Soups, Steals, and Scarves

Last weekend, I invited some girls over for a soup supper and scarf exchange.  Fun was had by all!  

The Menu:
Tomato-Basil Soup (recipe below)
Pioneer Woman's Olive Bread (Oh great! Now my mouth's watering!)
Tossed Salad with Vinaigrette or Ranch
A Variety of Yummy Desserts

I have been waiting for the weather to cool off so I could make this soup since July. I found it thumbing through our church cookbook. You know church ladies know how to cook! Let me tell you, it was worth the wait!

The scarf swap cracked me up! We all went around and confessed how many scarves we bought in preparation for the exchange.  Me- 2.  The winner- 5.  

We played it like a white elephant exchange at Christmas.  I was lucky #1, so I got the last steal at the end.  Opening each gift was like strolling down the scarf aisle at Target. 

This lime number was the first one I opened.  

I told my guests that it was my birthstone color, and only people born in August were allowed to steal it from me.  Obviously, some people weren't listening to my rules. 

I'm a bit of a sore loser!

My next round brought me this cream and black lovely.  

I absolutely love this color combo, and it is an easy go-to for me. But I traded it in for...

My grand prize.

I love this red!  This will be perfect for many occasions, now through February. I also love the dots on the end.  It kind of looks like...dare I say it...animal print.  Be still my heart!

Before the holiday parties begin, round up your girlfriends and be the hostess with the mostess at your own scarf exchange!

My Favorite Things

I'm happy to be joining up for a Favorite Things Party!  Perfect timing since we are beginning to plan gifts for co-workers and stocking stuffers.

Around this time of year, I really miss Oprah.  Did he talk about hot topics? Sure.  What she always interviewing A-list celebs? Yeah.  But what I really miss is Oprah's Favorite Things!  Somehow her favorite things were also my favorite things.  It just didn't know it yet and still can't afford them.  

Coming down from my cloud of Oprah greatness, I do have some things that I really love that anyone can afford.  They are all less than $10!

1.  NYX Mascara

I heard about the wonders of this mascara from a friend, as many good recommendations do. Now I'm recommending it, and I'm your friend (right?!), so you should grab some as well.  Things I love: lasts all day, comes in waterproof, sold at Target.  What's not to love?!

2.  Faded Glory Open Weave Scarf

I snatched this scarf up several weeks ago when I first saw it at WalMart.  Everytime I wear it, I get so many compliments- "I saw one just like it at a boutique!", "It looks like Anthropologie!", "You got it at WalMart?!!!"  It is so warm and comes in many great colors.  You can only buy it in stores, but to check it out, click here.  

3.  Green Dangle Earrings

I have worn these earring with everything-sometimes stretching the word "coordinate" beyond reasonable means. They are the perfect addition to any holiday party ensemble.  They will also look so fresh and spring-like after the first of the year.  Want to know the best part? They're only $4.50 at Sam Moon!  

What are your favorite finds under $10?