December and hot chocolate just go hand-in-hand, do they not? I’m an eggnog lover and a hot chocolate lover (both non-spiked if you can believe it), and this time of year either or is the perfect dessert of choice! Those little packets with hot water did the trick in college, but if I’m going to make hot chocolate, I’m willing to put in the time for the real deal.
SO, I wanted to share my current favorite hot cocoa recipe with you guys – just in time for you to make a cup with your families this weekend!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder – I used Max Brenner’s from NYC, addicting!
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk – I used almond milk
dash of heavy cream or half and half
optional: dash of vanilla extract + marshmallows
Directions:
Mix cocoa, sugar and salt in a medium-sized pot. Add water and bring mixture to a simmer. Add milk and whisk well until it’s at a simmer (but do not boil!).
If I’m really indulging, I like to add a small dash of heavy cream before pouring in the chocolate and topping with mini marshmallows. I take my hot cocoa with a dash of vanilla extract as well, while C goes without – it’s up to you!
Of course I added some extra sweets to my dessert drink because… I’m wearing a giant sweater and who’s counting? It’s fine.
Do you have a favorite holiday drink recipe? I’d love to hear! We are heading to a little cabin in the snow tomorrow and I think I could use some hot drinks. Merry merry to you and yours and thanks always for reading – XO –
1. Elf. Christian’s favorite – needs no explanation!
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. My favorite – it always has been and I was completely amazed with how incredible Jim Carrey’s performance was! I don’t think it’s shocking that this has always been my favorite scene.
3. Home Alone, I and II. Obviously. When C told me he didn’t grow up watching these I was like… “WERE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK?” Am I the only who thinks this series is like, the ABC’s of Christmas movies?
4. Four Christmases. This scene brings tears of laughter to my eyes every time.
5. The Family Stone – reminds me of my crazy family and makes me feel a little closer to home. Luke Wilson – I love him in everything! Even the preview makes me smile.
6. White Christmas – I actually watched this movie for the first time ever a few weeks ago and was totally charmed by it! I can’t believe I’d never seen it – it’s adorable.
7. While You Were Sleeping. I don’t think everyone considers this a holiday movie, but it the majority of it takes place over the holidays, so I considering it one! One of my top two favorite movies ever, along with You’ve Got Mail (another one that partially takes place over the holidays). My family uses the quote “these mashed potatoes are so creamy” when there are multiple conversations going on – love it!
8. Ok so Friends isn’t a holiday movie, this is true, BUT there are so many great Christmas episodes and the holiday armadillo has to be my favorite. Ross wants to teach his son more about Hannakuh but feels he has to “one up” Santa in order to get his attention. Season 7, episode 10. Hilar. If you want more Friends Christmas episodes, you can find a full list here.
9. The Holiday. Just real, real cute. And I want Jude Law’s daughters + their little accents.
So these are my favorites this time of year, tell me – what will you be watching this weekend with your family? I’d love to expand my collection! Thanks so much for reading and Happy Holidays to each and every one of you. I’m so grateful for your support and friendship – XO –
I shared some outfit inspiration last week for a Christmas Eve outfit, and today I wanted to share what I would normally wear on Christmas Day. When I was younger and none of my siblings were married, we would stay in our pajamas until the afternoon sometimes. Why not? Now that we have added seven new members to our family, people tend to get dressed in normal clothes well before 10AM, sometimes they’re even dressed when opening gifts (tragic! You guys know I most definitely stay in my pajamas)!
SO all of this being said, I like to dress comfortable (I have to leave room for one or seven pieces of pie) but also cute enough that if I see pictures of myself from the weekend I’m not thinking, “really Kathleen? That’s the best you could do?” So this sleeveless cashmere turtleneck fits the bill perfectly, paired with an ultra soft cardigan like this one from ShopbellaC.
AND, Christmas came early thanks to the fabulous team at Henri Daussi! You guys may have seen this post on Instagram or seen a peek on Snapchat (CBLied), but I worked with the Henri Daussi team to select this beautiful diamond band to pair with my engagement ring. I love my original wedding bands, but because C designed my engagement ring and we purchased the bands from the same jeweler rather than designing them, the rings have aged differently. C has never been crazy about the bands and has often said he wished he had chosen to design them instead… so we were so excited to select this one that pairs so beautifully with my ring. I still have my original bands and have been wearing them on my right hand, but Christian and I both feel this is a match made in heaven!
Because I know most of you are going to be traveling home for the holiday weekend, this will be my only style post of the week. I’m planning to share some fun posts over the next few days that I think you can incorporate into your weekends at home (hint, hint – like movies and chocolate). Thank you guys so much for reading and I hope you have a great start to a beautiful week! XO –
Talk about a Carrie Bradshaw moment! And what better time of year to pull out this beautiful dress? It reminds me of finding something to wear to all of the “winter formals” in high school and college, except I’m only, like, a year or two older now… ha!
If any of you have any holiday black tie events coming up, I felt extra glam in this floral gown. I love that the pattern could be seen in a blouse or scarf, but the length of the dress and tulle add that extra fancy. Now I just need a handsome man in a tux to take me to the symphony… it could be Dr. Barnes or maybe just my friend Jeremy – ball gown beggars can’t be choosers!
Thanks so much for reading! Hope you guys have a glam weekend – I’ve linked some of my favorite gowns if any of you have a fancy weekend coming up! And if you need any help with gift ideas for the last weekend before Christmas (can you believe it?), you can check out my holiday gifting ideas! XO –
If you give me a reason to go glam, I’ll take it there. When I was younger, I would change clothes multiple times a day until my mom would tell me, “this is the last one! This is your last outfit today.” Born this way. One of my favorite birthday gift memories was a bag full of older lady hats, gloves, glasses, etc. that my mom bought second-hand at an estate sale for me to play dress-up in. Brilliant!
SO, all of that to be said – I love a reason to get dressed up and this Lulu’s two-piece set is bringing the ooh-la-la in a big way. I love the contrast in the flouncy top and fitted skirt, and something about it feels formal enough without being over the top.
Would you guys wear something like this to a black tie holiday event, and do any of you actually have a black tie event to attend this month? I’m jealous – you guys know we’re so casual for everything out here in California!
Thanks so much for reading – hope you guys are having a beautiful week, and don’t forget to enter yesterday’s outfit giveaway! XO –
This year we will be heading somewhere snowy on Christmas Eve so my outfit will probably include a North Face jacket and some ski boots, but I feel like I usually forget to think about my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day outfits until the last minute. This clearly isn’t that big of a deal because we all know outfits are absolutely not what Christmas is all about, but, I’m going to be honest – Christmas Eve parties in your hometown and the Christmas Eve service at church is where you often bump into people you haven’t seen in years, so you want to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing!
Growing up, we would go to the Christmas Eve service as a family, and then to my parents neighborhood party that was always held down the street (always so fun!). So I wanted to look appropriate for both but also, festive. A pop of red and/or green is sure to do the trick, and I loved pairing this chambray shirt underneath this turtleneck dress for a contrast in texture. A small detail but I love what it adds to the look! Nordstrom has everything you could possible need – sequins to beanies and boots. Casual or dressy, you can find something to help you feel your best during one of the most fun times of the year!
What do you usually wear on Christmas Eve? Do you go formal or casual? Have you checked out the adorable holiday selection at Nordstrom? Or do you use it as a reason to put on your Christmas jammies by 8PM because I 100% support that. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Payless. As always, all opinions are my own.
I was recently playing in my closet and trying to pair together some outfits when I saw a pink dress next to an oxblood hat lying on my bed. Two colors I would never think to pair together, but when I saw them right next to each other – I loved!
When I saw these Paylessballet flats – I couldn’t believe my delighted eyes! They reminded me so much of a designer pair that I had been eying, except these were only $20. Snagged them in both colors – boom! I love the bow detailing – they are such a perfect feminine touch to a holiday outfit. I’ve honestly been so impressed with the flats assortment at Payless (still obsessed with these espadrilles), and with the affordable prices I don’t have any guilt buying multiple colors of the same shoe!
I picked out this outfit after going to the Morning Lavender Show Room and deciding that I basically need every single thing. So many sequins, so little time! I love all of the feminine pieces, and I mean… I can’t say no to a lace crop top.
I love this outfit for a holiday party with girlfriends – mixing playful and pretty. A little ladylike, a little flirty… this is the outfit that goes with, “is this my wine glass or yours?” Something my sister-in-law and I said to each other at least 10x at Thanksgiving, it’s fine.
Switch this crop top out for a black tucked in sweater or turtleneck and you have a completely different vibe. Add a leather jacket and some ankle boots and you have a ladylike meets edgy combo that I love combining!
When December rolls around, there’s one beauty item that is a necessity – the perfect red lip. I have been swearing by Urban Decay lipsticks for years, but their most recent matte collection is hands down, the answer to my lipstick prayers. All three of their lipstick collections – Revolution, Sheer and Matte – are available at Nordstrom in so many different shades, a girl can never have enough.
Nordstrom carries so many beauty items now, you can shop for anyone from the shoe lover to beauty lover and in between. With free shipping and free returns – there’s no risk and it’s one stop shopping just in time for the holidays!
One of the four eyeshadow palettes above is a great Christmas gift for any girl who likes makeup! They last years and are all available at Nordstrom. Naked1 is for the girl who loves bronze shades, Naked2 is taupe-based, Naked3 is rose-hued and Naked Smoky can create any smoky eye you’re going for.
What’s your go-to holiday beauty look? I just ordered a gigantic makeup organizer (featured in yesterday’s gift guide), so I’m ready to roll over here! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
In my family, we got to our stockings last and I was always so shocked at all the amazing stuff my mom would manage to squeeze in there. An unexpected surprise year after year!
Ok, maybe a few of these are too big to shove in a stocking, but still… this makeup organizer must be mine!! I actually went to the Container Store recently to try to put together a large makeup organizer for myself and was shocked at how expensive it was adding up to be. For plastic. A friend told me to check online and I couldn’t believe this contraption only cost $20! I added a few extra drawers for additional storage.
I have this eyeshadow palette and it’s my daily go-to for neutral, matte shades – plus it’s small and really easy to travel with. These slippers come in three colors and seriously – they’re so cute!
What are some of the best things you’ve gotten in your stocking? Mine are probably jewelry and beauty products (I love getting those individual face masks!). Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget you can see all of my holiday gift guides here and at the top of the blog under the page titled “Holiday Gifting.” XO –
I’ve shared with you guys before, but for three years I worked in a very corporate setting. I’m talking no leggings, men in suits, banking corporate. Then I moved to California with the most casual workplace setting ever, and my entire closet changed! BUT, my best friend back home works in a formal workplace (she inspired this post), and I’ve thought of her when thinking of holiday outfit inspiration to share with you guys!
This Alice Hope blouse and skirt are great mix-and-match separates that can be dressed up with a fur scarf, vest or trimmed blazer. Some sparkly earrings and fab heels and you’re looking both festive and appropriate.
I’m so excited to invite you guys into our home to share my 7 Holiday Decorating Tips with Seven Daughters Wine! I love getting festive without totally interrupting the decor of our home, so today I want to show some subtle accents I’ve added to achieve that.
Most years I wait until Thanksgiving weekend to pull out the Christmas decorations, but I admit this year I put up the tree a little earlier than that. I think it’s because this King of Christmas Flocked Tree made all my tree dreams come true! I was amazed at how easy it was to put together, and a pre-lit tree is seriously as dreamy as they come. Last year we had a real tree, and while I loved the smell the cleanup was never-ending. I have chosen to go with the artificial tree and light a pine-scented candle instead!
SO, let’s get started. Some of my holiday decorating tips –
1. Have a visual in mind before you start decorating the tree.
I’ve made the mistake of just going for it in years past, and while that’s not a bad thing by any means – if you’re looking to achieve a cohesive look, having a vision always helps. This way you can place your ornaments strategically. Last year our tree was much more colorful, and this year I chose to keep it more neutral – all with only adding 10 more ornaments and hanging them mindfully.
2. Get creative with stockings!
My family’s tradition is to put pins on the Christmas stockings. You know those pins you receive for various accomplishments or trips and you think…. “this will look great in the kitchen drawer until it inevitably gets thrown away!” We always put these little charms on our stockings, and it’s always a hit for guests to check out when they come over.
And one day, when I’m a “grown up,” hopefully I’ll have a mantle to put them on!
3. Add some festive pillows for a quick (and easy) holiday touch.
The fastest and easiest way to add some spirit – toss in some pillows! This sequin pillow and reversible “naughty or nice” pillow always come on in December.
4. Make use of the free resources around you.
You don’t have spend a ton of money on flowers. I like to cut a few sprigs of greenery outside and use pinecones to decorate and brings in that touch of nature that brightens a room.
5. If you have a bar or bar cart, use those wheels to your advantage!
Our small bar cart has wheels and I roll this baby all around the house for different occasions. Add some white candles, gold accents and Seven Daughters Wine and you’ve got a Christmas cart that you can move anywhere you’d like! And I had to include Bailey’s photo-bomb… those eyebrows!
This bar cart is currently sold out, but when it becomes available again I plan to do an entire post about it – stay tuned!
6. Stay true to some traditions.
So I realize they might look a little creepy, but growing up these Byers Choice Christmas Carolers were always placed on the dining room buffet at Christmas time. My sister and I would always argue over which little girl caroler we were, and I’ve started a little collection myself (and added a Lula and Bailey)! My mom of course gave me the daughter caroler without thinking that I don’t have a daughter, but that’s ok… tis the season!
7. Wreaths aren’t just for the front door.
I love a wreath and place them all over the house! This little sparkly one (with matching garland) is placed in a different place every year. Last year I used it as a centerpiece, and this year we decided to hang it on the ladder with some leftover burlap from our Christmas tree topper!
Cheers to one of my favorite times of year! This year I plan to spend plenty of time curled up on the sofa with a big fur blanket and a glass of Seven Daughters Pinot Noir (cue “these are a few of my favorite things“). What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for the holidays? I’d love to hear your traditions and home touches.
Lastly, this framed print is from Minted (has totally transformed our living room), and I want to share that they are giving one CBL reader a $250 credit toward anything from their site. Just visit here to enter!
* Update: our winner was Cassandra! *
Thanks so much for reading and Happy Holidays to all of you – XO –
PS – If you didn’t catch Saturday’s post, it’s a fun one! I’m sharing some of our holiday photos and how we designed our holiday card!
