Tapas & Sangria

As I mentioned here, my sisters, mother and I have made it a tradition to celebrate Christmas as well as my mom's birthday with tapas, sangria, and delicious Spanish food at our of our favorite restaurants.  Here are a few pics...

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Merry Birthday & Happy Christmas!

{my mom & I on Christmas Eve back in the day}

I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas! 

I especially wanted to wish my mother a Happy 50th Birthday.  We are all definitely blessed to have her in our lives.  The plan for today is to go out for a lovely lunch of tapas, sangria, and delicious Spanish food to celebrate my mom's birthday.  My sisters, mom and I started doing this about four years ago and the tradition has stuck.

No matter what your plan is today I hope that you are in good company and spirits.

Wishing you much Peace & Love.

Erica

The Great Gingerbread House Debacle

Chris and I attempted our first gingerbread house last night....

Who would have thought making one of these little suckers would have been so stressful!?  At the end of the day it was fun and we laughed at our little creation.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for $75.00 or Less

As much as you promise yourself each year not to wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts; with all the craziness of the holidays having a few unpurchased gifts is inevitable. Here are a few great gift ideas if you haven't finished up your holiday shopping. The best part is that they are all $75.00 and under.
{assorted miniature liquor bottles}

 

{French latte bowls}

{vegan baking mixes}

{Polish Trio by Topshop Make Up}

{Martha Stewart Baking Set}

{Coney Island Nostalgia Prints by Tamara Lee}

{WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers}

{Parisian Macarons}

{New Growth Bib Necklace}

For information on all the gifts featured click here.

A Holiday Tradition: Coquito

It would not be Christmas for me without coquito; aka Puerto Rican egg nog.  It is very similar to traditional egg nog, but the addition of cream of coconut gives this drink its distinctive flavor.  Coquito is very rich so it is to be sipped.  It's almost like liquid dessert.  So tasty.  Every year I make a few bottles and give them out as gifts.  

My recipe is super simple:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (15-ounce) can cream of coconut

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

1 - 1 1/2 cups of white Puerto Rican Rum

1 tsp vanilla extract

a couple sprinkles of cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a blender and chill for at least two hours.  Serve in small glasses with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

New Holiday Traditions

Yesterday my family and I decorated sugar cookies to celebrate the season.  I think we just may have started a new holiday tradition.  We had a lot of fun especially since none of us are expert cookie decorators.  It was pretty hilarious.  Here are a few pics...

Up next a gingerbread house.  That should be interesting ; )

My Top 5 Christmas Song Picks

{1.  John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)}

{2.  Wham - Last Christmas}

{3.  La Rondalita - El Burrito de Belen}

{4.  Nat King Cole - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas}

{5.  Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad}

Now it's your turn.  What are your top 5 Christmas songs?

It's Christmas Time in The City

If I could only choose one word to describe Christmas in New York it would have to be, MAGICAL. The store fronts, the lights, the energy, it's all amazing.  You can truly feel it in the air.  I really love walking the NYC streets at this time of year; even if I can't feel my face by the end of the day because it's just that freaking cold.  If you have never been to New York during Christmas time I highly recommend it.  Here are a few shots Chris took while we were walking around the city a few days ago.

Holiday Dressing

{H&M}



{H&M}



{Urban Outfitters}

{Topshop}

{Topshop}

{French Connection}

{Ted Baker}



{Temperley London}

I have been on the search for the perfect holiday dress.  These are some of my favorites.  No matter what I think my final choice will have some type of beading or embellishment.  How great is that French Connection dress?!   

{images via}

Food Porn of The Week: Cranberry Upside Down Cake

One of my all time favorite desserts has got to be pineapple upside down cake.  When I saw this recipe for Cranberry Upside Down Cake I knew it would be perfect for the holiday season.  The pairing of sweet and sticky caramelized cranberries with a buttery white cake is nothing short of perfection. This cake is an eye catcher for sure.  A definite must for any holiday get together.