While making hot chocolate from a package is fast and easy, there’s just nothing that compares to the real deal on a cold winter afternoon. Here are three authentic hot cocoa recipes that take a bit longer to make, but are more than worth it once you take the first sip.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate [Bon Appetit]
There aren’t many ways to improve already-delicious hot chocolate, but incorporating peppermint is definitely one of them. This sweet and minty concoction uses bittersweet chocolate and peppermint extract to achieve its complex flavor, and it is topped with homemade whipped cream that will impress your holiday guests.

Homemade Hot Chocolate [Martha Stewart]
If you want to improve on the classic hot chocolate recipe, this all-natural recipe is the one to use. It calls for only four simple ingredients, and ordinary table salt acts as a secret ingredient that really makes all of the other flavors shine.

Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Chocolate [DIY Natural]
Cut down on the artificial sweeteners in your hot chocolate with this all-natural recipe that’s just as warm and delicious. It’s sweetened with pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor, and it doesn’t contain any of the harmful additives that store-bought hot chocolates might have.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Gail

With a slogan like “stuff you love,” it’s easy to see why so many Ashburn residents love local boutique Zazu. This independently-owned and -operated shop sells a wide variety of unique home decor items and gifts out of a charming storefront that's always filled to the brim with seasonal items.

Shopping at Zazu is akin to a treasure hunt because of its extensive inventory and often overflowing displays, but you’re almost always guaranteed to find something special for yourself or a loved one amongst the holiday decorations, kitchen supplies, and scented candles. Zazu also carries an ever-changing selection from popular brands like Alex and Ani, Brighton, and Nora Fleming. The next time you’re on the hunt for a special gift, forgo the crowded mall and pay a visit to this locally-owned favorite.

Zazu is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Zazu
20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 858-9298
www.shopzazu.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zazu-ashburn

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/PV KS

You can't stop admiring that brand-new ring on your finger, but now it’s time for the real fun to begin. Even if you’ve been dreaming of that fairy tale wedding since before you can remember, things can get a bit overwhelming once it comes time for the actual planning. Here are three Pinterest boards that offer hours of wedding inspiration, while also helping to keep you on schedule—and on budget!

Wedding Ideas
Are you planning a shabby chic wedding, or is your style more glitz and glamor? Whatever type of nuptials you have in mind, this Pinterest board is filled with ideas to help plan your dream wedding. Creative honeymoon funds, fun wedding favors, and simple, handmade decorations will make your big day even more special.

Weddings
Browse Pinterest’s main wedding board by categories like wedding photography, flowers, and invitation inspiration to find tips and tricks for every aspect of planning a wedding. There are even printable checklists and calendars to help you stay organized along the way.

Romantic Weddings
Whether you’re actually planning a wedding or if you just love looking at ideas for that day far off in your future, the Romantic Weddings board is an endless source of dreamy inspiration. Best of all, this board is filled with photos from real weddings to offer a sneak peek of real life couples’ special days.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Katie Cornelius