Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Bring it on 2014!



 Happy New Year!

May you welcome the new year with hope and anticipation for all to come. Take a moment to reflect on 2013, raise a glass to toast the future, and kiss someone awesome at midnight!



Cheers!

K&H

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Christmas!

 Happy Christmas!

 


May you have 
a holly jolly holiday!




 
Cheers!

K&H

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

We Came, We Saw, We Shopped!

Oh boy, did we shop!

Last Friday was the 4th annual shopping day for Kate & Heather (and 3rd year with their friend Ashley), and possibly the most successful to date! A while ago we decided to support our awesome local shops as much as possible. This really played into the success of the day as we weren't wasting time driving to all the suburban malls and centers and getting in and out of the car all day. In fact, we only parked the car twice: Once at Patterson and Libbie and then again in Carytown. Less than 3 miles between these local shopping locations.

Kate & Heather started the day at The Shops at 5807 on Patterson at 10:30am. Neither had been in this gem of a shopping destination and were excited about the variety they had to offer- it's like 21 shops in one! We were able to get ornaments, hostess gifts, and other great gifts. The Toy Center was next door, which we were able to find treats for some of the kiddos we know.

Around noon we headed to Carytown and met up with Ashley. After lunch at Xtras, we managed to get down to some serious shopping!  We hit tons of stores in the afternoon, but didn't make it to all! The ones we had the most luck at include: Penzeys Spices (okay, it's a chain, but we still love them!), Fabrik (also a chain, but carries some local artists), DeCOR, Mongrel, and World of Mirth. Shortly after 4pm, we were awfully thirsty, so we wandered into NY Deli for a Happy Hour beverage and an app. After a few more shops, it was around 7pm and most places were closing for the day.

After this intense shopping day, we're pretty close to crossing everyone off our list! It's great knowing that we could support many local shops, as well as give our family and friends gifts that are more unique than ones that could be found at big box stores. It somehow seems so much more personal. We hope to continue this local gift shopping not only for the holidays, but for celebrations throughout the year!


Please share with C&G your favorite local shops!  (not just for our Richmond friends- anywhere!)


Cheers,

K&H



Thursday, December 12, 2013

RIC is a Winter Wonderland of Activities

Enjoy the season with local events!

In case you have free time between Thanksgiving and New Year's and need something to do here is a great list of events and activities in Richmond and a lot of them are free!!!!!!! 

  • Go Ice Skating...outdoors!!!!!  If you don't want to skate outdoors you can also do public skates at Skate Nation or Richmond Ice Zone.
  • Visit Santa-No matter what your age you have to admit it is fun to see Santa and you don't have to buy the picture unless you look absolutely fabulous! Santa can be found at any of the malls, Bass Pro Shop and the Legendary (and real) Santa is checking his list twice at the Children's Museum.
  • Don't forget about your furry friends! Several places have photo opportunities for your pet and Santa, including area Petsmarts.
  • The Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter
  • Walk through the light display at the James Center
  • Tacky Lights Tour-plan your own route and drive around or book a private limo or a ticket on the Richmond Trolley!  One of our favorite houses in located on Rosewood near Maymont!  If this doesn't make you smile...what are we saying of course this will make you smile...it is AWESOME! 
  • Pop into the Jefferson-Grab a cocktail from TJ's and then sit and enjoy the giant tree and big ginger bread house. 
  • Christmas Parade-Did you miss the Richmond Christmas Parade this passed weekend?  Don't worry it will be re-aired on WTVR-CBS channel 6, Christmas morning so you may enjoy the whole thing from the comfort of your own home.
  • Maymont-Wander the grounds of Maymont to take in all the natural and handmade Christmas decorations. While you are there take a holiday tour of the mansion.
  • Downtown-If wandering Maymont didn't wear you out head downtown and take in the decorations of the Court End historic homes, museums, St. John's, St. Paul's, Monumental Church, the Executive Mansion, the State Capital and everything else downtown!
  • James River Parade of Lights-This happens Saturday, December 14, 2013. Boats are decorated with lights and parade down the James. This is sponsored by James River Advisory Council who help advocate and promote our awesome river.
  • Richmond Nativity Pageant-at the Carillion-Monday, December 23, 2013.
  • Music and a Show-See brat packer Molly Ringwald or Sweet Honey in the Rock at Center Stage. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Richmond Symphony or catch a holiday show with Virginia Repertory Theatre (the combination of the former Barksdale and Theater iv). Don't miss the Richmond Ballet's annual performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker.  Head back to The Jefferson for Music at Midday or take in one of the Richmond Concert Band's performances.
  • Carytown New Year's Eve-The Richmond tradition of celebrating the new year by watching the ball rise over the Bryd is 9 years strong!
Want to celebrate the season with friends and family on your own turf? Consider hosting one of these fun themed events.
  • Ugly Sweater Party-If everyone gets into it, it is a blast!
  • Holiday Baking Day-we have a great friend whose family (3 generations deep of women, started by earlier generations) have the tradition of getting together to make a family recipe of Saffron Bread every year.
  • Host a Cookie Party- we have another wonderful friend who does these every year and you always end up with a wonderful selection of sweet treats and you only had to make one, brilliant!
  • Crafting Day-because crafting is fun and when you add wine and girlfriends it becomes an annual tradition.
  • Holiday Happy Hour-heck you could even combine this with an Ugly Sweater Party your group will be the envy of everyone a the bar!
  • Re-gifting Party-everyone brings that thing you have received that just doesn't work and it turns into someone else's treasure! This too can be combined with an Ugly Sweater Party!
  • New Year's Eve Eve Party-One of Heather's best friends does this every year and it is awesome! You avoid the crazy of the 31st and are less likely to be hungover on the 1st so you are bright eyed and bushy tailed to return to work on the 2nd.
  • New Year's Day Open House-avoid the crazy of late night celebrating and welcome the New Year with a pot of chili and good friends on the 1st!
  • Favorite Holiday Movie Night- We have a group of friends who gather annually for a viewing of Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, accompanied by snacks (often roasting marshmallows in the fireplace) and recently a tacky sweater contest. The prize for the tackiest sweater? The golden otter!

How do you celebrate the holiday season?  Let us know on our facebook page.

Cheers!

K&H

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Tis the season for stretchy pants!

What? It's time to eat again??

The season of joy, family and togetherness is officially upon us. Our schedules get busier with parties, holiday lunches and happy hours, shopping and traveling. With the temptation of holiday cookies and cocktails that are around every corner, it's easy to pack on a few pounds. It's hard to find time to cook a proper and healthy meal. We here are Cocktails and Glitter are determined to not let the holidays give us the figure of jolly ole St. Nick! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes to help you avoid that belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly!
Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna
We both love this recipe so much! We've included it on our Struggle With Fried tab in the past, but here it us again! It's a little time consuming, so may be a better weekend option. One of our favorite recipes from Skinny Taste. This one is also great to feed a crowd or to have ample leftovers!




Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole
This Cooking Light recipe is in heavy rotation in both our homes. Since it's a casserole, it's easy to adjust some ingredients. Add some beans, use chicken instead of beef, add peppers or extra cheese... It's quick to assemble and bake, about 30 minutes total, perfect for a work night or after a busy day of shopping.




Autumn Harvest Soup

Autumn Harvest Soup
The cold weather begs for soup. Using seasonal ingredients is also smart- the quality of butternut squash and kale is much better this time of year! This soup is hardy enough for a meal! Kayln's Kitchen has some great healthy recipes for eating right!




Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Crock pot recipes are a HUGE help during this season. This one from Skinny Taste is easy to prep in the morning, and requires little effort when you get home for the day. We like to sprinkle a few crushed tortilla chips on top! I would recommend cooking the onions and garlic before your shower or the night before to avoid smelling like enchiladas all day!



Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps

Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps
Let's be real, some nights you crave fast food. Here's a great recipe to take care of that craving without the guilt (or pink slime!) that goes along with it. Skinny Mom's Kitchen hits a home run with kids and adults with this one!




These recipes can also be found through our Pinterest Board "Struggle With Fried, Healthy Recipes That Taste Unhealthy". We'll keep adding to the board as the season continues! In the meantime, share with us your favorite healthy go-to meals!

Cheers,

K&H