Trendy Not Spendy

NOVEMBER FAVORITE

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!

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AUGUST FAVORITE

Alice’s Tea Cup

My Mom came to visit last month and it was my goal to plan as many girly activities as possible. In between wedding dress shopping I decided to make a reservation at Alice’s Tea Cup. Nothing says mother/daughter bonding like a tea party. We made our way to Alice’s Tea Cup Chapter II on the Upper East Side. The neighborhood is darling and the restaurant has so much charm. It was fully decorated like the Disney classic Alice in Wonderland. We spent our tea party sharing a trendy not spendy afternoon. Obviously, if you’re going to visit Alice’s Tea Cup you’re going to need to order the Mad Hatter Tea Party. The party is meant for 2 people but, it can really feed 3. We left with plenty of treats in the togo bag. Heres what you get with the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The Mad Hatter – “Tea for two!”  $48
*One pot of tea
*Choice of two scones, with preserves and cream
*Choice of two sandwiches
*Assorted cookies with choice of mocha cake, lemon tart, or chocolate mousse
Make it for two! Choose one more scone & another pot of tea
The Mad Hatter tea party was the best way to go. Not only was it more than filling it was delicious. There were over 50 different kinds of teas to choose from. We went with a classic Earl Grey. Not to play it safe, we just really like Earl Grey. The egg salad sandwich was perfection. The scones were all very moist and the lemon tart was delightful. We were two very satisfied ladies.

I highly recommend this experience to all. Perfect for a mother/daughter date, brunch with the girls, or even a boo date with your guy. Best part is the food of course, but on the other hand it really only comes out to $25 a person. What’s not to love about that. I really enjoyed this monthly fav and I hope you do too.

Cheers!

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MAY FAVORITE

Central Park Gondola Ride

My folks came in town for Mother’s Day weekend and my Mom really wanted to go on a gondola ride in Central Park. It was hands down one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in New York. By far it’s my May Favorite.

For $30 you get 30 minutes cruising around the Central Park Lake. The gondola is the perfect date activity, proposal spot, or an adventure with  friends.  You can fit up to six people on the boat, however I would recommend sticking to a group of four. It would be a tight squeeze with six. Best part…you can bring cocktails on the Gondola ride! Priorities, priorities.

The gondola is an authentic Venetian gondola with your very our gondolier. He was adorable in his striped red shirt and cap. During our ride the gondolier provided us a history of the park and fun facts about which celebrities live nearby. It was the first day of the season and luckily no other boats were on the water. We had the entire lake for ourselves.

You can book your rides through the Loeb Boathouse. Take advantage of this beautiful spring weather and rent a gondola today!

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FEBRUARY FAVORITE

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream

For Ice Cream!! And what a better way to get ice cream than at the Ice Cream Bar and Soda Fountain. Resting in the adorable San Francisco neighborhood Cole Valley is this unique 1930s style soda fountain. It’s not just a normal ice cream shop, it’s an experience.

Everything is made in house. You can choose from a simple scoop, ice cream cookie sandwiches, or even floats from the fountain. You feel as though you stepped back in time to a genuine ice cream parlor, soda jerks and all. The best part, they can add booze to the floats and milkshakes. Done and done.

This trendy spot is a must see! Locals… explore off campus and visitors this is a must see. Go for the Cracked Cola or the Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.