Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Egg Nog Party Bar + Punch Recipe

 


Are you an egg nog fan? I feel like it's one of those holiday things that is hit or miss with people. A few weeks ago we hosted some friends for dinner and I set up with little egg nog bar. Surprisingly it was a big hit - even with the kids! 


I put out a special recipe suggestion and there was an "adult version" you could make with it. I thought I would share because it is holiday party season and anything that can make hosting easier is worth sharing! 



EGG NOG PARTY PUNCH RECIPE


INGREDIENTS
- 1 qt. egg nog
- 1 pt. of vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups chilled 7Up o Sprite
- Optional garnish: Cinnamon sticks and Nutmeg




DIRECTIONS

1: Combine egg nog and ice cream in a cup.

2: Slowly add in 7up or sprite.

3: Garnish and enjoy

**For an adult drink twist you can add 2oz of bourbon or rum. Both are great additions!**



HAVE YOU DONE AN EGG NOG BAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS? WHAT EGG NOG RECIPES DO YOU ENJOY? SHARE WITH US!



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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Book Club: November 2021

 

Happy December friends! Can you believe we are already at the end of 2021?! It seems like this year flew by. We love December for all of it's sparkle and holiday fun. We love it even more so because of all the fun holiday books and movies that come out. 

We have a GREAT list of holiday books we shared last week that we plan on digging into this month, but first it's time to chat about what we read in November! 



WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH

Y'all know I listen to 99% of the books that I share and Audible has a wish list feature where you can add books to the list so that you can easily keep track of titles you want to read or listen to.  I love this feature because anytime someone tells me about a great book I add it to my wish list.  Well, my wish list is REALLY long and filled with tons of books.  This month I decided to try to make a little headway on this list and listened to 3 books that have been hanging out on my wish list for quite a while. 

First up for me was Float Plan by Trish Doller. 


The cover makes it seem like a happy go lucky book, and it was happy, but it actually touches on some deeper subjects, too.  It follows a woman who goes on a solo sailing trip to the Caribbean after recently loosing her fiancĂ©.  They were supposed to do the trip together, so there a lot of emotions involved, but it was fun to see how she overcomes, proves to be stronger and more skilled than she ever would have imagined, and ends up meeting someone pretty special along the way.  

Next up was Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 

Part of me wanted to listen to this one because I knew I wouldn't hate listening to Mr. McConaughey for 6 hours.  I love his accent and as you can imagine he is a wonderful writer/storyteller. It was interesting to hear how his career evolved and to learn the thoughtful way he approaches life.  His self-reflections are pretty deep and I enjoyed this one.  It was a nice alternative to the types of books I usually go for. 

My last book for the month was Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand. 


I enjoy all of her novels and this one was no different. It follows a family as they learn terrible news about their husband/father. They end up traveling to St. Johns to learn more about his death and come to find out he was living a secret life.  They meet locals, dig deeper, and start to unravel some truths they never knew.  It was a quick and easy read and I enjoyed it, but wished the ending had given a little more detail because it left me wondering and wanting to know more. Come to find out this is the first of three in the series so I'll definitely be checking out the others! 

JEN

I have a HUGE stack of holiday reads to get through, but for some reason any time I picked up a physical book this month, my brain just couldn't compute. So I was 100% audio reads this month and not one bit mad about it. Here's what I listened to...


K.A. Tucker books have won me over this year. Burying Water was and interesting twist on the mafia romance theme. The story is told from two POVs, linking both past and present. Water wakes up in the hospital with no memory at all. You follow her journey to find out who she is and who she was in her past. I loved her character as well as Jesse, the Wells family, and Jenny. This was a quick and easy listen - highly recommend!


The Love Hypothesis was just plain fun. This little rom-com was equal parts witty banter and slow burn romance. This book has been hyped all over social media - and for good reason. It's a light and easy read, and you can't help but love the cast of nerdy, yet adorable, characters. 

Olive is a grad student who tries to do her best friend a favor. The favor ends with her accidentally kissing a random stranger in the science building they both work in. But the random stranger is actually the moodiest, grouchiest, smartest Professor on the staff. 

Ooops. 

He also happens to be really good looking. 

Double oops. 

Or maybe not...

The can't put it down story takes off from there. Fake Dating, strong heroine, grumpy hero, best friends you want to hang with your self, a whole lot of steam - The Love Hypothesis has it all. Grab this one and join the hype.



One of Us is Lying reminds me of a murder mystery twist on Breakfast Club. I loved every second of it. Four kids are in detention, but only three of them leave alive. There are a ton of twists and turns as you try to figure out who might have done it. And a lot of fingers point at the three that are left alive. 

The ending completely surprised me, but also had me cheering. I know there is a sequel and a new show based off the book and I already can't wait to check both out! 


The Wedding Ringer was my last book of the month and from the opening page it was f-u-n FUN! An influencer finds her fiancĂ© and best friend in bed together a few weeks before their wedding date. Now she finds herself both jobless and living with her sister. Until she stumbles into being a stranger's bridesmaid. 

I laughed from the start to the finish of this one. It also has a few more serious moments that give the story a little more depth. If you enjoy Christina Lauren style novels, or rom-coms, put this one on your "to-read" list ASAP!



WHAT'S UP NEXT...

CARRIE BETH

Next up for me I'm going to go a little deeper and listen to The Push by Ashley Audrain.  It was highly recommended to me and I usually love anything that is about motherhood so excited to dive into this one. 


JEN

Okay, I've already started listening to this one, but I can already tell you it is a contender for one of my favorite books of the year. It's most definitely in my top three. Currently about half way through Jodi Picoult's latest - Wish You Were Here


And then after this I am most definitely going to dig into that Holiday TBR pile! 


WHAT DID YOU READ THIS MONTH? ANY FAVORITES WE NEED TO SNEAK IN BY THE END OF THE YEAR? SHARE WITH US!


BOOK CLUB 2021


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Monday, December 6, 2021

Holiday Looks We Love From Eva Franco

It's that time of year!  We love the holidays and all that comes along with it, including all the parties!  From favorite things parties with your girlfriends to company Christmas parties or even just casual neighborhood gatherings, it is fun to wear something special for a special occasion.  

Eva Franco never disappoints with her attention to details and gorgeous fabrics making her items perfect for holiday looks. Our discount code is still good so you can order any of these looks and get 30% off by using code Magnolia30.

My favorite dress is this ruffled mini sweater dress!  It's a stretchy knit and very body con, but fits perfectly and is super comfortable.  

I love the red floral pattern and it looks so good for Christmas!  The big ruffle detail on the sleeves are beautiful and make this one super special. 

Another dress I loved was this darling dress in the black velvet dot.  The ruffled tiered layers of the skirt and delicate dot fabric are beautiful! 

Another favorite holiday look I love is a great skirt and Eva Franco has SO many beautiful ones this season.  I am still in love with my tulle skirt. It has pearl embellishments and I love that it can be dressed up or down. It's gorgeous with a sweater, fun with a leather jacket, and can even be thrown on with sneakers for a more casual look.  


A few other favorite skirts from Eva Franco are this Melody Skirt (it also comes in a few other colors)...

...and the Tribal Shine Midi Skirt. The jewel tone colors in this one are so fun! 

Sometimes you just need a fun top to put with jeans for a more causal gatherings and there are so many we love from Eva Franco.  The gorgeous fabrics and special details of her pieces really make them perfect for a fun party top! 

The embroidered detail on this corset top is stunning and the fit is perfect with high waisted jeans. 


This Harlow top in the dark teal would be so pretty with black denim or even white if you dare to do that in the winter!  Love the pretty color and the lace details.

Don't forget your littles!  They like to feel fun and festive this time of year also!  Eva Franco has some super cute items for children, many that are mommy and me styles, so you and your mini can match.  

Remember that tulle skirt...it also comes in children's sizes!

We adore the sweet details on this Rios top. So fun for a special occasion! 



Shop her entire collection HERE and don't forget to use our code Magnolia30 for 30% off! 
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Wednesday, December 1, 2021

5 Ways to Update Your Home for Holiday Guests

 Thank you to Casabella for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are our own. 


After last year's holiday season was reduced to immediate family only and quarantine's, this year a lot of us seem to be gearing up for a more traditional holiday season filled with extended family and guests. One of the best things about the pandemic was the completion of all those house projects that have been on the to-do list for years. But, even if you weren't one of Home Depot's VIP customers for the last eighteen months, there are still a few quick and easy ways you can update your home before the big guy in the red suit arrives. Bonus - none require power tools or a whole home makeover. 


5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS


REVAMP THAT ENTRY!
The very first thing guests see when they enter your home is the front entry - so you want it to make a good impression. Our first step is to always declutter this area. It tends to be a dumping ground for all the the things. Before guests arrive, make sure all random shoes, coats and mail are put away. 


Next step is to make sure the area is outfitted with items to allow guests to take off their shoes, hand their coats, or put down their purses. A gorgeous way to do this is to have a small area rug in place with a bench or a console table. Maybe even a decorative hooks if you have the space. These small changes and additions can make a big impact on your entry with very little work. 


Third step is to make it smell good. The moment your guests enter your home you want it to smell more like holiday deliciousness and less like au de litter box. Adding a yummy smelling candle to your entry table or near by is a great way to set the stage for holiday guests. Our favorites this time of year tend to be warm vanillas, cinnamons, and spicy tree scents. 




SPRUCE UP YOUR GUEST BEDROOM
If you have overnight guests this holiday season, make them feel extra welcome by sprucing up their sleeping quarters for their stay. Hanging curtains, adding cozy pillows or a soft rug are all simple things you can do to make the space feel more inviting. 


Going the extra mile and adding in soft lighting lamps for reading or a throw to snuggle in are also quick and easy ways to put extra special touches to you guest room before visitors arrive. 


We spotted this bedding at Casabella and swooned. We love these soft and cozy the fur throw pillows for winter. And the addition of the tray and custom books is a lovely touch!




UPGRADE YOUR LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the projects that tends to get put on the back burner, but is typically one of the easiest and quickest ways to update a home. It's amazing what the addition of a few table lamps or a stylish floor lamp can do for your living spaces. 


Look around and make note of any areas of your home look dark or could use an update. Concentrate on the main locations guests will be first and work out from there so you don't get overwhelmed with replacing all your lighting. 





ADD SOME ART
If you are anything like us, we tend to forget our walls. Everything can be beautifully painted, living room furniture can be well placed with perfectly fluffed pillows complete with stylish coffee table accessories, but then our walls are completely bare. That's like ordering CFA milkshake without the whip cream and cherry. Not necessary, but definitely makes it feel complete. 


The quick addition of a gorgeous painting, sconces or shelving with frames and/or accessories can do wonders for a room! 





COMPLETE THE WORK!
This tip is more of a PSA and friendly reminder to complete those half started house projects. We get it - we totally have project ADHD and tend to start one before another is finished. But having house guests for the holidays is a great time to get motivated and wrap up all those loose ends. 

Need to finish hanging that wall paper in the powder room? Call your bestie, hang away, finish with wine. 

Need to put that second coat of paint on the dining room? Make it a family affair. Buy some canvases, some paint brushes, and let the kids paint while you paint. Now you have gifts for grandparents. It's a two-for-one.

Need seating for your living room? Great! We love these options from Casabella and they are ready to pick up today. 






You get the idea. Get. It. Done. 

The last thing you want is cousin Mark's three year old running around with your unhung curtains as a cape. 

So, channel your inner Bob Villa and fix up this old house {project}! 



DO YOU HAVE A QUICK AND EASY TIP FOR UPDATING YOUR HOME FOR HOUSE GUESTS? SHARE WITH US! 




All home decor and furniture items featured in today's post are from Casabella in Marietta, GA. They have a truly amazing selection of items in stock, and a great staff of designers on hand to help you with all of your home decor needs! If you are local, be sure to check them out! 



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