Cranberry Lemonade

One of my roommates in college used to create the most amazing cocktails - with things found in our 'fridge. She would pull everything out and just started dumping things together. So, in honor of her (and since she's having her first child in a few weeks - my, have we grown up) let me share my latest cocktail creation

You'll need:
Absolut citron
Bacardi limon
Cranberry juice
Soda water (or sprite, if you like a bit of sweetness with your drinks)

Dump them all in a big bowl, being a bit heavy handed on the liquor - tasting as you go. Once you're happy with the taste, take the cranberries I told you to stick in your freezer a few weeks ago, and put those in your bowl as well. They'll float at the top and look so pretty!

Hunch punch? Maybe. Delicious? Always.

The Perfect Wallet Accessory

I'm a girl who likes to be prepared. I generally have a change of shoes with me, along with a bottle of water, bobby pins, lip balm, a spare credit card, band aids, hand sanitizer... And that's just my purse. My car has tons of other useful necessities in it - because you never know when the need will arise. But the most useful of all these things: my Swiss card.

This amazing credit card sized doohickey contains everything a pocketknife does, all while fitting comfortably inside your wallet. Mine contains a knife, scissors, a pen, a tooth pick, and tweezers. Others, I've seen contain mini Philips and flat head screw drivers, a magnifying glass, a rules with inches and centimeters, and a bottle opener.

I love it! And I use it all the time. Trust me on this, there are few things better than the faces in a group when I pull out a pocket knife faster than anyone else in the room. It's pretty priceless!!

Squeaky Shoes

As a shoe girl, the topic of my friends’ footwear (as well as my own) quiet obviously comes up from time to time. The most recent topic of discussion, was not, however the lastest shoe designer. Nor a recent procurement. Not even a scandalous review of the orthopedic shoes seen at a local young networking function. No, the topic on the tip of every ladies’ tongues have been squeaky shoes.

It’s always a well worn, favorite pair – and it’s only one shoe. Just one little squeaker that announces to the room (or your whole office) that you’ve arrived, albeit in style – but not really the entrance every girl dreams of.

As I see it, there are three things to do with this air of shoes.

1)      Ditch them. Consign, donate, trash – whatever you’d like. If they make you angry or resentful (yes, you can be resentful of shoes. Try paying $200 + for a pair only to have them squeak. Resentful) then it’s best to move on and have a nice, clean break.

2)      Fix them. By now, you should all know that I love my local cobbler. I seek out cobblers in other towns, if I’m visiting. These skilled crafters can fix an uncomfortable pair of shoes in a matter of minutes for just a few dollars. If they can do that, they surely can fix a squeak (the instep probably just needs to be glued completely back down)

3)      Deal with it. If you are lazy, passive aggressive, or easy going and your one shoe squeaking doesn’t bother you, don’t do anything. It doesn’t bother most of the public either (besides that one jerk in your office building who is annoyed by every noise, including the glug of the water cooler – but he can’t be helped).

Coming from someone who has chosen each of the three aforementioned choices on multiple occasions, with multiple pairs of shoes – anyone you choose will be just fine. I promise. Now, let’s get back to discussing those new bone colored peep toes you just bought…

Holiday Stress - No More

It’s been a while, I’m aware. With the hubbub of holiday madness, it’s hard not to get caught up in everything that you feel you need to be involved in and even more difficult to not get wrapped up in the drama of everyone else, family or otherwise. Why do you think so many people only see their family once a year? And why do you think so many people want to take vacations, after their vacations. It’s nothing new.

Here a few holiday tips that might make everyone’s holiday merrier and brighter (especially yours!)

-         Don’t be afraid to say “No” to an invite. There is nothing wrong with wanting a night in, to relax, catch up on your DVR, wrap presents, eat ice cream, organize your sock drawer, or any activity you want.

-         Don’t go overboard on sweets, alcohol, or binge eating. This time of year certainly suggests that it is a grand activity. But exercise some moderation, if you want. A couple of cocktails or a small helping of desert will feel just as festive – versus doing a keg stand with your grandma and having your yearly s’more eating contest with your brother. And you’ll be thankful you didn’t have to undo your pants another notch (like everyone else).

-         Try to get sleep and keep hydrated. There is nothing worse than having someone tell you, “You look tired.” It’s a really nice way of saying you look awful. (And be wary of southerners who “Bless your heart”) Drink lots of water and go to bed at your normal time – try to keep your norms. That way your body won’t freak out and get sick. No fun my friends, no one wants a cold for Christmas (Or Hanukkah… or Kwanzaa… or the solstice) In fact, don’t be afraid to add some magnesium into your vitamin regimen. Magnesium helps deal with anxiety – and as someone who wakes up at 3am in a panic over nothing – it makes a HUGE difference.

-         Bring a change of shoes! When out at parties, slip a pair of flats in your bag, your feet will thank you.

-         Don’t feel like you have to uphold every family tradition. It can feel like too much pressure and make everyone dread an event. Feel free to make new traditions or instead of controlling the evening – just let everyone be, and see where the conversation goes.

-         Take a breather! Family and old friends can get intense. I’m always the first one to offer to run errands (Christmas morning runs to any open grocery store have been come a bit of a habit with my family) that way I can get out of the house, get time to work out my annoyances, and watch other family dynamics to make me appreciate my own, even more.

-         Make you time! Whether it’s a little bit longer of a shower or a solo trip to Starbucks, being by yourself can really make things better. Think about it, you’re around your family (ALL OF YOUR FAMILY) and friends and people you haven’t seen in years – and usually you see people when you make plans. And that’s probably not everyday. You might not even realize it, but a little you time will make YOU a lot happier.

The holidays are wonderful, but not something you should ever dread or lose sleep over. They are only overwhelming if you let them be. So make the best of it, enjoy yourself and your time with family and friends. And know that you don’t have to be everything to everyone. They like you because you’re you. Not because you can juggle flame swords and drink a bottle of whiskey, as the same time, in 30 minutes. Just like you great aunt used to do, back in the ‘20s. Even if it’s a tradition. 

Cranberries: Winter's Garnish

I love this time of year. Not just for people's cheer and mildly improved attitudes - but for the change in decorations. (I even try to dress in season!) This evenings blog is brought to you by the tangy, ruby colored nuggets that are cranberries. 

These versatile little guys are perfect for so many things this season! Here are my top three uses for cranberries.

1) Make sauce!

Cranberry sauce makes everything delicious (and feel so festive). All you'll need it a bag of cranberries and white sugar - over medium high on your stove. They will cook down perfectly and you can add them on top of almost anything (like Baked Brie!)

2) Decorate!

Add cranberries to the base of a candle, on the side of a platter, in a cluster with a flower arrangement... You get the idea. Cranberries add a touch of color to any decorating you're doing this season.

3) Chill!
My absolute favorite use for cranberries in the winter, is in drinks. They don't even have to be cocktails (though they might as well be!) All you do is take a bag of cranberries, throw them in the freezer, and when the time comes, place them in a drink rather than ice cubes. Your drink won't get watered down, it will just look festive and have a tangy hint of delicious in it!

The best part, cranberries are buy one get one free at Publix this week! So get some and make your holidays festive (with no too much effort!)

Easy Brie...zie

I couldn't resist with the title.

With the big party weekend coming up, some of you may be required to bring a dish of sorts. Instead of your typical and expected bottle of wine - bring a baked brie! It's so good and ALWAYS a crowd pleaser.

Here's what you'll need:

An oven, a baking sheet, crescent rolls, and a round (or slice) of brie.

Here's what you do:

Preheat your oven, following the directions on the crescent roll package. Unwrap your crescent rolls, place your brie inside (leave the white cheese skin on). Wrap your cheese completely, with your fingers, squish the seams together, so there is no cheese peaking out. Bake following the directions on the package (or until lightly browned)

That's it. Seriously. 

Put it on a festive platter (I love to get them for super cheap at IKEA with crazy patterns), grab a box of crackers - whatever you prefer (fancy water crackers to classic ritz all work!), and decorate with fruit (I suggest green apples - always!, as well as grapes, cranberries, or raspberries). If you want, a yummy raspberry, fig, or balsamic drizzle would dress it up nicely. 

I promise your host/ess will love it, the other guests will ask for the recipe, and you will have a new go to appetizer to bring whenever/wherever you need!

Mr. Salt & Mrs. Pepper

As previously confessed, I like things cute and a super little ridiculous.

Here is my latest project around home...

1) Take a pack of googly eyes. 

2) Attach said eyes with super glue to any inanimate object around your home or a home you're visiting for the holiday season

3) Place item back in it's respective spot around your home or home you're staying in.

I'm pretty sure my mother would kill me for suggesting this LOVE this if any out of town guest staying at her home this holiday season (ahem sister dear!) 

But really, it's an easy and cheap way to add some entertaining and cheeky, fun flair around your house.

Welcome to our Home!

I'm a little jaded about a number of things, including homey cheese, cuteness, and overt hospitality. Or so I thought. I've been visiting homes which have welcome signs, and darn it, I feel welcome! 

But what is it about welcome signs that make me roll my eyes? Maybe it's that they are a blanket statement, rather than a personal greeting? Maybe it's that they are usually painted on some piece of wood that looks like it was stolen from their neighbor's yard? And quite obviously, I think I'm too proper for any nonsense like that.

It's quite clearly time to change my views. I like things that are a little cheesy & cute - I mean I put googly eyeballs on my salt & pepper shakers! Really, I have no excuse for not being totally into it. From my love of etiquette, I really do love making sure everyone is having fun, likes the food, knows everyone, and are as comfortable as possible.

So my new official ruling... Welcome Signs: cute, charming, and welcoming. I like them personalized, I like them in colors supporting your favorite football team (even if it's that one that uses that god awful orange and blue). I'm sold. If they are part of your at home decor, I will no longer mock it or roll my eyes. I will smile and feel that you are welcoming my into your home, beach house, cabin, lake home, etc. 

It's a great time for all of us to reevaluate things that we may have once snubbed. Really, who doesn't love something new?

Quiet Space

Have you ever been in a quiet space and someone comes in? A bit of an interruption, but not the end of the world. You acknowledge each other then you go back to what you were doing and they either join you being quiet or get what they need and move along. Usually. But every once-in-a-while, someone comes in and screws that all up.

I understand if you're at work and you need something from someone, you'll need to interrupt them. Or you're at home and your roommate/boyfriend/child/husband/dog interrupts. Make perfect sense, and it's no big deal. But what about someone who comes in, interrupts you, and then continues to do so? So irritating.

Here's an example: I like to read in a quiet office, outside on a bench, or depending on the time, the break room during my lunch. It relaxes me, it gets me away from the stress at work, and I can usually finish a book every week, week and a half. I understand if a coworker needs a question answered. Or say, I've got some paperwork at my desk a client needs. By all means, come get it. Come get me. I'm happy to help. I'm paid to help. Done and done. But what if someone comes where I am, sits near me and then starts talking on their mobile phone? What if they read the newspaper out loud to themselves? What if they start humming? Oh my freaking God, the humming. It's worse than whistling. Not only do I not know what tune you are trying to reproduce, but now I am forced to listen to you AND try to identify what you are humming.

So annoying right?

Another example: You're at home trying to watch an episode from your favorite TV show from three weeks ago on your DVR. Your phone keeps ringing, your roommate keeps talking to you about their upcoming date, and all you want to do is get in your 22 minutes of light-hearted laughs.

There are a number of things to do, and depending on your assessment of the situation, one of these will work. Keep in mind, if you are in a room with someone else, just the two of you, it is rude to read or ignore them. Consequently, if you are in a room with someone trying to read, it's rude to talk to them. Tricky, huh?
- If someone is reading, feel free to greet them, but don't try to have a conversation, unless you are in dyer need of something from them.
- If you want to read, exchange pleasantries, and either ask if they mind if you read or feel free to find a different location.
- If you are watching TV, either pause it (if you can) or ask the person who is speaking to wait a moment.
- If you need someone's attention that is watching TV, wait until there is a commercial or if it's urgent ask them to pause.
- If someone takes a phone call, feel free to ask them to quiet down a little.
- If you have to take an important phone call, leave the room you are in. Find your own space. No one should have to ask you to be quiet or move somewhere... your mother should have taught you better.
- If someone is texting with the sound on, feel free to tell them to turn their phone on mute.
- If you are texting, your sound should be off. It is possibly the most annoying noise on the planet to everyone who is not you. Be aware.

As always, be aware of your surroundings, including the people in them. Be courteous to those around you, and they will be to you. Lead by example. And if they aren't, that's fine too, you know how to handle the situation!

Minon Cupcakes!

Have you seen the movie Despicable Me? It came out in the summer of 2010 and I have been in love with it ever since. Not the heart warming message (I mean yeah, it's nice, whatever), I love the little yellow, sometimes evil doing, overall wearing minons. They don't even speak English... or really at all. They just squeak and babble at each other. They are so cute and funny they make it difficult for me to function.

Now, you may or may not know - quite possibly my favorite thing on the planet is the cupcake. They are the most perfect, hand held little bits of delicious cake. They are usually so cute on top with some sort of decoration. Love, love, LOVE cupcakes! They are perfect for any occation and always taste delicious!

As luck would have it, I have a lovely friend who understands my deep, deep love of both minions and cupcakes and gave me the grand idea of combining the two.

Here's what you'll need: cake mix (any type you like), cupcake pans, cupcake liners (I use blue or silver foil), frosting (white or dyed yellow are probably best - but I also stand by using whatever tastes good with what cake you made), two tubes of black gel icing, smarties, chocolate sprinkles, and twinkies. 

Step one: Bake your cupcakes, let them cool (at least 1 hour, if not longer), and lightly frost the top (using about 2/3 to 3/4 of the can).

Step two: Unwrap your twinkies and lay them out on a flat surface. 

Step three: Take white smarties and your leftover frosting, lightly slather the back, and stick them (in sets of two or just one) onto the front top of the twinkie.

Step four: Take your black gel icing and draw around the smarties to make goggles, then around the "head" of the twinkie. Next make a little smile, grimace, whatever for your minion and dot inside the smartie for eyes.

Step five: Take the chocolate sprinkles and stick them into the top of the "head" of the minion twinkie.

Step six: Slice the twinkie in half, thus making two minions. Don't be afraid to make them uneven, after all, minions come in all shapes and sizes.

Step seven: Slather a bit more frosting to the bottom of the cut in half twinkie and stick them to your cupcakes. 

Step eight: Eat and enjoy!

I promise these little guys will be a hit at the party and you'll be so proud you made them! Just trust me on this one :) And watch the movie if you haven't seen it!!!