NYE Champagne Punch

Not sure what kind of libation to serve at your NYE fete? Why not this delicious, make ahead  champagne punch? 

Champagne Punch
serves 12 

1 cup brandy

1 cup triple sec or Grand Marnier
1/2 cup Chambord, or other raspberry flavored liquor
2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 quart chilled ginger ale
2 chilled (750 ml) bottles dry Champagne
2 cups raspberries

Combine the triple sec, brandy, Chambord and pineapple juice and chill covered for at least 4 hours or overnight, in a large bowl or pitcher.

In a large punch bowl, combine the triple sec mixture, the ginger ale, Champagne and ice cubes if desired.

Garnish punch with raspberries and serve.

Yum! 

Image and recipe via. 

Monday's Mantra

Happy New Year my dear readers! Are you ready to take 2013 by storm? I sure am. Hope you all have fabulous (and safe) celebrations ahead. Cheers to what's next. xo!

image via. 

Happy Weekend

I sincerely hope you are having a restful weekend - gearing up for NYE festivities, resolutions, and for taking on 2013 in style. I know I am.

Enjoy the moment. Regularly scheduled programing resumes on Monday - see you then! xo.

New Year's Eve Inspiration

As you may have guessed, I don't need much of an excuse to get dolled up. That being said, what better excuse than NYE? Here's my inspiration for the evening:

something that sparkles

something that shines // something that stuns 

something that bubbles

What's inspiring you this season? 

images 1, 2, 3, 4

A Humboldt Holiday

For those of you who don't know, Humboldt County is northern northern California - several hours north of San Francisco by car, densely forested, and somewhat isolated. It's an absolutely beautiful, completely unique place. The kinda place you don't just visit, you go for a reason or with a guide. I would never have discovered it had it not been for the Hubs - a born and raised Humboldt boy. So with my mom in tow, we made the trek up to spend the holiday with my in-laws. 

It was a really nice few days. Their home is outside of town in the middle of the redwoods. Peaceful, green, no internet, spotty cell service - it really is a great place to take a break and get "away." Aside from the usual Christmas activities and quality family time, we took long walks in the woods, baked cookies, hung out with Coal (the family labrador), went to the movies, and logged a few nights at Everett's, the local's dive bar of choice, with the Hubs' sister and childhood friends. It was a very happy holiday indeed.

How did you all celebrate? I'd love to hear - xo!

Photos of our trip via yours truly.

there and back again

Hi dolls, I'm back! Did you miss me? I missed all of you...

I hope each and every one of you had a fantastic holiday surrounded by the ones you love (maybe you're even still celebrating now). We got back into San Francisco from the Hub's family home in Humboldt California yesterday evening. My mom, who spent the holiday with us, is now on her way back to Southern California, so the holiday celebration has come to a close. It's amazing how much we anticipate Christmas, and then how fast it flies by. Full recap coming up!

Photo from the drive home via yours truly. 

Merry Christmas!

Warm wishes to you and yours - now get off the internets! xo. 

Image via. 

Christmas Eve

I couldn't resist - happy Christmas Eve! Hope you are with your loved ones, sung as a bug in a rug.

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

I am officially on vacation - how about you my dears? The last few days were all about winding down and wrapping up, now I am SO ready for some r&r, some family time, and toasts with friends. The holidays are here - let's celebrate! 

I won't be posting as heavily over Christmas, but please do check in, it won't be complete radio silence either. I still have a few fun (and hopefully) meaningful posts for 2012 in me yet. In the meantime ...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope you all have some special celebrations in your future as well. Enjoy the link love, and I'll catch you next week. xo!

These kids are the coolest!

Two of my bridesmaids featured on Design*Sponge - so proud!

On being (im)perfect .

2012's biggest fashion moments.

The terror of Santa's Lap.

Santa tracker for the less terrified.

Lookalikes - amaze.

Made me laugh.

I'm totally doing this.

In case you missed it: gifts, gift giving, traditions, and our table scape.

Image via. 

T'was the Friday before Christmas

and all the creatures were stirring Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake Shots, of course.

Ingredients:

• Peppermint ice cream

• Peppermint white chocolate bark

• Crushed peppermint

• Eggnog

• Sugar water

Method:
Blend together 2 parts peppermint ice cream to one part eggnog. Rim the glasses with with crushed peppermint by dabbing them with sugar water and dipping them in peppermint. Fill your glasses with the milkshake mixture and place them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Break the peppermint bark into halves and place them on top just before serving.

Cheers! 

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

Usually in a Friday's Finds post I talk about some object, jewelry maybe, or a killer bag, but today the thing I'm most excited to "find" is time. Time to exhale at the end of the year (and to get excited about the next one), time with my mama and family too far away, time with dear friends, time to be in nature, time at home with the hubs and the kitties, and mostly time and space to be present and  appreciate things for a moment.

How about you lovies? What are you excited to "find" this season?

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

Reindeer: they've got a pretty big night coming up. Aside from pulling Santa's sleigh, did you know that they are thought to be the only mammals that can see ultraviolet light? A 2011study found that reindeer can see light with wavelengths as low as 320 nm, far outside of the human threshold of 400 nm. This ability may help them to survive in the Arctic - many objects that blend into the landscape in visible light, such as urine and fur, create sharp contrasts in ultraviolet light.  Also, male reindeer loose their antlers in the winter, so Santa's reindeer must be female. Now you know.  

Image via, info. 

Holiday Table Settings

I love this idea for a simple holiday place setting - forgo the traditional napkin holders and roll and wrap napkins with a cinnamon stick and a bit of Christmas tree trimmings. Easy-peasy!

Image and more ideas via. 

Wed Day

Gifts. This time of year can be so magical, yet so stressful, largely in part due to ... gifts! I used to put so much pressure on myself to pick the absolute perfect gift. This is an impossibility (duh) compounded by the fact that the hubs isn't, shall we say, "excitable." So I stopped.

I haven't stopped giving gifts. I've just stopped trying to make them the most perfect-gasp-and-tear-inducing, and have started to stick with things I know he'll like. Booze and design books for instance. He's kinda done the same - I usually just pick out something and tell him to buy it for me (romantic, I know). Or even just forgo gifts and use the money to have a really special dinner out, maybe here.

But it works out. Neither of us really expresses or receives love through gifts. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to turn down a nice piece of jewelry, or anything crazy like that, I'm just far better sustained by a sweet compliment or an unexpected shoulder rub. Lucky for me the hubs is too, though I'm sure he'd prefer a shoulder rub to a compliment - no matter how sweet.

Image via. 

Anything but Mousey

Marc by Marc Jacobs velvet mouse flats - um, yes please!

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Looking for some last minute Christmas gift inspiration? How about these mason jar snow globes, similar to these pretty little numbers?

What you'll need:Any jar that seals
Distilled Water
Liquid Glycerin (check the drug store pharmacy section)
Glitter
Figurines
Crazy Glue

Glue your figurines to the lid of your jar. Let dry completely. Fill your jar almost to the top with distilled water. Add a dash of liquid glycerin (to make the glitter fall more slowly). Then add glitter to your heart's content. Screw the cap on tightly and shake your jar to make the glitter snow fall. Boom!

Image and diy via. 

Weekend Wrap-up

Can you believe we're just about a week from Christmas? Crazy, right?

It was a weekend of grey days and chilly nights. Friday night the hubs and I met up with some of the usual suspects for the usual shenanigans. I love going out in San Francisco this time of year - even normal nights are transformed into something special and festive. Wreaths, twinkle lights, red lips, and sequins take everything up just a notch - don't you think? I love this time of year.

Saturday was one of those grey days that feels like one long evening. Plus, a migraine hit me like a mac truck - do you ever get those? Ugh, it's just the worst. A special kind of pain and overall sick feeling that's so hard to explain to someone who's never had one. I've been managing chronic migraines since puberty, but I haven't been hit with one that bad in a while. Thankfully, I was feeling much better by the actual evening - just in time to grab coco and wander around down town looking at the Christmas lights with the hubs, before going to see The Hobbit. Have you seen it? I loved loved loved the book as a kid, and thought the movie was beautifully done. I can't wait for part two...

Sunday was another grey lazy day, full of football, friends, and fries. The perfect low key way to round out the weekend. What did you all do?

Photo of yours truly in Union Square, SF.

Monday's Mantra

Important to remember this time of year when it's so easy to get caught up in consumption.
Happy Monday loves - let's make it count. xo!

Image via. 

It's a sad day

I try to cultivate positivity here on Tickle My Fancy. To create a lighthearted space to retreat to now and then. That being said, I have to acknowledge today's painful events. My heart breaks and goes out to the families and community affected. It's tragic, there isn't an explanation. I think the best we can do is send some positivity (be it thoughts  prayers, or good old fashioned vibes) and healing energy to those in pain today. Let's be thankful for this life, and good to those we share it with. xo!

PS: this post offers some great coping advice if you are feeling especially sad and confused. 

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

Hi dolls! We made it through another week, and I happened to have successfully survived (and planned) another company holiday party. Boom! People really let their hair down, and I think it was just what we all needed to celebrate the conclusion of another year. Yep, it was a good one - and I have a good feeling about this weekend too. We'll see what else unfolds. What do you all have planed?

Whatever you do, I hope it's fab. See you here Monday? Enjoy the link love until then. xo!

Rules of the Bar.

Another (very chic) gift guide.

Absurd Holidays, tis the season.

Make winter wake-ups easier.

Fake the "just rolled in the hay" look.

Chloe Sevigny loves Xmas.

What to wear to a holiday shindig.

Commonly misunderstood words.

Reality TV's life lessons.

It's Friday ...

cheers! So, I'll admit it. I've been going through an Irish Cream phase lately - I blame the holidays, and maybe my dad. Whatever the culprit, it's a craving that cannot be denied. Maybe I'll try making my own. 

Irish Cream Liquor

Makes 4 cups

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup strong coffee

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 1 Tablespoon dark cocoa

• 1 Tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 14-ounce can organic, sweetened condensed milk*

• 2 cups Irish whiskey

METHOD

1. Bring the coffee to a gentle simmer in a medium-size saucepan.

2. Add the cream, cocoa, sugar, honey and extracts, and whisk thoroughly.

3. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat; whisk in the sweetened condensed milk.

5. Transfer the mixture to a heat-safe glass, ceramic or metal bowl, and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

6. Whisk in the whiskey until completely blended.

7. At this point, you can either allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and then serve or transfer it to a lidded container and store it in the refrigerator.

8. Serve over ice.

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Find

By now we all know that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013 is ... emerald green. I, for one, love this color and have already seen it popping up everywhere. If you're not ready to totally embrace this trend by dying your hair and painting every room in your home emerald, why not just dip your toe in the pool and paint your nails? Going Incognito by essie is the perfect shade for the moment. 

Image via.

glitter-eyes

Here's a fun way to jazz up your cat eye this holiday season: start with a groomed brow, neutral shadow, and highlighter. Next create your cat-eye as usual with a gel liner like this, then accent it with a little bit of glitter liquid liner like this, finish up with some white liner on your inner rims, and a ton of mascara.  

Boom!

image via. 

Thursdays Tidbits

Can you believe that 2013 is almost here? Doesn't it seem kinda crazy? 2013 still sounds like "the future" to me, not like the near present. Regardless of how you feel about the New Year, one thing we're all gonna need is a new calendar. Here are a few of my favorites:

prisms calendar

 pattern // dreamcats

astrology wall calendar

landscapes

stich the stars 

Lavender Coco

What's better this time of year than a warm cup of coco? Not much ...

lavender hot coco

2 cups whole milk
3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao)
1 ounce milk chocolate
1/4 teaspoon lavender buds
1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1/4 of a whole vanilla bean pod
1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Since lavender is quite fragrant, adjust amount according to preference. For a creamier hot chocolate, a 1 to 1 ratio of dark to milk chocolate can be used. Makes 2 servings.

METHOD:

For whipped cream: place cold cream, vanilla, and sugar into a cold mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a whisk or mixer until stiff peaks form. keep refrigerated until ready for use.

For hot coco: heat milk and lavender over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the milk begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let lavender steep for 5 minutes. Strain lavender and return milk to saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until chocolate is melted and incorporated. Whisk milk mixture for 10-20 seconds until frothy. Pour into mugs or bowls and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Curl up on the sofa and enjoy! 

Image and recipe via. 

Wed Day

This is our 2012 holiday card, I'm pretty fond of it.

We used minted (as we have for the past few years) and couldn't be happier with the service. The image is one of our engagement shots by the lovely and talented Lisa Fitts. This is our third year doing a holiday card. We've been together for seven (!) years, but didn't start doing the whole card thing until we were engaged. Even though the mass mailing is a process, it's one I enjoy. We don't often have the opportunity to send real mail these days, so I think the holiday card is a nice ritual to preserve. It's a great way to send loved ones a little reminder that we are thinking of them, and holding them close no matter how far away they may be this holiday season.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

PS: last year's card.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Tis the season for ... hangovers! Yep the razzle dazzle of a new dress, abundant bubbly, and (if all goes well) a secret kiss under the mistletoe, that sums up most parties this season can ultimately give way to a morning that is ... shall we say, less than pretty? Thankfully, the team at Into The Gloss has you covered with this amazing hangover cure plan. It was too good not to share.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast (after sleeping in of course): a banana, milk, and honey smoothie should do the trick. Packed with vitamin's D, B6, potassium, and magnesium you'll be feeling better by the last sip. I of course always add a strong cup of coffee and a tall glass of water to the mix.

After you're nourished, take care of that skin! Hopefully you washed your face last night, but make sure to wash it again, exfoliate, if you have time - indulge in a mask or two, top with a serum, and don't skimp on the moisturizer. Face it (get it?), you lost a lot of water last night, your skin is thirsty too. Sooth your eyes with cold spoons, or camomile tea bags, and a rich eye cream. I'm also a big fan of this eye treatment.

As for nursing your spirit? The ITG team recommends more water, headache meds, and a day spent chillaxing and pumping yourself up for the next swinging shindig.

If all else fails, it's amazing what a little highlighting, blush, and white eyeliner can do to make you at least look more alive.

What are your tried and true morning after cures?

Image from Marie Antoinette, tips via ITG. 

(Hanukkah) Weekend Wrap Up

Oh weekend, you come and go so quickly. Such a tease!

Saturday night was the first night of Hanukkah. The hubs and I opened gifts from my thoughtful mother in law, had challah, and lit our menorah. I am slowly but surely learning the traditional prayer (sung while lighting the menorah candles) in Hebrew. Which basically entails the hubs singing real. slow. while I join in where I know the words; it'a a process. :-)

Other highlights included dinner with some of my best girls at this swanky spot (I had the steak tartar, and a French 75 - amaze), followed by a quirky ("Donner Party" themed) holiday party at another fun friend's place. There were red cups full of bubbles, dancing divas in the living room, and hushed conversations in dimly lit corners - it's hard to beat a good house party. Sunday was quite by comparison. The hubs watched football and played video games, while I met up with my dear friend Di for mani-pedi's, frozen yogurt, and yet another trip to Trader Joe's - my home away from home.

How was your weekend? I'd love to hear!

PS: Last year's Hanukkah post, modern menorahs, and a latke recipe I'm itching to try.

Photo via yours truly. 

Monday's Mantra

I couldn't agree more! Hope you all have a fantastic week - xo.

anyone know the image source? 

Happy Weekend!

Oh weekend, I've missed you so ... What do you all have planned my friends? I'm looking forward to dinner and parties with a few of my best gals, and to (hopefully) finishing up my holiday shopping.  To top it off, Hanukkah is starting this Saturday - my goal this year is to learn a little Hebrew. Ambitious? Perhaps. 

What do you all have panned?

See you here Monday - Happy Holidays! xo.

Seven ways to open a wine bottle without a wine-key, because a lady is always prepared.

December resolutions.

What is your innate gift?

Find the best facial for your winter skin.

OMG - is this fancy new perfume on your wish list too?

The Pantone color of 2013 is ....

Here you are, your go-to party look. Thank me later.

It's official, a royal baby!!

How to wrap a present, if you are super OCD.

Last year's Happy Hanukkah post

Image via. 

Cheers It's Friday ...

let's have a drink! Some mulled wine perhaps?

WINTER MULLED WINE

Red wine (a dry red or chianti is good)

125g of caster sugar
Lemon peel

3 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 Place the caster sugar and the peel of one lemon into a large saucepan. Add cloves, cinnamon stick and grated nutmeg.

2 Add just enough red wine to cover the sugar 
and simmer until all the sugar has dissolved.

3 Bring the mixture to the boil for 
a few minutes, then reduce heat to low. Add the rest of the bottle of wine 
and heat gently until hot, but not boiling.

4 Strain before serving.

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

Tis the season for ... Gift Guides! I was thinking about making my own, but there are so. many. out there in the blogosphere right now I thought why not combine two of a blogger's favorite things: a gift guide and a round up? So without further ado, here's a round up of my favorite gift guides:

Cup of Joe's 2012 Gift Guide - if you only check out one, this should be it. For the pets and the people who love them. $100 and under if you have some cash to burn, $25 and under if you want to spend a little less. For the crafter, the baker, the traveler, the techie, the adventurer, the prepster, and the do-gooder in your life. Whew! 

What are you excited to give (and receive) this season? Happy Hunting - xo!

Images 1 & 2. 

Thursday's Tidbits

Guilt. Yes, guilt. Are there worse feelings? Maybe, but guilt is pretty bad. Not only am I a worrier  but I can ALWAYS find something to feel guilty about. Fun, yes? Eh ... it's something I'm activity working on. So when I came across this clip on the Huffington Post, I took notice - plus when Oprah tells you to do something, you listen. 

In an episode of "Oprah's Lifeclass," relationship expert Iyanla Vanzant explains that guilt "doesn't serve anything but the ego." Interesting, go on. In the clip, Iyanla lays out three basic reasons why people feel guilty, and offers a simple remedy to help move past this "wasted" emotion: "Acknowledge [what you've done]. Ask for forgiveness of yourself first and then of others if you can. Then, if you can do something to make amends, that will release you from the karmic tie to that action." Huh. This makes sense to me (I can hear my dad's voice in my head - I've been telling you that for years - sorry dad). 

It's interesting to ask - whom does guilt really serve? Not the person that you feel you may have hurt, it just eats you up. It could even be classified as selfish since it's completely self serving (as if we needed another reason to feel guilty). The notion of action as a remedy above really speaks to me. I may have just made my first New Year's resolution. I'm going to spend less time wallowing in an emotion (namely guilt), and instead focus on positive action and then on moving on. Sounds easy enough, right...? We'll see, at least I feel good about trying. :-) 

How about you, did you find this resonated as well? 

Images 1, 2. 

Happy feet

The approaching holidays have me pining for all things sparkly - aren't these Givenchy heels rad? Dare to dream...

Image via. 

Wed Day

In my opinion, invitations are one of the of the few areas of whole modern wedding planning "thing" where etiquette and timing still apply and matter. The the timeline above is a great reference.

Image via. 

Milk + childhood (confessions)

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for packaging, but I don't care who you are - this childhood confessional idea is so cheeky it's hard not to like it. The concept is too connect milk to the innocent (and maybe silly) parts of childhood. Not a far stretch I guess - it's at least amusing and a bit thought provoking (what do you have to confess?) which is more than I thought I'd ever say about a milk carton. 

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I love this soft smokey look, perfect for holiday parties. Start with the eyeshadow of your choice, I like this soft brown shade but you could use virtually any shade, apply it lash line to crease.  Blend. Line your water line (top and bottom). Smudge the same shadow along your bottom lash line to soften the look. Add some highlight to your inner corners, and a bit of shimmer to the center of your lids, then finish up with a healthy dose of mascara. Boom - party ready in under five.

Image via.