Red Velvet Hot Cocoa

I've been gone for a while. Forgive me! While you're doing that, check out my new tumblr page, Content{underRated} at: http://contentunderrated.tumblr.com/!

I saw this yummy recipe for a Red Velvet Hot Cocoa that I had to share from She Knows Food & Recipes. Now is the perfect weather to sip on deliciousness...

Red velvet hot chocolate

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/2 teaspoon red gel no taste food coloring
• Whipping cream
• Vanilla sugar

Vanilla sugar whipped cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (no vanilla sugar? Add regular sugar and a drop of vanilla extract)

Directions:

1. For whipped cream: Add heavy cream and vanilla sugar to a cold metal bowl. Either whip by hand with whisk or with hand-held mixer until soft peaks form.
2. For hot chocolate: In a small pan, combine milk, chocolate morsels and food coloring. Gently simmer until hot and all the chocolate is melted. I like to use a small whisk to make sure everything is incorporated. Top with freshly whipped cream.

(Photo Source: Omgsexyfood)

Men Drink Champagne Too

I saw these cool Moya Champagne Flutes and thought these would look perfect in a bachelor's glassware collection. They remind me of pilsner glasses used for beer. If you don't want dainty looking champagne glasses, these are just the thing, but they are definitely a splurge at $29.00 a flute- but well worth it :-)

Photo: Martha Stewart

Cowhide v. Zebra Prints

Photo credit: 1) randomanny.com; 2. Material Girl's Blog; 3. flickr.com; 4. Signature Furniture and Lights; 5. Matter of Style blog; 6. Luxury Modern Interior Decors blog; 7. Living Etc.; 8. Hilltop Contemporary; 9. Elements of Style blog; 10-13. Decor Pad; 14. Archi Expo.

Wishes Do Come True

So I got one thing from my Christmas Wish List...

For my birthday :-)

Pottery Barn Apothecary Jars

Thanks guys!

I Hate Oatmeal...

But this looks absolutely delicious. I would, however, probably pick the strawberries and cream off the top. This kind of reminds me of life. You pick off all the good stuff on top when, actually, all the gritty, unpretty stuff that you've left at the bottom may actually be good for you- even if it doesn't taste good going down.

Photo credit: Whiskey Soaked Cherries

Beautiful Confections

Because life can be sweet...

Photo credit: That Kind of Woman, i am baker, Sweetapolita

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I saw this picture of this amazing pool (that I want for my future dream home) and started thinking about my backyard. It's HORRIBLE. It looks like a new level of Dante's Inferno. I would like to do something, anything to it by this summer. Until then, a girl can dream...

Photo credit: time.com

Happy New Year!

Wishing you better things to come in 2011.

Happy Holidays!

Between work, shopping, and all the parties to attend during the holiday season, I'm pooped, and it isn't even Christmas yet. So for this post I have no insightful design ideas for you, no point of view, no marvelous decor ideas that have caught my eye. I only have a few random pics and my deepest wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Happy Holidays from The Art Of...!!!!!!

Photo credit: 1. Patty Wreford; 2. Polka Dot Bride; 3. Martha Stewart; 4. Style Me Pretty

Christmas List ( A Girl Can Dream...)

I stopped getting the items I wanted off my list when I was a teenager. I know I won't really get these things, but what's wrong with dreaming a little? Some items are more attainable than others, but it's more of a wish list, so who cares?!

A pair of Louboutin black pumps

An Audi A8 (in black)

A mountable stainless steel fireplace

Kindle

6-quart stainless steel crock pot

Nintendo Wii

Pottery Barn's apothecary jars

Bose IE2 in-ear headphones

Candace Olsen (HGTV) coming over to re-do my home!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Easy Peasy Holiday Decor

Holiday decor doesn't have to break the bank. How simple and inexpensive is this wreath? You can easily find these ornaments on the cheap at a crafts store, dollar store, or in your closet.

Photo credit: Achados de Decoracao

How Will You Set Your Table for the Holidays?

I've mentioned before that setting a table is art. The holidays are a prefect time to display some of your artistic talents, whether it's the decoration you place around the house, dressing a Christmas tree, creating a wonderful meal, or masterfully designing a table for a holiday dinner. I've also said, eating a good meal should also include ambiance. The food always tastes better when you feel comfortable with the environment you're eating in and that environment evokes positive emotions.

Photo Credit: 1. Delish.com; 2,3, 4. HGTV; 5. getmarried.com; 6. Chez Larsson

Global Sophistication

I'll take that chandelier and sofa, thank you...

And that fascinating mug may come with me too.

When You Use What You Buy

The vase I bought from CB2 was a great purchase for my office. It has inspired me to buy flowers for my desk every week. Ugh, I just added an expense. But 5-6 bucks a week at Trader Joe's isn't bad. It brings life to my daily routine, and that is priceless. I'm going to cut back on buying lunch everyday to compensate for expense.

It has also inspired me to think more thoughtfully about my purchases. Are you using what you buy? If you find that you are buying items that are not even put to good use, maybe you should think twice before kicking out that cash. It's hard I know, but from here on out, I am going try to be a more conscious shopper. "Try" is the operative word ;-)

Happy Veterans Day to all the veterans that served for our country. And a big "thank you" to our soldiers currently fighting on behalf of our country. Praying that you return home soon.