Christmas Love

There’s something about Christmas that gets me into an emotional-overload. Whether it’s listening to Kenny G, dabbling in my mom’s old Christmas cookie recipes or remembering Christmas when my entire family was able to be together. Sometimes I get a little sad thinking about the past. 

I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong, but when I start lingering on the past I never want the holidays to end. From baking Christmas cut-out cookies, making homemade spaghetti and meatballs, reminiscing over stories of my mom who passed away in 2004 - it’s always a bittersweet time. I will say it’s one of my favorite parts of the year, but it’s nice to take a moment and remember those who aren’t with us, whether it was a grandparent, a mother, a father or a close friend, it’s never easy to celebrate the holidays without them near you, but it’s important to keep their spirit alive. 

This year, remember them in a happy way and a piece of them will be with you always, especially during the holiday season.

Take time this year and make one of their favorite recipes, play a Christmas song that reminds you of them or sit around the fire and tell your favorite stories about them – whatever it may be, they will always live on.

Holiday Bark Recipe

Baking during Christmas is a must, but when procrastination enters the picture, there's a little recipe that's actually the easiest way to 'bake' without actually using the oven. Hello Holiday Bark. You are awesome.

Typically, my family makes a variety of cookies - everything from homemade cut-outs, hershey blossoms, crescent apricot short cakes and snickerdoodles. This year, Christmas sort of snuck up on us and finding time to bake / shop for ingredients was just another task on the to-do list. (Yes, I finished my shopping. It only took me 2 days before Christmas. This is a no-judgement zone.) 

When you don't have enough time or don't feel like slaving away in the kitchen, definitely give these a go. This bark recipe is actually Christmas-crack, if there was such a thing. A sweet and salty mix of pretzel sticks, peanuts, M&Ms and milk chocolate - it's a new staple to our list of Christmas goodies. If your waistline gets a wee-bit larger, blame the recipe - not me.

Ingredients:

Pretzel Sticks
M&Ms
Peanuts
Milk Chocolate
Wax Paper

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with wax paper.

Melt milk chocolate.

Pour pretzel sticks, M&Ms and peanuts on baking sheet.

Once chocolate is completely melted, pour over baking sheet and mix well.

Let sit for at least 4 hours.

Notes from the chef: Let's be real, I kinda just winged this recipe. The first time I made it, I used 1 full bag of milk chocolate morsels and poured it over the mix. I wanted more pretzels and peanuts so I added more - it's really up to you how much proportions you want of each ingredient. Let your creative baker-juices flow.
 

Life as of Lately: Christmas Everything

With getting everything prepped for Christmas - i.e.: wrapping, baking, shopping, cooking, etc., etc., etc. It's easy to lose track of exactly what Christmas is all about. Although this season my entire family can't be together, it'll certainly be special to spend time with my family and friends that are in town.

To me, Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year - my family makes homemade spaghetti & meatballs (my favorite meal, basically ever), we drink vino and tell old stories (my dad pretty much tells the same stories over again - it's seriously amazing how each time the story gets better & better. Not to mention, he remembers everyone's name. I can't even remember what I wore last night. It's seriously impressive, you guys.). There's something special about Christmas Eve that makes it unlike Christmas Day - low key (minus the loud, drunken story-telling), but full of love. 

Picture this: A mix between Kenny G and a Star Wars Christmas album, the smell of garlic-y meatballs, tons of red wine and my dad's ultimate Grasshopper Cocktail (mixture of creme de menthe + vanilla ice cream = amazing-ness).

I can't wait.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

{ This recipe is actually crack. OMG. }

{ This recipe is actually crack. OMG. }

{ Holiday Sangria is now a tradition. There's no doubt I'm making this every single year. }

{ Holiday Sangria is now a tradition. There's no doubt I'm making this every single year. }

{ Hotel Roanoke during the holidays is pretty much necessary. }

{ Hotel Roanoke during the holidays is pretty much necessary. }

{ You guys, why can't we just start dipping the cookies into frosting instead of actually frosting them? It'd make like so much easier. }

{ You guys, why can't we just start dipping the cookies into frosting instead of actually frosting them? It'd make like so much easier. }

Life as of Lately

With Christmas only 7 days away, I'm in full-on panic mode. Do I have all my shopping done? No. Have all the Christmas cookies been frosted? Nope. Have I wrapped presents? Nah.

This year, I'm totally unprepared, but hey that's when I get my best work done. Cue: Procrastination-Mode. I will say despite, not being completely prepared for the holiday, I'm definitely in the holiday-spirit. AKA - In the mood to buy anyone & everyone presents, blasting Christmas music in my car and drinking endless amounts of hot cocoa. All things amazing. 

{ Hot cocoa is always necessary. Extra whipped cream is a given. }

{ Hot cocoa is always necessary. Extra whipped cream is a given. }

{ 300+ Christmas cookies = a pretty entertaining Sunday. }

{ 300+ Christmas cookies = a pretty entertaining Sunday. }

{ My favorite NYX Cosmetics matte lipsticks. }

{ My favorite NYX Cosmetics matte lipsticks. }

{ Sparkling Pinot Noir + girl time is the best of times. }

{ Sparkling Pinot Noir + girl time is the best of times. }

Holiday Gift Guide

Scarves are my favorite way to transform an outfit - they're also my go-to for gifts for both guys + girls.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time for holiday shopping. Gag. I mean YAY! I love shopping don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to holiday shopping I always seem to procrastinate. Um, can anyone say December 23rd shopper? ::Raises Hand:: 

In the midst of the season, I’ve vowed to not be a procrastinator (my college-self would probably be pretty happy to hear this) and to take on Christmas shopping in full force – over a month in advance.

Here are a few of my favorite gifts for ladies, men, best friends and everything in between. 

What are some of your favorite holiday gifts? 

Old Navy Plaid Flannel Scarf

Anything + everything gold and dainty is  my favorite. I'm a big fan of Etsy and honestly could search on there for hours. Dainty/personalized jewelry is the perfect gift for your girlfriend, sister or your best friends - they're the ultimate every day piece and looks effortless when layered with other gold pieces.

 

Patagonia Men's Synchilla Recycled Snap-T Pullover

For me, guys are the hardest to buy for when it comes to holiday shopping. Amiright or? I will say casual clothing is a plus, and they really dig it.

I Whale Always Love You Coffee Mug

I'm a sucker for all mugs, I'm especially loving the Sharpie ones. This is super easy to recreate as a DIY version or if you want to get one created, just visit Etsy. 

DIY
Need: Oil-based Paint Sharpie, Mug
1. Write message on mug
2. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes + let cool completely.

Essie Nail Polish | Big Spender

Nail polish is such an easy (and cheap) stocking stuffer. Hint hint.
-Love, 
A Nail Polish Addict

Birchbox Subscription

How awesome would it be to gift someone with Birchbox subscription?! Amazing-ness.