1. Blue Apron – A perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook but juggles a busy schedule. You get the flexibility of picking your own menu from their selections, and are provided pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step menu cards to make dinner assembly easy without the stress.
2. Calphalon Grill Pan – As the temperature drops for the season, and winter really gets under way, it is getting harder and harder to convince yourself to go out to the grill; this pan is the perfect gift for the creative cook who loves a good sear all year round! The pan easily transitions into the oven to finish steaks and other yummy items, and best of all you can pop it into the dishwasher when you are done!
3. Gearharts Fine Chocolates – Gearharts is a Virginia based specialty chocolate producer who offers a wide range of products and gift ideas for the sweet tooth on your list! They have dozens of creative specialty options to suit anyone who enjoys dessert and  their VA Whiskey Truffles or VA Wine infused chocolates make an awesome holiday gift!
4. Whole Spice – Napa Valley – I discovered this delightful spice producer purely by chance a few years ago and keep going back to order their items and have them shipped across the country. They are high quality spices, and rubs which make an excellent gift for any chef. They have quite the selection for a range of different flavor palates!
5. Savannah Bee Company – Pictured above, I have my all time favorite raw honeycomb from Savannah Bee Company. This item makes a great gift for the “hostess with the mostess” on your list, or pairs nicely with dessert or cheese spreads for the holidays if you choose to keep it for yourself!

Saucy Mama has been generous enough to allow me to offer 3 of their sauces as a giveaway as part of the contest! So enter the rafflecopter contest below, and winners will be announced on May 29th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

These Jamaican Jerk Chicken Quesadillas have an amazing sweet tang, brought about by the Saucy Mama Jamaican Jerk Wing Sauce. They were sweet enough to feature me today in honor of March Madness so go check it out!

– Amy

1) JCrew Scallop Dress – Navy $79.50
While the red dress makes a statement, for a staple wardrobe piece I would go with the Navy. This is a staple wardrobe piece that you can easily mix with a blazer and heels for work or with flip flops for a fun day out! A great transitional piece where the shoes and jewelry you pick will really make a difference!

2) Anthropologie  Aures Sheath Dress – $168

This dress is flattering, elegant but fun and another great purchase for a good dress up or dress down option. The contrasting prints look amazing together and the cut of the dress is extremely flattering. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the fabric is much lighter than I expected and had some give so that it comfortable to move around.

3) I.MADELINE Maddie Electric Embossed Dress – $89

Bright colors are really in this Spring, and this ‘electric’ pink is the perfect find. You could easily wear this to an outdoor wedding, or just out with your friends. This dress is flattering, has a great embossed print and appropriate length.

4) Lilly Pulitzer Delia Shift Dress – $198

After seeing a friend in this dress at a shower last week, I knew I had this to my Spring Dress Round-Up. The colors are vibrant and gorgeous and look amazing on any skin tone. The vibrant print +the excellent fit + the weight of the fabric + the little details = the perfect summer shift.

Just enter the giveaway with my Rafflecopter widget below! The winner will be selected at random, and you have until Wednesday, February 12th at 12:00am to enter!

An excerpt from the back cover:

“Experience The Old Dominion like never before as you explore the distinct flavor of Virginia and discover the state’s exceptional communities, beloved celebrations, and remarkable destinations… all within the pages of this unique cookbook. You’ll discover favorite recipes straight from the kitchens of hometown cooks across the state… Stratford Hall’s Famous Ginger Cookies, Gray Ghost Miniature Cheesecakes, and Chincoteague Clam Pot Pie. Delicious Virginia fare such as Rosemary Chicken, Peach Dumplings, Hot Virginia Dip, and Grey Swan Inn Signature Strata will tempt the taste buds and guarantee raves from your friends and family. When dinner is done and everyone’s ready to explore, this unique cookbook offers even more. Virginia’s favorite events and destinations are profiled with everything you need to know to plan your trip. Hillsville’s Downtown Celebration Series to Gloucester’s Daffodil Festival, Pigg River Ramble Weekend to Halifax County’s Cantaloupe Festival, Virginia offers family fun to suit every taste. Let’s eat and explore… Virginia.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Honey Chicken Meatballs: Once these easy meatballs have finished cooking there are several creative ways you can serve them to please your Super Bowl crowd.  I have prepared them alone, warming in a crock pot, paired with toothpicks for an appetizer, or in a bun with mozzarella cheese toasted and warmed for a great sub. Make these a main course or an appetizer to share this weekend!

• Tailgate Queso Blanco: As you already know I am a cheese addict. While I will always have the standard chip and dip appetizer for a party, this recipe is the ultimate elevated option! I prefer a white queso dip and this recipe will make about 2-3 cups depending on how cheese happy you get :D I always make this a night in advance and simply plan on reheating the cheese on the stove, or in the microwave before I am ready to serve!

•  Corn, Black Bean, and Avocado Salsa: I love that it is healthy and filling. You can easily pair this with some whole grain scoops to make a great party app! To take the load off party day preparations you can pre dice all of your vegetables and mix this salsa the day or night before. Make sure that whenever you serve the dip, the avocado is the very last thing you add, to keep your dip fresh.

• My foodie friend, and blogger Juliana’s Jalapeño Popper Dip: When she first made this I could not get enough, I am pretty sure I stood within 5 feet of this dip for the entire party! I have copied her flawless dip several times and have always had rave reviews. Make sure you add the appropriate jalapeño proportions for your crowd, and enjoy! Also watch the top of your dip to be sure the bread crumbs brown, spending a few minutes broiling the dip prior to serving so you have a nice crusty top layer with gooey amazingness below the surface. As my friend Juliana would say – awesomesauce!

• Skinnytaste’s Raspberry Cheesecake Bars: If you follow me on twitter you know that I am in love with Skinnytaste.com . Her recipes are always on point and I very rarely have any edits to the posted recipes. This healthy dessert has me less guilty about wanting more!

While every skin type is different,  I wanted to focus on five tried and true steps to keep your face and skin feeling great, without breaking the bank.

1) Colder Showers

As you have probably heard, long hot showers are not good for your skin. The longer and hotter the shower, the faster your skin will dry out.  There is a very scientific reason for this, something about layers of skin and natural oils which I read a very interesting article about, but trust me on this one, it is not a myth. Windy, cold weather will only exacerbate this problem, especially if you are showering and heading straight outside to work. During the winter months aim to take shorter, lukewarm showers and moisturize immediately after patting yourself dry (more on that in #3).

2) Face moisturizers

I think that face moisturizing should be two step process, especially during the winter. First, you need a lotion that is made for daily wear that keeps your skin moisturized without that oily feeling. All year round I use my favorite, affordable make-up bag staple – Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. While it is not the thickest face lotion, nor is it super fancy, it is a daily requirement in my beauty regimen.

Second, at night you need to apply a thicker moisturizer. I have found that Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment is a phenomenal drug store brand product with surprising results. It is a luxurious moisturizing product which makes my skin feel softer, and smoother, without making my wallet feel guilty.

 3) Body Lotion

In the winter my skin needs daily and sometimes 2x a day lotion applications to keep it from drying out. For daily use I typically use Vaseline Body Lotion, Intensive Repair, Repairing Moisture or Jergens Daily Healing Lotion. During the winter months I add Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Lotion. This anti-inflammatory lotion is infused with chamomile and lavender, and doesn’t sting cracked or dried out winter skin.

4) Chapstick

While many women use chapstick as part of their daily routines, during the winter months it is especially important to re-apply chapstick as a barrier to protect your lips. I like Eos limp balms, for the variety of flavors and because of its easy, clear application, natural ingredients and moisturizing shea butter in every sphere.

5) Humidifier

While you are sleeping, or spending long days in a stuffy office with poor air circulation, your skin has a tendency to dry out. While you may not be able to afford a fancy humidifier for your home or bedroom this neat,  $30 water bottle humidifier by Satechi is a portable USB humidifier you can take anywhere.

Armed with a fabulous beginners 5k training program, compliments of my uber fit friend Maggie, (@MEMcD84 if you want to follow her on twitter for all of her running and food inspirations), I am committed to seeing this through.

If you are like me, then sometimes it is impossible to convince yourself to get to the gym, or pound the pavement. One of my resolutions for 2014 was to dedicate more time to running, and music definitely keeps me motivated.

This is what I am listening to, to get motivated in this cold weather. Disclaimer: I listen to ALL music, and variety keeps me going. :D

In no particular order:

1. Best of 2013 Pop Mashup – Anthem Lights – you may have seen me post about this awesome cover band on social media last week, and this is the perfect song to kick off a run for me, not too loud, because I am probably just waking up, but fun and funky!
2. Cruise – Florida Georgia Line ft. Nelly – I am a huge country music fan so Florida Georgia Line is no surprise, mix in Nelly (I grew up in St. Louis and proudly know every lyric to any of his hits), and I am hooked, I dare you not to sing along.
3. Timber – Pitbull ft. Kesha – no I will not put a “$” in for her S, but yes this catchy tune puts an extra pep in my step.
4. Really Don’t Care – Demi Lovato ft. Cheryl Lloyd – I have never really been the disney pop princess type, but this song has a fun beat and pretty much describes a real life situation all girls have been through. Demi puts a smile on my face with her lyrics, which is hard to do in sub freezing temperatures while running.
5. Sail – AWOLNATION – If you have never heard this song, then you probably haven’t seen my favorite TV Show, Rookie Blue, all of that aside this alternative rock/electronic song is altogether badass and the deep bass makes you want to pound the pavement like a boss.
6. Best Song Ever – One Direction – Quite honestly you are lucky I only put one One Direction song on this list, they are my guilty pleasure, and this one no doubt makes me sing out loud while running – sorry random dedicated runner passing me, “I think it went Oh Oh Oh, I think it went yea yea yea . . “
7. Dark Horse – Katy Perry ft. Juicy J – towards the end of my run I am definitely starting to drag, and this sassy pop hit melds Katy Perry’s energy with a little bit of rap to keep me moving (shameless admission – this song has definitely caused a little dancing action at the stray red light)
8. Call On Me – Eric Prydz – Yes I went there, no I don’t regret it. If you think you won’t run to this song, you are lying to yourself, throw back!
9. Dynaminte – Taio Cruise – not quite the throwback that Call on Me is, but still a little throw back to add to the running mix that always makes me want to move.
10. Wake Me Up – Avicii – love this song, perfect message to end a run on – “wake me up when its all over . . . . “

Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you run to, I am always trying to mix it up!

Simple, I don’t. I try, but between the mass amounts of condiments and revolving door of items any given day, it is near impossible for my fridge to “look” organized.

To me, it is clearly organized caos; there are separate places for meat, fruits, veggies, and a general grouping of items per dish, but I have found a new trick to keep things a bit more organized – simple, chic, storage bins for my fruits and veggies.

There are many different storage bins on the market for your fridge, and as with most things, some are more aesthetically pleasing than others. My biggest issue for organization is keeping all of my fruits and veggies separate, and easily visible so I know when something is going bad or running low. In an effort to keep my husband and I eating healthy, seeing the fruit as soon as you open the fridge as opposed to that take-out pizza box helps us make an immediate healthy decision.

I have looked and tried a few different types of disposable and flimsier construction models. However, my favorite baskets are found here from Anthropologie.com and featured in this post.

Anthropologie creates these in both a large ($20)  and small ($14) size, pictured with my own strawberries and blackberries to the left.

While Anthropologie carries many different colors, and provides a sturdy ceramic container, they can get a bit pricey. Regardless of price, I prefer the Anthropologie baskets to some cheaper varieties because they look nicer, are sturdier, and can easily transfer from your fridge to a table for a party spread if you are entertaining. You can always put these on your list to buy when Anthropologie runs a sale or during your birthday month when Athropologie sends you a month long discount code!

I have also noticed that my fruits keep longer in these baskets, as opposed to the plastic ones they arrive home in from the grocery store. I am not sure what the science of that particular plus is, but I have noticed a distinct difference.

Do you have any fridge storage tricks you would recommend? Let me know what works best for you and your family!

Blouse

JCrew has a cool ‘Discovery’ section of their website for neat clothes finds in local stores. I am currently in love with Liberty ruffled popover in Xanthe sunbeam print that they featured here. J.Crew is going to be Liberty’s new neighbor on Regent Street in London where they found this print! Liberty is really – London’s Liberty Art Fabrics. This could be paired with jeans, a suit or a skirt fairly easily, so definitely a versatile and bright addition to any fall closet. This top retails for a hefty $188, so definitely a special treat to add to your closet.

Sweater

Tildon, Slouch Neck Pullover,here, is the ultimate fall sweater. It is lightweight and easily paired for a more casual or upscale look depending on the occasion. Boots and jeans or a work skirt would all work well with this off white, ‘cloudy’ color and work its way seamlessly into your fall wardrobe. This sweater is reasonably priced at only $48, and is a must add to any fall wardrobe. It can be a bit sheer in the white, though the grey is better, so definitely find the right bra to pair with this fall top.

Casual Dress

J.Crew Factory is a bad addiction of mine. J.Crew clothes, marked down from retail, and on top of that there always seems to be an additional promotion that the Factory store is offering to knock the costs down even further. My most recent find is the Factory classic chambray shirtdress. The dress is versatile for fall, can be paired tights, and either or low boots, or with flip flops. The dress is marked down from $89.50, to $69.50 currently, and they are also running additional promotions any given week to mark them down even further.

Peplum

I am obsessed with this top! Victoria Vegan Leather Peplum by Tinley Road in the nude and green is absolutely amazing. This top retails $79 and for some reason I just keep coming back to the design and cut, it is very flattering and unique piece you can pair with jeans like in this picture, or dress up.

Vest

This Tweed Moto Vest by Tinley Road is a must have for me. In both a dark and gold tweed and a white and black tweed there are great options for your specific style. This vest is longer than many of the vets out there, so it doesn’t hit your hips at a weird length making you self concious.  retails for $89.00.