Every time I’ve seen a movie featuring New York City in the winter, there’s always ice skating. It always looks so dreamy and picture perfect, and like the kind of ice skating you always wanted to partake in. It’s either under the Rockefeller tree or in Central Park. So when we were going to New York in December this activity was at the top of my must-do list, just so I could say I’d done it! Let me tell you, it was as much fun as I’d imagined it would be.
Holiday treats are one of my favorite parts about this time of year. I love cookies, brownies, cakes, hot chocolate; I don’t discriminate! I also love to make holiday treats for friends, parties, and family. I got this recipe from one of the best restaurants in Nashville, Josephine’s. I got it in the spring, but didn’t try it out until this holiday season and it’s been the biggest hit! People absolutely love the chewy texture and the sweet but not overpowering taste. They’re super easy to make, and take about 20 minutes total to make, because I usually cut out the hour chill time. I’ve made them both ways, but I don’t really notice a difference between chilling and not chilling. Let me know if you try this recipe out, and what your thought!
I love flea markets and craft shows and Nashville is full of them, but when they combine holiday and craft show?! It’s like winning a scratch off ticket. You get to sip hot chocolate, or chocolate chai in my case, and explore aisles of treasures that could be the perfect gift for a friend or family member. There’s always decorations, everyone’s excited because it’s a festive time of year, and there’s usually holiday or show specials! I went to Porter Flea Holiday Market when it was just starting and in a short time it has GROWN. There were at least twice as many vendors, a bigger space, more decor, and more holiday joy! Here is my gift guide from the Nashville Porter Flea Holiday Market!
For the person in your life who loves handmade and stylish, meet H. Clark. These bags were so beautiful in person, but what was even more beautiful was the fact that this is a family business, and the tannery is one of the few woman owned and operated tanneries in America! For more info check out – h-clark.com
Firepot Chai makes a great chai tea and they are opening a tea bar next spring! This was a “make your own chai” bar that allowed you to scoop your own blend…for FREE! This makes a great gift for any tea lover. – Firepot.com
Nola Granola is so tasty and is great gift for someone you may not know that well; a co-worker, teacher, neighbor, because it’s so good and can be eaten by the handful, with almond milk, on yogurt, made into granola bars, the options are plentiful. – Nolasnacks.com
Share Love Everywhere is a brand committed to spreading love. It began with the founder leaving cards around the city with kind words written on them for whoever found them. She then built it into a brand, with some reminders we all need sometimes, that kindness matters and that we are enough. This is the perfect gift for anyone, because who doesn’t need a reminder that they’re great? Perfect stocking stuffer! – shareloveeverywhere.com
As someone who loves flowers, this booth caught me off guard with all it’s blooms in the middle of December, but then I realized they were handmade flowers! I love flowers, but it always makes me sad when they start to wilt on the counter. This is a great alternative! They continue to look beautiful for as long as you display them. This is a great gift for anyone who likes to brighten up their home, but doesn’t have time to be arranging and purchasing new flowers every other week. – amaranthuspaperflora.com
I actually purchased this Soberdough for my brother-in-law. The samples were great and because he’s a foodie and a craft beer enthusiast, this made the perfect gift for him! It’s also super easy to make; one package and one bottle of beer, bake, and your done! Perfect for the foodie and beer connoisseur in your life. – Soberdough.com
Lilyan James has created one of the most unique handbag styles I have seen in a long time, which is saying something because I love a good handbag. The shape is similar to a bowling bag, but then is more structure because of the leather used. The smaller products were made from butter-soft Italian leather, begging to be put to everyday use! – lilyanjames.com
These signs printed onto wood were way too cute to pass by. Especially the, “Well, Fudge” one! These signs are great for offices spaces, bedrooms, entrance ways, really any space, because they are such conversation pieces! – plyshop.etsy.com
I love celebrating the season of Christmas. It’s so magical! I love all the activities, making memories, getting someone the perfect gift, seeing all the smiles, and the lights! There’s twinkling lights everywhere! I typically decorate any free space with glittering holiday decor if possible, and I love, love, love decorating the tree. Each ornament has a special memory and I love reliving all the good ones when I hang the ornaments up on the tree! What’s one of your favorite holiday traditions?
I have so much to be thankful for, and every year that list seems to grow. I have wonderful people to share life with, I do what I love professionally, and I have wonderful fans and readers like you to be thankful for! I know Thanksgiving is a day, but this whole season reminds me to take stock of all the blessings I’ve been given and really treasure them! What are you thankful for?
I love adventure. Sometimes that means new experiences, or revisiting favorite places, or even getting back to a hobby you love. One things I love getting back to is the beach. It inspires me to write great music, like most travel does, but I also love the feeling of being close to something as vast as the ocean. So here is a short list of must have beach items that I try to always have with me when I’m soaking in the saltwater, trying not to get baked to a crisp in the sun, and laying on the sand.
1. Sunscreen
2. Beach blanket
3. Camera
4. Flip flops
5. Water for drinking
6. Sunglasses
What’s your list of beach must haves?
