Gift Guide #2 via Etsy

As a follow up guide to yesterday, today I feature my Top 5 gift ideas (for men) via Etsy:

Driftwood Docking Station by Docksmith @ DOCKSMITH

Leather Keychain by Prim Leather Craft @ PrimObject

Beard Conditioner by Ash @ WildRoseHerbs

Man Soap by Heather @ FattysSoapCo

Tin Can Car Artwork by Gina @ AfricanSensations

Gift Guide via Etsy

I browse Pinterest far more than I should.  I can sit down and pass hours clicking through pins, boards and comments for inspiration.  It has become my go-to for holiday decor, meal planning, fashion, etc.  I often find the cutest gifts ideas pinned via Etsy, another site I have grown quite fond of.

Below I list my Top 5 gift ideas (for women) via Etsy:

1.  Monogrammed Envelop Clutch by Janet @ ThePreppyThread 

2.  Little Foxes 2014 Calendar by Stacie @ Gingiber

3.  Midi stacking Dainty Rings by Kelly Jo @ DurangoDreamDesigns

4.  Eco-friendly Lip Balms by Irina @ PhoenixBotanicals

5.  State (of your choice) Acrylic Necklace by Josh n Hannah @ ShilohValleyDesigns

I hope this gave you some ideas for any last minute shopping you still have left to do.  There are several other gift guides out there which also have some good ideas.  Happy Etsy shopping!

Volunteer Work: Little Theater of Virginia Beach

Last week I received an email from Dennis at the Little Theater of Virginia Beach.  He was seeking volunteers to help build the set for the newest production of Black Tie by A.R. Gurney.  At first I was worried I would miss the opportunity.  Set building fell right during Finals Week at school. However, I was able to squeeze in some time between finals, last minute assignments, working, baking, shopping, and all the other things I have been doing this week.

This production of Black Tie directed by Joan Patterson will be hitting the stage January 17th, 2013 and continue until February 2nd, 2014.  Auditions were held mid November and the cast was actually rehearsing as the volunteers painted the set.  YES, I got to help paint the set!  Maybe that doesn't sound like too much fun to you, but it was more about the awesome people I met.  A big hello to Dennis, Wade, Hannah, Charlotte, and all the other volunteers that helped make this night a great experience.  Too bad I am not able to go back tomorrow due to my last final of the semester.

Black Tie synopsis:  Father of the groom, Curtis, simply wants to make a memorable toast. Before he is able to raise his glass, he must defend the time-honored ways of his past, including his attire.  Cultures clash when a surprise guest is announced, threatening to throw convention out the window. Curtis finds that balancing the standards of his late father and the needs of his future family may prove too messy for a black tie affair.

For more information about volunteering or to purchase tickets please visit the Little Theater of Virginia Beach website. 

Some posters from previous productions signed by the casts and crews. 

Backstage

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Recipe: Candy Bar Pretzel Bites

I am always on the lookout for quick and easy holiday treats to make that are a little different.  I ran across this recipe from Tonia at www.thegunnysack.com.  Just a few ingredients and it conquers that salty/sweet craving in just one bite.

Candy Bar Pretzel Bites (please visit the link above for the original recipe)

Ingredients:
mini candy bars (I used Snickers)
pretzels (rectangle)
white chocolate chips
sprinkles

Instructions:
1.  Line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or non-stick parchment paper.
2.  Unwrap all the mini candy bars and set aside.
3.  Top the baking sheet with pretzels (keeping in mind how many candy bars you have).

4.  Then place one candy bar on top of each pretzel.

5.  Warm them in an oven set to 300 degrees for 3 to 5 mins.

6.  Remove the tray gently and press an additional pretzel on top of each bite, pressing down slightly creating a sandwich.

7.  Allow the chocolate to harden.

8.  Melt the white chocolate chips.  I did mine in the microwave, but you can also use the double-boiler method.

9.  Dip one side of the candy bar pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate and return to baking sheet.

10.  Add sprinkles.

11.  Allow to harden and cool completely.  I am impatient, so I stuck mine in the refrigerator.

12.  Transfer to a dish and ENJOY!