Holiday Highlight Safety Tip #2

Putting up a tree is an important holiday tradition for many households. Triangle Electrical Services is here for this Holiday Highlight with a few tips to keep you safe!

If you’re purchasing in a living tree this holiday season, make sure your tree doesn’t go from festive decoration to fire hazard. Keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as heat vents, radiators and fireplaces. Make sure your tree isn’t blocking any doors or exits in your home. Add water to your tree stand, and remember to water your tree every day.

Holiday Highlights is presented by Triangle Electrical Services: keeping your holidays merry & bright – and safe – since 1995!

 

Holiday Highlights Recipe #2 – Sweet Onion Kale Salad

 

To me, salads are less of a recipe, and more of a formula. A basic green salad can feel lackluster, so I have a standard go-to formula that I rely on to make my salads stand out. This is a combination of flavors and textures can be adapted for all seasons and dietary needs. Use the following as a guide and switch out or remove elements as you please.

 

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Ali's Crush-Worthy Gift Guide, Volume 2

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?

Chapel Hill Toffee

It’s pretty common knowledge around here that I always have a stash of Chapel Hill Toffee at my desk. Similar to champagne, I find that it’s acceptable to enjoy all day long – especially their Griff’s Coffee Toffee! This is the perfect gift for someone who has either a) lived in Chapel Hill, b) currently lives in Chapel Hill, or c) has never lived in Chapel Hill but appreciates the thoughtful, handmade, local things. You can visit their website to order directly, or if you want to support TWO local businesses at once, click the “retailers” tab to see all the local businesses that carry Chapel Hill Toffee. (hint – it’s a lot. You might be standing in one right now)
Click here to check it out

Areté Float Tank Studio

For the record, yes, I have been to Areté to shop for gifts two weeks in a row, but in my defense, there’s a dog that hangs out there. This week, I found a candle wick cutter that can serve a functional purpose, but is also just plain beautiful. I purchased one with the intention of putting together a gift set by adding a candle, a book, and a blanket. (if you’re the person who receives it – act surprised) Follow Areté on Instagram – @floatarete – and you can coordinate your purchase with a safe, contactless pick-up with Jen & her dog.

Click here to check it out

CommunityWorx

I am a big supporter of shopping second-hand for holiday gifts. Not only is this a great idea for when you don’t have a specific gift in mind, but giving something a 2nd or 3rd life is good for the environment. (Google “fast fashion pollution” if you’re interested.) I recently went to CommunityWorx and found this Peter Pan story book in perfect condition and bought it for a Disney-loving-friend who is hard to shop for. I shop for birthdays, housewarmings (remember those?), baby showers and even this year’s Valentine’s gift for my husband came from CommunityWorx. Looking for something more specific but still open to ideas? Search their favorite TV show, band, movie, etc. on Poshmark. Some sellers will even wrap the gift for you and send it directly to your loved one. Save money and the environment with a second-hand gift!

Click here to check it out

The Lumina Theater

One time I went to the movies with my husband to see Jurassic World (Chris Pratt in that vest just works for some reason) and the people behind us had a full-volume conversation with their grandkids the entire time. As much as I miss concerts and crowded restaurants, I don’t really miss seeing a movie in a crowded theater. The Lumina Theater has always been my favorite place to see a movie for about 15 years, but now that they’ve given me the opportunity to only see a movie with my approved list of guests, I love them even more. You can book a whole theater for up to 20 people and stream something you’ve seen a million times, or pay a little extra and see a new film that is currently in theaters. Unrelated – does anyone want to come to my Hamilton Sing-A-Long? 

Click here to check it out

Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Carrie Brogren

This cocktail gets its name from a kick of Cayenne Pepper. I prefer to make my own Egg Nog, but you can use store bought if you’d like.

“Naughty Nog”

  • 6 Ounces Egg Nog
  • 1 Ounce Spiced Rum
  • 2 Ounces Bourbon
  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/8 Teaspoon each of Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, and Ground Ginger (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)

For the Egg Nog:

  • 6 Eggs
  • ¾ Cup White Sugar
  • 4 Cups milk (I use Whole Milk)
  • 1 Pint heavy Cream
  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Carefully separate the yolks and egg whites into two, separate bowls. Whisk the Yolks in a bowl and slowly add ½ Cup of sugar. Whisk in milk, cream, and cayenne pepper. Combine until smooth.

Beat egg whites and remaining ¼ Cup sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form. Fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture.

For the cocktail, add 6 Ounces of Egg Nog , 1 Ounce of Spiced Rum, 2 Ounces of Bourbon to a glass and gently stir to combine.

For garnish, combine 1/8 Teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 Teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 Teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Sift over cocktail and serve with a cinnamon stick.

Finishing Touches: Tree Decorating Tips

 

Decorating a Christmas tree can be an intimidating task, trust me, I am part of a team that decorates The Carolina Inn every year and we conquer at least five. When you decorate five trees, I find it necessary to have a distinct design for each tree. Whether you are doing a specific theme, color scheme or a homemade tree — having a plan in place really helps the tree shine even brighter!

 

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