Mimi Takes Five - #332

ONE // Festive Bath Bombs

Nothing says Christmas break like a fresh array of seasonal bath bombs. I'm very much looking forward to some down time this holiday season and knew that stocking up on festive bath bombs would be just the thing. I find that the only thing that truly makes me stop and relax is taking a bath. It has such renewing powers and helps me recharge. It's quality me time, so to speak. So, I treat myself to lush bath products to really indulge. The selection this season was top-notch and I had to limit myself because I would have gotten twenty! I settled on the classic Santa and Gingerbread, then I got the Snow Globe and Sleepy Bear. I even decided to go for a bubble bar this time because it was a candy cane and we all know how I feel about candy canes by this point... I cannot wait to run my first bath of the Christmas break!

TWO // Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate

I'm on a major peppermint kick lately. I've always loved candy cane white hot chocolate, but it's hard to come by in stores. When I was at Second Cup the other day, treating myself to a Holiday Fog, I spotted this canister and immediately bought it! I love a good cup of comforting hot chocolate in the evenings and this white peppermint one has been my go-to! It's decadent without being overly sweet and has just the right amount of peppermint flavour. It's so delicious, I really can't stop drinking it. I might even have to go get more and stock up for the winter months...

THREE // Christmas Cookies

I didn't go overboard with the Christmas baking this year. I made my husband's favourite square and two batched of cookies. Truth be told, I had some sugar cookie dough in the freezer, so I rolled it out and frosted those. There was one new recipe I wanted to try this year. I found it last year and have hung onto it since. They are chocolate peppermint cookies dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed candy cane bites. Actually pretty straightforward to make, but present like a fancy cookie. I love the dark chocolate colour of the cookie and the white-chocolate coating really stands out while the peppermint bits make them perfectly festive. The cookie itself is gooey on the inside and the taste and texture remind me of brownies. I think I'd dip the entire cookies in the white chocolate next time I make these because I need every flavour in every bite. For now, I've been breaking them in half and sandwiching the toppings. Overall very satisfied with these cookies and will likely make them again, perhaps even every Christmas...

FOUR // Christmas Cards

So I hadn't even started making my Christmas cards when the Canada Post strike started in November. I was starting to stress out about making them in time to send out. My husband even helped me make every single card this year! This was a first and I really enjoyed the help. Maybe he'll help out every year from now on? So, now my cards are done but the strike is still ongoing. It's now mid-December and too late to mail them out... We decided to pivot this year and only give out cards to friends and family we'll be seeing in person. It's not the usual tradition but we're adapting to the situation. I mean, we've gotten this far and made them, might as well hand them out. All that to say that if you usually get a Christmas card from me and don't this year, it's nothing personal. You're still on my list for next year! Maybe I'll actually be more organized and start making them earlier... 

FIVE // Candy Cane Pyjamas

The candy cane theme is not just for my décor and hot beverages but also extends to my pyjama prints. This is definitely the year of the candy cane for me, ha ha! I have such a soft spot (literally) for cozy fleece pyjamas and live in them all winter long. I'm very much into cocooning during the cold months and fleece pyjamas are a big part of my winter wardrobe. Fleece PJs, a fluffy blanket and knit socks are what I wear most evenings and weekends at home. What can I say? I live for the coziness of it all! While I'm not too sure about white pyjamas, the candy cane print sold me on these and I think they are the most perfect design for Christmas and beyond. So stinking cute! Now I'm off to snuggle on the sofa with a warm cup of candy cane hot chocolate.