Fewer and Better Things

I've recently discovered the brand CUYANA. They make beautiful, quality things and their entire philosophy is about having fewer, better things. It's easy to lose sight of that during this insane season with constant bombardment of sales but I'm really striving to make that my goal this holiday season. Things I bought because they were on sale that aren't perfect are going back and I'm searching for meaningful, personal items. My favorite part about Cuyana is something they call "Lean Closet" it's described on their website in the following way"

Lean Closet

With every Cuyana purchase where you select "lean shipping" at checkout, we will send you a reusable bag to fill up with items that aren’t helping you live your most beautiful life. You mail the bag back to us (with the included shipping label) and through our non-profit partner, H.E.A.R.T., your donated clothing will be given directly to women who will be able to gain fresh starts through your generosity. As an added bonus, for every donation you make, you will receive a $10 credit towards your next Cuyana purchase. It's about doing more with less in our closets — and doing more for others who are in need.

That's a philosophy I can get behind. I haven't bought anything yet but they are on my list!

Plaid!

If there is one thing I love, it's plaid and plaid scarves are my especial weakness. I snapped this beauty up at J Crew today and it was only about $40 with free shipping using the code Monday. I am always cold this time of year due to an auto immune syndrome that decreases circulation in the cold so I wrap up all the time! The best part is that I don't find this scarf to be overly "holiday" the way some are. The red Stewart pattern in particular feels very "Christmas" to me. Lot of heavy wear in December, not so much the rest of the year but I can see this one getting some mileage. Most of my wardrobe is navy and dark green anyway so what could be better? I'm thinking about taking it to my local trophy shop that does monograming and having my monogram put on in pink to match that stripe. Cute yes?

Getting (and staying) in the Mood

One of the things I sometimes struggle with during the build up to Christmas is the expectation that everything will be perfect. The kids will get along, nothing will blow up at work, my house will be perfectly decorated and clean. That kind of expectation can be hard to live up to.  We are going to my mom and dad's this year. My fathers has Alzheimer's and this may be his last Christmas where he's really there, if you know what I mean. I'm trying hard this year to focus on the simple things that make it feel like Christmas. If I don't get matching pajama pants made for all the kids, that will be ok. Holiday music, my family, hot chocolate and flannel pajamas! That's my formula. Any times for surviving holiday stress?

Spiked Hot Chocolate!

Now that we are safely in December and can put away our pumpkin lattes, it's time for spiked hot chocolate! When I was in college in Connecticut, my parents always came to NYC in December for a business meeting my dad attended. I'd take a few days and stay with them at the Plaza, shop and got to a show. One night at the Marriot in Times Square, I ordered something called a Stage Coach. It was hot chocolate, Baileys, peppermint schnapps topped with whipped cream and  stirred with a candy cane. Put simply, it was heaven. I recreate it every year. Delish has several yummy sounding hot chocolate recipes up right now but as always, the peppermint hot chocolate is my favorite. Sound yummy? Which one is your favorite?

Ingredients

• 1/4 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
• 1/2 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 c. hot chocolate
• Whipped cream, for serving
• Crushed peppermint candy, for serving

Directions

1. Add peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and hot chocolate to a sauce pan. Heat mixture then add to serving glass.
2. Garnish with whip cream and crushed peppermint candy.