Hellooooo Friday. Thank you for being here FINALLY.
I’m basically sitting here being like WTF how is it already December 5th and wondering if it’s possible to do ALL my Christmas shopping online this year. I also have no freaking clue what I’m going to get Tony. Usually I’m really good about thoughtful gifts, but this year I am at a total loss. The man has everything he needs. Please help me if you have ANY cool guy gift ideas!
So anyway, I wanted to do a little catching up with you today via a little iPhone photo dump because that hasn’t happened in a while. I’ve also been OBSESSED with BlogLovin’ lately and all of the amazing blogs out there; there are just too many good things to share — especially this time of year. I feel like I could read cookie recipes and check out fashion blogs all day long. HELP ME.
So first things first. THE LINKS!
Basically I’ve been totally obsessed with Amazon and finding gifts for everyone, including myself. I REALLY want this spiralizer
so that I can start making veggie noodles on the blog. It’s actually a necessity. And I promise I will do a couple gift guides ASAP.
Next, this chili looks to die for. Plus, it’s healthy!
Loving this fabulous December produce guide. I want to cook all the things.
This cookie mix is a MUST. For reals. What a unique combo.
Work from home? These 10 tips have helped me stay organized.
I desperately want a camel coat for winter and this one is gorgeous.
Are you a blogger looking for ideas on how to diversify your content? Here are 50 ideas for blog posts.
I live in Chicago, so my closet space is super limited however I really love this no-closet inspiration.
I really want to see Wild this weekend. Reese looks amazing!
Do you have a good pair of winter boots? These are on my Christmas list.
For some reason all I can think about is peanut butter fudge. GIVE IT TO ME.
I love Nicole’s 30 minute at home workout. She’s so wonderful!
I just preordered my friend Andie’s memoir
on weight loss, binge eating, and finding herself. My goodness, I can’t wait to read it.
Now onto some life lately photos…
I’ve been making these turkey meatballs and they are FABULOUS. Seriously LOVE meatballs so much.
I’ve been doing a lot of yoga, but think I injured myself somehow last week. I’m really not sure how it started or what’s going on so I haven’t worked out at all this week. I don’t remember the last time I didn’t work out for a week straight. It’s kind of driving me a little crazy, but I’m trying to pay attention to my body and basically not do ANYTHING. Whomp, whomp.
Chicago has been chilly but I’m loving my new neighborhood. I really don’t drive that much so bundling up in warm clothes is essential. I recently got the MOST adorable coat from Stitch Fix – promise to show you soon!
I got this top and jeans from Stitch Fix. They’re simple and cozy and I absolutely love them. Sorry no full Stitch Fix post last month! I need to keep up with that.
Someone recently recommended that I go to Piece Pizza, which was terrific if you’re looking for something other than deep-dish in Chicago.
This is my favorite scarf EVER. My friend Jessie hand knits and then sells them on her Etsy shop. Seriously order one! You’ll fall in love and they are the BEST gift.
It’s Christmas cookies season and I’ve been baking up a storm. These double chocolate chip cookies were a new favorite. And they’re made with coconut oil!
I’m always finding the best chocolate bars at Whole Foods. They also have one that’s filled with coconut creme. Mmmm hmmm. Just imagine these in some cookies. DO IT.
Before I got confined to the couch, it was Thanksgiving and I was determined not to stuff myself silly so I went for a 3.5 mile run in the afternoon. It felt so good to get some exercise in before I ate and drank.
I made two pies on Thanksgiving. One of them being a peanut butter banana cream, with a chocolate bottom and a peanut butter graham cracker crust. Tony LOVED it.
The next was a dutch caramel apple pie with bourbon. Unfortunately it really wasn’t caramel like enough for me, but it was still delicious. Oh and I made it with Honeycrisp apples so it had a wonderful sweetness.
My friend Johnny sent me his new book Sugar Rush
. You may know him from Top Chef Desserts. He’s so wonderful and his book is a serious baking bible. I plan to feature a recipe and do a giveaway soon so stay tuned!
I still can’t stop baking my black bean brownies and enjoying them as a midnight snack. Even more delicious topped with a little peanut butter. It’s like eating fudge.
Throwback to Kindergarten! I’ve been going through old photos and stumbled upon this one. I mean just check out my sick outfit – BALLER. I pretty much look the same except without the gap in my teeth.
Can’t stop eating and making chili. I swear it’s all I want to do. Warm, spicy chili in my belly is just about the only thing I desire.
Okay and cookies. But who doesn’t love all cookies this time of year? These are my most recent creation — Whole Wheat Olive oil Chocolate Chip Cookies with sea salt.
Last but not least, I’ve been on the hunt for vintage furniture pieces in Chicago. So far this place is my favorite.
Have a wonderful weekend. To keep up to date with posts and behind the scenes info on Ambitious Kitchen, follow me on BlogLovin’, Feedly, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. xoxo!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Hi Monique! Guys are so hard to shop for so I completely sympathize with you here. Mind you I live in Florida so this might seem strange but Reef flip flops are great and some of them have a bottle opener on the bottom. I bought them for my husband the first year we were dating and he loved them. Good luck and thank you so much for your great blog I love it!
Try something handmade for Tony! You can’t go wrong, and you’re guaranteed you’re getting him something unique that he doesn’t already have. I’m planning on making something like this for my boyfriend… http://atticlace.blogspot.com/2012/12/7-days-of-gifting-day-3-for-him-dont.html?m=1
Awesome roundup! I love those boots but just bought a pair of sorels last year (only thing that could stand up to the polar vortex) so it might be too soon to invest in another 🙂 Darn!
I love the idea of activity gifts and living in Chicago myself that are a ton of awesome options…improv at iO, fancy pants restaurant…check goldstar.com for ideas!
What about getting him a high quality shaving kit? Especially if he travels a lot, it might be a really nice gift to have! I know a few of my friend’s husband’s absolutely love the products from an online retailer called “The Art of Shaving.” I believe some malls also have Art of Shaving retail stores!!
OMG thank you Cassie. I love it.
ALL I have been craving lately in a big ol’ bowl of chili. Yours looks wonderful! Speaking of wonderful, I saw that chocolate bar at the store and resisted it.. now I think I might have to go get it! And also, THAT PIE. And the pizza! And black bean brownies… Okay basically every single thing. 🙂 Can’t wait for the giveaway!
Something that I saw that was interesting.
1/Be present instead of buy presents.
2/Wrap someone in a hug instead of wrap gifts.
3/Send peace instead of send gifts.
4/Donate food instead of shop for food.
5/Make love instead of cookies.
6/Be the light instead of se the lights.
Maybe #5 is a bit much. We can do both!
But in all seriousness, my kids and I aged 28 and 25 are not exchanging gifts this year. We all have everything we need and will give each other the present of time together.
I love this Georgia. My mom and I often do this and this year I’ll be sure to remember it. Thanks for leaving a comment! xo
Great post, your kindergarten pic is too cute!
Will you share the peanut butter banana cream pie recipe on the blog?
I definitely should. I’ll try to get to it before Christmas!
That chili looks amazing. Do you have a recipe? YUM
Yes, I should have linked to it. It’s this one: http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2014/11/chipotle-turkey-quinoa-chili/
If you haven’t already checked out inspiralized.com for spiralizer recipes you should!! Their recipes are ALL spiralized and delicious 🙂 you will be so happy once you get your spiralizer!!
P.S. I would love to get a box from stitch fix,but they don’t deliver to Canada!
Cool guy gifts? Go to Huckberry.com. They have the best (and most unique) gifts for guys!
Thank you!!
I love endangered species chocolate. They used to have one with a crispy rice inside kind of like a Krackle bar, but I haven’t seen it in years.
what a cute outfit! and that chocolate bar sounds amazing!
Hi! I was at a loss for BF christmas presents too…my guy buys himself pretty much everything he wants! So, I had the idea to get a “man’s man” sort of combo present – nice shaving cream, a great lounging robe, a heavy brass bottle opener he’ll have forever – just things that “men” have but “boys” don’t! (He’s 24 years old). Maybe this will trigger some ideas for you 😀 Happy Holidays!
Wow! Interesting advices and suggestions. I love your article as usual!
Thanks a lot for writing and sharing with us.
consulente d’immagine Elisa Negro