Warm Drinks for a Winter Day

No matter what the groundhog saw, we're still expecting a bit more wintry weather before spring and there's no better way to warm up and add some cheer to your day than with a warm drink! 

Here are three simple recipes for warm drinks to make at home....just like the ones you get from your favorite barista except without the coffee shop prices!

London Fog Latte 

A London Fog latte is a delicious cold weather drink plus it's easy to make and can be customized to your preferences. Basically, it's just a hot Earl Grey tea with steamed milk. Don't have a milk steamer or frother? You can make do at home by just shaking up your milk in a can or jar.

Brew a nice cup of Earl Grey and add your milk. I like to add a bit of vanilla and honey as well. Garnish with a sprinkling of lavender or even just some dried tea leaves. Delish!

Chai Tea Latte

I love Chai and it's so easy to make at home....simple and delicious to enjoy from the comfort of your PJs and no lines or chatty baristas to contend with. 

Brew your Chai tea and add milk (I like flax milk for mine). There are also ready-made Chai concentrates available and some are pretty good. Add a shot of coffee for a dirty Chai. Stir with a cinnamon stick....yum! 

French Sipping Chocolate 

I was recently introduced to the idea of sipping chocolate, which I thought was the same thing as hot chocolate. Apparently the main difference is that it's quite a bit thicker than those Swiss Miss packets we grew up with. I got some at Trader Joe's but I've heard that it's a seasonal product so get yours now if you want to snag some while you still can! 

You can determine the thickness of your drink depending on your preference and how much milk you want to add. Dairy free? Cashew or oat milk makes a great substitution. 

3 Simple Ideas for a Christmas Drink Station

No festive occasion is complete without a few signature drinks and this Christmas, I'm putting my own uniquely simple spin on things with a DIY drink station. Whether you're hosting brunch, lunch or dinner, these tasty drinks might inspire you as you're planning your menu.

The best thing about these drink options is that they are delicious without alcohol, which saves you time because you don't have to offer separate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Any guests who want to enjoy a more spirited concoction can simply add it to the base recipe. But the basic options are fine for kids or any non-drinkers you might be hosting

First up is a favorite combination of mine, which I'm calling Poinsettia Punch. Poinsettias are indigenous to Mexico, but were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. They definitely provide some festive cheer when used in your decor.

Poinsettia Punch

To make Poinsettia Punch, you'll need cranberry juice, and some type of seltzer water. To make this drink more spirited, skip the seltzer and add prosecco or champagne. 

Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries. It's really quite simple, but looks so beautiful in a stemmed glass. 

Scrooge-Driver 

Taking inspiration from that classic cocktail the "Screwdriver" and paying homage to our favorite villain-turned-hero Ebenezer Scrooge, I'm calling this one a Scrooge-Driver. 

To incorporate this recipe into your Christmas drink station, have plenty of good orange juice on hand. Of course, you can also use your favorite citrus juice, like lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine or pomelo. I grabbed a great option from Whole Foods, with the added ingredient of carrots for some extra healthy goodness. 

Top off a tumbler half filled with juice with a good quality sparkling soda...I like the Whole Foods store brand from Italy. If you want to stick with the orange flavor, match your soda to your juice. If you want to mix things up, try some other tasty combinations like grapefruit juice with lemon soda, or pineapple juice with blood orange soda. 

Add some pomegranate seeds for color or garnish with my mom's favorite, orange slice candy. 

To make this one more spirited, add vodka or champagne, depending on your preference. Or gin. Any alcohol really. It's up to you. 

St. Nick's Nog

Eggnog is one of my favorite Christmas drinks. You might think it's a bit rich to drink with your meal, but you ain't seen nothing yet! I'm taking it to the whole next level with Cruze Farm eggnog ice cream. Yes, you read that right. Cruze Farm eggnog ice cream + eggnog + cream soda = a delicious eggnog float fit for Saint Nicholas himself. That's why this is called St. Nick's Nog. 

You can play with the proportions. I put one scoop of eggnog ice cream into a glass, topped with a bit of eggnog and then added cream soda. You could also use club soda if you don't want any added flavor in your soda option. 

Sprinkle on some nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation. It's a bit decadent however Christmas comes but once a year. So drink up and enjoy! 

Simple Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas for All Ages!

Thanksgiving is nearly here and it's a truly special time to take stock of all we have to be grateful for. It's also a time for family togetherness, eating, and kicking off the holiday season.

Looking for some simple last minute Thanksgiving ideas that would be appropriate for all ages? I've got a few you might want to try!

Easy & Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizer 

This simple and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer only calls for three ingredients: 

• Refrigerated crescent rolls (or you can substitute pastry dough) 
• Cranberry relish
• Brie 

Simply roll each crescent into a little twist and stuff with a small amount of brie. Bake at 375 degrees for ten minutes and top with the cranberry relish. You can also mix the cheese and relish together and bake it all together. 

Easy Thanksgiving Craft 

An adorable blog I stumbled across spotlighted this project and I just had to try it! So easy and wouldn't it be really fun for all ages? 

Paint a lovely fall tree with broccoli of all things! 

All you need is some acrylic paint, paper or a canvas and broccoli! 

Mix your colors to your style and get to painting! This would also make a great way to decorate your place cards for the Thanksgiving table. 

Thanksgiving Treats in the Lunchbox 

I used to love opening my lunch to find a little note or treat from my mom. With Thanksgiving coming soon, here are a few simple ways to add some joy to your child's lunch box. 

From Oatmeal Creme Pies, to cups of chocolate pudding, and even individual cracker snacks, just about anything can be turned into a turkey with some googly eyes and trimmings! Check out how one blogger made an adorable snack that would also be fun to use as place cards for your Thanksgiving table! 

Hopefully these ideas inspire you to try something creative this Thanksgiving season. 

I have so much to be thankful for and that definitely includes YOU! Thanks for reading my blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! 

Simple and Delicious Drinks for Fall

Happy Fall Y'all! The weather is getting cooler and I think most of us in the formerly sweltering south are happy about that. Just in time for the season, I've got some delicious and simple fall drink recipes you might want to make for your next autumn party or even for no reason at all!

Cranberry Crush 

If you've ever visited my blog before, you know I like to keep things easy! No complicated recipes here. That's why I love this drink....it's just equal parts of everything mixed together. 

To make it, you'll need: 

• Cranberry Juice (I like the Simply Cranberry)
• Orange Juice (Again, I like the Simply Orange, and sometimes I use the Orange Pineapple)
• Sprite (I don't like the added sugar of Sprite or the chemicals of diet drinks, so I subbed this for cranberry flavored Lacroix seltzer water) 

Mix it all up in a pitcher or punch bowl and you're good to go! You could also swap out the orange juice for limeade and garnish with limes! Seriously, it's dealer's choice y'all! 

Caramel Apple Cider Punch

Not a fan of warm apple cider? Then this drink's for you! It's a chilled apple cider punch, with just the right hint of caramel. 

Start by swirling some caramel or dulce de leche sauce in your glasses. Then add some ice and Simply Apple Cider (I promise this is not a sponsored post, I just love these products). Add in a splash of cream soda. Give it a sprinkling of cinnamon (or not) and you're good to go! 

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

You know it's just not fall without something Pumpkin Spice....and this healthy pumpkin smoothie is a great way to start your morning! It would also make a yummy dessert. 

To create it, you'll need: 

• 1 cup milk (I used oat milk)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1/2 cup yogurt (can be plain or flavored)
• Sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice
• Dash of vanilla extract 
• Ice 

Mix it all up in your blender or food processor and enjoy! 

Ways to Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and in honor of the occasion, I'm sharing some fun and simple ways to celebrate!

According to my Internet research, the holiday was created in the mid-90s. To truly make the most of observing it, you might want to adopt a pirate moniker and greet people with traditional pirate greetings such as "Ahoy, maties!" or "Ahoy, me hearties!"

In addition to that, I've got some really simple ideas that you can re-create to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with your friends and family!

Drink Like a Pirate: Non-Alcoholic Dark and Stormy

What pirate wouldn't love a drink called a "Dark and Stormy?" I'm creating a non-alcoholic version but you could easily add a bit of alcohol as well for a more spirited version. 

Traditional Dark and Stormy cocktails call for dark rum, ginger beer, a splash of molasses bitter and a splash of lime juice, all served over ice. 

For my non-alcoholic version, you'll need: 

• 1 cup of ginger beer
• 1 T fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice

Mix it together and serve over ice and you might just find your party guests saying "Blow me down!" 

Eat like a Pirate: Your Own Pizza the Buried Treasure!

Check out this awesome pizza treasure map, via Betty Crocker. This would be such a fun & easy way to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day! Making 'homemade' pizza was one of my favorite things to do as a kid. My grandma always let me grate the mozzarella cheese. 

You could make one big pizza or get smaller crusts or flatbreads and let everyone create his or her own map to the buried treasure! 

All you need is your crust or base, your favorite sauce, cheese and toppings (I got red & green peppers, and black olives). 

Decorate Like a Pirate - 

Instead of spending any money on decorations, I raided my Halloween stash for anything that could be remotely pirate-centric. Things like skulls, bottles of potions, and cauldrons can easily be re-appropriated for a pirate party. 

Add some pirate-friendly treats like any gold wrapped candy (treasure), goldfish crackers or Swedish fish (catch of the day), and chocolate bon bons (cannon balls). 

And don't forget to let everyone figure out his or her Pirate Name! This is Dread Thunder Blackbeard, signing out! 

Three Simple Recipes to Enjoy during Peach Season!

August is a great time to enjoy the bounty of fresh peaches available in the south! And I've got some simple and delicious recipes you might want to try using fresh peaches. Don't have access to fresh peaches or want to make these year-round? Substitute canned or frozen peaches for a similar end result. 

Peachy Onion Salad with Basil

I have been making this salad for years, since I first featured it on the blog in 2011!  

You could probably add a tiny bit of Chevre or Mozzarella if you wanted to, but it’s perfectly delicious just as is.

Here's how to create it.....

You'll Need: 

• 2-3 peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• a few leaves of fresh Basil
• Oil & Vinegar (to taste)

Place peaches and onions in a bowl. Drizzle with oil (I used olive) and vinegar (I used red wine). Sprinkle with Basil leaves and enjoy!

Peaches and Cream Float

To make this delicious drink, all you'll need is some peach juice (I prefer the Simply Peach not from concentrate), ice cream (peach or vanilla will do) and club soda or seltzer. It's basically an old fashioned ice cream float, but with the addition of the peach juice for more flavor. 

Start with a scoop of ice cream in your glass. Add peach juice and a splash of soda water to give it some bubbles. Drink it up! 

Peach Parfaits

My final peach recipe idea is a yummy parfait. This basic recipe can really be made with any fruit, but peaches are a great one to try it with. 

I like to start with some crumbled cookies (maybe shortbread or gingerbread, depending on what you like). Add those to the bottom of your bowl. Then top with sliced peaches. Add a bit of whipped cream or if you want to go all out, some whipped cream mixed with cream cheese. Repeat each layer a few times until you have a parfait fit for a queen! 

Celebrate National Blueberry Month with Simple Recipes!

Did you know July is National Blueberry Month? I've been enjoying this sweet fruit by the handfuls, but in honor of the occasion, I'm sharing some other ways to treat yourself to this healthy and delicious berry.

Speaking of healthy, here's the lowdown on how blueberries can be beneficial for your body as well as your tastebuds:

• Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit
• They are packed with fiber and vitamin C
• Also a source for vitamin K & B6

Looking for some creative ways to enjoy blueberries for the rest of the harvest season? Here are three that you might want to try! 

Blueberry Salsa

 

Salsa is one of my favorite summertime foods and when I found a recipe for blueberry salsa, I knew I had to try it. It's so easy and incorporates lots of healthy ingredients to offset all the chips I will definitely be eating with it.

You can add or omit ingredients too, depending on your preference.

Here's what you need:

2 c. fresh blueberries
1 c. fresh corn (frozen or canned is okay if it's all you can get)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Corn chips, for serving

I chopped up some of the blueberries too, to help the flavors mingle a bit more. Mix it all together and serve. So tasty!

Blueberry Chia Pudding

I don't know about you, but chia pudding is one of those things I sort of forget I like until I see it on Pinterest and think, oh yeah, I should make that. It's so easy to make and can be healthy for you. Apparently, 1/4 cup of chia seeds have about as much protein as an egg. 

Of course, it is important to keep in mind added sugars, etc. 

For this recipe, I simply stirred 1/4 cup chia seeds into a cup of almond milk. I mashed up about a cup of blueberries (or you could use the blender or food processor), and stirred that in as well. Stick it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will give the chia time to expand and take on its more gelatinous consistency. Top with some chopped nuts or a bit of granola, and yum! 

Blueberry Orange Detox Water 

Infused water was a trend for a bit, but I have always loved this option as a way to add a bit of oomph to your already needed summer thirst quencher. 

Because of their antioxidants, blueberries are a great option to add to your water. And their flavor pairs nicely with slices of orange. Add in some mint leaves for a truly refreshing treat. 

If you can't spend your summer at a spa, bring flavors of the spa to you with this awesome infused drink! 

Fun & Simple Summer Snacks for All Ages

Summer in the south is hot, hot, hot! This is why finding fun and simple summer snacks is key. It means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and the time you do spend will be cooler since you aren't heating the kitchen up with complicated recipes. 

Looking for some new recipes to try with your family this summer? I've got three that are tasty and quick to prepare! I hope this inspires you to think outside the box and treat yourself with delicious snacks during the summer and all year long. 

Italian Antipasto Salad Kabobs

In Italian cooking, antipasto refers to an appetizer made up of olives, anchovies, cheeses, and meats. I did a more kid-friendly take on this idea with some bite sized snacks which can be eaten on a skewer. I was inspired by this adorable blog. 

Not only can kids help with the prep of this snack, it's also fun to eat. This would pack up well into a cooler for a day at the pool or a picnic. 

Start with cherry tomatoes, add tortellini, olives, a pepperoni and a cheese cube and you're all set. This idea can be customized to your taste preferences for a truly delicious summer snack. 

Strawberry Lemonade Dessert Pizza 

There's nothing like the combination of strawberry and lemon to really capture the essence of summer. This sweet fruit pizza recipe lets you serve it up in a way that would please a large crowd or just a friend who happened to pop by. 

And if you want to make it in small batches, that's also possible. 

Basically, it's a sugar cookie base topped with a mixture of lemon curd and whipped cream, then finished off with strawberries and lemon zest. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Click here for the full recipe.

Frozen Yogurt Bites 

This recipe is so simple, I feel like even calling it a "recipe" is cheating. Basically, all you do is squeeze out little dollops of your favorite flavor of yogurt and freeze. It creates these easy to eat bites and once again, takes something simple and makes it more fun for all ages! 

This great blog has the full post. One thing to note....if you use yogurt with real fruit chunks, your bites might not be uniform. You might be better off mashing up fresh fruit and stirring it into plain yogurt. This also makes the quality of your snack better, as opposed to some yogurts which are high in sugar and other junk. 

Summer is here and it's not the time to lose your cool. Make your life easier this summer with these fun and simple summer snacks for all ages! 

End of the Year Teacher Gift Ideas!

Growing up with a teacher mom, I know a thing or two about how much teachers appreciate any and all gestures of thoughtfulness. With the school year coming to a close, it's a great time to say thanks to the teachers who have loved and encouraged your kiddos since August.

It doesn't take a huge budget or lots of time to create a small thoughtful token to make a teacher feel appreciated. I've got three ideas at different price points to inspire you. Hopefully this will serve as a jumping off point to get you inspired with teacher gifts of your own!

The $5 Teacher Gift Option 

What teacher (or really person for that matter) doesn't like salty snacks? This is a simple gift that you can do even on a small budget. It's called the "Nacho Average Teacher" basket and I was inspired by this fab blogger gal. 

All you need is a bag of chips, a couple jars of dip or salsa and a cute container and you're good to go. I hit up places like Big Lots and the Target Dollar Zone for little extra touches that make it feel special. You might even have a gift basket on hand or a cute vintage container. 

The $15 Teacher Gift Option 

Inspired by Stephanie at Somewhat Simple, this "Orange You Glad It's Summer" gift basket is perfect for Tennessee teachers! 

You can include anything that your child's teacher might enjoy, but things like flip flops, a cute beach cup and sunscreen come to mind. Also, some snacks to enjoy beachside/poolside.

This gift option could also be customized to your budget, depending on whether you want to spend more or less.

The $30 Teacher Gift Option

Finally, if you want to spend a bit more and make that special teacher feel extra special, a spa gift basket or movie night basket are both great options. 

For a spa gift basket, include things like sheet masks, a yummy-smelling scrub, lotion and even a bath bomb. 

For a movie basket like this one from an adorable blog, maybe include snacks and a Netflix or Redbox gift card or a gift card to a local movie theater. It helps if you happen to know your child's teacher's favorite snacks, but if all else fails grab a mix of sugary and chocolate and you're sure to please someone! 

It's really not about the money. I can remember my mom getting the sweetest handwritten cards from parents and students alike that touched her heart and still grace her fridge to this day.

But if you've had a great teacher (or several) who have gone out of their way to support your kiddo and cheer him/her on this year, I hope you'll take the time to say thanks. As a teacher's kid, I saw firsthand that theirs could be a thankless job at times, but those little gestures of appreciation went a long way.

Setting a Beautiful Springtime Table

Happy Spring y'all! I don't know about you, but I'm loving life against the backdrop of blooms and green. In honor of the season, I'm bringing some spring inside with a few ideas for setting a beautiful springtime table.

Don't feel like you have to go out and spend a lot of money. These ideas are simple to execute and affordable for any budget!

First, think about your background. Got a gorgeous table? Maybe leave it uncovered for some natural beauty this spring. Want to add a pop of color? Go bold with a brightly colored tablecloth. I like royal blue because it looks great against the colors of the season.

Then, add texture. Think table runners, placemats and chargers. These can help you add visual interest and create a more interesting look and feel.

Consider the dishes you want to use. I tend to stick with all white since they can be mixed and matched with anything....but if you love color, go all out! And don't feel like you have to be all matchy matchy. Combine patterns and colors to create a more exciting tablescape.

Accessories are when the real fun begins...I have some adorable little bird nests that I like to use. These were thrifted a few years ago and cost just a couple of bucks. I also like to incorporate elements like bunnies, ceramic flowers and small containers.

Don't forget to add natural elements! Pebbles, rocks, twigs or things you've collected can be really cute. And don't hesitate to snip a few branches from blooming shrubs or plants in your yard.

All of this can be combined in a lovely, affordable and simple-to-create spring tablescape!

Fun & Simple DIY Flower Arrangements for Spring

Spring is just around the corner and these last few weeks of winter can really start to wear me down. I'm bringing some springtime cheer to my home with a few fun and simple DIY flower arrangements to help welcome in the season.

I can't promise these will help spring come any quicker, but they will at least brighten up your home while you're waiting for those last days of winter to pass.

When I buy flowers, I usually just head to my local grocery store. You might think you have to go to a fancy florist, but with a little creativity you can turn simple grocery store flowers into some really beautiful arrangements, and you don't have to spend a ton of cash.

One way I like to create arrangements is with groupings of flowers or single stems in glass vases. You can use identical flowers (same type and color) or you can use all the same type (roses, daisies, etc) or just a variety of blossoms in the same color.

Get creative with your containers....don't feel like you have to opt for a plain old vase. If you collect something, put that to use. Pitchers, teapots or pottery all make great and lovely containers for a spring floral arrangement. I love using my collection of Ironstone pottery for this very purpose.

Need some container inspiration? Hit up your local thrift store. I scour the shelves for containers with a unique texture of shape. Don't love the color? Give it a new vibe with a fresh coat of spray paint.

And don't forget to think about your color palette when creating DIY floral arrangements. When Pantone released its 2019 color of the year as Living Coral, I was pretty excited. Coral has always been a favorite of mine. In fact, I used this shade for my wedding flowers a few years ago.

When in doubt, just grab flowers in a shade you love and they will be sure to cheer you up no matter the season!

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas for Your Sweetie

So Valentine's Day snuck up on me this year, but no worries....these simple ideas are sure to impress my sweetie, and yours too!

DIY Bruschetta Bar

 

Who says you have to spend a ton of money or be a gourmet chef to whip up a memorable Valentine's Day meal? The secret to creating a special eating experience is to incorporate unique flavors and choose products that feel special or out of the ordinary. I hit up my local Trader Joe's and looked for ingredients and products I don't normally buy....things like goat cheese, pesto, and other nibbles.

Ya know, stuff you'd expect to enjoy at a fancy wine tasting, art gallery opening or symphony reception.

Then I'm going to use it all to create a lovely spread, a charcuterie tray of sorts, but focused on DIY bruschetta. Different toppings, different garnishes, and lots of deliciousness.

There are many pros to this kind of Valentine's Day meal. One, it's easy to whip up without a lot of prep time. Two, it doesn't require your entire evening to be spent in the kitchen and clean-up is a breeze. Three, if your sweetie is treating you to a lovely meal out to a restaurant, this can serve as your appetizer course. Although between you and me, going to a restaurant on Valentine's Day tends to be something of a let down.

And be sure to serve this on a wooden cutting board or some type of fancy tray if you have one. Presentation goes a long way!

Here are some other ideas for things to add to your DIY Charcuterie/Bruschetta tray:

• Assorted cheeses (some hard, some soft)
• Assorted meats (prosciutto, capicola, and salamis)
• Assorted olives & pickles 
• Crusty bread slices or store-bought bruschetta toasts 
• Assorted jams, jellies, honeys, and spreads (hummus, pesto, dips, etc) 
• Assorted fruits like berries, plus slices/sections of apples, pears, and oranges 

Create a Rosé Wine Station

 

Champagne is popular for creating a DIY mimosa bar, but what about creating a rosé station for your Valentine's Day celebration? Rosé mixes well with some of the common mixers, such as lemonade, limeade and orange juice. You can also add some sparkling water like LaCroix in a variety of flavors, depending on your preference. 

Here are five rose cocktails that might inspire you! 

And finally, because it's not Valentine's Day without a little something sweet.....

Cupid's Trail Mix 

Again, y'all know I love a simple recipe and this one certainly qualifies. I was inspired by this Chex Mix, but I've adapted it a bit for the holiday. 

The only ingredients the basic recipe calls for are: 

• 8 cups Rice Chex™ or Corn Chex™ cereal
• 2 bags (12 oz each) white vanilla baking chips (4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons pink cookie/cupcake sprinkles 

I'm adding some pink marshmallows, a few red, pink and white candies (whatever you like) and pretzels to give it some salty crunch. Oh and popcorn....gotta have popcorn. 

I hope your heart is filled with love, no matter how you are spending the day! XOXO y'all! 

Cozy Winter Drinks to Brighten Your Day!

Winter is a necessary evil, but can really get me down, if I'm being completely honest. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and drab landscapes don't make me feel much like celebrating.

But alas, winter will pass and soon spring will have sprung. In the meantime, I'm trying to beat the winter blues with these delicious and easy drink recipes. Check them out and I hope you feel inspired!

Chocolate Chia Smoothie

Want to start your day off right? Try a rich chocolate smoothie that tastes great and is good for you! It is simple to make and calls for only basic ingredients you may already have on hand, with the exception of the chia seeds and they are easy to come by. 

You'll need: 

• 1 peeled banana
• A cup of fresh spinach
• 3-5 ice cubes
• A cup of milk 
• 3 T chia seeds
• 2 T cocoa powder (the unsweetened kind used for baking)

Blend everything together and enjoy! 

Golden Turmeric Latte 

Want something warm and soothing that isn't coffee? Try a turmeric latte (also called a turmeric tea).

Turmeric touts many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Incorporate this rock star ingredient into your next warm drink!

Turmeric Latte Recipe: 

• 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• black pepper (just a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon of nut butter (almond, cashew nut or hazelnut)
• 1 ½ cups water (or milk, for a creamier drink)
• ½ - ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• pinch of salt 

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. This drink can be enjoyed warmed up or cold. Add cinnamon to your liking and enjoy! 

Wintry Coconut Mocktail

For this drink, I was inspired by Batida de coco, which is a Brazilian coconut cocktail. What better to help us get through winter in Tennessee than thoughts of Brazil? 

Batida (which means 'shaken' in Portugese) is a Brazilian cocktail recipe typically made with fruit juice and sweetened condensed milk. The version that inspired me substituted coconut milk for the fruit juice. It also calls for vodka (and you can find the original here) but mine is a mocktail for all ages! 

To make your coconut mocktail, you'll need: 

• 1 can of Coconut Milk (you won't need the entire thing, maybe just a cup)
• 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk (or honey)
• 1 can of LaCroix coconut flavored fizzy water 

Mix the first two ingredients well. I prefer to shake them in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes. Pour into a glass and top with some chilled coconut fizzy water. Delicious and refreshing. Can't you taste summer now? 

Fun & Simple Uses for Oatmeal

January is National Oatmeal Month (who comes up with these things?) so in honor of the occasion, I'm sharing some fun and simple uses for oatmeal that might be a little unexpected, but easy to make use of.

Who knew your favorite hearty winter breakfast food was good for all sorts of other things?

Soothe Your Pup's Dry Skin

Winter weather and being indoors with the heat running constantly can lead to dry itchy skin. And I'm not just talking about people....pets can struggle to adjust to the elements, especially if they have sensitive skin. 

My senior rescue gals (a Yorkie & a Chihuahua) both have various skin ailments and an oatmeal shampoo is a great way to pamper my beloved pooches. 

All you need is a cup of dry oatmeal (old fashioned oats NOT quick cooking). Grind the oats in a food processor or blender until they are a fine consistency, like flour. Stir in a third of a cup of baking soda. At this point you can add some coconut oil for a bit more moisture. Now add 2-4 cups of water (depending on the consistency you want). Use immediately or within a day or so but refrigerate if you aren't using right away. 

When you bathe your dog, just wet his or her coat and apply this oatmeal mixture as you would normal shampoo. It won't lather up like a harsh detergent shampoo, but get it into their skin and problem areas. If your dog will cooperate, leave on for 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, rinse and you're good to go! 

Oatmeal Face Mask for Glowing Skin

Besides keeping you full as a hearty breakfast option, oatmeal has other benefits that are great for skin. Did you know it both soothes and softens? This is why it is such a good option for a DIY home face mask. 

Depending on your skin type, you may want to mix oatmeal with milk which has lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells. Here's a great mask recipe you can make to treat your skin this winter: 

Add a spoonful of whole old fashioned oats into a mixing bowl. Add two tablespoons of milk (whole or 2%). Stir until mixture is full mixed. You can also add yogurt or cream as a substitute for milk. 

First clean your face as you normally do to remove makeup. Then apply the oatmeal mix to your skin (face, neck, etc) and let it set for 15-20 minutes. After that, wash with lukewarm water to clean the mask from your face.  

Non-Toxic Activity Dough for Kids

Looking for something fun and simple for your kids to do on a snow day? Oatmeal can be mixed into a fun and easy "play" dough that's non-toxic and inexpensive to create. 

To make it, combine a cup of instant rolled oats with 2/3 all purpose flour and 1/2 a cup of water. Mix everything together and even let the kiddos get involved in the process. You can add food coloring to give your dough some different hues. 

Happy National Oatmeal Month y'all! 

Simple & Delicious Appetizers for Luck at New Year's

New Year's is a time to celebrate....with reflection on the past and planning for the future. And the food. Of course there's the food. I've always tried to come up with a new twist on certain New Year's food traditions. So this year I've got some simple and delicious appetizers that you might want to incorporate into your holiday! 

Lucky Greens Flatbread Pizza 

Greens, which share the same shade as money, are said to bring prosperity in the New Year. I had a big bag of kale in the fridge so I decided to get creative and turn it into a topping for a tasty flatbread pizza. 

For my bread, I used garlic naan (bought at Aldi). For the toppings, I steamed some kale and stirred it with some mayo and shredded cheese. A very beloved restaurant in my hometown has a signature cheesy bread that incorporates shredded cheese and mayo. So I used this as a jumping off point and added the greens. 

A few minutes under the broiler and it's bubbly and ready to enjoy! You could use other toppings too, but  make sure to have some greens (spinach, chard, arugula, or whatever you like). 

Mini Bagels with Dill Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon 

Some superstitions point to eating food with a hole in the middle for good luck in the New Year.  It may be because they represent the circle of life, the way things flow from the end of one year to the beginning of another. 

This year I'm incorporating mini bagels as my ring shaped food, and this option would make a great evening appetizer as well as a midnight snack or addition to your New Year's Day brunch. 

First I added some dried dill to plain cream cheese. This will add lots of flavor that complements the salmon. Then you'll need the bagels, smoked salmon and whatever else you like to add to this combination. Capers are a popular option for some people, a' la Bobby Hill. 

Black Eyed Pea Bruschetta 

In year's past, I've made black eyed pea burgers, black eyed pea hummus, and just good ol' fashioned black eyed peas, but this year I'm making a tasty and simple appetizer....black eyed pea bruschetta. 

Black eyed peas are a traditional southern New Year's food, because they also symbolize prosperity and good luck. I'll take some of both in 2019 if you please! 

Start with a can of black eyed peas and drain. Then drain a can of diced tomatoes and stir in some chopped basil and parsley. Mix in a bit of store-bought olive tapenade or chopped olives. 

Spoon a bit of this mixture onto toast rounds and top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Delicious!  

Wishing you and the ones you hold dear lots of good luck, health and happiness in the coming year! 

Easy DIY Projects to Decorate a Holiday Table

The holidays are here and I love all the festive decorations that come with this season. I've been scouring old Christmas books, including some Southern Living albums from the 1970s and a Martha Stewart Holiday book from 1989. Who needs Pinterest when you have the original Pinterest? Ha!

I found three really fun ideas that I'm recreating and I thought I'd share them with you too! Each of these would make a lovely addition to your holiday table or mantle!

Gumdrop Trees 

Gumdrops evoke feelings of nostalgia for days gone by and there's no better way to incorporate them into your holiday table than with a gumdrop tree! 

This project can be completed for $5 or less, depending on what you already have on hand. I picked up a cone-shaped piece of polystyrene from Dollar Tree, plus about three $1 bags of gum drops and a $1 box of tooth picks. In just a few minutes, I had an adorable gumdrop tree! Easy peasy. And this project would be great for friends and family of all ages. 

You could also make a variation of this idea with a polystyrene ball, aka a gumdrop kissing ball for your doorway or tree! 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Holiday Scene 

I had some extra polystyrene cones from the gumdrop tree project so I decided to put them to use in another way....as snowy covered trees for a winter wonderland holiday scene. I started with a white ceramic cake plate on which to set my scene. Then I added the white cones, dressed up with a bit of white fuzzy pom pom garland. 

A few small deer and other accessories created a magical world. This would be lovely on a table of silvers and golds, or even royal blue. I love how different a tablescape can look with just a different color scheme.

I was inspired by this pretty scene on the blog Bless'er House!

Visions of Sugar Plums

Candied or sugared fruit traces its origins to the Middle Ages, when this method of preserving some of nature's bounty was popular. The original way to create fruits confit was by replacing the fruit's natural water with a concentrated sugar syrup. The fruit would have been pricked all over and boiled up to 15 times in syrup before being set aside. 

The the final step would have been to coat the fruit with a thin glaze of more sugar, to result in a glowing confection that takes a month or more to make.

I took an easier route by making sugared fruits with an egg white wash and granulated sugar. First coat your fruit (I used pears, pomegranate, oranges and grapes) in egg whites one at a time. Then roll each in a dish of sugar, making sure to cover all the wet spots. 

You need to allow plenty of time to dry, but this project is super easy. These sugared fruits could be used as a centerpiece or as individual place card holders on your holiday table.