December has come to a close, and I have to tell you. I’m exhausted! It’s been a wonderful month, but so much travel and so much hustle and bustle. I’m officially ready for the new year!
CURRENT NEW YEAR’S PLANS
Today being the FINAL day of the year, I’m planning to see a movie. That’s what people do, right? Go to the movies on New Years? Is that just me?
Have you seen La La Land? It’s on my list for today. I’m hopeful that it’s as amazing as my Ryan Gosling-Emma Stone imagination makes it to be!
Later tonight, I’ll be heading to my friend LaDawn’s for a little New Year’s party. And, tomorrow, I’ve got to take down my tree and Christmas decorations, which always feels a little sad.
CURRENT CHOCOLATE OBSESSION
Until this month, I’d never had one of these…
In my mind, I was sure that these were chocolate covered oranges, which just sounded foul. Um, completely wrong. These are DELICIOUS and contain the most delicious orange flavored chocolate. So so good.
How did I get introduced to this? And why did I finally try them? Completely inspired by this hot chocolate.
I met up with Marisa from Uproot Kitchen this month for coffee, and we both ended up trying this Whack and Unwrap Hot Chocolate… hands down, the most delicious hot chocolate I’ve ever eaten. Orange-flavored and to die for y’all! Denver Peeps: Amethyst Coffee, go there and try it! They’re serving it seasonally until March. I’m definitely going back for another!
CURRENT MOVIES
Speaking of movies, I actually watched a few this week! Somehow in the crazy upgrade of my Comcast box, I got HBO… which is fun, because I haven’t seen any movies and they’re all free now!
Last night I held a mini-marathon while knitting my new favorite project and watched one winner and one SERIOUS loser.
I loved Brooklyn. The throwback vibe, the story of a girl making her way to America and falling in love. Just lovely. And then, I watched How to be Single – – I’m so over these movies being made. “Comedy” movies that just aren’t funny. This one for me falls into that category.
Watch Brooklyn, Skip How to Be Single.
CURRENT OUTFIT OF THE MONTH
Looking back through pictures of December, this dress stood out. Maybe it’s because most days, I live in yoga pants and leggings… but mostly, it’s just because it’s gorgeous!
After spotting my friend Beth rocking it for an event, I bought it at Nordstrom probably a year ago hoping an occasion would arise, and it finally did! Click here for details, also comes in navy!
CURRENT ACCESSORY FUN
I spent Christmas in the south… and with that, I got to see my family and do some Southern-style Christmas shopping. While Kendra Scott is popular nationwide, my Southern girls lose their minds for these accessories.
And… thanks to my mom, I added a pretty drusy rose gold necklace to my collection. Details here.
BEST PARTY OF DECEMBER
December was one of my best months of the year… hands down. With that, the best party of the year was definitely my friend Donna’s fabulous 50th birthday (which I need to blog about!)
A cocktail party at the Nashville Zoo, followed up by an amazing several days at our favorite spa in Arizona. This girl CERTAINLY knows how to ring in a new decade. Well played, Donna… and such a blast!
CURRENT HOLIDAY JOY
I sent six SURPRISE presents this holiday season. And, guys… these were my favorite. If you’ve never done it, send something fun and special to people who aren’t expecting it. It will bring you immeasurable amounts of joy.
CURRENT MUSIC
I spent the bulk of my month listening to Wrapped in Red in preparation for and then later reminiscing the single most fabulous concert I’ve ever been to: Kelly Clarkson’s Miracle on Broadway 2016.
Now that the Christmas season has passed, I’m curious who will take its place… Read all about Miracle on Broadway here.
CURRENT SOUVENIR FAVE
When I travel next year, I think I’m going to pick up ornaments for my favorite moments of the year. It just makes decorating the tree all that much more memorable and special.
This year, I picked up a Montelucia ornament… and I love it!
CURRENT COFFEE FIND
Have you tried the Holiday Spice Flat White at Starbucks? It’s simple, tasty, and perfect… try it! A tall nonfat version clocks in at 130 calories.
CURRENT BOOK AWESOMENESS
By now, you know that I’ve been reading Elin Hilderbrand books FOREVER. I love them all… and always talk about her genius here on NTTC.
How about my friend Melissa sent me a surprise SIGNED copy of her latest book Winter Storms this month??? So cool, and so thoughtful! LOVE!
CURRENT FOOD FIND
Getting back on my Jenny Craig program this week, I wanted to find a new light salad dressing to enjoy. I went to SuperTarget to peruse the aisles and ran across this light dressing from Girard’s.
You guys… It’s INCREDIBLE. And, the funny thing? When I posted it on Instagram, a lot of you guys said this is a dressing you swear by. Um… no one has told me, and it’s like the best kept secret. Find it. Try it. You’re gonna thank me for it…
CURRENT APPETIZER PLAN FOR NEW YEARS
I originally was planning to stay in, which would be best for my renewed weight loss program, but I’ve been invited to LaDawn’s to ring in the new year. For that, I’m bringing veggies… lots of veggies.
And, I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m eating these veggies and not noshing on all of the cheesy meaty treats that are bound to be on the buffet. Wish me luck!
CURRENT YARN OBSESSION
This month, I found a new pattern to knit with. I always knit a lot over Christmas… for gifts and just because I actually have the time to do it!
I’m LOVING Malabrigo Rasta yarn. It’s a super chunky yarn with AMAZING colors. I order mine from Jimmy Beans Wool online, if you’re looking for a place to buy it. Their service is amazing!
View my previous “Currently” posts here: