BreakfastHoliday Grocery Shopping Tips Volume 5 ♥ Winter 2015
Table of Contents 16 32WELCOME IN THE SPOTLIGHT PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS3 Letter from the Editor4 Your Hostesses 24 Traditions, Year-Round Holiday 32 Holiday Par-Tee on the5 Our Favorite Things53 Capturing Memories Store 19th 44 Jump Start the New YearSEASONAL ENTERTAINING CONFETTI 54 Let’s Go Skating7 Sweet as Pie 14 Shopping to the Nines16 A Nutcracker Sweet Breakfast 23 Picture Perfect Gifts AROUND THE WORLD 31 A Christmas Card Prayer 58 The Nutcracker Suite 42 Packing Up the Holidays 52 A New Year, A New You 60 A Christmas Card Wreath54 APNhouOttocnbrayctGkherreuSeCwn eoPevhtoeBtrorgearkafpahsyt2 Winter 2015
Letter from the Editor A Sweet Holiday Thanksgiving is a great time to sit back and be thankful for all that we have in our lives. Like having a brother-in-law who always does the dishes after dinner (thanks Andy!), while my sisters and I scour the sale papers figuring out which stores to shop on Black Friday. We’re always looking for who has the best sales and to make it extra sweet, we usually have a slice of homemade pie. Yummy! There’s nothing like homemade pie on Thanksgiving, so please give our recipes a try. However, before you head over to the market to purchase your ingredients, take a look at our holiday grocery shopping tips . You’ll bePhoto by: Camela Brennand grateful you did.As Thanksgiving approaches, you may notice the shopping malls getting all decked out for the holidays. It seemsthey start earlier each year. Along with the decorated Christmas trees with giant presents underneath, you justmight see Nutcrackers as part of the decor. The story of the Nutcracker began many years ago and was turnedinto a popular ballet - . It is a favorite at Christmastime and we’ve provided somebackground in our Around the World section. We’ve also included for those whowant to celebrate and enjoy it at home during the holiday season.My mom loved Christmas and my dad was an avid golfer. So it’s no surprise that we married the two in our – a Christmas Party with a golf motif. If you’re not familiar with golf, the 19th holeis the bar at the Clubhouse, where the golfers hang out. So gather your friends and let’s get this par-tee started.I love a fresh start, and New Year’s resolutions give me an opportunity to fine tune my life. I think it’sunfortunate that most people don’t make resolutions or blow them off. But setting a goal and accomplishing itcan be very empowering. Thus we’ve put together some great ideas, so here’s your chance to …any time in January 2016. Sheri Sheri Lamas 3www.youreinvitedmag.com
Meet Your HostessesLeft to right: Linda, Kathleen, Cindy, and Sheri Photo by: Camela BrennandCo-Founder / Editor-in-Chief / Co-Founder / Publisher / WriterCreative Director / WriterIndependent Food Editor / Writer Independent Copy Editor / Writer You’re Invited Magazine is published quarterly. All content is produced and presented in good faith, based on information we’ve researched from different sources. No liability for their use or misuse exists. All rights reserved. © 20154 Winter 2015
Our Favorite Things Sheri Lamas Linda YonanW hat is y our favorite holiday beverage? W hat is y our favorite holiday beverage?It’s a tie between Egg Nog and hot apple cider. Egg Nog - we have the perfect recipe that’s been in ourName a holiday tradition y ou’d like to learn this family for a long time. My mom was given the famousholiday season. recipe because she was my grandfather’s favoriteI would love to learn how to ice beautiful sugar cookies daughter-in-law!and embellish them with lovely toppings. Unfortunately, I Name a holiday tradition y ou’d like to learn thishave a small kitchen with a very tiny cutting board, so holiday season.rolling out dough and cutting the cookies is challenging to This holiday season I would love to learn to make a Yulesay the least. The perfectionist in me then gives up. Log Cake.W hat holiday c harity event or c ontribution do/w ould W hat holiday c harity event or c ontribution do/w ouldy ou enjoy partic ipating in? y ou enjoy partic ipating in?I love shopping and packing shoeboxes for Operation Operation Christmas Child – packing a shoebox withChristmas Child by Samaritan’s Purse. goodies and touching the lives of a child across the world!W hat’s y our favorite thing to do w hen it snow s? W hat’s y our favorite thing to do w hen it snow s?I’m a sunshine girl, so I’m not crazy about the cold Build a snowman. I love the Christmas movie “Frosty theweather. However, I do love to see snow falling. It’s so Snowman” and who can resist Olaf from “Frozen?”pretty! Cindy M. Lloyd Kathleen R. McKissick W hat is y our favorite holiday beverage? W hat is y our favorite holiday beverage? My Grandpa Lamas' Homemade Eggnog, it's the best! Egg Nog. Unless you make your own, you can only find Name a holiday tradition y ou’d like to learn this Egg Nog in the stores during the winter holidays. A hot holiday season. cranberry drink made from fresh cranberries is a close My Aunt Kitty makes the most delicious jams during the second. holidays and I have always wanted to learn canning. Name a holiday tradition y ou’d like to learn this Maybe this year I’ll take the time to be her sous chef! holiday season. W hat holiday c harity event or c ontribution do/w ould Since I can no longer sing, maybe learn a Christmas song y ou enjoy partic ipating in? in American Sign Language (ASL)! A wonderful organization called Child and Family Center W hat holiday c harity event or c ontribution (www.childfamilycenter.org). The past few years I have do/w ould y ou enjoy partic ipating in? been blessed to be part of a group that \"adopts\" a family My grandpa Frank “set kettles” for the Salvation Army in need. We purchase Christmas gifts for everyone and during Christmas, so whenever I see their red kettle I bring the wrapped gifts to the center. While most always drop in a donation and say it’s in my grandpa’s organizations focus on children, teens are often honor! I also donate a toy to the Marines’ Toys for Tots forgotten. The Child and Family Center asks specifically or at my local fire station (#42). for gift cards so these teens know they are remembered. W hat’s y our favorite thing to do w hen it snow s? W hat’s y our favorite thing to do w hen it snow s? Though I love the colder weather, I’m not a snow-bunny, Stand outside in the snow until I'm practically frozen so I like to watch the snow from afar! and then cuddle up inside by the window and just watch the beauty unfold. 5www.youreinvitedmag.com© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Subbotina
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / littleny6 Winter 2015
Seasonal EntertainingThis Thanksgiving, give a pie to someone specialand thank them for being…Photography by Linda Yonan 7www.youreinvitedmag.com
Beautiful Blackberry Pie occasionally, for 20 minutes. Place the bottom crust in your pie pan. Fill with berry mixture.Makes 8 servings Trim excess dough, press together edges and flute to seal. Dot the top with the butter. CoverIngredients on top with second pie crust. Cut slits in top5 cups assorted berries (about 1 1/4 pounds) crust. Brush crust with milk and sprinkle with1 cup sugar sugar. Place pie on hot baking sheet and bake3 tablespoons cornstarch for 45-55 minutes until filling is bubbly. After 301 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice minutes loosely tent entire pie with foil to prevent1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest too much browning. Cool on rack. Serve warm2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed with scoop of vanilla ice cream.2 tablespoons milk3 tablespoons white sugar Absolutely Perfect Apple Pie2 pie crusts, unbaked (see Sweet & Flaky CrustRecipe) Makes 8 servingsPreheat oven to 400˚F. Place a baking sheet on Ingredientsthe middle rack. In a large bowl, toss berries, 8 Granny Smith applessugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and lemon zest. 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juiceLet stand, mixing and slightly mashing8 Winter 2015
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1/2 cup unsalted butter and stir until apples are coated completely. Place3 tablespoons all-purpose flour the bottom crust in your pie pan. Fill with apple1/4 cup water mixture. Trim excess dough, press together1/2 cup white sugar edges and flute to seal. Cut second crust into1/2 cup packed brown sugar strips and lattice over apples. Brush lattice crust1/4 teaspoon cinnamon with reserved liquid mixture and sprinkle course1/4 teaspoon nutmeg sugar over crust. Bake 15 minutes in the3 tablespoons course white sugar (or Sugar in preheated oven. Reduce the temperature tothe Raw®) 350˚F and loosely tent entire pie with foil to2 pie crusts, unbaked (see Sweet & Flaky Crust prevent too much browning. Bake for another 35Recipe) to 45 minutes, until apples are soft. Serve warm with scoop of vanilla ice cream.Preheat oven to 425˚F. Peel, core and sliceapples then toss with lemon juice in bowl. Set Truly Homemade Pumpkin Pieaside. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flourto form a paste. Add water, white sugar and Makes 8 servingsbrown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reducetemperature and let simmer. Remove 3 table- Ingredientsspoons of liquid mixture from pan and set aside. 2 cups of pumpkin pulp purée from a sugar pumpkin*PBoyurLrienmdaainYinognaliqnuaidnmd iSxhtuerreiinLabmowalswith apples10 Winter 2015
2 eggs plus the yolk of a third egg loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until a fork1/2 cup packed brown sugar can easily pierce through skin, about an hour to1/3 cup white sugar an hour and a half. Remove from oven, cool1/2 teaspoon salt completely, scoop out the pulp. The pulp will be2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract a bit stringy so blend in a food processor or use2 teaspoons cinnamon an immersion blender to smooth.1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 425˚F. In large bowl beat eggs.1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Mix in sugars, salt, and spices. Mix in pumpkin1 1/2 cup heavy cream (or a 12 ounce can of purée. Stir in the cream and blend together.evaporated milk) Pour filling into an uncooked pie shell. Trim1 pie crust, unbaked (see Sweet & Flaky Crust excess dough and flute the edges. Bake at highRecipe) temperature of 425˚F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes cover edges of crust with foil, lower*To make pumpkin purée, cut a medium-small temperature to 350˚F and bake for 40 to 50sugar pumpkin in half. Scrape out the insides, minutes more or until a knife inserted in thereserving pumpkins seeds to toast if desired. center comes out clean. Cool on rack. Serve withLine a baking sheet with foil. Place the pumpkin whipped cream.halves cut side down on lined baking sheet, cover 11www.youreinvitedmag.com
Egg Custard Pie Preheat oven to 350˚F. Place baking sheet in oven. Prepare, trim and flute pie crust and place Makes 8 servings in freezer. In medium bowl mix together eggs, butter, sugar, corn syrups, molasses, vanilla, and Ingredients salt until well blended. Spread pecans on bottom 3 eggs, beaten of frozen pie shell. Pour filling over nuts. Feel 3/4 cup white sugar free to arrange whole pecan pieces decoratively 1/4 cup butter, melted on top just dip each one in filling before 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour arranging. Place pie on hot baking sheet and 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes loosely 2 1/2 cups scalded milk* tent entire pie with foil to prevent too much 1 egg white browning. Bake for another 45 to 50 minutes 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg until filling is set. Cool on rack and store in 1 pie crust, unbaked (see Sweet & Flaky Crust refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before Recipe) serving. Preheat oven to 400˚F. In medium bowl mix Sweet & Flaky Pie Crust together eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and vanilla until well blended. Add scalded milk and stir. If Makes 2 single crusts or 1 double crust you would like your custard to be more yellow add a couple drops of yellow food coloring. Brush egg Ingredients white on unbaked pie crust. This will prevent a 2 sticks unsalted butter soggy crust. Pour filling into pie shell. Trim excess 2 cups all purpose flour dough and flute the edges. Sprinkle nutmeg on 1 teaspoon of salt top and cover edges of crust with foil. Bake for 2 teaspoons of sugar* 30 to 35 minutes until a knife inserted in the 1/2 cup full fat sour cream center comes out clean. Cool on rack and store leftovers in refrigerator. Cube butter while cold and set in warm area to bring to room temperature, not completely warm Scalded milk is milk that is brought almost to a boil and then or melted. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and cooled down. Remember to stir constantly while waiting for milk sugar. Toss in cubes of butter over the flour. to almost boil so it does not burn. Pinch the flour and butter together with your thumbs and fingers. Work the butter into the Southern Pecan Pie dough until you have what resembles a coarse meal with some chunks of butter. Add sour cream Makes 8 servings to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or fork to mix together. Once blended, form dough into a Ingredients large ball. Use a knife to cut the ball in half. Form 3 large eggs into disks. Sprinkle all over with a little flour. Wrap 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the 1 cup packed light brown sugar refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight. 1/2 cup light corn syrup If dough has been in refrigerator for more than 2 1/2 cup dark corn syrup hours, let sit for 5-10 minutes at room 2 teaspoons molasses temperature to become more pliable before 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract rolling out. To roll out, sprinkle a clean, flat 1/4 teaspoon salt surface with a little flour. Be sure to check the 2 cups pecan halves (1/2 pound) bottom as you roll dough so it’s not sticking. If so 1 pie crust, unbaked and frozen (see Sweet & add more flour to your surface. Roll out to 12-14 Flaky Crust Recipe) inches diameter with an even thickness. Follow specific pie recipe for baking.12 Winter 2015
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,And His courts with praise.Give thanks to Him; bless His name.For the Lord is good;His lovingkindness is everlasting,And His faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100:4-5© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Darkframe 13www.youreinvitedmag.com
ConfettiShopping to the Nines By Cindy M. LloydThis time of year you can’t go a day without hearing “23 Now I’m one of the few people who enjoys grocery shopping.shopping days left until…” but do you really have every one I know it sounds unbelievable, but going to the grocery storeof those days. If you’re like me, you have maybe half that was ingrained in me early. I’ve been cooking Thanksgivingtime between working, school schedules, holiday parties, dinner by myself since I was 11 years old and my mom usedishes, laundry, taking care of the house, the pets, the kids, to drop me off at the grocery store with a blank signed checkand let’s not forget the spouse, the last 2 months of the year and pick me up an hour later after I did the holidayare the most hectic for mostof us. To top it off you shopping. This was a longremember you’re having 20 time ago and I wouldn’t rec-people over for Thanksgiving ommend doing that with yourdinner…Calgon feel free to pre-teen today. So with my 40take me away, no really please years of shopping experiencetake me away! Well before I’ve learned a few things andyou go crazy I’m here to help I’m here to share nine tipsget you through at least that will save you time andone part of that money. These tips can becraziness…Holiday Grocery used with your regular weeklyShopping! shopping, but will definitely come in handy during theA friend of mine, Karen, who holidays when your money isworks at The Grocery Game being stretched in many(I’ll tell you more about them directions. You don’t have tolater!) heard this a while use all of them, but choose theback, “Sometimes you have ones that work for you.time to save money andsometimes you have money to Tip #1save time.” In other words,using your time to plan ahead Plan aheadcan save you money, butsometimes it might take you Write your holiday menu outlonger to do something than and plan leftover meals for thejust paying someone else to following week if you still havedo it. It might take you holiday visitors staying at yourlonger, making you spend house. Every family hasmore money if you bring along small children to the store, certain foods they have for thebut paying the neighbor a few dollars to watch them for an holidays. I have a holiday menu on a spreadsheet includinghour, might be worth it plus it’s an hour for you. Or if you the recipes along with a shopping list for all the ingredients.hate the thought of spending your time in the store, you can I add or change a few recipes each year, but the staples areorder your groceries online and have them delivered. Most always the same. I plan leftover meals and add those extragrocery stores offer this option. items at the same time. When it’s time to shop I check my list, change the ingredients needed and print. There are apps and computer software for grocery lists you can use.14 Winter 2015 © Can Stock Photo Inc. / Kurhan
Tip #2 Tip #6Shopping List Have a list Shop during off hours/days and be organized Tuesday and Wednesday are the slowest days in most supermarkets. Weekly sales start on Wednesday, so the storeMilk Organize your grocery is always stocked up that day. Go during the day or late at list by department night to avoid the after work rush.Eggs (dairy, frozen, produce, Tip #7 Flour etc) or by aisle if you’re familiar with your local Shop kid-free (and in my case husband-free), if possible store. This will cut Bringing the little ones along inevitably means more in your down your shopping shopping cart, whether it’s from tiny hands grabbing things or giving in to the incessant “pleeease.” And bigger kids (i.e. time and your total bill my husband) just mean bigger hands grabbing expensive items and more snacks. If you don’t have someone to watch since you won’t go down them, offer to watch your neighbor’s kids while she shops if she can watch yours in return. If you still can’t avoid “unnecessary” aisles bringing the kids along, try making a game of it. I spy something red the shape of a ball, yep cross those tomatoesand be tempted. Also, check your pantry items to be sure you off the list!have all the staples you need for each recipe and that they Tip #8haven’t expired. That quick trip to the store to grab one item Check out the store promotionsseldom ends up with just one item on the receipt and it Before a major holiday many stores offer free holiday turkeys or a deeply discounted price if you spend a certain amount.wastes gas and your time. Just be careful to get items you need or staples you will use, so you aren’t wasting money grabbing items that you may notTip #3 use just to get the special.Clean out your refrigerator Tip #9before you shop Use an app or website to helpGet rid of old leftovers, the empty milk carton or the bottle of youketchup with a teaspoon left at the bottom. Better to do itbefore then letting your ice cream melt while you’re making My favorite is www.thegrocerygame.com. They track sales onroom in the freezer. Remember out with the old, in with the every item in the supermarkets; many that are not advertised.new. They do the comparison shopping for you. You can print out lists, coupons, and so much more. I love this site and theyTip #4 offer a two week no obligation FREE trial. Check them out and let them know you heard about them in You’re InvitedUse coupons and compare Magazine.Check your local paper on Sunday for the coupon inserts and I hope these tips come in handy and help reduce youryour mailbox during the week for grocery store flyers. You shopping stress as well as save you money. While you may notcan also look for coupons online, as most stores offer this enjoy the shopping trip, I hope you enjoy your holidays!¨option and check if they offer double coupons. Depending onthe sale, I might go to two different stores with separate listsfor each store increasing my savings.Tip #5Don’t shop when you’re hungryWe all tend to buy more when we’re hungry. Eat a meal or asnack before you go shopping. 15www.youreinvitedmag.com
Seasonal Entertaining AN16 Winter 2015
Nutcracker Sweet Breakfast Photography by Gruen Photography 17www.youreinvitedmag.com
Pancakes Heat griddle over medium-high heat (electric griddle to 375°F); grease with non-stick cookingMakes 8 servings spray. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.) StirIngredients all ingredients until blended. Pour 1/4 cupfuls2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix onto hot griddle. Cook until bubbles appear and1 cup milk edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. Serve2 eggs with butter, chopped pecans and maple syrup.2 tablespoons powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract BaconButterChopped pecans Cook according to package. Keep in warm ovenMaple syrup until ready to serve. The largest collection of nutcrackers (over 6,000) can be found at Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Bavarian Leavenworth, WA.18 Winter 2015
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Serve with ice cold milk. 21www.youreinvitedmag.com
Confetti22 Winter 2015 © Can Stock Photo Inc. / yekophotostudio
Confetti Picture Perfect Gifts By Linda Yonan and Sheri LamasPhotos create lasting memories. Whether a funny family event, a simple gathering of friends, a pet being oh so adorable or aplace you’ve travelled to, they remind us of the good (and not so good) times in our lives. Each photo tells a story just waitingto be shared with others. Telling that story is easy in today’s computer world. But they also make great gifts! Here are somegreat ways to turn your photographs into picture perfect gifts. Cuddling with someone is better Photo can be placed on almost any kind of surface. than cuddling by yourself. Snuggle Try creating a keepsake with your precious photos up with a customized blanket byZazzle (www.zazzle.com). It’s perfect on canvas, wood, metal, paper, ceramic or fabric.for the times when you need to wrap Why not give the man in your life a tie with a loved yourself in someone’s love! one on it. Other great ideas can be found at www.pictureitoncanvas.com, www.shindigz.com or www.costco.com.Give moms and grandmas a gift they’ll Transform your bathroom with acherish. Create an iPhone case by using beautiful photo shower curtain.a photo of their child or grandchild. Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) canWatch their face light up when they make getting clean a joy. Or create aopen the gift. Available at photo montage in your kitchen withwww.walgreens.com. decorative tile courtesy of Did you know Venstar sells a thermostat for your www.nwfineartprinting.com. heating and air conditioning system with a photo gallery that stores up to 100 photos to view? Find out more on their website at www.venstar.com. A photo can be transferred onto edible paper and placed on a cake for a December birthday. It’s really simple with the help of Piece a Cake at www.piece-a-cake.com. Or check out our Grandma’s Sugar CookiesCreate a treasured keepsake of from Issue 1 of . They’re sure to bring ayour photos by turning theminto alphabet letters. Learn smile to the all who receive them.more at www.minted.com. A unique way to exchange your Christmasgifts is by using their photo as the gift tag.Make it extra special by using a photo fromwhen they were young. Boy, will that bring back memories!¨ 23www.youreinvitedmag.com
Photos Provided by TraditionsIn the Spotlight Tradi Year-Round H 24 Winter 2015
itions Holiday Store 25www.youreinvitedmag.com
Traditions Year-Round Holiday Store By Sheri Lamas Many women love to decorate Traditions Year-Round Holiday Store opened its doors in their homes for Christmas. Afew 1994, a few months after the Northridge earthquake, which rocked California with a magnitude of 6.7. That’s men enjoy it too. However, I find men relish lighting up the important because the store would have lost many delicate outside of their homes, while women love to beautify the and fragile items, so their timing was...let’s say ideal, since inside. They love to welcome their guests with entryways earthquakes are unpredictable. As a family owned adorned with greenery and charming Christmas accents, business, owned by mother/daughter team, Barbara and rooms with decorated trees and pretty packages to be Debi Thomas, they tested the concept five years earlier to opened, and kitchens with holiday dish towels and see if there was a market for it. At the time, Barbara and homemade treats ready to be shared. her husband Gary owned a grocery store. In October of each year, they would clear an area of the store and bring in Although Christmas is the grand-daddy of them all, it’s not holiday decorations, which also included handmade items uncommon to see more women decorating their homes for made by the family. The customers loved it and they sold other holidays. If you are one of them, as a friend, I’ve got out each year! Meanwhile, Debi owned a catering business a not-so-secret secret I’d like to share with you. So grab a and needed to cut back the hours she was working due to fresh baked treat and some warm hot chocolate, as I impart health concerns. Opening a holiday store seemed like the to you some wonderful news. There’s a year-round holiday perfect solution for the Thomas Family. store where you can get your “happy fix” any time of the year.26 Winter 2015
They rented a 2,700 square foot space in a nearbystrip mall. They began selling antiques andChristmas items, but soon realized there was anopportunity to offer merchandise for all theholidays, so they narrowed their focus to strictlyholidays. They wanted to be the place theircustomers would turn to when they were shoppingfor a particular season. Many of their dedicatedcustomers were collectors and loved the holidays,so they shared a passion together. In fact, theThomas Family spent family vacations travelingthrough the western states with a focus on visitingall the Christmas stores and bakeries in each town.Now people visit them!Walking through the front door of their now 4,000square foot store (with an adjacent 11,000 squarefoot warehouse – yes, they’ve grown), one iscaptivated by the amazing collection of Christmastrees that fill the interior. Or are those Eastertrees…Halloween trees…or Thanksgiving treeswaiting to be admired? Actually, they’re all of themand more. Throughout the store, you’ll find 44trees of all sizes decorated for all the holidays. Asyou wander around, the transition appearsseamless as you move from one holiday to anotherviewing table top, floor, and wall displays, alongwith a fully adorned tree. Each tree is themed andembellished with glass ornaments thatcomplements the overall theme. You’ll finddancing ballerinas and an evil Mouse King on theNutcracker themed tree, which is one of their mostpopular themes. Colorful flowers bursting fromthe top of another tree, with bugs, gardening tools,and various fruits, vegetables, and flowers thatbloom year round. Just a few feet away you’ll enjoya full harvest, along with pilgrims and Indianswaiting to celebrate Thanksgiving with you. Ourfounding fathers would be proud of the patriotictree with its red, white, and blue décor. There’ssomething here for everyone’s budget, as they offerproducts in various price ranges. Just don’t let theHalloween décor scare you away. Its turned manyholiday shoppers into collectors. In fact, accordingto Traditions, Halloween is becoming a closesecond in total sales (Christmas still being numberone) as more people feel enticed to spend moneyon this holiday. So beware, you just might getbit by the bug…or should I say spider! 27www.youreinvitedmag.com
Walking through…one is captivated by the amazing collection of Christmas trees that fill the interior. Or are those Easter trees…Halloween trees…or Thanksgiving trees waiting to be admired? Actually, they’re all of them and more.28 Winter 2015
The Nutcracker Suite is one of their mostpopular themes.Traditions also carries vintage and nostalgic items that If you don’t live in the Southern California area, you cantransfer people back in time. In fact, they love vintage purchase many items online. To help their customersdécor and carry it for every holiday. They work with various visualize how some items complement one another and tosuppliers and established artists, as well as with American capture a similar feeling of shopping their beautiful “brickfolk artists for handmade products, so they can offer their and mortar” store, they’ve displayed their products incustomers a truly unique collection. They carry Bethany different vignettes. Here the online shopper canLowe Designs, Glitterville Collections, Lori Mitchell Folk experience the holidays and discover ways to decorate theirArt, Joe Spencer figures, and many more. This sets them homes or purchase gifts for friends and family. Collectorsapart from all the big box stores with their mass market can add to their collection with a click of the button. Sinceappeal. At least once a year, they host an artist signing they carry all the holidays year-round, Debi says, “It’s notwhere many collectors come from all over the country to unusual to sell an item from each holiday every day,visit the store and meet the artist. This event typically whether online or in our store!” I guess you could say fortakes place the first weekend in October, but check their Traditions Year-Round Holiday Store the familiar winterwebsite (www.christmastraditions.com) or call their store greeting “Happy Holidays” could be stated year-round! ¨for further details. 29www.youreinvitedmag.com
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Confetti A Christmas Card Prayer By Sheri Lamas© Annnmei | Dreamstime.com When you grab your mail from the mailbox and open up your Christmas cards and photo cards, place them in a basket. While you sit down to eat, pick a card out of the basket and say a prayer for the person or family whose card you picked. If you’re not religious, but still receive cards from friends, family, and coworkers, then choose one and write a note of encouragement to them. Sometime after the New Year, mail the encouraging note to the person. It just might make their day! 31www.youreinvitedmag.com
Parties and Celebrations Celebrate Christmas with a golf themed holiday party.32 Winter 2015
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Menu “Sand Trap” Cheese Ball Sand Trap Divots and Dip Ingredients 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, Wedge Salad softened Birdie Wings 4 ounces feta cheese Club Sandwiches 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese 1 small onion, finely chopped PGA Bread 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Parfaits Chip Shots Crackers (we used Wheat Thins®)34 Winter 2015 In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and chill for at least 30 minutes. In food processor finely ground 15-20 crackers. Set aside. Remove cheese from bowl and form into ball and place on center of serving platter. Using hand gently pat ground crackers 1 inch up sides of cheese ball. Layer crackers around cheese ball and serve.
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“Divots” and Dip “Wedge” SaladIngredients Cut iceberg lettuce into small wedges inserting1 1/2 cups sour cream toothpick to hold together. Serve with your3/4 cup mayonnaise favorite salad dressing or with the dip from our1 1/2 teaspoon dill weed Divots and Dip recipe.1 teaspoon minced onion1 teaspoon garlic salt “Birdie” Wings1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce2 stalks broccoli I used frozen Buffalo wings following the directions on package to prepare. Once baked, IIn small bowl combine first 6 ingredients and chill tossed with my own favorite hot sauce to give itfor 2 hours. Cut broccoli tops and serve with dip. that delicious fresh shine. Photography by Neil Gruen Photography36 Winter 2015
“Club” Sandwiches of bread on top. Pin the sandwich's layers together by piercing them with golf tees. RepeatMakes 4 servings process to make 3 more sandwiches. Using a serrated knife cut each sandwich, diagonally,Ingredients into halves or 4 triangular pieces (each piece12 slices white bread* should be secured in the center with a golf tee3/4 cup mayonnaise or toothpick). Carefully place cherry tomato onLettuce leaves top of golf tee and serve.16 slices crispy cooked bacon16 ounces sliced turkey *You may also toast the bread.Long Golf tees (or toothpicks)8 cherry tomatoes Use long wooden tees to secure your sandwichesTo make a double-decker club: arrange 3 bread and top them with aslices in a row. Spread mayonnaise over each cherry tomato to makeslice of bread. Place 2 slices bacon and 2 slices them look like a golfof turkey on top; Season with salt and pepper,to taste. Place second slice of bread on the ball on a tee.turkey. Spread mayonnaise over bread and placea couple lettuce leaves on top. Place third slice 37www.youreinvitedmag.com
“PGA” Bread (Parmesan, Garlic, Holiday “Par”faits& Artichoke) Makes 6 servingsMakes 6 servings IngredientsIngredients 1 loaf angel food cake, cut into small cubes1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained 1 can (14 ounce) whole cranberry sauce2 garlic cloves Whipped cream1/2 cup fresh basil leaves1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese In small parfait cups layer angel food cake, a1/4 cup toasted almonds teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce and whipped1 tablespoon grated lemon zest cream. Repeat layer. Chill. Drizzle a little1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, divided cranberry sauce on top of final whipped cream1/3 cup olive oil layer when ready to serve.1 loaf of French breadPreheat oven to 350°. In a food processor “Chip Shots” – Grasshopperscombine artichokes, garlic, basil, Parmesan,almonds, lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon Makes 1 shotjuice. Turn processor on, adding olive oil whilerunning until mixture is smooth. Season with salt Ingredientsand pepper to taste. Spread mixture on top of 1/2 ounce Crème de Cacaobread. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over 1/2 ounce Crème de Menthetop if desired. Bake for 20 minutes until golden 1/2 ounce light creambrown. Shake and pour into frosted shot glass to serve.38 Winter 2015
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Golf TermsBirdie - one golf stroke under par. Par - the number of golf strokes it shouldChip Shot - a short golf swing where the take to put the ball in the hole.player hits a ball onto the putting green. Sand Trap - a hallow ditch of sandClub - an instrument that is used to hit a strategically placed to challenge the game.golf ball. PGA - stands for Professional Golfer’sClubhouse - a building where golfers Association.meet to purchase a round of golf andsocialize afterwards. Tee- a small device that is used to hold a golf ball in place, so the golfer can hit it.Divot - a small amount of turf that is Wedge - a category of iron golf clubs.shifted out of place when the club hits theball.40 Winter 2015
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ConfettiPacking up the Holidays By Kathleen R. McKissickPacking up your decorations and treasures into or a bag with a tree stand on wheels like the TreeKeeperwell-crafted storage solutions has become yet another Pro. While the duffle bag can be stored almostholiday tradition. Whether you have a little or a lot to anywhere, be sure to remove the ornaments from yourpack, you’ll want to keep everything safe for the next tree, but leave your lights attached (if they’re notyear…or the next generation. permanently affixed to the tree). When you disassemble your tree, mark the “trunk’s” placement order (alongWhile most of these storage solutions will focus on with match-up arrows for easier light-strand alignment)Christmas decorations, containers can be utilized for with a permanent marker. Using the TreeKeeper Proother holidays. Consider selecting containers in various you can keep your tree all in one piece, but it must becolors for specific holidays…Green (solid or with a red stored in an upright position. So if it’s going in a cornerlid) for Christmas; blue for Chanukah/Easter; red with of an adjacent garage or in a closet, this type would be tree-rific! It even includes a hook so it can be hunga dark blue lid for 4th of July/Memorial Day; orange with from the garage ceiling for out of the way storage. Noblack lid for Halloween, etc. The type of storage matter which type you choose, remember to check thecontainer you choose (cardboard, clear plastic or solid light strands and lights for any frayed wires or unlitcolor plastic) should also depend on whether you store bulbs and replace before storing. This will save youyour decorations in the attic, garage, closet, etc. A solid time next year!container will keep any outside light from fading itscontents. Do not remove the original label from the Tree Ornamentsplastic container, as other labels do not always adhereto the surface! Just apply your label over it. Repack in their original box and place them in a solid color plastic container. If you have any collectableIf your garage has a high ceiling, then maybe an elevated ornaments, the price value will decrease if the box isstorage system will work for you(such as Ceiling Storage Heavy Liftby Racor, #PHL-1R). Their shelfsystem can hold 250 pounds andcan be lowered and raised with ahand-crank or hand drill. Onceinstalled, there’s no need to climb aladder while carrying awkward orheavy containers! As a safetyprecaution, use bungee-cords tosecure items to the shelf. Artificial Christmas © Can Stock Photo Inc. / italianestro Tree There are two storage options: a simple heavy-duty plastic duffle bag42 Winter 2015
faded! Repacking your glass-ball ornaments in their You could also use the trash can idea and add a largeoriginal box will help protect them and the boxes are piece of PVC pipe in the center, so the strands don’t falleasier to stack in the containers. If you don’t have the into the middle. No matter what method, check themoriginal packaging, or the ornament didn’t come in a before storing, and add a tag to the end of the strand, sobox, there are ornament storage boxes that you may you know where it’s displayed next year! Special Note:purchase to store your beautiful ornaments. Don’t keep the outside lights with the indoor lights. You don’t want to get them mixed up!Candles Inflatable Outdoor DecorationsStore in a cool place (not the garage or attic). Wrap incellophane, so the candle colors won’t bleed and Once deflated, you can store them in a plastic containercellophane won’t melt into the candle. If they are taper or garment bag (dress size or larger and hang them incandles, wrap them in paper towels and insert into an the garage or attic). Label each of their generators withempty paper towel roll. Write the candle information on the description of the inflatable and store all of them inthe outside of the roll for easy identification. a plastic container. Make sure they are cool before storing!Wrapping Paper Outdoor Wooden DisplaysUse a plastic hanging garment bag (suit or coat size) tostore your holiday paper rolls and gift bags in a closet. If size allows, store in a plastic garment bag with theThis will keep them up-right and dust free. By utilizing “spike” pointing up. Also, be sure to wipe off any dirt ora dowel-pant hanger to hang the bag, you can also place moisture from your outside decorations before storing.spools of ribbon on the dowel (tape the edge of theribbon down so they don’t unravel). Add a second Displayshanger with “grip-clips” and hang a Zip-loc® bag ofbows, gift tags, scotch tape, scissors, etc. Your holiday Put things that are displayed together in the samegift wrap central is ready for next year! container(s). As an example, if you have a village scene that is displayed on the mantle, pack all of these itemsWreaths together so the whole village scene can be assembled from one or two containers. Besides the buildings, placeThere are wreath-shaped plastic containers and why not last items in the display at the bottom of the containerbuy more than one. This way you can also store any and the first items needed (fake snow, electrical cords,other holiday wreaths or door decorations. If your etc.) on top. This way you can build your village from thewreath has a fabric bow without a wire, stuff each loop ground up.with a partially used toilet paper roll. The tissue will bekind to the fabric and the cardboard roll will help the If you’re using plastic containers, check for any holesbow keep its shape. (under the handle, too). Cover the holes with heavy-duty tape to keep insects out! Once you’ve packed everything,Garlands consider adding cedar blocks to each of your containers. Their scent will help deter insects and is more pleasantGarlands can be coiled into a large clean plastic trash than mothballs!can (with a lid) for easy storage!Light Strands No matter how you pack your holiday treasures, don’t forget to label the contents (location of garland, kitchenThere are many solutions: place each strand in a seal- items, bathroom, etc.), the containers, and be sure toable plastic bag; wrap strands around cardboard (with a keep a complete list (photos, too) of everything in anotch at each end to hold plugs ); or wrap around a notebook!tension rod. All of these solutions can be placed in aplastic container. You can also purchase a Christmas I hope these suggestions were “packed” full of ideas youLight Reel® or a garden hose reel for longer strands. can use when storing your holiday decorations!¨ 43www.youreinvitedmag.com
Parties and CelebrationsJumpTShtaertNew Year Photography by Gruen Photography44 Winter 2015
After all the tinsel is put away and you’reready to start the New Year, here’s a greatway to Jump Start your goals. Invite yourfriends over and start the celebration with alight workout. It can be a walk around theblock, some yoga, or even a mini workout byperforming a series of jumping jacks, push upsand sit ups. Serve healthy food andencourage one another to write down anddiscuss your resolutions for the New Year. 45www.youreinvitedmag.com
Quinoa, Avocado Pesto Salad Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries and WalnutsMakes 6 servings Makes 6 servingsIngredients1 1/2 cup quinoa Ingredients2 1/2 cup vegetable broth 3/4 cup pomegranate juice1 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar3 cloves garlic, minced and divided6 cups baby spinach3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes1 can (14 ounce) artichoke hearts, chopped2 avocados, cubed1/2 cup basil pesto*In a medium sauce pan heat oil, add garlic andcook for 1 minute, add quinoa and cook untillightly toasted. Add broth and bring to boil,reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.Completely cool. In bowl combine cooledquinoa, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, artichokesand avocados. Lightly toss with basil pesto andserve.*We used ready-made basil pesto sauce fromCostco.46 Winter 2015
3 tablespoons olive oil3 teaspoons Dijon mustardSalt and ground black pepper8 cups baby spinach leaves1/2 cup dried cranberries1/2 cup walnut piecesRomano cheesePomegranate seedsIn a small container with lid, combine pomegranatejuice, vinegar, oil, and Dijon. Seal and shake tocombine. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.Chill until ready to serve. Place spinach in bowl andtop with cranberries, walnuts, Romano cheese andpomegranate seeds. Pour chilled vinaigrette overspinach and serve. 47www.youreinvitedmag.com
Homemade Trail Mix Bars Spread oats and coconut on baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 minutes until golden brown.Makes 16-20 bars Watch carefully and stir every 2 minutes so it doesn’t burn. Once slightly cool place in largeIngredients bowl with trail mix and toss. In small saucepan2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats combine brown sugar, honey, butter, vanilla,1/2 cup shredded coconut salt and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir2 1/2 cups fruit-and-nuts trail mix until melted and begins to simmer. Remove1/4 cup packed brown sugar from heat. Pour sugar mixture over dry1/2 cup honey ingredients and stir together until well blended.4 tbsp butter Spread mixture in 9 x 13 pan and press down to2 tsp vanilla extract compact bars. Sprinkle chocolate chips over1 tsp salt bars and place wax paper over top. Place1/4 cup peanut butter another pan on top of waxed paper and weight1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips it down (with cookbooks). Let cool for 2 hours. Cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers inPreheat oven to 400°F. Layer foil sprayed with the refrigerator.non-stick cooking spray in 9 x 13 baking dishand set aside.48 Winter 2015
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Ask each guest to bring a motivational book, CD, or DVD that relates to spiritual, fitness, money management, relationships, etc. and place in a basket. Then once everyone has gathered, have each one choose one as a gift. Be sure to have extras on hand in the event someone forgets to bring one.50 Winter 2015
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