a life & style blog by Karina
Enjoyed in Europe throughout the holiday season, I wanted to share a classic mulled wine recipe. I love warm drinks and this one definitely keeps you warm and cozy when you’re hanging out by the tree, snuggled up with your loved ones (whether that’s a significant other, your pet, or that fireplace on Netflix).
Original Post 12/29/2014:
Every year, since I was a baby, my family has made these Christmas cookies (will share recipe on the blog next week!) AND Polish gingerbread (Piernik) (this one too!) covered with a chocolate glaze… yummy.
So Simple. So fun. So good.
We use (organic) sugar crystals and crushed walnuts for the toppings of the cookies. My aunt stepped it up a notch, making thinner versions (so they can be stacked and not be too thick) with jam in the middle.
I leave the Polish cookies and piernik duty to my Dad and aunt! I decided to start my own tradition and make thumbprints. The recipe is quite similar, yet different! They have been a hit the past 2 years, so I thought I’d share them with you… (more…)
I was never a fan of online shopping — my parents never did it when I lived at home, so I guess I just didn’t think it was a good option. Turns out, it’s pretty amazing. I mean not only do most retailers offer Free Shipping, but you can basically buy a bunch of stuff (like clothes or shoes, for example), try them on and ship back what doesn’t fit..for free. It’s kind of genius especially if you don’t like fighting for a parking spot or waiting in long lines in the stores during this holiday rush. There are definitely times that I end up not buying something because of the long line.
SO, I started exploring with online shopping, ever since Nico got signed up for Amazon Prime (w/o knowing about it but we’re so obsessed now!) For the past year, I have been sending Food Baskets as sympathy gifts to friends or family who are mourning a loss and live too far away — It’s different from the traditional flowers and definitely offers a bit of comfort #comfortfood.
As the Holidays are approaching, these food baskets also serve as amazing gifts – especially when you don’t know what to get someone. I mean, who doesn’t love food or coffee or wine? It’s the perfect time to share with all the parties going on, so it is a perfect gift to bring to share.
I selected some of my favorite food items you can order right from the couch at home:
I live to be in comfortable clothes, but will not let myself be that person that only goes out in sweats. I mean, I do go out in sweats, but honestly I pair them with some wedge booties (in the fall/winter) or cute sandals (in the spring/summer). You can definitely make sweats stylish for everyday wear. (more…)
Happy Cyber Monday! I hope everyone had plenty of leftovers over the weekend and is taking some time to do some desk shopping today. I had way too much food and even ended my weekend at a diner after a night out of drinking for my best friend’s 30th birthday on Saturday, not to mention the 4 hour drive home from Jersey, stopping at Mc’Ds to fuel up! Ahh, I’ll be doing a nice little cleanse before the next round of holiday parties. #judging
For all the sales today, I took some time to list out (at the end of this post) the best online deals along with discount codes to use. Each number coordinates with a direct link to that item at the bottom of each collage to make it easier to shop.
Happy Thanksgiving! I just re-read my What I’m thankful for list from 2 years ago, when I first started blogging and it made me realize a few things. For one, how happy I was when I first started blogging and also how important it is to stop and reflect not just on Thanksgiving Day but every morning when you start the day or at night when you finally climb into bed — I have been practicing mindfulness and meditation, and it has made me a much happier person, able to enjoy the small things in life.
So, (more…)
