Beyond Gifts - Perfect Technique

I'm always on the lookout for fun things to do in NYC, so I was really excited to learn that Williams Sonoma is offering free technique cooking classes. Learn how to make perfect eggs, use a KitchenAid mixer, or whip up a great sauce at your local Williams Sonoma Store.

Classes

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Basics of Eggs

Eggs are an essential kitchen staple; used in a myriad of applications, prepared in a variety of cooking methods. Learn the basics of egg selection and handling as well as some fundamental cooking techniques from omelettes to poaching to a classic frittata.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 KitchenAid Mixer 101

Get a better understanding of this kitchen workhorse. Understand the differences in KitchenAid mixers and its functions. Learn how to maximize your KitchenAid mixer’s potentials as well as how to use it correctly to produce delicious products every time.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Springtime Sauces

Understand the techniques involved in sauces. Learn how to make a selection of sauces perfect for your springtime meals. Recipes will include Hollandaise, Bearnaise, and Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Sauté

This classic cooking technique is often misinterpreted. Learn the proper method for sautéing both meats and vegetables. Recipes will be included.

For more information call your local Williams Sonoma store.

Williams-Sonoma 10 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10028212-823-9750
Williams-Sonoma 1175 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028212-289-6832
Williams-Sonoma 2110-B Northern Blvd. Manhasset, NY 11030516-365-1650
Williams-Sonoma Roosevelt Field Garden City, NY 11530 516-742-0340
Williams-Sonoma 110 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10011212-633-2203
Williams-Sonoma 121 E. 59th Street New York, NY 10022917-369-1131
Williams-Sonoma 419 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516516-295-9484

Lois Loves - Cook in Pink

I have a little confession. I LOVE the color pink. I think we could all use a touch of pink in our lives. Ok, ok, so pink isn't for everyone but I think you'll change your mind once you've seen these great pink kitchen appliances and tools. You can pick one or a combination of these products and create a themed gift. They are perfect for the fashionista chef or as housewarming gifts!

For almost a year now I've been obsessing about ice cream makers. Every time I think I'm ready to bite the bullet and purchase an ice cream maker a little voice reminds me that I don't have room for anymore kitchen appliances in my tiny New York City apartment. However, after "stumbling" onto the Cuisinart Pink Classic Frozen Yogurt - Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker, I think I'm gonna have to give in - I'll find the room for this appliance!!! The Cuisinart ice cream maker retails for $39.99 at www.surlatable.com.




An ice cream maker is a great gift but you've got to sweeten the package. The Zyliss ice cream scoop is the perfect accessory. (Zyliss ice cream scoop, $9.95 at www.surlatable.com.)


Every woman loves to feel like a real chef (well at least some of us do). What better way to feed her ego than to give her a personalized chef's apron. You can get a personalized or monogrammed apron for $34.00 at www.williamssonoma.com.




Another great personalized gift that's perfect for the baker in the family is Williams Sonoma's Personalized Silicone Spatulas. You can get a set of three spatulas for only $22.50.









Ok, so I own a handheld mixer, but I wish I had seen this cutie first. Got to www.amazon.com to purchase the KitchenAid 7-speed Ultra-Power Hand Mixer, $64.99. Its perfect for an aspiring baker with a tiny kitchen.

Graduates of tiny kitchens will definitely appreciate the KitchenAid Artisan 5qt Stand Mixer. You can purchase the KitchenAid Mixer from www.amazon.com, $299.99.



Tea time anyone? Brew water for a perfect pot of tea with this perfect pink kettle. (Le Creuset Pink Whistling Kettle, $60.00 at http://www.surlatable.com/)

If pink is still not your thing, maybe you'll be be inspired to know that purchasing a product from KitchenAid's pink product collection supports the Cook for the Cure program; a program created to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the fight against breast cancer. For more information visit, http://www.kitchenaid.com/content.jsp?sectionId=457.

GiftRx - Dose 1 - Be Prepared and Get Organized

I love thinking of unique and interesting gifts for my friends and family. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing the look of appreciation and joy on someone's face when they open a gift they really love. However, I realize that, for many people, choosing a gift for a special occasion is met with fear and anxiety. Many people often choose inappropriate gifts because they are overwhelmed by time restrictions, price, choice, long lines, and crowded stores. As a result, people equate gift shopping with stress.

Well I'm happy to tell you there are ways to alleviate the stress associated with shopping for gifts. Gift shopping can be tons of fun if approached the right way. The keys are preparation and organization. First, make a gift recipient list. This list should include the names of all the people you expect to buy gifts for throughout the year. Occasionally, names will be added or deleted from this list. Once you have prepared this list its time to get organized. I recommend utilizing an online reminder service. My two favorite reminder services are Birthday Alarm http://www.birthdayalarm.com/ and Google Calendar http://www.google.com/calendar. Once you've registered with these services you can input birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other events into a calendar. And most importantly, both services allow you to set event reminders and choose the frequency and timing of reminders.

If you are unsure of a person's birthday, Birthday Alarm allows you to send an email to that person requesting details about their birthday. Once that person has inputted this information, it is automatically added to your calendar.

Google Calendar also has lots of great features. Not only does it help you to keep track of events and send reminders, it also allows you to create invitations for events and even supports mobile phone notification. You can also share your calendar with friends and family.

Creating a gift recipient list and setting up a reminder service are two easy ways to keep gift shopping stress free. What are some of the things you do to keep gift shopping stress free and fun? This is the perfect forum to share your suggestions.

Stay tuned for another dose of GiftRx!

Pursuing My Passion

Five years ago an Oprah show aired about finding and pursuing your passion. I was so moved by the guests and their stories that I was inspired to discover my own passion. Almost immediately I knew that I wanted to start a personal shopping service for gifts. I eagerly began jotting down ideas. However, after a couple of weeks I began to doubt my ability to start a business. I let my fear of failure discourage me from pursuing this passion.

Since then I've had numerous business ideas but never had the will nor motivation to follow through with any of my ideas. Every now and then I shared one of my business ideas with my sister. One day she simply said, "why don't you pick one idea and just do it." So at the end of 2006 I finally decided to "just do it." I realized it was time for me to pursue my passion and that's when That Perfect Something was born. That Perfect Something is a personal shopping service for gifts. My goal is to open for business in May 2007. In the meantime, I invite you to visit my blog and check in on my progress as I build my business. I'll share tips about gift buying, share my picks for great gifts, share some of my favorite websites, and simply share what's on my mind. I hope you enjoy reading my musings and take some time to share your thoughts with me.

"I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me. I have accepted fear as part of life specifically fear of change and fear of the unknown; and I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says, turn back, turn back, you'll die if you venture too far."
- Erica Jong