the best hot chocolate x 2

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There’s nothing quite so rich and decadent as a cup of hot chocolate during the holidays. Why use mixes and powders, when the real thing tastes better and takes just a little bit longer to make. Here is an easy recipe that I like to make often. Enjoy!

ingredients
2 oz 85% dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon (or more) cane sugar
1 cup milk (I use almond milk)

extras:
marshmallows, whipping cream, peppermint sticks, extra chocolate for garnish

how to:
Heat the chocolate in a small saucepan on low until melted.

Add the sugar and milk, whisk until blended. Maintain a low heat, whisking often until desired temperature is reached.

Divide among two 4-5 oz cups. Garnish with (toasted) marshmallows and fresh chocolate shavings. Or, add a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peppermint sticks.

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from desk to drinks

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coat: United Colors of Benetton (similar here), sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, pants: Zara (similar here), clutch: United Colors of Benetton (similar here), boots: BCBG (similar here), shades: Marc by Marc Jacobs, lip: YSL

‘Tis the season for holiday parties. Since most begin right after work, a desk-to-drink look is best. For me, it’s black with a play on textures and subtle gold accents. All-day comfort is important, too. If you’re not one to wear heels all day, don’t start now! Hobbling into the party isn’t the way to go, so bring those heels with you to slip on right before heading out. Freshen your makeup and add a bold lip, like YSL – Le Rouge.

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Eataly comes to Chicago!

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 :: treats from Il Gran Bar Lavazza ::

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:: il mercato dei formaggi / cheese market ::

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 :: formaggi / cheese ::

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 :: olives ::

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 ::  elementi della cucina / kitchen items ::

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 :: la panetteria / bakery ::

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 :: dolci / sweets ::
my favorite Baci candies!

Welcome to Chicago, Eataly! I am so excited to have this huge emporium for all things Italian. Since their doors opened this past Monday, I have already visited twice. I’ve enjoyed a delicious dinner at Le Verdure, dessert and coffee at Il Gran Bar Lavazza, grocery shopping for fresh prosciutto and chocolates, and shopping for luxurious bath products. This place has everything, including a Nutella bar and vast supply of wine. So, if you don’t have plans for the weekend, now you do! Buon fine settimana a tutti! Have a great weekend!

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comfy staples

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sweater: Mossimo, tee: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target (similar here), jeans: Zara, boots: Steven (similar here), shades: similar here, bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here), watch: Timex

Some days call for my favorite tee and jeans. These are the pieces that  always seem to work. I decided on this tiger tee and cozy cardigan – both from Target! A skinny jean and Chelsea boot complete my comfortable, yet polished look. Hope everyone is having a great week!

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florals for winter

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coat: United Colors of Benetton (similar here), turtleneck: Club Monaco (similar here), pants: Zara (similar here), bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs,  shoes: Zara, lip: Marc Jacobs

Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from winter’s heavy fabrics and switch to a delicate floral print. Neutrals pair nicely with this muted print, keeping the pants the main focal point. I love the oversized collar on this wool coat – it’s perfect for those (frequent) blustery winter days.

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hand-dyed silk from Eliza Dot Design

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shirt: H&M, scarf: Eliza Dot Design  ℅, vest: Zara, faux-leather skirt: Xhilaration (similar here), shoes: 80%20, bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim

I hope everyone survived the long Thanksgiving weekend full of food and sales! I generally don’t go out shopping on Black Friday, though I did manage to snag a few sales online and later on Saturday at some boutiques in my neighborhood. I’m so excited about this hand-painted silk scarf from Eliza Dot Design. It’s luxurious and is the perfect way to add a pop of color to any look. Each scarf is unique in that it’s handmade and painted with a palette of vibrant pigments. Have a great Monday!

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gifts under $50

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I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!  The Holidays are right around the corner, I hope this is an inspiration for when you are shopping for friends and family!

1. Faux Fur Short Collar, ASOS, $26.70 (on sale)

2. Sparkle Custer Rings, Madewell, $24.50 (on sale)

3.  Triple C iBoost ® Backup Battery, Madewell, $35.50 (on sale)

4. Olive and Lavender Liquid Marseille Soap, Compagnie de Provence, $24.00

5. Bunched Leather Small Turnlock Bracelet, Coach, $48.00

6. Limited Edition Gold Monogram Mug, Anthropologie, $10.00

7. Slim Clutch, Zara, $35.90

8. Simmons Cardigan, Sosie, $45.00

 

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