HOLIDAY
Women often get a bad rap for being high maintenance or difficult to shop for, but if our boyfriends (especially mine) are any indication, men can be just as picky when it comes to gifts. Luckily you don't have to wander around the men's department at Bloomingdale's for 6 hours trying to find the perfect gift, because we have a thorough list of items your man will love. And, no, it doesn't involve giftcards or cologne!
Beer/Wine of the Month Club Membership
Let's face it, weight gain can be absolutely exhausting, especially around the holidays. Deliciously satisfying, but exhausting! The unfortunate end result is always the same, rather than thinking of how much fun you had, you obsess over the new filler renting space on your stomach and thighs. Nine times out of ten, the meal itself isn’t too bad for you, as long as you steer clear (Ok, a taste won’t hurt) of the fatty appetizers and side dishes. With that being said, it is safe to say dessert is the point of contention for most. Dessert options are always the same, between fat grams, too much sugar, carbohydrates, and of course, fruit. Even though you know you should opt for the fruit, some meals demand a sweeter finale.
Everything she needs to MacGyver her way out of any fashion emergency: fashion tape, deodorant removing sponge, lint removing sheets, sewing kit, stain wipe, earring back, instant button, hair band, nail file, blister pad, and shoe shine sponge all conveniently packaged in travel-sized case.
Hollywood Fashion Emergency Kit, $15; available at Hollywood Fashion Secrets
The holidays are here, which means endless eating, family time, lots of shopping and of course, plenty of tasty desserts. One of our favorites is gingerbread! You can't go wrong. Whether it's in a latte, loaf or cookie, gingerbread tops our list for seasonal favorites. This Triple Crown Gingerbread recipe featured in “Gluttony: More is More” by Nan Lyons is the perfect recipe for moist, flavor-filled gingerbread.
Google Shopper: This app finds products at the lowest prices in your area. You also get access to special offers from "deal sites" like Groupon and Living Social.
Gas Buddy: If you're one of the lucky travelers who can drive to your destination this holiday season, you'll definitely want to download Gas Buddy. This app locates nearby stations and gives you gas prices so you can find the best deal.
Fall is upon us, whether the weather wants to admit it or not. Thus the squash sweetness of the butternut variety must be put to good use. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this recipe for my sage-infused butternut squash and carrot soup could not be more appropriate. Better yet, it's a quick one-potter, so no dirty dishes from this beautiful blend. Let the fall fragrances of cinnamon spice permeate your kitchen - even before November hits!
For 3-4 servings:
(Multiply the quantities for a larger batch; you can never have enough of this taste and it freezes well.)
- 1.5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 sweet Vidalia onion, chopped
- 20 oz. stock, chicken or vegetable
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 2-inch cube of fresh ginger
- fresh sage leaves, whole
- grated zest of 1 large orange
- ground cinnamon, 2 tblspns
- curry powder, 2 tblspns
- garlic powder, 1 tblspn
- roasted pumpkin seeds
Hey, it's almost Labor Day weekend! Sure, pirates have NOTHING to do with Labor Day. In fact, it's the exact opposite, given they don't work, just pillage. But we found this extensive list of pirate drinks and it's cool regardless. So pirate drinks for Labor Day, because, why not!?
Thanks to Talk Like a Pirate for this incredible list. Arrrrrgggh matey!
Cap'n Barbossa:
8-12oz Green Apple Soda (Jones soda preferred)
1 shot of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Lime peel
Cinnamon stick
Mix Green Apple Soda and Rum in a tall glass, garnish with cinnamon and lime peel. If cinnamon stick is not an option, add a small pinch of cinnamon to the drink
Easter dinner is fast approaching and maybe you’d like to put a twist on some old fashioned Easter recipes. Here are three recipes that will round out your holiday.
Lamb with Chili-Mint Sauce
4 six-ounce lamb shoulders (or cut of your choice)
½ cup minced mint leaves
½ shallot, minced
2 jalapenos, minced
2 habaneros, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ grapefruit, juiced or 1 lime, juiced
4 tablespoons olive oil
There are two different sauces that could come out of these ingredients. One is more of a salsa, and the other is a thicker glaze; both can begin to be prepared the same way. Combine minced mint, shallot, jalapeno, habanero, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl. If you prefer to have the salsa, simply squeeze the juice of half of a grapefruit into the combination and stir. The salsa is ready to be served with the lamb.
With Easter arriving in just a few weeks, Joonbug looks forward to the annual return of the Peeps. Without Peeps would Easter even be Easter?
Peeps came alive in 1953. They start as a mixer called “slurry” and then are whipped into their familiar marshmallow texture. Colored sugar is added. The marshmallow is then shaped into the many varieties they now create—from the classic Peep to the snowman for the winter holidays. After they receive their final decorations, they're packed and sent off to our homes via the Easter Bunny.
If you're spending the holidays with your family and need a stronger kick with your Peeps, try this adult-friendly Peep-tini.
Most people cringe at the mere thought of Passover food, and for good reason. There’s very little about this holiday that tempts the taste buds. Plus, you can only eat so many PB&J matzo sandwiches.
When you hit a Passover lull, enjoy this chocolate-caramel-matzo treat. It's both sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy. This snack is the perfect staple to get you through the holiday. Just be sure to make enough to share with friends and coworkers who, regardless of their religious faith, will gobble this right up.
Ingredients
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