With winter practically upon us, I find myself craving a warm drink, and hot chocolate is usually the first thing that comes to mind! Of course, the *same old way* of preparing hot cocoa is perfectly fine and gets the job done, but sometimes, I want to indulge, you know? Here are my top five favorite ways to jazz up your next cup of cocoa!
1// Use *real* milk chocolate. In no way am I shaming the beloved Swiss Miss packets that everyone knows and loves. You know, they've actually stepped up their game and now, make flavored hot chocolate. And, aren't those tiny, dehydrated marshmallows absolutely delicious, once they soften?!! Plus, yay that they're super easy and convenient! Once in a while though, its nice to go all out, even if just for a cup of cocoa! My suggestion: Use *real* milk chocolate. Sure, you'll have to boil your milk and patiently stir in your chocolate in, but trust me, it'll be worth it!
2// Or, change up your chocolate completely! Yes! Why not swap out regular milk chocolate for dark chocolate, white chocolate or even sea salt caramel?! You totally could do that!
3// Mix in cinnamon. I love cinnamon; something about it is just so cozy and comforting! You can add a dash (or two) of cinnamon in your hot cocoa to fancy-fy it a little bit!
4// Top with colored marshmallows. Okay, so I thought of this before I was certain that colored marshmallows were even a thing! Thankfully, they are and even though they don't really alter the taste of the hot echolocate, they're still pretty to look at! And picture how pretty your white hot chocolate would look with pastel colors running though it! Yes, please!
5// NUTELLA. Yes, I went there! I love to add a heaping spoonful of Nutella to my hot chocolate and ladies (and gents?), it is DELICIOUS!
Do you like to jazz up your hot chocolate in any way? What is your favorite winter drink? Starbucks recommendations???
A few weeks ago, Hannah nominated me for The Liebster Award. For those of you (including myself!) who don't know what this award is, here's the 411 on who gets it and why: The Liebster Award is presented to bloggers with less than 200 followers as a way to welcome them into the blogging community give their little online space a cyber shout out.
Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the blogger that nominated you- (Hannah)
2. Answer the 10/11 questions
3. Nominate other bloggers (however many or few as you'd like)
4. Create 10 new questions
5. Notify the new nominees of their award
1. Who is your favorite Disney Princess now and has it ever changed?
To be honest, I don't watch Disney movies and the ones I have watched, I hardly remember! I rely on my cousin, Alicia to refresh my memory on which princess did what and to straighten out which princess sang which song. For this reason, I'd probably pick Cinderella because I remember the most about her...
2. How do you style your hair?
To style my hair, I usually put in a curl-freindly product like this or this and go from there. On most days, I'll pull my bangs back and do the half up-half down. On days when my curls have kind of lost their shape because of braiding my hair, I'll try for a bun or a Princess Di kind of look, with two twists in the front and a criss-cross of twists in the back.
3. What was your favorite childhood show or movie?
Ah! As a child, so many movies and television shows were on constant replay. Really, anything on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon would do!
4. Are you a visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learner?
Visual for sure!
5. What movie are you currently looking forward to watching?
Being that Christmas is just around the corner, I do look forward to watching my "Christmas classics." Elf and Home Alone are at the top of my list! Do you have any Christmas movie recommendations? I have a whole month off for winter break and an Amazon Prime membership! Let's do this!
6. What is the last item that you purchased?
The last thing I purchased was a pouch of Sour Patch... Really impressive, I know!
7. What has God said to you recently?
"Take a break!" If you're in college, you may have already come to the realization that it is completely different from high school, especially homeschool high school. Here, I have to meet REAL deadlines and grades are really important! The first few weeks of this semester left me feeling overwhelmed and a bit burned out. More than once, I've felt God's calming comfort quiet my fears and remind me to calm down. He promised not to give me more than I can bear, and so, I'm learning to trust Him with my college journey.
8. Do you like pineapples?
YES!!!
9. What song is on your head?
Lately, I've become quite the music lover. Right now, Lauren Daigle's O' Lord is on constant replay!
10. What is your favorite part about fall?
The leaves changing color and the crispness of the air, for sure! Plus, pumpkin flavored cream cheese gets me pretty excited!
11. What is the first thing that you think of when you wake up in the morning?
DID I FINISH MY HOMEWORK?!?! After figuring out the answer to that question, my thoughts drift into happier territory.
I nominate you! Yes, that's right! I'd love to learn more about you, so go ahead, answer the questions below! And, if you don't have a blog, feel free to answer the q's in the comments section!
1. When is your birthday?
2. What is your dream job?
3. Who was the last person you texted and what did you say?
4. Favorite Christmas carol/song?
5. How long have you been blogging? Why did you start?
6. What do you order at Starbucks?
7. What is your "life verse"?
8. What did you do for your last birthday?
9. Hot chocolate or coffee?
10. Biggest pet peeve?
On a side note: I'm thinking of starting mini series here on my blog where I share some of my latest (and greatest) Instax photos.
Hello! Hello! I know what you're thinking: "You're not keeping up with your blog!" And to be completely honest, I agree! Going to school and having lots of homework (huge shock to a former homeschooler!) takes up the better potion of my day. I head out pretty early every morning and get home past dinner time, only to scarf down my dinner and start on homework. It's a never ending cycle, but it's one that I'm getting used to and learning to control!
*UPDATES*My first and second mid-terms were a success, glory to God! Let's hope I keep those grades up! Oh, and I have my first final and last day of one class on Tuesday! #GoodbyeInfoToLit! I've made some friends, gotten the hang of going from class to class and now know that for math homework, you HAVE to show your work... I learned that lesson the hard way...
To catch you all up to speed on what's going on, here's a few snaps from my Instagram account:
1// first day. first semester. let's do this.
2// chai tea in fancy glass mugs: because 3 page papers are no joke.
3// today i got my college i.d.!!! it's feels *so* official now... as if the three page paper and a ton of world civ homework wasn't enough to give me that feeling.
4// it's already scarf season!
5// the Bailey Library is #LibraryGoals today's class at the Rockland campus was amazing! meeting other students with an incredible love for God, learning of our school's heritage, and a soccer game (home team won!) made the 8 hours such a pleasure!
6// goodbye Nyack College's Rockland campus. see you later.
7// getting stuff done || and if you read "a good man is hard to find", i'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
8// when college math 101 goes beyond p.e.m.d.a.s. and prime factorization. and yes, i think in pink
xoxo,
Kianna Rose
p.s. I know this post is pretty short, but it had to be! I'm supposed to be working on homework for my Nyack Heritage class right now so... you know...
If you ask me, chambray and chambray dresses in particular are so versatile! Depending on the occasion, you can easily dress them up or tone them down, with the proper styling, or course! For this outfit, I paired my pintuck pleat shirtdress with simple accessories to create an effortless (and oh so comfortable) outfit for Sunday service.
A fews weeks ago, the brand eShakti reached out to me, asking me to review one of their *lovely* dresses! I, of course, jumped at the opportunity as I appreciated the brand's customization options and dress collections! What girl wouldn't love a new dress, one that she could tailor to her preferences?! With this site, you can customize the dress/skirt length, the sleeve length as well as plug in your exact body measurements to create a piece that will fit you to perfection!
After scouring their site for a few days (#TooManyOptions), I decided on this dress. Simple yet timeless are the words that come to mind when I consider my option. I feel as though this dress will become a staple in my closet and because of it's color, the styling option are endless!
I especially loved that the zipper was on the side of the dress as opposed to on the back of the dress. For me, it's more a matter of aesthetic than anything else.
And can we talk about that gorgeous detailing across the shoulders and along the bottom of the skirt! I love how, despite this being one of eShakit's simpler dresses, these details jazz up the dress's overall look.
dress: c/o of eShakti
shoes: Old Navy
watch: Betsey Johnson
Overall, I was very pleased with my eShakti experience! Within about a week and a half, my dress was delivered and the custom alterations I made, like dress length and sleeve length, were very well executed! I also found the dress to be of excellent quality and should become an essential piece in my wardrobe. I can easily picture this dress with leggings, boots and a fun infinity scarf during the fall and winter months.
When I ordered my dress, I chose the size that I thought would best suit me. I had measured myself but wasn't confident in the accuracy of my measuring skills so just tossed my numbers to the side. When you order your dress, measure yourself! There are just three main areas to measure, but it will make a world of difference in the way your dress fits! Now I know for next time to use the customization options to their full capacity as my dress was a little loose at the waist and bodice. NOTHING MAJOR!
If you want your own eShakti dress, which I know that you do, head on over to their site and use coupon code "kiannarose" for 10% off your order! I know you'll have a hard time picking just one piece from their collections, so here are some of my favorites.
Valid from 09/21/2015 – 10/21/2015. Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive. Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions. This discount code is not applicable on clearance, gift cards & overstock categories. Not applicable on previous purchases
OTHER DETAILS:
I paired my chambray dress with a simple hairstyle. Very quickly, I curled my hair using the Remington curling wand and added a few quick sprays the Batiste dry shampoo in Blush for added volume and oil-control. Then, after creating a side part, I twisted up one side and secured it with bobby pins. Easy!
For accessories, I have on my beautiful Betsey Johnson watch in rose gold. It seems like the exact style I have is no longer available, but you can find a similar one here and here. I am also wearing the covenant ring my parents gave to me this week. Eek! It's just so pretty!!!
Do you like the idea of custom clothing? Do you think it's worth the price? Also, how would you style a chambray dress for summer/spring or winter/fall?
What? I can hardly believe that I'll be starting college tomorrow! A little less than a year ago, I had just begun the college application process and tomorrow, I have my first two classes! It's been journey, for sure (would you like to hear the WHOLE story? Let me know and I'll do a post on it!); a journey where I've learned a lot about my self and grown in my relationship with Jesus. I've heard a plethora of stories, some good and some bad, about the victories and struggles of a first semester, freshman. Everything from making new friends to the dreaded Freshman 15 has been told to me, but I'm not worried at all! In fact, I'm excited for all that is to come, even if it's difficult at first.
Want to know all abut my college plans? Read below for the 411:
What is your major? Minor? Why?
My major is Childhood Education, with a concentration in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). As of my right now, I am doing a double minor in Communications and Bible. This particular degree plan may change come spring semester as I am interested in adding Communications on as a double major to Childhood Education.
Ever since I was a little girl, being a teacher was always my "dream job." Sure, I'd teeter between being a fashion designer or a wedding planner, but teaching was always the most prominent passion. I hope to teach children in urban, immigrant communities and ultimately, in third world countries like China, India and countries in Africa. My passion lies in helping children develop academically and foster a love for learning in them as well as sharing the love of Christ!
As far as my minors, at my school, it is mandatory for all students to take on a Bible minor. I've decided to add on Communications (which I hope to later convert into a double major) as a way to grow in my second passion, writing!
How many classes are you taking? What class are you most excited for?
This semester, I'm taking 7 classes and honestly, I'm excited for them all... Well, maybe all of the classes, except for math. At around 8th of 9th grade, math became my least favorite subject, the one I'd tip toe around and avoid whenever possible.
Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Foundations of Education are the two classes that I'm looking forward to the most! At an open house at my college, I had the opportunity to meet my professors for these two classes. Their heart for God and for training the next generation of leaders was obvious and contagious! And, they (my professors) are husband and wife! #TeamVelez! Woot! Woot!
How long is your commute?
Thankfully, on a good day, my commute, by subway will be about an hour! I know, you're probably thinking that an hour will be an absurd amount of time spent riding the rails, but to a New Yorker (especially to one who has spent more than two hours on a train) it really isn't all that bad! I'll have plenty of time to study, read and people watch. JUST KIDDING! You never, ever, under any circumstance should engage in people-watching in New York city, on the Subway!
Lunch? Taking or buying?
I intend on taking lunch with me, for two reasons. One: I'm a college kid now. Translation: I shouldn't spend money on Chipotle and Starbucks when I have $200 textbooks to purchase! Now, that's not to say that I'll never buy lunch! I actually plan on buying something for my first day. It's a momentous occasion, so the purchase is justified in my mind. The second reason is that I am a health conscious eater. I'd take a salad over a burger any day (when I take into consideration how I'll feel afterwards).
I hope you enjoyed that short Q&A! I came up with these questions myself, based on what I thought may be the most frequently asked but, if you have any other questions regarding my college journey, feel free to ask! I'd love to hear... er... read them :)
Are you starting college this semester? Are you a freshman or senior? Or if you aren't planning on attending college at all, what have you been up to lately?
I love life and here, you'll get a peak into what makes mine special, both the ordinary + the extraordinary. New York City is my home, pink is aways a good idea and most importantly, Jesus is my first love.
