2021 Holiday Highlights #1

Holiday Décor Safety Tips from Triangle Electrical Services

Decorating for the Holidays can be a fun and festive way to spend time together with family, or just get into the holiday spirit on your own! A little bit of holiday cheer can go a long way – but, unfortunately, can also create hazards in your home. As you start to string lights on anything that doesn’t move, keep these safety tips in mind:

If you have small children or pets in your home, know which seasonal plants, like poinsettias and mistletoe, can be harmful when ingested. Place them out of reach.
Holiday lights are the heart and soul of festive decorations! If you put up a real Christmas tree, make sure it stays watered and doesn’t dry out, because a dry tree is a dangerous tree. We recommend watering your tree when you do other daily tasks. Are you a coffee drinker? Water your Christmas tree while you wait for your coffee to brew. Big Jeopardy fan? Water the tree during Final Jeopardy. The simplest way to remember to do it is to add it into your routine.
Use a timer for your tree so your lights automatically turn off at night.
If you use an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “flame resistant.”
If you’re putting up outdoor lights, make sure you’re using surge protectors and extension cords meant for outdoor use. They are built differently to weather the elements. Whether inside or outside, don’t overload your surge protectors.

Enjoy your Holiday décor while knowing you’re doing so safely. All of us at Triangle Electrical Services want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Holiday Highlights Recipe #1 — Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey and Gravy

Wandering through the grocery store the other day, I came upon a promising dinner option that was both cheap and healthy. I had no idea what I would do with it, but what I wound up with is a great option for Easter Dinner. I repeat: cheap and healthy.

Turkey Breast Tenderloin, as with Pork Tenderloin, is extremely versatile and can be prepared in a number of ways. But because I am averse to dry meat, I really like to put these in the slow cooker to prevent them from drying out.

Ali's 2021 Crush-Worthy Gift Guide, Volume 1

As the member of the WCHL staff who does the most shopping (this is a self-appointed title) I know it can be difficult to find the perfect gift. In 2021, we’re going to be sending gifts to friends and family that we might have given them in person in years past, so it’s important that our loved ones know that their gifts were picked with care. As the host of Woman Crush Wednesday, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing small business owners, crafters, and creators. That combined with my trusted “one-for-them, one-for-me” holiday shopping method hopefully means you’ll find some solid local gift options.

Who's Ali Evans?

Epilogue Books on Franklin Street

Epilogue has become one of my favorite spots on Franklin Street. Amazing coffee, delicious treats, delightful staff, and of course, a thoughtfully crafted collection of books. However, my gift suggestion from Epilogue comes from their selection of “goodies” that I think everyone will love. This ceramic Chapel Hill mug by Pink Moon Ceramics is not only a lovely mug to enjoy your favorite warm beverage out of (or wine depending on who visits you for the holidays) but it will share a little piece of this magical town with who ever you gift it to.

Click here to check it out

RosieGlow Skin Studio

I remember being told while growing up that gift cards aren’t personal enough to give as gift to someone you love. I’m assuming the person who told me that just didn’t like nice things because I think a gift card for shopping or a service is one of the most thoughtful things you can give because it shows you know them well enough to treat them to their favorite place. Drop the notion that its not “personal” enough and get your loved one a gift certificate for a facial at Rosie Glow Skin Studio. Rest, relaxation, glowing skin and an hour of not doom-scrolling twitter await.

Click here to check it out

Small Shops on Etsy

Full disclosure, the sweater earrings you’re looking at right now are from my small business, Cooper & Brooke. I know how amazing it feels when your small business is supported and owning a small biz has completely changed the way I shop. I want other makers, creators, crafters and artists to feel the absolute joy I feel when someone appreciates my work enough to pay for it. This is also a fabulous way to support a specific type of business – Women Owned, Black Owned, etc. If you have the opportunity to attend a crafters market this season – do it! You’ll meet some amazingly talented people and find gifts for your loved ones that you might not find anywhere else.

Here’s a little market happening this weekend at Broken Spoke Farm in Hillsborough!

Click here to check it out

Areté Float Tank & Personal Optimization Studio

If you’ve ever talked to me for more than 5 minutes I’ve most likely mentioned Areté Float Tank & Personal Optimization Studio either to talk about floating, the candle wick cutter I found there, how much I love the owner Jen, or I mentioned her dog Newton with absolutely no context. Areté is located in an adorable home in Carrboro that has been renovated into a perfect slice of relaxation heaven. Not only can you give the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate for a float or a massage, but you also deserve to schedule a quick sauna session for yourself. The selection of gifts and treasures in Areté is so unique and interesting. Seriously, go check them out. Tell Newton I sent you.

Click here to check it out

Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Carrie Brogren

Known for their elegant appearance and mouthwatering flavor, pears area popular choice around the holidays because they can stay fresh and delicious for long periods of time, especially in cooler weather.

There are many different varieties of pear, but for this recipe I chose to use Red Anjou because it is sweet, mild, and juicy.

“Partridge in a Pear Tree”

Cocktail Recipe

2 1/2 ounces Gin
Juice from 1 lemon
1 ounce Spiced Pear Simple Syrup
2 ounces Ginger Beer
Fresh Rosemary and Star Anise for garnish

Spiced Pear Simple Syrup Recipe

1 or 2 pears
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 of a whole vanilla bean
3 small slices of fresh Ginger
3 whole Cloves
1 Star Anise

Peel the pear and cut into small chunks (disposing of the core). Add water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Carefully cut a slit down the top of the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds using a spoon, and add it to the saucepan (stirring to incorporate). Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil (stirring occasionally). Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain into a glass storage jar (with a lid) and store it in the refrigerator when not in use.

Add Gin, Lemon Juice, and Pear Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake vigorously. Add ice to a cocktail glass (I prefer a Rocks Glass for this one) and strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with Ginger beer and garnish with a fresh sprig of Rosemary and a Star Anise.

Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook Group engages in a Holiday Charity Collaboration each year. This year, we have partnered with Christmas House and we are raising money for Christmas House, so that they can purchase and distribute grocery gift cards to local families in need during the holiday season. Tandem restaurant of Carrboro has also partnered with this Holiday Charity Collaboration and all throughout the month of December, you can visit Tandem and purchase my “Partridge in a Pear Tree” cocktail. Tandem will donate $5 from the sale of each cocktail to our Christmas House Charity. Please visit Tandem and support this wonderful, local cause!