STORING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

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Holiday decorating can be fun but putting them away can become stressful.  To help you get it done faster so you can enjoy more time sipping hot cocoa next to the fireplace, here are a few organizational tips.

HOW TO HOST A STRESS-FREE THANKSGIVING

Every year, I look forward to hosting the biggest event of year at our home -- Thanksgiving.  Growing up, my parents would host about 40-60 of our closest local relatives, newly immigrated family members, new additions to the family, and friends of family.  Nowadays, my parents are usually travelling during this time of year.  While some family members who choose to spend their Thanksgivings at other homes, we have new guests that join our festivities each year.

It's an honor to continue this longstanding tradition and I have a few tips to share on how to keep a large (or small) gathering simple & stress-free.

2017 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The holiday season is quickly approaching upon us with Thanksgiving right around the corner.  It's one of my favorite times of the year.  The Season of Giving is my excuse to look for the perfect gifts to add to my shopping list.

LAST MINUTE "DAY OF THE DEAD" HALLOWEEN COSTUME

A few years ago, my husband and I were hosting a Halloween party and I didn't have a costume ready until the day of.  In last-minute desperation,

RECIPE :: HOW TO NATURALLY DYE EASTER EGGS BLUE

Natural dyes can create some of the most beautiful colors.  Plants, spices, animals & fungi have been used historically all over the world to dye clothing, textiles, artifacts and act as a color additive for beauty products.  You can easily create a rainbow of colors using everyday ingredients found in the kitchen.  Mix & match different dyes, or dye the eggs at various lengths of time and your results will multiply.

AN ECO-FRIENDLY EASTER BASKET

Can you believe Easter is right around the corner?  Where did the time go?  Not sure if it's just me but I feel like this year is going by faster than normal.  Last Easter, Jace was barely a month old and I was completely sleep-deprived so it was tough getting into the holiday spirit.  I didn't get him an Easter basket, but I did manage to snap a quick photo of him in a beanie with bunny ears though.

As I put together Jace's Easter basket this year, I decided to forego all of the plastic and disposable options in favor of a more eco-conscious basket that the little guy would love.

RECIPE :: PRIME RIB - REVERSE SEAR METHOD

My mom & uncle had a very successful restaurant while I was growing up.  Our family gatherings consisted of spending hours debating over the best recipes, trading cooking tips & perfecting our craft of international cuisine in the kitchen.  With a family full of adventurous eaters & food critics, they are a tough bunch to please.

I take a lot of pride in making sure that my guests are happy & well-fed.  When I'm throwing a party, I like to look for recipes that are easy and impressive.  Enter: Prime rib for the win.  This is a newfound family-favorite that I mastered this Christmas.  And it's already been requested as a repeat entree for the next party.  

VERSATILE GIFT WRAP

DIY Paper Flowers

If there's one wrapping paper I could recommend, it would be

SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS TREES: LIVE VS. ARTIFICIAL

Image Credit: Pottery Barn

The Christmas tree is largely a Germanic tradition, dating back to the 1500s.  In the 1700s, German immigrants brought over the tradition to the U.S.  However, the Christmas tree didn't gain notoriety outside of the German households until the 1830s, when Queen Victoria & Prince Albert (both of German descent) brought the tradition to Windsor Castle in the U.K.  This caught the attention of the public and soon, the Christmas tree tradition widely spread.  In the1930s, the idea of an artificial tree was invented by U.S.-based toilet brush manufacturer Addis Brush.  The first artificial trees are merely a giant, green toilet bowl scrubber.  History shows that the Christmas tree is a deeply rooted tradition on an international level.

Before splurging on a tree this season, there are advantages and disadvantages to a live vs. artificial tree to consider.

ZERO WASTE GIFT GUIDE

Sorry I've been away for awhile, but I'm excited to be back!  Since my last post, my maternity leave ended and I've been overwhelmed trying to find a balance between work and home as a new mom.

Flash forward to the holiday season... the season of giving.  I love the idea of gifting because as my dad always taught us growing up: "Gifting benefits two people - the recipient and you.  The recipient for obvious reasons because who doesn't love a nice surprise?  And you because you just made someone's day."  Spreading happiness can be infectious.  My favorite part of gift giving is seeing the reaction of someone's face lights up when you've given them the perfect gift.

MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas and soon-to-be moms!  This year, I get to experience it with a whole new meaning.  I never truly realized how amazing motherhood would be until my sweet little boy came into my life.