Cozy & Festive

Happy…Friday? I think that’s what it is…

Well, have you recovered from New Years celebrating or are you ready for more? This cocktail I’m picturing drinking by a cozy fire under a blanket. Not so much new year madness.

I had a little more fun with this cocktail, got out my smoker, and flavored the glasses with maple for a little extra kick. An optional step, of course.

what you do:

Simple! Fill a shaker with ice, add in everything and shake, shake, shake! Then, pour into two, possibly smoked, glasses. I used two big ice orbs because they make me feel fancy. Garnish with fresh rosemary.

Fast tip: If you don’t have a smoker, you can add a little flame to your rosemary until it smokes and safely put it under your flipped glass while you make your cocktail.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the last weekend before we all return to normal life.

Cheers my friends!

“All In” on 2026

Hello, Friends

Happy 2026 and Year of the Horse, All!

Usually, I have a word for the new year but this year I have two All In. I’ve decided to blindly embrace 2026.

Before I get into it, I want to thank every single person who has read this blog in all the years I’ve been typing away, those who have cheered me on, the strangers who have become long time readers, and the ones who say to keep going. So why keep going? A few reasons. One, for a friend who passed that urged me to start a blog in the first place. Second, it’s a hobby I love.

Every December, I like to reevaluate The Fast Fashionista. Which has been my little corner of the internet for almost twelve years. Blogging has changed, content creation has changed, and I have changed. All have been good changes. I’m always feeling very zen after my usual blogging hiatus (where I amerce myself in my kiddo’s birthdays, the holidays, and travel). I’m feeling refreshed and back again and ready to welcome a New Year. Not a new me that’s for sure. Same me, even though I am always aiming to be better no matter what time of the year it may be.

I’m still keeping my three categories of Fashion, Food, and Cocktails…fast. I’m not the blogger who is going to tell you a three year long story before I give you a recipe. No need for that. Who has the time for that anyways? Not I. This, and my Fall Fashion post are the longest ones. But that’s why I like to keep it short and sweet so you can check out something new but also get on with your life. I’m also not the blogger who will monetize. I’ve frequently gotten that question over the years and it’s a simple answer. I don’t want to, and I don’t need to. This space is for me to share my passions and creativity not to make money from you reading that.

This year keeping with my “all in” theme I’m starting the year with my favorite fashion things that are “in”. I love fashion deeply in my life and it’s certainly the most popular third of my blog. January gets extremely busy for us and kicks off “busy season” for our photo biz. But I’m really going to focus on fashion this year and I’m very excited to share it with you. While adding in my two cents with what’s “in” keep in mind, I’ll always say that if it’s a trend you don’t like then please, please skip it. I feel style is a constant evolution and I love that so many of you have been on that ride with me throughout the years.

Now, if you know me even a little then you know how much I love to cook. It’s truly my love language. I want to focus more on making easy, fast, but also beautiful food, in my Perfectly Plated third of The Fast Fashionista. Keeping that in mind I also want to continue to hone my skills and try techniques I’ve never done before and cook with foods I never have. Yes, there may be a few I have yet to dabble with.

“My Martini Moment” is a segment that I’ve had around since the beginning. It’s taken on many different shapes and concepts but is now fast, pretty, and delicious cocktail recipes to share or keep for yourself. Since my early employment days of being a bartender. I fell in love with shaking up a good drink and sharing that experience. Experimenting with new cocktails is something (when I have the time) I love doing.

I love you all and here’s to moving forward with grace and power just like the horse.

A Hearty Fall Soup

This week, on “What’s in the Cauldron?”…

I was going for something very fall and very hearty. The pasta and potato really help with that part of the soup. Most certainly a new favorite! Now go get your cauldron and let’s make….

Sausage Tortellini Soup

what you need:

what you do:

  • Add some olive oil to a pot over medium heat and then add in your sausage.

  • Cool until the sausage is done, drain grease, and add in your desired amount of Italian seasoning and paprika.

  • Add potato, garlic, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste.

  • Add in your chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.

  • After the soup boils, reduce to just a simmer.

  • Now you can add in the spinach and wait for it to reduce and wilt.

  • Throw in your tortellini!

  • Take it off the heat and add in milk.

  • Now is when you can throw in some salt and any extra spices you may like.

Sending you all of the cozy vibes this soup season! I’m already thinking about what I’ll put in my cauldron next…

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Wednesday!