2019 Made in Iowa Gift Guide

‘Tis the season to start buying for everyone on your list! Are you looking for a unique housewarming gift or for something Grandma doesn’t already have? Either way, I have you covered. I love to support my home state of Iowa and I am so happy to team up again this season to bring you my favorite Made in Iowa holiday gifts! Even if you are not located in Iowa, you can still shop from my list below!

This year’s Made in Iowa Gift Guide has fun gifts from local artists and shops from across the state. Surely you will be inspired to share the best of Iowa’s homegrown gifts with your loved ones this year.

Who is on your list to shop for?

Housewarming gift: Snuggle up with cozy blankets, candles and see my top pick below that is surely to make a lasting impression.

The Grandparents: Grab a personalized gift for the person who has it all.

The Foodie: Delicious stocking stuffers from more than 20 local Iowa businesses and farmers.

The Men: Beard oil and small-batch tonic mixers are perfect!

The New baby: Grab a matching hat for you and the newest member of your family!

Those are just a few examples of the many items available! Take a look at the website HERE for the complete gift guide, travel ideas within the state of Iowa, and a complete calendar of events!

I have highlighted my top picks below! Happy shopping!

1.) This is the perfect gift for anyone! Secret Santa? A crazed sports fan who needs a hat with their team colors? Or do you want to match your mini? These custom made hats make the best gift and the quality is unlike any other. Contact her HERE to start your design!

2.) I am ordering this ASAP. This is the ultimate reminder of that beloved family recipe or one passed on from a late family member. A cherished reminder of memories each time it is used. This makes a great gift for anyone, including a bride anytime of the year! Find more designs HERE.

3.) From wooden Iowa ornaments to wooden signs, these make my top 5! Attach a wooden Iowa tag to a bottle of wine for the perfect housewarming gift. Use chalk to write names on them for place settings at your Holiday table for seat markers. See everything HERE.

4.) Personalized Tupperware for the foodies, the bakers, or Grandma when she forgets who she brought food to last. ☺️ All products available are HERE.

5.) Iowa nice. Because we are. This tank top (also comes in short sleeves) is perfect for the college student who obviously attends University of Iowa. ☺️ Perfect tailgate shirt too! Check out all of their products HERE.

I only highlighted my top 5 picks but there are soooo many more to mention. You can take a look at all of them HERE . Want a hint of what is left?? Iowa shaped soaps, jams, hot sauce, and beard oils. Seriously take a peek.

Happy Holidays friends and ‘tis the season to spread love and kindness wherever you go. Be the light.

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**This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and words are my own.

Keto-Friendly Cheeseburger Soup

Soup season is here! And so is the season where I try to throw random things in a pot to re-create my favorite indulgences and make them healthy. Haha. Haven’t you seen the meme that says “If cauliflower can become pizza, you my dear can be anything?” 😂

I am not a nutritionist and this is probably not 100% keto but it is definitely a lighter version than the regular cheeseburger soup! Let me know what you think and if you make any changes to it!! XO

RECIPE:

32 oz beef broth

1 lb ground beef-browned and drained

1/2 package of bacon, cooked and chopped

7-10 mini dill pickles-chopped (can use any pickle, use as desired)

1/2 can petite diced tomatoes

1 small head of cauliflower, cooked and chopped into bit size pieces

1 small yellow onion, sautéed

3/4 block cream cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup milk (can omit and just add broth from soup)

1 Tbsp minced garlic

salt and pepper to taste

4 Tbsp butter

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Brown beef in a soup pot, drain excess grease. Sauté onion with beef until soft and add in minced garlic and 2 tbs butter.

2.) Cut up cauliflower and boil until fork tender. Drain and add to beef mixture. Add in beef broth.

3.) Add in tomatoes. 1/2 of your cooked and chopped bacon. (If you want crispy bacon, add it to the top of your soup when you serve it.) Or forget about it in the microwave and find in a few days later. Hahaha

4.) Make your cheese sauce by adding cream cheese, butter, shredded cheese and thin with milk or use beef broth from your soup pot. Once it is all melted together, slowly whisk it into your soup until blended. Salt and pepper to taste.

5.) Simmer until warm and serve!