Coffee Break with Liz and Kate » Archive
Kate’s Escapades – Start some new Christmas traditions
Ornament Exchange Game
Christmas is a time for traditions, a time for making memories with your loved ones. When I ask my kids what some of their favorite Christmas memories are, they always seem to mention memories centered around our family traditions. For us, it’s what makes the holidays have that warm and cozy feel. I am a big believer in holiday traditions, and for my family it’s not just the Christmas routines, mind you, I’ve got traditions for practically every holiday of the year. If anything, I think I tend to ere on the side of OVER-doing it. But Christmas is the biggie, the granddaddy, the big kahuna of holidays. The other holidays are just warming me up for the grand finale holiday of the year. I’ve been at this mom business for a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate
Liz’s rant: Santa’s coming!
Can you believe this is the week of Christmas? That in only a few days, Santa – the man in the big red suit – will be coming down the chimney? Maybe it’s just me but it seems like those last couple of weeks before the most wonderful time of the year always fly by. Sometimes, even that ritual visit to see Santa gets put off until the last minute. So this year, I figured I’d be one step ahead and actually plan the day for our visit. We headed to Lexington Green before 9 a.m. on Saturday. The plan was simple: I’d pick up a few things from the bookstore, and by the time we were done there, Santa would be arriving, Colton would divulge his wishlist, and we’d be … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Kate’s Escapades – Thanksgiving Gratitude Tablecloth (Memory Tablecloth)
Ahhh…Thanksgiving. That often overlooked holiday sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. You know, the one holiday that can’t really be commercialized, so the stores pretend it doesn’t exist? And yet, it is one of the most important holidays of all, because instead of focusing on material things and “stuff to buy”, we can spend this time focusing on family, gratitude and thankfulness…the things which are truly important in life. For the next few weeks, I’m going to share with you some fun ideas, tips and recipes to help celebrate this most wonderful Thanksgiving season. Today’s idea: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Tablecloth This is an easy and inexpensive way to start a Thanksgiving tradition in your home. All it takes is an inexpensive, washable, light-colored cloth tablecloth and some permanent fabric markers, which can be bought at any … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate
Kate’s Escapades – Let’s Talk Turkey
The big day is almost here. We have a Thanksgiving motto at my house… Gobble ’til You Wobble! A perfectly acceptable motto for one day of the year, don’t you think? Well, maybe you could stretch that out to two days, if you have enough leftovers. But three days? Don’t try it unless you are expecting a gym membership for Christmas. The star of every Thanksgiving feast is certainly the turkey. And probably nothing strikes more fear into a cook than taking that heavy, slimy, pale blob of meat and bones, and turning it into the perfectly golden delicious main dish. I myself have only cooked one turkey over the years, as that Thanksgiving tradition has always been left to my mother and mother-in-law. I’m sure my day is coming. I found an amazing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat
Decorating the table: Veggie Candles
How filled with fear do you people get when I start crafting? Pretty fearful, I bet . Anywho, this week, I wanted to bring you super simple project to adorn the Thanksgiving table. Not sure what else to call them, so we’ll just call them Veggie Candles. Here’s what you’ll need: Desired number of candles Green beans (about a half-pound per candle) One bunch asparagus (that will do one candle, as well) Rubber bands Ribbon of choice Making the candles: Wrap rubber band around candle Slip the veggies under the band. You can cut the veggies to same height for uniformity if you want. Tie with ribbon And we’re done. Talk about an easy way to bring the harvest to the table! Not to mention a sure fire way to serve waxed green beans I’m JOKING! Kate and I hope … Read entire article »
Filed under: Get Crafty, Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Liz’s rant: Turkey Day shoppers
Do you remember when Thanksgiving meant absolutely nothing was open, store-wise? As in, you could drive through Anytown, America on that day and it was as if the streets had been rolled up. You were lucky to see a passing car. My how things change. This year, a host of stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Theories are aplenty – perhaps it’s because lots of people want to beat the Black Friday crowds, or maybe stores are trying to generate the additional sales. Or maybe we’ve just lost touch of Thanksgiving all together. Is it that difficult to stay clear of the stores for one day? That difficult to stay at home, eat some turkey, watch some football and chill? I realize the movie theaters and bowling alleys are usually open Thursday. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Liz’s rant: Pardon me! And other turkey tidbits
Yep, this is it – the day of days for the gobblers out there. The day when one lucky bird gets the ultimate gift: a pardon. Meanwhile an estimated 45 million will be landing on our dining room tables. For that, I am thankful. Anywho, the presidential pardon will be given today. This whole pardoning thing began in 1989 with the elder George Bush, and has continued since. And two turkeys are pardoned, not one. (Think of it like the Miss America contest or something – if the winner can’t fulfill her duties, the alternate takes over…). Until 2005, the pardoned turkeys were sent to live in the Turkey Barn at Kidwell Farm, a petting zoo located ironically enough at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. But not before enduring a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat, Liz's Rants
Thanksgiving Craft – what else but… a turkey!
Call me sentimental, but this craft represents one of my favorite holiday decorations that Colton has brought home from school. Unfortunately, his is now old and faded, so he and I decided to recreate it! Let’s be honest. If we’re taking on this project, how hard can it be? It’s really a great craft for kids – and requires a relatively short list of supplies. Chances are, you already have everything you need on hand. What you’ll need: One paper grocery bag One small paper bag Old newspaper for stuffing bags Duct tape or other wide tape Glue (whatever you have on hand) Scissors Construction paper in colors of choice Instructions: 1. Begin by stuffing the large (body) and small (head) grocery bags with wadded up newspaper. You can gather the bag as you stuff to get a feel of how … Read entire article »
Filed under: Get Crafty, Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Kate’s Escapades – Halloween Month:
Disgusting Deviled Egg Eyeballs &
Toads in a Blanket
I think that hidden deep inside me there is a mean streak just itching to get out. I say this because I derive ridiculous amounts pleasure from watching the faces of unsuspecting victims as they bite into disgusting looking, but delicious tasting treats like the ones I’m sharing with you today… Disgusting Deviled Egg Eyeballs Ingredients: 6 hard-boiled eggs 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon mustard Pinch of salt Green and red food coloring Sliced black olives Toothpicks Directions: Peel the cooled hard boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks and mash in a bowl. Mix in the mayonnaise, mustard, and salt. Stir in a few drops of green food coloring. Spoon the mixture into the center of the egg halves. Place a slice of olive on top of each half. Dip a toothpick into red food … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat
Kate’s Escapades – Disgusting Worm Salad
Today’s post is courtesy of my crazy friend, Whitney. I’ll admit I come up with some kooky ideas from time to time, but next to her I’m an amateur. She takes sick and disgusting to a whole new level with this Halloween “treat”. This one is only for the truly warped and brave… Disgusting Worm Salad by Whitney Hancock These edible worms are a BIG hit for our Halloween Dinner. The first time I served these up the kids really freaked out. My daughter couldn’t even look at them at first, but after some coaxing and a little good natured teasing, she ate one. Then much too her surprise, she liked them. They take a little effort to make, but I think they are worth it. Plan to make these at least … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat
Kate’s Escapades – Halloween Month:
Witches Hats & Breadstick Broomsticks
Hooray for Halloween! I love Halloween. Today for you Coffee Break readers, I have two fun Halloween recipe ideas using refrigerated crescent roll dough and refrigerated breadstick dough. Couldn’t be simpler. And oh so cute! Impress your family with these simple and fun ideas. If you missed last week’s recipe for Creepy Eyeball Treats, check them out. Witches Hats Yield: Makes 8 servings Ingredients: 1 package crescent dinner rolls (8 rolls) 32 turkey pepperoni slices cut in half 3 to 4 salami sticks, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 cups pizza or marinara sauce Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Separate dough. Shape each piece into a long triangle.Place 1 salami stick piece along base of each dough triangle. Partially roll up dough to cover salami and create brim of hat. Place 4 pepperoni halves on top part of each hat. Place on ungreased nonstick … Read entire article »
Filed under: Get Crafty, Headline, Kate's Escapades, Let's Celebrate
We’re on vacation!!
That’s right, readers. After almost three years of posting to Coffee Break with Liz and Kate, we’ve decided to take a well-deserved hiatus so we can come back fresher and more exciting than we already are (please control the laughter from the peanut gallery). In the meantime, enjoy our fantastic quick and easy recipes, craft ideas and posts on life in general. Just search our categories or archives (over on the right) and the world will be your oyster! Thank-you for your loyalty over these past few years. Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! Enjoy your Coffee Break (with Liz and Kate, of course) … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline
The Coupon Queen – Liz’s rave
No matter where I live, there’s always one drawer that’s devoted to the coupons. I’ll note one exception: that was when I decided I was done with coupons and would never clip another one. What, you may be asking, could possibly send me so far over the edge that saving money seemed more trouble than it was worth? Enter exhibit A. The coupon drawer. (You know you have one, too. Admit it. It will make you feel better.) Oh, sure, I’ve tried those little pouches with a slot for all the dairy and all the frozen and all the meats and all the beverages. But the fact of the matter is, I still had no clue what coupons I possessed. Just because all dairy was in one slot, that cute little coupon … Read entire article »
Filed under: Handy Dandy Tips, Headline, Liz's Rants
Pomegranate Sherbet – Kate’s Recipe of the Week
Nothing says summer like a delicious bowl of homemade ice cream. At our house we usually stick with strawberry or some variation of vanilla with a mix-in. Last week we decided to be adventurous and lighten things up with Pomegranate Sherbet. It was super delicious and super easy. Ingredients: (makes 6 cups) 3 cups pomegranate juice (I used Old Orchard Pomegranate Cherry) pinch salt 1 cup heavy cream juice of 2 limes Directions: Mix pomegranate juice, cream, salt, and lime juice. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to your manufactures instructions. When your ice maker shuts off the sherbert will soft and fluffy and not quite frozen. Just put it in the freezer to firm completely. That’s it! Easy peasy pomegranate freezy. ~Kate Enjoy your yummy treat! Related articles Reader Recipe: Mango Mint Sorbet (fitsugar.com) Pomegranates (babyccinokids.com) Pineapple Coconut Milk Ice Cream … Read entire article »
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