MOTHER’S DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY “The STRONGEST actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could.” SPRING 2016
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IN THIS ISSUE Signature Style
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Self-Love & Self-Care Calendar A better day STAT Green & Gorgeous
Natural & Flawless Make-up How to dress for Spring 15 Everyday Romantic Gestures
Get Yourself back to Basics Keep Calm and do Pilates
8 Healthy & Tasty Recipes The Perfect Afternoon Tea Party Spring Cleaning
Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen
Welcome to Spring edition of Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! Magazine! I hope you’ve had a lovely year so far and that you’re sticking to your resolutions(?) It’s been pretty busy here at Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire HQ with Vivacious Mum, Passion for Food and My Unique Home, coaching and mentoring my fantabulous clients, attending events like The Wealth Seminar and Yoga Retreat. Life is pretty hectic as it is, so it’s crucial that you make yourself a priority! Take out some daily ‘ME-time’, do at least 2 things every day that makes you happy! Whether it be eating a chocolate, go for a walk, watching a feel-good movie, meditation and so on. Why not write a Gratitude list? I have written a list on ‘101 things I am Grateful for’ - feel free to check it out. This magazine is as usual packed with loads of inspiration and motivation for your journey and enables you to truly accept yourself by adopting life-changing techniques that improve self-esteem and self-confidence. If you need a little ’push’, feel free to book a #FREE 20 minute coaching session with me so you can finally accept yourself once and for all and begin living the life you really want and deserve! Until next time; Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! and Create Wealth in ALL aspects of YOUR Life!
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Since becoming a Mother (11.5 years ago), I had let myself go. I suddenly didn't matter that much anymore, being a Single Mum, workload, my Mother having cancer and more resulted in me not being a priority in my life. Even though life had taken over, I always knew what my Signature Style would be like and it's honestly only recently (once settled, happy and content with life) I have had time to make myself a priority again - I daily take time for self-love and self-care, eat healthy, go for daily walks along the canal, listen to Jazz music while working, breakfast date with myself every morning and dinner date with my baby every evening, I treat myself to chocolate almost every day (yes, you read right, almost every day), sip Earl Grey tea and eat clotted cream shortbread cookies, share a bucket of Haagen Daz strawberry cheesecake ice cream with my baby while watching a movie - the list is endless! Back to Signature Style... ;)
Having been working on this feature (the one you're currently reading) and the research done, I've come to the conclusion that my Signature Style would be Charlotte Yorke's style from Sex and the City (check out this Pinterest board to get a vision of it). to read one more about:
How to define your Signature Style 7 ways to find you Signature Style Find your Signature Scent My Signature Style
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Vivacious mum
What inspires you? What makes you happy? What comes in to your mind when you look at this picture? How does it make you feel? Select one picture, close your eyes think and describe it!
A Better Day, Stat! You may not have time for a weekend getaway or even afternoon coffee with a friend, but you do have five minutes, don’t you? Great! Try one (or all) of these easy, uplifting tricks for bliss in a jiff.
Lie Down
Throw it out
Colour your world
Indulge
Research shows that it’s easier to deal with bad news and criticism when you’re lying down versus sitting up. So the next time you hear “Mummy, I don't like you!” or “You’re so mean!” fling yourself down on that couch.
Getting rid of clutter doesn’t just create space in your home, it clears your mind, as well. You can find something (those skinny jeans that taunt you, perhaps?) that’s just taking up space - recycle, donate or ditch it.
Bye-bye Blues; Hello bright hues. Looking at things that are yellow or green can boost happiness, says research. Stock the fruit bowl with lemons, bananas, and apple or set your computer’s desktop to a grassy green.
When all else fails, have some chocolate - cocoa stimulates your brain’s reward centre, so you feel better after just one bite. Dark chocolate is the healthiest, but plain old M&M’s are okay, too!
Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen
Green and gorgeous!!
Soft, silky...and green! Your hair is always the first to take a beating. Be it a change in the weather, a change in your body, a change in your diet or simply stress. Do your hair and the environment a favour by switching to organic shampoos and conditioners. There are quite a few of them in the
market that will leave your hair refreshed, light, and natural smelling. Some excellent choices are the Tathaastu hair products and the Body Shop Rainforest Hair Care collection. Striking green eyes. When it comes to eyes, you have to be extra careful. Most of the kohl and eyeliners available today have lead in them, which is harmful. Look out for eco friendly ingredients like algae extracts, vitamin B5, and nettle in mascaras and black tea leaves extract, anthyllis, and witch hazel in eye liners. In eye kohl, opt for Indian brands like Lotus Herbals, Biotique, Shahnaz Hussain, and Himalaya. They have natural ingredients like camphor and almond oil and help in protecting eyes from pollution and have a cooling effect. Plus, they make your peepers look so exotic and pretty!
Naturally pretty face. When you're looking out for green products for your face, scour for pure minerals in face bases and oils like acadamia oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, rose wax, and shea butter in foundations. Look out for flower & bees wax for your cheeks and eye shadows. Try L'Oreal Bare Naturale Soft Focus Mineral Finish. A translucent powder, its preservative free and gives you a flawless finish in seconds.
Sweet green scent. Reminding you of the planet with its bounty and evoking forests, oceans, flowers, and spices are the intoxicating natural fragrances. Just make sure they are registering high on the eco friendly radar and are not misleading fakes. Avoid petrochemicals such as benzyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and benzaldehyde and opt for scents with plant based essential oils. Both Body Shop and Tathaastu have products that are sure to allure your senses. Colour me green. Pamper the Cleopatra in you with organic body care products. Bathing soaps, shower gels, scrubs, cleansers, moisturizers, bath salts, and bath oils...the market is flooded with them! For organic face packs and scrubs you may want to give Lotus a chance.
The Body Shop and Organic Essence too have a collection of some excellent Seductive lips. Lips need bees wax, aprinatural body care products. In eco cot kernel oil, and marula oil. Eye care friendly products, the one brand that is products by Biotique, lip care by Lotus and all makeup products of Body Shop creating the maximum buzz internationally is Aveda. Their wide range of skin are your best bets, unless you chose to and body care products, makeup, and hunt for international brands. Both 'pure'fumes with personal blends is conAveda and Lush have unmatched make up picks. As for lipsticks, almost all sidered truly amazing. leading brands have something to help So throw away those skin abusive shadyou get luscious lips! ows full of harmful dyes, that oily liquid foundation, those chemical infused shampoos, and the chemically drenched mascara. Instead, pick up something that has come straight from the earth and get gorgeous, naturally!
Once upon a time (in my 20's), I used to LOVE wear make-up and when I say make-up, I mean proper 'caked-up'. Everything from primers, concealer, foundation, contouring and the list goes on (and it's pretty long!), but now - in my late 30's I prefer something that not only looks and feels natural, but looks amazing and is very easy to apply. A few weeks ago, I discovered Teni Panosian, she's the lady behind MissMaven.com, an actress and a very talented beauty blogger and absolutely stunning! Below are two of my favourite looks she has created.
Some days you want your makeup to look natural and not too "done” - at a lowkey work lunch, during morning carpool, or when you’re wearing a really fancy outfit, for example. But going bare-faced is probably not what you had in mind! With the right products and techniques, you can make the most of your natural beauty without wearing a ton of makeup.
Great makeup always starts with fresh skin. To fool them into thinking your luminous skin is nature’s gift, start by washing, toning, and moisturizing your face. "Also, drink lots of water to plump the skin from the inside,” says Pittsburgh-based makeup artist Patty Bell. Skin cells are made of mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, your skin will look and feel dry, too.
Bonus tip: Don’t skimp on sunscreen just because you’re going for lighter makeup. The best choice is a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Skip the heavy foundation and even out your skin with a healthy dose of sheer color from a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. "Applying your makeup with your fingers or makeup sponges instead of brushes will also create a more natural look,” says Mary Schook, a New York esthetician and makeup artist. Use freshly washed fingertips! Next, finish by applying translucent powder - but only where you need it, mostly around the forehead, nose, and chin. Bonus tip: Use a light-reflecting concealer pen on dark or red areas -- around your nose, under your eyes, on your chin. Light-reflecting concealers hide small-tomoderate imperfections without caking up.
Work with the tones in your skin. Find a creamy blush that matches your skin’s natural flush, like after you exercise. Or you can use your lip tone as a guide. In general, powder pinks work for fair skin tones, peachy pinks work for medium skin, and brownish pinks work for darker skin. "Blend a dot of the blush into areas where the sun would fall on your face -- apples of your cheeks, chin, forehead, and bridge of nose,” Schook says. Bonus tip: For the most natural-looking flush, avoid makeup with a lot of shimmer or sparkle, which comes off as overdone. Pat the blush onto your cheeks and other areas, and then blend outward. You could also use the same cream blush on your lips.
Give lashes a subtle boost by curling them and then swiping them with one coat of brown or dark brown lengthening mascara. This is a good time to give your regular black mascara a break -- you just want to add a little contrast, not drama, to your eyes. For your lids, "you can still use a shadow and look natural,” Schook says. "Just use cream shadows in skin-tone-friendly shades instead of powders that can sit on the skin and make it look like you are wearing makeup.”
Bonus tip: If you have sparse brows or gaps to fill in, use a stiff brush to apply brow powder for a natural and subtle arch. And if you can’t leave home without eyeliner, smudge a little into the outer corners of your eye.
Polish off your no-makeup look with a swipe of lip gloss in a colour that’s just one shade brighter than your natural lip colour. Even better? New York makeup artist Denise Del Russo recommends using a colour-adjusting gloss. The shade changes to suit your individual skin tone when you apply it. Bonus tip: Mist your skin with a weightless makeup-setting spray after you finish applying. Use the spray throughout the day to help your makeup stay fresh.
How to Dress For Spring :) Spring is in the air and everywhere. The Spring season is a wonderful time of the year. It just makes everyone so happy to see the sunshine and flowers. The bird's seem to sing a whole lot louder in the Spring. Dressing for the Spring makes everyday cheery and happy. Hats, scarf's, and jewellery are accessories that can make an outfit "pop". Wear hat's made from straw ,cotton or linen. Bright colourful scarf's that compliment your Spring outfit. Wrap around your neck or tie up your hair with one. Jewellery in gold or silver will shine and highlight your clothes. A Chain belt or rope belt with beads low on the hips are a nice accessory. Flower and leaf jewellery are in big style right now for women. Shoes should be made of light weight canvas, linen, cotton or leather. Boat shoes, clogs, sandals or slides are comfortable. Match your Spring outfit as Look for bright cheerful colour's. Such as closely as possible. Or go with White or Red, pink, green, yellow, bright blue or beige shoes usually they go with light blue. Pick cotton, silk, gauze, linen, everything. eyelet and any other lightweight materials. Go with prints the flowers, plaid, Choose colours that compliment stripe, check and polka dots are a big hit. White goes with just about everyyour skin and hair. Try to go with a style you will wear thing you wear in the Spring. more than one or two times. Choose easy to care for clothes For women a a ruffled skirt's, capri's, short's, tank top's, peasant top's ,t-shirt's and accessories. Some clothes never go out of and sundress's are all fashionable for Spring. Add a jacket with the sundress style. for the office or in the evening for a dressier look. Mix and match skirts and A spring wardrobe for women should tops are a excellent way to go. include light dresses, pastel colours and flowing dresses that can transition into the summer season.
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15 Everyday Romantic Gestures By Sasha Emmons Remember when "date night" was just "dinner?" Candlelight, flowers and restaurant reservations may have been the norm when you were dating. But with kids and jobs and homes and pets, who has the time for grand romantic gestures? Good news: you can still fit a little romance into your daily routine (and remember, the small stuff adds up). The key is to be creative, and pay attention to the details. Read on for 15 ways to make romance a daily habit. These little, doable ideas for romance will bring the sexy back to your relationship.
“I Love You today. But it is only a continuation of the love I felt for u yesterday & the Love I will feel for you through all our tomorrows.�
Come Up With a Secret Sign There's nothing that creates a world-oftwo feeling more than your own private language. Create a secret gesture that means "You are adorable right now," "I've got your back," or simply, "I love you." Use at parties, over a family game of Monopoly, or during that boring parent-teacher conference to make a connection without saying a word.
Can be overwhelming. Take the fuss out of the equation by making a plan to meet for lunch instead. If your kids are in school, childcare won't be a problem and if they aren't, make a plan to swap kid duties with another mom for an hour or two.
Leave a Message
Mornings are so hectic. Sometimes it's hard to find time to say goodbye to each other, much less something really Hold Hands Whenever you're hands-free - strolling, in heartfelt. So when you have a quiet moment - and when he's not around the car, sitting on the couch watching leave a sweet message for him to listen Idol - make a point of holding hands. Innocent and sweet, it will remind you of to when he gets to the desk in the morning. The little surprise will get his work day that time long ago when just that was off to a good start - and who knows? enough to get your heart racing. Maybe he'll return :)
Be a Morning Flirt Start the day off right with a flirty gesture. Do it first thing before you go into busy mode and forget. Pinch his bum, kiss him on the lips (morning breath be damned) or just say, "Good morning, handsome."
Text It Break up the monotony of logisticscentered texts about what's for dinner by sending a no-reason, just-because-Ilove-you text. Bonus points if you make it a little naughty.
Light 'Em Up Everyone looks better - and feels a little sexier - in candlelight. So whip out the candles and share a meal in their soft glow, even if it's leftovers in front of the TV.
Make a List You're all about the lists to keep your household running, but here's one that doesn't involve housework or errands. Keep a list of all the little reasons you love him - and share it with him periodically. Cheesy? Yes. But he'll love it just the same.
Make a Big Deal out of Little Victories Did he finally land that client? Finish that 5K? Pop open a bottle of champagne to make a fuss over the little accomplishments, instead of waiting for the biggies.
Brag About Him
They say it's not nice to brag, but your friends will forgive you if it's in the name of marital bliss. Think he really wears that suit? Post it on Facebook. Adore how Make a Lunch Date The planning of date night - booking the sweet he is with the baby? Bring it up sitter, dealing with teary goodbyes, find- subtly but loud enough that he can hear ing the energy to stay up past dessert - - at your next dinner party.
Say It With a Post-it Didn't you used to love finding a note in your locker back in high school? Revisit the concept by leaving him little notes where you know he'll find them - the bathroom mirror, his gym bag, the fridge. Dotting your I's with hearts optional. Reminisce Often The next time you're steaming over his dirty socks on the floor, take a moment to replay a happy time you shared together, a la guided meditation in yoga class. Even better, mention it to him. Taking a walk down memory lane can help jolt things into perspective and remind why you love him so darn much, smelly socks and all.
Buy a Gift for No Reason We're not talking jewellery or even flowers here - it's the little things, remember? - and no presents aimed to get you out of the doghouse. Pick up a book he'd like, buy and load a new song onto his iPod or simply pick up his favourite candy at the supermarket checkout for no other reason that you know it will put a smile on his face.
Say Please and Thank You You tell the kids to mind their manners all the time, but do you practice what you preach? Sometimes the person who's closest to you gets the short end of the stick as far as courtesy. Say thank you often - to let your partner feel appreciated, and model good Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen behaviour for your kids while you're at it. Build in Cuddle Time Can't find time to be intimate? Set the alarm for 15 minutes earlier than usual and use that time for a morning quickie or just to cuddle. Believe us: 15 minutes isn't going to make a difference in how rested you are, but it may make you feel much more connected.
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Discover YOUR Style We are delighted to announce our in-house Style Coach; Catherine Colegrave - the founder of Discover Your Style; www.discoveryourstyle.co.uk. She work one-to-one with clients to help them discover their own unique style. She ultimately want to simplify your life and enable you to have more control over your wardrobe . . . lets face it, life is busy, we naturally prioritise work, family, socialising as well as a never ending to-do list, we simply don't have the time (or energy) to fit everything in! Take a deep breath . . . She's here to help! Her philosophy is about keeping it simple, she will guide you into discovering your own unique style, as women, we often feel stuck in a rut, overwhelmed or simply uninspired with our clothing - they become functional rather than an expression of who we are. She offer private sessions for personal styling and colour analysis, the sessions are fun and informal and will help you to discover, embrace and ultimately love your own style. Far too many women hide behind their clothes, try to look invisible or settle for 'that'll do', no one teaches us how to dress so it becomes a chore rather then a pleasure. Combine that with the constant pressure from the media to look young and a bewildering amount of clothing choices out there, there's no wonder a little guidance is just what we need. Why not book a #FREE 20 minute Style Coaching session? www.discoveryourstyle.co.uk/20_min_free_style_coaching.html
Get Yourself Back To Basics By Tracey Wall Have you ever wondered who THEY are?
THEY say we must follow this trend THEY say we should never give our children treats THEY say we should burn ourselves out in a quest to become superwomen
Who is this mysterious lot and how did they write such a ridiculous (invisible) rulebook that everyone seems anxious to follow? Why do we put ourselves under so much pressure to follow THEIR rules. Well, here’s an idea: a challenge if you like. Why don’t you throw out these extreme notions of social conformity – that are actually non-existent – and live life according to your own set of values and morals (within the limits of the law of course!). Radical, huh? Wouldn’t you be far happier, fulfilled, content, confident and all those other feel-good words if you lived life your way? So many mums believe there is a handbook that we must follow when raising children. Yet every child, every mother and every father is different. Empower yourself to find what works for you and your family, and start enjoying life. In essence, get back to basics and recapture all those values YOU truly believe in. You have a wealth of qualities and experiences to draw on when making decisions, be they day-to-day or life changing. Researching your options choices but stop worrying about what
obviously helps you make informed every Tom, Dick or Harry would do in your situation. Do what YOU want to do! Have the confidence to realise what you believe in counts. You have friends, a partner, family and colleagues who all value the many different aspects of your personality. Celebrate this and use it to your advantage i.e. to bring happiness into your own life.
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How to Practice Pilates for Weight Loss To practice Pilates for weight loss, one must make a few small adjustments to what they may already be doing in their Pilates routines. After all, the fundamental theme of Pilates is developing a union of mind and body...not necessarily burning hundreds of calories or producing buckets of sweat, like other forms of exercise. But that does not mean that Pilates has no place in your weight loss plan! Practicing Pilates creates long, lean muscle that will help you to burn more calories throughout the day, even when you're at rest. Check out the steps below to get the biggest weight loss results from your Pilates training. Begin with a cardio segment.
weight loss.
To get the most mileage from Pilates for weight loss, begin your exercise routine with a segment of cardio. Aim for 30 minutes of jogging, swimming, elliptical trainer, bicycle, or anything that will effectively raise your heart rate. Then, move to your Pilates workout.
Pay attention to what you're doing.
During Pilates, it is very important that you keep your mind engaged in the workout at all times. On the treadmill, it is possible to watch TV or listen to music without compromising your training too much. Pilates requires deeper Practice your Pilates routine at a faster concentration, however, and specific pace. focus on integrity of movement, precise body positioning, and proper breathing. Naturally, the faster you perform an Also use that concentration to stretch exercise, the more calories you will burn. each movement to the maximum of There is, however, a caveat: perform your ability, thereby reaping the maxiPilates moves too quickly without know- mum bodily benefits- you shouldn't ever ing exactly what you're doing, and feel like you're just "going through the you're likely to end up losing the benefits motions". of the particular move, becoming injured, or both. Therefore, it is important In order to lose the most weight and that you take the time to learn the fun- keep it off, be sure to supplement your damentals of Pilates exercises well, bePilates workouts with several cardio sesfore attempting to pick up the speed. If sions throughout the week (before Piyou've been practicing Pilates for a lates, as illustrated above, or on sepawhile already, a good choice might be rate days). Also, choose a diet of fresh, to choose the moves you know you can whole foods, plenty of vegetables and perform precisely, and create a se- fruits, and sufficient lean protein to quence of those to be executed feed the muscle you will be building quickly. Some classes at fitness clubs or through Pilates. gyms are specifically designed to teach brisker-paced Pilates for
What are you passionate about? What are your hopes and dreams? Inspiration Board boosts self-esteem - you can become an active participant in your own future. In this workshop you will be able to express your joys and possibilities and show your strengths. You may surprise yourself with new discoveries. Create affirmations, make a list of goals and take away a beautiful board of your own. Cost: ÂŁ15 (includes materials, a printable workbook) Date: Wednesday 9th of December Time: 11am - 1pm Location: Croxley Green (Metropolitan Line) Investment: ÂŁ15
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Passion for Food One of the things I LOVE about cooking is that cooking a meal is one of the most personal and intimiate things you can do for someone. You're literally providing plated nourishment made with your own hands and creativity - even if you're following a recipe, you picked the recipe and planned the meal didn't you? The speciality about a home cooked meal is the feeling of abundance it provides, everything you have and need is right in the front of you within arms reach. The fragrance of garlic, the crackle from the skillet, end the sight of perfectly roasted bird coming out from the oven....DIVINE! Cooking speaks to all of my senses. It's a joy I'm so proud to know!
1 Citrus Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients
12 ounces dried mafalda 2 9-ounce packages frozen arti-
choke hearts, thawed 2 9-1/4-ounce cans chunk white tuna (water packed), drained and broken into chunks 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 2 cups chopped yellow sweet peppers 1/2 cup sliced, pitted ripe olives1 recipe Lemon Dressing
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions 1. Cook pasta in a Dutch oven according to package directions, adding the artichoke hearts the last 5 minutes of cooking; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Halve any large artichoke hearts. 2. Transfer pasta and artichoke hearts to a very large bowl. Gently stir in tuna, mushrooms, sweet peppers, and olives.
3. Pour Lemon Dressing over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. Before serving, gently stir in tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 8 servings.
Lemon Dressing:
Directions Combine spinach, pears, and cheese. For dressing whisk together vinegar, mustard, 1 tsp. each sugar and salt, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Whisk in oil. Drizzle on salad and pass remaining.
In a small bowl whisk together 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel; 1/3 cup lemon juice; 1/3 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar; 1/4 cup salad oil; 2 tablespoons snipped fresh thyme or basil or 2 teaspoons dried thyme or basil, crushed; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; and 4 cloves garlic, minced. Makes about 3/4 cup.
3 Scallops with Tarragon Cream and Wilted Butter Lettuce Ingredients
2 Spinach, Pear & Shaved Parmesan Salad Ingredients
8 cups fresh baby spinach 2 Bosc pears, quartered lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced
2 oz. Parmesan or Parmigiano-
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, divided 1/4 cup minced shallots 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/3 cup whipping cream 4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons Pernod or other aniseflavored liqueur (optional) 8 large sea scallops, patted dry 1 small head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
Reggiano cheese, shaved
Directions
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté 3 minutes. Add wine; boil until reduced by
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
half, about 2 minutes. Add cream, 3 teaspoons tarragon, and Pernod, if using. Simmer until sauce coats back of spoon, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
4 Avocado Pesto-Stuffed Tomatoes
cheese, pesto, and lemon juice. Cover; process until smooth. Spoon filling into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round or open star tip. 3. Place tomatoes, open sides up, on a serving platter. Pipe filling into the tomato cups. Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Sprinkle with snipped basil before serving. Makes 30 appetizers. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper; cook until brown and almost cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer scallops to plate. Add lettuce to drippings in skillet; toss until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Spoon sauce onto 2 plates; divide lettuce between plates. Place 4 scallops on each plate; sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon tarragon.
Ingredients
30 cherry tomatoes (about 1-1/4 pints)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut up
2 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 Tbsp. homemade or purchased basil pesto 1 tsp. lemon juice Snipped fresh basil (optional)
Directions 1. Cut a thin slice from the top of each tomato. (If desired, cut a thin slice from bottoms of tomatoes so they stand upright.) With a small spoon or small lemon baller carefully hollow out the tomatoes. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Invert tomatoes on the towels. Let stand 30 minutes to drain. 2. Meanwhile, for filling, in a food processor bowl combine avocado, cream
5 WATERMELON-TOMATO SKEWER Ingredients 1 small seedless watermelon 4 cherry tomatoes 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 tiny baby basil leaves
Directions 8 bamboo skewers Kosher salt
5 Melon and Prosciutto Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano Ingredients
Cut top and bottom off the watermelon to level it. Sit it upright and cut away the rind. Cut into 1-inch cubes, reserve.
Bring a small pot of water to boil. Have a small bowl of ice water on the side. Carefully drop the cherry tomatoes into the water. Allow to cook for 10 seconds. Put in the ice water. Carefully peel away the skin and cut into halves (note: the tomatoes do not have to be peeled.) Whisk together the vinegar and oil.
Place a tomato half on top of each wa- termelon cube with the flat side facing up. Poke a bamboo skewer through the top all the way down to secure the 2 items. Line up the skewers on a serving tray.
3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed honeydew melon (about 1/2 medium melon) 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed cantaloupe (about 1 medium melon) 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Cracked black pepper (optional) Mint sprigs (optional)
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients, tossing gently. Arrange melon mixture on a serving platter. Arrange prosciutto evenly over melon mixture; sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Garnish with This recipe was provided by professional cracked black pepper and fresh mint chefs and has been scaled down from sprigs, if desired. a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skewered tomato and watermelon. Sprinkle with salt and place a micro basil leaf on top. Serve.
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Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Lime-Honey Dipping Sauce Ingredients Sauce: 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind Quesadillas: 1 cup thinly sliced peeled firm ripe peaches (about 2 large) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon brown sugar 3 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced 4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas Cooking spray Chive strips (optional) Directions To prepare sauce, combine first 3 ingredients, stirring with a whisk; set aside. To prepare quesadillas, combine peaches, 1 tablespoon chives, and sugar, tossing gently to coat. Heat a large non-stick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Arrange one-fourth of cheese and one-fourth of peach mixture over half of each tortilla; fold tortillas in half. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place 2 quesadillas in pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until tortillas are lightly browned and crisp. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into 3 wedges; serve with sauce. Garnish with chive strips, if desired.
8 Vietnamese Noodle Rolls Ingredients 3 1/2 ounces thin dried rice noodles (also called rice vermicelli) 1/4 English cucumber, unpeeled 1/2 large carrot, peeled Ten 8 1/2-in. rice-paper wrappers 5 red lettuce leaves, torn in half crosswise 1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and very thinly sliced lengthwise 30 mint leaves (about 1/4 cup) 40 cilantro leaves (about 1/4 cup) About 1/2 cup canned frenchfried onions Directions 1. Put noodles in a large bowl and cover with just-boiling water. Let noodles sit until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, cut cucumber and carrot into 4-in. lengths and then into matchsticks, using a mandoline* or other hand-held slicer, to yield 1/2 cup matchsticks of each (or cut cucumber into
matchsticks with a knife and coarsely shred carrots). 3. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water. Spread noodles out on a baking sheet lined with a kitchen towel. Pat dry. 4. Divide noodles into 2 long "logs," then cut with scissors to total 10 equal portions. 5. Set out all ingredients except the sesame sauce near a work surface. Pour very hot tap water into a large shallow bowl such as a pie plate. Submerge 1 rice-paper wrapper until moistened and softened slightly but not completely pliable (it will continue to soften as you work with it). 6. Lay wrapper on work surface and put 1/2 lettuce leaf in centre. Mound 1 portion of noodles on lettuce followed by about one-tenth of the cucumber, carrot, and apple slices; 3 mint leaves; 4 cilantro leaves; and a sprinkling of onions. Arrange ingredients into a rectangle about 4 in. long. Fold paper over short ends of filling, then roll up tightly from a long side. Repeat to make remaining rolls. Serve with sesame sauce.
The Perfect Afternoon Tea Party
Enjoying afternoon tea while perched on a gilded hotel armchair is a fine British tradition, but hardly sustainable as a regular pursuit. Throwing your own afternoon tea party means you can stick to your own budget, plus you can select your favourite finger food. We have some suggestions for throwing a soiree in style. Click here to continue reading.
Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen
MY UNIQUE HOME
Because everyone deserves a Healthy & Happy Home :)
It’s that time of year when we feel compelled to clean the house from top to bottom, throw away unused clothes and toys and re-organise the cupboards. The checklist for doing a thorough spring clean is endless. Whilst the notion of spring cleaning applies mainly to the interior of the house, it is important to get outside too, and make sure every corner of your home is in tip-top shape before summer arrives.
There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable - and even enjoyable. This printable checklist offers an overview of everything you need to know - including information on cleansers, stain removal, fabric care, and storage - to zip through the process and arrive at a happy end. After you read through the tips and techniques, tailor the list to your home and yard. Create a realistic schedule, keeping in mind that a single weekend won't suffice, as you'll need several days for more involved projects, such as shampooing carpets and organizing closets. Whether you prefer to proceed from the attic to the basement or start outdoors and wind your way inside, focus on one task at a time. And be sure to enlist the help of family members.
Whether you're spring or fall cleaning, or your house has reached the "I just can't take it any more" level (we've all been there), here's how to give your house a full deep clean. It's easier than you might think. Start with six basic cleaning steps, then tackle a few room-specific chores, and you'll have a house that passes any white-glove inspection in almost no time.
6 Steps for Every Room 1. De-clutter Just a Bit. Find a new place for -- or better yet, get rid of - anything that does not belong in the room but is visible. (Save the stuff behind closed doors for another day. You don't want to get overwhelmed.) Clearing the clutter makes deep cleaning easier, plus seeing those tidy surfaces will give you the oomph to keep going. 2. Start High, Go Low. Tackle the big, hard-to-reach surfaces in this order: ceiling, ceiling trim, ceiling light fixtures (including bulbs), walls, the rest of the trim, and baseboards. The best tool is a clean microfiber mop or duster with a telescoping handle. (They're so thin you can get behind the sofa without moving it.) Above eye level, a spritz of water is all you need on the mop. But below, where there is actual dirt plus dust, use warm water mixed with a drop of dish soap. (In bathrooms, add a splash of white vinegar to stop mould.) Where a mop is unwieldy, use a microfiber cloth. Rinse often and wring thoroughly. 3. Yep, You Do Windows. It's not that bad, and the payoff is huge. First, vacuum the sills and tracks. Then spritz the window with cleaner from top to bottom. Let the cleaner do its thing for a minute, then squeegee it off. If you wipe in one direction on inside windows and another on outside ones, it will be easier to see and fix streaks. 4. Spruce Up Those Window Treatments. Save yourself the trouble of taking down blinds or shades. All you really need to do is vacuum them using the brush
attachment. And instead of laundering and ironing curtains, just fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes (while you wipe off the rod and rings). Then hang them right back up. 5. Ditch the Dust. Wipe all remaining hard surfaces (wood furniture, shelves, built-ins, etc.) using a petroleum distillate-free, beeswax-based wood cleaner. (Try Williamsville Wax, $6.25; hfstaples.com.) If you feel the need for speed, put a clean cotton tube sock on your dominant hand and move objects with the other. Finally, take a lint roller to the lampshades. 6. Refresh Those Floors. Folks, to do this right, you've gotta move the furniture, even the biggies like beds and sofas. To make that easier now and in the future, put furniture gliders (about $5 for four; amazon.com) under the big pieces. Then break out your vacuum's crevice tool to get at dirt in corners and along baseboards. If you have a hard floor, clean it with a microfiber mop and the prescribed cleaner. If you have carpet, now is a good time to rent a professional-grade cleaner. (And if you have pets and/or kids, think about investing in your own.) CLICK HERE TO READ ‘ROOM-BY-ROOM To-DO’s
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