Many consumers say that they seek out socially responsible products whenever possible. This Valentine’s Day check out the Living Water Charm Bangle from ALEX AND ANI | CHARITY BY DESIGN; the elegant bangle ($28) is a lead seller in the philanthropic product line, having raised over $1.1MM for safe-water organization Living Water International.
Hand-made in Rhode Island with recycled materials, the bangle is covered in nickel-free Gold or Silver Rafaelian finish to provide an elegant touch. The bright blue water droplet, known as the Living Water Charm. The unique partnership between Living Water International and ALEX AND ANI was inspired by Paige Dellerman, a former high school student at East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island Perfect for the fashionista with a caring heart, the bangle is expandable – fitting every wrist size.
Don't like to be in a crowed restaurant on Valentines Day try theses great dishes for a wonderful romantic meal at home. “There are so many advantages to dining in on that special night,” says Chef Blakely Trettenero, who writes about her culinary adventures on her blog, Everyday Gourmet with Blakely. “It’s more comfortable, less expensive and super exclusive, because you can have whatever you want ."
photo credit Everyday Gourmet with Blakely
Baked Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes, Artichokes & Capers
Ingredients
1. 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 4 thighs) 2. salt 3. pepper 4. drizzle of olive oil 5. 1 medium onion, diced small 6. 3 cloves garlic, minced 7. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 8. 1 teaspoon brown sugar 9. 1 28-ounce can peeled plum tomatoes 10. 1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained 11. 2 teaspoons drained capers 12. 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, then preheat a heavy-bottomed pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat 2. Use paper towel to soak up any extra moisture on the chicken. This prevents the chicken from getting golden brown when you sear it. Season both sides with salt and pepper and put the chicken in the preheated oil, skin side down 3. Cook the chicken until golden brown on one side, then flip to cook on the other side. You're not trying to cook the chicken through, only brown it! 4. Once the chicken is brown on both sides, take it out of the pan and put it on a plate and set it aside 5. If there is a lot of fat in the pan, drain most of it, leaving only about a teaspoon or so in the bottom 6. Add the diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan and cook for a few minutes until opaque 7. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute 8. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan, scraping the bottom to get up any bits at the bottom. Add the brown sugar to the balsamic vinegar, stir to combine, and let it cook until slightly reduced, about 7-8 minutes 9. Add the can of tomatoes into the pan and turn off the heat. Use a knife to roughly cut up the tomatoes in the pan and then add the drained artichokes and capers. Give it a stir to mix everything together 10. Add the chicken thighs back into the pan, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Add the rosemary sprigs to the top and put the pan into the preheated oven uncovered 11. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through 12. Serve with a simple side and you have a gourmet dinner ready in no time.
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Herbed Savory Palmiers
Perfect for Valentine’s Day – this pastry is heart-shaped!
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees 2. In a bowl, add the finely chopped sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix until combined and set aside 3. On a lightly floured surface, slightly roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet and transfer to a cutting board 4. To the rolled out puff pastry add the sundried tomato and herb mixture evenly 5. Evenly sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan and Gruyere cheese 6. Starting on one side, roll the puff pastry tightly, stopping at the middle 7. Roll the other side of the puff pastry tightly until you reach the middle 8. Cut into 1-inch pieces and place on a parchment-lined sheet tray. Put them into the oven and let them bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown 9. Once they're baked, serve them warm
Getting better at organizing my life has been a goal this year...one area that can use the help the most is the Kitchen!!
Start this year with some great cabinet organization for your kitchen. Super solutions from youcopia get ride of the Clutter!
The StoreMore Adjustable Lid Holder makes it easy to store and organize all of your pot and pan lids in the cabinet or pantry. Save space and reduce clutter by storing lids vertically. This smart cabinet organizer features seven wire dividers that can be adjusted to perfectly fit lids so they stay upright and separated.
ONE OF THE MESSY AREAS...
PUTTING TOGETHER THE RACK IS A SNAP!!
THE FINISHED LOOK IS SPECTACULAR!
There also is a Bakeware Rack makes it easy to vertically organize your bake-ware it has similar dividers as the lid holder, that help keep your space looking very put together. Another great piece to add to your kitchen is the The StoraStack is a clever solution for organizing food containers and matching lids in your kitchen drawer. It is designed to fit 12 plastic, nested containers with lids that snap. Top grocery store brands including Ziploc Glad, Rubbermaid TakeAlongs containers that fit nicely.
While flowers are nice they only last for so long, and many of us are not wanting the calories that come with chocolate. So Jewelry is ALWAYS a WINNER! I have the privilege to own a few pieces of Helen Ficalora they are gorgeous and come in beautiful packaging you really just have to find a card and present your gift. Helen Ficalora will offer beautiful new pieces celebrating everlasting love and personal expression. Helen’s inspiration comes from her adoration and admiration of love that can be witnessed and shared between friends and family. Each love is unique and carries it’s own story, much like Helen’s pieces. This collection includes her brand new Twisted Wire Heart Charm, representing crossing paths and intertwined journeys. ~~ The Valentine's Day Collection Helen’s Valentine’s Day collection is available in Yellow, Pink, and White 14k Gold with select pieces also available in Sterling Silver. The prices range from $75-$1430, making them the ultimate gift for any budget.
Always in a rush in the morning-NO TIME for breakfast... Check out these easy grab & go breakfast featured on Better Recipes. Make a batch of these on a Sunday afternoon and your set for a few mornings.
Breakfast muffins are the best invention for busy mornings. Pop a muffin in the microwave for 15 seconds and then take it to go!
2 cup
All-purpose Flour
½ cup
Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp
Baking Powder
½ tsp
Salt
¼ tsp
Pepper
1 cup
Skim Milk
3
Eggs
¾ cup
Low-fat Cottage Cheese
¼ cup. stick
Butter, melted
¾ cup
Diced Smoked Ham
1
Large Onion, chopped finely
⅓ cup
Spinach
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line muffin pan with paper muffin cups. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients (flour, Parmesan, baking powder, salt, and pepper) mixing until blended. In another bowl whisk wet ingredients together (milk, eggs, cottage cheese, and butter). Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined then fold in ham, onion, and spinach. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups and cook for 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.
