You Had Me at Holidays... Landlocked Bride

Brit from Landlocked Bride recently got married herself, and she's here today to share some of her favorite winter passtimes that our hometown has to offer. Get cozy- she's got a list full of wonderful activities for couples looking to beat the winter blues.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the mercury gets low, I love to warm up by sitting inside watching a good Christmas movie, cuddling with my new husband, and drinking a big cup of delicious homemade hot cocoa (more on that shortly). BUT, I also love to take advantage of the romantic (and fun) activities St. Louis has to offer. Although most of them involve bundling up, you can use it as an excuse to snuggle up next to your honey.

Source

Steinberg Ice Rink is a local favorite. This outdoor ice rink is located in the history Forest Park, and has a little concession stand so you can grab a bite to eat, or get a cup of hot chocolate.

Shaw Park Ice Rink is another local fave - located in the heart of the Clayton / Brentwood area.

Santa's Magical Kingdom. Now, while this might be more of a hit with the kids, it is still a ton of fun to get a carload of friends together and check out the intricate Christmas light displays.

Source

Tilles Park. I've been driving through this park since I was a kid. What's even better is the fact that you can purchase tickets to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park to see the holiday light display. One I highly encourage you to take advantage of. It's worth every penny, and will give you the best excuse to cuddle up next to your sweetheart under a few blankets while you enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

And, my favorite thing? Hunting for a real Christmas tree. There happen to be several lots all over town, but my absolute favorite, is the Delta Gamma Shining Light Tree Lot. I may be biased (I was a Delta Gamma in college and worked this lot a million times over and still do), but they always have a wonderful selection of trees, wreaths, and garland. Plus, the proceeds benefit the Delta Gamma Center in St. Louis (one of only five in the country). After you purchase your tree, you can head home and enjoy some of this hot cocoa:

The Landlocked Bride's Homemade Hot Cocoa

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Marshmallows
• Hot water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly.

To Enjoy:

Fill your favorite cup or mug half full with the mixture and a few (or a lot of) marshmallows and pour in hot water. Stir to combine.

Keep the remainder of your mix in an airtight container.

Other local holiday attractions

• Way of Lights (at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville, IL)
• Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo
• Sledding on Art Hill

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Those of you who are in the St. Louis area have a lot of holiday and winter attractions to attend to... so you better get going! Just one more post for the YHMH guest posting event... come back tomorrow to check it out!