Book Week: Brittany

"1) The last book I read and totally loved was Catching Fire, which is the sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. When I first read the synopsis for the Hunger Games series, I didn't understand why everyone loved the books so much, it sounded a little too much like a book I loathe, Lord of the Flies. But I decided to give it a try anyway. I couldn't put either of the two books down! The third book in the series comes out next year and I can't wait. Both books are compelling and original. It's an easy read full of intensity and energy. The idea of putting a group of teenagers in an arena to fight to the death and to be viewed on television by everyone did disturb me. In fact I dreamed about the book the entire time I was reading it. But it's not without a story of love, tender moments and true devotion. I would definitely recommend it!2) My favorite children's book to read to my 20 month old little boy is Guess How Much I Love You. He giggles though the whole thing and it gives us warm fuzzies. My favorite book to read as a little girl was Anne of Green Gables. I related so much with Anne. With her high emotions and ability to over react to many situations, but also her ability to appreciate the loveliness around her. It's one that is super close to my heart. 3) A book everyone should read before they die? My choice is a simple classic. To Kill A Mockingbird. The book proves that there is something magical and golden about innocence. There is a purity and truth in innocence—or simply an acceptance of things even if they are strange and different."

Book Week: Jessica

"1. The last book I read was “The Christmas Carol”, by Charles Dickens. It was good, but I had a hard time not picturing Mickey Mouse the whole time. I can’t say I loved it, though. I know, blasphemy, but I just don’t like reading Charles Dickens. One book I’ve recently read the surprise me was “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver. I find some books move well, and I want to keep turning pages. Some books take me away to another land, and are an escape. And, some books make me really think about life, and reflect on things. This one was all three, which is a rare find. I would say that it is not a comfortable read, by any means. But, it was enjoyable. I will warn you, though, my bookclub friends often tease me about liking uncomfortable books. I love Chaim Potok (The Chosen, My Name is Asher Lev), Nathaniel Hawthorne (particularly The Blithedale Romance), Orson Scott Card (Enchantment, The Women in the Bible series, and, of course, Ender’s Game and series) and other somewhat uncomfortable authors. I like the meaty ones, the ones that leave you a different person than when you came to it. I like the ones that stretch you, and make you a little uncomfortable as you reflect on your own life.

2. I love, love, love reading Young Adult books. I love Gail Carson (Ella Enchanted, Fairest). I like the twist she puts on fairy tales. I really don’t like the Disney Princess ideology that floats around, so I enjoy seeing an author make those stories with some real meaning to them. I love Lois Lowry (The Giver, and others in that series), Cornelia Funke (Inkheart, which I still need to read the rest of that series), Madeleine L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time, A Ring of Endless Light), too. But, The Chronicles of Narnia (CS Lewis) are, IMO, the best children’s literature ever written. As for the younger group, I love, love, love the books “Barnyard Boogie” and “Jungle Beat”. They are so fun to read to the kids. They have a rhythm to them, which the kids love and is good for their brains. They also contain a good lesson about individuality. We have worn both of ours out, being read at bedtime. .

3. I don’t have one book that everyone should read (unless you count the scriptures). I do think there are particular authors that stand above the rest that I think everyone should read something from. Shakespeare, and his language, can form the gap that exists between our current English and the language the Bible is written in. I believe that those who learn to understand Shakespeare will better understand the Bible. CS Lewis was an inspired man, and wrote many amazing works related to religion and humanity. One of this lesser-known books is “’Till we have faces”, which I think was a great work. Chaim Potok, already listed as one of my favorites, is another one that I think people should experience. He really dives into some big topics. Those are three authors (Shakespeare, Lewis, Potok) I would say everyone should be familiar with.

I’ve had to go back, and keep adding more books. I should stop now. I didn’t even start on Early American authors (Thoreau, Emerson), or the great poets (Wordsworth, Tennyson), or religious writings (Talmage, Maxwell). Really, I’ll stop now."

Book Week: Courtney

"1) The last book I read and totally loved is A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg. It's a food memoir, so it's little stories connected to recipes. I absolutely devoured it this summer. If you like to cook, you absolutely have to read this book. I'll admit to being a little obsessed with it. After I finished, I took post-its to mark each recipe I wanted to try and ended up marking nearly every page.
2) My favorite children's book is Olivia by Ian Falconer. It is so clever and understated-- the words say so much by saying so little, and that takes true talent. And the illustrations are brilliant. My 18-month-old daughter's favorite children's books are Barnyard Dance, But Not the Hippopotamus, and The Bellybutton Book by Sandra Boynton.3) This is a really hard one-- I have so many books that I absolutely love. I am all about postmodern lit, which isn't everyone's style, and it can be a little edgy, let's say. So, if you know you like postmodern stuff, you absolutely must read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. It literally made me laugh out loud and made me cry deep, body-shaking sobs. Regardless of what kind of literature you're into, I think anyone would love The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. And I'll just plug a couple more favorite because I feel like I can't leave them out: Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, and In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez should also make your list."

Book Week: Melissa

"1. I'm gonna make myself a target and say that I love the Twilight Series. I know, there's really no literary merit, but they're an easy read, a fun story and good for when I need something brainless. Therefore, I love them. They are my go to books when I need some time out of my world.

2. I don't know that I could choose one favorite kids book. Although I think that any of the Dr. Seuss books have lessons on many levels and are good to be read by everyone at any age. You can learn more about human nature from reading about the Butter Side Up battle than you could in most college textbooks. And really, what teaches a better moral than Horton Hears A Who? I'd say the scriptures, but the moral is pretty much the same, right?

3. One book that everyone should read before they die: Saroyan's The Human Comedy. It changed my life. I read it for the first time when I was 12, and have read it numerous times since. Everytime I have learned a new lesson and gained new perspective on life. In fact, it may be time for me to read it again..."

Thanks to Melissa for being the faithful discussion-starter. The rest of you, get emailing! I know you've got somethin to say!

Week Six: Books

Okay, I love books and I know a bunch of you do too. Don't be shy. I am always looking for new books to read and new books to suggest at my book club meetings. So I want to hear from you!

Pretend this is a blog book club for the week! So pull up a chair and snuggle in with a mug of hot chocolate while we discuss our favorite books. (Don't you just love the mere idea of being in a book club? Don't you feel sophisticated and lady-like? You are.)
Let's get to it.

1) What was the last book you read that you totally loved?
2) What is your favorite children's book?
3) What book should be on everyone's list to read before they die?

Answer one of the questions or all 3, and you will be entered to win a $10 gift card from Amazon.com!
(Its about time I had another giveaway. And I know $10 doesn't seem like a lot but you'd be surprised how many books are $10 or less...)

Go ahead. You know you want to. Email me your thoughts at hotchocolateshop@gmail.com.

Halloween Week: Melissa

"This Halloween Brody is going as Buzz Lightyear and Charlotte is a poodle. We went on a practice run at our grocery store this last Saturday. I think this was the highlight of Brody's life. It didn't take him 5 seconds to figure out that he didn't lose in any aspect when it came to trick or treating. Charlotte also seemed to figure it out- don't try to snitch candy from her. She was very amused by the actual poodle that we met on our way into the store. They stared at each other for a little bit- had a poodle moment, I think. She was much more willing to stay in her costume after that. We are very excited to join Jess's family for Halloween this year. Halloween festivities are pretty limited where we are, but where she is, the whole town gets into it.

My favorite Halloween tradition happened after trick or treating. We would all make a circle, dump out our loot and proceed to have the Great Candy Exchange. We traded like pros. I'm surprised that none of us are on Wall Street now. The process would last until Mom made us put the candy away and go to bed. One year, I was particularly concerned that my sisters not steal my collection of snickers bars, so I hid them. In the bell of my trombone. And then I forgot about them until the next time I went to band. For some reason, I couldn't get a sound out of it. My band teacher picked up my trombone, blew as hard as he could, and about 5 snickers bars came flying out. I was pretty embarassed, especially since it led to a lecture on instrument care. But everyone agrees that as far as hiding places go, it was a good one. Who would think to look for halloween candy in a trombone?"

Oh my gosh, cutest kids ever!

Halloween Week: Treats

Here are a few Halloween treats I'm thinking of trying out this year...

This Edible Playdough would be super fun for kids...or me...to play with and then chomp on. Plus it's peanut butter-y yummy.


These Caramel Apple Cupcakes look delicious, and super simple which is definitely a requirement for any recipe I pick. Plus they won't be as hard to chomp into as a traditional caramel apple. Ouch, my molars.


These Strawberry Ghosts are so cute, and so easy! I think I will make them this year for sure, because my husband loves strawberries and white chocolate.

Hurry, Halloween! I love a good excuse to make treats.

Week Five: Halloween

Since it's Halloween this weekend, the topic is obvious!

I remember looking so forward to this night where I would return home with a pillow-case full of chocolate that I was determined to ration out until Christmas. I remember having to figure out a trick-or-treat costume that would be warm enough to last through a cold Colorado October night, which was sometimes complete with snow. I remember my mom trying to convince us that her "Witches Brew" was full of "Eye of Newt."

What is your best Halloween memory? Your favorite costume? Your favorite recipe for ghoulish treats? The best creative activities for a Halloween party? If you (or your kids) have a costume planned, what are you going to be? Did you carve pumpkins this year?

Let's share in the spooky spirit of this week! Email me your Halloween tips, tricks or treats!

Wedding Week: Jordan

"I loved my wedding, with the exception of a few minor things. Like there were some people who came, who I wish wouldn't have... and some people who didn't come, who should have! My fake hair extensions looked terrible at the end of the day. I forgot my jewelry for the reception. And even though I tried to avoid it, it was still a huge headache to plan. (It's ONE DAY people.) But let's go on with the things I loved: I LOVED (and still love, and will always love) my dress. Having not had really any idea of what I wanted I didn't expect to care too much, let alone to love it so much... but it honestly was made for me. Siiiiiiiigh.

I loved my bright colors, but that was the hardest decision for me. I looooove color and honestly could have done a whoooole lotta different color schemes. In fact I still plan color schemes in my head sometimes. Like for fall, I love the browns/rust color combinations, or like my cousin's wedding last week, gold/orange/plum. For winter or Christmas season, instead of doing the classic red and white, I would do light pink and silver which is still wintery and magical. My mother-in-law suggested a combination of chocolate brown and champagne colors, which is beautiful too. If I was going for classy- definitely my first choice. But... I somehow felt the hot pink and lime green fit my personality and the summer season perfectly. Maybe in the next life I'll be able to have as many weddings as I want.And for the record, I actually DO think my bridesmaid dresses were adorable. Uhhhh... yikes."


Jordan, you're right, the hot pink is SO you. I love it.

Wedding Week: Nancy Beth

"You know the old adage "always a bridesmaid, never a bride"?

I embody that phrase.

You know the movie "27 Dresses"?
Well maybe I should have saved the dresses then. But I never saw the point, because let's face it, no matter how reasonable a bride tries to be, the dress will never be worn again. Unless, of course, you are the sole bridesmaid and the color of choice happens to be one you have done before. I have a plum colored bridesmaid dress that I have worn at least 4 times. And I have a green one that was popular for an entire spring season, 3 weddings of 3 roommates who kindly coordinated with each other because they all liked the same color and were having basically the same bridesmaids (namely the other 3 of us in the apartment)

And I may cause offense here because every bride thinks that she is the exception, that the dresses she chose were perfect for everyone involved, and that all bridesmaid dresses may be ugly, except of course the dresses at her wedding. Yep, you can go on believing that. But let's face it, there will never be a group of women who all look good in the same color or same cut of a gown. So whomever came up with the idea should probably be shot. And all of this begs the question: "why do we continue to do it?"

Why do we attempt to honor those closest to us by making them wear something that doesn't fit or makes you look like a watermelon or degrades in some other way? Why do we force our best friends, those that stood by us through the bridezilla phases of engagement and still want to be our friends to stand out in a crowd like a giant beacon of pink fluff or yellow puffball? And perhaps an even more accurate question, why do those of us who have done it 42 times continue to agree to it despite our complaints?

I can tell you exactly why. It's because we like playing dress up. Seriously, what's the first question your maid of honor or bridesmaid asks you? It's about colors. And sure, she may continue on with other reasonable questions about themes and party favors, and she may pretend to listen to you ramble on about centerpieces, but her mind is gone to planning a dress as soon as you say "blush and bashful". She is nodding and smiling at you all the while making a mental list of websites to check and fabric swatches to sample. She is imagining if the color will look good close to her face or if she will need something low cut with a string of pearls in between. And she is thrilled to be your bridesmaid, because she knows that while you have your important day, she will be recognized as almost as important, that when you are melting down important decisions will be deferred to her, and that at the reception she will get a bit of recognition as well, all because she agreed to play dress up too.

I'm not kidding. It all boils down to the dress. Which is why we complain about it so much. When else do we complain so much about one item of clothing we will be wearing once? I have heard some bridesmaids complain about the dress to a point of blaming the bride. "She just doesn't want me to be prettier than her, so she made me wear puce, which she knows washes out my eyes" I know we only really hear about bridezillas, but bridesmaid-zilla is never far behind. You give a girl a chance to dress up and be sparkly and pretty and in charge for a day, but then you let someone else pick out the dress? No good! And this is why themed weddings go even more sour as far as apparel is concerned. Then its not just the color and the cut, but the entire concept! Sparkly and pretty is gone as soon as she is shoved into a southern belle gown or a square dance skirt. There will be a photographer there, and maybe even a groomsman to dance with, this night will live in photo albums for years to come!

Of course, that makes the bridesmaid seem like such a selfish individual. And I won't argue too much with that take. After all, it's brides-MAID. You are there to be a help and support, make sure the appetizer trays stay full and keep grandma from fighting with other grandma and don't let the weird side of the family embarass themselves too much.

Which is why I actually really enjoyed 27 dresses. Kathrine Heigl's character summed it up when she pointed out that she did it because she loved her friends and wanted to support them, and someday she hoped they would be there for her too. It wasn't just justice that those brides all had to wear their own dresses in the end, it was a perfect tribut to the real reason we eternal bridesmaids exist. Some of us don't care about the dress, we care about the person that chose it."

Wedding Week: Jessica

"I wish I was a more humorous writer, because my wedding had a lot of humor surrounding it. If only it could be made into a movie….

Oh, wait, Have you seen “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? You know how everything seems to go nuts, and one family has these oddities that makes the whole thing go wacky, and then, at the end, everyone dances in a circle and bride realizes everything is going to be okay? That about sums it up.

I forgot the ring. The bridesmaids dresses ended up at Famous Dave’s. But, hey, that is okay, because the Bridesmaids were either missing in action because the groomsmen decided to just plow one more field because the weather was so nice, or they were puking in garbage cans throughout the church. At one point, on my way to get dolled up for pictures, just before the reception, I was starving (dinner was in the car with the groomsmen who hadn’t yet shown up), and walked by one of my bridesmaids, in jean shorts and a t-shirt, puking. I went and cried to my mom. But, then, my mom told me about her wedding day, and it seemed okay again.

I got all pretty, faced pictures, and then did the tedious and boring reception line. Then, the band that played the night my husband and I first starting falling for each other played. We did our little waltz, and then I mysteriously disappeared. I came back in capris and a white shirt, and we really hit the floor. I love swing dancing, and it was at the heart of our relationship. I wasn’t about to let everyone else have all the fun. We ran out on the dance floor, the guest cleared, and we danced. After that, everyone joined us, and by the end of the night, even my dad was dancing. And, yes, literally, at one point, everyone had joined hands and were dancing in a circle. I realized that my now in-laws may not always be prim and proper, but they knew how to have fun.

Years later, and I completely adore my in-laws. I don’t know if I’ve adopted the quirks, accepted the quirks, or the quirks have gone away. I think it is a little of each. I still feel sad when I remember that my husband’s siblings weren’t at the temple to greet us, and the few pictures we have with the wedding party show some pretty ashen-faced bridesmaids. I laugh, though, when I think of the events, because it is just how our life is- a little crazy, a little unexpected, and everything seems to depend on the weather."

Wedding Week: Courtney

"Ahhhh, weddings. Don't you wish you wish you could get married all over again (to the same guy, of course!) just to have another wedding?! I absolutely loved my wedding. Actually, the only qualm I have with my wedding is my hair. So the advice I give to all brides-to-be is to come up with a concrete idea of how you want your hair. Find pictures. Do research. Have consultations. Really, really think about it. I didn't hate my hair, but it didn't suit my personality, and I don't think it matched my dress. So, when I look at my pictures, I just think about how I would have changed it. It will pay off to put in the time.

What I did love about my wedding were the flowers, the cake, my dress, the colors-- basically everything but my hair. I had an awesome photographer (Jonathan Canlas-- couldn't have loved him more), and I loved the atmosphere of our reception-- classy but laid back. I am proud to say that people told us our reception was the most fun they had ever had at a wedding. We had a live band, but the music was more special than just that. Sam's and my first date was to a wedding reception (which is funny, I think), and when I heard the band at that reception, I thought "this music is perfect. I want this band to play at my wedding." You can guess what happens next-- when Sam and I got engaged, I had him track down his friend so we could get that band. It was a little tricky, since his friend had moved to Africa, so we then had to track down his friend's wife's mother who could barely remember who the band was . . . and then we finally got a hold of the band and booked them, but my dad forgot to send them the deposit, so when I called the day before the wedding, they weren't planning on coming (many tears ensued), but they managed to round up the band with less than 24 hours notice . . . but it was so worth it. Having that music meant the world to me and made my wedding day the best day of my life (honestly)."



Totally gorgeous. I love your dress and the cake looks delish. Wedding well-done, Courtney.

Wedding Week: Ally

My wedding was everything I ever hoped for, but of course it had it's moments of awkwardness. I blame the photographer. Sometimes I wonder where wedding photographers get their "creative ideas." Some pictures turned out super-weirdy. As they always do.

For example, the "everybody gather 'round and I'll take the picture from a helicopter" look.

Yes, that's...stunning. Of course I want THAT framed on my wall. An awkward moment forever frozen in time.

And then there's the infamous "Virgin Mary" shot from my bridal photos:
Nice.

Of course, there were some good ones too. Like my pink cowgirl boots that my mom helped me to bedazzle.


And this shot of Orrin dancing with my niece (who is totally in love with him and thrilled to have is attention):
The mark of a good wedding is that when you think back on it, you forget that your husband forgot your wedding band in another state and you had to have someone break into his apartment and overnight it to you. All you remember is how happy you were.


Probably the best wedding I ever had. Scratch that, DEFINITELY the best wedding I ever had. Haha.

Wedding Week: Cake Wrecks

As luck would have it, one of the best blogs ever- Cake Wrecks - had a wedding themed post today. Wedding cakes galore. Unfortunately, the bakers that these brides hired didn't QUITE catch the vision of what the brides wanted.

Like the bride who asked for this:

But ended up with THIS: That's unfortunate. At least you would have a good story to tell the grandchildren I suppose.

If you aren't a frequenter of Cake Wrecks, I highly recommend you browse it. It will make you laugh. That cake is from today's post, but here are a few more "Missed Mark" gems from Cake Wrecks archives (these are scarred onto my psyche):

What she wanted:
What she got: Um....not exactly.

And one more. What she wanted:
What she got:
See, girls, your weddings could have been much worse.
(Keep sending in your wedding stories/pictures/dreams!)

Wedding Week: Inspiration Boards

I think these are adorable, and so fun. So here's a wedding week treat for you all! They are called "Inspiration boards" and you can find them around the internet- a compilation of wedding photos surrounding a common theme. Really gives you a feast for the eyes and a taste of that particular wedding.

Like this fun, summery yellow:

Or these sophisticated soft metallics (which I love):

Or this friendly, homey vibe:

And this, I love because it gives a sort of updated Jane Austen feel.

See aren't those fun? Like poetry in pictures.

PS How fun would it be to make one of these from photos of your own wedding? Hmmm this could be dangerous for me, I could waste hours.

PPS These inspiration boards were found at stylemepretty.com, which is a great place to look around & dream. If you're into that kind of thing.