The Calm Before The Holidays – (November 4 – November 10)

Just before the intensity of the holiday season, I recommend a home spa treatment. Creativity and energy are increased with pampering. So, indulge. In advance, purchase some foot bath soap and some pedicure and manicure items. To really treat oneself, buy a new chenille robe and wrap yourself in comfort. Gather interesting magazines and cookbooks to allow one’s mind to rest from laboring thoughts. Ah, peaceful moments can abound. Turn off the phone and relax.

Begin with the foot bath. Follow with a pedicure and manicure. Offer a colorful array of polishes. Add a facial and enjoy the moment.

I began this pampering party idea for my daughter and her friends during the long summer breaks from school. The girls loved the attention. I’ve continued this pampering party with my husband. We enjoy it in November – just before the holiday rush. With the hours of pampering, enjoy a cup of tea in front of the fireplace…Kelly McBride Loft

Spa Day Beverage – Green Tea

The best green tea is called Matcha. It is in a powdered form. It is grown and processed in Japan. This is the tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Another good green tea is called Gunpowder. The name was chosen because the little pellets of green leaves resemble gunpowder. It is from the Zhejiang Province in China.

Japanese Stuffed Shrimp Sushi
Mix:
2 and 1/2 cups steamed rice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
pinch of salt
pinch of sugar
pinch of seasoning

Boil large shrimp. Peel but leave the tail tip on the shrimp. Then fan the shrimp and flatten it to fill it with the rice mixture. Pack the rice mixture into the shrimp. Serve chilled with the shrimp on top.

Banana Smoothie
Peel a banana and freeze it. Mix the frozen banana, yogurt and a touch of milk in the blender. For an adult flavoring add a touch of banana liqueur.

New Orleans Style Boiled Shrimp
Peel and devein the raw shrimp.
Boil the shrimp with a drizzle of liquid crab boil. (By peeling the shrimp first, the shrimp curl tightly. The curled shrimp can be placed around the edge of a martini glass that is filled with Red Cocktail Sauce.)
Drain the shrimp and set directly onto ice for 1 minute. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp. Remove the shrimp from the ice chill-down and continue chilling in the refrigerator until serving. Serve with Red Cocktail Sauce.

Red Cocktail Sauce
Mix 1 cup ketchup with 2 teaspoons of horseradish. Serve chilled.

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