Recipes | Warm Apple Cider for Two! from Of Corgis and Cocktails

Hi there! I'm Katherine and I blog at Of Corgis and Cocktails where I talk about all things related to fashion, food, and fido. It's finally time for really yummy hot apple cider. I really quite enjoy a piping hot cocktail on a chilly fall night, especially since I haven't turned my heat on. So here's my little recipe for a serving for two for hot apple cider with rum.

Guest Post with Jenny!

Hi all! My name is Jenny and I blog over at MagicCatJenny.  This is the first guest post I've ever done (thanks Amber!) so I thought why not blog about my favorite local band, The Long Holidays!

The Long Holidays can best be be described as "adventure rock".  By that I mean their mix of indie and americana makes you want to get up and go exploring, fight some pirates, go scuba diving, and save the day all before breakfast.  The line up is: James Holmquist (vocals, guitar, 8-string ukulele) who is also a scientist when he's not making music, Andy Worshill (bass, trombone, vocals), Kevin Engelking (piano, vocals), Sean Garnreiter (trumpet), and John Higgins (drums).
   

From left: Andy, Kevin, James, Sean, John

Some of their influences/sound-a-likes include Johnny Cash, The Decemberits, The Mountain Goats, Dick Dale, Cake, and Flight of the Conchords.

They recently opened for Suburban Legends at a sold out show and the often put together nights at various bars around LA.  They've played with Artichoke, Oak Street Blues, and other great local bands.  During shows there tends to be lots of dancing and fun and always a Viking percussion part of the show. Audience participation welcome!  

They recently released a 6 song EP, "Through Two Lenses"  for free on their bandcamp.  The songs include a range of exciting topics such as: spies in love, a high-altitude parachute jump, and sea shanties.  The band is also working on a whole new batch of songs.  I've heard them rehearse and they are going to be really great songs!  There's a song about a guy going through a mid-life crises during a zombie apocalypse and a song about The Long Holidays favorite drink, 1 part whiskey (that's the only part). If you're a hard core adventurer or a science nerd or just someone who likes good original music, you'll enjoy The Long Holidays.

If you happen to live in the Los Angels area (or San Diego during September), it is very easy to catch one of their shows.  Just follow them on Facebook or check their website for an up-to date schedule of shows.  
  

Find The Long Holidays here:

http://www.thelongholidays.com

Http://thelongholidays.bandcamp.com

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So glad to have you over here Jenny! I agree they are very indie/Americana and very relaxing to listen to; my ears thank you Jenny :) They are fantastic and I really recommend you take a listen. I also highly suggest checking out Jenny's blog too!

Guest Post with Hannah Beth from Of The Great Perhaps

Buy less, make more.

I challenge myself to stay creative not by frequenting Michael's or Joann Fabrics (although with those 40% off coupons it's a struggle!), but by using the materials I already have in new ways. New craft supplies, clothing, shoes: they're all tempting, and always will be tempting. But what's better than feeling like you've created something completely unique from your own inspiration? I've found this pleasure by simplifying my wardrobe, my possessions, and using up the materials in my craft hoard instead of endlessly adding to them.

Get rid of all that old junk you don't need.

We've all seen pictures on Pinterest or Tumblr of "organized chaos," or cute little knick knacks neatly arranged on shelves. How adorable, right? Personally those kinds of accessories build up the most in my house and are the hardest to get rid of because they're just too cute! Once my shelves and bureaus lose their organization, the chaos becomes ugly and overwhelming. By getting rid of unecessary little things, I find myself paying more attention to the important stuff: books, jewelry, and craft supplies that I now pick up & use more often.

Turn the TV off!

Background noise is distracting! And who wants their ears filled with commercials anyway? Play some music, or enjoy the silence. It gives you time to think, relax, breathe. Constant noise is in no way a life necessity.

Stop trying to multitask.

It's easy to become overwhelmed when you feel like the only way to get things done is to attack everything at once. Alternatively, by listing and prioritizing tasks you can get one completely done. Now move on to the next thing with that sense of accomplishment!

Take a minute to pause & enjoy the activities that fill your day.

Look out the window. Close your eyes for 10, 30, 60 seconds. Photograph the beautiful meal you just made before it gets devoured. Laugh at bad weather. It's only life, after all, and the little things we fill our lives with on a daily basis shouldn't go by unappreciated. Simple may seem plain or boring, but for me it's a lovely way to live.

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Thanks so much Hannah Beth for these very helpful tips! I definitely need to start (or in some cases stop) doing a few of these things, especially multitasking, I do that way too much! Again a great post and all of you should follow her wonderful blog at http://ofthegreatperhaps.blogspot.com/ :)

 If anyone is interested in doing a guest post anytime this month feel free to email me (click on the contact tab) I'll be offering this and more next month for any sponsor!