Holiday Coffee Recipes with KRUPS


A popular phrase in my house during this time is "Babe, What do you want for Christmas?" I have to say that the KRUPS XP6040 Coffee and Expresso Machine may be one of the answers. I love coffee and now that we have a day of cold today in Florida, (brace yourself...it is 56 degrees today) its time to start decking the halls for the holiday season. 

This holiday season, KRUPS, worldwide leader in kitchen appliances, has provided me with some fabulous recipes to share. These are simple recipes that will make you the most generous host!!   

Eggnog Coffee

Ingredients

2 ½ cups freshly brewed coffee
1 cup eggnog
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Brew coffee in Krup XP1500 Coffee and Espresso Machine. Warm eggnog in a pot over low heat and add the hot coffee and nutmeg. Serve immediately. Garnish with nutmeg.


Chocolate Mint Latte


Ingredients

2 fluid ounces espresso coffee
1/2 cup milk, steamed
1/8 cup frothed milk
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Directions

In a coffee mug, brew the espresso coffee. Add the peppermint extract and then pour in steamed milk and frothed milk. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Coffee Hazelnut Milkshakes

Ingredients

1 cup chilled coffee
4 scoops coffee ice cream
¼ cup crushed hazelnuts
Whipped cream
Crushed toffee or chocolate shavings

Directions

Blend coffee, ice cream and crushed hazelnuts in a blender until mixture becomes a smooth but thick consistency.
Pour into a coffee mug and top with whipped cream and sprinkle toffee pieces (or chocolate shavings).

KRUPS XP6040 – $299.99

Coffee Machine Features

•       10 cup capacity (55oz); One button electronic control
•       Pause and serve feature lets you remove carafe at any time to serve
•       Non-stick warming plate keeps coffee hot for hours
•       Removable cone filter basket ; Auto shut-off after 2 hours Espresso | Cappuccino Machine   Features
•       Designed in Switzerland; 19 bar pump made in Italy.
•       Electronic controls and Automatic Stop ( after 30 min)
•       Thermoblock (Die-cast Aluminum with stainless steel tube)
•       50 oz. transparent, front access water tank sliding system
•       3 functions : Espresso , Hot Water, Frother
•       Heating Cup Grid ; Option to raise drip tray for smaller cups
•       Compatible with ground coffee (1 or 2 cups) and all types of pods

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Do you have an Elf For Health?

One of my favorite things that I have done this year is participate in the Foodie Pen Pal program. It is a lot of fun, I have met some great people and have had some amazing food gifts in 2012. Now that the year is coming to a close, Lindsay from The Lean Green Bean and Foodie Pen Pal and her friend Elle from Nutritionella have teamed up this holiday season for the Elf for Health Holiday Challenge!

Every two weeks, we are assigned an Elf Pairing. I am sad that I didn't find out about this till the second round but my elf this round is awesome. She is Jamie from Thrifty Veggie Mama. Once a week, we are emailed a newsletter with daily challenges. Things like drinking water and ways to get more veggies and some good fitness challenges! Jamie and I have been checking in with each other regularly via Twitter and encouraging each other along. It has been great. 

Ella and Lindsay have also teamed up with a bunch of cool sponsors and have been giving away some great prizes from sponsors like:

Chobani
Love Grown Foods
Peanut Butter & Co.
Smartwool,
Avia
Sparkly Soul
Healthy Bites
Cabot Cheese
Attune Foods
Kamut Wheat
Fine Featherheads
Sia Botanics
Stickygram
Hippie Butter
Road ID & Nature Box

BRAVO to these brands for recognizing the power of this blogging movement! 

There are fifty reasons why I love this. First and foremost, it connects us with like minded people. Bloggers who are looking to be healthy during the holiday season. Just like the Foodie Pen Pals, it is a great way to grow your network with people who you can now follow on Twitter, read their blogs and they can do the same. 

Another good reason is the obvious...you have someone to check in with during the holiday season when working out and eating right is tough. Round 3 is about to begin and you have one more day to sign up!! Sorry to not tell you sooner, but  its Christmas!!! 

Find more information here. Be sure to share this news and #elf4health....you can also join the Facebook group! 

My plea to Ella and Lindsay...can we do this again? Cupid for Health for Valentine's? How bout a bridal version??!!! I need a fellow bride to help me through these initial panic attacks! 

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Frappes North Adds Cooking Classes

 This weekend, I had the unique opportunity to take a cooking class. I love to cook and the only training I have had is watching my dad over the years. A good cook has a handle on a little bit of this and a little bit of that...this is why I am a horrible baker. 

I was excited to have official training from one of my favorite chefs in town Bobby Frappier of my favorite restaurant-Frappes North. I have had more than one conversation with Bobby, usually as I stand in surprise as he describes how he can pull off his Vodka sauce or his Risotto with such ease. I sit in front of that pot with my Labor of Love for hours, convinced there is no other way. So, I was excited to spend some time with my friends and be officially learned the Frappes way. 

First off, this was a GREAT way to get your girlfriends together. The way the kitchen is set up is a perfect atmosphere to get hands on experience and tricks of the trade...all while watching your creation come together. We made a soup, a main dish and a desert!


My Pretty Cooking Club Friends!
Chef Bobby's COOKING SCHOOL 
“Learn to cook the food you love to eat”

Frappes North hands on cooking classes are fun and informative and include recipes and take home goods. There are limited space- so reserve early 

For more info 386-615-4888-123 West Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach or click here. You can also send an email frappesinc@aol.com for more information! 

Bobby and his wife Meryl were nice enough to share one of the recipes that we learned (it was my favorite!!)

Parsnip-Leek Soup
recipe courtesy of Chef Bobby

2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup onion small dice
1/2 cup carrot small dice
1/2 cup celery small dice
1 tsp garlic minced
1 tsp shallot minced
2 leeks rinsed, drained & sliced
1 1/2 lbs parsnips cleaned & sliced
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp basil chopped
salt & pepper to taste





Heat the 2 tbs of olive oil in a wide soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, season lightly with salt & pepper cook  gently until softened and begins to turn translucent for 3-4 minutes.

This is called Mirepoix: a combination of chopped carrots, celery and onions used to add flavor and aroma to stocks, sauces, soups and other foods. 

Add garlic, shallot, parsnips, and half of the leeks, continue to cook stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes.


Add wine, increase the heat to med-high then add the broth.

Bring to a boil, immediately lower the heat and simmer until the parsnips are soft enough to mash against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.

Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Using a hand blender puree,

Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Add cream, leeks, and herbs and simmer for 15 minutes to thicken.






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National Bloggers Day of Remembrance

I've pulled my scheduled post for today and instead am joining other bloggers across the world in a National Bloggers Day of Remembrance...to reflect on and pray for those affected by Friday's tragic shooting...(click to enlarge)

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Ice Skates For Everyone, I Am Getting Married!!!!


So this is a purely indulgent blog for me and my memories and to deal with the constant gush of emotions. Written documentation that I will remember for days to come!! I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!! 

I am incredibly overwhelmed and it is starting to settle in. I have been with my boyfriend fiancée for almost eight years and we have been friends since we were young. An awesome B movie, but I am not Kate Hudson...right??? But I sure feel like it since Wednesday night. I keep looking down and smiling and smiling...its amazing. I never knew it could be THIS awesome! I keep wanting to grab everyone I see and say HEY!!! LOOK AT THIS!!! 

So, begins the process. We are looking mid May 2013. That may seem soon to you, but like any girl. I have been planning this my entire life. I promise not to bore you too much, haha yeah right..but if you have any amazing wedding blogs I must check out...please comment below. 

the amazing moment captured forever

Its ginormous and beautiful and mouthdropping, apparently 

Update 1/30/13:
Allegedly, it is now official. Someone blew the dust off his Facebook and clicked that confirm button six weeks later. Hey, it took years for him to confirm that he was dating me, he kept denying me and it kept saying that I was single, while he giggled all along.


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Cook With Your Culinary Idols in NYC


Some of my favorite culinary idols are holding an amazing event next May and if there is a Santa, I hope he is listening!

This is the perfect gift for the aspiring chef in your life, and at the same time, you can support a good cause!

Passionate food lovers can cook side-by-side with David Bouley, Cesare Casella, Marc Forgione, Shaun Hergatt, Michael Lomonaco, Seamus Mullen, Marc Murphy, Michael Psilakis, Alain Sailhac, André Soltner, Christina Tosi, Marcus Samuelsson and Dan Barber many others at the fifth annual New York Culinary Experience on May 4 and 5, 2013 at The International Culinary Center in New York City. It is the only culinary event of its kind that gives event-goers the chance to enjoy an intimate weekend of hands-on master cooking classes, cooking and conversation with more than 30 of the most prominent chefs in the country.

A limited number of tickets for this year’s hands-on weekend are now available. The cost for the weekend is $1,395 per ticket and includes all classes, breakfast, lunch, and a cocktail/wine reception each day.  A portion of the proceeds from the event will support The Future Chefs Scholarship, a program at The International Culinary Center  established to provide scholarships for students who wish to pursue their dream of attending culinary school.

For more information about the New York Culinary Experience or to purchase tickets, please visit www.nymag.com/nyce.



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Inaugural Timed 5K Times Deux

There is an incredible sense of worth I feel today. Actually, that is pretty much the only thing that I can physically feel. After being sidelined by an injury, I am slowly getting back into my running game. Then I made the crazy decision to do not one but TWO races this weekend! Although I have done a couple of Fun Runs 5K, I have not done one with a real bib and a chip which would make me official. Official. Like a REAL runner. I know, I know, just lacing up my shoes and moving my feet up and down makes me a real runner. But this was exciting!


The Junior League of Daytona Beach is an organization that I belong to. I am also on the board as the Fund Development Chair. We have a 5K each year that raises money for the women and children in Volusia County. I had an amazing chair, Heidi who I adore, that organized the race with her team and it was great. The weather was kind of foggy and snow-like atmosphere, not temperature thank God! We had a good amount of runners and the event went off without a hitch. Although I didn't do awesome, well I did it...and that was really cool! I pushed myself out of aggravation of my slowness and was a little sore the next day but I had another race awaiting me. 

The Santa Hustle in Daytona was a larger race that was both a 5K and a half marathon which my super duper runner friend Megan did. The weather was sunny and I was ready. It was on the beach which made me a little nervous as that is what caused my injury in the first place...but I was determined. 

There is something to be said about crossing the finish line. I know that is the understatement of the century but forgive me, this was my first time. 


I thought I would share with you what happens when they screw up your age when you register. What is worse....the fact that I am Zero years old or that three 10 year olds kicked my ass...



If you were wondering what kept me company during my 5K, I brought along a few of my friends: 



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Tis the Season For Your Favorite Foodie


Looking for a unique foodie gift this holiday season? Encourage your readers to stock up the spice cabinet for the cook in their life!

Spice Islands searches the world for the highest quality and most flavorful spices. They help new bakers add a little zest to their holiday cookies or give the experienced cook a chance to experiment with flavor. A custom Spice Islands spice set is something that any foodie would love!    

Here are some suggested spice gift set combinations. A basket, some stuffing and a plastic wrap and you will make your favorite cook or baker very happy! All spices and extracts are available at your local grocery store or Amazon.com.  


New Cook Starter Kit

·         Salt
·         Pepper
·         Bay Leaves
·         Onion Powder
·         Garlic Powder
·         Beau Monde Seasoning
·         Dill Weed
·         Summer Savory
·         Parsley
·         Basil

For the Holiday Baker
·         Cinnamon
·         Nutmeg
·         Pumpkin Pie
·         Vanilla Extract
·         Almond Extract
·         Ginger
·         Poppy Seed
·         Whole Nutmeg
·         Allspice
·         Cinnamon Sugar Grinder


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Hello Pumpkin!!


This holiday season, these pumpkin desserts that go beyond the traditional.  From a creamy pumpkin cheesecake with hints of vanilla to to an awesome pumpkin mousse that was a hit at the table, these are great ways to doctor up the boring ole Pumpkin pie!

Pumpkin Cheesecake 


Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups finely ground gingersnap cookies
1/4 cup finely ground walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 eggs
1 teaspoon Spice Islands Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 teaspoons Spice Islands Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin


Directions:

Preheat oven to 500ºF.

Combine gingersnaps, walnuts, sugar and butter in a medium bowl. Press into the bottom and 1-inch up the side of a 10-inch non-stick springform pan. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and flour with an electric mixer until smooth. Add 5 eggs, one at a time, then vanilla, beating on low speed. Transfer 2-1/2 cups to a separate bowl; set aside. Beat 1 egg, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin into remaining filling until smooth. Pour half of pumpkin filling into crust, then half of the plain; repeat. Swirl gently with a spoon.

Bake at 500ºF for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 200ºF and bake 30 minutes. Tent with aluminum foil and continue baking for 1 hour or until center appears nearly set. Run a knife around top of cake to loosen from pan. Turn off oven and open door to allow cake to cool gradually for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and finish cooling on a rack for 15 minutes, then chill in refrigerator at least 6 hours.

TIP: Place a pan of water in the oven with the cheesecake while baking. This will help prevent the cake from cracking.


Pumpkin Mousse


Ingredients:


1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 package instant vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix
1 Tablespoon Spice Islands pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands Vanilla
1 cup cold milk
1 small tub of cool whip
Vanilla Wafers or Graham Cracker Cookies


Directions:
Begin by creaming a package of cream cheese in the mixer for about 3 minutes.  Add a 1/3 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla.  Mix until the consistency is even.  Add 15oz of canned pumpkin.  Mix until combined.  Add 1 Tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, a 3.4oz package of vanilla or butterscotch pudding and 1 cup of milk.  Mix for another 3 minutes until consistency thickens. Remove from mixer and use spatula to fold an 8oz. tub of cool whip into the pudding mixture. Add a spoonful of pumpkin mousse to your dessert dishes, a tablespoon of crushed gingersnap cookies, followed by another spoonful of pumpkin mousse.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. Source










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Parenthood Actress Guest Stars In Food Network New Show

Do you watch Parenthood? It is one of those wonderful show that baffles the beau's mind....laughing out loud one minute and crying like I lost my dog the next. Completely my FAVORITE kind of sitcom. I love the entire cast, but Monica Potter is outstanding. She also makes for a great interview, very funny! 

I was excited when I found out she will be featured in an upcoming episode of the new Food Network show SUGAR DOME. The new series SUGAR DOME that premiered on Sunday, November 25th at 8pm ET/PT. Remarkable artists of all types team up for a one-of-a-kind competition to create the most jaw-dropping displays on earth. Each week, three teams comprised of artists from completely different disciplines enter the Sugar Dome to battle it out and create never-before-seen, food art masterpieces.

Premiering Sunday, December 16th, at 8pm ET/PT 
“When Toy Stores Come to Life at Night”

Imaginations run wild as a cake artist, sugar artist, and toy designer team up to create innovative food art that answers the question – what happens when a toy store comes to life at night? After a grueling challenge filled with impossible twists, only one team will walk away with a $15,000 prize.
Guest judge: Monica Potter

Read below for more information on Sugar Dome or go to their website or like their Facebook page.




EXPERTS OF ALL KINDS TEAM UP TO CREATE INCREDIBLE WORKS OF FOOD ART IN NEW SERIES SUGAR DOME ON FOOD NETWORK

Each week, three teams comprised of artists from completely different disciplines enter the Sugar Dome to battle it out and create never-before-seen, food art masterpieces. Cake designers and sugar artists team up with professional fruit carvers, graffiti artists, sand sculptors and more for a delicious rollercoaster ride to compete for the champion title and a $15,000 prize.  Hosted by award-winning TV host David Bull, the contest is judged by distinguished pastry chef and cake designer Paulette Goto (Unique Sweets, Jacques Torres Chocolates) and acclaimed pastry chef Pichet Ong (Sugar and Plumm) as well as a rotating guest judge including actress Monica Potter, Motocross champion Nate Adams and costume designer Randall Christensen.

“We wanted Sugar Dome to take cake and sweet artistry to levels of creativity and innovation never seen before,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network., “Viewers will be in awe of the spectacles created by these unconventional teams of food artists.”

In one episode over the course of the series, animatronics experts join forces with cake and sugar artists in a grueling challenge to create a work of art that captures the magic and danger of the legendary fire-breathing dragon. In another episode, teams of sweet artists and professional illustrators combine their talents to bring the iconic world of Dr. Seuss to life. The competition continues as Hollywood costume designers, cake and sugar artists work together in a whimsical battle to create edible displays inspired by The Wizard of Oz. 

ABOUT DAVID BULL:
David Bull is the host of Food Network’s Sugar Dome.  David is an award-winning TV host and over the last 15 years has hosted over thirty five shows on British and US network television, for major TV channels including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Living, Sky and Food Network. David has had a unique career path, beginning his career as a medical doctor, working in London in the fields of General Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He started his broadcasting career as an on-screen doctor for Sky TV giving advice to those travelling abroad.  Later, he joined Newsround on BBC1, the longest running children’s news show in the world, where he became the first person to broadcast exclusively to kids about health issues. Since then his shows have encompassed all genres including talk, entertainment, consumer, health and wellness, science and technology and teenage and young people’s issues. David crossed the Atlantic in 2009 starting his US career on The Rachael Ray Show and Web MD. Sugar Dome is his first US show as host.

ABOUT PAULETTE GOTO:
Paulette Goto is a pastry chef and cake designer and has worked in some of New York’s most famous restaurants.  Paulette worked alongside master pastry chef Jacques Torres at Le Cirque in Manhattan before opening Jacques Torres Chocolates with her now husband, Ken Goto.  Paulette graduated from the pastry arts program at the French Culinary Institute, where she won the Andre Soltner award of excellence.  She has had her cakes published in Bride Magazine.  Paulette is a contributor on Cooking Channel’s Unique Sweets.

ABOUT PICHET ONG:
Pichet Ong is a self-taught, award winning pastry chef for Sugar and Plumm, a bistro, bakery and chocolate maker on Manhattan's Upper West Side.  He has worked with culinary luminaries including Jean Georges Vongerichten and Max Brenner.   Pichet was was selected as a “Pastry Provocateur” by Food & Wine and named one of the Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America by Pastry Arts & Design and Chocolatier.  In 2002, he was named Starchefs.com’s “Rising Star”.  His desserts, including those from Spice Market, Rick Moonen’s RM, Jean Georges, and P*ONG and batch, have garnered numerous “Best of” awards.  He is a multiple nominee for the James Beard Award in several national categories. Pichet’s cookbook, The Sweet Spot, was nominated for the World Gourmand book award and was named one of the 10 best cookbooks of 2008 by Gourmet. 

Sugar Dome is produced by Super Delicious.

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring and empowering through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine has tripled its rate base and delivers a circulation of 1.45 million. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com),  is the manager and general partner.


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Emerald Green Is Pantone's Color For 2013

Hear that?? That is the sound of me squealing! Like any good release, I anxiously await for Pantone's Color of the Year. I seem to take this to a new level, because I am a techy nerd and I like to plan big parties and big fun events and attention to detail is a must! Earlier in the year, I wrote about color schemes for weddings and parties using Pantone for Becoming the Mrs. and the neat ways you can really make a color scheme happen. But, the release of the Color of the Year always makes giddy! Especially when it is as beautiful as this year's choice! I am also excited that Sephora and jcpenney has launched some items to celebrate this announcement.

Check out how Pantone has steps it up in the social media arena to celebrate the announcement on their website and their different social media outlets:

Hashtag: #coloroftheyear

Just prepared to have a ton of fun with this announcement and all the different platforms and maybe like me you will be squealing for 2014 release! 

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2013:
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald


Radiant, jewel-toned Emerald promotes balance and harmony

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, as the Color of the Year for 2013.

The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward. Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Emerald for Fashion

The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colors in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.

Emerald for Beauty

Equally harmonious on the cosmetic color wheel, Emerald dramatizes all eye colors as it beautifully enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertone in hazel eyes and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper. Emerald is also a perfect complement to peaches, pinks, roses, ruby reds and aubergines – offering a variety of lipstick and blush options. For those who want to sparkle and stand out, Emerald is the perfect punctuation point in nail color because of its complementary nature.

Sephora and Pantone proudly announce the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE™ 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection featuring PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, which will be available exclusively at Sephora in March 2013. Sharing a strong passion for how color can transform a face, mood or even an attitude, Sephora and Pantone continue to change how consumers wear, feel and think about color through the second annual radiant and modern Color of the Year beauty collection.

“At Sephora, we pride ourselves on giving our clients first access to what’s on trend – whether that’s a color, a formula or an ingredient story. With the 2013 Color of the Year collection, we achieve all of the above and we couldn’t have a better partner than Pantone,” said Margarita Arriagada, senior vice president of merchandising for Sephora.

The limited edition 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection features a variety of products in Emerald, including eye shadow, nail polish and accessories, and will be available at Sephora stores across the U.S., Sephora inside JCP and Sephora.com.

Emerald for Interiors

Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of color to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stemware and appliances.

Enliven your home with Pantone bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories in Emerald available exclusively at jcpenney stores and on jcp.com beginning Feb. 1, 2013.

“As we re-energize our home department next spring, we are excited to partner with the leading authority on color to introduce the first-ever line of Pantone bedding and bath products,” said Paul Rutenis, jcpenney general merchandise manager for home. “The cheerful array of on-trend pieces will make it easy for customers to infuse the perfect color into any home décor.”

Cross-Referencing to Other PANTONE Libraries

PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald can also be cross-referenced to all other PANTONE Libraries including PANTONE PLUS for graphic design. For cross-referencing information, see www.pantone.com/COY2013.

About the PANTONE Color of the Year

The Color of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colors include:

PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world's color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

About X-Rite
X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.

PANTONE®…The color of ideasSM.
PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2012. All rights reserved.
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San Diego Pub Stays Classy With Its Yelp Reviews

Craft & Commerce Awesome Logo (from website)
As much as I push in my business that my clients must set up their businesses in its entirety on Yelp, Trip Advisor, Urban Spoon, etc. etc. dealing with the reviews when they come in can be trying. 

Certainly when they are good, you can do many things with them...promote them on your social networks, use them as testimonials in your marketing materials, shout from the rooftops, etc. 

But when they are bad, there is a method of madness. 

I always say valid, warranted complaints are an unbiased review of your business...if you have streams of bad service, bad service, bad service complaints....you may have some personnel issues. The same thing with people that complain about the food.These type of reviews can be dealt with by addressing them with the customer and attempt to rectify the situation. You are being a good owner by hearing your customer and doing what you can to fix it. 

But what if the complaint is not warranted. What if it is an ex-employee twirling his fake mustache in attempt to try to sabotage you because he is disgruntled. What if you have a reviewer that is Debbie Downer and hates everyone and you are the target of the day? What can you do if Yelp will not take your review down?? 

Looks like the gastropub, Craft & Commerce, located in San Diego's Little Italy district has the right idea. Embrace your online reviews indeed! According to the Yahoo article, they take their negative reviews and broadcast them using actors in their restrooms. Awesome!!! 

How do you handle your negative reviews?
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Breathe During The Holiday Season with a Warm Treat


With the holiday season right around the corner, and the temperature slowly dropping even though in Florida it is very slowly!, it is the perfect time to warm up with a sweet treat.

When you need a little "me time," reach for a Dole Fruit Crisp, the perfect combination of all-natural fruit and crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Try it warm from the microwave or right out of the bowl. Enjoy these delicious fruit flavors as a mid-morning snack, afternoon treat or evening dessert.


This guilt-free snack is available in three varieties: Apple Cinnamon, Apple Pear and Peach. Found in the canned fruit aisle of grocery stores nationwide, a 2-pack of Dole Fruit Crisp.

How would you like to win one for your very own?? Enter our raffle!! a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

December Musings

Ugh! I hate when a week goes by and I haven't had any time to check in. It is December! The most magical time of the year! Even though I am still not believing that the holiday season is upon us, I had better set a plan. I am still at bird flipping the radio station that plays 24/7 Holiday Music...but I need to get on it or it will get on me! 

It has been a busy couple of weeks and it is about to get a little crazier. Thankfully, for whatever reason, I am not exceptionally busy professionally in December. This is a blessing because there is so much to do during this time, who has time to run a business? I will be lamenting over my taxes and my books that I haven't been too diligent again with...but there is still time to beat myself up over that next week!  

Today is also my best friend's birthday. She has been there for me when noone else was and I owe her many many moments of gratitude. I can't believe that she is 14, it scares me...I want her to live forever and ever. Happy Birthday Freja!


Today started out with the giddy excitement that the Target for Neiman Marcus launch was FINALLY here!! Even though I posted a while ago to keep myself on track, I fear I went a little nuts. Oh well, I did list some items on Ebay and I am having a little buyer's remorse and may return an item or two.


December is also my birthday month and I am excited this year because it is the last year before I turn 40. Crazy! I usually make a pretty big deal about my birthday-but this year, I am choosing to do a little more low key and am having dinner tonight with friends and boyfriend at my favorite Italian restaurant. Next weekend Megan is taking me to dinner, yay! I hate that it falls on a Monday. I would  also like to emphatically kill thank Tory Burch for sending me a gift certificate for my birthday. So looks like what I will be treating myself to...even though that has been my story and I am sticking to it for my trip to Dillards this week. I swear, we will make up any story to make us feel better about the overspend...huh?? 

This is the first year that we hadn't gone to our town's Wine Festival for my birthday. I kind of miss it, but I know tonight is gonna be fun. Here are some pics from the last two years....

2011

2010

I am a little more whimsical this year at birthday time. I have a lot of goals to accomplish and a lot of things that I want to do. I am looking forward to something mystical and amazing that is close to happening to my dear friend, as well as a stress free holiday season.

As I was shopping, I saw this quote from Marilyn Monroe and it really resonates with me! 

"If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty."





How do you make sure that the stress stays at a manageable level during this time?? 
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