Hot Chocolate Blocks

2.10.2012


I can't help but laugh how I go from loving the fact that it felt like spring last week, to loving the fact that it's going to snow this weekend. Maybe that's because one winter "activity" I have been missing out on is curling up in bed, wearing over sized flannels and reading magazines all day, with the perfect cup of almost mandatory hot chocolate.

I became curious about these hot chocolate blocks after seeing them pop up on my search for awesome DIY gifts over the holidays. I was so intrigued, I decided they would be the perfect Christmas gift for my sister and luckily for me, there were a few left over for me to give them a try myself. I used this recipe* and as soon as I tried it, I just knew that it was a keeper. It is true chocolate goodness and way better than the powdered stuff. If you are a chocolate lover like me, you may find yourself eating more of these chocolate blocks than actually using them for hot chocolate, they are that good.

Whether or not the snow decides to fall, I will probably still spend the weekend curled up in bed, wearing over sized flannels, reading magazines all day, and drinking a cup of perfect hot chocolate...

*(One tip I'd like to pass on: make sure you mix the heavy cream and condensed milk very well before warming. I did not and the condensed milk started to caramelize and burn! I had to work fast to strain the mixture to remove the burnt bits, but after that, all was well.) 

Shades of Blue.

2.08.2012

 
FOREVER 21 trench and jeans, OLD NAVY chambray shirt, NINE WEST flats, MY ETSY necklace, LONGCHAMP tote

I can't believe just last week the temperatures were flirting near 60 degrees! That little flirtation of spring in the air meant two things for me: wearing a light jacket and breaking out the flats. I forgot just how much I missed wearing flats! It must have been a sight to see, with me in a light jacket and semi exposed feet, and everyone else was in puffer coats/boots/etc. But now that the temps are feeling a bit more winter like, I'm glad I took the chance to embrace "spring" when I did. 

Another thing I am really glad I "embraced" was the look of denim and denim. I have a feeling come spring/summer, this is a look I will be wearing a lot, with different shades of denim. 

What's the first item you throw on when the weather warms up? Try any new looks lately? 

Wanderlust As of Late..

2.07.2012

While everyone was prepping for the Super Bowl Sunday, I spent the afternoon on my couch watching Wealth TV. I know the name of this channel sounds pretentious but it really isn't. (I tried to explain this to my mom as a Bentley whizzed by in a commercial...) Wealth TV features great travel shows which is perfect for when the Travel Channel is having a Ghosts Adventures marathon...

After watching shows about Barbados, Italy and Australia, it was LUX Lifestyles that had me captivated with an hour exploring the beautiful Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Greece (especially Santorini and Mykonos) has always been on my "to go" list, but not as prioritized as say, Paris. However after Sunday, it definitely has bumped up closer to the top of my list. As soon this whole debt crisis gets sorted out, Santorini and Mykonos will be a destination for sure...
Santorini, via
Santorini, via
Santorini, via
Mykonos, via
Mykonos, via
Mykonosvia



Where does your wanderlust have you itching to go? Have you been to Greece?

Gossip Girl's 100th Episode

2.02.2012

I cannot believe it's been 100 episodes and 5 seasons of Gossip Girl. Since I am still trying to comprehend much of what happened on Monday night's episode (I won't spoil it in case you haven't watched it yet) I will focus on the the other most talked about aspect of the show besides the storyline: the fashion. 

Being such a grand episode, it sure did not disappoint. From Serena and Blair's opening number dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn respectively, to Georgina's fabulous embellished Burberry coat, to of course, the bride (and bridesmaids) in Vera Wang, it was a hit. 

I love that Georgina wore a Phillip Treacy fascinator, popular by many of the attendees of the Royal Wedding. 
Fresh faced, yet still very Blair with the lip color.
 
images via: 1&23, 4, 567

If you watched the 100th episode, what did you think? Are you still as shocked as I am??