Designer Christmas Nativity Sets

Christmas is a time for family, preserving traditions and creating new memories, and Christmas nativity sets are an important part of the holidays for those who keep the true meaning of the season in their hearts.

Today's nativity sets are available in a range of designs from functional to elegant and chic to eclectic. Choose a Fontanini nativity set, crafted elegantly by hand as they have been doing since 1908, or a folksy and colorful Williraye nativity set, designed and crafted by Bobbe and Jeff Schucknecht on their rural farm in Wisconsin.

Celebrity Chef Cookbooks

It wasn't that long ago that chefs were known for their work in the kitchen, and rising to fame via the culinary field was the exception rather than the rule. Julia Child helped to pave the way for the bevy of famous chefs whose television shows, restaurants and celebrity chef cookbooks contribute as much to their success as their food.

Wolfgang Puck took up where Julia left off by making gourmet food simple and accessible for the home cook. He was followed by Joel Robuchon, Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Giada DeLaurentis, Paula Deen, Tom Colicchio and many more. Read a bit of history behind some of these famous names, and learn about the many cookbooks they have authored. Read more...

Nine West Boots for Women

Nine West boots are fashionable, comfortable, practical and capable of making anyone wearing them look chic. The company has built a powerhouse brand over the past 20 years on high-quality leather products, and their boots are no exception.

When the crisp fall weather rolls around, indulge yourself in a few pairs of Nine West's line of knee-length, over-the-knee or ankle length boots.Choose from soft or stiff leather or brushed suede in a host of colors, including black, brown or red. Choose a low heel, flat or spike heel, depending on the look you want to achieve.  Read more...

Vermont: A Fall and Winter Paradise

From Burlington to Montpelier and the shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont is the perfect place to spend a fall or winter weekend. Vermont is quintessential New England with rolling hillsides, spectacular foliage, powder-like snow and a lifestyle that is serene and sophisticated.

It is a place filled with small towns, friendly people, championship golf, world-class skiing and bed & breakfasts and inns that will transport you back into our country's history.

Travel along and discover the best of Vermont off the beaten path, and learn about some of the state's hidden gems, like Fox Chair Mountain Farm, the Green Mountain Flyer and New England's first co-op ski resort, Mad River Glen. Take a winter sleigh ride, straddle the border between the U.S.and Canada or learn the history behind the Woodstock Inn.  Read more...

Special and Unique Christmas Ornaments

My love of Christmas ornaments began as a baby. My mother had a tradition with my sister and me (as did her mother and her mother's mother) that every Christmas Eve, we exchanged ornaments that were reflective of our interests and experiences during the past year.

Not only did it quiet us down as we clamored for presents before the big day, but when we were older and started off on our own, we had a tree full of ornaments that held sentimental value.

Selecting unique Christmas ornaments can be a challenge, but if you use a little bit of creativity and insight, you can't help but to get it right.  Read more...

Photo courtesy of Dhaval Jani/Flickr

Fresh Shrimp 101

This article is dedicated to all of you who think of shrimp as those bags of little frozen rocks purchased at the grocery store. Fresh shrimp, known as "poor man's lobster," is readily available, reasonably priced.and easy to work with. Learn how to prepare fresh shrimp, the best cooking  methods and popular flavor combinations to wow your guests or indulge your family.

Detailed instructions are included for:

• Removing the shrimp head, tail and shell
• Deveining shrimp
• Grilling, boiling, broiling and sauteeing shrimp

Click here to read more... 

Photo courtesy of Laura Fan (Flickr)