Festive Cranberry Cocktail Recipes

 The holiday season is near, and if you are gathering with friends to exchange gifts, or hosting a party, you are going to want to pin this list of festive cranberry cocktails for later. This list has some of the best options to help you ring in the holidays in style.

If you have been visiting me for a while, you know I love a good cocktail. This year I would love to include more cranberries into my happy hour, so I started visiting with some of my favorite bloggers to find the best recipes. I know you will find a few items you love on this list.

Cranberry Sage Cocktail by Salted Plains

Perfect Cranberry Cosmo by xoxo Bella

Cranberry Sangria by Flavor the Moments

Blushin Russian by The Good Hearted Woman

Frozen Cranberry Mimosa by Stephanie’s Way

Winter White Cosmos by Aleka’s Get Together

Cranberry Pear Mimosas by Entirely Elizabeth

Sorcerer's Stone Cocktail by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Orange Margarita by Emily Fabulous

Cranberry Orange Daiquiris by Small Town Woman

Cranberry Moscow Mules by Our Crafty Cocktails

Mezcal Cranberry Cocktails by Gastronom Blog

Sparkling Cranberry Champagne Cocktails by Homebody Eats

Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mules by The Forked Spoon

Cranberry Margaritas by A Splash of Taste

Don't these drinks sound perfect for the holiday season? Which would you like to make first? Don't forget to click over to view the full recipes and save them to your cocktail board.

While you are here you can find some of my favorite drink recipes here:

Wild Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Boozy Freezer Pops

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup

Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

 

Thanksgiving is all about the food, and the side dishes are just as important as the main course. From classic dishes like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to more creative options like roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato gratin, there's a side dish out there for everyone.

Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potatoes by Maria’s Mixing Bowl

Cracker Barrel Mac N Cheese by The Cagle Diaries

Orange Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole by Crinkled Cookbook

Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf from Val’s Kitchen

Pesto Brussel Sprouts by Veggies Save the Day

From Scratch Green Bean Casserole by Served From Scratch

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole by Two Pink Peonies

Roasted Pumpkin Beetroot Salad by Maple + Mango

Brussel Sprout and Apple Salad by Conflicted Vegan

Sauteed Sweet Potatoes by Two Cloves Kitchen

Harvest Quinoa Salad by Honest and Truly

Browned Butter Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes by What a Girl Eats

Spiced Rice Stuffed Squash by Little Farro Kitchen

Green Bean Bundles by Bitz n Giggles

Best Cranberry Sauce by Ann’s Entitled Life

Find more favorite recipes here:

Thanksgiving Dinner Sandwich

12 Cranberry Sauce Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes

Craving something cozy like chicken soup? This collection of instant pot soup recipes is just the thing to check out then! With some really tasty chicken soup recipes to browse, you can find something delicious in this collection to whip up in no time.

While you are here you can find some of my other favorite recipes here.

Jazzy Chicken Soup by Amy+Jacky

This is not your average chicken soup! It has been jazzed up properly with tomatoes and celery and lots of other goodies!

Chicken Enchilada Soup by Burrata and Bubbles

All of the flavor of a good enchilada but in soup form, cooked up in no time, in the instant pot! Sounds great doesn’t it?

Photo Credit: Cassidy’s Crave-able Creations.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup by Cassidy’s Crave-able Creations

This pot pie soup is so good! And it is guilt free with low carbs for a healthy lifestyle!

Instant Pot Thai Chicken Soup With Lemongrass And Ginger by The Instant Pot Table

This thai inspired soup has so many great flavors! And it comes together  in no time, thanks to your pressure cooker!

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup by Chef Savvy

This comfort food classic cooks up fast. Save this recipe for steamy food for your soul in a flash, anytime you need it!

Chicken Tortilla Soup by Marathons and Motivations

This soup is so good! It has a great flavor, lots of color and warms you up on the coldest day!

Chicken Bone Broth by Maple + Mango

Homemade bone broth has never been easier than it is with an instant pot! Save this recipe for all of your broth needs.

Photo Credit: Pink When.

Crack Chicken Chili by Pink When

This chicken chili is so good it is borderline addictive. Try it and decide if you think it has been aptly named!

Chicken and Cabbage Curry Soup by Low Carb Yum

This curry based soup is so tasty! It is packed with good for you ingredients and will fill you up without too many extra carbs.

From Scratch Chicken Soup by Fearless Dining

This chicken soup is from scratch and promises to warm your soul! So good!

Looking for other tasty ways to make chicken?

Cracker Crumb Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Find more instant pot recipes here:

Creamy Mushroom Shrimp Pasta

Banana Cream Rice Pudding

Best Boba Recipes

 My 9 year old, Harper, has developed an obsession with boba. She bats her big blue eyes at me and says "Mommy, let's go out for a tea..." almost everyday. It is so funny that I have this little bestie who thinks I am rich. To keep her happy and getting her boba fix at least once a week, we have been making some fun recipes at home. If you are wanting to save some cash and still have a treat, like us, you are going to love this list of the best boba recipes to make at home.

Before we get into this, can you believe Harper is 9 and a half already? It seems like just a few months ago that so many of my friends were chipping in to write posts for my blog so I could bask in the wonder of our new baby Harper.  Now here she is, a full blown tween with a boba tea habit.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman and various artists.

Jasmine Milk Tea Boba by Greedy Girl Gourmet

Lychee Milk Tea Boba by My Vegan Minimalism

Hokkaido Milk Tea by Aubrey’s Kitchen

Vegan Boba Cake by Rainbow Nourishments

Homemade Black Boba Pearls by Delightful Plate

Fruity Bubble Tea by Kids Activities Blog

The Devil Wears Salad.

Watermelon Fruit Salad with Brown Sugar Boba by The Devil Wears Salad

Strawberry Milk Tea by Moon and Spoon and Yum

Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars by The Oregon Dietitian

Photo Credit: White Kitchen Red Wine.

Strawberry Milk Tea by White Kitchen Red Wine

Taro Bubble Tea by The Oregon Dietitian

Chocolate Milk Bubble Tea by The Littlest Crumb

Photo Credit:  Entirely Elizabeth.

Earl Grey Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth

Iced Boba Coffee by Recipes from a Pantry

Vegan Bubble Tea by Plant Based on a Budget

With so many tasty bubble tea recipes, the hardest part of getting your boba fix will be deciding which of these recipes to make first. Happy sipping!

You can find some of my favorite drink recipes here 
Sour Apple Margaritas
Hillbilly Cider
Bomb Pop Cocktails
Blueberry Lime Vodka Sorbet

A Parent's Guide to Navigating Everyday Hazards with Your Child

 As parents, your greatest priority is to keep your children safe in every aspect of life. From the moment they come into your lives, you hold their tiny hands, guide their steps, and do everything you can to shield them from harm. 

But let's face it; your world can sometimes feel like a never-ending maze of risks and challenges. Navigating these challenges may leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t worry! We're here to provide you with the knowledge and guidance to keep your little ones safe and sound.

Let's get started!

Tripping and Slipping Risks

Whether at home or out in public, be aware of the issues, such as slippery surfaces or clutter, that lead to slips and falls. 

To prevent such mishaps at home, keep walkways clear, use non-slip mats in high-risk areas like the bathroom, and promptly address any spills or wet surfaces. 

And when you're out, watch for uneven pavements, slippery surfaces, or objects in your path. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur despite your best efforts. 

Imagine you're in a mall in Atlanta with your child, enjoying a day of shopping and fun. Suddenly, your child slips on a wet floor, and you notice no caution board is placed. According to the Atlanta slip and fall attorney, you may be eligible for compensation in such distressing situations caused by the negligence of mall managers. Of course, to determine your eligibility, you’ll need to consult a law firm. 

Playground Safety Considerations

Kids love to have fun, develop physical skills, and socialize in playgrounds. However, uneven surfaces or poorly maintained equipment can pose dangers, such as tripping or falls from slides and swings. 

Therefore, to ensure safety, select playgrounds that meet safety standards and suit your child's age group. Moreover, active supervision plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and injuries. Parents should closely monitor their children while they play.

And for added protection, you can provide them with knee pads and helmets, especially if they are involved in activities like biking or rollerblading. 

Road and Pedestrian Safety Awareness

Road and pedestrian safety awareness is crucial in keeping your little ones safe. As parents, one of the fundamental lessons you can teach your children is the importance of looking both ways before crossing the road. 

Encourage them to stop, look left, then right, and look left again to ensure no vehicles are approaching. It's a simple but powerful habit that can save lives. 

Also, you can emphasize using crosswalks whenever possible and the importance of walking on sidewalks to avoid traffic. 

Other Dangers at Home

Little ones, with their curious nature, can unknowingly put themselves at risk. They get attracted to electrical outlets, cords, appliances, and substances like cleaning products and medicine. All these need your attention. 

To safeguard against electrical risks, childproof outlets with safety covers or outlet caps. Also, ensure cords are out of reach and securely fastened to avoid tripping or tugging. Moreover, store cleaning products or medicines in locked cabinets or high shelves, far from the curious hands of your little explorers. 

You create a home environment for your kids by implementing these safety measures. 

Last Words

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can navigate through potential dangers and create a safer environment for your little ones to grow and explore.  Remember, your guidance and continuous efforts to educate them about the hazards are crucial for their well-being. 

Top Trends in Home Remodeling: Enhancing Functionality and Style

 

Image Courtesy

Chicago is a wonderful city rich in architectural heritage, drawing on multiple influences, including American Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Tudor-style structures. Chi-Town effortlessly blends Renaissance-style heritage interiors with its quintessential commercial and industrial interior palettes. The city’s interiors are dominated by rustic brick walls, exposed industrial elements, and floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with Mid-century furnishings. 

But this year, there’s a change in the wind, pushing Chicago’s interior trendsetters to shift away from industrial-style minimalism. Like the nationwide interior trends, Chicago’s design radar is abuzz with richly textured, maximalist interiors focusing on openness and spaciousness. 

Are you planning to breathe new life into your Chicago home without breaking away from the city’s traditional design aesthetics? Get ready to hit the local thrift markets to shop for chic leather accents, antiques, and hardware with raw finishes. We’ve compiled a roundup of trendy home remodeling strategies to elevate functionality and style. 

A Luxuriously Appointed Open Floor Kitchen 

Expansive open-floor kitchens are all the rage in Chicago, a trend that perfectly embodies the Windy City's laid-back energy. This trend is right for your home if you're constantly bumping into fixtures and struggling with tripping hazards. The idea is to create an open-plan kitchen combining multiple spaces, primarily the kitchen, living room, and dining room. 

Homeowners can approach this project with multiple variations, depending on their lifestyle and functional needs. Suppose you want to maintain a formal dining area to entertain guests and throw extravagant dinner parties. In that case, we suggest an open floor plan combining the kitchen and living room in an expansive space. 

It’s important to work closely with a reputable home remodeling company in Chicago to explore design variations suited to your floor plan. Altering the floor plan is a major renovation, and finding the right team is paramount. Specialists with extensive experience in floor plan alterations can help you refine your design vision with practical solutions. Most homeowners neglect architectural designs to save money, but this project demands technical know-how and savviness. 

For instance, experts will help you evaluate the impact of the open-floor plan on multiple aspects, such as HVAC functioning and traffic flow. Once you've altered the floor plan, you can group furniture to create different zones with ample free-flowing samples. If you're combing the dining room, it's wise to anchor the dining table with ambient and well-illuminating lighting fixtures. Rugs are a great way to separate each zone, with the double island as the space's focal point. 

Open floor plans create the illusion of spaciousness, allowing homeowners to utilize every inch of square footage available. If you love entertaining guests, this arrangement is ideal for hosting large crowds and creating lavish buffet-style spreads. 

An Ambient Outdoor Space 

The pandemic has taught us the importance of our connection with Mother Nature and the outdoor world, propelling a mindset shift. This newfound discovery has profoundly impacted interior trends nationwide, encouraging homeowners to maximize their outdoor space. Chicago's continental climate is ideal for garden parties in the summer and bonfires to enjoy the chilly winters in one's backyard. 

We suggest expanding your outdoor space and repurposing your backyard into a whimsical getaway where you can escape and unwind. Anchor the space with a seating arrangement, such as a deck, patio, pergola, or porch. It's wise to connect with one's design inspirations and preferences and the overall architectural integrity of your home. 

A pergola would prove an excellent addition to a traditional home with period-style construction and mid-century furniture. However, a deck or patio will prove more appealing in a contemporary home with modern furniture. Suppose your home has a bold countryside flair with farmhouse-style construction and wooden accents. In that case, we suggest a rustic wooden deck with an earthy finish. 

You can elevate the seating arrangement with functional additions, such as an outdoor kitchen, grilling station, or fire pit. Homeowners across Chicago can maximize outdoor luxury with extravagant additions like hot tubs and plunge pools. Adding a multipurpose shed is another brilliant way to utilize space, turning it into a home office or a children's play area. 

A Decadent Bathroom 

Bathroom renovations are a great strategy to boost a Chicago home's market value and ROI potential, making your property more attractive. Imagine creating a serene spa-like environment where you can luxuriate in a jetted tub and get ready in a walk-in wardrobe. When designing a decadent bathroom, we suggest visualization to devise and refine your artistic vision. 

When you picture a spot brimming with peace and serenity, which destination comes to mind? If the answer is Tuscany, you can create a sun-baked look with a fresh coat of paint. Replace your bathtub with a free-standing stone tub, and adorn the wall with rustic fixtures. Elevate your Tuscan-style bathroom with vibrant terracotta tiles, iron racks and shelves, and a vibrant mural. 

Suppose you wish to create a Balinese-style bathroom with a spa-like ambiance and many scented candles. We suggest focusing on the flow of the bathroom to avoid crowding up the space. Start with a neutral color palette, such as earthy brown, chalky white, or subtle greys. Elevate this muted palette with greenery and natural elements like bamboo and rattan. Accentuate the wooden accents by adding floating shelves to hold your toiletries, scented candles, and planters. 

Customizing and planning is easy once you have a design vision that inspires you to get creative. 

Repurposing the Attic or Garage 

As residential square footage continues to get pricier nationwide, homeowners are embracing the significance of repurposing underutilized living spaces. Instead of turning the attic or garage into a storage dump, transform it into a space that elevates your life quality. 

For instance, you can repurpose the attic into a home office with a library, reading nook, and seating arrangement. If your home lacks a guest bedroom, consider repurposing the attic into a bedroom with comfortable furniture. The garage would make an excellent children's play area – a fabulous trick to maintain a clutter-free home! 

Final Thoughts 

This year's home remodeling trends are about using underutilized spaces and infusing functionality with cosmetic beauty. Remodeling projects focusing solely on aesthetic charm are a frivolous waste of money. After all, your home is a living space, not a gallery with loads of décor items. 

You must prioritize interior trends that infuse your home with practicality and purpose while elevating the aesthetic profile. We strongly advise a balanced approach to make your home attractive, homely, and livable.