Elaborate place settings at formal events like a wedding can be daunting. If you can't decide if the bread plate you should eat from is on your left or right, then check out the handy cheat sheet illustration above.
Image above by me featuring Villeroy & Boch New Wave Premium Platinum.
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Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable Easter gift box file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes one Easter pillow box designed by me and featuring a vintage card. Great for filling with candy or other surprises for an Easter basket.
Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter. After I printed copies of the boxes at home, I added a hint of white glitter to the bunny ears.
Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.
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As a new year begins, I am counting my blessings. And you, dear friends, are just the ones who make my days so sweet. Happy New Year!
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
~Robert Burns
("Counting My Blessings art above by me, Chris Olson.)
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The big New Year's Eve holiday weekend is here--party food, party drinks, party clothes... But first, sit back and relax because as my kids remind me, today is Casual Friday.
Happy New Year, friends! And this weekend be SAFE, be SMART.
(Instagram photo by me.)
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New Year's Eve requires finding the perfect outfit. I have been cleaning out the closets and found this one for my Yorkie. The other two pups ran from the room before I could find something glam for them.
(Instagram photo by me, Chris Olson)
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Blogger Michelle Palm started her Jelly Shot Test Kitchen blog in 2009 after perfecting the recipes for grown-up gelatin treats such as Champagne Cocktails, Cosmopolitans, Tequila Sunrises, Pink Squirrels, Mojitos, Gimlets, and Chocolate Martinis. Palm's book Jelly Shot Test Kitchen: Jell-ing Classic Cocktails-One Drink at a Time is a perfect recipe book for New Year's Eve party planning. It includes more than 60 recipes for "boozy delights." You can try out many of her recipes here. One of my faves is the Cosmopolitan Jelly Shot Recipe. If you want to make the jelly shot recipes for a party, they need to set several hours before serving.
Here are just a few of the many treats from her book showcasing her gorgeous jelly jewels.
Melon Ball Jelly Shot
Continue reading "New Year's Eve: Jell-ing Classic Cocktails for Party Drinks" »
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May the warmth and glow
of each candle you light
make your heart and home happy
and Hanukkah bright.
To my friends celebrating the Festival of Lights: Happy Hanukkah!
(Menorah art by me, Chris Olson.)
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Listiening to great music always boosts my mood. Here are my picks for the best albums for wrapping Christmas presents:
And if you are tired of Christmas albums here are a few alternatives that will rock your wrapping.
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Completely avoiding all stress triggers during the holidays is an unrealistic goal that might end up making you feel more tense. Instead try one of these eight simple ways to feel better fast when stress levels build.
1. Take a short stress break and laugh – watch, read or listen to something funny
2. Forget about being the super hero – stop juggling and try focusing on one activity at a time or find a way to collaborate with others such as a joining a babysitting co-op to free up some time
3. Slow down and "meditate on the go"– Build your mind-body connection by practicing slowly breathing in and out or even talking more slowly than normal
4. Simplify your to-do list – for starters examine your list and check one thing off and do it now
5. Skip the afternoon caffeine and instead take a brisk walk outside to boost your energy
6. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
7. Avoid slumping at your desk – set a timer on your laptop and every 30 minutes do a posture check.
8. Build in a daily or weekly "mini escape" from the holiday rush – immerse yourself in something relaxing like a soak in the tub with bath products containing rosemary or eucalyptus or indulge in some aquatic therapy in a pool with sunlight streaming in a few windows
For more information on stress reducers:
Photo by me, Chris Olson
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For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am thankful for all of you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
(Photos by me, Chris Olson)
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The new Cartolina Postale iPhone app is a visually beautiful iPhone app that turns screen eye candy into glossy postcards.
Here's the fun part, browse through the lovely design templates (32 styles to choose from) included in the iPhone app. Select the design you like and your customize card by adding your own photograph. The app is free, the fee for printing and mailing one one card is $1.99–a nice price for a custom card that is mailed in the U.S. (To have it mailed anywhere in the world the price is $2.99) The 4x6 cards are printed for you on glossy, heavyweight card stock and mailed directly from the app to anywhere in the world. Delivery times are about 3-7 days in the U.S.
For more information, Cartolina Postale iPhone app.
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Need to scare up some fun and easy ideas for Halloween parties and decor? Check out these links:
Photo by the fabulous photographer D Sharon Pruitt!
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No pressure, but did you realize there's only two months (60 days!) until Christmas Eve. Now's a great time to stock up on Pink gifts and support the fight against breast cancer at the same time. Check out this list of 19 Pink gifts via Oprah.com.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on breast cancer and early detection, check out National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The The Power of Pink gift ideas:
Photos: Power of Pink via Oprah.com
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups
Photo: D Sharon Pruitt
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I love this mini pumpkin plant arrangement given to me by a dear friend and neighbor. Best of all, you can dry the pumpkins on the stems by removing the leaves and then preserve them for fall decor.
Evidently this plant is edible too (chop and toss into stir fry). Check in later for details.
(Photos by me, Chris Olson.)
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House 8810 online store has loads of fun Halloween goodies. Check out two of my faves below:
Halloween towels
Halloween masks
Photos: House 8810
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This cute and spooky hand-painted burlap banner is guaranteed to add plenty of sparkle to your Halloween decor. Created by Brandy and available for $16.99 at her Etsy store baybeedahlboutique. Her store includes more banners. I also love the banner that says "Halloween." Perfect to hang on a front porch or across a dining room for a party!
Notes:
Photo: baybeedahlboutique
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I love this drawing by my daughter. She makes gel pen drawings look amazing!
Doodle by K.C.
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My doodle today is dedicated to my dad on his birthday. A bit of nostalgia, this doodle features my brothers and me at a local ski area back when tow ropes and lace-up ski boots were the thing.
One of my fondest memories from my childhood in Minnesota was going skiing almost daily from December through March at the ski hill conveniently located about 2 blocks from my house. As soon as I jumped off the school bus after school, I would grab my ski boots and skis and head to the slopes. I think a season pass at the ski hill back then only cost about $25. When my family moved from Indiana to Minnesota I was nearly five. The only thing that made the move tolerable was the promise of lots of snow. I admit I was a bit disappointed the first year because as a kindergartner I imagined the Minnesota snowdrifts would be higher than my house and instead the drifts were only hip high. The snowfall the first year was below average. However, each year that followed we had more than enough of the white stuff to ski–and shovel!
Doodle by me, Chris Olson. (You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.)
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Gorgeous holiday video from papercut artist & Chronicle author Rob Ryan. Watch it below.
Seasons Greetings from Rob Ryan from MR. ROBERT RYAN on Vimeo.
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O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!
For ev’ry year the Christmas penguin,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!
(Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.)
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My blog post today is part of Blog for Digs--a great charity blogging event for the non-profit Dwell with Dignity. This non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers is dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty". Learn how you can help make a difference, click here.
My childhood bedroom was...
If I close my eyes and imagine playing on the floor with my dolls in my childhood bedroom, I can almost feel the warm summer breeze coming in through the windows, hear the crickets chirping in the meadow grass outside and taste the sugar cookies baking in the always busy kitchen oven. I loved looking outside and my windows were a favorite feature of my tiny corner room. In the winter I would fall asleep warm and cozy under my pillowy comforter while listening to the snow machines rumbling as they magically blew man-made snow across the runs at the ski resort down the street.
Although my super organized parents might disagree, my childhood bedroom was very neat. Every toy, gadget, and doll had a special box, shelf, or drawer to call home. On one wall my parents added shelves to create a large dollhouse. In my closet they built another shelving system to house my other toys. My desk, my bed, my dresser and my chair were all antiques passed down through the generations. As a child I always wanted a bean bag chair, but when I grew up I realized the beauty of restored wood and handsewn cushions.
I will always be grateful that my parents neatly boxed up and saved many of my toys when I went to college. Here are just a few of my favorite childhood things that I photographed in my studio yesterday:
More childhood bedroom posts to come!
Sending special MOMMY HUGS to Claudia and Beth who organized this event and, of course, to everyone at Dwell with Dignity.
If you can, please donate so that we can help create special memories for some great and deserving children.
A talented group of bloggers will post about their childhood bedrooms and one decor item they wished they had. Claudia's Blog for Digs schedule over at StoneHouseLove features a few bloggers for each day.
Passing the blogger keyboard over to blogger Emily at Notorious MLE. She will be posting her stories about childhood bedrooms tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all of the posts of blog for digs over the next few weeks. You can see the entire schedule for bloggers here.
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Some types of "people food" can be toxic to your dog. I know it's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Especially during the holidays. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even healthy foods such as grapes or raisins--can harm or kill your pet.
We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill from greasy foods. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. See my list below for foods to avoid. Plus, for more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.
Common signs of poisoning include:
Foods to avoid
For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Here's a quick overview of just a few people foods dogs and other pets should not eat according to the ASPCA.
Plants to avoid
Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA: 17 Common Poisonous Plants
Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:
Illustration by me, Chris Olson.
Photo image by digital_image_fan
(You might notice that a version of this post is familiar, you can read it also here.)
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You can design personalized cards for the holidays at one of my faves, Tiny Prints. New card designs by artists around the globe are added to the store so you can make a unique card that fits your style. Be sure to check out the special promos featured on their website.
Today TinyPrints offers a special shopping promo via Jill's Steals and Deals featured on the TODAY Show:
Tiny Prints Celebrity Holiday Card Promotion offers 10 Celebrity Ornament Cards for $5!
Here's how to take advantage of the promo:
- Go to the Tiny Prints Celebrity Holiday Card Promo link.
- Click on the type of card you want, and then follow the directions carefully to personalize your card.
- Enter the promo card at check out. Code: TODAYCARDS. Code expires at 9:00 am (PT) tomorrow (12/18/10)
Tiny Prints offers other special holiday promos on their website too including today's promo: 10% off holiday cards and invites.
NOTE to my readers: I feature unique products I like on my blog. I do not receive compensation for featuring these products.
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Believing is not just for children. I think my dog senses a little Christmas magic in the cold winter air on our evening walks. We have lots of mule deer in my neighborhood, but on the night I took this photo my pup was certain he had discovered tracks from Santa's reindeer on the hillside.
Friday, Dec. 10, is National Believe Day. As part of Macy's Believe campaign, children can mail letters to Santa using the Santa Mail Letterbox - $1 for each letter is donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million.
You can celebrate the spirit of generosity and goodwill and spread the holiday season's message of joy and kindheartedness toward all. Locate a Santa Mail Letterbox here.
(I took this photo when the fresh snow had a lovely blue color under the evening sky. Photo doodle by me, Chris Olson. A 5x7 fine art print of photo is available at my Etsy store: Luna Blue Studio.)
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Last week the NIH announced a major advancement in HIV prevention research: A daily pill that treats HIV also apprears to help prevent HIV infection. A new vaginal gel shows promise in preventing HIV infection in women.
Research studies like this are key to helping save lives. Approximately 2.6 million people each year become infected with HIV worldwide. 56,000 become infected each year in the U.S. Today is World AIDS Day 2010 and the perfect time to be part of the cure.
Blog Red
Bloggers and Tweeters check out (BLOG) RED to find out how you can turn the World (RED) here. You can turn your profile picture red too.
Tweeting ideas from (BLOG) RED:
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day @joinred fact: 430,000 babies born with HIV last yr. By 2015 that could be 0. #turnred www.joinred.com
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Tell the world that an AIDS Free Generation is due in 2015. #turnred to map it. @joinred www.joinred.com
Tweet #turnred & turn this map of the world (RED). Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Join @joinred www.joinred.com
Buy Red
When you buy (PRODUCT)RED™ items, up to 50% of the profits go directly to those who need it. Some of the (PRODUCT) RED Partners include American Express, Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, GAP, Hallmark, NIKE, Penguin Classics, and Starbucks. Product Red Partners support the global fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Here are just a few examples of how the Partners are helping:
NIKE: 100% of the profits from every pair of Nike RED laces you buy go to help fight AIDS in Africa.
GAP: 50% of profits from the sale of all (GAP)RED (GAP)RED products go to help eliminate AIDS in Africa
APPLE: Buy the Apple (PRODUCT)RED™ iPod nano and Apple donates portion of the purchase price to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
STARBUCKS: The (STARBUCKS)RED Ceramic To-Go Cup contributes $1US/L3/E3 from the sale of each Cup to the Global Fund. (STARBUCKS)RED Jonathan Adler Card. The (STARBUCKS) RED Card generates 5c/5p for the Global Fund every time it is used.
Many more companies are involved in Buy (Red). Check out the link to see the many other companies are involved in BUY(RED).
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If you have a slinky LBD you want to wear at a holiday party you probably want to avoid that dreaded bloated feeling. Nutritionist Joy Bauer on the TODAY Show offers four foods and drinks you should cut back on one to two days before the party.
1) Starch in carbs including bread, pasta, potatoes
2) Gas producing veggies including broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes
3) Carbonated beverages
4) Sodium in salty foods
Drinking lots of plain water during the holidays will help keep you hydrated and looking svelte.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.
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Garrison Keillor's stories are both eloquent and heartwarming. I have listened to Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion radio show from St. Paul on Saturday evening for decades. This month in Real Simple Keillor writes about saying grace at Thanksgiving: "Although you must all resume toting the barge and lifting the bale tomorrow, it’s inspiring to hear 15 people find harmony around the Thanksgiving table. And it sets a tone. No crying in the cranberries. Lighten up. It could, as we say, be worse."
Here is the prayer Keillor has painted on the dining-room wall above the mantel in his home.
O Lord, we thank Thee for this food,
For every blessing, every good.
For earthly sustenance and love
Bestowed on us from heaven above.
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
Thy children bless and grant that we
May feast in paradise with Thee.
No matter how big or small your gathering this Thanksgiving, join hands around the table with my family and sing this prayer. You can try any tune you like, Keillor suggests the doxology. And don't stop singing together after the prayer. As Keillor writes:
If it sounds good, we might segue into “America the Beautiful” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” And toss in the hymn “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,” sung to the tune of “Hernando’s Hideaway.” It isn’t a party unless you sing a few songs.
Sending warmest mommy hugs to my family and friends. God bless you all. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.
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Warmest wishes to all of you on this holiday weekend. The following story is a chapter from my novel I recently finished thanks to my fabulous instructor at MediaBistro.com and my wonderful classmates.
Thanksgiving dinner and the white plates
“Did you remember to call Mom yesterday?” my brother Tony asks over heaping portions of comfort food at the Atwood Cafe. “It was her sixty-fifth birthday.”
I stir my golden corn niblets into a pair of mashed potato domes.
“You can’t just pick up the phone and call her,” I say.
“Why not? Mom only had a stroke, not a lobotomy.”
“But she can’t talk. Why call her?”
“Because Mom still likes to hear your voice.”
My brother leans back, tipping his chair so far I grab him and blurt out, “You're going to crack your head open.”
As soon as I say it, we both know it. That’s exactly what Mom would tell Tony too.
“You sound just like Mom,” he laughs still leaning back.
“A curse.”
“Well, if it is, then this curse of yours is definitely a good thing.”
• • •
When I step outside the Atwood Cafe, I start to cry. I never used to cry in public. Before my daughter Betsy was born five years ago and I went on estrogen overload, I was in control of my emotions.
I dip my chin deep into my scratchy wool scarf to hide my tears as I walk down Michigan Avenue. I feel like my sister. She’s the emotional wreck in my family with overflowing laundry baskets, a chronically broken washing machine, a pot roast burning in the oven, and three kids holding her hostage in her own home. Read More
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.
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It is so simple. Give a gift to someone who has very little. Share the love of the holiday season by packing a shoebox with toys, school supplies, personal hygiene items, and a note from you. You can show you care thanks to Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child.
This week, November 15 - 22, is Operation Christmas Child's national collection week. Shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child will be collected for distribution to more than eight million needy children internationally. Detailed instructions for participating at Operation Christmas Child. Nearby drop-off locations listed here.
Share this project with a friend and pack two boxes.
Note: I think it is always a good idea to check the details of a charity before donating. According to the online charity evaluator, Charity Navigator, Samaritan's Purse and their program Operation Christmas Child receives a 4-star rating out of 4 stars.
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Although the colonists in Williamsburg did not celebrate Halloween and cut jack-o-lanterns, the sweet and flavorful pumpkins and pumpkin seeds were an important staple in North America feeding both people and livestock during that time. Native Americans taught the first settlers how to prepare the pumpkins for eating. According to the The Colonial Williamsburg Official History Site, Peter Kalm wrote in 1749:
"The Indians, in order to preserve the pumpkins for a very long time, cut them in long slices which they fasten or twist together and dry either in the sun or by the fire in a room. When they are thus dried, they will keep for years, and when boiled they taste very well. The Indians prepare them thus at home and on their journeys."
In the 1970's farmers began growing large sturdy pumpkin hybrids with a thick stem that made these new pumpkins ideal for carving and not eating.
To carve a colonial pumpkin, check out these Colonial Williamsburg patterns.
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Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt
Directions:
Recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups
Photo: Jenib320
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"When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween."
~Author Unknown
(Photo: E. Olson)
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"On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys to all the children." --Linus
Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.
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Shopping around for the best deals online is one way to find discounted holiday flights. Even better, why not put the web to work for you for free! Get the help of a "personal shopper" when you sign up for the fare alerts from the airlines or an airfare alert service. Recently I wrote the post about finding deals on hotels, airfare, rental cars in "Six ways to save big on your next trip." You can use many of the same online services plus some additional options, just check out my list below.
Find cheap flights online:
FareCompare offers an e-mail fare alert service, an iPhone app, and a Twitter feed to notify you of deals.
Airfarewatchdog.com tracks low airfares to hundreds of cities worldwide. Some of my favorite features include the scoop on hidden sales, emailed news alerts for your location, top 50 low fares, and message boards. You can also follow them on Twitter and on Facebook.
Yapta.com offers two ways to save: Track flight prices BEFORE you buy. Yapta email alerts let you know when prices drop and when to buy to save money on airfare. The second way Yapta helps you save is by helping you get airline refunds AFTER you buy. If the price of your flight drops below what you paid, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference. Follow them on Twitter.
Expedia offers a fare alert application for your computer and an iPhone app. Expedia also lets you book the plane tickets (no booking fees).
Travelocity's FareWatcher Plus service will watch up to 10 destinations and notify you about any deals. You can also book the plane tickets.
Travelzoo.com is a travel search engine that sends you weekly emails to help you find the best deals on airfare. Follow them on Twitter.
KAYAK.com is a travel search engine like Travelzoo.com. It searches online for the best deals on flights. They have a smartphone app. Follow them on Twitter.
Southwest Airlines is known for offering discounted fares. Now with the "iPhone app Plus with DING!" you’ll be notified immediately of discount flights. (With the app you can also make reservations, check in for flights, and access your Rapid Rewards account directly from your iPhone.)
For more information on finding holiday airfare deals, check out
Photo: Kossy@Finedays
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Macaroons are a classic French dessert. The first macaroons were an egg white and almond paste variety called almond meringues. The crisp crust and soft interior reminds me of the fabulous amaretti cookies so delicious with a latte.
Popular for the observation of Passover because they need no flour or leavening, the Italian Jews developed the coconut macaroons.
Recipe links:
Parisian Macaroons @ Martha Stewart
Coconut Macaroons II @ All Recipes
(Photo: Mezuni via Flickr)
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This cheerful Hippity Hop Bunny Dots basket is perfect for toddlers to gather eggs. Or fill it with decorated eggs--the perfect addition to a springtime dinner table. Fanciful citrus shades celebrate the season on this fully-lined Easter basket by Sew Gracious on Etsy.
Each handmade basket is unique. Dimensions: 8" wide at the bottom, 6" deep, 6" tall at the highest point; excluding handles. ($18)
(Photo: SewGracious)
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Budgets are tighter this Valentine's Day and just like the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. Jewelry, fancy bouquets, and chocolates have been the staple of Valentine's Day spending for decades. But this year more people are shopping for more practical gifts. Does that mean your bouquet of red roses will be a bouquet of tulips?
The average American consumer is expected to spend $103 on Valentine's Day this year according the NRF in a report in Current.com. Sounds like a lot to me, but in 2008 consumers on average spent $20 more.
I love the fact that Valentine's Day falls on a three-day weekend this year. A perfect time for travel and dining out. But the timing is not so good for the flower industry, which is often closed on Sunday.
Why do women love Cupid's day so much? Could be the fact that men do the bulk of the Valentine shopping. The NRF says men spend twice as much as women on gifts.
The day of hearts is special for our other sweethearts too. Researchers found that even though couples are planning to spend less on each other this year, they are spending more on their pets, friends, and co-workers.
(photo: Claudia - Assad)
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Everything sounds so much sweeter en francais.
(Image above © Chris Olson)
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Sunday. A day all about love. And big expectations. Dreams of romance. A day full of promise. Full of hope.
It comes every year--whether you like it or not. It can be confusing. And complicated. The same questions every year... What to do? What to say? What to give?
So, what are you giving your sweetie?
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When the clock strikes midnight, join me in singing the song translated here into the English version. (Scottish version printed second.)
(photo above by jsorbieus.)
Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine†;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Original Scottish version:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot,
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. For more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.
For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Here's a quick overview of foods pets should not eat according to the TODAY show:
Avocados
Beer
Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
Chocolate
Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
Caffeine
Grapes or Raisins
Onions
Human Medicine
Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA--17 Common Poisonous Plants
Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:
Lilies
Marijuana
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocus
Chrysanthemum
English Ivy
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Pothos
Schefflera
(illustration by Chris Olson and photo image by digital_image_fan)
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The inexpensive homemade version is a great gift idea too. The candy recipe only has four ingredients:
If you don't want to make the peppermint bark at home, check out the yummy Williams-Sonoma Original Peppermint Bark ($26.50 for a one-pound tin).
You can watch a short how-to video on making the peppermint candy on The TODAY Show. below. (Note: The TODAY Show clip starts out talking about cookie swaps with homemade gingerbread and then the next item they discuss is the peppermint bark.)
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Do you have fussy eaters at your house? Cooking for kids is always better if the kids join you in the kitchen.
At my house, if I want the cooking project to be a success, then the kids need to be in charge. And grown-ups need to chill. Don't worry about the mess while the kids cook, as long as all of the cooks agree to help with the clean up afterwards.
I love to hear about families cooking together. For example, Sisters Belle (13) and Liv (11) started cooking with their dad when they were only two. They started the Spatulatta: Cooking 4 Kids Online series in 2005 and won the prestigious James Beard award in 2006.
Watch Belle make a yummy Bread Pudding recipe in this video link featured on their cooking for kids website. The complete recipe is on this link too.
Bread pudding is a great way to use up leftover French bread.
(Note: Lovely bread pudding photo at the top of this post is by WayTru.)
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I love finding a bargain. But I hate running from store to store to find the best deal. Now you can use your iPhone to find the best deals on a specific product at nearby stores with the free TheFind.com iPhone app.
In my testing, I was able to quickly type in the product name (or even the approximate name) and the app gave me a list of possible options with store locations and prices.
So easy. Plus the TheFind has a great desktop platform that works well with the app to help you comparison shop--even locate coupons and product reviews.
TheFind features
Happy shopping!
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Luminous. Dreamy. Fabulous. That's my take on the lovely Dew Drop Moonstone ring by OneGarnetGirl at her shop on Etsy. Ring features a 10mm (slightly less than 1/2 inch) white moonstone cabochon and bezel set in a sterling band. Available in size 6.5. $74.00.
Etsy is the place to find wonderful handmade items.
(image by onegarnetgirl on Etsy)
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Looking for food ideas that will please both young and old party guests? Check out these kid-friendly recipe ideas from Oprah:
(image by ajagendorf25)
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