Light Summer Fare! Impromptu Entertaining in the Hot Summer Months( nothing from the grill)

We love to have friends at our home for impromptu visits,  we are an "open house"  type of couple, something I attribute to our South American background. No formal invitations needed,  if you are in the neighborhood, please stop by, and if the kids ready for  a playdate on the weekend?  We welcome you!

But what do we serve ? Not always something off of the grill...  the temperature is hitting 90 degrees, you want to stick to the family grocery budget, no last minute dash to the supermarket, so what do you do?  use what you have at home first!

These are the things I keep in the fridge and pantry, these are items that will help get us through the summer months on budget.  These are the items we had in the house this past Sunday and this is how I used them.
I listed some other essentials for the pantry and the fridge.

I utilize a local company  http://www.naturesgardendelivered.com/ and  they deliver a box of vegetables and fruit to our door for one price (depending on size) every two weeks. That keeps my fruit bowl on the table filled for all occasions, for the family or entertaining. We have guests I use whatever is in the bowl on the table, the oranges are sliced and added to the beverage dispenser with lemons, limes, mint leaves(muddled), cucumber slices, ice and  Bitter Lemon( I like Canada Dry Bitter Lemon)  and water ( regular and sparkling to refill all day).  You can add some vodka or even rum to make that something even more special.
The delivered apples will go into a salad.  To the apples I would add lettuce, tomatoes, chick peas( canned from Goya they are the best brand), snap peas and broccoli. Add Goat Cheese or whatever you have the fridge for options.  I have not spent an extra cent yet!
In the past, I spent too much money at the supermarket buying fruit and other items which were never used, the impulse buying had to be curbed. These are things that the kids will enjoy too. They will not eat much since they will be running around playing or  in the pool, you will just need snacks to keep them happy. If they get really hungry ? then order pizza.

 If you have people visiting almost every weekend then this my Summer Staples " must have at home" ( at all times) list !

Carrots along with a carrot dip
Celery
Olives (jar)
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Cucumber
Tomatoes (tinned and fresh)
Lettuce
Snap Peas
Chick Peas
Snap Peas
Broccoli
Red or Orange peppers
Whole Corn
Fresh Mint
Havarti Cheese
Goat Cheese
Salad Dressing
Pita Bread
Drink Dispensers( 2)
White Wine always cold and sparkling
Clear white rum( 10 Cane, Goslings of XM Rum)
Vodka
Naan Bread for dips
Ice Cream
Ice Pops
Gogurt or yogurt for the kids
Terra Root Chips( delicious) or Doritos and salsa for kids.

For fast grill options

I always have a bag of seasoned frozen chicken pieces in Ziploc bags. Remove skins, wash and season pre freezing. Just take them out a few hours before and put them on the grill.
The same option would work for fish. I like whole small red snapper or trout. Clean, season and freeze.
Corn and peppers grilled of course.

 Olives, Hummus and Pita bread- Always have hummus, regular hummus

Mint leaves- Muddle and add to your beverage dispenser.  Add ice cubes or a mega block of ice.

Lemons, limes and oranges for the beverage dispenser.  Put a huge block of ice in the dispenser which adds enough water to the mix. Do not add any sugar. This is the best drink for a hot summer day. Make a second set for another dispenser and add vodka or rum for a grown up alcoholic option.





http://www.potterybarn.com/. I love their drink dispensers, you can also find nice ones at Target but PB has the best options! They are simply georgeous.

Pottery Barn Decanters and Dispensers


Crate and Barrell has some nice options for Dispensers and Jars too along with...




Crate and Barrell Ice Pop Molds

and ....




and so elegant from Z Gallerie.....











These are very "hot" options for presenting your summer beverages this year!

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-8753-duo-glass-beverage-dispenser.aspx

Cucumbers for the beverages and salad. Carrots for the hummus dip, tomatoes and lettuce for the salad.

Cheeses- Havarti with Dill is always a good option, an excellent semi hard cheese, one of my best friends EB in New Jersey introduced it to me years ago. It has a great flavor and  is loved by all.

Ice Cream and Ice Pops for the kids to keep them cool.  The kids also love my special mix drink from the beverage dispenser, it keeps them hydrated and tastes delicious and not sweet!

Summer is here, let's enjoy it and it does not always have to be in front of the grill.

We would love to hear from you.  Do you have a must have summer list? Plesae send us your tips!
All images courtesy istockphotos.

Question Of The Week -Your Favorite Home Appliance

Forgive me, this was something I had not faced before. My family and I moved to a new home. The home required some renovation in the kitchen so we have moved in with some cabinets and other appliances still to arrive.
We did not have washer/dryer, microwave among other home appliances.

We always discuss beauty products we cannot live without or wonder where we would be without our cell phones.
Have you ever thought about being without some of the appliances we use every day? The ones you see every day and just assume that they will always be there? The ones we take for granted?

My pick?  was the microwave. I never realized how much I used it, needed it.
It was like missing a part of my body, in the kitchen I constantly turned to warm my daughter's tea, our lunch, everything! It was such a part of my life I never thought what it would be like to live without it for a week or two.

Think about it, the Microwave may not be your vice,  but which home appliance would you have miss for a  week or two?

 Our microwave arrived this weekend and my life is once again restored to its balanced state.

 We look forward to hearing from you!
FashionMom

Images courtesy istockphoto

Question Of the Week- The Cost of a Family Vacation

Family travel is one of the most expensive hits on any budget and it has gotten even more expensive over the last two years.


I have tried booking last minute travel, six months in advance travel, the most popular option which is more than 2 weeks in advance travel and the average working family vacation still costs at least $600 per person for air and hotel. That is Average......
And this would be five days or less, over/ under weekends, leaving at midnight. I think you know the drill and routine. I have tried the Tuesday at midnight booking routine too!

I know that salaries have not risen that much,many people are unemployed and I often hear  from the news media that travel has been up everywhere this season.
The airlines have seen a boom, for using smaller planes,offering no food and charging a fortune for every bag. Add the high fares to that bottom line.

Some people have to travel for business but for vacation we do not have to...... why spend so much? Are we using the credit cards and closing our eyes when the bill arrives?

Is the media reporting truly accurate? Am I out of touch?

Have your habits changed? or are you still taking 2 to 3 vacations each year? are you driving or flying?

My question of the week for FM readers is (I would like to stress that this is for family vacations)

How much are you willing to spend for a family vacation ? Driving or flying.

Have your travel habits changed over the last two years?  If so, how has it changed?

Where and how have you found the best deals?
I need to know the secret. We have tried everything, the prices are ridiculous. Maybe I am out of touch, but I don't think so.

Are you staying with friends? using Time Shares? How are you saving?   I forgot, Cruises, are they any better?


I would love to hear from all of you!!

Happy Travels.



istockphotos.com

New Year's Eve- What will you wear? Where will you shop?

I know, the search has started. It will be in full effect until 9pm at every mall and store on New Year's Eve. The shoes, the dress, the outfit! What will you wear this year ?
We go through the same thing every year, I do,sometimes I like the results,at other times in the past I did not.
I always do best with the simplest pieces.
As I grew older I learned that simple was better, you will stand out for a pulled together look. Add accessories to enhance the look, not too much.


Here are some stores that should be on your list every year. You have a great chance of finding something!

White House Black Market- The main page already has a breakdown of what you can wear for any type of party for the New Year. You will find something for cocktails, formal wear, and beach casual.

http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/home.jsp





Ann Taylor- Have gone through a transformation over the last year.

Tiered Cocktail Strapless Dress

Nice for a formal affair.


Lord and Taylor(online and in stores)

This is the store to find a dress, large swaths of floor space always devoted to dresses of every shape,size and color. You have a very good chance of finding something at L&T. The online site has a "find it fast option" to help you narrow your choices from a super inventory. Dresses are divided into long and short cocktail and little black dresses. Visit the holiday party shop. Look for anything by Shelli Segal, she does unique pieces.


Holiday Party Shop


LongCocktail-lordandtaylor

Bebe

Short, short and sexy,sexy.
Beautiful dresses 'Add the Faux Fur Capelet for a dash of panache.

Bebe


Talbots

Talbots also sizes for woman and petites. They accommodate every size. Thank you Talbots!





Link to Talbots Woman





BCBG

Always a great source for dresses and spectacular shoes.

At Macy's or Free Standing stores in select malls. A must visit.

http://www.bcbg.com/home/index.jsp







J Crew- This is usually a favorite of mine because they tend to specialize in the "I did not try to hard even though I am wearing sequins look"
They take very simple pieces and add embellishments or sequins and I can wear it with jeans and still go out on New Years. I can take that same piece and add a skirt or shorts and go a beach party for New Year's eve. Lip Gloss and you can head out the door. You look like if you spent a million bucks(they are not cheap) and did not try too hard.  Love it.
No one else does it better than J Crew.

A must visit.


The Limited and Express

Express offers clothing for the young set but there are some pieces which may work with black slacks.
The Limited offers some fresh alternatives, the white skirt with a lace cocktail skirt is particularly outstanding.

http://www.thelimited.com/category/apparel-%20PERFECT%20PARTY%20LINK


Macy's Inc

I like Michael Kors, INC, Rachael Roy ,Shelli Seagal from this store. If you can get to a flagship like Herald Square in New York, Fanueil Hall in Boston or the flagship in Chicago you will be in for a treat in their dress departments. The inventory size mind boggling.

Cache
Stellar finds in lots of colors other than black. Please all see our story from guest blogger panda http://fashionmom-w.blogspot.com/2010/12/cache-not-just-for-twenty-somethings.html on Dec 5th, it is most certainly not only for twentysomethings.

Club Monaco
Another favorite, minimalist but edgy, and you will be the only one wearing it.
The Holly Dress is Spectacular, I am ready to go out, just to wear that. The Sasha Lace Dress is superb, The Ayala Lace Short, The Ivy Shirt and the Azure shirt. I really cannot go on, I will be paying a visit to the nearest store very soon. There is something for every occasion, I am in love.
The website is hard to navigate but check it out and get your names before you go. And beware they have some of the best handbags anywhere in the US. There are not too many stores which once again means you will not look like anyone else in the crowd.
http://www.clubmonaco.com/122010/w1.asp

French Connection

http://usa.frenchconnection.com/category/woman/woman.htm

Unique pieces with usual details. Try everything on, sometimes it looks really different on the hanger. Not for every shape. Spectacular pieces.


Victoria's Secret- Love this sequin jacket with skinny pants. Lots of choice for everyone!
http://www.victoriassecret.com/






Best of all they have a Tux!!! Something that is a fresh alternative to the usual offerings in stores.





Based on what I have seen this year, Club Monaco, J Crew and French Connection have my vote. There is something out there for you too!

As for Shoes, if you need something that is one of a kind my only pick is Nordstrom.


These are just a few of  the picks, I know that we have missed many stores.
Let us know where you plan to shop!

We would love to hear from you!

Happy New Year!

Question Of the The Week- How Many Pots do you really need?

I am in the process of packing our home for a move to smaller place, we are downsizing in order to live in the city. We are excited but it means lots of changes for us moving from a larger home to a smaller one. We have to make do with less material things.

So, I am packing up the kitchen and I realize that I only use 2 pots every day, my turbo cookers which I have had for over 10 years.

So I reevaluated again, put some more for Goodwill, a few only used once and looked again.
Can I just exist with those two main pots? a pressure cooker? a large size pot for pasta( although the Pasta Boat works fine)  and a mid size for rice?  I had a Le Creuset pot which I never used, it will now go to a dear friend who will use it I am sure. Why was I keeping it? Because it was Le Creuset! Sorry no more of that.  Even my husband started defending the pots! He thought I was purging too much. But I am right, when one goes bad replace it but do not buy 2 more.

My turbo cookers( remember those from TV? ) can be used for any and everything you can think of except pasta and rice.

Downsizing may not be so bad after all. It is helping me to realize just how much "stuff" we have without realizing it. It is an ongoing process. Folks it can be done.
As a Home Stager I helped clients evaluate and purge clutter from their homes. The same rules apply to me and I am most certainly not perfect. But you should try to practice what you preach.

So How many Pots do you really need in those cupboards? Can you do it with just 5?
Take a look and let me know! I would love to hear from you!

Have a great weekend!

Question of The Week - Favorite Airport

We like them for shopping, for luxury offerings such as spas and massages and those fabulous lounges.  Or just being able to hang out without stressing about your flight.

I like airports because I can people watch, I am always fascinated with where people are going and what they are wearing to get there. I play the guessing game!
I also like to browse and shop and if they have a full service book store I am good to go.


My favorite pick is Miami International. I have been caught there in transit many times so I know it pretty well.
I like it because, there are people from every destination on earth at the Miami airport, I love the mix of cultures and languages. I love Bijoux for shopping, I cannot tell you how many scarves and wraps I bought at Miami airport, it is insane.

And they have great restaurants and the hotel is in the airport! Where else can you get that. Best of all if you are kicked off a flight and have to overnight, where else in the world would you rather be?


What is your Favorite Airport in the World?

Question of The Week - How do you boost your immune system?

It is a challenging balancing act, our many roles, daughter, sister, mom, wife, finances, family and for some of us working professionals.

How do we manage it all? and still manage to appear balanced and together in public is amazing? Women are amazing. We know what you are going through.
But are we really taking care of ourselves?

Some of us have help, to clean,cook and help us make it through the day. Single Moms I always applaud because you are doing the work of two and it is a job for 4:)!

Are we getting regular checkups? mammograms? Do you have a BP kit and check your BP every day?

What are you doing to stay healthy?

I went back to some things my mom gave me as a child,  which have made a huge difference in my energy levels(Cod Liver Oil, liquid form only in OJ) and I rarely get any colds. You can assume that my daughter is on the same regimen, the colds are not as often as other children. My hubby sometimes tags along :). I try to keep the blood flowing, walking or running, you have to get out and it keeps the colds away. My mother was one of the busiest, most active people on the planet and when her  illness forced her to a wheel chair and she continued to push for her therapy and her mental motivation to walk again never waned,but her body could not keep up until she passed away.  I think about my mom every time I feel the urge not to exercise, her mental toughness, pushes me out the door. Pilates changed my posture, strength and stomach muscles forever. Golf gives you a mental break and teaches life lessons like nothing else in this world. My one issue is getting enough sleep, I have not figured that one out yet!
That is what works for me, What works for you?




Here are some suggestions from Real Simple

Watch your fat- This you know! High fat diets make your immune system more sluggish. Aim for 25 to 30 percent of your calories from fat and from the good fats like Olive Oil, avocados,nuts and peanut butter. Limit the saturated fats like milk(whole),butter,high fat meats and trans fats(partially hydrogenated oils).

Stay in Motion- walking briskly,cycling,swimming for 45 minutes five times a week cuts down on sick days and enhances your body's defenses by 50 percent. Enough said.

Eat plenty of Protein- The amino acids in protein are the building blocks of the cells in your immune system and they help to create protective white blood cells and antibodies. Women should consume 50 grams of protein a day or get at least 10 to 15 percent of their daily calories from protein.
Lean protein, fish,skinless poultry,eggs,beans,soy products.

Music- Research shows that singing helps to lift a person's mood and the levels of antibodies that protect from invading germs. People who played a a musical instrument and sang along showed greater levels of those antibodies than those who just listened to music.

Pets- petting a dog or cat leads to a spike in secretory immunoglobulin A which helps to protect the body against germs trying to invade it.

Resolve to Relax- Find that time! It may be deep breathing or yoga, or painting or puzzles. Try to do it on a regular basis. The lack of stress releasers inhibits your body's response to invaders.

Probiotics(Danactive,Activia)- Studies have found that pro biotics products have an effect on respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal issues.

Make Late Nights an Exception- Nine hours a night! Your body needs it. Women who are more active have better killer cells(white blood cells that attack germs) than women who felt tired.

Get 3 colors in every meal-Fruits and Vegetables in vibrant colors are rich in carotids, which helps immune cells surround and kill a virus. They also contain antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Aim for 5 to 9 servings a day.

Fit into your skinny jeans- Studies show that slightly overweight adults have an elevated level of cholesterol. When put on a low fat diet the subjects lost weight and lowered their levels. T Cell function also improved. Losing a few pounds can make a big difference.


Please give us your tips for staying healthy!

Question of The Week- Frazzled

For all women,

I had a bit of a moment this morning.

My daughter has a lovely lunch kit that keeps getting wet with water from her water flask. I have tried 3 different flasks and they all leak once laying flat. They all make the same claims(leak proof) and of course that is nothing but BS. Combine that with noise and everything else happening at the same time.
I hit a mini wall( not literally). I figured out a solution, but I had my moment first :)

How do you cool down if something irritates you, or you feel a bit overwhelmed. In THAT moment.

I take a deep breath, and try to continue, deep breaths seem to help but it took a long time to get there.

What do you do to end the manic moment?? and we all have them, I know you do!

Question of the Week- The Boys and their boys and the girls.

I have been married for over 14 years and I most cetainly have my own life and agenda these days. And I love it. My husband has a great group of friends who he tries to see often and he rides his bike as often as he can.

I heard a discussion among men on a radio program 3 weeks ago and I finally found the time to ask the girls the question?

How do you feel when your hubby spends time with the boys? 

Should it continue to be the same way when you were dating? In other words sitting on each other's lap all day?

Does it help to make your relationship healthier? 

It makes mine much better.

What about you?

Please give me your feedback!

Question of The Week - What was the Best Purchase you ever made? Stay focused!

I know this is a tough one but can you remember what was the best purchase you ever made?

Ever?

I  was thinking that picking a piece of clothing may seem shallow, but the best item I ever purchased was a Hermes Constance Bag at a Salvation Arny store in Newark New Jersey.

Similar bags are now worth over 2 K Ebay. I paid 10 dollars for it.

Now that was the best purchase AND the best investment I ever made!

Please send your feedback!

Question of The Week - What is your dream destination ? Disney not included!

Kids bring lots of joy to families but one small price we pay is  the large dent on our finances.
Many things you did as a single person or as a couple is a financial impossibility(unless you run up the tab on those credit cards).
We pay more attention to budgets, priorities change and travel goes to the bottom of the list.
Travel for emergencies and holidays to see family is taxing enough on any budget.
Once the children are over 2 years old, all bets are off.


WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GO ON VACATION WITH YOUR FAMILY... TOMORROW...?

 FORGET THE EXPENSES.


As the holidays approach, travel kicks into high gear.
The survey below may help you to navigate the "friendly" skies.
The fees!



Airline Survey


My dream destination, and it was tough.... FRANCE, anywhere in France would be amazing. Paris yes!