christiexlee: January 2017

Books

It’s safe to say that as an introvert, I spend most of my free time hanging out in my room. I do everything from scour the web for interesting YouTube videos, work on my blog, and even do Blogilates, in my room! With all that time spent in my room, I’m always trying to think of new ways to make my space as comfortable and as cozy as possible!

Here’s are my favorite basic tips for cozying up a bedroom:

1. Invest in the Perfect Bed

We spend a huge portion of our lives asleep so let’s make sure we’re getting the best rest we can! I’ve had my tiny twin sized bed since I was basically 7 so I knew it was definitely time for an upgrade! I was lucky enough to have my parents buy me a brand new bed frame and mattress for my birthday/Christmas present last year. (Thanks mom and dad!) I got some soft cotton flannel sheets as a treat to myself and strung up some fairy lights to give my room a warm glow. It’s great because it also doubles up as a night light so you don’t trip and fall all over yourself :)

2. Candles

Yes I know this tip is probably super basic, but I think it’s still worth mentioning! I believe that scents can really help de-stress and set the mood for any room. My current favorite is from Target “Pink Magnolia”, although I do believe that this scent is now discontinued :( I like it how the scent light and sweet, without being overpowering. I also like how it casts a warm glow at night. (Noticing a pattern here? :P) I bought a huge tub so it should last me for quite some time, but please let me know if you guys have any recommendations! I tend to like light fruity or light floral scents.

3. De-clutter!!

In order to keep your room comfortable and cozy, you cannot neglect the cleanliness! One thing that I’ve really been trying to be mindful of is how much space my “stuff” takes in my room. I’ve been trying to get rid of items that are no longer useful to me or items that no longer “spark joy.” If I do purchase something, I try to think about the longevity of the item, in terms of how long it will be useful to me. I also just hate the appearance of a cluttered and messy room in general so I try to make it a point to spend at least 2 minutes a day putting away clothes or cleaning something :)

I strongly believe that these three super simple tips can make a world of a difference in your house or room! As always please feel free to share any of your tips or tricks in the comments below :)

Food

Dining like Royalty at Crown and Crumpet’s Annual Holiday Tea Party

January 7, 2017

This past Christmas, I was lucky enough to have my sister treat me out to Crown and Crumpet’s annual holiday tea party, as a present for my birthday! The tea house partners with the historically glamorous Sir Francis Drake Hotel every single year starting around November so no need to fret if you missed out this year! The hotel, located in the heart of the bustling city of San Francisco, is right across the street from the winter wonderland of Union Square. Crown and Crumpet, known for being “a room with tea and wit”, has become a huge hit for hungry customers looking to flood their friend’s Instagram feeds with beautiful photos of their afternoon tea breaks.

A photo posted by ♡Christie Lee (@christiexleee) on Jan 7, 2017 at 4:09pm PST

When you first walk into the hotel, you’re greeted by a cozy lobby complete with a full bar! How amazing does that lobby look?! Despite having grown up in the SF bay area, I’ve never actually stepped foot into the Sir Francis Drake. The whole feel of the hotel is very retro but still upscale. Right away, my sister and I turned to each other and said “American Horror Story!” This hotel totally reminds me of the hotel in the series!

(The Sir Francis Drake hotel lobby)

This festive holiday experience starts beginning in November with dates going on until the end of the year. I made my reservation by calling in, and the woman who placed my reservation asked for a credit card number to hold my spot. The credit card would be charged a $40 “no show fee” in the event that you decide to not show up without informing the business. After being seated, you are offered an assortment of different teas to choose from, as well as a bubbly drink! You can choose to have either apple cider or champagne. We ALL know which drink I opted for hehe, and the owner was kind enough to let me know that there were complimentary unlimited refills. I MAY have gone a little overboard and had like 4 glasses of champagne, but in my defense, it was to celebrate my birthday, haha!

(Me with a glass of bubbly!)

Besides the beverage options, their holiday luncheon set also comes with warm savories, sweet treats, and an assortment of luncheon essentials. Also because this is classic San Francisco, they did not forget to include gluten free and vegetarian options. While you wait for your food, the staff members come by with a Christmas Cracker (no not food, seriously Google it!) and gives you a little history lesson about the origin of the tradition. She had my sister hold hands and sing a Christmas song together before breaking open the cracker to unveil a cute paper crown, a “bad joke”, and a little souvenir to take home (I got a “diamond” keychain)! I thought the Christmas cracker really added to the Crown and Crumpet holiday experience, but I saw a couple of middle aged men look extremely uncomfortable with the whole process of holding hands and singing together, but I digress :P

(My sister and our food!)

After opening the Christmas cracker, our food came out shortly! My personal favorite, besides the bubbly of course, had to be their scones and assortment of jams! The blueberry scones were delicious and very moist on the inside. I was too excited to remember to take any photos of the food, but I do have a picture with my sister and the beautiful tier of food! Although the food on the plates look small, don’t let it fool you! The meal leaves you feeling full but not stuffed, which is something that I actually really appreciate in a dining experience.

All in all, I have to say a big thank you to my sister for taking me out! Did you guys have any interesting dining experiences over the holidays? I’d love to hear about it! :)

milk and honey

Creating a Cozy Bedroom

Dining like Royalty at Crown and Crumpet’s Annual Holiday Tea Party

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