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 ...

If you've been tasked with hosting a party, consider an afternoon tea for your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, Mother’s Day, or a girls get-together.  An afternoon tea consists of tea and a light meal between the hours of 3 and 5pm and is perfect for a group of 6 to 10 ladies. Did you know there is a difference between an afternoon tea and a high tea?  An afternoon tea offers tea and light food to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner.  A high tea is usually served around dinner time and is considered a working person's meal with meat or a heavier main dish. In the United States we often think of an afternoon tea as a pretty big deal.  In fact, if we were to go to a tea house or out for an afternoon tea, we would usually be looking at around $30 or more.  You don't need to spend that kind of money if you host your own.  Bring out your china or use a mix and match setting of china to add to the charm.  If you don't have a ...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. Kristen was our lucky winner!  Congratulations!!! Every time the Universe answers one of my requests, I'm always amazed.  I've been searching for the perfect recipe organizer and Cook'n Recipe Organizer v.11 comes as close as possible. "Cook'n is the #1 Best-Selling Recipe Organizer and is the ultimate kitchen companion." Cook'n Recipe Organizer v.11 How many times have you found yourself or someone in your family asking "What's for dinner?" or looking in the refrigerator or pantry and saying "There's nothing to eat"?  You find yourself getting stressed or upset, throwing in the towel, and going out to eat.  This is a vicious cycle. We used to find ourselves eating out quite a bit and not really even enjoying the luxury.  Then I got a little older and wasn't as willing to put up with the side effects from my food intolerences/allergies and decided t...

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...

Whether you have been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or not, you can still host your own Fat Tuesday celebration with ease and confi dence. Follow the suggestions below and all your guests will be happy.  We have something for those that like the traditional fare as well as vegan and gluten-free.  There are also two types of the ever-popular drink - - The Hurr icane .   The Decor If you love Halloween, then you are going to really like Mardi Gras.  The official colors for Halloween are Black and Orange.  However, coming off Christmas, you get to continue with vibrant colors.  Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold, and green. Ginger at Deep Fried Kudzu starts our party off with a beautiful wreath on the front door.  Mardi Gras Ornament Wreath Mardi Gras is a bit of a cross between a Masquerade Party and Halloween.  Decorating the house over the top with feathers, masks, beads, and streamers is a must.  In addition, everyone...

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...

A good friend and I have decided to host an Inaugural High Tea for the neighborhood ladies.  We would like to have this tea in the beginning of November but not necessarily fall or holiday themed. We spent an afternoon brainstorming and this is what we have come up with so far. Tea Party Sandwiches and Cupcakes Notes: Name for the group? Do we want a theme so we can continue hosting future teas? Invitations Hand Written Printed Out on Pretty Paper Purchased Menu Scones Soup Delicate Sandwiches Cake / Tart Tea - Are tea bags permissible? Lemon / Milk / Sugar Cubes Table How many?  One big one or a few smaller ones? Table Cloth(s) - make? Napkins - make? Ribbons on Chairs Decorations Tie a ribbon around each chair ( I really like the idea of using white towels (as seen in the photo) or strips of fabric over the chairs and then tulle and ribbon bow ties around the backs of the chairs) Calling Cards Place Cards Party Favors ...