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Sarah & Renee Share Their Favorite Family Holiday Recipes
12.19.2016
The holidays have arrived! The tree has been decorated and the stockings have been hung by the chimney with care. However, between the day-to-day obligations…
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Sarah & Renee Share Their Favorite Family Holiday Recipes
The holidays have arrived! The tree has been decorated and the stockings have been hung by the chimney with care. However, between the day-to-day obligations and gift shopping, you also have a looming holiday dinner to prepare for and need some simple recipes to help keep everyone full and happy. Never fear! Sarah, with the help of her mother Renee Bassetti, are here to save the day with two family favorites they are delighted to pass on to you. After all, sharing good food with good people is what makes the holidays so special, and these two dishes hold fond memories for both mother and daughter alike. So take a deep breath and gather your ingredients as Sarah warmly invites you into her home. She’ll show you step-by-step how to make two tried and true holiday favorites: Anita’s Cranberry Sauce and Renee’s Stuffing!
First things first, make sure your kitchen is prepped with clean surfaces and that all your ingredients are out and ready.
Start with the cranberry sauce (it takes longer to cook and you can make the stuffing while it bakes). Gather the following ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 lb. fresh cranberries
Then, dissolve the sugar and water in a dutch oven over med-high heat.
Once dissolved add cranberries and bake in a 275 degree oven.
After 2 hours of baking, this scrumptious cranberry dish is ready to serve. Tasting both tart and sweet, it’s a delectable side dish to add to your holiday meal.
While the cranberry sauce is cooking in the oven, you can start on the stuffing. Here’s what you will need:
2 cubes unsalted butter
2 packages Jimmy Dean sausage
6 stalks of celery – chopped
2 onion – chopped
1 lb. sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons poultry seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
2 packages of Pepperidge Farms stuffing
To get things going, melt 1 cube of butter in a large stockpot then add sausage to the melted butter and stir.
Next, add celery, onion, mushrooms & the second cube of butter and sauté for 15 – 20 minutes.
Once sauteed, add chicken broth and poultry seasoning.
Next, mix in two packages of stuffing and stir.
Once the bread crumbs are moist and the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, then voilà! You have a perfectly delicious savory stuffing that everyone will enjoy.
Last, but certainly not least, after all the wining and dining is complete, enlist a helper for clean up duties! Winnie, the family dog, loves to help Sarah put away the dishes.
We hope you enjoy incorporating these recipes into your own favorite family traditions of the season. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Six Apps We Love!
12.12.2016
These days, apps do so much to help us organize our busy lives that it’s hard to imagine life without them! There are so many…
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Six Apps We Love!
These days, apps do so much to help us organize our busy lives that it’s hard to imagine life without them! There are so many different apps available on the market today, knowing which ones to choose can be a bit overwhelming. As a hard working entrepreneur and mother, Sarah knows a thing or two about the importance of apps and how they can assist and enrich our lives. Without further ado, here are Sarah’s six recommendations of apps she can’t live without:
• Pay By Phone is a must for living in the city. Instead of having to periodically visit a parking meter, the app allows you to pay for your parking wherever you are. With a busy schedule, kids running around and inclement weather, this app is a life saver that lets you go about your day with one less interruption.
• Monitoring obligations while on the go is a crucial aspect of modern life. With conference calls, play dates and remembering to pick up the dry cleaning – there’s a lot to keep track of! The Wunderlist app is the crème de la crème when it comes to to-do lists. The app helps you organize every facet of your life, from personal shopping lists to professional work assignments – it does it all!
• Sure, the Sonos app is more of a luxury than a necessity, but once you’ve tried it you won’t want to go back! Sonos lets you control audio in each room of your space. In fact, here at Sarah Alexandra, the app keeps us going in the office with great tunes and holiday favorites during the season. The app is also an essential for throwing dinner parties or getting your dance on when no one else is home!
• Dropbox has changed how people conduct business and, with more and more emphasis on mobile technology, being able to share important visual files and documents from your phone is an absolute necessity. The app allows sharing between the mobile Dropbox app and Dropbox software on the computer, allowing you to coordinate your business with anyone from anywhere.
• Ok, we admit that Snapchat is more fun than anything else! Snapchat keeps communication exciting and fresh by disappearing once it’s been read, not to mention, we also love all the fun effects that it comes with. Younger children delight in snapchatting and it’s a great way to stay in contact with them, like Sarah does with her little niece Ally.
• Lastly, G. Spotting is THE travel app, courtesy of our lifestyle crush Gwyneth Paltrow. Much like her fantastic site goop, this app provides excellent recommendations to ensure a stylish experience wherever your travels may take you. With recent updates, the app is better than ever and makes travel planning a breeze.
What are some of your favorite apps?
Image Sources: Feature – pexels.com; Collage from right to left: twitter.com; technologytell.com; youtube.com; integralchoice.com; startups.co.uk; travelandleisure.com
The Elf on the Shelf: A Favorite for the Holidays
12.07.2016
The holiday season brings families together in a variety of ways. One such tradition Sarah and Ryan delight in is the annual hiding of the…
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The Elf on the Shelf: A Favorite for the Holidays
The holiday season brings families together in a variety of ways. One such tradition Sarah and Ryan delight in is the annual hiding of the Elf on the Shelf for their three children, Hudson (age 10), Helen (age 7) and Oliver (age 5). Have a kid that’s too grown up to believe in Santa Claus and elves? A great way to include them is to have your child help mom and dad hide elves for younger siblings, just like Hudson does with Sarah and Ryan. A fun way to keep small kids excited and involved is to have them draw pictures of their elves for the family, as Helen did so sweetly in the drawing above. Remember that when hiding your elves, make sure the coast is clear! Oliver nearly caught Sarah while she was up on a chair, but a quick explanation of dusting saved the day. The Elf on the Shelf is a great activity for the whole family that your young ones will love and look forward to during the holidays. Check out below, where Sarah shares some of their favorite elf hiding places:
To tie all your Christmas traditions together, include your elves in a manger scene.
A clever place to hide elves is on top of picture frames where they can easily sit and report back to Santa.
The pantry is always a great place to conceal elves, you can even add sweet treats for an extra surprise!
For a bright idea on where to stash your scout elves, consider either a floor or ceiling lamp.
Lastly, don’t forget to think outside the box to keep your children guessing.
What are some of your favorite places to hide elves?
Sarah Alexandra’s 6 Picks for December
11.29.2016
When we think of December we think of upcoming holidays, cold weather and wrapping up the year. With this in mind, we wanted to create…
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Sarah Alexandra’s 6 Picks for December
When we think of December we think of upcoming holidays, cold weather and wrapping up the year. With this in mind, we wanted to create a monthly guide of six picks we can’t live without. Starting with December, we share products to help get you through the next few weeks in one piece. Here are six essentials to swoon over:
We can’t emphasize our love for the iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case from Apple enough! In addition to being a suggestion from last week’s gift guide post, we think it’s worth buying one for yourself as well! With so much to do in this last month of the year, this case will keep you charged so you can stay on track!
Bad hair days seem inevitable during the chillier season and, with so much to do this time of year, it can be a real challenge keeping hair looking fresh. That’s why we’re over the moon for this Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe. Instead of spending hours cleaning and conditioning, all that’s needed are a few quick spritzes and you’re all set for your holiday soirée!
Nothing completes a holiday party look so well as the perfect pair of shoes. Accessories make for great statement pieces that will have you standing out in the crowd during the busy festivities. We adore the designs of Gianvito Rossi, and think this pair of Augusta Velvet Ankle-Wrap Sandals from Neiman Marcus is to die for!
With cold weather comes dry air, which can wreak all kinds of havoc on the surface of your skin and hair. One solution we recommend is the Huile Secret de Beauté by Leonor Greyl. This versatile organic oil hydrates both skin and hair, leaving the first soft and the latter silky, all while possessing a pleasant lemon scent.
Pack some holiday punch into your look with bright red lips! A red pout is a classic that works with many outfits and knows how to make an entrance. We’re big fans of Nars and their Larger Than Life Lip Gloss, shown here in the cherry red shade of Norma. You can rock your red whether holiday shopping or holiday partying.
Last, but absolutely not least, you’re going to need our Scotch on the Rocks Black Plaid Flannel shirt to get you through the season. This festive, yet sophisticated, Sarah Alexandra top can be layered for everyday, or stand on it’s own for a more formal occasion when paired with an elegant pair of pants or skirt.
Sarah Alexandra’s Fave Picks for the Holidays
11.20.2016
It’s that time of year again! Who doesn’t love spending time with family, making decorations and eating delectable treats? The holidays are just around the…
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Sarah Alexandra’s Fave Picks for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again! Who doesn’t love spending time with family, making decorations and eating delectable treats? The holidays are just around the corner and, although it is a season of great joy, it can also be a time of great stress. For every festive song there is an awkward family dinner conversation, for every cup of hot chocolate is a turkey that didn’t cook properly. But when it comes to the pressure of finding the perfect gift, we’re here for you! Think of us as your best pal to shop with as we share some of our fave picks for the holidays that will make great gifts for the special men, women and kids in your life. Happy shopping!
Gift Guide: Men
For the environmentally conscious man in your life, consider a bicycle! A set of wheels is a fantastic example of an active gift that your guy will love. Our Holiday Pick: D8i 2015 Bike from PUBLIC, $359 • As the temperature drops, a warm jacket is a must. Have him looking cosmopolitan in neutral colors that work with a variety of outfits. Our Holiday Pick: Rodin quilted blazer from Moncler, $1225 • Everyone appreciates a new pair of kicks, and white sneakers always look sharp. Our Holiday Pick: Stan Smith Shoes from Adidas, $75 • For the man who has everything, think practical gifts that also add a stylish upgrade for the everyday items he uses, such as a keyring. Our Holiday Pick: Craighill Closed Helix Keyring from LIKELIHOOD, $28 • Though he may seem to never run out of energy, the same can’t always be said of his electronic devices. Electronic gifts are a great go-to idea for the busy man in your life. Our Holiday Pick: iPhone7 Smart Battery Case from Apple, $99 • Is there anything better than relaxing in cashmere? We didn’t think so, that’s why we suggest the fabulous fabric for leisurewear. Our Holiday Pick: Cashmere Sweatpant from James Perse, $375 • Getting to wear boots is one of the best parts of the winter season. Have him step out on the town in a stylish new pair for date night. Our Holiday Pick: Saint Laurent Suede Chelsea Boots from MR PORTER, $895 • For the busy traveler, a high quality bag is an absolute essential he can take anywhere from a business trip to a weekend getaway. Our Holiday Pick: Malle London Bruno Weekender Bag from Barneys New York, $535 • A quilted vest is a great winter wardrobe staple that looks modern for casual occasions. Our Holiday Pick: VINCE Down Channel-Quilted Vest from Barneys New York, $425.
Gift Guide: Women
Change things up at the office with fun keyboard covers that will have you smiling as you work away. Our Holiday Pick: Emoji Keyboard Cover + Software from Amazon, $21.50 • Jewelry is always a great choice for a gift, but so is an accompanying travel case that will keep those special pieces safe. Our Holiday Pick: Bespoke Traveling Jewel Case from Anya Hindmarch, $795 • There’s something romantic about receiving a handwritten note in this age of digital communication, that’s why stationery is always a lovely choice. Our Holiday Pick: Skull and Crossbones Correspondence Cards from Smythson, $45 • Just because it’s cooler weather doesn’t mean she can’t look hot! Ditch the frumpy winter sportswear for something with more sizzle. Our Holiday Pick: One-piece Ski Suit from Cordova, available 11/25/16 • Thoughtfully selected art is a timeless gift she’s sure to appreciate and admire. Our Holiday Pick: Paintings by artist Tracy Rocca from the artist’s website, contact info@tracyrocca.com for pricing • An animal print pair of flats that can go from the office to happy hour is a great gift option for the stylish woman in your life. Our Holiday Pick: Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follie Leopard-Print Patent Leather Flats from Saks Fifth Avenue, $645 • Women do it all! That’s why a chic tote that holds everything she needs, and adds a hint of sophistication to any outfit, is a must! Our Holiday Pick: Large Shopping Saint Laurent Tote from Yves Saint Laurent, $995 • Handcrafted kitchenware is a terrific gift for the woman that enjoys cooking and entertaining. Our Holiday Pick: Large Wooden Salad Bowl from Vernon Leibrant, $795 • For the woman that wants versatility and style, you can’t go wrong gifting your fave lady a shirt from us here at Sarah Alexandra! Our Holiday Pick: The Signature Shirt Winter White Creme Flannel from Sarah Alexandra, $395.
Gift Guide: Kids
Kids want to rock the latest styles, but they also need to be well layered for the season. A winter jacket in an eye-catching design will have them staying warm while looking cool. Our Holiday Pick: Three-Quarter Length Faux Fur Coat from Zara, $65.90 • Children find great joy in building and putting things together, that’s why Lego is still a classic! Our Holiday Pick: Technic Volvo EW160E toy excavator from Lego, $119.99 • There’s something special about a handmade doll. Give your child a friend they’ll want to take everywhere and treasure always. Our Holiday Pick: Jess Brown dolls from Flora and Henri, $198-$234 • Give your child the freedom of the open road and start Driver’s Ed early with a set of wheels made just for them. Our Holiday Pick: Rollplay Chevy Silverado 6 Volt Battery Powered Ride On from Toys R Us, $239.99 • Nightlights can be a real comfort to a child and a fun animal shape is sure to help get them excited for bedtime. Our Holiday Pick: Rabbit Lamp from White Rabbit England, $86.50 • Puzzles are a wonderful activity that gets kids thinking and they are sure to enjoy putting together an image of the whole family. Our Holiday Pick: Children’s Personalized Photo Jigsaw Puzzle from Wentworth Wooden Puzzles, $49.50 • Babies may not be able to tell you exactly what they want, but a beautiful, warm blanket is sure to be appreciated by little ones and parents alike. Our Holiday Pick: Dolce Chevron Baby Blanket from Little Giraffe, $78 • Having a new pair of shoes after winter break always makes the first day back to school a little more exciting. Our Holiday Pick: Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Kids “Super Star” Sneakers from Farfetch, $155 • We’re partial to warm winter staples with sweet details, such as a fun pompom. Our Holiday Pick: Moncler Kids Pompom Ribbed Beanie from Farfetch, $112.
