Hailey's Helpful Hints

  With Thanksgiving practically a week away, it's time to start prepping especially if you are hosting like I am. Thanks to this handy infographic from Savory , you don't have to stress over how many pounds of turkey to get for a 10 person dinner or how how much stuffing you should be preparing. Trust the chart, people will eat more pie than you think!!  

Why hello!!!! Has it really been 8 months since my last blog post?!?! Unreal. Ok who am I kidding acting shocked. For those of you that have followed me in the past, you know this really isn't anything new. I get hot and post daily for a bit and then wham, it's like I fall off the face of the earth. In my defense, during this last hiatus, we built a custom home. You better believe this detailed oriented perfectionist had her hands in every last design decision. Luckily my husband and I are still married after the process and our four littles are alive and well. So between the building, the packing, the summer madnes, the school chaos, dealing with a traveling husband, shlepping around two year old devils, I mean twins, and now the holiday mayham, I'm lucky to even still be standing. But one thing lately that has kept me going...I joined a gym. It's been 4+ years since I've stepped into a gym. But this membership has nothing to do with getting back into the gym. I ho...

With so many anti-sugar mom's out there, I thought a post with creative kid's Valentine's was appropriate. There are a gazillion ideas on Pinterest but I thought I'd give a friend of mine in Southern California a shout out. Morgann Perry with Modern Chic Tots , is uber talented and she has come out with some super cute Valentine's Day printables (and ideas) for your kiddos. Check them out HERE . If you browse the aisles of the $1 store, you'll be able to find so many of the items for less; sunglasses, paint, jump ropes, nail polish.  My personal favorites: The build a snowman one. I'm all about it being interactive and anything that keeps them quiet and entertained is a bonus. And for the older girl wanting to get her friends something cute and simple; the toenail polish.   If you have a little girl, you're going to want to spend some time on her site checking out all the fun dress up aprons and tutu dresses. Fun to see my little Rio modeling on her si...

Can you believe Labor Day has already come and gone? I'm in disbelief that summer is over but to be honest, today when I walked into the silent house after dropping both boys off at school, I did a happy dance. Entertaining these rascals all day long is exhausting, especially while my body is an incubator for two others. (Yes I am pregnant with identical girls!) While fashion isn't at the top of my list these days, I can't neglect you all of what you need to know. And I know y'all are dying to know if it's really safe to wear white after Labor Day. And the answer is, according to Glamour magazine -- YES! As a matter of fact, there was just as much white as there was gray on the fall '13 runways, so go nuts with your snowy brights well into the winter. Wondering how to pull off white into the winter? Layers, longer lengths, and heavier knits will keep the hot white look seasonally appropriate. Fall-ready accessories, like a belt with dark deta...

This February 14, you can craft handmade and heartfelt sentiments even if you're all thumbs. Like me. These DIY cards are inexpensive and simple. What's not to love?    Birthday Candles: Turn a birthday party prop into a loved one's bright spot on February 14. All you'll need to make this card is a blank note card, glue, birthday candles and a felt tip marker.   Matchbook: Once you've found your perfect match, it's easy to turn sentiments into handmade crafts. Start with a blank note card, glue, matchboook and a felt tip marker. Playing Card: When the stakes are high, you'd bet your money (and your heart) on this guy. Start with a blank note card, glue, playing card and a felt tip marker. Puzzle Pieces: For the one who lights up your life, create a card that'll be for keeps. Start with a blank note card, glue, puzzle pieces and a felt tip ...

  Wondering how to maximize suitcase space? Need to cram a lot into a little without wrinkling everything in the process? It's easy with the smart tips on where everything should go: 1) Line the bottom with a plastic trash bag. After you've packed add another one on top. This helps fend off wrinkles and will keep it dry if it's off-loaded from the plane in the rain. 2) Stash footwear and heavy stuff along the wheel base. Fill shoes with socks or bulky bangle bracelets, then put them in individual bags or shower caps, with the soles facing the sides of the suitcase. Splitting up the pairs saves space. Rest other heavy items like a hair dryer or a toiletry kit next to or on top of shoes. Placing these things near the wheels stabilizes the bag's center of gravity so it won't topple over when upright. 3) Lay the foundation next by tightly packing rolled clothing. 4) Build the second layer by layering folded dresses, pants, and skirts on top of the rolled clothes. Altern...

  While some of us have our shopping completely done, others haven't even started so here's a quick tip to avoid spending more... Retail stores have a clever way to get you to spend more: "the decoy effect." Behavioral research conducted by Dan Ariely, Ph.D of Duke University, has shown that when customers were given a choice between two products, one of which is priced lower and is lower quality (say an MP3 Player that holds fewer songs), they'll often choose the cheaper one. BUT when a third (decoy) item is introduced at an even higher price, shoppers are more likely to opt for the mid-priced-one. Meaning - adding another product nudges shoppers up the price scale instead of making them stick with the bargain buy. Bottom line: Think carefully when you see a display of products at varied prices, and hold steady at the price you can afford.

  Great for breakfast, brunch, tea or dessert. A holiday staple.   ~Spiced Cranberry Coffee Cake~   Ingredients:   3/4 cup(s) (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter , at room temperature, plus more for the pan 3 cup(s) all-purpose flour , plus more for the pan      1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda 1 teaspoon(s) kosher salt 1 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar 3 ...

  Super Saver Sales this weekend! Lululemon : Express FREE shipping. Ends 12/17. No promo code. Anthropologie : $25 off every $100 you spend. Online & In-stores. Ends 12/16. Promo code: MERRYMERRY Urban Outfitters : FREE shipping. No minium. Ends 12/18. No promo code. Lacoste : Up to 40% off (Semi-Annual Sale) & FREE shipping. Online & In-stores. No promo code. Splendid : Up to 40% off (Winter Sale) & FREE shipping. Online & In-stores. No promo code. GAP : 30% off Online only. End 12/15. Promo code: GAPGIFT Banana Republic : 30% off. Online only. Ends 12/16. Promo code: BR30LIST J-Crew : 30% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/17. Promo code: WISHLIST Old Navy : 30% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/15. Promo code: ONGIFT American Eagle : 40% off. Online only. Ends 12/23. Promo code: 23815931 Justice : 40% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/16. Promo code: 740 Children's Place : 30% off & FREE shipping. Online & In-store. Ends 12/16. Pr...

  I love the idea of Little Cuties. Translation: Fruit, custard, cream or meringue mini-pies baked in ½-pint, oven-safe mason jars. What a perfectly portioned treat. Just press the crust into the containers (available at Amazon, Walmart, even your hardware store). Choose a canned filling or whip one up yourself. Come dessert time, there’s no need to cut and serve. “People can grab a jar and dig right in,” says Shaina Olmanson, author of Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats That Shine . “They’re great for parties.” And your waistline - as long as you eat just one. Great as gifts too! :: 2 Crowd Pleasing Little Cutie Ideas ::   Mini Apple Pies: Who doesn't love apple pie!?!? Ingredients: 2 boxes refrigerated pie crusts 8 Tbsp. butter 1/4 C flour 1/4 C granulated sugar 1/4 C brown sugar 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/8 tsp salt 6 C sliced apples 1/2 C dried cranberries (optional) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350° and set out 8 wide-mouth 8 oz jars. Cut...

Starbucks Buy One Holiday Beverage Get ONE FREE of equal or lesser value is here!!! Stop by Starbucks Thursday, December 13th (today) thru Sunday, December 16th between 2PM - 5PM and when you buy One Holiday Beverage, you get ONE FREE of equal or lesser value. Mix & Match your favorite flavors. This BOGO Free offer only valid for four days, so hurry on over with the kids after school or a friend you've been meaning to catch up with during promotional dates & times. If you're unsure if your location is participating, simply call your local Starbucks. Starbucks will carry the Holiday Drink tradition thru 12/31/12. Valid at participating locations. Not valid at airports & grocery retailer stores. Holiday flavors to choose from: Caramel Brulee Latte: Made with espresso, steamed milk and caramel Brulée sauce, topped with sweetened whipped cream and caramel Brulée topping. Peppermint Mocha: Made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint flavore...

  Give the sweetest present this year; yummy treats wrapped in pretty packages! :: Sweet :: Peppermint Bark  : 2 pounds (4 small tins) at $1.96 each Chocolate-Peppermint Cake Pops  : 48 pops at $.23 each Layered Chocolate Cookie Mix  : 1 jar at $7.33 each; 3 1/2 dozen baked cookies Marbled Walnut Fudge  : 4 dozen pieces at $4.01/dozen Mixed Berry Granola : About 6 cups at $1.98 per cup Cranberry-Poppyseed Biscuits : three 2 3/4 cup bags at $1.55 each :: Salty :: Chunky Salsa : Makes 10 cups at $1.53 Trio of Rubs : 1 jar (11 teaspoons) at $1.50 each :: Fast and Easy Gift Packaging Ideas :: Raid your pantry and drawers for these items to repurpose on the fly... Mason or other lidded glass jars: These are ideal for holding homemade candies, nuts and other small bites. Just sterilize with a quick boiling water bath first. A ribbon around the top makes it extra special. Brown paper bags: Use lunch sacks or cut apart large bags to make wrapping paper. Add a gin...

  Back in 2010, I jotted down a few gift ideas for specific people in your lives - the workaholic, the beauty queen, the movie buff. The list goes on. Sadly I'm sure there will be links that don't work and a few products that might seem "dated" or not even available anymore but reposting wasn't necessarily about the specific products but more to inspire your inner creativity to give something more thoughtful. Instead of just getting them something mainstream, think about each individual person. What do they really like to do? What is a gift they will keep and use, not toss in the drawer? Check out the post HERE . Happy Shopping!

When you need a last minute present or just simply don't have time to package and ship, the "Treater" app can't be beat! This free app (for both iPhone & Android) lets you instantly give any friend gift certificates from everything from movie tickets and massages to gourmet dinners. Simply pick and purchase a "treat" and send it via Facebook, text or email. Great for the holidays but a useful app all year round for those life events that sneak up on you!

No time to shop? Stumped on what to give a girlfriend that has everything? Give the gift of a re-occuring monthly box of high-end assorted cosmetics. Truly the gift that keeps on giving. For only $10-$21 per month (you can pick how many months you want the box delievered), the recipient will be able to try out in-demand, luxe skin creams, perfumes, makeup, and hair products. Here are a few beauty bento boxes to consider: Birchbox : Sidestep dissapointment by testing trial-size luxe beauty supplies that have receieved numerous thumbs-up. My favorite option from the list. $10/month. www.birchbox.com   Myglam : Not only does myglam offer it's four or five monthly samples in full or deluxe sizes, it also includes a cute makeup bag with every package. The website offers makeup tutorials too. $10/month. www.myglam.com Beautyarmy : This sampling program recommends makeup, fragrances, and more based on feedback from customer questionnaires. You can take user's advice or sel...

Stumped on what to get your sister? Friend? Babysitter? I know clothing is hard to give but the Bobeau Asymmetical Fleece Wrap Cardigan  makes the perfect gift. It lightweight so it can be worn year round. Flattering. A comfy throw on piece. And on sale! Currently marked down to $39.90 in the "Point of View" section at Nordstrom. Pair with a pair of earrings or a some nailpolish and you've got yourself a fashionable gift for under $50. Or if you want to bypass the mall chaos, buy online and get free shipping! Available in 13 colors.

December 1st. A perfect time to set out a game plan for the chaos of the coming weeks. And by game plan, I mean start making lists. I am a total list person. I have a list of a list of a list. I find that when I am most busy though, the Any.DO app is my saving grace. It's slogan says it all - MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Reviews on the internet claim it's better than Gmail Tasks. I agree. The functionality of the Any.DO app is spot on. When a to-do pops into my head, I quickly and easily log it as a today, tomorrow, this week or later task. Under each task, you have the ability to mark the task as urgent, move it to another folder (this is great if you want to separate lists into personal, work, etc), set an alarm to alert you about it on a specified day and time, add a note to it, or forward it to someone in your contacts book as an email or Facebook message. And if you don't want to type out your list, it has voice recognition. Think driving and list making. Ahhh, that sings t...

I find Oct, Nov, and Dec some of the most discouraging months of the year. Sure they are packed with memorable, fun-filled holiday festivities but with those festivities come an excess of mindless eating and drinking. And a season of busy schedules and not enough hours in the day. Gym? What gym. For me it starts at Halloween. I have a sweet tooth so trying to keep my damn hand out of the candy bowl is near impossible. Insert: Gain 2 lbs. Then Thanksgiving. Dave's favorite holiday. Which translates to a menu that consisted of: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, rolls, turkey, and cranberry. For two. Followed by round 2 at a friend's house. Insert: Too many pounds to willingly admit. Think heavy knee bends after shimmying into my jeans. And now the Christmas holiday is before my gut. I mean eyes. A few pounds heavier than my skin feels comfortable in and busier than ever. Did you know that new research shows that a 165-pound women has to pare o...

  Scrambling for a last minute Thanksgiving dessert idea that's not the same 'ol pumpkin or apple pie? This is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Salty meets sweet in this grand finale, which turns classic candy into a delectable tart with a custardy no bake filling. And don't stress, if you're crunched for time or the thought of making your own butter crust is daunting, a store bought pie crust will work as well.   ~Salted Caramel Tart~   Ingredients:   For Butter Crust: Yields (2) 9 -inch crusts   3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter (no substitutions) , cut up, room temperature 1/4 cup sugar              1/8 teaspoon salt 1 l...

Looking for a healthy appetizer that won't spoil your guest's appetite? Look no further. This twist on a veggie tray not only displays well but requires little prep time, minimal ingredients and is low in calories and fat (depending on your choice of dip). God forbid you need a starchy appetizer before you indulge in the most caloric meal of the year!! Fill each glass with your favorite dip, then add sliced carrots, celery sticks and pepper strips. Easy peasy. Kind of fun they look like turkey feathers too!