HOLIDAY RECIPES! HOLIDAY RECIPES! HOLIDAY RECIPES!
Editor’s Note
Canyouhearthesleighbellsringingandthechildrensinging?It's thatmagicaltimeofyearagain,filledwithwonderandexcitement thatweeagerlywelcome!
Winterwonderlands,holidaylights,Christmasdecorations,and bakingandcookingarejustsomeofthethingswethinkofasthe holidaysarrive!Butcelebratingwithfamilyandthereasonsfor theseasonisahighlightformany.Theholidayscanalsobe challenging,andtobemindfulofthat,wehaveincludedtentips forsurvivingtheholidays.
Inthisedition,beyondsurvivingtheholidays,wehopetohelpyou thriveduringtheholidaysandbeyond,too!Wehavegiftingadvice inanarticletitled“ASleighFullofGifts.”Wealsohaveholiday-style adviceandanarticlethathelpsussurvivethecoldandfluseason. Aswellasawonderfullyinsightfularticleonhouseguestetiquette. Ouramazinggroupofcontributorshastrulyoutdonethemselves!in thisedition
Don'tmissoutontheregularfeaturesofourHolidayversionofour “FavoriteThings!”Ofcourse,manyrecipeshighlightseasonal bakingandcooking.WealsohaveourBeautysectionanda wonderfulcompilationofHolidayfamilytraditions!
. Wehopeyourseasonisoneofjoyandmemoriesmadewiththose youlovemostandholddearly.
WithHolidaySpirit&EtiquetteEnthusiasm,
Chief Editor: Susan Vernick
Susan
Every year the kids paint a wooden nutcracker while we watch The Nutcracker ballet. It started as a homeschool lesson and has continued every year! Erin Marie, Dothan, AL
Candlelight dinners at a pretty table and the family “dressed” for dinner.
-Maragaret Conard Poole
Our parents host a cousins “Jammie Jam ” that the kids look forward to each year. Great memories have been made with new and old traditions. -Quiana Eastland
Family Family Traditions Traditions
H O L I D A Y S T Y L E H O L I D A Y S T Y L E E T I Q U E T T E
By Jackie Wheeler
The holidays always provide many opportunitie to show off your style. You’ll start getting invitations to all the holiday parties and asking yourself, “What do I wear?” Each invitation is as unique as the sender and likely unique attire requirements. When choosing your outfits, keep true to yourself while honoring your host and the event Fashion, style, and clothing are all about creating a look that speaks to who you are. You are conveying a message with each choice you make. What would you like to say this holiday season? Well, I am here to help!
Part of party etiquette is showing up appropriately dressed for the occasion. Let’s break down some of the possible options, from the most casual to the most formal. Quick and easy advice upfront: If you’re not sure, dress better than what you think is required You’ll never have to apologize for looking great. Venue location is also something to consider. Here are a few style guidelines for each invitation to help you with your fashion and style choices
Two themes I’ve seen over the last few years are the cookie exchanges and the ugly Christmas sweater These are usually casual affairs where a great pair of denim, a sweater, or blazer with a graphic (maybe holiday) t-shirt, and boots or loafers will have you looking your best. While the ugly sweater party is casual, you can decide how to implement this theme. Finding ugly sweaters become easier as most stores have gotten in he fun Are you going all out or keeping it ?
s C a s u a l i s a p p r o p r i a t e
c e p a r t i e s d u r i n g
s h o u r s a n d o t h e r
b u s i n e s s o r w o r k - r e l a t e d
e v e n t s i n t h e d a y t i m e .
C o n s i d e r t h e r e q u i r e d a t t i r e
f o r y o u r w o r k p l a c e a n d d r e s s i t
d o w n , k e e p i n g y o u r c h o i c e s
p r o f e s s i o n a l . T r y a c a r d i g a n
i n s t e a d o f a s u i t j a c k e t ,
r e p l a c e y o u r b l o u s e w i t h a
m o r e c a s u a l t o p p a i r e d w i t h
t h e b l a z e r , a n d c h o o s e c a s u a l
s h o e s . B e c a r e f u l n o t t o d o a l l
t h i s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y , a s y o u ’ l l
c r e a t i n g a l o o k t h a t r e p r e s e n t s
y o u w h i l e h o n o r i n g y o u r h o s t ' s
v i s i o n o f t h e e v e n t . C h o o s e a
d r e s s t h a t i s c o c k t a i l l e n g t h
( m i d - c a l f ) o r k n e e l e n g t h m a d e
o f e l e g a n t f a b r i c s t h a t n e e d t o
b e v e l v e t , s a t i n , s i l k , a n d w i t h
l i t t l e e m b e l l i s h m e n t . T h i n k L B D ,
a l i t t l e b l a c k d r e s s . A d d a
l i t t l e s p a r k l e w i t h y o u r j e w e l r y ,
b a g , o r s h o e s ; p i c k t w o b u t n o t
a l l t h r e e . Q u i c k n o t e : y o u ’ l l
w a n t a n e v e n i n g b a g , j u s t b i g
e n o u g h f o r y o u r e s s e n t i a l s
( i . e . , p h o n e , l i c e n s e , c r e d i t
c a r d , c a s h , a n d l i p s t i c k ) .
T h e b l a c k t i e o r f o r m a l i n v i t a t i o n
c a n b e b o t h e x c i t i n g a n d n e r v e -
w r a c k i n g . I t a l l o w s y o u t o d r e s s u p
i n a l l t h e g l a m a n d s p a r k l e f u l l y
M o s t o f t e n , d r e s s e s a r e f u l l l e n g t h
b u t n o t l i m i t e d t o c o m p l e t e
l e n g t h ; k e e p “ e l e g a n t ” i n m i n d
w h e n c h o o s i n g t h i s l o o k . T h i s l o o k
m a y a l s o c a l l f o r a f u l l y b e a d e d
g o w n . Y o u r s h o e c a n b e b e a d e d ,
s a t i n , o r v e l v e t , d e p e n d i n g o n t h e
t y p e o f d r e s s y o u c h o o s e . I f y o u
o f t e n a t t e n d f o r m a l o c c a s i o n s , i t
a l s o m e a n s l o o k i n g f o r a n e w
d r e s s e a c h t i m e , a s m a n y f o r m a l
d r e s s e s a r e m e m o r a b l e , a n d m a n y
p h o t o s a r e t a k e n f o r s o c i a l m e d i a
a n d o t h e r u s e s . S t y l i s t s n o t e : t h e
b e s t t i m e t o “ s t o c k u p ” o n t h i s
t y p e o f d r e s s a n d e v e n i n g b a g s i s
“ a f t e r t h e h o l i d a y ” s a l e s .
L a s t l y , f i n d i n g t h e p e r f e c t o u t f i t
w i l l r e q u i r e c o m b i n i n g l o o k s t h a t
a r e b e s t f o r y o u r b o d y t y p e ,
c o l o r s , a n d f a s h i o n p e r s o n a l i t y .
W h e n a l l t h e s e c o m e t o g e t h e r , y o u
w i l l f e e l a u t h e n t i c , c o n f i d e n t , a n d
a t t r a c t i v e . A l w a y s r e m e m b e r t h a t
y o u r s m i l e i s t h e b e s t a c c e s s o r y t o
w e a r , a n d i t i s m o s t i m p o r t a n t t o
e n j o y t h i s t i m e w i t h f a m i l y ,
f r i e n d s , a n d c o l l e a g u e s .
Jackie Wheeler has been in business for over 30 years helping women enhance their style, image, and brand. Jackie specializes in personal style helping women get the most out of their clothes by curating directly from the closet or by shopping. Jackie holds certifications in body type, color analysis, fashion personality and social media marketing. She lives in Arizona she has helped women all around the US.
Keep Your Regular Routine
Think Moderate
Be Realistic (let go of ideal)
Stay Connected (with others)
Let Go of Guilt
Don’t be Alone (think volunteering & helping others.)
Focus on the present and avoid overfocusing on the past or future
Don’t be afraid to say “ no
Ask for Help
Be Good to Yourself!
H O S P I T A L I T Y H A C K S
For Happy Houseguest
By Kristi Spencer
he holiday season brings a flurry of activity, delicious food, and house guests. As exciting as it is to host family and friends, ensuring their comfortable stay can feel overwhelming. Luckily, with thoughtful touches and careful planning, you can create a welcoming space and wonderful memories for your guests.
Clean and Tidy
Start by thoroughl sider your space from a guest's perspective and focus on the areas that catch the eye Pay special attention to door handles, faucets, and light switches Your home doesn't need to be spotless, but taking care of details like vacuuming pet hair and removing cobwebs will create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for you and your guests.
Spend the Night
"Try spending a night in your guest room to see things from your guests' perspective This can help you identify and fix issues such as an off-balance ceiling fan or curtains that let in too much light before guests arrive "
Nightstand Necessities
Ensure each guest room has a nightstand with a lamp or, even better, a USB lamp so guests can use it to charge their phones. Also, provide a box of tissues on the nightstand
Extra Pillows and Blankets
Stock the guest room with extra pillows and blankets to accommodate different comfort preferences.
Bath Products
Provide bath products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion It's an excellent opportunity to use those hotel sample bottles you’ve
Towels and Washcloths
Don't forget to have plenty of clean towels and washcloths for your guests. It's also a great idea to provide makeup remover wipes so your guests won’t have to worry about staining your washcloths
Storage Space
Clear out a few drawers or leave some closet space with hangers. Your guests will appreciate having a place to store their belongings and keep their space organized.
Unpacking Area
Designate a space for your guests to unpack A luggage rack, small table, or trunk can provide a convenient spot for their suitcase.
Fan
A small fan in the guest room can provide comfort for white noise or extra air circulation
Home Tour
Give your guests a tour of your home. Take extra time when showing them their room, the bathroom, and the kitchen, and don’t forget to let them know where and how to make a cup of coffee.
Grocery Run
Before your guests arrive, ask if you can pick up anything from the grocery store.
Special Touches
Place snacks and water bottles in the guest room. For an extra-special touch, include local favorites such as treats from a local candy store or regional snacks and drinks.
Entertainment Options
Stock the room with magazines, books, and a deck of cards This provides entertainment options for when your guests want some alone time.
Phone Charger
Providing the necessary equipment and a designated place for charging electronic devices is always considered
Wi-Fi Password
Display the Wi-Fi password in an easy-tofind spot, such as on a decorative card or a small chalkboard in the guest room.
Tech Instructions
Provide clear instructions for using the TV remote or a remote-controlled ceiling fan.
Emergency Supplies
Keep sample sizes of Tylenol, Tums, and a small first aid kit handy Your guests will appreciate having these items readily available if needed
In-Room Entertainment
Ensure there is a TV in the guest room. A smart TV is best, but any screen will do if visitors want to watch latenight TV
Laundry Hamper
Provide a hamper for guests to place their used towels and clothes. This helps keep the room tidy and makes it easier to manage laundry.
Activity Planning
While planning activities with your guests is great, be flexible if they prefer to do their own thing. Communicate your availability for outings and let them know if there are times you won’t be able to join.
Planning in advance for your guests will help them feel truly welcome, allow you to worry less, and allow you to spend more time with them It's okay if you haven't thought of every detail; the most important thing is to cherish the time with your guests and create memorable experiences together. Happy hosting! H
recipe time recipe time
Amy Vanderbilt’s Apple Pie
Ingredients
Pastryfor9-inch2-crustpieshell
1cupsugar
1tdryginger
1tpowderedcinnamon
¼tpowderednutmeg
1/4tsalt
2Tflour
3Tstrongtea
1Tlemonjuice
4cupsparedandcoredapples(about8 or9)
Irecommendpealingtheapples
2Tbutter
Directions
2.
1. Combinesugar,spices,salt,flour,teaandlemonjuice. Mixwell.Alternateslicesofapples,andsugarmixture untilpanisfilled,heapingslightlyinthecenter Dotwith butter.
3.
Rollout½pastryforthebottomcrust.Fitlooselyintoa9inchpiepan.Startovenveryhot,425degrees
Rolloutthetopcrustandcutslitsforsteamtoescape. Placeovertheapplefilling.Trimpastryandpressedges togetherwithforktines.
4.
Bakefor40-50minutesoruntiltheapplesaretender andthecrustisbrowned Thisrecipemakesabout6-8 servings.
5Servewarmwithsharpcheddarwedges. .
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chopped pecans (if desired)
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
HOLIDAY SEASON PUMPKIN NUT BREAD
Directions
1. Stir carefully, just enough to combine and dampen ingredients.
3.
Mix the dry ingredients together. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.
2. Pour into loaf pans (should make two large loaves and could be more based on loaf tin sizes.) Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) fill pans 3/4 full
HOT COCOA
H O M E M A D E
Ingredients:
4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup bittersweet or semisweet
chocolate chips or chopped
chocolate bar
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan.
1. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (do not boiling).
2. Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk.
4.
3. Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings
“Etiquette and Manners are About Inspiration not Condemnation.”
Susan Vernick
A Sleigh Full of Gifts Gift giving etiquette
By Kate Gawi
u r i n g t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e
y e a r , r e m e m b e r t h e j o y o f g i f t - g i v i n g
a n d y o u r m o s t g r a c i o u s m a n n e r s ,
i n c l u d i n g g i f t - g i v i n g e t i q u e t t e .
D e c i d i n g w h a t t o g i f t y o u r l o v e d o n e s
i s w h e n y o u w i s h y o u h a d S a n t a ’ s l i t t l e
h e l p e r s a t y o u r d i s p o s a l , b u t w i t h
s o m e c a r e f u l p l a n n i n g , y o u c a n e a s i l y
f i l l t h o s e s t o c k i n g s .
U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e p e r s o n y o u a r e g i v i n g
t h e g i f t t o i s k e y . I t ' s i m p o r t a n t t o
c o n s i d e r t h e i r p r e f e r e n c e s , e s p e c i a l l y
w h e n w e m e e t n e w f a m i l y m e m b e r s f o r t h e
f i r s t t i m e a r o u n d t h e h o l i d a y g e t -
t o g e t h e r s . T h i s c a n m a k e i t e a s i e r t o
d e c i d e w h a t t o g i v e t o i n d i v i d u a l s o u t s i d e
o f o u r i n n e r c i r c l e o f f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s .
What makes a good gift?
G i v i n g a g i f t t h a t m a k e s t h e r e c i p i e n t
f e e l v a l u e d a n d u n i q u e i s a g o o d g i f t , a s
i s a m e a n i n g f u l g i f t , s o d o t a k e s o m e t i m e
a n d a l l o w f o r s o m e e x t r a c a r e f o r y o u r
g i f t s N o o n e w a n t s t o r e c e i v e y e t a n o t h e r
t i e t o a d d t o t h e i r c o l l e c t i o n o f u n u s e d
c l o t h e s i f y o u a r e n e v e r a p e r s o n t o w e a r
o n e . A n d s p e a k i n g o f c l o t h e s , t h e y d o n o t
m a k e t h e b e s t o f g i f t s , a s i t c o u l d p r o v e
h a r d t o p r e d i c t a n y o n e ’ s t a s t e o r s i z e .
O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , b o o k s m a k e
e x c e l l e n t g i f t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y f o r
t h o s e w h o h a v e e v e r y t h i n g . W i t h
a s m a n y t i t l e s a s t h e r e a r e
t o p i c s , i t s h o u l d b e e a s y t o f i n d
a b o o k f o r e a c h o f t h e d i f f e r e n t
p e r s o n a l i t i e s a r o u n d t h a t
h o l i d a y t a b l e .
G i f t a n d f o o d b a s k e t s m a k e
g r e a t g i f t s b u t r e m e m b e r t o b e
m i n d f u l o f f o o d a l l e r g i e s a n d
d i e t a r y r e q u i r e m e n t s . F l o w e r s
a r e a n o t h e r n e u t r a l a n d a l m o s t
a l w a y s w e l l - r e c e i v e d g i f t . A
b e a u t i f u l l y c o m p o s e d C h r i s t m a s
a r r a n g e m e n t w i l l d e l i g h t m o s t
o f t h e h o s t s A g i f t c a r d i s s t i l l
a c c e p t a b l e i f y o u s t i l l f e e l
u n c e r t a i n a b o u t w h a t t o b r i n g .
W h i l e g e n e r o s i t y i s g o o d , d o n o t
b e o v e r g e n e r o u s a n d b u y
a w k w a r d , f r a g i l e , o r o v e r s i z e d
g i f t s R e m e m b e r t h a t j u s t a s w e
a l l h a d t o m a k e o u r w a y t o t h e
h o l i d a y c o t t a g e i n a c a r p a c k e d
w i t h l u g g a g e , w e m u s t r e t u r n ,
T h e s a m e g o e s f o r f r a g r a n c e s ; u n l e s s y o u
n o t r e l y i n g o n a l i f t b y S a n t a ’ s
w e l l , p e r f u m e i s a n
a p e r s o n a l c h o i c e .
r e i n d e e r
Presenting your gifts with style
A gift wrapped in style will create both value and anticipation. Unless you are relying on the professionals in the department stores, polishing your skills in gift wrapping before the holidays comes in handy. A beautifully presented gift will make the recipient feel special Careless packaging does not convey the message of someone with good taste and manners. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but carefully wrapped is the ideal Remember that what you give and how you give it says more about you than it does about the recipient.
I personally love to color coordinate all my gifts, each parcel, and package wrapped in exquisite paper, with matching bows, ribbons, and gift tags; that way, they look fabulous under the Christmas tree But it is always about feeling inspired So, if you love being creative, keep creating. If you have a more straightforward style, that is also okay. When a child is gift wrapping, everyone appreciates the beautiful, heartfelt effort
Is it right to return a gift?
We are treading on thin ice with this subject, as this is a delicate situation. I would never wish to offend the giver nor risk a relationship, so if I didn’t particularly care for the tea set, or if the Amaryllis made me sneeze, I would discreetly regift it to someone who would appreciate the gift or maybe tuck it away somewhere for now, out of sight, out of mind While we should pay utmost care to the gifts we give, we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that our gifts do not meet the expectations or the standards despite our efforts Although this is rare, gracefully offer to replace the gift if you encounter a situation where your delicately wrapped Jane Austen collection is rejected.
Gifts to the little ones
Christmas is a holiday for the little ones, as few things bring more joy to the children than Christmas Day. I do not see anything wrong with liaising with the parents when searching through the shelves at the toy store. Everyone has their own rules and ways of raising their children, and what may be acceptable to one family may be inappropriate for the other. Before carrying that drum kit to the doorstep, maybe think twice about what is tolerable to give.
More than anything, the holiday season is about being together with our loved ones and creating long-lasting memories. The greatest gift of all is the gift of joy and spending time together. While gifts are a big part of the celebrations, remember that even the royal family has downplayed the tradition and replaced it with silly, non-valuable gifts to evoke laughter!
Kate Gawi is an interior designer for some of Australia’s most opulent homes, co-owner of Architeria Architects and author of “Tea with the Dutchess: How to do anything with style”
HOLIDAY HAIR
Where would girlhood memories be without bows? Well, hair bows are back and offer a great way to add a little holiday color to your hair! Other hair trends we’ve been noticing are:
Avant Garde Hair Accessories are In. Pony Cuffs Crown Jewels (headbands and more!)
Barrets are back! Hair Wraps
MARVELOUS MARVELOUS MULLEIN MULLEIN
BY: REBECCA FERRARO
As the seasons change from fall to winter and cold to colder, mullein is a beneficial herb to consider and have on hand if you are looking for some holistic options. A little background on this herb: mullein is a medicinal herb native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. It grows wildly in North America today and is a weed by many. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and has soft fluffy leaves and yellow flowers at the top. It prefers the sun and can grow in less-than-ideal conditions, such as poor soil, rocky soil, or drought. Mullein is exceptionally versatile and has a long history of use for medical ailments.
*As with all medicinal plants, be sure to check with your physician as well as a functional doctor or holistic provider before using or taking any form. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing unless expressly advised by your practitioner.
Treatment Benefits and Possible Uses:
It has been highlighted in its use to help respiratory and pulmonary conditions for hundreds of years and is still best known for this purpose. It was introduced to North America several times through various cultures as a medicinal herb and was used extensively for its range of properties. The leaves and flowers are considered the most beneficial parts of the plant, but the stems and roots contain active components.
Mullein is very effective as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, pain-killer, and wound healer.
It can also help clear nasal congestion and congestion overall, especially during cold and flu season.
Mullein can also be used as an antiseptic and healing compress for wounds and skin conditions. For best results, warm the mullein and place it on the skin in cheesecloth or a thin fabric.
When taking Mullein capsules, ensure that you obtain organic capsules without fillers. There are many options; the dosing instructions will be on the label. Mullein can also be used as a tea extract, or tincture with similar excellent results. Again, always ensure that you’re purchasing certified organic products.
Rebecca Ferraro is a lifelong learner, runner and a corporate training executive with over 30 years of experience. Rebecca is passionate about how plants can be used to help treat disease and illness and has recently earned a Certificate in Plant Based Medicine from Cornell University. Rebecca is active in her church and is a wife and mother to 2 young adults, a stepmother to 2 young adults and has 1 grandchild.
