Friday, November 30, 2018

Happy Hour Time

What’s that sound? Do you hear it? It’s the sound of the weekend walking down the sidewalk. I always look forward to the weekend a little bit more during the holiday seasons. There is always something going on this time of year complete with a festive feeling floating around in the air. Here’s to a weekend filled with decorating, parties, and memories made with family and friends. Cheers!

“May you always pursue the narrow path, a life that calls for something more. And not perfection, but fullness… Something deeper, beyond the shore.”
~ Morgan Harper Nichols

Drink Special! 
Frostbite
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce heavy cream
1 ounce white crème de cacao
½ounce white crème de menthe
Ice cubes 
Cocoa powder for garnish
Shake liquid ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cocoa powder

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Holidays at the Hermitage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Saturday, December 1, 4:00pm
Little Rock, AR: North Little Rock Christmas Parade at North Little Rock, Sunday, December 2
Atlanta, GA: Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta, Friday, November 30, 7:00pm
Seaside, FL: Seaside Farmer Market at 30A, Saturday, December 1, 9:00am
Charlotte, NC: Holiday Festival at Ballantyne School of Music, Saturday, December 1, 12:30pm

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Favorite Netflix Christmas Movies

Starting the day after Thanksgiving {ahem…a few days before Thanksgiving} I pretty much have Christmas movies going 24/7. The Christmas season is only so long, and you have to squeeze in as many holiday movies as possible – right? 

I love everything about the Christmas season, it is like the world has been dusted with a coat of magic complete with twinkle lights, people are a bit merrier {minus the mall parking situation}, and there is such a level of excitement that no other point of the year can replicate. 

I am extremely guilty of being ‘one of those people’ who actually enjoys hallmark and Netflix Christmas movies… lately at night I have been watching some Netflix Christmas movie originals while I go through email, and they are actually really good this year, and not just in the cheesy way of being good. So…here is a round up of all my favorite new Netflix Christmas movies!
The Princess Switch// Any other High School musical fans out there?! Remember Vanessa Hudgens {aka Gabriella}. Well, she is back to playing not just one but two lovable parts in The Princess Switch. Stacy, a baker and type-a planner, takes a spontaneous trip to Belgravia to compete in a Christmas Baking Contest. While there Stacy runs into an identical stranger, who just happens to be free- spirited Duchess Margaret, who wants nothing more than to experience life as a normal person. 

The Christmas Chronicles// This is one that I for sure thought was going to be overdone and a bit on too on the cheesy side, but was actually pretty good. Kate and Teddy Pierce, hatch a plan to catch Santa in the act, but when their plan goes wrong, and unexpected journey that will leave you wanting more happens.

Christmas with a View//Okay…okay… this one actually is a bit on the cheesy side, but hey, I had to throw at least one in the mix. A failed restaurateur and celebrity chef start to fall in love, until secret business aspirations might ruin their Christmas romance.

The Spirit of Christmas//Kate, a lawyer, has three weeks to get a haunted bed and breakfast appraised and sold, but an uncooperative manager claims a spirit lives in the bed and breakfast will not approve. 

Christmas in the Smokies// This one caught my eye because I instantly thought of the Smokey mountains in Tennessee! A fun holiday movie that tells the story of how one family managed to save their berry farm against all odds. And of course, there is a Christmas romance! 

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Guest Post :: How To Personalize Your Family Christmas Gift

I cannot believe that it is already time to start thinking about Christmas; I feel like it should still be the week of Thanksgiving! We all have those hard to shop for people on our list, and lets face it, sometimes shopping for gifts can be a little bit of a challenge. It seems like each year it becomes harder and harder to personalize every single gift, especially when you are pushed for time. Today Peter Minkoff is sharing a few tips and tricks on how to personalize your Christmas gifts!
Christmas time is one of the biggest family celebrations, and apart from beautiful decorations and tasty food, it is marked by one of the most generous traditions, and that is gift giving. Christmas gift giving has become one of the most thought through procedures that is worth billions of dollars for shops around the world. However, the true meaning of Christmas is showing love and compassion to our loved ones, and what better way to do that than with a customized gift. In the article below you will find several great ideas that are sure to amaze the person you are giving the present to. So let’s start!

Get the scent right

Scented candles and perfumes usually find their way under the Christmas tree, but such a gift can be a huge miss if you don’t get the scent right. Simply opting for what's popular, or getting the usual Christmas aromas like winter berries or apple and cinnamon is not always the best option. It is far better to do a bit of research, find out what are some of your loved ones favourite perfumes and scents in general, and then use that knowledge to get them the ideal gift. When they unwrap that present and see something they truly love, they will know that you took the time to make it personal, just for them, and they will appreciate it even more.

Personalized clothing items

Now, this can be a really fun gift to give on Christmas. You can find numerous personalised products online that are customized right to your specification. Whether it’s a pyjama set with their name on it and some fun winter motifs, or a cool shirt with subtle initials, each of this gifts is ideal for this holiday. It will show that you took the time, thought about it and gave them something unique, just for them. And not only that, but they will be reminded of your thoughtfulness each time they get to wear such an item.

An amazing pampering package

No, no no, you can’t just stop by the local store and get a pre-made one. That is definitely not an option. Taking the time to create your own personalized version is what you should be doing. An ideal pampering package should contain, bathing salts, handmade soaps, and, of course, essential oils. And that’s just for starters, you also need to include an engraved towel, some delicious chocolates and a scented candle or two. For instructions for picking the scented candle, check out the first paragraph again. Finally, all the items should be placed in a large, Christmas inspired basket and wrapped in appropriate wrapping paper for a more powerful presentation.

Bring something to life

If the person you are getting a Christmas gift for is a creative type, you can opt to surprise them with an equality creative gift. For example, if they draw or paint, have one of their artworks framed without them knowing. This type of gift will show that you admire their passion and support their work. On the other hand, when it comes to kids, having their drawings made into fun, colourful and unusual dolls can be a magical surprise, and one that they will cherish forever. It is definitely something to consider, and it doesn’t get more personalized than that.

There you have it, some imaginative, yet simple ways you can personalize your Christmas gifts this year. The value of such a gift far exceeds any expensive item you could get last minute at the local shop. So make sure you make the time to do it. It will be well worth it when you see the smiles on their faces when they unwrap the gift come Christmas day.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Happy Hour Time

Ahhh…thank goodness for a much-needed long weekend – Friday came early this week! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones and a fun Friday hitting up all the Black Friday Sales! Here’s to a wonderful weekend filled with merriment, Christmas shopping, decking the halls, and getting fully caught up in the holiday spirit. Cheers!

“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy”

Drink Special!
Top Hat
2 slices pineapple
1 slice lemon
1 slice orange
1 ½ teaspoons Grenadine
1 ½ ounces rum
shaved ice

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: The Band Perry at The Basement East, Sunday, November 25, 8:00pm
Seaside, FL: Turn On The Town at 30A, Saturday, November 24, 5:00pm
Highlands, NC: Gingerbread House Workshop at The Bascom, Friday, November 23 – Saturday, November24
Charleston, SC: Atmosphere at Music Farm, Saturday, November 24, 8:00pm
Louisville, KY: Churchill Downs – Day at the Races, Sunday, November 25, 1:00pm