Happy Hour: The Candy Cane Forest

Dec 21, 2012

I don’t think I have ever been so happy to go home for the holidays.  I am looking forward to seeing my parents, shooting the breeze with my brother and cuddling with my family’s rambunctious, but sweet, Golden Retrievers, Dancer and Cash.  

But since my parents don’t really drink, the only thing I’ll be indulging in is an extra large slice of pie.  Or three.  And no pie recipe makes me happier at the holidays than Chocolate Peppermint Pie.

For me, this recipe from Cuisine at Home provides the perfect balance between the chocolate and the peppermint mouse.  The chocolate crust and chocolate cream layer is rich, while the peppermint layer is cooling and light.  And who can say no to candy cane pie at the holidays?

Charles Tyrwhitt Chunky Cable Cardigan ($105)

As you might imagine can be damn cold out West during this time of year.  My Mother is actually reduced to wearing a housecoat to keep warm.  And I indulge in the not-so-secret shame of wearing knee high knit boots from Old Navy…but just in the house.

This chunky cable cardigan is the perfect thing to bundle up in when the weather is bitterly cold.  If you like the look of a chunky card but want to spend under-$100, I adore this open drape cardigan from Ann Taylor.  I also like this heather-pewter sweater with its open weave and oversized pockets.  And if you’re into Fair Isle, this cardigan from the Gap with an oversize collar looks cozy and fantastic.

Have a happy holiday, I will see you next week!

xoxo, Belle

Happy Hour

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  1. Kelly says:

    As I was packing to head home for the holidays last night, I was thinking about the slight variations in my style between my life in DC and when I am halfway across the country at home. Both styles represent me but are tweaked to reflect my home and adopted cities. It made me curious what your style is like when you are at home (you've infiltrated my thoughts even when I'm rushing to pack!). It would be fun to see a post sometime on how you adapt your style when you're out West. (Although if it is anything like my style at home, it will include considerably more sweats and pajamas.) Happy holidays!

  2. ms b says:

    That is a great Sweater. I hope you own it so I can borrow it.

  3. Meg says:

    So Belle, this is what you are, a NRA lobbyist right?!? Can you really sleep at night with this you are promoting to the world?

    The NRA's top lobbyist, Wayne LaPierre, said at a Washington news conference that “the next Adam Lanza,” the man responsible for last week's mayhem, is planning an attack on another school.

    “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” LaPierre said.

  4. Rachel says:

    Meg, please stop posting comments regarding Belle's day job. This is a blog about fashion. If you don't agree with Belle's job or political views, feel free to donate or work for a cause that supports what you believe. If you don't want to support Belle, don't visit the site. No one will miss you.

  5. Meg says:

    Rachel, if you kicked puppies or murdered kittens as your day job and had a fashion blog on the side I would write your blog and tell you you are disgusting. The nazi soldiers killing people were just doing their job right? No need to have morals all the time, just when you're off the clock? When your on the clock you can advocate for the deaths of many more innocent children? That's your logic.

    The same rules apply to Belle and her disgusting day job.

  6. Carmen says:

    I read this blog from time to time but have never posted until now. Belle, I understand that this if a fashion blog and that politics normally does not come into the conversation, but it should now in light of the Newtown massacre. I urge you to please reconsider your affiliation with the NRA. Especially after today's press conference, which was so breathtaking in its arrogance, I cannot understand how any intelligent, educated woman (as you obviously are) could support such a heinous organization. And the fact that you not only support but lobby for the NRA is unfathomable. Do you honestly believe what LaPierre said, that the answer to school violence is more guns in schools? The fact that Republicans are even denouncing the press conference as being in terribly poor taste tells me that at least some people are waking up and realizing what a deluded organization the NRA is. Thanks for reading this.

  7. R says:

    For those so violently opposed to Belle's day job, do you also petition the President and send letters to your senators over our government's use of drones that has killed many children in other countries?

    For Meg and her kicking puppies and murdering kittens, do you also send correspondence to Planned Parenthood for their murdering of babies?

    I agree with Rachel, this has gotten ridiculous. Move on if you are so morally opposed to her, because the rest of us are getting tired of reading it all.

  8. Obviously says:

    R, Planned Parenthood doesn't murder babies. They provide abortions to women carrying either an embryo or a fetus. Murdering babies is illegal. Aborting a fetus is not.

    If you're going to be politically ridiculous, try to do so without also being an idiot.

  9. Leigh says:

    I would make a suggestion to Belle. You may want to take away the option to comment for awhile. At least until people like Obviously and others can comment without so much hate, regardless of how they feel politically about what's being said. It would spare all of us, and yourself a great deal of reading nothing but rants from people without a lot of self control. And then we can all focus on why we come to this blog- the excellent fashion and beauty advice. We can all seek sights that are in line with our political views, whatever they may be, elsewhere.

  10. Gigi says:

    Isn't the critical difference between a NaziSS officer who shoots people and a lobbyist who represents an organization of MILLIONS of law abiding gun owners that one directly kills people, like walks up to them and murders them and the other one…oh yeah,doesn't.

    And to the people who keep asking Belle to comment, SHE CAN'T. She has never hesitated to fight with her detractors in the comments before, so if she is now, there must be a reason. I don't think any other lobbying firms or, my God a Member of Congress, would be rushing to hire someone who spoke out about her employer on a fashion blog. That sounds like a straight shot to political exile.

  11. Elle says:

    … so I totally thought people would be talking about the peppermint pie (which looks delicious, and might actually get me to venture into the kitchen while I'm on vacation) and the sweater (which is really cute).

    But I guess not…

  12. emily lou says:

    Belle happens to work for the NRA at the moment. That doesn't mean that she completely agrees with the policies of her employer. None of you are giving her the benefit of the doubt or know her personal views. Who of us in the profesional realm has agreed with our employer about every detail of its policies? Who hasn't been harassed in some way or another? who hasn't had to do a job in order to meet our financial obligations? these are all positions of compromising ideals and beliefs.
    Do you really think these comments present you in a positive light? Or propell us to solution oriented discussion? These remarks are self-centered and destructive because they are fueled by hatred.

    Why don't you put your ideas, complaints, attacks and funds where they might actually do some good somewhere they might actually do some good. Perhaps the NRA itself, your congressman (both local and federal) the president, the many anti-gun, anti violence, pro-mental health organizations. But, as I work for a mental health organiation I suggest you change your tone. No one in authority cares to listen to a ranting maniac.

    During this time of peace and goodwill, where the families of Newtown and our nation are in grief. A little generosity toward Belle seems appropriate.

    Belle, this reminds me of junior high and high school bullying. I applaud your resolve and appreciate your continued advice. and I thank you for having the grace to post about the 26 acts.

  13. DCLiz says:

    Finally, some perspective! Thank you Emily Lou. And Belle, the pie looks delicious. Adding these ingredients to my grocery delivery and taking to the christmas eve dinner.

  14. Heather says:

    The media continue to pound the message that 74% of the membership of the NRA disagrees with their boards position. Think of how many people work for the NRA in some capacity. Belle, if you are among the 74%, consider running for the board and altering their position to reflect the ideals of the membership.

  15. Samantha says:

    Belle, as a faithful daily reader thank you for the continued posts this week and their ideas. Your blog provides a great relief from my “day job” on the Hill. Readers do not come here for socio-political commentary and mud slinging. We get bombarded with that 16 hours a day. It is instead a chance to recharge and think about something else for a little while. When flipping through Style Magazine, Elle, Glamour etc…the visual inspiration is a great relief from the very focused details of my office and you provide that for your readers here. Amazed by the mud slinging of some of the comments this week. Those of us who understand policy know this is not a venue for such dialog. Looking forward to some New Years Party ideas, locations and seasonal change to be presented here.

  16. DB says:

    Obviously
    According to you aborting a fetus is okay because it's legal, unfortunatley for your argument it is legal to own an assault rifle, so anything Belle does is not a moral issue worthy of your scorn, I think your name was wll chosen, you are obviouly an idiot. Please find another blog to read so the rest of us can enjoy Belle'e fashion sense and wit without your misplaced moral outrage.

  17. EBT says:

    … um. DB, did you even read Obviously's comment? Obviously didn't say anything about assault rifles at all. He/she was merely commenting on the semantics of “murdering a baby” versus “aborting a fetus.” Obviously didn't say anything about Belle's job, critical/scornful or otherwise.

  18. JJ says:

    This is a fashion blog people! Fashion! So I will only comment about the FASHION (although that pie looked mighty delicious):

    Since I have headed home for the holidays we've had a high of 15! Holy cold! I actually hit the mall upon my arrival to get few last minute presents and to see if I couldn't find a cozy sweater (my last minute packing was an epic failure). I actually purchased the Ann Taylor sweater (and it's currently on sale in the stores) and it's amazing!

    Happy Holidays!

  19. elz says:

    I find the NRA's response shockingly callous and stupifying as well. However, this is a fashion blog, and one of the few that actually knows how professional women should dress. I appreciate the fashion and beauty tips and come here for that, not political discourse.

  20. L says:

    The pie was a hit with my family tonight. I was amazed at how good it was and how well it turned out. Nice find, Belle!

  21. Hii says:

    Hi belle,

    Just wanted to say thanks so much for recommending the scotch and soda leather card case/wallet in your round up of gifts for men- it was a huge hit!! Your picks are spot on and I love reading your perspective.

    Happy holidays!

  22. Anon says:

    Abortions account for 3 percent of Planned Parenthood's services.
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/post/what-planned-parenthood-actually-does/2011/04/06/AFhBPa2C_blog.html

    And fetuses aren't babies.

    Happy holidays.

  23. annalou says:

    Anon, Obviously, allow me to call a not-so-polite BS. I held my 14-week-old “fetus” in my hands after an extremely early labor for a few minutes before he died, and he was a beautiful, perfect baby. He was as much of a human being as I am.

    And to everyone else, I'm sorry. I agree that Belle's doing the right thing by not commenting about her employer, and that this should be a fashion blog. But that touched a sore spot.

  24. Anon says:

    I'm sorry for your loss, annalou. Miscarriages are a terrible tragedy. But I stand by my comment.

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