This week I ran into two cute girls on Spring Break reading this week’s book choice on the beach, The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I remembered how much I loved this book and I thought it was a great quick read for those who are traveling or even just looking for a new option or even a re-read to start at night at home.
From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six—an entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), in which a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine. – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
Our Blog Sponsor Susanne Carroll recently introduced me to Somnvie luxury linens and how to a get a good night’s sleep!!
The mission of Somnvie is to sleep better and live better. They offer a variety of unique products, made in the U.S., that will suit personal preferences and individual needs to get a better, more luxurious night’s sleep. Here is some of the company info below but to learn more, visit Susanne’s site HERE.
Somnvie’s five steps to a more restful sleep
TOUCH An unrivaled collection of quality Sheet Sets, Pillow Cases, Shams, and Duvet Covers. It’s all about the thread, not the thread count.
WARMTH Blankets and Comforters allow you to adjust your sleep temperature any time of the year
SUPPORT The right combination of Pillows layered specifically to your perfect sleep style, available in Hungarian Goose Down and Down free fills
COMFORT Adjust your mattress with a Mattress Enhancer to create the perfect foundation for restorative sleep
PROTECT Mattress and Pillow Protectors keep moisture, allergens and bugs away.
The Somnvie Difference:
You work directly with a brand associate to customize the bed of your dreams – one tailored exactly to your personal tastes. The result is a healthier and more luxurious night’s sleep.
Sleep Better. Live Better.
Everyone’s favorite is the Somnvie Signature Oversized Pillow, nicknamed the “Big Boy.” It’s offered in three fills: Hungarian Goose Down and Feather, Down Free, and Down Free Extra-Filled.
This uniquely designed pillow measures 31 X 40 and is the perfect sleeping, reading or watching Netflix in bed, dorm favorite and all-around chilling pillow. It’s a must-try, you will love it!
When shopping online for bedding we are bombarded with a plethora of thread counts, fibers and fills. With Somnvie you are able to see, touch and feel the products at Susanne’s showroom or in the comfort of your own home. You can also use her link to view all Somnvie offers and she of course can help with any questions you may have. It’s really the easiest way to shop for bedding!
It’s so funny, I always receive requests for recipes for steak dinners. I guess there really is nothing like a good juicy steak from time to time. I received this Garlic Steak Foil Dinner recipe in my inbox and thought it was the perfect post for this week. There are many benefits to wrapping the steak and potatoes in tin foil (this is usually called campfire style!). The foil really seals in the moisture and the result is fluffy potatoes and an extra juicy steak. Give it a try!!! Bon Appetit!
adapted from Cooking Professional
Ingredients
• 2-2 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and cut into two 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, quartered
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste• pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• fresh thyme or parsley, to taste, optional, for topping
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F or preheat the grill on high heat.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the steak, potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, and dried thyme until well combined.
Step 3
Divide the steak and potato mixture between four 12×12-inch sheets of foil and wrap the foil around the mixture to form packets.
Step 4
Grill the foil packets until the steak and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 5
Garnish with the fresh thyme or parsley and serve!
The beauty world is overflowing with advanced ingredients and fancy procedures which are expensive and can show signs of aftereffects. While on the contrary, botanical products are rich sources of vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, essential oils, hydrocolloids, and terpenoids, which provide nourishment to the skin. These products are safe and cost-effective alternatives to fabricated products.
Several remedies are available in natural and organic skincare routines for oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin. Here is a list of ingredients that will enhance the quality of the skin and will fit your needs:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a plant fat that is a perfect skin soother and provides hydration to the skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties and suppress the inflammation caused by the UVB rays. Coconut oil helps moisturize the skin and fight skin issues like dryness or itchiness and skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. It promotes wound healing as coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. One can apply coconut oil to their skin every day and night in small amounts without any complexities.
Manuka honey
Manuka honey is called super honey because of its healing properties. Applying manuka honey will improve the appearance of the skin and will balance its pH level. You can use manuka honey as a cleanser as it helps slough away the dirt, dead cells, and debris from your skin. This ingredient has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat spots and pigmentation on the skin. The high concentration of sugars in manuka honey keeps the wound area moist and is substantial for emollients.
Green tea
Green tea is known for its therapeutic properties that provide numerous benefits to your skin. The polyphenols present in green tea have antioxidant properties and treat sun-damaged skin. Green tea can combat the signs of aging or dull skin and can make it appear more youthful. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea reduce skin redness, skin irritation, and swelling. The antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of green tea make it an effective treatment for acne and related issues.
Shea butter
Shea butter is loaded with fatty acids, antioxidants, and antiaging properties. It is an effective option for skin hydration and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. This natural ingredient is used for scar healing, and the fatty acid helps soften the scar tissues. For those who have an acne-prone skin type, the antibacterial properties prevent the acne outbreak and help keep it moisturized. Shea butter is used to treat skin-related issues like eczema, dryness, and itchiness.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used as a home remedy for soothing itchy, dry or irritated skin. Ground oatmeal is also used for exfoliation to slough away the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. This ingredient has anti-inflammation properties and bathing with oatmeal also relief skin conditions like eczema and rashes. It is an effective moisturizer and helps improve skin scaling and roughness.
Conclusion
Other natural and organic ingredients like soy and tea tree oil are exceedingly efficient for your skin health. If you’re planning to go all-natural and organic with your skincare routine, be sure to do your research. Always remember to read the labels, do a patch test and then apply something on your skin. Even a natural ingredient might not suit a few skin types.
Are you about to host a wine and cheese party for your friends? What could be more fun!
But if you’ve not done this before, you probably are unsure how to go about this. From the most suitable time for the event to the best wine and cheese to pair, there’s so much you need to know. And that’s what this article is here to guide you about.
So, come along!
Items you’ll need
Of course, you do know you’ll need some bottles of wine and cheese. But there are other essential items, including:
- A cheese slicer
- Plates
- At least one corkscrew
- Serving platter
- Wine glasses (try to get more than the total number of guests)
When to fix a wine and cheese event?
A wine and cheese event isn’t actual dining, and there will be no well-rounded meals. So the best time to host the event is some hours before or after dinner, say 4 pm or 9 pm. This will allow the guests enough time to eat at home before or after the party.
Now, it’s time to figure out what wine and cheese to get.
Sorting the right wine and cheese
For a wine and cheese event, never be too shy to go with the wine you consider the best. Chances are your guests will like it too, even if it isn’t their favorite.
You can find excellent wines curated according to your preferences by joining a monthly wine club. This will allow you to control the kind of wines you want to be delivered — you may know some of your friend’s tastes — so there’s enough variety to go around.
But after getting your wine, you need to pair it with the right cheese.
Some classic pairings that never disappoint include:
- Champagne and Brie
- Pinot Noir and Gruyere
- Aged Port and Blue St
- Riesling and Ricotta
- Tempranillo and Idiazabal
- Vermentino and Fiore Sardo
- Chianti Classico and Pecorino Toscano
- Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese
- Provence Rosé and Havarti
- Cabernet and Gouda
- Sweet Port and Bleu Cheese
Make sure, though, that you have at least 3-4 different types of cheese, different textures, different flavors, and from various sources (goat, cattle, vegan, etc.). Variety, indeed, is the spice of life.
Incorporate some snacks into the party
Although a wine and cheese party isn’t mealtime, adding some snacks is a great way to have something to chew on while you discuss and have fun. This will also prevent you from spending precious time in the kitchen preparing something big for your guests.
Excellent snacking options include:
- Gluten-free crackers
- Gluten-free snack mix
- Fresh fruits
- Dark chocolate
- Nut cookies
- Dried figs and oranges, etc.
It’s worth labeling the snacks’ boards to protect people with allergies from accidents.
Forming your wine and cheese board
Now for the last part, a picturesque wine and cheese board may seem complex to create, but it’s far from it. The best way to go about this is by creating a structure.
To accomplish that, place large items on the board first. These may include bowls and other decorative items that can stand independently. Then, fill in the gaps with colorful snacks and other ingredients.
OMG..I loved loved Will and Grace. I mean beyond loved so when I heard Deborah Messing was coming to Braodway, I know it was a must-see. The show is called Birthday Candles and here is the summary
Debra Messing (Will & Grace) returns to the stage as Ernestine Ashworth, who spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, dozens of goldfish, an infinity of dreams, one cake baked over a century. What makes a lifetime…into a life? A new play by Noah Haidle.
Here is an article from today’s post on the show!!
We have a section in the Orchestra on 3/30 at 8 pm for $160. Email me to save your spot!!!
