Winter Fete: Hot Cocoa Bar

At last! The snow is finally starting to fall here in the Midwest :) At my next winter fete, I'm planning on having a hot chocolate bar where people can mix and match their favorite toppings for this cold weather treat!


I love this adorable display of hot cocoa toppings :)


Perfect for Valentine's Day


These chocolate mugs look delicious!

Holiday Gift Guide: Made in the Mitten

Being that I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, I thought it was only appropriate to share some of my favorite products made in the Mitten!

1. Brownwood Farms Gourmet Cherry Products
Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world, has some of the best gourmet, cherry-based products. Brownwood Farms has grown into a premier specialty food producer in Northern Michigan. You can’t go wrong with their Famous Cherry butter and Cherry BBQ sauce! Their Famous Kream mustard has also won several awards from national mustard festivals. A unique, and delicious gift. Give your friends and family a taste of Traverse City!

2. Miner’s North Petoskey Stone Pendants
The Petoskey stone is found only in small coastal colonies around northern Michigan. Each stone is unique in color and pattern. These gorgeous pendants can be dressed up or down for any occasion! They are part of the Lakeshore Collection sold exclusively at Miner’s North Jewelers in Traverse City.

3. Baabaazuzu Mittens & Headbands
How adorable are these mittens and headbands from Baabaazuzu? The pieces are constructed by piecing together recycled sweaters in a range of color and pattern combinations. Each Baabaazuzu piece is unique- no two pieces are alike! These mittens are the warmest I’ve been able to find…a great holiday gift for friends and family who endure the cold winter months!

4. Fustini’s Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars
Looking for a unique gift for your friends and family who love to cook? Go taste testing at Fustini’s Oil and Vinegars. Jim Milligan, who traveled throughout the world and experienced the oil and vinegar shops in the “Old World”, owns the shop located on Front St. in Traverse City. In Italy, the steel containers where oils and vinegars are stored are known as a “Fustini.” This word served as inspiration for the store’s name. You can mix the oils and vinegars together and also find, tasty recipes to use the products separately! Simply delicious.

Happy December!

It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! Let the month of twinkly lights begin :)