Substance of Living

If you find yourself single for whatever reason on this Valentine's Day, send out thoughts of love and let the self-pampering begin.   Treat yourself special.  After all, aren't you the best person to be around? Whether February the 14th falls on a work day or not, enjoy some quality time throughout this month.  Here are some ways to luxuriate in your independence: Have fun! Make a Cuddle Basket the day before to enjoy during tonight's movie marathon or some good ol' binge watching of your favorite series.  Include items like a new throw blanket, hot chocolate ( here or here ), gourmet popcorn , and some semi-homemade cookies . Swaddle in your blanket and journal or read. Linger in your lounging wear. Dress up and go to a museum. Treat yourself to something at a spa. Try going tech-free; set your phone for emergency or to receive calls only from your favorites list. Go sightseeing in your own city or visit somewhere that's within a day's drive. Cook yourself a ...

This is a super exciting day for me.  Not only do I get to share with you the newest addition to Castello family - Burger Blue Cheese, but we are celebrating my fabulous husband's birthday and 4th of July!  (Although you've seen bits and pieces of him from time to time, he really does not like being in the limelight and yet he did an amazing job as Nathan Detroit in "Guys and Dolls" musical. I can go on and on and on about how adorable and wonderful my husband is, but you really want to know about this new cheese that people are talking about. "Transform your burger into an epicurean delight" "Top burgers with a perfectly-sized slice of NEW Castello ® Burger Blue cheese to give them a bold and sophisticated taste found in the kitchens of gourmet chefs across the country. With perfectly sized and supremely meltable Castello ® Burger Blue cheese, the messy, inconsistent coverage of blue cheese crumbles is a thing of the past. T...

Many years ago, when I first learned about Hanukkah, I thought it was Christmas for eight days.  I mean, can you imagine receiving gifts for days on end rather than having to wait for one specific day?  Also, I liked the idea that it came at different times in the winter months.  I had heard that it might come as early as November!  Can you imagine Christmas in November?! As much as I like the idea of getting presents on a daily basis, I've never been really good with the whole advent thing.  I tend to want my gifts all at once.  What a glutton I am.  Hey, what can I say, I want to eat the whole cake in one sitting. Talk about lack of control. DH would absolutely vouch for this oh-so-positive trait in me.  :-) Since that time, I've learned a lot about rationing and not having it all in one sitting.  Don't get me wrong, that little girl is still in there wanting it all and NOW !  I didn't just want my two front teeth for Christmas...

Is it your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner this year?  Why not make it a casual affair by setting up a buffet.  That way everyone can dish their own plate and the big reason is to allow more room in the center of the table for your beautiful tablescape ! Thanksgiving Tablescape by Between Naps on the Porch Here's the menu to make life a little easier. Buffet Table by Divine Dinner Party Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner Menu Deviled Eggs (This can be made the day before) Apple, Cranberry Walnut Salad tossed in a Brown Sugar Glaze Roasted Corn on the Cob Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (This can be made the day before or open the can and refrigerate on serving dish) Green Bean Casserole (This can be assembled the day before minus the french fried onions ) Sweet Potato Souffle (This can be prepped a day or two ahead) Cornbread Stuffing (This can be prepped a day or two ahead) Herb Roasted Turkey (Thaw according to USDA guidelines ) Slow Roasted Beef wi...

Fall weather or cold winter days require soup.  Soup that is filling to the soul and stomach: That's what this African Spinach Coconut Soup does. I haven't physically traveled much outside the United States but through technology and cuisine I can visit any country my heart desires without having to get shots, update my passport, or visit an airport. In fact, DH and I have friends who live outside the United States and we get to talk with them on a regular basis due to the internet and mobile phones.  I mean, really, how fantastic is that?  I can be in Canada, Australia, across the United States, and in Turkey all in one day.  DH spoils me to no ends.  :-) Now, I get to visit Africa... African Spinach Coconut Soup Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Grapeseed Oil 1 cup Onion, chopped 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 16 oz Spinach, thawed 1/4 teaspoon Pepper 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 can Chopped Tomatoes 1 teaspoon Curry Powder 1 tablespoon Miso ...

You will forever and always be my Sweet Valentine. How do you and your special Valentine spend the evening?  Do you go out to a nice restaurant , purchase a beautiful card or exchange gifts?  Do you send roses or a bouquet of balloons? DH and I used to do all that.  In fact, we still do to a certain degree.  One year we might go out and splurge and another year, like this year, we will stay in.  (Sta ying wi thin the full-disclosure g uidelines, DH and I will celebrate with friends at a restaurant the day before). I thought we might have the following romantic dinner menu and present DH with a heart pillow Lilly and I made him. (Promise to show you how she and I made this)   Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine Dinner Menu Porcini Crusted Tofu with Shallot Gravy Sweet Heart Valentine's Day Cocktail Decadent Truffles Hope you have a wonderful evening.  Sharing Valentine's day with a special someone is always nice, but it can...

I'm not technically a Southerner but I've lived in the Carolinas longer than anywhere else.  So, I think it is about time for me to start incorporating some southern traditions into my family. Appetizers Long before I moved to the sunny southern states, I fell head-over-heals with pickled watermelon rind.  That's where we will begin this  Southern Thanksgiving Menu . Pickled Watermelon Rind Main Dish Fried Turkey seems to be everywhere now.  Years ago, when I first heard about it, I thought how odd to not cook a turkey in the oven.  Here we are today and deep fryers can be found in the grocery stores. Best Ever Fried Turkey Side Dish My dad makes the absolute BEST stuffing ever!  (I have to say that since that was all I ever knew growing up and have tried to emulate it since).  I remember my first cornbread stuffing and although it was different from what I knew, it certainly was delicious. Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Regardles...