Recipe :: Winter Almond Bark

I am all for DIY's and recipes that require little work for exceptional results {see the super easy Mason Jar Snow Globes I posted about last week here}.  One of my absolute favorite sweets that my mom and I make every holiday season also happens to be one of the easiest recipes, ever -- Winter Bark.  I found the recipe in Martha Stewart Living in 2008 and it has quickly become a family tradition.  The combination of the sweet white chocolate with the bittersweet {or dark} chocolate and salty almonds {instead of peanuts} is simply perfect.  The trick is to use the best chocolate you can find.  It is absolutely gorgeous wrapped up in a pretty box as a gift, or on a favorite plate as a snack for house guests.  And, did I mention how easy it is?!  Seriously, if you like chocolate you have to try it!  Recipe below:

Winter Almond Bark

8 ounces white chocolate, chopped

12 ounces bittersweet {or dark} chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 cups salted, roasted almonds 

Place white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until chocolate melts. Remove from heat.

 

Melt bittersweet {or dark} chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Stir in almonds. 

Spread chocolate almond mixture on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.  Drop spoonfuls of white chocolate on top, and swirl chocolates with a skewer. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Break bark into large pieces. Bark will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.  Enjoy!

Gift Guide :: Under $50

1. Whiskey Rocks // 2. Agate Platter // 3. Gold Pig Bookends // 4. Salt Tasting Dish // 5. Shoe Shine Brush // 7. Resin Hexagon Ring // 8. BKR Water Bottle // 9. Monogram Midi Ring // 10. Colorblock Touch Gloves // 11. Bloom Hexagon Studs // 12. Ben's Garden 'Flamingo 2' Paperweight // 13. Annie Leibovitz 'Pilgramage' // 14. Renew Bath Salts // 15. Circle 21 Soy 'Garden Party' Candle // 16. French Marble Cheese Dome // 17. Snuffer Set // 18. Brass Fox Cocktail Shaker

Christmas will be here before we know it, so in case you still have some shopping left to do I have rounded up a bunch of goodies all under $50.  And seriously, how gorgeous is that Marble Cheese Dome?  I can't believe it is only $48...what a steal!  

Still need more ideas?  Check out my Gift Guides for him, her, and for the home.

Gift Guide :: For Him

1. Jack Spade Repp Striped Tie Bar // 2. Everlane Weekender Bag // 3. Collard Greens Plaid Bow-Tie {handmade in New York} // 4. Leather Toiletry Bag // 5. Kiel's Ultimate Man Refueling Set // 5. Ray Ban Oversized Two-Tone Clubmaster Sunglasses // 6. Ticket Stub Diary // 7. Wooden Beer Tote with Bottle Opener  // 8. Jack Spade Flannel iPhone Case // 9. Ice Bucket // 10. '1901' Canyon Chukka Boot // 11. Chanel Bleu Eau De Toilette {the best cologne, ever!} // 12. 50 Places to Hike Before You Die // 13. Sea Salt Soap // 14. Lomography Diana Vegan Leather Camera // 15. Meze 73 Headphones // 16. JCrew Birds-Eye Print Socks Field Notes 3-Pack // 17. Moscow Mule Copper Mug // 18. GoPro HD Hero 3  // 19. JCrew Slim Merino Elbow Patch Sweater // 20. Field Notes 3-Pack // 21. Robert Graham Flannel Messanger Bag    

Well hello there!  I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  We spent last week in NYC which was absolutely amazing {pictures to come}.  I was thrilled to come home to a winter wonderland, and we took advantage of the beautiful weather to venture out to the country to cut down our Christmas Tree.  Last night we continued our tradition of decorating the tree while listening to Christmas music, snacking on a delicious cheese plate, and drinking Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with a splash {or two} of Bailey's.  All in all I would have to say it was a perfect week.  I had big dreams of having posts ready for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of last week...but life got in the way like it sometimes does (:

So, back to our regularly scheduled Holiday Gift Guides!  Today I have put together a bunch of goodies that will make any guy on your list smile.  I have a few more ideas up my sleeve, but in case my boyfriend is reading this I don't want to give anything away.  I hope this helps makes your holiday shopping a little easier.  And be sure to check out my Gift Guides for her and for the home!

Gift Guide :: For the Home

1. Little Helpers Trinket Dish // 2. Domestic Art // 3. Rifle Paper Co. Botanical Desk Calendar // 4. Barque Lantern // 5. Kate Spade Salt & Pepper Set // 6. Wendy Gold Flower Art Map // 7. Tea Light Holder // 8. Cire Trvdon Melchior Candle // 9. Geo Terrarium // 10. Zig Zag Tray // 11. White Opal Soap Rock // 12. Mr. and Mrs. Holiday Glasses // 13. Agate Coasters with Gold Leaf Edge // 14. Tim Walker Storyteller // 15. Jonathan Adler 'Glitter' Canister // 16. Marielle Throw, Lime Sorbet

Happy Cyber Monday dears!  How was your holiday weekend?  Mine was filled with good food and great company, and like always went by too quickly.  However, it is officially December and that means I can listen to Christmas music, put out my favorite decorations, and emulate Buddy the Elf in every way possible {oh who am I kidding, I have already been doing that for weeks!}  I am spending the week in NYC soaking in everything the city has to offer, and hopefully getting some Christmas shopping done. 

For those of you who prefer to do your shopping from the comfort of your office home, I have rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for your favorite interior design aficionado.  Whether it's a cheeky canister {I also LOVE this one and this one}, an inspiring coffee table book, or a beautiful map of the world made of flowers {so beautiful}, I think you will find something for everyone on this list.  

Next up -- the gift guide for her!

Wedding Gifts

Decor Bon Bon Pink Cake Stand // Chalkboard Sign Tin Planters // KitchenAid Stand Mixer // 

Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail Glass Set // Chantal Copper Classic Tea Kettle // Jonathan Adler Ganja Canister //

The Newlywed Cookbook // Jadeite Mixing Bowl // Kate Spade Larabee Dot Fête - Mini Champagne Saucer Set 

I don't know about you, but my next few months are absolutely packed with weddings {I am going to nine this year}.  Many of these weddings also include showers and bachelorette parties, so needless to say I will be purchasing a lot of gifts for my friends and family.  While it is always a safe bet to simply order something from the couple's wedding registry, sometimes it is fun to pick out a gift that is a bit more original which really fits the bride and groom's personal style.  A few of my favorite gift picks are above {I have purchased both the cookbook and the Kate Spade Champagne Couples for my BFF and she absolutely loved them}.  I hope this inspires you to pick out something fun and unique for a special couple in your life!

Gift Ideas: Etsy

I discovered Etsy about three years ago, and since then it has been a go-to for gift ideas {as well as home decor and art}.  I love how it connects you with artists and collectors across the globe, and that you are supporting small businesses.  Sometimes however, I am a bit overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of sellers on the site and it can be difficult to find the piece you're really looking for.  Thankfully, over the years I have stumbled upon quite a few amazing shops...some of my favorites being:

Canterwick: How cool are these cloth bound classic that are actually iPhone chargers?  Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite classic novels and I would be much happier having that on my nightstand than an ugly white cord.

Doloris Petunia: Gorgeous, one of a kind statement jewelry.  The necklaces are a work of art that can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to the perfect little black dress.

Alicia Bock: The most dreamy collection of photographs.  I actually purchased three of them a few years ago, and they still make me smile every time I walk by.

maintenant: An incredibly well-curated shop filled with vintage French objects.  My favorite is their amazing collection of gorgeous antique French alarm clocks...want!

ARMINHO: A paper ephemera shop with the cutest little notebooks and posters.  I especially love this Vintage Camera Educational Chart.

Janet Hill Studio: I have always been drawn to portraits, bonus if they have a bit of quirk.  So obviously I was thrilled to stumble upon the glorious Janet Hill Studio.  Her art is lady-like and whimsical, and I especially love the classic portrait of the naval captain with a twist {it's a woman}.

PetiteCo: Filled with dainty and modern jewelry for a great price.

oh, albatross: A vintage seller filled with beautiful and unique goods that will add just the right amount of patina to your space.  I especially love this glass globe that is actually a lamp!

Sidenote: Does anyone know of any good software {preferably free} to do basic photo-editing and create collages on a Mac?  I can barely stand to look at the hideous layout of this post!

Gift Ideas: Anthropologie

One of my favorite go-to stores for gifts is Anthropologie.  It has such a unique and well-curated collection of books, decor, and housewares which are sure to please even the most discerning person on your list.  Some of my favorite gifts are below:

 

Row 1: The most adorable measuring cups ever {what's not to love about hedgehoges?}.  A iPhone dock made out of driftwood that has been picked up off the coast of Maine, perfect for any guy on your list.  Handmade bookends that look like miniature forests {also available with a dusting of fresh snow}.  A chevron picture frame made of wood and bone.

Row 2: The infamous Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle {I literally hoard these candles, they smell amazing and the jar turns into a lovely little vase after burning through the candle}.  A wonderful cookbook from award-winning food blogger Beatrice Peltre which is inspired by her childhood in France and love for healthy eating.  The perfect guidebook to Paris for the creative in your life by Janelle McCulloch {I recently brought this book with me to Paris and discovered so many gorgeous galleries, hidden passageways, tiny antique stores, and inspiring gardens}.  A jewelry box made of mismatched drawers and vintage knobs.

Row 3: A golden French Press that is too pretty to keep hidden in your cabinets.  A whimsical piece of wall art by Rebecca Rebouche.  A sustainable cheese dome with history {the glass dome was made of pieces of broken antique glass that was melted and blown into cast iron bolds; the base and handles are crafted of reclaimed, 19th century European timber}.  A monogrammed mug {perfect with a jar of loose leaf tea, this being one of my favorites}.

Row 4: A giant golden wishbone, perfect on-top of a stack of gorgeous coffee table books.  For the Julia Child devotee, a set of six steak knives from the infamous French cutlery designers Laguiole.  A lomography camera for the photography junkie.  A hand-crafted bicycle by the California-based Linus Bikes, inspired by French bicycle design of the 1950's.