Friday evening I went to my friend and former co-worker Melanie’s birthday party. Melanie lives in Jamaica Plain and has the most wonderful and thoughtfully decorated condo. I’m trying to convince her to snap some pictures and submit them to Apartment Therapy. If she doesn’t do it I’ll take matters into my own hands and, at the very least, write a blog post about her home on We are not Martha so you can all see it She also made the above ombre cake. The recipe can be found here. If you’re wondering how the cake tastes, well, let’s just say I took my piece home and it was my breakfast Saturday morning.

Oh, and this is Melanie:

Isn’t she fancy and fabulous?

Saturday afternoon I surprised my mom at her hair salon. We grabbed an impromptu and delicious lunch at my favorite local bakery, Treats on Washington.

Saturday evening I took a stroll through my neighborhood and met up with my friend Becca.

We grabbed dinner at Jimmy’s Bar and Oven, a newer restaurant in the ‘hood. They have fried pickles so you better believe I’ve been there multiple times. They’re the best fried pickles I’ve had so far in Boston and the closest to the originals I’ve had down south. So, that’s saying something.

Jimmy’s is a really sweet space with high whitewashed ceilings, and a window-filled garage door that opens up in the summer. It’s the perfect addition to the neighborhood.

After dinner, Becca and I walked up to Emack and Bolio’s for some ice cream, even though it was freezing out. It’s never too cold for ice cream in my book My most favorite flavor from Emack’s is Deep Purple Cow which is black raspberry ice cream with white and dark chocolate chips and blueberries. I get cravings for this like you wouldn’t believe!

After ice cream I watched the Patriots WIN. Woop.

Sunday I worked at Paper Source for a few hours. I pretty much get paid to craft, have fun, and help people design fun things like wedding invitations. No complaints

On Monday I did a bunch of running around and finally checked things off my to-do list. Like dropping off proofs to a client for Save the Dates. Here they are all packaged up. Well, in the box

And meeting up for a frozen yogurt date with my friend, Judith. Yes, spending time with friends is often an item on my to-do list In the fro-yo mix: blueberry and plain tart yogurt, kiwi, strawberries, skittles (!!!!!!!), rainbow jimmies, and white chocolate chips. This was lunch.

After “lunch” I dropped bags of old clothes off. One of my friends, who’s moving to San Francisco next month, told me she sold clothes at Buffalo Exchange and got cash on the spot for them. I was intrigued. I brought in two big bags, not knowing at all what to expect. They ended up buying about a bag’s worth of clothes and accessories and I made about $50. It was definitely an interesting experience having someone pick through my old clothes but it felt good to make some money off of everything! If you’re looking to sell clothes here the girl who worked there gave me some tips. Plus, I thought it was a good idea to ask questions since I’ll probably be doing this more often! But they look for more “current” pieces like darker washes of denim. I had a brand new Vera Bradley bag and a pair of Paige jeans that she didn’t take and it was because, while the bag was new, it was from a few seasons ago. And the jeans were in great condition but they weren’t dark denim. I probably could have tried to consign the purse and jeans at another store but I ended up giving them to my roommate and her friend, haha. Sometimes it’s not worth the hassle!

Monday night I went to dinner and the Celitcs game with my dad. Stunk that they lost but it’s always nice spending time with my parents

I also started reading a new book. I was so oddly interested by the Clark Rockefeller case that when my friend Tarryn told me she bought this book, I just about demanded she let me borrow it when she finished reading it. Don’t ask why I’m so weird.

And finally, my new jeans arrived this weekend! Before the holidays Sues and I attended an event at Bloomingale’s put on by Blogger’s Night Out and J Brand Jeans. Each guest entered a raffle for a free pair of J Brand Jeans when we first arrived. Right when we were about to scoot out, one of the PR girls caught us and told us to stick around for a few minutes since they were about to pull the names of the winners. Thankfully we did because my name was pulled. I legit screamed “I NEVER WIN ANYTHING” as if I had won an Oscar. Very dramatic. But very appropriate. Girl loves her denim. I ended up ordering the Love Story style in Pure. Fun fact? I might sleep in them.

Hope you all had happy long weekends, too

[Chels]

I find all of these questions to be funny because the truth is, I really don’t do a whole heck of a lot when it comes to keeping my skin in good condition. It’s something I don’t even think about too often. I take a less is more approach to beauty. I’ve found that the more fragrance and gunk I pile on my skin, the worse off it is. So years ago I decided to keep it simple when it comes to beauty products. But the real truth is, I actually kind of despise taking a long time primping and pride myself on the fact that I can get ready to go just about anywhere, work, weddings, events, etc., in under 20 minutes. It’s sort of my thing. I have my routine down to a science and the best part? I keep it cheap and I don’t feel guilty if I splurge once in a while on my Kiehl’s lotions or Chanel eye makeup

In no particular order, here are my favorite inexpensive beauty products:

Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly

Yes. Vaseline. It’s been one of my go-to products since forever. When we were younger my mom would put a thin layer on our faces before we went out to play in the cold to prevent wind burn. Ever since, I’ve sworn by the stuff. I use it on dry patches of skin, in place of lipgloss, and a huge secret, every night before bed I put a very thin layer of it on my face, in the corners of my eyes, and around my nose. It might sound kind of gross, but my sister and I swear by this! It keeps my face well-moustrized while I sleep. On the nights where I forget to use it I can definitely tell a difference when I wake up since my face feels tight and dry. The first facial I ever got a couple year ago, the aesthetician told me I had “the perfect amount of oils on my face”. I debated on whether or not I should share my secret with her in fear she might yell at me and say I shouldn’t put vaseline on my face! I ended up telling her and she said that’s probably why my skin was so balanced! Woop. You just have to remember not to glob it on since you don’t want to completely clog everything. If you have oily skin, this might not be the trick for you, but if you have little dry patches or combination skin, using petroleum jelly could be the fix you’re looking for.

Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream

Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream is one of my favorite products and has been for about the past 10 years. I have eczema (wonderful topic to discuss on a food blog, yeah?), and when and if I run into a situation where my prescription cream runs out or I just want to give myself a break from it, I buy this cream. It’s really the only thing that works as well as my prescription to fight itchy spots. I’ve found that for under $10, this is one product I can’t live without.

Grooming Scissors/Comb

Okay, so bear with me. The above photo is of a mustache/beard scissors and comb set. No, I don’t have a mustache or beard. Go me. But I use this set to trim my eyebrows. I promise you they’re the best tools you can have when you don’t have time to get your brows waxed and for under $5 they’re quite a steal. I don’t even know how I decided to buy the set, but it’s been in my bathroom vanity for years and I use them all the time. Using the comb, I brush my eyebrows up (you’ll probably look a little crazy after doing this, but it’s cool). When you brush all the hairs up, you’ll see which are uneven and above the “natural line”. That’s in quotes because I don’t know if it’s an actual term in the eyebrow waxing/tweezing world. I guess at these things half the time because they sound right. I use the top of the comb as a guide and use the scissors to trim the uneven hairs. This is my favorite little secret. I once saw my sister immediately after doing this and she was all “OMG, who did your eyebrows?! They look sooooo good”. She nearly fell over when I said I did them myself. And for the record, my sister doesn’t really say “OMG”. I can see her emailing me after reading this saying I made her sound like a ditz

Bright and Shine Lux Glossing Spray

Every once in a while, especially if you’re a brown lady like myself, you need a little gloss/shine/pick-me-up kind of sheen added to your hair. The problem is, most sprays add build up and extra weight to your tresses. Or they smell weird. The salon where I get my hair blown-out uses Alter Ego Hasty Bright and Shine Lux Glossing Spray after blowdrying it and I’ve been loving it. I loved it so much that I asked if they sold it and, to my surprise, they did. I bought a bottle for $13.50 but just discovered, if you do a little digging, you can get it for less on Amazon, naturally. It adds the nicest shine without weighing my hair down. Plus, it smells delightful. The last time I saw my sister she asked what I was using because my hair looked and smelled so lovely. As you can tell, all my sister and I do is talk about beauty products. It’s kind of our hobby.

Olive Oil

Mmm, olive oil. Not just for cooking. Don’t get me wrong, I love me my Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish that I discovered recently, but before that I always relied on olive oil. Making my own body scrubs is one of my most favorite activities. Mostly because I’m just proud of myself for not spending $30+ on a scrub elsewhere when in reality it’s the same thing. I feel kind of cool whipping up my own concoctions. I usually mix some olive oil and some sugar. Or I’ll do sea salt if I’m looking for a coarser scrub. If I want to get fancy I’ll add in some peppermint or lavender oil. Just be extra careful when you’re showering because the olive oil can make things slippery. Read more about my homemade body scrubs here.

Pumice Stone

I think part of the reason I get awkward compliments on my feet is because I pumice and scrub the heck out of them when I shower. Pumice stones are generally just a few dollars at any drugstore and are probably one of the most necessary tools to keep your feet in shape.

Faceclothes

I don’t clutter my shower by with fancy loofahs or brushes. A simple facecloth (or washcloth? Whatever you want to call it!) works just fine for me to scrub away. Since my skin is so sensitive all of the other things are often too rough anyway.

Nail brushes

I keep a nailbrush in my shower or on my bathroom sink at all times and scrub my cuticles and fingernails like there’s no tomorrow. I even use it on my toe toes sometimes. There’s nothing I love more than clean feet and hands! I also don’t know why I’ve used the phrase “toe toes” twice in one week on the blog.

EOS Lip Spheres

I just wrote about EOS lip spheres in my holiday gift guide, but I must reiterate. This is my most favorite product in life. I’m probably exaggerating a tad but it’s a top 5, for sure. Before I put any gloss on, I use this as the base and I swear it’s the secret to silky smooth lips. I mostly use the lip spheres alone since I never feel the need to add anything else on. It adds a nice subtle shine and protection that lasts all day. I haven’t had chapped lips in fo’evaaaa. Plus, it has SPF in it so that’s an added bonus!

What are your favorite inexpensive beauty products? Do you have any beauty secrets people would be surprised to learn? I’m actually kind of oddly intrigued by people who use mayonnaise in their beauty regimens. Anyone?

[Chels]

Also, right now I’m so tired, I’m tempted to just take a photo of my bed and label it my number one favorite thing in the world. Thank you and goodnight.

Erin Condren Life Planner (WANM-style!):

Though I’m an electronic girl through and through, I’m also a bit of a mess online. I always have a million tabs open at once and I’m constantly jumping from project to project. Keeping my schedule organized online? Not an option. Plus, as a writer, there’s something that’s always felt so gratifying about picking up a pen and writing stuff down. I know a lot of you can relate. Type a to-do list and I’ve got no motivation. Write a to-do list and I’m checking things off like nobody’s business. So, I was pretty excited that my sister and Adam got me an Erin Condren Life Planner for Christmas. I mean, this thing is the beast of all schedules. It’s like 20 different calendars in one, plus to-do lists, plus pretty colors and inspirational quotes, plus stickers. Yes, I was obsessed with Lisa Frank in 4th grade and may not have fully grown out of that phase. OH and PLUS, the one they got me looks like this:

Yup. IN LOVE! And here’s to a very organized 2012.

My New Starbucks Mug:

I consider myself very, very lucky that Starbucks sends me a delightful gift box full of goodies from time to time. For the holidays, they sent me a fabulous box filled with Christmas Blend Coffee, the She & Him holiday CD, notecards, and this absolutely perfect mug. When I first got it, I instagrammed it and no fewer than 12 people commented on it, something along the lines of “that is amazing.” I KNOW it’s holiday-oriented. But only really because it says “Falalalala” all over it. And I mean, some go us are perfectly content to go about our day happily singing, “Falalalala” even when it’s not the holiday season. Therefore, I will be using this ceramic mug all year round. Blame me?

Cole Haan Shoes:

I’m a girl (duh) so, therefore, it’s only natural that I’m a shoe lover. I’ve never had a very large shoe budget and I’ve always been more of a TJ Maxx and Marshall’s shoe shopper. Well, I still don’t have a large shoe budget, but now that I’m working in an office I wear shoes way more than I used to. That may sound weird… But what I mean is that I used to wear my slippers a lot. As in, putting on an actual pair of shoes was a big deal. Unfortunately, I can’t wear my sneakers to work (cry me a river). But I can wear Cole Haan shoes, which are basically like slippers. But way cuter. And more socially acceptable.

I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever buy another brand of shoes. Besides my wedding shoes, which is a whole other story all together (sparkly Jimmy Choos, please?). My point is, Cole Haan shoes are the most comfortable shoes you will ever find. Many of them have a Nike sole in them, which obviously means comfort. But I just wore a new pair today sans Nike sole and was feeling fine by the end of the day. And that’s saying a lot since my feet ALWAYS hurt. I can run around the city in Cole Haan shoes and don’t get the urge to throw my shoes off and run barefoot though the Boston alleys. Also, you should know that Cole Haan has outlets. Since the shoes are a bit pricey, this is totally necessary. And clearly dangerous for me. But I’m pretty sure comfortable feet are one of the keys to happiness in life. So… Justified.

Promise I didn’t buy these all at once. I’ve been collecting… Also, Cole Haan leather goods are heavenly as well. Chris got me a new CH bag for Christmas and I just want to snuggle it and smell the fresh leather. Speaking of Chris, he just got his first pair of Cole Haans and he’s now officially in love, too. And now he kinda has to support my addiction.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks:

I always want to start a “what I’m reading” series here on We are not Martha, but I constantly have so much food stuff going on, it never seems like there’s space. But that might be one of my goals for 2012. I read A LOT. Like a ridiculous amount. I’m really not happy if I don’t get at least a little reading in every day (which really isn’t much of a problem since I’m on the T for so dang long).

Anyway, I just finished a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It was a seriously awesome and enlightening book. It’s about Henrietta Lacks, an African-American mother of five who died in 1951 from cervical cancer. When she was sick, a sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her consent and this tissue spawned cells that could live forever. From these cells, called HeLa, the polio vaccine was developed, AIDS treatments were devised, and so much more was done in the world of medicine. Basically, every scientist was using HeLa cells (and still are!) and people were making massive amounts of money off them. Meanwhile, Henrietta’s family was living in poverty and had NO idea their mother’s cells were aiding in so many awesome discoveries. Rebecca Skloot does a really outstanding job telling Henrietta Lacks story and it brings up a lot of interesting points. Like that most of us have our own tissue floating around in some lab somewhere. Also, even if you’re not a “science person,” you can totally follow along and learn a lot. I’m the girl who took nutrition for my science requirement in college because uh, chemistry? Did not agree with me so well. And I got this book and loved it. I absolutely love a book that is engrossing and extremely educational. Read this!

I have about a million more favorite things that I could go on and on about, but like I said, my bed might be #1 right now. Really, my favorite things are not “things” at all, but the people in my life. Chris deserves a million bucks for putting up with me and my ridiculous schedule the past couple weeks and, of course, I absolutely love my family and friends to pieces. And am so, so thankful for everyone good in my life. But stuff is fun sometimes, too. And shoes. Oh, how I love shoes.

What’s your favorite “thing” right now?

[Sues]

Owl Measuring Cups from West Elm:

File these Owl Measuring Cups ($19 for a set) under “kitchen essentials” for everyone in the world. I mean, can you think of anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to measure out flour with these. Also, file these under things that are going on my Christmas list ASAP. Also, file under why the heck does West Elm not have a wedding registry option?!

Recycled Glass Containers with Cork Lids from West Elm:

For any chef that strives to be more organized (read: everyone), these Recycled Glass Jars with Cork Lids ($14-24) are a must. Sure, they seem like a super simple gift, but they can make a world of a difference in the kitchen. Bonus points if you fill them up with your favorite grains and nuts before gifting them, allowing your gift recipient to try something new and be super organized.

Sunburst Tea Towel from West Elm:

Yes, it’s just one tea towel. And yes, it’s a pretty pricey tea towel at that, but this Sunburst Tea Towel from West Elm ($9) is a great add-on for any gift that’s not quite complete. Perhaps you have a few dollars left over and want to make your gift really impress. This tea towel will do the trick. Heck, I’d be thrilled if someone gave me this tea towel and only this tea towel. And I never say heck. I love Sunburst, but West Elm has lots of other fun patterns, too.

Illustrated Tidbit Plates from Kate Spade:

There are few designers that I’m really truly loyal to and Kate Spade is one. Not only do they make what I consider some of the most fabulous handbags, but they also have some pretty stunning home decor. I’m especially loving these Illustrated Tidbit Plates ($50 for a set of 4). I think they’re absolutely adorable and something most people probably wouldn’t buy for themselves. They make me want to immediately whip up some finger foods and invite some girlfriends over. But I’d also be very tempted to hang these on my wall.

Molecular Gastronomy Kit from Think Geek:

This is what you get the cook who has everything… But still wants more. I mean, molecular gastronomy is SO in right now, but it’s nothing most of us home cooks really contemplate much. Until now. This Molecular Cuisine Starter Kit ($79.99) has everything you need to get started (that you didn’t know you needed to get started), including 50 individually proportioned chemicals, essential tools, and a DVD. This is awesome.

Digital Spoon Scale:

Now, I can’t speak to the functionality of this, but I have to admit it’s a pretty incredible idea. You want to measure your flour with a measuring cup, but you also want to weigh it, right? Well, this Digital Spoon Scale from Admetior ($19.99 from Bed, Bath, and Beyond) does both! This is the perfect gift for any bakers in your life.

Obol, the Never-Soggy Cereal Bowl from Brookstone:

OCD? Take forever to eat a bowl of cereal? Or just like to keep your food compartmentalized? This bowl is perfect! Obol, the Never-Soggy Cereal Bowl from Brookstone ($19.99) keeps your cereal away from your milk, until you’re ready to combine them. Then again, you could also serve up a nice bowl of clam chowder and oyster crackers. Or chips and salsa. Or milk and cookies. The options are endless. And this bowl, which comes in tons of colors, is pretty fabulous.

Willowherb Rolling Pin from Anthropologie:

I roll a lot of dough. Seriously. I have a flatbread-making problem and I’m in love with making bread, pastries, and more. Plus, I’m obsessed with the idea of perfecting the chocolate croissant. So, I think a pretty rolling pin is needed. Actually, I think it’ s pretty much a requirement of anyone who does much baking. These are the things that make spending time in the kitchen even happier. This Willowherb Rolling Pin from Anthropologie ($18) is one of my favorites because of the cheery colors and Scandinavian print.

And you probably need the matching muffin pan ($36), too, yes? Um, I mean your gift recipient will need the matching muffin pan.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:

What do you get for the person who has everything? Ice cream. And from what I’ve heard, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is the top of the line amazing. If you know someone who’s been crying themselves to sleep at night because Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream isn’t available where they live, you will make their holidays very happy. Jeni’s website allows you to purchase and ship their ice cream. I think this Sublime Holiday Collection ($70) is perfect as it includes Cumin and Honey Butterscotch Cake, Smoked Tea and Plum Pudding, Vanilla Cedar Wood, The Black Forest, Black Currant Lambic Sorbet, and Frankincense and Almond Cake flavors. Can you say unique?

Of course, you could also pair it with the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream cookbook ($13.61). I have this and it’s an insanely beautiful cookbook with the most unique ice cream recipes ever.

Black Pepper Body Wash from Molton Brown:

So, it’s not really food. And it sounds a little odd. But I’ve heard absolutely amazing things about Molton Brown’s Black Pepper Body Wash ($28). Yes, it’s body wash that is made with black pepper oil. But something tells me if you’re a food lover, you’re a fan of black pepper. It will help relax your muscles, remove toxins, and wake you right up. The body wash is unisex, so it makes the perfect gift for everyone in your life.

Eat Boutique Gift Box:

Want to make your gift recipients swoon? Of course you do! Eat Boutique is the perfect way. The incredible Maggie (a blogging friend in real life!) started Eat Boutique for food lovers to celebrate local and handmade foods. Not only can you purchase her gift boxes to give as gifts (prices vary), but you can even purchase a subscription, which means your recipient will get a handmade food gift box every month. Maggie sent us the Holiday Breakfast Box and I’m absolutely in love with it. It has six local products (New Harvest Coffee, Whimsy and Spice Honey Lavender Biscotti, Lark Fine FOod Teacakes, Sweet Brook Farm Grade A Maple Syrup, Quince and Apple Orange Marmalade w/ Lemons, and Cown and Crumb Granola). We’ll be posting more about Eat Boutique soon, but for now, you should know the gift boxes make the perfect totally fun, unique gift for any food lover. Plus, the presentation is BEAUTIFUL!

Meat T-Shirts from Wooster Meats:

I mean, does it get any better than a t-shirt proclaiming your love for Italian meats? I don’t think so. Wooster Meats offers meat t-shirts ($25) for everyone in your life. Well, the meat-eaters anyway. Particularly the ones who love Italian meats like prosciutto and soppressata. But they even have a Kosher matzo ball soup tee!

Chalkboard Spice Rack from Etsy:

Maybe it’s not the most practical thing in the world, but this Chalkboard Spice Rack from Etsy shop Salt City Spice ($23) sure is cute. Spices are beautiful and it’s fun to display them. Plus, this chalkboard would be perfect to write your nightly dinner menu on, adding character to any kitchen.

Core Bamboo Bowls:

These Core Bamboo Bowls ($12-$45) are my new obsession and you’ll probably see them making multiple appearances on the blog in the future. They’re fun, they’re beautiful, and they can really jazz up any table or meal. In fact, I truly believe these bowls could make even a boron romaine lettuce salad more exciting. Try it. Plus, they come in so many colors, you can definitely find one (or four) for everyone on your gift list.

Bodum Pavina Double-Wall Thermo Glasses:

I’ve talked about these glasses before, but I’m saying it again. Bodum’s Pavina Double-Wall Thermo Glasses ($17-$30 for sets of 2) are a wish come true. They keep coffee hot, but don’t burn your hand. They keep water cold, but don’t give you the chills. And they come in all different sizes. Plus, they’re more fun-looking than the average glass.

Aerobie AeroPress:

Again, you’ve seen this contraption on We are not Martha before (read the post to learn more), but I highly recommend the Aerobie AeroPress ($25.95) as a gift for any coffee drinkers in your life. It’s super inexpensive and makes what I believe is some of the best coffee ever. Talk about value!

Contigo Travel Mug:

Another gift for the coffee-lovers out there. Anyone who takes coffee to work likely knows how annoying it is to a) get to work and have the coffee be cold and b) go to take a sip of coffee and have it spill all over you (and your white coat when you’re on your way to work… Not that I would know…). Well, the Contigo Travel Mug ($17.99) solves both those problems. It seriously keeps coffee hot for HOURS. Like so hot you won’t believe it. Plus, the autoseal lid actually automatically seals between sips so there will be no danger of spilling. Oh, and if you prefer cold drinks to hot coffee? Contigo keeps those cold for 12 hours.

Bloody Mary Gift Basket from GourmetGiftBaskets.com:

You must know someone who has a healthy obsession with bloody marys. If so, this is their dream gift. This Bloody Mary Gift Basket ($79.99) comes with everything (and much more!) you need for an amazing bloody mary. If you don’t know any bloody fans, there’s always the Mojito Gift Basket and many more.

Sign up for Fab.com:

OK, this isn’t a gift, but more of a demand from me. Because you’ll find lots more holiday gifting inspiration here. You probably think the last thing you need is a daily deal site to send you emails. But Fab is, well, fab. That’s all. It’s filled with design inspiration and will make your heart melt. In a good way. You can sign up with my invite code and I’m pretty sure you’ll become as obsessed as I am.

I could keep going. Forever. Really. But, even though it’s December 1, the holidays are coming upon us quickly and I know you want to finish up your shopping! I hope you found a gift idea or two on this list… And remember to check out last year’s Holiday Gift Guide because I still highly recommend everything on there!

What’s your favorite holiday gift for food lovers this year?

[Sues]

After much discussion about what to do for our next Butterball-related post, we decided the best option was a step-by-step video on how to prepare a turkey. We came to this conclusion for many reasons:

1) Cooking a turkey is easy. But it’s much easier to get the hang of it when you actually see the steps in person. We were often intimidated by cooking a turkey but after three fantastic years working with the people at Butterball we felt so confident sharing this with you!

2) Videos are fun to watch. Not always fun to edit but fun for our readers to see us in action!

3) We haven’t done a post together in a while.

4) We always say “Hey, we should do more videos on the blog!” then never do them. It’s actually become a ridiculous joke between the two of us and almost every time we hang out one of us sarcastically says, “We should videotape this for the blog!”.

5) After our Project Food Blog series last year we got a lot of comments from people saying they loved seeing us cook and in the kitchen together.

5) After blogging for almost 4 years we realized our readers probably don’t know what we’re like “in person” since we’ve only done a handful of videos on here!

6) Outtakes. Keep watching the video and you’ll see how goofy we really are. Woah.

Sues came over to my place Monday night and we got to work preparing our very basic turkey. You can obviously go above and beyond with how you prepare your turkey, but we wanted to keep it simple just for the sake of showing you just how easy it really is! It was a fun night and I think it took us far longer than it should have because we were laughing and goofing off half the time. And we had many “do-overs” from giggling on the video so many times. Needless to say, by the end of the night, my abs hurt from laughing so much.

Butterball’s website is also a wonderful resource for tips and tricks, so be sure to check it out as well!

The Butterball website offers information on:

How to Select a Turkey

How to Carve

How to Know When Your Turkey is Done

How to Properly Store Your Turkey

How to Stuff Your Turkey

And many other useful tutorials!

If you have any questions at all about preparing your turkey this Thanksgiving (or any time of year!) please feel free to ask us! And more importantly, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is officially taking calls for the season so call 1-800-BUTTERBALL for any and all turkey-related questions you have. These women are turkey geniuses, not to mention some of the sweetest people we’ve ever met, so don’t ever feel nervous to give them a ring! They’re here to help

What are your turkey plans this Thanksgiving? Are you preparing it or is someone else? Do you have any fancy turkey recipes?

[Chels]

While we are being compensated and working for Butterball this holiday season, like always, all opinions are 100% our own. As you know, we only work with and talk about companies on We are not Martha that we love and support.

Have you heard of the AeroPress coffee maker? I hadn’t. But when I got an email from Aerobie asking if I wanted to try it out, I happened to be reading it out loud in my living room. Chris was in the room and literally jumped up off the couch. “THEY WANT TO SEND YOU AN AEROPRESS!! OMG OMG CAN I HAVE IT?!” Woah. I wrote right back telling them I’d love to try it out. Chris was still asking if he could have it. “Could you let me try it first, please?!” I finally responded. Clearly, he was a tad bit excited.

And how could I not be excited to try it out after hearing his reaction? So, I received the product and opened up the box. My first reaction was that it was a bit complicated. But no, Chris assured me it would be a breeze to use and agreed to help demonstrate it.

Here are all the pieces of the AeroPress set out, along with our coffee of choice, water, and our favorite Bodum double-wall glasses. We can talk more about those later. Swoon.

We decided to use one of my favorite coffees from Starbucks fall line; their Italian Roast (which Starbucks lovingly sent me!). Everyone knows you need to start the coffee-making process with a good high-quality coffee…

But not everyone knows that the method in which you make the coffee is also extremely important. But after they use the AeroPress, they will!

Chris kindly demonstrated the various parts. Including the cute little microfilters that keep your coffee particle-free.

You simply place your microfilter in the bottom cap and twist it closed.

Place two scoops of coffee (with the lovely Aeropress scoop) into the chamber.

And then stand the chamber on your mug and and pour hot (175 degree-ish) water into the chamber.

This takes a lot of concentration.

Now, stir the water for about 10 seconds. And insert the plunger into the chamber.

Gently press down about a quarter of an inch for about 20 to 30 seconds, maintaining the same amount of pressure.

And watch in wonder as your coffee slowly drips into your glass or mug.

And then sip away and enjoy some of the cleanest-tasting coffee you’ve ever had. This coffee was seriously strong and awesome. I was literally stunned by how much better this tasted than the coffee we make in our drip coffee maker (and we have a really nice coffee maker!). Oh, and you can also make a pretty fantastic espresso with this, too.

So, why is the AeropPess better than other coffee makers? For lots of reasons! Here are a few: All of the coffee grounds contact the same water temperature and the brewing process is short and sweet. This means no bitterness is extracted from the coffee grounds.

Also, I always notice if I’m making coffee in my drip maker and I want a cup quickly and pour it before it’s done brewing, the coffee is SO strong. But the coffee that brews at the end of the process is incredibly weak. The AeroPress uses total immersion, which means all of the grounds come into contact with the same water temperature and the brewing process is super short. AND furthermore, the pressure from the AeroPress extracts extra flavor from the coffee grounds. Perfection!

Clearly, I am a fan. The other amazing thing? The AeroPress is SUPER easy to clean, unlike a typical French press. To see more about the wonders of the AeroPress, check out their Amazon page.  And their rave reviews! Many claim it’s the best cup of coffee they’ve EVER had! In the meantime, I should tell you I’m also obsessed with our Bodum Double Wall Glasses. They keep coffee hot (and cold drinks cold!), but because they’re double walled, they don’t burn your hand at all. Even better, they don’t sweat! Which means Chris can stop anxiously following me around our apartment with a coaster. Also, they’re pretty. And I’m pretty sure I now need them in every shape and size.

After we made our coffee, Chris asked me about a thousand times if he could bring the AeroPress to work. But, you know, I want to be able to make good coffee in our home, too. So I purchased a 2nd AeroPress right away and included it in his already coffee-oriented birthday present (his birthday was yesterday!). And today at work? He took this photo:

Yes, that is his desk at work. And no, he does not work at a coffee shop. Clearly, I’m marrying someone who loves a good cup of coffee as much as I do. Life is good.

AeroPress Giveaway!

So, now that you’ve heard me rave and have seen how amazing the AeroPress is, you probably want one for yourself, right? I mean, think about how much brighter your mornings could be! You could even have a desk set-up like Chris’s if you’re really obsessed. I’ll be picking one lucky winner to receive an AeroPress of their own! All you have to do is leave a comment on this email letting me know your idea of the perfect cup of coffee by Tuesday November 22 at 11:59 p.m.

For an extra entry, follow us on Twitter. And for another one, tweet about this giveaway! Make sure you come back to leave another comment letting us know.

Good luck!! And if you don’t win? The AeroPress is only $25.95 on Amazon, which is a small price to pay for the best coffee maker ever (think about how much a good drip maker costs!). And I speak from experience when I say the AeroPress makes a very good gift. And the holidays are coming up!

[Sues]

Hello! We’re back from Chicago and proud to say we’ve completed our third year at Butterball University! This year’s trip was a little bit shorter, but we still got our full day in at the Butterball kitchen, getting trained on how to cook turkey many, many different ways. While we’ve learned an endless amount of turkey cooking knowledge each year we’ve attended BBU, I honestly think this year was the best of them all. Everything really seemed to stick and I felt way more familiar and comfortable in the kitchen with the turkeys. I almost wanted to run home and prepare 11 different turkeys using each of the methods! Although I’m pretty sure my apartment building neighbors wouldn’t appreciate it too much if I brought out a turkey fryer (unless I had Masterbuilt’s Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer!). Though they’d probably love if I shared the leftovers.

When we first arrived in Naperville on Wednesday, we met the fabulous Butterball and Edelman team for dinner at La Sorella di Francesca, along with two other bloggers: Zippy from Champagne Living and Heather from Home EC 101. After a day of traveling, we were starving and dug right in to some calamari.

And tomato, basil, and mozzarella.

I enjoyed rigatoni and asparagus…. In fact, the biggest bowl ever. What? We had a full day of turkey cooking ahead of us and I needed to carbo-load (As a non-marathoner, I need a carbo-loading excuse, too. Just give it to me).

And Chels had the delicious pumpkin ravioli, which I snagged a bite of.

Dessert was a heavenly molton chocolate cake with mint chocolate ice cream. We couldn’t resist!

Bright and early the next morning, it was time to head over to the Butterball headquarters and join the ladies of the Turkey Talk Line. Seriously, this is one of the very best days of the year. It’s called Freshman Day and is basically the day when the newer Butterball Talk-Line experts come together and learn and review everything there is to know about cooking turkey. That way, when you call 1-800-Butterball when you’re tying to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey, they can answer every single one of your questions.

We’ve been lucky enough to have the chance to join them for the last 3 years, so we can learn right along with them! Basically, we’re learning all things turkey from the most skilled turkey chefs around.

When we arrived, we spent a little bit of time listening to turkey experts Carol and Marty talk about everything from food safety to thawing to the different methods of cooking turkey.

You may not realize it, but there really is so much to learn when it comes to turkey. One very common phone call the Talk Line ladies get is from people that didn’t realize you need to take your turkey out of the freezer days before you want to cook it. You can’t thaw in 8 hours, like you can a chicken breast! Of course, many other people have questions about what temperature their turkey should be so it’s safe for their guests to eat and what exactly all that information on the Butterball label means.

After refreshing our minds with all the information, it was time to get in the kitchen and start prepping our own turkeys! I’m still obsessed with the easy-open Butterball packaging. It’s, um, actually kind of fun to open.

Like each past year, we were each assigned a cooking method and our very own turkey. This year, I got a moist heat method with the oven cooking bag.

I grew up in a family that practices the dry heat open pan cooking method and before attending Butterball University, I never even realized there were so many different ways to cook a turkey. Now I am much wiser. Anyway, using an oven cooking bag is becoming more and more popular and one reason people like it so much is because it’s a quick cooking method.

Chels’s method was foil wrapped high temperature, which is also a quick cooking method.

After we both prepped our turkeys (including stuffing them… for the experience. And then un-stuffing them!), we got to do a demonstration in front of the whole class.

First I demonstrated how to prepare a Reynolds oven bag (a little bit of flour, some celery and onions) for the turkey, along with Carol.

It was my first time so I had to take a look at the instructions

Then Chels sprayed her turkey with a little vegetable oil and covered it in heavy duty foil.

Into the ovens our turkeys went. Yes, Butterball has a kitchen filled with ovens.

And we were all assigned our very own.

Labeled with the proper temperature and everything.

While everyone’s turkeys were in the ovens, roasters, microwaves (yes, someone microwaved their turkey!), etc. we sat back down and learned about even more turkey cooking methods. This time, we heard all about turkey grilling, frying, and more. We also heard about all kinds of different meat thermometers… Something else I had no idea there were so many options for.

Marty demonstrated some alternatives to roasting racks.

Then it was back to the kitchen to check on our turkeys! My turkey went in at 350 degrees and it took 2 hours and 15 minutes to come to the right temperature. Isn’t that super quick?

Seeing how quickly my turkey roasted, I can see why lots of people like the oven bag method. When it’s Thanksgiving day and you have about a million different dishes vying for the attention of the oven, having your turkey cook so quickly is a great thing.

However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the coloring of my turkey. It wasn’t nearly as golden as many of the others!

Chels’s turkey took even less time in the foil. She was cooking hers at 450 degrees, which is a super high temperature for roasting a turkey. But look at how beautifully golden hers is!

One of our very favorite parts of Butterball University is seeing the whole turkey lineup: everyone’s just cooked turkeys fresh out of the oven!

And all of the lovely ladies who made them.

We went through the lineup and everyone talked about their method, how long their turkey took to cook, and how it looked right out of the oven.

It was really interesting to hear everyone’s different experiences with their turkey. We’re at Butterball University to learn ALL about cooking turkey. So, even though we each had our own method, we still made sure to pay super close attention to what everyone else was doing, too.

But even when the turkeys were cooked, our jobs were not yet complete. We still have to carve those turkeys up! Carving is definitely not my favorite thing about turkey training, but it’s obviously pretty essential if you want to make the most of the turkey and have it looking pretty.

After we all carved our turkeys, it was time to sample the various methods and discuss which ones we liked best.

Time for the great turkey tasting! As usual, I really loved the open pan cooked turkey, but I thought Chels’s foil wrapped was incredibly moist and flavorful for being cooked so quickly. I was also actually very pleasantly surprised by the microwaved turkey. It was strangely flavorful and not dry at all! It’s so crazy to actually taste how different each turkey cooked with a different method tastes.

Then it was back to the airport and home to Boston! Butterball University went by way too quickly this year, but I can’t even tell you how happy we were to be back! It’s always so nice to see everyone and learn from such passionate people. Although we did miss the smiling face of Heather (hi, Heather!), the Brand Manager for Butterball, who wasn’t able to come this year due to other work obligations!

Next up? Chels and I are planning to cook our own Butterball turkey in the coming weeks utilizing everything we’ve learned at Butterball U. What method will we use? Will we stuff the turkey or not? You’ll have to wait and see

In the meantime, you should know that the Butterball Turkey Talk Line opens on November 1 and starting then, you can call 1-800-Butterball with all your questions. In the meantime, you can visit Butterball.com for TONS of great information that will help you make your Thanksgiving (or any turkey dinner) a fabulous success.

Thank you again to everyone at Butterball and Edelman for inviting us to Butterball University and teaching us everything you know. We feel SO lucky! And we cannot wait for Thanksgiving!

[Sues]

Full Disclosure: We were hired to attend Butterball University and are being paid to write on the Butterball Blog. However, all of our opinions are our own and we’re under absolutely no obligation to write any rave reviews of our experiences. We really do feel incredibly lucky and have a great respect for the Butterball brand.

If you’re in the market for some new sweaters for the season, do check out the list below! A lot of them can probably be found elsewhere (read: for less money!) but normally before any shopping trip I disregard price for the sake of gathering sources of inspiration then try to find similar styles for more affordable prices.

For the Ladies

I’ve been big into colored pants for a couple years now and I think this Spotdot Sweater ($75, Madewell) pairs perfectly with a brightly hued bottom. Two bolds (pattern and color) make for an outfit that requires hardly any accessories. Easy, peasy but looks like it took lots of effort. My favorite kind of outfit

When it’s cold outside it’s so, so, so easy to look like a big old frump. Unfortunately, sweatpants and college hoodies aren’t an acceptable form of attire at the workplace or anywhere other than your couch, really. BOO! This is why I absolutely adore a long, large collared sweater. It’s basically like wearing a blanket in public. But far more figure-flattering and far less weird. This Foldover Collar Cardigan ($59.50, LOFT) definitely does the trick. And I love that it’s long enough to cover the tush. Because around the holidays that area tends to get the largest with all the food I eat, hehe. And for a limited time, LOFT is currently having 30% off all full-price sweaters, too. Sooo, have fun with that! And you’re welcome

When I was in middle school and high school I was obsessed with Fairisle sweaters. I don’t really have a good reason as to why other than I think they’re adorable and remind me of the great outdoors. Evidently, I still quite enjoy them because I want this Cozy Funnel Neck Sweater ($98, Boden). Paired with some dark skinny jeans and riding boots this is the ultimate cozy outfit.

Time out. This Aran Crewneck ($89.50, Lands End Canvas) actually has all of the makings for the perfect cozy outfit. It actually makes me want to hit up a ski lodge in Vermont and put on some snow boots. Also, I’m absolutely loving Lands End Canvas line as of late. They have some really cute things for appealing prices. I suggest you check it out if you haven’t already!

Back to the cardi obsession. Nine times out of ten if you see me wearing a cardigan it’s because I had no idea what else to wear and throwing on a cardi over a t-shirt is just way too easy. This Cotton Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan ($29.99, Lands End Canvas) is a great “I’m too lazy to think of an outfit” kind of sweater. To make it look even more effortless, buy a cardigan in a fun color or pattern. I always think it’s funny that when I take zero time planning an outfit, I get the most compliments.

Now, this is THE chunky sweater. Big buttons, large pockets and all. Could I interest you in a cup o’ hot cocoa? Evening Encounter Cardigan ($69.99, ModCloth)

Now, let’s set something straight. Just because it’s sweater season and just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you have to wear sweaters that you swim in. A nice form-fitting, skin-hugging sweater never hurt a soul. Especially a bright yellow sweater. We all know how I feel about yellow. It’s everything to me. And if I had this Just Checkin’ Cardigan ($57.99, ModCloth) there’s a high chance I’d wear it every single day. Which is why I won’t be purchasing it because doing that would just be silly.

Do you ever wonder how to transition those gorgeous maxi dresses from summer into fall? No? Just me? Welp, this Easy Days Off the Shoulder ($98, Free People) is short and sweet leaving enough room to show off your dress, but still cozy and warm enough (72% acrylic, 28% wool) to keep you warm in the early days of fall. Plus, red is just a hot color for the fall and winter.

A chunky but fitted sweater is also a key staple for a fall wardrobe. They’re so effortless to wear and it’s quick to add an additional pop of color by layering a fun tank top or t-shirt underneath. Crop Neck Sweater ($79, Nordstrom)

Have I ever discussed with you my love of sweaters that are so ugly that they’re adorable? Just think Heathcliff Huxtable. When I saw this Urban Renewal Geo Cardigan ($49, Urban Outfitters) I actually thought of The Cosby Show before anything else. Then I thought, “hmm, I kind of love this even though it loos like a sweater an 80 year old man might wear”. I’m okay with that. Because grandpas can be stylish, too. Toss on some pretty heels or some pearls and you’ll feel like a lady in no time.

And because men deserve to know what I lust over for them: A Few for the Gents

Shawl-Collar Cardigan ($130, Banana Republic)

Herringbone Sweater ($89.50, Banana Republic)

Cashmere tipped Cardigan ($248, J.Crew)

I’ll know when I find the guy for me because he’ll confidently wear a cardigan without me forcing him to. Bwa ha haaa

Where do you love to shop for sweaters?
[Chels]

Here’s a confession. I’m really not a great cake baker. Sure, I’ve baked enough of them, but there’s something about cake that I find so intimidating. Cupcakes are much friendlier and way more forgiving. They don’t generally fall apart and if you bake one batch a bit too long, you can just pop another batch in the oven. Frosting cupcakes is also much more straightforward and if you mess up on one, just move on to the next. Cake? Not so much. It’s much more of a commitment, too. I bake cupcakes for fun all the time, but I never bake cakes unless it’s for a special occasion.

Like birthdays. While scouring the internetz for a cake to make for my mom’s birthday last month, I landed upon this Chocolate Ricotta Icebox Cake from Martha Stewart. After my parents went to Italy a couple years ago, they came back raving about the ricotta pie they tried. Ricotta is probably on the bottom of my “I love cheese” list, but when I tried the pie, I loved it, too. However, we are very much a chocolate family. So, when I spotted a chocolate ricotta cake from Martha, I knew it was going to be a winner. I made some alterations and added a couple ingredients to give the cake more depth (seriously, the original recipe only had 4 ingredients!) and the final product was perfection. Enormous bonus points to the fact that this cake was SO easy to make. No baking; just waiting while it chills. I can handle that.

Chocolate Ricotta Cake (serves about 8):
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Print this recipe!

• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate (not chocolate chips), plus more for shaving on top
• 2 containers (15 oz. each) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 t espresso powder
• 2 T vanilla
• 3/4 C heavy cream
• 1 package (9 oz.) chocolate wafers

Start by preparing your 9-inch springform pan. Remove the sides and place a sheet of waxed paper on the bottom, leaving an overhang. Lock the sides in to secure the paper and spray the inside of the pan with cooking spray. Then line the sides with a strip of waxed paper (28 inches long and 4 inches wide).

I chose to use semisweet Scharffen Berger chocolate because I knew it would make an absolutely decadent cake.

Break up the chocolate and melt it in a double burner, or in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted.

Blend the ricotta in a food processor until it’s nice and smooth, about one minute.

Add the melted chocolate and blend until smooth. Mix in the espresso and vanilla, too.

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or whisk) to beat the cream until stiff peaks form.

Then fold in the chocolate-ricotta mixer.

Place half the wafer cookies in an overlapping fashion on the bottom of the springform pan.

Spoon half the chocolate ricotta mixture over the cookies.

And arrange the remaining cookies on top of the chocolate ricotta mixture.

And put the remaining ricotta mixture on top, smoothing it out as much as possible.

Now comes the waiting game. Cover the cake n plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 2 days. You see? It’s the best cake ever since you can make it 2 days ahead of time and not be stressing at the last minute!

When you’re ready to serve, release the sides of the pan and peel away the waxed paper from the sides of the pan. Life cake onto a platter and remove the waxed paper from the bottom as you’re lifting the cake.

Obviously put some candles on it if you’re celebrating a birthday. And sing a little happy birthday, too

This cake was pretty incredible, especially considering how easy it was to make! Honestly, I would make this cake again even if it was a whole lot more difficult to make. It was delightfully creamy and chocolatey, with a little bit of crunch from the cookies. Basically heavenly.

If you enjoy a ultra rich cane with lots of depth, definitely try this out. And don’t wait for a special occasion either. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to just have this chilling in the fridge to help you get through a long week. Am I right?

Twitter Party with Angelo Surmelis and O.co and a GIVEAWAY!:

Are you free Wednesday night and a fan of HGTV? I’m not going to lie- I spend a lot of time watching HGTV, even though it makes me insanely jealous. Especially when I’m watching house hunters and see how much cheaper houses are pretty much everywhere in this country than in the Boston-area. It’s seriously depressing. But I still continue to watch. And many of HGTV’s other shows give me major inspiration for SOME DAY when I have a house… or an area of space that’s large enough to furnish. So, when Justine emailed us and asked if we wanted to join a Twitter party with Angelo Surmelis of HGTV’s Rate My Space, I thought, of course! I’m disappointed I can’t attend since I already have plans on Wed. evening, but I still wanted to tell all of you about it! Plus, I wanted to offer you a chance to win a $30 gift certificate from O.co (also known as Overstock.com).

So, during the O.co Twitter party, Angelo will be answering all your questions about home design and sharing tips and tricks to help improve your space. How fun is that? Whether you live in a tiny apartment or just bought your dream home (lucky!!), I’m sure Angelo will be willing to help you. Not only that, but you will have the chance to win one of six O.co gift cards, as long as you follow @Odotco and @AngeloSurmelis. If you want to join in the Twitter chat, just be sure to RSVP here. And use the hashtag #OandHome while you’re chatting. The party starts at 8 p.m.!

Angelo’s style totally floats my boat and his entire collection on O.co is seriously swoon-worthy. I have no idea what my eventual long-term living space will look like, but I do know I would like it to involve this chair.

Or possibly this one:

And definitely this one:

If you can’t attend the Twitter party or just feel like having another chance to win, we’re also giving away a $30 O.co gift card here. All you have to do to win is tell us which piece of Angelo Surmelis furniture or decor is your favorite and follow O.co on Twitter and Facebook, too.

Leave a comment here by Friday, October 14 at 11:59 p.m. for a chance to win!

Good luck and have a happy week

[Sues]

I admit, I had my first pumpkin beer last night. I know. I didn’t want to, but we were eating dinner outside and it was cool and fall-like and it just sounded so good. And it was September 1, after all. But we’re still in that weird in-between seasons time, with a few more days until Labor Day and a few more weeks before summer is officially over. So, here’s one more glorious summery drink that will be the perfect way to kiss summer goodbye. And since it’s the Cocktail Friday before the long weekend, I figured not only would I give you a cocktail, but I’d give you a giveaway, too! You deserve it. It’s been a long week.

Growing up, I absolutely loved Lime Rickeys. So when I saw Martha Stewart’s more adult-version in her magazine, I immediately knew it would be my end of summer Cocktail Friday drink. It’s simple, but unique with the addition of cilantro and lots and lots of limes. Perfect for sipping outside with a light sweater, as you kiss the summer goodbye. Wahhhh.

Gin Lime Rickeys with Cilantro (makes about 4-5):
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
Print this recipe!

• 1 C water
• 5 limes
• 1 C gin
• 3 T sugar (superfine if you have it)
• 3 C club soda
• 1 small bunch cilantro

I changed Martha’s ratios up a bit (more gin!), but the instructions for this cocktail recipe are super easy, even though you’re essentially making your own limeade (of course you could buy limeade, too, but if you have an extra 3 minutes, I suggest making it!). Which is perfect for a Friday evening when all you want to do is wind down from a long work week with a cocktail. Simply pour the water into a pitcher and juice 3 of the limes into it. Add the gin and the sugar. Cut the other 2 limes into rounds and add them in the pitcher, too.

Refrigerate pitcher for a little while and then add in the club soda.

Pour over ice, add a bit of cilantro to each, and serve.

I used to not like cilantro. But then something changed and now I quite enjoy it. But even if you’re not a huge fan of cilantro in burritos, tacos, guacamole, etc. I think you might enjoy it with gin and lime.

Then again, what wouldn’t you enjoy with gin and lime? Point taken.

This cocktail was nice and tart from the lime, but also sweet from the added sugar. The gin wasn’t overpowering at all and this could be the perfect way to introduce gin into your repertoire if you’re not totally crazy about it already.

We enjoyed these cocktails on what could be one of the last warm summer evenings here in Boston, on the deck with a delicious dinner (post to follow next week!).

I’ll miss you, summer. But now, I’m going to start scouting around for some fall drink ideas. Pumpkin pie martini, anyone?

Gap Jeans Giveaway!

If you’re a long-time reader of We are not Martha, you may remember the Gap Jeans party we threw a couple years ago. Basically, Gap’s fabulous marketing company, Brand About Town, asked me to be a Gap Ambassador and sent me a whole bunch of jeans from their (then) new 1969 collection. At the time, I wasn’t a huge Gap fan and hadn’t bought their jeans since middle school. But the 1969 collection changed my whole outlook on the Gap. The jeans fit me! And they looked good! And I loved them. And I’m not just saying that because they sent me free jeans.

Fast forward to 2011 and I can say with 100% honesty that I have not bought a SINGLE pair of jeans from any store but the Gap since my party. You might say Gap’s marketing strategy worked incredibly well. And now that they’re amping their program up again, I’m getting very, very excited. The other day, I came home to a package from them containing two pairs of jeans from Gap’s 1969 collection (that they teamed up with Vogue to showcase). Yay!

They sent me their Ponte Legging Jean and Pintuck Trouser Jean. Hello, new fall jeans! Both pairs of jeans are pretty awesome, but seeing that I’m already in love with legging jeans, I couldn’t wait to try these new SUPER soft ones on. Best. Jeans. Ever. The first time I wore them, I can’t even tell you how many times I actually looked down, thinking my pants were unbuttoned. Why? Because they are SO comfortable around my waist that I seriously felt like I was not wearing pants. Isn’t that kind of amazing? Pants that make you feel like you’re not wearing pants? Best thing ever.

Chris and I went to the driving range last night and then decided to stop by Legacy Place for some pizza from Wicked. We happened to be sitting outside right next to a Gap and we popped in after dinner just so I could see what else was going on for fall. Well, we walked in and I saw a huge display of legging jeans. I think I started shaking with happiness, realizing how many colors and shades the legging jeans come in. And the store just happened to be having a one-day 50% off sale. So, I bought another pair. The super duper soft Ponte Legging Jeans come in two colors, the black I have and an olive color. I’m crossing my fingers that Gap will start designing these pants in every color under the sun. Please.

I also wore the black Ponte Legging Jeans out during the hurricane on Saturday night for our friend Naomi’s bachelorette party and kinda felt like I was running around in the rain with no pants on. Or that I was out at the Top of the Hub in my sweatpants. Nothing better.

Now here’s where you come in. Brand About Town was also thinking of you when they sent me my new jeans. They included a jeans certificate for me to give away to one of our amazing readers. The certificate will allow you to get any new pair of Gap jeans, up to a $90 value. How awesome is that?!

Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment on this post letting me know what pair of jeans you like best from Gap’s 1969 denim collection.

For extra entries:

2) Follow We are Not Martha on Twitter (if you already follow us, let me know, too)

3) Tweet: “@WearenotMartha is giving away a pair of @Gap jeans!” and use hashtag #GapAmbassador

4) “Like” We are not Martha on Facebook (if you already “like” us, let me know, too)

Be sure you post a comment for each way you enter, so I know!

Since it’s the Friday before a long weekend, I’ll give you until Tuesday, September 6 (my sister and Adam’s anniversary!) at 11:59 p.m. to enter.

Good luck and happy fall shopping!! (and Cocktail Friday)

[Sues]

A huge thank you to Brand About Town and the Gap for giving me the jeans and free jean certificates. While I did get the jeans for free, all opinions on this blog are 100% my own and I’m absolutely obsessed with my new jeans! We never talk about things we don’t actually love here on We are not Martha