Winter Purchases - Cardy and Boots

I saw this hilarious photograph on 9gag.com of us white girls during the colder seasons, and I was going to take the time to describe it to you, but then I got lazy. And to be honest no series of descriptive words would do this justice...

As sad and true as this is, I'm not ashamed to admit I fall into this category. In fact, I think that is me second from left, the thin one with lovely blonde hair. Moving along, I have been wearing the same boots for the last three years and have completely exhausted their durability and needed to buy new ones. In an effort to venture somewhat outside of my comfort zone I bought a pair of black ankle boots to wear with tights or skinny jeans. BUT, just incase I wasn't feeling that adventurous, I made sure to purchase a new pair of brown "white girl" boots too :). At a fraction of the price I paid for my last pair, the new ones are a darker "pleather" and obviously not of the same quality, but they'll do.

I knew I wanted ankle boots but deciding how high of a heel I wanted (if any) was my main debate. I tend to slip and fall my way through winter but I figure if I just take baby steps I can be safe AND stylish, no?

Ankle Boots from Target - $25

Oooooh.....festive.

Boots from Beyond The Rack (beyondtherack.com) - $30

Cardigan from American Eagle - $49.99

This cardigan I bought just at the beginning of October from American Eagle. I believe they came in navy as well but the majority of my attire is dark colours so I tried to keep this neutral to lighten things up. It fits great when you first put it on out of the wash but like jeans, after about 4 hours it starts to loosen so if you're looking at these, maybe buy a size smaller than you normally do.

Holiday Cocktail Roundup

My favourite time of year is upon us once again........St. Patrick's Day!.........Wait, what?....... Considering the Halloween festivities have ended it's due time to start getting in the Christmas spirit. I love a bloody good cocktail, and holiday parties with friends and family are a great way to enjoy them. So to get in the spirit I rounded up some fantastic looking concoctions. Some of these I've tried and tested, others just looked like a good excuse to test my bar-tending skills. I've also left some tips for mixing up a quick and creative cocktail if you have limited time or selection of alcohol.

Classic Champagne & Cranberries 

There is really not an easier one than this. Select your Champagne or sparkling wine of choice, freeze some cranberries, and add a couple of mint leaves.

Alternatives: Let the minors join in on the festivities and mix Perrier or Sprite with cranberry juice in a Champagne flute.

Blushing Mimosas 

If you enjoy the occasional Mimosa here and there like I do you'll enjoy this cheeky mixup quite a bit.

There are a couple of ways that I've done this one before so feel free to experiment.

1. Champagne / Orange Juice / Cranberry Juice
2. Champagne / Cranberry Juice
3. Champagne / Champagne... ... that's right.




Candy Cane Martini

This is a drink I found from nuggetmarket.com and it looks so amazing I can't wait to try it.

Basically there are 4 things you need:

1. 1.5 oz. Vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
2. 1.5 oz. White Creme de Cacao
3. 1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
4. Ice, Ice, Baby.

Hot Buttered Rye

1 Cup Heavy Cream

2 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup

1/4 Cup of Rye (Or Rum)

6 Tablespoons Hot Water

2 Tablespoons of Ginger Liqueur

Nutmeg

Beat heavy cream and maple syrup with an electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until consistency of softened butter. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Pour rye whiskey, hot water, and ginger liqueur into a 6-oz. heatproof cup. Top with about 1/4 cup maple-cream mixture and freshly grated nutmeg.

Quick Tips:

• Frozen Cranberries added to any basic wine or Champagne will keep it cool and classy without diluting 
• Feeling Chilly? Warm up a Hot Toddy with any Rye or Whiskey mixed with a bit of hot water and lemon
• Add mint leaves with Raspberries or Cranberries to dress up a dry Martini