Holiday Red & Green

Holiday Red & Green by caro714 featuring a flare dress

DIY Gingerbread Garland

Times are tough.... and I wanted to add some more Christmas decorations around my house. I made this gingerbread garland from stuff I had at home. Only thing I went out to buy was the christmas looking ribbon which was $1 at Michaels. The garland was so easy and it looks so cute. I actually surprised myself. You can pretty much add anything to the garland. The more stuff you have at home and the more creative you are the better.

These are the basics you will need:
Brown Paper Bag
Scissors
Glue & hot glue gun
Glitter ribbon
Construction paper
white marker or white puffy paint

Hot in December

Well today has got to be the muggiest day in the history of muggy days. Its 75 degrees! But the humidity is just awful. Christmas is a little over a week away! WTH I dont like this weather. I have definetely been M.I.A from my blog :( Its been a busy last few weeks. I currently have a sprained ankle. Thats a first for me. Its horrible. Luckily I didnt break anything, just tore ligaments on it. I have to wear this sexy brace. And even if I tried, I cant wear heels. My ankle is literally like jello and its just too painful. Its crazy how much thats impacted me lol ... I know its so lame but yet its made me really sad. Heels are such a staple in my outfits, Ive really been thrown off and I never know what to wear. Im such a baby I know aha Im gonna have to invest in some new flats soon.

I did most of my Christmas shopping last weekend. The brace cant stop me!!! jk I was in pain when I came home

Holiday Drinks & Cocktails

I dont know about you, but I sure love a great cocktail. I personally dont like super sweet drinks. I just have to find that happy medium. Here are some delicious and really easy drinks for all of your upcoming holiday parties.

White Cosmo
Servings: 2

1 cup white cranberry juice
4 oz vodka
2 oz Cointreau

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add cranberry juice, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake to combine well. Strain into two large martini glasses. Serve immediately.

Orange Champagne Cocktail
Servings: 10-12

2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed or frozen blood-orange juice

2 750-ml bottles champagne, chilled

Pour 3 tablespoons juice in each champagne flute. Fill flutes with champagne, and serve.

Lanesborough
Serving: 1
.5 oz Grand Marnier
.5 oz  Cranberry Juice
.5 oz Passion fruit juice
2 oz champagne

Add Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, passion fruit juice or puree to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled Champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with an orange spiral twist.

Pumpkin Martini
Serving: 1

3 parts vodka
½ part Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Splash Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients over ice and shake. Strain in to martini glass, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.


Spiced Apple Cider Sangria (this is the most "difficult" recipe but its soooo worth it!)
Serving: 5-6

For Spiced Apple Cider:
2 cups apple cider (the real stuff - opaque in color & found in the refrigerator section)
1/3 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 orange slices (rounds)

For the Spiced Apple Cider Sangria:1 bottle inexpensive Spanish red wine (we used Tempranillo)
2 cups spiced apple cider (recipe above)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brandy


Photos: Martha Stewart, Huffington Post, Mylifeasamrs, William Sonoma

My Wish List

Well here are few of the things that I really want right now .... whats on your wish list ?

 

 

 

 

My Wish List by caro714 featuring chain earrings

ASOS faux fur coat, $122
Christian Louboutin high heel pumps, £375
Chanel vintage bag
Marc by Marc Jacobs bangles jewelry, $98
Chain earrings, $5
KitchenAid Artisan Susan G. Komen Stand Mixer, Raspberry Ice, $400
Tocca Stella Candle, $38
Trish McEvoy Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum Spray #9, $80

Thanksgiving Decor

Im so excited to start decorating my kitchen and dining rooms for Thanksgiving. There are so many things you can do to decorate and give your home that Fall and Thanksgiving feel. I also have been using some of my uncarved pumpkins from Halloween for my Fall decorations. Here are some beautiful ideas

I will be posting my DIY pumpkin idea in a few days... its so easy

Photos Courtesy of: Martha Stewart, Casas Sugar, Napa Style, Southern Living

Apple Dumplings

I ate so much this weekend :( it was great!! :) lol my sister and I made apple dumplings and served it with vanilla ice cream. Wow! Sooo good but this dessert is pretty much the opposite of heathy. Here is the recipe

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/02/apple_dumplings/