Holiday Peppermint Icing Recipe

I found this recipe for peppermint icing and it seemed so festive and perfect for the holidays.  I cannot wait to use it!  I found it at The Party Dress, where Jill from Modern Cupcake shared this recipe in the holiday issue of The Party Dress' magazine.  Isn't it fun?!  Use it on cupcakes, sugar cookies, or drizzle it on your favorite chocolate dessert.  Yum!

Banana Republic Holidays

Banana Republic has the cutest adds out for the Holidays.  It really gets me thinking about what I'm going to wear over the next month to office parties, family gatherings, and new years.  To assist you in your holiday wear, I thought I would post this for you to see. 

 

Pictures 3 & 7 from Look; Pictures 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 from Buro.

Indy Weekender: Big Ten Football Championship

This weekend Michigan State University is playing Wisconsin in the first Big Ten Football Championship game.  And, what better place to host this monumental game than at the Amateur Sports Capitol of the World, Indianapolis!  Even though the Game at Lucas Oil Stadium and tailgating at the Indianapolis Convention Center will be the main events, the rest of the time you might want to tour the city, grab a bite to eat and drink, or find some other way to relax.  This blog post will help you do just that.  With all the places the locals know about and like to go, and recommendations on what to get, as well as places you should see in Indy, this post will have you covered. Ps. Click on the links above for directions to each place and information on Indianapolis' history.

Places To See

1.)  Sun King Brewery (Friday 4-7pm).

Sun King Pic's (left to right): Sun King Brewing Machines & Kegs, Sun King Beer Sample Table, Beer Samples, Inside the Hot-Spot, Outside of Sun King Brewery.

Info:  Sun King Brewery is a fun place to sample Indy beer.  Loaded with Indy's professionals, this hangout hot-spot gives 5-6 free beer samples, and sells growlers & fills them up cheep.  However, it does not serve food or drinks (only samples) so just count on hanging out, and drinking great Indy beer for an hour or two.  Parking is free in the parking lot out front and it's free to get in with your ID. For more information and pictures, check out my post on Sun King Brewery here.

       Address: 135 N. College, Indianapolis, IN 46202
       Phone: 317.602.3702 
       Website: http://sunkingbrewing.com/


2.)  The Canal/Creation Cafe.

Canal Pic's:  Indianapolis Skyline, Creation Cafe Beer Float, Creation Cafe on the Canal, Quesadilla's at the Creation Cafe on the Canal.

Info:  The canal is a beautiful place to go and walk around. Near museums and with great views of the Indianapolis Skyline, this is a great place to work off all the pork tenderloin.  There are a couple of cafes on the canal.  My favorite is the Creation Cafe at the very North end.  Its appetizers are so tasty and the drinks are fun (like the Raspberry Celis, vanilla gelato beer float pictured above). For more information, view my blog post on the Canal Here.

Canal website:  http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-canal-walk 

Creation Cafe's website:  http://www.creationcafeandeuphoria.com/
     Address:  337 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
     Phone: 317.955.2389 


3.)  Soldiers & Sailors Monument/Monument Circle.

"The Circle" Pic's:  Au Bon Pain (to the left of South Bend Chocolate Company), The Soldiers and Sailors Monument & Chase Tower, Indiana's Capitol Building From the Circle.

Info:  Built between 1887 and 1902, this limestone monument has come to symbolize the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.  The view from the top and the architecture of the buildings perfectly circling the monument is my favorite part of visiting the monument.  To get 360 degree views of the city, walk up the stairs on the south side of the monument and in through the narrow door.  There is no fee to get in, but donations are "suggested."  Open Wed - Sun 9am-5pm.
      Address:  1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
      Website:  http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-soldiers-sailors-monument-monument-circle


More On The Circle:
4.)  After you visit to Soldiers and Sailors monument, you will see South Bend Chocolate Company's Chocolate Cafe on the Southwest side of the Circle, who makes wonderful seasonal chocolates, coffee, and hot chocolate.  Click here for South Bend Chocolate's website.

5.)  The Columbia Club on the Northeast side is an exclusive club where celebrities stay when in Indy. Established in 1889 use to be Indianapolis' old Republican Club started to help Pres. Benjamin Harrison's political campaign.  No longer the "Republican Club" you can stay in one of its 99 guest rooms and grab a swanky meal while staying there.  Click here for Columbia Club's website. 


Places To Watch The Game (Eat, Drink & Be Merry)

1.)  Kilroy's Bar N' Grill.

Kilroy's Bar N' Grill (left to right): Kilroy's Front Entrance (from Kilroysindy.com), Panorama inside Kilroy's with Tons of TV's and Long-Island Chalkboard, Cheesy Tater-tot Appetizer...yum!

Info:  Kilroy's is a great place to watch sports with great food and is within walking distance (about 5-6 blocks) from the stadium.  Whether you go Friday night or Saturday for the game (if you don't have tickets) you will not miss a minute of the action with large flat screen TV's loaded in every direction (See "Panorama" picture above).  Kilroy's is known for its Stuffed Breadsticks (hot, delicious, cheese and pepperoni rolls) and its Long Island mini-pitchers with dozen's listed on a huge chalkboard on the wall.  Indianapolis is also known for their pork tenderloin, so the breaded tenderloin sandwich is a great pick, also.  Although, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the food there. For more information, go to Kilroy's website at Kilroysindy.com.

     Address:  201 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
     Phone: 317.638.9464


2.)  The Slippery Noodle.

Slippery Noodle Pic's: Slippery Noodle Building(hookemreport.com), Pork Tenderloin (http://wouldibuyitagain.com/2011/07/review-slippery-noodle-inn/), One of the Many Rooms Inside, Slippery Noodle's Proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium (paulbielatowicz.com).

Info:  Located almost across from Lucas Oil Stadium, this bar has history and not just from its ties with football!  Established in 1850, the Slippery Noodle is Indiana's oldest bar.  I haven't eatten there, so I can't really recommend anything, but since your in Indianapolis, known for the pork tenderloin, you might as well order that.

     Address: 372 South Meridian Street  Indianapolis, IN 46225
     Phone: 317.631.6974
     Website:  www.slipperynoodle.com 

3.)  Scotty's Brewhouse (Downtown Indianapolis Location).

Scotty's Brewhouse Pic's (left to right):  Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Waffle Fries (wouldibuyitagain.com); Front Patio (seegullmedia.com); Scotty's Illustrated Menu (aht.seriouseats.com).

Info:  Scotty's has a lot of TV's--there are even TV's in the bathrooms! Crazy, huh?!  For food, the Wings are good & my favorite menu item is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.   For more information go to Scotty's website at http://www.scottysbrewhouse.com/locations/indianapolis-downtown/.

     Address:  1 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (1 block North of Conseco Fieldhouse)
     Phone:  317.571.0808


Breakfast & Coffee

1.)  Hoaglin To Go Cafe & Marketplace.

Info:  This is a fun place to have breakfast.  The food is beautiful & usually in large potions, and the atmosphere is modern.  I usually get the Deep Dish Quiche and the men in my family get the Omelet with the potatoes (which are piled high!).

      Address:  448 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204
      Phone: 317.423.0300
      Website:  http://www.hoaglintogo.com/


2.)  Cafe Patachou (Downtown at Capitol and Washington Location).

Cafe Patachou Omelete, from http://hungrymidwesterner.com/?tag=indianapolis

Info:  This is another great place for breakfast.  I haven't eaten here, but all my local friends are raving about it.  They tell me that not only is he food good, but the coffee is super smooth. There are a couple of locations, but the one downtown is right next to the capitol building.  For a better review and more pictures Click Here.

     Address: 225 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
     Phone: 317.632.0765
     Website:  http://www.cafepatachou.com/


Hope this helps & hope you have a wonderful time in Indianapolis!  GO GREEN!!!

It's Begining To Look A Lot Like The Holidays

Now that Thanksgiving is over, all of the Holiday dinner and cocktail parties will begin.  To get you in the Holiday spirit, here are a few fun pictures of gorgeous dresses:

Oh no, Santa!  From Fashion Gone Rogue.

Pink Tulle Gown at Christmas (1950's) by Ceil Chapman.

Super Red Christmas, Elle Korea Nov. 2010.  Photographed by Hong Jang Hyun.  Model: Anabela Belikova.

A Glamorous Christmas Morning, Vogue France, Ed. 41.

Candid Kate Winslet and Gingerbread House, Elle US Nov 2010.

Ski Lodge Bunny; Photographed by Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Italia December 2010.

Comfy Christmas Bed via Tumblr

12 Geese a Laying; Elle Korea Nov. 2010.

Christmas Vogue 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving by indybabe featuring a box pleat skirt

Thanksgiving Survival Guide (Part II): Dinner, Prep, and Recipes

If you're anything like me, cooking Thanksgiving dinner stresses you out.  Deadlines, not enough oven space, and hungry people who missed lunch makes life in the kitchen feel more like a torcher chamber than something you should be giving thanks for.  So, to help you (and your family) make it through the day in one piece, grab yourself a glass of champagne with orange juice and follow my easy "How Make Thanksgiving Look Easy" guide.

Thanksgiving Table Decor

Instyle Magazine, Nov. 2011

EASY:  I found this article in Instyle Magazine and it makes setting the Thanksgiving table decor easy.  White plates, a festive table runner, and a simple vase with matching flowers is chic, time saving, and leaves room for the piles of food you're about to bring out.  Set it up the day before this way you won't have to worry about it while you're cooking on Thanksgiving day.

Pottery Barn, Fall 2011 Tablescape

HARDER:  If you're looking for something a little more intricate, try something like the picture above from Pottery Barn.  Add some candles and gourds on top of a festive table runner but make sure to leave space for the beautiful turkey that's coming in the center on the table.  If you decide to go with a theme, pick one for the whole house and stick with it.  Pottery Barn always has the best Holiday-ware with great pictures.  Here you can see they went with a rustic theme, equipped with antlers, an rustic looking wood table, and french-country looking china.  Go to their website for more information or for fun video's and  entertaining advice from the experts.  Click Here. 

TIP: Set the table the night before Thanksgiving day.  It really makes everything much easier.

Preparation

Cooking Light Picture

Getting as much stuff made before the big day is the trick behind having a truly great Thanksgiving.  Appetizers, potatoes, stuffing, biscuits, cranberry sauce, and desserts can all be made the day before and then warmed in the oven right before Thanksgiving dinner.  You can even divide the work and make the potatoes, cranberry sauce and desserts two days before (on Tuesday) and store them in the refrigerator until it's time to eat.    Here is how I like to break it down:

Tuesday (or night), make:

• Mashed potatoes (unless it's instant, then make Thursday)
• Sweet potato casserole
• Cranberries
• Pies/Desserts
• De-Thaw Turkey (about 1hr for every pound) (and FYI- you should estimate1lbs/person)

Wednesday, make:

• Appetizers, 
• Some of the Stuffing,
• Biscuits, 
• Rub turkey with spices
• Set table

Thursday, make:

• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Steamed veggies
• Mashed instant potatoes
• Warm biscuits, potatoes before dinner; and pies/desserts during dinner (just before you sit down, pop them in the oven on a low temperature, 150-200F).

Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving Plate with all the right stuff.  From Vagas Buzz.

Not only do I like to keep Thanksgiving dinner fuss free, I also like traditional Thanksgiving food.  So, my Thanksgiving meal is not complete with out Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, biscuits, and gravy.  Here's the menu I like to follow:

Appetizers (click the link for the recipe):

• Veggie/Relish Tray (see Below)
• Bread and Bravo's Sun-Dried Tomato Oil

Appetizer, Veggie/Relish Tray: Pickles, carrots, black olives, salami, cheese and dip. Picture from Here.

Main Dish/Entree (click on each item for a link to my favorite recipe):

• Turkey & Gravy
• Instant Stuffing (Mmm..I luv Stoffers from a box for some reason) or White Castle Stuffing
• Store bought biscuits
• Make-ahead Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Cranberry Sauce (get cranberry bags from the store & the directions are on the back)
• Steemed Veggies and/or asperigus

Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner by the Fire.  Picture from Agwired. 

  

Dessert:

• Store-bought Pumpkin Pie
• Pecan Pie (most similar to my pecan pie recipe)
• Store-bought Vanilla Ice Cream

Salted caramel and vanilla baked cheesecake, by Donna Hay.  Click Here for the recipe.

More Help

For more non-traditional recipes and menus, go to the Food Network.  Click Here.

For more Preparation or Turkey help, Click Here.

For Thanksgiving Table & Home Decor go to Pottery Barn (they also have recipes, videos, invitations, and playlists--Amazing site!).  Click Here.

Leftover Turkey Super Sandwich Recipe, Click Here.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Much Love,   

Indy-Babe

Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Everything You Need To Stay Fabulous

Because this week is a short week (hurray!!!) I will be stuffing as much information as I can into two posts.  Today's post is about everything you need to stay looking fabulous.  Tons of pictures are always taken during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception.  Therefore, I've included everything from what to wear/ideas for what to wear (for him and her) on Thanksgiving, to beauty, and dieting--this post will have you covered! Tomorrow will be about food (recipes, planning, and prep), decorating the table, and entertaining.

Karl Lagerfeld's (The designer behind Channel) Fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner with Models.  By Danny at Igor + Andre.

Mens Thanksgiving Style

For menswear on Thanksgiving, I suggest going with something classic.  When I think classic I usually think of JFK or Sean Connery/James Bond.  If you need help with ideas the ones above are classic and fresh look.  They exude a laid-back but still casual and put-together look that's perfect for the holiday and crisp weather.  I found these looks at Express and J. Crew, but you could also probably find something similar in  your closet. 

 Womens Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Medi-Skirts; Leather Shorts (add cream or brown matching tights underneath to stay warm); Chunky sweaters; Red pants; Fur vest; "Nerd" faux glasses; and just a cute skirt outfit--All perfect and fashionable Thanksgiving looks.

Every year before I go home I am confronted with the dilemma of what to wear on Thanksgiving.  I want to wear something warm, comfortable and "Thanksgiving-like," but I still want to be stylish and chic.  I look through the internet, magazines and catalogs for what feels like hours to find the perfect Thanksgiving outfit.  So, this year I thought I'd help you out by putting all my favorite looks all in one place (I don't know why more sites can't do this?!).  Above is my selection of fashionable and seasonal outfit ideas, from casual to dressy, for Thanksgiving.  And, below is my favorite "Jenna's Picks" for Thanksgiving from the J.Crew Catalog, November 2008, because it is so autumnal and classic.  Now that you have some great Thanksgiving outfit ideas, the trick is to find similar looking pieces in  your closet!
   

Jenna Lyon's Picks from J.Crew's Catalog, November 2008.

 Thanksgiving Beauty

Kate Bosworth, Instyle Magazine, Nov. 2011.

If you're looking for a fun way to amp up your make-up for Thanksgiving, red lipstick is the way to go (a la Kate Bosworth above).  Not only is it everywhere right now, it will also complement the reds, browns, and oranges in your Thanksgiving outfit.

EXPERT TIP: to keep your lipstick in place on your lips, make sure you use a red lip-liner to line and fill-in where you want your lipstick to stay.  Then lightly add a swipe or two of lipstick to even out the color and add moisture to your lips.

 Diet 

Allure Magazine, Oct. 2010. Photographed by Miles Aldridge.

The holidays is when most people gain weight.  Halloween was the first battle, next comes Thanksgiving.  An entire day reserved for gobbling up mounds of turkey, stuffing, and starches, followed closely by back-to-back December cocktail parties.  To arm  yourself for these gastly days, a little planning and a few tricks can go a long way.

1.  Cut 100 to 300 calories a day in advance. This can be as little as not having cheese on  your sandwich for lunch, or swapping that latte for black coffee or tea instead.  This way you don't have to resort fat-free stuffing and Tofurkey for Thanksgiving dinner.  Just remember to control your portions of the real stuff.

2. Avoid Snacking.  One study found that 9% of Thanksgiving calories are consumed in smack form before the actual meal.  So, if you're cooking Thanksgiving dinner start cooking right after breakfast when you're not hungry or chew on gum while you're cooking to avoid the urge to eat.  If you're not cooking, try to stay out of the kitchen or again, chew gum to avoid snacking.

3.  Avoid Binge Eating.  Don't not eat all day.  That's just setting yourself up for bingeing during dinner.  To avoid binging, eat a low-calorie breakfast and snack on veggies later if you get hungry. 

4.  Toss the Heavy Leftovers.  Once Thanksgiving dinner is over get rid of all the heavy food like the desserts and potatoes, to avoid turning a one time indulgence into a week's worth of excess.  Keep veggies and turkey to eat with a salad later in the week.

-Diet Tips from Allure Magazine, October 2010.



So, there you have it!  Everything you need to stay fabulous this Thanksgiving.  Hope it helped.  How do you stay fabulous for Thanksgiving?