Wish I knew about this nifty little gadget the last time I attempted this Martha Stewart DIY. My apple votives came out beautiful last year, but were a royal pain to procure! I know it's getting old, and been seen far too many times - but apple tea-light holders are still a surprisingly charming way to enhance the warm holiday ambience in your home, as centerpieces; scattered across the table, displayed on bookshelves, bars, or console tables, even at the bathroom sink etc. I'm not saying I'd get this carver (it's a "one-use" thing!), but it's definitely helpful to know it exists! : )
Apple Votive Carver $7.47
I'm sure you're all knee-deep in cookbooks and menus by now... the kitchen heat is on.
With pomegranate being the seasonal rage, I wanted to share 3 new-year-theme-appropriate recipes that are currently inspiring me:
1. Olive, Fig & Pomegranate Tapenade
would make for a sumptuous addition to roasted meats, and a great rub for roasted chicken.
2. Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktails
don't let the festivities end with the food! these splashy alcoholics lend to great holiday cheer!
3. Pomegranate Panna Cotta
this classic, elegant, and easy dessert is an Italian staple - now available in the Jewish New Year's edition.
(I've done this before, you can substitute more whipping cream for the buttermilk, and lessen the sugar a bit.)
Long live the pomegranate fad...
Happy meal-planning, mamas!
Day 1 in the Pre-K classroom: seamless. Love being with all those happy, creative, and wonderful little people! I forget how much I love the classroom. The looks on their faces when they get it; the way their eyes light up with wonder...
Being a classroom got me thinking about letters. Be it Aleph-beis or Alphabet, the skill of recognition is integral to education. "Old school, meet new school", is the tagline used for a fabulous new app for kids. I thought once we were already on the Montessori subject, I'd mention the installation of these Montessori apps - to current moms, they're all the rage! Intro to Letters is an app based on the Montessori activity known as Sand Paper Letters, these activities utilize sight, sound, and touch - helping your child learn the letters, as well as the correct method of creating them. Also available is their older release, Intro to Math (which I haven't personally seen, but I'm sure it's just as marvelous!). Something about their overall design is just so visually beautiful. Kudos, Montessorium!
While doodling around yesterday with Freida, I had a lightbulb moment and decided to create a little matching game for today's preschool orientation. You may have read a bit about the Montessori method of shadow/silhouette recognition - it's a bit of a trend at the moment... and the Pre-K kids sure enjoyed it this morning.
Here's the mock-up in PDF format for printing. And while it's not very professional (excuse the Sharpie lines), it will keep your tot busy for a bit while you prepare dinner...
PDF file: friedafroo©2010 Rosh Hashana
