Author: Kathleen

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Christmas in July

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For those of you who can’t wait for Christmas in December to experience the essence of the season, treat yourself to a bit of holiday festivities in July. You don’t have to rush out and purchase a tree; decorate the house, prepare a huge feast or pick up relatives up at the airport. But, you can hone in and focus on one or two facets of the season that gives you the most pleasure, such as turning the air conditioner down to freezing cold and lighting up the fireplace. Next pop in a few classic movies like,  It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then kick back, relax and forget that you are in the midst of summer.

Test a few recipes before the season gets underway within few months. Instead of cooking a huge turkey, try a few herb variations on a turkey breast with sourdough croutons instead of dressing. The meal may be small, but will be satisfyingly delicious. I love a huge buffet of desserts so, instead of cakes and pies try making sugar-spiced cookies topped with cinnamon icing for this July celebration. Today I made my mom’s favorite sweet dish, homemade peach cobbler. There were fresh peaches at the market this morning and I bought five pounds. I began the recipe by sautéing a few tablespoons of butter in a pan and then added a bit of sugar to make a syrup. Next, slice the peaches into the pan, and then add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for an earthy flavor. Here is the recipe that my mom started using in the early 70’s…. enjoy!

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Mom’s Market Berry Cobbler
1 stick of butter
1 cup of flour
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk
4 cups of berries or market fruit

Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and milk together. Melt the butter in a baking pan and pour the flour mixture into the hot butter. Add the four cups of berries or market fruit. Bake 45 minutes at 350. The dough will rise to form a crisp top. Serve with crème fraiche or ice cream.

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Another treat I found this morning at the market was a box of Panettone tucked onto a corner shelf, which is a tasty variation on fruitcake. When I can tuck into a huge slice of this delicious bread I know the season is underway. It is a wonderfully savory bread loaf that is found throughout Italy. I had my first taste in Venice many years ago while traveling during the Christmas season.

Many consider music to be an integral part of the holiday season as they wrap gifts, decorate the house or prep meals. Here are a few tunes to add to your Christmas playlist and to get you into the stylish spirit!!!

  1. Christmas Waltz by Oscar Peterson
  2. Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis
  3. Skating by Norman Brown
  4. Christmastime is Here (Instrumental) by Vince Guaraldi
  5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by The Whispers
  6. Christmas Time is Here by the Leonard Brothers

Merry Christmas in July!!!

K

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The Ambience of Dubai

IMG_3144{View of Dubai from the JW Marriott-Marquis}

One of the most enjoyable aspects of being in a hotel that is a skyscraper was being able to view the expanse of Dubai from all levels. Viewing the crisp blue waters of the Arabian Sea at various times of the day was an absolutely gorgeous site.  Seeing the architectural beauty of minarets and domes of the many Mosques’ was always awe-inspiring and the Burj al Arab at either sunrise or sunset is a sight to behold.

IMG_3135{The Burj Khalifa from off of Sheikh Zayed Road and Business Bay}

Moving around the hotel to observe the city through a myriad of vantage points was an exciting adventure. The elevators had windows so one could view the best of Dubai as you traveled the complex.

Listed are a few fun facts of this incredulous city as stated by our guide Murasil-

  1. 8.26 million people live in Dubai.
  2. Oil discovered in 1968.
  3. 6th richest country in the world.
  4. Longest first automated train that opened on 9/9/1999 with red and green lines plus, this is another great way to see the city for a few “UAE Dirham’s”.
  5. Safest country in the Middle East since, cameras are everywhere!
  6. Road and street lights are powered by solar panels.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from the trip…

IMG_0680 IMG_0682{Views of the Dubai Fountains at the Marina from the Dubai Mall}

The Dubai Fountains at the Marina has the largest choreographed fountain system on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake. Photos of the Marina before and during the evening show!!

IMG_0706 IMG_0708{Views of the choreographed fountains at ground level}

The fountains performances are accompanied to classical and modern music, and will spray over 22,000 gallons of water in the air with a most spectacular light show!!

IMG_3255 IMG_3256{Spice Souk}

As much as I love gold and seeing people wearing the dazzling pieces,  I preferred the spice souks, which was a true experience in the sights and aromas of the many products being sold.

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The camel at Jumeirah Beach was a colorful addition to the sand and surf!!

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And what girl can go into the souks and not purchase a pair of slippers. The colors and ornaments of each pair were absolutely gorgeous, making it difficult to choose!

Travel stylishly,

K