Haitian Times’ Post

🎄 Are you catering for everyone this Christmas? 🎄 With 22% of UK adults now choosing not to drink alcohol (source: The Spirits Business Journal), the festive season is evolving. Yet, too often, non-drinkers are left out of the party spirit. At Still Sisters, we believe in inclusivity. ✨ Our vision is simple: a party where everyone is invited, drinker or not. Don’t leave the non-drinkers out this festive season—because why shouldn’t they be part of the celebration? 🎉 Our 0% Botanical Spirit 🌱 is crafted with care, using the same method as our London Dry Gins and distilled with locally grown organic watercress. Recognized with a Highly Commended award 🏆 at the Free From Awards, it stands proud among big names, proving that alcohol-free doesn’t mean second best. However, inclusivity goes beyond products. 💡 How do we make not drinking as normal as drinking? 🍸 Offering mocktail versions of every cocktail on the menu. 📚 Training staff to champion alcohol-free options. 💬 Shifting the narrative from “Why aren’t you drinking?” to “What are you drinking?” We’ve embraced these changes at our micro distillery bars—and the response has been incredible. 🙌 So, to hotels, bars, and shops: are you ready to cater for everyone this Christmas? 🛒 Stock up with options that welcome all, because the best celebrations are the ones where no one feels left out. Let’s change the taboo. Let’s make this Christmas truly inclusive. 🌟 #zero #distilledspirit #nonalcoholic #alcholalternative #inclusive #welcometotheparty #celebration #0percent #alocholfree #stillsisters

Entertaining during a holiday weekend should be a fun occasion with loved ones. Here are a few of my favorite tips for success: 1. Plan ahead: Prepare guest list, menu, and decorations in advance for a smooth event. 2. Consider dietary restrictions: Account for guest preferences, vegan, gluten free, etc., to ensure everyone feels included. 3. Create a welcoming atmosphere: Set the mood with festive design, music, and lighting. 4. Offer a variety of activities: Keep guests entertained with games, crafts, karaoke or even a movie marathon. 5. Don't forget drinks: Provide a selection of beverages to cater to all tastes. 6. Prepare in advance: Minimize stress by preparing the menu ahead and enlisting help. Focus on the experience. Be in the moment. Think about meaningful connections and making memories with guests. #entertaining #hostingtips #memorablemoments #holidayweekend #entertainingideas #hostinginspiration #ColdwellBanker #ColdwellBankerSchneidmillerRealty #NorthIdaho #NorthIdaholiving #InlandNorthwestLiving #LakeCDA #LakeLife #MemorialDay #LakeCDA #NorthIdahoHomeSearch #NorthIdahoRealEstate #CoeurdAleneRealtors #CoeurDAleneHomesForSale

The food is often what guests remembers most from a wedding. Catering is essential to a successful wedding and reception. 🍽️🍾 Here is our list of the top FIVE questions to ask your wedding caterer: 1. What is included in your wedding packages? 2. Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests? 3. Do you offer a tasting session? 4. How do you handle logistics on wedding day? 5. What is your policy on alcohol service?

How does one create and maintain holiday traditions when two cultures come together? Sue Anderson, CFP® has some answers as well as a delicious culinary treat. Sue shared, "I did not grow up with Christmas traditions (my parents immigrated from Korea and did not celebrate the season). This means, for example, that we did not have a set day to open gifts – it could be anytime from December 24 – 26th! However, my husband’s family had many traditions that we incorporated as we were raising our own family. For example, Christmas Eve dinner always consists of fresh oyster stew (yes, the kids ate it!) and Swedish meatballs (a Swedish tradition as his parents are of Scandinavian descent). I have learned that these dishes reflect Sweden's culinary heritage and have been enjoyed in festive gatherings, adding warmth and tradition to Christmas celebrations. Here is a link I found that also talks about these dishes and provides a recipe too. I have come to see the value of family traditions around whatever holiday you choose to celebrate. They bring a sense of continuity and connection, comfort and meaning and provides a structure to the holiday that makes it feel special and unique. Our kids are now adults, and we all look forward to celebrating this and other special traditions together." Thank you, Sue, for giving us a sense of how traditions and recipes from the "old country" are incorporated into your present-day Christmas celebrations. No doubt the next generation will also serve up fresh oyster stew and "heavenly" Swedish meatballs. Are there dishes that you always serve? What are the stories behind them? #culinarymemories #christmascontinuity #familytraditions

𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! Happy Monday! I can’t believe that July is almost over, until I recall that as of mid-July the area of PA where we live had 13+ days when the daytime temperature was 90 degrees F or above. I am SO ready for Fall! If we’re not dealing with excessive heat and humidity, numerous barbeques, parties, festivals, vacations, etc. are just filled with Summer Food Temptations! I’m here to help you beat the Heat and the Temptations! 🌞😎 Summer social events can be a minefield of tempting treats. But you’ve got this! 💪 Here are 3 strategies to help you stay on track when you’re attending or hosting these events. 1. Fill up on fresh fruits and veggies before hitting the dessert table. Fresh vegetables and fruits are so plentiful this time of year, and they’re so easy to include in your food plan. Many hosts are now including healthy food choices for their guests. 2. Stay hydrated – sometimes thirst can feel like hunger, and in the intense heat and humidity hydration is especially crucial. 3. Bring a healthy dish to share so you know there’s a good option available, just be sure to check with your host first! #HealthyChoices #DiabetesDiet #SummerTips

𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! Happy Monday! I can’t believe that July is almost over, until I recall that as of mid-July the area of PA where we live had 13+ days when the daytime temperature was 90 degrees F or above. I am SO ready for Fall! If we’re not dealing with excessive heat and humidity, numerous barbeques, parties, festivals, vacations, etc. are just filled with Summer Food Temptations! I’m here to help you beat the Heat and the Temptations! 🌞😎 Summer social events can be a minefield of tempting treats. But you’ve got this! 💪 Here are 3 strategies to help you stay on track when you’re attending or hosting these events. 1. Fill up on fresh fruits and veggies before hitting the dessert table. Fresh vegetables and fruits are so plentiful this time of year, and they’re so easy to include in your food plan. Many hosts are now including healthy food choices for their guests. 2. Stay hydrated – sometimes thirst can feel like hunger, and in the intense heat and humidity hydration is especially crucial. 3. Bring a healthy dish to share so you know there’s a good option available, just be sure to check with your host first! #HealthyChoices #DiabetesDiet #SummerTips

Christmas is a time for joy, festive gatherings, and delicious food – but it can also bring the risk of rodent infestations. With decorations coming down from lofts, heaps of extra food in the house, and increased waste, this time of year can inadvertently invite unwanted guests like mice and rats into your home. Read our practical checklist to help you keep your home rodent-free and ensure your Christmas is as merry as it should be. https://lnkd.in/evEsFYrs

Purchasing cashews can be expensive for many, but the quantity of cashews people are willing to buy for weddings is super surprising. The amount of cashews people buy for their wedding can be eaten by their whole family in a lifetime. Cashews are glorified as pride in weddings and nowadays all curries are made of less veggies and more cashews. Our mind is so reluctant to buy good food for family but we are ready to spend lifetime savings for weddings. We can buy good food for a lifetime with half of the budget we spend for a wedding, good food like dry nuts, fresh milk and cold pressed oils but our mind does not accept to buy. I wish we become more aware of life's true priorities. Have you felt this when you are eating food in a wedding? If you resonate this, please like, comment or repost to spread awareness. #health #life #priorities #happiness

🎄🐟 A Christmas Eve Tradition from Eastern Europe 🐟🎄 Did you know that in many Eastern European countries, eating carp on Christmas Eve is a cherished tradition? 🐟✨ Families gather to enjoy this freshwater fish as part of a meat-free feast, symbolising luck, prosperity, and a nod to centuries-old customs. Here’s the quirky bit: traditionally, the carp is kept alive in the family bathtub for a day or two before being prepared! 🛁🐟 This practice ensures its freshness and has become a unique, nostalgic memory for many households – though it’s safe to say the kids might think they’ve got an unusual new pet for Christmas! 🎅😂 Carp is often prepared in a variety of ways: 🍲 Fried with a crispy golden coating 🍋 Served in a tangy lemon sauce 🌿 Stewed with fresh herbs and vegetables What’s more, carp scales are believed to bring good fortune – many families keep one in their wallet all year as a lucky charm. 💰🐟 While it’s not a UK tradition, it’s a heart-warming reminder of how food connects us to heritage and festive cheer. Why not try a new dish this season? Or share this fun fact around your Christmas table for a bit of festive trivia! 🎅✨ Do you have any unique holiday food traditions? Share them in the comments – we’d love to hear! #ChristmasTraditions #EasternEurope #CarpForChristmas #FestiveFeast #SeafoodStories #KentSeafood #FoodWithHeritage

Tea and Holidays: The Perfect Pairing As we gather with loved ones during the holidays, there's nothing like a warm cup of tea to bring us together. Whether it's a snowy winter evening or a sunny summer celebration, tea can make any moment special. Gift Ideas for Tea Lovers Looking for the perfect gift? Consider giving the gift of premium tea. A beautifully packaged selection of teas from around the world can delight any tea enthusiast. You can also include a stylish teapot or a set of delicate tea cups to complete the experience. For something extra special, how about a tea subscription box that delivers new and exciting teas each month? Festive Tea Recipes Tea isn't just for drinking—it's also a wonderful ingredient for festive recipes. Try making a refreshing iced tea punch for summer gatherings or a warm spiced chai for winter festivities. You can even bake with tea; green tea cookies or Earl Grey cake can be a unique and delicious addition to your holiday spread. Sustainability and Climate Change However, it's important to remember the impact of climate change on tea production. Changes in weather patterns are affecting tea-growing regions, leading to fluctuations in quality and yield. Many tea producers are now adopting sustainable practices to combat these challenges. By choosing teas from brands committed to sustainability, we can support these efforts and enjoy our favorite beverage guilt-free. Join the Conversation What are your favorite tea gifts or recipes? How do you incorporate tea into your holiday traditions? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate the joy of tea together!