Christmas Themed Hot Cocoa Bar

 Hello Everyone!

In addition to my DIY Cocoa Basket, I set up a Christmas Themed Cocoa Bar on my kitchen counter. I'll remove the Christmas Decor and use the rest of the items for the cocoa bar throughout the Winter.

Some of the items may look familiar because I used the duplicates of the same decor for the cocoa basket. I love that Hobby Lobby has their products 40% or 50%. These items were very affordable. 

I also picked up this hot cocoa crate from Hobby Lobby. This was another affordable purchase.

I love homemade hot chocolate, but most of the time I'll fix instant hot cocoa. 

The Best Instant Hot Cocoa 

- hot milk or water

- add hot chocolate mix

- add mini marshmallows 

- add Whipped Cream 

I notice by adding mini marshmallows before adding the Whipped Cream helps the Whipped Cream last longer.

 I always try to get a set of 2 or 4 mugs. I thought these toasted marshmallow snowman mugs were so cute!

Just like the cocoa basket, I added a Hot Cocoa & Cream Candle to go along with the decor.

Don't forget to check out my Hot Cocoa DIY Gift Basket post!

Hot Cocoa DIY Gift Basket

 Hello Everyone!

One of my favorite types of Christmas gifts (and gifts in general) are diy gifts. Whether it's a handmade blanket or a homemade pie these types of gifts are gifts that someone took the time to make and thats always special.

*If you decide to add Whipped Cream to your basket make sure you put in the basket last, and that it's ready to give the recipient. You don't want to leave Whipped Cream out of the refrigerator for long periods of time.

Items that I used

-  Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate 

- Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallows

-  Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips

- Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips 

- Holiday M &M's (Optional)

-  Reddi Wip Original (Optional) 

- Clear Craft Ornaments 3 (wash your ornaments.        before you fill them!! And let the fully dry)

- Mug

-  Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Candle: Hot Cocoa &         Cream

- Festive Christmas Decor/Figurines

- Cellophane Wrap (basket size) 

- Large Basket

I filled the 3 clear craft ornaments with white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. The ornaments filled the cocoa items give the basket a nice festive touch. 

This basket is a Chocolate Lovers dream! There's instant hot cocoa, and other extra chocolate goodness included in this basket.

I added cute festive decor to the basket with this gingerbread man, a cocoa sign, and hot cocoa and cream candle.

This is another version of the cocoa basket with holiday M & M's.

I used a basket from target and place it in Cellophane along with a bow. I love using baskets from Target for making gift baskets.

It's time for hot cocoa!

Bath & Body Works Pre Candle Day/Weekend Haul

 Hello Everyone!

Since the pandemic started, a lot of businesses have taken different measures to ensure the safety of their customers. Bath and Body Works decided to have a Candle Weekend instead of their traditional Candle Day. If you check Bath & Body Works website there is a store locator for times opening in your area. I think you will be able to shop online as well (or at least one day online...don't quote me, as I'm not totally sure). I will update if I find out more details.

I did a few exchanges before the upcoming candle weekend, so I technically didn't buy anything lol. Despite the safety precautions I try to avoid large crowds especially since Covid is on the rise again in South Carolina.  Honestly I don't understand why Bath & Body Works doesn't have an annual candle weekend to give people a chance to shop more than one day.

2020 Holiday Christmas Bath & Body Works Bag

These are the candles I chose during my exchange. Most of the candles are my holiday favorites that I usually burn during the holidays and Winter. Tis the Season is one of my new favorite scents. The candle name says it all, Tis the Season. This candle reminds me of all things Christmas. It's a warm cozy cinnamon, apple, and slight wood scent. I love it! Snowflakes & Citrus is also another scent I love. This candle has a frosted citrus scent that's perfect for Winter.

What are your favorite Holiday/Winter Candles?

For more information check out my Bath & Body Works Christmas 2020

Silver, Clear, and White

 Hello Everyone!

Here's a little secret... I've had up my Christmas Tree up since the 1st week of November. Typically the tree goes up after Thanksgiving, but this year I started decorating early. 

You probably noticed that I changed the theme of the tree to silver, clear, and white. I was talking it over with my mom and we both decided it was time for a change. 

I love the way the tree looks once I finished decorating. I've ways thought a metals themed tree had a beautiful romantic classic look. Though my tree isn't fully metals, it has that romantic classic look as well. 

This year I added, metal snowflakes, Eiffle Towers and a few carriages to the tree.

Since I live in South Carolina it rarely snows here, so snowflakes remind me of the colder months even if the temperature can be 75 in December here. The weather fluctuates so much here sometimes. 

I was tired from being up most of Thanksgiving, so I slept most of Friday. I was flipping through the guide and I saw that How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was on. I had to watch it since it's one of my favorite Christmas specials. 

If you've seen my latest holiday gift guides then you probably noticed the decor on the glass table. Here it is again in more detail. My version of a little Christmas Village.

Holiday Gift Guide: Part 2

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This posts contains a few PR Samples 

Today I bring you part 2 of my Holiday Gift Guide. For this guide, I'm focusing more on self care items that would make great gifts.

*Dr. Zenovia Skincare

If you or someone you know has hormonal acne prone skin, I highly recommend trying Dr.. Zenovia  Hormonal Skincare Products. I've been using these products for a few months and I've noticed less breakouts on my face. 

*Drunk Elephant Skincare

Drunk Elephant is another one of my favorite skincare brands. Their products feel so nice on my skin and keeps my skin healthy.

Spa Sciences Devices

Skincare devices have become so popular in recent years. Spa Sceinces has affordable skincare devices that help complete your skincare routine. 

*Zoya Naked Manicure Glossy Seal

Tis the season to take care of your nails. This Naked Manicure Glossy Seal will be a beautiful finishing touch to your Manicure. See Zoya Gelie-Cure Post these products also make great Christmas gifts!

*Zoya Transitional Naturel ⁴ Collection

Look at what will be available on December 7th! Zoya is releasing their new Transitional: Naturel 4 Collection. I love that Zoya has mauve hued polishes in this collection. All the shades are so pretty! 

Koolaburra by UGG Bella Thow

I usually like to make my own blankets, but I saw this beauty on sale at Kohl's. This Koolaburra by UGG throw blanket is so soft. This blanket is perfect to have during the cold Winter months while laying on the couch or taking a nap.

Derma E Natural Hair Care Products

Don't forget that good self care includes healthy hair. Derma E  has been my go to hair care products for the past few months.. This is my 4th set of these products. 

*GSQ By GLAMSQUAD 

The holiday season can be hectic, so getting rest and sleep is important. What better way to get a good night's rest than to have these sleep accessories from GSQ By Glamsquad exclusively at CVS

Starbucks 2020 Holiday Collection

For all my Starbucks Lovers, Starbucks released their 2020 Holiday Collection earlier this month. Even if you don't like Starbucks, the tumbler would make a great gift. (I'm using this tumbler for water). I don't think these items are sold online, but you can find them at Starbucks and Starbucks inside of Target.

Bath & Body Works Candles

During the holidays and colder months, I find burning cozy scented candles (and candles in general) peaceful. 

Here are more links to items that would make great holiday gifts.

Holiday Gift Guide Ideas Pt. 1

Zoya Intriguing Collection: Holiday 2020

Derma E Holiday Exclusive Sets

CVS Beauty Don’t Stop Event

Holiday Gift Guide: Part 1

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains a few PR Samples

The holidays are practically here, so today I wanted to share my first of two gift guides that I composed. These items will make great gifts for others or great gifts for yourself. 

*Pixi by Petra: Skintreats Tonics

Pixi Tonics are some of my favorite skincare products. These products stay in my skincare routine. These tonics are very popular in the skincare community. 

*Pixi By Petra: Naturelle Lip

If your looking for good quality affordable lipsticks, you should give these Naturelle Lip Lipsticks as a gift. These lipsticks are moisturizing and give your lips a plump look. There are 6 beautiful shades in this collection.

Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Palette 

The Stoned Vibes Palette from Urban Decay is the perfect holiday eyeshadow palette. The jeweled toned shades are so festive for this time of year.

I think that anyone that loves to create holiday makeup would love this palette.

Urban Decay Ultraviolet Palette 

Urban Decay also released Naked Ultraviolet Palette this year. I think this is one of UD more unique Naked Palettes with all the purple tones. 

These eyeshadows paired with a wet brush, create stunning eyeshadow looks.

*Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder

It's beginning to look a lot like an Urban Decay Christmas lol.  I just received this setting powder a few weeks ago as a pr package, and so far I like it. I like that this setting powder is water proof, but if you're fair skinned or gifting this to someone fair skinned you may want to skip it. The label says its translucent, but there is a tint to the setting powder. It's more of a tan shade than translucent.

Outside of the tint not being translucent, this is a great setting powder, and look at that gorgeous packaging!

*China Glaze Holiday Collection: Welcome to Jollywood

China Glaze recently released their gorgeous Holiday Collection, Welcome to Jollywood. If you or someone your buying a gift this year love all things that sparkle and Christmas colors this is definitely a collection you should check out. I'm noticing that a lot of people are going back to traditional red this year, and red is a beautiful color in general. I like that this collection can be worn during the holidays and throughout the entire Winter.

Here are more links to items that would make great holiday gifts.

Derma E Holiday Exclusive Sets

CVS Beauty Don’t Stop Event

Getting Started with Thanksgiving Prep

 Hello Everyone!

I don't know about you, but when I think about Thanksgiving in addition to being thankful, I think about the prep work I have to do, planning the Thanksgiving Menu, grocery shopping, etc.

This year I'm trying to get all of my groceries for Thanksgiving this week since the pandemic began food has been out of stock at most of the local stores. Some weeks are better than others. I've gone to at least 3 different grocery stores to get the things I needed. 

I'm noticing that people are starting to panic buy toilet paper again. I don't think they're limiting items in my area, but I did pick up 2 packs of toilet paper that were on sale and a pack of paper towels. 

I plan on making the apple filling for the apple pie this week and freezing the pie until next week. I think this is the first time I've made an apple pie for Thanksgiving. 

We usually have a small Thanksgiving dinner or we give out plates to friends, but this year since Covid is still on the rise, It will probably just be a quiet Thanksgiving consisting of my mom and I. If you're gathering with family and friends this holiday season, please be safe.

For the first time, I put the Christmas Tree up before Thanksgiving. I started decorating sometime last week. I'll have a post about the Christmas decor soon!