Favorite Things: Summer Reading

I can't help it. One of my favorite tasks of the whole year is stacking up my summer reading list. I should read more year round but my schedule just suits summer reading best. And what's not to love about reading as a summer activity -- so cheap and cheerful!

Here's what's on my bookshelf this summer:

1. Breathing Lessons
Got it for free while garage sale hopping with my friend Geri

2. Cutting for Stone
Also free courtesy of Geri!

3. Tattoos on the Heart
My mom gave this to me for Christmas and I'm starting it this week!

4. Ulysses
I've got a library copy now but it may take me all summer to finish so I might have to buy my own book!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What should be my number 5 book this summer? And what's on your reading list?

Favorite Things: Ripped from The Preppy Handbook

You can take the girl far from her Southern roots, but you can't take the Southern roots far from the girl. Check out these straight from The Preppy Handbook treats for Spring. Also, a monogrammed polo is a must. Perhaps lime green or hot pink?

1. Headbands for hot days

2. A ribbon belt

3. Embellished flip flops

4. Drinks on the patio, anyone?

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: How do you stay preppy for less?

Five Under $50: Live a Little

Sometimes a little retail therapy goes a long way. $50 won't get you a pair of Jimmy Choo's but it will put a smile on your face.

1. Mad for plaid? Get these shoes and a coordinating t-shirt.

2. A simple gold bangle with a subtle twist

3. Dress up your iPhone with a cute case.

4. Light up your world with a Glassy Baby.

5. Get another Glassy Baby since if you get only one, it will be lonely.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What are your favorite items under $50?

Five Under $20: My Favorite Gifts to Give

1. What's not to love about these soft, personalized tees?

2. Jot down your thoughts in one of these chic journals.

3. A little sugar for your sugar.

4. Or some eye candy?

5. Or just plain old candy?

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Feta Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burger Sliders

I am obsessed with sliders. What is more perfect than a tiny burger on a tiny bun? Well, maybe a tiny milkshake alongside and a tiny order of onion rings, too?

I saw this recipe on the Picky Palate, a great website filled with recipes for dressed up comfort food.

Feta Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burger Sliders

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, jarred in olive oil

1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped

Pinch of Kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and Lawry’s Garlic Salt with Parsley

Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, packed in olive oil, drained

Baby hamburger buns or dinner rolls, split and warmed

2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

1. Heat oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Place turkey, feta, sun dried tomato, spinach and seasonings into a mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. Form 1/4 Cup little patty’s and place onto a cookie sheet. Once all are formed, place batches in hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Place mayonnaise and tomatoes into a bowl; mix to combine. Spread over insides of warm rolls. Layer bottom roll with spinach and the burger. Close with top roll and eat

Makes about 12 little sliders

Five Under $10: Gifts for Everyday Use

5 everyday gifts under $10. Add cute wrapping and a heartfelt card. Done.

1. Dr. Seuss My About Me Book
Great for ages 6 - 10. Wrap it up with a set of colorful pens on top.

2. Mini wallet from SewGracious
Perfect iTouch cover or for business cards. Or stuff with a gift card if you want to add a little surprise.

3. Candle in a tin
Believe it or not, Target has some great candles for $9.99. Many of them come in cute boxes or tins. Place in a brown craft paper bag with some colorful ribbon.

4. A cute umbrella
Why do all umbrellas have to be black?

5. A magazine for your man
Field and Stream for $9.97. Or Golf for $8. Other titles available, too.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is your go to gift under $10?

Favorite Things: Silverlicious

If you don't like the books from this series, I will forgive you. But even if you can't stand one more installment of the Pinkalicious series, you've got to admit that the three, four, or five year old girl in your life lives and breathes for it. Make her happy. And do it for under $10! I just ordered one for my little pinkaholic; we'll post a review after we've read it!