December 1, the Countdown is On!

I love making Christmas gifts for several reasons.  The cost factor is a given.  I also like to come up with something that's unique and I know that a specific person will love.  I don't want my stuff regifted! I have a great hot chocolate recipe that I make every year for my family and friends.  I will definitely do it again this year (a five year tradition--all traditions have to start somewhere), but not everyone likes it.  I found this recipe for Kenyan Chai Tea on the blog, "Thriftanista in the City".  It sounds delicious and I can't wait to make it.  To simplify, I think I'll do like she did and go to Mariano's for the ingredients.  I don't know if you have one in your city, but it's a "moodier" version of Whole Foods--at least that's my take on it.

Speaking of the Thriftanista, she recently featured me and some of my "finds" on her blog.  Here's the link: 10 Questions.  I was very excited to show off some of my favorites.  

Pink suede pants, $3 at Unique. Cheetah print boots, $7 at Goodwill.  Leopard print top, my niece's closet.  Mink stole, $15 estate sale find. BTW, this is my first and only fur.  Not sure if I'll ever wear it in public--I don't want to get doused. 

Dress, $3 at Village Thrift.  Sweater, $3.50 at Unique.  Hair clip, $0 at The Free Store.  Boots, a rare retail purchase (a moment of madness), $80.  Not shown are the two bags I was deciding between.  A teal and black leather shoulder bag with a map of Africa and a Kenneth Cole mint green leather bag with brown satin lining.

On second thought, I will show you, but pay no attention to the dazed crazed expression on my face:

I love both of these bags, but the lighter one wasn't the match for the sweater that I thought it was when I bought it.  Still, it is in amazing condition and I love it.  And it only cost about $4.  The "Africa" bag is sueded leather and it cost a mere $3.50.  It's my bag of choice these days.  I'll swap it out for something else next week.

And yes, I will be sharing that hot chocolate recipe before Christmas.  Maybe you'll want to make some of your own.