Winter Favorites

Happy December! The shopping season has begun again, starting off with the much anticipated Black Friday  and continuing throughout the holidays. Here are my favorite items that I've managed to snag so far.

1. Enameled cast iron from Martha Stewart Collection 

A dutch oven is something that's been on my wishlist for quite sometime now. I absolutely love braised meats and for a long time, have been settling for cooking them in my stainless steel Calphalon pot, which just doesn't do as good of a job. I've also been wanting to try the technique where you sear the meat on the stove and then finish it off in the oven, something that the dutch oven was built and designed for. I had been drawn to Le Creuset cast irons for their strikingly bright colors and variety of shapes and designs but just couldn't bring myself to spend over a hundred bucks for a pot. Compared to those, the Martha Stewart version was quite a deal: I picked up a 3-quart, bright orange one for only $39.99 at Macy's on Black Friday. I'm totally in love with my new pot and will definitely be cooking up a whole lot of deliciousness this winter!

2.  Nestle Toll House Cookies

As much as I love cooking, I have to admit that I'm not much of a baker. That's why this ready-made, pre-cut cookie dough is perfect when I'm craving for the taste of fresh-baked cookies without the hassle of bowls and mixers. They are just the right thing on a cold winter's night, warming up the entire house with their heavenly smell. I actually tried the Pillsbury version first, and they were pretty good, but the Nestle ones are just to die for. They are gooey, buttery, loaded with chocolate chips and come out exactly right every time.

3. Banana Republic Puffer Vest

I've never been a big fan of those puffer vests you see in stores every winter because I didn't think they could actually keep you warm without sleeves. And if the weather were warm enough so that I didn't need sleeves, then I probably wouldn't need the puffy vest in the first place. This vest from BR showed me otherwise. First off, the inner lining is a soft fleecy material, unlike most vests which have the cold polyester lining. When I put it on, I was amazed at how warm it was, even though my arms were exposed. The office where I work has been freezing lately, so this is the perfect thing to throw on without looking too bulky. Plus, the red is eye-catching and festive for the holidays, and the thick fur lining on the hood gives it a feminine and wintery touch.

4. Nike Flex Experience Running Shoes

Okay, so this isn't what you would call a winter item, but I purchased these shoes on Black Friday and have been loving them this season. JC Penney was having a $10 off on all their Nike shoes, so I picked up a pair for $45, pretty good for a new style. They are ultra-light and super soft, and so comfortable I feel like I could walk for days in them and not get tired. Plus, the design is sleek and slender, unlike some of the bulkier running shoes, and can be worn even when you're not working out. The big neon orange Nike checkmark on the side adds a flashy touch to the subtle gray and purple tones.

Well, that just about sums it up... so far! I'm sure I'll be heading back to the mall soon again and coming back with more items to obsess over. So what are you're favorites this season? Feel free to comment!