The Downy Ball – Fuzzy Sweater Solution

With dropping temperatures, puffy coats, fuzzy sweaters and warm boots become the everyday norm. But with cold weather comes dry air and much more static electricity. Tired of your hair standing on end, random shocks throughout the day and intimate articles of clothing sticking to the outside of your pants?

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The creators of the Downy Ball have come up with some static reducing tips, like tossing an aluminum foil ball into the dryer to help further reduce the static charge that clings to our clothes.

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For me, Sunday’s considered to be laundry time and I am planning to pick up a Downy Ball.  My sweaters are notorious for having fuzzy balls and I couldn’t understand why until I ran across this little tool.

Downy has other products to help us in this area as well such wrinkle releaser and scent beads.  We spend so much money on our wardrobe, let’s make sure we’re caring for it in the proper manner.  Do you have any laundry tips, feel free to share them in the comments section below!

Kingsmill Golf and Spa Resort – Holiday Travel 2015 {Lifestyle}

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Fall Weekends Frighteningly Busy as Halloween & the Holidays Near

* Low Gas Prices, Means Holiday Travel/Get-A-Ways Are On The Rise*

The countdown to Halloween is on, and as we creep closer to the holidays, Kingsmill Resort’s reservation system is spooky busy with many key weekends in October, November and December starting to fill up.   The reason, according to Kingsmill Resort, is the increased desire to create multi-generational memories by establishing new traditions for family travel during the fall and Holidays.  Low gas prices and high demand for Kingsmill’s riverfront cottages and spacious condos featuring full kitchens support this trend.

Kingsmill Resort is the only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort in Williamsburg and the only property with direct access to the majestic James River.  Sitting on 3,000 acres of land, Kingsmill Resort is ripe with stories of fright and holiday delight dating back to America’s beginnings.  It’s also a fall/early winter harvest of golf, watersports, heated indoor pools, a million dollar spa, restaurants, tennis, biking and just a cannon-ball shot away from the area’s iconic major attractions.

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What does this all mean?  For travelers planning a visit to Greater Williamsburg this holiday season to take in the fall foliage, ghoulish frights at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, or Greater Williamsburg’s holiday lineup, that means it’s best to book now or beware.   There may be no room at the proverbial “inn.”  A word to the wise, if you are thinking of calling Kingsmill Resort ‘home’ for the upcoming holidays it is best to book now, or the resort may be stuffed and your family will be crying foul.

Fall/holiday packages that are exceptionally value driven and popular include:

·       The Howl-O-Scream package through October 31 which includes accommodations for two nights in a  guest room (upgrade to condo available), daily breakfast, complimentary shuttle service to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg and access to Busch Gardens with two Fun Cards.

·       The Thanksgiving package, featuring a two-night stay in a one bedroom condo, breakfast daily, complimentary transportation to Colonial Williamsburg, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving buffet.

Three distinct Christmas Season packages:

1.     Christmas Town: a two-night stay and multi-day tickets to Busch Gardens

2.     Let It Glow: spacious accommodations in a condo for two nights, breakfast daily and curbside transportation to Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg.

3.     Holiday Traditions:  featuring two-night accommodations in a holiday-decorated condo including a tree and fireplace, meals, and more…

Kingsmill Resort is an AAA Four Diamond condo resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Located on the James River off I‐64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

C O Bigelow Freesia Candle – Breast Cancer Research Foundation

All year long, C.O. Bigelow donates 10% of all sales of their Freesia Candle to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a leading organization which fights breast cancer by advancing promising research around the globe.

Freesia is one of the brand’s most popular perfume oils, which inspired this soft, floral scent featuring a heart of tart quince, jasmine, pink freesia and tender muguet. The feminine and uplifting power of this candle honors the spirit of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Price: $42.00

Available: bigelowchemists.com, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries: 414 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10011

The Aginging Gracefully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS Book Review

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Everyone wants to age with as much poise and grace as possible. While there are many books about super foods and supplements, few provide at-a-glance guides in each recipe detailing key ingredients and how they increase health and longevity.

Delicious foods and rejuvenating nutrients combine in Grace O’s The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS To Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life, a collection of enticing, nourishing recipes that promote health and a joyful, sustainable life. The age-fighting recipes here are crafted based on a foundation of scientific research and many different cultures’ ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients.

Grace O’s cookbook focuses on five categories of natural anti aging properties of food that are essential to healthful living:

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Immunity Boosters
  • Mind and Beauty
  • Disease-Preventing

 

About the Author: Grace O has been cooking and baking professionally all of her adult life. As a young adult in Southeast Asia, she managed her family’s cooking school and eventually opened three restaurants. She is also the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program supported by current research that positions food as an anti aging strategy.

Book Review – 

This particular book intrigued me because we can learn about the health of our bodies through the various foods we eat. The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook is no ordinary cookbook because the author’s not listing recipes based on taste alone.

The cookbook truly combines recipes that are in connection to the properties (previously) listed such as immunity boosters which is vitally important this time of the year.  Also, the natural ingredients are in line with the expected health benefits such as the use of flax-seed or coconut oil.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in changing their lifestyle and health through food.  It’s also great to have in your kitchen for guests with dietary concerns.

Click on the link to purchase the book and remember that true beauty starts from within!

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National MotorWeek Celebrates 35 years in Public Television – Episode

National series MotorWeek celebrates 35 years in public television with a special anniversary episode

 

The 35-year anniversary special of television’s longest-running automotive series, MotorWeekpremieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

In this special anniversary episode, the MotorWeek crew has dug deep into the archives to put together an entertaining and informative ride back through time.  Feature segments will track the evolution of automotive styling over the past 35 years; re-visit MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winners to see which picks have stood the test of time; showcase the most iconic and influential vehicles we’ve road-tested; reminisce over our favorite adventures, destinations and people; and poke a bit of fun at ourselves with a classic selection of humorous bloopers, flubs and spins.

Throughout the rest of MotorWeek’s 35th season, Host and Executive Producer John Davis will continue to lead a team of on-air reporters in rigorously testing and evaluating new vehicles and assessing cars’ performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety.  More than 150 cars are examined annually for the benefit of viewers.

MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with MotorWeek’sresident Master Technician Pat Goss offering know-it-yourself car care advice. Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in “Motor News” segment. Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive during the “Over the Edge” segment. Lauren Morrison delivers timely information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice and technological advances in the “FYI” segment. Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look of the two-wheel experience reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in the Two Wheelin’ segment. MotorWeek will also accelerate its coverage of the use of alternative fuels and advances in green-power technologies as consumers’ race toward a cleaner driving future.

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, MotorWeek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/MotorWeek. Viewers can also find MotorWeek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore – Fall Menu

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore is cozying up to fall with the ultimate surf-n-turf pairing, a six-ounce Filet Mignon and a half pound of Wild Caught King Crab Legs. The Double Take is offered through November 15, giving guests a great reason to wine and dine any night of the week this season.

Other highlights from the new fall menu include decadent Alaskan King Crab Mac & Cheese, mouth-watering Sweet Potato Casserole topped with a pecan crust, fresh Alaskan King Crab Legs offered with the choice of House-made Cajun BBQ, Lemon Garlic or Roasted Garlic Butter and a crave-worthy Peanut Butter Black Bottom Pie.

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Restaurant Dining and Favorite Dishes – Lifestyle

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Azumi:  Stylish Japanese restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel with sushi, seafood, steaks, sake & cocktails.

I want to share some of the delicious restaurants in this area.  Baltimore is really a melting pot of various cultures which means the food can be amazing!  I love to cook for my family but there are moments when we want to taste something different.  The term different could mean sushi, afghan cuisine, authentic italian, or whatever suits our taste buds for the evening.  I contribute this interest to my husband; he’s an adventurous eater and has a wide taste palate.

Naturally, I grew up in the deep south and love comfort food.  Nothing can replace a creamy sauce or peach cobbler but I’m also intrigued by cultural dishes.  It gives me the experience of integrating into someone else’s culture and lifestyle.  I consider myself a lifelong learner and find people to be very interesting.  I enjoy knowing the purpose behind certain meals, cutlery used, and the fashion worn during specific ceremonies. This could also be due to teaching a Cultural Foods course many years ago (prior to blogging.)

I will share more of the dishes I like to eat and hope that you will try them as well.  Also, tag me (on social media) in your favorite restaurant or food choices!

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Emmys Cocktail and Beverage Ideas from Drizly

Tonight television fans across the country will have their eyes glued to their screens to see if their favorite shows (such as Scandal) and actors will take home awards. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party, or watching solo from your couch, Drizly, the leading on-demand alcohol delivery service, has all your beverage needs covered.

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Drizly has created three cocktails to help you enjoy the evening, a Pre-Show Punch, a Backstage Boulevardier, and below is a dessert cocktail in honor of the show – Empire!

Cookie (Lyons) Delight

One of the best and most memorable TV characters from this year’s nominees. This adult milkshake is dedicated to the leading lady in FOX’s hit show Empire.

Ingredients (serves 1):

3 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur

3 scoops of chocolate ice cream

6 oz milk

3-4 ice cubes

2 medium FRESH chocolate chip cookies

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Directions: 

In a blender combine ice cream, Bailey’s, milk, one cookie, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth (add more milk or ice cream to get to your desired consistency). Crumble up the remaining cookie by hand or with a knife. Pour drink into pint glass and add cookie crumbs on top. Serve with a straw and spoon for maximum enjoyment.

Masque Bar and Martinis Girls Night In

Have a girls night in for the Emmy Awards (September 20th) with a Masks and Martinis party! Choose from a selection of Masque Bar by Look Beauty sheet masks that target different skin concerns in an array of flavors. Sit back, relax and watch the famed award show as you sip on a Cucumber and Green Teani to match!

Green Tea Sheet Mask: Mixed Green Tea Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E  to maintain ideal moisture level by providing constant supply of moisture and nutrition. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Lemon Sheet Mask: Combined with Lemon Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E to help purify, refine and soothe your skin. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Cucumber Sheet Mask: Blended with Cucumber Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E to help moisturize and restore skin tone after UV exposure. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Recipe for a Cucumber Green Teani –

Cucumber Green Teani

2 oz citrus vodka

.75 oz green tea

Dash of simple syrup

Dash of lemon juice

2 slices of cucumber

1 piece of fresh ginger

1 pinch of sea salt

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Directions: Muddle cucumber and ginger with a pinch of salt and simple syrup. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with cubed ice. Finely strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.

Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

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One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

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Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos