Month: December 2017

Best Children’s Books by Age

On December 13, 2017

I love giving the gift of books. Curling up with a books has always been my happy place. This is one trait that I am happy to have passed on to my daughter. Now, she is a librarian at New York Public Library (NYPL for those in the know).

I asked her to put together a list of recommended books for kids of all ages. Not only are books a gift that keeps on giving but they are also super easy to wrap. Ha! So, check out this list of NYPL librarian recommended books for kids of all ages on your list.

Ages 0-5

Edible Colors: See, Learn, Eat by Jennifer Vogel Bass
Sometimes broccoli is purple! Sometimes cherries are yellow! Learn about food and colors in this board book with gorgeous pictures of unusually colored foods.

Cozy Classics: Pride and Prejudice by Jack and Holman Wang
It’s never too early to start reading classics, according to the folks at Cozy Classics. These board books drill the plot of famous works like Pride and Prejudice down to one word per page next to adorable felt characters.

Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Thong
Learn about the delicious ingredients found in Mexican cuisine while also reviewing shapes!

I Want To Be in a Scary Story
Little Monster wants this picture book to be a scary story…but not too scary of course.

Ages 5-13

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
Learn about the importance of standing up for what you believe in while also learning about the childhood of RBG.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Simi
A little unicorn raised by narwhals discovers that there are more creatures just like him on land. Is he a sea unicorn or a land narwhal?

Lumberjanes Vol 1-5 by Noelle Stevenson
It’s friendship to the max and girl power in this series about a freaky summer camp where things are just a bit odd: three-eyed foxes, yetis, and other mystical creatures roam the woods.

Booked by Kwame Alexander
The soccer enthusiast in your life will love this novel-in-verse about school and family struggles while trying to be the best out on the field.

Ages 13-19+

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This gritty drama has been at the top of the New York Time’s Best Seller list for months for a reason: timely and gut-wrenching it holds nothing back as Starr Carter explores questions about race relations in America today.

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
The Breakfast Club meets murder in a thrilling novel of lies and secrets. Five students enter detention, only four are alive by the end. As they take turns telling the aftermath of the murder, it’s clear that each one has a secret to hide. But don’t forget, someone is lying.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
A dark and twisted tale: each generation queen triplets are born, separated, and raised apart to hone their abilities. The queens will re-meet when they are 16: the last one alive gets the throne.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
An unexpected romance blossoms when an Indian family traditional values collide with two teens’ aspirations.

Be sure to check out the Hello Fun Seekers Holiday Gift Guides for:

Holiday Gifts for Coffee Snobs

By Diane Hartford

On December 9, 2017

In Lifestyle

Holiday Gifts for Coffee Snobs

Hello friends! This post was written by my friend, Chris Millar, who is a coffee lover and was willing to share his expertise to assist us with holiday gift ideas for those hard to buy for coffee snobs. Enjoy!

If you’re considering a coffee gift for someone, they likely fall into one of two categories; coffee appreciator or coffee snob. In each case, the trick is to learn about the recipient and their coffee habits. Why do they like coffee? Is it the caffeine? Is it the taste? Is it the ritual? How do they drink coffee? Keurig? Starbucks? Third wave café?

The coffee appreciator could benefit from almost everything on this list, while the coffee snob can be a much more challenging recipient of coffee-related gifts. The clearest path to success is to help augment their existing brewing process at home with good gear that works everywhere… at the office, traveling, camping, etc.

The Brewer

Everyone knows a French press will brew a better cup than Mr. Coffee. That’s fine, but most French presses are prone to breakage (I’m looking at you Bodum) and awful to clean up. Vacuum sealed water containers are all the rage these days, but this concept hasn’t filtered down to most coffee gadgets.

French Press

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Coffee Press

The best pure French press money can buy. It stays warm and won’t break due to its vacuum sealed construction.

Ideal recipient: Anyone with a glass French press, no press, or want an amazing secondary / travel brewer.
Size: 34oz
Price: $32

Press Plus

Espro Press

All the advantages of French press, and none of the dis-advantages. This will produce a cleaner cup than French press. It has a smaller serving size and upgraded looks.

Ideal recipient: The person who likes the idea of French press, but doesn’t like the downsides.
Size: 18oz
Price: $100

Quirky Press

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a little quirky, but can produce an incredible cup of coffee. It excels at making bad coffee taste decent due to its low brewing temperature.

Note: This advertises itself as an espresso maker. Without getting into the science, it is not.
Ideal recipient: Someone who wants a no-frills great cup of coffee and despises the clean-up of French press.
Size: 8oz
Price: $30

Siphon

Hario Technica 5-Cup Coffee Syphon

The absolute fussiest way to make coffee. This will bring out the very best from a coffee.

Ideal recipient: The snob who has everything (but not this).
Size: 20oz
Price: $70

The Grinder

Grinding just before brewing is a critical step in great coffee making. This can be compared to buying pre-ground black pepper vs fresh ground black pepper. Most grinders are actually choppers, and they pulverize coffee to create a bitter cup. A good ceramic burr grinder produces an even grind and can be found at shockingly affordable prices.

Manual

Manual Ceramic Burr Grinder

If it plugs into a wall, it won’t be better than this until you get into the $150 range. This is not only one of the best grinders around, but it’s also hand powered so it’s amazing for camping. I love the idea of getting this for someone who may have a lesser electric grinder at home, but may want that really good cup on the weekend with just a little bit more work.

Ideal recipient: Someone who never wants to compromise even while on the go. Someone who needs a second good grinder. Someone who loves the ritual of making coffee.

Price: $14.99

Plug In

Baratza Encore

The Encore is consistently ranked the best value in high-end grinders. It’s got everything one would need, and nothing they don’t; ceramic burrs, timer, and proven longevity.

Ideal recipient: Someone who’s starting to flirt with the idea of coffee better than bulk Costco coffee.

Price: $140.00

Espresso

Baratza Vario

The Vario is the gold standard of home grinders. Even the Encore above will struggle with producing a grind fine enough for espresso. This can do it all.

Ideal recipient: Someone who plans on going off the deep end into the high end coffee world.

Price: $480.00

The Coffee

Buying coffee for a coffee snob should be done with extreme caution. It’s like trying to pick out knives for a cook. It’s well-intentioned, but can end up being thrown away or never used. If you’re thinking of grinding before giving, skip this section completely. No one wants (or should want) pre-ground coffee.

Entry Level

Winco Single Origin Organic Light Roast

Hello Fun Seekers Coffee

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, you can get it locally. You can order online if you’re not. Make your own container (think Mason jar + label), and throw this stuff out like candy to your closest friends and family.

Ideal recipient: The Costco bulk coffee lover. The caffeine lover. Someone who could use a change of pace from their normal coffee routine.

Price: $6 / LB

Next Level

Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription

It’s a small investment, but a 3 month coffee subscription shows someone you love them.

Ideal recipient: Someone who will appreciate nice coffee, but isn’t too snobby.

Price: $15 / LB per month

Ultimate

Heart Roaster Coffee Subscription

The pinnacle of coffee subscriptions. Even the most discerning coffee drinker will appreciate this coffee coming into their house regularly.

Ideal recipient: Someone you want to make love to.

Price: $23.50 / LB per month

Thanks so much, Chris! I have added a few of these items to my holiday wish list this year. Coffee lovers, what are your favorite coffee related gifts to give or receive?

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Cheddar and Cranberry Chutney Crostini

It isn’t just the alliteration that I love about these Cheddar and Cranberry Chutney Crostini. I also love how you can transform a few simple ingredients into a festive and delicious bite. These crostini would be perfect when you have friends coming over for a drink or to accompany a pot of soup.

Let’s start at the base. For the crostini you can both buy a baguette and make your own by slicing it up, brushing each slice with a little bit of olive oil on both sides, and seasoning with salt. To crisp up the slices, just pop the slices under the broiler or on a grill for a few minutes be sure to flip during cooking so that both sides are crisp.

Another option is to buy sliced, crisped cocktail toasts at the grocery store. These packages are usually found near the deli section. They are great to have in your pantry and can be topped so many different ways for easy appetizers.

Once you’ve decided on your crostini base your next choice will be to consider the cheese. I know it says cheddar in the title but there are so many things to think about! Firstly, do you like mild, medium, or sharp cheddar? I love sharp cheddar and think it pairs well with the cranberry chutney. But, if you prefer mild then by all means, go with mild cheddar. I used white cheddar when I took these photographs because I thought it would look pretty but yellow cheddar is perfectly fine.

Now to the fun part! Chutney. I am not going to lie. I love chutney. I always have some at the ready to add to a cheese plate or add some zing to grains or rice side dishes. Chutney is easily made by combining your ingredients (typically, fruit, nuts, and spices) into a small saucepan and simmering until the fruit softens and the mixture of flavors comes together. In this case, the cooking time on the chutney is about 15 minutes.

How to Make Cheddar Cranberry Chutney Crostini

The last step is an assembly job. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place the crostini on the parchment. Add a slice of your delicious cheddar to the crostini and pop into the oven until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and add a dollop of chutney to each crostini. You can finish it off with a bit of parsley (you can parsley your crostini a little less aggressively than I did if you wish).

Some other appetizer recipes that you might want to check out:

Snow Tracks Spotify Playlist

By Diane Hartford

On December 3, 2017

In Lifestyle

Snow Tracks Spotify Playlist Photo by Aaron Burden

My friend Courtney is back with another Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure. I’ve been listening to it nonstop for the last week. She is a musical genius!

Winter in four acts, a playlist

“In all the world there is no desolation more complete than the polar night. It is a return to the Ice Age— no warmth, no life, no movement. Only those who have experienced it can fully appreciate what it means to be without the sun day after day and week after week. Few men unaccustomed to it can fight off its effects altogether, and it has driven some men mad.”

― Alfred Lansing, Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

Snow Tracks

Act I: Your own little ice age

The first act features songs full of loneliness and isolation, along with literal ice and snow. Jessica Hoops sets our stage perfectly with the her haunting voice and strange melody singing of Wyoming winter in her song “Snowglobe.” Radiohead follows with a warning of ice age coming in “Idioteque.” A couple of real gems in this act include Brandi Carlile’s “Josephine” where she longs for a past cold and dark December, and Laura Marling’s “Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” where she sings of saying goodbye to her love amidst falling snow. The act concludes with “Ice Age” by David Byrne and St. Vincent. I love this song more each time I hear it.

Act II: Ethereal

The songs in act two move beyond the snow globes to the heavenly, and otherworldly. Katie Herzig begins this act and the connection to the other side with “Lost and Found,” followed by “All This and Heaven too” by Florence + the Machine. Then “Reverie” from season 1 of Westworld by Ramin Djawadi gives you a moment to ponder as you watch the delicate snow falling outside. This act ends with “Otherside” By Perfume Genius.

Act III: Madness

In this act, everyone loses their minds and starts believing they are wolves. There are songs about running through the snow covered forest as a wolf, having wolf mothers, and losing all sense of humanness, changing from skin to fur, and reverting to instinct. Songs in this enjoyable act include Blitzen Trapper’s “Furr”, Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal”, Bon Iver’s “The Wolves (Act I and II)” Sea Wolf’s “Whitewoods” and First Aid Kit’s “Wolf.”

Act IV: Melt

The final act includes three songs that bring us back to earth, back to human, and have us looking forward to the end of winter starting with Freelance Whales’ “Winter Seeds.” Then Sara Bareilles’ and Ingrid Michaelson’s “Winter Song” remind us that winter is temporary, and finally, the act and the playlist conclude Sia’s wonderful remake of “California Dreamin’”

I hope this playlist helps you enjoy the long, cold, and beautiful winter season.

Courtney

CourtZionNP

Be sure to check these playlists from Courtney too!