Target Clearance Rack!

I love a good deal... and right before the Christmas holiday, I found some great clothing on sale at Target!  Isn't that place a complete retail vortex?  You go in for toothpaste and end up spending $70!  I always hesitate to pay full price there, because chances are it will quickly rotate out.  (I recently bought some Kirna Zabete dresses online for a song... will try them on and review for you later!)


Here's what I found on clearance on my most recent trip, for under $12 each:

Target

I wore the dress for Christmas, and I love it!  The length might be a bit short for work, but with opaque tights or leggings, it would definitely work.

Target

One trick I've learned shopping at Target is that each brand has different sizing.  So knowing your size in Mossimo vs. xhilaration vs. Converse is good for clearance shopping.   I have everything from S to XL in Target clothing, because I buy what fits best for the style I'm looking at.  For this tee, I wanted it super loose, so I went XL in Juniors even though I could fit an M.

Target

I'd been looking for an embellished-collar shirt, and this super-soft one was a great find.  I worry the studs may come off in the wash, so I may hand-wash this one.

Oh, and if you can get these PJs in-store?  Buy them.  $8 a set or less at this point.  Most comfy sets ever; I bought one set myself and have two from Christmas.  Gilligan & O'Malley are my favorite jammies!  After my scores in-store and online this year, I'll be in matching sets from now on and donating the old randoms to Goodwill.

Target

My Goals for 2013

While I have more specific personal resolutions than these, I have decided that my 2013 will be all about embracing my body, mind, & soul.  Here's my vision on how I'm going to rule the new year personally and professionally!

Fresh Pear & Gingerbread Cupcakes

I love the Cake Doctor.  She has given me the reputation for being an amazing baker.  But really, every delicious recipe starts with CAKE MIX IN A BOX.  Word.  And I know it's New Year's, when everyone is thinking healthy, but these cupcakes totally have FRUIT in them.  Healthy, right?

To show off some festive holiday flavor, for my work potluck I used her recipe for Fresh Pear & Gingerbread Cupcakes.  Yum!  I may have made a little cake for myself and Duke, which I promptly ate for breakfast on multiple occasions.  Because cake for breakfast is the best time to eat cake, for your HEALTH.

I opted not to use lemon frosting, instead choosing vanilla so the citrus wouldn't overwhelm.  It was a hit!  Check out the recipe below.

Fresh Pear & Gingerbread Cupcakes
from The Cake Mix Doctor, recipe lazily copied from here


1 (14.5-ounce) package gingerbread mix (I used Betty Crocker)
1 cup water
1 large egg
1 medium-size ripe pear, peeled, cored and finely chopped (I used extra pear!)
1 heaping teaspoon crystallized ginger, finely chopped, optional (I skipped this)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with 16 paper liners. Place gingerbread mix, water, egg, pear and ginger in large mixing bowl. Blend with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl. Increase speed to medium and beat until smooth and thickened, 2 minutes more, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup, filling about 3/4 of the way full. Batter will make 14-16 cupcakes. Bake cupcakes 18-20 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Remove from oven and place on wire rack and cool. After 5 minutes, remove cupcakes from pan and place on rack to cool additional 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with confectioners sugar or frosting of choice.