Winter Wonders

It's time to enjoy winter wonders that emerge this time of the year as we look at some features and finds from the Web about the comforts of home.

Bring into your home only things that bring you comfort and joy, not clutter. If you really don't feel like having a giant tree inside your home along with all the bugs that cling to it, then forget it this year. Simplicity is the keyword this season.

It's time for reflection and valuing the important things in life while indulging in luxuries that make you feel good and do not pile on more stress or work for yourself.

Remember to invite family and friends into your home this year for a nice dinner that they will remember for a very long time. Yes, making memories is more important that gathering things that cause stress and you always have to find room for them somewhere or have to re-gift them or figure out how to unload them.

You'll never regret setting a beautiful table for a few friends.

Think about new design projects while you're home for the holidays.

Maybe redo your staircase by adding bright colors.

Be bold this winter if you're planning to travel to foreign lands or go to smart dinner parties. Invest in quality lashes, not those thick clumps that look like one thick piece of cardboard on your eyes.

Indulge in a wonderful breakfast to keep you cozy during the cold winter mornings.

Remember to bring your pets indoors during the cold winter months.

Think out of the box this season and take a tip from Marilyn and put yourself in that Christmas stocking at the fireplace.

#stylesheet #style #fashion #pets #winter #holiday #cher

#celebrity #hollywood #ursulaandress #stylesheetdaily

#food #decor #christmas #marilyn #marilynmonroe

Meat-Free Feasts

Yes, the holidays are upon us and it doesn't mean you have to gobble up the turkeys or the ham or the steak and eggs, but start transitioning to a meat-free diet that is healthier for you, and will make you happier that you have contributed to the ending of cruelty to animals. I know, it's a preference, but when I have gone back to tasting real meatballs or real chicken, all I taste is the grease, fat, and gross tissue of the animal that died for my dinner, aside from the attacks on my health due to the fat and high cholesterol side effects. 

I know, you say some slaughter methods are not cruel, but there are no humane slaughter methods in spite of what the government tries to say. Any quick Google search will take you to real video of what goes on in slaughter plants, even at the hands of professionals. The quickest methods are employed leaving little thought to the animal being slaughtered since time is money, and it's all about production and getting the work done and slaughtering as many animals as they can each day to make more money for the slaughter plant owners and operators and of course for the employees.

Meatless dishes are really good, but you still have to watch the calories and fat you are consuming if you are concerned about losing some pounds over the holidays this year. If you are careful about what you eat and control portion size, you should see a difference in your waistline in a few months so you don't have to make any major New Year's resolutions about weight loss or diet, since you will already be on your way to your weight loss goals.

Here are a few recipes that might get you going in the vegetable direction if you choose to cook. There are many prepared foods that are just as good to choose from at the market or in the produce or fresh foods section of the store where the food is prepared for you on the premises.

All recipes are from MarthaStewart.com

Cauliflower, Red Onion and Chestnut Tart:

Click here for the recipe.

Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna:

Click here for the recipe.

Roasted Parsnip Bread Pudding:

Click here for the recipe.

Pumpkin and Pecorino Gratin:

Click here for the recipe.

Mint and chocolate added to your coffee is an easy recipe or just make hot chocolate with almond milk for your morning or afternoon break. For dinner, you can have that one glass of red or white wine to compliment your meat-free dinner.

I know, hunting season officially starts on Friday as I wish you good luck on your shopping expeditions that don't result in any harm to any living thing.

#thanksgiving  #holiday

#meatlesscooking #meatfree  #marthastewart