gentle formula that cleanses without stripping away natural oils, making it suitable for various hair types. 

Embrace sustainability without compromising on nourishment. Each bar is a small but mighty step towards a greener lifestyle, cutting down plastic waste while elevating your hair game. These bars are a compact size making them the perfect travel companion!

Check out FOXYBAE for these amazing bars and so many more gifts that beauty lovers are sure to appreciate this holiday season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Super Mario Party Jamboree for Nintendo Switch #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Nintendo for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out our favorite new family game night Switch game...Super Mario Party Jamboree:

Join the latest Mario Party, a jamboree of seven boards and over 110 minigames!  From running through merry-go-rounds to motion-control minigolf, this jamboree is jam-packed with more minigames than any Mario Party™ game to date. With seven boards in all, you can go with the flow in Goomba Lagoon, search the mall for stars in Rainbow Galleria, or revisit the classics of Western Land and Mario’s Rainbow Castle.

Check out all kinds of additional modes, like the 20-player online* Koopathlon! Race across the party board in Koopathlon, a series-first 20-player online*competition to see who can rack up the highest scores in minigames like the fast-paced Lane Change. The higher your score in each round, the faster you’ll get to the goal.  Koopathlon is just one of a slew of additional modes—there’s something for every kind of Mario Party enjoyer!

We have two teens and two adults that tried out this game and it was a hit with everyone!  We love all of the Mario Party games and this one did not disappoint.  So many great new characters, game boards and minigames...the fun never ends!  Super Mario Party Jamboree is definitely high up on our gift giving list this holiday season!

Explore Super Mario Party Jamboree for Nintendo Switch

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.