Friday, January 2, 2015

My January Must-Haves!

 It is officially 2015 and it is officially COLD outside! This time of year is always a little melancholy for me. The holiday season is behind us, the get-togethers start to dwindle, the warm home decor comes down and I don't know about you but I find myself constantly checking my calendar for the next long weekend and it feels like it is never going to be here. However, there are a few things to look forward to when it is cold outside: ski weekends, cute hats, movie nights in with a roaring fire, hot coco (no, this is not just for the holidays), ice skating, and really, I think layers and being all bundled up is kind of cute. Below are my must-haves to get through this cold winter month.



Black Opaque Tights: ModCloth
A must have for the girl who insists on wearing dresses and skirts year round. You can also add these to your favorite pair of shorts.

Warm Scarf: Francesca's
I am a huge fan of scarfs in general but there is just something extra warm about an infinity scarf. Add some faux fur into the mix, and you will look chic, cozy and comfy!

Long Gloves: Old Navy
I like fingerless for driving, using my iphone and anything else you usually have to take them off for. However, for blistering cold days you may want the fingers to be complete.

Warm Snow/Rain Boots: The North Face
I wear my North Face boots for almost anything and everything in the winter. I throw them on to get to and from the slopes, to run to the grocery store and even for casual date nights to the movies. They not only keep my feet warm but they are waterproof!

Sunless Tanner: Rodan + Fields
This stuff is amazing! It really enhances your natural color so you won't look like you went to the bahamas overnight. It will not leave streaks or awkward orange hands, elbows, knees and feet and the best part is that it doesn't smell. I cannot say it is odorless but I am somebody who has never spray tanned or used lotions because I cannot stand the smell even on others (seriously gives me a headache) but when I used this I had no issue...barely even noticed it and either did my husband...and it moisturizes your skin!  

Sweater Dress: Forever 21
I love a good sweater dress for the cold months. You can still look chic and sexy without looking ridiculously cold and like you are trying too hard in winter. Add a  turtleneck style, tights and boots for extra warmth.

Warm Jacket: BCBG Maxazria
Everyone needs a good warm jacket for winter. One reason I love puffer coats, like this one, is because they are belted at the waist so you don't loose your girly figure under all of that warmth. Also, a lot of the time puffer coats are machine washable. 

Warm Hat: J. Crew
It is no secret that I love a good hat and this style is great to keep your ears warm! I seriously own about 3 like this one.

Warm Socks: J. Crew
These socks are wool and they are cute! When you walk in from the rain or snow and take off your boots you can still look cute in socks like these!

Cute Hair Accessories: Francesca's 
Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean we should stop accessorizing! These bobby pins are the perfect addition to dress up any hairstyle. 

Lip Shield (with SPF): Rodan + Fields
It is no secret that chapped lips come with winter, especially if you are hitting the slopes or are in higher altitude climates. Apply a good lip shield everyday and every night to protect your lips from that inevitable cold winter chapping. 

Facial Mask: Sephora
Lately, I have been really into facial masks. I try to give myself an at-home facial 2x a week and in the winter it is all about keeping the moisture in my skin. Try a hydrating mask a couple of times a week to keep your skin glowing all winter long.


Share with us some of your must haves for January by commenting below. 


XO,
Jenna

Sunday, December 28, 2014

My 2 Favorite Trends for New Years Eve Fashion!

Okay ladies, choosing our New Years Eve attire is almost as important as choosing how we will say "Goodbye" to 2014 and "Hello" to 2015...or at least it is for us fashionistas! 

Below are two trends that I am kind of obsessing over at the moment; Tulle Skirts and Sequined Pants! Both looks are perfect for celebrating, partying and looking festive for whatever your New Years Eve celebration entails. Also you can dress up or down either look, to fit your style, which is another reason I love them both. Let's take a look at a couple of ways to style these two fabulous looks! 


Tulle Skirts





Get the look:




Sequined Pants





Get the Look:

H&M and These!


It's been real 2014! Cheers and Happy New Years, everyone!

XO,

Jenna

Monday, December 8, 2014

Recipe for Mulled Wine...a Winter Must Have!

I just recently discovered my love for mulled wine. However, I am not surprised by this new found love because I also love apple cider and it is very similar. Also, if you haven't figured it out by now I am a huge fan of anything that makes my home smell yummy and more "holidayish!"


Mulled wine is popular in Europe and a winter beverage that I have always been around and known about but for some reason had never tried until this past Thanksgiving when I decided I was going to make it for my family. My brother-in-law thought I kept saying I was going to serve "mold wine!" He didn't seem too thrilled about the idea at first but when the aroma filled the house he soon jumped on board and enjoyed a glass :-)


Below is the recipe I concocted, with the help of my dad's Grand Marnier suggestion. Enjoy!

Side note: How cute is the cork on this cheap bottle of wine? Sometimes the cheapies just know how to do it!

Serves 4-6 (depending on glass size)
Prep-Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 1+ hours with crock pot or 20 minutes stove top
Serve Warm

What You Will Need:

1 bottle of red wine (preferably something cheap and dry...I used a $4 bottle of Cabernet)
1/8 cup honey
1/2 cup grand marnier
8 whole cloves
1 medium-large orange (plus more for garnishing) 
3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnishing)

Let's Get Started:

1) Pour the wine, grand marnier, cloves, honey and cinnamon sticks into your crock pot. Turn crock pot to high.

2) Zest about 85% of the orange into the pot. Then slice the orange and add slices into the mix.

3) Cover and let simmer until it starts to boils. With a crock pot this takes a bit longer but the house starts to smell yummy and the spices really mix in versus a quick boil (which still works if you prefer a pot)



4) Once the Mulled Wine is boiling turn down to warm but keep covered until you are ready to serve.

5) Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice and serve warm. 



Red Lipstick is Optional
My Red Pants are LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's and my Top is Banana Republic

Enjoy and Happy Holidays Everyone!

XO

Jenna


Thursday, December 4, 2014

My Holiday Season Must-Haves!

Well, I don't think I need to say it but I am going to anyway: It is the most wonderful time of the year...and I am stoked! Are you?

I love everything about the holidays. I love the way my home smells from the baking, the christmas tree, the fire, the candles and the constant hot coco stewing on the stove. I love how everyone just seems happier and more thankful. I love how the first thing I smell when I walk into the grocery store (and my home) are those cinnamon pinecones. I love being surrounded by friends and family. I love cheesy made for TV holiday movies as well as the classics (Clark aka Sparky anybody?). I love Egg Nog in my coffee in the mornings. I love spoiling my loved ones. I love all the decorated homes (I mean, if I have to come home from work after the sun has gone down at least I can enjoy the Christmas decorations and lights on my commute...am I right?) 

Anyway, you get the picture...I LOVE this time of year and a not-so-small part of that excitement are all the opportunities to dress cute :-) Below are a few of my MUST-HAVES for the Holiday season.

Something Sparkly








Something Red





Something Furry:





A Fun Cocktail Dress







A Great Shoe
(preferably one that works in all weather but still looks fabulous at a party!)






Statement Jewelry





A Great Sweater 
(I also love dressing up my more casual sweaters with leather/sequins pants & skirts)






Happy Holidays Everyone!

XO,

Jenna