In Tartan we Trust

I love tartan plaids. Maybe it's my Catholic school upbringing, maybe it's my inner prep. Most of my personal plaid items are the navy and green Black Watch Plaid. My families horse farm growing up was called Black Watch Hill. I like it because, unlike the bright red and green plaids it doesn't totally scream Christmas. I also love the Brooks Brother's Signature Tartan which is a navy, burgundy, camel and green pattern. They have a really interesting short article in their online magazine about their tartan.

 I love both this silk chiffon ruffled scarf above and the cashmere Ruana below. Classic and understated. Just how I like it!

Being Mindful

The holiday season is almost upon us with all the excess it implies. Some how, what should be a wonderful joyous experience always seems to devolve into a frenzy of shopping and buying things. One of the things I have been striving for this fall and am trying to hold onto in an attempt to remain centered this season is the concept of mindfulness. Thinking before I buy and trying to enjoy the little thing without getting caught up in the frenzied pressure to create a perfect holiday. A great resource is the blog Into Mind. There is a focus on simplicity and thoughtfulness that I have found very helpful. Just thought I would share in the hopes of helping others!

Celebrating Thanksgiving

I'm stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that Christmas is sneaking into my Thanksgiving. So while red cups abound and I'm starting to see posts about great holiday gifts, I'm going to share a great blog called Champagne & Macaroons. I found this beautiful blog in my wanderings while celebrating my inner French girl. There are beautiful pictures of Paris and a wonderful spread about Thanksgiving entertaining. But what I thought sounded yummy was this recipe for Pumpkin white hot chocolate.



Ingredients

1 cup of heavy cream

2 cups of milk – I use skim milk

1 cup of good quality white chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice

Whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice to sprinkle on top.

Directions

1. Heat cream and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling.

2. In a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and milk over white chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted.

3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice.

4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

A few tips:

Keep a close eye on the milk and cream mixture – once it is hot, turn off the flame. It doesn’t need to come to a boil.

Use good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate. The flavor and sweetness of white chocolate really varies. I have found the Ghirardelli white chocolate chips to have the best taste and have been able to find them at almost every grocery store.

Thanksgiving People!

It's still fall people! I feel the need to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is still over a week away. There are red cups in my Starbucks and holiday items in my Target but I am resolutely avoiding it. I love the Holiday season but Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays within that Holiday season. It's about food and family and somehow I feel like that gets lost in our rush for Christmas goodies. As much as I love Christmas, some years I feel overwhelmed by the pressure for perfect memories. Somehow, I always end up sick and stressed at the end. So turn down those jingle bells and step away from the red cups people. Let's take some time to relax and be thankful!