Holiday Highlight Safety Tip #1

Decorating your home for the holidays is a fun and festive way to celebrate. Triangle Electrical Services wants to be sure you do so safely! When decorating the outside of your home, be sure to purchase strands of lights made for outdoors, as well as an outdoor extension cord. Outdoor lights can handle temperature changes and harsh weather, and that lowers the chance of injury or damage. It is also recommended that you use a wooden ladder rather than a metal one, and don’t forget a spotter!
 
Holiday Highlights is presented by Triangle Electrical Services: keeping your holidays merry & bright – and safe – since 1995!

Holiday Highlights Recipe #1 – Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Apple Gravy Dipping Sauce

 

This hearty, crowd-pleasing appetizer brings together traditional flavors of the holiday season in a whole new way! These turkey meatballs feature a classic Fall herb combination that works wonderfully all on its own, but are simply spectacular when dipped in this autumnal, apple gravy. This dish is a guaranteed way to taste the season and put smiles on faces, and the best part is it’s adaptable! This exact recipe can also be reformatted into an excellent herbed turkey meatloaf with apple gravy glaze — and if that doesn’t sound like the season, then what does?

 

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Ali's Crush-Worthy Gift Guide

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 2020 especially, 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?

SallyMack

If you haven’t been to SallyMack in Midtown Market, you are missing out. They have everything from candles and funny cards to dog toys or something for your sassiest friend who may have landed themselves on the naughty list. (Don’t have a sassy friend? Email me, I’m available.) My favorite holiday gift at SallyMack is this beautiful Chapel Hill candle. Not only is it pre-wrapped, which is a major win, but it’s like sending a little piece of home. 

Click here to check it out

This and That

Another bit of local magic can be found at This and That gallery in Carrboro. This is another store bursting with creativity from local artists. My personal favorite gift item from This and That is the handmade North Carolina necklace, made by Vespertine. I have purchased three of these necklaces for myself, y’all. They’re so dainty and delicate, and the feeling of North Carolina so close to your heart is the perfect gift to share with someone you love. 

Click here to check it out

Lo and Behold Naturals

I was introduced to Lo and Behold Naturals because our GM Aubrey was gifted a bundle of goodies, and we both fell in love. (I just paused typing this to put on my Coconut & Cocoa whipped body butter.) They use all-natural ingredients that smell and feel amazing on your skin. You can shop online, or with a local retailer that carries Lo and Behold. My personal favorite spot in town to grab a few unique gifts, including Lo and Behold products, is Arete Float Studio…

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Areté Float Tank Studio

Which brings me to this week’s last gift suggestion! If you want to stand out this holiday season, do it by giving them a new experience they won’t forget. Areté Float Tank Studio offers floatation therapy, a sauna, red light therapy, and massage therapy, making it my favorite place to unwind and relax. If you’re wondering if your friend or family member needs a relaxing experience, let me remind you that it’s 2020 and that one day your friend’s kid came home from school and hasn’t gone back yet. Treat them to a float and offer to babysit. You will win Christmas.

Click here to check it out

Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Carrie Brogren

Pop the bubbly and get ready to celebrate! This easy, three-ingredient cocktail can be customized to meet your needs. I prefer to use fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and homemade Thyme Simple Syrup, but you can certainly use store bought if you need to. If you use fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, I recommend juicing your grapefruits beforehand and storing the juice in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.

“Thyme to Celebrate”

  • ¼ Cup Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 Tablespoon Thyme Simple Syrup
  • ¼ Cup Prosecco
  • Fresh Thyme (for garnish)

For the Thyme Simple Syrup:

Add one cup of white sugar and one cup of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain the syrup into an airtight container. You can store your Simple Syrup in the refrigerator, where it should last for about a month.

For the cocktail:

Add Grapefruit juice and Thyme Simple Syrup to a champagne flute or coupe glass. Top with Prosecco, garnish with a sprig of fresh Thyme, and serve.

Finishing Touches, with Heidi Dawson of The Carolina Inn

 

There is nothing quite like the bounty of the Thanksgiving table. I am someone who loves the gathering of loved ones in my home.  It is the opportunity to not only cook all of my favorites (and make a big mess while doing it) but it affords me the chance to design a festive tablescape. I have always felt that a well-set table is like a warm hug. It invites you to the feast and says “I am grateful that you are here.”

 

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