2 for 1 - Le Creuset & Italian Sausage Soup

I've got two special gals to thank for this post - my mom and my sister-in-law. Last Christmas my mom gave me a Le Creuset Dutch Oven for a gift. I love it! It looks great, cooks great, and cleans up easily. I love the deep red color and the heavy cast iron is perfect for simmering a big pot of soup. Speaking of soup, this recipe from my S-I-L, Amy, is one of our family favorites. I'm so glad she shared it with me. It's delicious, and perfect for the windy, wintery weather we are having today.

Italian Sausage Soup

1 lb Italian sausage (Bob Evans)

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 c carrots, chopped (make it easy - use the shredded carrots you toss on salads)

1/2 c celery, chopped

10-12 c chicken broth

1 x 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1 x 8oz tomato sauce

1/2 c orzo pasta

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp rosemary, chopped (optional)

1/2 tsp thyme (optional)

Cook sausage, onions, carrots & celery over medium heat until done. Drain off fat. Add everything but the Orzo and bring to boil. Reduce heat and cook for 30min - 1 hr. Add pasta, return to boiling and cook for 15-30 min, checking pasta for doneness. Serve - but don't forget to throw out the bay leaf.

CamelBak Water Bottle

I love it when someone shares one of their Favorite Things with me, as it often becomes one of my favorites, too! This Pearl comes from my friend, Liv. She tipped me off to these CamelBak Water Bottles. My old water bottle lost it's little rubber seal and I ended up with a soggy tennis bag, so I was in the market for a new one. This Camelbak water bottle is dishwasher safe and has a spill-proof bite valve straw. It holds 750 ml - enough to really hydrate. I'll admit, every now and then, I forget about the straw part and tip it up to drink and get nothing but air, but that should improve with practice. And, the straw makes it safer as it doesn't block your view when driving. There are lots of color choices - enough so that you could have a different color for each member of your family. I ordered mine from Amazon, but I have also seen them at Dick's Sporting Goods in our area.

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio

This is my all-time favorite lip gloss - Bobbi Brown Lip Tint. I love the hint of mint flavor, the beautiful colors, the SPF 15 protection and the easy, discreet application (No Messy Wand!). Now you can get a special holiday gift set - 3 lips tints for $28 - a steal as a single tube is around $17-18. And the colors are beautiful ~ Cherry ~ a sheer red; Blossom ~ a soft pink that I think I might save until spring; and Twilight Shimmer ~ a pretty neutral. You can find Bobbi Brown cosmetic counters at Nordstrom or Saks, or order direct from their website.

10-Scarf Hardwood Hanger

Scarves are popular - but how do you keep them neat, tidy, and accessible? This scarf hanger is the answer. Made of sturdy wood with very smoothly sanded holes - just slip your scarves through. These hangers are available at the thecontainerstore.com for $9.99. Now your scarves will be easy to see and easy to store. Love it!

Creme Brulee Almonds

If you are nutty for almonds like I am, then run, don't walk, to your nearest Sam's Club for some Creme Brulee Almonds. They are heavenly! Toasted almonds with a sweet cream layer, dusted in a thin layer of carmelized sugar. What's not to like? If you are not a Sam's Club member, google them and "Squirrel Brand" should pop up, which can be ordered from Amazon. These are soooo good!

Latest, Greatest Target Finds

Can't wait to tell you about my latest, greatest Target finds. The top T is C9 by Champion. It is made of duo-dry fabric, which feels like cotton but its moisture-wicking, comes in basic black, white & gray along with a bright turquoise and pink, and sells for only $9.99. Best of all - it's a little longer than a lot of excersise t's which means my middle stays covered in tennis when I'm reaching for an overhead! (the picture doesn't do it justice)

And have you seen the cute Graphic T's at Target lately? So cute, so fun, and the price can't be beat. I picked up two this fall - a light blue with a little purple bird decorated with beads and sequins and another in a abstract soft gray with a beaded embellishment, both in a textured slub cotton. And the price....only $12.99 - maybe one-quarter of similar styles sold at J Crew! I like to wear them with jeans and a jacket or cardigan - kind of my casual, work-at-home uniform.

What is your latest, greatest find from Target? Please, share!

My all-time favorite shirt(s)!

Boden Crinkle Jersey Shirt

The style of of shirt, the comfort of a T - what's not too love?!

I first came across this shirt several autumns ago in a rustic red print. The following spring, I just had to have the 3/4 sleeve version in a bright blue and crisp white. I thought that was enough, and perhaps it should have been, but this fall I couldn't resist this blue and purple circle print. So comfortable, so cute, so easy! There are several other colors and prints to choose from - check them out at www.bodenusa.com and watch for free shipping and/or 15% off specials.