Dawnsboutique

 " Enter this new year with gratitude for this new chance to create your dreams." Avina Celeste Entertain your guests this New Year's Eve with this simple yet delicious appetizer that will complement any entree.  It is low in calories, made with fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and sweet basil.  Basil is good for your digestion, helps detoxify the body, and contains magnesium.  Magnesium relaxes the blood vessels which can help to improve blood flow.  A wonderful herb to add to any dish.   Caprese Bites                                                                    Source:  Delish.com Ingredients: 8 oz.  mozzarella balls 2 tbsp.  extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp.  Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp.  crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt 24  cherry tomatoes...

 "Love the giver more than the gift" Brigham Young It's the countdown to Christmas only a few days to go but don't panic just yet as these 5 last-minute gift ideas will impress even the fussiest recipient.  A lot of people wait until Christmas week to shop as time does not permit them or sometimes we have no idea what to buy our family members who are difficult to buy for or acquaintances who we barely know.  Finding that perfect gift is the solution when giving cash seems inappropriate.  Check out these last-minute gifts below:                                                                                                                               ...

  "Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago." Tom Baker Trimming the Christmas tree is a very special time during the holiday season which is basically adding ornaments,  lights, and a great tree skirt to complete the overall look.   When selecting ornaments for your tree, consider the decor and color scheme of your room, and the theme of your tree (e.g. Traditional, Coastal, Minimalist, Winter Wonderland or, Rustic).  If your tree is under 9ft. it is recommended to use 10-15 ornaments per foot.  For taller Christmas trees use 12-20 ornaments per foot. To complement your ornaments and fill gaps in your tree use picks and sprays (floral or leaf picks) as they are bigger and they will provide more coverage.  Spread these out throughout your tree to achieve the desired look.    Finish your tree with ribbon and garland to add texture and a touch of luxury.  Winterfrost G...

  "Christmas is the day that holds all time together." Alexander Smith 'Tis the Season!   Christmas is here and it is time to deck the halls.  One of the best ways to adorn your home this holiday season is with a pretty wreath hanging on the front door.  Not only is it welcoming to your guests but it is the perfect way to up your curb appeal this December.   There are so many different wreaths in the marketplace to choose from e.g. rustic, modern, glam, and country, you will have no problem finding the right one to adorn your front door. Wreaths have been used as decor for hundreds of years.   Most wreaths are constructed of evergreen to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus, and the circular shape represents God (no beginning and no end) aka, the circle of life.  By hanging a wreath on the door symbolizes the welcoming of the spirit of Christmas.   Decor Tip: Choose the right size of wreath and garland Leave approx....

“Dinner is where the magic happens in the kitchen.” ~ Kris Carr Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be quite the feat, but it need not be when you plan ahead, keep it simple and add a little creativity.   One of the easiest ways to get inspired on that special day is to have a stylish table setting that will impress your guests which will leave you feeling accomplished and proud of your efforts.    Start early by planning and organizing the way you want your table to look and feel.  Make a list of the things that you will need to shop for e.g. tablecloth, napkins, centerpiece, place cards, candlesticks, dishware, etc., and a list of things that you already have on hand.  If you are on a tight budget, create your own unique table setting by mixing and matching different styles and patterns that you can purchase from thrift stores or second-hand shops.   Incorporate fresh fruits and greenery for a more organic look and break out the good silverware....

            Good order is the foundation of all things. – Edmund Burke Now is the perfect time to get your home organized and ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving/holiday season especially if you are hosting out-of-town guests and relatives.   An organized space not only looks great, but it also functions a lot better and will help to lessen the stress of having guests and planning a holiday dinner.   Every room in your house should be a well-thought-out and functional space equipped with storage solutions to help declutter and beautify your abode.  The kitchen, bedrooms, laundry room, and home office are the key areas that need to be well-organized as they get the most traffic.  Tackle each room at a time making sure your storage supplies are on hand before you start (e.g baskets, labels, dividers).   Room Organizing Ideas Kitchen/Pantry For a more cohesive pantry use wicker baskets and glass bottles for storage and l...

  "Inside every seed is the potential for an incredible harvest." - Farrah Gray. Ripe, juicy, and sweet tomatoes are full of nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin B, E, C, and a substance called lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.  Tomatoes are also a good source of fiber, approx. 1.5 grams per (average-size) tomato.   Farro on the other hand is a nutritious grain that has been around for thousands of years.  It has a nutty taste and a chewy texture (light brown in color) and is packed full of protein, fiber, minerals, B vitamins, magnesium and, antioxidants.   You can cook Farro in place of white rice for dinner and it can be used as an ingredient in stews, soups, and, salads.  See recipe below:   Farro and Tomato Salad Ingredients: 1 1/2 c.  farro 4 tbsp.  olive oil, divided  3 tbsp.  small capers patted dry 2 c.  fresh flat-leaf parsley  3...