APRICOT BRANDY
This season why not get creative in the kitchen and whip up some delicious Christmas treats to give as gifts. All you need is some dried apricots and a bit of brandy, and this spirited gift is ready for giving. To make this a Christmas gift transfer the liquid into pretty bottles topped with stoppers made from Christmas-tree ornaments.
What you’ll need:
1/2 cup(s) sugar
2 tablespoon(s) honey
3 cup(s) brandy
2 pound(s) dried apricots
1. Make the brandy mixture: Combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, and honey in a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Allow syrup to cool slightly and combine with brandy and fruit in a large, sealable jar. Store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks.. just in the nick of time for Christmas.
2. Strain the brandy: Line a strainer with a double layer of dampened cheesecloth and strain the brandy. Discard apricots and then transfer the brandy to an ornate glass bottle and decorate with some christmas decorations. This can be stored for up to 1 year.
From Country Living at www.delish.com
1. Stuck in a queue
This is the perfect opportunity for a captive audience. Smile; ask a question, a joke can lighten the mood especially if you’re in line at a place which is boring and dull. If it’s a video store, ask if he could recommend anything for next time. If it’s a post office, ask if he’s got any family over-seas.
2. On Holiday.
You’re all about relaxation; you have healthy glow looking gorgeous and stress free. Most men will think you more open to being pursued and they are probably more confident as they too are away from their lives. So let it happen. It could turn into a fling, or it could end up in long term romance.
3. In a hotel bar
It’s the perfect place to meet new people, outside your social circle, have interesting conversations about travel and places you’d like to go to, perhaps meet a friend there for drinks.
4. At the Vet
Often people find it easy to engage with each other at the vet as they already have one thing in common, they are both pet owners. Pets are inquisitive and the owners stand who are standing by have something in common to talk about.
5. At the Launderette
Launderettes fit into that have-to-be-here-anyway category, making them a great spot to start conversations. It’s a place where you can either sit in total silence choosing to ignore the rest of the world, or you can pass time by paying attention to your surroundings, noticing people in and out, you may find someone noticing you.
Look Fabulous This Winter
Rich Colour
This winters’ colour trend is about rich colours like plums and deep purples, textures and buttoned up looks, as well as classic tailoring.
Flowing Fabrics
Feminine detailing also makes a come back with flowing dresses and ruffled shirts, wide-leg trousers, lace, belted waists and full skirts.
Tweed’s and Textures
Wool is one of the fabric favourites this season and masculine patterns are also being found in everything from coats to handbags.
Accessorise
Wear chunky jewellery, hats and tights. Daring handbags in bold colors and will be the statement you need. Look at balancing feminine fabrics with large cuff bracelets or a pile of matching bangles.
It’s All About Comfort
It’s all about flats (I hear you sigh of relief) this season, rounded-toes and peep-toes. Something new, and goes with any outfit is the platform pump with hidden platforms which give you the height and the elegance to feel glam this winter.
Here are Some ways to keep you fit even while you’re at work.
Sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair. This will strengthen your abs and back and you’ll work on your posture without even trying.
Set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to stand up and move around. Even if you just swing your arms or take a deep breath, you’ll feel more alert.
Use the restroom on another floor and always take the stairs and not the lift
Use a pedometer and keep track of how many steps you take. Aim for 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
Don’t eat lunch at your desk, rather take a break, or even pop out for a power walk to the shop’s to buy anything you may need for dinner.
Instead of emailing questions or bits of information you may need from co-workers, rather go and talk to them in person forcing you to get up from your chair and move around.
