Category: Holidays

  • The Best Thing I Bought This Year: Electric Hot Water Kettle

    In these final days of Christmas shopping I was thinking about those hard-to-shop-for loved ones in my life and I found myself asking, “what’s the best purchase you’ve made this year that someone else might enjoy, too?” (I think this might be a new tradition for me that sticks! We’ll see come next holiday gift-giving season…)

    After breakfast this morning I was trying my best at some stubborn oil stains on a beautiful stainless sauté pan and was reminded that blazing hot water and baking soda is a great remedy. But waiting for water that hot? No, thanks! (Cue the quarantine cooking learnings from Jamie Oliver’s 15-Minute Meals…)

    via GIPHY

    Enter: The Electric Hot Water Kettle

    Truth be told, I’ve had one of these at my office for years, simply for making hot tea in the mornings. But using it for the ultimate life hack that it is preparing hot water for any use? It had never dawned on me prior to Jamie’s efficient meal prep teachings. Major lightbulb moment. Thanks, Jamie! ?

    Thanks to Jamie’s musings, I was encouraged to order another kettle for home use and snatched one up on Prime Day. Remarkably, it was the only thing I purchased on Prime Day! How’s that for personal restraint in the “Needless Spending” category? ?

    Chefman” is the brand I have at my office that I believe was purchased at Best Buy years ago, at least five plus, and that thing still cranks out hot water on the regular.

    Chefman Electric Kettle on Amazon

    There are two (lots of) versions on Amazon currently and truth be told, I can’t tell the difference between the $29.99 version and the $45.00 version so… caveat emptor! (“Buyer Beware”) If we’re being honest, both are probably just fine. Go ahead and spend that $15.01 elsewhere, honey.

    AmazonBasics Electric Kettle

    Now priced at $24.00, the AmazonBasics version was $21.99 before and marked down to $17.59 on Prime Day so I snatched it up for the Casa de Chaos. I wish I had gotten one for the beach, too, at that price! Le sigh…

    Don’t Forget the “Why”

    If giving an electric water kettle feels even more impersonal than a coffee maker (unless it’s a Keurig® or a Nespresso® – now that is love) I mildly worry about that, too, so I’ll be sure to include a little note about WHY I love this device, how it’s made my life easier this past year, and maybe some goodies to enjoy with it (tea, dehydrated noms, etc.) and a link to catch up on Jamie Oliver’s 15-Minute Meals!

    So, friends, what’s been the best thing you’ve bought this year?

    Let me know in the comments!

    PS: I used Amazon affiliate links in this post. If you buy something as a result of my recommendation, they might reward me with a small commission. Thanks in advance for supporting my writing!

  • 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

    ‘Tis the season for gifting and more often than not, many of us could use a little help in the inspiration department. Here are some of my absolute favorite gifts I’ve received and even a few items I’ve wish-listed for myself this year!

    Spiralizer


    Hamilton Beach Spiralizer, 2 Speed Motorized Vegetable Slicer (59998) – $32.99
    I received this one last year from my family for Christmas and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. This is a great gift for the at-home gourmet on your list or the person who’s aiming to eat healthier in the new year. I have used this almost exclusively for making faux pasta noodles from veggies and the dishes have been out-of-this world good. (The “Avocado-Basil Zucchini Noodles with Chile-Lime Shrimp & Corn” dish I found on Pinterest is hands down one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life.)

    Candle Warmer

    Have someone on your list who loves candles? Help them savor the last bit of their favorite scents once the wick won’t stay lit any longer with a candle warmer.

    Decorative (Read: More Expensive, But Relatively Budget-Friendly as Far as Home Decor Items Go…) Versions


    Candle Warmers Etc. Carriage Candle Warmer Lantern, Oil Rubbed Bronze – $49.99


    Candle Warmers Etc. Mission Candle Warmer Lantern, Brick – $34.99

    Budget (Read: El Cheapo But Totally Functional) Version


    Darice 1199-15 Candle Warmer, Large – $6.99

    I had one of the cheap, plain ones above in the past and used it for many years. This year, I’m hoping for one of the more decorative options listed above as I will get tons of use out of this gift!

    Note: When you’re searching for candle warmers, you’ll have to look closely. Many are for simply melting fragrant waxes and probably aren’t safe for warming glass jars that may crack or shatter. The items I listed above are specifically for the purpose of warming jars of candles.

    Travel Wallet/Organizer

    Hello Wander Travel Wallet
    There’s nothing worse than fumbling through your giant carry on at the airport with the line queuing up behind you. I have three+ trips requiring air travel on the books already for 2018, so a wallet specifically designed for international travel is high on my list. Opt for a faux leather option and you’ll keep the price <$40! Look for one that allows easy access to a passport and photo ID/credit cards. I don't worry so much about one that can hold boarding passes anymore because ? (cell phone boarding pass = life). I'm also not usually one for bright-colored accessories, but a bold hue could stand out in the bottom of your bulky carry on. Just sayin'... For the item I listed above, the online reviews say it doesn't hold USD dollar bills just right, so you may want to explore Pinterest for others if you're a cash carrier. Me? Notsomuch.

    Belmto Moon Barette

    Belmto Moon Barette
    Maybe I’m obsessed with the cute haircut, maybe I’m just underwhelmed by how much I’ve been living in ponytail world lately. Regardless, this $11.90 gold barette makes for a great girlfriend/co-worker/gift exchange buy.

    Stay Tuned

    There’s more to come as I continue my shopping for the holiday season. I’ll pop in here a few more times with updates of fresh new ideas. Please stop in again soon, y’all!

    Until then, I leave you this video of my girl Reese Witherspoon and her funny take on how “social media is hard” and other tech woes of a southern gal:

    PS: Amazon.com affiliate links are included in some of the items above. I appreciate you using them if you decide to purchase so that I’ll receive a small commission on the sale. Running a self-hosted WordPress blog isn’t free and I appreciate your help in keeping things running smoothly around here! ?

  • Paw-fect Valentine’s Plans

    Only rookies will celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Saturday night – instead, consider something fun… and for a great cause – that’s happening on Thursday night: Bark & Wine with Your Valentine 2015

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a beer & wine tasting while surrounded by the cutest faces in town! (Bringing a date is completely optional.)
    Fine wines, beer, tasty treats and wet puppy kisses await guests at the 10th annual Bark & Wine with Your Valentine
    This unique, intimate event will be held at the SPCA Curtis Dail Pet Adoption Center in Raleigh on Thursday, February 12 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Sample 6-8 varieties of wine and and light fare to compliment the flavors for just $30.00 per person of which $5.00 is tax deductible.
    Email Vanessa Budnick at vbudnick@spcawake.org or call 919-532-2087 with questions.
  • Happy New Year!

    Nick and I went to Nashville this past week/weekend for a few days, so I didn’t get a chance to wish everyone a Happy New Year’s Eve… or even New Year’s Day. However, I don’t believe January 2nd is too late to start the year off right!

    We have dinner at my parents’ house every Sunday, so of course tonight we had to have our traditional New Year’s dinner: pork, greens, black-eyed peas, potatoes, and cake. Nom, nom, nom – it is by far my favorite meal of the year!

    When Nick and I were driving back to Raleigh from Nashville yesterday, we were curious about the tradition behind the New Year’s meal and found this great resource on Epicurious (thank you, Google), that I wanted to share: Lucky Foods for the New Year.

    Greens and black-eyed peas (or legumes) are symbolic of economic good fortune or wealth, pork symbolizes progress, and so on. Next year, I’m adding wine to the menu since the article covers the superstition of grapes, too!

    Welcome to 2011 and best wishes for a wonderful year, y’all!

  • Holiday Cheer from the RRAR Community Service Committee


    (click to view video online)

    On the third Tuesday of every month, I have the pleasure of having lunch and planning some great community service projects with one of the most talented, giving, and energized group of professionals in the Triangle: The Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors Community Service Committee.

    If you are a local REALTOR(R) (or affiliated member of the RRAR – including mortgage firms, contractors, appraisers, etc.) and want to commit to something in 2011 that will allow you to give more than just a donation, but also your time and personal service to our local community, then please join us at our first meeting in January (Tuesday, January 18, 2011) at the RRAR to learn more about our group and getting involved.

    Happy holidays, y’all!

  • Make a Difference this Holiday Season

    Seriously y’all, it takes very little effort to do good things. And hey, you might even get to attend a party and see some folks you love in the process!

    Tonight – Thursday, December 2nd, 7:00pm (like head there in the next hour) 😉
    4th Annual Downtown Santa Ball
    The Downtowner Magazine is proud to sponsor our Downtown Santa Ball on Thursday, December 2nd, from 7-10pm in order to help children in need and to provide what might be the only gift they receive this holiday season. We’re pleased to have MeetandCompete.com as a co-sponsor for our fourth year. 100% of proceeds and all gifts will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County. The event will be held at the Union Tavern located in the Depot building of the Warehouse District (directions below). Just bring a gift and enjoy amazing Downtown Raleigh and free beer and wine. Support the Union by purchasing other spirits!

    Thursday, December 9th, 6:30pm
    Jingle Ball 2010
    Get your holly on at this year’s Jingle Ball… and be sure to get there early. Suz and I got there last year as the food was finished and the open bars dry. So we donated, mingled, and headed over to Landmark for a few drinks. Couldn’t complain though, because I was stoked to see the turnout continue to increase for yet another year! I would say that was a mighty successful Thursday night!

    Thru December 18th
    Donate at ANY local Toys for Tots collection point… get the local details at http://raleigh-nc.toysfortots.org/ or find your own local Toys for Tots details (for all of you non-Raleigh folks) online at toysfortots.org!

    All December
    Need stocking stuffers or gifts? For just $13.95 you can get a terrific gift and help Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC with local service projects that benefit women and girls. Auto Bell Car Wash will donate 50% of each Full Service Car Wash coupon purchased. The coupons have NO expiration date and are honored at all 61 locations around the Triangle and the Southeast. To purchase, contact Joyce Rothchild at 919-518-1093 or by email at jrothchild@soroptimistraleigh.org.

    Got more locally awesome ideas for me to share? Send ’em on and I’ll list in a jiff! Email: ncsulilwolf@gmail.com.

  • Put the Boys to Work… at Hardly Working

    I realize Thanksgiving has just come and gone, but Christmas dinner is right around the corner. I love Andrea Weigl’s suggestion of putting the boys to work!

    Thursday when I serve Thanksgiving dinner to a small group of friends, everyone will contribute. I will bake a pecan pie and a pumpkin cheesecake. My husband will cook leg of lamb on the smoker. (One tip for holiday sanity is cooking the meat outside on the grill, in the smoker or in the deep-fryer. Luckily, many men who like to cook don’t mind spending the day outside, drinking a beer and minding the meat.) A friend will make stuffed acorn squash and the homemade noodles that are his family’s tradition. A third will clear the table.

    She’s right – it’s not at all an up-hill battle to suggest that the man (and his buddies) hang around outside with beer, a fried turkey, and perhaps even a fire pit.

  • Just Sayin’…

    Miss ya cuz…

    Stumbled upon this great memorial written to Henry online:

    “I had the honor of going to high school and graduating Garner Senior High with Henry. I joined the Marine Corps a few months ahead and remember the day I hear of his passing. I was so proud when I stumbled upon an article about his Bronze Star. He was an amazing person and truly held up the highest honor and tradition of the Marine Corps. I wear a memorial bracelet in his memory everyday and I am honored to share his story of courage and sacrifice for our nation. Semper Fi Sanchez, always missed but never forgotten.” —
    Ryan Glenn of Kansas City, MO

    And in case anyone needs a reminder of why we have this extended weekend to enjoy:

    Just sayin’…

  • Special Events at the Downtown Raleigh Outdoor Ice Rink

    How much fun does Date Night sound?!

    Tuesday, December 22: Family Night – Skate with Santa from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.

    Sunday, January 3: Sledding Ramps – Snow My Yard will create a winter wonderland with sledding ramps open from 12 noon-5 pm. This activity is FREE for anyone wearing their ice rink admission wristband. For pictures, visit www.snowmyyard.com.

    Thursday, January 7
    : Date and Skate Night – Make memories in downtown Raleigh. Couples can enjoy “Date Night Specials” at participating downtown restaurants and then simply show their receipt to receive a $4 discount for admission for two to the ice rink. That’s only $8 for admission (includes skates) per couple! Free carriage rides will also be available from 6 pm-9 pm for anyone wearing their ice rink admission wristband. Create a special night for that special someone.

    Visit RaleighWinterfest.com for any other details you might need!

  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…

    …but I still don’t turn on the holiday music until closer to Christmas, though 😉

    There is a lot of small town and big city stuff to do this weekend – all starting today. I wish they didn’t all fall on the same day/time though, because I want to do it all, of course!

    TONIGHT – Friday, December 4th

    Downtown Garner – Tree Lighting

    The Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual tree lighting ceremony on Main Street Friday, Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    This year, the department has expanded the traditional ceremony to include even more entertainment, activities and food, including Dance Explosion, Poplar Springs Church choir, the Garner Senior Center Dancers and carolers from True North Church. A highlight of the evening will be the reading of the classic poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

    Activities for the kids will begin at 6 p.m. inside Santa’s workshop, which is located inside the Sunny Side II Oyster Bar building. Children will get to make holiday crafts and meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

    During this event, Main Street will be closed to through traffic between Emory and Purvis Streets. Plenty of public parking is available along parts of Main Street, in the Garner Baseball parking lot, along Pearl Street and at the Pearl Street Building, at Garner Recreational Park and the Garner Senior Center.

    Downtown Raleigh – Winterfest Kickoff

    Michelle Branch (one of my favorites), will be performing at 6pm and ice skating in our very own outdoor ice skating rink starts right after. Plus, it’s First Friday – yay!

    Thanks for the video, Tyler! (Click through if you can’t see it, blog readers!)

    Tomorrow – Saturday, December 5th

    Garner Christmas Parade

    The holiday celebrations continue Saturday, Dec. 5 with the Garner Christmas Parade, which will begin at 10 a.m.

    This year’s parade theme is “Inside Santa’s Workshop.” Tisha Powell, of ABC 11 News, will serve as the parade’s grand marshal. More than 70 participants will take part in the parade and will include area marching bands, floats, emergency vehicles, local merchants and Santa Claus.

    This year, the parade will follow a slightly different parade route than that of before. It will begin on Broughton Street and will travel across Garner Road, down Hwy 50 to the corner of Main Street, where it will turn left and proceed until its ends at New Rand Road. This route is somewhat shorter but should allow easier access to and from the area to those viewing the parade.


    Garner news and event details are from my friends at GarnerCitizen.com – a great, local paper!