Best New Years Champagne

I love Champagne and can't wait to ring in the new year with my favorite people!  In order to pop only the best bubbly correctly, I asked my adorable sorority little sis and champagne professional ( no really!! it's her career! ) Alissa to help me guide you through the best champagne for your 2018 celebration.  She rounded up the best champs priced from lowest to highest, gave us the scoop on each selection, food pairing and party tips for how to make sure you are prepared to be the perfect hostess!   Don't miss the best champs fun facts at the end!  My favorite part! 

Domaine Chandon Brut Classic

California Sparkling

$15-$20

A great choice if someone is a fan of buying local.  This amazing winery was opened by Moet & Chandon in Yountville, CA in the mid 70's.  They create their sparkling in exactly the same fashion as it's French Cousins and have a very playful side.  Their we bite features cocktail recipes as well as entertaining tips and tricks.  They even release special limited edition holiday bottles and this year the bottles were designed by the incredibly talented Rebecca Minkoff

Etoile by Domaine Chandon

California Sparkling

$20- $25

Etoile, French for Star, is the Prestige offering from Domaine Chandon.  A hugely food friendly sparkling and presented in an exquisite bottle with long neck and simple gold writing.  this is an awesome, esoteric offering and one that is splendidly priced for gifting.

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV

Champagne

Epernay, France

$30- $40

Veuve Clicquot "Yellow Label" Brut

Champagne 

Reims, France

$40- $55

Champagne Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs

Champagne

Reims, France

$65-$85

Dom Perignon, Blanc Vintage 2009

Champagne

Epernay, France

$149- $199

Krug

Champagne

Reims, France

$179- $200

When selecting your Champagne for this holiday season, it is definitely a good idea to look around for the best price available.  Champagne and sparkling are an affordable luxury and if you are going to splurge a little ….. now is the time to do so.  From Big box chains, to your local grocery store, to independent wine and spirits shops, and yes even online only stores…. everyone is offering their best foot forward when it comes to pricing and availability this time of year.  Some helpful hints and tips:  Above is a list of some of the world's most loved bubbles.  Including the oldest Champagne house, as well as the very first Sparkling Winery from Napa and of course Champagne Royalty …. KRUG and the beloved Dom Perignon.  

When looking for Champagne for your holiday gathering it is a good idea to keep a few things in mind when shopping around on price.  

1) Number of people in attendance- each 750ml bottle of Champagne will provide approximately 5-6 glasses.  If you are having a small party of 2 or a large gathering of 100 there is a Champagne for you and a size to match.  Sizes include individual "mini" bottles in 187ml (Moet & Chandon and Domaine Chandon) "Half Bottles" 375ml (Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, KRUG) or Large formats such as the "Magnum" 1.5L or the equivalent to 2 regular 750ml bottles(Domaine Chandon, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Dom Perignon, and KRUG)..  

2)Who is your audience and what is on the menu?: will your guests be simply toasting to the New Year or do you have a home filled with wine aficionado's?  Champagne LOVES food so if your group falls into the later category…. your menu will be a huge help in your selection.  If you are having lighter fare such as Turkey, Fish, Vegetarian or Vegan…. a brut or Blancs de Blancs will be the true companion to your spread.  Should your menu include items such as red meat, lamb, pork, or items with hearty sauces…. then Rose will truly be the perfect choice to wow your guests whether they be Sommelier's or first time Champagne Sippers.

3) Have FUN! Champagne is a beautiful way to not just celebrate the holidays but the everyday and the people you are with.  It is truly unique in that it can be carried from welcome, to appetizers.  Main dishes, desserts and of course ringing in the New Year.

Fun Facts:

1. there are approximately 49 million bubbles in a 750ml bottle of Champagne
2. Marilyn Monroe is believed to have taken a both in over 350 bottles of Champagne
3. There are approximately 100 calories in a single serving of Champagne
4. The velocity at which the cork leaves the bottle can garner speed of up to 100 mph

What topped my Christmas wish list

I sat down a couple weeks back after a lot of nagging from my husband for my Christmas wish list.  I just couldn't think of anything tangible that I wanted.  We typically don't exchange gifts, but this year decided it would be a fun change.  I thought and thought about all the little things that I wanted and just didn't come up with anything that I cared that much about.  It made me realize that what I really wanted for Christmas was time together.  Isn't that the most precious thing you can give another person, is your time?  

Erik and I both have very busy schedules. To be honest ,we more often times than not, feel like strangers passing in the night. One heading this direction and one running in that direction. School, homework, dance, work etc etc etc.  A law enforcement life sorta looks like that and definitely a family with young kids does.  I can't say that I have anything to complain about because if anything it has taught me to prioritize our time and really value what time we do have.  If that means, missing events or scheduling a date night weeks in advance, then that is what it is. We have luckily made it work but not without effort.  If you have followed my insta stories for some time you know how many times, I look over to see my romantic movie night partner dead asleep. 

So this Christmas, I asked for time.  I've asked for a long drive to a explore a new city.  I've asked for a night of playing cards by the fire.  Just slow, quality time to connect. Cheers to you and your loved ones getting that quiet time to focus on each other and create priceless memories. 

Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

  I've adopted Chocolate Crinkle cookies as our family's official Christmas cookie. I know, very dramatic! I just think they are the prettiest little things!  Not to mention, they are beyond delish. Like a fluffy brownie!  We make a whole assembly line of these beauties and have fun wrapping them all up for our neighbors.  A couple years back, we topped them with crushed candy canes and stacked them in mason jars with pretty ribbon.  Last year, I scored some adorable galvanized buckets from the dollar bin at Target and layered them inside.  This year, I found some sweet,snowflake adorned baking dishes and we are wrapping them up in fluffy cellophane and blue glittery bows.  It's all in the presentation!  I included the recipe below for these babies! 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

you will need: 

4 oz unsweetened chocolate , chopped

1/4 c unsalted butter

4 large eggs

2 c granulated sugar

1 t vanilla extract

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour ( plain)

1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 t salt

1 1/2 c (9oz) mini semisweet chocolate chips

 1/2 c powdered sugar

to make: 

Combine the unsweetened chocolate and the butter in the top of a double boiler pan or heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water and stir until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. 

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on med. speed, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light in color and thick, about 3 minutes.  Add the melted chocolate mix and beat until blended.  In a bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and beat until blended.  Mix in the chocolate chips.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours.  

Preheat oven to 325

Rol rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar to coat completely.  Arrange the balls on baking sheets about 3 inches apart.  

Bake the bookies for about 13-17 minutes or until tops are puffed and crinkled.  Let cooked cool on baking sheet on wire rack for 5 minutes.  

recipe adapted from Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen by Georgeanne Breannan

Gifts for Kids

I am so giddy with my shopping picks this year for the girls!  We aren't a big toy family and the girls rarely get gifts outside of their birthday and Christmas.  I found some of the cutest presents this year that I can't wait to surprise them with!  Here are some of my favorites! 

1.  iPod Nano- if you have followed my Insta Stories you are familiar with Peyton's epic dance shows we get each night.  I am so excited to load up all her favorite tunes for her to rock out with. 

2.  Polaroid Instax Mini - Capri went to her dance competition team party a couple months back and I really wanted her to be able to take pictures of her and her friends since mommy's weren't allowed.  This is the perfect camera for her for next time! 

3. Mind Blowing Science kit-  I love interactive, activity gifts.  This kit has tons of cool learning projects. Perfect for school age boys and girls who have everything.  

4. Mancala- BEST board game ever!  

5.  Luminous Skateboard- a skateboard that lights up!  I mean.....no more discussion!

6.  Teepee- perfect for the little ones to snuggle in with their books and toys.  My girls still love having slumber parties their big teepee at nana's house!  So cozy!  

7.  Off Broadway puppet theater and Medevil puppets- so adorable for any age!  Create your own show and work that imagination!  

8.  Lemonade cart- The girls LOVE selling lemonade and other odds and ends in the summer.  This cart makes their little entrepreneur endeavors all the more official. 

9.  LIFE board game- this has quickly become one of our family's favorite game night picks. 

10.  Kids Kayak- This gift makes me so excited!  This will be Capri's big Santa gift.  We visit Balboa Island often and each time we visit she befriends any kids that have one of these kayaks. Eventually she hijacks it completely.  Now she has her own to adventure with!  

Gingerbread House Decorating Tradition

One of my most favorite traditions with the kids is gingerbread house making.  We have done it since they were super little and it' the perfect way to kick off the holiday!  This year had to be my most favorite! The girls are at that sweet age where they are creative and can enjoy the process.  In the past, I've made the rookie mistake of buying the non preassembled houses. You know, the one with all the house pieces flat in the box and a big 'ol frosting pouch.  I don't care what the directions say, you need to be an engineer to get that nonsense to stick and the house stand up!  So of course in my busyness I grabbed the non assembled from Target.  NOOOO!!!  The directions assured me, this would be a cinch!  Assemble in minutes they say!  This was a 20 minute, two man job!  Once we got the houses in order, it was go time and mommy could sit back and let the decorating fly.  Peyton eats more than she decorates and Capri is very into excessive decor.

I had a great time making the table festive!  I grabbed up sweet Target Dollar Bin pine tree and Bottle brush trees, candy jars and festive ramekins to hold treats. I can across this adorable sleigh serving platter and used it for our chocolate milks.   We pumped our Christmas tunes and mommy's heart was full! 

Christmas Pajamas Tradition

We have made a fun tradition of surprising the girls iwht their Christmas pajamas each year. In years past we add in a fun holiday movie also for a family night.  We have had cookies and popcorn with The Polar Express.  Hot cocoa and sweet treats paired perfectly last year with Elf.  This year I had a hard time finding an age appropriate movie, so I opted for some new books!  Some of our all time favorites are "What to do with an idea" by Kobi Yamada, "Lily the Unicorn" by Dallas Clayton and "Girl Power short stories" by various authors.  

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

This is the best time of year to snag all the killer deals on your list!  I've rounded up some of my favorite sales to keep your shopping simple!

J.Crew ( 40% off with code THANKU)  is my favorite place to shop for clothes and I have my eye on a handful of things!  This simple velvet bow sweater would pair perfectly with these high waisted skinny jeans for a casual day at home or a holiday party. This Chatueau parka wool  fur lined coat is the major covet all year and would pair perfectly with this fair aisle sweater and these high waisted button  jeans that I can't get enough of. Lastly, the some party dresses I can't live without for the girls!  This  and this turquoise floral party dress make my heart go pitter patter! Lastly, these fleece lined Nordic boots will keep your tootsies extra cozy and cute!

Nordstrom is my go to for basics and this cowel neck knit sweater  would be perfect for a cozy day in! This Tory Burch Parker leather tote is buttery heaven and would compliment any look both in the colder weather and warm season. If you have checked out my "Gift Guide for the Beauty Lover" you would know my MAJOR list topper is the PMD Personal Microderm device!  It's at a all time low price! 

Some of my favorite household gadgets and accents are on sale too!  If you have followed my stories for a while you know about our Roomba Puppy.  She is super sassy and means business when she is on cleaning duty!  She saves my sanity!  Find her $100 off here! We have serious dance parties with our Google Home and keep the house smelling fresh as a daisy with my Wooden globe essential oil diffuser!  

Gifts for the Beauty Lovers

Gifts for the Hostess

Gifts for Teachers

Simple boxes Thanksgiving stuffing recipe VIDEO

Like to Know it-Why You Need To Use It

This week I asked you guys how many of you know what Like to Know it is and how many of you have no clue.  The polls came back 50/50.  Some of you know what it is and use it in different ways and some are missing out the awesomeness of the tool!  I'm here to demystify it all so you can easily find all the fab pieces I am curating ! 

 Let me give the skinny on why you may want to use Like to Know it!  You may already use it, but there are so many ways to maximize your shopping with different Like to Know it tools you may not be familiar with.  

Like to Know It is here to save your life, well not really, but it is definitely here to save you tons time! It is an easy way for you to shop via Instagram. Once registered, you only have to ‘like’ my photos and Like to Know It sends you an email (usually within 5 minutes) with the links to every item I am wearing or showcasing!

1. Go to www.liketoknow.it and watch the tutorial video that pops up (under the sign-up button).

2. Register (takes 2 minutes, and it is completely free)

3. Come to my Instagram and ‘like’ one of my photos. Within 5 minutes you will have an email that has all of the outfit details in it!! It will have pictures of the items that, when clicked on, will send you straight to the store that I got it from to check them out!

4. If someone doesn’t have the exact item they are wearing linked, it is because the store doesn’t work with rewardStyle. You can usually check out their blog and they will have a link there to the exact item!

5. You can also shop directly from the LiketoKnow.It website itself! You can keep track of everything you have liked on Instagram under the ‘My Likes’ tab, that way you never loose the outfit! You can also shop all of your favorite blogger’s posts, but adding their Instagram handle at the end of the URL. For example, you can shop all of my posts here: www.liketoknow.it/LifewithLipstick.

By taking two minutes to register, you will save yourself hours of time! You can also use the app.  

1. Download the Like to Know it app. 

2.  Screenshot any of my images.  The heart symbol is a giveaway that the image is Like to Know it enabled.  Not all enabled images will have the symbol but most will.  

3.  The images you have captured will all be collected in your app for you to shop. 

Gifts for your BFF under $50

Boots under $100

Christmas accessories for the home

Vintage trailer pillow, Wreath, Let it Snow print, Galvanized Advent calendar, Striped apron, Wood Lanterns, Plaid travel mug, Red gingham hand towel, Baby It's Outside door mat, Vintage truck pillow, Jingle 'til you tingle mug and spoon

Gifts for Husbands

Red and Black Flannel,Navy blue Duffle bag, Grey and Black Northface Hoodie, Fishing tackle backpack, UGG slippers, GoPro camera, Nike running shoes, Apple iWatch 3 series, UnderArmour Dry shirt, Beard tonic, North Face jacket, Grooming kit

Fall Tablescape inspiration

As I curled up with my Fall Magnolia Journal, I came upon their article talking of soup gatherings. A simple meal for your dearest friends to gather and enjoy each other's company.  The whole mission is to create a standing date of soup, gathering and quality time  No fuss !  I of course don't mind a little fuss so I decided to create a lovely tables cape to accompany my launching of the monthly " Soup Sioree" ( yes I gave it a name). I have so many incredible friends and wanted to mix up my group a bit and grab some of my most dynamic.  I have 3 girlfriends coming over for lunch tomorrow.  One is a fine art photographer, one a self made bad ass attorney with her own practice and another attorney with the most impeccable home decor taste I have ever seen! Just interesting, cool, funny ladies.  Some of us know each other better than others and some not at all. Love that part!  I can't wait to see where our conversations lead.

Farmhouse table,Faux fur pillow,White dot pillow, Soup bowls, Napkins, Beaded dinner plate, Straw charger, Gold flatware,  Striped runner, Grasscloth runner, Brass bell, Pitcher, Brass name plates

 I am prepping an easy Ablondigas soup which is hearty and all things yummy.  I created an airy table filled with Fall feels yet kept things coastal like I love.  I topped my layered grass cloth and striped runners with straw chargers and beaded plates that we received as wedding gifts. I love how simple pieces can be refreshed over and over.  I added more texture with a simple plaid patterned napkin and an adorable vessel for our soup.  For my runner, I grabbed pumpkins from our porch and foliage from our yard to bring nature in.  I added Hearth and Home pieces to make things personal and warm.  

Cheers to amazing, inspiring, funny friends! 

Christmas picture outfit inspiration

If you are a "Classic Christmas" fan and love all things green and red for Christmas you may lean towards this timeliness option for your pics.  We did a play on this look last year amongst the trees and it turned out so festive. You could also shoot this look next to your Christmas tree at home.  

Tip: Don't be afraid to introduce sequins and navy blue into your classic feel.  Navy adds some dimension to the traditional red and green and there is nothing more Christmassy than sparkle! 

His: Red Sweater, Plaid Button up shirt, Dress Pants, Dress Shoes

Hers: Drop Earrings, V-neck Sweater, Sequined Skirt, Nude heels

Little lady: Pearl headband, Plaid dress, Glitter flats

Little man: Blazer, White button up, Tan courdory pants, Suede boots

Our 2015 Christmas pictures ore my favorite to date!  We were barefoot and casual.  These pics turned out so dreamy!  I wore a flowy navy blue dress which caught the slight breeze perfectly.  The girls wore soft cream dresses and Peyton topped hers with a faux fur vest.  The added texture and color was unexpected but just right.  I loved our clean pallet that just lent itself perfectly to the coast. 

Tip: Mix and mingle textures in neutral colors for beach shoots.  I always aim for coastal colors when shooting at the beach. Think creams, tan and blues for the perfect soft pallet.  Bright hues tend to detract from the gorgeous coastline.  You want to pop against the waves but organically so. 

His: White button down shirt, Dark denim jeans

Hers: Gold hoop earrings, Blue maxi dress

Little lady: Faux Fur vest, Lace 3/4 sleeve dress

Little man: Chambray button down shirt, Tan corduroy pants

Think crackling fire, snow covered trees and snuggles!  This theme is so fun and totally casual!  Go all out with your plaids, beanies, vests and fur!  All of it works!  

Tip: Classic red and greens are super festive for this sort of theme.  I like to play the outside of the obvious choice and go with neutrals and deep jewel tones.  Layer colors and fabrics to create something interesting and different. 

His: Fur lined denim jacket, Plaid flannel shirt, Khaki pants, Brown leather boots

Hers:Cream fur lined coat, Cream turtleneck sweater, Highwaisted jeans, Tan suede booties

Little Lady: Fur Lined puffer vest, Polka dot blouse, Burgundy skinny jeans, Fur boots

Little Man: Olive green puffer jacket, Cream cowel neck sweater, Jeans, Brown leather boots

Christmas picture tips

I love love love Christmas cards and get so giddy when planning our Christmas pictures for the year.  It's one of my most favorite parts of the holiday!  We rush to our mailbox ready to gather up sweet cards each day of December filled with our friends and family's gorgeous faces.  I know that Christmas pictures can be dreaded for many families though.  What to wear?  How to get the kids to cooperate?  How to get the husband on board with a 30 minute photo shoot?  ALL the things!  Luckily, I've got you covered on the fashion end of things!!  I love dressing families and making the group as a whole look effortless yet still cohesive.  First, here are some first key elements to nail down before working on your outfits. 

1. Where is your shoot taking place?  We have done beach, woods, kitchen, pumpkin patch etc.  It doesn't matter where you pick but make sure your photographer is used to shooting there and is skilled at kids photography.  Our dear friend Alice Hu has shot our family for years and we are all so comfortable with her that our shoots go super smooth.  The kids love her and she knows how to capture the magic of a family.  

2.  Pick a time that everyone is feeling best.  If naps are in the mix still schedule your shoot for about an hour after your little ones nap so you know you have plenty of time to get a snack in and everyone is at their best.  Also, keep the session 30 minutes long!  You will lose your people after that!  

3.  Consider hair and makeup for mama.  I know this sounds a little overkill but nothing makes you feel better than a little pampering.  If all else fails, mommy looks fantastic!  

4. If working with a new photographer and not yet built a great rapor, bring along a trusted friend to help make sure you all look great.  You know that friend!  The one that will shamelessly tell you, you look chunky in that pose or help you not do weird things with your hands.  A wingman of sorts.  

5.  Lastly, don't sweat it!  Make sure to encourage the kids to play and keep loose.  There is nothing worse than looking stiff in pictures that should capture the essence of your family.  If you don't get the best family shot, use a great candid of the kids or make a collage of some great relaxed moments of the kids frolicking and you laughing  with your hubby.  It's all about capturing the current moment and there is only magic in that. 

I'm excited to share our favorite pics from past years!  Hopefully they can give you some idea inspiration for themes for your own shoots.  Stay tuned for my full family outfit looks tomorrow!  

Photo: Jackie Wonders 

Photo: Alice Hu 

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Elf inspired movie night

We are gearing up like crazy for Christmas in our house and I had so much fun setting up for our annual Christmas movie night!  I love giving the girls their Christmas pjs and slippers and we cozy in by the fire for a family movie night to kick off the season.  We've done Polar Express before ( see our fun here) and this year we  chose the movie  Elf so I thought it would be fun to decorate with all things Elf inspired.  Hot cocoa and candy galore!  I found the cutest Elf quote mugs and wrapped up their glittery slippers and pjs with bright red ribbons.  I adore this tradition!