Winter sometimes doesn’t exist in Florida. It’s December now and we’ve hardly hit a proper cold front. We only really get a week maybe two weeks, of cold a year anyway– but this year it feels as if it may never happen. Regardless, we try our best to make it seem like we have some sort of seasonal change around here. Making things feel less tropical sometimes– pulling out extra warm blankets, adding new warmer smells (clove and orange are typically in the air), and enjoying more cups of warm beverages. I mean, wine isn’t warm, but if I could have wine without a concern, then I’d probably just cozy up with Alex and some wine like we used to. Without wine, simple indulgent pleasures are the answer.
A nice candle and some record picking

+ cozy blanket


= a cozy set up.

+ A festive party plate with a sweet vegan treat

+ a cute copper mug with warm hot cocoa (or tea or wine— duh)

= all the winter(ish) coziness!

A super simple hot cocoa-how to (don’t be fooled, it’s basically exactly the same as our warm cinnamon tea recipe):

You’ll need:
1 cup almond milk + 1 cup water (or two cups milk to make it extra creamy!)
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
The tiniest pinch of salt
Optional: cinnamon stick, pinch of cayenne, pinch of grated ginger

how to:
Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan (cinnamon stick included), and heat on low. Whisk together until combined, and serve to the ones you love.

6 Comments

  1. My husband would love to give you some of our winter! I might be a little more selfish with it though… 😉

    aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com

  2. That seems delicious, thank you, I will definitely try it!It is quite cold here already but it is getting much colder within the next few months so this is going to be very helpful 🙂

  3. Oh I get a wee bit jealous right about now about the southern hemisphere.
    I just said to to my husband " See, we could be living in florida. NO winter!" 🙂 pointing to your lovely pictures.
    Sending some cold your way *)

    ella
    http://www.pureella.com

  4. Your coziness is brightening my afternoon, Drea! I love making hot cacao with homemade almond milk, raw cacao, maca powder, cinnamon stick, and a touch of maple syrup. Happy Holidays!

  5. I have some spare cold you can have, I shall send it to you immediately, it will go nicely with your cocoa and warm blanket. I do love cocoa. So much nicer than hot chocolate which is always horribly sweet and sickly. I might make some tonight now you've reminded me about it. The pinch of cayenne is a great suggestion as well, I'll definitely give that a go. CJ xx