Blog

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

December 14, 2015

 

There’s nothing like setting the mood around the holiday season. Whether you do so by playing Christmas music, lighting Hanukkah candles, or simply just spending time with your family and a warm fireplace.

Growing up we had always done all of the above and more! Although, our family only celebrates Hanukkah, the two of us have always been very fond of the holiday season and all of the joy that it brings year to year.

We wanted to share with you our favorite beauty trends and recipes that helped us to set the mood for this years holiday season!

 

Spiced Hot Chocolate

 

Hot chocolate has without a doubt always been our go-to hot drink during the holiday season. Sometimes it’s cozier to whip up your own hot chocolate rather than ordering a grande gingerbread latte or other trendy holiday drinks during the holiday season.

This year we decided to put a spin on our usual hot cocoa recipe by spicing it up a bit! We couldn’t have been more pleased with the results, and we ‘re looking forward to drinking our new spiced hot cocoa mix many more times throughout the winter!

 

 

 

 

(For 10-12 Servings)

Mix in a bowl:

• 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup of dry non-fat milk
• 1/3 cup of cocoa
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Use 3 heaping tablespoons to 1 cup of hot milk.
2. Stir well and top with whipped cream & sprinkle a little nutmeg or cinnamon.

{We recommend storing your leftover cocoa mix in a mason jar so it stays fresh}

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Nail Art

 

Nail art is something that we find to be appropriate year round, but with the holidays and NYE coming up, we think it’s necessary to make those nails even more glam!

To get the look we love, simply begin with a neutral base coat of your choice, and once that dries you can apply the nail stickers and decals of your choice as desired.

Our favorite base colors by Essie are “Comfy In Cashmere”, “Wrap Me Up”, and “Spun In Luxe”. Purchase a pack of all 3 here!

This year we are loving the gold nail decals from Urban Outfitters that you can find here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potato Latkes

 

We know that today is the last day of Hanukkah, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue the latke feasting throughout the season! Many different recipes have been passed down in our family over the years, but this recipe is one of our favorites! These can be made as a snack, appetizer, or a side with dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

(For 12-16 Servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound potatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil
• Accompaniments: sour cream, chives and applesauce

1. Peel potatoes and coarsely grate by hand, transferring to a large bowl of cold water as grated. Soak potatoes 1 to 2 minutes after last batch is added to water, then drain well in a colander.
2. Spread grated potatoes and onion on a kitchen towel and roll up jelly-roll style. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer potato mixture to a bowl and stir in egg and salt.
3. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 4 latkes, spoon 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork. Reduce heat to moderate and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes. Turn latkes over and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt. Add more oil to skillet as needed. (Keep latkes warm on a wire rack set in a shallow baking pan in oven if necessary).
4. Top with sour cream and chives, or if you have a sweet tooth, use applesauce.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wish you all a warm and cozy holiday season getting into the spirit your way. Stay tuned on our social media for announcements for Lovely Happenings events in the works for 2016!