Friday Favorites

Hey guys. Anyone else already listening to Christmas music? Ha. Just me? Well either way, the holiday season is basically here and I’m starting to plan some festive content for the blog. One thing I’m really excited about are giveaways! Throughout December, I’ll be giving away some of my all time FAVORITE products. We’re talking about things I use almost every single day. It’s just a small way to say thank you SO much for being readers this year. The details aren’t all ironed out yet, but stay tuned!

Ok, let’s get into my Friday Favorites. 

Catbird Alphabet Ring

I first came across the Alphabet ring from Catbird NYC a few years ago in a Youtube video. I never ended up buying it, but I added it to my on-going birthday/Christmas wishlist. This year as I was updating the wishlist, I clicked on the ring link and saw that Catbird was discontinuing it. What’s a girl to do, but treat herself?! I bought the silver “n” ring before Halloween and it came in the mail yesterday. Talk about fast service! 

Like all of the reviews online said, it’s a really dainty piece. Bryan laughed at me because it’s so tiny, and he didn’t understand why I wanted this thing so badly. Well, because it’s gorgeous, that’s why. I’ve been really into more minimalistic jewelry lately, so this ring fits the bill. I’m absolutely in love with it. I’ll take a photo of it on my finger and share on Instagram soon. 

Chocolate Drop Pretzels

If you follow me on Snapchat, you know that I made not one, but THREE batches of chocolate drop pretzels this week. I made a batch for my dad’s halloween party, a batch for my co-workers, and a batch for Bryan’s work. Luckily, they don’t take too long to put together. What takes the longest is unwrapping all of the Hershey Kisses! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Parchment paper
• 1 family sized bag of mini salted pretzels
• 1 family sized bag of Hershey Kisses
• Festive colored M&Ms

I can’t even call this a recipe because it’s so simple:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Place as many mini salted pretzels on the baking sheet that will fit
• Unwrap enough Hershey Kisses so you have one Kiss per pretzel. Then, top each pretzel with a Kiss.
• Bake for 3-4 minutes, until chocolate is softened
• Remove from oven, and press an M&M on top of each Hershey Kiss
• Place the baking sheet in the fridge until chocolate is solid
• ENJOY!

Morning Coffee, Every Morning

I’ve been on a coffee kick lately, and can’t seem to get through my mornings without a cup. It’s bad, I know. It helps my productivity at work, so it’s a win in my book. But, I don’t drink that much! On most days, I’ll either have a cup at home or a 14oz cup from Dunkin’ on my way into work. Yesterday, I asked my co-worker how much coffee she drinks, and she said, “Usually around 20oz or more.” At least I’m not alone. 

I go through phases with coffee, actually. As you guys know, I love adding pumpkin spice to my coffee, but during the holiday season, I’m all about peppermint. Note: NOT peppermint mocha! Call me weird, but I’ve been known to add broken up candy canes to my coffee to give it that minty taste. Otherwise, if I’m at Starbucks, I’ll have the barista add one pump of peppermint syrup to my latte {never sugar-free!}. What type of coffee do you enjoy? Let me know in the comments below.

Walks in Valley Forge

Valley Forge Park is one of me and Bryan’s favorite local places. We got engaged there after all! During the fall, the trees are so colorful and the weather is perfect at any time of day. We like taking walks there with Pete because he’s a big fan of the place too. There’s so much space for him to explore, and he gets to interact with and kiss lots of people and dogs! But really, Valley Forge is a must-see if you live in the Philadelphia area. 

Another reason why it’s a constant favorite of mine is because I can get such amazing photos there. If you own a blog or just enjoy photography, you will love Valley Forge Park. Bryan joined me for a shoot last weekend there for an upcoming men’s gift guide post. The photos turned out really good and I can’t wait to share them with you soon. 

// So, that’s it guys. Let me know your favorite things from this week in the comments below. Talk soon!