12.02.2010

{affordable gift ideas}

Show me a person who doesn't like an affordable gift idea and I'll show you... well... someone rich. But, for the rest of us who want a little bargain in our holiday shopping here are a few wallet friendly gift ideas i found.

Etsy $12

ESTY $21

Westelm $10


Etsy $34




ENJOY!

12.01.2010

{Healthy Spinach Dip}


We had some of our wonderful friends over for dinner the other night; including the infamous Daniel Kioyi, Maddie Spidatter Jacks, our next door life partners- Anna and Kiah Jordan, and a late arrival from our favorite tall people- Grant and Ahnika Johnson. I made Chicken Curry. It was freakishly spicy because of my gross INability to regulate my curry powder usage.

Dang it.

BUT
I did make a delicious and healthy dip courtesy of Sunset mag. only my favorite.


  • INGREDIENTS
  • 10 ounce baby spinach leaves
  • 1 1/4 cups fat-free cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese or Trader Joe's Asiago/ Parm. mix (pre-shaved)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper


PREPARATION

1. Put spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl and drape bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave until spinach is tender, stirring a couple of times, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain spinach and let stand until cool enough to handle. Squeeze out liquid, then finely chop.

2. Whirl cottage cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until very smooth, about 1 minute, scraping inside of bowl as needed. Scrape into a bowl and stir in spinach. Serve dip at room temperature or chilled, with baguette toasts or crackers.

Only 41 calories for 3 tablespoons


Here are more healthy dipping options for the holiday season