I recently partnered with a company called Coastal Cast Iron. The founder Mike is a cooking enthusiast with a professional background in metal finishing. He has spent the better part of the last decade inventing a special nonstick, easy clean coating that will hold up to the “rigor that a cast iron pan is expected to go through. Mike believes that there is no turning back after you cook with cast iron. “It just feels different and it feels like you are creating something special”. Costal Cast Iron sent me the most beautiful grey pan. It is so fabulous I do not want to even cook with it and get it dirty!!!! BUT then Mike sent me his EXCLUSIVE Best Steaks EVER recipe and I had to try it. The pan is incredible..The Filets were so easy to cook AND the clean up was even better. There is currently a promotion going on on the WEBSITE right now, 10% off your order with the code SUMMER10. How great is that??!!???? I will be working with Mike and Coastal Cast Iron from now until the rest of the year so stay tuned for even more fab recipes….
The Best Steaks That I Ever Cooked Recipe from Coastal Cast Iron:
Get filets, not too terribly thick. Maybe 1 1/4 inch. Season heavily with salt and pepper about an hour before you plan to cook.
Heat up your skillet to about 400 degrees and put in Avacado oil and let that heat up for a few seconds.
Put the steaks on and don’t touch for 4 minutes.
Add 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 smashed garlic cloves and 3-4 rosemary sprigs then flip the steaks.
Once butter is melted, tilt the pan and spoon the butter/garlic/rosemary over the steaks regularly.
Cook for about 4 minutes on the second side and remove from heat.
While your steaks are resting, but still super hot, we put a Gorgonzola compound butter on top and let it melt.
When I worked at Tiffany, we had the coolest boss, Susan. She was so Stylish and Funny and she had the best taste, laugh, and handwriting. She was the epitome of “THE Tiffany shopper” wrapped up in the cutest little package. My cube was right outside her office for so many years so I was the luckiest with a ringside seat to all her fabulousness!!!! I recently learned that Susan started The Pittsburgh Mercantile, a curated collection of crafts and goods from local Artisans of the Pittsburg area. You will find “designs with clean lines and meaningful ornamentation, work that reveals the beauty of the raw materials and the hand of the artist. We celebrate quality and utility and attention to detail. We love things that get better with age. In short, things with character.” I have quickly fallen in love with this site. And, recently made some purchases myself. It is my new go-to for gifts and unique finds. Oh and Susan packages and ships all the items so every purchase comes with a painstakingly perfectly tied bow a la Tiffany & Co style.
Click images below to go to the website page…
I love the simple elegance of these drop earrings…
I ordered these “two little birds” earrings after seeing them in a video that Susan posted. I just loved how they move and jingle…
I saw Susan wearing these on Instagram and have taken a second look a few times now..I really just love these..
I added these to my gift wish list…These Star Dominos are a great for any family!!
This folding ruler reminds me of the one that we had in our garage tool shed when growing up. I’m dying for one…great for the handi man or lady in your family!!
I have a few friends with fall/winter birthdays that are going to be getting these hand knit rainbow socks….so fabulous!!!
Every respectable closet needs these amazing Swedish Lavender Sachets..They keep your clothes smelling fresh and keep those pesky moths at bay…
This is a brilliant idea, a cookie box. Such a cool way to safely transport all of your homemade goodies (the best part of the meal!!) from school to your book club and everywhere in between!!! There is also a pie and cake box as well!!!
It is soo hard to find good pillar candles….these are extra tall and hand dipped…and they come in soo many great colors…
This backgammon set is what everyone in my husband’s office is getting this year…I love the colored board. It will look so chic sitting out in any room AND such a fun game to pass hours together!!!
One of my favorite items on the site are the vintage Pucci purses by designer Carolyn Roberts
Here is one in fall colors..I am dreaming about this…
The Tassel Necklaces are also perfection…
Looking for privacy? Well, you’ve come to the right place because there are a lot of interesting privacy solutions for homeowners. The traditional saying goes ‘fences make good neighbors. But what is this true? Well, you don’t feel like your private space is invaded, not by their overgrown plants or weeds and neither by their prying eyes. But it’s also because spaces are clearly defined. You don’t get into arguments with people, who know where they stay with each other. But surely, there are modern and contemporary ways to achieve this right?
The classic fence
Let’s start off with the benchmark, the classic fence. Did you know that it’s not just wood that is used for the garden fence but vinyl too. Vinyl is cheaper and lighter but doesn’t have the same kind of allure that wood does. These are some of the fence companies that you should be contacting to know more about the key differences. Wood is very versatile but needs to be taken care of more proactively. It is also more prone to things like termites and rot. However, vinyl may be lighter and less work, but it’s not as strong as wood. If you live in a cold or windy area, you may want more support for your fence. The last thing you want to do is to have one of your fences pushed down by the wind, and have it crush the neighbor’s rose patch.
Steel fence
The modern steel fence is usually found in gated communities or upper-middle-class homes. As you can imagine, it’s more daunting and imposes a different kind of image onto your home. Painted in black, white or just kept bare, the steel fence is a very sturdy and elegant option when done right. The stems and spikes on a steel fence make for good protection from burglars and wild animals. This kind of fence is great if you have small children and live in a neighborhood where there are big dogs around. However, it’s also one for longevity, so once it’s in it’s very tough and expensive to remove, so make up your mind thoroughly before fitting this type of fence.
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Pickets and planks
The contemporary fence is etched in everyone’s mind because it’s so simple and picturesque. The white picket fence is made up of dense wood, such as oak, cedar or beech. You can also get yew wood if you want to engrave personal designs into each plank. However, you should note that this kind of fence is more for the front garden and not the back. It won’t afford much privacy but it looks homely and comforting. You can set how far you want each plank to be which will determine how much people can see beyond the fence and how protected your children playing on the lawn will be.
Fences are great for your privacy but they can also bring a new layer of depth to your property. Choose wisely and select the kind of color and material you want beforehand.
Just about every single person on Earth’s life has been shifted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on what you do and where you live, your life could have been mildly or dramatically affected – but regardless, things have changed for you and your family, and aren’t looking likely to return to normal any time soon. In an ideal world, coronavirus would leave our world as quickly as it arrived, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. It looks like this virus is here to stay for the time being, and with winter on the way, it is more important than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones against infection.
Your health and wellness is likely very important to you. If it isn’t, it should be. You never really realize just how fragile you are until you get sick or injured – and by then, it’s usually too late to prevent the consequences. If you want to protect yourself and stay well, the name of the game is taking preventative measures. Preventative measures can seem drastic or unnecessary, but can potentially save your life when push comes to shove. Let’s take a look at three tips to optimize your COVID-19 safety.
- Follow Expert Advice
In a world where fact increasingly gets mixed up with opinion, it’s hard to figure out who to listen to. The best way to engage with advice when it comes to coronavirus is to listen to qualified doctors. Politicians are, unfortunately, all too quick to use crises as a vehicle to spin their political agenda, and this can lead to people taking unwise actions. If you want to know how to truly be safe, listen to doctors.
How can you listen to doctors? It’s all about seeking out respectable medical journals, or direct advice from your doctor. Even if just over the phone, you can ask your doctor their opinion on how to best protect yourself from COVID-19. The level of risk currently varies depending on your location and your age, health history and disability status. Talking to your doctor is a great option.
- Preparation Is Key
If you are heading out of the house, for example to the supermarket, the drugstore, to a coffee shop or to work, you should prepare more rigorously than you usually would. Make sure you are practising tip-top hygiene to ensure you are at a lower risk of contracting coronavirus. How? Here is how to prepare to leave the house during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Remember your mask. The essentials used to be your phone, wallet and keys – now it’s phone, wallet, keys, mask. No matter where you go, you should carry a mask with you at all times, just in case you need it. You can use disposable surgical masks, the specialist N95 Face Mask, or a washable cotton mask.
- Hand gel. Before you step out the door, remember to have a bottle of hand gel in your bag or attached to your keys. Many people are also putting a bottle of hand gel in their car for regular use, too. Being caught without hand gel can increase your risk of infection.
- Avoiding crowds. If you take public transportation often, there are certain times of day you should avoid, such as the morning and evening rush hours. This will help you to stay socially distanced from others.
- Boost Your Immune System
Remember, prevention is better than reaction. If you want your body to be at its best ability to fight infection, your immune system should be functioning highly. Your body has a natural immune system which will always work to fight viruses and infections, unless you have an immune-compromizing condition. However, there are ways to help your body fight infections and function well.
Taking vitamins such as echinacea is one way to boost your immunity. Echinacea is a herbal remedy which has been proven to fight colds and help your immune system attack viruses and bacteria. Taking echinacea is recommended if you already have a cold, but it can be taken daily during the winter months for an extra boost.
Foods such as ginger, bell peppers, broccoli and garlic are also said to be immunity-boosters due to their natural properties. Eating a colorful, healthy, vegetable-heavy diet is excellent for your health in all aspects.
Conclusion
Your health and safety have never been more vital than now. Your ability to fight the coronavirus or any other illnesses that come your way, could save your life. Ensure you invest in yourself this winter, and treat your health as a priority if you can.
During the pandemic, one major concern amongst doctors – aside from the obvious – is that people will let small ailments grow and get worse. The irony is that because people are so worried about contracting the coronavirus, they may be letting other serious conditions slip under their notice.
So what do you need to be aware of?
Aches and Pains
We all have aches and pains from time to time and most will go away on their own. Often, all you need is to make sure that you are eating well – many mild pains, including cramps, are caused by mineral deficiencies – You could even try natural remedies, like herbal supplements and tested gummy products. You could also try stretching and gentle exercise to loosen up. Walking is really good for you and even in quarantine, you should try to make sure that you don’t spend all your time sitting down. Staying fit and feeling good is possible, even while you are working from home.
The problem comes when your pain doesn’t go away or it gets worse. There is no reason that you should have to suffer and even at times like this, it is better for you to talk to a health professional. From lower back pain to unbearable wisdom tooth pain, there is nothing a doctor wouldn’t be happy to help you with. In fact, doctors can diagnose a wide range of problems remotely so you won’t even need to go into their surgery.
Lumps, Rashes and Discoloration
Just like aches and pains, lumps, rashes and discoloration are really common and, most of the time, they pass on their own. However, lumps, rashes and discoloration can also be a sign of more serious conditions, including cancer.
If you do find an odd lump on your body, it’s a good idea to monitor it for a few days to see what happens as most lumps will disappear in that time. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse it is always worth calling your doctor as they will be able to prescribe the right course of action. For example, they may wish to take a biopsy of a new lump.
Skin rashes and discoloration can often be diagnosed by a pharmacist. They will also be able to give you a steroid cream or similar to help relieve the symptoms – especially if your skin is itchy or irritable to touch. There are a few home remedies that can help too, such as using a cool compress or coconut oil to relieve itching.
Again, most rashes and discolorations are nothing to worry about but they are worth treating quickly so don’t delay in getting help. The last thing you need right now is a rash that’s going to spread!
Fatigue and The Sense Something Isn’t Right
Fatigue can be caused by a wide range of illnesses but it is also a common symptom of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Right now, lots of people are struggling with their mental health as life has radically changed and there is a new threat that the whole of humanity is affected by.
Fatigue is not the same as tiredness; fatigue doesn’t improve with sleep and can make you feel sluggish and achy. If you are worried about fatigue, seeing your doctor is a really good idea as they will be able to gauge a sense of how you are both physically and mentally. They may wish to do some blood tests just to check for any sign of infection or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
For many people, fatigue also follows an illness. If this is true for you then the best thing you can do is allow yourself time to rest and heal. If your fatigue persists beyond a few weeks, it is really important that you return to your doctor for further advice. Many people are showing signs of post-viral fatigue after recovering from the coronavirus and if you think you may be affected, it’s important that you seek further help.
We are all guilty of ignoring smaller symptoms and hoping that they will go away on their own. Luckily, for most of us, most of the time this is true and your body is actually really good at dealing with all kinds of problems by itself. However, just because we are in the middle of a worldwide health crisis doesn’t mean that your relatively small problem doesn’t warrant some attention. So no matter how silly you might feel if you are worried about any of the symptoms above or have any other symptoms concerning you, don’t delay making that appointment.
At the start of the year, many of us were looking forward to what looked like it was going to be a bumper year. The economy was raging. Technology was advancing. And, in general, people’s lives were getting better – at least financially.
But things, as we know, took a turn for the worse. We don’t know precisely how the crisis is going to impact the lives of regular people. But we can guess at the fact that it’s not going to be easy. Who knows when the economy will return or how long it will take to slash the unemployment rate back to January’s levels.
The last few months, however, have gotten people thinking seriously about their finances. Being cooped up inside for long periods has taught a lot of us some valuable lessons, particularly when it comes to financial freedom. We’ve realised that riding the consumer carousel isn’t the route to happiness. Quite the reverse, in fact.
If we were to sum up the lessons that people have collectively learned from this experience, they would comprise the following:
Trading Time For Careers Isn’t Worth It
Careers seem like the ultimate route to success in life. They provide meaning, fulfilment, and resources. But when you peel back the curtain, you see something different: a lot of stress and missed opportunities. People give up a lot for their work, particularly their family lives. And now many people are discovering the real cost. They’re finding out that their marriages aren’t as secure as they thought and that they’ve neglected to get to know their children. They’re also finding out that they have interests outside their careers and that they’re worth pursuing too. Maybe that’s why people aren’t particularly enthused about going back to the office.
Going Into Debt Is A Bad Idea
Going into debt seems so justifiable at the time. But when you realise that shopping isn’t all it’s cracked up to be after weeks of lockdown, you soon see the folly of your ways. Getting into debt, as DTSS U.S. Complete Freedom points out, is a way of trapping into a cycle of servitude. You don’t actually benefit at all when you borrow money from other people to pay for stuff you want right now. Instead, you simply make your life worse by creating new obligations.
Saving Is The Only Way To Become Free
The world is a surprisingly free place for people who have a lot of money in the bank. You can pretty much go anywhere and do anything you like, so long as you have some substantial resources behind you. Unfortunately, many people tie themselves to a kind of wage slavery. Yes – their work is something to do. But if they’re honest with themselves, there’s almost always something else that they would prefer to do with their time.
Saving and investing really is the only way to financial freedom for most people. We’re not all going to become superstar entrepreneurs. For many of us, ordinary life is sufficient. And that’s okay. Long-term savings are the way to go.