Trendy Not Spendy

Picking a monthly favorite this month was easy with the Thanksgiving holiday. This was the first time Eric and I have ever spent Thanksgiving away from our families. Luckily, we got adopted by my sisters finances family for our first East Coast Thanksgiving.

First things that come to mind when joining strangers for Thanksgiving is; whats to bring, what to make, and what to wear? Below, I’m sharing my delicious Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bread (to die for) and Thanksgiving outfit details.

I did a spin off this year with my favorite pumpkin bread and went with cookies instead. It’s my Aunt’s secret recipe so I can’t share on the blog. However, in the past I’ve made This Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bread. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup nonfat greek yogurt
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips, divided

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Whisk greek yogurt, pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter in a large bowl until no lumps remain.
• Stir in sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Stir in flour.
• Stir about 3/4 cup chocolate chips into batter.
• Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
• Bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean at the edge of the bread. The bread may fall in the middle slightly, that’s okay.
• At a 30 minute baking time, the top center portion may be underdone – I like it that way. If you prefer it to be completely done, bake it about 40-50 minutes.
• Tip: slice cooled bread and freeze in individual baggies for a quick snack!

This is the perfect dessert for any occasion. I highly recommend enjoying with some vanilla bean ice cream or a cold glass of milk.

Now…what to wear?!? A couple tips I’d like to share. You always want to wear something you wouldn’t be ashamed to wear in church. This is a helpful dinner attire. Why, one because you don’t want to be the random slooter someone invited to dinner. A nice blouse, midi skirt, black pants…etc. It’s really common sense. Also, wear something where people won’t make fun of you. I had a friend come over for Christmas Eve once and she wore a slutty club dress. (Insert the monkey emoji with his hands over his eyes.) I remember thinking, ugh damn here come the jokes. Remember, classy and comfortable.

I went the classy route with a nice Sheinside green plaid midi skirt and knee high flat boots. Flats are key. If you like me and hovering over the apps for the first hour you want comfy shoes to stand in. I am OBSESSED with my Jessica Simpson Joline 50/50 boots. I paired the shirt with a three quarter length sweater. It’s simple and classy. Oh, and did I mention the plaid skirt has an elastic waist band. Haha…I came ready to stuff my face. 

When being a guest you want to be your best self. Bring a dish, if you suck at cooking buy a pie. Always bring a bottle of wine or a hostess gift. People appreciate this. You don’t want to be the random showing up empty handed. Lastly, dress cute and comfortable. It’s not a fashion show but, don’t be a slob.

That’s a wrap folks. My monthly favorite was our first East Coast Thanksgiving. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. The food was delicious and company was great. Those New Yorkers sure do like a full glass of wine.

Cheers!