Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Warm&Cozy Ideas For You and Your Loved Ones

“I really can’t stay

Baby it’s cold outside 

I’ve got to go away

Baby it’s cold outside”

Louis Armstrong | Baby, It’s Cold Outside 

This is such a classic song and what better way to stay cozy and also stylish this time of the year than with a classic cocktail dress and cozy accessories at very affordable prices. 

I found this WHBM ( White House Black Market) cocktail dress, the hat, and boots all at http://www.thredup.com. The jacket, scarf, and faux fur lined tights are from http://www.target.com.

At this time of the year, I like to give presents that really show people I love how much I care about them. I try to put time and effort into presents that are meaningful as well as useful. 

Here is an idea that you can make and give to someone or enjoy with your family after a fun day at a tree farm or while you are out sledding or ice-skating. 

Hot Cocoa Gift Box

I found these adorable mugs and provided a link- 

http://www.retroplanet.com/PROD/43818.html

The hot mugs can be great hand warmers. 

Enjoy creating this box and when giving or using don’t forget to include a thermos of milk and homemade cookies for dunking ! 
These marshmallows make a nice addition- 

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/m/products/9424545/?catalogId=27&sku=9424545&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=default&cm_ite=default&kwid=productads-adid%5E49385482183-device%5Em-plaid%5E94125425143-sku%5E9424545-adType%5EPLA&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1brb84xPjpZIAWr3Acq0Ik1ZjkcUQywhSIOi1ElqA4-oaAt2B8P8HAQ

For more sophisticated drinkers, spice hot chocolate with a teaspoon of raspberry or preferred liqueur.

If you want a different option, include instant coffee to make Hot Mocha Cocoa.

Fresh cinnamon makes a nice festive touch as do trimmings from nature-

Make your own hot cocoa mix- 

You will need: 

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1 vanilla bean

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 package ( 3.2 ounces) dry milk

1. Put 2 tablespoons sugar and vanilla bean into a coffee grinder or blender. Process to a fine powder.

2. Combine remaining sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and dry milk in a plastic bag; add ground sugar mixture. Shake well. Transfer powdered mix to an airtight container. 

3. To make a cup of hot cocoa, stir 1/4 cup of the cinnamon -flavored dry cocoa mix into 8 ounces of hot water. 

You might want to gift it in a special container such as this one- 

Tala cocoa shaker and other retro inspired cookware can be found at amazon.com . 

Make your own Chocolate Orange Syrup

You will need:

1/2 cup heavy cream 

6 ounces semisweet chocolate 

1 cup light corn syrup

3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate 

1 tablespoon orange extract 

1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, bring cream to a boil. Add chocolate; whisk constantly until blended and smooth.

2. Add corn syrup, orange juice concentrate and orange extract to the sauce pan. 

3. Remove from heat. Cool completely. Pour syrup into jar with a tight fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator. To make a cup of cocoa stir 3 tablespoons of the syrup into 8 ounces of hot milk. 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies 

You will need: 

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 

1/3 cup cocoa 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 cup butter 

3/4 cup sugar 

3/4 cup brown sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 eggs 

2 cups chocolate chips 

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Stir flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Beat butter, sugar , brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. 

3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. 

Makes 5 dozen cookies 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I truly hope you found it worthwhile and inspiring. 

Wherever you are, whoever you are with, stay cozy and happy all year long. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

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Xoxoxo