Ready. Set. Gift. // For Secret Santa

Most of us have been asked to participate in some sort of Secret Santa gift exchange during our lifetime.  And more than likely you’ve probably already signed up for another swap this year.  One key thing to remember when participating in a gift exchange is that it’s important to stay within the allotted budget.  So to help you out, I’ve come up with 12 gift ideas for under $25 to keep you within budget, while still offering a well-thought-out gift! Let me know if you have any additional suggestions for this gift guide.

one: Teroforma Whiskey Stones (Set of 6) / two: Lush Secret Santa / three:  iPhone® 5 Case & Earbud Set / four: Strobelight by Nathan / five: Anthropologie Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug / six: Contigo Autoseal Kangaroo Water Bottle with Pocket      

seven: Orla Kiely by Gaiam Linear Stem Sunflower Yoga Mat / eight: Deborah Lippmann 'Jazz Standards' Glam Rock Nail Color Duo / nine: Shinhwa Extendable Selfie Stick / ten: Women's Animal-Print Sock 5-Packs / eleven: Aduro U Snap Wireless Tripod / 

twelve: Double Wall Traveler - Red Holiday Cup

Ready. Set. Gift. // For the Girly Girl

Buying a gift for a girly girl should be the easiest gift to buy.  Just pick out anything that is covered in either gold, pink, sequins, glitter or polka dots and you’ve got yourself an instant hit.  Here are 12 gift ideas that will have any girl sparkling with joy on Christmas Day!

one / two / three / four / five / six

seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve

Ready. Set. Gift.

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It’s that time of year again, where most stores have been decked out in Christmas trimmings for over several weeks now.  Everywhere that I go, I hear Christmas music playing in the background and every channel on TV is running commercials telling all of us that it's time to buy something for the one you love this holiday season.  If you’re like me and you haven’t finished your shopping yet, then you’re definitely feeling some of the pressure to find the perfect gift. So, in an effort to help myself and anyone else over the next couple of weeks looking for some new ideas for presents, I’ve put together several holiday gift guides. Check them out below and let me know what you think. 

Ready. Set. Gift. // For the Techie

Ready. Set. Gift. // For Him

Ready. Set. Gift. // For the Hostess

Ready. Set. Gift. // For Secret Santa

Ready. Set. Gift. // For the Girly Girl

Moody Girl Eats: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

There are so many signs that autumn is finally here - the cooler air, the leaves changing colors, and of course let’s not forget the return of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte.  I have to admit that I used to buy this drink religiously over the past few years, but I haven’t bought one this season.  Mostly because I’m trying to cut back on eating or drinking anything with too many artificial flavorings and added sugars.  Don’t get me wrong, I still crave the taste of this pumpkin-y delight, but I’m trying to make better choices for my body. 

Another reason I haven’t bought this drink is because I recently read a blog post from the Food Babe that questioned some of the ingredients in Starbucks’ drink.  After I did a little research, I decided that I needed to take a step backwards to reevaluate my drink options.  Of course, I don’t know if the Food Babe post is accurate, but I am equally concerned regarding the amount of sugar used in the latte and the chemicals used in Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice syrup.

So when I found this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie recipe, I knew it was going to be my favorite treat.  It’s filled with real pumpkin, which is a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, making it a healthy addition to your diet. This smoothie that has less sugar and fewer calories than the traditional Starbucks latte, but will still tackle that fall pumpkin drink craving. Check out the recipe below to get your Starbucks fix at home with infinitely more nutritional value.  If you decide to try it, let me know what you think. Happy blending!

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

[Inspired by this pumpkin spice smoothie from Lululemon.]

Ingredients:

1 cup of canned pumpkin

1 cup of almond milk

1 or 2 frozen bananas (depending on how sweet you want it)

2 dates

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, to taste

1 scoop of protein powder (optional)

A handful of ice cubes

Directions:

Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Blend all ingredients together until you achieve the desired consistency.  Adjust flavorings as needed and add more almond milk or water if it’s too thick.  Pour the drink in a glass and Enjoy!

Moody Girl Eats: Avocado and Chickpea Salad

I love finding quick and easy side dishes that are both healthy and flavorful.  And this one is the perfect mix because it’s loaded with avocados, which I love.  This salad can also serve as a main dish since the chickpeas are a good source of protein and rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.  And although avocados may be fatty, that doesn’t mean that they are bad for your health.  In fact, avocados are full of healthy good fats, they are rich in vitamins K, C, E and B and they also have healthy dose of dietary fiber.  Anyways, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make especially if you are quick on the cutting board.  I doubled up the recipe so I eat it for the rest of the week – it’s reflected in the pictures below.  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

[Inspired by this avocado chickpea salad from Once Upon a Cutting Board.]

Ingredients:

1 medium ripe avocado

1/3 cup red onions (diced)

1 can chickpeas, drained

1 lime - juice

1-tablespoon olive oil

⅓ cup fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Salt and pepper for taste

Directions:

Makes 3 servings.

1. Add diced onions, cilantro, and chickpeas in a bowl. 

2. Slice avocado in half, carefully scooping out the inside, and dice the avocado into cubes.

3. Place avocado in a bowl with bean mixture.

4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

5. Add the dressing to the bean mixture and toss until the avocado and beans are coated. Chill until ready to serve.