Live the Life
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by Goodies 'n Baskets
April 25, 2008
Reflections on Motherhood
Before I had children, it was hard to imagine what life will be like tied down by the responsibilities of motherhood . Life was enjoyable, the freedom to to do what you want and when you want. Things do change quite a bit when you have kids. Juggling a career and motherhood is a challenge but is do-able. Most of us mothers do find ways to cope, bringing the efficiency that we have in the office to our households. Here are some tips to make you a happier mom:
1. Delegate household tasks - hire a cleaning lady or a nanny
2. Shop online. Time spent shopping could be spent playing with the kids or having quality time with your husband.
3. Have your kids do work around the house. It's a good way to prepare them for their future motherhood
4. Share tasks with your husband.
5. Most of all, don't lose yourself in the day to day living and never-ending tasks in the house. Carve out time to do the things that you love, whether it's curling up with a good book, sipping a cup of tea, playing the piano, getting a massage. or taking up a new sport.
April 24, 2008
Mother's Day Tea
Mother's day is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate friendship by hosting a tea party for your girlfriends who mean so much! Share stories and chat over a cup of tea. Offer a selection of luxury teas. Try our spa tea box and have a spa and tea day and serve the new selection of white teas in our elegant abaca tea box. Your guests will feel pampered by the flavor of the white orchard tea, green tropical, orange dulce, just a few of the herbal teas. If you have a pregnant friend who is expecting a little one soon, the chamomile citrus is caffeine free! It's great hot or with ice!
Serve up some french crepes. We've had many gatherings with this secret family recipe. It's really easy to do but so delicious! Here is the recipe which is foolproof! We've used olive oil instead of real butter. How about a plate of cupcakes and scones with strawberries?
Decorate the table with fresh roses and scented candles. Try our lavender scent and blood orange candles ! This afternoon tea will surely be a memorable event. Perfect for a bridal shower or mother's day!
Secret Crepe Recipe
1 cup flour
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup milk
3 eggs
2 tbsps. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, the flour and salt. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients, milk, eggs, water, vanilla and oil. Whisk by hand or with a mixer. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture in a stream while whisking. just a few minutes, until it is smooth. you could let the batter rest in the refrigerator for an hour or 30 minutes. Grease a skillet or crepe pan. pour the crepes! These make perfectly golden crepes.
Serve with fresh strawberries and if you are craving for something decadent, chocolate sauce! Enjoy!
To order this wonderful tea box and candles go to the main menu at www.goodiesnbaskets.biz
June 5, 2007
The Perfect Jasmine Green Tea Smoothie Recipe
Lose weight with a light Jasmine Green Tea smoothie! Green tea has many health benefits. a japanese study found that people who regularly drank five or more cups of green tea were more likely to live longer. and it is great for losing weight No longer considered your grandmother's tea but a hip new drink of 20 and 30 somethings. This is a low calorie, delicious smoothie!
1 green tea bag/ jasmine green tea
1 cup boiling water
honey to taste
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 cup raspberry or berry juice, or a healthier alternative, 1 cup vitamin water (Glaceau or Defense in raspberry apple flavor)
or any fruit juice will do.
1) Brew green tea in water, seep to desired strength. Five minutes is good! Discard the tea bag. and add some honey to taste.
Refrigerate tea for 30 minutes.
2) Puree the tea, berry juice, or vitamin water, into the blender. add chunks of banana.
3) Add ice and blend until it reaches a nice light smooth consistency.
4) Taste for sweetness.
5) Yum! Enjoy this refreshing green tea smoothie! Just right for summer or for picnics in the park!
A Day in Provence March 17, 2007
avender fields... Fresh air...Sunflower blossoms...Images of Provence float in our minds. It is amazing that this wonderful place is only a plane ride away. Imagine waking up to the cool morning breeze and to the sound of the birds chirping and gently swaying trees. Breakfast is served outdoors, a bounty of fresh croissants, sweet melons, freshly squeeze orange juice and hot coffee. Afterwards, take a dip in the pool and plan your day.
Driving through gentle hills of lavender and grapevines, one cannot help but wish that this day could last forever. The nearest winery,a few miles away offers a wide selection of rose, white and red wines. You pick up your choice for dinner and pass by the local cheese shop. You enjoy the breathtaking views from Le Beaux and have a gourmet lunch in St. Remy on your way back. The afternoon is spent reading your new bestseller as you prepare for dinner.
Our love for anything Provencal led us to our choice of bath and spa products. Our selection of bath products includes French body lotions, shower gels, and even bath items for kids.