Homemade French Onion Dip

Happy Monday Planner Babes!

This week is what I consider the real kick off to the holiday season. I know, I know- technically it's Halloween, but for me this is when the real madness starts!

With all the entertaining, I always struggle with what to serve or bring along. When I tasted this dip at a friend's party I immediately knew it would be part of my repertoire. It's "get in ma belly!" kind of good!

We've all made the classic French Onion Dip with the powdered soup mix, but after tasting this you will NEVER use a mix again! The ingredients list is super simple- you probably have most of it on hand but it's not a last minute recipe. The prep is easy but it is a little time consuming cooking down the onions.

It's equally delicious with chips, pita, veggies, or potatoes. Personally, I like it with good ol' salty Ruffles. I would definitely suggest planning ahead and making it the night before you need it. Or at the very least, give it a couple of hours to let the flavours combine. I'm completely addicted! It may have been my dinner last night...

Enjoy!
xoxo
Desiree


You'll need:

2-3 Onions (I happened to have 3 white ones on hand)
1 Cup Mayo
11/2 Cups Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
Garlic Powder
Pepper ( I used a mix of black and white, but what ever you have will work!)
Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Low sodium Worcestershire Sauce- this is one of my favorite ingredients to add in. I use it in almost everything! It's just the most perfect savory seasoning.


Slice onions (I just happened to have white onions on hand) into thin rings then slice in quarters (or chop if you prefer smaller pieces)

Add 2-3 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil to a skillet and let it warm. Then add the onions to the warm oil. Toss in a dash (that's a measurement, right??) of Kosher Salt and Black Pepper, a smidge (another commonly used measurement) of Cayenne Pepper, and a couple of splashes of Worchererererrrrr Sauce (I swear I can never pronounce that!)  My Mother in Law always adds Black Pepper and Cayenne to her onions while cooking so it's something I do now too. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell amazing.

Cover the pan and cook the onions on Med/Low or Low heat for 45-60 minutes. I like to really take my time cooking these down.

Have a glass of wine. This is technically not part of the recipe, but I find it helps just about everything...

While the onions are cooking, mix 1 Cup of Mayo with 1 1/2 Cups of Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream, 1 Tsp of Pepper, and 1 Tsp of Garlic Powder.

When the onions are done, they'll look something like this. At this point, your kitchen will smell completely amazing!

Add cooled onions into the dip mixture.

Chill at least 2 hours then enjoy!  I hope you all love this as much as I do.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
xoxo
Desiree

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

Planner Girls... The Holidays are upon us! Christmas is IT- it's my time to shine. I LIVE for it: the decorating, baking, shopping, gift wrapping, list making... speaking of list making, I thought I would put together a fun wish list FULL of goodies that any girl (especially a planner girl) would love to have.  I certainly hope MY friends and family are reading this...HINT, HINT!

Blingy Gold ear buds  look much more lux than their $30 price tag.

How cute are these Sushi Staplers ($2.48)?? 

Cloth and Paper Conversation Pen Set ($6) Every Planner deserves a pretty pen to go with it and this set/2 is so reasonably priced!

This Planner Tassel ($16.95) would look cute as a purse charm too! 

 Rifle Paper Wall Calendars ($18) feature gold foiling on each gorgeous page.

Computer Keyboard Stickers ($14.95) make working so much more fun!

Blah, Blah, Blah Notepad ($14) I think this notepad will be for all my Hub's 'Honey-Do' lists and notes!

Monogram Ring Dish ($10) This would look cute holding paperclips and other desk trinkets.

Girl Boss ($16.49) A must read for any ladies that are or want to be- IN CHARGE. #girlpower

Starbucks Lips Tumbler ($19.95) Another collectible cup for my...errrrr, your collection!

Kate Spade 'Saucy' Phone Case ($45) Wink, wink! Smooch! Such a cheeky, little phone case for the girly girl.

Bath and Body Works Candle ($22) My favorite scent works not just for the Holidays, but all winter long.

Paper girls will love carrying their cards (and maybe washi tape samples??) in this Kate Spade Glitterbug Card Case ($48). 

May Designs Notebooks ($23 and up) These notebooks come in a TON of cover options, over a dozen formats and can be personalized!

Silhouette Curio ($249.99) Meet the newest member of the Silhouette family. *drool*

This buttery leather Whipping Post Vintage Tote ($195) becomes beautifully distressed and more perfect, the more you use it.

INSTAX Mini Instant Camera ($136.99) is such a cool, vintagey version of the instant camera.

INSTAX Smartphone Printer ($137.98) Well, now you need the printer to go with your new camera! This one prints directly from your smart phone too.

These sketch Sugar Paper Prints ($60) come in three options and are perfect in their simplicity.

Muji Acrylic Storage Boxes ($50) These acrylic boxes look equally great holding and organizing makeup, jewelry, or craft supplies.

Well, there it is- my top 20 list of Holiday Gift Ideas and just in time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping!  I hope you're inspired.

Happy Shopping!

XOXO

Desiree

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New 2016 Forever New Planners!

Hi Planner Girls!

Last year, I saw pictures floating around of this beauty from the Australian brand, Forever New. I instantly fell in love and tried, unsuccessfully to track her down. So this year when they launched- I was ready! Through a Facebook group I was able to purchase the two I wanted. I thought I would give a little review of each. Sorry for the lighting, it's a cloudy day here in Chicago.

First up is the Matilda, personal size in the Peony print. It's a beautiful pastel print, completely
different from last year's bright floral.  It's priced at $34.99 AUA which comes out to around $25 USD. I love that it includes an address book because, HOW many times have I lost a phone and lost all my contacts?? WAY too many times too count! I'm making more of an effort to write them all down now!

Next is the Sophie, A5 size in Pearlised Blush...SO pretty!! It's kind of a taupey gray color. This one retails for $39.99 AUA ($29 USD).  At first glance I thought it had a silver underlay but when I looked closer, it's actually a silver glitter that is so sparkly and adds a lot of dimension!

Overall, the quality is something comparable to what you would find at Forever 21 or H&M. The paper is thinner so if you're a stamper, the ink will probably show through! You've been warned...BUT if you're a die hard Planner Girl like me- then you'll get them as special collectible pieces.

Also, if you're wondering about the Peony dashboard and To Do list- they're from Biba Plans! I am NOT usually one to buy printable inserts. I just haven't had much luck with them- I can't cut them straight, or the print quality isn't the best...sigh... but when I saw these I couldn't resist! And I'm so glad I tried them. Roberta does such a great job!  Go check her out on IG and tell her I sent you ;)

Happy planning, ladies! Have an awesome weekend!
xoxo
Desiree