All posts filed under: Christmas

Culture: Who’s Your Celebrity In-Character Crush

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I thought about this topic a few days ago, when I decided to watch ‘You’ve Got Mail’, (for the millionth time) to help me get out of the funk I was in, and also to do character study for my novel. And it did, giggling, tearing up, beaming, and feeling over the moon about the idea of two people, who cross paths on a daily basis, end up falling in-love in the most peculiar of way, over the internet/and kind of in person. Realizing the influence of certain actors in character have over us. Who’s your celebrity-in character crush?  {featured image source}

Food: Holiday Series – Thanksgiving Main Course

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I am not a fan of Turkey, never have been and I doubt I’ll ever be. So this year, while searching for a main dish recipe I can live with, I stumbled upon this one, while reading an article on ‘how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving.’  And guess what? We are having A butternut Squash Vegducken! INGREDIENTS 1 cup pecans 1 (7 1/2″-long) zucchini 1 (9 1/2″-long) globe eggplant 1 (11 1/2″-long) butternut squash 2 scallions 2 garlic cloves, divided 1 shallot, coarsely chopped 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 9 sprigs thyme, divided 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 large eggs 1 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 cup fine plain breadcrumbs 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley, divided Kosher salt 2 tablespoons mint, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Special equipment: Kitchen twine  {follow recipe here} And in case you are curious about the sustainable Thanksgiving suggestions, I have included the article here.    {featured image credit}

Inspired By the English Countryside

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This morning while commuting to work, bits of the film The Holiday came to mind. Particularly the English cottage where one side of the story took place. Followed by the eclectic decor of course, and then how wonderful the connection between Cameron Diaz and Jude Law’s characters were, sparkly eyes, and bright smiles, make the perfect holiday film, don’t you think? Add Cameron’s/her character’s fashion sense, and basically it is a well rounded and my favorite modern holiday film  I happen to watch every year. So you can imagine me wanting to share these beauties, and my desire to simply hibernate for the entire month of December or maybe trade places with someone itching to hang out in San Francisco. Any takers? So, here are my questions?  Have you seen the film The Holiday?  Which side of the story do you relate to?  If you had the chance to trade places, what part of the world would you consider?  Is the fact,  we are near completing the first week of November freaking you out?  I’m …

Holiday Series: What To Bring to the Office Party

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Rrrrright about now, companies are planning their annual office party, where employees sign up for what to bring to the pot luck. Or, a group of co-workers and friends organize a house party – where they provide the alcohol, if you bring the snacks and appetizers. In case, you have run out of ideas, or the idea of running to the grocery store to stock up on pre-packaged goodies is no longer considered cool, then here are some ideas to consider. {Click on image to the recipes} {featured image source}

Holiday Series: Gift Ideas For the Traveler

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That would be me – the traveler, so I figured I’d kick off my holiday gift idea series with some ideal gifts for the traveler in your life or the ones you are trying to introduce the idea to – that travelling is probably one of the best experience any human can have in their lifetime and a lifetime spent not travelling – is a life not lived well. 🙂 {featured image and source}

Holiday Series: Easy Holiday Cheese Board

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The easiest spread on any pre-dinner table is a cheese board and lots of bottles of wine and kiddy drinks of course- that’s all I’m saying. INGREDIENTS 3-4 cheese wedges such as brie, goat cheese, Merlot, and blue cheese 6-8 cups Chex Party Mix mixed olives assorted meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni assorted fruit, such as pomegranate, pears, citrus, and persimmons assorted veggies, such as marinated artichokes, and pickles spreads, such as honey, fig preserves, and jams {more}   Best Cocktails for 2018, Best Wines for 2018, Kid non-alcoholic drinks for 2018  

Christmas Morning Breakfast – Cinnamon Swirled Baked French Toast

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Oh the smell of cinnamon on Christmas morning is one I am more than certain everyone around the wold appreciates and since naturally that is the way to go in our household, I plan to make this amazing treat for the family: INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup real maple syrup 1/2 cup brown sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted 8 large eggs beaten 2 1/2 cups whole milk 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1/4 inch slices 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 jar (10 ounces) raspberry preserves {more}

What All The Quiet Is About…

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On this 22nd day of December, I woke up particularly early, barely passed midnight, from all the thinking I’ve been doing throughout the week, and apparently well into the night, last night. My subconscious forcing me to open my eyes and continue to ponder over ways to improve, at the very least, the quality of my life, and make changes in 2018 that will get me on the right track. That’s what all the silence on this blog has been about, me thinking, past the gift giving, the clothes, the decor, and all things travel and focus on what is important – family, love, faith and good old-fashioned approach to happiness.  And I wish you all the same. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays: