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mulled-cider-recipe-9
Food & Recipes

How to Make Mulled Cider

There’s nothing like a cup of hot mulled cider to keep you warm when it’s cold outside. It’s such a simple drink to make…and it fills your home with the most deliciously fragrant aromas of the holiday season. Think  cinnamon, orange peels, warm cloves and star anise…I can smell it already!  The key to a great mulled cider is to start with good, quality cider. I like buying local unpasteurized cider which  has more of a cloudy appearance. Then you add in your spices and for a bit of extra warmth you can even spike your glass with a shot …

15-minute-prep-holiday-cocktail-party_14
Entertaining

How to Throw a Stylish Holiday Cocktail Party in 15 Minutes

One of the things I love most about the holiday season is entertaining friends and family at home but as we all know, hosting can be stressful! From coming up with the perfect menu to executing a beautiful presentation, holiday party planning usually requires a lot of time and energy. I’m a super busy gal so over the years I’ve perfected ways to simplify my holiday party prep tremendously. This season, I’ve teamed up with GODIVA to share some of my foolproof tips for creating a stylish and sophisticated holiday party with minimal prep and no stress!

First things first, …

regifting
Gifting & Ettiquette

Regifting … Is it OK? Only if You Follow These Simple Rules

Regifting…We’re all guilty of doing it at some point or another. Maybe you’ve been given something that you already have…that’s certainly happened to me before. But whether it’s a gift you don’t need or something that’s just not your style, I believe it’s better to be gracious and show appreciation in the moment…and what you do afterward with it is your prerogative. Some say regifting is tacky or shows poor etiquette while others feel its perfectly acceptable. My take? It’s ok as long as you follow a few simple do’s and don’ts….

DO regift something that you are sure the…
cranberry-sparkler-cocktail_2
Food & Recipes

Recipe: Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail

One of the reasons I appreciate the holidays so much is that it makes for the perfect excuse to enjoy a good cocktail! 😉 Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or entertaining a guest that dropped by unexpectedly, you should always have ingredients on hand for at least one amazing signature drink that you can whip together at a moment’s notice. I love a sparkling cocktail made with champagne or prosecco for the holidays. A little bit of bubbly always feels festive for the season and this cranberry sparkler couldn’t be easier to make. Lightly sweet and infused with the …

godiva-box-that-keeps-giving_4
Gifting & Ettiquette

Celebrating The Spirit of Generosity (Plus a Giveaway!)

The holidays are finally here and, as they say, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. At the heart of the holiday spirit is the virtue of generosity. It’s truly the season for giving and I’m sure you’ve heard the age old saying, “It’s far better to give than to receive.” I’ve always felt a great joy in giving to others. Whether it’s cooking a meal for my family, helping a friend solve a problem or surprising someone I love with something they casually mentioned they needed, I get a major dose of the warm and fuzzy feels by …

Guide To Ice Cream Makers
Food & Recipes

Guide To Buying an Ice Cream Maker

Since we’re in the midst of a summer heat wave it only feels right to talk about ice cream … The ultimate cool-down treat for the summer!!! And guess what? I got myself an ice cream maker and it is seriously like the best thing I ever bought! Of course an ice cream isn’t necessarily a kitchen essential, but if you love ice cream, it’s really so much fun to make your own which makes investing in one well worth it. I’ve had mine for a couple of months now and am really enjoying experimenting with different flavor combinations plus …