New Year, Old Scarf

January and February can be a tough time to try and pick outfits that make you happy. When I look outside and it's snowing and 20 degrees I mostly think, "what can I wear that would feel like a giant blanket?" Chic, not so much. It's times like these when I rely on the best style trick I know: Look for stylish people, and copy them.

One think I've seen on some stylish women is light, airy, colorful scarfs.

The same trend from last summer works just as well with a warm sweater as with a cotton tank. It's a great way to add some needed color and, even better, it's sort of like wearing a blanket.

Candy Cane Cocoa

Candy canes are beautiful. But once the holidays are over, I'm left with a handful that I don't know what to do with. I usually save them for a while then get fed up with the clutter and throw them out around February. The other day, while the snow was falling outside, I finally put one to use.

Candy Cane Cocoa:

You need:

1 Candy Cane
Plastic Baggie
Hammer (!)
Chocolate Syrup
Cocoa (homemade or a mix)

1. Break up the candy cane in your hands and discard the wrapper. Place in plastic baggie that zips closed. Place the closed bag of candy cane on a pot holder (so your counter doesn't get wrecked).

2. Whack with the hammer! Repeat by aiming at the remaining chunks until you are left with small bits with some powder. Pour onto plate. (Does it have to be a holiday themed plate? Yes.)


3. On a separate plate draw a ring of chocolate syrup about the size of the circumference of your mug. Dip the rim of the mug into the syrup, then into the candy cane bits.

4. Carefully pour in hot cocoa.

Perfect for a cold January day! And for a cold January night, try this technique on a shot glass then fill with Baileys Irish Cream and peppermint schnapps. Just saying.