Lunchtime Links for December 22nd, 2014

• Kirbie's Cravings: Hot chocolate cookies.
• Handle the Heat: Gingerbread fudge.
• Averie Cooks: Soft and chewy M&M chocolate chip cookies.
• Picky Palate: 5 minute holiday cookies. 
• Crazy for Crust: Cookie dough Ritz crackers.

Shake Shack Coasters

Nothing like some Shake Shack home goods to class up my apartment, haha.  

I saw these coasters on Shake Shack's website while they were offering a Black Friday discount, and I knew I wanted to have these for my place.  They're a nice lightweight wood with cork on the bottom so they won't scuff up your table.  I love the engraved burger logo, it's such a fun way to show some Shake Shack love in my own home :o) 

Lunchtime Links for December 19th, 2014

• Crazy for Crust: Chocolate mocha snickerdoodles.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Thick Nutella hot chocolate.
• Oh, Sweet Basil: Cashew chicken.
• The Pioneer Woman: Gingerbread cookies. 
• The First Year Blog: Gingerbread men Oreo balls.

Starbucks - 40% Off Holiday Merchandise

I was VERY pleasantly surprised to find out that one of my local Starbucks stores was having a 40% off holiday merchandise sale until Christmas Eve - the perfect time for me to grab the items that I've been eyeing for a few weeks!

I love the Gold Dot tumbler - it reminds me of a Kate Spade or C. Wonder design, and it's very cute in person.  I heard some bad reviews about the ceramic lid (mainly that it doesn't stay on once the tumbler is filled), but since I plan on using this as a regular (non-traveling) mug, that shouldn't be an issue.  And of course I had to get the holiday cup ornaments - there were so many new ones this year!  I already had the rest (gold and the red holiday design) so these three will complete my collection haha.  I'm not sure that every store is offering 40% off, but be sure to check multiple locations if you're interested in any of the holiday items! 

Lunchtime Links for December 18th, 2014

• Brown Eyed Baker: Chocolate crinkle cookies.
• Averie Cooks: Cinnamon-sugar streusel baked French toast.
• Table for Two: Homemade whipped body butter.
• Bake at 350: Mini gingerbread houses.
• The Comfort of Cooking: Soft chocolate chip cookies.

Andy Cohen - DC Book Signing

I recently had my second opportunity to see the fabulous Andy Cohen - he made a stop at Sixth & I in DC during his book tour for "The Andy Cohen Diaries"!  I'm very happy to have been able to see him at signing events for both of his books - this one included a fun interview session by Wolf Blitzer, how very DC!

Although the book signing portion was very strict (and with good reason, there were hundreds of people waiting to get their book signed, haha), I definitely wanted to bring a little something for Wacha, Andy's dog.  I saw this super cute bagel with cream cheese, and I thought it was the perfect gift for Wacha that Andy would also appreciate, haha.

The employees working the event were in charge of taking photos with our phones/cameras, and luckily the guy took some photos as I was giving Andy my gift for Wacha.  As you can see I also wore my Target doughnut sweater to "coordinate" with the bagel, haha.  

It was so fun seeing Andy again, and I love his new book so far! Everyone should go buy it, or ask for it as a holiday gift! 

Lunchtime Links for December 17, 2014

• Crazy for Crust: Kit Kat fudge. 
• Averie Cooks: Chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookie.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Hot chocolate mug cake.
• Picky Palate: Cookie dough chocolate bark.
• Brown Eyed Baker: Peanut butter blossoms.

Lunchtime Links for December 16th, 2014

• Averie Cooks: Skinny pumpkin pie dip.
• The Comfort of Cooking: No-knead crescent rolls.
• Damn Delicious: Beef noodle stir fry.
• Crazy for Crust: Chocolate peanut butter truffle cookies. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Vietnamese garlic butter noodles.

Starbucks - Ornament Mugs

I always love getting Christmas ornaments from some of my favorite stores (Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Shake Shack to name a few), and this year Starbucks really stepped it up with a LOT of little decorative items available during the holidays.  

The "Oh, what fun" mug is actually a functional mug - it's the same as this boxed demi cup online, just with a different design.  Since it really only holds espresso (which I don't drink at home), I thought it was a cute item to have sitting under my tree alongside some of the heavier decorations I have.  

The Washington, DC cup is actually an ornament, and part of the You Are Here collection.  I love the gold design, it's perfect as a holiday decoration and a gift for anyone that just moved to the area, or has a lot of DC-area pride haha.  I think these are a great addition to my growing holiday decorations! 

Lunchtime Links for December 15th, 2014

• Bakerella: Mini mummies.
• My Baking Addiction: Pumpkin cheesecake with salted caramel sauce.
• Damn Delicious: One pot garlic Parmesan pasta.
• Oh, Sweet Basil: Nutella bars.
• Cookies & Cups: Pumpkin gooey butter cake.

Turkey Hill - Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

As soon as I heard about Turkey Hill's Pumpkin Pie ice cream, I knew I had to try it out!  Luckily, I was offered the chance to sample this flavor soon after I heard about it, which was especially good since I hadn't yet seen it in stores by me.

As you can see, this Pumpkin Pie isn't just pumpkin flavored ice cream; the dark lines are cinnamon graham cracker swirls.  I love the extra flavors that the swirls had, and it really made the ice cream taste like a pie, rather than just pumpkin ice cream.  Which isn't to say the pumpkin ice cream wasn't good - it was really a very tasty and creamy ice cream that any pumpkin dessert lover would enjoy.  Would it be too much to top a slice of real pumpkin pie with this ice cream? Perhaps, but it's a delicious idea nonetheless, haha.  This is a limited edition flavor, so be sure to check your supermarket ASAP if you're interested in trying it out!

Note: I was offered a sample of this Turkey Hill ice cream, but not paid or required to write a post about it. 

Lunchtime Links for December 12th, 2014

• Averie Cooks: Sourdough bread.
• Simply Happenstance: Pumpkin ice box cake.
• Dessert for Two: Butter cake cookies.
• Oh, Sweet Basil: Banana bread muffins with crumb topping.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Momofuku's corn cookies. 

Sugar Paper x Target

I heard about the Sugar Paper x Target collaboration last year, but by then they were already gone from the stores and not sold online anymore.  This year, I definitely didn't want to miss the chance to get some planners and calendars!

In addition to the two planners above, I wound up also getting two calendars and an additional monthly planner. I am SO excited to use these come January! Each one is so cute, very well organized, and reasonably priced.  Definitely check out your local Target, they should still be out on the shelves if your location carries them. 

Lunchtime Links for December 10th, 2014

• Cookies & Cups: Campfire cookies. 
• Damn Delicious: Crab Rangoon dip.
• Oh, Sweet Basil: Chocolate peanut butter truffles.
• Averie Cooks: Baked French Toast muffins.
• I Heart Naptime: One hour cinnamon rolls.

Lunchtime Links for December 9th, 2014

• Dine and Dish: Pumpkin snickerdoodles.
• Picky Palate: Pesto chicken noodle soup.
• The Pioneer Woman: Pumpkin sheet cake.
• Kevin & Amanda: Dark chocolate salted caramel Oreo pie.
• My Baking Addiction: Banana bread coffee cake.

Shake Shack - 2014 Ornament

This year's official Shake Shack ornament is soooooooooooo cute - as soon as I saw them advertising it online I knew I had to go and get one.  

They are currently running a promotion where if you buy a $25+ gift card you can get this cute gingerbread man ornament for free.  Knowing that I'll be spending my money there often anyway, I got my gift card and free ornament right when they were available, haha.  This wooden ornament is very lightweight, which is good for someone like me that has a very tiny tree that can't handle heavy ornaments.  The ornament on its own is also available for $9, and makes a great gift for any fans of Shake Shack! 

Lunchtime Links for December 8th, 2014

• Oh, Sweet Basil: Pumpkin cheesecake dip.
• How Sweet It Is: Thai crunch Brussels sprouts.
• I Heart Naptime: Creamy mashed potatoes.
• La Fuji Mama: Graham cracker brownies.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Baked sweet and sour chicken.

City Sports - Rockville, MD

I was recently invited to check out the new City Sports location in Rockville, Maryland as part of their Bloggers' night, and I was excited to check out this new store with my friend A.  You might think this is a little random for my blog... it is, but I always like checking out new stores in my area, and I always like fun workout clothes haha.  This City Sports is located in the new Pike & Rose complex, which is still under construction but coming along very nicely.  There's a big parking garage in the space, and already a few new restaurants and shops that are open for business.

The store is spacious, and I noticed something that I'm not sure was on purpose.  As far as I could tell, the shelves and signage weren't tall enough to block the rest of the store behind it - which is great for someone that is really short, haha.  Even I could look around the store and see each section easily.  Everything is laid out clearly so it's easy to figure out which section you're looking for.  The staff was very friendly and eager to help out, so be sure to ask any questions you have - especially about running shoes!

For the event, there was a Brooks rep at a table with different products displayed, and their different shoe designs (and each one's benefits) on the display board.  A lot of the shoes looked familiar because I regularly see them on The Hungry Runner Girl's blog :o)

You might notice a theme in the items I was drawn to, haha. I love the combination of dark grey/black with the bright mint/turquoise! I feel like these bright pops of color would actually make me happy to work out, haha. 

I also kept coming back to this SUPER SOFT Nike running hoodie (pretty much the same as this one online, I believe).  It looked so comfortable, and I maaaaaaay be going back to the store to take another look at it.  

Thank you to City Sports for inviting me, the delicious Del Frisco's Grille appetizers, and the super fun gift bag as well. Welcome to the neighborhood, City Sports! 

*I was invited to a blogger's night at this City Sports location but not required to write a blog post, I just wanted to share my shopping experience!*

City Sports - Rockville

11600 Old Georgetown Road

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Lunchtime Links for December 5th, 2014

• Kirbie's Cravings: Reese's spread mug.
• The First Year Blog: Gingerbread chocolate fudge.
• Oh, Sweet Basil: Pumpkin pie cake.
• Love and Olive Oil: Pumpkin chocolate chip Bundt cake.
• Dine & Dish: Biscoff pancakes.

Starbucks - $3 Frappuccinos

Calling all Frappuccino lovers!  Starting today through Sunday (12/5-12/7) starting at 2pm each day, participating Starbucks locations are offering grande Frappuccinos for only $3!

This is a great little treat for the weekend, and a chance to try out a new flavor at a cheaper price. This might be a good time for me to try the Chestnut Praline Frappuccino, since I LOVE the latte version so much :o)

Lunchtime Links for December 4th, 2014

• Kirbie's Cravings: Churros con chocolate.
• The Comfort of Cooking: Cinnamon-sugar spiced pumpkin pie donuts.
• The Pioneer Woman: Pumpkin ravioli.
• Cookies & Cups: Biscoff cloud cookies.
• Crazy for Crust: Homemade sugar cookie mix.

Picky Palate's Perfect M&M Cookies

I saw this Picky Palate recipe for "Perfect M&M cookies", and I was intrigued by the use of instant pudding mix.  The recipe was very easy to follow, and the raw dough smelled even more delicious with the vanilla pudding haha.  

While my cookies turned out considerably rounder than Picky Palate's version, these cookies were soft and super delicious.  I highly recommend this for anyone that is looking for a new twist on a classic cookie recipe! 

Lunchtime Links for December 3rd, 2014

• Picky Palate: Peanut butter pumpkin spice chocolate chunk cookies. 
• Damn Delicious: Bang Bang shrimp.
• Crazy for Crust: Candy bar pie.
• Handle the Heat: Mini Calzones.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. 

Lunchtime Links for December 2nd, 2014

• Kirbie's Cravings: Skinny pumpkin mug cake.
• Cookies and Cups: Pumpkin spice caramel sauce.
• Dine & Dish: Minestrone soup.
• Bake at 350: Cake batter blondie bars.
• My Baking Addiction: No-bake peanut butter bars.

Shake Shack - December Custard Calendar

Seeing the custard flavors change each month at Shake Shack is always fun, but it's especially nice when it's the holidays and there's a theme to the month's flavors.  This month we have the following:

Monday: Christmas Cookie
Tuesday: Gingerbread
Wednesday: Eggnog
Thursday: Chocolate Pecan Pie
Friday: Jelly Donut
Saturday: Candy Cane Crunch
Sunday: Sweet Potato Marshmallow

Christmas Cookie is delicious, and I'm glad it came back again this year! I also look forward to trying the Gingerbread and Sweet Potato Marshmallow custards, yum!

Lunchtime Links for December 1st, 2014

• Kirbie's Cravings: Honey orange chicken.
• The First Year Blog: Pumpkin Scotcheroos.
• Dessert for Two: Homemade gingerbread latte.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Brown butter pasta with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
• Bake at 350: Peanut butter pumpkin cookies. 

Georgetown Cupcake - December Flavors

December always means a lot of fun holiday-themed flavors at Georgetown Cupcake- this year's lineup looks great!

- Chocolate Egg Nog: Valrhona chocolate egg nog cupcake topped with a rum-infused frosting, a dusting of nutmeg and a light blue fondant snowflake.

- White Chocolate Peppermint: White Callebaut chocolate peppermint-infused cupcake topped with a candy-cane striped white chocolate buttercream frosting.

- Chocolate Peppermint: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich peppermint-infused Callebaut chocolate ganache icing topped with crushed peppermint candies.

- Gingerbread: Gingerbread cupcake topped with a cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and a fondant gingerbread man.

- Snowball Coconut: Georgetown Cupcake's holiday inspired coconut cupcake topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes.

- Rudolph Red Velvet: Classic red velvet cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting topped with a fondant red-nosed reindeer.

- Snowy Vanilla and Buttercream: Classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake topped with a vanilla buttercream frosting, sparkling sanding sugar, and a shimmering light blue fondant snowflake.

- Christmas Caramel: Caramel cupcake with a salted caramel-infused buttercream frosting topped with a caramel drizzle and a green fondant Christmas tree.

- Holiday Lava Fudge: Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich fudge core topped with a vanilla icing, a fudge star drizzle, and a green fondant Christmas tree.

- Christmas Butterscotch Cheesecake: Callebaut butterscotch cheesecake with a graham cracker crust topped with a butterscotch frosting and fondant holly.

- Santa's Chocolate Chip: Vanilla chocolate chip cupcake with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting topped with a fondant snowflake.

- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Georgetown Cupcake's modern twist on the traditional English sticky toffee pudding - Toffee cupcake with a caramel core, topped with a toffee-infused frosting, and a caramel star drizzle and fondant holly.