Success! Christmas Dinner 2012

Leg of Lamb, Rosemary and Potatoes

I took a little hiatus from blogging this holiday season. I apologize, but I honestly don't know how other bloggers keep up with it on the daily during this busy time of year.

This Christmas Eve fiesta had me running around shopping for groceries up until the morning of, looking quite like the lunatic I swore I would never become. But the time to host my first Christmas at home was finally here and a long time coming.

I decorated in advance, made sure my sons were in the holiday season and built their anticipation to the point of hysteria for what was to come Christmas Eve. Fiesta time, food and presents! I had our traditional games and caroling on my checklist for the big night. And like most women of Latin decent, it isn't Christmas unless you have Tamales in the oven and a large pot of hot fruit punch sitting on the stove. To this, we also added my husband's leg of lamb! Yummy.

Two days of marathon cooking and voila!

Guatemalan Hot Fruit Punch in a pot

Masarina (corn masa flour for tamales)

Banana leaves on foil for wrapping tamales

A crazy, but very proud Latina emerged. My first time every making tamales without mom was a success (hubby was a big help). They were delicious and better than most sold in restaurants and on the street. But the distraction of the night proved to much for this newbie and I forgot to take a picture of the finished product. These were the only pictures I managed to take in my manic state.

The Battleground
Left to Right: Piled up Banana leaves,
Pot of Hot Punch brewing,
Gigantic Pot for boiling tamales,
Bowl of Masarina ready for tamale making

Success!

Holiday Cocktails for Friends & Family

Mulled Cranberry Cocktail
image: Martha Stewart 

I love a good presentation, especially during the holiday season. With all the planning that Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's traditions entail, I want to make sure it's fun, memorable and has my personal touch.

For many, Christmas Eve, is the big Fiesta! or celebration. A mere 5 days away, hordes of mothers are starting to go into panic mode. And for those who celebrate Christmas Day, you only have one more day of planning.

Lets start with a batch of 12 nonalcoholic cocktails that you can offer your guests and ooze holiday spirit. Martha Stewart can do no wrong with these recipes. The Pink Grapefruit "Margarita" and the Mulled Cranberry Cocktail are my favorite.

Pink Grapefruit "Margarita"

If you're throwing an adult holiday party, here are some fun and delicious options to keep you in the holiday spirit.

Cranberry Cocktails - Martha Stewart

Enjoy!

Most Luxurious and Down to Earth Boot

Merrell, Chardonel

I'm singing in the rain this Holiday season but I'm not complaining. I'm in a great mood, especially since I keep discovering new and wonderful things to wear that are right up my Estilo Mum alley.

Check out the Chardonel boot by Merrell. I saw this ad in November's Shape magazine and I absolutely fell in love with this boot. My style's been comfy, cozy and comfortable due to the rain so these boots really struck a cord, especially since I'd already worn my rain boots three days in a row. Rich leather and suede with a rubber sole to boot, I could wear these anywhere and still look super stylish. 

Inspired by this comfy boot style, I decided to alternate my rain boots for my Sam Edelman Riding boots which have handled the rain quite well I must say. 

Comfy & Cozy in knit wear on this chilly morning

Knit, over the knee socks. Sam Edelman Riding Boots

 

And who can resist an over sized knit sweater made in Turkey, from British Design. Handbag by Kate Spade in suede and Sam Edelman Riding boots.


Estilo Mum

MsGlocal Style

 Pants from India, Gap T-shirt, Blazer 100% wool vintage classic cut, Necklace artisan from Hong Kong, Earings artisan from Guatemala, Scarf by Kem Ajachel, Sunglasses Jean Paul Gaultier

Guest Contributing Blogger, MsGlocal likes to keep her style simple and eco friendly. A supporter of sustainable fashion, MsGlocal can always be found wearing a piece or two made from the skilled artisans Glocal Connection supports.
In this picture, the scarf by Kem Ajachel, and the earings are pieces made by the artisans they represent.

To learn more about MsGlocal's eco friendly accessories and home decor, check out this link. Shop.GlocalConnection.com 


Estilo Mum

Tulle for the Holidays

A breath of fresh air. Lovely, beautiful, and oh so very Estilo Mum. A pleasant reminder that bold & shiny metallic isn't the only way to steal every one's attention this holiday season.

Tulle for the Holidays or THE party of the season can be the way to steal the scene. Add a pair of spectacular shoes like the ones in this picture and you've made your statement.

John Lewis
Coast Amiana Maxi Skirt

This John Lewis floor sweeping maxi tulle skirt is the perfect length and color. Pair it with a white cotton loose fitting top or matching bodice. I also imagine a short fur coat as a perfect combo for this stunning evening separate.

Estilo Mum

Your Style Expressed: Glocal Connection

I have been procrastinating... after many blogs in November and December focusing on Black Friday sales, bling and "What to Wear" this holiday season, I am taking a detour to bring you true inspiration.

Inspiration in the form of incredibly beautiful, luxury products made by indigenous women/mothers, that are truly gifted and talented and share their artisanal skills and style despite the lack of resources, education and a society that tells them they can not succeed.

Available upon request
Contact Ms. Glocal

Caladas Gold Trimmed Scarf

"Your Style Expressed" is here to talk about amazing mothers that express their creative style while creating opportunities for future generations. As a style blogger for moms, Glocal Connection's mission to represent the entrepreneur, artisan, mother, community leader in 3rd World countries around the globe hits home for Estilo Mum.

Valley of Stones Collection

So what's Glocal Connection? A New York based company founded by two woman who saw a void in resources available to communities with unique artisanal skills and products to compete in global markets. Glocal Connection provides the business platform, training and know-how to aid these women from the ground up, concept to delivery. They are able to compete in a market that is increasingly seeking sustainable fashion (Eco fashion) without compromising the integrity of the work.



Florinda Can, a story to share...
Florinda, a native Guatemalan designer & owner of Kem Ajachel, and one of the brands sold at Glocal Connection, is a story best told by one of the founders, MsGlocal. (Click to Read)

I am happy to welcome MsGlocal as a Contributing Guest Blogger on Estilo Mum where you will be able to keep up on the progress being made and the stories of these amazing women.

Want to Shop Glocal Connection?

There's no better time than the present! If you're like me, you still have a lot of holiday shopping to do before Christmas. And you can bet your bottom dollar it will be a one-of-a-kind item. So take a look and peruse the site. There's something here for everyone.

Shop.GlocalConnection.com 

Until next time,
Estilo Mum out!

Bling it On: Sequin Stilettos

Bling Bling Sequin Embellished High Stiletto Peep Toe Sandal
image: OASAP.com

Can't get enough....Sequin is in my head this Holiday 2012. Yes, I like sparkly and shiny things but sequin never looked so good to me. From clothing, accessories to shoes it's everywhere. And obviously, I can't stop writing about it.

Usually, I leave the bling to some article of clothing or jewelry but I'm finding Sequin Stilettos like the one's on OASAP.com hard to resist. These can certainly make an outfit and give me the height without too much discomfort because the platform is there. Not to mention the price tag of $86.00

Oh, but if you use this code: REDLETTERDAY at checkout you get an additional 31% OFF until December 7th. Not bad.

I recommend..Jessica Simpson "Devin2" Sequin Pump. What? Yes, I had my doubts when I bought my first pair but I gave her a chance because the sandals I bought were comfortable, on trend and at a great price point. There's a reason why Jessica Simpson's shoes are selling well.

Devin2 Pump
+ 20%Off, code: DECEMBER20

Devin2 Pump, Golden-Rose
+ 20%Off, code: DECEMBER20

The "Devin" is a fun break from the trendy solid Gold and Black Sequin pump (but if need be, you can purchase in Black).

Remind you of anything?

Nine West, Comearound
$83.30

The super HOT Sequin Embellished Skinny Jeans by Roberto Cavalli. Yes, the one's I recently blogged about. I'm still having day dreams about those skinny jeans. This pair is definitely a sexy alternative if you can't afford the high ticket price of Roberto Cavalli.

ON the Plus size...you can't go wrong with these Black Embellished Sequin Pumps from Ashley Stewart.

$23.70
image: Ashleystewart.com