[CLOSED] The Soubrette Brunette's 8th Blogiversary Giveaway!

It's hard to believe that I've been blogging for 8 years(!). A whole lot has happened during that time. I've found and left jobs, been promoted, fallen in love, experienced immense heartbreak and grief, performed in shows, moved into an apartment I love, made and lost friends, learned a lot, changed my personal style... and, of course, figured out what it's like to live during a pandemic.

Acknowledging your progress is a funny thing. I know it's important to do. And yet, it's not something that necessarily comes naturally to me. Sometimes, celebrating yourself feels selfish and somehow wrong. But it's a little easier when someone else recognizes your worth and encourages you to do the same.

That's actually what inspired me to come up with this year's blogiversary giveaway. I put up an Instagram poll and found out that most people really like curated collections of prizes (which I love putting together). Since we've spent nearly one year in relative isolation – and I think it's more important than ever to show ourselves some kindness and TLC – I decided to create a "self-care package" to send to one of you! Keep reading to find out what you can win and how to enter.

One (1) follower will win:

• $50 paid via PayPal
• Pusheen-icorn sleep mask
• Velvet throw blanket
• 100 Cookies book
• jade face roller
• bubble bath powder
• World of Flowers coloring book
• Harney & Sons tea sampler
• assorted treats 

I thought these would be the perfect prizes for anyone who could use some pampering while they stay home! Now that you know what you could win, here's what you need to know to enter.

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. Note that you must be a follower of my blog and Instagram to win. You also must include your email address in your blog comment in order for me to match that comment to your other entries! 

This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until Sunday, February 7 at 11:59 PM EST. The giveaway winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed through the widget. The winner must respond to their email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. In the event of product unavailability, comparable substitutions will be made. This giveaway is sponsored only by The Soubrette Brunette and by no other brand or business. Best of luck and thank you for supporting my blog!

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Friday Favorites #164: Valentine's Day Picks

Valentine's Day is in just a few weeks (can you believe it?)! And while I don't have any grandiose plans this year, I do *love* all of the sweetheart-themed decor and accessories! Here are just a few of my favorite pieces that are perfect for February 14.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

a    ||    b    ||    c    ||    d    ||    e    ||    f

g    ||    h    ||    i    ||    j    ||    k    ||    l    ||    m    ||    n    

Are you getting excited for Valentine's Day?
In case you missed it, I shared some virtual Valentine's Day ideas in yesterday's blog post!

Virtual Valentine's Day Ideas For 2021

We all know that holidays look a lot different during the pandemic. And pretty soon, we'll be hitting that one-year mark...which is bananas to think about. Valentine's Day 2020 was actually the last major holiday most of us experienced B.C. (before COVID-19), which means you might be a little bummed about your limited options for Valentine's Day 2021. 

But that doesn't mean your V-Day has to be boring. I'm a total introvert and homebody, so I may be biased, but I really enjoy coming up with creative ways to celebrate without ever leaving the house! Whether you're wondering how singles celebrate Valentine's Day during the pandemic or you're separated from your sweetie this February 14, I'm sharing some virtual Valentine's Day ideas that you're sure to love.

Host a Galentine's Zoom Brunch
A Galentine's brunch invite is always exciting to receive. But while many eateries are open in some capacity, you may not feel comfortable gathering with your girls without masks and in close quarters. Fortunately, you can still enjoy some bottomless mimosas and waffles from afar. Set up a Zoom call for mid-morning on the 13th (a Saturday this year!) and make your favorite brunch food – or order from your favorite breakfast spot! – to savor with your besties. Plus, you can wear cute pajamas if you want.

Organize a Hulu Rom-Com Watch Party

Grab some popcorn, open your laptop, and revisit some of your favorite flicks with your BFFs. Hulu's Watch Party feature has thousands of TV shows and movies to watch with a group of up to eight people in sync. While it might not be a substitute for watching in the theatre, you can chat as much as you want without disturbing anyone. Some of the best movies for Galentine's Day are available to select. Just test it out beforehand to account for any technical issues – and have some chocolate (or some tissues) on-hand for emergencies.  

Have BFF FaceTime Date

As simple as it may sound, it's easy to forget how effective FaceTime calls are at lifting one's mood. Schedule an hour-long FaceTime date with your best friend, partner, or family member while you perform a fun activity – like an at-home spa treatment, baking session, or Valentine outfit fashion show. You can even play a "how well do you know me?" game if you each get a set!

Sign Up For a Virtual Reading

Want to know what your future holds? Consider signing up for a virtual tarot, palm, or astrological chart reading! This can be a great way to support independent readers and astrologers during a time when in-person readings are difficult to manage. And of course, it can be exciting to see what the stars or the cards have in store. See about signing up with a friend or partner and treat yourselves to a session! Make sure you know your exact birth time if you're having your astrological chart done.

Take an Online Class

If you're stumped on virtual Valentine's Day 2021 ideas, you could always learn something new! There are plenty of online courses with valentine themes being offered this year, from cooking to crafts. The Rochester Brainery even has an entire section of virtual classes for Valentine's Day, like soap-making, quilting, embroidery, cookie decorating, and chocolate-tasting. Most classes are quite affordable and can allow you to connect with others in an unexpected way.

Partake in a Virtual Shopping Event

A shopping spree can be the perfect cure for the Valentine's Day blues, but you might prefer to avoid the mall and crowded retail centers right now. Of course, online shopping is always there when you need it. But I recently saw on Instagram that a bunch of local vendors are teaming up to host a Virtual Valentine's Bazaar this Saturday (January 30). They'll be offering exclusive sales, which means you can save and snag some awesome products from independent artists. Even if you're not local, check out all of the details in this post or follow the #VirtualValentinesBazaar hashtag on Instagram to get in on the action!

Send Out Gifts or Old-School Valentines

Sometimes, going back to basics is best. But if you aren't exchanging gifts with a partner, you can show how much you care for your loved ones by sending them something special. I love the idea of ordering a custom bouquet or even a flower CSA from a local florist. If you're in Rochester, I highly recommend Sungrove Blossoms, Trademarks Flower Farm, and Flowerwell (or if you're in the Los Angeles area, check out Starving Artist Arrangements!). You could also bake some homemade cookies and deliver them to your local friends on Valentine's Day – or, my personal favorite, send out some old-school valentine cards! I adore these vintage-inspired card set from Harveys, but here are some other retro valentine cards that should arrive in time for you to send out. Alternatively, you could send paperless valentines straight to your recipient's email!

Try Your Hand at Online Trivia

Those who miss trivia nights at their favorite bar might want to consider virtual trivia as a viable alternative! You might have some local organizations who are putting on online trivia events, but you can also browse available options on Eventbrite. Some are free, while others require a registration fee. I can't personally vouch for any of these events, there are all kinds of themes – like The Office, Parks and Recreation, '90s trivia, and love – to choose from. You could even put together and host your own if you want to raise money for a worthy cause! Be sure to order yourself some takeout, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to rack your brain.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day 2021? Would you try any of these ideas?

Easy New Year's Eve Mocktails: Non-Alcoholic Libations to Ring In 2021

I can hardly believe it's almost New Year's Eve! While this isn't one of my all-time favorite holidays, I do love any excuse to eat festive food and dress up.

But for some people, NYE is mostly about the alcohol. That (along with the fact that I like to go to bed on the early side) is the main reason it's not on my list of top celebrations. For those who might not be aware, I don't drink – for a few different reasons. This does put me in the minority, but I'm glad that sober living is becoming more widely accepted. Still, I've gotten questions from well-intentioned folks about why I don't drink and have been at gatherings where there are next to no non-alcoholic options for guests. Plus, it's hard not to be surrounded by intoxicated people on New Year's Eve. And all of that tends to put a bit of a damper on things. 

The one nice thing about staying home this year is that you might get a bit more control over your New Year's Eve. Whether you're in recovery, you're an expectant mom, you're on a new medication, you're preparing for Dry January, or you simply don't like the taste of alcohol, holiday celebrations don't have to be boring. There are plenty of Near Year's Eve mocktail recipes out there that you might end up liking way more than options that contain alcohol. And even if alcohol is still part of your life, it's nice to know there are alternatives that everyone can enjoy.

To be honest, I don't get all that fancy with my mocktail recipes. I tend to like sparkling fruit juices and non-caffeinated sodas on their own. (I highly recommend Trader Joe's Sugar Plum sparkling beverage, sparkling grape juice or apple cider, ginger beer, IZZE, or Belvoir Fruit Farms cordials for this!) 

But I decided to try out a few non-alcoholic drinks that are *slightly* more complicated. I mean it when I say "slightly," as I'm not muddling fruit, making simple syrups, or using any specialty ingredients. Below, you'll find three different mocktails I tried out, along with a few others that are on my to-try list. 

Holiday Mocktail: Cranberry Apple Spritzer

This simple and seasonal non-alcoholic cocktail is a little sweet, a little tart, and a lot refreshing. Combine equal parts of apple cider and cranberry juice with your choice of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or seltzer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Classic Shirley Temple

Although there may be more imaginative mocktails out there... who doesn't love a classic Shirley Temple? Fill a glass with ice and add about an ounce of grenadine (use more or less depending on your affinity for cherry flavor). Then, add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add a lime slice and maraschino cherries, if you've got 'em, to finish.

Simple Mocktail Idea: Grapefruit Lime Refresher

If you're looking for a refreshing mocktail you can enjoy year-round, you might like this tantalizingly tart option. Over ice, add grapefruit juice, key lime LeCroix (or your choice of seltzer/sparkling water), and plenty of fresh lime juice. Kombucha might also be a welcome addition to this drink, especially if you miss the taste of alcohol! 

Here are a few other New Year's Eve mocktail recipes I want to try out this year:

• New York Sour Mocktail
• Lavender and Earl Grey Mocktail
• Sparkling Ginger Pear Mocktail

I'm obviously no mixologist! But I hope that if you're wanting to avoid alcohol – or you're trying to support sober loved ones in your life – this New Year's Eve, you might get some inspiration. I'd love it if you'd tell me about your favorite non-alcoholic beverage in the comments or on Instagram so I can grow my repertoire, too!

Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year's Eve – and I'll see you in 2021!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2020 Holiday Gift Guides

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'm pretty close to being done with mine, but I know you might still be looking for the perfect present for someone on your list. I've really enjoyed putting together gift guides over the past couple of years (like my gift guide for HSPs, introverts, and empaths, as well as my selection of fun gift guides from 2019!)... so I knew I had to do it again this year! 

This took me a lot longer than I anticipated, but I hope you'll find these guides to be helpful. In particular, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite small businesses, local makers, and budget-friendly picks – but I think there's something here for everyone! Although everything pictured here was in stock when I created these gift guides, products are selling quickly (and some shops are closing up for the holidays), so act quickly! Without further ado... here are my selections for this year!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Your Holiday Gift Guide For Parents 2020

Mom and Dad can be difficult to shop for, but this holiday gift guide for parents has some best-sellers, some memory-makers, and some time-passers that are sure to delight. 

a.  customized RetroViewer

b.  popcorn maker 

c.  Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

d.  dog DNA test kit

e.  Homesick reed diffuser 

f.  celestial cheese serveware

g.  smart kitchen herb garden

h.  BBQ rub and sauce kit

i.  olive oil dipping bowl

j.  A Promised Land

k.  MLB stadium poster  

l.  honey bee wood trivet

m.  smartphone sanitizer

n.  "nevertheless, she persisted" puzzle

o.  hummingbird feeder  

Your Enneagram Gift Guide

Are you (or are your loved ones) obsessed with enneagram types? That's true for my circle! If you've been looking for gifts by enneagram type, I've compiled a few presents for each one in this enneagram gift guide. Let me know how accurate you think my selections are!

type 1

"your worth is not measured by your productivity" tee

wildflower 2021 planner

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

type 2

"kindness without boundaries is self-sabotage" sweatshirt

Big Blanket Co. original stretch blanket

the year of tea

type 3

the best journal ever

"you are worthy" sticker

little jar of big ideas

type 4

healing botanicals adult coloring book

"I may cry but I still get stuff done" sweatshirt

beginner's embroidery kit

type 5

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

MasterClass membership

cinephile: a card game

type 6

"fight your imposter syndrome" print

A Whole Book of Reasons You're My BFF

"you got this" candle

type 7

Universal Yums snack box subscription

"I plan on being spontaneous tomorrow" tote bag

cityscape ring

type 8

"empowered women empower women" sweatshirt

calm the hell down CBD salve

Our Time is Now

type 9

"all bodies are good bodies" sweatshirt

better together trinket box

phenomenal women timeline mug

Gift Guide Under $25

If you're shopping on a budget or you've set a spending limit with your besties, this holiday gift guide under 25 will help you find a great gift for less.

a.  literary mugs

b.  The One With All the Recipes

c.  floral tea towel

d.  Knope for President game

e.  punny produce bags 

f.  chai spice candle 

g.  book cover face mask 

h.  votes for women puzzle 

i.  Calm the Chaos journal  

j.  everything bagel seasoning trio  

k.  icons notecards  

l.  goodnight moon makeup eraser set  

m.  sugar cookies eyeshadow palette  

n.  Monet waterlilies neckerchief 

o.  fox slipper socks   

Small Business Gift Guide

Looking to shop small this holiday? I've compiled some of my personal favorites for this year's small business gift guide.

1.  Steve Kornacki tee by Kate Gabrielle 

2.  snowflake wire headband by Mane Message 

3.  roller perfume oil by Firebird Bath and Body

4.  total babe earrings by Midge Blitz 

5.  witch ghost enamel pin by Little Spooky Studio

6.  gelato truck bag by Vendula London

7.  reindeer mischief sweater by Mischief Made 

8.  "my size doesn't determine my worth" print by Fabulously Feminist 

9.  snowcat brooch by I Love Crafty  

10.  "nobody likes a soggy bottom" lapel pin by The Clever Clove  

11.  "which brew are you?" print by Water of Whimsy  

12.  wildflower chalk art print by Lily and Val 

13.  social media print by Girl Party Shop

14.  "swiss rolls not gender roles" pin from Bow Bow by Kyle

15.  clear confetti party clutch by Julie Mollo  

Secret Santa Gift Guide + White Elephant Gift Guide

If you're stumped on what to get your Secret Santa recipient or you're planning ahead for your annual white elephant gift exchange, this gift guide has all the novelty you need.

a.  The Golden Girls mini magnet set

b.  Mean Girls mini magnet set

c.  RuPaul notepad

d.  1,000 books to read before you die calendar

e.  votes for women bandana  

f.  Never Have I Ever game

g.  How to Not Always Be Working

h.  mini waffle maker

i.  Bob Ross heat-changing mug

j.  anecdote candles  

k.  upcycled record coasters

l.  ambition journal  

m.  Mister Rogers mini talking figurine  

n.  ranch cookbook 

o.  blush letterboard  

Local Love: Rochester NY Gifts

For my local followers (or those who just want a piece of the Flower City for themselves), check out this local gift guide featuring Rochester NY gifts from upstate makers.

1.  Weggies run t-shirt from Loco Love 

2.  floral guts wood-burned cheeseboard from Unstrung Studios  

3.  Rochester Flower City logo earrings from May and Birch  

4.  Rochester symbols cosmetic bag from Wolf and Honey 

5.  to the moon and back enamel pin from House of Roushey 

6.  "ROC is grim" mug from Shop Peppermint  

7.  Rochester sticker bundle from Ink & Pine Design

8.  The Little Theatre art print from Retro Sorrento 

9.  "home" camp mug from Anna Parade  

10.  "be merry" wood slice ornament from Salty Lemon Studio 

11.  york earrings from Charlie Blu   

12.  mini oval sunburst platter from Ritual Clay Company

13.  "protect your magic" print from Bless the Messy 

14.  Roc Love print from PS Enjoy Your Life  

15.  tea towel from Lisa Jane Smith 

Black Owned Business Gift Guide

Show your support with these incredible gifts from Black owned businesses this year. 

a.  abstract woman art print by Nonily Studio  
b.  Black Lives Matter mug by ATOU   
c.  half-moon dangle earrings by Talk Unique Designs  
d.  read and grow bookmark by K Ligg Co.  
e.  ginger and sandalwood candle by Natural Annie Essentials 
f.  yoga pose sweatshirt by The Trini Gee 
g.  triple body butter by Charmed Bath and Body
h.  "you will survive this" print from By Chenelle
i.  fried egg earrings by Crafty Little Dreams
j.  retro ladies face mask by ModMasks   
k.  "sounds of love" print by Lovely Earthlings  
l.  Black Lives Matter face mask by Bailey Ava Accessories  
m.  floral square scarf by Emma Make Studio  
n.  kitchen print by Godly Gorgeous 
o.  tomato leaf and basil candle by Paige's Candle Co.   

Broadway Gifts and Disney Gift Guide

For the Broadway fanatic or Disney fiend in your life, refer to this gift guide for the musically-inclined and the young-at-heart.

1.  favorite mansion tee 

2.  movie poster cookie jar 
3.  curtain call Broadway costume poster
4.  Waitress pie pin
5.  Madame Leota earrings
6.  Hamilton face mask
7.  Geek Out Disney trivia game
8.  Hamilton Minnie ears
9.  Pirate's Revenge candle
10.  Heathers enamel pin
11.  Company welcome mat
12.  Disneyland 65th anniversary backpack
13.  The Disney Princess book
14.  Broadway Theater District map print 
15.  "Let's Travel the World" face mask 

2020 Quarantine Gift Ideas

This year has been a total dumpster fire... but at least these quarantine gift ideas, work from home gifts, and political gifts will help us end 2020 with a laugh (and a long-distance hug).

a.  The Comfy 
b.  long-distance touch bracelet set 
c.  Cuomo Christmas ornament
d.  social distancing mug 
e.  Working From Home With a Cat
f.  good neighbor face mask  
g.  Zoom meeting ornament
h.  faux fur slippers  
i.  Camp Quarantine sweatshirt
j.  The Great British Baking Show: Love to Bake  
k.  2020 review candle
l.  hand sanitizer ornament
m.  foldaway seat cushion 
n.  44 and 46 button set  
o.  work from home survival kit

Did you find some gift inspiration for the holidays? Let me know what you'd like to see for future gift guides and happy shopping!

I LIKE YOU A LATKE: Hadassah Cookbook Latke Recipe

 Happy Chanukkah, friends! I'm quickly popping in to share my mom's amazing latke recipe with you (which actually comes from Rochester's Hadassah Cookbook). I may be biased, but I really do think her latkes are the best – and they really aren't all that difficult to make! I'm not a recipe blogger, so I stuck to the basics. Let me know if you make these or if you need clarification! (By the way, here's a link to my latke sweatshirt!)

Ingredients

6-8 red potatoes
1 medium white onion
2 Tbsp sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Vegetable oil (corn oil)
Extra sour cream and applesauce for serving

Directions

Peel and grate your potatoes, either by hand or in a blender/food processor. Transfer your grated potatoes into a large bowl. You can drain or wring out the excess water, but (and this is a VERY controversial opinion) you don't necessarily need to. Add the sour cream to keep the potatoes from turning brown. Then, add eggs and mix together. Add onion, flour, salt, and pepper and mix well. Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a large skillet (or two) on medium-high heat. When the oil is heated, add your potato mixture in cookie-sized portions and fry. They do not need to be neat! If they're freeform, they'll get those crispy edges. Flip once the latkes are golden brown on one side (you may need to flip them a second time to get them extra crispy!). When the latkes are done frying, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel. Repeat this process until all the potato mixture has been used (makes around 30 latkes). Serve with sour cream, applesauce, sugar and cinnamon, or toppings of your choice and enjoy!

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Oh, Christmas Treats!

Now that December is here, it's time to start the holiday season festivities! Although our celebrations will look different this year, there's no reason why we can't enjoy treasured memories at home. I wanted to start off the season with something sweet – so I'm hosting a giveaway for a few holiday treats!

One (1) winner will receive the three prizes pictured above, which are:

- A cute Christmas mug

- Double chocolate hot cocoa mix

- Peppermint chocolate marshmallow dunkers

Giveaway Rules

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to the USA only and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. You must follow all entry requirements to be eligible. The winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email (so please make sure to include a valid email address and name so that I can match your blog post comment with your other entries). The winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted to claim their prizes and coordinate receipt. If no response is received, a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be announced via the widget. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway