Happy New Year

I just want to take a moment to wish all of you a 2014 filled with health, happiness and prosperity! 

 Have a great 2014!

Rabido for successful wedding planning, Communicate!

As I mentioned in a blog post a couple of weeks ago, the Holidays are a big time for engagements.  So I thought this would be an appropriate time to share my top Rabido for any newly engaged couple...Communicate!

A perfect example is a bride and groom I worked with who wanted the quintessential New York City fairy tale wedding with two hundred people in a landmark venue like the St. Regis or the Pierre.  When we started discussing details with the couple such as preliminary budget, timeframe for planning and other details necessary to plan their big day the couple literally shut down.  The reason?  They hadn’t communicated or laid out their expectations with each other.  They were merely going off of what they should do rather than what they wanted.  In the end they happily decided on a wedding with fifty people in a quaint restaurant without the fanfare of a white wedding dress, grand entrances, and caviar.  By communicating and discussing their actual expectations and desires, they were able to distinguish between  what they were told they should have by friends and family as opposed to what they truly wanted their wedding to be.

So, the first step of planning your wedding should be communication.  Talk to your fiancée and get all of the important questions out of the way such as the size, style, and vision of your wedding.  This will help you convey the sense about what kind of wedding you want to have and open the discussion to your partner’s wishes and ideas as well.  

Happy planning to all of the newly engaged couples and...

Cheers

Rabidos and Rabidon'ts for Holiday cards and invitations

This morning I had so much fun on The Better Show talking about the Rabido's and Rabidon'ts for sending out Christmas and Holiday cards this season.  You can see a clip from the show by clicking on this link:  Shawn on Better TV

So many people love to send out photo cards.  There are plenty of great sites like FineStationery.com or Celebrations.com that you can use to produce your cards, but there are a few do's and don'ts when sending your photo cards.

Rabido - When making a photo card, be sure all the subjects in the picture are on different levels.  This will create depth and the varying height will make the photo more exciting!

Rabidon't - Don't force anyone into strange poses or positions!  You want everyone to look natural.  When they do, everyone in the photos will look fabulous!

Rabido - While you don't want everyone in the same sweater (no ugly sweaters here), you do want everyone to coordinate.  So make sure you choose a base color that coordinates.  And have fun!  Use ski hats or scarves as accents.

Rabidon't - While it's okay to dress up your pets (come on, it makes them look that much cuter) it's not okay for people to play dress up for your holiday card.  Save that for Halloween!

Rabido - Use props!  Have fun!  Spell out your family name with giant letters, or spell out words like "JOY", "NOEL".

Rabidon't - We all have them, but don't use your phone to take your holiday photo!  Use a good camera or get a friend to take the picture for.  No selfies here!

Rabido - Do make sure you have good natural light!  Using natural light will literally make your photos shine!

Rabidon't - Don't stress if you don't have time to mail your cards!  There are plenty of sites where you can upload your image, create your greeting and email it to your friends.  And some are even free like Celebrations.com.  Although I would use this method as a last resort, it's not necessarily a Rabidon't because no one should stress over sending holiday cards. The holidays can be stressful enough!

Rabido - Get the kids involved!  If photo cards aren't your thing, get the kids to create cards.  There are plenty of DIY kits you can purchase.  Have your kids put the cards together with stickers, strings, ribbons and decals and then have the family sign and send.  It's a great way to personalize your cards.

Rabidon't - Don't stress this holiday season!  If you don't have time to send your cards wishing your family and friends a Joyous Holiday Season, then send them a card in January wishing them a Healthy and Prosperous 2014!  I'll bet you might even get a few good after Christmas sales too!

Rabido - Do look for the Shawn Rabideau Stationery line Christmas cards and all on sale now at www.FineStationery.com.  Simply type Shawn Rabideau Christmas in the search field on the site and you'll find all my current designs.

Until next time!

Cheers!

It is not too late to order your Holiday cards

Christmas is rapidly approaching but it is not to late to order your Holiday cards from the Shawn Rabideau Stationery collection.  You can see all of the fun designs below.  So visit one of these great local retailers or go on line to www.finestationery.com to place your order.

The great thing about my line is that you can customize them for different uses.  Just pick your favorite design and it can be the invitation to your holiday party or your annual greeting to family and friends.  

Have a great Holiday Season and 

Cheers!

Time for a few quick and easy party recipes

Now that Thanksgiving is over, and everyone is into full swing planning Holiday parties, I thought it would be a good time to share a few quick and easy recipes for your Holiday entertaining. These are some of my go to recipes when I am strapped for time.  I hope you enjoy them.

Black bean dip

One night Michael and I were craving Mexican food, however, we only wanted a snack.  I rummaged through our cabinet and found a can of black beans and a bag of Tortilla chips.  When I opened the fridge and pulled out some sour cream the black bean dip was born.

8oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup sour cream

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

¼ tsp cumin

¼ tsp chili powder

Bag of your favorite tortilla chips

In a blender or food processor combine all ingredients (except the tortilla chips!) until smooth and creamy.  Season to taste.  Next place black bean mixture into a bowl and serve with your favorite chips.  This can be made several days in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Serves 10

Pesto veggie dip

Our friends Roger and Brad were having a last minute party that Michael and I were invited to.  I always like to bring something homemade to share.  I decided a pesto dip would be the quickest thing to make.   I had homemade pesto in the freezer that I made from the basil in my garden and a container of sour cream in the fridge.   I quickly combined the two and violà!  Another fabulous dip was born.

4 oz jar of your favorite (or homemade) pesto

8 oz container of sour cream

Assorted veggies for dipping

Clean, wash and towel dry your favorite veggies and arrange in bowls or serving vessels.  Combine pesto and sour cream, season with salt and pepper and serve.  This also can be made several days in advance and kept in refrigerator.  Serves 10.

Super fast stuffed olives

I was entertaining at the Eleventh Hour and decided to make stuffed olives with Gorgonzola cheese.  When the guests arrived they finished the olives within minutes.

16 oz can large or jumbo black pitted olives

8 oz of your favorite goat cheese, feta, blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese (room temperature)

First drain olives, place on towel, and pat dry.  Fill each olive with your favorite cheese, plate and serve.

Pesto on Crostini with Tomato and Mozzarella

We had a welcome clambake for out of town guests.  The following day we had leftover bread, pesto in the freezer, and tomatoes with mozzarella from the caprese salad.  While everybody was napping I whipped together this hearty last minute treat using what I had.

1 French baguette

2 tbsp olive oil

½ cup pesto

Pint of cherry tomatoes

8oz ball fresh mozzarella

Heat oven 350 degrees

Wash and drain tomatoes then slice each into ½ slices, place on paper towel, dash with salt and let drain.  Replace paper towel until all liquid from tomatoes is absorbed.  Slice baguette into ½ inch slices.  Place bread onto a sheet pan and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Place in 350-degree oven about five to eight minutes or until golden brown.  Next, slice mozzarella into ½ inch slices and then into ½ to ¾ inch squares and set aside.  Take your favorite pesto and spread a thin layer onto the crostini.  Place the mozzarella and then the tomato slice.  Place layered appetizer on a serving tray.  This may be made twenty minutes prior to your guest’s arrival.  Serves 15.

Happy Holidays and ...

Cheers!

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

As I get ready to head out for the combined Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Holiday I want to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday filled with great food, family and friends.

Again, Happy Thanksgivukkah and...

Cheers!

Enjoy Your Engagement!

Since the Holidays are a big time for engagements I thought it would be a good time to share some advice for newly engaged couples.  I see so many couples rush through their engagement to the wedding and not enjoy this special time with each other. This is a big Rabidon't!

Let me start with a simple tip, hold off on telling everyone your good news.  This is the perfect opportunity to take the time to quietly enjoy your engagement with your fiancé: things might seem calm now, but before you know it you’re going to get caught up in the tornado you call wedding planning.  Take a few moments to also enjoy time with your immediate family and a few close friends before unnecessary wedding questions, ideas, and pressure arise from Aunt Ida.  While her intentions are always from the heart there are many components she and others will want to talk to you about such as date, time, colors, location, and who to invite.  These thoughts can often overwhelm you and in the end take away the enjoyment of your engagement.

As you begin to plan your big day your schedules are going to fill up quickly with wedding appointments.  Therefore I like to recommend a few activities for you to do when you first get engaged. The purpose of these activities is to create memories, ease unwanted stress, and open the lines of communication.

Some of my favorite engagement ideas are:

Weekend getaway

Day at the Spa

Horse Back Riding

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cooking Class

Pottery Class

Create a time capsule that reflects the date you got engaged

Day at the beach

By taking a brief amount of time to quietly enjoy your engagement you are allowing yourself a little bit of calm before the wedding bliss storm.

Until next time...

Cheers!

Making time for the Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching and if you're like me you're wondering where the months between June and October went.  And as if it wasn't enough we have about six less days to get ready for Christmas!  Rather than stress about how I'm going to get everything done before Thanksgiving and Christmas I compartmentalize my life and schedule.

The very first thing I do is open up my schedule to see what free time I have. Now if you're a working mom, entrepreneur or someone who is running in a thousand directions this can make your heart flutter and your head ach.  Rather than freak out I say to myself on this day at this time I'm going to do "x" and on this afternoon from this time to that time I'm going to do "y".  By creating at strategy and writing it down it will help you manage your holiday schedule a bit easier.

By doing this you can then determine how much you can actually fit into your life without driving yourself crazy.  The past few years (and this) I've had to say no.  No I'm not putting up all the decorations.  No, I'm not cooking all the sides for the holiday dinner and no, I'm not going to make 10 different batches of holiday cookies, I'm going to make 5.  Once you've set the boundaries, then you begin to make life easier for yourself.

Once I know what I am going to do, I set out and make a list.  Do this on your computer, tablet, smart phone, daily planner, whatever works for you!  Just do it, make a list.  This will keep you organized!  For example I've made a list of all the holiday cookies I'm making.  Last year I made 10 different types of cookies.  I just simply don't have the time to do that, so rather than stress, I wrote down all the cookies I made last year and then narrowed down to my top 5. I chose what was quick, inexpensive and what could be made ahead of time and either frozen or refrigerated.  The key was having a plan.

Now that I had a plan I was able to schedule when I was going to make the cookies.  This can be applied to Thanksgiving dinner.  I live in NYC and like most New Yorkers my kitchen is small, I don't have a lot of oven, stove or refrigerator space.  So by scheduling out what I am going to make and when It allows me to not feel overwhelmed and it allows me to make everything (as much as possible) ahead of time.  Leaving me to enjoy the actual day with family friends rather than be in the kitchen.  Remember, you want to be a guest at your own party.

I hope these little tips help make planning your holiday party easier and less stressful.  Until next  - Cheers!

Wedding Planning Timeline

I am frequently asked about how long it really takes to plan a wedding.  There is no simple answer to this question.  I have planned weddings in as little as 4 weeks while others were planned over the course of over 2 years.  However, with engagement season approaching I thought I would share this basic guide to help any couple planning their wedding.  Please note that this is a guide and not meant to be followed to the "T" because everyone plans at a different pace.  Tailor the outline to you and your fiancé and remember to have fun!

Sample Timeline of Events

10  to 12 Months

v  Select date along with backup dates

v  Decide budget

v  Decide type of wedding (Formal, Semi-Formal, Informal)

v  Compile guest list with addresses

v  Choose location of ceremony

v  Choose location of reception

v  Choose officiate

v  Decide size of wedding party, choose attendants

v  Select and order gown and veil

v  Select and order bridesmaid’s, flower girl’s, groomsmen and ring bearer’s apparel

v  Plan details of reception

v  Decide on a rehearsal date and space

v  Buy wedding rings and order engraving

v  Select photographer, videographer and caterer

v  Have engagement photos taken

v  Discuss honeymoon plans

v  Plan details for your reception

v  Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom

v  Select entertainment

v  Select and order invitations, announcements, thank you cards, personal stationery, programs, cocktail napkins, etc.

v  Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

v  Reserve room for wedding night (generally done when booking your hotel for your guests)

6  to 10 Months

v  Announce engagement in local newspaper

v  Reserve transportation for the bridal party

v  Reserve transportation to and from the ceremony and reception for out-of-town guests

v  Make honeymoon plans

v  Shop for your cake

v  Select hair and makeup personal for your wedding day. Schedule trials 3 months prior to wedding.

3 to 6 Months

v    Select and order men’s formal wear

v    Select ceremony musician

v    Select bridal registry items and register with one or more bridal registries

v    Reserve rental equipment, tables, chairs, tents, etc. with your caterer or rental company (if applicable)

v    Choose and order favors

v    Arrange to get necessary passports, visas and vaccinations or any honeymoon details at this time.

v    Address wedding invitations or secure your calligrapher

v    Order wedding and groom’s cakes and place deposit

v    Schedule rehearsal, decide on menu, place deposit

v    Discuss details of menu with caterer and schedule tasting

1 to 3 Months

v  Complete shopping for wedding apparel

v  Discuss ceremony flow and details with officiate

v  Confirm (and reconfirm) delivery dates of all dresses

v  Select music for ceremony and reception

v  Buy attendants gifs and gifts for each other

v  Choose readings and confirm/write vows for ceremony

v  Invite wedding party and guests to the rehearsal dinner

v  Organize seating arrangements and order place cards from calligrapher

v  Schedule all final bridal dress fittings

v  Pick up wedding rings (check engravings and sizes)

v  Schedule all final attendant’s fittings

v  Confirm honeymoon reservations and begin making a list to make packing effortless

v  Select reception decorations and accessories: cake knife & server, candles, table favors

v  Select ceremony accessories:  unity candle, ring pillow, flower girl’s basket, guest book and pen

v  Select personal accessories:  handbag, garter, engraved toasting glasses, guest mementos

v  Finalize details for photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment, bakery, and officiate

v  Schedule appointments facial, manicure, and massage

v  Record gifts as you receive them:  write thank you notes and mail

v  Assign friends or family to assist with guest book and gift table

v  Arrange bridesmaids’ brunch or luncheon details

v  Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after the ceremony

v  Conduct hair and makeup trials to experiment with hairstyles and make-up changes

v  Register for marriage license or as applicable to the rules in your area

1 to 2 Weeks

v  Confirm out-of-town guests’ lodging with reserved hotels

v  Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times

v  Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with wedding party

v  Contact people who haven’t responded

v  Final consultations:  florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, bakery

v  Give final guest count to reception facility

v  Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes (check that they fit)

v  Make wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at rehearsal dinner

v  Finish honeymoon packing, prepare going away outfit

v  Confirm responsibilities assigned to family and friends

v  Confirm honeymoon arrangements

Thanksgivukkah recipes as seen on VH1 Big Morning Buzz

For those of you who have not heard, for the first time in over 100 years, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the same day.  To help with all of the Thanksgivukkah celebrations I spent some time with the ever fabulous Carrie Keagan on VH1's Big Morning Buzz to share some tips and recipes for all of the planned celebrations.

In case you did not have a chance to see that show I wanted to share all of the recipes here.  I hope you find something that works for your own celebration and wish you all a happy Thanksgivukkah!

Recipes

Fuzzy Menorah

Ingredients

1 bottle of your favorite Cava, Prosecco or Champagne

1 1/2 cups pear nectar

1 cup vodka

Directions for Pear Slush

Combine pear nectar and vodka in a freezer proof container and freeze overnight.  The mixture should be a litter slightly firmer than an ice slushy.

Serving Directions

Two hours before guests arrive refrigerate your champagne flutes to keep them cold.

15 to 20 minutes before guests arrive - take a melon baller or a scoop of similar size and scoop two to three scoops of the pear slushy mix into each champagne glass. 

Slowly top each glass off with your favorite dry Cava, Prosecco or Champagne.

Place the full glasses out and allow guests to help themselves.

·        Rabido - Whether it's the Fuzzy Menorah or another libation welcome guests into your home with cocktails set out on trays.  They can help themselves as you prep the meal.

Mini - Hanukkah Gelt Martini - Perfect for Dessert!

4 tablespoons vanilla vodka reserved

2 tablespoons gold sanding sugar*

1/2 part crème de cacao

1 part Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1 part Vanilla Vodka

Edible Gold Glitter as garnish*

*Sanding Sugar and Edible glitter can be purchased at cake decorating supply stores

Directions

On a plate with paper towel pour about 4 tablespoons of vanilla vodka

On a separate plate - pour three table spoons gold sanding sugar

Dip the rim of the martini glass into the plate with the vodka and then into the sanding sugar liberally coating - set aside

In a cocktail shaker with ice pour the following:

1/2 part crème de cacao

1 part Godiva chocolate liqueur

1 part vanilla vodka

Shake well and strain into the sugar rimmed martini glass.

Sprinkle the cocktail with edible gold glitter

Serve and enjoy!

·        Rabido - Make LOTS of ice in advance so you don't run out!

·        Rabidon't - Don't serve large portions after a heavy meal.  Serve small martini portions…Mini drinks and desserts are "in"!

·        Rabidon't - Don't put any liquids (including your martini) near hot oil! You don't want oil flair ups.

Savory Sweet Potato Latke with Cranberry Apple Sauce

Originally from "Joy of Kosher Magazine" - Updated by Shawn Rabideau

Ingredients

3 to 5 large sweet potatoes

2 to 3 medium onions

4 tsp salt divided

3 eggs

3 tbsp flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cup Olive Oil

1 1/2 cup Peanut Oil

Tools:

Grater or food processor

Cheese Cloth

Mixing Bowls

Deep Fry pan

Directions

Peel sweet potatoes

Peel onions

Using a hand grater or a food processor with the grater blade, grate the peeled sweet potatoes and set aside in a bowl

Using a hand grater or food processor with the grater blade, grate the peeled onions and set aside in a separate bowl from the grated sweet potatoes

Using the cheese cloth place one handful of sweet potatoes into the cheese cloth.  Wrap the cheese cloth around the grated sweet potatoes and squeeze liberally (over the sink).  A generous amount of liquid will be extracted from the potatoes. Once all the liquid has been extracted place the "dry" sweet potatoes into a clean bowl. Repeat this step until the entire batch of sweet potatoes are "dry".

Using the cheese cloth place grated onions into the center of the cheese cloth.  Wrap the cheese cloth around the grated onions and squeeze liberally (over the sink) until all liquid has been extracted and the onions are "dry".

Combine "dry" sweet potatoes and "dry" onions into a large mixing bowl.  Add 3 tsp salt, mix well.

In a separate bowl beat eggs, add flour, baking soda and remaining salt.  Mix well until a thick batter forms and there are no lumps.

Combine potato / onion mixture with the egg, flour mixture until well combined and patties can be formed and loosely hold their shape.

In a deep frying pan combine olive oil and peanut oil and heat on medium to high heat.  When oil is hot gently place 2 inch round 1/2 inch thick potato patties into oil.  (Do not overcrowd the pan) The latkes should sizzle and edges should crisp quickly.  Do not turn until golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Once golden brown carefully turn avoiding splatters.  Cook for about another 5 minutes until the center is cooked.

Remove and place on paper towel to drain.  Repeat until entire batch is cooked.

·        Rabido - Turn oven on to 200 degrees and place cooked latkes on a pan with paper towel.  Cover with tin foil and keep warm until ready to serve.

·        Rabido - Make your latkes (and cranberry apple sauce) in advance to save time!  Reheat in the oven and serve!

Serve warm with either sour cream or Cranberry Apple Sauce (recipe below)

Cranberry Apple Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup whole cranberries rinsed

2 cup chopped apple (peeled, cored)

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 cup apple cider

2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan combine all ingredients and simmer for about 45 minutes or until cranberries and apples are soft.  Do not bring to a boil.

·        Rabido - Add or subtract sugar to make it as sweet or tart as you would like.

Serve warm with Latkes

Sweet - Sweet Potato Latke - With Cranberry Apple Sauce

Perfect for Dessert!

Ingredients

3 to 5 large sweet potatoes

2 tsp salt divided

3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

5 tbsp sugar

2 eggs

2 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cup Olive Oil

1 1/2 cup Peanut Oil

Tools:

Grater or food processor

Cheese Cloth

Mixing Bowls

Deep Fry pan

Directions

Peel sweet potatoes

Using a hand grater or a food processor with the grater blade, grate the peeled sweet potatoes and set aside in a bowl.

Using the cheese cloth place one handful of sweet potatoes into the cheese cloth.  Wrap the cheese cloth around the grated sweet potatoes and squeeze liberally (over the sink).  A generous amount of liquid will be extracted from the potatoes. Once all the liquid has been extracted place the "dry" sweet potatoes into a clean bowl. Repeat this step until the entire batch of sweet potatoes are "dry".

Combine "dry" sweet potatoes salt and pumpkin pie spice and mix well.

In a separate bowl beat eggs, add flour, baking soda salt.  Mix well until a thick batter forms and there are no lumps.

Combine potato with the egg, flour mixture until well combined and patties can be formed and hold their shape.

In a deep frying pan combine olive oil and peanut oil and heat on medium to high heat.  When oil is hot gently place 2 inch round 1/2 inch thick potato patties into oil.  (Do not overcrowd the pan) The latkes should sizzle and edges should crisp quickly.  Do not turn until golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Once golden brown carefully turn avoiding splatters.  Cook for about another 5 minutes until the center is cooked.

Remove and place on paper towel to drain and repeat until entire batch is cooked.

Rabido - Turn oven on 200 degrees and place cooked latkes on a pan with paper towel.  Cover with tin foil and keep warm until ready to serve.

Serve warm with Cranberry Apple Sauce or vanilla ice cream

Happy Thanksgivukkah!!!