Meet Nina & Maria

Nina Provenzano Rand writes www.theHSSfeed.com, a fashion and lifestyle blog about happiness, success and style, based in Michigan. She has 2.5 year old son, Jackson, with husband, Clint. Her favorite Christmas memories always seem to revolve around fashion, sometimes good and sometimes questionable. From coordinating outfits with Maria to school play ensembles, Nina remembers that their outfits were always something to talk about. “I remember back in elementary school when our mom made Maria and I some light up sweatshirts (which I’m sure also included some puffy paint). The lights went out briefly, during part of the school program, and that was our cue to turn on our sweatshirts. We certainly got a lot of attention for it and our parents definitely knew where we were in the crowd!”    

Maria Provenzano Davis is a food/beauty/lifestyle blogger based in Los Angeles. Her blog, www.MariaProvenzano.com, combines the comfort of the Midwest with the bright and fresh West Coast. She is married and has a 1-year-old son, Grant. Her favorite Christmas memories involve Christmas baking with our mom. It was a time to bond and that is why the kitchen is such a sacred place to her now that reminds her of so many positive things. “Every time I frost cookies, I think of my dad. We would be in the middle of making cookies and he would come home from work and we would always tell him that he could only eat the broken ones because the pretty cookies were for the trays we were going to give out. Little did he know that we always made sure there were a few broken cookies along the way so that he could come by and sneak one. To this day when I am frosting cookies I laugh a little bit when I break a cookie and think of my dad.”

The Nice List: Holiday Entertaining

DIY Gifting: Gingerbread Granola

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! Gingerbread just sums up Christmas to me. The smell of the sugar and spices baking together reminds me of my mom making gingerbread cookies growing up and it makes me very nostalgic. That's why I love this time of year because it's when we make all of our favorite things from our childhood and reminisce about a simpler time when Santa's visit was the most exciting thing. I would eat so many cookies that my poor mom would have to deal with my ultimate sugar rush.   Even though I'm far from home, every time I smell those holiday spices baking in the oven it takes me back to cold, cozy, comforting holidays in Michigan with my family.  I'm obsessed with making homemade granola AND pumpkin pie spice so this is basically the best thing ever! That smoky molasses flavor paired with the floral taste of the honey couldn't be a better combination to sweeten this granola.  The rich dark chocolate adds a slight softness to the crunchy granola. This is definitely something that could be enjoyed throughout the entire holiday season!.  It also makes a great gift when wrapped up really pretty.

Maria

DIY Gifting: Gingerbread Granola Gingerbread Dark Chocolate Granola 4 cups old fashioned oats 1 cup pumpkin seeds (aka pepita seeds) 1 cup sunflower seeds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 teaspoon salt; I like kosher salt 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup honey 2 tablespoons molasses 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cup dark chocolate

Instructions •  Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper •  In a small pot combine the butter, honey, and molasses over medium to low heat until the

butter is melted •  Turn off heat and stir in the vanilla •  In a large bowl combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds,

shredded coconut, salt and pumpkin pie spice; toss to combine. •  Pour the warm butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a spatula to make sure the

oat mixture is evenly coated with the butter mixture •  Pour half of the mixture onto one baking sheet and the other half on the second •  Use the spatula to spread the mixture out and press to keep the oats together instead of

being very spread out; this helps create those great large chunks when you break up the granola after it bakes

•  Bake for 12-13 minutes •  Allow to cool completely; once cooled break the granola up with your hands and sprinkle in

the dark chocolate •  Store in an airtight container

In the Kitchen: Gingerbread Scones

Gingerbread scones are a perfect way to make your house smell amazing on Christmas morning. The holidays can be crazy, but your life will be so much easier if you prep as much as you can as early as you can.   These gingerbread scones can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer until you want to bake them. The best part is that they can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Stress-free gingerbread scones on Christmas morning with coffee while opening gifts sounds like the best way to start the holiday.  

Maria

In the Kitchen: Gingerbread Scones Gingerbread Scones  1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal 1/3 cup turbinado sugar (or brown sugar) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 cup COLD unsalted butter; cut into cubes 1/2 cup half and half (or whole milk works too) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons molasses Icing 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons half and half or milk

Instructions: •  Place the flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in bowl of a food

processor, pulse to combine •  Place the butter in the mixer, pulse to combine; mixture will like a bit like sand •  In a separate bowl (I like using a measuring cup for wet ingredients) combine the half and half,

vanilla, and molasses •  With the mixer running pour in the wet ingredients and combine until JUST mixed in •  Remove the dough from the processor and place on a lightly floured surface; use your hands to

form a large flat disk with the dough about a half inch to an inch thick •  Use a knife to cut the dough in half one way and the opposite way, this will make four large

pieces, then cut each of the pieces in half... this will look like a pizza! •  If you plan on freezing these place them in the freezer (unbaked) for a half hour then remove and

place in a freezer friendly bag, label, and place back in the freezer •  Preheat your oven to 375 degrees •  Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper into the oven and bake for 15-20

minutes, If they are coming straight out of the freezer it may take about 5-7 minutes longer •  Allow to cool on a cooling rack •  *Meanwhile make the icing: Measure the powdered sugar into a bowl, pour in the vanilla and milk

while whisking to combine. Once thoroughly mixed pour the icing into the corner of a small plastic bag. Cut the tip off of the corner of the bag and drizzle the icing over the cooled scones. You can also simply use a spoon to drizzle the icing over the scones

Holiday Sips: Coffee

I am a big coffee drinker and typically take my coffee very plain and simple, with just milk and no sugar (a little boring, I know). Around the holidays, I like to, occasionally, make my coffee a little more of a treat and this combination is one of my favorites. •  6 oz. freshly brewed coffee (I love either Starbucks Christmas Blend or Crave Holiday Spice) •  1-2 tsp. Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce •  To Taste: Bailey’s Coffee Creamer (either original Irish Cream, French Vanilla or Hazelnut); you

can also use Bailey’s Irish Cream with some decaf as a good evening drink Put chocolate sauce in the bottom of the cup and warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Pour coffee in cup and add Bailey’s Coffee Creamer to taste.

Nina

NEW  PHOTO  COMNG  

Gift Guide: In the Kitchen

Shop the gift guide: Shun Kaji Knife Set // Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer // Cuisinart Hand Mixer // Sur La Table Measuring Cups & Spoons // Nielsen-Massey Vanilla // Williams Sonoma Kitchen Towels // Williams Sonoma

Oven Mitt // Cuisinart Food Processor // Williams Sonoma Mini Muffin Tin Sur La Table Gold Rim Coupe Champagne Glasses

DIY Gifting: Gift Wrapping

Handmade gifts are my favorite to give and receive. Gingerbread granola is so beautiful packed up in mason jars and tied with pretty ribbon. You can cut a piece of burlap, place it over the sealed jar, and then use white and red baker’s twine to tie it on for a rustic look. I love using tulle ribbon because it’s very easy to tie and it creates a impressive look by holding it’s shape very well. Tying on little silver bells also adds a nice holiday touch.

Maria

DIY Gifting: Gift Wrapping

DIY Gifting: Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. This year I used paint to make large circles onto brown kraft wrapping paper. I love the brushed not-so-perfect look the paint brush creates. Two of my favorite things to use to make gift wrapping easier are double sided tape and a Scotch gift wrap cutter. Check out www.MariaProvenzano.com for the tutorial on my Snowy Gift Tags!

The Nice List: Holiday Style

Shop the look: Maison du Soir Pajama Top // Maison Du Soir Pajama Pants // Chic Wish Reindeer

Earrings // UGG Australia Slippers // Williams Sonoma Mug // Butter “Come To Bed Red” Nail Polish // Michael Aram Black Orchid Vase

Christmas Morning Style

Holiday Party Beauty Lashes, Lips + A Little Shimmer

This look is all about light, minimal eyes and a bright pop of rich, holiday red on the lips. I’m also a huge fan of big lashes and this mascara + maximizer combo does the job perfectly! Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Tinted Moisturizer // Tom Ford Cream Shadow (Platinum) // Bobbi Brown Warm Eye Palette //

Le Metier De Beaute Liquid Eye Liner // Burberry Beauty Highlighting Powder // Dior Diorshow “Maximizer” Lash

Plumper // Chanel “Le Volume de Chanel” Mascara YSL Glossy Stain (Limited Edition) // Bobbi Brown Limited

Edition Lip Color  

What to Wear: Holiday School Play

Shop the look: ASOS Cable Knit Poncho // Chance Striped Tee // DL1961 Florence Jeans // C.Wonder Bling Stud

Earrings // Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote // Hunter Boots // BaubleBar Bracelet  

Cozy. Comfy. Cute.

What to Wear: Cookie Exchange Party Casual with a pop of color.

Shop the look: J.Crew Oversized Stripe Turtleneck // J.Crew Pixie Pants // SJP Sarah Jessica Parker Pumps Kendra Scott Elle Earrings (Bright Red) // Elaine Turner Jenna Tote // Elizabeth Arden Lipstick

 

What to Wear: Winter Wedding

Shop the look: Kate Spade Sequin Fringe Mini Dress or Kate Spade Short Sleeved Embellished Dress // Kelly Wynne

Mingle Mingle Mini // J.Crew Suede Pumps // BaubleBar Crystal Stud Earrings Armani Beauty Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick

 

Not so basic black.

What to Wear: Fancy Work Party Sophisticated Sparkle.

Shop the look: Alice + Olivia Skirt and Sweater // Truffle Clutch // Kate Spade Pumps // J.Crew Earrings

Tom Ford Lipstick (in Pink Tease)  

Shop the gift guide: Guerlain Liquid Liner // MAC “lovechild” Lipglass // Chanel Mascara // Urban Decay Bronzer and

Blush // DryBar Hair Clips // Coastal Scents Eye Shadow // Twin Turbo Hair Dryer Kerastase Oil // Kerastase Thermal Protectant

Maria’s Picks: Beauty Gifts

Nina’s Picks: Beauty Gifts

Shop the gift guide: YSL Multi-Use Palette Noel // AERIN Fragrance Set // Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Perfume

Illuminage Pillowcase // Tory Burch Bath Soap Set // Oribe Liquid Gold Collection // Laight & Mercer Hair Brushes // Kate Spade Cosmetic Case // CHANEL Double Infidelity Lip & Nail Set // Bobbi Brown “Pretty

Pink Ribbon” Lip Gloss Collection // Aveda “Renewal” Set

Gift Guide: Accessorize It

Shop the gift guide: BaubleBar Gumdrop Strand Necklace // Kelly Wynne Risky Biz Wristlet // Truffle Privacy Clutch

Kendra Scott Quincy Earrings // Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote // By Malene Birger Hat Kate Spade Chronograph Watch // Trina Turk Key FOB // C.Wonder Buffalo Check Gloves

Manoosh Scarf // J.Crew Starlight Bracelet // Tory Burch Sunglasses // Elaine Turner Cleo Tote Sloane Ranger Tablet Clutch

The Nice List: Our Favorite Gifts

Top 30 Gifts

Hattan Home Merry & Bright Matches, Push Pop Confetti, Cheers My Dears Party Cups // Tory Burch Coffee Table Book // Kendra Scott Darcy Statement Earrings // C.Wonder Cable Mittens // Cinco Powell

Monogram Tag // Tieks Blue Patent Flats // John Derian Ring Tray // Jonathan Adler Peace & Love Tic Tac Toe // Graphic Image Planner // Ashley Brooke Designs “I Woke Up Like This Mug” // Sloane Ranger

Denim Stripe Traveler Tote // Pure Barre Classes // Otte Fur Collar // Boll & Branch Throw (comes in lots of colors!)

 

Top 30 Gifts

Kate Spade Coffee Table Book // K. Slademade Foldover Bag // Chloe Satchel Bag // Truffle Privacy Clutch // J.Crew Abstract Fair Isle Sweater // Lettermade Flamingo Napkins // Vera Bradley Houndstooth

Throw // BaubleBar 360 Stud Gift Set // Tory Burch Watch // C.Wonder Pajama Set // Neiman Marcus Cookbook // Charmed Circle Like Letter Necklace // Manor Paris Print // NEST Fragrances Holiday Candle  

Maria’s Picks: Guys Gifts

Shop the gift guide: Rhone Meridius Long-Sleeve Shirt // Montblanc Starwalker Rubber and Metal Pen // Travis Mathew Hat

(Great for Golfers) // Travis Mathew Golf Shirt // Salvatore Ferragamo Money Clip // Skywatch Poppy Red Chronograph Watch // J.Lindeberg Sweater

Rhone: 15% off with the code NICELIST

Nina’s Picks: Guys Gifts

Shop the gift guide: Office Art: Custom Stadium Illustrations via Etsy // Beats by Dre Studio Wireless Headphones // J.Crew

Pajama Set // The Art of Shaving Starter Kit // Kiehl’s Men’s Energizing Kit // DC Comics Coffee Table Book Barrington Gifts Golf Shoe Bag // Smathers & Branson Needlepoint Flask

Gifts for Little Ones

Shop the gift guide: GAP Holiday Striped Sweaters // LeapPad // GAP Christmas Tree Onesie // Swankie Blankie Camo

Pajama Set // Bedhead Fair Isle Pajama Set (coordinating adult set available too!) // An Otis Christmas Book // Williams Sonoma Gingerbread House Kit // Classic short UGGs // Freshly Picked Moccasins (they come in many colors!) // Sophie and Friends Gift Set // “If I Were a Penguin” Board Book // Inflatable Snow

Castle // Kinetic Sand (this stuff is SO cool!) // Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair

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