Month: November 2017

Holidays: Chocolate Ginger Cookies For The Office Party or Just Because

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it’s always fun to contribute to the office holiday party – where everyone is tasked with bringing something, and like me, I normally volunteer for dessert. This year, I want to wow the crowd, and decided to skip the normal and go with something like this recipe for chocolate ginger cookies: INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 sticks salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 large egg 1/3 cup molasses 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt coarse sugar, for rolling 8 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate, melted {more}

Just for Fun Adult Stocking Stuffers

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A year ago, I received my first Christmas stocking – stuffed with goodies. That is since I was I think eleven. And I couldn’t be more overjoyed to reach into the stocking and pull out a couple of very thoughtful gifts. So, basically, what I am here to tell you, is that stocking gifts are pretty cool even at any age. So if you haven’t consider it for your grown-up family members, then please be sure to pick up one and get busy stuffing them with these cool ideas: Unique stocking stuffers More suggestions My favorites –

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean Stew

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This recipe is a variation of one my mother makes and I have to say, all the years I’ve devoured her style of recipe, I never once considered adding beef to it. So, for tonight, I am making this version: INGREDIENTS 2 pounds beef chuck, fat trimmed and cubed 1 sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 4 carrots, chopped 1/2 pound mixed baby potatoes, halved 3-4 jarred hot chili peppers in oil roughly, chopped (I buy Delallo Brand) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder (gf option) kosher salt and black pepper 2 cups low sodium beef broth 2 cups red wine 1/3 cup tomato paste 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 can (14 ounce) white beans, drained 2 cups winter greens, such as char kale or spinach

Travel: Best American Christmas Towns

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You know how some of us Americans flock to Europe for Christmas or prior to the holiday to get a glimpse of how each country and town decorates or even for ornament shopping. Well, apparently we have the same going on in the states, just in case – a trip over the pond is out of the question. Errr…better yet, dear tourists – here’s a list of the best American Christmas towns to visit on your way to the top three destinations in the U.S. (New York, Florida and California) 🙂

Lifestyle: Consider These Eye-Opening Suggestions

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The end to the year is only 32 days away. Sorry, did I scare you?  And outside of the decoration, and hunt for that perfect Christmas gift, or dinner parties and such, we need to think about how to proceed in the next coming year. I know for me 2017 was probably the most challenging year and I would love to move into 2018 with the best attitude and approach to positive living. So, I’ve been reading this and that, and figured I should share, in case you aim to make some pretty constructive changes or adjustments to your life:

Decor: Simple Kitchen Changes To Refresh For That Holiday Party You’re Hosting

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So it’s your turn – is it? For that family, or friends get-together in your humble home. But after agreeing you realize – oh s**** the kitchen, and you either wish you could re-route the party to someone else’s home or find ways to spruce it up just in time for that amazing party you plan to throw. Here are some suggestions I found to be simply gorgeous and pretty lasting: And here’s the bonus to this article – how to throw a dinner party like the French – might be the best idea yet. Especially for this girl who is all things French at heart:

Stress-Relief Gift Ideas

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I don’t know anyone that isn’t stressed out, even more so this year. And to be frank with you, as a result of it, some of us are having a difficult time accepting the fact, the holiday season is upon us. So, although I consider gifting myself with the suggestions from the list, I am also sharing with all of you who know at least someone or two or three in need of these stress-relief gifts:

Travel: Airfare Deals and Where To Go

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First order of business: Mark your calendar to wake up very early this Monday, which is also known as  Cyber Monday – and get yourself the best of airfare deals. And then consider Canada – according to Condé Nast Traveller – there are 16 reasons to visit Canada in the winter Or book one of these beautiful Ski Resort as a romantic destination Or plan a trip for the near future – to a travel place that won’t break your bank. Here’s seven just in case you favor lots of choices And last, if you are getting married in 2018, then buy an around the world ticket to search for that perfect outdoor space