Fresh florals to replace the fresh cedar and now we've got a whole new look for the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar I created for Christmas. I love how everything else was kept exactly the same except for the florals and now it looks like a completely different hot cocoa bar - perfectly perfect for Valentine's Day or a winter wedding.  (see the original ->Christmas Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar)

I then took things a step farther after a fun poll on Instagram stories.
I gave everyone over there 3 different "Valentine's-ish" sign options to choose from and here's what they picked...

Same florals, different sign and now another different vibe....even more Valentine's-esque.
This "Cuddles + Cocoa" sign is just so simple and charming and was actually my personal favorite of the three options I let everyone choose from.

I went into designing this with the idea of creating a cozy, dreamy, romantic setting for a night of snuggling on the couch with Jay while sipping on mugs of delicious hot cocoa and binge-watching Netflix together. *wink*

I hope this inspires you...knowing how simple changes can create an entirely new vibe - for your home decor, for your wardrobe, heck...even a recipe. *wink*

And...I hope this lights your creative fire for some cozy Valentine's Day ideas...we are exactly three weeks away from celebrating!!

PS - Flash Freebie RIGHT NOW to grab this sign and the other two I mentioned for FREE...
see details below!

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

• • • • •

TODAY ONLY...for my blog readers and IG followers...

"Flash Freebie" happening now! Grab all three signs as FREE DOWNLOADS until 10pm this evening. THREE signs to choose from --> and THREE SIZES for all three signs --> 11x14, 16x20 or 20x30 (as shown in these images). 

Simply click the "flash freebie" button below and pick the sign you want!
Download and print as many times as you'd like -> PERSONAL USE ONLY

Enjoy!!

UPDATE: Flash Freebie has expired!

Be sure to subscribe to the blog or follow me on Instagram 

so as not to miss out on the next "Flash Freebie" and other free Printables.

KEEPING IT REAL
The cozy, dreamy Valentine's Day night I mentioned?
Well...it's actually going to look just a tiny bit different.
There's a daddy daughter dance that evening and Ella's bestie is coming to town for the weekend. So much for the "romantic" part of the evening! Ha!! We love when Elise is here and I'm totally looking forward to snuggling all together for a movie after they return from the dance. Lol!

Slow start to my January with regards to my blog but slayin' things on the homefront with getting organized, decluttering and setting goals for 2020.
I love using the entire month of January to reflect on the previous year...giving myself time to set some well thought-out goals. 

RECIPE | Easy Cinnamon Marshmallows

I knew going into creating our Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa + Cookies Bar I wanted to include cinnamon marshmallows as a topping option.

At first, I thought I'd just purchase a bag of cinnamon marshmallows from the popular brands out there but was surprised to find the cinnamon flavor doesn't exist. What?

I then considered making homemade marshmallows but really wanted to keep things simple for myself and also for any of you considering making some.

I discovered the easiest, fastest solution for creating cinnamon marshmallows and wow!
They. are. delicious! 

CINNAMON MARSHMALLOWS
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 TBSP powdered sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Place in ziplock bag. Shake until covered. Enjoy!
..........

Easy, right?
Sure hope you'll try them.

OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY

Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa + Cookies Bar

Bulk Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Boho Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPING IT REAL

I couldn't bring myself to call this a "recipe" - it's just way too simple.

I think it's more of a technique...or process. *wink*

STYLING | Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa + Cookies Bar

• • • • •

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These links allow me to easily share with you the same or similar items and tools 

I use for recipes, crafts, or projects...while also earning a little commission - without costing you a thing. 

So THANK YOU for your clicks! Each one supports my small business and allows me 

to continue sharing fun ideas + creative content with you. Yay!

• • • • •

The family voted to bring back the snickerdoodle hot cocoa flavor this year for our annual family hot cocoa bar..and I certainly wasn't going to argue. It's hands-down one of our favorite flavors we've come up with.

It's creamy and delicious, and absolutely "cozy in a cup"...or mug in this case.

I promise, once you've had a mug of this...I'm not certain you'll ever go back to classic hot cocoa mix again - recipe linked at bottom of post.

Since I'd done the "Boho Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar" previously, I knew I had to come up with ways to make this one unique and a little different.

FOUR DISTINCT DIFFERENCES

Four specific, intentional things I decided to do differently this year was the addition of snickerdoodle cookies to the bar, the creation of cinnamon marshmallows, splurging on some beautiful handmade mugs and plates and the creation of a bulk recipe for Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix - eliminating the need to add brown sugar and ground cinnamon to your mug like we did last time. Bulk recipe linked at the bottom of post.

THE SIGN

Believe it or not, I started designing the background of this sign November 2018...

I just never had time to finish it for our 2018 hot cocoa season. (just one more reason I had my Christmas decor up by Halloween night this year...so I could ENJOY the holidays this go around). Lol.

Anyway, good thing because the whole vibe of the sign compliments the snickerdoodle theme this year. I'm in love with the subtle snowflake details and the Old World charm. (sign tutorial coming)

Framing out the sign with fresh cedar gives a subtle nod to the Christmas season, which I adore.

Knowing we'd be keeping the hot cocoa bar up through February, as in previous years, I wanted something that would transition seamlessly from Christmas and throughout the winter season. (and allow me to use it for Valentine's Day with a few simple changes - that idea is coming soon).

You'll notice in some of the images, I originally only had greenery on the sign and the hot cocoa mix jar but later decided to add it to the glass dome on the cookies and also chose to lay a piece on the small cake stand holding the wood spoons, paper straws, cinnamon sugar shaker, and the cinnamon sticks used for garnish + decor.  It's simple little touches like that that make the overall look feel finished and cohesive. I'm so happy with it.

Sit back and enjoy the imagery...I'm hoping it will inspire you to create your own Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa + Cookies Bar this winter season. Resources listed at the bottom of the post.

I love when home decor doubles as a family treat - don't you?
But seriously, could you see a version of this used at a wedding. Gasp!!

..........

OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY

Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe - Bulk

Cinnamon Marshmallows Recipe

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

..........

RESOURCES:
Glass Dome + Cake Stand - TJ Maxx
Small Marble-Topped Cake Stand - Tuesday Morning
Handmade Mugs + Plates
Cabinet with drawers
Table Runner
Sign - Pen + Paper Flowers
Copper Spoons - Tuesday Morning
Striped Straws - couldn't find striped but here's another option
Marshmallow Jar - juicer jar I had...removed the juicing components.
Glass and Wood Jar for Hot Cocoa Mix
Mini Wooden Scoop for Hot Cocoa Mix
Wood Spoons - Amazon

KEEPING IT REAL
I may or may not have devoured sipped on a ridiculous amount of mugs of snickerdoodle hot cocoa during the month of December. It's just sooooo good.

RECIPE | Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa

Oh my sweet, sweet friends.

This super simple Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Recipe is what Snickerdoodle dreams are made of.

I am so happy with how it turned out and I just know you are absolutely going to LOVE this!

I even created a cutie foldable recipe card for you to print and keep - because it's an absolute dream!

PRINT THE SNICKERDOODLE HOT COCOA RECIPE CARD HERE!

(folds into a 4x6 - .jpg and .pdf file formats available)

You will need the recipe for my White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix to make a Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa. OR...even though I haven't personally tried it, you can try the Ghirardelli White Chocolate Powdered Hot Cocoa Mix in place of my homemade version.  (if you try this, let me know how it turns out).

If you decide to try the homemade version, there's a cutie recipe card for that one too! *wink*

Once you wipe the smile (and whipped cream) off of your face from trying this, PLEASE let me know how much you love it!!

PS - If you missed the "Simple + Sweet" Hot Cocoa Bar I set up this year - go HERE!!

Enjoy!
xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Man!! That recipe card is just TOO cute.
But seriously - Ella LOVES this Hot Cocoa and J said I could totally package this up and sell it! *wink*

RECIPE | White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

I shared our "Simple + Sweet Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar" yesterday.

And today....drumroll please....

White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix! YEP!!

But why? Why not just stick with the regular ole delicious Hot Cocoa Mix? 

Because you cannot make my super delicious "Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa" without it. That's why!

Which then means you can't create your own "Simple + Sweet Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar". duh!

AND...some people prefer white chocolate.

AND...you can add peppermint and other flavors that won't compete with the good ole regular hot chocolate...chocolate. *wink*

AND...it's SO creamy and SO delicious...and...well...you just need to try it. Trust me on this one.

PRINT THE WHITE CHOCOLATE HOT COCOA MIX RECIPE CARD HERE

(folds into a 4x6 - jpg and .pdf file formats available)

Now...I know you are wanting to try that absolutely delicious Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa I mentioned! Because I'm telling you...you are SO going to love it and thank me for forever...
for creating and sharing it with you!  Pinky promise.

So - baby steps.
Yesterday was the Simple + Sweet Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar - CLICK HERE!
Today is the White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - which you will need to make the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa.
Tomorrow?
Well tomorrow is the debut of the delicious Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa recipe!!
and a super cute printable recipe card too!

UPDATED 12/13: Here's the link to take you to the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa recipe now posted!!

Love you guys! See you back here tomorrow!!
xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
It took me a few trials and recipe testing to find the perfect White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix.
The first couple Ella said were okay but she was missing the "chocolate" she was used to.
THIS recipe? This one is a winner.

STYLING | Simple + Sweet Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar

Simple. Simple. Simple.
That's been the word + theme I've been chasing over the course of this past year.
With that said, when I was planning our hot cocoa bar for this winter and Christmas season I knew I would totally use the things + ideas I had started dreaming about last year and never had time to execute.

This included creating a delicious Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa recipe that would take center stage and would be this year's "signature" flavor for our family. (remember the S'mores hot cocoa we did for our "Cabin in the Woods" themed hot cocoa bar?)

I had actually made a couple of weak attempts at the snickerdoodle hot cocoa last year using the Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix I've shared with you all previously. BUT...something just wasn't right. It didn't WOW me. And so...with an anticipated move for our family and so much up in the air it left the holidays spinning out of control last year. I just let the Snickerdoodle dream go.

This year however...we are settled into our new home and I was not about to let the dream go.  Honestly, it had never let go of me.

First things first, I had to perfect a "White Chocolate" hot cocoa mix in order to create the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa. You see,  I figured out trying to use traditional hot cocoa just wasn't creating the creamy, snickerdoodly flavor I was looking for. After several fails I finally nailed it.

And I mean NAILED it you guys. It's soooo good. 

Anyway, that's how this "Boho-ish" Hot Cocoa Bar took on a life of it's own. Once I figured out the hot cocoa mix and was able to perfect the ingredients needed to add to the mix to create the snickerdoodle flavor - well...that made the whole hot cocoa bar set up even more simple and I was able to finally envision how to pull everything together.

Pssst....the snickerdoodle hot cocoa doesn't even need marshmallows! Nope. No marshmallows on this hot cocoa bar. *gasp* But I am telling you - you won't miss them with this hot cocoa. Trust me. I'm all about tradition and I love marshmallows in my hot cocoa just as much as the next person but I promise you don't need them. The only topping you'll want or need is cinnamon + sugar on top of your whipped cream. That's it. (perfect cinnamon sugar recipe HERE).

Without all of the usual suspects i.e., the peppermints, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and other fun toppings...all of a sudden my hot cocoa bar felt perfectly aligned with my "simple" mindset. 

Even the sign I decided on was simple. I used the same background and arrow graphic from the "Cabin in the Woods" hot cocoa bar set up and just simplified the wording. 

White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, Brown Sugar, ground cinnamon, a shaker filled with cinnamon sugar and some cinnamon sticks for cuteness are all you need for this "Sweet + Simple Snickerdoodle" Hot Cocoa Bar.

I really love how it turned out.
I love the copper accents mixed with the wood + macrame details.

I love all of the Hot Cocoa Bars I've done through the years....for different reasons.
This one?
This one might be my favorite! *wink*

The White Hot Chocolate recipe will hit the blog tomorrow, followed by the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa recipe. And they both have cute printable recipe cards waiting for you all to print.

I hope you love how it turned out and more than that, I REALLY hope you are inspired to set up your own hot cocoa bar this year.

Love you friends!!
xoxo,
Jess

••••••••••••••••••
Here are all of the details if you are interested...

TOPPINGS USED
Cinnamon Sugar
Whipped Cream
Cinnamon Sticks

NOTES + TIPS + RESOURCES

HOT COCOA MUGS
Copper Mugs - handles get hot so they are perfect for warming cold hands BUT don't get burned.
Ivory Lace Hot Cocoa Mugs - from Anthro

STAY WARM HOT COCOA SIGN  - this one is 20x24 and I had it printed at Walgreens onto posterboard for about $15 - with a coupon. So AWESOME!! I will be making this available in my Etsy shoppe this week.

TABLE - from TJ Maxx - I love the drawers on the front for holding extra napkins, spoons, etc.

CINNAMON SUGAR SHAKER  - I bought a set of THESE copper topped shakers and filled one with THIS CINNAMON SUGAR RECIPE.

ROUND JARS WITH LIDS - from TJ Maxx

MACRAME WALL HANGING - World Market

MACRAME TABLE RUNNER - World Market

COPPER TEA POT - World Market

COPPER PITCHER - Marshall's
••••••••••••••••••

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I really struggled with the set up at first.
I kept trying to complicate things by adding christmas trees and wreaths and stuff to "holiday-ize" it.
But no. Sticking with a simple pitcher of the Eucalyptus on the bottom totally finished it off perfectly.
"Simple!" people. I just. need. simple.

And I'm probably going to gain 10 lbs over the winter sipping on the delicious Snickerdoodle hot 
cocoa. I want one every night. Ha!!

STYLING | Hot Cocoa Bar :: Cabin in the Woods Edition

We have really been enjoying and putting to good use the "Cabin in the Woods" themed hot cocoa bar I created this year for my family.

I think the enamelware mugs, pitcher and storage containers mixed with the rustic/woodsy Hot Cocoa Bar sign I designed, along with the other elements really gave it an authentic, earthy vibe. I just love it.

Hot Cocoa Bars are such an easy concept. Seriously. We've been doing these for years and this time I kept it even more simple by skipping the syrups, eliminating a lot of the toppings, using store-bought packets + bulk hot cocoa powder and even eliminating the pirouette cookies we've typically had on the table.

What's been so fun is that I decided to only offer the fixings to be able to create mugs of S'mores Hot Cocoa - to keep with the camp/cabin feel of it all. (including the addition of a culinary kitchen torch for roasting the marshmallows on top. We keep it in a drawer near by - for safety). 

Omgoodness!! These are SO good!

And okay,  I miss the cute peppermint stir sticks that usually grace the table, BUT my One Little Word (Less) has really helped me to simplify the set up and it's been wonderful. Our family and friends have thoroughly enjoyed it!!

I've got all of the resources mentioned and linked at the bottom of the post...so I'm just going to let you sit back and scroll through the rest of the details without me saying another word...because I'm practicing saying "less". *wink*

Do you all love it as much as I do?
If you don't, keep it a secret. *wink*

I'm just kidding! I really want to know which one has been your favorite?
"Baby It's Cold Outside" Hot Cocoa Bar, Hot Chocolate Bar  or the new one I'm sharing today!?
I honestly can't decide.

So here's the scoop on everything for those of you feeling inspired to put one together...

TOPPINGS USED
Crushed Graham Cracker Crumbs
Mini Marshmallows
Hershey Bars - broken up into small rectangles (see photo of hot cocoa above)
Mini Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

NOTES + TIPS
STRAWS
These, of course, are not necessary. But they sure look cute and the littles think they are fun!

MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS
The mini Ghirardelli chocolate chips I have on the table are not necessary if you are creating S'mores Hot Cocoa and use the Hershey Bars to top off your mugs. But a little extra chocolate is always a good idea...in my opinion. *wink*

S'MORES HOT COCOA RECIPE
Follow my S'mores Hot Cocoa Recipe for the perfect presentation.

HOT COCOA POWDER
I was originally going to use hot cocoa packets only  in order to really keep things simple. But then found the cute enamelware containers and decided to keep some bulk hot cocoa powder inside one of them. If you use the packets, have a small trashcan near by.

WHIPPED CREAM
When you purchase your cans of whipped cream, if you intend to wrap the outside of the can with kraft paper, like I did, pay attention to the design of your can. Redi-Whip tends to have a rounded top which makes it more tricky to wrap.

ENAMELWARE
Beware! Enamelware mugs are a wonderful conductor of heat; perfect to warm your hands on a cold night sitting by the fire. However, when using them in the comfort of your home, be sure to remind your hot cocoa drinkers - especially children, to use the handle on the mugs while sipping.

RUSTIC HOT COCOA BAR SIGN
I went with a color sign this year instead of the chalkboard signs I've done the past 2 or 3 years. Printing the chalkboard signs usually cost under $5 because they are black and white. To have a 24x36 color sign printed, it will cost you about $20. I also chose to save myself some time and I paid $10 for Office Depot to mount the sign onto foam board. The beauty of this sign is that you can have it printed in black and white to save money and it will still look awesome...just not as authentic. *wink*

CULINARY KITCHEN TORCH
The kitchen torch isn't something I kept on the table but it's SO fun for creating S'mores Hot Cocoa.

BLACK AND WHITE TABLE COVERING
This was actually one of those Ruana Wraps you wear. It was the perfect size for my small table.

BIRCH STUMP TREE PEDESTAL
This is actually one of those Bonfire Logs. I picked mine up at my local grocery store for $9.99

MORE HOT COCOA BAR INSPIRATION
Hot Chocolate Bar
Baby It's Cold Outside Hot Cocoa Bar

RESOURCES
Hot Cocoa Bar Sign 
Enamelware Mugs
Enamelware Pitcher
Enamelware containers - found these on clearance
Black and White Flannel table covering - a blanket scarf
Hot Cocoa Powder
Glass Jars with wooden spoons
Lantern
Tree Slabs - both of the flat ones came from Hobby Lobby
Birch Stump - Bonfire Log
Straws - Chocolate Brown Striped
Wooden Scoop for Hot Cocoa Powder + Marshmallows
Small Fern Trees - I actually picked these up at CVS during the holidays. They had ornaments on them to make them look like Christmas trees. I just pulled those off.
Mug Tree - also known as a Wire 3-Tier Glass Drying Rack 

I hope you love it and as always...
I hope you are inspired!!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I thought it would be cute to spray all of the green trees with that "snow in a can" to add more charm and authenticity to the table. Honestly though, I don't think it made that much of a difference. Can you even tell I used it? Not really.

P.S. The sign is crooked in the first photo.  Shhhhh!  *wink*