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It’s a Date

Sometimes life is so simple – right? I want to be that person with the simple life – I used to think I was that person with the simple, awesome life. Awesome – yes; simple – not quite.

But what comes up must come down, they say. And while this might sound like a complaint, it assuredly is not. Life is definitely good.

One of my favorite things of late is getting together with my favorite newlyweds, Brook & Katherine. We cook, we eat, we drink, and we just plain hang out. Sometimes Katherine falls asleep, but it’s only because of the wine and not because we’re boring, right Kath??!! We play with their cuter-than-a-newborn-baby doggy, we laugh at the cats, and we get our groove on (or at least, we pretend to…) with the Kinect dancing game, whatever it’s called.

It’s good times – simple and awesome.

And it’s even awesome-er when bacon and goat cheese are involved. What’s not to adore? I’d spent the majority of last Saturday hanging with my pal, Caroline (which means that we hang out but she also puts me to work in her kitchen), so when it came time to get ready for the K+B extravaganza, I knew I only had it in me to bake a cake (yeah, that’s all – can you believe it??!), so I put the Hubs to work on the appetizer.

It’s not like he was slaving over the stove, people. And check out the recipe if you don’t believe me. Four ingredients – I don’t think I’ve ever posted something with four ingredients – maybe a drink??!! Four wonderful, scrumptious ingredients, all rolled up together, baked until crispy and oozy, and devoured.

 

These dates are holiday-ish, festive, easy, and entirely portable. If it’s not too late, take these to your holiday party, but be sure to snag a couple before you share. Remember – the holidays are all about giving, but also a little bit about getting, too!

 

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

chiknpastry recipe; makes 16

printable version

ingredients
4 oz goat cheese, room temperature
2 T almonds, roughly chopped
16 dates
8 slices of thick-cut bacon

instructions
preheat oven to 375 F.

combine goat cheese and chopped almonds in a small bowl and set aside.

slice dates on one side and remove pit. stuff each date with goat cheese / almond mixture and squeeze together (dates should be packed with cheese!).

slice bacon strips in half lengthwise and wrap each half around a date. secure with a toothpick or place seam-side down on a baking sheet. bake 20-30 minutes, until bacon is crispy (thicker bacon will take longer). let cool for a few minutes and devour!

Men wear bomber jackets to travel

Men’s flight and bomber jackets are very crucial when it comes to travel. It has a lot of significance in the life of every man. This jacket keeps you warm during the cold weather but also looks good and stylish at the same time. Wearing this jacket will help you become more fashionable and comfortable at the same time. These are some reasons why men should buy a cool bomber jacket for their trip.

 

The mens flight and bomber jacket has been ordinary among men since long ago. They have been using these jackets for different purposes like travelling, working, etc. But now people are wearing these jackets on other occasions as well too. With the growing popularity of this jacket, the number of manufacturers producing them is increasing day by day. And today, most men are buying these jackets from online stores only because they get the best deals and discounts.

 

Before you travel to your destination, you must have the proper clothing because there could be changes in temperature or climatic conditions. In order not to get ill, you need clothes that keep you warm during extreme temperatures. So firstly, you need to get yourself an extra piece of cloth to cover your body. Then you need to match it up with the right accessories such as gloves, scarf, hat, etc. Nowadays many people prefer to wear a casual jacket rather than a traditional suit.

 

Travelling with the pilot jacket makes your trip much more manageable, comfortable and stylish. You do not need to worry about anything when travelling in cold weather or windy conditions. The best thing is that these jackets are not expensive. So you won’t be breaking your bank account while buying one. There are many online shops which provide great discounts on these jackets.

 

If you wish to purchase one, you should search for a reputed store before making any final decision. Most of these sites offer you an accessible shipping facility, so you do not even need to pay extra money for its delivery.

 

If you are looking for a mens green bomber jacket online, you must first decide whether you want something casual or formal. The casual Bomber Jacket is mainly used for leisure activities. So it won’t look bad when worn for such purposes. A formal bomber jacket is perfect for work purposes. So people who plan to stay away from the office or college should consider purchasing this type of jacket. Once decided, you need to check what fabric is being utilized for making it. Soft cotton is generally preferred for casual jackets, and heavy woollen fabrics are usually selected for formal ones.

 

For those who have no idea what kind of material should be used for their jacket, it is recommended to contact your local tailor shop. Their professionals know what suits your personality and style. They can suggest the colour, pattern, cut, size and style that you need.

Men wear bomber jackets to travel

The different varieties of men’s flight bomber jackets

 

Men’s flight bomber jackets come manufactured in different varieties, designs, and styles. The most important thing is that they all look great and give you warmth as well. Some of them have hoods which make them more suitable for travelling. Apart from these things, many other features are included in each model.

 

You need to choose a proper one that satisfies your needs and taste. The following are some of the best varieties of bomber jackets:

 

  1. Men’s flight bomber jackets with hood. These jackets are perfect for travelling because they keep you warmer, while they look stylish and classy at the same time. You can pair them up with a suit or jeans and any dress for the right look.

 

  1. Bomber jackets without hoods. The reason behind its popularity is that it gives you more room to move around and enjoy yourself, even if you’re wearing a formal outfit. But they don’t look quite as cool as a jacket with a hood.

 

The cost of the men’s flight and bomber jacket

 

The men’s flight and bomber jackets have an estimated $154, and the price can vary depending on the size, material, style, brand, colour, etc. If you want to get a nice variety, then you can shop online through different websites. There are many sites available where you can find the product at discounted rates.

Men wear bomber jackets to travel

Factors to consider when buying the men’s flight and bomber jacket.

 

Price

 

Several factors decide whether or not to purchase a specific item; however, the price is always one of the main ones. That being said, it would be wise to consider what you plan to use it for before choosing a particular design or style.

 

Size and fittings

 

Size of the jacket matters since it would determine your comfort level while using it. As such, it should match perfectly with the body parts. Also, make sure that the fit is comfortable enough and nothing falls off during movements. If possible, try the items out on a friend first so they can tell you how it feels and looks and see if it fits appropriately.

 

Material and durability

 

Depending on the material, you will be able to know if the jacket is durable enough. For instance, leather is soft and supple but is also very expensive. On the contrary, polyester is affordable but does not provide the needed support. It depends entirely on what you expect from the jacket and what budget you can afford.

 

Conclusion

 

Buying the right men’s flight and bomber can bring joy to both your hands and heart. With proper research and information gathering, the chances are that you will be able to find just what you are looking for, which suits your taste. You have to bear in mind the factors to consider before buying this item because, after all, it is an investment that will last for an extended period. The jacket can also be used in all weather conditions, thus making it possible to wear it throughout your travel time.

How to Avoid Skin Irritation with Apple Watch Bands: A Sensitive Skin Guide

Dealing with skin irritation from your Apple Watch band? Many find metal and leather bands trigger annoying rashes. Thankfully, selecting a high quality hypoallergenic Apple Watch band avoids these pesky reactions letting you focus on stylish timekeeping. This guide covers tips for identifying allergy-friendly bands for uninterrupted wearable enjoyment.

Understand Your Skin Type and Allergies

Common Apple Watch allergens include nickel found in stainless steel and latex glue binding some leather watch bands. If you already suffer from existing skin sensitivities or conditions like eczema or dermatitis, opt for hypoallergenic bands avoiding flare ups.

Avoid Skin Irritation with Apple Watch Bands

Opt for Hypoallergenic Materials

Multiple skin-friendly materials make Apple Watch bands gentle for sensitive skin prone to irritation and rashes:

  • Silicone – Smooth lightweight texture breathes well and is easy to clean. Choose medical/surgical grade for durability.
  • Nylon – Lightweight woven nylon allows airflow preventing moisture buildup behind bands reducing irritation risks.
  • Titanium – A hypoallergenic metal naturally resisting corrosion and skin reactions making a sturdy irritant-free band.
  • Recycled plastics – Eco-friendly bands repurposing pre-consumer plastics into gentle polyurethane also resist allergens.

Choose Correct Fit

A well-fitted band aligns touch sensors accurately tracking health metrics like heart rate most accurately without pinching skin uncomfortably. Measure your wrist then cross-reference Apple sizing charts for ideal band length. Too tight risks circulation loss while loose bands cause chafing irritation.

Consider Breathability

Breathable bands promote airflow to contact areas keeping skin dry minimizing irritation potential, unlike materials trapping sweat aggravating discomfort over time. Carefully chosen textured bands like woven nylons allows impressive ventilation for comfort.

Regular Cleaning

Even gentle hypoallergenic bands still contacts skin oils, lotion residue, dirt etc eventually possibly clogging pores or instigating breakouts without proper cleaning. Use mild soaps and soft brushes gently scrubbing between notches around pin holes where grime hides. This removes irritants sustaining band freshness and preventing incremental allergen build up or infections for ongoing comfort.

For those with skin sensitivities but eager embracing smartwatch connectivity convenience, reputable retailers like Shark Watch Band specialize exclusively in premium hypoallergenic Apple Watch bands including top-tier skin-friendly silicone styles perfect complementing irritation-free wearable usage today so visit Shark Watch Band stress-free band shopping awaits stylishly.

Top of My List

burger

July absolutely has to be one of my very favorite months. I’m also a big fan of November (because of Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday). September and October aren’t too bad, either. And while I’m at it, I may as well throw in August, which means we are clearly at the very beginning of all of my favorite times of the year. Let the games begin.

For now though, I’m going to keep it together and just talk about July.

burger

When I think about July, a few things come to mind. First and foremost is Summer, and that’s probably because I’ve lived in Chicago for so long. It doesn’t always warm up in May and June there, although from what I’ve heard, this year has been a little toasty. Here in San Francisco, it seems to always be sunny in at least one part of the city, although it’s certainly not always warm, so to speak. That said, we haven’t grilled out nearly as much as we normally would, but I think the warm weather is right around the corner, and for that I’m thankful.

I also think about fruit – cherries, blueberries, watermelon, and all those berries with seeds that sorta get on my nerves. Peaches. Which reminds me – I need to bust out a cobbler or something, like yesterday. And some ice cream, but I’ve got an ice cream recipe in queue that I’m guessing is gonna knock my socks off (yes, I still sleep in socks, even in July).

burger

This year, July means biking through Golden Gate Park or back over to the bridge, and hopefully a road trip over to Tomales Bay for oysters, and maybe some more Stairway Walks (more on those later) and neighborhood hang-outs. Maybe even another baseball game? or is that being too optimistic? We are halfway through this month, I’m aware.

Clearly, many things have changed over this past year, location-wise most definitely, but some things haven’t; one of those is my adoration for this month, and really, all months, but I’m trying to be specific here. July truly is at the top of my list.

burger

And last but certainly not least, July = burger time. Check this out: we’ve had burgers in July for three years in a row, and that’s sayin’ somethin’. Last year, I waxed poetic about getting a meat grinder attachment, and this year I finally did it. Of course, it sat in storage for a while, and even though I’ve had the thing for months, I have used it now for the first time. But like I said last year, the meat grinder is some kinda awesome, and I finally proved it to myself that I needed to get one (ok, use one) a long time ago.

With said ground meat, I churned out a relatively quick and easy burger recipe, sans grill: griddled smash burgers. It’s not a bad idea, really. Heat up your griddle (or pan, if you’re not into pancakes enough to have a griddle specifically for flapjacks), ball up some ground meat, and smash ‘em onto the surface, letting the juices sizzle away, smoking up your house almost enough to flip the smoke alarm. Smoosh some onions into them, and finish them off with cheddar cheese and pickles; simple and quick is key here.

Put them on a plate with some baked ‘french fries’, and let the rays of the sun shine on ‘em like a pot o’ gold at the end of a rainbow. Two seconds later, eat them as quickly as possible – we’ve got a lot left to do now, and half of July’s already passed us by.

burger

Cheddar & Onion Smashed Burgers

Adapted from Food & Wine, June 2011; serves 4

time commitment: 30 minutes

printable version

ingredients

16 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices, patted dry
4 burger buns, toasted
1 1/4 lb ground beef chuck (30 percent fat)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 small onions, sliced paper thin
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
ketchup, and other fixin’s that you choose

instructions

If you’re into this sorta thing, grind your own meat, which takes about 5 minutes if you have a good grinder.

Heat a griddle until very hot. If you don’t have a griddle, you can probably use a frying pan on high heat, but I used a griddle that is normally used for pancakes 😉 . Layer the pickle slices on the bottom buns.

Without overworking the meat, loosely form it into 4 balls and place them on the griddle. Cook the meatballs over moderately high heat for 30 seconds. Using a sturdy large spatula, flatten each ball into a 5-inch round patty. Season the patties with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes, until well seared. Press a handful of sliced onions onto each patty. Using the spatula, carefully flip each burger so the onions are on the bottom. Top with the cheese and cook for 2 minutes. Cover with a roasting pan and cook just until the cheese is melted, 1 minute more. Transfer the burgers with the onions to the buns. Top with the ketchup, any other fixin’s, buns and serve.

 

What Are The Best Backpack Features For Travel

Are you planning a trip? Then you need to make sure you have the right backpack. The best backpacks for travel have features that will keep your belongings safe and organized and make carrying them comfortable. Look right here to get a high-quality canvas backpack that has all the features you need for a great travel experience. We will highlight the best features a travel backpack needs to have so you can choose the right one for you. Let’s get into it;

Best Backpack Features For Travel

The Best Features That Every Travel Backpack Should Have

Separate compartments

A good travel backpack will have separate compartments for your clothes, toiletries, electronics, and other belongings. This will help you keep your things organized and easy to find. Look for a backpack with at least two main compartments and some smaller pockets for things like pens, chargers, and passports.

Lots of organization pockets

In addition to separate compartments, a good travel backpack will also have many organization pockets. These pockets can help you keep your belongings even more organized and make it easy to find what you need quickly.

Stowable shoulder straps

When you’re not wearing your backpack, you can stow the shoulder straps away so they don’t get in the way. This is a helpful feature if you’re taking your backpack on a plane or train.

Durable material

A good travel backpack should be made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for a backpack made from materials like canvas, nylon, or polyester.

A waist strap

A waist strap can help distribute the weight of your backpack more evenly, making it more comfortable to carry. This is a helpful feature if you’re going to be carrying a heavy backpack.

Security features

Some travel backpacks come with security features like lockable zippers or slash-resistant fabric. These features can help protect your belongings from theft.

Conclusion

Incorporating these features into your travel companion ensures a seamless, organized, and enjoyable journey. Look right here for the ultimate canvas backpack that combines style, functionality, and durability to elevate your travel experience.