I am back to posting another one-pot wonder. This tortellini soup was the plan for tonight but I got sidetracked so I will have to make it next week. BUT, I did not want to wait to share it with you. I think I am going to substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth but other than that..this looks like another winner.
adapted from diethood.com
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion , diced
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/4- cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 package (12-ounces) frozen tortellini
- 1 bag (5-ounces) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cream OR milk OR half-and-half (I like fat-free 1/2 & 1/2 in soups)
- Melt butter in a large saucepan or soup pot.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook over medium-low heat for 6 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Whisk in flour; whisk until crumbly.
- Slowly add broth and continue to vigorously whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps.
- Bring soup to a boil.
- Add frozen tortellini and spinach.
- Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Stir in cream or milk; bring back to a steady boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
You want to have a beautiful home inside and out, which means that you want to make your garden as beautiful as possible to complement the space inside the house. Some people do this with vegetable gardens and fruit trees, and others look at their back yard space and determine how they can landscape the square footage.
A beautiful garden doesn’t just make a home look attractive, it adds value. It can make you feel as if you have a tranquil space in which you can escape. If you find the right sod supplier, your garden is going to be as healthy as possible. Your backyard should be an extension of your home, and that means working to make it as beautiful as possible. Aesthetics matter and we have got four ways you can ensure that your garden looks the best it can be! Also now is the perfect time to start planning for next years spring/summer garden since so many things need to be planted/trimmed in the fall.
- Garden Layout. Do you want a lawn? Have you considered your borders and the flowers you want to add to the space? The layout that you choose for your garden is either going to make or break the way it looks, and aesthetics do matter! You want to add ornaments, right? Think about statues, fountains.
- Adding Color! While there is a beauty in gardens that are monochrome in color, there’s something even better about adding flowers. Some flowers approve the appearance of your garden while attracting butterflies and bees at the same time. You should consider the fact that you are going to have a wonderful amount of color added to the space, and you will have a garden filled with beauty! Pollinators will keep your garden looking healthy, and you will have everyone commenting on it!
- Add Pathways. Your garden beds aren’t the only things to comment on. The right lawn is beautiful, but a stone path is going to enhance the space and add beautiful lines throughout! You should consider one path to the front door and then consider a separate pathway alongside the borders so that you can water them properly. Pathways are going to make the front yard stand out and the whole neighborhood will notice it.
- Somewhere To Sit. Your back yard is going to be enhanced with a deck or patio, but you need somewhere for people to sit! Whether it’s a bench or a table and chairs, the right seating will set off the space and make it inviting. It doesn’t take much effort to get your garden seating installed, especially if you have portable garden furniture in your space. You can make your garden beautiful even without proper garden furniture, simply add some giant beanbags and picnic blankets to the lawn to offer your guests a place to sit! Of course, the best option is to invest in sturdy, long-lasting outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time and look great, but with so many options, the choice is down to you.
The garden has to be as gorgeous as the rest of the house if you want it to stand out properly. Think about how you want your outdoor space to function, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy it!
One of the most requested posts I receive is for outings. During the Pandemic it has been extremely hard to bring anything new to you in regards to outings or things you must see or do.. Most outings are not possible. However, I received a great email the other day. There is a really cool drive through Winter Wonderland Light Show Experience right here in Westchester. It will take place at the Kensico Dam Plaza.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a festive 1.2-mile drive through Kensico Dam Plaza, filled with dazzling exclusive light displays that will thrill youngsters of all ages.
See your favorite holiday characters. Jovial music right on your car radio, wave to Santa and other surprises all seen from the safe and controlled environment of your car.
The event will be opened every night from November 27th through January 3rd. To purchase tickets, click HERE.
Following are some highlights from the show:
- DAZZLING ANIMATED LIGHT
DISPLAYS WHEREVER YOU LOOK! - FESTIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC STRAIGHT TO YOUR VEHICLE’S RADIO!
- YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE SPECTACULAR 50FT FLYING DOVE RISING OUT OF TAKE FLIGHT LAKE! MAGICAL WOODS TAKES YOU RIGHT THROUGH DANCING TREES AND LIGHTS.
- NEXT, YOU PASS THROUGH TWIRLING TUNNEL IMMERSED IN A SEA OF SPARKLING AND FLASHING LIGHTS THAT BRINGS YOU TO FA LA LA LANE!
- YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE 75 GLOWING SNOWBALLS OF SNOWSTORM CENTRAL, EVEN PASSING THROUGH A DUSTING OF SEASONAL SNOW AND WALLS OF LIGHT!
- THEN WAVE TO SOME OF YOUR ALL-TIME POPULAR CHARACTERS! DIFFERENT ONES WILL BE THERE EACH NIGHT!
- MAKE THE TURN-UP CANDY CANE LANE TO SEE TOWERING CANDY CANES ALONG THE ROAD THAT LEADS YOU TO THE BIG MAN IN A RED SUIT!!
- FINALLY, DRIVE THROUGH PEEKERS PLAYGROUND ON YOUR WAY OUT!
THERE IS NOTHING
ELSE LIKE IT!
One of my favorite sites is Etsy. Etsy started out as a site to buy crafty/homemade items but it has developed into so much more. It is my go-to for so many things. I love all the vintage tabletop items, the personalized items, party favors, vintage jewelry, and clothing…I could go on and on. I keep a running favorites list on my Etsy page all the time. And I am always going back to it when I need a special gift or am looking for a little pick me up. I cannot tell you how many amazing unique things I have found on Etsy over the years. I decided to share some of the treasures from my favorites with you. I hope you love them as much as I do!!
I am dying for this vintage coral bracelet…Its is just so fabulous!
Etsy is full of beautiful embroidered dresses and caftans..keep it in mind for the next time you go away (whenever that will be!!!!!!)
I love all of the unique new and vintage bags…this feather one is one of my favorites. I carried a similar one in Miami last winter when we celebrated our 50th bdays with all of my high school friends..I cannot tell you how many people stopped me to touch the bag..Who can resist pink feathers????
I have a few of these vintage unique Japanese porcelain pieces. but I just love this pattern…
Who can resist Pucci either??? and I love that handle…
Malachite jewelry is all the rage…
I am dying over these vintage Thistle glasses and ice bucket….Please someone buy them…they are just too gorgeous for words!!!
Another LOVE…and soo well priced..these would make fabulous Xmas gifts and they come in a bunch of colors!!!
These knives are perfect for the Holiday’s. The horn handles are so great!!!
This company Shine Design is in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami and their handmade earrings are incredible…
Etsy also has the best selection of decorative pillows!!!
Look at this cool ring…..the jewelry is so unique…
There are also great items for entertaining…
These ice buckets are beautiful..keep them in mind for special Christmas gifts…
This self stick wallpaper is magical…
How gorgeous are these monogrammed napkins..you can get a bunch of different fonts and colors…
Speaking of monogram..this is one of my favorite Etsy shops..their monogram cups and other items are sooo unique..More great gifts!!!
My amazing designer friend Sue Sartor, introduced me to the faire isle sweaters on Etsy. I love this blue one…
It’s nice to have so many options for facial hair removal, but the truth is that each of the top methods has its advantages and drawbacks.
1. Shaving and Dermaplaning
Years ago, when one of the original New Jersey Real Housewives confessed to shaving her face with a razor, it caused some viewers to react with shock and surprise. But these days, the practice is more widespread. While some still may attempt this at home with a conventional razor, others are making appointments for professional dermaplaning with a tool that resembles a surgical scalpel.
Dermaplaning (also called microplaning or blading) is not something you’d want to attempt on your own since the tool is very sharp. Women who swear by this method say it not only removes hair but helps to exfoliate their skin as well. It’s not an inexpensive treatment, however, and the results do not last very long. Aside from the skin treatment, dermaplaning only acts to shave off the outer growth of hair– similar to how guys shave every morning.
Shaving with a conventional razor is a much less costly way to remove facial hair and exfoliate, but even with a multi-blade razor, you can still experience irritation and dryness, especially if you have to shave frequently.
2. Tweezing
Tweezing pulls the hair out from the root, is not too painful, and is a very inexpensive method. However, it’s not a permanent solution, since results only last from three to either weeks, at best. Plus, tweezing is most often used to remove stray eyebrow or chin hairs, but it’s not practical for areas of the face with more hair growth.
3. Depilation
Depilation using creams or gels is an inexpensive way to remove facial hair. These products are widely available at any drugstore, and the results last longer than shaving.
But depilatories carry a risk for skin irritation, which is why manufacturers recommend you first do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. Depilatories work by using chemicals like calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate, which weaken the hairs by breaking down disulfide bonds in keratin. Stubble will likely reappear after only a week, and frequent use can cause redness and irritation.
4. Waxing or Sugaring
Waxing – in which soft or hard wax is applied to the skin and hair is pulled off in patches – is a popular hair removal option for many women, but it’s considered one of the more painful methods. Sugaring is similar to waxing in that it also rips hair from the root, but the technique is slightly different and some say it hurts less than waxing.
If you’re sensitive to the ingredients in the wax, it could cause skin irritation. Since only sugar, water, and lemon juice is used to make sugar for hair removal, there’s less chance of a reaction.
Ingredients aside, a poor application and removal of the wax or sugar could mean the hair follicles aren’t removed entirely, which would lead to ingrown hairs. To avoid bumps from ingrown hairs, it’s best not to use an in-home kit for waxing or sugaring, especially if you’re inexperienced.
5. Threading
Threading originated centuries ago in far eastern cultures. The process involves moving a thread in a circular motion over an area of hair growth until the thread is very taut and the hairs can then be lifted from their follicles.
The benefits of this technique are that it lasts longer than shaving or tweezing, it won’t cause ingrown hairs, and it doesn’t use any ingredients that might cause a skin reaction. It is considered to be mildly to moderately painful, however, and is typically only used for brows. Since it’s a complicated technique, you won’t want to attempt this on your own.
6. Epilation
Epilation is like tweezing, but relies on an epilation device that can remove many hairs at one time. It’s considered to be more painful than tweezing, but less than waxing.
This method is best used for removing the stray hairs that appear between hair removal appointments, and it’s suggested that you don’t use this method for areas that require precision, like your eyebrows. Epilation is typically a DIY method, but the epilation device is far more expensive than a tweezer. Like many of these hair removal methods, epilation can also cause skin irritation and redness, especially when done by someone inexperienced.
7. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses a beam of concentrated light to target hair follicles. When the follicles absorb the light, it’s converted to heat, which then alters the follicles so that hair either cannot grow back or will reappear much finer. Laser treatment is one of the only methods that can lead to a permanent reduction in hair growth.
Laser hair removal is safe and FDA-approved (when it’s done by a trained professional). It can take about six sessions to achieve permanent hair growth reduction, and the sessions are not inexpensive. But given that this method can achieve permanent hair reduction, it’s an upfront investment that will pay off in the future, as you will not need to spend money on other hair removal approaches that require you to keep coming back.
Most people say laser hair removal feels like a rubber band is snapping at your skin, and although there may be some redness or irritation immediately after the procedure, it typically goes away quickly.
8. Electrolysis
Electrolysis is similar to laser hair removal in that it also uses heat to destroy hair follicles, and can likely lead to permanent hair removal. Rather than a beam of light, electrolysis uses a needle to penetrate the follicle.
Electrolysis is time-consuming since the needle can target only one follicle at a time (laser beams cover a broader area), and you’ll require more sessions to remove hair compared to the laser technique. Unfortunately, electrolysis cannot guarantee permanent hair removal, no matter how many sessions you go through.
9. Topical Prescriptions
Topical prescriptions block an enzyme that’s required for hair growth, but it’s prescribed to slow growth rather than remove hair or make it fall out. These prescriptions can possibly cause skin irritation, and they’re typically prescribed for medical skin or hair conditions over errant chin or lip hair. These prescriptions also work only as long as you continue to use them, which can become very costly as time goes on.
The Winner: Facial Laser Hair Removal in NYC
If you’ve decided you’re tired of waging the war against unwanted facial hair and are looking for a permanent reduction in hair growth, consider the many benefits of facial laser hair removal. It’s the best option to get rid of unwanted hair, and the upfront cost is well worth it in the long run.
Winter is right on the horizon but there’s still time to make those all important changes to the home to ensure that you and your family have the most comfortable time possible. It’s a little more pertinent this year too because a lot of people will be spending far more time at home than usual due to coronavirus. Changes to the home can completely range and each person might want to do something slightly different. After all, everyone is unique and will each hold a different meaning of a beautiful home. The tips below can help change your perspective and help you start thinking about some of the best ways to make your home better. Whether that’s one of the larger projects, or something small and snappy. Just be sure to apply advice to your own personal situation before acting on any of them, and make sure your budget is in the right place to do so.
Change Up The Living Room
The living room is one of the most important places in the home, likely for everyone in your family. It’s where you can relax, watch some TV, read a book, or do whatever you want to wind down like watching the Giants vs 49ers. It’s why the room becomes quite easily worn or tired or people just get bored of it so change it up to make a difference. You can start by doing something really simple like simply changing the layout of the room. Change the focal point. Move the TV from one area to another. Remember, you can put it on the wall if that makes things any easier. Changing the focal point will give the room a different feel and when combined with some of the other tips below could leave you feeling like you’re in a different home altogether. For some, a simple move like this is all it takes to have that winter change up needed.
A Fresh Coat Of Paint Goes A Long Way
Another fairly simple thing to do is giving the home that fresh coat of paint. It can really lend a different look to your home. You can go for a wintry colour to suit the mood, but you can also keep the colour the same and simply go for a refresh. Having the walls redone might be like a new colour all in itself, especially if it hasn’t been done for a long time. You can focus on a room or instead, attempt to do the whole house if you wanted one big change. This is fairly easy and can be done yourself for a relatively cheap price, depending on what paint you want to use. You can also paint the outside of your house, though you’ll probably need someone to do this for you. If this is the case, make sure you get a few quotes and use a quality paint that’s resilient to adverse weather conditions. Remember, the closer to winter you get the harder it will be to get people to carry out this work due to danger working in high spaces along with the weather putting people off.
Think About Energy Consumption
You might want to approach this from another angle. It might not just be the appearance you’re thinking about, but the money too. You can bring down the costs of your energy consumption by looking into things like insulation. Cavity wall insulation stops heat escaping and stops the cold penetrating the walls. Also, you do the same with loft insulation to stop the heat escaping upwards. You might also want to think about switching energy tariffs. If you can cut the price and use the money to have a better winter then surely it’s worth it. One of the best ways to ensure heat stays in the house, thus saving you energy, is by getting new windows. Think about triple glazing, or just a better quality double glazing. The new windows will not only keep you warmer, but the likelihood is that your home will look a bit nicer from outside too.
Safety Should Come First
Safety of the home is important and there are some things to think about in winter. If you’re not sure the home is safe during winter then it’s surely time for a change up. Think about carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your carbon monoxide is working and installed right, give it the test and check your smoke alarms when you’re at it. You might even need to get your boiler serviced. Make sure it’s someone with the proper accreditations. If your boiler has never been serviced then it’s important to do it. It doesn’t just ensure that it’s safe but that it is running properly, meaning you’re getting the most for your money. A faulty boiler can be a nightmare. Remember, you should have a carbon monoxide alarm in every room where there is a fossil fuel boiling appliance. No excuse not to as they’re relatively cheap and last a fair few years.
Clear The Gutters
If you suffer from a lot of rainfall during winter you need to prepare for it accordingly. One of the ways you can do this is by looking into getting your gutters cleaned out to ensure the water is properly sluiced away. Check your drains too. If you have a lot of leaves you might find them blocked up. Check for puddles, if they pool in the wrong place they can cause you trouble. Clearing the gutters is fairly easy but people don’t like to do it because they may lack the right equipment, or not like to be so high up in the air. Always have someone holding the ladder underneath you to make sure that it doesn’t slip, even if you’re pretty sure that it is in a solid location. Also, it means you’ll have to dispose of the refuse yourself, and if there is a lot of it that can become quite troubling. Instead, consider hiring someone who knows what they’re doing and will be able to do it quickly.