Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Gifts for the Girlfriends!

Have some girlfriends you need to grab a little gift for?
Here are a few ideas in a range of prices!


Glass Oil Bottle
$58
You can also grab a bottle of
olive oil from Taste the Olive next door!



Possibility Box
$45
Each box has a sweet saying on it.
You can put another gift inside
if you want to add a surprise!



Becky Hemby Candles
$29-$112
The outside layer of wax doesn't melt away.
Have the candle refilled or use it as a votive!



Silk Jewelry Bags
$14
Perfect for the avid traveler.
Tuck a pair of Starsong earrings
inside for an extra surprise!



Woven Glass Ring Holders
$19
Decorative and functional,
they come in all different colors!




We also have a large assortment of Starsong
earrings with real gemstones from $20-$50!




-Taylor

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Naughty or Nice

Has your wife been naughty this year?

Give her a "lump of coal" for Christmas

Starsong Lava stone and
Sterling Silver bracelet

(We make our Starsong jewelry right here in the gallery.
Looking for a specific color or type of jewelry,
we can make whatever you need!)



Is your husband always complaining
about the money you spend?


Give him "two nickels to rub together"

Buffalo Nickel Cuff Links

(We just got in a new assortment of
gentleman's cuff links in time for Christmas)



If they have been nice we have
plenty of gifts to cover that too!



-Taylor


Friday, November 18, 2011

Holiday hostess gifts...that guarantee you'll get invited back!

Do you have any Holiday parties to attend this season?
Do you want to WOW your hostess?
Don't want to break the bank on hostess gifts?


Here are a few ideas...



Me 2 U
Cheese Plate and Knife

(To really wow your hostess bring with cheese and crackers)


Dottie Boscamp
Oil Bottles
(To make it extra special pair it with a bottle of olive oil)


Luke Adams Starfish
(Glass flowers, twists, medium & large starfish)


Hilborn
Serving Dishes
(Microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.
Bring a Hilborn dish with something tasty baked in it)

For recipe ideas see my blog post
"Recipe For A Good Time"

Becky Hemby
Candles
(The inside melts away leaving the beautiful outside perfect for a candle votive)

These gifts are unique and something everyone can use!

-Taylor


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Toss together the perfect Thanksgiving salad


Two salad's that will go perfect with your Thanksgiving menus...


Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon and Apple Cider Dressing by Ellie Krieger (Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger – Food Network)

Total Time: 20 minutes

Cook: 10 min

Prep: 10min

Yields: 2 servings as main course, 4 as appetizer

Level: Easy


Ingredients

  • 10 ounces pre-washed baby spinach

  • 2 slices bacon, finely chopped

  • 3 ounces Canadian Bacon, finely chopped

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 1/2 red onion, sliced (about 1 cup)

  • 1 pound button mushrooms, coarsely chopped

  • 1 cup apple cider

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and pepper

Directions

Place spinach into a large bowl. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until it is just crispy. Add Canadian bacon to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently. Remove meat from pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Drain any remaining fat from the skillet.

Add olive oil and onions to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, or until onions soften slightly. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 more minutes. Put onions and mushrooms on top of the spinach. Add apple cider and vinegar to the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir to scrape up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until cider is reduced to about 1/2 cup. Whisk in mustard, salt and pepper, to taste. Pour warm cider dressing over the mushrooms and spinach and toss until the vegetables are well coated. Sprinkle the bacon on top and serve.



Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette by the Barefoot Contessa (Food Network)

Total Time: 43 min

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 28 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy


Ingredients

  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) butternut squash, peeled and 3/4-inch) diced

  • Good olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons dried cranberries

  • 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 4 ounces baby arugula, washed and spun dry

  • 1/2 cup walnuts halves, toasted

  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the butternut squash on a sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoo

ns olive oil, the maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Roast the squash for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add the cranberries to the pan for the last 5 minutes.

While the squash is roasting, combine the apple cider, vinegar, and shallots in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off the heat, whisk in the mustard, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

Place the arugula in a large salad bowl and add the roasted squash mixture, the walnuts, and the grated Parmesan. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten and toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

To turn these salads from just a yummy appetizer into a delectable table adornment serve in a Me2U glass salad dish from Spectrum Art & Jewelry!


-Taylor


Thursday, November 10, 2011

"Recipe" for a Good Time continued...

Gallery artist Kristin Gibson sent me this delicious recipe for Holiday Cranberry Salsa!

Ingredients:

1 bag fresh cranberries
1/3 cup red onion
fresh chopped cilantro
hunk of fresh ginger
1/2 cup raw sugar
fresh lime juice

Process each ingredient separately to a cours
e chop in a food processor, add ginger, sugar and lime to taste.

Serve cold with tortilla chips or as a garnish, it's a colorful addition to the table!

Warning; freeze extra cranberries, you will crave this out of season!


Thanks Kristin, I look forward to trying this!

-Taylor

Kristin Gibson is a full time artist who lives and works in Carolina Beach, near Wilmington, NC. A prolific painter and mother of two, Kristin creates spirited “alla prima” paintings stirred from elements of daily life. Color and pattern inspire the lyrical sensibilities of her paintbrush. Further influenced by the ebb and flow of a lifetime by the sea, she calls her backyard work space "Saltwater Studio".

A degree in textile design is reflected in her beautiful silk scarves; each one unique in color, form and expression. Whether on silk or canvas, this artist's vivacious personality bursts forth.



See more work by Kristin Gibson

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

5 Drug-Free Ways to Avoid a Cold

I am dedicating this blog post to the cold that I picked up this past weekend in the mountains. As the weather grows colder the chances of catching the sniffles grows as well. Statistics say that you'll catch two to four colds this winter. Hear are some drug-free prevention strategies to keep your head clear!

1. SLEEP

Sleep regulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates cells that boost the immune system, which is crucial for defending against the cold virus. Getting at least seven hours of of sleep is the easiest way to avoid the common cold. (Recent studies indicate that people who fall short are nearly three times as likely to catch a cold)

2. EXERCISE

Moderate exercise (30 to 90 minutes) most days of the week increases immune function and reduces your chances of catching a cold. Key word: MODERATE. Prolonged high-intensity exercise can actually make you more susceptible to sickness. If you are already sick studies have shown that moderate exercise can also help you recover from a cold more quickly than normal.

3. A HOT AND COLD SHOWER

Temperature fluctuations jump-start your immune system. At the end of a shower, stand under the hottest stream you can take for 30 seconds, then turn the temperature cold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times, finishing with cold. A steamy shower helps keep nasal passages clear and can prevent cold-causing germs from taking up residence in your nose.

4. OYSTERS

(This is my favorite tip.
Lucky for us it is oyster season!) Oysters contain more of the mineral zinc than any other food, and zinc has been proven to support and enhance the immune system. Just one oyster has 13mg of zinc! Don't like oysters or find it hard to work them into your diet regularly? Look for zinc-fortified breakfast cereals, baked beans and pumpkin seeds to help you get the recommended 8 mg a day. Zinc is also effective when taken at the first sight of a cold. (Cold-Eeze and Zicam contain zinc and have been shown to decrease the duration of a cold)

5. VITAMIN D

Vitamin D helps regulate your immune system. People with low Vitamin D are much more susceptible to catching a cold. The recommended daily allowance is 200 to 600 IU (international units) however experts now suggest taking a 1,000 IU supplement (there is strong evidence that the RDA is too low). Multivitamins generally contain 400 IU. If you drink a lot of milk, frequently eat fatty fish, like salmon or live in a sunny climate, you probably get an adequate amount since all three increase your body's stores of vitamin D.


-Taylor




(I got these facts from a past issue of Real Simple Magazine)



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"Recipe" for a Good Time

With all of the holiday festivities coming up it may be time for some new ideas! Here are some delicious and unique recipes that are sure to satisfy this season.

The perfect party snack mix!
Here are three different ideas that will take your party mix to the next level!

Start with 2 cups (11.5 ounce can) of lightly salted roasted mixed nuts.


1. Chocolate Drizzled N
uts with Sea Salt -

Ingredients: 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, me
lted
and 1/2 teaspoon of flaky sea salt

Directions: Spread the nuts on a parchment-lined baki
ng sheet. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle the salt. Refrigerate until set, 15 to 20 minute s.
Break apart before serving (Makes 3 cups).

2. Sweet and Spicy Nuts

Ingredients: 1 Large Egg White, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar,
2 teaspoons paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white, sugar, pap
rika, and cayenne. Add the nuts and toss to coat. Bake at 350 F on a parchment-lined baking sheet until the coating is set, 12 to 15 minutes.
Let cool on the baking sheet (Makes 2 1/2 cups ).

3. Buttered Nuts with Rosemary and Orange


Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1
tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tablespoon thinly sliced orange ze st (from 1/4 of an orange)

Directions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the nuts, sugar, rosemary and zest and cook, tossing, until the sugar is melted and the mixture is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool on a baking sheet (makes 2 1/2 cups).

Perfect for Hilborn's Pinch Pot or Two-Sided Condiment Dish (pictured below)

Brie outside the box
One of the many wonderful things about living at the beach...
seafood is on the holiday menu!

Salmon and Brie Casserole

Prep: 18 min
Chill: 8 hours
Cook: 55 minutes

Ingredients: one 8-ounce round Brie,
16-ounce round loaf bread cubed,
8 ounces hot-smoked salmon (skin removed and broken into pieces),
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese,
8 large eggs,
4 cups half-and-half,
1 teaspoon seasoned salt,
garnish with slices green onion

Directions: Trim rind from Brie, if desired; cut cheese into cubes. Layer bread, Brie, salmon and Parmesan in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and seasoned salt; pour evenly over salmon mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 55 minutes or until casserole is set. Garnish if desired (Makes 10 servings).

Perfect for the Hilborn Brie baker!




SWEET Potatoes!
The sweetness of the maple syrup compliments the sweetness of the potato
and the buttermilk gives it an extra zip!


Buttermilk and Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients: 5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup

Directions: Cover potato pieces with cold water in a large, heavy pot and add salt. Cook over moderately high heat until fork tender, about 20 minu
tes. Drain and return potatoes to pot. Add butter, buttermilk and maple syrup, and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve. (Serves about 8)

Perfect for Hilborn's Dishing Out serving platter



Do you have any unique and delicious holiday recipes?
Please share!

-Taylor



Hilborn

Rick and Nancy Manaughton Hilborn established Hilborn Pottery Design creating wheel thrown and hand-built functional clay pieces by twisting, bending, squeezing, and curling the clay. Hilborn Pottery items include many unique serving and art forms for the home. All of their pottery is oven, dishwasher and microwave proof as well as food safe. Most pieces come with lovely hand carved wooden serving utensils.


See "Recipe" for a Good Time continued...

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Tis' the season

I can't believe it's November already! As the holiday's approach I get more and more excited about all of the wonderful things to come...time with family, the smell of Christmas trees, twinkling lights, great food, gift giving, warm fires and more!

Despite all of the excitement of the next two months the thought of all of the preparations, cooking, shopping and gift buying can seem like an ominous task. Although nothing can truly quench my excitement all of the preparations threaten to distract my focus from what really matters during this season.

So in honor of a simple, peaceful and joy filled season I will be dedicating the majority of the blog posts for the next month or so to holiday ideas. The hope is to make your life more simple this season with things like recipes and gift ideas!

I would love and appreciate any ideas, recipes and holiday tips that you have; please post them on the "The Daily Sketch"!

-Taylor