Tag Archives: food

Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

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Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

There are always some people in our lives that are tricky to mark off of the gift giving list. They have everything that they could possibly need and giving them something isn’t practical, which means that the gift is pretty forgettable – and no one wants that! Here are some gift ideas for the friends that you think have it all for the next present giving occasion that arises:

Summertime: The best gifts for the warmer seasons are something that will come in handy when they go on holiday. It should be something that they will enjoy, whether it be sporting equipment, protective skin care, or travel books for their vaca. This particular gift for the season, has got to be something lightweight, easily storable, able to last for a while, and reusable even if it’s not summer.

Male Gift: Rimless sunglasses are something that he can use and can instantly increase his style points when walking around the beach. The rimless designs were designed for wear near the water and the lack of a rim allows the droplets of water to trickle down and under the lens. This means the vision of the wearer isn’t obscured. On top of this, the polycarbonate material the lenses are made from eliminates the haze or blur as the sunlight squeezes through.

The shield style is more rugged than the rimless and at first glance, you can see why. It normally features thick frames, made for use while engaging in a sporting activity. The lenses are rectangular, although a little contoured around the inner edge near the nose bridge. This style works great for the man with the larger-sized head, as the weight and sleek bulky design will stand a better chance of looking in proportion with his facial features.

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Shades always come in handy!

Female Gift: Having soft, supple skin is something that most women aim for, and that means that constant care and maintenance play a role in their daily routine. Darphin Soleil Plaisir SPF 30 is a luxurious sunscreen that’s the number one go-to product for women who want to take on the sun in a one on one battle. It contains biologically researched skincare ingredients that aren’t normally found in other sunscreens. It protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and offers oils from India that strengthen and fight the cracking of skin under the hot sun. The product is very beauty-orientated and designed for women who want to get a gorgeous tan on the beach, but not suffer sunburn in the process. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave behind embarrassing white marks. It feels and acts like a luxury moisturizer, but lasts long on the surface of the skin while you lounge on the beach.

Experiences Of A Lifetime: If somebody you know isn’t much for the physical gift and doesn’t care for materialistic appliances, go above and beyond such trinkets of monetary value and give them an experience, instead. Book them a thrilling escape that will have their hair standing up on end. Pay for a day out where their family or friends can accompany them on an adventure where their skills will be tested and memories will be pleasantly gained.

Book them a hot air balloon ride, where they’ll float into the atmosphere and see the world from a unique viewpoint. They’ll be as high as the birds with the wind in their hair, and they’ll have the best panoramic view of the landscape that no amount of iPhone accessories could hope to match!

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Tomas Castelazo Image

Whitewater rafting is one of those adventures that will require bravery, physical strength, and ultimate teamwork for the best ride of your life. After strapping on a life jacket, the instructors give the paddlers a demonstration of how to get down the rapids in the fastest time. They’ll learn about the ebbs and flows of the waters they ride on. Possibly the most exhilarating, fast-paced, heart-stopping experience of your life. The water crashes up against the rocks and thunders at and over the boat with the occupants drenched in the cold of the river water. They’ll be a lot of shouts, communicating what side of the boat needs more steering and the line that should be followed down the drops for the quickest and safest route. Whitewater rafting will give you a workout, excite your animal instincts, and test your teamwork, all at the same time.

Food, Glorious Food: If your friend has always rambled on about their favorite cuisine and how they wish that they could have a bag of treats to get them through the working day, you could shop at an ethnic food store. Buy them the treats that they love and, perhaps, reminds them of a dining indulgence that they encountered at a restaurant.

For Japanese cuisine lovers, spicy edamame is a potent little snack that hits the craving for the spices from the land of the rising sun and vegetables with a chewy texture. Coated in a spicy garlic miso, it’s a great low-calorie, healthy snack that’s a splendid mix of peppery spices and pungent garlic. With little fuss and mess, they can enjoy this little snack at the office or wherever they work.

Italian cuisine is known the world over for its delicious antipasti. Fried olives are superb for those with the urge for something a little sour. Olive all’ascolana is green or black olives that have had their pit removed, stuffed with a little chunk of cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried in olive oil.

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YUM!

For lovers of Asian food, Indian cuisine is very popular in the West, and sometimes you just can’t wait until after work to order a takeaway curry. However, there are cold snacks which you must try, such as the samosa. Samosas are a thin pastry with vegetable or meat filling that are fried in sunflower oil. There are vegetarian varieties that have mashed potato with spices and peas as filling. The most popular recipe is the chicken bhuna, which is little shreds of chicken that have been cooked the same way as bhuna curry would be, then stuffed into the pastry which has already been outlined with rice.

It’s Tricky: Sometimes it’s no use; you simply won’t be able to find them something they can use or like. In that case, sometimes just cash in hand would be fine, but that seems a little insincere and tacky. Give them an option of buying their own gift at their favorite store, because there’s more online at Cards2Cash.com than you might think. All manner of gifts are available including some that can help improve the home, cater for the needs of pets, buying a favorite food type in bulk, or allow an individual to go on a general shopping spree. Sometimes it’s best to take the recipient of the gift shopping with you, allow them to pick something out, and make a day of it!

Personalized Jewelry: You’d be surprised how much a personalized gift can mean to someone. It’s a proud torch shining bright, displaying your friendship and how much they mean to you. Buying a piece of jewelry with their name engraved on it is a very bold statement. It’s something that will last for decades and only be relevant to them, specifically. It’s a little piece of the universe that’s theirs, and such a gift will be seen as a symbolic gesture of their importance and the impact that they have on your life.

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Pretty!

For the friend who has it all, gift buying can be a total pain in the you know where, but with this guide, you will be sure to provide a lasting and thoughtful gift to your BFF!

Live Well Today To Avoid Illnesses Tomorrow

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Live Well Today To Avoid Illnesses Tomorrow

So many of us associate old age with bad health, but actually, it doesn’t have to be this way at all. Unfortunately some people are struck down with illnesses and diseases that have nothing to do with their lifestyle, however many of us could massively increase our life expectancy and live a far more happy and healthy life when we’re older just by making simple changes today. Here are some of the ways that you can live well today to avoid preventable illnesses and have a healthier tomorrow:

Eat A Healthy Diet and Exercise: Heart disease, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes. These are all very serious illnesses and in many cases are fatal – and can be avoided simply by eating a healthy diet and exercising. You don’t have to be ‘perfect’ and give up everything that you like, just practice moderation. Every day aim to get your five portions of fruit and veggies in. A glass of orange juice in the morning, some dried fruit in your granola, a side salad with your sandwich at lunch, and two portions of vegetables with your dinner and you’ve reached it. Things like tinned fruit and vegetables, smoothies, and nuts all count too. Aim to eat clean as often as you can– which is eating foods as close to their natural state as possible. Then, treat yourself now and again to something that you really like.

Now, onto exercise, which helps to strengthen bones, muscles, and increase endurance. Living an active lifestyle and staying fit helps to set you up for good health later on in life. Don’t see exercise as a chore and try to make it part of your day. You could walk instead of taking the car, have active hobbies, and socialize with friends by playing sports, running, or hiking together.

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 Annnd break!

Avoid Pesticides and Other Chemicals: Another food and drink related point is to eat organic and drink filtered water whenever it’s possible. Non-organic food is sprayed with pesticides and herbicides which have been linked with cancers, ADHD, infertility, and even Alzheimer’s. While there is excellent private duty care for those with the condition these days, it’s a serious issue and, of course, something to be avoided if possible. Around one in ten people over the age of 65 have the condition, it’s complex and there are many causes, but pesticides in food could be one of them. Knowing this information, it only makes sense that you would pay a little extra for foods free of these chemicals to help your chances for a healthier adult life.

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Yummm

Attend All Screenings That You’re Invited To: As we age, we become more susceptible to different cancers and illnesses. Screening processes help to make sure that everything is as it should be, and if there are any problems, that they can be picked up early. They’re not a test, just a preventative measure. Screenings can be a little uncomfortable, but for a few minutes out of your day for peace of mind, it definitely seems like a no brainer.

A healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to make drastic changes, just smaller day by day alterations to help improve your overall health.

Birthday Freebies

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Birthday Freebies

Hellooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Okay, so for those of you who don’t know, my 23rd birthday is tomorrow! Yikes. I can’t say that I’m thrilled about this but, I have to say, I am hyped about the plethora of freebies that I have received so far for my big day. As you guys know, your girl is constantly ballin on a budget so whether it be a free travel sized lotion to a percentage off a purchase, I’m all about that sale bout that sale SO FRUGAL (Sung to the tune of All About That Bass. Thank you, thank you I’ll be here all week.) ANYWAYS, take a look at my Birthday Freebies so far and let’s discuss:

  • One free small smoothie from Robek’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Dunkin’ Donuts
  • A ten dollar gift card from Victoria’s Secret for being an Angel Card holder
  • One free burrito from Moe’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Starbucks

Ayyyy! So, obviously I’m getting the birthday hookup and I freaking love it. There is nothing better than going out for a coffee or for dinner with friends and not having to pay a dime for it. Thanks to apps and rewards programs, getting extra bang for your buck on your birthday has never been easier. The beauty of some of these rewards is that I never even go to these places anymore, but because my account is open, I still get to reap the birthday benefits.

Like Moe’s and Dunkin’? Literally haven’t been to either in close to a year. BUT I have the Moe’s app and the Dunkin’ rewards program card (which works like a gift card but I haven’t uploaded money on it for years), so my birthday is in their registry. And Robek’s? It’s a rarity that I go there, but I have the app so my smoothie will be on them for my next visit! Of course, ten dollars at Victoria’s Secret doesn’t get you very far, but still. That’s a free panty or lip gloss and we all know by now how much I love free.

Being a savvy shopper whether that be with restaurants, coffee shops, or clothing stores is all about playing along with their promotions. Sign up for the emails, let their app take up a bit of extra space on your devices, give the loyalty program a try, apply for the credit card if you shop there frequently enough. Before you answer with a solid “no” to the salesperson telling you about these things, hear them out. You’ll be glad you did once you score some free birthday swag.

So there you have it, my Birthday Freebies (so far!)! What other restaurants/stores offer freebies on birthdays? What restaurants/stores offer the best every day promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Food-Tastic Gifts For The Health Nut In Your Life

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Food-Tastic Gifts For The Health Nut In Your Life

We all know one. In fact, we all wish we could be one! What am I talking about? I am, of course, talking about the health nuts that we all know and love. You know, the people that hit the gym on Christmas Day or don’t eat carbs, sugar, and everything else that tastes good. They are healthy, they are committed, and they are people that we all love and admire. The only problem most of us have with them is gift giving. Yep, there are only so many running shoes a person can buy, which makes getting them the perfect present tough.

But, fear not because we are here to help. So, put away the catalog and shutdown the laptop (after you read this!) because you can find out all you need to know underneath:

Air Fryer: Nope, it isn’t a new age device that belongs on the International Space Station. Although when you look it at, it does have a certain alien quality. An air fryer is a machine that makes the frying process healthier. In fact, according to some studies, it can reduce the amount of fat in a meal by three-quarters. That is a huge amount in anyone’s book, never mind a health-obsessed foodie! If you don’t know where to start, you can find a comprehensive list of the best value air fryers here. After all, you don’t want to give them a gift that isn’t up to standard.

Zoodler: What, you have never heard of a zoodler? Well, I can guarantee that your foodie friend has, and they will be delighted with your choice. In layman’s terms, a zoodler is a tool that strips vegetables into thin slices. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a zucchini or a potato because the effect is the same. Most people will wonder why this is even a thing. But, you have to get into your friend’s brain to understand the genius of this tool. Quite simply, it makes eating vegetables less daunting. Yep, that’s it! As it turns out, people are more likely to eat healthier if the portions are small and non-intimidating. And who doesn’t like the fun noodle shape?!

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I want one!

Oil Mister: Yes I would like some oil, please! Only joking. This, of course, isn’t someone asking if you would like oil (ba dum chhh). It is a small device that turns oil into a mist. What will they think of next? As it happens, oil isn’t very good for the human body when people like you and I fry it in a pan. In fact, it’s downright unhealthy. Even virgin oil in its regular form contains a lot of calories and fat. Any self-respecting health enthusiast can’t afford to consume more than necessary. And with a mister, they don’t have to any longer as the mist covers the food with just one spray. Because it cuts costs as well as calories, they’ll cherish this gift forever.

Finally, don’t forget about a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a great way to eat more vegetables, maintain nutrition, and avoid nasty additives. All in all, it’s a wonder appliance and your foodie friend will love you for it!

Featured Image By: MaxPixel

Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

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Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

If you are a real dog person, then you will know how upsetting it can be when they are not feeling on top of the world. Especially as with dogs we are so used to seeing them all bubbly and happy – when they are no longer that way it can be really quite distressing. If your dog has started to act strangely recently or if they look like they are getting ill, then you might be wondering what is going wrong. It goes without saying that if things get serious that you should take them to the vet – but what checks can you carry out at home to rule anything out? Let’s look at some of the questions you should be asking yourself if your beloved doggo is getting unwell:

Are You Feeding Them Properly? Just as with any other animal, your dog needs the right diet in order to function properly. Knowing what such a diet should be, however, is something else altogether. As it happens, most dogs need a combination of dried food like Royal Canin and meat, although what meat is not quite so important. If you are only feeding them one or the other, then this can cause some serious nutrient deficiency so make sure that you are giving them a more balanced diet. You should also check that you are feeding them the right quantity – this depends on the size and breed of your dog and it something that you should ask your vet about. Lastly, make sure that you are feeding them at regular intervals, in order to really ensure that their diet is as good as it can be.

Are They Getting Enough Exercise? Dogs of different breeds, sizes, and ages need differing amounts of exercise, so you should make sure that you know your dog’s type well enough to give them the right amount. Generally, however, walking them twice a day is optimal – and absolutely no less than once a day. If you have a large garden, then that can sometimes suffice instead of walking them, but you should still take them elsewhere occasionally to give them new experiences. You will know if they are not getting enough exercise, because they will start to look weak and might even begin whimpering. As a rule, you can’t over-exercise them – they will stop before they do any real damage to themselves. Make sure that you take them out for exercise as much as you can, which should help to keep illness away.

Are You Looking After Their Coat? As it turns out, their coat is not just an aesthetic concern – it is also a majorly important part of their health. There are a number of issues regarding their coat which you definitely want to avoid, such as fleas and nits, so make sure that you do everything you can to keep it clean. You might also need to brush it regularly or semi-regularly, so make sure that you do that too if necessary for your dog. If you look after their coat properly, you will actually help to keep them healthy and happy.

#DOGS ❤ ❤ ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

When Bargain Hunting Gets Serious

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When Bargain Hunting Gets Serious

We all love a bargain and nothing beats finding the perfect thing on sale. It gets your heart pumping and makes you feel GOOD! And, the invention of online discount code sites has changed the way many of us shop, too. Shopping also releases endorphins. It may not be scientifically proven yet, but most of us would agree that finding a bargain releases even more. But sometimes, there’s more to getting a deal than that feel good buzz. We’re stepping away from finding the dress that you were looking for at half price. Instead, we’re going to look at when finding a deal can make a difference to your life. Believe it or not, some things are more important than clothes (though it may be a small, select few!):

Food: We can all agree that food is an essential. But, finding food when you’re working on a tight budget is far from easy. For some of us, clothes shopping is far from our minds. When we can’t afford to feed our families, life can get on top of us. So, how can you ensure that you can always buy food? The first thing and a point we’re going to return to again and again is the importance of shopping around. Knowing where you can get the best deals is important.

Despite what you might believe, prices on the same products vary a huge deal from store to store. When money is stretched, you can’t afford to buy at the shop closest to you. Instead, look around. Go to a few different stores to see which one has bargains on certain things. It’s also important to have a set meal plan for the week and only buy the ingredients that you need. People who shop per meal are sure to spend more than those who plan ahead and shop once a week or so.

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The chip aisle is SO beautiful.

Health: Healthcare isn’t cheap. Those with enough money can afford to pay for health care to cover costs. But, people on a tight budget don’t have that luxury. Instead, they have to cross their fingers and hope nothing happens. Frankly, a big health bill would be enough to cripple the best of us. It may seem strange to consider bargain hunting where health is concerned, but it’s important. Few people realize that you can get discounts on prescriptions if you need them. It’s even possible to find deals on health insurance if you know where to look. Again, shopping around is key.

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Bills: Most of us would agree that our bills are the largest monthly expense that we have. So, it makes sense that we would want to find deals where we can. Sorry to sound like a broken record, but again, shopping around is your best bet. If you don’t look at each company’s prices, you could be paying well over the odds. Once you’ve done your research, you also have the opportunity to return to your current company and see if they can offer a competitive price. Playing companies off against each other is sure to knock costs down.

As you can see, the secret to saving money on important costs all comes with doing your research. Check the ads, apps, and websites for the best deals as well as keeping up with the promotions certain companies may be offering for new customers, etc. and you are sure to see savings!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Which Drink Should You Be Serving With Your Food?

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Which Drink Should You Be Serving With Your Food?

If you’re a bit of a foodie, you probably love cooking for your family and the people that you love. However, it’s important that you make sure that you serve the right drinks with your food, too. The right drink will complement the different flavors of the food that you’ve made, and will make the whole experience so much better. If you serve the wrong drink, the whole thing can taste off and become a bit of a dinner disaster. Some people think that it’s all down to the perception of the person eating and drinking, but the experts disagree! 😉

Here are some tips to help you discover the best drinks to serve with your meal:

Contrast: One thing that you can do to make sure you have the perfect pairing of flavors, is to choose flavors that will contrast your food. This might sound counter intuitive, but it can create a mind blowing flavor experience. It doesn’t have to be too dramatic. Just think about how things like lemon and lime can contrast flavors and make them so much better with just a drop!

Alcohol Level: The alcohol level of the beverage is also important. It isn’t just about the flavor! If you’re serving a light meal, then something with a light alcohol content should be served. If you’re serving a heavier dish, then you can afford to do so with your beverage, too. Bottoms up!

Have Fun With It: And, of course, you can experiment! Read the different flavors in beverages and see if you think that they will pair nicely or contrast with your food and test them out. Eventually, you’ll be able to pair things all by yourself. Just make sure that you pay attention to the temperature of certain beverages, as that can also make a big difference.

Check out this awesome infographic for more on the perfect serve of vino! Cheers!


Thanks To: winecoolers.reviews

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Cooking The Perfect Coq Au Vin

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Cooking The Perfect Coq Au Vin

We should all cook to suit our individual tastes, but there are certain dishes where the cook simply needs to stay true to the dish; its reputation, its history and, for lack of a better word, its soul. If there’s one meal that falls into this category, it’s coq au vin. The chicken, the garlic, and the bottle of wine all need to be prepared in a certain way, even if it is just a chicken stew with a fancy name! Here are some pointers on how to prepare the perfect coq au vin:

The Chicken: The older the chicken, the richer the sauce will turn out. Talk to your butcher ahead of time to ensure that you get the perfect bird for the job. Tell them that you want a chicken that will be good for some long, slow cooking, and they may be able to order an extra-mature bird for you. The best places to look for these are generally farmer’s markets, traditional butchers, and online stores. You should always go free-range, as well. With regular access to fresh air, free-range birds develop stronger, thicker bones than any chickens kept indoors, and will therefore make for a better sauce.

The Wine: Many people think that the wine used in coq au vin is a negligible detail. Don’t believe them! Using a good quality wine in your cooking can make all of the difference to the taste, so go for a full-flavored, fruity wine rather than anything thin and lackluster. You don’t need to really push the boat out, even though some chefs will insist that you can only use a wine from Burgundy in this particular dish. If you can’t make heads or tails of wine in general, then do your homework before you run to the liquor store and buy a bottle! Here’s how you can open wine without a corkscrew in case you’ve forgotten this crucial detail! Yikes!

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YUM!

The Aromatics: The aromatics that go into your coq au vin are another very important detail that will hold a considerable sway over the overall taste. A lot of recipes that you’ll come across online will only call for onions and carrots, but we recommend adding celeriac and celery for their potent, earthy notes. Large French onions are an essential foundation for the actual stew. You can add little, tight-skinned onions near the end, but this ups the risk of you putting in too much or too little. A few bay leaves and some fresh thyme are the only herbs you’ll really need, but don’t be afraid to experiment.

The Bacon: Your coq au vin simply wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t have some strips of thick, juicy bacon to complement the chicken. The thin, common rashers you use in a fry-up will be way too thin. If you don’t manage to burn them when you’re preparing your stew, the meat will disintegrate in too much heat. Ideally, you should source a tough, solid lump that you can easily cut up into thicker strips. Most brands of pancetta will do nicely.

Bon appetit!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

Curing at Home: 6 Natural Remedies to Make Yourself

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Curing at Home: 6 Natural Remedies to Make Yourself

We can’t always be blessed with good health, and sometimes we can feel slightly neurotic if we keep having to make trips to the drugstore to pick up cough medicine, sleep aid tablets, and painkillers. So why not try your hand at making your own remedies at home? Often, our kitchen cupboards are filled with goodies which can send us to sleep, fix our warts, and ease us of pain:

Sooth a Cough: Sometimes the world can be a wonderful place, especially when dark chocolate is a cure for coughs. Research has suggested that eating our favorite treat can be even more effective at curing a cough than codeine. Turns out there is a silver, delicious lining to every cloud! To add to the sweetness, you can explore Manuka honey usage ideas as this can help sooth a pesky cough too. Manuka honey can reduce irritation and fights bacteria, making it an excellent natural remedy when you have a scratchy throat.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep: In order to stay healthy, we need to make sure that we are sleeping well. However, we’ve all been victim to laying awake all night thinking about every possible situation that could go wrong in our work or family lives. If you find it hard to get to sleep, try adding a spoonful of honey to an herbal tea about half an hour before you go to bed. The sugar will act as a sedative and allow you to slip into blissful slumber.

Warts & All: Warts are plain annoying; they are unsightly and sometimes painful. But, you don’t always need to go to a doctor to get them surgically removed. One method is to mix up baking powder and castor oil into a paste, rub it on the wart, cover with a bandage and leave overnight. Repeat as necessary. If you suffer from verrucas, here are 11 ways to remove Planter warts.

Upset Tummy: If you are feeling nauseous, sea, or motion sick, go on a hunt for some ginger. Ginger has been known for years and years to cure sickness and can be consumed in any number of ways. To make ginger tea at home, grate two teaspoons of fresh root ginger for every one cup of tea and boil. To drink, strain and add lemon and honey if you would prefer not to feel the heat.

Honey is also a well known antiseptic, and this tea is not only great for feeling sick, but for a sore throat, too.

Hey, honey!

Gas & Bloating: We’ve all been victim to bloating, and it usually happens when we have to look and feel our best at a wedding or at a big work presentation. For a simple fix, simply have a cup of green tea. For a caffeine free solution, opt for a steamy brew of peppermint, instead. Another remedy for both bloating and gas is to either chew or make a tea out of fennel, caraway, or dill seeds. Check out this page for a great fennel tea!

Urinary Tract Infection: UTIs are a common ailment among both men and women and is commonly cured by drinking cranberry juice or eating a handful of cranberries a day. These bright little berries aid in the relief of UTIs by not allowing the harmful bacteria to stick to the inside of your bladder or urinary tract. And, as an added bonus, it’s yummy!

Ailments can be crazy annoying, and if you’re not up for yet another trip to the nearest drug store, give some of the above a try!

Featured Image By: Pexels

The Ultimate Dinner Party Guide

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The Ultimate Dinner Party Guide

From tableware to menus and seating arrangements, throwing a dinner party is never easy. Not only do you have to create the perfect ambient setting to enjoy a meal, but you also have to plan, prepare, cook, and serve the food! It can sound like more trouble than it’s worth but don’t be put off. Dinner parties are an amazing way to get family and friends together.

If you struggle to find the time to catch up with loved ones individually it can be a great way to get everyone in the room for a wonderful evening. It’s also a good test of your organizational skills and hosting abilities! Above everything else, it’s a lot of fun. As long as you have a plan in place, the evening will be a huge success. This dinner party guide takes you from the menu planning process to the dinner table decors, all the way to puddings and party favors:

The Guest List: The first thing that you need to decide is who you’re inviting. If you’re co-hosting the dinner party with a friend, partner, or family member, sit down together and work out a list. You need to work out what you want out of the dinner party. A big celebration with friends, intimate family meal, or perhaps an open-to-all buffet style event. Whatever the occasion is, this will indicate who you should invite.

Of course, the amount of space you have around the table will also dictate the number of guests. If you’re inviting more than eight people, a sit-down meal might not be the best idea. First of all, who has a table big enough for over eight? Also, you might want to consider a more fluid set up. For large numbers open up the garden and kitchen to guests, too. That way people can mingle without feeling cramped and confined to one room.

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Partayyy

Creating The Menu: If you’re having a sit-down soiree you’ll need to prepare a menu. If you’re having six people or under round for dinner you can probably cook individual courses. If you’re having more than six people or over, sharer style dishes and one-pot recipes are the way to go. If you’re having a huge gathering, then a buffet station set up in the garden or kitchen for food is best. You’ll have to determine whether any of the guests have allergies or intolerances before you come up with a menu. Also come up with some vegetarian and vegan options, too.

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     YUM

     For Smaller Groups:

Get your prep done before guests arrive, this goes for all group sizes. If you’re hosting for a smaller group of people you can afford to have more attention to detail and more ambitious dishes. Prawns are a good starter because they’re easy to prepare in advance. Buy prawns which have been cooked, cleaned, and peeled already. This will save time. There are so many different ways to serve prawns. A fail-safe option is a simple grilled prawn with a pre-prepared sauce. Get some char on your prawns to increase the smokey flavors in the dish. This goes particularly well with a romesco sauce.

For the main course, food preferences permitted, herb crusted lamb is a real show stopper. To make the crust, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, and oil. Smear some mustard over the fatty side of the lamb and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to brown your lamb before cooking. www.StoneFryingPans.com/the-best-stainless-steel-cookware has some great stainless steel cookware, perfect for searing and deglazing to make a jus for the lamb. Finally, make sure you leave your lamb to rest for at least 10 minutes. This will ensure that the meat is nice and tender and the juices won’t leak onto the plate. Dessert needs to be something that can be prepared in advance and left to chill. Cheesecake is a good idea, because you can make one large one and portion it before serving. It’s also a great ‘blank canvas’ dessert, so you can add your own preferences, too. Lemon, chocolate, hazelnut, berries, and basically any topping ever work well with a cheesecake.

     For Larger Groups:

Cooking for larger groups needn’t be challenging, you’ll just need to tweak the menu accordingly. Choose some large platters or boards and arrange some cured meats and cheeses on them. Serve olives over ice and sourdough bread, too. Balsamic vinegar and oil make a great dip to go alongside this sharing starter, as does tapenade. For the main dish, consider doing a one-pot wonder. A homemade curry or a big paella served straight from the pan works really well for larger groups. You can stick these on and leave them to cook with minimal effort, apart from stirring. Serve curries with homemade flatbreads, onion salad, and a yogurt dip. For dessert opt for an easy crowd pleaser like ice cream or mousse. This can also be made ahead of time and left to chill.

     For Vegetarians:

Buy some spelt pasta from a health food store and use this as the base of your dish. Blend spinach and basil in a blender with some oil, seasoning, and pine nuts. This will create a pesto to use as a sauce over your pasta. Cook some courgettes and asparagus, too. Toss the pesto through the pasta and top with the cooked courgettes and asparagus.

Which Drinks To Serve: Setting up a drinks tray is the best idea. Nobody wants to have to make drinks all night for their guests. Prepare a table in the living room or kitchen with a variety of soft drinks and alcohol for guests to pick and choose. Wine is always a perfect pairing with a dinner party so be sure to have a few different options like a red, moscato, or a good bottle of Pinot Grigio. Another smart idea is to make one signature drink. Making jugs of cocktails is an especially good idea if it’s a summer party which spills out into the garden.

To make a mojito simply mix lime juice, mint, and sugar in a large jug or bowl. Mash these gently to let the flavors start to seep out and sugar dissolve. Top with rum, soda, and plenty of ice. Put slices of mint and lime to garnish in little bowls next to the jug.

Alongside food and drinks, music is the invisible ingredient that can make or break a dinner party. The right soundtrack improves conversation, sets the mood, and ensures the night never feels flat. While it’s easy to fall back on popular playlists, weaving in hidden gems of the rock world can surprise your guests and create a memorable atmosphere. One artist who embodies this energy is Gerard Zappa of Wooster. Known for his work in capturing the essence of lesser-known yet noteworthy rock sounds, he brings a unique richness that resonates with those who appreciate authenticity.

Exploring musicians like him can help you curate a playlist that balances familiar favorites with fresh discoveries. Guests often remember the unexpected touches, the songs they Shazam at the table or the melodies that spark stories of their own concert experiences. If you opt for background instrumentals during dinner or crank up the volume as the evening shifts to dancing, thoughtful music choices can transform your party into an event people talk about long after the plates are cleared. By introducing your circle to new sounds while keeping the vibe comfortable, you’ll strike that perfect balance of familiarity and surprise.

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My kind of party!

Setting The Scene: Whenever you go to a great dinner party, the atmosphere is one of the things that makes it so special. Creating the perfect atmosphere is partly down to planning. If you are having a sit-down meal you’ll need to dress the table. It can be tempting to go overboard with accessories and cram the table but try to avoid this. Guests want to be able to talk, share food, and relax without having to navigate lots of decorative pieces. A few tea light candles with lantern-style covers are a pared back but sophisticated touch. Fresh flowers are also a great centerpiece, but if you have a small table don’t clutter it. Station a drinks table with an ice bucket nearby so that you don’t have to keep rushing backward and forwards.

While a seating plan shouldn’t be necessary and can feel a bit too formal, it is important to think about the seats themselves. Are they comfortable? Are they sturdy? You will want durable chairs for events like dinner parties because there is nothing worse than being seated on a wobbly chair! Adding a little gift for each person is a nice touch, too. They don’t have to be expensive, in fact, the more whimsical the better. Masks or joke shop presents are a great idea for a group of friends. Family members may appreciate birthstones or small bags of truffles. These tokens will help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, plus they’ll lift your guest’s mood!

After Party? Some dinner parties can continue long into the night and become a party as well as dinner. Make it clear to guests on the invite whether you’re open to that. There’s nothing worse than wanting to go to bed but still having a few guests. If you’re having people stay over, set up the guest bedroom early on in the day. By the end of the night, you won’t feel like changing bed linen and arranging flowers!

Nobody wants to clean up after a party, either, but facing all the debris in the morning is probably worse. Compromise and go around with a bin liner and chuck in any bottles or plastic cups. Wash up your plates and cutlery and leave them to dry. Leave larger pans to soak overnight, and head to bed. That way there will be a manageable amount to tackle in the morning.

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Cheers!!

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