Monday, December 31, 2012

A remedy for a cold--SUN

Spending the end of vacation with a bad cold, but sitting in a terrace in the sun is an excellent remedy, quite relaxing and a great way to the end the year (if you minus the cold).

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Time and hopefully more time

Even though it is a novel, Time Keeper by Mitch Albom got me thinking about time, so here's to turning another year older (it's my birthday) and hopefully many,many more years to come.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Great Family Day

We went to the zoo, a Cuban lunch and the a swim (yes, I'm on vacation) and the best part my daughter was asleep by 8:30 which allowed me to finish my book, The Time Keeper, by Mitch Albom (I recommend it).

Thursday, December 27, 2012

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Festive Punch

1/2 Gallon Orange Juice
1/2 Gallon Cranberry Juice
2 liters ginger ale or champagne

Mix all liquids together and place in a punch bowl or pitcher. The non-alcoholic version is great at party for recovering alcoholics or designated drivers (or those like me who do not like alcohol).

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Tuesday's Tip: How to eat—breathe

Remember to breathe between bites, so your body has time to feel full and this way you won't over eat (no matter the holiday stress you are feeling).

Monday, December 24, 2012

End of the year coming, so plan now

I went to the the gym this morning— an attempt to be healthy as the holidays are upon us, so maybe 2013 will be the year that I fulfill my get in shape resolutions.
How to write resolutions you will (and can) keep...

Sunday, December 23, 2012

In the words of an opera

I went yesterday with daughter and mom to see a family friendly performance of Barber of Seville and in the words of the opera, "Gold sets the mind in motion" (and yes, my daughter liked her first opera, but isn't sure she would see another one).

Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday "Me" Time Blues

Today I had a mani/pedi, met friends for lunch, walking around Chinatown (NYC) and up to Eataly to shop and yet with all this "me" time I feel blue.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

In the Kitchen on Thursday: A party favorite

Roasted Almonds or Pecans

3 C. Pecans or Almonds
1/4 C. Butter
2 Tbsp. Brown sugar
2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
Salt to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter with sugar and Worcestershire sauce. When sugar is completely melted into butter remove from heat and toss in nuts. Mix well to coat. Spread out nuts on a rimmed cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Toss with salt. Allow to completely cool before storing in an air tight container. The nuts will last at least a week.

A beautiful poem on a friend's wall


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tuesday's Tip: Expert advice on Applying Mascara

After watching a woman on the subway (in NYC) cake on mascara, here is what the experts say to do: 1. apply one coat to top side of upper lash; 2. Wait 10 seconds and apply one coat to under side of top lash.

Another technique....Applying Mascara #2

Monday, December 17, 2012

Shopping and Shopping, Store to Store

It took several weeks and three stores to find ankle socks (a.k.a boot socks) for my daughter and last Friday, I completed my drugstore list when I entered my third store—really this hard to shop?!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Work-from-home VS. Stay-at-home

I spent yesterday doing laundry, grocery shopping and cooking dinner—since when did working from home become stay-at-home?!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Tub Soak

1/4 C. Milk (must be cow's milk)
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Add ingredients to a tub full of warm water. Soak for 10 minutes, get out and then dry off. This soak will moisturize your skin and hopefully, remove stress.

Another stress management techniques.....Breathing Exercise

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday's Tip: Easy Silver Polish

If your getting the silver ready for a holiday dinner, then try this. Mix 2 Tbsp baking soda and 2 Tbsp salt in a bowl of warm water. Add the silver and a small piece of tin foil. Soak, rinse and dry.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Holidays and Spring Cleaning

Holidays in full swing, my daughter made out like a bandit with a stash of American Girl items from one grandma and yet, the garage could use a spring cleaning.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Baking, Making, Baking....

Bread, brownies, more brownies (and thank goodness for the mini loaf of Lemon Poppy Seed Cake in my freezer) and I can't forget making the pear salad—I am glad I love to cook and in a way love my outdated kitchen.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Thursday in the Kitchen: Salad Dressing Makeover

Easiest Salad Dressing

6 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Vinegar (any kind)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl.

Italian Dressing: Use red wine vinegar and add 1 tsp. dried Basil and 1/2 tsp. dried, minced Garlic

Mock Caesar: Use white wine vinegar, substitute 2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise for 2 Tbsp. oil and add 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. dried, minced Garlic and one Anchovy, finely diced

Asian Sesame: Use rice vinegar and add 1 tsp. Tahini and 1/4 tsp. ground Ginger

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wednesday's Words: Praise or Punishment?

"The only difference between a pat on the back and a swift kick in the ass is about 6 inches." --American Drive by Richard Dauch and Hank Cox

American Drive available at Amazon

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tuesday's Tip: A deep condtioner from deep in the kitchen

Tuesday's Tip.....Mayonnaise can be used as a deep conditioner—let sit in just washed hair for 10 minutes, then rinse and style as usual (I use an olive oil mayonnaise or you can make your own... Mayo recipe)

Monday, December 3, 2012

A Recipe for stress: Family and the Holidays

My first Blog post....Yesterday I attended a mini family reunion for one of my four family lines and it got me thinking about family, the holidays and stress, so no wonder I have a knot in my back and no wonder a heating pad was invented (and working from home makes it easy to use while reading a good book).