Salted Caramel Vodka Hot Chocolate

 

 

 

A cozy night in during the holiday season or the long winter months, is perfect for this delicious spiked hot chocolate. The caramel vodka that I had left over from the Caramel Apple Martini that I made for Halloween has been languishing in my liquor cabinet, until I came across a version of this recipe. I foresee many nights sitting by the fire, with a Christmas movie on the television (White Christmas - my favorite) and this wonderful drink warming my spirit.

It is very easy to make; especially if you use your Keurig to make the hot chocolate, but you could use any favorite recipe for that part. The addition of the sea salt was something I added to the recipe and it really gave it a delicious depth of flavor.

To make this fun, seasonal drink, simply make a cup of hot chocolate using your favorite method or recipe. Add 1 ounce caramel vodka and 1 ounce half and half. Put a generous dollop of whipped cream on the top and sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy!

 

{Linking with these friends}

Stonegable

Rattlebridge Farm

Mostly Homeade Mom

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

Gooseberry Patch

 

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Christmas Mantel Inspiration

 

 

 

My Christmas mantel has undergone a transformation this year and I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. In the past years, and especially last year, I have gone very bold with big pops of red. I used a big, red metal star as the focal piece. Everything changed when I saw this neutral, carved snowflake. I decided to hang it from the window frame and take a different direction; softer and maybe even add a little sparkle.

 

These large silver and gold toned trees anchor one end and compliment the neutral tones of the centerpiece snowflake beautifully. They add the sparkle I was looking for and give added height.

 

 

The other end is anchored by a tall candlestick with a birchbark candle. Scattered throughout are a few of my favorite snow globes; adding subtle hints of red and pretty reflections from the string of lights nestled in the simple pine bough garland.

One new piece, like the simple wooden snowflake, can lead you in a totally different direction and as I plug in the lights each night and enjoy the subtlety of this mantel, I'm happy with the change.

Happy Tuesday!

 

{Linking with these friends}

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Between Naps on the Porch

Cozy Little House

Craftberry Bush

Live Laugh Rowe

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

DIY by Design

Coastal Charm

Stonegable

Thrifty Decor Chick

 

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First Week in December

 

 

 

The first week in December is always the week that will tell me how my Christmas preparations are going. I like to check as many things off my list as possible, and the more I accomplish, the more I know that I will ultimately be able to enjoy the days leading up to the holiday. My number one goal, this fist week, was to get all my decorating done, including the finished basement. Everything was done by Friday, including two trees decorated, all the fall decor packed away and all the Christmas storage bins back in their spot. I even had time to take a picture of my puppy, in front of the tree and send a bit of Christmas cheer from home to my daughters.

 

 

Because I worked so hard during the week on all the decorating, I was able to take Saturday off and go to a MSU basketball game. We had a great time and even were able to take Melissa to dinner for a study break during finals week. And speaking of MSU, I thought we would be planning a fun trip to Florida for New Year's Eve to watch the Orange Bowl, but things shifted in the bowl picks and MSU is now going to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. We were excited about a trip to Miami, but since we used to live in Dallas, aren't really feeling the need to go. We will be watching from home this year, on New Year's Day.

 

 

I passed this Christmas tree display at the mall on Sunday afternoon many times, as I wound my way around the long line to see Santa, thanking my lucky stars I did not have to stand in it myself. The other big thing on my mental list of holiday preparations was Christmas shopping. Between cyber Monday (I'm a big fan) and my afternoon at the mall, I was able to check many names off my gift list and it now feels manageable. It is such a good feeling and while I don't shop early, I do try to finish by the second week in December, leaving plenty of time to wrap, unrushed and with Christmas music setting the mood.

Next on the list; Christmas cards and Christmas cookie baking.

Happy Monday!

 

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