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Gorgeous Textured Drinking Glasses: I LOVE These Vintage-Looking Beauties.

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This set of 6 Textured, Vintage Drinking Glasses (Amazon link) is so breathtakingly beautiful I want to order a set for me, one set for each of my three daughters, and a set for all of you as well. Unfortunately, my bank account prohibits that last one so I’ll just show them to you.

I mean that’s something, right??!

I am ALL about surrounding myself with vintage decor, glasses, lamps, books, old movies.. I guess it’s safe to say I live in a state of vintage.

I also love things that are unspeakably pretty and unique and this set certainly fits that description as well.

These beauties come in clear (shown on the right), pink, green, amber, and blue – they’re seriously all so gorgeous I have no idea how I’m going to choose. I mean the clear would be ideal for holidays, matching dinnerware of any season.. but the other colors are so stunning.

About this item:

From Amazon:

  • Vintage-inspired design and embossing that are long lost to bring you a glass that you will be proud to serve your guest with! They will elevate every cocktail or signature mocktail. They look great on a bar cart or with exposed cupboards. Great for floating shelves or behind your favorite bar.
  • Sweet tea glasses, Water glasses, juice cups, these are great for any cold drink from cocktails to mocktails and even beer! With a nice weight they feel great in your hand and look even better! The retro boho esthetic is sure to make all your guest where you got them from!
  • Looking for a hostess gift, housewarming gift, Christmas present for newly weds or anyone who likes to entertain? These drinking glasses look beautiful in a cabinet or displayed out on a bar cart for all to see! Coordinate your color choice with your cocktails this holiday for a real crowd pleaser!
  • The 13 oz. Vintage Textured Drinking Glasses are embossed with vertical ribbed lines around the base and intricate circular patterns. Not only drinking glasses, they also make a great display for shelves filled with pampas grass or small bouquets of flower, office supplies, toothbrushes and so much more!
  • Each glass measures 3.25 x 4.75 x 3.25 and are safely bubble wrapped and shipped in a brown box. The glasses have a 13 ounce capacity are Lead free.

See 6 Textured, Vintage Drinking Glasses (Amazon link) for a closer look. You’re going to flip over the gorgeous colors.

Short Message For Anyone Who Has to Eat a Restricted Diet: Tips and Advice from the Front Lines

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Salad with Chia Seeds

My Beloved Salads Have Never Betrayed Me!

If you have to eat any kind of a restricted diet, due to any of the following mood busters…

  • Celiac Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Food Allergies
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Or any other condition that insists on being your meal planner

… you know that the challenges are very real, you know that occasional feelings of gloom WILL happen, you know that others who do not have to eat your restricted diet have ZERO idea what it is like, and you know that… well, let’s be honest… it kind of sucks.

Having said that, there are certain tips and mindset “tweaks” that can help keep a smile on your face while keeping your body healthier and, thereby, helping you stay around longer for this extraordinary ride we call life.

I’ve had to live without gluten and wheat for over 10 years. There’s a certain reality you face when you have to make the dietary restrictions as an adult… it’s actually much harder because you know what you’re missing for one thing and, for another, it literally involves throwing aside everything you know and embarking on a journey that has been planned without your consent.

I was recently reminded of this very fact when, on top of having to diligently eat gluten and wheat free, my body has decided that… while we’ve had a strained relationship for years… it needs a trial separation from dairy. Possibly permanent, but definitely trial. Seems it isn’t completely thrilled about its relationship with hamburgers or eggs either at this time.

Cool beans… No wait, I can’t eat beans either… let’s make that cool carrots…  Cool carrots, time to restructure my meals and diet and to be even more mindful of everything I put into my face.

If this sounds like complaining, I apologize. I’m not angry and I certainly don’t feel sorry for myself, even remotely. It’s just kind of frustrating, that’s all. But, as I did many years ago, when I had to walk away from all wheat and gluten, including my absolute obsessions fried catfish at my favorite restaurant and onion rings from any restaurant, I will quickly adapt. In fact, I’m very blessed and grateful that plans and diets have already been laid out for me… I’m using a combination of the Paleo diet, the Bulletproof diet, and the Low FODMAP diet… in addition to my already firmly in place gluten-free diet. I’m unspeakably grateful that so many dairy alternatives exist on the market, as well as so many clearly-marked gluten-free foods. It makes cooking a lot easier when you simply have to make a substitution.. or, in my case, usually a couple of substitutions.

Cheese is going to absolutely be the hardest thing for me. I’m hoping that, once my leaky gut or IBS (whichever has been rough-housing me) has settled down, I can reintroduce it to cheese every now and then. If I can…. great! If not… well, that’s fine. As God reminded me recently, there’s a LOT more to life than just food. I mean, I always knew that, but one day (when realizing I needed to make yet another adjustment to my eating…which btw apparently will include stopping red meat for a while) I was driving through town, looking at all the cars in the fast food drive thrus and parking lots. I remembered the days when I could simply grab a burger and a diet Coke without thinking twice. I remembered when my husband and I could go out to eat anywhere we chose, instead of having the choice determined by my restrictions.

Just as a gorgeous day was becoming overcast with my negative thoughts, God reminded me (paraphrasing, here) to look at the beautiful blue sky, listen to the birds, think of my husband, daughters, sons-in-law, precious grandbabies, and cats. He reminded me to think of my flower beds I was already so excited about. He let me know that there is SO much more to life than food.

Amen!

Truth be told, though, over the years, this was one of my only weak moments. I attribute this one to the ‘yet again” emotions – the fact that big changes had to be made. Seriously, y’all, if someone would just stop moving the goalposts, it’d be lovely lol.

It’s been a few weeks since that wake-up call and I honestly feel SO much better. In fact, implementing dietary changes has me feeling so much better, physically, that I’m kind of excited to see how it all plays out. I even lost 5 very stubborn pounds that had already become such a part of my life I had all but given them names.

A few tips for anyone who has new (or old) dietary restrictions they need to make peace with:

  1. Food isn’t everything. As a nation, we Americans pretty much make our lives revolve around food, don’t we. If we want to get out for a drive through the country on a beautiful day, we grab a quick hamburger and fries or milkshake for the journey. Every family get together (from Super Bowl Sunday to holidays) revolves around food. And while there’s no getting around it or really any reason to change things, we can be smarter. Maybe by grabbing a bag of snacks and large tumbler of tea  from home before the ride through the country. Or having get togethers center around healthier options – a taco bar or even salad bar if you have enough vegetable lovers in your group.
  2. Look at what you CAN eat rather than what you CAN’T eat. This one may seem subtle but it’s so important I would have put it first, but there’s no way I’m leap-frogging over God’s advice. I made a list and printed it out of foods I can enjoy while eating Paleo – whether it’s for a specific amount of time or forever and ever, Amen. I didn’t even write down the ones I can’t touch – after all, I already know them, I don’t want to give them any more attention. I’m turning my attention to the many foods and drinks waiting to help me out. They’re my teammates now and I’m focusing on them. A word of caution when you research what foods are and are not on a particular diet. Whether it’s FODMAP, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, or any such diet, there is a LOT of conflicting information online. For kicks (what can I say, it was a slow day) I Googled “are white potatoes high or low FODMAP” once and got at least a dozen different answers. Fascinated, I asked Google if white potatoes were on the Paleo diet.. again, different results! This bottomless pit of conflicting information led to the next tip..
  3. Do your research! If you’re embarking on a particular diet, please do a great amount of research first. Arm yourself with information or you won’t get anywhere. I would seek out the most reputable sources possible. I have a great number of books I’ve turned to for each of the three diets I’m pulling from the Paleo and Bulletproof diets are extremely similar, the Paleo one is simply more constructed and clearly-defined…. no “maybe this could be okay..” with Paleo – it’s more of a “don’t even put it in the cart,” which is the structured approach I frankly need right now. Having a great library of books will arm you with the information you need and help take a lot of worry and stress off of you. Let someone else do the heavy lifting with you! (Books I recommend are at the bottom).
  4. If you’re cooking for yourself as well as others without restrictions, take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay! One of the things I hear most people on restrictive diets complain about the most is having to fix several different meals instead of just one. Personally, I think of it as, “I GET to cook several meals instead of one” because (A) It means I have loved ones at my dinner table and (B) It means they don’t have to restrict their options.. good on them! I think most people aren’t setting themselves up for success. They’re making life way too complicated. For example, tonight I’m making Big Mac Salads for supper (one of my husband’s favorite meals in the world!). I’ll prepare the pickles, onions, romaine lettuce and other vegetables and throw them into a huge bowl. So far, so good. Then I’ll cook his ground beef in one pan while cooking my ground turkey in another (trust me, it’s delicious!).. each will be seasoned and placed in separate bowls to stay warm. When put together at the table, he’ll be able to add his meat, croutons, and dressing made with milk to his plate while I add my meat, gluten-free croutons, and dressing made with almond milk to mine. Easy peasy.  Meal planning may take a little more thought, but half the battle is simply having your options on hand and in mind. More on that next..
  5. Have a shelf for your food in the refrigerator and pantry. It will make it a lot easier, and healthier, on you if you (after careful label-reading and research) have a designated shelf in the fridge for foods that are safe for you. I mean, who wants to go digging through the refrigerator – especially if they have to keep reading those cursed tiny ingredient lists each time. Set yourself up for success and make life easier on yourself. Do the same with the pantry. Hunting for “safe” foods is a headache and does nothing but add stress.
  6. If you’re on Instagram or Pinterest, search out reputable accounts that deal with your particular dietary needs. Instagram has been a wealth of both information AND inspiration to me and have made a huge difference in making the dietary transitions. HUGE difference.

Some books and cookbooks I highly recommend:

(All links are Amazon links)

*** PALEO and BULLETPROOF ***

The Simple Paleo Kitchen

Eating Paleo (Complete Idiot’s Guide)

Celebrations

Five Ingredient Paleo Cookbook

The Bulletproof Diet

Bulletproof: The Cookbook

*** LOW FODMAP DIET ***

FODMAP Friendly: 95 Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Recipes

My next article will feature some of my favorite Paleo-Friendly snacks and foods, dairy substitutions, and favorite gluten-free foods.  And remember, stay positive… you’ve got this! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

 

Chef Michael Symon’s 5 in 5: 5 Fresh Ingredients + 5 Minutes = 120 Fantastic Dinners (Raving Review)

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Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 Cookbook

Since having to give up gluten and wheat, I have had to go back and edit a few of my cookbook reviews. I’m focusing more on gluten-free/wheat-free foods and don’t want to risk recipes or photos that could be confusing to anyone who has to eat gluten-free. The Cookbook review I’m editing and republishing today is one I absolutely love, Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 (Amazon link). Not long ago, when I told someone I collected cookbooks, she asked what my top 6 cookbook recommendations would be. The first thing out of my mouth (well, actually fingers, we were talking through Twitter DMs), was “Anything by Michael Symon…. but I’d start with his wonderful 5 in 5.”

A Few Thoughts Before Publishing my Edited Review:

  • Every cookbook can easily be altered in order to make the recipes gluten-free. You simply have to be diligent about making certain your replacements are in fact gluten-free. If you have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease, an intolerance, or an allergy, I HIGHLY recommend always looking for the gluten-free label on the product, itself. Don’t trust the label on the grocery store shelf – look at the product. When it comes to substituting pasta, for example in the wonderful Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale recipe in this very cookbook, more times than not I simply replace the ingredient with potatoes. I’ve used gluten-free pasta many times as well, but always love the extra goodness and flavor potatoes bring to a recipe. Bread is also very easy to “clean up,” whether it’s by using gluten-free bread, a wrap, or (my “go t0”), simply putting shredded lettuce in a bowl, adding the sandwich components, and calling it a “bowl.” The Fried Bologna and Egg recipe in this cookbook is delicious this way… you cut out extra calories AND the crunchy iceberg or Romaine lettuce adds so much to the flavors.
  • The original review was posted back in 2013 (before I had to leave gluten and wheat behind), yet this remains one of the cookbooks in my collection I turn to the most often. Most of the recipes, in fact, are memorized by now! Want to know another one I use just as often? Michael Symon’s Fix it With Food (Amazon link). There’s simply something about his extraordinary recipes I love – they’re PACKED with flavor, healthy, and never too highbrow. At this point, if he writes a cookbook, I’m one of the first to order it.

(Review Continued Below…)

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Every now and then (quite often, actually), my husband does something super cool.  His recent act of coolness involved ordering me a new cookbook from Amazon. Not just any cookbook, mind you. This was the newest cookbook by one of our favorite Food Network Chefs, Michael Symon.

Like any good Food Network groupie, I knew Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 (Amazon link) was about to hit stores and like any good Food Network groupie, my plans were in place to grab a copy asap. I was beaten to the punch, but the only things that matter are that 5 in 5 is in my eager hands and that it’s even better than I’d expected.

From the Back Cover:

With his boisterous laugh and Midwestern charm, Michael Symon has become one of the most beloved cooking personalities on television. For ABC’s The Chew, he developed a brilliant, simple formula to help home cooks pull together fresh, from-scratch meals on weeknights: a maximum of five fresh ingredients that cook in five minutes. This cookbook ties into the segment, featuring dazzlingly quick, satisfying dinners that the whole family will love.

Michael first teaches readers how to set up their pantries with essentials that make whipping up dinner easy. Then he shares 120 recipes for pastas, skillet dinners, egg dishes, grilled mains, kebabs, foil packets, and sandwiches illustrated in 75 photographs. This is streamlined cooking for busy families and firmly solves the “what’s for dinner?” conundrum for home cooks everywhere. With a 5 in 5 recipe, there’s always time for a home-cooked meal.

The only exception I take with the description is this: I’ve made two of these dinners, so far, and Fantastic doesn’t even begin to cover it. These. Recipes. Will. Blow. Your. Mind.

Michael Symon's 5 in 5 Cookbook

Below are a few of the other recipes from 5 in 5:

(reminder: if you have to eat gluten-free, simply make safe substitutions you’re absolutely sure of)

  • Cavatelli with Cauliflower and Red Pepper Flakes
  • Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale
  • Lazy Meatball Kebabs with Yogurt
  • Fried Bologna & Egg
  • Spicy 50/50 Burger
  • Chicken Marsala
  • Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
  • Pork Schnitzel
  • Swiss Steak
  • Bricked Grilled Chicken with White Bean Salad
  • Grilled Skirt Steak with Chickpea Salad
  • Caramelized Banana Sundae
  • Salted Caramel Sundae
  • Ultimate BLT
  • Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone
  • Salmon with Rosemary and Garlic
  • Turkey and Avocado Melt
  • Poached Eggs Parmesan
  • Sloppy Mikes
  • Eggs in Hell
  • Plus Many more!

In the front of the book, you’ll find timesaving tips, Chef Symon’s favorite flavor combinations, and great pantry advice.  The book’s filled with gorgeous photos, including photos of Michael Symon and his beautiful wife. As one of the most genuinely likable celebrity chefs (or any celebrity or any chef for that matter!), one of the best things Michael Symon’s books have going for them is his personality – it comes through alongside his skills as a chef and the result is a cookbook you’ll always keep in plain sight.

If you love great food and love looking like a superhero to your family, you’ll want to order your own copy of Michael Symon’s 5 in 5: 5 Fresh Ingredients + 5 Minutes = 120 Fantastic Dinners today. This cookbook would also make an IDEAL gift for anyone, whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Graduation, or “Here’s this because you’ll love it…” basically any occasion.


GORGEOUS Acacia Wood Spoon Rest

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I ran across this handsome Acacia Wood Spoon Rest (Amazon link) a few minutes ago and fell head over heels in love with it. It’s a heckuva lot more attractive than draping a spoon over the side of a mug or pan, isn’t it?!

I actually found it because I was shopping in the Folkulture shop on Amazon. Their kitchen towels are something of an obsession to me, but I had never bothered to check to see if they had other items as well.

Lesson learned… always check!

Acacia Wood Spoon Rest:

(Description below is from Amazon)

  • This spatula rest or cooking spoon holder is handcrafted in acacia wood and measures 4.7 Inches in diameter. The ladle holder is a must-have kitchen essential which can hold spoons, spatulas, ladle or tongs.
  • These rustic spoon rests make for the perfect wooden kitchen accessories. The kitchen spoon rest for stove top comes with a rubber grip and is anti-slip unlike other ceramic or silicon spoon rest.
  •  This boho spoon rest for stove looks extremely premium and will add elegance to your kitchen decor. This tea spoon holders can even be used to store coffee or tea spoons after use.
  •  The wooden spoon rest or kitchen utensil holder has an easy circular design with a natural finish. It is easy to wipe and clean with wet cloth making it absolutely fuss-free.
  • This kitchen utensil rest will be a perfect gift for friends and family. This boho kitchen accessory makes for a perfect housewarming gift in this cooking spoon rest.

I collect wooden spoons (never met one yet I didn’t want to buy) and can’t wait to see how beautiful they’ll look resting on this great spoon rest.


Brilliant Organizer for Cans and Other Pantry Items… Even Dishes

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During the early weeks of the Pandemic (long before the lockdowns or even face masks), I fell in love with something I’ve never done before – borderline hoarding!  Not hoarding to the point of interfering with others being able to get things they needed as well, mind you, but I began stocking up for things my family and I would need for weeks at a time.

Cats included, of course!

I figured that the less I got out, the less my chances were of contacting a respiratory disease neither my asthma or I were interested in acquiring. I began using my favorite grocery store’s “click-list” (grocery pickup) and limited running into a store as much as possible.

My youngest daughter and I organized a spare room into a big walk-in pantry of sorts – not only did I want to have everything our household would need but also plenty for my other family members.

Somewhere along the way, this became such a wonderfully agreeable practice and method that I decided I’d never abandon it, even after the pandemic was in the rear view mirror. Why? Not only is it convenient, cutting back on running errands is something I (as a self-embraced homebody) very much enjoy.

It’s also handy if, say, last minute I want to change my dinner strategy – I have plenty of things on hand to work with.

Also… let’s fact it… we’re right smack in the middle of cold and flu season right now and I don’t want to be out and about any more than necessary – to say nothing of when it snows!

If you also like to stock up on pantry items, this is an organizer you may be as interested in as I am – the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link). While cans can certainly be stacked in front of one another, lifting and peeking to see what you’re working with gets tiresome – trust me, more than once I’ve wished for a better, easier way than playing peek-a-boo with soup cans.

This versatile shelf organizer is very affordable and would be ideal for anyone, whether they love to stock up like me or fly by the seat of their apron (not knocking it, I did it for years!).

See the Adjustable Pantry and Shelf Organizer (Amazon link) for a closer look and more information (the uses they find for this is mind-blowing and I think I want one for the laundry room and bathroom as well!).

Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup Makes VERY Memorable Tea, Matcha, Milkshakes, Smoothies…

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Iced Matcha with Torani Strawberry Syrup

Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup (Amazon link)

If you have tea lovers on your shopping list, a fun, unexpected gift idea is flavored syrup. Torani makes about a gazillion flavors and each is a knockout. Strawberry is a personal obsession, so it’s one of my favorite flavored syrups.

Adding a little Torani Strawberry Flavored Syrup to tea or matcha (whether you’re drinking your tea hot or iced) gives your drink a wonderful flavor, but the possibilities don’t stop there. You could also add a little unexpected zip and flavor to coffee or, if you choose to… hot chocolate. Personally, I wouldn’t dare of adding anything to or taking anything away from a hot cocoa but to each their own!

In addition to adding a little fun personality to tea, I love the idea of adding a little flavored syrup to milkshakes or smoothies – especially in the winter when you have to use frozen fruit. They need the extra flavor a great syrup brings.

I’ve also used flavored syrup to sweeten homemade whipped topping for iced matchas and iced coffee drinks.

You can find Torani’s complete line of extraordinary syrups – and more! – on Amazon (Amazon link to Torani products). You can even find Torani Flavored Syrup with dispensers (Amazon link)!


Gorgeous Purple Dutch Oven… My Ideal Soup Pan!

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I couldn’t possibly be MORE in love with this Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link). Seriously, I’m half-certain it’s going to be a Christmas gift TO me, FROM me this year. I love the Amazon Basics brand (phenomenal quality at very, very reasonable prices) and the color (purple) is my absolute obsession.

If this particular color doesn’t float your boat (what are you thinking?!), know that this gorgeous Dutch oven comes in a wide variety of colors:

  • blue
  • gray
  • white
  • navy
  • red
  • pink
  • green
  • matte white
  • orange (very good looking)
  • teal
  • purple (some things are worth repeating)

Features:

  • 6-quart cast iron Dutch oven pot for cooking and baking in the oven or on the stovetop; Oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Smooth enamel finish provides long-lasting durability and non-stick convenience
  • Cast iron provides even heat distribution and retention; Hand wash only
  • Dual side handles and fitted lid
  • Roast meat, bake bread, marinate food, sauté vegetables, prepare soups, stews, casseroles, and more
  • Backed by an Amazon Basics limited 1-year warranty

See Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (Amazon link) for more information and to see the other gorgeous colors…. in addition to the stunning purple.


As Simple as it Gets Japanese Broth Soup (The Possibilities are Endless)

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Japanese Broth Soup with Maifun Rice Sticks

Japanese Broth Soup with Maifun Rice Sticks

When I had to start eating gluten-free years ago (Celiac made the decision, not me), one of the things I missed most was Japanese food. Sushi, salad, and soup at one of my favorite restaurants became something I “used to enjoy.” Over the years I’ve looked for different options but it’s been pretty much one disappointment after another (gluten-free Japanese food is a wide-open field if any company wanted to pave the way!).

I always, always, always scour the Asian section at my favorite supermarkets for new products. Recently the magic words (“gluten-free”) caught my eye when I spied a box of Simply Asia Japanese Inspired Ramen Chicken Broth.

Into the cart it went! I envisioned rice noodles or rice sticks and green onions in what was going to be a quickly thrown-together lunch, so I grabbed a package of Dynasty Maifun Rice Sticks (Amazon link). I use these QUICK and easy noodles in so many cold salads and hot soups!

I came home and heated the broth, placed the rice sticks in warm water for about 10 minutes, then added them and some chopped green onion to the broth to simmer. I wish I had grabbed some Shitake mushrooms at the store, too, because very thinly-sliced mushrooms would have been amazing.

This broth is PHENOMENAL and the possibilities are honestly endless.

Check your favorite grocery section for the Simply Asia Japanese Broth (Amazon link) or click through and grab some on Amazon. The flavor will blow your mind.

Simply Asia Ramen Broth and Maifun Rice Sticks

The Makings of a Ridiculously Quick & Easy Japanese Soup (Gluten-Free!)


Healthy and Delicious New Favorite Snack

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Chobani Greek Yogurt, Honey, Chia Seeds, and Flaxseed

I have a confession to make… I am, quite possibly, the biggest fan of crunchy & salty food in the entire world. My “sweet tooth” isn’t a problem – I’m fine with the occasional cookie, candy, or fudge and don’t feel I have to have it on a daily basis. Chips, pretzels, Funyuns, Fritos… these are my problematic friends! My brain and taste buds crave them (I’d wrestle a crocodile for a Dorito right about now).

I’m trying to simply keep healthier snacks on hand and turn to them when I feel the urge to snack. Fortunately I love fruit, healthy bars, and vegetables, so it goes pretty well – until, that is, I find myself face to face with the cute little bags of deliciousness at the grocery store. Somehow one or two seem to always follow me home.

I have happened upon a snack, however, that I have literally chosen over chips like 4 times in a row. I’m kind of astonished if we’re being honest.

My husband and I have been buying the Chobani Greek Yogurt you see pictured above for some time now. It’s simply incredible… never in a million years expected to be this infatuated with a yogurt, but here we are. I’ve found that adding just a little good honey (like one of my favorites, Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey – Amazon link ) on top makes everything even better.

I’ve also started adding some chia seeds and Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal (Amazon link)… and often whatever fruit I have on hand. Berries, bananas, apples are all outstanding.

It’s a filling, wholesome snack that makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself instead of bad. I hope you’ll give this combo a try soon – it might just become your new favorite snack too!

Christmas Gnomes: Dishes, Bowls, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Candy Bowls, Cookie Jars…

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Cooks Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Over the past three years, I have fallen head over heels in love with gnomes.  I love them, I collect them.. quite frankly, they have my undying devotion, whether they know what to do with it or not.

I honestly have no idea where this infatuation started – after all, when it comes to Christmas collections, I’ve always been ALL about snowmen, Christmas bears, and gingerbread men… somewhere along the way, gnomes just joined the party.

The snowmen don’t seem to mind, so it’s all good.

When it came time to make the image for the food blog’s Christmas Gift Guide 2022, there was very little doubt who the guest-star would be. I also thought it perfectly fitting to start the whole shebang off with a post about Christmas Gnomes in the kitchen, so I’ve rounded up a great assortment of gift ideas for the kitchen – after all, there are a LOT of other gnome collectors out there.

You may even be one, yourself! If so… like me… you’ll want as many of these as you can get your mitts on for your Christmas table.

Click through any image or link for more information and a closer view. These are absolutely gorgeous and would surely bring a lot of joy and smiles to your gnome home. All of the links below are Amazon links. ~ Joi (“Joi”)


Bico Christmas Gnomes 11 inch Dinner Plates (Set of 4)


Bico Red Gnome Candy Bowl


Bico Red Christmas Gnome Cookie Jar


Bico Christmas Gnome Salt and Pepper Shaker Set


Bico Christmas Gnomes Ceramic Spoon Rest


Holiday Gnomes Doormat

More Christmas Gnomes are on Amazon (click through any of the Amazon links above or in the Amazon graphic below). I love all of them and am crazy about the fact that most (like the doormat above) can be used all winter.