The festive season is here, and it might just be one of the hardest ones in terms of gift giving. This is primarily because a lot of people have been out of work this
year due to the pandemic, making buying gifts a little bit harder. Christmas might be harder to gift for, but it can still be a great one, you just
might have to take a little longer to consider what to buy first. These
tips can get you started with some alternative gifting ideas.
I love the Fourth of July holiday. There's just something about it. A palpable feeling in the air that summer has officially arrived and is here to stay, at least for a little while. This year out July 4th festivities will look a little differently than they have in the past, but they will definitely be about great food, including festive desserts.
Today, I'm sharing a few of my favorite (and easy) red, white, and blue desserts to celebrate the holiday.
In less than two weeks, you may have a house full of guests for the holidays. The holidays are a time to delight in spending time with friends and family. Not only are you playing host, but you also want to spend time catching up with your guests not just catering to them. With people coming and going from your home and last minute holiday prep, things will get pretty hectic very fast.
This is the time of year where early preparation is your best friend, and one of the easiest ways to do that is with food. Prepared, grab-and-go foods are great to have on hand for guests to pick from when they need a quick meal, an afternoon snack, or something to grab as they are heading out the door for a holiday concert or light show.
For me, breakfast seems to be the meal that's the hardest for me to pull off at-the-moment, so I like to prepare, in advance, a low carb, high protein treat that makes it welcoming for everyone to sit down and enjoy a meal to kick off the day. Eggs are an easy way to fuel for a busy day ahead. I like to cook and bake with Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs. Pete and Gerry's is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, sustainability, and to small-farming practices.
I love plaid. Unfortunately, the season for wearing it is a short one. I don't typically begin wearing it until after Thanksgiving, and once New Year's Day hits, I stop wearing most of my plaids. There are a few exceptions, such as a few flannel shirts and button downs, but for the most part, I put my plaids away (sadly) for another year.
Pumpkin season is here! Some of my may have waited all year for this, while others are turning their noses up at all things pumpkin. I fall somewhere between the two extremes. I love pumpkin-flavored desserts, but I'm not a big fan of artificially flavored pumpkin food items (pumpkin spice cereal, lattes, candy, etc). Big give me a home baked pumpkin pie, and I am all over it!
I've rounded up ten of my favorite pumpkin recipes to make this fall. Here they are, in no particular order.
Will you be entertaining guests this weekend or heading over to a friend's house to bid farewell to summer? Either way, you'll want to serve or take the cocktail that will become the talk of the party. I've got a few recipes to share today that feature Sparkling Ice, the naturally-made, zero sugar, zero calorie sparkling water brand. Sparkling Ice products make it super simple to make tasty cocktails that your guests will love!
Brace yourself. Valentine's Day is upon us. The grocery stores will soon be filled with red roses and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Although the Hubs and I don't exchange gifts, we do like to get the girls a small gift. The gifts are generally inexpensive (under $50/each) and are functional or at the very least fun.
If you're not into heart-themed items, there are plenty of cute items that are pink or red. I love this desk accessories set, and this hair straightener is super cute. If you want to give a decadent box of chocolates, this one is unique. And this glitter makeup bag is perfect for sleepovers.
It's been over 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. But his many famous words still ring true today. This may be a day off of work or school for many, but it's much more than that. As I go about my day today, I'll be remembering the many strides Dr. King made in civil rights and the many ways he defined leadership, compassion, and equality for everyone.
He was selfless in his pursuit for equality. He was passionate in his nonviolent activism. He was tenacious in his quest to end injustice.
Every year since they were able to write, my daughters have put together Christmas lists. They've been helpful to "Santa" as well as to family members looking for gift ideas. As the years have passed, the lists have evolved. They started out as short lists of scribbled misspelled words and have now become elaborate lists of printed photos and URLs since they now know who "Santa" is.
And I might add that as my girls have gotten older, the items on the wish lists have become fewer but more expensive. Gone are the days of the $20 art kits and $5.00 books. Now it's expensive electronics and brand name clothing.
For today's gift guide feature, I'm sharing what's on Harper's holiday wish list. It's short, sweet, and age-appropriate for an 12 year old.
With just a couple of weeks left in the year and just over a week to go
until Christmas day, a lot of us will be winding down for the holidays over
the coming days…at least in theory. Many of us (especially those in
the
gig economy) will be rushing to finish year-end work projects and holiday shopping and preparation before the holidays. Christmas
shopping these days is like a dress-rehearsal for the stage production of
Battle Royale.
In this backdrop of noise, movement, chaos, confusion and inevitable mess,
it’s important for all of us to afford ourselves a little time to come back to center.
To reorganize our minds and rise above the chaos and calamity. Here are
some ways I do exactly that:
Many of you have asked what I am hoping for this holiday season. I never really need anything, and I generally buy myself something that I want, but I do like to give my family a few hints as to items that would be nice but not necessary to have. So, here are 6 things on my list this year.
This time of year, I admittedly go a little overboard with the plaid. I wear it. I decorate with it. I dream about it. The thing is...can you ever really have too much plaid in your life? Um, no. So, if you aren't convinced that plaid is the greatest print ever, here are a few of my favorite plaid items to help convince you. And many of these would make great gifts too!
Ah, Christmas time. A time of food indulgence, sparkling decorations, and
festive outfits and celebrations. But above all, Christmas is a time of gift giving and receiving. We take pride in choosing the perfect gift for everyone on our list. And they'll take pride in choosing the ideal gift for you. As you begin to
unwrap, you might have to put on a brave face when you receive something
that doesn't entirely suit you. It happens, and there's no reason to feel guilty about not liking a present you've been gifted. But rather than allow the unwanted gifts to accumulate in your home, there are ways to deal with the gifts.
Let's agree. Dessert is pretty much the best part of any meal, especially Thanksgiving. Pies, pies, pies! Yes, please. But if you are looking to switch things up a bit this year when it comes to Thanksgiving dessert, why not try an apple cider float? They are especially fun for the kids, are easy to make, and don't require a ton of ingredients or a long baking time.
The holidays are quickly approaching. One of my entertaining must-dos is to have a signature cocktail that I serve at our gatherings. It takes the pressure off of you to be mixing up all sorts of custom-made cocktails all night long and gives you more time to mingle with and enjoy your guests and your party. Here are two of my favorites.
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. While the Hubs and I do not exchange gifts (we never have), I always like to treat myself to something fun. Whether it's a pampering session at a local spa, a new pair of cozy pajamas, or an indulgent candle, treat yourself this Valentine's Day with one of these fabulous items.
Every New Year's Eve celebration we host always includes a little bubbly. I mean, it wouldn't be NYE without some sparkling wine. My go to is Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore. This year in addition to serving the prosecco straight from the bottle, I'll be mixing up two delicious cocktails for those who want an added twist to their prosecco. And if you've got some leftover prosecco to use for mimosas the next morning, here's a little trick for re-carbonating it.
The countdown is on! With only 10 days until Christmas Day, it's time to think fast and be prepared. If you've been busy, no problem. If you've procrastinated, I've got you covered. Have no fear. I've got five easy and inexpensive last minute gift ideas that will save you right here.
1. A Bottle of Wente® Vineyards Wine
You can never go wrong with a bottle of wine. Although it may seem like an unoriginal gift, a bottle of wine never goes to waste. I was introduced to Wente Vineyards last year, and I've happily been drinking the wine ever since. Wente produces a great bottle of wine that tastes expensive but isn't. Most bottles are under $30, with the chardonnay coming in at under $24.
Wrap a bottle of Wente Vineyards wine in a pretty package, and you've got the perfect gift that any recipient will love.
2. A Favorite Book
Everyone loves a good book even if the recipient isn't an avid reader. If she's a foodie, get her a cookbook. If you've got a traveler on your list, get them a book about a favorite destination. Coffee table books are insanely popular and serve as great conversation pieces at parties. A little light reading goes great with wine too!
3. A Monthly Subscription
What I love about monthly subscription boxes is that there are so many options these days. From fashion to beauty to books to food, you can find anything for anyone. I bought my husband monthly subscription to a sock box, and he loves it. He looks forward to his package every month. It's the gift that keeps on giving, and the recipient will think of you each month when her package arrives.
Whether you go with wine, a book, or a subscription box, these last minute gifts are easy to find, inexpensive, and are fun to give!
The holidays are a time filled with joyous occasions such as parties, elaborate dinners, festive gatherings, and more. During this time, it's easy to go overboard on food and cocktails as well as become more relaxed about our exercise routines. It's difficult to keep it all in check while still enjoying yourself so you don't feel completely deprived.
But it's not completely impossible. The holidays can be exciting without being stressful. Here are a few of the ways I stay on track during the holidays while still enjoying a fabulous meal, a festive cocktail, and a fun dessert.
There's something about the holiday season that makes me want to surround myself in plaid. From clothing and accessories to household items like mugs and blankets, give me all the plaid. This time of year, the classic tartan plaid is most popular. I've selected a few of my favorite tartan plaid items that can work right now and well beyond the holidays.
