With winter here, the cold weather, and the holidays in the air, hot chocolate is the perfect comfort drink for the season. I was craving a rich cup of hot chocolate last night so I decided to make one and add a little fun spin to it...by making it a red velvet hot chocolate!
So red velvet cake is basically a cake flavored with cocoa powder for a chocolate-y taste and vinegar to make the cake rich and fluffy. Red food coloring started being added to this cake batter years after its creation to enhance the red color. I basically added these same concepts (minus the vinegar) to typical hot chocolate ingredients. It turns out so rich and, well...velvety! You'll definitely want to share these with friends and family.
These are the ingredients I used...
I started by simmering skim 1% milk in a pot. Most people use whole milk, which makes the drink creamier, but I personally can't take the taste of all the fat in whole milk.
After simmering the milk, I added cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate until the chocolate melted and the cocoa was incorporated. To the mixture, I added vanilla and some red food coloring to enhance the chocolate flavors and intensify the red color. And voila!
I topped it all off with mini marshmallows which nicely melt into the hot chocolate. I'm dreaming of this hot chocolate as I type this, it was that good! (Recipe at end of post)
I enjoyed my yummy red velvet hot chocolate by the fireplace surrounded by Christmas decor.
Ingredients:
2 cups milk of your choice
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup of semi sweet chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Directions:
1. Put the milk into a pot and heat on medium until it simmers.
2. Once the milk has simmered, add the cocoa powder and semi sweet chocolate and whisk until melted and incorporated into the milk.
3. Add the vanilla and food coloring. Whisk until incorporated.
4. Ladle the hot chocolate into a mug and too with marshmallows.
This weekend I had the honor of attending the wedding of a close friend of my boyfriend's. It was a beautiful wedding, and it was apparent the couple was really happy. In addition to the traditional Armenian dinner, they had a buffet of every type of seafood you could imagine plus a whole roasted alligator, which I tried for the first time! (tasted like chicken)
I really wanted to step up my fashion game for this wedding and I was so happy with how my look turned out. I received so many compliments so I wanted to share my outfit and where you can shop for each piece.
Here's my entire look...
My dress is from Her Velvet Vase. I fell in love with it immediately when I saw it online. It's super fashion forward and the top draping gives it an edge, while also covering any problem areas I had around my waist.
My shoes are from Nine West, and I have to say they were extremely comfortable for being a high stiletto heel. It was perfect for dancing the night away. I got them a while ago, but I found them still available here.
My necklace is inspired by Cartier Amulette collection and I snagged this piece at Levik's Jewelers.
Lastly, I really wanted to pair my red dress with red lips so I ventured out to Ulta and discovered this Matte Lip Cream from NYX in Amsterdam and it was amazing. It goes on like a gloss but it's consistency is like a cream and it stays matte on your lips. I found also that I didn't have to keep reapplying it all night because it stayed very well. These lip creams come in a set of 3 including this red Amsterdam color.
What do you guys think of my look? What are some of your favorite black tie looks? Share them with me!
It's December! I really can't believe how fast the year went by, but I am also so excited for the end of the year holidays. I love decorating and entertaining with festive ornaments, decor, and accoutrements and I want to share some of my favorite swag of this season. These pieces are trendy and really compliment most decor that you probably already have, so they are perfect. The prices on them are super budget friendly as well.
1. Mercury Glass Tree - Target
2. Winter Berry Wreath - Nordstrom
3. Gold Antler Pillar Candle Holders - One Kings Lane
4. Merry Christmas Garland - Paper Source
5. Sequin Noel Decorative Pillow - Target
6. Red Etched Cocktail Shaker - Pier One
7. Kate Spade Fa-La-La Globe Ornament - Nordstrom
8. Reindeer Wood Napkin Rings - Paper Source
9. Naughty/Nice Dishtowels - Nordstrom
10. Nordic Snowflake Dishware - Crate and Barrel
I'm wishing all of you happy holidays and hope that you will be reveling in the holiday cheer and entertaining with fun decor and ornaments!
I'm hoping all my followers had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the leftovers as much as I did! This year I poked up all my leftovers and made a colossal turkey day sandwich that makes you wish Thanksgiving was every day.
When I say this sandwich is a colossal monster, I'm not kidding. I made this a triple decker sandwich so I could fit all my favorite side dishes into it.
I used oat nut bread and toasted it a bit. You can use your favorite kind of bread, but I find grainy breads like wheat bread go better with the flavors in the rest of the sandwich.
I like warm sandwiches so I heated everything up, including the turkey. To the sandwich, I added stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry mayo, which I made by mixing leftover cranberry sauce with some mayonnaise. All the recipes for these sides can be found on my post on last year's Thanksgiving: http://www.taltalsays.com/2014/11/thanksgiving.html?m=1.
Here's how I assembled my sandwich...
1. Mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce.
2. Toast 3 pieces of desired bread. Spread the cranberry mayonnaise on each slice.
3. Warm the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
4. Start assembling! To the first slice of bread, spread first the stuffing, then the mashed potatoes, and then some turkey.
5. Top this with the second slice of bread and repeat step 4. Top that with the last slice of bread.
It is finally starting to feel like fall in LA (for now) so it's time to bring out your sweaters and coats! I have high hopes this weather will last if only so we can all start wearing the fashion. I love everything about fall...the fashion, the crisp air, the pumpkin treats, and fall air scents. Anyone agree?
Fall, in my opinion, is the most fashionable season because there are so many pieces you can wear and layer. Your body is a beautiful canvas for layering the best trendy fall pieces and I'm here to talk about the trendiest of trends this fall, whether its fashion, accessories, new designer collections, or scents...these are the essentials for any gal!
1. Backpacks: Ditch your ordinary purse this season and opt for a modern, grown up backpack. When a backpack is leather and possibly adorned with studs and such, it takes a school days nostalgia item to an adult world. This Michael Kors pink/beige backpack is really fun and the zippers add a cool element.
2. Suede Apparel: The 70's are totally back this season and suede is a great representation of the era. Suede takes a look to a sophisticated level, good for work and play! I especially like suede pieces in earthy shades like brown, tan, and this burgundy like this burgundy shift dress from Forever 21.
3. Earthy Scented Candles: Gone are the days of pumpkin and gingerbread scented candles for fall. Change up the scent of your home by using candles with earthy scents rather than fruity or typical holiday ones. This Mahogany Teakwood candle from Bath and Body Worksis a perfect woody scent.
4. Marc Jacobs Alice In Wonderland Phone Cases: I am loving Marc Jacobs' new collection of Alice in Wonderland inspired phone cases. There are so many different cases, exhibiting different characters from the movie. This Door Knob character case is my favorite one.
5. Sugar Paper LA for Target: Sugar Paper LA is a really cute stationary store in LA specializing in stationary, gift wrapping, and the like. I was so excited when they brought in a line of products to Target! There are a bunch of really fun gift wrapping supplies just in time for Christmas. All the products have gold accents, which, as you know, is my favorite color accent. This Sugar Paper LA 2016 Planner is so practical, and so pretty to boot!
6. Dark Purple Lips: Berry shade lips scream fall! I'm loving more purple tones, its a cool change from deep red colors. Paired with a fresh face and dramatic lashes, its the perfect look. I'm obsessed with Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Bordeaux.
7. Y Necklaces: Y Necklaces are necklaces with a hanging accent that makes the necklace create a Y shape around your neck. I think its super trendy and a great way to bring some attention to your decolletage. It looks amazing worn with a deep cut top. This Vince Camuto Y necklace with crystals has detail to spark interest.
8. Over the Knee Boots: Over the knee boots are kicking booties off the list of fall trends this season. These boots are so chic and pair well with clothes that fit the 70's trend. They look great with dresses and skirts, but just remember not to let the gap between the boots and the hem of your dress or skirt exceed 5 inches. These black suede over the knee boots from H&M are simple yet so, so elegant and fashion forward.
What do you guys think? Are there any other notable trends we can share? Happy fall and happy shopping!
Not to be cliche, but one of my favorite things about fall is the abundance of pumpkins. I love carving and decorating them and I love eating them in various kinds of desserts. And since today is National Pumpkin Day, I wanted to share some pumpkin fun!
I started my day with these cute Halloween themed donuts from Krispy Kreme. The monster donut is a cream filled pumpkin donut and the other one is a pumpkin spice donut. And, of course, I paired it with a pumpkin spice latte. Yuuuumy!
Every year I go to a pumpkin patch here in Los Angeles and buy pumpkins to carve and decorate with my boyfriend and this year, I painted them with a black, white, and gold color scheme. I wanted to make them look like they were all part of a collection. I loved how they turned out! They look like decor you can buy at Home Goods.
I bought some gold studs in square and circle shapes and added them to a black painted pumpkin. I alternates the two stud shapes to add contrast. I painted the mini pumpkin in alternating black and white and added gold glitter to add sparkle.
I made the owl pumpkin using a cool kit from Target. It was super easy...I just painted the pumpkin black and attached the owl eyes, wings, and stars on its chest with adhesive stickers.
My favorite technique was on the white pumpkin. I repurposed some gold flash tattoos I had leftover from the summer and applied them to the skin of the pumpkin. I think it made it look super chic!
Wherever your pumpkin adventures take you, I hope you enjoy it. Take advantage of this yummy treat before the season is over!
This weekend marked the 67th annual Emmy Awards, which honors outstanding television shows. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of quality television programming...nothing excites me more than keeping up with shows that keep my curiosity and binge watching shows that I hear are amazing. This year's Emmy's has inspired me to watch so many notable shows and has also left me ecstatic for my favorite shows getting the recognition they deserve.
Everyone (for the most part) on the red carpet was stunning and beautiful. I love my fashion, especially at events like this where celebrities really go all out. Theses are my top 3 favorite looks from last night...aren't these drool worthy?
Taraji P. Henson in custom Alexander Wang
Clare Danes in Prada
Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell
Taraji looks amazing with a bob and she has such a perfect amount of sexiness from the sheer skirt on the dress and the triangle cutout on her torso. Black is the new black!
Clare Danes looks stunning as well with the chains on her dress, adding an element of hard and soft when paired with the sequins and her feminine hairstyle.
Before I continue, can we talk about how amazing Lady Gaga looked? She is one of my favorite artists and her transition to television in the upcoming American Horror Story Hotel brings me so much excitement. It really shows her range in talents and I can't wait to watch it. She's really toned down her crazy outfits to a more modern and sleek look. Everything from her hair to the peplum on the side of her dress screams elegance.
Honorable mention to Julia Louis-Dreyfus for those amazingly eye catching and beautiful earrings. How can you not stun in 28.78 carat diamond earrings set in platinum designed by Chopard?!
Now let's talk about the lovely host, Andy Samberg. I think Andy is adorable and he has me in tears with his musical comedy with The Lonely Island. I have to say, though, that he was a little disappointing for me as a host. His jokes fell flat and I found myself kind of waiting for him to stop talking so the show could go on. Bring back Tina and Amy! What did you guys think?
The show itself though, was pretty awesome. My favorite moments included Viola Davis' speech after winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. It was very inspirational and empowering. Here's the speech, in case you missed it...
Tracy Morgan also presented at the awards after recovering from a severe car crash with an 18 wheeler truck last June. His speech was also inspiring and a testament to his strength and passion to share comedy with the world.
There was also a montage of shows that ended this year, which...spoiler alert...showed us a bunch of spoilers! That was a little annoying, as I hadn't seen some of them. So if you haven't finished watching Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, or even Two and a Half Men, avoidthis montage video at all costs!
The winners this year were so deserved, in my opinion. There were also many shows that I haven't watched, but received awards, so now I am totally going to take the time to watch them!
Olive Kitteredge was a limited series that won a bunch of awards including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. I haven't watched this show, but this is an example of one that I will look into based on it being so widely received.
I am uncontrollably happy for the winners of Veep, because that show's writing and actors are phenomenal. I don't think there is one episode of that show I have watched and not laughed hard. I am also happy with Uzo Aduba's win for her amazing portrayal of Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren on Orange is the New Black.
One of my favorite moments of the night was Jon Hamm receiving the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men. The show ended this year and Jon finally got the recognition he deserved for such a good performance throughout the series. He even climbed onto the stage instead of taking the stairs, which was so charming in his Jon Hamm way.
I'm also excited for Amy Schumer receiving the award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. From obscurity doing Comedy Central Roasts to being on top of the comedy world. I always love and support funny women in the industry.
Of course, who could forget my beau, Jon Stewart, and all the wins for the Daily Show. Also, so deserved! We'll miss you Jon...
I know I'm a horrible TV fan for this but...I haven't seen Game of Thrones yet. I've always heard great things and the amount of awards it received last night obviously supports those opinions. So I think this will definitely be my next series to binge watch.
What did you all think of the show? Were there any shows you think deserved awards that didn't receive any? What shows do you think are binge worthy? Help a sister out with deciding what to watch next!
