10 Things I've Been Loving Lately // Holiday Edition

Twinkle lights are all aglow, fireplaces are roaring and hot chocolates are being ordered all over. I love this time of year for many many reasons. Perhaps mostly because I feel like the spirit of joy and celebration seems to be more prominent this time of year. There are extra gatherings with friends, reasons to get dressed up in all sparkles, traditional family recipes baked, thoughtful gifts wrapped under the tree. Finding small and large reasons to make spirits bright is a beautiful part of the season!

I know there are plenty of gift guides floating around in the universe (and some on Living and Local, too); however, I wanted to share a few things that have been making my spirits bright lately (music, recipes, products, etc.).

10 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

1. My family’s chocolate chip bourbon pecan pie. This recipe is a family classic and requested at almost every family gathering and special event. If you like bourbon and you like chocolate … this recipe would be perfect for you. It’s very rich, so pairs well with a large glass of milk!

2. Black Cake. This book was recommended to me by my best friend, Carla. Carla is an avid reader and typically requests a subscription to the “Book of the Month” club for Christmas every year. The book weaves a tale through present day and past tense characters to tell a story of how heritage and culture can transcend generations in multiple ways … one in particular … food. The themes of this book really stand out to me at this time of year, especially after taking notes while watching my grandmother put together her family’s stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving.

3. Count your blessings instead of sheep. Bing Crosby sings this song with Rosemary Clooney in a White Christmas. He has such a soothing voice. My dad and I love watching White Christmas together every year as one of our Christmas traditions. This song resurfaced on a Spotify playlist of mine and once I finally slowed down enough to listen to the lyrics … “When I’m worried and I can’t sleep … I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

4. My Stanley Tumbler. This product is the perfect case study for what happens when a TikTok goes viral. It was hyped for its ability to hold 40 ounces of water, fit in a cup holder and come with a reusable straw … every gal in the United States probably had restock notifications turned on at some point. Although it doesn’t keep ice nearly as long as was hyped (“days” was an over-exaggeration) … I still love it. HOWEVER, I carry mine with me EVERYWHERE and rarely leave the house without it. As someone who really slacks in drinking enough water, my Stanley helps me out.

5. Throat Comfort Tea by Yogi. I LOVE THIS STUFF. Once the weather starts dropping below 60 degrees, I constantly have a cup of hot tea by my side. Yogi makes some stellar teas and this one is definitely my favorite. If I’m sick, I’ll easily go through a box. Most likely two. But I also drink it when I’m feeling tip top (and just a little chilly)!

6. Feather Trim Satin PJs (Amazon). These are currently in my cart just WAITING for purchase. They’re giving Eloise at Christmastime luxe vibes.

7. Our “Merry and Bright” pillow from Mudpie. It makes me smile to see this sweet pillow on our bed with the mini-Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background! It’s a neutral Christmas pillow, so it could go with a variety of décor.

8. MOVIES: Spirited with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds on Apple TV. It’s a modern take on A Christmas Carol with a musical comedy spin. This film is one of the better Christmas movies I’ve seen lately! Falling for Christmas with Lindsay Lohan on Netflix was sweet. This movie is super cheesy, but I love a cute holiday love story and a happy ending. PLUS, I love seeing Lindsay in a Christmas film. And, if you’re looking for a good whodunit film, George and I also really loved Enola Holmes 2!

9. Christmas light timers. I finally broke down and purchased an outdoor light timer, so we wouldn’t have to worry about unplugging everything when we’re half asleep after watching a Christmas movie and oh so cozy on the couch.

10. Half Baked Harvest’s “Bad Santa” White Russian. I’ve been on a White Russian kick lately – it’s a delicious and creamy dessert cocktail that just hits the spot when debating on a night cap! And HBH never disappoints. Merry, merry!

What have you been loving so far this holiday season? I’d love to know. Shoot me a message on Instagram or TikTok to say hi!!