I think this Kate Spade “Eat Cake For Breakfast” bag and clutch are totally adorable…for someone who weighs 110 pounds. I don’t think it would be quite as adorable if my two-hundred-and-some-odd-pound-self strutted down the street with the bang in one hand and a cupcake in the other hand.

I actually feel kind of ashamed at the thought.

Is it because I would judge someone doing just what I mentioned? Is it really that shameful to see a rotund woman declaring her love of cake? Do I have some majorly deep rooted weight-related issues?

Does anyone else seriously want a piece of red velvet cake right now?

Thoughts? Analysis?

Source: Gemma Correll

•  The Spotify playlist that gets me through the day.
• I am reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and I think it is lovely. Not surprising since Loving Frank by Nancy Horan was one of my fave books a few years back.
• Awesome people hanging out together.
• Gemstone hair pins from ban.do.
• Anyone want to pop over to the V&A ballgown exhibit with me this May?
• Treat yourself. I did.
• The Jason Wu for Target dresses are adorable.
• Kork Ease sandals. With Jason Wu dresses!
• Salted Microwave Caramels. I’ll be making these for Valentine’s Day pressies. (Forget you saw that link, coworkers.)
• I want to see Goodbye, First Love. I’m a sucker for romantic dramas in languages I don’t speak that have won awards whose names are surrounded by wheat.

Sometimes, I think about quitting my job, buying a teeny tiny trailer, and selling homemade rice crispie treats.

I make really good rice crispie treats.

Still crazy, I know. The name needs some work, too.What kind of crazy shit do you think about doing?

When I was in college, my roommate’s mom used to make us a giant tub of hot cocoa mix that lasted all winter. After I graduated, I completely forgot about it for years. Until I received a gift of homemade hot cocoa mix that was absolutely terrible and I remembered how good hers was. A few emails later and the recipe was all mine and I’ve been making it at the holidays ever since.

I’m not sure if this recipe is supposed to be top secret (though I have altered the proportions slightly – you’ll find that they’re not very specific), so keep it on the down low (or not).

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

1 large container of Nestle Nesquick
2 large containers of powdered creamer
2 cups powdered sugar
1 bag mini chocolate chips

Layer ingredients in the biggest bowl you can find and then use a slotted spoon to mix until well combined. Divide into cute jars or single serving bags and make it pretty by slapping a bow on it.

Cocoa can be made by mixing 2-4 heaping tablespoons of mix, depending on your desired level of chocolaty goodness, with hot water or warm milk.

Marshmallows are a must.

Peppermint marshmallows are highly recommended.

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

Do I have to choose? Why not both?!

Desserts and cocktails. Cocktails and desserts. (Remind you of someone?)

The perfect combination.

Especially during the holidays when nerves can be a bit frazzled from overcommitting to family, friends, and functions. I like to pick a signature cocktail for each holiday season and I’m currently mulling over this year’s options based on the dessert menu. Last year we enjoyed spiked sparkling cider made with apple juice, Prosecco, and Goldschlager. This year I’m thinking of going with a warm cocktail, since it seems a bit more festive; maybe a peppermint patty or hot buttered rum?

Here are some dessert and cocktail pairing ideas that I came across while deciding on this year’s signature holiday cocktail…

• Pumpkin Pie – Cocktail pairings shouldn’t complete with the spices in the pie, so try something mellow like coffee with a touch of vanilla liqueur. A sweet stout also pairs well.
• Chocolate cakes, pies, mouses, and more – Pop open the bubbly! The effervescence of champagne is a pallet cleanser between bites of rich chocolate desserts.
• Apple Pie – Be a bit bolder and pair the crispness of an apple pie with maple and oak flavors. Can be served warm or cold; the pie and the cocktail.
• Gingerbread – Get wild and crazy. Gingerbread pairs well with fruit cocktails like apple and cranberry and with rich flavored coffees, cocoas, and eggnog.
• Sugar Cookies – The perfect compliment to this year’s signature cocktail, (drum roll please…) the peppermint patty.

Source

The peppermint patty is the obvious choice since it’s a match made in heaven for so many deserts. We just can’t afford to limit ourselves around the holidays.

Do you have a signature holiday cocktail or dessert? What’s your favorite pairing?

Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. Please see my site policy with any questions.