I worked at Wisteria Cottage this past weekend, and so many women were coming in to buy Christmas presents. And all I could think was, isn’t it a little early? But, y’all, it’s so not. It’s that time of year. Time to start making your lists and checking them twice. Continue reading “Beautycounter Holiday Makeup Collections”
Category: Holiday
Halloween with the Normans
It’s officially holiday season. I consider it to have started on October 1st. That’s when the party invitations start to roll in, decorations start appearing in front yards, large amounts of candy start being consumed, and life starts to get a bit crazier. I decided to add in a bit more crazy and go all out when it came to decorating this holiday season. Naturally, I’m starting with Halloween, and boy have I had fun doing it. Want a look around my apartment? Continue reading “Halloween with the Normans”
The Best Hot Cocoa Recipe Ever
THE BEST HOT COCOA RECIPE EVER
Every year that I’ve taught (I think-maybe I missed one or two of the early years) I’ve made homemade hot cocoa for my students. It’s usually during a week full of super fun Christmas crafts, movies, programs, and excitement. But this year I am teaching 3rd grade and the festivities were a bit different than they have been in the past. However, I still wanted to make them hot cocoa that didn’t come in powder form in a packet. (Not knocking that stuff either. It’s not so bad!)
Planning Ahead
I have 42 students that I had to prepare for, so I doubled the recipe I used. Turns out doubling the recipe is too much liquid to fit into my slow cooker. So, I used a large pot and made it on the stove the night before. It cooled a bit and I funneled it into a gallon jug and a 64 oz. Hydroflask. (These things are seriously so wonderful. I use the 32 oz. bottle for water every single day.)
When I got to school I immediately put some in the slow cooker and somehow ended up looking like this…
Yep, wore the chocolate splatter all day from before 7:30am until about 4:30pm.
I serve it to the students in these small styrofoam cups with marshmallows. This size cup is really big enough for them. The cocoa is pretty rich, and they are always satisfied with a small amount as opposed to a full mug. 
I ended up with a little left over and was able to enjoy a few cups at home. That full mug at the top of the post was WAY too much. I think I made it through half before I had to pour out the rest. It’s very rich and sweet.
I reheat it either on the stove, stirring regularly or in the microwave in 30 second increments. It still tastes pretty delicious a few days later.
The Recipe
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk chocolate chips
6 cups of whole milk
1 tsp vanilla
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker (or a pot on the stove on low heat). Stir together and cook on low until chocolate is melted. Stir often to help dissolve the chocolate chips and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Ladle the finished product into your favorite mug, top with marshmallows, wait to cool a bit, then enjoy!
*You can just use 1.5 cups heavy cream and a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk to make it a tad richer if you’d like. Yum!
It’s so delightful and sure to be a crowd pleaser with your family this Christmas.
Cheers, y’all!
Elizabeth
Gift Guide Roundup
GIFT GUIDE ROUNDUP
We’re so close to Christmas! And if you’re like me you’ve got a few last minute gifts to pick up. I wanted to remind you of my gift guides that I’ve created. Here’s a quick roundup of all 5 of them for some inspiration.
Beauty Lover
Holiday Gift Guide 2017- Beauty Lover
Cozy Gifts
Holiday Gift Guide 2017- Cozy Gifts
My Personal Wishlist
Holiday Gift Guide 2017- My Personal Wishlist
Gifts For Him
Holiday Gift Guide 2017- Gifts for Him
Hostess Gifts
Holiday Gift Guide 2017- Hostess Gifts
Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!
XO,
Elizabeth
Favorite Christmas Movies
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES
There’s something about this time of year that makes me just want to watch ALL the movies. Yes, there’s quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies, but I do manage to fit in some of my all time favorites. Here’s my list.
The Family Stone
No surprise here if you’ve read my blog for a while or if you follow me on Instagram. This is my all-time favorite movie. Not just my favorite Christmas movie. It’s just so perfectly disfunctional and awkward, yet it’s endearing and full of love. And can we talk about that house? It’s perfection. Serious goals.
Elf
Another one I’ve shared before. Elf is an absolute delight to watch. Will Ferrell is genius in this movie, and I laugh out loud at him every time I watch it. I can quote it and often do in my head when something happens that reminds me of it. At school this year, someone came to tell on someone else because they had been called a Cotton-headed ninny muggins. Bahahaha! It took all I had in me not to laugh and tell them to go get in the child’s face and say, “You sit on a throne of lies.” 🙂 🙂 🙂
White Christmas
What a classic. I am so happy it’s on Netflix this year! Thank you, Netflix. I discovered this movie not too many years ago and couldn’t believe it had taken me so long to see it. I can’t get enough of it now. I just love to watch it, and the ending make my heart so happy. It’s definitely one I’ll be watching year after year.
I love the music and the dancing. Bing Crosby is magical to watch and to listen to. He’s one of the greats. Paul told me this year that he’s never watched this movie. I think it’s time to change that!
The Holiday
Okay, I just went back to an old post about my favorite movies, and this one is on it too. I clearly have a thing for Christmas movies. I watched this one on Amazon just the other day. In college I watched it on a loop. The writing, the music, the acting, the setting (those houses-always the houses in a Nancy Meyers film…swoon). And Jack Black has his best role ever as Miles. I just love that scene where he asks her out for New Years and he gives the tiniest fist pump to himself.
And don’t you just get chills when they open the doors for Arthur (the older gentleman), and all those people are cheering for him. I cry every time. Watch this one please!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Just pure silliness. But in the best possible way. Straight out of the gate it’s nonsense, but it’s the funniest nonsense. It’s no wonder it’s a cult classic that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carrey was amazing in this one. I used to not care for it, but once I sat down and actually watched it, I realized it’s quite wonderful. And any Gossip Girl fans out there? Cindy Lou Who is Jenny! I remember having this soundtrack as a kid and loving it. I might need to buy this one.
A few others that I like to watch are Love Actually, Four Christmases, Deck the Halls, and Home Alone (1 and 2).
What are your favorite Christmas movies to watch every year?
Merry Christmas,
Elizabeth
Christmas Home Tour 2017- Round 2
CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 2017-ROUND 2
So, I thought I was all finished with my Christmas decorating, but I was in Sam’s with my mom a while ago, and I just happened to walk by this ribbon. I didn’t even say anything, just grabbed it and put it in the cart.
I have been seeing several tutorials on how to add ribbon to your Christmas tree, and y’all, it’s gorgeous! I knew I wanted to add some, but I wasn’t sure what ribbon I wanted. Then I saw that ribbon and knew it was the one to add.
Now, I may have overdone it a little, but everytime I look at it, it looks like a big present all wrapped up, and I swear the glow is even brighter. I love it even more than before.
I even added a few more twinkle lights. I couldn’t help myself. 🙂
Thanks for touring my home for a second time! If you missed the first round, you can check it out here.
Now, come on over and we’ll have coffee or wine. And I’ll probably make you watch The Family Stone while you’re here. 🙂
Merry Christmas, y’all!
XO,
Elizabeth
Christmas Home Tour 2017
CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 2017
Merry Christmas, y’all! I am so excited to share my home with you while it’s all decorated for Christmas. I told you in my post about changes that I was doing something different with my Christmas decor. It’s a little trendy, a little farmhouse-y, and a lot black and white.
I painted the buffalo check ornaments myself. Spray painting Christmas ornaments was no easy task! I finally just hoped for the best because of how much they were rolling around. From far away they look okay, but up close…well, just don’t look up close.
I attempted to make cotton ball ornaments and was going to add brown pieces to it to give it the look of the wreath that gave me the inspiration.
But they turned out looking like snowballs, and I actually think I like them better. 
I took down my rustic, turquoise sconces to put up some (basically antique) sconces from my grandparents’ house. They may be dated and ugly to some, but I kind of love them and they look festive with some garland I pulled off of another decoration that I didn’t use.
This little decoration was a gift, and I love how it worked perfectly with my color scheme this Christmas. 
She may be tall and skinny, but our living space is so small that she fits perfectly in our little corner. Okay, enough talking. I hope you enjoy a peek at my holiday decorations. If you have any questions about their sources, just leave a comment. 🙂 
Merry Christmas, y’all!
XO,
Elizabeth
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Hostess Gifts
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017: HOSTESS GIFTS
‘Tis the season for holiday parties! And any good Southern girl knows that she needs to take the hostess a little token of her appreciation for inviting her to such a festive occasion. Here are a few gift ideas for the hostesses of your holiday soirées.
- Kate Spade Things We Love Coffee Table Book– I actually have this book and love it. It’s such a fun book to look at, and guests love to flip through it too. It’s delightfully cheery and perfect for the color-loving hostess in your life.
- Lux Candle in Fraser Fir– This is hands down my favorite candle ever. And I’m a lover of Leaves from Bath and Body Works and most Tyler Candles, but this one…it’s the best. It is so festive and so fragrant. Bonus for the locals- The Pineapple sells these and in these cute gift boxes too! I took the topper off the box and made an ornament out of it this year.
- William Sonoma Peppermint Bark– I remember the first time I ever tried this stuff. And every Christmas I’ve found a way to go in and sample it or get a tin. It’s a great hostess gift because she can stash it away for herself or open it up to serve at the party. Can’t go wrong with this one.
- Kate Spade Deco Dot Round Baker– I think this would be a great gift to give if you had to bring a dish for a pot luck dinner. Bring your pie, quiche, or whatever you make in this adorable baker and tell the hostess she gets to keep the dish too! I would be delighted. Kate Spade is one of my favorites and can be found often at TJ Maxx and Home Goods at a bit of a discount.
- Plaid Cooking Apron from Hearth and Hand at Target– I couldn’t not add something from Hearth and Hand. I think this apron is so festive and would be perfect to pull out every Christmas. It’s also really cute, and I wouldn’t mind wearing it in front of my guests as I finished cooking.
- Laura in the Kitchen Cookbook– Laura Vitale is one of the first YouTubers I watched. She still posts cooking videos on her YouTube channel, and trust me, you want to check her out. I made Croque Madame from following her videos. That’s saying something, y’all. The cookbook is beautiful and has wonderful Italian-American recipes that make you want to have Sunday dinner with your whole family whether you’re Italian or not.
- Faux Fur Wine Bag– The wine bag in the picture and in this link is to Restoration Hardware. They have a great selection, but another perk for the locals- Vesta Taylor had them in her store downtown a few weeks ago, and I thought they were luxuriously soft. If you’re going to get one, get one from her! It’s such an on-trend way to gift a bottle of vino to your hostess.
- Cer Blue Flower Vase from At Home– You can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet of flowers for your hostess, and this vase takes it to the next level. And it’s on clearance for $2.49 right now!! Yes! Under $3! This one’s a no-brainer.
- Holiday Soap Trio from Beautycounter– With guests in and out of her house and bathrooms, what hostess doesn’t need a nice set of hand soaps? The best thing about this soap is it’s toxin-free and safe for her and all of her guests to use.
Happy Shopping, y’all!
XO,
Elizabeth
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Gifts For Him
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017: GIFTS FOR HIM
Men…aren’t they the hardest ones to buy for?
If they’re anything like my husband or dad or brother, there’s nothing they want (nothing that costs under a lot of money anyway), and chances are, they’ve already bought everything they need throughout the year. Well, I came up with a few things that some of the men in my life might like. Maybe it’ll be helpful for some of the guys in your life too.
- Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest– Overall it’s not too cold here in Alabama, so a vest is a great piece to have for the cooler months. These vests look super soft and very chic. **But I found a great deal on Columbia ones at Academy today! Here’s the link.
- Adidas Ultimate 365 Regular Fit Pants– Great navy color, lightweight fabric, washes well. Paul has several Adidas pants and shorts and loves them.
- Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray– Paul has been wearing this for a few years now and still likes it. We got him the large bottle last year, and he still has so much left. A little goes a long way, y’all. But it smells delicious.
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens– I’ll be honest, I am the one that really wants this camera. Paul isn’t much of a tech guy or a picture taker, but I know there are a lot of guys that are. I’ve heard so many great reviews on this camera, and it’s at the top of my high-dollar Christmas wish list. Bonus: It is on sale right now!
- FootJoy Mens Club Casuals Buckle Loafers– Paul has been through a pair of these already, but his didn’t have the buckle. They look very nice and hold up well. I just love the buckle detail, and they look pretty sharp in black too.
- FootJoy Pro/SL Mens Golf Shoe– These navy, orange, and white golf shoes lean a little in the Auburn fan direction, but they looked pretty awesome to me. There are other color combos in this shoe if this isn’t your man’s style.
- Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Scarf– I said earlier it doesn’t get very cold here in Alabama, but sometimes it does. Especially during those early morning hunting excursions. This scarf would be a great and very warm addition to the hunting wardrobe.
- Brookstone Bed Fan with Wireless Remote– Anyone else sleep next to a hot box every night? This fan has been on Paul’s list for quite some time now. It’s not a bad price and might really be a game changer for a better night’s sleep. I’ll report back if Santa brings this to our house. 🙂
Happy shopping, y’all!
XO,
Elizabeth
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: My Personal Wish List
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017: MY PERSONAL WISH LIST
I used to make a list of what I wanted for Christmas. I’m talking well into my 20s, I still made a list. I don’t do that anymore…mostly because Paul thought I was being ridiculous. So now, I just send him links of things I want randomly and drop hints here and there. But now that I’m in the blogging world, I get to make my list again. Take that, Paul! 🙂 He knows I’m kidding, and probably knows everything that I’m going to tell you about.
In all seriousness, I share this list not to receive gifts but to share some things that I would like to have, things that I already have, and things that I’m planning to give to others. Hopefully this will give you an idea for a few people that are on your list to buy for this Christmas.
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera– I cannot stop thinking about this camera. It is on my Gifts for Him gift guide coming soon, and I’m putting it here again. I NEED a camera with my blog. Running on an iPhone with photo editing apps only takes you so far. Amazon says they only have 3 left! They’re on sale right now, and when they come back, who knows what they’ll cost?! SANTA, PLEASE!!
- Mophie Charging Case– I run through my cell phone battery so quickly. I use it a lot in the mornings to binge watch Downton Abbey while I’m getting ready, so by the time I get to school I’m down to 50%. I charge it when I get there, but I do a lot of other things on my phone, as we all do, in the evenings, and I would like to not be in the red all the time. I think this would be a great investment for those of us on our phones a lot (for work or play).
- Ikea Ribba Frame– I’ve been thinking about making some changes to my gallery wall in my living room (see it here), and I’m liking more of a grid layout. These frames have a thick mat and clean lines for the look I’m hoping to create.
- Shark Steam Mop– Truth is, I need a mop. I have had a Shark before, but it finally wore out. They have come down significantly in price since we got married seven years ago which is a major bonus.
- Hearth and Hand Salt and Pepper Cellars– Clearly I’m obsessed with Hearth and Hand by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but I’ve long ago been a fan of these little cellars. Giada always had them and now I can get my hands on some really cute ones for an amazing price.
- Montmartre Art Print at Minted– I am on the lookout for a large print to go on the other wall of our dining nook, and I think I just found it. Minted has countless options for beautiful artwork and frames it for you too. I love everything about this print (especially that striped awning).
- Zoya Nail Polish in Marnie– Fun fact: This nail polish is named for one of my favorite YouTubers, Ms. Goldgirl. I have this color and have been wearing it a lot this fall season. It looks good on my fair skin and some darker colors are kind of harsh for that reason. This would be a great gift for a girlfriend, daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, pretty much any woman. I use Zoya nail polish because it has removed toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulation. There are other safe nail polish options out there, but I have only used Zoya. Excellent, long-wearing, and endless color choices to choose from. Also, Zoya has great sales throughout the year. I’ve ordered from them before a lot. I can also find a limited selection of some of their products at Ulta in Montgomery-for you local folks.
- L.L. Bean Winter Loft Fleece Jacket– I need an everyday jacket that I can throw on. The one I have now is from college! I’m a little ashamed to admit that. We all know L.L. Bean is excellent quality and super warm. I would love this jacket but in the Cool Silver color.
- Steve Madden Mules from Macy’s– I don’t have these exact shoes, but I do have some mules that I found at TJ Maxx. I am obsessed with them and am getting a taupe pair for Christmas. Mine are a velvet material that makes them so warm and cozy looking for the winter months. These are the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
- Flat Booties– These flat booties are from my favorite boutique in Baton Rouge, Simply Chic Baton Rouge. I linked their Instagram there for you to follow. The absolute nicest girls in the world work there; the owner is just the best, and they will help out your fella when he wants to surprise you with something nice. I miss this store so much! Here’s another picture of how they styled them. And look at those jeans with the pearl detail. Seriously, go check them out.
- Howlite Jewelry– I just think this marble-like jewelry is beautiful. I love how it goes with everything and would look great with white for a monochromatic look or really pop against a black outfit. The bracelet here is really cute, but the necklaces can totally be showstoppers.
- Ultimate Nudes Palette from Beautycounter– This palette has been on my radar for a while, but I got “the look” from Paul when I mentioned all the things on my Beautycounter wish list. The look that says, “Have you actually seen the credit card bill?” So I have refrained from buying anything else that isn’t a necessity just yet. There are 18 shades to create countless looks. This is the PERFECT gift for the teenage girl on your list. Not only are you giving her something she will love using, but it is the perfect way to introduce her to the world of safer beauty.
- Stackable Rings from Everly– I love the look of a stack of sparkly rings. This company produces some of the most gorgeous jewelry. They are mostly simulated stones so the price is excellent. And the Black Friday deal going on right now is Buy 2, Get 4 FREE! What?! You won’t be disappointed looking around this site. Load up your cart and send to your significant other for an extra sparkly present under the tree. I did!
- Color Intense Lip Set by Beautycounter– I almost didn’t put this on here because it’s unavailable until December 8th, but these lipsticks are so fantastic, y’all. I was supposed to buy them, share them with my clients, and then put them away for Christmas. But I can’t. They are that good. I highly recommend these for yourself or for the beauty lover in your life.
Happy Shopping, y’all!
XO,
Elizabeth