Shananigans

A Sea Glass-Inspired Wedding

2010-08-11T18:02:00.000-04:00

Today marks a wedding planning milestone — we’ve finally settled upon both our wedding colors and theme! To complement our planned seaside nuptials and incorporate our undying love of everything Carolina blue (Go Heels!), the colors and theme will be sea glass.

Now, major credit is due here once again to the team at Martha Stewart Weddings for making the lives of brides like me so much easier thanks to their craftiness and creative expertise. Their photo gallery gave me the needed inspiration to dream up a mental image of what my own wedding will look like.

Blues, greens and frosted glass characterize this Sea Glass Palette from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Photo Source: Wedding Belles Online

I’m imaging blues and greens among a backdrop of sand with white accents like starfish and calla lilies. I see the men in khaki linen suits with white shirts — with or without shoes. After a recent trip to the J Crew Bridal Boutique on Madison Avenue in New York, I think I’ve found the perfect dress for the girls. A cotton knee-length dress that’s a perfect balance between beachy and formal, the Cotton Cady Serena Dress in Light Blade may just be the one for the maids. The A-line cut will be flattering and the material will be light and airy to help prevent them from getting too hot during the ceremony and at the reception.

This bridesmaid dress from J Crew is versatile and can be dressed up or down. It will make a great dress for the beach and is heavy enough to withstand wind during a seaside ceremony.

Photo Source: J Crew Weddings

I can also picture frosty sea glass accents at the ceremony and reception. Maybe instead of petals the flower girl can toss small pieces of green and blue sea glass on the shore? The button on the ring bearer’s pillow could be made of sea glass. At the reception, the seating cards with table assignments for guests could rest atop a bed of sea glass like in this wedding featured on Martha Stewart Weddings.

A tray layered with sea glass is a great way to incorporate the theme without investing too much time or money to create an elaborate table assignment system.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart Weddings

To incorporate the Carolina blue color, ribbon could be tied around the stems of the bridesmaids’ bouquets and on the men’s boutonnieres. I’m also considering dying my shoes Carolina blue for the reception with a nod to Green Wedding Shoes for the gumption to opt of the traditional white-hued shoe.

Light blue Cinderella-style shoes add a pop of color and playfulness that goes well with white.

Photo Source: Luster Studios

Aside from the initial major decision of where to get married, I feel like this really has been the hardest step in planning to date. To me, picking a theme is an expression of the personalities of the couple. It’s what makes a wedding unique and truly yours. It’s part of what makes your day different and special.

Now that we have a clear guiding theme and specific shades selected, I think it’s going to make finding decorations and making other decisions much easier! Now, onto the next major task — selecting our wedding vendors!

The Turkey Tango: What Wine Is Best to Serve on Thanksgiving?

2009-11-24T21:56:00.003-05:00

With Thanksgiving only a day away, you’re probably finalizing your menu and are picking up the last few items for your meal. Among the items on your list may be picking up beverages for your guests. So the question is what wines pair with a meal with so many different complex tastes?

This can get particularly tricky if you’re entertaining a large group that may have a variety of preferences and tastes. While the answers to this debate range far and wide, but there are a couple points that most winos seem to be in agreement on – keep it simple and offer a variety of options if you’re expecting a crowd.

From spicy pumpkin pie to rich, creamy mashed potatoes and tart cranberries, leave the meal’s bold flavors to the food that you’re serving. By sticking to a non-oaky wine that’s light-bodied and well-balanced, you’ll avoid picking a wine that could clash or compete. Keeping it on the lighter side is also helpful since guests will likely be enjoying large portions and won’t want a heavy wine contributing to their after-meal fullness.

Some wine experts say that Thanksgiving may be the most complex

meal to make wine selections for.

Photo Source: Background-Wallpaper.com

If you’re expecting a group, plan to offer some red and white choices. For the white, steer clear of oaky, rich Chardonnays and opt for a smooth Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling if you’d like something a bit sweeter. Cava or champagne can also be a great option I’d highly recommend because it will almost always complement the food you’re serving and it’s a nice light alternative that people often overlook. If red if your preference, a fruity Pinot Noir, a light Zinfadel or a Beaujolais come highly recommended along with Chianti and some blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, although be of varieties that are oaky or have too high of an alcohol content.

Or, if your guests prefer beer with their Thanksgiving feast, try amber ale, a lager like Oktoberfest or brown or golden ale with traditional turkey. Spiced ale or a winter lager are also great pairs with pumpkin pie!

Above all, let the number of guests, budget and preferences guide your picks and enjoy the holiday with friends and family!

Tastes of Turkey Day

2009-11-22T21:49:00.004-05:00

If your family is anything like mine, Thanksgiving is a holiday that we look forward to 364 days of the year. It’s a time for feasting on family favorites and carrying out yearly traditions while also making new ones. For my family, we enjoy sipping on mimosas and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade together while the savory smells of roasting turkey, sage and stuffing cause our stomachs to rumble in anticipation. I am the appointed turkey stuffer of the household and am looking forward to trying a new stuffing this year.

Adapted by The Charlotte Observer based on a recipe from The Silver Palate Cookbook, an almost legendary mantra of gourmet cooking for my family, this year’s stuffing is called Cornbread-Sausage Dressing With Apples. A mix of three types of bread, tart apple, onion, sausage, pecans and spices, this recipe yields 10 to 12 servings or enough to stuff a 20-pound turkey.

Egg and chicken broth will give this stuffing a moist, rich flavor.

Photo Source: Charlotte Observer

As for the turkey, the meal’s main attraction, the possibilities for infusing flavor are endless from basting to brining and grilling or deep-frying for those seeking a twist on a traditional bird.

Brining

Think of brining as a style of marinating -- soak your turkey for 12 to 24 hours before roasting to lock in flavor. Try out Spice Hunter’s Turkey Brine, a mix of sea salt, brown sugar, dried cranberries and apples, orange zest, black peppercorns, thyme, rosemary and age. Order online or find at your local specialty grocer.

Grilling

Make your meal all-American by grilling your turkey this Thanksgiving. Pre-soak it in a brine or prepare a rub to add some extra taste to your turkey. Check out these grilling tips and recipes by Saveur for more information.

Tired of the same type of Thanksgiving turkey? Give in to the grill.

Photo Source: Saveur

Deep-Fried

For a fast-track turkey taking only 45 minutes to cook a 12-pound bird, try deep-frying. Add some Cajun seasoning for some extra spice if your Turkey Day guests won’t mind the extra oomph.

Check out some more fun Thanksgiving Day recipes that will make your guests’ mouths water:

Deconstructed Pumpkin Pie

This pieced apart pie is the combination of crumbly pecan and coconut oatmeal, spiced pumpkin custard and tastes of caramel and cinnamon.

Try this new taken on pumpkin pie for a pretty, portion perfect dessert.

Photo Source: Bonbini

Sweet Potato Souffle

Can’t pick between marshmallows or pecans? Why not use both in this tasty Sweet Potato Souffle.

Baked Mashed Potato Cake

Make your mashed potatoes more of a gratin with this Italian recipe for Baked Mashed Potato Cake.

Bread crumbs, provolone and bits of salami gives this

potato dish great gratin-like flavor.

Photo Source: Cheese and Pears

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Try this moist and tart cranberry cake as a sweet beginning or ending to Thanksgiving celebrations.

This sweet dish is festive in flavor and in color.

Photo Source: My Recipes

Best Holiday Baking Tools

2009-11-07T13:49:00.002-05:00

With holiday and family gatherings just around the corner, baking for big groups may be on the horizon for you. Check out these four fun and festive kitchen tools that will help you wow your guests.

Apple and Pumpkin Pocket Pie Molds

These cute individual-sized pie molds come in pretty fall shapes of apples and pumpkins. Just arrange refrigerated pie crust in the mold, add the filling of your choice and voila – you’ve got a festive and fancy looking sweet treat. Each set comes with two for less than 10 dollars. Tip: try freezing the molds for 20 to 30 minutes before using for best results.

These beautiful apple and pumpkin-shaped "pocket pies" are

sweet and easy-to-make treats.

Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma

Pancake Pan

Cooking breakfast for a large group? This Williams-Sonoma waffled pancake pan makes it easy for you to cook up to seven pancakes at once so that you can get a hungry group fed quickly. For mess-free measuring, invest in a “pancake pen” batter bottle.

Make breakfast for a big group with these

waffled pancake pan.

Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma

Fall Pie Cutter Shapes

These colorful fall pie cutters are cute accessories to dress up any pumpkin pie with fun shapes like leaves and acorns. Add a few cut pieces of pie dough for a special touch or go all out for a fun leaf-topped creation.

These little leaf and acorn-shaped pie crust cutters

can add a personalized touch to a tasty pumpkin pie.

Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma

Acorn Cakelet Pan

This acorn cakelet pan is perfect for baking fun festive fall bite-sized acorn-shaped breads or cakes. If you’re partial to pumpkins instead, check out the pumpkin patch pan, which also offers perfect presentation of fall baked goodies.

Create acorn cakelets made of cornbread, muffin mix

or any other bread or cake mix you desire.

Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma

Falling in Love with Fall Food Part II

2009-09-20T12:49:00.007-04:00

This second chapter in a celebration of fall food includes recipes for several seasonal fruits that make a sweet addition to any dish. Apples, figs, pears and pomegranates are just a few favorites that offered inspiration for the following collection of favorite fall recipes.

Apples

Nothing tastes more like fall than Apple Brown Betty, a variation of apple crisp that is a blend of tart apples, bread crumbs and a sugary sweet brown sugar sauce. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a really decadent dessert.

Instead of using rolled oats like traditional apple crisp dishes, this Apple Brown Betty

incorporates fresh bread crumbs in the mix.

Photo Source: Saveur

Another recipe that offers a taste of fall is this Epicurious version of Apple Butter, a delicious spread that's great when paired with a crusty piece of bread or as a flavorful sandwich filler that will break the monotony of other brown bag lunch options.

If you're looking for a cocktail with a fall twist, try Honeycrisp Apple Sangria or Spiked Apple Cider.

Figs

Figs are a fall delicacy with their sweet honeyed taste and soft texture. They're a great ingredient to dress up a dish and give it a more gourmet feel. Like many fall fruits, figs are a favorite for baked goods, desserts, and pastries. If you're looking to get your fig fix from baking, then try out Autumn Muffins, which also include apples, cranberries and hazelnuts along with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Or, if you're looking for a fun appetizer for a wine and cheese party, then your guests will be impressed by Figs and Toasted Almonds Brie, an appetizer that's quick and easy to make, but is an elegant alternative to a typical cheese tray.

If you'd like to make dinner and include figs, then try out this recipe for Homemade Focaccia Bread with Figs and Goat Cheese, an Italian-inspired dish that includes fresh figs, pine nuts and goat cheese atop a doughy pillow of fresh focaccia bread. To save time on this recipe, simply use a boxed version of focaccia bread as the base instead of a homemade rendition.

Fig pizza, anyone?

Photo Source: Local Lemons

Pears

Another fruit of fall harvest, pears are tasty when paired with a salty ingredient like cheese. This Fall Pear Galette is a pretty dessert that plays on these flavor pairings, with sharp cheddar cheese and Bartlett or D'Anjou pears surrounded by a ring of pie crust, a fun alternative to the traditional latticed pie.

This Fall Pear Galette is a rustic fall dish with that combines the

sweet flavor of pears with sharp cheddar atop a pie crust.

Photo Source: MyRecipes

Roquefort Pear Salad is another recipe that gets it's flavor from the unlikely ying and yang pairing of pear and cheese, but this time Roquefort, a pungent, creamy, crumbly bleu cheese is used. With other flavorful ingredients like pecans, avocado and green onion, this salad offers a healthy choice for a fall lunch or dinner.

Pomegranate

With a powerful punch of sweet and tart flavor, pomegranates are a fun fall fruit to incorporate in your cooking. While pomegranates have become popular in recent years in the US, they're an ingredient that's been used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine for centuries. High in antioxidants and Vitamin C, pomegranates are offer a variety of health benefits.

Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Try out POM Tiramisu for a sweet,

tart addition to traditional tiramisu.

Photo Source: POM Wonderful

If you've never cooked with pomegranates before, check out this About guide "All About Pomegranates." With a step-by-step guide to seeding pomegranates, as well as a video and information on how to select and store the fruit, you'll be a pomegranate connoisseur before you know it!

While Mexican Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Dressing derives pomegranate flavor from pomegranate juice, POM Tiramisu and Pomegranate and Lemon Herb Tilapia both incorporate the arils, or the fleshy seeds, as key ingredients. For more pomegranate recipes, visit the site of the maker of POM juice, which includes a variety of pomegranate-inspired dishes.

Falling in Love with Fall Food Part I

2009-09-14T21:30:00.007-04:00

While the leaves haven't started changing colors yet, and the temperature is still 86 degrees in Charlotte, fall still seems to be in the air. School is in session, football season has kicked off and weekend camping trips are replacing days spent by the poolside. Along with the new smells and sights of fall comes a slew of new seasonal ingredients. Among favorite fall veggies now in season are pumpkin, squash, eggplant and sweet potatoes.

Pumpkin

Possibly my most favorite pumpkin recipe of all times is this Pumpkin Cake recipe that I've been making for years. The moist and delicious cake is a blend of yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice which includes one secret ingredient - butterscotch pudding. Serve warm with Cool Whip for an indulgent fall-inspired treat.

One oven-baked breakfast dish that I sampled for the first time last weekend is the Pumpkin-Cinnamon Streusel Buns, a delicious, time-consuming concoction that's well worth the effort to make.

This twist on traditional cinnamon buns is festive and flavorful.

Photo Source: My Recipes

Finally, if you're looking to break out of the realm of pumpkin baked goods, then sample this highly-recommended recipe for Pumpkin and Shrimp Bisque. A creamy blend of salty, rich flavors with notes of lemon, pepper and sage. A whopping 91 percent of those who tried this recipe said that it's a keeper and that they'd make it again.

Squash

In addition to pumpkin, many other squash varieties are in season during the fall and winter months including butternut squash, acorn squash and spaghetti squash, which are several of my favorites. If you're looking to serve a yummy squash dish, then I'd recommend Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Parmesan Croutons. The rich, creamy soup is well-paired with the parmesan croutons. A dish that's sure to warm you up on a cool fall day, butternut squash soup keeps well and makes for a nice alternative to a brown bag lunch. Check out this Cooking Light article for tips on how to peel and cut butternut squash if you've never done so before. It can be a bit tricky, and if you think it may be too much of a hassle, your local Harris Teeter or another upscale grocery chain may have fresh and frozen pre-cut butternut squash.

When I stumbled on this Winter Panzanella recipe reviewed by Smitten Kitchen, I couldn't contain my excitement. Having recently made a summer version with fresh tastes of basil, tomato and chunks of yummy sourdough bread, I was thrilled to find a version with seasonal roasted vegetables, including squash.

Winter Panzanella incorporates tasty fall and winter veggies

for a fresh and colorful dish.

Photo Source: Smitten Kitchen

Eggplant

An avid eggplant lover, I can't get enough of this funky fall veggie. The key to this somewhat high-maintenance ingredient is in preparation. In some cases you may need to sweat the eggplant by placing peeled and cut slices on a plate and coating them in a generous layer of salt, which will bring out the bitter flavors. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll know when it's done because the slices will feel more flexible, bending easily to the touch. Check the eggplant recipe you're using to see if you need to go through this preparation step or if you can skip it.

My all-time favorite eggplant recipe is eggplant parmesan. While I've made it by sweating it and then baking it in a layered casserole dish, I've found that dipping the slices of eggplant first really makes for a much tastier (and much more unhealthy) final product. Try out this version for a hearty, meat-free layered dish. This is another one of those recipes where time equals taste, but if you need a quick eggplant parmesan fix (which I admittedly do at times), pick up some frozen, pre-breaded eggplant slices at your local Trader Joe's.

Other awesome tried-and-true eggplant recipes include Penne with Sausage, Eggplant, and Feta and Stuffed Eggplant, both of which are Cooking Light recipes and healthier options for flavorful fall dishes that will leave you feeling full. And, if you're an eggplant addict like me, then be sure to check out aubergines.org, a fun purple-themed site filled with hundreds of eggplant recipes.

This Cooking Light Stuffed Eggplant recipe received 5-stars from

reviewers and is a tried-and-true dish that plates pretty.

Photo Source: My Recipes

Sweet Potato

The final fall veggie that I'm spotlighting is the sweet potato - another rich, colorful ingredient that offers opportunity that extends beyond traditional Thanksgiving sweet potato casseroles and baked sweet potatoes.

To add some flavor and spice to sweet potato, try out Chipolte Sweet Potatoes or Roasted Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges, each of which draws flavor from a blend of spicy herbs. Finally, if you're looking for something on the sweeter side or for a dish that makes for great finger food, try the Harvest Sweet Potato Pecan Tarts. This dish was a big hit at the engagement party last fall. Party goers couldn't resist these sweet miniature sweet potato and pecan pie treats!

Opt for some spice instead of sugar with your sweet potatoes this fall.

Photo Source: Smitten Kitchen

Check back soon for more fall recipes! Part II will pull inspiration from recipes with fall fruits including apples, figs, pomegranates and pears.

The Hype about Skype

2009-09-09T21:35:00.009-04:00

With a recent Oprah endorsement, Skype has seen user ship jump sky-high in just a few short months. Despite being in operation since 2002, the service, which is now owned by eBay, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. So with all of this hype about Skype, you may begin to wonder – what’s the big deal?

Skype, which rhymes with type, is an Internet-based communication service that allows users to call each other from any place in the world through their computers for free. You can even make calls through your computers to cell phones and landlines for a small fee.

So what’s the catch? Well, there isn’t one really. You have to have Internet service in order to use Skype, and both users must have downloaded the program for your call to go through. Sometimes call quality is not crystal clear and there can be an echo or fading in and out, but with international phone rates being as much as $5 per minute, you can hardly complain about a service that offers the same for free.

This Skype screenshot shows a live video feed via web cam.

The computer-to-computer service is free worldwide.

Photo Source: Skype

In addition to being able to call users via Skype, you can also send instant messages, pictures and videos to users on your Skype buddy list, which allows you to see when they’re online and available. Call forwarding and voicemail are other features that are useful for travelers, students studying abroad and anyone who has a computer and doesn’t want to pay long-distance calling fees.

If you plan to Skype friends and family at home while you’re traveling, download the software to test it out before you leave. Test call each of your contacts to work out any bugs. For example, your computer has to have a microphone in order to use Skype, so while you can talk into the speaker on newer laptops, this may not be the case for PCs and older laptops. Working out these details in advance is the best way to prevent communication barriers once you’re on the road.

You'll never know when Skype will come in handy during your travels! Kris and I announced our engagement to our families and friends through Skype, which was a nice alternative to email to actually be able to share the night's events and excitement in realtime. Happy Skyping!

Digital Treasure Maps

2009-08-29T10:00:00.012-04:00

Long gone are the days when tourists relied solely on large printed foldout maps. These 2D tools may once have been the standard for adventure seekers, but today’s tech-savvy travelers have a variety of 21^st century aids at their fingertips thanks to the Internet and ever-advancing mobile and satellite technology.

One tool that I have found to be especially helpful in planning travel excursions, particularly when you may not speak the native language of the locality, is the My Maps function on Google Maps (Note: you must create a Google account to use My Maps). After you’ve located the city you plan to travel to, it’s easy to create placemarkers for attractions, parks, restaurants and nightlife places that you’d like to visit.

Google Maps is a great tool to plan out your travel itinerary.
Photo Source: Google Maps

Travel guides, online travel communities and publications are just a few possible information sources available, many of which include pictures along with user ratings and reviews. It’s better to add more than less to your map since you never know when your travel itinerary might change based on weather or a whole host of other factors.

To create a placemarker, search for an attraction by name and/or address, and once Google Maps points to this attraction on the map, it will show you where you can add an upside teardrop marker. It may be helpful to add a description remind yourself of why you selected this attraction for your map. A simple phrase like “Best coffee in Barcelona” or “Great picnic place” will do.

If you have a type A personality like me, you may even want to create a detailed, mapped out itinerary that sets out the path or order in which you plan to visit attractions. You can do this by drawing a line to connect placemarkers.

When you’re creating your map, remember that you can also search for other public maps Google members have created by browsing the directory. The Top 50 Places to See Celebrities in NYC Map and the Best Seattle Photography Locations Map are two popular public maps that could be a great source of information for travelers planning to visit those cities. Be sure to mark any maps that you make public so that others can benefit from any itineraries you create!

Another great resource to tap into is Gridskipper, an international travel blog dedicated to themed plots dedicated to a variety of topics ranging from Sing Your Heart Out in San Francisco to Cupcake Consumption in London or even Eating with the Obamas in DC.

This Gridskipper map features cupcake shops and bakeries across London.

Photo Source: Gridskipper

If you have a PDA, discuss temporary international plans with your service provider that will enable you to access the Internet abroad for easy navigation with the maps you or others have created. If not, print the maps out before you leave. Be sure to pay special attention to the zoom level so that important street names are clearly labeled, otherwise your map won’t be much help. Happy navigating!

Recipe Spotlight: Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars

2009-08-22T18:17:00.004-04:00

It's not often that I'm incredibly excited or inspired by boxed recipes, but Krusteaz's Lemon Bars are a baked treat that's been on my list of favorites for some time. Last weekend I tested out a recipe on the back of the box on a whim and was thrilled with the results. The Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars were quick and easy to make, but most importantly, they ended up being a big hit! They made for a nice summer dessert that was a refreshing and lighter tasting alternative to rich cookies or cake. The lemon bars can be served hot straight from the oven or cold as you would serve cheesecake. Enjoy!

These lemon cheesecake bars are an explosion of tastes with a tart

citrus filling and a creamy, cool layer of cheesecake

atop a sweet, crumbly crust.

Photo Source: Krusteaz

Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients
1 package Krusteaz Lemon Bar Mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 8x8x2-inch pan. Press full pouch of complete crust firmly into bottom of pan. Bake for eight minutes. Place cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until smooth. Add one egg and vanilla. Continue to mix on low speed until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over hot crust. In another bowl, stir full pouch lemon filling mix, water and three eggs together using a whisk until eggs are well incorporated. Pour lemon filling over cream cheese layer. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the center does not jiggle when shaken. Cool completely and cut into squares. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Recipe Source: Krusteaz

The Best First Dance

2009-08-16T19:31:00.014-04:00

The first dance is one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding. Everyone is watching, waiting to see which song the couple has chosen and how they'll add their own twist to a song that may have been played countless times before.

While some brides and grooms may decide to go the traditional route, selecting a sweet slow song, others may choose a more modern tune or select a pop culture favorite, choreographing a surprise routine for friends and family. So the question is which "first dance" genre is the best fit for you? What's your best first dance?

This happily wed couple's first dance is reminiscent of

old Hollywood-style glamor.

Photo Source: In Style Weddings

Classic

Always a popular option, many brides and grooms opt for a song that's stood the test of time. There's a long list of these tunes of yesteryear, which are a sweet and sentimental option, especially for couples who may not be interested in investing in dance lessons or coming up with complicated routines. Here are just a few of my favorite classic first dance songs.

"At Last" by Etta James
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
"It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick, Jr.
"When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Krauss
"In My Life" by the Beatles
"Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole
"Fools Rush In" by Elvis Presley

Modern

Some couples opt for more recent songs, especially if the song holds a special meaning for them. Check out a list of 30 popular picks from the Knot for some inspiration along with a list of my own favorites below. Daily Candy Weddings has a fun first dance tool that can help couples choose a wedding song based on the bride's and groom's personalities.

"Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
"Kissing You" by Des'ree (from the soundtrack of Romeo and Juliet)
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliet
"Ever the Same" by Rob Thomas
"Remember When" by Alan Jackson
"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
"You and Me" by Lifehouse

Funny

Then there are those who decide to skip the slow dance and opt for comical choreography that's often a surprise performance. When else is it appropriate to know all the steps to "The Time of My Life" and to do this dance in front of all your friends and family? Among infamous surprise performances are an irreverent "Baby Got Back" routine, numerous adaptions of "Thriller" and other Michael Jackson favorites and a more recent example in which the bridal party didn't bother holding out for the reception, they danced right down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever".

This Alabama couple decided to add some spice to their step for

their first dance. The song selection? A mix of pop, rap and Vanilla Ice.

Photo Source: NormanPhotography.com

Consider creating a dance to a funny surprise song, but be mindful of your audience. Some guests may not share your same sense of humor and may be offended instead of impressed, so choose carefully! Pick dance moves that you'll easily be able to do in your dress and shoes. Does your dress have a train? Be sure that it's not going to get caught up and ruined in your fancy legwork. Is your dress a mermaid style? If so, remember your movement may be much more limited than in your practice clothing. These are all questions to consider when planning out a routine.

Family Tradition

Some couples may choose to embrace a cultural wedding tradition for their first dance. For Jewish weddings, the Hora is a popular first dance where the bride and groom are lifted in chairs in a symbolic gesture as the two are considered to be the "king and queen of the night." For Greek weddings, a circle-style dance is often popular whereas an old Italian tradition is a special dance called the tarantella. Consider how you picture your guests in these more communal style dances. Will only one side of the family know the steps? You can always choose to incorporate some elements of your culture's wedding traditions into your first dance such as a particular song choice or steps without following every rule.

Some newlyweds may want to go with a special dance

that's family tradition like this couple did at their Jewish wedding.

Photo Source: Denny Fenbers Photography

Getting Ready for the Big Moment

If you and your partner aren't the most savvy steppers, consider investing in dance lessons. While the cost varies from city to city and is also based on whether you participate in group or private lessons, it may be worth every penny if it will help alleviate first dance jitters. Most people don't get a do over with the first dance, so lessons can help ensure that you get it right the first time around!

According to CostHelper.com, ballroom dance lessons can cost between $55 to $125 per person although I've seen advertisements for lessons as cheap as $25 per person in Charlotte. If you live near a university or college, you may even be able to take lessons for free if there is a student or community ballroom dance club. UNC-Chapel Hill offered free lessons every Monday throughout the school year when I was an undergrad, and they taught everything from the rhumba to the tango, the foxtrot and more! Visit BallroomDancers.com or Access Dance to find a ballroom dancing instructor near you. Or, if you think that you only need minimal help to prepare for that big moment, consider checking out some instructional dance videos on YouTube. Bottom line is practice makes perfect!

And don't forget to be sure that everything is in order with the music! It will be quite a disappointment if you've spent all this time practicing but the band turns out to be terrible, the DJ's sound system doesn't work or if you've left the CD at home in your player. Add this to your wedding day checklist and enlist the help of a family member or friend to remind you of any last minute preparations for music.

Finally, just enjoy the moment! Don't get so caught up in the routine that you let it pass you by. Whichever song or steps you choose, remember that this is just the first of many dances that you'll share with your new spouse for the rest of your life!

A Night as Queen in the Queen City

2009-08-10T22:53:00.009-04:00

If there ever was a perfect night, my birthday was it. Kris kept his plans for the evening a secret until we arrived at our first destination -- Ratcliffe on the Green. A 5-star restaurant known for using fresh local ingredients for a farm-to-the-table approach to fine dining, head chef and Mark Hibbs was recently named a semifinalist for the national and prestigious "Best Chef" award by the James Beard Foundation, which is one of the top honors that a chef can receive in the United States. Our dining experience not only confirmed this but surpassed any expectation or reputation that preceded our dinner visit.

The restaurant was once a historic flower shop dating from the 20s.

The neon sign was the first of its kind in Charlotte.

Photo Source: PhotoCharlotte.com

The more than 100-year-old restaurant was decorated richly with realist still life paintings and the original Tiffany stained glass windows of Ratcliffe's Flower Shoppe, which has been a part of Charlotte's cityscape from the 1920s on. The romantic ambiance of the restaurant is intimate and warm, and the tall spiraling pillars that flank the dining area when coupled with the old-fashioned, over-sized glowing ceiling lights make the main room appear as though it's a stage ready for a performance that's been done time and again, so much so that it's been perfected and one can expect an evening that will impress them time and time again. And really that's exactly what this room is -- a center stage for a repertoire of course after course composed of only the freshest and finest ingredients which are cooked, seasoned and arranged just so for a symphony of tastes that are perfectly in harmony.

The ambiance of Ratcliffe on the Green is like an old dinner theatre

except the food is the star in this delectable performance.

Photo Source: Flickr

While entrees are available separately as a more economical option, I recommend taking the dive and splurging on the chef's tasting menu so that you're able to sample several different dishes. For our first course, I selected the scallops, which were cooked in a white wine beurre blanc sauce over sauteed spinach while Kris sampled a trio of mini crab cakes each served with a different sauce - pico de gallo, Korean BBQ and a creamy remolade. The sea scallops were tender and savory, pan seared to perfection, and the crab cakes were heavy on the crab and light on the bread for a pure taste complimented by the series of sauces.

When our main course arrived, we were really in heaven. We both decided upon the grilled lamp chops, which were served with a blueberry port reduction over wilted spinach and baby golden potatoes. Our dish was perfectly presented on plate and in flavor as the buttery spinach and potatoes complemented the tender lamb, which once again was cooked precisely to order.

After these two magical dishes disappeared before our eyes, a third soon arrived -- dessert. My crème brulee was simply phenomenal. The sweet creamy custard was slightly cool in contrast to the warm golden brown crackling layer of caramel above. Then, amazingly our waiter divulged the Ratcliffe secret for "world-famous crème brulee" to me -- using fresh eggs that are only one to two days old.

Kris' dessert somehow rivaled my selection, his Grand Marnier Souffle was full of spoonful after spoonful of a delicious and sweet, warm bread pudding-like dessert accompanied by a warm and rich sauce flavored with fine liquor. I simply don't think our taste buds will ever be the same.

Then, to top off the evening, as we exit the restaurant hand-in-hand, a horse and carriage are waiting to take us for a ride around the city. Kris and I had the night of our lives being escorted around town by Winston, our trusty steed, and Bridger, our driver and incredibly knowledgeable tour guide who filled us in on the history of Charlotte. He even took us for a ride through the Fourth Ward, the original residential district of the city, which has colonial style homes that date back to the 1800s. We were transported back in time by the sight of the beautiful historic homes, that is until you see the skyscrapers all aglow rising stories above this tucked away part of town that started it all.

Kris and I smile for the camera after an amazing ride around Charlotte

by horse and carriage!

Photo Source: Self

It simply was an unforgettable evening that will live on as a fond memory to cherish and someday far in the future share with children and grandchildren as the night Kris and I felt like king and queen of the Queen City.

A Toast to Taylor

2009-07-30T21:07:00.009-04:00

Wine tastings are always fun in my opinion, but one that I attended Tuesday night was especially sweet because the proceeds went to a cause that's near and dear to my heart. A Toast to Taylor raised money for Taylor's Tale, a Charlotte-based non-profit committed to raising awareness and funds to find a cure for Batten disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects children. In particular, Taylor's Tale was founded in honor of the now almost 11-year-old Taylor King who is fighting the disease.

Taylor really is an inspiration to all those around her. Even though Batten disease has robbed her of her vision among other things, she continues to participate in Girls on the Run, completing two recent 5Ks with the help of a running buddy (read a post by the founder of Girls on the Run about Taylor here). And she still dreams of growing up and becoming a fashion designer or pop singer - depending on what day of the week you happen to ask her.

Taylor and her sister, Laura, after Taylor finished the Jingle Jog 5K

in Charlotte this December.

Photo Source: Taylor's Tale

A Toast to Taylor is just one of many events that Taylor's Tale has put on in recent memory to fuel the fight against Batten disease with others including a group exercise class, a poolside BBQ and a springtime celebration. The planning of future fundraising events is in the works, so be sure to check the calendar of events on www.TaylorsTale.com soon! You could also become a fan of Taylor's Tale on Facebook or follow Taylor's sister's blog to find out about upcoming events and initiatives. Or, if you're interesting in supporting the charity financially, you can make a donation by clicking here. Cheers to the supporters of Taylor and Taylor's Tale!

Wine Tasting and Tapas Notes

Tuesday's wine tasting benefit was held at Las Ramblas, a delicious Spanish tapas bar in Charlotte. The five wines selected were a nice sampling with each of the blends carrying a very distinct and unique flavor. The line up was as follows:

1. Kenwood Pinot Gris
2. Angoves Viognier
3. Hess Chardonnay
4. Robertson Merlot
5. Natura Cabernet Sauvignon

My favorites were definitely the Pinot Gris and, above all, the Cabernet. The Cabernet tasted of chocolate and cherries; the wine had a very smooth, full-bodied flavor. It definitely would be great paired with a chocolate dessert. The Pinot Gris was lighter, carrying notes of tartness along with a citrus flavor. Even the Chardonnay was good; instead of the traditional oaky, buttery taste, it held hints of green apple, vanilla and peach.

Enjoying a Toast to Taylor with friends!

Photo Source: Self

As for the tapas, the Las Ramblas Sliders (skewered marinated lamb with a mint yogurt sauce) and the Crab Stuffed Picollo Peppers were standouts with the Queso de Cabra Frita, fried goat cheese with almonds, roasted garlic and quince honey, as another notable dish. The paella wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped, but the dessert more than made up for this shortcoming. Testing out my recent infatuation with Tres Leches Cake first experienced at the Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, the dessert passed the test a second time. The sweet, caramel soaked cake was too-good-to-be true although it could have done without the mile-high layer of icing. I also nibbled on a piece of Tosta de Chocolate, a tasty and unlikely pairing of chocolate, salt and baguette, which turned out to be quite good and disappeared right before our eyes!

The honey, almond and garlic sauce that accompanied

Queso de Cabra Frita added balance and gave the dish a unique flavor.

Photo Source: Self

Verdict: Las Ramblas has a fun, laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for post-work drinks and appetizers. While the food is an Americanized version of real Spanish tapas, the variety of options, and above all, the company make it well worth the while. Be sure to save room for dessert!

"A" is for A La Mode Part II

2009-07-26T11:46:00.007-04:00

Calling all ice cream lovers! This is the second post of a two-part look at all things ice cream from A to Z. For the first part of "A" is for A La Mode, which covers a la mode to ice cream cones, click here.

Italian Ice: made with concentrated syrup or fruit purees, Italian ice is made in the same process that ice cream is, but does not contain milk, eggs or cream -- only fruit or fruit-flavored ingredients. Unlike snow cones, Italian ice has very small flavored ice crystals giving it a smooth, cold texture.

Juice Bar: just what it sounds like, juice bars are made of fruit juice and/or pulverized fruit, which is frozen on a stick.

Milkshake: dubbed a drink that "brings the boys to the yard", milkshakes are made with ice cream and milk to produce a delicious, drinkable dessert. Though today malt is an ingredient that's often left out, this used to be a staple milkshake ingredient of yesteryears.

Check out this 5-star recipe for Double Chocolate-Marshmallow Milkshakes

Popcicle: a popular American brand of ice pops, the Popcicle was invented by an 11-year-old boy who left his mixed powdered soda pop and water outside with a stirring stick and discovered the next morning that the mixture had frozen to the stick! Popcicles are made of 90 percent water, and the rest is artificial flavoring. Later the Creamsicle was created, a dessert comprised of vanilla ice cream on a stick surrounded by sticky sweet frozen fruit flavoring. Next came the Fudsicle, a creamy chocolate flavored variation of this sticked sweet.

Make one of these modern twists on the Popsicle including Mint-Melon Pops and Lemon Blueberry Twist Pops

These pretty Triple-decker Citrus Pops are made with three different

kinds of fruit juice for a fresh twist on the traditional Popsicle.

Photo Source: MyRecipes

Push Pop: typically made of sherbet, and sometimes ice cream. Push Pops are a similar concept to ice cream cones - the treat is revealed as it's eaten via a plastic cup and stick which, when pushed, causes the sherbet to rise.

Semifreddo: Italian for "half cold", semifreddos can include a number of chilled or partially frozen desserts including frozen custard, ice cream cake and fruit tarts. Fortunately for those without ice cream machines, you can still make semifreddos in your freezer! Dried fruit and nuts are popular additions to semifreddos.

Surprise your friends with a decadent and impressive Chocolate Espresso Semifred do

This semifreddo, or half-frozen dessert, has a chocolate custard center

with an Oreo crust. Assembly time required is less than an hour.

Photo Source: Brown-Eyed Baker

Sherbet: sherbet is similar to sorbet, except that sherbet contains dairy products like milk and/or eggs while sorbet does not. Sherbet has a smooth texture that's more similar to ice cream, and in the U.S. it contains between one to two percent milkfat.

Smoothie: a recently popularized drink that typically, although not always, has a fruit base. Smoothies can be made with any combination of fruit juice, milk, yogurt, frozen fruit and other ingredients. Many smoothie shops have popped up around the nation in recent years with some of the most popular being Smoothie King, Jamba Juice and Planet Smoothie. These shops often offer mix-in nutritional supplements such as caffeine, vitamins, fiber and more.

Check out this collection of 150+ smoothie recipes for some smoothie inspiration!

Smoothies come in all colors and flavors with this unusual blend

containing a mixture of honeydew melon, kiwis and green grapes.

Photo Source: eHow

Snowcone: crushed ice served in a paper cone with fruit syrup flavoring in varieties such as cherry, grape, blue raspberry or the iconic rainbow snowcone.

Sorbet: made with sugar, fruit and ice rather than cream, milk and eggs, sorbets are a tart and tasty fat-free frozen treat. Occasionally egg whites may be used for body.

Sorbetto: often used interchangeably with sorbet, sorbetto is more strongly flavored than sorbet but is made using the same process.

Sample this recipe for a Sweet Cherry Sorbetto

This sweet tart sorbetto is the perfect cool down treat for a

hot summer day.

Photo Source: Epicurious

"A" is for A La Mode Part I

2009-07-20T20:23:00.009-04:00

In the alphabet of ice cream, "A" is for a la mode. In honor of National Ice Cream Month, I have created an A to Z guide for the abounding number of different types of iced and frozen desserts that can be enjoyed.

"T" is for toppings of hot fudge, sprinkles and a cherry on top.

Photo Source: Photo Bucket

A la mode: French for "with ice cream on top."

Astronaut Ice Cream: the popularity of ice cream has literally taken it out of this world! Freeze-dried ice cream, also known as "astronaut ice cream" was first tasted in space in the 1960s during the Apollo missions. Typically this unique take on ice cream comes as a dry, chalky neopolitan-style block of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors.

Blizzard: a Dairy Queen ice cream treat that's been an American favorite since the 80s, the Blizzard has the consistency of a very thick milkshake and is made with a variety of mix-ins including Oreos, Reese's, Snickers and Heath bars to name a few. Newest flavors include Cheesequake, Brownie Batter and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, which were introduced in 2004.

Freeze Pop: also known as an ice pop, freeze pops are frozen ice with artificial fruit flavoring packaged in long plastic tubes as a cheap summer treat popular among children.

Frozen Custard: similar to ice cream, frozen custard is made with eggs, but is made using a different process from ice cream making it thicker, creamier, and more prone to melting. Frozen custard typically comes in simple flavor offerings such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

Frozen Yogurt: also known as "fro yo", frozen yogurt is a healthy frozen alternative to ice cream typically containing less fat and calories than the traditional scoop. While ice cream must have at least 10 percent milk fat to be considered authentic, frozen yogurt has a maximum of six percent milkfat and some varieties can have less than one percent.

This Cinnamon Pear Frozen Yogurt recipe has only a little more than 100 calories per serving!

Gelato: an Italian frozen dessert made with more milk than cream, making it a less fattening than traditional ice cream. This frozen treat is made via a process that causes it to have less air than ice cream, giving it a denser, smoother texture. Another key difference between ice cream and gelato is that the ingredients of the latter do not undergo homogenization, which causes it to melt more quickly.

You may get a sugar high just from looking at this overflowing glass

of homemade pistachio and chocolate gelato.

Photo Source: Saveur

Glace: French ice cream, which typically is made with eggs and cream to give it a fuller, custard-like taste.

Ice Cream: the treat that started it all! Well, almost. Historians dispute the exact origins of ice cream, but references trace back to at least 4th century B.C., and many believe that the Chinese invented ice cream before bringing it to Europe. Ice cream began as a treat for royalty and well-known historical figures such as Nero, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Catherine de Medici who were among the early adorers of then called "iced cream."

With the invention of hand-cranked freezer in the 1800s followed by advances in modern refrigeration in the 1900s, many more people could enjoy or make the treat, which became less expensive and more readily available. Next came ice cream concoctions such as the ice cream sandwich, ice cream cake, ice cream floats, the ice cream sundae, milkshakes along with an explosion of flavors from Fried Ice Cream to Cherry Garcia.

Follow Cooking Light's 7 easy steps for homemade ice cream.

Photo Source: Cooking Light

Ice Cream Cones: Waffle, sugar, cake or dipped -- take your pick! Ice cream cones have taken on a new shape since their invention at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, and today they can come dipped in chocolate, covered in nuts, sprinkles and more! In recent years the advent of the Waffle cone bowl has been a happy marriage for lovers of Waffles cones and ice cream sundaes.

Check back soon for the rest of the ice cream alphabet along with more recipes for frozen treats!

A Day in the Life of a CakeSpy Gumshoe

2009-07-14T12:36:00.008-04:00

I'm excited to announce that I've joined a team of CakeSpy Gumshoes, a network of food writers and lovers of baked goodies and treats of all types who to seek out sweetness in every day life! My first CakeSpy post was on Amelie's French Bakery & Cafe, a sweet spot in the heart of NoDa in Charlotte that offers tempting desserts around the clock as a 24/7 bakery.

CakeSpy is a blog that has a great recipes, bakery reviews, and more!

It's pretty much guaranteed to add sweetness to your day.

Photo Source: CakeSpy

It seems that Charlotteans agree with me that Amelie's is a delicious and even divine experience, not to mention its chic decor. Amelie's is the recent winner of the "Best Dessert Award" at the 2009 Taste of Charlotte and has been recognized by the Charlotte Observer for offering one of food editor Kathleen Purvis' favorite Charlotte foods -- a salted caramel brownie (and yes it is as delicious and decadent as it sounds).

Antique furniture and cozy oversized armchairs are

a part of Amelie's fun environment that's a haven

for Charlotteans of all callings.

Photo Source: Self

I recommend dropping in at Amelie's whether to sample a croissant or colossal muffin for breakfast, a tartine or cup of hot soup for lunch or dinner or for a late-night pastry, fruit tart or torte. If you live in the SouthPark area, a Slice of Amelie's, a smaller albeit still delicious version of the beloved bakery, has opened in Cafe Monte Bistro near Phillips Place.

And as for CakeSpy, those with a sweet tooth should be sure to surf around their site as they offer a wealth of resources on bakeries across the country in addition to fun cupcake art and cartoons, delicious recipes and more! I myself have drooled over many a CakeSpy post, including the following Cookie Cake Pie recipe that I made recently for my fiance's birthday. It was a tasty and indulgent treat combining the best aspects of cookie, cake and pie!

Cookie Cake Pie is just one example of a creative and

delicious CakeSpy dessert!

Photo Source: CakeSpy

The Most Important Item in Your Suitcase

2009-07-10T08:02:00.008-04:00

Aside from your passport, plane tickets and money, each of which should be in your purse or money belt and not in your checked luggage, there is one necessity that stands out as arguably the most important item that you’ll pack. It’s not your ear plugs, your iPod or makeup, although those are important too. No, the most important item in your suitcase is — your shoes.

Be sure to leave room for comfortable travel shoes

that pass my test below!

Photo Source: Mystery Creature

Not just any shoes will do. You’ll need to carefully select several pairs that not only fit with your itinerary, but more importantly, are also functional, comfortable and broken in. Believe me; I’m speaking from experience when I say it’s safe to pass on the cute shoes you’ve spotted during a last-minute shopping trip. Skip on them even if they’re flats. By the end of my first two hours walking around London I didn’t look so cute limping from the large blisters on the back of my feet! Within five days I was resigned to wearing the flip flops I had packed for the shower since every other pair I had brought had given me blisters. As my fiancé so kindly put it, “Your feet make you look like you’re homeless.” Ouch.

These are examples of shoes that should be left at home.

While they may look cute, you won't look very posh

after twisting an ankle on cobblestone streets.

Photo Source: NY Post

Fortunately you can learn from my fashion faux pas and save yourself the pain and trouble of trying to explain to a non-English speaker in broken French and charades that you need Band-aids for les pieds. All you have to do is follow my Should These Shoes Make It into My Suitcase Test to ensure that you will have happy feet for the duration of your trip!

Just because you're packing comfortable shoes doesn't mean

you have to sacrafice style! These ballerinas come in virtually

every color and style to match your taste.

Photo Source: Team Sugar

Should These Shoes Make It into My Suitcase Test

Have I worn these shoes regularly for at least two weeks to a month or longer? Did I walk for long periods of time without developing blisters, cuts or rashes?
Are they easy to walk in? Can you walk in them at length without slipping or wobbling?
If they do have a heel, is it shorter than two inches? Flats and ballerina shoes are best, but short heels can be an option. Cowgirl boots are another trendy style that may be appropriate depending on their fit and your comfort level.
Do the shoes have a good grip or tread? London rain makes for slippery streets and well-worn shoes can be a tripping or slipping hazard.
Do I have at least one to two pairs of closed-toed shoes packed?
Do the shoes match outfits I’m bringing? Do I have too many pairs of blacks or browns?
Do I have a good balance of casual versus dressy shoes that fits the activities planned?
Should I bring tennis shoes? Maybe and maybe not. While I decided to forgo bringing sneakers to better blend in when abroad, there are obvious situations when you may need tennis shoes, hiking boots, water shoes or other specialized feet wear. Use your own discretion to decide what is most appropriate and when.

Three Delicious Summer Reads

2009-07-05T21:02:00.009-04:00

If you're looking for a great read to help pass poolside time while working on a tan, here are three fun foodie books to indulge in.

The Feasting Season

This book is all about passion. Whether that's a passion for food, travel or her photographer, main character and writer Meg Parker discovers the joys of each while exploring the French countryside in a quest to finish her first book. This delicious tale is a page turner, and author Nancy Coon's descriptions will whisk you away to a land of toile and tartines.

The Discovery of Chocolate

The Discovery of Chocolate is the mouth-watering fictional tale of the evolution of chocolate throughout history intertwined with a love story (think Tuck Everlasting meets Chocolat). The story is told through the eyes of a young Spainard who comes to the new world and falls in love with a beautiful native who gives him a chocolate elixir drink that will forever change him. Romantic, compelling and exciting, The Discovery of Chocolate is a fairy tale for adults.

Eat, Pray, Love

This New York Times bestseller is an autobiographical narrative of "one woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia." Author Elizabeth Gilbert sets out to fulfill some of her lifelong dreams after her marriage falls apart by traveling the world. She indulges in delicious food and language lessons in Italy and searches for God in an ashram in India. Finally, she finds balance and unexpected love on the Indonesian island of Bali.

DJ by Destination

2009-07-01T21:43:00.010-04:00

With summer in full swing it's primetime for vacations and gatherings with friends and family. Whether you're traveling by plane, train or automobile, you'll need some inspiring tunes to change your attitude as you switch latitudes.

Let your destination dictate song choices

Is the coast your destination? Check out some recommended tunes from my beach playlist below.
Are you hopping a plane to London? Don't forget to add Elton John and Beatles favorites to your list! National Geographic also has a great London playlist that you can download on iTunes.
Alternately, if you're heading to the states from Europe, a few fun American favorites like "American Pie" by Don McLean and "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard or "Why Georgia" by John Mayer and "Omaha" by the Counting Crows are a couple songs to add to the mix.

You can bet that while everyone else on my plane to London

was sleeping I was rocking out to some Beatles tunes!

Photo Source: Eco Worldly

Calculate the length of your trip to make sure you aren't hitting repeat.

Are you taking a transatlantic trip? If so, you'll need a much longer list than if you were taking a couple hour jaunt to the beach. Be sure to make your list much longer than the length of the trip as you may skip over songs en route. Don't just rely on the radio -- I was once on a 14-hour roadtrip to Florida for Spring Break and the antenna snapped off two hours into the trip! Be prepared with plenty of tracks to fill the time it takes to get to your destination.

Being tuneless for any stretch of a roadtrip is no way to start the fun.

Photo Source: I've Been There

Consider your travel companions when making making selections.

If you're planning to play the songs that others will be listening to, consider their styles in music too. Grandma probably isn't going to enjoy listening to rap music. But if it's you and a car full of girls, don't hesitate to crank 80s favorites like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

Traveling Tunes

There aren't any rules, so please feel free to add your own favorite roadtrip songs by adding them to the end of this post! My playlists are just a reflection of my own taste and preference in music, so these songs are just a jump off for you to create a playlist with your own favorite songs and bands. Still need more inspiration? Check out more themed lists voted as bests by NPR listeners.

Beach Trip Tunes
"Tequila Sunrise" by the Eagles
"If You Like Pina Coladas" by Jimmy Buffet
"Sail Away" by OAR
"Two Pina Coladas" by Garth Brooks
"Summertime" by Kenny Chesney
"Summer Girls" by LFO
"Cheeseburger in Paradise" by Jimmy Buffett
"Sitting on the dock of the bay" by Hootie and the Blowfish
"I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley
"No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problems" by Kenny Chesney

Songs for All Destinations
"So Alive" by Ryan Adams
"Beautiful Day" by U2
"Holiday in Spain" by Counting Crows
"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
"Hotel California" by Eagles
"Break Away" by Kelly Clarkson
"Anywhere You Go" by Gin Blossoms
"If I had a million dollars" by Barenaked Ladies
"Picture" by Filter
"Across the Universe" by the Beatles
"Here Is Gone" by Goo Goo Dolls
"Holiday" by Green Day
"Sweetness" by Jimmy Eat World
"Satellite" by Dave Matthews Band
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
"Trains" by Ryan Adams
"Viva la Vie" by Coldplay
"Clocks" by Coldplay
"City of Blinding Lights" by U2
"It's My Life" by Bon Jovi
"It's All Been Done" by Barenaked Ladies
"Here's to the Night" by Eve
"Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters

Running of the Brides

2009-06-29T21:13:00.006-04:00

With the average price of a wedding dress ringing in at $1,200 without even considering the veil, shoes, jewelry or undergarments, I can't help but cringe at the thought of spending that much money on a dress I'll only wear once. No matter how special the occasion, I just can't fathom donning a dress that costs more than a several day vacation in London or for that matter a week-long cruise to the Caribbean. Did I mention that I'd only wear it for a period of about two hours?

While designer dresses such as this Priscilla of Boston

are beautiful, they don't come cheap. This gown

was originally purchased for $5,000.

Photo Source: PreownedDresses.com

Fortunately I've slept a little better since beginning to read the Oprah-endorsed Bible of bridal saving -- Bridal Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields. It's a nearly 500-page guide packed full of secrets to help brides save instead of becoming a slave to the wedding industry. One of the favorite money-saving tips that I've stumbled across so far in my reading is the Filene's Basement Running of the Brides sale. At this epic event, almost-brides from across the country wait in line Black Friday-style to run into the store with friends and family to grab as many wedding dresses as possible before trying them on and swapping sizes and styles with other brides in a race to find that perfect dress.

The Running of the Brides is held about ten times a year in stores

located in major cities across the U.S. The first sale that

has inspired today's tradition was held in 1947 in Boston.

Photo Source: Boston.com

What would make brides want to partake in such a frenzy? Filene's offers rock-bottom prices on designer dresses at the yearly event (except for in Boston where it's held twice a year) offering gowns originally priced at $2,000 to $3,000 or even $9,000 for only $249, $499 or $699. So let me rephrase my original question, why wouldn't you want to be a part of the so-called Running of the Brides?

Call me crazy, but I'm completely down with the idea of doing a dash-and-dress instead of the traditional appointment with the snooty salesperson who inevitably will make you fall in love with a dress just out of your already stretched budget range so that you'll obsess over it until your friends finally talk you into it. Thanks, but no thanks.

Hundreds of brides pull gowns of the racks in hopes of finding

a designer dress at a deeply discounted rate.

Photo Source: The Exchange

With some upcoming sales around the corner in Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston, I'm entertaining the idea of hopping on a plane or arranging a road trip with some gal pals to hit up one of the sales. The adventures and stories from a trip like that would be worth more than any price tag.

One Wisconsin bride found her wedding dress at the

Running of the Brides sale.

Photo Source: Filene's Basement

Also, sadly in recent months Filene's Basement has been experiencing financial difficulties including recently filing for bankruptcy. While I hope this isn't the last year Filene's doors are open for such sales, I'd take advantage of the deals while they last!

So here are a few tips for success in dress-hunting if you decide you're up for the challenge:

Get a game plan: have an idea of what you're looking for before you go to the sale. This means trying on dresses in advance to see what styles best suite you and which ones you can rule out. Many brides will create posters displaying their size and preferred dress style for the event, and they'll have their entourage well-informed as to what they should be scouting for. Some groups go all out creating matching T-shirts and ensembles. Whether it's so they're easily able to find eachother in the crowd or just because, I'm not sure, but it makes for some memorable pictures!
Arrive early: while the doors open at 8 a.m., many brides will begin lining up as early as 5:30 or 6 a.m. Your chances of finding a dream dress will be much higher if someone else doesn't find it before you do! Don't forget to get coffee for your crew as a morale booster for standing in line so early.
Dress for success: many sale attendees wear tennis shoes along with sports bras or appropriate undergarments as many brides derobe in the aisles to try on dresses as quickly as possible. Some unabashed brides will wear the underwear they plan to wear under their dress, but others may not be so bold! Also be sure to give your purse to a friend so that you have both hands free.
Do the "swoop and swap": or the "grab and go". Whatever you want to call it, the name of the game is haggling, so the more dresses you have in hand the better position you're in to find the perfect dress.
One size fits all?: so you find a dress and fall in love with it, but there's one hitch -- it's too big. Since many brides already have their dress altered anyways, you may still be saving big since the lower dress price makes up for a couple hundred dollar alteration. Obviously this trick will only work if the dress is too big and not too small, but it's a viable option for brides who are willing to seek out a skilled seamstress.

You Stay Jazzy South Carolina

2009-06-28T17:33:00.010-04:00

In spending a week on Hilton Head Island, SC, I encountered a variety of culinary delights, the best of which naturally included tasty treasures from the sea. But of all the restaurants and meals enjoyed, there's one that by far stands out as the "best of the best" -- The Jazz Corner.

The Jazz Corner, an upscale club and restaurant in Hilton Head, recently celebrated a decade of serving up a variety of divine gourmet dishes running the surf and turf gammet with a dash of Southern-inspired flavor. I knew we were in for a real treat when the colloquial wait staff seated us at a table for two right in front of the stage!

First we split a mouthwatering and beautifully presented garlic bruchetta, which had soft and creamy mozzarella along with a blend of roasted tomatoes, olives and eggplant caviar on toasted crusty bread.

I sipped on a complimentary Prelude to a Hershey's Kiss Martini while soaking in the soulful swing and Big Band tunes that beckoned listeners to return to a different time. Although the atmosphere of the restaurant was intimate and candlelit, the crowd seemed to be connected and even moved by the music turning strangers into friends and acquaintances.

The band of the hour, the Bobby Ryder Quartet, took the stage and launched into a reportoire of old favorites including "It Had to Be You" and "New York, New York." One of my favorite parts of the performance was when lead singer and saxophonist Bobby Ryder played two saxophones at the same time! You can watch the impressive performance for yourself here. Jazz Club owner, Bob Mastellar, also took the stage several times throughout the evening to play duets with Ryder's band on his coronet.

Bobby Ryder plays duel saxophones during a performance of

"Night Train" at the Jazz Corner.

Photo Source: Self

Our entrees along with the music made the meal simply unforgettable. I savored grilled sea scallops and shrimp with baby spinach cream and sweet corn served atop cheddar grits and shoestring sweet potatoes. Kris indulged in the crab cakes, which were large portions of lump crab meat served with sweet corn cream, lime creme fraiche, edamame succotash, applewood smoked bacon and sweet potato hash.

To top off the evening, our waiter brought us a complimentary slice of Tres Leches Cake in celebration of Kris' birthday. Words cannot begin to describe this unique dessert. Soaked in three different types of milk and topped with strawberries, the cake is of Latin origin although variations of it have been adopted all over the world. Now I'm on a quest to find a recipe to replicate this delicious dessert although I know I'll never perfect it as the Jazz Corner certainly has.

A newly discovered love, Tres Leches Cake is soaked

in three types of milk and often is served with fruit.

Photo Source: iFoodie

Overall, if you are a fan of jazz music or if you just enjoy a good meal and live entertainment, you'll have a night to remember if you dine at this delightful restaurant!

Pimp My Luggage

2009-06-09T17:47:00.025-04:00

Are you tired of not being able to find your luggage in a sea of black bags snaking through the baggage claim at the airport? Or are you just bored with today's selection of cookie-cutter cardboard and canvas options of suitcases?

In yesteryears, purchasing luggage was considered a major investment with each piece costing hundreds of dollars. With bags designed to last a lifetime, they were constructed from high-quality materials like wood and leather, and they were embellished with silk lining and brass ornaments. While this may not be practical for today's jet-set traveler, you can still adopt inspiration from retro styles to add personality to your travel bags.

Add a vintage touch to your luggage by using travel labels and stickers.

I stumbled across a variety of decorative labels in my quest for baggage bling including A Charming Chest, which offers a wide selection of themed luggage labels including vintage hotel, exotic destinations, golden era, sunny destinations, road trips, cigar box, vintage perfume labels and more! For less than $20, you'll receive a set of 20 labels.

On the other hand, A Touch of Europe offers additional flare for your travel gear ranging from retro Americana-themed stickers to Parisian, vintage letters or even nature-inspired additions such as birds and nests, natural wonders and butterflies.

For true vintage labels from the 20s and beyond, you can expect that the premium may be higher, but so is the payoff for those looking for authenticity. Check out the Razso Collection, which offers a variety of hotel and destination labels from various decades from former collector and label lover, Gyorgy Razso. If you have a true interest in vintage labels, be sure to check out the site's blog and picture gallery.

Pretty Parisian stickers boast famous attractions and hotels from

the City of Lights to add personality to an otherwise drab bag.

Photo Source: Touch of Europe

Fun Americana stickers will take you back to a simpler time. For those living

in the states, they'll also give you a piece of home while you're on the road.

Photo Source: A Touch of Europe

Stamps and "money" can be colorful additions to any leather bag.

80 stamps from around the world adorn this chic bag. While this Etsy

offering has sold out, it's still an inspiration for your traveling tote.

Photo Source: Etsy

One Etsy artist used Spanish Monopoly money to create this retro

one-of-a-kind suitcase! Talk about thinking out of the box.

Photo Source: Etsy

Postcards, maps and paper can also pretty up a duldrum piece.

I think I've fallen for this beautiful luggage set, which is covered

in vintage Parisian postcard-style paper. The back of one of the pieces

even includes a map of the whole city of Paris!

Photo Source: Etsy

These Cavallini map stickers may not help you find where you're

going to, but you'll sure look savvy en route!

Photo Source: A Touch of Europe

And don't forget about travel tags too!

In keeping with the vintage theme, I included one fun tag collection I found, but there are many more out there! Check out the Temper Jackson Collection for a loud and colorful selection, or visit World Traveler for more witty choices including "His" and "Hers", as well as one leopard print tag that says, "I've Got Baggage."

These sassy tags are not only cute accessories, but they'll also

serve as bag identifiers, too.

Photo Source: En-Day

So you've read this all, and you're ready to kick your Samsonite to the curb. Where can you find a vintage bag?

Check out this great Go NOMAD article, which recommends garage sales, estate sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, EBay and flea markets as just a few of the places where you may spot your next suitcase. The article also details helpful cleaning and repair tips that make these finds better than new!

Mori Luggage also has some fun high-end vintage pieces including a beautiful pink and black D'Aosta Veranda set.

Worn and well-traveled, following wherever you may go,

a vintage suitcase may well be a traveler's best friend.

Photo Source: Apartment Therapy

Summertime Sweets

2009-06-02T22:08:00.010-04:00

Now that summer is here, cookouts, picnics and other outdoor food-themed gatherings may be a mainstay in your world. So what culinary concoction should you bring to your next potluck event? Well, let me share my top five summer dessert dishes with you.

Whether you're new to the neighborhood or you're spending time with childhood friends you've known forever, they'll be sure to thank you and be impressed if you prepare one of these memorable delights.

Raspberry Pretzel Salad

A marriage of sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy, makes this dessert a delicious and cool summertime treat that will disappear before your eyes! I always have at least one request for this recipe, so be prepared to give it out after you've baked it for friends and family! Note: this recipe can also be created with strawberries instead of raspberries.

With a raspberry Jello top layer, a cream cheese and

confectioner's sugar center and a crust of pretzels, pecans,

butter and sugar, this treat is a triple threat!

Photo Source: Recipe Tips

Triple Chocolate Trifle

Calling all chocoholics, this sweet-tooth satisfier is a twist on tradition pudding and fruit trifles. Layer chewy chocolately brownies soaked in chocolate pudding with layers of Cool Whip and chocolate bar pieces! A sure crowd pleaser.

Chocolate trifle is best served layered in a clear trifle dish with a

serving utensil fit for scooping.

Photo Source: Allrecipes

Blackberry Cobbler

What could be more satisfying than warm homemade cobbler made with fresh fruit and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Use any type of fruit of your choosing whether fresh or frozen. I made this recipe using the tips provided under the first comment made by Adrienne C. It turned out well with frozen blueberries and fresh blackberries, so pick whatever fruit that you wish. My fiance asked me to make a second time the next night!

Pick up a quart of fresh berries from the farmer's market

to make this savory homemade dessert.

Photo Source: Betty Crocker

Fruit Pizza

This easy, kid-friendly concotion can be created with fruit of your choosing, just like cobbler. Blueberries, strawberries and kiwi are just a few of my favorite toppings to add to the cream cheese sauce and sugar cookie crust! Note: I do not use apple jelly as this recipe calls for, so it's an optional ingredient that can be left out.

A colorful addition to any table, fruit pizza is a fun creation that

rivals it's pepperoni and cheese counterpart.

Photo Source: Self

Lemon Glaze Cake

This treat is moist and sweet but not overpowering. The fresh citrus flavor and creamy icing makes it a comparitively lighter option to share.

This recipe can also make for a great birthday treat!

Photo Source: Allrecipes

Letters to a Kindred Spirit

2009-05-25T21:02:00.008-04:00

I spent this weekend in Sunset Beach, NC, a quaint sandy haven about 30 miles south of Wilmington sandwiched between Ocean Isle and Myrtle Beach. Like many NC beaches, the scenery was beautiful, especially because of the lack of commercialization and absence of high rise hotels on the ocean front making it one of those few beaches where mom and pop shops still reign over cookie cutter chain stores and restaurants.

There's also a great deal of wildlife at Sunset, and I saw four deer in the dunes outside of our rental just during the short three days we were there! I also found a large beautiful conch, and dozens of hermit crabs in the tidal pools by the shoreline.

The beach is aptly named for its beautiful sunsets.

Photo Source: City Data

My favorite part of the beach, which can be accessed by a one-lane swinging pontoon bridge that is the last of it's kind on the East Coast, is Bird Island. A small barrier island to the West of Sunset Beach, Bird Island is beautiful and offers its quiet, sandy shores for barefoot beach walkers, wildlife lovers, seashell collectors and soul seekers alike. Aside from its obvious natural beauty, there's one long-time local tradition that causes a bit of magic to float in the air. Just when you think you've walked right to the edge of the island, there in the dunes is a simple, ebony mailbox in the sand with the golden words "Kindred Spirit" on its side.

The Kindred Spirit mailbox has been visited by thousands

over the past 27 years.

Photo Source: Sea Trail

It would be so easy to miss if you weren't looking for it, but I had listened closely to the walking directions I received (for those who wish to visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox, read on for more on where to find it).

As soon I heard about the Kindred Spirit mailbox, I knew I had to see it for myself. The mailbox is filled with notebooks, pens and pencils along with the stories and tales of all the travelers who've journeyed to this place. Each entry begins with the phrase "Dear Kindred Spirit." The journals are filled with prayers, wishes, thanksgivings, personal stories and more - each writer adding his or her own bits of wisdom to the collection.

An empty wooden park bench sits just in front of the Kindred Spirit mailbox, offering its oceanfront seat to visitors who've journeyed to this spot so they're able to read the stories and share their own.

Then, once the notebooks and journals are complete, they're mailed to their mysterious owner - the Kindred Spirit - who lovingly reads, collects and saves each spiralbound book of stories.

You may find it a bit funny that this Kindred Spirit has a Web presence as well. But I can't imagine emailing the Kindred Spirit being as powerful as that long beach walk to that quiet sanctuary. And being able to read what others wrote is at least half the experience.

If you'd like to visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox yourself, from the last public Sunset Beach pier make a right and head southwest. It's about an hour walk there and back. Like most things in life, it's about the journey, especially in a world where every thing else seems instantaneous. After a mile and a quarter, you'll see a second flag pole, and you'll find the mailbox there at the foot of it.

So if you're feeling like you just need to escape from the daily grind, go and get away. Watch a sunset, hold hands with someone you love and maybe even write a letter to someone you've never met.

Here Comes the Bachelorette

2009-05-17T19:15:00.016-04:00

Bachelorette parties are one of those milestone celebrations in a woman's life. It's a time to remember and cherish; one last night out with the girl's before becoming a "Mrs."

But there are so many of the bachelorette cliches. From male strippers to penis paraphernalia, it truly is amazing what a Google search of "bachelorette party" will unearth. Is a pole dancing class my idea of a fun night out on the town? Do I really want strange men eating candy necklace pieces off of me or worse? Not so much.

That's not to say I wouldn't mind throwing a few martinis back with my bestests, but I think there's a level of class that should be maintained, and I also think that some of the tired themes can be done away with or remade anew.

Throw a bachelorette party that's tasteful in more ways than one

with this super cute and colorful cake!

Source: Cake Central

Bachelorette Party, Prep School Style

For example, I stumbled across one creative and fun idea on the MyRecipes blog, a Bachelorette Bar Golf Classic. Suddenly that sweater vest you thought you'd never wear again may be a cute addition to an argyle ensemble. The bachelorette party featured on the post included a dinner of fish and chips complete with frosty mugs at an Irish pub followed by a night out on the town.

This bride scored better than par when her friend threw a

golf-themed bachelorette party for her!

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com Blog

Red Carpet Not Included

Is going to a bar not your idea of a fun night with the girls? What about a dinner and dessert crawl? Sample several restaurants by choosing one for appetizers, one for dinner (or more appetizers) and then another for dessert. You'll get to sample a range of tasty entrees all in one eclectic evening! Dress it up and ride in style with a stretch limosine as your transportation for the evening. Be sure to have a toast of bubbly to the bride-to-be en route! Give her a tiara to wear and she'll really feel like queen for the evening.

This bubble-gum pink bachelorette crown by Gabriela Delworth

is a fun royal accessory for the bride-to-be.

Photo Source: Gabriela Delworth

Get Away Before Going to the Chapel

Or, why not make a weekend of it? Round up your closest gal pals for a road trip to a fun destination. Whether you pack up and head to the beach for a weekend in the sun, the mountains for a camping and hiking wilderness trip or to the city for shopping and wining and dining. Or, if you and you're friends have money in the cash cow, hop a plane or train to a destination of your choice. If I suddenly hit the lottery tomorrow, I think the ladies and I would be headed to California for a weekend of wine country.

For more road trip inspiration, check out Roadside America, a site that has a cross-country list of wild and wacky road side attractions that will make for an unforgettable weekend trip.

A destination is optional and a car full of friends is a must for

a pre-wedding girls getaway!

Photo Source: www.RawStyle.com

Jack and Jill: A Co-Ed Option

Many couples today are opting to do a "Jack and Jill" party over the more traditional and separate bachelor and bachelorette parties. Essentially the idea is that the wed-to-be couple invites friends and family to a joint party where members of both sexes are invited. Obviously the activities will need to be ones that satisfy the interests of both groups if you go this route, so don't plan to offer spa activities or a cigar tasting unless this is something that all of your friends like to do. A Jack and Jill party may be a money-saving option for some, and it's also a good solution if you and your future hubby have a small close group of the same friends who may want to celebrate together. Pick a fun theme like Greek gods and goddesses so that your friends can don old-school style togas with wreaths of leaves and enjoy wine and tasty Mediterranean finger food. The bride, of course, will enjoy being the celebrated Goddess of Love for the evening!

Go Greek goddess Mama Mia-style for a fun party theme.

Photo Source: About.com

If you're still stumped, The Everything Bachelorette Party Book is like the Bible of bachelorette party planning, so it may be wise to invest in a copy if you anticipate being a repeat maid-of-honor or designated party planner.

Or, to know what not to do, read The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz (co-author of the screenplay for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). It's a fun read of a seemingly tame bachelorette party gone wrong. Whether you're already hitched, getting married in 10 months or 10 years, it's a book that every girl will enjoy.

A Moveable Feast Part II

2009-05-05T22:17:00.006-04:00

After looking through some of my old travel itineraries and plans for last summer's trip, I stumbled upon a valuable list of great places to picnic in London that I just had to share after my last post was so Paris-focused. While the fickle weather may make planning a London picnic a bit more difficult, if the cards are in your favor then a British picnic could be quite fun!

This Picnic Spots in London guide by View, A Londoner's Guide to London, has a lot of really great recommendations. In addition to some of the off the beaten path places this article spotlights, I think some other noteworthy spots include:

St. James Park

Located near Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey, St. James Park is a perfect place to lunch while exploring this magnificent part of the city. One of the royal parks of London, St. James Park is home to a beautiful variety of flowers as well as wildlife such as ducks, geese and pelicans, who enjoy the park's small lake. The park is used for national celebrations because of its proximity to the Queen's palace.

St. James Park is a beautiful London park that's near

Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey. Can you see the palace

peeking through the trees across the lake?

Photo Source: Self

Hyde Park

While it rained the day we visited Hyde Park, we still enjoyed walking among the gardens and memorials of the extensive park. Points of interest include a memorial to Princess Diana as well as London's Holocaust Memorial. We ended up going to several museums that day including the Victoria & Albert Museum, which ended up being quite impressive although not as noteworthy as The National Gallery or, for modern art lovers, the Tate.

St. Paul's Cathedral

While climbing to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral was probably my favorite activity in London, particularly because of the incredible view from the top, you can still enjoy the architecture and gardens of the church by dining nearby. Kris and I relished our meal from Paul's, an excellent chain eatery with a restaurant close to the church. Enjoy your picnic style meal at the tables behind St. Paul's or if you can find a spare bench in the gardens!

Enjoy a picnic meal outside of St. Paul's Cathedral after climbing

259 steps to the top for a scenic view of London!

Photo Source: About.com

Near the Thames

Picknicking near the Thames seems like an almost compulsory tradition during summers in England. It's just a matter of where. This River Thames guide has a number of possible picnic places, but I would recommend finding a one near the heart of it all close to the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the City Hall.

If you're looking for picnicking made easy (although I'm not sure this is a strategy to eat on the cheap), Gridskipper has created a map of places in London that sell ready-made gourmet picnic baskets. Check out the full article and map here.

A Moveable Feast

2009-05-04T22:29:00.009-04:00

I've decided that it's time to spill my number one travel tip of all times. Not only is this a valuable takeaway for the budget-conscious traveler, but you may also be surprised to find that this secret will help you to immerse yourself in your new surroundings in an unforgettable and even romantic way. So what's my million dollar tip? Picnicking.

The Royal Gardens in Paris was one of our favorite places to picnic.

Photo Source: Self

As a just-out-of-college couple, Kris and I were on a shoestring budget for our European adventure last summer, especially considering all the places on our itinerary that were exactly on the cheap particularly with a weak dollar up against the pound and the euro. After reading stacks of travel guides and doing due diligence research, we had created full itineraries for each day of our three week vacation. Surprisingly we stuck pretty well to our itineraries (with the exception of a missed early morning train to Brussels), and we also managed to stay within our budget range, which was pretty impressive considering it was our first time traveling together in Europe.

So how did we keep our costs down? Well aside from enlisting the trusty services of STA to handle the booking of our hostels and surprisingly nice hotels, we made a concerted effort to keep our food costs down, but without sacrificing taste. After all, what a waste it would be to travel to another country and not have the opportunity to sample the culture's culinary offerings. So we balanced out our cuisine costs in several ways. First, we took advantage of breakfast that was included at our hotels and hostels. With breakfast out of the way for most of our trip we made plans to eat dinner at a few nice and more expensive restaurants while we picnicked for most of our lunches and for some dinners.

While the rain stopped us from picnicking in the beautiful gardens

adjacent to Musee Rodin, we still enjoyed walking among the rows of colorful roses.

Photo Source: Self

Believe it or not, picnicking in different parts of the cities that we visited actually ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. I'll forever cherish our picnics under the breezy blue Parisian sky. So how did we do it? Each morning we would set off and pick up a freshly-baked baguette (just follow your nose, bakeries seem to be on every street corner in Paris), cheese, fruit and a bottle of French wine from a close by shop or supermarket. Then we stowed away our treasures in Kris's backpack until we found the perfect place for a picnic in whatever part of the city we'd planned to be in for the day. For example, for the day we spent in the Louvre, we picnicked close by in the Royal Gardens, a beautiful area of the city with white rose gardens, tree-lined paths and fountains galore. With so much to see at one of the world's most famous museums, it was nice to dip our feet in one of the fountains and spend time in the summer sun without having to find a restaurant (and they all charge an arm and a leg if you're near the Louvre), waiting for a table and for food to be served. Instead we were able to come and go as we pleased and after a nice satisfying meal we returned to walk along more of the famed corridors. We even got to watch part of a movie being filmed in the garden while we ate.

So what are my tips for picnicking success? There are so many beautiful parks in Paris and in Europe, so you have the fortune of many different picnic locations to chose from. Do your research and you'll have some special memories in some of the most beautiful places in the world. Also, pack food early in the day before you become hungry so that you don't have to take time-consuming detours to satisfy your stomach.

Sharing dinner on the lawns below Sacre Coeur made for

the beginning of an enchanting evening in Montmarte.

Photo Source: Self

Other important pieces of picnic wisdom: Don't forget to pack a wine opener and cups or glasses to drink from. We had a supply of plastic cups each day in our hotel room that we packed along with cutlery and napkins. Some stores and supermarkets had plastic eating utensils on hand, but with a language barrier it wasn't always easy to ask for these. Finally, be conscious of the weather forecast. If you're visiting London, it may be more difficult to plan regular picnics, whereas we were blessed with consistently amazing weather in Paris. Finally, be aware that although many parks in Paris and elsewhere may have beautifully manicured lawn space, unlike in America, this isn't necessarily up for grabs. Many gardens and parks in Paris fenced off their lawn space keeping visitors from treading (and eating) in these areas. However, you'll find that there's usually not a shortage of park benches, so grab a seat without a cultural faux paus.

On our last day in Paris, Kris and I enjoyed lunch on the banks

of the Seine with Notre Dame in sight.

Photo Source: Self

The best piece of advice that I could offer is to just soak it all in and carpe diem, seize the moment.

Best Places to Picnic in Paris
1. Beneath the Eiffel Tower at dusk. A special treat awaits you as dark approaches.
2. On the lawn of Sacre Coeur, especially on a weekend evening when the youth of Paris enjoy music and entertainment. Watch the sunset from the beautiful steps of the church, which is the highest point in Paris.
3. In the Royal Gardens as a lunchtime break from the Louvre.
4. In Luxembourg Gardens. Watch children race toy sailboats in the fountain.
5. On the banks of the Seine with Notre Dame in full view. Enjoy watching riverboats pass you by.
6. In the gardens of Musee Rodin where you'll find the famous "Thinker" statue among a colorful orchestra of blooms.
7. In Place des Vosges, a romantic garden where you may hear a violinist play from time to time. It's also the oldest square in Paris.

A couple other notable picnic spots include:

1. Nice, France. Any picnic lunch you could ever dream up is waiting for you at the Cours Saleya Flower Market in Old Nice. Take your pick among the savory tables of treats and then climb La Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) for phenomenal views of the city. Beautiful waterfalls cascade down the mountainside in the park at top that's littered with ruins of a 6th century chateau. Grab a picnic bench overlooking the beautiful view of the ocean and of neat rows of docked sailboats and yachts.

Kris and I dined on the fattest olives we've ever had, which were soaked in olive oil and basil. We had delicious, juicy and ripe red raspberries and freshly baked focaccia bread with sun-dried tomatoes. It was a meal fit for a king that cost less than we ever would have paid for one meal for one person at one of the local restaurants! And we enjoyed it from the most breathtaking view of the city!

Kris and I posed in front of a waterfall at the park in the Chateau

after enjoying a fresh picnic we picked up from

the famous flower market in Old Nice.

Photo Source: Self

2. While we didn't picnic at Versailles, this would have been the picnic among all picnics! The extensive gardens are beautiful, and there is plenty of lawn space near the main channel where we watched the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain show begin in the late afternoon.

So where is your favorite picnic spot in the world? I'd love to hear of any suggestions! Bonne nuit!

Food to Try Before You Die

2009-04-19T12:55:00.010-04:00

A couple days ago I stumbled upon The Traveler's Lunchbox, a blog dedicated to food and travel with a strong international presence and dialogue between food bloggers from around the world. I'm particularly fond of site author and mastermind blogger Melissa Kronenthal's project dubbed Things to Eat Before You Die, also known as The Foodblogger's Guide to the Globe, a take-off from the well-known book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Check out this guide of international food favorites.

Be sure to add your "Five Before You Die" to the list!

Photo Source: The Traveler's Lunchbox

The idea behind Things to Eat Before You Die is to come up with a list of the top five foods that you've eaten in your lifetime that you believe everyone should have to try before they die. This can include not only the tastiest foods that you've had, but also those special recipes or meals that spark memories or mark unforgettable moments. Maybe it was when you tried a certain food for the first time or time spent baking homemade cookies with a child.

After you've come up with five, then you can post them to the growing list of food favorites from around the world.

It was really hard to narrow down my list, but here are my five, not in any particular order:

1. A Parisian breakfast of pan au chocolat & cafe au lait

2. Sweet and spicy North Carolina blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay

3. Delicious salty and raw oysters from Brittany, France

4. Perfect caramel sweet creme brulee in Paris

5. Paella del mar and a cold glass of bubbling cava in Barcelona, Spain

You are looking at a perfect Parisian breakfast of pan au chocolat,

a delicious chocolate pastry, with cafe au lait,

a creamy coffee concoction. Yum!

Photo Source: Flickr

So what are your top five? What are the foods that you can't live without? And what can you tell about someone based on their list?

Well, for me it's obvious that I have a very big sweet tooth and that I could pretty much float on the ocean and eat seafood my whole life (if I had a stock pile of sweets, of course).

After scrolling through the list and seeing quite an interesting array of favorites including deep-fried alligator and kangaroo meat, I picked out a few items that I would love to try:

84. Blackberry creme brulee

212. Ginger Cake with Pumpkin Gelato from Park Chow, San Francisco

629. Green Tomato Pie at the Holly Hill Inn in Midway, KY

763. The "Hawaiian breakfast" of half a fresh papaya filled with granola and yogurt served by the restaurant Eggs & Things in Waikiki

Did any of the "foods to try before you die" pique your interest? Which ones will you be adding to your "bucket list" and why?

Ten Triangle Favorites

2009-04-15T18:50:00.009-04:00

As promised here is a list of ten of my favorite Triangle-area restaurants! Being the foodie that I am, I've grazed in all parts of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Cary, Apex and Morrisville during my time at UNC and before my college days when I lived in Cary.

While it was very hard to narrow the list down to the top ten since there really are so many great restaurants in the area. My list includes elegant to casual and everything in between. You'll see a bit of diversity in the types of food, and I'm a sushi-holic so I apologize if that's not your thing (I'm already lamenting the thought of not eating sushi for nine months while I'm pregnant and that is still many, many years away).

It's not in favorite to least-favorite order or anything like that; these all just are really great places to eat! Bon appetit!

Penang, Chapel Hill

With a combination of Thai and Malaysian cuisine, the menu at Penang is full of colorful and flavorful dishes including traditional curry and satay-based dishes along with a sushi bar. I recommend the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, which is served hot in a halved pineapple or the Rendang, which is a delicious combination of cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass and coconut milk along with your choice of chicken or beef.

The food at Penang ranges from spicy to sweet with options for

vegetarians and meat lovers alike!

Photo Source: Self

Mediterranean Deli, Chapel Hill

A purveyor of Middle-Eastern and Greek cuisine, Mediterranean Deli, also known as "Med Deli" by the locals, is fresh and tasty. Order the sampler platter so that you can try two to four different dishes. Some of my favorites include tabouli, falafel, and hummus with pita bread. Now that I have a new found love for moussaka, I'll have to try that next! The Franklin Street deli also has an olive bar and fresh-baked desserts.

Top of the Hill, Chapel Hill

Simply put, if you are a Chapel Hill-first timer, you have to have a meal at Top of the Hill. Known for their award-winning beer and elegant Southern cuisine, Top of the Hill or "Top O" is a great place to experience Chapel Hill nightlife or to enjoy the view overlooking the heart of Franklin Street. While the menu changes, one favorite is their Chicken Parmesan. Even if it's not on the menu, they'll make it for you with their heavenly Buttermilk Fried Chicken atop a heap of hot noodles and a sweet tomato sauce. If you're sampling their brews, I recommend the Old Well White.

Carrburritos, Carrboro

My fiance and I love many Mexican restaurants and burrito spots, but Carrburitos certainly has our hearts. The variety of tasty fresh salsas and the colorful upbeat atmosphere of the restaurant makes this place a standout. Tip: there is limited outdoor seating tucked away on the side of the building.

Weaver Street Market, Carrboro

This is a favorite breakfast spot for Kris and I. We love hitting up the hot breakfast bar on Sunday mornings, which includes favorites such as dill biscuits, eggs with peppers and corn tortillas and, my favorite, mediterranean strata. The laid-back atmosphere of eating at outdoor picnic tables is enjoyable, and often there is a musician or two playing the guitar, which can be nice. Beware that it's a popular place on the weekends and during nice weather, so it can be difficult but well worth it to find a seat.

Breakfast Bar $5.99/lb
Hours: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m., Monday - Friday
Saturday, 8 a.m.- noon
Sunday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You won't ever find Weaver Street this empty on a Sunday morning

during their brunch buffet!

Photo Source: Infrastructure of Milk Blog

Milltown, Carrboro

Milltown has delicious Belgian-style food and a variety of beer from around the world. The grilled chicken sandwich with gorgonzola cheese and grilled pear is my all-time favorite, and I'm always torn between pairing it with their salad, which is delicious and healthy or their skinny French fries, which are possibly more delicious but are certainly a calorie killer. Their grilled cheese with avocado and tomato (I've dubbed this dish "sexy grilled cheese") is also awesome. Milltown hands down has the best selection of beer in Carrboro with 100+ choices on their menu.

Shiki Sushi, Durham

As a self-appointed sushi connoisseur, I've eaten my way around quite a few sushi digs. Of all of those, Shiki Sushi is my all-time favorite. I would probably eat their daily if it wouldn't break my budget and if I still lived in the area. Their unique and ecclectic rolls such as the Sumo Roll with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, white fish, spicy mayo tempura top with mixed roes, crab stick, conch, sprinkle eel & cream sauce is fantastic. Shiki is the only place where I've ever had conch on sushi, and the sweet buttery meat is a fantastic addition. Other favorites include the Atlantic Lover, which has snow crab meat, cream cheese inside out with four kinds of fish and three kinds of roe on top and North Carolina Sunset, a roll with spicy tuna, salmon, cream cheese and spicy mayo inside out with flying fish roe. Tip: one of the best parts of eating at Shiki is that all sushi is buy one get one free - always.

518 West Italian Cafe, Raleigh

Three words on 518 West for you - delicious Italian food. A perfect date restaurant, 518 has great ambiance in addition to a wonderful menu. Notable entrees include The Crab, which is red pepper papardelle pasta tossed with a dill cream sauce and a saute of wild mushrooms, scallions and bacon topped with fresh crab meat and Lemon Linguine Pasta, which is a delicious combination of shrimp, scallops, roasted tomatoes, garlic and scallions in white wine with lobster butter sauce.

518 West Italian Cafe has ambiance, charm and decadently delicious Italian cuisine.

Photo Source: Technimo

Daniel's, Apex

A long-time family favorite, Daniel's is another great Italian restaurant in the area. While it's less romantic than 518 West, Daniel's is a restaurant that's good for a family outing or a date. Try out the Penne alla Vodka, which is pasta in a yummy pink vodka sauce. For dessert? Sample a slice of Oh, My God, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.

Sweet Tomatoes, Cary and Raleigh

While Sweet Tomatoes is a chain restaurant, I truly love this place! Named one of America's Healthiest Restaurants by Health Magazine, Sweet Tomatoes is famous for their healthy and affordable seasonal soups, salads, bakery delights and pastas. Some favorites are available year round, such as the Big Chunk Chicken Noodle, which is a yummy version of Chicken Noodle Soup that has big fat dumpling-like noodles. Tip: for dessert try the Chocolate Brownie Muffin with Vanilla Soft Serve for a healthy and delicious treat!

Daily Candy Weddings

2009-04-14T23:09:00.005-04:00

I was so excited to see an email come through my inbox today announcing that DailyCandy has started a dedicated wedding site! For those of you who aren't familiar with DailyCandy, it's just like what it sounds like -- a scrumptious and often witty daily dose of shopping, contests, gossip and more. You have to subscribe to fully experience and appreciate the fun little interruptions to your day, especially with sometimes over the top email titles that might make you do a double-take (No, it's not another unsolicited email from an online dating site). DailyCandy has special editions for cities across the country. Since my status as a Charlottean hardly qualifies me as a full-blown "city-girl", I'm subscribed under the "Everywhere" category.

The newly launched DailyCandy Weddings has quite a few fun features. Check out playlist recommendations or, my favorite, the songs on the "not" playlist meaning that these are a list of songs that you should provide your DJ with so that he or she won't play those songs under any circumstances! Some of the songs that made the cut for the "not now, not ever" list include:

"Gold Digger," by Kanye West
"Womanizer," by Britney Spears
"Cry Me a River," by Justin Timberlake
"Dirrty," by Christina Aguilera

Other content to check out includes a picture gallery of rewearable bridesmaid dresses, over-the-top hair accessories, creative cake alternatives and sample menus (I really think I may have drooled on my laptop while reading the Gala Gala menu...yum!). I can't wait see what else is to come now that there will be sweet daily wedding tidbits in my inbox!

This beautiful updated vintage-style headpiece is a

fun and elegant addition for a wedding day outfit

that's sure to make you feel like a queen!

Photo Source: DailyCandy Weddings

Gone to Carolina in My Mind

2009-04-12T21:10:00.009-04:00

If you haven't ever experienced a springtime in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, then you're missing what I consider to be a truly beautiful experience. If I could bottle the intoxicating feeling that permeates the air -- the life and activity, the swirl of excited emotions as eager seniors dream of tossing their cap into the Carolina blue sky, the smiles of couples walking hand in hand among the shaded boughs of Coker Arboretum and the laughter of pink-cheeked children walking down Franklin Street with ice cream cones in hand -- let's just say that I'd be quite comfortable living off the spoils because I would have succeeded in capturing simple, sugary sweet joy in the purest form.

The Old Well, pictured here during springtime, is one of the most

famous representations of Chapel Hill and the university.

Photo Source: Wunder Blog

Each year it's the same scene that unfolds. The Old Well dons her throne of pink azaelas in full flush and a sea of students don cotton candy colored clothing. As Chapel Hill-bound hopefuls tour the campus with Mom and Dad, the student population busies themselves with classes, papers and preparation for finals while catching sunbeams in the Quad at any given chance.

This only skims the surface of the dozens of reasons why I love Chapel Hill. But being a witness to this mesmerizing tradition isn't the only reason to visit this fine Southern town. No, there are many, many more! From a delightful array of dining options to sell-out performances shows at local venue Memorial Hall, outdoor theatrical experiences in the Forest Theatre and a variety of nightlife options on Franklin Street, there is a lot to see and do in Chapel Hill.

While I could write a book on this, I'll boil it down to a few fun upcoming events in the area, and a list of my top Triangle dining favorites (coming soon)!

Durham Bulls First Home Game of the Season - April 15

Not only are the tickets for Durham Bulls' games inexpensive, they're just plain fun for all ages! Whether you grab a lawn seat with local college students or bench or club seating, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Check out their 2009 season schedule for more details.

Great Grapes Wine, Arts & Food Festival - April 18

A first-time Great Grapes attendee last year, I had a blast at this fun festival. It was a great way to sample wine from all different regions of the state to see what vineyards to add to my roadtrip list. Some of my favorites picks from last year included Old North State Winery (try the 38 Vines Autumn Leaf Gold), RagApple Lassie Vineyards and Lumina Winery (ask for the Green Apple Riesling). Great Grapes is also held annually in Charlotte among other locations across the Southeast. Check out their site for a full list of venues.

Fridays on the Front Porch - April 24

This year's series of the Carolina Inn's Fridays on the Front Porch kicks off at the end of April with a weekly TGIF celebration of live bluegrass music and a knock-out buffet lineup of Southern delicacies. Fridays on the Front Porch will be held every Friday from April 24 through mid-October.

The Carolina Inn is a must-see for anyone traveling to Chapel Hill.

Make an appointment for teatime or enjoy their

award-winning cuisine.

Photo Source: WeddingMapper.com

North Carolina Symphony at Memorial Hall - May 7

The North Carolina Symphony is an incredible group of performers that continue to amaze me each time I see them play! From pop to classical to a knock-out Beatles themed-show I saw a couple summers ago, they play a variety of styles. Check them out at Memorial Hall before their Summerfest series kicks off at the end of May. They'll be playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons, so I'm sure that it will be an excellent show!

Shows at Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill are often sell-outs,

so be sure to buy your tickets in advance!

Photo Source: NCArts.org

Now that you're all ready to pack your bags to visit Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas, be on the lookout for an upcoming post where I'll share my favorite dining spots around the Triangle! Until then, I'll leave you with words from Class of 1920 UNC graduate Thomas Wolfe who wrote the following words for the yearbook his senior year:

" ... But sometimes when the springtime comes,
And the sifting moonlight falls --
They'll think again of this night here
And of these old brown walls,
Of while old well, and of old South
With bell's deep booming tone,
They'll think again of Chapel Hill and --
Thinking -- come back home."
-Thomas Wolfe, Class of 1920

A Twist on Tradition

2009-04-08T20:09:00.010-04:00

Easter dinner is one of those food events that I look forward to all year because I know I'll be spending it in the kitchen with my mom and sister cooking our favorite traditional recipes like deviled eggs, honey-baked ham and asparagus.

These dishes are timeless classics. You can bet that my mom ate almost the same Easter dinner when she was a child that we still cook every year. But just because we're planning to stick to the mainstays doesn't mean that we can't spice up these dishes with a new twist!

If you're looking to mix-up family favorites without losing sentimental staples, here are a few dishes for cuisinspiration!

For Breakfast

Blushing Mimosas

As bright as an Easter egg, these bubbly beauties are a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice and champagne with a splash of grenadine. Serve chilled in a tall champagne flute.

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com

Lemon-Raspberry French Strata

This custard-like dish combines the flavors of tart raspberries and fresh citrus lemon zest. Some Epicurious reviewers liked this best with the zest of a full lemon and when the maple syrup is added before baking. If you can't find good-quality fresh raspberries, you could use frozen raspberries or any another fresh or frozen substitute including blueberries, blackberries or all three!

Photo Source: Epicurious.com

For Dinner

French-Style Stuffed Eggs

Fresh spices and bread crumbs give traditional deviled eggs a much-needed makeover in this recipe. If you don't want to sacrafice the spice, substitute spicy mustard and add a dusting of paprika on top.

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com

Spring Carrots with Apricots and Pistachios

This yummer from The Splendid Table is inspired by an old Persian dish. The sweetness of spring carrots with tangy apricots and salty pistachios offers a unique sidedish option that's not lacking in taste.

2 bunches green-topped carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup diced dried apricots
Shredded zest of one lemon
6 large garlic cloves, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/3 cup shelled and crushed salted pistachios

1. In a 12-inch skillet, combine everything but the butter, lemon juice and pistachios. Bring to a simmer, cover, and gently cook about 8 minutes, or until carrots are barely tender.

2. Uncover and boil until they are cooked through and the liquid becomes a glaze coating the carrots. (You could stop here, cover the carrots, and hold them at room temperature an hour or so, or refrigerate overnight, then reheat).

3. Taste for seasoning, then stir in the butter. Turn into a serving bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice and pistachios.

Ham with Champagne and Vanilla Glaze

This five-star favorite is sweet and savory with detailed steps to guide cooks of all experience levels and skill. Cooking Light recommends pairing this dish with a Chardonnay that's light on oak flavor.

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com

So Fresh and Fabulous

2009-03-31T21:26:00.013-04:00

Spring has sprung. Farmer's markets are opening after the long winter months to bring seasonal fruits and veggies nearly to your doorstep (Charlotte's opens on April 3 ).

With Epicurious.com's exceptionally cool interactive From Farm to Table guide, you're left with little excuse not to do give your diet some spring cleaning. A wealth of resources at your fingertips, the information that has been pulled together not only can help you determine what's available in season in your area, but also includes detailed pictures of herb and vegetable varieties along with complementary recipes to match the mood or occasion.

Recipe slideshows for colorful spring favorites like rhubarb, asparagus and artichokes are included along with freshness shopping tips and preparation pointers.

Check out the herb guide to learn how to create your own garden or master the balance of adding season and spice for winning springtime dishes. Break out of the culinary blues that ensue following colder months that were full of comfort food fixes. Your taste buds will thank you for the change.

Mint is an example of an herb featured in an interactive guide.

Photo source: www.Epicurious.com

Why not try...

Pasta Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is possibly one of my favorite dishes because of the unique Mediterranean taste accomplished with this colorful blend of lemon, tomato and fresh herbs. A self-proclaimed tabbouleh connoisseur, I like this version in particular because of the texture and taste dimension added by substituting a more traditional bulgar wheat base with smooth and pearly orzo. Tip: the flavor of the herbs infuses itself with the pasta over time, so this dish is often better served the next day.

1/2 c. orzo pasta, cooked
1 c. chopped fresh mint
1 c. chopped fresh parsley
3 c. peeled, seeded and finely chopped tomato
1/2 c. sliced green onion
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients, mix well and cover. Chill thoroughly and stir before serving.

Ginger Shandies

With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, this springtime drink is fresh and flavorful. Food & Wine recommends the following simple steps for a concoction that's sure to please!

This drink should be reserved for those wearing oversized

wide-brimmed hats and arm-length gloves.

Photo source: Food & Wine

Add thin lemon slices and small mint sprigs to a large pitcher. Gradually add three 11.2-ounce bottles of chilled Hoegaarden beer and one 12-ounce bottle of chilled ginger beer. Fill rocks glasses with ice. Add thin lemon slices and pour in the shandy. Garnish with more mint springs and serve. Makes 6 drinks.

Tuna Cornbread Cakes

Easy to make, budget-friendly and all around delicious, this Southern Living recipe is definitely a keeper for my recipe files! Ranked as an outstanding recipe by MyRecipe's users, I couldn't agree more.

My sister and I agree that Tuna Cornbread Cakes were

love at first bite.

Photo source: MyRecipes.com

Virtual Bride

2009-03-29T18:41:00.009-04:00

The thing about brides these days is that while they may still be "blushing", they're also blogging, connecting with other brides virtually and sharing tried and true wedding advice, blunders, vendor recommendations, hot honeymoon spots, do-it-yourself tricks and so much more.

Say "I Do" to planning your wedding day with the help of other brides online.

Photo Source: www.RealLifeWeddingPlanning.com

I, for one, am thrilled at the prospect of knowing that this information is at my fingertips, and I plan to use the resources and advice of saavy brides before me to help me plan the single most important day of my life. So many brides are tapping into wedding social networking sites like the Knot that you'd be crazy not to do the same (no pun intended). Check out this great Washington Post article from a bride and reporter who attributes her ability to plan a Hawaiian wedding more than 5,000 miles away to the women who helped her electronically along the way.

Wanting to impart my own very limited wedding wisdom with others, if you haven't visited Project Wedding, one such social network, I highly recommend it. When I stumbled upon PW earlier today, I felt immediately as though I had unearthed a treasure. With a large selection of DIY wedding articles to regional wedding guides, vendor reviews and more, it really was too good to be true.

In addition to being a part of a network of tens of thousands of brides to offer advice and support, Project Wedding has some functionality perks including some cute (and free) Web templates that offer a place to share the soon-to-be-wed couple's story along with space for photos, a guestbook, registry and a piece that I thought was really cool -- wedding maps.

The wedding map function on Project Wedding is a

great tool for out-of-town guests.

Photo Source: Project Wedding

Maybe I'm just easily amused, but I think that this is such a great, user-friendly tool that is a particularly nice feature for out-of-town guests to become acquainted with the area so that they're able to fully enjoy every moment of the celebration, including time spent outside of organized events. I'm currently building my page in the Butterfly Drift theme by Blume Designs, but there are other templates modeled after popular wedding stationary aids such as Wedding Paper Divas, Papeterie and KenzieKate Invitations so that if you happen to be a type A personality, then you can order invitations to perfectly match your wedding web page!

Designer invitation-inspired Web templates are one Project Wedding perk.

Photo source: elum

Check out one Project Wedding DIY calligraphy article that bears mentioning not only based on major craftiness and cleverness points, but also because of the sheer number of times that I've seen it in different places. Originating on With This Ring, I've also seen this post make it's way to Design*Sponge and now Project Wedding! I think it's a great read not only for brides-to-be, but anyone planning a party in the future.

One creative bride spills her secret on "learning" calligraphy.

Photo source: With This Ring

Oh Savannah, Let Me Count the Ways

2009-03-25T18:24:00.016-04:00

Okay, I've been a really big blog slacker lately which I must first apologize for profusely, however, in my defense I've been quite the busy bee in other spheres, most notably moving from Lake Norman to Charlotte, decorating my new condo, discovering IKEA, work, work, working and, most recently, traveling!

I spent last week in Charleston and then Savannah for the big Saint Patrick's Day celebration. It was an absolute blast, and I have some new travel secrets to dish. First and foremost, if you've never been to Savannah, then I recommend you plan a time to hit the road!

Kilts! One of the 101 reasons why St. Patrick's Day

in Savannah is amazing.

Photo credit: About.com

Only four hours from Charlotte, this beautiful, historic town is filled with cobblestone roads lined with brightly-colored colonial homes (all with wrap-around porches) that peek out from curtains of Spanish moss. While the Saint Patrick's Day festivities themselves were fun, such as the nightlife on River Street and the famous parade filled with kilted bands and Irish clans, I would love to visit again to explore the culinary and historical gems of this quaint Southern city.

I loved Savannah...let me count the ways! Not only were the food and the atmosphere amazing, but our hotel looked like a castle! Let me dish the following Savannah secrets for you.

Soho South Cafe: this eclectic and fabulously delicious eatery also doubles as an art gallery that features local creative minds. Decorated in true shabby chic style, Soho is a perfect lunch stop in the heart of the historic district on West Liberty Street. Favorite dishes: try the Middle Eastern Pressed Sandwich, a delightful whirlwind of hummus, spinach, eggplant, tapenade, tomatoes, onion and provolone cheese, all served on a toasted pita and their Tomato-Basil soup. And for dessert? Try a mouth-watering slice of Rustic Apple Gallette.

Savannah seems to specialize in super cute cafes like Soho South Cafe.

Photo credit: Flickr

Mansion at Forsyth Park: our hotel was an experience in and of itself. The Victorian age home-turned-hotel looks like a castle inside and out. The rooms were stunning, filled with edgy modern decor in bright hues like lipstick pink and electric green. Mansion was located adjacent to a sprawling park full of just-blooming flowers. The walk to downtown Savannah was easy and very beautiful. Other great ammenities to tout include a spa, a five-star restaurant, an art gallery and even a cooking school.

Live like royalty during your stay in Savannah

at Mansion at Forsyth Park.

Photo credit: Mansion at Forsyth Park

Savannah's Candy Kitchen: I have two words for you - pecan pralines. These delicious right-out-of-the-oven, melt-in-your-mouth treats were to die for. I'm not ashamed to say that I went back three times for samples of these! Your visit to Savannah is incomplete without a visit to this riverfront shop.
River Street: Savannah's famous waterfront strip is a hot spot for nightlife, and Saint Patrick's Day was no exception. A number of bars and restaurants line this more tourist-traveled side of town, but with so many options, you're sure to find somewhere to enjoy the views and your company.

While River Street didn't look quite like this for our visit

(think more green and less serene), it is a "must-see" for visitors.

Photo credit: Savannah Marriott Riverfront

Savannah for St. Pat's: And, of course, visiting Savannah for Saint Patrick's Day is my top recommendation of all! If you're looking for some shenanigans, then look no further than this Southern city's celebration of everything Irish. In fact, it's so much fun that Savannah has already started the countdown for next year's parade, which according to today's count is only 357 days away!

Wed-inspirations

2009-02-23T22:33:00.011-05:00

While I haven't truly dived into the planning of my own wedding, I'm still having a great deal of fun seeing the types of wedding schemes and themes that other couples have created to fit their personal styles. In particular, I've found Southern Weddings Daily Blog, the blog of Southern Weddings Magazine, to be a really fun site to peruse because of the variety, creativity and detail that so many have couples have put into their celebrations. I would recommend it for anyone recently engaged as a fun and inspiring site to make you think outside the box in planning for your own wedding.

So far, a couple of my favorite wedding posts have been Erin & George's beautiful blue and bleached sand wedding. I love Erin's lacey halter mermaid dress, her overflowing bouquet and the Carolina blue bridesmaid dresses with the natural wood-colored umbrellas as a fun accessory. Check out the part II post for pictures of their over-the-top reception!

The blue and wood tones color scheme of Erin and George's wedding

mirror the colors of the sand and the sea.

Photo Source: Southern Weddings

Erin was talked into trying this knockout dress on by a saleswoman.

This comes as a reminder not to judge a dress solely by its

appearance on the hanger.

Photo Source: Southern Weddings

Another SW favorite of mine? Karen & Russ's Wedding. The style of this couple's island-kissed wedding is romantic and glam. The petal-strewn aisle is simply dreamy, especially against the backdrop of the ocean and the palm trees dancing in the breeze. I also love the fact that the bouquets that her sisters and junior bridesmaids carried were actually nautilus shells filled with gardenias, roses and a lady slipper orchid. This ocean-inspired touch was anything but cliche, and the sand-colored bridesmaids dresses appeared elegant. Note the beautiful antique French chandelier hanging from the tent in the picture of Karen and her bridesmaids.

This romantic beach wedding is full of beautiful, personalized touches

like the seashell bouquets pictured to the right.

Photo Source: Southern Weddings

Seafood & Sand

2009-02-19T22:58:00.004-05:00

Christmas vacation was last year and you can't imagine holding out until Easter for another break. Does this sound like you? If so, why not skip town next weekend and head out to the famous Taste of the Beach festival in the Outer Banks, NC.

The Outer Banks are beautiful on land and sea.

Photo Source: David's Carteret County Blog

Named by Costal Living as one of top ten seafood & wine festivals in the country, Taste of the Beach kicks off with dozens of planned events on Thursday, March 5. With southern favorites such as Grits & Golf, Oyster Roast & Beer Tasting and even an OBX Chowder Cook Off, the weekend will be full of seaside flavor and fun.

Ladies may enjoy Sunday's Pearl Fashion Show & Brunch Extravaganza or splurging on a Mango Ginger Massage to relax and recharge. Events like Brewing 101 & Then Some and hot dog-making from scratch with a German butcher will be sure to be favorites among male attendants.

Other weekend highlights include tapas crawls, nightly champagne tastings, cooking classes and demonstrations, an art exhibition and an international wine expo and tasting featuring wines from around the world.

Other Outer Banks hilights that aren't to be missed? Hop a ferry to see the wild ponies of Shackleford. Nicholas Sparks fans can visit the filming locations where recent box office favorite Nights in Rodanthe was shot. Visit one of the iconic lighthouses NC is famous for. For more information and ideas, visit the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Incredible Weddings

2009-02-16T22:16:00.004-05:00

Last night while watching TLC, my Mom and I discovered a fabulous special called Incredible Weddings. The 60-minute show was full of out-of-ordinary ceremonies and celebrations including rollercoaster weddings (apparently Busch Gardens is a popular place for "destination weddings"), bungee-jumping brides and grooms, skydiving ceremonies and even a couple who swapped vows while each was strapped to the top of an old-fashioned style airplane (think Wright Brothers-style) mid-flight. One adventurous couple married 14 stories above ground while another was married underwater in a fish tank filled with nine sharks!

This photo gives a whole new meaning to the term "bridal party".

Photo Source: Thunder Bay

Incredible Weddings will air again this Friday, Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. followed by a midnight showing. I recommend watching it for inspiration if you're looking to create a tradition of your own that will have your wedding guests reminiscing about your day long after you say "I do."

Savory Recipes from a Sweet Night

2009-02-15T22:39:00.006-05:00

After celebrating Valentine's Day over the weekend, I have some delicious tried and true recipes to share! Each year Kris and I try our hand at cooking a new dish with eachother, and this year's menu ended up being another memorable lineup.

Starting out with a simple but sumptuous Caprese Salad, a fresh tasting appetizer with towers made of alternating creamy mozzarella and juicy tomato slices drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I topped our tasty towers with basil in decorative heart shapes.

Next we tried out a MyRecipes dish that I've had on my list to cook for some time, Pan-Seared Scallops on Linguine with Tomato-Cream Sauce. This seafood concoction is colorful and flavorful with the main ingredients, pasta and jumbo sea scallops, contrasted by aromatic cilantro, flashy diced and sauteed tomatoes finished with a beurre blanc sauce that made this recipe a keeper.

This sweet treat is almost to pretty to eat!

Photo Credit: Allrecipes

As the perfect Valentine's Day dinner can't be complete without dessert, we cooked up a fabulous chocolate dish that was the culinary highlight of the evening, Molten Chocolate Cakes with Sugar-Coated Raspberries. This seriously-sumptious dessert was so good fresh from the oven with its warm ooey-gooey "molten" center. The tart raspberries added a whole new dimension to our chocolately treat. I'm sure this dessert would also be good topped with strawberries, pineapple and even marshmellows. I'll be sure to make this recipe again as a sweet finale to any special night!

Playing Cupid in the Kitchen

2009-02-09T22:41:00.010-05:00

Don't let Wall Street sabotoge this year's Valentine's Day. Forget fancy restaurants, pricey floral arrangements and valentine grams. This Valentine's Day "All you need is love"... and maybe a little assistance in the kitchen.

Well help has arrived! Authors Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge have a steamy surprise in store for you -- the 10th anniversary edition of their best-selling Intercourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook. Filled cover to cover with tantalizing recipes, each of the 17 sections of the book are dedicated to a different aphrodisiac. From foods traditionally heralded as sensual including chocolate, oysters and strawberries to interesting additions such as pine nuts, artichokes and ginger, Intercourses offers, according to an Amazon.com review, "more than 85 heart-melting and temperature-raising recipes."

Need to taste it to believe it? Try out one of these sample recipes from the book:

The Holy Grail of Valentine's Day cooking, Intercourses also offers the history, myth and lore behind some of these long-revered ingredients as well as real-life couple's stories and hot photography. Read a sweet sample including the history of honey and why ginger made the list.

While cupid may miss or make his mark come Saturday, this steamy cookbook is a surefire way to turn up the heat in the kitchen this Valentine's Day!

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

2009-02-08T22:05:00.009-05:00

Is your morning meal routine in need of some color and flavor? With more than 20 tasty flavors and dozens more just waiting to be dreamed up by hungry customers, donuts from Fractured Prune may be just the fix you need.

An assortment of delicious and colorful Fractured Prune donuts

Photo Source: Gazette.net

Blueberry Hill, Creamsicle, Strawberry Shortcake, French Toast, Reese Cup and Peppermint Patty are just a few of the fun and even outlandish flavors are true tastebud pleasers. These melt-in-your-mouth concoctions are custom-made treats so that they're served piping hot and freshly glazed just the way you like them.

If you're feeling creative or are craving an item not on the menu, you can pick from the following glazes, toppings and sugars to make your own flavor:

Glazes
Honey, Banana, Chocolate, Maple, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peanut Butter, Mocha, Mint, Cherry, Lemon, Orange, Blueberry, Mixed Berry, Caramel

Toppings
Rainbow Sprinkles, Chocolate Jimmies, Coconut, Peanuts, Oreo® Cookie, Mini Chocolate Chips, Graham Cracker Crumbs

Sugars
Powdered, Granulated, Cinnamon Sugar

And in case you're wondering, Oreos are delicious on donuts!

Fractured Prune also sells bagels, breakfast sandwiches and a decadent dessert known as "Hole in One," a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream served on the donut of your choice.

While the Raleigh store that I had previously been to recently closed it's doors, there are a number of other locations including one in Concord, NC.

Top This

2009-02-04T19:51:00.006-05:00

So for today's addition to The Sweet List, I have some fun wedding cake toppers to share! Far from the traditional cookie cutter porcelain bride and groom of yesteryears, today there are a variety of embellishments to choose from that fit your personal taste.

Fun and Funny

Photo Source: Wedding Collectibles

Dubbed the "Super Sexy Spy Wedding" cake topper, this bride and groom duo is very a la Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It's just one of many fresh and fun options to add a unique twist to the tasty treats that will be served up at your wedding. Check out Wedding Collectible's whole Funny and Novelty collection for more laughs.

Artsy

Photo Source: Studio d.Sharp

This beautiful hand-crafted topper created by Denise Sharp of Studio d.Sharp is beautiful and avant-garde. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and no two items are exactly the same. Check out some of the other incredible designs that she's dreamt up for couples seeking marital bliss.

Elegant

Photo Source: Chapeau de Gateau

I love this incredibly feminine and graceful creation by Alison Dawson of Chapeau de Gateau, who designs sleek-looking toppers from high-quality Mokuba ribbon that's personalized for each bride and groom based on their color scheme and theme. For more information, check out her site, which includes a fabulous blog featuring her work.

Vintage

Photo Source: Fancy Flours

This retro pick is chic and reminiscent of decades long past. While the style may be olden as seen in the features and hairstyles of the bride and groom, this vintage topper shows that while many years have passed some traditions stay the same. Fancy Flours has a variety of vintage toppers as does Gulden & Brown Vintage.

Glam

Photo Source: Beau-Coup

This modern and metallic embellishment that features Swarovski accent crystals adds a personal flair to your cake without overwhelming. This is a great option to add extra sparkle. Additional monogram styles are available through Beau-Coup.

La Vita Dolce

2009-02-02T22:07:00.009-05:00

In honor of February, the month of romance, winged creatures and all things pink, posts from now until Valentine's Day will be dedicated to The Sweet List. So what renders something worthy of the list? Sweet treats, deals and destinations are musts along with, to Cupid's delight, obvious romantic and feminine inclusions. As long as you can finish the phrase ______ is so sweet, then it's a shoo in.

So to kick off The Sweet List (drumroll please), here's our sweet starter:

Fran's Chocolates Gray & Smoked Salt Caramels

Fran's is well-known for their two varieties of "salt chocolates."

Photo Source: Fran's Chocolates

Not surprisingly, I selected chocolate. But what is surprising is the fact that these divine delights are unlike any other chocolate I've ever tasted. In one small bite there's an explosion of distinctly separate flavors that blend to create a harmonious yet perplexingly taste. With a combination of sweet and salty and even smokey flavors, the caramels were rich and complex but with that all-too-familiar melt-in-your-mouth coating and chewy sweet inside. But I know the real secret behind these pleasure is the snowy-like salt that topped these candies.

Being partial to dark chocolate (okay, in love with dark chocolate), I naturally preferred the Gray Salt Caramels to their milk chocolately counterparts, however both were delicious. Perhaps it's also because the gray salt that tops the dark chocolates comes from Brittany, France. Not only do I generally love all things French, but Brittany is also where the best oysters that I've ever had in my life were harvested from before making their way my dinner plate in Paris one fateful evening.

Gray salt is harvested by hand on the beaches of Brittany.

Photo Source: Eco-natural.com

Known as sel gris in France, gray salt is harvested by hand-sweeping the surface of shallow pools to collect the precious gift of the sea.

At a price of $48 for two dozen, these chocolates aren't terribly priced, especially considering their quality, but if you're looking for a similar most budget-friendly version, Trader Joe's does carry Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels although the availability of these may vary by store and season.

In my research I did find several delicious looking chocolate and sea salt recipes, one of which I had to share: Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel & Sea Salt.

Try out other sweet combinations of chocolate and sea salt

including this ooey-gooey cupcake recipe.

Photo Source: A Good Appetite

Add Bling to Your Bouquet

2009-01-31T23:45:00.007-05:00

Wedding rings aren't the only type of bling at weddings these days. A recent trend among brides is to add crystals or rhinestones to your bouquet for an extra bit of sparkle and flare. Like most jewelry, these funky additions come in all different styles to fit your wedding theme, formality and colors. Add a rhinestone starfish, sandal or palm tree to your pre-vow swapping arm candy for a wedding by the sea. A pretty bumblee might be the perfect addition for a spring or summer bride, and crystal snowflakes will add a dash of elegance for wintertime nuptials. Bouquet jewelry also comes in monogram-style letters so that brides can make their bouquets truly unique! If you just want to add a bit of subtle shine, go for simple rhinestone or pearl studs.

Faux diamonds come in all different colors

to match the colors you have selected.

This little bumblebee is a fun accessory

for spring or summer brides!

Check out the High Society Buckle for a quick dash of

elegance that can be added to any hand-tied bouquet.

All photos courtesy of Bouquet Jewels.

Penalty Flag-Free Football Food

2009-01-29T23:09:00.008-05:00

With the Superbowl quickly approaching, you may soon find yourself hosting a football party or bringing a dish to watch the big game with friends and family. While your team's performance can't be guaranteed, you can ensure that the food you prepare falls nothing short of fabulous.

In addition to traditional football food, I included some Southwest flavors as well as Pittsburgh favorites in a glimpse at my line-up for the evening:

For the Pre-Game Show:

Cowboy Caviar

With yummy creamy avacado, black-eyed peas, tomato, corn and smokey cilantro, this colorful twist on traditional chips and salsa is sure to add some spice to your fiesta right out of the gate. Pair this personal favorite of mine with warmed Tostitos Gold tortilla chips for a hearty Tex-Mex taste.

Cowboy Caviar

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com

For the Main Event:

Pittsburgh Salad

If you're from Pittsburgh or know anything about the city's cuisnary culture, then you know Pittsburgers like to eat some rather unique foods. Not only did they invent their own style of cooking steaks, but they also like ketchup a little too much (only Heinz of course), and french fries are practically a food group. In fact, call them crazy, but they like french fries so much that they eat them on everything, including salads and sandwiches.

Pittsburgh Salad

Photo Source: Annie Mentzer

Any good Pittsburgh salad has to have cheese (provolone typically, sometimes cheddar), steak, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions and ranch dressing in addition to the french fries...oh and of course the lettuce!

BBQ Cups

Simple to make and budget-friendly, BBQ Cups are a delicious treat made of flakey Hungry Jack biscuits, brown sugar BBQ sauce-soaked lean ground beef topped with cheddar cheese. This clever finger-friendly food can be baked in muffin tins.

BBQ Cups

Photo Source: The Cutting Edge of Ordinary

For the Health-Conscious

If you're looking for healthy snacks to make for Sunday instead of traditional football food, Health has a great online article written with you in mind!

If You're Playing Host

There's an excellent post on Rachael Ray's blog with fun tips for hosts and hostesses. My favorite recommedation? Go to SpecialEventTicketing.com to order personalized guest invitations that look like authentic sports tickets.

Create fun ticket-style invitations for your guests.

Photo Source: Rachael Ray

So let the games (in and out of the kitchen) begin! Go Steelers!

A Treasure Map for Winos

2009-01-27T21:56:00.011-05:00

If you're a wine lover (AKA wino), then it's time you meet Dr. Vino. Also known as Tyler Colman, Dr. Vino pretty much has the coolest job in the world; he teaches, talks about and tastes wine for a living. As a professor at NYU and the University of Chicago, he tastes about 2,000 wines a year (an average of almost 6 wines per day)!

But what makes Dr. Vino especially cool isn't just the fact that he's authored two books about wine and has been featured in the New York Times. What truly makes him fabulous in my opinion is that he shares his wealth of knowledge as a wine expert on his blog that's choc full of fabulous wine tips, featured picks and, to my particular delight, wine maps!

A treasure map for winos and travel enthusiasts alike, Dr. Vino's wine maps unlock a realm of delicious possibilities just waiting to be discovered! While the maps are made with Google Maps, don't be fooled by their seemingly simple appearance.

A Parisian Wine Map

Take note of the different colors for each destination. Red points of interest are favorite bars while purple ones are wine bars that also sell bottles to go. The green points of interest are new destinations that bear some attention while the blues are "tried-and-trues."

If you click on each of the dozens of pushpins featured on each wine map, the name and address will pop up in addition to colorful facts, Web sites and phone numbers. With major metropolises such as New York City, Chicago, Paris and LA currently featured on Dr. Vino's list of wine maps, I'm hopeful that this list will continue to grow! Until then, Dr. Vino has plenty of "study material" for me to peruse on his blog.

Crazy for Cava

2009-01-26T22:21:00.010-05:00

From my travel experiences, some of the best finds are often off the beaten path, tucked away like hidden diamonds in the rough. Such was the case with Can Paixano in Barcelona, Spain. Although unmarked from the street, this wild and locally-loved cava bar is easy to find if you let your ears lead the way.

The scene inside Can Paixano is always bustling.

Known as "The Champagne Bar" (cava is Spanish for champagne), Can Paixano is a small, rustic bar decorated in true Spanish style with large dried ham hocks hanging from the ceiling and towers of cava stocked on the shelves along with other assorted ingredients and goods.

Located in the old fisherman district near some of the city's most popular public beaches, Can Paixano is just a short distance from the Barceloneta metro stop. Plan to arrive early in the evening, as the bar tends to fill up by 7 p.m. leaving little room for standing, let alone squeezing your way to the counter to place your order. Being elbow-to-elbow with strangers in this rambunctious atmosphere is just half of the fun. And the other half? Two words: cheap champagne.

Can Paixano Cava comes in five varieties.

With the most expensive bottle ringing in at a little more than five euros, Can Paixano cava is easy on the wallet but not lacking in taste. Unlike many cheap American champagnes that can carry sickly sweet intonations, their cava is dry and delicious coming in several varieties to choose from including selecto (select), rosado (pink), cava extra (semi-dry), brut (dry) and brut nature (dry natural).

Don't expect to buy by the glass either. Their cava is most-often sold by the bottle, and it's compulsory that you purchase two sandwiches with each bottle of cava that you order. My Spanish equivalent of a ham and cheese sandwich turned out to be quite tasty, although be forewarned their cheese selection includes a few fragrant ones, in case this isn't your preference. If you find yourself on a second bottle of cava, I recommend trying out one of their desserts.

In other words of wisdom to be shared with all who intend to make an evening visit to Can Paixano, remember the following:

• Politeness doesn't pay. Be prepared to use elbows to make your way through the crowd to the prized counter spots near the bar. If you're able to snag this space, be prepared to fight to keep your spot.

• Use the restroom before entering the bar.

• Stay close to whoever you're with so that you don't get separated in the mob.

• There's probably an 80 percent chance you'll have to shout your order. Even if you only have a very basic knowledge of Spanish, you should be able to communicate your order (i.e., Necessito una botella cava selecto con dos bocadillos de jambon y camembert por favor.) If all else fails, just make a drinking motion and point to the cava (expect to be laughed at if it comes to this).

• The Spanish word for toast is Salud! Quite literally this means "health" or drinking to your health.

• While Can Paixano closes at 10:30 p.m., plenty of beach bars and clubs are close by so you can continue your festivities unfettered. At 10 or 11 p.m., many people in the city are just finishing their dinner and are starting the night, which means that it's not uncommon for Spanish clubs to stay open until 5 a.m. or even 8 a.m. before partiers head home from the fiesta in hopes of catching a later siesta.

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-01-25T17:36:00.004-05:00

What could be more sweet than eating delicious desserts for a great cause?

Bake-Me-A-Wish offers decadent cakes in more than 15 flavors, hand-prepared by an award-winning family bakery in NYC. With yummy flavors like Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake and Cafe au Lait Cheesecake, their desserts are great for any occasion! From anniversaries to birthdays and other festivities, Bake-Me-A-Wish covers the gamut with their celebration-specific Belgian chocolate decorative plaques on each of their cakes (with the exception of their coffee cakes). Add special occasions, and friend and family member's birthdays to their calendar widget for annual reminders to place your order.

Five percent of Bake-Me-A-Wish's annual sales goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of very ill children. Operation Birthday Cake, another philanthropic undertaking of BMAW, is a program with the mission to send gourmet cakes to US soldiers stationed overseas. Check out their Military Cakes section of the site for more details on how you can make your heart and your mouth happy at all once.

Divorce Yourself from the "Bride Diet"

2009-01-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

With my newly engaged status, I've been the target of a great deal of wedding marketing and advertising. One common theme that I've found not only in ads, but also in wedding magazines and blogs is the widespread acceptance and promotion of bride dieting and weightloss. Even MyRecipes.com, one of my favorite recipe sources, featured a recent posting on their blog titled "Eat Like a Bride".

While this post was more positive and a bit more healthy than some of the other suggestions I found, I'm still disturbed by the implication that women should lose weight before their wedding. Obviously your significant other is in love with who you are just the way you are (if not, you may want to reconsider this whole marriage thing), so why would you feel compelled to change yourself for him or her? And don't you have enough to focus your time and energy on before the wedding without worrying about losing weight?

Instead of putting pressure on yourself to lose weight, why don't you and your betrothed make a pledge to be healthy together as long as you both shall live? Encourage each other to take on more healthy habits and lifestyles because you love each other and want to grow old together.

What more appropriate time is there to make a commitment to be more heart healthy?

• Start by cutting bad fats and empty calories out of your diet and opt for heavy fruit and veggie-heavy diet (five to nine servings per day). Also be sure to eat high-fiber foods, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, poultry and fish. Just because you're modifying your diet doesn't mean you have to lose out on flavor and favorites. Check out my earlier "Go French" for the New Year post to see how.

• Why not take the opportunity to cook some heart-healthy dishes with your sweetie? Check out the American Heart Association's Delicious Decisions online database of mouthwatering recipes including Greek-Style Chicken with Lemon-Pistachio Rice and Peachy Stuffed French Toast.

• Find a fitness activity you and your squeeze enjoy doing together and make a weekly plan. Try your hand at tennis, racquetball, biking, running or any other sport that you both enjoy (and no, channel surfing doesn't count).

• Find a local gym that has perks for you both so that he can hit the weights while you participate in a group fitness class.

• If you are going to lose weight for your wedding, lose it the healthy way, which means slowly. Don't lose more than 10 pounds per month. Be sure to leave plenty of time to have your dress altered appropriately so that it fits you correctly when the big day comes!

A more fun and practical way to feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day is to simply find a dress that flatters your figure. Check out the knot's dress shopping guide to find out what your body type is and to see pictures of gowns that best fit your build.

Just remember, there's no need to go to bridal boot camp to look and feel good for your wedding day!

A Glass Castle in the Snow

2009-01-17T17:08:00.003-05:00

While many people enjoy traveling south during the winter to seek out warmer temperatures in more tropical climates, for an adventurous few, ice and snow is their calling.

Perhaps this is why the Ice Hotel, a luxury facility made entirely of ice and snow, has become an international destination and phenomena, leading to the building of other ice hotels in Canada, Romania and across Scandinavia.

A room inside the Ice Hotel

Architecturally and logistically, the Ice Hotel is simply remarkable. Each year in the little village of Jukkasjârvi in northern Lapland, Sweden, 5,000 tons of ice and 30,000 cubic meters of snow are used to create the majestic structure. The building of the hotel, which changes in design and architecture every year, takes about six to seven weeks, depending on the weather. Building begins in November and is complete in December, which is when the Ice Hotel opens. Overnight visitors can stay in the Ice Hotel until temperatures begin to rise in April and early May, when it begins to melt and returns to the Torne River, which is the source of the ice and snow the hotel is made of.

In addition to the more than 80 rooms that make up the hotel's structure, it also includes the Absolut Ice Bar, an outdoor entertainment arena and an ice chapel where couples from around the world come to be joined in matrimony. Saunas and the Ice Hotel Restaurant are considerably warmer than the 18 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit interior of the hotel, giving guests a chance to warm up during their stay, although entrees served at the restaurant are elegantly served on plates of ice.

The Ice Chapel

The Ice Hotel recommends staying one night in their cold accommodations to fully experience this frozen wonder of the world, but also to spend one to two nights in warm accommodations such as a Scandinavian style Kaamos hotel room, Nordic hotel chalet or their Northern Lights hotel chalet.

You might be wondering how people are able to spend the night in such a cold place, especially when the beds are made of ice! Well, the beds, which have a thick mattress, are covered with reindeer skin and then each guest is given a thermal sleeping bag that can protect in up to -13 degree weather. This may keep you warm while you're inside the Ice Hotel, but beware that outside of the icy walls, temperatures can reach 50 degrees below during the winter months. The Ice Hotel has an entire page of recommendations of what clothing to pack for your stay, but they do provide each guest with outerwear including snowmobile overalls, a hat, mittens and winter boots.

The activities the Ice Hotel offers vary from snowmobile outings to skiing, ice sculpting, dog-sledding and reindeer sleigh rides. Other excursions include ice fishing, hunting and even a 3-course starlit wilderness dinner where, if you're lucky, you'll get to see the mystical Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

The Northern Lights

For more information on this enchanting glass castle in the snow, check out this clip from a National Geographic special on the Ice Hotel, or visit their Web site at www.icehotel.com to learn more about this intriguing, one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Soap that Ain't on a Rope

2009-01-15T00:20:00.011-05:00

Attention all travelholics, there's a new hot list for your carry-on. Introducing the shampoo bar, an item that's sure to pass the ever-changing standards for liquid and gel carry-on toiletries. Try Burt's Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar or a Jojoba Shampoo Bar from Herbaria. According to Herbariasoap.com, shampoo bars also can be great for bathing, shaving and doing hand laundry. In particular, the all-natural Jojoba Bar received glowing reviews, and the site attributes these success stories to a not-so-secret ingredient, jojoba. Jojoba is a natural oil that can be nourishing and moisturizing, particularly for dry hair, which means that you can leave the conditioner at home.

Check out their other fun soap "flavors" while you're on their site. From "Triple Mint Oatmeal" to "Avocado Lemon" and "Licorice" to "Black Forest Chamomile," Herbaria has more options than a Baskin Robbins!

Still not sold on purchasing shampoo that's in a bar and not in a bottle? Try out a sample bar from Chagrin Valley Soap and Crafts. The site has a few interesting bars including Café Moreno, a bar with "quadruple-strength fresh-brewed coffee" for rich and shiny hair for brunettes (think the natural, travel-saavy version of John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette) and a Honey Beer and Egg bar. It may sound strange, but how often do you give your coif a protein cocktail like this? Learn more about what shampoo bars are best for your hair type, or check out the site's helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.

Shampoo bars are also great for outdoorsy gals, so consider having one on hand the next time you're roughing it in the woods. Regardless of your final destination, if you pack a shampoo bar, you'll be sure to receive ooo la la's instead of eww la la's.

Lights, Camera, Action!

2009-01-13T21:53:00.011-05:00

One fun new trend at wedding receptions is renting a photo booth for friends and family to squeeze into and snap pictures and poses to commemorate the special occasion. This idea really seems to have been a hit at many weddings for a number of reasons. Not only does the booth provide entertainment for guests, but also the photos can be used to create a nice keepsake for the bride and groom.

Add some spice to a traditional sign-in guestbook by having guests add their newly-snapped photos into the book along with their names. By the end of the reception, the couple will have an ensemble of pictures of everyone who attended. Alternately, the guests will have fun print-outs to keep and remember your wedding by. I've also heard of newlyweds sending out the photos from the reception to attendees along with their thank you notes, which I think can also be a nice touch not only to thank guests but also to remind them of all the fun they had at your reception!

Some important things to keep in mind if you decide to rent a photo booth for your special day:

Price: photo booths can get pricey, but many vendors, such as Shutterfly, have customizable options where you can negotiate price based on number of hours needed, whether or not the booth is staffed, how many prints you receive, etc. I've heard that ShutterBooth is on the more reasonable end of the photobooth price spectrum offering packages in the $900 range although I'm not sure what this bride's photo package included. I've read about other photobooths costing up to $1,500. Be sure to negotiate each part of your package with the vendor so that you know exactly what is included.
Quality: not only is the quality of the camera and camera shot here important, but so is the quality of the photo printer, the paper the photo is printed on and, last but not least, the outer appearance of the photo booth and how this will blend in with your decorations, particularly since you'll want the photo booth to be located somewhere with easy access for guests so they don't forget to have their picture taken.
Size: there is an argument to be made that "bigger is better," although half the fun with photo booths is seeing how many people you can squeeze in to fit in the picture. Some photo booths can fit 2. Some can fit 10. Think about how many people you expect to attend your reception and how many realistically will be taking their picture at the same time. Also, many photo booths can be very heavy, so size and weight will also be factors in the placement of your photo booth.

Check out Project Wedding's Photo Booth Rental Guide for more tips on renting a photo booth, and also visit WeddingApproved.com for a full list of questions to ask when selecting a vendor.

If you're feeling creative and budget saavy, you could opt to create your own "photo booth" like recent bride and talented textile designer, Lena Corwin. Tack up some pretty prints, strike a pose and simply smile for the camera! Read more about Corwin's hit DIY "photo booths" in this Glamour article.

Your guests will have fun posing in front of fresh, coloful prints, and your wallet will also thank you! Offer a props box for guaranteed extra laughs.

Too Hot to Handle

2009-01-11T21:13:00.006-05:00

A Layla Grayce apron is all you need to turn up the heat in the kitchen! With a fabulous lineup of fun colors and feisty styles, you're sure to look make a splash along with whatever dish you're preparing. My favorites included the floral lime green and brown Amelia Clementine Chocolate Apron and matching mit or the more feminine Jessie Steele Paris Pink set.

Amelia Clementine Chocolate Apron

Paris Pink Apron

For a Bohemian look, try the Michelle Hostess Apron with lace trim that's a blue and white fitted halter with layers and layers of ruffles. Feeling sweet? The Jessie Steele Cupcakes Apron might be for you. For a more sassy Desperate Housewives look, try the Jessie Steele leopard pink print apron with a pink trim.

Michelle Hostess Apron with Lace Trim

To see the whole Layla Grayce collection, visit her site at www.LaylaGrayce.com.

Save the Date

2009-01-11T17:55:00.005-05:00

I am thrilled to announce that Kris and I have set a date! Mark your calendars for June 11, 2011 because it's going to be quite a celebration! Now that we have the "when" figured out, the where is the next piece on our list.

While originally I thought for sure we would get married in Chapel Hill, now we're considering other options like Charleston, Asheville or even the beach. And then there's the possibility of a destination wedding, which would be really fun but naturally would limit the number of people who would be able to attend. I really could picture us getting married in so many different places that it's hard even to narrow down the possibilities (Okay, Las Vegas is a no go, so we can mark that one off of the list).

The good news is that we have plenty of time to make all of these decisions together to make sure that our wedding day is perfect in every way!

Hot Ingredient: Hazelnuts

2009-01-10T14:39:00.015-05:00

Hazelnuts are an excellent cooking ingredient because of their heart-healthy benefits and their delicious and unique nutty taste. While many recipes call for other nuts such as pecans, walnuts and almonds, hazelnuts aren't often something you'll find on your ingredient list, although this seems to be changing with their rising popularity.

Triple Hazelnut Cheesecake

Hazelnuts are a very tasty addition to many desserts, especially chocolate. If you ever tasted a Ferrero Rocher or even Nutella , then you've experienced the unique flavor combination of a sweet, rich chocolate with salty hazelnuts. The Triple Hazelnut Cheesecake recipe from MyRecipes.com captures this pairing in light-on-the-calories concoction that has received an outstanding taste rating by reviewers. The combination of chopped hazelnuts, Frangelico and Nutella give this dessert a triple-packed punch of hazelnuts to make this recipe a healthy, sweet treat.

Hazelnuts are also great served in fruit and veggie dishes. Try the Cranberry Hazelnut Coffee Cake as a yummy breakfast dish or Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Hazelnut topping as a side dish with dinner. If you're looking to take a walk on the wild side, try out Hazelnut Hummus with baked pita chips for a healthy snack.

Hazelnut Hummus

As a versatile ingredient that can added to a number of dishes, hazelnuts are a great source of protein, vitamins and folate, which has been proven to reduce risks for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and depression. As the most heart-healthy nut, hazelnuts will be a great addition to any dish you make!

For Whom the Bellini Tolls

2009-01-08T21:51:00.016-05:00

If you ever want to spend a night feeling like royalty, just go to the Hemingway Bar. Tucked away inside Paris' exclusive Ritz Carlton, this gem was a highlight of mine and Kris's nightlife while in Paris. Although I wouldn't count out Sacra Couer or an evening stroll along the Seine, other musts if you're planning a trip to this French coup d'état, the Hemingway Bar is an unforgettable experience.

The Hemingway Bar, named for one of it's most famous patrons, is very quiet; you won't find any rowdy patrons here. Although the bar has a delicious and divine drink selection, be forewarned that these tasty treats don't come cheap. The bar is actually listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the seller of the World's Most Expensive Commercially Sold Cocktail known as the Ritz Sidecar with a pricetag of $515. The drink is made with an 1834 Cognac that's so rare that German soldiers tried to steal it during WWII.

The Hemingway Bar is decorated like an old library filled with relics of the famed author. We were seated next to an old black typewriter, but his books, photos and other items were scattered throughout the bar. People watching was quite fun here because there truly was an interesting mix. Because of the small size of the bar and the intimacy that comes with that, it was quite easy to overhear other's conversations.

While Colin Field, named World's Best Barman in 2001, mixes up drinks there today, the former Hemingway hangout has always had a history of making memorable cocktails. Take the Bloody Mary for example. The drink was created specially for Hemingway because his fourth wife, Mary Welsh, became very tired of him coming home smelling like whisky every night. The Ritz barman at the time mixed up a special tomato concoction for Hemingway that would disguise the smell of alcohol on his breath. The next time Hemingway saw his bar tending friend he commented that "Bloody Mary hadn't smelled a thing," and so the Bloody Mary was born.

While I skipped out on the high-end Ritz Sidecar and the standard Bloody Mary, I settled for a smooth, luscious melontini. My drink was sweet nectar fit for the gods. It truly tasted as though I was drinking a deliciously ripe cantaloupe! Kris and I nursed our drinks while snacking on smoked almonds and delightful homemade potato crisps and just took in the scene around us.

I would recommend dressing up if you decide to venture over to the Hemingway Bar. I donned a cocktail dress while Kris sported a sports jacket and tie. We dined in Champs Elysees before our after hours drinks, which I would recommend because of the close vicinity of this part of town that has some very nice restaurants along the strip. I recommend Chez Clement, which was a divine dining experience on all counts. The oysters from Brittany were unforgettable, and their crème brulee was the best I've ever had.

Another word of advice is to have a plan on how you'll be getting home in the evening. Kris and I stayed out until it was quite late, not realizing that the metro had already stopped running. While we eventually did find a cab driver who got us back safely, it's very difficult to get a night cab in Paris, particularly in Place de la Concorde. Our driver spoke very little English and we spoke very little French, so it was a bit of a challenge to communicate. Have a business card on hand with your hotel's address information to avoid any confusion if you are able to catch a cab home.

However you spend your evenings in Paris, Hemingway himself describes the way the city always stays with you, even after you leave it.

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Cheers, cherie!

Spotlight on the Lantern

2009-01-05T22:35:00.013-05:00

If you've tasted the divine Asian concoctions and drinks at Chapel Hill's elegant and eclectic restaurant, the Lantern, then you may have discovered a bit of nirvana on earth. Recognized by Gourmet Magazine as one of "America's Top 50 Restaurants," the Lantern is a local favorite that's a perfect choice for a romantic date or a night out with the girls.

Using many local and organic ingredients, owner and chef Andrea Reusing creates her interpretation of Asia's best. With mouthwatering standout entrees like Coconut braised Niman Ranch pork shank with fresh galangal, crispy shallots, spicy green papaya salad and jasmine rice, the menu changes seasonally but always has a good variety of hot and spicy dishes to the more tame, yet always flavorful ones. A mix of seafood, meat-based and vegetarian cuinspirations typically dominate the nightly menu.

The Lantern's bar, tucked away at the back of the building, can be accessed by a side alley door after dining hours. While most might miss this windowless hole-in-the-wall, the bar is far more vibrant than the restaurant itself. While I'd liken the atmosphere of the restaurant to a soothing candle-lit sanctuary, the bar area is more along the lines of royalty in its décor and styling. The cozy one-room after-hours haven has an exclusive ambiance that's a far cry from many of Chapel Hill's smoky, undergraduate-dominated scenes.

With delicious, funky cocktails such as Red Geisha, made of muddled fresh organic strawberries with lime, ginger and vodka or Yo La Mango, a mix of mango puree, lemongrass, sake and vodka, you'll fit in with the hip, posh crowd that dominates the night scene at this hot spot no matter what your drink selection may be. My personal favorite is the Junebug, a delicious blend of Pimm's, fresh ginger and lemon, soda and cucumber that is reminiscent of a London favorite with a citrusy fresh burst akin to a South Pacific breeze.

The Junebug

Visit the restaurant's Web site for daily specials, one of Chef Reusing's famed recipes and a fortune. Visit the Lantern in person for an intimate dining experience or night out on the town.

Capturing Memories of Your Travels

2009-01-04T21:33:00.012-05:00

Whether with pen or in picture, everyone has a different way to preserve special memories from their trips and travels. While I have created scrapbooks and photo albums of my past vacations, and I've heard of others making calendars and collages, I've never known anyone to make a photo mosaic.

Tower Bridge

So imagine my surprise when my fiance gave me a beautiful photo mosaic of the Tower Bridge in London for our 3-year anniversary. Each of the more than 1000 pictures that make up this mosaic are from our trip this summer to Europe and our Caribbean cruise two summers ago. Now we'll have so many of the memories from our trips together in one beautifully intricate photo to hang on our wall.

So how can you make your own photo mosaic? Kris used a free program called Andrea Mosaic to help him automatically insert the pictures as tiles. After pre-populating the pictures, he went through and selected by hand the pictures he wanted to swap out and include based on the a color scheme needed for each slot.

He also created mosaics of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and Sacra Couer in Paris. You can also check out sample mosaics on Andrea's site along with a tutorials and the downloadable software.

Notre Dame

Just be sure when you go to get your masterpiece printed, you make sure the vendor is aware that your print job is a very large file. You may have to go somewhere other than a basic run-of-the-mill 1-hour photo center such as Target or Walgreens. Kris had our photo mosaics printed at Wolf Camera, and they came out beautifully!

Sacra Couer

Champagne to Spare?

2009-01-01T14:51:00.004-05:00

Check out this fun New York Time's posting on how to use any leftover champagne you might have from your New Year's Eve celebration. The article references MyRecipes.com's 7 Ways with Champagne that bosts yummy bubbly-inspired recipes such as Sea Bass in Champagne and White Peaches and Raspberries in Champagne Syrup.

Simply Savor: "Go French" for the New Year

2008-12-30T20:52:00.003-05:00

Instead of trying out a new fad diet or a brutal boot camp regiment this New Year's, why not try something new, something savory?

Savoring each moment and enjoying a delicious life is the motto of Mireille Guiliano's best-selling book French Women Don't Get Fat. In her memoir laden with anecdotes and delicious recipes, Guiliano reveals the ultimate secret of how French women stay slim without sacrificing some of their favorite foods including chocolate, cheese and fresh pastries. How is it that French women can eat two three-course meals with wine daily but still manage to maintain a healthy body weight?

According to Guiliano, French women aren't work out maniacs. They don't spend their time trying to compensate for yesterday's overeating. French women aren't calorie counters either. If you go to a restaurant in France, you won't find Weight Watcher points next to each entrée.

French women don't eat salads as meals. In fact, French food often is wonderful because it is so rich. How sad would French cuisine be if you removed all of the delicious and rich foods they so enjoy? No buerre blanc, no cafe au lait, no creme brulee?

The difference between French women and American women, the secret that Guiliano shares with her readers is simple -- enjoyed moderation. This may sound like an oxymoron, but that's becuase her definition of moderation is different than most. Moderation isn't skipping out on dessert because you had an enormous cheeseburger for dinner. No, according to Guiliano, "Less is more...a single piece of fine dark chocolate can be as enjoyable as a dozen Snickers bars."

The portions that the French eat are much smaller than those enjoyed by Americans. In fact, I would say that a serving of salmon at Chez Clement in Paris was about 1/3 the size of that served in American restaurants. This certainly didn't make it taste any less delicious; in fact, the feeling of being comfortably full rather than stuffed after eating out in Paris was refreshing.

How else do French women abide by this "less is more" motto? How can you be more French this new year?

French women don't eat fast food. They don't eat in their cars or in front of the TV. They eat in open-air cafes and enjoy the sights and smells around them without distraction.

Go French: Take Guiliano's advice when she says, "Think about what you are eating, smelling and savoring every bite. Describe to yourself the flavors and textures in your mouth."

The French don't grocery shop at BJ's or Wal-Mart. French women go to the market for their food, and they only purchase what they need for meals for that day and possibly the next. They don't keep large quantities of food around that could be tempting for snacking or overeating.

Go French: Visit your local farmer's market and purchase some fresh fruits and veggies. Don't stock up on food that you don't need, and don't be afraid to try new things! My recommendation for healthy, well-priced food? Trader Joe's.

Check out Guiliano's site for excerpts from her book, delicious recipes and cooking videos. She also offers a Web-based French Women Don't Get Fat program where you can take a "How French are your eating habits quiz?" and subscribe to a weekly newsletter, receive daily meal plans, healthy recipes and grocery lists.

Here is one of her recipes for your dining pleasure. I wish you a safe, happy and savory New Year!

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Serves 8

I always prefer this cake the next day. It’s a perfect, rich dessert for cool weather. There is no need to refrigerate it -- just cover loosely with waxed paper and keep it in a cool place. If refrigerated, make sure to take it out at least 2 hours before serving.

8 ounces dark chocolate
8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for buttering pan
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
¼ cup Grand Marnier or orange-flavored liqueur
6 tablespoons cornstarch

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Brush a 4-cup ring mold or a 9-inch springform pan with butter.

3. Chop the chocolate and melt it in a bowl set above a simmering pan of water. Remove and let cool. While the chocolate is cooling, cream the butter in a mixing bowl.

4. Pour the cooled, melted chocolate into the mixing bowl with the butter and beat for 2 minutes. The mixture should be thick. Set aside.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Start adding the sugar, beating at high speed, until the eggs are thick and very pale yellow (6 to 8 minutes). Both the egg-sugar and chocolate butter mixtures should have a similar consistency.

6. Beat the chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture and add the Grand Marnier. Beat another minute to mix. Sift the cornstarch into the batter and gently fold in.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared mold. Tap the mold on the counter to level and cover with buttered waxed paper. Put the mold in a baking dish and fill the dish with near-boiling water, almost up to the top of the mold. Put the baking dish with the mold in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool. Turn upside down on a serving platter, but wait 30 minutes to remove the mold.

8. Serve with unsugared whipped cream.

A Paris Perfect Engagement

2008-12-21T23:29:00.020-05:00

As a little girl, I spent a great deal of time daydreaming about my wedding. I'd try to imagine who I would marry, if he'd have a funny last name and importantly, how he'd ask me for my hand in marriage.

Despite dreaming up dozens up scenarios over the years, I don't think that I ever could have truly imagined what getting engaged would really be like. I would never in a million years would have guessed it would have happened in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in full view!

May 31, 2008

It was one of our last days in Paris, and so Kris and I decided to venture outside of the city for the first time since our arrival. We took a train to Versailles to tour the palace and the magnificently manicured gardens. My favorite part of our visits was watching stone-carved fountains come to life as a part of the afternoon's Grandes Eaux Musicales. The show was simply stunning, and I could almost picture Marie Antoinette walking among the garden trails in her rich flowing gowns. Her orangerie was my favorite; with more than 1,000 trees, Marie Antoinette had extensive citrus gardens full of lemons, oranges and pomegranates, none of which were native to France.

After spending the day chasing the footsteps of one of history's most incorrigible figures, we hopped the train back to our hotel in Montmarte. We dressed for dinner and took the metro to the Latin Quarter where we dined at Le Coupe Chou, a fabulously romantic restaurant decorated as original 17th century appearance.

The atmosphere of Le Coupe Chou was intimate and authentic (our waiter couldn't speak a word of English) with a touch of elegance. A large oaken grandfather clock guarded the entrance, flanking the stony spiral staircase to the cellar and the bar and restaurant, which appeared to be

a small space, but actually wound into countless hallways and offshoots filled with rich antiques and the smell of freshly baked bread.

We had the most perfect table for two next to a cozy fireplace and adjacent to the windows where we were able to watch passerbys while savoring our three-course meals of salmon, duck, and our new love, crème brulee.

After dinner, we took a stroll along the banks of the Seine. We talked and talked as we passed Notre Dame and Pont Neuf. And, after stopping to watch the fully lit dinner boats pass below us on Pont des Arts, he popped the question. After my emphatic "YES!", we could see the Eiffel Tower's lights winking and dancing in approval behind us.

It was a Paris-perfect engagement and a new chapter that marked the beginning of our almost-married life. I don't know that there are words to fully capture the feeling you get when you realize you're going to spend the rest of your life with the man of your dreams, but it's certainly the stuff that fairy tales are made of.

Hot Ingredient: Sage

2008-12-21T22:14:00.011-05:00

Once used as an ancient remedy to treat anything from snakebites to seizures and just about everything in between, sage was a prized spice that was thought to have special healing powers. In fact, the Latin name for sage, salvia, means “to heal”.

While you won’t find your doctor prescribing sage anytime soon, some studies have shown this member of the mint family to be a memory booster, and sage may also fight rheumatoid arthritis and aid digestion.

Regardless of the health benefits sage may offer, the spice can add a splash of flavor and color to your kitchen table. Slightly bitter and highly aromatic, either fresh or dried sage can be paired with rich fatty meats or used in soups, casseroles and stuffings. Sage also can be used to make a delicious brown butter sauce that is very tasty when coupled with pasta.

Be sure to use this spice sparingly as not much is needed to achieve a palatable, rather than overpowering flavor. Bon appetit!

Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallots

Ingredients

3 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise (about 1/2 pound)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage

4 ounces uncooked pappardelle

1/4 cup (1 oz) Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 475°.

Combine the squash, sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons oil, salt, pepper, and shallots in a jelly roll pan; toss well. Bake at 475° for 20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage.

While the squash mixture bakes, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Place cooked pasta in a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons oil; toss well. Serve the squash mixture over pasta. Sprinkle with grated cheese.

Source: MyRecipes.com

More Sage Recipes:

Christmas at the Biltmore

2008-12-21T17:23:00.005-05:00

If you're looking for a new holiday tradition, a trip to Asheville to visit the Biltmore during the holiday season may be just what you're looking for. Whether you choose to tour America's largest home during the day or in the evening on one of the more intimate candlelight tours, you'll be fascinated to see how beautiful the home is filled with vintage, Victorian-style holiday décor. From dozens of towering trees to the hundreds of wreaths and the sounds of Christmas spilling from the organ in the Banquet Hall, Christmas at the Biltmore isn't something to be missed.

Biltmore by the numbers
175,000 number of square feet covered by the Biltmore home
10,000 number of volumes in the library
1895 year of the first Christmas celebration at the Biltmore
250 number of rooms in the home
65 number of fireplaces in the home
56-ft. height of the Christmas tree on the front lawn
5 dollars you'll save if you pre-order tickets online

Take a tour of the estate's winery after exploring the house for a history lesson on America's most visited vineyard and, my personal favorite, a free guided wine tasting. If you're able to time it just right, a free cooking or tasting class is included in your ticket price. When my fiance and I visited the Biltmore last Christmas, our ticket included a wonderful red wine and chocolate seminar in the winery cellar that was well worth the extra bit of planning.

Be sure to check out the winery gift store, as well as the shops in the stables to find some great last-minute Christmas shopping finds. A Christmas Past, the quaint old-timey Christmas shop in the stables, features many Biltmore ornaments and decorations so that you can bring a bit of the Biltmore home to your own home for the holidays.

Visit http://www.biltmore.com/ for more information on planning your visit to the Biltmore including information on holiday accommodation packages.

Interested in visiting the Biltmore but don't think you can fit it in all of your busy holiday plans? The Christmas celebration will last until January 4, but the estate is open year-round for visits including the Festival of Flowers in the spring and a summer evening concerts including past performers such as Bruce Springsteen, Steven Curtis Chapman and KC & the Sunshine Band.

Getting into the Holiday "Spirit"

2008-12-15T20:39:00.004-05:00

Are cookie trading parties a bit too tame for you? Why not try your mixing skills at a few of this delectable holiday drinks?

The Sweetest: Godiva Peppermint Martini

Meet your mate under the mistletoe after sipping on this minty treat!

1 1/2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur

1/2 oz. Peppermint liqueur

Stir over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Source: www.DrinksMixer.com

The Most Festive: Gingerbread Margaritas

Decide whether you'll be naughty or nice this Christmas while sipping on this drink is full of sugar and spice.

9 oz. Tequila

6 oz. Ginger liqueur

6 oz. Fresh lime juice

6 oz. Coconut cream

3 oz. Triple sec

6 oz. Sour mix

6 Maraschino cherries

Combine first six ingredients in a blender for one minute at medium speed. Pour into margarita glasses and garnish with a stemmed maraschino cherry. This recipe makes six drinks.

Source: "Holiday Cocktails" by Minka Gantenbein

Most Likely to Make You Melt: The Jack Frost

You won't tell this drink to "Hit the Road Jack".

12 oz. Whiskey

6 oz. Peppermint schnapps

1 1/2 oz. Sweet vermouth

6 Small candy canes or peppermint sticks

Ice

Combine first three ingredients in a large pitcher and mix well. Pour into cocktail glasses filled with ice and garnish with a small candy cane or peppermint stick. This recipe makes six drinks.

Source: "Holiday Cocktails" by Minka Gantenbein

The Holiday Favorite: Eggnog

Love it or hate it, this holiday staple is here to stay.

Eggnog can be made a number of different ways but it has several key ingredients including milk or cream, eggs, sugar, nutmeg and a type of liquor, typically either rum or whiskey. ThatsTheSpirit.com has almost a dozen different variations, but best of all is their tip for serving eggnog at parties.

"To keep the eggnog cold, place a pint of vanilla ice cream in the punch bowl. It will melt slowly and we haven't heard anyone complain about the flavor."
-ThatsTheSpirit.com

Most Unique: The Grinch

Now here's a drink that gives even the Grinch something to smile about.

2 oz. Midori

1/2 oz. Fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. Sugar syrup

Mix all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a red cherry.

Source: ThatsTheSpirit.com

Simply Shananigans

2008-12-14T22:22:00.006-05:00

Shenanigans are a quintessential part of our daily lives. It's inevitable that in all of our busyness, despite sometimes meticulous planning, something seems to take us off of our planned course and into uncharted territory. While this may be a perfectionist's worst nightmare, I'll argue (as only a part-time perfectionist) that these mishaps and misadventures are what adds color to our lives and makes sure we're still on our toes and not just going through the motions each day.

Shenanigans aren't just surprises; they're also semantics and spontaneity. They are taking the road lesser traveled when you don't have a map and are in the middle of a snowstorm. They are a leap of faith, dancing simply because you can and celebrating every moment. They are adventure, serendipity and spice.

Shenanigans don't have to be radical. In fact, they can be as small as adding a new ingredient to a favorite dish, traveling to place you've never been before or trying a new drink out on the town. These are just a few of the topics I'll be writing about in "Shananigans", a blog based on my own experiences and shenanigans.

Well enough with formalities. I wish you happy reading and writing (if that's your cup of tea). If not, just sing out loud or dance in the rain. Life simply is too short not to savor every minute of it.

~Shannon