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	<title>Newlyweds and Nesting: Elizabeth Anne Designs Living: A Food, Lifestyle, and Craft Blog &#187; Holidays</title>
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	<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living</link>
	<description>Food, Lifestyle, Newlywed Life and Crafts</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:44:24 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Easy Marbled Easter Eggs</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/04/21/easy-marbled-easter-eggs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/04/21/easy-marbled-easter-eggs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rebekah</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[egg dying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marbling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=12435</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>
{image courtesy of Honeysuckle Life}</p>
<p>An unexpectedly free afternoon resulted in some pretty fabulous marbled dyed eggs for Easter. It made me remember all the times I did this with my mom and siblings on our kitchen counter.</p>
<p>
{image courtesy of Honeysuckle Life}</p>
<p>Easy Marbled Eggs</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>

Hard boiled eggs
3 cups hot water (per color)
White vinegar
Food Dye
Oil (any type)

<p>Supplies:</p>

Large bowl (one per color)
Ice cream scoop or large spoon
Drying rack with paper towels underneath it (I put down plastic wrap first, then the paper towels, then ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-12437" title="Dyed-Easter-Eggs" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Dyed-Easter-Eggs-600x401.jpg" alt="Dyed-Easter-Eggs" width="600" height="401" /><br />
{image courtesy of <a href="http://www.honeysucklelife.com" target="_blank">Honeysuckle Life</a>}</p>
<p>An unexpectedly free afternoon resulted in some pretty fabulous marbled dyed eggs for Easter. It made me remember all the times I did this with my mom and siblings on our kitchen counter.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-12438" title="Marbled-Easter-Eggs" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Marbled-Easter-Eggs-600x427.jpg" alt="Marbled-Easter-Eggs" width="600" height="427" /><br />
{image courtesy of <a href="http://www.honeysucklelife.com" target="_blank">Honeysuckle Life</a>}</p>
<p><strong>Easy Marbled Eggs</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hard boiled eggs</li>
<li>3 cups hot water (per color)</li>
<li>White vinegar</li>
<li>Food Dye</li>
<li>Oil (any type)</li>
</ul>
<p>Supplies:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large bowl (one per color)</li>
<li>Ice cream scoop or large spoon</li>
<li>Drying rack with paper towels underneath it (I put down plastic wrap first, then the paper towels, then the drying rack to fully protect my counters.)</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<ol>
<li>Fill each bowl with 3 cups of hot water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar and coloring of your choice. I used the color recipes on the dye box.</li>
<li>Clean surface of egg with soapy water and place eggs in each bowl of colored water. Let soak until desired color is achieved.</li>
<li>Remove from water with ice cream scoop and place on drying rack. Be careful not to crack the surface of the eggs while moving them around. Let sit for 15 minutes and then pat dry.</li>
<li>Pour a tablespoon of oil in each bowl of colored water. Swirl together, then place an egg into the water, holding it in the scoop at the top of the surface. I let mine sit in the water for a minute before rolling around on top of the water.</li>
<li>Remove eggs and let sit on drying rack for a few minutes. Then rub dry to remove the oil.</li>
</ol>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-12439" title="Easter-Eggs" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Easter-Eggs-600x401.jpg" alt="Easter-Eggs" width="600" height="401" /><br />
{image courtesy of <a href="http://www.honeysucklelife.com" target="_blank">Honeysuckle Life</a>}</p>
<p>I cleaned mine with soapy water after the eggs were dry. This removed some of the color almost completely in the pitts (you can see the lighter patches in the photo above), but I liked how that turned out.</p>
<p>What are your Easter traditions?</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2011 ·
<a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/04/21/easy-marbled-easter-eggs/">Permalink</a> ·
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Posted in: <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/crafts/" title="View all posts in Crafts" rel="category tag">Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/holidays/" title="View all posts in Holidays" rel="category tag">Holidays</a><br/><br/>
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		<title>Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya Recipe</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/03/14/shrimp-and-sausage-jambalaya-recipe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/03/14/shrimp-and-sausage-jambalaya-recipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Emily</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cooking and Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cajun recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fat tuesday celebrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mardi gras recipes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=11886</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>On Tuesday I texted my husband to ask if he wanted to make jambalaya for  dinner. Because it wasn&#8217;t just any Tuesday &#8212; it was Fat Tuesday. And because he loves spicy Cajun  food. It took him less than a minute to respond, “Yes!” He even did the  grocery shopping before I got home from work. In addition to the  necessary ingredients — onions, peppers, tomatoes, and kielbasa — he  picked up some Carolina long-grain ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11903" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>On Tuesday I texted my husband to ask if he wanted to make jambalaya for  dinner. Because it wasn&#8217;t just any Tuesday &#8212; it was Fat Tuesday. And because he loves spicy Cajun  food. It took him less than a minute to respond, “Yes!” He even did the  grocery shopping before I got home from work. In addition to the  necessary ingredients — onions, peppers, tomatoes, and kielbasa — he  picked up some Carolina long-grain rice and Louisiana hot sauce.</p>
<p>Nick browned the kielbasa and smoked ham while I chopped the veggies.  Then he removed the meat from the pot, and I cooked up the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajun_cuisine" target="_blank">holy trinity</a>” of Cajun cuisine: onions, bell peppers, and celery.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11904" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-6" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya-6.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-6" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>Next comes the tomatoes, spices, hot sauce, stock, and rice. And  before you put the lid on, add the meat back to the pot. (Don’t you just  love one pot meals?)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11899" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>After the jambalaya simmers for 30 minutes, add the parsley,  scallions, lemon juice, and shrimp. Stir together, return the lid to the  pot, and remove from heat. The hot jambalaya will steam the shrimp just  perfectly in about 15 minutes.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11901" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-3" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya-3.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-3" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>This dish is thick and hearty and flavorful with just the right  amount of kick (though you can add more hot sauce if you prefer it as  spicy as Nick).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11902" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-4" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya-4.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-4" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>Garnish with more parsley and scallions, and devour!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11903" title="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5.jpg" alt="How-to-Make-Jambalaya-5" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>This dish is just too good to only eat once a year. So why not celebrate Mardi Gras again this weekend? We might.</p>
<p><strong>Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya</strong><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/">Ina Garten</a></p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>
<li>1 lb sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced</li>
<li>1 lb smoked ham, cubed</li>
<li>1 tablespoon butter</li>
<li>1 medium onion, diced</li>
<li>1 cup diced celery</li>
<li>1 green bell pepper, cored and diced</li>
<li>1 red bell pepper, cored and diced</li>
<li>1 cup seeded and diced tomato</li>
<li>3 garlic cloves, minced</li>
<li>1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne)</li>
<li>2 teaspoons oregano</li>
<li>1 teaspoon thyme</li>
<li>2 tablespoons tomato paste</li>
<li>6 cups chicken stock</li>
<li>3 cups long-grain rice, rinsed</li>
<li>3 bay leaves</li>
<li>2 teaspoons kosher salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li>6 to 8 dashes hot sauce</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped scallions, divided</li>
<li>3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided</li>
<li>1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice</li>
<li>1 lb medium shrimp, deveined (20 to 24 count)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Directions</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium  heat. Add  kielbasa and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned.   Remove kielbasa  to a bowl, and set aside.  Add ham to the same  pot and cook 8 to 10  minutes, until lightly browned.  Remove to the bowl  with the kielbasa,  and set aside.</li>
<li>Add butter, onion, celery, and  peppers to the same pot and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, until onion  is translucent.</li>
<li>Add tomato, garlic, jalapeno or cayenne, oregano,  thyme, and tomato  paste, and cook until all of the vegetables and herbs are  blended  well.</li>
<li> Add stock and bring to a rolling boil.  Stir in the  rice, and add  the kielbasa, ham, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.   Return to a  boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20  minutes.</li>
<li>Add 1/4 cup of scallions, 1/4 cup of parsley,  lemon juice, and  shrimp. Stir well.  Cover the pot, remove  from heat, and allow  jambalaya to steam for about 15 minutes before  serving.</li>
<li>Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup scallions and 1/2 cup parsley, and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.</li>
</ol>
<p>How did you spend your Fat Tuesday?</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2011 ·
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		<item>
		<title>A Sweet, Little {Savory} Sandwich</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/02/23/croque-madame-in-a-hole-recipe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/02/23/croque-madame-in-a-hole-recipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cooking and Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Just for Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breakfast recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[valentines day recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[warm breakfast food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=11414</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>With the usual parade chocolate truffles and conversation hearts behind us, you can still brighten the one you love&#8217;s morning with a cheeky breakfast treat!  After all, nothing spells L-O-V-E like a C-H-E-E-S-Y, gooey, melty, warm sandwich!</p>
<p>
{image via Cooking with My Kid}</p>
<p>Croque Madame in a Hole, for 2</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>

1+ T. butter
4 slices of bread of your choice {I prefer to go traditional with sourdough, but honey whole wheat is delightful too!}
4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
4 slices of thick-sliced smoked ham {like ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the usual parade chocolate truffles and conversation hearts behind us, you can still brighten the one you love&#8217;s morning with a cheeky breakfast treat!  After all, nothing spells L-O-V-E like a C-H-E-E-S-Y, gooey, melty, warm sandwich!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11415" title="Croque Egg-in-the-Hole" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Egg-in-the-Hole.jpg" alt="Egg-in-the-Hole" width="600" height="400" /><br />
{image via <a href="http://www.cookingwithmykid.com/breakfast/savory-sitter-kid-friendly-croque-madame/" target="_blank">Cooking with My Kid</a>}</p>
<p><strong>Croque Madame in a Hole, for 2</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1+ T. butter</li>
<li>4 slices of bread of your choice {I prefer to go traditional with sourdough, but honey whole wheat is delightful too!}</li>
<li>4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese</li>
<li>4 slices of thick-sliced smoked ham {like Black Forest}</li>
<li>creamy Dijon mustard</li>
<li>2 dashes of nutmeg</li>
<li>cooking spray</li>
<li> 2 large eggs</li>
<li>Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter {smallish}</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<ol>
<li>In a large, nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-low heat until melted.  Place 2 slices of bread in skillet and top each with the &#8220;fixin&#8217;s&#8221; &#8211; beginning with 1 piece of cheese and alternating ham, cheese, ham.  Slather the two remaining slices of bread with Dijon mustard, sprinkle nutmeg on top, and &#8220;crown&#8221; your sandwiches.</li>
<li>Cook on medium-low {reduce to low if your bottom bread seems to be burning}, without flipping, for about 3 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt.  Flip sandwiches and cook for another 3 minutes, pressing down with a panini press or the bottom of a medium-weight skillet for the last minute.</li>
<li>Remove sandwiches from skillet onto a cutting board.  With your cookie cutter, cut a heart out of the center of each sandwich.  Set hearts aside.</li>
<li>Return sandwiches to the skillet, adjusting the heat to medium-high.  {At this point, you might want to give your spritz or two of cooking spray, before replacing the sandwiches, if the skillet looks dry.}  Crack an egg into each of the heart-holes and cook for 1 minute.</li>
<li>Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover skillet, and allow egg to cook and set for about 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Plate sandwiches {don&#8217;t forget your center heart as a &#8220;garnish&#8221;!} and serve with a big smooch!</li>
</ol>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2011 ·
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		<item>
		<title>West Coast Christmas</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Emily</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newlywed Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=11060</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>This was our second married Christmas and our second year splitting the holiday between the east coast and the west coast &#8212; my parents live in central Pennsylvania, and Nick&#8217;s parents live in southern California. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get used to palm trees and sunshine and sandals  in December, but I’ll admit that it was nice to escape the bitter cold winter of the east coast.</p>
<p></p>
<p>We visited La Jolla and Oceanside. We walked along the water ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This was our second married Christmas and our second year splitting the holiday between the east coast and the west coast &#8212; my parents live in central Pennsylvania, and Nick&#8217;s parents live in southern California. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get used to palm trees and sunshine and sandals  in December, but I’ll admit that it was nice to escape the bitter cold winter of the east coast.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11061" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/lajolla3/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11061" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lajolla3.jpg" alt="lajolla3" width="400" height="600" /></a></p>
<p>We visited La Jolla and Oceanside. We walked along the water at  Seaside Village and strolled through beautiful Balboa Park.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11062" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/balboapark2/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11062" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/balboapark2-500x333.jpg" alt="balboapark2" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We gawked over the Hotel Del Coronado and dipped our  toes in the Pacific Ocean.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11063" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/christmas20/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11063" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/christmas20-500x333.jpg" alt="christmas20" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We saw San Diego by boat, and we drank  margaritas and ate guacamole in Old Town.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11064" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/balboapark3/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11064" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/balboapark3-500x333.jpg" alt="balboapark3" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We also spent a day at the Wild Animal Park where we saw the sweetest giraffes and a baby elephant that was born the day before.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11065" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/giraffes/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11065" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/giraffes-500x333.jpg" alt="giraffes" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11066" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/elephants/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11066" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/elephants-500x333.jpg" alt="elephants" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>On our final day in San Diego, we soaked up the sun poolside and watched a spectacular sunset from Double Peak Park.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11067" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/sunset3/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11067" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sunset3-500x333.jpg" alt="sunset3" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We’re so thankful that we were able to spend Christmas with both our  east coast and west coast families.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-11068" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2011/01/26/newlywed-christmas-planning/christmas18/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11068" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/christmas18-500x333.jpg" alt="christmas18" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>How do you split your holidays? Did you spend your Christmas in the sun or in the snow?</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2011 ·
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		<title>The Case for Husband and Wife Wish Lists</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/22/the-case-for-husband-and-wife-wish-lists/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/22/the-case-for-husband-and-wife-wish-lists/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PJ</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newlywed Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>Earlier this month, my husband surprised me with a Kindle for Chanukah. When I opened the box I was at a loss of words for two reasons:</p>

I didn&#8217;t realize we were exchanging Chanukah gifts.
I didn&#8217;t really want a Kindle.

<p>You might be asking yourself, &#8220;Well, why wouldn&#8217;t they exchange gifts for Chanukah?&#8221; First, Chanukah is not really as a big a deal as Christmas. That&#8217;s just the honest truth. Yes, as children we were slightly spoiled with presents, but, as I&#8217;m ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/eadl-wishlist.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10902" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/eadl-wishlist-500x485.jpg" alt="Wish List Chalkboard" width="500" height="485" /></a></p>
<p>Earlier this month, my husband surprised me with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M/ref=amb_link_354440742_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=center-1&amp;pf_rd_r=1AY0MND0FDTXNJDWDZPK&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=1282782162&amp;pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">Kindle</a> for Chanukah. When I opened the box I was at a loss of words for two reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li>I didn&#8217;t realize we were exchanging Chanukah gifts.</li>
<li>I didn&#8217;t really want a Kindle.</li>
</ol>
<p>You might be asking yourself, &#8220;Well, why wouldn&#8217;t they exchange gifts for Chanukah?&#8221; First, Chanukah is not really as a big a deal as Christmas. That&#8217;s just the honest truth. Yes, as children we were slightly spoiled with presents, but, as I&#8217;m no longer a kid and have no kids of my own to spoil, Chanukah, for me, is now about lighting the candles and eating latkes &#8212; not gift-giving. And since my husband and I didn&#8217;t discuss buying each other presents, I didn&#8217;t think we were doing it this year.</p>
<p>Still, my husband wanted to surprise me with something he thought I really wanted this holiday season. I don&#8217;t know if, during the year, I had casually commented on the Kindle while seeing a commercial for it. I can&#8217;t remember. However, knowing that I am a lover of books and chronically late returning them to the library, he thought a Kindle would be the perfect present. Or at least a runner-up to the iPad, which I <em>really</em> want but recognize is way out of our price range.</p>
<p>Boy, did I feel like jerk explaining to my husband that I didn&#8217;t think I would actually get much use out of the Kindle. He tried to so hard to please me, and here I was bursting his bubble. But I just couldn&#8217;t justify keeping something that cost that much money when there were other things I wanted and, dare I say, needed. If I were still living in the city and commuting on public transportation or if I took frequent business trips, the Kindle would definitely come in handy. Who wants to schlep a heavy book in their bag? But as I don&#8217;t do either, I&#8217;m perfectly content flipping through the pages of a library book while on the couch or in bed.</p>
<p>Although he was disappointed that I didn&#8217;t love his gift, he ultimately understood my rationale. Ironically, when he took the Kindle out of the box to give it a try, he decided that he actually didn&#8217;t even like it and would also prefer to read books the old-fashioned way!</p>
<p>I suppose I never told him that my wish list actually included a fancy-pants wallet and a pair of waterproof winter boots to replace my six-year-old UGGS. When I told him that if he <em>really </em>wanted to buy me something, he could get me that wallet, he argued that a gift should come from the heart of the giver, not from a list of items that the recipient already knows that they want.  But I disagree! The purpose of wish list is to catalog those items that you <em>wished</em> you had but ordinarily would not buy yourself. I tried to convince him that it would still be special <em>and </em>a surprise to receive something from such a list. I even proposed that we both keep running wish lists that we can each reference when it comes time to buy birthday, anniversary or holiday gifts&#8230; but I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s completely convinced.</p>
<p>Have you ever been disappointed by a gift given to you buy your significant other? Do you think having a wish list would making gift-giving easier, or does it take the &#8220;specialness&#8221; out of the experience?</p>
<p>{image source: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63203457/mini-goals-chalkboard-wish-list" target="_blank">Mary Kate McDevitt on Etsy</a>}</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2010 ·
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		<title>Handcrafted Holidays</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/21/handcrafted-holidays/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/21/handcrafted-holidays/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:33:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tara</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10796</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>There is just something so sweet and classic about handmade holiday decor.  Especially the type of handmade decor items that you can pull out year after year.  They add a little something extra special in the effort to make your home festive.</p>
<p>Handmade holiday decorations can also be very budget friendly and green.  Whether you are saving for or just paid for a wedding, are starting to add kiddos to your family, or are maybe just saving for a before baby ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is just something so sweet and classic about handmade holiday decor.  Especially the type of handmade decor items that you can pull out year after year.  They add a little something extra special in the effort to make your home festive.</p>
<p>Handmade holiday decorations can also be very budget friendly and green.  Whether you are saving for or just paid for a wedding, are starting to add kiddos to your family, or are maybe just saving for a <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/08/making-a-before-baby-bucket-list/" target="_self">before baby vacation</a>; budget friendly that is still charming during a season of extra-spending is always an added bonus.  Handcrafted holiday decor can be environmentally friendly by working with left over supplies from other projects and choosing items that you will be able to use again next year.</p>
<p>The holidays are quickly approaching but there is still time to wrap up <em>(hehe- excuse the pun!)</em> a few projects to finish of your holiday decorating.  Here are a few of my favorites right now that are sure to add an instant festive vibe&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-large wp-image-10799" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/paper-doily-garland_elana-pretty-light-500x331.jpg" alt="paper-doily-garland_elana-pretty-light" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p>Like this pretty<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/4174449952/in/photostream/" target="_blank"> paper doily garland</a> from<a href="http://itsprettylight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> pretty light</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-large wp-image-10806" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/diy-star-garland-hanging-500x346.jpg" alt="diy-star-garland-hanging" width="500" height="346" /></a><br />
{Image Source: Creature Comforts}</p>
<p>Or this <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2010/11/30/diy-scandinavian-inspired-star-garland.html" target="_blank">sweet star garland</a> that looks super quick and easy to make.</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10809" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/diy-felt-circle-garland.jpg" alt="diy-felt-circle-garland" width="300" height="333" /></a><br />
{Image Source: Family Circle}</p>
<p>This <a href="http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/christmas/decorating/felt-holiday-crafts/?page=16" target="_blank">felt garland</a> could be made while watching holiday movies and enjoyed for years to come.  Pick the right mix of colors and it could find itself fitting in a bit longer as a winter garland.</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10810" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowflake-corkboard-diy.jpg" alt="snowflake-corkboard-diy" width="475" height="489" /></a><br />
{Image Source: Design Sponge}</p>
<p>Snowflakes are the perfect decorative element.  They can fit in with almost every holiday decor style and are so versatile.  They are so pretty <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/12/diy-project-alisons-snowflake-corkboard.html" target="_blank">covering a corkboard</a>&#8230; or simply hanging from a bit of twine in the window.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10813" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tree_forest_holiday_amy-butler.jpg" alt="tree_forest_holiday_amy-butler" width="233" height="307" /></a><br />
{Image Source: Amy Butler}</p>
<p>Using some fabric scraps (or perhaps paper scraps, washi tape, tissue paper&#8230;) and inexpensive cones from the craft store a cute <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/Tree_Forest.pdf" target="_blank">tree forest</a> could be crafted in minutes.</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10818" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/recycled-card-craft-decoration.jpg" alt="recycled-card-craft-decoration" width="360" height="450" /></a></p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10819" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/recycle-paper-stackedtrees_xl.jpg" alt="recycle-paper-stackedtrees_xl" width="360" height="450" /></a><br />
{Images Source: Martha Stewart}</p>
<p>Give those holiday catalogs, this past year&#8217;s calendar, or holiday cards a second life by turning them into pretty little paper <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/recycled-christmas-card-crafts" target="_blank">ornaments</a> or <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/the-crafts-departments-favorite-holiday-projects#slide_2" target="_blank">trees</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10820" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/felt-trees-final-425.jpg" alt="felt-trees-final-425" width="425" height="570" /></a><br />
{Image Source: Purl Bee}</p>
<p>These little <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/11/27/mollys-sketchbook-felt-christmas-tree-pins.html" target="_blank">felt trees</a> could be whipped up in a moment and hung on the tree or strung as a garland.</p>
<p>I love crafting for the holidays.  Something as simple as a bit of felt or paper can turn into something so festive all while watching something cheerful like <em>The Holiday</em> or <em>Love Actually</em>.  What is your favorite holiday crafty project this year?</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2010 ·
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		<title>Hasel Gift Guide: Long-Distance In-Laws</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/20/hasel-gift-guide-long-distance-in-laws/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/20/hasel-gift-guide-long-distance-in-laws/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Hasel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gift Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10751</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I love buying and giving gifts. It is honestly one of my favorite things about the holiday season. I&#8217;ve never read the book or taken the quiz, but I would guess it is my &#8220;love language.&#8221; Not to toot my own horn, but I&#8217;ve been told I&#8217;m a fantastic gift giver. My friends are typically delighted when I remember that one item they saw earlier in the year or treat them to something they wouldn&#8217;t normally buy themselves.</p>
<p>Despite my gift-giving ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I love buying and giving gifts. It is honestly one of my favorite things about the holiday season. I&#8217;ve never read <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resources/books/the-five-love-languages-3/" target="_blank">the book</a> or taken the quiz, but I would guess it is my &#8220;love language.&#8221; Not to toot my own horn, but I&#8217;ve been told I&#8217;m a fantastic gift giver. My friends are typically delighted when I remember that one item they saw earlier in the year or treat them to something they wouldn&#8217;t normally buy themselves.</p>
<p>Despite my gift-giving prowess, every year without fail, I have a minor freak-out while searching for presents for N&#8217;s parents. For some reason in the midst of shopping for my in-laws I begin to doubt my ability to chose a fabulous gift. It might be the restrictions: Since we don&#8217;t live in N&#8217;s home state (Missouri), the gifts have to be shipped or transported in luggage. Or perhaps it&#8217;s just the pressure of choosing gifts for people who you might be trying to impress. On top of that, my in-laws are also the kind of people who have everything that want or need. I guess, I&#8217;ll never know what makes me freak out!</p>
<p><img class="alignone size-full wp-image-10834" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/williams-sonoma-door-garland-wreath.jpg" alt="williams-sonoma-door-garland-wreath" width="320" height="400" /><br />
Photo from <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/evergreen-orange-garland/?pkey=cwreaths-trees%7Cdecwrewre" target="_blank">Williams-Sonoma</a>.</p>
<p>After a few years of searching, I finally have some general ideas that were (or could be for you) a smashing success! So I&#8217;m going to share them with you and hopefully spare others the in-law-gift-crisis this year!</p>
<ol>
<li><em>Family or Framed Photo.</em> So many people don&#8217;t have an updated family photo with their children and spouses. Book a session with a photographer for a family photo, either including them or with just the kids and grandchildren depending on logistics. They will love having a more recent picture of their now-larger family! Then have it framed with a nice mat and all and present it to them after the new year. Extra points for booking the session earlier in the year. Can&#8217;t get the entire family together for the photo, but you went on big family trip this summer? Frame a photo from that. Bonus for this: It doesn&#8217;t even need to have people in it. Could be a beautiful shot of the beach to remind them of that trip. Have more recent professional photographs of your kids or just you and your husband? Use those. A framed photo from a meaningful event can be a great, easy gift.</li>
<li><em>Digital Photo Frame. </em>The latest in <a href="http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/list/Digital_Frames/categoryID.28888900">digital frames</a> allows you to add new photos via Facebook which means you can add to the collection even when you aren&#8217;t there! Genius!</li>
<li><em>Food!</em> I have found that fabulous, indulgent food is always a hit. Send <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/croissant/">Williams-Sonoma croissants</a> and a jar of <a href="http://www.sarabeth.com/Preserves/products/2/">Sarabeth&#8217;s preserves</a>. Another big hit: Harry and David&#8217;s <a href="http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/gift____shop-gifts-by-type_fruit-of-the-month-club-gifts?cm_sp=topnav-_-sitewide3-_-shopfomc" target="_blank">Fruit-of-the-Month Club</a>. Sure, is it a smidge typical, but who doesn&#8217;t want fresh fruit delivered at the peak of ripeness to them monthly? Especially this fruit! You could also try another of their fruit and candy baskets. They are a gift that can be shared with the entire family.</li>
<li><em>Tree or Flowering Bush.</em> My favorites are <a href="http://www.endlesssummerblooms.com" target="_blank">hydrangeas</a>, <a href="http://encoreazalea.com">azaleas</a> or <a href="http://www.naturehills.com/catalog/perennials/hibiscus.aspx">hibiscus</a>. A great gift for a family who loves spending time in their yard and/or gardening. Plus, when the plant blooms they will think of you! Try to choose a plant can be enjoyed indoors in the winter and then planted in the spring.</li>
<li><em>A Wreath or Garland.</em> So few people I know buy real trees anymore. However, you can still enjoy the smell of an evergreen with a <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/evergreen-orange-garland/?pkey=cwreaths-trees%7Cdecwrewre" target="_blank">beautiful wreath</a> (shown above) on a front door or garland on a porch railing with a lot less work. I also love the wreaths made from magnolia leaves.</li>
<li><em>Update Technology. </em>A lot of our parents still have dvd and cd players. Upgrade their dvd player to a Bluray or cd changer to an iPod. Include some new Bluray discs or an iTunes gift card with the gift so they can start building up their collection. For those who aren&#8217;t tech-savvy, make sure someone who is can help them set-up the items.</li>
</ol>
<p>This is by no means a complete list of gifts for in-laws – just a few ideas to help get your creative gift-giving juices flowing! Another helpful hint for choosing presents: just ask them! Sometimes you need a hint or two to get started. Let&#8217;s keep this list growing: What are you buying your in-laws (or parents) this year? What presents were well-received in the past?</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2010 ·
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Posted in: <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/gift-guides/" title="View all posts in Gift Guides" rel="category tag">Gift Guides</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/holidays/" title="View all posts in Holidays" rel="category tag">Holidays</a><br/><br/>
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		<title>Fabulous {Holiday Gift} Finds Under Forty</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:30:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beautiful Things]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10703</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re anything like me, December did a pretty good job of sneaking up on you&#8230; I still have a perfectly good pumpkin display on my porch, and yet, there are holiday cards popping up in my mailbox on a daily basis!</p>
<p>Yes, it looks like it&#8217;s officially time to engage in the December Mall Parking Wars (or, if you prefer, the Will-It-Or-Will-It-Not-Be-Shipped-In-Time-For-Christmas Quiz Show).   To help keep your holiday merry and stress-free, here are a few of my favorite ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re anything like me, December did a pretty good job of sneaking up on you&#8230; I still have a perfectly good pumpkin display on my porch, and yet, there are holiday cards popping up in my mailbox on a daily basis!</p>
<p>Yes, it looks like it&#8217;s officially time to engage in the December Mall Parking Wars (or, if you prefer, the Will-It-Or-Will-It-Not-Be-Shipped-In-Time-For-Christmas Quiz Show).   To help keep your holiday merry and stress-free, here are a few of my favorite gift ideas for that friend or family member who seems to have it all.  The best news?  All of these picks are easy on the pocketbook &#8211; ringing in for less than a few cocktails on Girls&#8217; Night!</p>

<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/15-2/' title='Wine Wars'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/15-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="15" title="Wine Wars" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/5-2/' title='One Line a Day Five Year Memory Book'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/5-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="5" title="One Line a Day Five Year Memory Book" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/12-2/' title='Mini Ceramic Colander'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/12-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="12" title="Mini Ceramic Colander" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/2-2/' title='Ladies&#039; Ruffled Echo Touch Gloves'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="2" title="Ladies&#039; Ruffled Echo Touch Gloves" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/14-2/' title='Dogs in Vogue Coffee Table Book'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/14-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="14" title="Dogs in Vogue Coffee Table Book" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/13-2/' title='Ceramic Clock'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/13-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="13" title="Ceramic Clock" /></a>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/wine-wars-c018/?pkey=gwine-cocktail-gifts" target="_blank">Wine Wars</a></strong> <em>from West Elm; $19.95</em>.  Tired of Trivial Pursuit?  Bored with Boggle?  Spice up Game Night with a coffee table competition to be enjoyed by &#8220;wine geeks and wannabes&#8221; alike!</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0811870197" target="_blank">One-Line-a-Day: A Five-Year Memory Book</a></strong> <em>at Borders; $13.56. </em>Daily entries appear five times on each page so that you may revisit the everyday ups, downs, ordinary, and extraordinary over the course of five years.  Perfect for the busy sentimentalist!  Also available<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811874907/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&amp;pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=0811870197&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=0GEJRP1546PE39H0Q4TB" target="_blank"> for moms</a>.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&amp;id=973496&amp;catId=HOME-KITCHEN-GADGETS&amp;pushId=HOME-KITCHEN-GADGETS&amp;popId=HOME-KITCHEN&amp;sortProperties=&amp;navCount=140&amp;navAction=middle&amp;fromCategoryPage=true&amp;selectedProductSize=&amp;selectedProductSize1=&amp;color=085&amp;isProduct=true&amp;isBigImage=&amp;templateType=" target="_blank">Perennial Mini Colander</a></strong> <em>from Anthropologie; $12.00.</em> One of my kitchen essentials!  This pint-sized colander is perfect for rinsing berries, canned beans, and individual servings of veggies.  Plus, it&#8217;s pretty enough to keep out on the counter &#8211; more often than not, there&#8217;s a bunch of cherry tomatoes in mine!</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.echodesign.com/Product/ruffled+echo+touch+glove/default.aspx?rid=5468&amp;crid=656" target="_blank">Ruffled Echo Touch Gloves</a></strong> <em>from Echo; $35.00. </em> Does multitasking leave your digits out in the cold?  Now you can type on your smartphone, flip through your electronic reader, and even make an ATM deposit without exposing your hands to the elements!  eLink fabric on each pair of <a href="http://www.echodesign.com/Category/features/echo+touch+glove/default.aspx?rid=656" target="_blank">Echo Touch Gloves</a> interacts with touch screen technology, making keeping in contact on the go a snap!</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Vogue-Century-Canine-Chic/dp/0316027138" target="_blank">Dogs in Vogue: A Century of Canine Chic</a></strong> <em>available on Amazon; $31.50. </em>My very favorite coffee table accessory!  Mugs of mutts &#8211; vintage, cartoon, and famous alike &#8211; pop off pages spanning the lifetime of Vogue.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-white-alarm-clocks-a929/?pkey=ggifts-50-under" target="_blank">White Ceramic Alarm Clock</a></strong><em> at West Elm; Small for $34.00. </em>Classic, kitschy design with a sleek, modern twist &#8211; a fresh pop for your mantel, bedside table or bookshelf!</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2010 ·
<a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/09/fabulous-holiday-gift-finds-under-forty/">Permalink</a> ·
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Posted in: <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/beautiful-things/" title="View all posts in Beautiful Things" rel="category tag">Beautiful Things</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/gift-guides/" title="View all posts in Gift Guides" rel="category tag">Gift Guides</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/holidays/" title="View all posts in Holidays" rel="category tag">Holidays</a><br/><br/>
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		<title>Real Simple Pop-Up Shop AND an ABCD Design Holiday Giveaway!</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/01/real-simple-pop-up-shop-and-an-abcd-design-holiday-giveaway/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/01/real-simple-pop-up-shop-and-an-abcd-design-holiday-giveaway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ABC Dragoo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Simple]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10666</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>Well, the Holiday season is upon us! Have you started your gift shopping yet? I can&#8217;t help but feel painfully behind. At this point, I have only purchased one gift. Heck, I haven&#8217;t even gotten to designing a holiday card yet. Yikes! Never fear, I have a feeling I&#8217;ll get a few more holiday prize purchases under my belt starting on Wednesday&#8230;</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Real Simple Pop-Up shop is expecting up to 10,000 visitors a day, and I will be one of ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10667" title="Pop Up Shop" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-22-500x339.png" alt="Pop Up Shop" width="500" height="339" /></p>
<p>Well, the Holiday season is upon us! Have you started your gift shopping yet? I can&#8217;t help but feel painfully behind. At this point, I have only purchased one gift. Heck, I haven&#8217;t even gotten to designing a <a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2009/12/07/announcing-abcds-pop-up-holiday-shop-on-etsy/">holiday card</a> yet. <em>Yikes!</em> Never fear, I have a feeling I&#8217;ll get a few more holiday prize purchases under my belt starting on Wednesday&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10668" title="Gifts for Her" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-31-500x333.png" alt="Gifts for Her" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/popupshop/"><em>Real Simple</em> Pop-Up shop</a> is expecting up to 10,000 visitors a day, and I will be one of them! It will be the largest retail store in Rockefeller Center this holiday season. The Pop-Up Shop will selling more than 180 products from their December editorial gift guide, picks from Real Simple staffers, and items from sponsors like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/kodaktube">Kodak</a> &#8211; <em>many of which will come with exclusive <a href="http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/popupshop/index.html">Real Simple Pop-Up Shop</a> prices.</em> Cool, <em>right?</em></p>
<p><em><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10669" title="Kodak" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-42-500x332.png" alt="Kodak" width="500" height="332" /></em></p>
<p>As you may <a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2010/11/18/real-simple-russian-tea-cake-recipe/">recall</a>, I have been asked to be a <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/pop-up-shop/">guest contributor to the Simply Stated Real Simple blog</a> during the holiday season. (For my first contribution, I shared one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes: <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/pop-up-shop/2010/11/how-to-make-russian-tea-cakes.html">How to make Russian Tea Cakes</a>) I&#8217;ll be not only <a href="http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/popupshop/index.html">shopping at the Pop-Up</a>, but blogging, tweeting, and chatting with the shop customers and readers of ABCD Design.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10670" title="Real Simple Crochet" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-51-500x333.png" alt="Real Simple Crochet" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re in or around the City, please make an effort to <strong>pop-in</strong> to the <strong>pop-up!</strong> The <em>Real Simple</em> Pop Up Shop will run from 10am until 10pm each day between December 1st through the 6th. It&#8217;s located in Rockefeller Center at 10 West 49th Street, at 5th Avenue.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10671" title="Decorative Candles" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-62-500x348.png" alt="Decorative Candles" width="500" height="348" /></p>
<p>They&#8217;ve got all sorts of fabulous guests lined up for the coming days. At lunchtime on Wednesday, Real Simple Food Director, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allie_Lewis">Allie Lewis Clapp</a> will be on hand to discuss <em><a href="http://www.timeinc.net/rsn/popupshop/index.html">&#8216;Fast and Delicious Holiday Finger Foods.&#8217;</a></em> On Monday the 6th, eventiste <a href="http://www.marcyblum.com/">Marcy Blum</a> will be teaching us <em><a href="http://www.timeinc.net/rsn/popupshop/index.html">&#8216;The Essentials for Impromptu Holiday Entertaining.&#8217;</a></em> These are just two of the events that caught my eye &#8211; <a href="http://www.timeinc.net/rsn/popupshop/index.html">here&#8217;s the entire schedule</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10672" title="Christmas Bobbles" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-72-500x332.png" alt="Christmas Bobbles" width="500" height="332" /></p>
<p><em>Did I mention that Real Simple will be giving out prizes all week?</em> Each day they have got something fabulous lined up. <em>Let me tell you</em> &#8211; these <em>Real Simple</em> people are possibly more generous than Santa himself! A brand new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/kodaktube">Kodak</a> <em><a href="http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYTOUCH_Video_Camera/productID.200992300">Play Touch Video Camera</a></em> arrived on my doorstep last week with the idea I&#8217;d catch the Pop-Up fun in action. <em>Quick,</em> can someone say <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_blogging">vlogging</a>?!?! </em><strong>(Thanks <a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2/6868&amp;pq-locale=en_US&amp;_requestid=65119">Kodak!)</a></strong> If the prize I&#8217;ve been gifted is any reflection upon the gifts <em>Real Simple</em> is giving &#8211; you had best hurry yourself over to Rockefeller Center.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10673" title="Kodak Video Camera" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-110-500x277.png" alt="Kodak Video Camera" width="500" height="277" /></p>
<p><em>You know what is better yet?</em> I&#8217;ve got 10, (<em>yes,</em> <strong>TEN!</strong>) prize filled goodie bags to give away to readers of ABCD Design courtesy of <em>Real Simple.</em> FYI: I&#8217;ve had a sneak peek of the gift bag contents. I must admit they&#8217;re <em>quite</em> awesome. <strong>Hooray for holiday prizes!!</strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-10674" title="Hooray, PRIZES!" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Picture-82-500x331.png" alt="Hooray, PRIZES!" width="500" height="331" /></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>To enter to win:</strong> comment on <a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2010/11/30/whats-on-pop-in-to-pop-up-abcd-holiday-giveaway/">this ABCD Design blog post</a> <em>and</em> (if you&#8217;re on Twitter) tweet mentioning the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23RSPopUp">#RSPopUp</a> hashtag and <a href="http://twitter.com/abcddesigns">@abcddesigns</a> in the same tweet. I&#8217;ll randomly select 10 winners next week and announce them over on ABCD Design. Good luck, and Happy Holidays!</p>
<p>{Images via the <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/pop-up-shop/2010/11/first-look.html">Simply Stated</a> blog}</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a>, 2010 ·
<a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/12/01/real-simple-pop-up-shop-and-an-abcd-design-holiday-giveaway/">Permalink</a> ·
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Posted in: <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/category/holidays/" title="View all posts in Holidays" rel="category tag">Holidays</a><br/><br/>
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		<title>Lazy Fall Perfection</title>
		<link>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/</link>
		<comments>http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:31:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Books and Reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Things]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Just for Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Movies and TV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thanksgiving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/?p=10525</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>{Food, Beverage, &#38; Entertainment Edition}</p>
<p>While I&#8217;m a major Christmas Freak, Fall is by far my favorite season.  Unfortunately, we get so little of it down here in Texas that I tend to get all wrapped up in tinsel and holly and eggnog before I&#8217;ve truly taken the opportunity to stop and smell the cinnamon sticks and crunchy fallen leaves.</p>
<p>Happily, I think I might have just created the optimal &#8220;Get the Most Out of Fall&#8221; itinerary!  Here&#8217;s the skinny on how ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>{Food, Beverage, &amp; Entertainment Edition}</strong></p>
<p>While I&#8217;m a major Christmas Freak, Fall is by far my favorite season.  Unfortunately, we get so little of it down here in Texas that I tend to get all wrapped up in tinsel and holly and eggnog before I&#8217;ve truly taken the opportunity to stop and smell the cinnamon sticks and crunchy fallen leaves.</p>
<p>Happily, I think I might have just created the optimal &#8220;Get the Most Out of Fall&#8221; itinerary!  Here&#8217;s the skinny on how I&#8217;d fill a totally-unencumbered, totally-lazy, totally-Fall day&#8230;</p>

<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/pumpkin-cream-cheese/' title='1'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/pumpkin-cream-cheese-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="pumpkin-cream-cheese" title="1" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/apples-2/' title='2'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/apples-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="apples" title="2" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/vanmorrisonmovies/' title='3'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/VanMorrisonMovies-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="VanMorrisonMovies" title="3" /></a>
<a href='http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/11/22/lazy-fall-perfection/wishin-and-hopin/' title='4'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/wishin-and-hopin-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="wishin-and-hopin" title="4" /></a>
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<p>Voluntarily extricating myself from underneath our cuddly pick-stitch quilts is somewhat easier when there&#8217;s pumpkin cream cheese in my future!  It&#8217;s a slightly odd combination, but lately I&#8217;ve been cheering for a toasted mini-&#8221;everything&#8221; bagel (yep, the kind with the onion and the garlic) topped with the pumpkin-y sweet stuff.  <a href="http://www.einsteinbros.com/" target="_blank">Einstein Brothers</a> makes my mornings simple with their take-away Pumpkin Shmear, but you can always go all fancy-pants with the <a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/2008/09/29/pumpkin-spice-cream-cheese-spread-recipe/" target="_blank">homemade variety</a>!   Add a few slices of a Honeycrisp apple and I&#8217;m one happy gal!</p>
<p>After a jog (note: &#8220;jog&#8221; is a relative term when it comes to my athletic capabilities) around White Rock Lake (insert favorite neighborhood route here!), I&#8217;m ready to kick off my tennies and curl up with my new go-to, get-ready-for-the-holidays read, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Wishin&#8217; and Hopin&#8217;</a>.  I&#8217;ve always loved Wally Lamb for his brutally honest, sometimes uncomfortable, yet unbelievably relateable novels (think: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shes-Come-Undone-Oprahs-Book/dp/0671021001/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_4" target="_blank">She&#8217;s Come Undone</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Know-This-Much-True-Novel/dp/0061469084/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2" target="_blank">I Know This Much Is True</a>), but this little gem is something different entirely&#8230; a light-hearted and poignant tale that I&#8217;ll surely be sneaking into my dad&#8217;s stocking (a kindred feisty ex-parochial schoolboy spirit if there ever was one!).  My Main Man Van plays softly in the background&#8230; Bonus Points if you know all the words to some of my personal (lesser known) favorites: Coney Island, Queen of the Slipstream, Tore Down a la Rimbaud, the Comfortably Numb collaboration, and Whenever God Shines His Light.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ll pretend I was so engrossed in my reading that I somehow forgot about lunch (in reality, this would never happen&#8230; I&#8217;d be quickly boiling whole wheat pasta shells, steaming broccoli, tossing both together with white truffle oil, and shredding Tillamook extra sharp cheddar over the whole shebang for a comforting, quick &#8220;broc-mac-and-cheese&#8221;).  I&#8217;ll rest my eyes a bit with a cuddle on the couch and Good Will Hunting on my television.  I was recently reminded of how much I love this film after Evs admitted he&#8217;d never seen it!  I tracked it down on one of our many movie channels and it&#8217;s now permanently saved on the DVR for posterity (I actually own it on VHS&#8230; sigh&#8230; technology marches onward without me).  While not a &#8220;seasonal&#8221; movie by any stretch of the imagination, there&#8217;s something about this flick that just feels like Fall to me.</p>
<p>After Will heads to Palo Alto to &#8220;see about a girl,&#8221; it&#8217;s supper time!  Cooking Light&#8217;s <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=10000002012819" target="_blank">Cider Glazed Chicken</a> makes my mouth water on command!  You are welcome to give the companion Brown Butter-Pecan Rice recipe a whirl, but I much prefer pairing the slightly sweet, rustic chicken with Roasted Asparagus Risotto&#8230;  Preheat your oven to 450.  Spread a bunch of asparagus over an olive-oil-spritzed cookie sheet.  Give the asparaus another good spritz with the olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake for 8-12 minutes.  Chop into small pieces.  Then, stir into a basic risotto (if you don&#8217;t know risotto by heart, <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/798931-Parmesan-Risotto" target="_blank">here&#8217;s a great place to start!</a>), toss with Parmesan, and devour!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m always game for a companion beverage, so I&#8217;m just going to shake a bit of vodka together with a glug from that spiced apple cider jug I had to purchase in order to make that magical chicken dish come to fruition.  Most likely, I&#8217;ll sip this concoction from a juice glass, but a cinnamon-sugar rimmed martini glass can transform any old evening into a festive affair (even if you&#8217;re sporting your dingiest sweat pants!).  Is wine-ing more your style?  Give your favorite dry white wine a dash of apple cider plus an apple slice floater, and you&#8217;re sipping a &#8220;Languid Winter Sangria&#8221; in no time flat!</p>
<p>Now that my tummy is full and there&#8217;s a drink in my hand, my lazy fall day is primed for the perfect ending, double feature style!  Out with the Matt Damon and in with the Diane Keaton&#8230; it&#8217;s all about The Family Stone!  I&#8217;m not sure why this wasn&#8217;t a bigger hit back in 2005, but this ensemble cast makes me belly-laugh and ugly-cry every damn time.  While it&#8217;s probably impossible for me to nudge White Christmas and National Lampoon&#8217;s Christmas Vacation too far down on the ladder, The Family Stone is definitely my favorite holiday movie of the past 20 years.</p>
<p>Ending the day with the cuddliest of flannel pajama pants (mine feature pink coffee cups!), I snuggle back under the covers, novel in hand, eyelids heavy from the relative inactivity enjoyment of the day.</p>
<p>One delicious Fall day&#8230; it&#8217;s enough to make you consider logging a &#8220;mental health day,&#8221; yes?</p>
<p><strong><em>What does your perfect November day off include? </em></strong></p>
<p><em>Photo Credits: <a href="http://writemeg.com/2008/10/24/my-growingly-alarming-pumpkin-obsession/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bagel</a>; <a href="http://open.salon.com/blog/shachib/2010/09/09/thirsty_thursday_apple_cider_martini" target="_blank">Apple Harvest</a>;<a href="http://designermagazine.tripod.com/VanMorrisonMOVIES.html" target="_blank"> Van Morrison</a>; <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Wishin-Hopin-Wally-Lamb/?isbn=9780061941016?AA=readingguide_RecentBooks_5579" target="_blank">Wishin&#8217; and Hopin&#8217;</a>; <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=10000002012819" target="_blank">Cider Glazed Chicken</a>; <a href="http://laylita.com/recipes/2009/05/27/asparagus-risotto/" target="_blank">Asparagus Risotto</a>; <a href="http://www.impawards.com/1997/good_will_hunting.html" target="_blank">Good Will Hunting</a>;<a href="http://open.salon.com/blog/shachib/2010/09/09/thirsty_thursday_apple_cider_martini" target="_blank"> Apple Cider Martini</a>; <a href="http://www.calendarlive.com/cl-familystone_insrc6kn-cp,1,6598569.photo" target="_blank">The Family Stone</a>. </em></p>
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