Girlfriend's Christmas Gift Guide

“I love going shopping.” - Serena Williams

Do you ever find it challenging to find the right gift for your best friend? Well look no further! I absolutely enjoy finding the perfect gifts for my girlfriends during the holiday season. It is so much fun watching their faces light up when they open their gift..

Today, I am sharing the perfect gifts to give your bestie at Christmas.

For the friend who loves to read

For the friend who loves wine

For the friend who loves to cook

For the friend who loves to accessorize

For the friend who needs a little bit of self-care

For the friend who loves gadgets

What are some gifts you are giving your friends this year? Share below!

XO, Analise

Songs for the Season

“The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree - those to me, are the scents of the holidays.” - Blake Lively

Christmas is my favorite holiday, and nothing gets me in the spirit more than some amazing songs.

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite songs for the holiday season, from my Spotify playlist!

A playlist featuring Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, PJ Morton, and others

Share some of your favorite Christmas songs below. Happy Holidays everyone!

XO,

Analise

4th of July Favorites

"Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start." - Anthony Bourdain

The 4th of July is a time where my family I get together to indulge in some amazing food, while listening to great music, enjoying each other's company. Each year we love trying out new recipes. The past few years, we bring the wings - and my family loves us for it!

While, we eat so many different types of dishes, I'm sharing three delicious meals that would be a hit at your cookout. Some are lighter options, and others are the traditional crowd favorites everyone would absolutely love. 

Pan Seared Scallops & Avocado Caprese Salad

Lemon pepper pan seared scallops, bacon crisps, garnished with basil, tomato, mozzarella, avocado, cracked black pepper and balsamic reduction. 

This dish is super light and very yummy. As, I have mentioned before, eating light during the hotter months are absolutely necessary. I love this salad because it is fresh and really good! If you are not a huge scallops fan, substitute it with shrimp! This option is perfect for the anyone who loves a wonderful salad.

Old Bay Chicken Wings

Old Bay Wings, lightly dusted with the amazing seasoning. They are perfect grilled or fried, and super delicious! 

These wings are so delicious, and have the perfect flavor - thanks to the Old Bay Seasoning! You can grill them or throw the wings in the air fryer like I did, and they are super good! Once they are fresh off the grill, dust the chicken wings generously with the seasoning - you'll be so glad you did! 

The Ultimate Spicy Charcoal Grilled Burger

The ultimate burger - this patty is stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and on top of a brioche bun. Also, the toppings include: arugula, honey cured bacon, tomato, and zing sauce.

This burger is my husband's favorite. It's a patty that's stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled over charcoal. I've put it on a bed of arugula, chopped up tomato, and added honey cured bacon on top of the patty. I use a brioche bun, because it's so soft and buttery. Also, the zing sauce added on top gives the burger an extra kick!

What are your favorite things to eat on the 4th of July?

XO, Analise

Our Christmas Traditions

Merry Christmas!

As I have mentioned several times, the holidays - specifically Christmas, is my absolute favorite! My family takes this season very seriously! We enjoy spending time with one another.  Our family loves decorating, unwrapping presents, and doing our usual Christmas activities with everyone. Also, my husband and I now have our own traditions that we love! Below are some of our favorite things we do during this special time.

1. The stockings were hung with care. When G and I got married, we immediately went to Bed Bath & Beyond, and purchased a pair of stockings to hang over the fireplace. We love stuffing them with cute items for each other. For example, we'll get gift cards to the person's favorite place, and a bunch of other neat goodies.
2. Oh Christmas tree. We typically put up our decorations the week of Thanksgiving. G and I are a big fan of the artificial tree. My family stopped getting live trees years ago. Although, a live tree is fantastic, and that fresh balsam fills the house - it's just a lot of work. We bought our tree from Home Depot. They have an amazing selection! Also, if you store an artificial tree properly, they will last for several years. 
3. Ornament hunting. My grandmother, mama, and I go ornament hunting every year. Anytime I go to a special place, if they have a gorgeous ornament in their gift shop - I'm buying it! Also, once department stores have their sales on ornaments we stock up for the next year! The ladies and I have a ball going out picking up new pieces for our tree.
4. Holiday lights. When G and I bought our home in 2015, it was a few weeks before Christmas. During that special time we were focused on getting settled in. The last two Christmas holidays, G has taken decorating our home seriously. We use ribbon, lights, and wreaths, to make the house sparkle. Also, our family loves hopping into my Dad's SUV, and go to nearby neighborhoods to look at holiday lights. It is so much fun, and we even get new ideas for decorating our home! 
5. 'Twas the night before Christmas. On Christmas Eve we all go to my parent's home for a seafood dinner! Crab cakes, shrimp pasta, scallops, fried oysters ... and so many other goodies! We all catch up, play UNO, while enjoying each other's company. Then, we open our gifts together, and enjoy a few glasses of wine. This year, I'll be bringing my Lemon Pepper Wings to the gathering, along with my famous cookies!
6. Christmas Day. On Christmas morning, G and I open the gifts we bought for one another. We spend time reflecting on the year, and spend quality time together.

What are some holiday traditions that you have with your loved ones?

Merry Christmas!

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Holiday Cheer

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The holidays can be a super fun time. It is filled with excitement, parties, yummy food, and love from family and friends. Yet, if you are not careful it can be super draining, and not so stellar. Here are my tips for staying happy and healthy during the holiday season!

1. Do not over extend yourself. Like, I stated before, you will be hustling to someone's home for a party, baking, and attending family functions. Learn to set boundaries and not over extend yourself. It can be so easy to say "yes" to going to an event, but remember to pace yourself and learn when to take a step back and relax.
2. Get your holiday shopping done early. While, this is most certainly the season to give, try to get your shopping completed as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy this fun time! People often poke fun at G and I, but we start our Christmas shopping in the summer! Yes, and we are always done by Halloween. We like to spend the holidays spoiling each other and getting our home decorated for the season. 
3. Try not to over indulge. For me the holidays means lots of wine, champagne, and food! Yet, after the holiday season I may regret going a little too hard on the baked goods. So, I try to pace myself, and balance what I'm eating and drinking during this festive time.
4. Give back. During this time, not everyone is fortunate and may not have a lot of loved ones around them. Being a former Navy Brat, my Dad was not home for several holidays when I was little. It was so nice when people reached out to ensure that we were okay and having a fun time. Take some time to volunteer, or just connect with a family who may not have a loved one around them during the season.
5. Surround yourself with love and positivity. Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun! Ensure that you are around people who are positive, loving, and a lot of fun. Enjoy the holiday season with amazing people at your side who love and adore you.

What are some things you do to ensure you have an amazing holiday? Have a safe and fantastic holiday season darlings!

XO, Analise