There are those moments where you’d like to treat yourself sans alcohol while still keeping your taste buds happy. Whether it’s a new resolution, a gathering with a mother-to-be or you’re simply not in the mood for alcohol aftermath, it’s a great time for mocktails.
If you’re a parent, you know just how important a good night’s sleep is for children. A lack of quality sleep can bring out problems at school and at home. We’ve crafted a handy guide that details everything you need to know about children’s sleep. From how to make the nightly bed time routine a breeze, to choosing the mattress that’s best for their growing bodies, it’s all right here.
You may have seen this word scattered around your Pinterest page, or maybe you heard it mentioned on HGTV. The hype about this word is real. The word is “Hygge”. Hygge is a design style that creates an atmosphere that evokes feelings of coziness, warmth and ease.
Pop, fizz, clink! Here’s to ringing in 2018 in style. A new year will be here before we know it and this year we’ve decided to countdown to midnight at home with some of our closest friends. For inspiration on how we’re getting the party started, click here:
ON THE MENU
First things first, let’s talk eats and drinks. Let’s be honest, you know all of your friends’ first question after RSVP’ing will be: “what are we having?” And can you blame them? The holidays are a time to really treat yourself and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Break out your most fabulous dinnerware and serve the thing that tastes best with champagne: Lobster. Mac. And. Cheese. Is there anything more special than lobster and bubbly? We think not. Here’s a fabulous recipe we’ll be whipping up:
LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE
SOURCE: howsweeteats.com
yield: SERVES 8
total time: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 (6 to 7 oz) lobster tails thawed or fresh
- 1 to 2 pounds noodles of your choice, macaroni or fancy.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4-5 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 1 chopped shallot
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350.
Shell, clean, and coarsely chop lobster meat. Have patience. Set aside.
Grate all 3 cheeses. Add 2 cups of heavy cream to a double boiler, followed by cream cheese. Add small amount of the shredded cheese to the double boiler, mixing with a whisk. Repeat until the cheese is gone.
Boil water and cook your pasta. Set aside.
Add olive oil and butter to a skillet on med-high. Add chopped shallot and minced garlic. Add lobster meat and saute for 1-2 minutes or until meat becomes opaque. Add 1/4 cup white wine. Saute for another 1-2 minutes then set aside off heat.
If cheese mixture needs thinned out, add white wine in 1/4 cup increments, whisking it in.
In a baking dish, layer pasta, lobster mix, and cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
PARTY PREP
Before your guests arrive, plan out where you’d like everyone to mix and mingle before dinner is served. We love the idea of having everyone hang out in the living room. You can put on your favorite music hits of 2017 or even a classic movie everyone will love. This is also where you can set out nibbles. Place trays of appetizers atop ottomans or poufsOpens in a new window. This will bring a cozy element to your party, and keep everyone out of your hair while you put the finishing touches on your epic pasta dish in the kitchen.
THE FESTIVE TABLE
To really set your dining tableOpens in a new window apart, decorate it with a New Year’s Eve theme in mind. Make a centerpiece out of noise makers, place flowers in an empty champagne bottle and give everyone a fun hat or tiara to wear. Once the lobster mac and cheese is golden brown and ready to be served, have everyone sit down and raise a glass.
Here’s to 2018. May all your pain be champagne. Cheers!
What better way to spend a weekend outdoors than throwing a s’mores party? Because a weekend filled with such ooey-gooey deliciousness is a super sweet treat! Here’s what you need to host a sweet s’mores party.
Dining Room Ideas, Health & Wellness, Home Decor & Furniture
Tips to Stay Cool and Beat the Heat in Style
It’s vital for us to do what we can to prevent overheating. The trick to surviving summer is to beat the heat in style. Here’s how you can cool down:
Memorial Day is on its way. And you know what that means… If you’re lucky enough to have the day off, it’s high time for some chillin’ and grillin’ with family and friends. Ready to get this party started?
YOU SEND THE RSVPS, WE’LL PROVIDE THE RECIPES (AND FURNISHINGS)
Mother’s Day is May 13 and this year, we’re spoiling mom in style. The only thing better than a handwritten thank you is a heartfelt brunch in her honor. We definitely suggest skipping the group text and inviting everyone by snail mail. It will certainly impress your guests and most importantly, your guest of honor.
Once the date is set, it’s time to get the house prepped.
A WARM WELCOME
Greet everyone with new and fun decor at your front door. Rely on your entryway to set the mood for the day.
Pssst don’t forget a wreath and balloons. It is mom’s day after all.
You can also make easy updates inside of your home with fresh plants, flowers, a pouf or two and a bold and bright rug.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Whether you’re hosting the gathering inside or out, we love making this portion of the day a laid back and family-friendly affair. Our brunch recipe is one that people can grab and go as they please. With no formal meal time, it’s more fun to let people mix, mingle and nosh when they are ready.
Our selection of casual, chic dining furnitureOpens in a new window and serveware should help do the trick.
SET THE TABLE
NOW LET’S EAT… AND DRINK
Spicy Mexican Brunch Eggs (AKA Eggs Fantastic)
Adapted from Tampa Treasures Cookbook
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. bulk Sausage, crumbled
¼ lb. fresh Mushrooms, chopped
1 medium Onion, diced
Salt to taste
Freshly ground Pepper to taste
8 Eggs
3 tbsp. Sour Cream
6 tbsp. hot or mild Mexican Tomato Salsa
8 oz. Velveeta Cheese, diced
8 oz. Mozzarella Cheese, grated
8 oz. Cheddar Cheese, grated
Night before, or 35 minutes before serving: Preheat oven to 400° F. In large skillet, over medium-high heat, combine sausage, mushrooms and onion. Sauté until sausage is cooked completely. Drain well; season to taste with salt and pepper. Combine eggs and sour cream in blender or food processor; whip 1 minute. Pour into greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake until eggs are softly set, 4 to 7 minutes. Spoon salsa evenly over top of eggs; add sausage mixture. Top first with Velveeta, then with mozzarella and cheddar.
To serve immediately, turn oven to broil; broil until cheeses melt. To serve the next day, refrigerate overnight. Bake at 325° F. about 30 minutes, until cheeses melt. Cut and serve with flat spatula.
8 to 12 servings
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Moonstruck by moonlight? What better way to enjoy la bella luna than with dinner al fresco. It takes a little planning, but the results are magical. Here are some easy tips.
Here are some fun facts, tips and simple recipes to help you incorporate this delicious nutritional powerhouse into your diet.