White Christmas

  I just got back from spending a week in Michigan with my family for Christmas.  Justin and Charlie were missed but it was great to see everyone.  We decorated the tree, baked cookies, played games, and made the best snowman we could out of the snow we had.  Since my grandparents live on the water the wind usually blows the snow out of their yard.  :(  I also worked very hard to keep my crown as hula hoop champ on the wii.  One of my favorite things was when my grandpa got out his old movie reel and showed us films he made from years ago.  We got to see my grandparents wedding day, their first Christmas, and my mom and her siblings growing up on different trips they took.  I guess traveling runs in the family!  That was really cool to see and it was amazing how much Olivia and I looked like our moms when they were little.

Thought I would share this recipe so you all stay warm : )

Hot Buttered Cider

3 cups apple cider
1/2 cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup spiced rum (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine cider, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes

Uncover, return to medium heat, and add butter.  Stir until melted.  Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and rum if desired.  Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves.  Enjoy!

  Justin and I leave in two days for our new home in Connecticut!!  Looking forward to exploring a new part of the country and making new memories.

Keep you posted,

<3 L

The Grove

  Yesterday Justin and I took our last trip to LA to see Sarah before we move.  We had yet to experience food trucks so that was definitely the first thing I wanted to do.  Sarah took us to Danny's Tacos (where they may or may not speak English depending on the day) for the most amazing quesadillas.  After that we walked around LA Live and got to see where the red carpet events take place.  Turns out it is just an ordinary street that gets deck out for big events.  Who knew? 

  Sarah is one of the few people in this world that shares a love for the little things that make me SO happy.  She knows me so well and knew I would love The Grove this time of year.  I am not a good enough writer to describe how cute this place is to you but I will try.  Picture a Christmas tree that reaches the clouds, Christmas music played by a live quartet, a train going by carrying families, the most perfectly decorated store fronts, and sipping hot chocolate.  This place has a farmers market AND a Pottery Barns Kids!  Like I said before Sarah is one of the few that shares these things that make me so happy. 

  We ended the day by driving by the Paramount Studios gates and finally eating at Bottega Louie.  Such an adorable, delicious restaurant, and we had a celebrity spotting.  Billy Crystal walked by us and Justin and Sarah made the connection right away.  I on the other hand was "McKayla Maroney not impressed".  They had to go through and list for me some things I would remember him being in, then I thought it was pretty cool and fitting that we saw a celebrity on our last night in LA.  We will miss having Sarah so close :(  And we appreciate her showing us tourists around while we were here, <3


I leave for Michigan on Wednesday in hopes for a white Christmas :)  Looking forward to spending time with my family and especially my mom.

Keep you posted,

<3 L

The Cozy Couch

  My blog has Christmas spirit and so do I :)  This Christmas Justin and I will be on opposite sides of the country.  Before I get on a plane and head to Michigan next week, I am soaking up all the little holiday moments I can with him.  (Don't feel too bad for him, he will be skiing in Big Bear with his friends the day after I leave).  We have been spending a lot of time on our comfy couch, in our new cozy PJ's, sipping hot chocolate, and watching our favorite Christmas movies.  Justin's pick was The Santa Clause and mine was The Polar Express.  A Christmas Story has got to be next, ah such a good one.  This time of year just makes me oh so happy!!

 Next post I will be recapping our favorites from California and road trip plans to our next location!

 Keep you posted,

<3 L