Chocolate Dipped Candied Oranges

For a recent family gathering, I wanted to make something sweet that wasn't uber rich like most heavy Holiday desserts. I found this recipe for candied oranges dipped in chocolate and decided it was perfect since it was fairly easy with minimal ingredients—there's nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is out having fun. Not only did the family love these refreshing treats, my aunts were insisting I send them the recipe.

Winter Wonderland

Being a California girl, the sight of snow falling is a rare and exciting event. It's day four of our winter getaway in Sun Valley and I'm still in awe over how beautiful and white everything looks. Between breaks for hot toddy's (see my favorite drink here) we've been snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating and watching movies by the fire. I feel like a kid again, throwing snow balls at every opportune moment, stomping around in fresh powder and getting giddy at the sight of ski slopes ahead. This snow bunny can't get enough.

Sun Valley for Christmas

[ Sun Valley ski bums, 1950 ]

The beau and I are off to Sun Valley, Idaho today for a week with my family and I can hardly wait to bundle up and have a white Christmas. A few things I'm looking forward to? Ice skating at the Lodge, dinner at the Pioneer, sleigh rides, snow angels, hot toddies, playing Mexican Train and Whiskey Jacques. I'm bringing all the necessary snow essentials but won't be leaving home without something sparkly and glamorous to spice up the cold days. Safe travels to everyone!

Holiday Gift Guide

My favorite part of the Christmas shenanigans as a kid was waking up to a stocking stuffed to the brim with little surprises. There was something about that tradition that made me believe in Santa Clause, just a little too long. And even though I'm well into my 20's and the jig is up on old St. Nick, I can't help but wake up Christmas morning in hopes of finding that overflowing stocking with my name on it. Here are a few things I wouldn't mind finding.

Clockwise from top right:

1. Leopard Print Tweezers $25

2. Rick Owens Beanie $157

3. Tsovet Watch $475

4. Nars Heat Wave Lipstick $24

5. Jo Malone Lotus Blossom Candle $65

6. Mason Pearson Brush $120

7. Mini Gold Star Sparklers $16

8. WhoMi Modern Notebook $7

9. Gap City Flat $32

10. Black Deck of Cards $18

11. Ray-Ban Round Frame Glasses $180

12. Gothic Initial Necklace $1,500

13. Tom Ford Scent, Noir de Noir $190-$465

December Downpours

[ A glass star on top of our miniature tree ]

The recent days here have been dark, stormy and wet, which at times is exciting while others—cut-to me fumbling three bags of groceries with an umbrella in hand—not so ideal. But there's no better way to enjoy a good storm than cuddled up at home with plenty of firewood, movies, a lit christmas tree and my new obsession, Rori's organic fresh mint patty ice cream. A Santa Barbara food guru Rori Trovato uses only fresh, organic ingredients to make homemade ice cream in crazy good flavors like salted caramel, lemon curd and milk chocolate chunk. And could the packaging be any cuter?

[ Firewood piled up for the night ]

[ A few favorites for a movie marathon ]

[ Christmas lights and a garland on the fireplace ]

[ Rori's Fresh Mint Patty ice cream ]

Gypsy

Blustery winter days have officially arrived which means cozy nights by the fire, snow angels, hot coco, hats, coats and knits. But underneath all the winter layers I'm a gypsy girl at heart. My favorite line of undies, Gypsy, just came out with a collection of new colors, prints and styles that I'm hoping might find their way to my Christmas stocking. The perfectly cut undergarments are not only super comfortable but they're the best for lounging or sleeping in with just a tank or tee. Plus, what else could make a girl feel sexier in the dead of winter than handmade vintage lace undies from Hawaii? Shop the new collection here

Images by Daeja Fallas

Leaves and Light

[ TopShop Dress, Blue Bee Necklace, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff Bracelet, F21 Boots, Vintage Clutch, Ray Ban Wayfarers ]

Who said you had to be pregnant to shop in the maternity section? I found this number when I was in New York and some how wandered into Topshop's section for expecting mamas. Technically it's supposed to be a top but since there's no bun in this oven, it's long enough to be worn as a (mini) dress. I love the crinkled fabric and square neckline but most of all, I love how it can be easily styled for each season—bare legs in the summer, tights and a fur coat in the winter.

Champagne Nails

Sephora by OPI Already Famous, Deborah Lippman Boom Boom Pow

I've been craving metallic tones this holiday season—hence the gold and silver wish lists—and recently came up with a silvery gold nail color that I can't get enough of. I would usually never wear glitter on my nails, but I love the Deborah Lippmann options that have thicker pieces of sparkles in one color. I combined the boom boom pow gold glitter with a metallic shade from Sephora and love how fun, festive (yet subtle) the mixture is. A plus, it goes well with most jewelry too.

Life's a Party

Besides the festive decorations, sugary treats and cozy nights, I also love this time of year because it gives us that many more reasons to dress up a little. Whether its simply red nail polish or something sparkly, this season begs for a little celebration. With a couple Holiday parties on the schedule this week and next, I'm looking forward to getting dolled up and drinking a little bubbly. Here's a few ways I'm planning on getting into the Holiday spirit.

[ Nothing starts a party like a sequins ]

[ Subtle bits of red ]

[ Gold and glamorous... with red lips of course ]

[ Black tights and a black dress, but not just any black dress ]

Holiday Gift Guide

There's only 15 days left until Christmas and I still have some serious shopping to get done. The beau and I are headed to Sun Valley this year with my family and I can hardly wait to make a snow angel, sip hot cocos and bundle up with mittens and hats. I've been leaning towards metallics this year (see my list of gold gifts here), so keeping with the theme, here are a few silver gifts I came across that add a little glam to the Holidays.

Clockwise from top left:

1. UO Silver Duck Mirror $75

2. UO Star Cocktail Bag $45

3. Topshop Sequin Dress $98

4. Keds Laceless Glitter Sneakers $55

5. Devi Kroell Bag $3,490

6. To Go Cup UO $20

7. Pour La Victoire Irina Pump $260

8. Benjamin Eyewear $300

9. Anthropology Earrings $48

10. Crate & Barrel Snowflake Ornament $4

Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende

[ An outdoor lounge at Spa Matilda ]

From the marble floors to the soft robes, Hotel Matilda had me at hello. My five day-stay at the newly opened hotel in San Miguel de Allende was a stretch of pure relaxation and bliss. I was utterly obsessed with the modern design mixed with classic pieces that fused together creating a comfortable, lived in feel. After long days of exploring the city I would soak in the giant tub, hit Spa Matilda for a massage and Hammam treatment or simply lounge on my private terrace that had a view of half the city. Delectable meals prepared by chef Bernie left me in a happy food coma and prickly pear cactus margaritas had me sleeping sound as a baby.

[ I loved these wood carved chairs that sat in the lobby ]

[ Lounge chairs next to the infinity pool ]

[ A hot bath and mint tea = zzzzzzz ]

[ There's nothing quite like a cozy hotel robe ]

[ A homemade scrub from the spa ]

[ Stacks of fashion, style and travel coffee table books filled the lobby/lounge area—I could have spent hours going through them ]

[ A private dining area ]

[ Converse were part of the staff's uniform—loved that touch ]

[ Bathrooms are stocked with jumbo size bath products by Malin+Goetz—I could not get enough of the Vitamin B5 body lotion ]

[ Watching the sunset on my private terrace ]

See more photos of Hotel Matilda here.