Holidays

How To Choose A Christmas Tree

November 28, 2011
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I just read an article that suggested that my method of selecting a Christmas tree is totally wrong. So, I did some research since we’re about to head to the Christmas tree lot. Here is pretty much every tip on the internet I found regarding how to choose a fresh, already cut Christmas tree. The Snap Test If you’re considering a fir tree, take a green needle from the tree and bend it between your [...]

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Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Grapes And Walnuts

November 3, 2011
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I didn’t really like brussel sprouts until I was in my 30s. My mom made them for La Jolla Girl and, to our complete surprise, she loved them. We had to up our brussel sprout intake. When the November issue of Whole Living Magazine (a Martha Stewart publication) landed in my mailbox, I knew I had to make the roasted brussel sprout recipe on the cover. Because I have a habit of not thoroughly reading recipes before starting them, I accidentally omitted a few steps. I’ll give you my version, which is a little easier than Martha’s, is still delicious, and you can wing it a little bit too.

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Orangutan Friendly Sustainable Palm Oil Halloween Candy List

October 30, 2011
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As we are preparing for Halloween, the environmental impact of candy did not cross my mind until I saw a tweet from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. They have put together a guide for consumers who might be concerned about conservation and deforestation due to non-sustainable palm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia. Palm oil is a very common ingredient in candy. This list has companies who are committed to using certified sustainable palm oil. Before [...]

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30% Off Already Discounted Plum District Deals Through TODAY (10/31)

October 29, 2011
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La Jolla Mom has a new partnership with Plum District where every so often, I’ll be highlighting deals I like. The Erin Condren deal below has just expired (for those reading a bit later than the original posting date).  However, through Monday (10/31) you’ll receive an extra 30% off Plum District deals by using the promo code Spooky30. So copy the code and head over to Plum District. Simplify Gift Giving Have a look at [...]

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Pairing Halloween Candy With Wine, Part 2

October 26, 2011
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As you may remember, last year I asked the esteemed San Diego Wine Mafia what their ideal Halloween candy and wine pairing might be. This year, I asked a few other well respected wine experts in social media. They did not disappoint! Since @BrainWines has such an aversion to candy corn, let’s start with that. Candy Corn Shira at La Jolla Wine Tours suggested this pairing that I could definitely go for (since I love [...]

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Kids Recipes: Healthy Halloween Snacks

October 17, 2011
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Again, these aren’t super fancy but La Jolla Girl thinks there amazing and that’s all that matters, right? I bought a Wilton Halloween Metal Cookie Cutter Set. Each cookie cutter is a few inches wide, roughly. I scored pack of 48 Stretch Island Fruit strips at the Costco on Morena Blvd for about $10. Then, it occurred to me that she could cut the fruit strips with the cookie cutters and place them on top [...]

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