Holiday Series: A Little Something for Those Unexpected Guests Around the Holidays!

Let's be honest here, if you are hosting any parties or dinners this Holiday season, you know that there are going to be a few people that show up that you didn't account for! This isn't necessarily a negative thing, it could even be a boyfriend/girlfriend of a cousin or niece or nephew who you just didn't think of at the moment. Well, as a good host should, you should have a few of these ridiculously easy to create, gifts on hand for those "HI!, nice to meet you (oh my goodness I have nothing for them) moments".

What you will need:

*Festive Mug (I found mine at the dollar store, and they had tons of different varieties!)
*Candy Canes (plain peppermint full sized ones work best for this because you can swirl them in the hot cocoa and make it a peppermint hot cocoa :)
*Hot cocoa (I got the one without marshmallows in case you end up giving this to a non-marshmallow lover.)
*Mini Marshmallows
*Tissue paper (the same kind you use when wrapping gifts etc.)
*Ziploc Snack bags (make sure they are the ones with the Ziploc seal!)
*Optional but cute- Ribbon or a bow

Let's get started:

1. Wash out your mug thoroughly, maybe just because I am kind of a germ freak, but I think gifting a cleaned mug is always better, even if it is brand new haha

2. Place some tissue in the bottom of the mug as pictured above, this assures that the candy canes etc have enough room to peak out of the mug and look all "purrttty". :)

3. Grab two bags of hot cocoa and place them in the cup together and curved a little (you will see what I mean in the end picture) toward the back of the mug.

4. Place a handful or so of the mini marshmallows into your snack bag and be sure to squeeze out all air and seal tightly.  place this in front of the hot cocoa packets and tuck any of the visible Ziploc seals down, this just makes it look aesthetically better.

5. Take two of the candy canes and place them on opposite sides of the mug and face them outward :)

**An optional step would be to add some fancy ribbon tied around the mug, I didn't have any more ribbon on hand because I used it for my decor already so I just used a gift bow and it looks very pretty.
**You can also include a little note card that states how to make a peppermint hot cocoa (pretty much saying you can swirl the candy cane around when its hot and the candy cane will melt and make your hot cocoa nice and minty.

Final Product:

I made three of these because I refuse to be stuck feeling bad when someone unexpected shows up. I love to encourage people to come over because I honestly love hosting and making little things like this, it shows time and effort and who doesn't like hot cocoa?!

Hot Cocoa Box: $1.99
Marshmallow Bag: $1.00
Festive Mug: $1.00
Ziploc Bags $0.00---Already had these lying around!
Gift Bow: $1.00 for entire bag!
Candy Canes: $1.00
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TOTAL: $5.99!! --and I made THREE!

I even had enough of everything to make at least three more! Now, that's what I like to call a bargain, quick delicious gift :)

Pouring myself some hot cocoa as we speak,

xox

Holiday Series: SUPER Easy Treat to Bring to Holiday Dinner's/Parties!

Although many company parties have passed, my family and a lot of others get together for Christmas Eve.  Whether it be for a more formal party or just spending quality time with one another and sharing a warm meal, I know I always feel obligated to bring something, even if I'm not asked to.  Below is something you have probably all eaten at one point or another and I know I am not the only one who has posted about this, but this was my journey so come along if you wish :)

Peppermint Bark requires NO baking and you can even do it with children, which is another thing I absolutely love.  It pleases a lot of different people because its not too overpowering and has something most (minus myself!) love, chocolate.

Here's the super simple "recipe" I used---way too easy for me to even think of this as a recipe haha:

Things you will need:

*Parchment Paper
*Small Baking Pan (or large if you're going for a larger amount)
*2 16 oz. packages of chocolate morsels--NEVER bake with chocolate you wouldn't eat alone (good quality chocolate)--it just comes out bad. For this you can mix white and milk chocolate or do all of one etc. Totally up to you! This amount makes enough for a small baking pan. Adjust accordingly
*Peppermint Candy Canes or Candies
*optional*--Cute Treat Tin

Directions:

1. Line your baking tin with parchment paper, this makes it so easy to get the chocolate out after it's done.

2. Melt your chocolate in the microwave. I did one minute, stirred it and then did one final minute and it was perfect! You want to melt them separately.

3. In the meantime, grab a food storage bag/plastic bag and put about two handfuls of the peppermint candy inside. Place this bag on top of a cutting board and begin banging away. I used my rolling pin and it worked wonders. WARNING: The bag can tear a little if you go "Incredible Hulk" on it so beware and if you feel like you want to be extra safe, double bag them :)

 

4. After the chocolate for the first layer is smoothly melted, spread it around the bottom of the pan with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.  Try to get as even a layer as possible and smooth it down really well. Place this in your refrigerator for about 20 mins or until nice and hardened. --While you are waiting for this, go ahead and melt your white chocolate morsels :)

5. Spread the white chocolate in the same exact manner, right on top of the hardened milk chocolate.  Do this quickly because the cold from the milk chocolate will make the white chocolate harden pretty quickly.  The reason we want to work quickly is because we want to sprinkle our peppermint crumbles on and have them stick and set in the mixture before it hardens! (As you can see some of the peppermint pieces are bigger than others and some just look like peppermint dust, this is because some people prefer a nice chunk of peppermint and some like just a hint--this way you please everyone!)

6. Grab your decorative holiday tin and line the bottom with tissue paper.  On top of the tissue paper (just on the bottom layer) line that with a rectangle of parchment paper.  (this makes sure you don't have tissue paper directly on your food product.)

7. When your Peppermint Bark has completely hardened in the refrigerator (about another 25 mins to be safe) remove them from the pan and cut into little rectangles or squares, whatever you want. Nicely place them in your tissue lined tin and place another piece of parchment paper over the top before folding the tissue paper over to close.

8. Tape two candy canes on top and slap a bow on and you're set to go! This makes a great gift, is SO inexpensive to make and literally can be done without ever turning on your oven, does it get any better than that? Not to mention that I am not even a chocolate lover, but this my dears is delicious! I will be making this for a holiday party I am attending this weekend, and I can't wait to see how everyone likes it!

To stress-free & yummy Holiday treats,

xox

Holiday Series: Beauty Related Stocking Stuffer Ideas UNDER $20!

With the Holidays right around the corner, I have been browsing through so many shopping catalogs and stores.  I love buying the big main gifts, but find the little stocking stuffers to be the most fun to pick out :) I have a little sister and cousin and many women in my family in general so finding things that are beauty related whether it be hair, nails or makeup are always a safe bet. Below are some things that I found that I think would make great stocking stuffers!


1.

Eco Tools 5 pc. Brush Set.  I LOVE these brushes.  They are such great quality, can be found at most drugstores and are a great price! These can for sure be found at most Targets, where I often see mine :) Price: $10.99!

2.

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes.  These are my favorite makeup removing and cleansing wipes.  They are all natural and from my experience really get my makeup off pretty well.  (I always wash my face after anyway) I do however love that they don't have that oily residue that most others leave on your face.  Price: $7.99

3.

Burt's Bees From Head to Toes gift set.  This is a great idea to allow someone to test out some new products.  These are all travel sized but are enough for you to get a real feel if you are going to want to purchase the full size or not.  This set contains pretty much everything the title says, foot cream, lip balm, body wash, Nourishing body lotion, deep cleansing cream and hand salve. I love Burt's Bees because they are another all natural company! :) Price: $12.99!

4.

Nicole by OPI are some really great nail polishes. I love when the polish companies come up with cute Holiday gift sets, again another way to test drive a few colors without making the commitment to purchasing all full sized ones.  These colors are adorable and some have a nice glittery shimmer in them :) I spotted these sets at Target just last week :) Price: $10.00!

5.

This roller ball is from Marc Jacobs.  This is my signature scent when I go out, it smells absolutely amazing! Buying someone a roller ball perfume is perfect for two reasons: one, they may have this perfume, like myself, and love it, but lets face it--sometimes we are out and need a refresher after a long day, this is a great thing to keep in your purse! Secondly, this is great if you are purchasing this for someone who doesn't have this fragrance already, again a great way to not feel guilty about trying it out without purchasing the full sized one! This can be found at Sephora and other fragrance/beauty retailers I'm sure :) Price: $20

6.

Urban Decay 24/7  eyeliner duo in Bourbon and Ransom.  I own both of these eyeliners and can attest to how amazing they are! They are great in the waterline, glide on smooth and are just overall great quality.  This duo is a great stocking stuffer because you are giving someone the gift of trying out the 24/7 eyeliners (if they don't already have them) and if they do, maybe you are adding two new shades to their collection! Making a duo with a neutral color and a bright color was a great idea :) Price: $14.00!

7.

The Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Nail Polish Set is just perfect for this Holiday Season! It contains 4 mini polishes and again is a great way to try all of these gorgeous shades out! I really love the color scheme in this set, purples and pinks and glitters galore! Price: $18!

Stuffing Stockings with Beauty on a Budget Everywhere,

xox

Unique Ways to Spoil Your Favorite Woman in the World, Your MOM!

It's only about a week away from Mother's Day and if you are like me, you are scratching your head thinking of what you can do this year that you haven't done in the past! I prefer unique gifts over the ordinary ones, homemade is always the best, and a mother will always appreciate them, but sometimes you don't have the schedule that allows you to create an entire scrapbook of the love you have for your mother, from scratch. When time doesn't allow for this, there have to be other backup methods of keeping it unique, yet still fun and from the heart. Here are some of the things that I would personally gift my mother/grandmother.  Hopefully they inspire you, enjoy!

1. A Year of Wishes Candles

This candle set is so awesome! They come in a set of 12, one to burn each month, and come with one glass candle holder. They are unscented, which is actually great because some scents can be irritable, and the most fun part is that as the candles burn a tiny keepsake charm is revealed! A pair of tweezers to remove the charm are included as well. The candles are labeled with inspirational words such as fun, health, luck, longevity and effort. Along with being so pleasantly colored, these are awesome decorative pieces that your mom is sure to love! You can find these here !

2. Day at the Spa Basket

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I love creating baskets for any occasion. Not only are they super creative, but are completely customizable to the person to which you are gifting, which makes it all the more from the heart! For Mother's Day I suggest creating a Spa basket. Sure, you could go buy a pre-made one, but those aren't as fun to give. For this all  you need is a pretty basket (craft store), some basket filler for the bottom (craft store), and all of the items spa related that you are going to include! I recommend including things like : bath salts, body butters, body scrubs, pumice stone for feet, body loofah, bubble bath, a candle or two, a bath robe (which you can also monogram for that added special touch!) etc. The fun thing about making this yourself is that you can add whatever your mother would like :) This is one of my favorite ideas for sure.

3. Floral Arrangements

Flowers, although you may think are so generic, can actually be quite the opposite. Instead of ordering an already arranged bouquet, head over to your local floral market and choose the arrangement yourself. I do this a lot for friends birthdays etc, because I find that I put things together that really suit the person I'm gifting. If your mother loves a certain color or flower, work from there. You can add all kinds of floral fillers, choose the vase you want, the ribbon, and the card and you're set with a one of a kind, made by you, floral arrangement!

On the other side of this would be getting someone who is talented in the floral department to put together a stunning arrangement. If you don't want to rely on your own creativity, and still want to give your mother the gift of flowers, this is your best bet. Contact a local florist for prices, delivery plans etc. Don't be afraid to shop around, quality is what matters on this special day! If you are in the Northern New Jersey Area, I have a great friend of mine who I would like to recommend for this special occasion. You can visit her website here !

4. Family Photo/Digital Photo Frame

Digital photo gifts are another thoughtful gift where your creativity comes in handy. I can't imagine a mother who wouldn't absolutely love to have photos of their children/family on hand at the switch of a button. For this you can purchase any digital photo frame of your liking, and let the fun begin. You will need to gather a bunch of photos of you and your siblings and or family members. It would be cool to get some really vintage ones maybe of you as a baby :) If these photos aren't already digital copies, scan them and upload them onto your photo frame using the software that came with it. Some frames even allow you to add music! You can really step it up and add music and organize the photos in a manner that it tells a story as the montage goes by!

5. Personalized Cookware/Apron

If your mom loves to cook or even bake (they sound like such mommy things to do right? lol) A personalized set of bake pans, cooking board and or a cute apron may just be the perfect Mother's Day gift. After all the years of your mother warming your tummy and your soul with her delicious home cooked meals, you can show her you appreciate her gift of cooking with these gifts :) You can even spice things up a little more by taking over the kitchen for the day and preparing all of the meals yourself, giving your mom a break! They have some awesome personalized cookware here !

Well there you have it! My top 5 picks for memorable, unique Mother's Day Gifts. It's not about being materialistic on Mother's Day that will win your Mother's heart, but about being creative and from the heart, whatever your budget may be. No matter what gift you give, be sure to seal it with a big ol' hug for your mama, she deserves it!

Hope this helped! To the lovely Mommies all over the world, xox