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Biscotti for Christmas and Gift Tags

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Like the rest of you I am sure, my days have been pretty hectic the past weeks and as soon as I’m up I hit the ground running trying to shop, decorate, make it to a few seasonal gatherings and all the little things that make up this crazy month!

Despite how busy the season gets some people always seem to find time to make a particular treat that they share. My neighbors make cranberry Christmas bread.  My dad and his mom always make something called yummy nuts which are amazing (some sort of holiday crack) and my aunt makes fudge. Biscotti has become a tradition in our house along with sugar cookies, meringues and cornflake wreaths. I like the biscotti for gifting as it lasts a long time and looks pretty packaged too.


The biscotti recipe from the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook has been my go to and everyone seems to love the traditional anise/almond version.  This baking book is the holy grail and has everything in it, including chocolate versions and great baking tips. Might be a good gift for someone who likes to bake.

Biscotti isn’t hard at all, you just need to have time to bake them twice. Once you give it a go, you can throw a batch together in a jiffy and they make a terrific holiday gift. Recipe can be found online here.

One of my favorite parts is the wrapping, and tag making. This year we are having fun making our own tags from pretty cards and calendars we collected all year tied up with vintage bric a brac ribbon that my grandma had. Love recycling and also using something vintage.

Do you have a favorite holiday treat that is a tradition? Love to hear about everyone’s specialties or someone else’s that you look forward to each year.

Happy Holidays!

 Kim

Holiday Gift Ideas for The Whole Family

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With many of us going in every direction at holiday gatherings, writing cards and doing the tree, it always nice to have a little help with the gift shopping. I always try to shop early and it often goes in fits and starts… I begin strong, feel good about what I’ve got, relax a bit and before I know it, I’m behind and everything is picked over. I’ve noticed particularly this year, people are shopping even earlier. So many things I wanted to suggest here are already sold out already! Not to induce anxiety, but people get out there -or better yet grab a latte at your local coffee spot and do it online asap! You can get what you need online and then save yourself the hassle of the mall.
Otherwise, I often default to Nordstrom. They seem to have something for everyone and I know without a doubt, everyone can return their gifts or exchange with no hassle. That and their customer service are why it will always be my go-to store. In fact, most of these things on this list are from Nordys and since regular shipping is free and arrives quickly, I felt good recommending them here. They always deliver on time and as you like it.  
Here’ a few of the best gift ideas this year..
For the traveler, I love this mini brush set and chic evening clutch it comes in from Charlotte Tilbury at Nordstrom.  It’s wonderful to have a brush set small enough to travel and the clutch is pretty enough to be your evening bag for the night! Less to pack and a dual purpose bag is always a win-win.
Another discovery I recently made is these darling Mantra bands. These are not only pretty, but share an inspiring message to the recipient. Great for a friend, teacher, favorite neighbor, or anyone who might need a little boost during this season. 
They come in silver, gold and I particularly like this rose gold and the message. Other good ones are, ‘Be Fearless,’ and ‘Enjoy the Journey.’ Many others as well.

I can’t help coveting this new edition of the original Adidas satin track jacket. How darling is this for a college kid and also for the gal who still pines for the days of roller disco? I would wear this skirts as well as jeans.

This YSL Lip and Nail Collection at Nordstrom features the prettiest shades. What a great girlfriend gift for your favorite fashionista. 

For the skincare lover this Fresh  kit is a great bargain with their wonderful cleanser and 3 masks.

I also love this little kit for the traveler or friend going on a vacation. It’s got everything you need and how cute to just throw in your travel bag?

And for just $22.50 this Kate Spade business card holder is a sweet gift for a glam pal and it comes in silver and a pink version too.

Now for your mom, dear sister, grandmas or perhaps ourselves..

These Ugg Flip Flops are on my own list. Sometimes here in California, I find the Ugg slippers too warm, yet they are the most comfortable shoe and have great support, especially for around the house. These are a great alternative and just as comfy, but not too hot. These could be a year-round slipper here and as the shearling doesn’t get sweaty and is anti-bacterial they cannot be beat.

For the price I believe  Uggs are worth every penny as they last for YEARS! If you haven’t joined the bandwagon get on. You’re missing out if you don’t at least own a pair of the slippers and if you live in a cold climate the boots will change your life. I’ve gotten all my family onto the slippers and they agree.

Ugg also makes these cool tech gloves which are wonderful for those who love using their smartphone all the time, but can’t stand cold fingers. I have a pair of these and used them a ton last winter!

Another great gift that moms and grandmothers can really appreciate is a Barefoot Dreams robe. Mine is about 15 years old if you can believe it. There is no other robes as warm or a lightweight as these.

My own mother said it was one of the best gifts she ever got and we bought my grandmother one together as we agreed no woman should be without one during winter! Love the new colors and they also have a zip up version with a hood that could also be a beach coverup.

For the fancy friend or sister these Kendra Scott drops are pretty and light and lovely. Just perfect for New Years too.

For the menfolk…

For dads, grandpas and husbands nothing beats a beautiful cashmere sweater that doesn’t itch and keeps them warm. This cashmere crew is a really nice one- beautifully made and feels amazing. A gift they can keep enjoy a long time.

Another gift appreciated for years, is Uggs as I mentioned already. You cannot go wrong and once someone has these they will never go back to regular slippers. Yes they are about $40 more than the average slipper, but if you count the cost over the years, they are an outstanding bargain and will never wear out! This particular style is really easy to slip on and comes in darker brown and black as well.

For the sons and daughters, nieces and nephews…

Kate Spade’s multi-color scarf is adorable, cozy and cute.

This Polaroid Land Camera is the real deal. It’s a fun idea for young people who have only experienced digital. It’s great for parties too. This produces the full-size old school Polaroids. Love the idea of keeping a big bulletin board of these. It also comes in a happy yellow, red and a cool retro blue.

For the guys, I find my men appreciate humorous things more than anything.

For the college guy, this Topman sweater is a cool alternative to the ugly Christmas sweater trend so popular right now. Who wouldn’t want a sweater with ninja gingerbreads kicking butt?

These Bluetooth Speakers are something that can be used indoors or out all year. Perfect for one at college or the kid who needs to have their music in stereo as it connects to your Bluetooth device!

And for the smaller guys..

This Jem Holiday Wars Sweater is cozy and fun.
or this..

And for the even smaller ones..

From Boden ( now at Nordys) they always have cheeky shirts for kids.

For the little women ..

This sweet T from Boden and love this folk inspired skirt.

Happy shopping everyone! Don’t let the rush get you crazy. In the words of older and wiser folk, it will all get done- enjoy the little things of the season!

Kim

Sisters of Los Angeles – Golden State Fun

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Happy Tuesday..I’m so excited it’s October. Finally we may get some cooler weather and I cannot wait to wear pants and boots without passing out in the afternoon from heat. I feel like this has been a particularly long summer.  I cannot remember the last time I wore socks except for sports! The evenings have been getting cooler and I love that especially.

While I was in Palm Springs I picked up this little gem. I’m crazy for totes because I use them constantly here for shopping, schlepping things to x-country meets, travel and even storage. I try to collect cute ones when I can. Somehow, I am better at remembering to bring them into the grocery store when I have a cool one.
This Golden State is perfect for all us Californians, or wanna-be Californians and is made by Sisters of Los Angeles. I bought this at the Trina Turk boutique in the Parker. So far I cannot find a Bay Area retailer nearby…Just their site. Also totally adorable are the ‘Aloha State,’ Lone Star State,’ Sunshine State’ and ‘Empire State’ versions. I can think of a few girlfriends who might love one of these as a gift, no?
I think it’s genius marketing on their part. They also carry makeup totes, sweatshirts, glasses and much more. This beach towel and glasses are there favorites of mine. Sisters carries merchandise with many California city themes  and other towns in the U.S. Link to their fun site here. If I find a local retailer, I’ll share when I can.

Keep that California state of mind!
Kim


Christmas Stuff

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First of all, here’s a peppermint hot cocoa for you. Love these mugs. You can never have too many mugs is my motto. 

Is your shopping, wrapping, and baking all done? Well, if so lucky you. I’m still a bit behind and typing furiously to get a quick post out. At this point I’m all about getting to the bliss. I’m willing to burn the midnight oil to get it all done. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s called Christmas break! I cannot wait to be done and relaxing with my family. I’m looking forward to that most of all. Hope you are going to be enjoying some of that soon too.
I am in love with these hand painted bowls and plates from Italy. So glad I got these to deliver Christmas goodies in. Homegoods again a few weeks ago. Wish I bought more.
Okay now here’s the perfect cookie to gift- Biscotti. They last a long time in a jar and they are a hard cookie so they can’t be over-baked. I love that they outlast all the sugar cookies and you can enjoy them with your tea or cappuccino into January. They are fast to make and the house smells delicious!
First toast your almonds.
Love my new happy measuring cups from Pier 1. They make me want to bake.
Love this brand and the licorice smell!
Turn dough into two logs, on parchment.
Slice the logs a bit diagonal to make longer biscotti.
Place them cut side down on wire rack and bake again.
Now here’s a few last minute gift ideas if you still need one.

Pop a cute bottle topper on a your favorite wine and tie with a pretty postcard with a handwritten greeting. Got this box of Xmas postcards from Barnes & Noble and they’re perfect for gifts. Love the owl bottle stopper from Pier 1.

How about an Ivy or Rosemary topiary? Trader Joes has both. This is a gift anyone would love in their kitchen after the holidays. Tie on a cute card or add a pot and it’s adorable. I used a poinsettia card from the same box.
A lot of kids over? Why not have them decorate mugs? These we got from the Birthday Express on line, but you can also get them at Starbucks. It’s fun, keeps them busy and we set up a hot cocoa bar for them too.
How cute are these mugs?
Our hot cocoa bar.. Kids loved the sprinkles and candy canes the best.
Our neighbor, Abby with a mug she decorated.
Hey, how about a Christmas cake? It’s not something you traditionally think about. My son has a December birthday and has always loved getting one from our local Lunardi’s. He has been getting them since he was two and he’s ten now! Aren’t they cute?
His  cake!
Hope you get to your holiday zen! (Isn’t that an oxymoron?)
Kim 🙂

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