the compass girls A LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE
Holiday 2021
volume 2 - issue 4
CONTENTS
02 Editor's Notes
05 Gingersnaptini
13 Yule Log Cocktail
16 North Pole Nog
21 New Year's Eve Fashion
04 Ready-to go eating
09 What to do on New Year's Day
15 Cheers! Toasts for the New Year.
18 Make your home festive for Christmas
Editors Notes With only days until Christmas and New Year's Eve (and Chanukah well behind us), both Rach and Zee wanted to take this moment to say thank you to all of you who supported us during the past year. 2021 was certainly a trying year, and we're so happy that we've all made it through TOGETHER. To our readers and weekly show viewers: Thanks for the laughs Thanks for friendship Thanks for allowing us to share our lives with you
To the wonderful PR people and brands: Thank you for trusting us with your products Thank you for showing up and engaging with our audience Thank you for giving us the wriggle-room to be ourselves To ALL OF YOU: We couldn't (nor would we want to) do this without you. You are our North Stars...you are The Compass Girls. We can't wait for 2022
Love, Rach & Zee The Compass Girls
Oregon Holiday Wreaths make the most beautifully handcrafted l, highly decorated Christmas wreaths, boughs, centerpieces, mantle pieces, swags, garlands and even Christmas trees. Their fresh wreaths are made with Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar, Juniper, Holly
Oregon Holiday Wreaths
Berries, and Pine Cones, topped off with beautiful handmade bows and ornaments. All of their wreaths are 100% fresh, never machinemade or stored in coolers. Upon order, they’re immediately packed into a shipping carton, staying fresh all the way to your home. After you've adorned your door with one of these beauties, buy some as gifts for family members and friends. As Zee says, "they smell like home" wherever you live. Prices Vary.
Ready to Go - healthy eating
Life moves quickly and people need to eat. If you’re tired of taking your family through the drive-thru there is a healthier, and less expensive, option. Here are seven emergency meals made quick: #1 Put it on a stick - KEBABS Your grocer’s deli counter is jam-packed with ready-to-go meals. You can grab a package of kebabs, toss them on the grill and have dinner in ten minutes. Kebabs are great because it’s veggies and meat in one meal. All you need is another veggie or starch and you have a complete meal. #2 Pick up a chicken at Costco, Sam's Club or BJ's You’ll likely also find whole roasted chickens in your grocer’s deli. Grab a bagged salad and you have a complete, and healthy meal that takes you less than five minutes to get on the table. And if your family doesn’t eat the entire chicken at dinnertime, you have leftovers which can be made into chicken salad for lunch or dinner tomorrow. Two meals for one. #3 From the freezer - Gnocchi or Frozen Ravioli Italian is always welcomed and you don’t have to top frozen pasta or gnocchi with either some of Rach's famous sauce or (don't tell her) pick up a jar or Rao's or sauce from your favorite restaurant. In fact, gnocchi with a sliced onion and a few sautéed veggies with some pre-shredded parmesan cheese makes a quick and tasty meal. #4 Sardines Sardines pack a wallop of protein and they’re tasty. If you like tuna fish, you’ll like sardines. Cook a package of spaghetti, toss with chopped sardines, sautéed onions, and a touch of garlic and you have a meal that takes less than 15 minutes to cook. #5 Frozen burgers You can buy organic and non-organic frozen hamburgers and chicken or turkey burgers in your grocer’s freezer. A package of buns, cheese slices, and a few minutes on the grill and you have fresh juicy hamburgers on the table. #6 Turkey Breast We've seen the fully cooked turkey breast in our deli section. Slice it at home or have your butcher slice it in ¼ slices, grab a bag salad from the produce section, and a can of gravy. You have an instant meal. Warm the turkey and top with gravy heated in the microwave. Another great topping for turkey breast is a warmed apricot preserve. Lightly brush the turkey slices with apricot preserves and serve. (You can use the remaining turkey breast for lunches tomorrow). #7 Ham Ham is generally pre-cooked and all it needs is a good warm-up to be ready to serve. You can even pick up single slices! Grab a bag of chopped cabbage and a jar of cole-slaw dressing and you have a picnic-style meal. Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the great convenience of pre-made pizza crusts. You can top them with any of your favorite ready-to-serve toppings and have a pizza for the family in less than ten minutes. It just takes a little creativity and planning in order to get a meal on the table. Skip the drive-through and feed your family well in less time.
GINGERSNAPTINI Gingersnaps are one of our favorite cookies and Rach has turned that into a "TINI" of course. Full of holiday cheer (and cookies too, just pour and snuggle in front of the fireplace with this holiday take on a classic.
Ingredients:
2 oz. ginger beer for a spicy finish, or ginger ale for a sweeter finish ½ oz. egg whites 1 oz. spiced rum 2 oz. Domaine de Canton 1 oz. Frangelico 1 tsp. molasses 1 tbsp. honey Finely ground gingersnap cookie, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions: 1. Add spiced run, Domaine de Canton, Frangelico, egg whites and ice to a cocktail shaker. 2. Pour two ounces ginger beer or ginger ale into martini glass. 3. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into martini glass. 4. Sprinkle top with gingersnap cookie dust. 5. Top with cinnamon stick, for garnish.
The Farmer's Finds
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Boxes can include everything from Honey Teas & Coffees Soaps & Sachets Candles Room Sprays Salsa Marinades and much, much more Best of all, since they are a subscription service, you can order LAST MINUTE and just let your gift recipient know that they will be receiving a 1, 2, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription.
Catalyst Collections
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Catalyst Collections We love everything that Catalyst Collections stands for. The business arose out of a desire to bring high-quality, handmade products from Haiti and Iraq to the world. The beautifully designed and carefully constructed items represent the dedication, resilience, and talent of women living in distressed regions of the world. They belong to the Fair Trade Federation, which is the deepest commitment you can make in the fair trade world. They envision a world where all women have the opportunity, capacity, and support to become powerful catalysts for social and economic change. Operated by Prosperity Catalyst, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to building and strengthening women-led businesses creating opportunities for vulnerable women, including war widows in Iraq they offer handmade products from both Haiti and Iraq made by women. This allows them to provide for their families and communities as well as to improve their business relationships and amplify their voices around issues they care about, such as preventing gender-based violence, improving prices for their products, or providing higher quality education for their children. Not only are you supporting these women, but you are also getting beautiful handmade items that will be treasured pieces of your artisan collection. From jewelry to home decor. You'll find beautiful items for your home, gifting, and for yourself. 20% discount with code: compass20 with purchase of $20 or more
What To Do On A New Year’s Day? Mark The Start Of A Happy 2022 Is partying the only way to usher all things merry in a New Year? Little did you realize that the post-holiday blues could be overwhelming. Wondering how to kick off and cherish your very first day into the New Year? Brooding over your listed resolutions sounds obvious but not quite enthralling. Don’t be pressured into hosting a gala brunch or doing something out-ofthe-ordinary to make the big day count. You could be at peace taking pleasure in a zen yoga session or bury yourself in hibernation. There are no pre-set must-do’s on a bright and shiny New Year’s Day. Do things that float your boat. If you are still on a hunt for a few ideas, here’s a quick list of things to do on a New Year’s Day.
1. Clean out your closet Don’t you wish to toss out the baggage that has been dragging your life into the pits? Getting started by decluttering your closet is a good idea. Are you worried that staying organized has never been your strong suit? Pull out the stash of clothes that barely has a role to play other than filling up your closet space. Make room for fresh new wardrobe pieces. Don’t pile the unused clothes in the trash. Open your heart and hand out the clothing pieces as a humble contribution to the communities in need. Also, clearing up some space in your wardrobe feels a lot lighter and surprisingly frees your mind from the unwanted clutter.
2. Hop on a chance at fixing up your home Are you a lazybones when it comes to putting in some hard work and sprucing up the home interiors? No excuses now! You are pretty familiar with the designs and home decorating ideas trending in 2021 (we've all been home binge-watching HGTV). Use what you've seen to your advantage and start redoing the interiors of your home. It is no secret that dull corners in a house could sink your heart and make you feel gloomy always. Polish up the interiors for a fresher start to the New Year.
3. Don’t forget those shopping deals just yet Shopping has certainly been on the cards since the kick-start of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the list go on. If retail therapy cheers your heart and feels like a perfect mood lifter, don’t shy away from making purchases on day 1 of the year 2022. The deals are crazier, bigger, and save you the big bucks on purchases.
4. Delve into baking and cooking The holiday binge has been extraordinary. Are you keen on cramming down healthy and hopping on a detox route? Great! Prepping healthy meals could be the right start to 2022. Don’t be lazy to try hands in baking if it appears more to your liking. Realizing a newfound habit and giving wings to your desire hits the mark.
5. Highlight your goals Have you failed at staying true to your New Year resolutions a fair too many times? No problem! You will bump into a bunch of people who has no clue of the resolutions they had geared up for before a new year kicked off. Don’t dwindle your eagerness to hit the goals you set. This is rightfully the day that’s a perfect playground for you. Outline your ambitions and write the dates you are hoping to achieve your goals. One pro tip - keep in mind that all goals must be realistic. Or be like Rachel, and just don't make any resolutions ;-) From pampering yourself to a fine brunch to indulging in peaceful Yoga, there are tonnes to do on a New Year’s Day. Do the things that fill your heart with happiness and cheer.
Print up this sheet and start fresh >>>>
Kidde You've strung hundreds of lights are on the tree, the candles are blazing on the mantle, the fire is warming the house in the fireplace, it's a perfect holiday scene...until. Well, we just want your family (and ours) to be safe during the holiday season. You see, the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide incidents INCREASE this time of year, and we don't want your celebration to be ruined. Instead, we'd like you to be prepared! It turns out the fire departments responded to an average 930 home fires per year that were started from DECORATIONS (2014-2018 statistics). So please remember to Keep any lit candles out of the reach of the kids (blow them out when you leave the room) Keep your tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source and water daily Use artificial trees with a "fire-resistant" label Check your indoor & outdoor lights for broken sockets, frayed or loose wires and connections Or even better REPLACE those old strands of lights Opt into battery-powered candles Purchase flame-resistant decorations MOST OF ALL BE PREPARED with a Kidde fire extinguisher. Kidde has a wide variety of extinguishers including the PRO SERIES suitable for both home and workplace that are: Rechargeable Have a 6-year warranty Chrome-plated brass valves UL Listed/Classified Bilingual packaging & nameplates Meets or EXCEEDS NFPA home and workplace requirements THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR, IS TO KEEP THEM SAFE WITH KIDDE PRODUCTS.
YULE LOG COCKTAIL Yule Log, Bûche de Noël, The Mock, Yule Clog, or Christmas Block, this delicious tradition spans the WORLD. The name originally came from Scandinavia and Germany as they celebrated the winter solstice festival called Yule. Whatever you call it, when you turn it into a COCKTAIL it goes from I'll have another slice to CHEERS as we celebrate the holiday with this fabulously layered drink.
Ingredients 2 oz. Kahlua 2 oz. vanilla vodka 2 oz. Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur 3 oz. heavy cream Whipped cream, for garnish Pirouette Wafers, for garnish
Instructions 1. Add Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur to the bottom of a tall latte mug. 2. To create a layered visual effect of a classic yule log, you will need a medium spoon: Place the spoon backside up into the glass and pour 2 oz. of heavy cream slowly over the back of the spoon. 3. In a separate glass, combine 1 oz. heavy cream, 2 oz. vanilla vodka and 2 oz. Kahlua until well mixed, then pour over the back of the spoon. 4. Top with whipped cream and garnish with Pirouette Wafers.
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Perifit Perifit is the #1 best-selling connected Kegel exerciser on the market. You made a resolution to work out, so don't forget to work out your vagina too. They are simultaneously ending the taboo surrounding vaginal and pelvic floor health and treating vaginas worldwide (already 200,000 and counting!). The Perifit consists of a connected probe and a smartphone app that you can use to successfully strengthen your pelvic floor autonomously and from the comfort of your home while playing games. This unique technology allows you to visualize your contractions in action, with a focus on the quality of contractions, so that each step of the training is efficient and safe. Your training journey is adapted to one of our seven programs depending on your specific symptoms and needs. Once the right program has been chosen for you, the app will track and monitor your progress while you train your pelvic floor with one of our 10 games. It's time to get fit....down there! $139 Use discount code: Thecompassgirls for 20% off
Let's Raise a Toast to 2022 Raising a toast right before the ball drops is an old charm tradition. You can travel down memory lane, reflecting the ins and outs of 2021, and propose a toast. Or, look forward to merry days in the upcoming year. Don’t shy away from planning your toast in advance. New Year’s is often the most joyous celebration hosted in all parts of the world. It is also the right time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. You might want to plan your toast before you pop open the expensive bubbly. Are you in it for the laughs or keen to share the limelight on the happy instances to wrap the year in high spirits? Use your smarts to prepare a perfect toast for the gala Eve. A champagne-fueled talk cannot be rushed. Did you think proposing a toast didn’t need much brainstorming? A little prep can help you end the year in good spirits. Bear in mind, a toast might be the last few words before the curtains to 2021 wraps up. Seeking inspiration to pen down a beautiful speech? Provided below are a few ideas to influence you and get the creative juices flowing. Toasts that will get a few laughs 1. One for those who have watched us at our worst and yet, dared to show up at the party regardless 2. A toast to the celebrations and wild night we won’t remember with our dear friends we shall not forget 3. A drink to celebrate family and friends who know us inside out and yet, love us being crazy 4. A toast to good health. Wish we all live to be as old and stale as my jokes 5. Champagne for our true friends and some serious pain to our sham friends 6. Too much of everything is disappointing. But, a little too much champagne is happy and right. Encouraging toasts for a better 2022 (because we ALL need a little inspiration) 1. Cheers to a bright year of love, laughter, and happiness 2. May we live to learn like a pro and learn to live at peace 3. Bid farewell to the bygones. Here’s a toast to a start of many and happy beginnings 4. The future is theirs who dares to dream big. A toast for us and the alike, busy making castles in the air 5. Cheers to a merry year - the shiniest one ever 6. A toast to making each day of the new year the best of the bests 7. Our journey is a surprise. Wish we win at making it a happy one 8. The old is out. The new is in. A toast to a future and all things we do. Uncork the bubbly and drink up in honor of your loved ones. Raise toasts to keep your guests warm and laugh their hearts out. Wish your dear ones well or encourage them, a New Year’s toast is special by all means. Remember, it is never too late to aspire for more or dream a dream. Write up a speech that fills your loved ones with the fire of enthusiasm and do the cheers.
North Pole Nog
There's something special about eggnog and spices for the holidays. This one uses liquor and spices that you most likely already have in your home bar, all you need to do is add eggnog to your shopping list and you'll WOW your visiting friends on Christmas eve.
Ingredients: 6 oz. eggnog 1 oz. spiced rum 2 oz. bourbon 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon, for garnish 1″ Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions: 1. Add spiced rum and bourbon to eggnog and stir to combine. 2. Sprinkle with cinnamon 3. Top with cinnamon stick, for garnish.
5 Ways To Make Your Home A Little More Festive This Christmas
Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, but it can also be one of the busiest. Getting gifts for friends, family, and colleagues can be challenging enough on its own, and that’s before we even talk about planning Christmas dinner. There is always a lot to do, so it can be easy to lose sight of what matters most during the holidays, and that’s being with family and having a good time. That’s why decorating your house to remind you of the season can be a real mood lifter and help you remember what all this hard work is for. So here are five ways to make your home a little more festive this Christmas. PLAY SOME CHRISTMAS MUSIC One of the things I love the most about Christmas time is the music. From the classic Christmas carols to the modern-day classics, I can’t get enough of Christmas music during the holidays. Whether it’s to bring back great memories of Christmasses long, long ago, or to add a bit of festive cheer to your home, playing the Christmas classics is a sure-fire way to put you in the mood for some festive celebrations and maybe even give you that motivation you need to finish all that gift wrapping you keep putting off! BAKING CHRISTMAS COOKIES This is another great way to get you and all those around you in the Christmas spirit, especially those of us, with an extra sweet tooth. A staple of holiday traditions, baking Christmas cookies can be a great way to get the whole family involved in some holiday activities and baking up some tasty treats to celebrate the season. There are tons of different recipes and ideas out there when it comes to baking Christmas cookies, from the go-to stuff like gingerbread men and snowman or Santa cookies to baking activities for pros, like building a gingerbread house! Baking Christmas cookies is a great way to bring that festive cheer to the whole family. CHRISTMAS MOVIES Of course, no Christmas celebrations would be complete without the repeated bingeing of the holiday classics. For most people, when they think of Christmas, one of the first things that come to mind are the Christmas movies we watched every year growing up with our families. Obviously, everybody has seen It’s A Wonderful Life by now, but there are thousands of Christmas movies out there that you probably haven’t even heard of yet, so if you’re looking for something new to spice up your holiday traditions this year, try taking a look on Netflix for some new festive favorites, from those cheesy holiday rom-coms to the classics that always try to (and often succeed at) pulling on our heart-strings! CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS One of the best ways to bring some holiday spirit into your home this Christmas is by making the most out of your Christmas decor. While many people say that November is too early to put your Christmas decorations up, and I personally agree, it’s important to make sure that when you do put your decorations up that they remind you of the important parts of the holidays, especially family. Most of us probably have family heirlooms that get taken out of the closet during the holidays, whether it’s just an old nativity set or an old star that has a place of honor on the tree. Still, it’s also important to have your own decorations that your children can remember fondly one day. Personalized ornaments can be a great way to remind us of the important things during the holidays, and they also make great gifts whether it’s for family and friends, or even if you need a gift for your coworkers or employees, logo printed Christmas ornaments could be great stocking fillers! LIGHTS, LIGHTS, LIGHTS When it comes to Christmas, it’s safe to say that you can never have too many lights. Fairy lights are a great way to add a magical and wintery touch to everything in your home. Of course, they look amazing on Christmas trees and wrapped around garlands, but there are tons of different ways to use fairy lights to add to your home’s Christmas spirit this year. Whether you want to show off how excited you are for the holidays to the whole world by hanging them outside, or if you just want to add a subtle but impactful touch to your bookshelf, staircase, or windows, fairy lights are always the way to go.
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We love brands who give back.
Thank you to these brands who so generously donated gifts to the family that The Compass Girls adopted this season.
A HUGE THE COMPASS GIRLS THANK YOU TO THESE BRANDS WHO DONATED
1. Vellum Soap Company From candles to soap and delicious smelling body and lip balm as well as bath salts, Vellum Soap Company creates artisan scented products that are beautifully packaged and perfect for gift giving ANY time of year. Zee's favorite is the Blood Orange Bourbon & Bergamot. With an array of scents that would appeal to him, her or both of them you're sure to find the perfect scent for you. For the holidays, you'll want to try their Peppermint Mocha products. Mmmmm....it smells so good.
2. FragranceNet FragranceNet offers the best in cosmetics, skin and hair care, and more all at discounted prices. From Zee's fancy French cleanser (it's one of the only places that she can get it outside of France or Canada) to Rach's hairstyle products (you know she's obsessed with them), FragranceNet is their #1 go-to site for everything beauty.
3. Skull Coaster Not only did they support the family by sending T-Shirts to the kids, but Skullcoaster supports the creative community via partnerships with the artists that create the graphics. Artists are given royalties for their work with Skullcoaster. The product line is made from ethically sourced organic cotton and they not only have that COOL factor, but they are also oh-so-soft.
4. Quinn Snacks Curl up in front of the television, put on your favorite holiday movie, and enjoy this perfect gift! That's right, we're talking about POPCORN. Simply place your order and get a big box of movie night delights right to your door. This treasure chest contains 9 bags of their delicious organic microwave popcorn and 9 packets of oil and seasoning with two variety pack options. Best of all, they offer FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!
Stay On Top Of Your Fashion Game On New Year’s Eve
Can’t wait to bid adieu to 2021 and say hello to a happy 2022? The year has been full of highs and lows and pretty eventful. Celebrations did hit a setback last year with the awful pandemic in full swing. Things look a lot more sunny and bright this year. So, don’t shy away from celebrating the eve in style. Doesn’t matter if it is a cozy gathering at home or a crazy New Year’s event somewhere out, a little glamor and a pretty dress don’t hurt. Not sure which dress to slip into? Let’s scroll through a few winning ideas.
1. A fashionable chic white sweater dress Pulling the fashion big guns is not always an expensive affair. If you know how to make do with your basics and accessorize it well, walking out in style is a cakewalk. Did you know that less is big and works wonders in making a bold fashion statement? Ring in a cheery 2022 in an all-white snugly sweater dress. Pair it with thigh-high boots for an appealing and complete look.
2. One-shoulder jumpsuit Jumpsuits are wildly in trend and for all good reasons. The power look is both beguiling and elegant. Don’t shy away from experimenting with colors. A silky fabric amps up the look of a jumpsuit. Of course, a one-shoulder design is fun and stylish. Looking to shine among the rest in a cheery carousel? Find a sequined jumpsuit for an added touch of glamor.
3. Velvet joggers Did you rule out donning a pretty outfit since you will be hanging out at your crash pad with your dear ones? Bad idea! Might as well kiss goodbye to 2021 with glamor and style. Get your hands on the trendy velvet joggers. Enjoy being all fuzzy without giving up on your fashion game. Worried that a pair of joggers might not mark the grades? The outfit is pretty easy to amp up. Add a pair of heels and dress up your velvet joggers. Wish to keep the look in vogue but slightly casual? Slip into a pair of sneakers.
4. Turtleneck top with sequin joggers Joggers have made a winning comeback in 2021. Do you still picture joggers as athleisure? Little did you know that joggers are available in umpteen fabrics and designs. From board meetings and fancy parties to gyms, and a comfy homey outfit, joggers can round up a trendy look in a snap. Wear the glitzy sequined joggers for a party this year. You could make quite an impressive statement without looking over the top. Do not skip pairing your shiny sequin joggers with a turtleneck top in a regal pastel shade. The look is voguish and glamorous.
5. Cape sheath dress Are you on a quest for a modish outfit that’s simple, free of fuss, and impeccably elegant? Do pick the cape sheath dress. A cape-style design is undeniably trendsetting. The sheath dress is flattering for all sizes and all kinds of figures. Keep your style on a roll in a modern and elegant cape sheath dress.
Shinesty a Compass Girls tradition.
why? Because they are as snarky as we are!
Longtime viewers of The Compass Girls will immediately recognize Shinesty as the brand Rach & Zee BOTH choose to show their holiday cheer every holiday season. From dresses and jumpsuits to PJ's and suits (and even OMG, underwear) Shinesty offers a tongue in cheek look for the holidays for us
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