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Thursday, January 14, 2021

Cozy Comfort Food For A Winter Weekend ~ Recipes & More

Like it or not, many of us have become homebodies thanks to the escalating Covid crisis. I actually love these Winter days and nights. Cooking is terrific therapy, and comfort food feeds the soul like nothing else. I searched the Internet looking for recipes that felt cozy, and gained five pounds doing so. You're welcome. Start planning your weekend meals with these 16 recipes, and a few new cookbooks. Bon AppĂ©tit!


One Pot 30 Minute Creamy Pasta 
Bake
Fast and full of flavor. That's a winning recipe. The creaminess comes from goat cheese, mozzarella, and fontina cheese, Then there is the full fat coconut milk or heavy cream. Rich and delicious!

Creamy Mushroom Polenta
Gluten Free 
Warm, Hearty, and rich with a zing from Chimichurri. This dish would make me so happy. Oh how I love Polenta! 

True Comfort
Today I watched Kristin prepare a white bean chili on TV. It sure looked good, and it was healthy, too! You will find that recipe and more in her latest cookbook.
Amazon

Winter Galette
What a great way to serve your veggies. Those vegetables for Winter are celery, potatoes, and acorn squash. The aromas coming from your kitchen are thanks to thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
These yummy looking doughnuts are actually half way healthy. They are baked not fried, made with coconut oil, whole wheat flour, sweet maple syrup
 (no refined sugar). The secret ingredient is pumpkin puree. Then they are all dunked, dipped, and glazed with really good chocolate.
Yum!

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs with Whipped Creamy Garlic Parsnips
Well this is different. I have not had whipped parsnips, have you? The short ribs cook for 4 hours. I can only imagine the fabulous fragrant flavor!

Keto Comfort Food Classics
Your favorite recipes made Keto healthy.

Lobster & Truffle Mac & Cheese
Could anything sound more delicious? It's a bit extravagant, but one could swap out almost any protein, to make it more affordable. Personally, I'm sticking with lobster!

Italian Shellfish Stew
This is perfect for those of us that want something warm and comforting, without the fat and calories  of anything creamy or cheesy. This dish makes a lovely low calorie lunch or dinner

Rum Raisin Bread Pudding
A recipe that is buttery and boozy? I'm in, and dig in is just what I would love to do. Croissants are used along with seven other simple ingredients. Feel free to use all of the rum you wish!

French Onion Soup
This soup is always my choice for comfort. It's a beautiful recipe that's made with caramelized onions, Grueyre cheese and fresh thyme.

Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese
This couldn't be easier or more comforting. Love the idea of adding a bit of sweetness to the cheese.

Modern Comfort Food
I'll let Ina describe her latest cookbook with her own words: "Seriously satisfying and delicious food that will feed your soul."

Luxe French Potatoes
This is my new way to make mashed potatoes! Not only is it beautiful, it must have tons of flavor. With ingredients like Grueyre and Mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and nutmeg, how could these be anything but delicious?
Epicurious

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Monkey Bread 
I still have never had Monkey Bread. Maybe it is a suburban thing, as no one in the city even talks about it. This boozy baked bread deserves a huge shout out. I mean chocolate and bourbon are one delicious duo!

French Onion Chicken Meatballs
Here is a twist on French Onion Soup. The recipe includes hints and tips on how to caramelize onions. It will be worth 
your time.

Easy One Pot Black Bean Soup
This recipe is free of all the bad stuff like gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. It's also Vegan and Gluten Free. There's a last minute addition of dark chocolate. It balances the heat and provides a depth of flavor. Trying this one!

Apple Dumplings with Sauce
Warm and comforting, who could turn down a bite of these? The recipe calls for tart apples. I would use Honeycrisp. They never fail me in pies.

Classic Beef Bourguignon 
Classically cooked in beef stock and red wine. A cozy and delicious meal for family or friends.

 

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2021 Home Trend: Back To BOUCLÉ

{ Via: Alchemy Fine Home }

If you have seen a classic Chanel jacket, then you know what boucle fabric is. It's textured, comfy, and I think quite elegant. My mother-in-law, Laura, had the most stylish sectional I had ever seen. It was all done in white boucle. The trend has made a huge resurgence this year.  While most of us are staying home more, it might be time to add some boucle to your own space. Here's some fab finds.

The Interlude Georgie Lounge Chair
Fun and quite fabulous. A wonderful addition to a modern or  mid century modern space.

Interlude Home Scarlett Stool
So chic and versatile. I would love to see a brass tray on one. Perfect for cocktails for one or two!
Horchow

Vera Dining Chair
Sculptural and elegant, these chairs add a sophisticated look to any dining table.  And how great do they look framing this creative 
bar cabinet?

Scalinatella Ottoman
Sculptural Surrealism. Topped with a tray or on its' own for propping feet, this is a glam piece for your living space. Now 20% off.
Jonathan Adler

Noom Modern Low Chair
Bauhaus style. This company combines craft and art to create furniture that reflects the principles of the great thinkers who brought the modernist movement. Love this!

Boucle Ball Cushions
Oh how fun! These will make a statement when used in multiples. Handmade with love at...
Etsy

Leanne Ford Motorcycle
It was always important to me that my home and my child's toys had a cohesive look about them, especially the things that couldn't be stowed. Love that the designer decided to add a boucle cushion! 

Farro Grey Office Chair
Good looking desk chairs are hard to come by. The contrast between the dark legs and the chic nubby cushion is quietly modern. A fab find for all of us who are still working from home. 

D.V. Kap Boucle Pillows
I just want to wear these pillows! Cozy up a sofa or chair with casual but pretty pillows. Available in two colorways, and now on sale.
Alchemy Fine Home

Hazel Swivel Chairs
Yes, I could give this modern bucket chair a spin. We have two swivel chairs at home which have been enjoyed for many years. The Hazel chairs are meant for cozy conversations. 

Coco Bedding Collection
"Elegantly modern yet timelessly classic." This collection was inspired by the queen of boucle, Coco Chanel.

Boucle Throw Blanket
This affordable blanket is something you will want to curl up with in any room.  It reverses to a plush faux fur. Keep it handy in the den for movie nights, or have it waiting for guests on the bottom of the bed.


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Tuesday, January 12, 2021

De-stress With a Little Self Care

 

Feeling stressed? You are not alone.  It's time to indulge in a bit of self care.  What is that? It's really just the practice of protecting and promoting one's own well being and happiness. This edit of ten feel good products will add a new sense of calmness and pleasure to your life. Think chocolate!


Lavender Essential Oil
Treat your body and your senses to the healing benefits of lavender oil. I put a couple of drops in my nightly bath. The benefits are many such as it is a natural antibacterial agent, it improves mood and lessens stress, supports brain function and more. It's also VERY relaxing. 

Therapy Dough
It's like play dough but for adults. I would certainly share it with my child, however. If we are stressed, the kids will be, as well. It has been blended with essential oils which makes this stress reliever also an aromatherapy experience. Squeeze that stress away!

Pomegranate Noir Home Candle
A candle can create a calmness both to your surroundings and to your senses. This is one of my favorites, which was gifted to me by my niece. It's crisp, luxurious, and bright. Love it!

I Am Everything Affirmation Cards
Words matter. So let's fill ourselves with positive affirmations. Light a candle. Shuffle the deck. Read a card, and believe it. We humans can be so hard on ourselves. Let this ritual replace self degrading and questioning thoughts with positive vibes. 
Uncommon Goods


Gaiam Neoprene Hand Weights
Here is an inexpensive way to get fit this year. Strong muscles are basic to good health, both physical and mental. Classic hand weights that will not slip, roll, or scratch your floors. Available in 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15 pounds. Sold individually.

Hardcover Personalized Journals
Why not try a gratitude journal this year? It's not too late to start. During difficult days, it is helpful to write down your thoughts. It is always a good thing to be grateful for whatever you have. They say the more grateful you are the more you will have in life.

Budha Girl Bracelets
Bangle Bracelet Sets for setting your daily intentions. Each bracelet is meant to set one intention for your day. Create a daily ritual by intentional thought each time you put one on. They are weatherproof, weightless. soundproof and TSA approved. "Ms. Shop This" loves the set that she received for Christmas.

Musee Bath Soaks
My #1 self care method is to take a hot bubble bath. And what you put in your bath makes a difference. Love the names of these soaks. Don't we all need to jump on the "Peace Train" these days?  These products are handmade by vulnerable people in recovery, with disabilities, and living in poverty.   They use ethically sourced natural ingredients. Which should be important to all of us. Bubbles are best with soft music and a candle lit.

Raaka Chocolate Mini Dose Bars
Nothing can lift my spirits better than a little chocolate, and I havent had any in 12 days. This chocolate has been made in small batches in Brooklyn, NY. It's dairy and gluten free, and made from certified organic cacao beans. After looking at the nutritional values, I think I can do this and still feel healthy. 42 cals per piece. And what a wonderful $25 gift to a health conscious chocolate lover, or yourself!

The Comfort of Lunya
I just discovered this wonderful website during the holidays. The company creates styles for the modern woman when she sleeps, lounge, or works from home. Think washable sink, fine pima cotton, fleece lined and organic materials. Any one of these pieces will be like a hug from you to you.


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