Celebrate National Llama Day

Disclosure: Thank you to Cost Plus World Market for sponsoring this post. Product and/or compensation was provided to me to share my ideas and tips, however, all opinions are fully my own. #GiftThemJoy #ad #worldmarkettribe

Now.....you'll want to read this entire post....because you're about to embark on major....I mean MAJOR Llama fun.  

National Llama Day Details


I don't know if you can tell, but there's been a lot of LLAMA love to be had in my world lately.  I've definitely been in a Fa-la-la-llama mood and I'm crazy excited to be partnering with Cost Plus World Market to Celebrate National Llama  Day on Saturday, December 9th for a really fun in-store event.

IT’S BACK! Golden Llama Treasure Hunt

Ya'll it's back on!  The Golden Llama Treasure Hunt was so successful last month that Cost Plus World Market is bringing it back just in time for CHRISTMAS!!! 

Find a one of the 5 Golden Llamas in-store and receive coupon valued at $100 on 12/9/17 only.

 How to play:

●       On Saturday December 9th, your local Cost Plus World Market store will hide 5 Golden Llama pieces throughout the store.

●       They’ll share the daily clue in-store, via email and on their social media channels. Use the clue to help you find a Golden Llama and you could receive a reward.

●       Locate (1) Golden Llama piece and bring it to the nearest store associate to exchange for a reward coupon valued at 100 on 12/9/17. Reward is valid only on the day it is awarded.

*Limit one (1) reward per person throughout the Promotion Period, regardless of store location(s) visited. EMPLOYEES NOT ELIGIBLE. See Terms of Participation for complete details.

For full rules please visit: www.worldmarket.com/hunt

Lotta Llama Love Photo Contest

You Could WIN one of TEN $500 World Market Gift Cards.

How to Enter

●       Take a photo with our llama

●       Post the photo on Instagram, Twitter or on Facebook at facebook.com/worldmarket

●       Include #LottaLlamaLove and #WMEntry in the description

For full rules please visit: www.LottaLlamaLoveRules.com

But wait......HOLD ON TO YOUR LLAMA'S......because there's more....check it....I will be at the PENTAGON ROW Cost Plus World Market serving up sweet delicious Llama Dulce de Leche White Hot Chocolate FREE to customers from 1 to 3 pm (while supplies last)  HOW FUN IS THAT? 

This amazing Llama Dulce de Leche White Hot Chocolate beverage was 

created by Vanessa Coppola of seevanessacraft.com.

I am crazy excited to be participating in this event and meeting folks....and it won't hurt that I will be at Cost Plus World Market, because #shopping and #Christmas.   You may or may not have seen all the fabulous Llama stuff they have.  I'm sure I will be grabbing a few Llama stationery items for my planner,  and one or two Llama Ornaments to hang up on my tree!  So come on out on Saturday between 1 to 3pm, let's take some selfies, drink some cocoa, shop a little and have lotsa Llama fun!

Head over the event page here to find a participating store near you.....and you didn't hear this from me....but SOME stores will even have LIVE LLAMAS for you to take your selfie with!  (WHAAAAT?)  So, now you REALLY have to go, right?  LOL (yes....yes, you do) and bring the kiddos with you because we will have some fun coloring activity print outs for them and seriously.....kids love a delicious cup of cocoa!!!

For all my DC/MD/VA peeps - I hope to see you at the in-store event!  If you aren't in the DC/MD/VA area,fret not, you can visit your local Cost Plus World Market for a chance to get in on some LLama fun.

HAPPY NATIONAL LLAMA DAY!!!!

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

Visit me @cwbdparties on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and tag me AND @worldmarket if you are at the PENTAGON ROW store this weekend!

Girlfriend Gathering: Hot Chocolate Mixer

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a hot chocolate social 'mixer' is great way to get together with the girls for delicious sweets and a warm treat during the remaining winter months.  Get ready to sit by the fireplace, here are some ideas to help you plan your own.

{Inspiration Board Created by K. Sibert - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams - photo credits below}

1. Select your Cocoa

Start with good quality hot cocoa like Marie Belle Aztec Hot Chocolate or Ghirardelli for a splurge and set out Swiss Miss or Nestle packets for tried and true standards. 

2. Arranging your Hot Cocoa Bar

Display your hot cocoa by flavors/brand (milk chocolate, white chocolate , sugar free, dark chocolate, etc.). You can present packets in a basket embellished with ribbon or place packets in decorative envelopes cut from scrapbook paper to coordinate with your theme; use this tutorial as a guide to make your own.   If your cocoa is in a canister, be sure to have a small scoop spoon available.

Keep hot water and hot milk warmed in coffee carafes for easy dispensing.  A fondue pot will keep melted chocolate nice and warm for guests who want a more homemade tasting cup.

Put  toppings and 'mixins' in bowls or stemmed glasses so guests can create their own custom flavors.  Some suggestions for toppings are whipped cream, marshmallows, Hershey's Miniatures, sugar cubes, or crushed bits of peppermint, toffee, candied ginger and Oreo cookies!  Don’t forget to label each item for easy identification.

{Photo Credit}

Use tasty confections as stirrers. I recommend chocolate covered pirouettes, vanilla swizzle sticks, peppermint and cinnamon sticks.  Place these items in footed mugs for a grand display. You can also dip spoons in melted chocolate or add a dollup of whipped cream to them.

Be sure to have plenty of mugs and spoons on hand for guests who want to try more than one cup!

3. Provide Sweet & Savory Bites

A hot cocoa social is sweet but be sure to have a few sweet and savory bites which guests can nibble on.  Set out  pistachio biscotti, Chocolate Dipped shortbread cookies and savory chicken salad or cucumber tea sandwiches will keep guests from going hungry.

4. A 'Favor'-ite Activity 
Send your guests back into the wintery world with their own custom hot cocoa mix.  Have guests create their own cocoa mix then package them in mason jars or soup containers to take home as favors.  Label or tag each container with the guests name and what type of cocoa mix they created.

{Photo Credit}

5. Wintery Decor
Hues of soft blues and brown compliment the theme.  Hang knitted mittens, scarves, hats, paper doilies or snowflakes from the ceilings or light fixtures.  Little snowballs made from cotton balls or styrofoam spheres also add a wintery element.  If you have one, a fireplace adds a bit of coziness and warmth to set the scene.

*Bonus Tip

For a small group of friends, create a cocoa mix recipe based on their different personalities.  For a friend who is spunky and fiery you might create a custom Mexican Hot Cocoa using your favorite chili powder.  For the friend who is adventurous and outgoing, a zesty Orange and Cream Hot Chocolate would be fitting.  A friend who is very traditional, a classic Hot Cocoa is suiting.  Make sure to include instructions for preparation and additional ingredients.

Now that you are inspired and have the plan - here is a free printable invitation for you to download and send out to your gals!

Photo Credits:

Whipped Cream Spoons

Hot Cocoa Mix Favor

Crushed Candies

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

Marie Belle Aztec Hot Chocolate