The Busy Hedonist - Latest Comments

Re: How to spice up your hot chocolate {Recipe from Spice Market}

Denise — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:46:21 -0000

My family is going to LOVE drinking a mug of this this winter. Recipe is printed out and ingredients will be bought soon, so I'll be ready when the temperature drops. The powdered sugar is an ingredient I would never have considered. I can't wait to see how it sweetens the pot.

Re: How to spice up your hot chocolate {Recipe from Spice Market}

Sueann — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:57:01 -0000

I am waiting for the perfect evening: cold enough for a crackling fire in the fireplace (yes, it's got to be a real one), Santa Baby playing in the background or perhaps one of those Christmas classics playing on the tube (in black and white) and a steamy cup of this spiked hot chocolate warming my hands and my heart. Thank you, Tracey, for teasing me with this recipe. Off to find the Ovaltine.

Re: How to spice up your hot chocolate {Recipe from Spice Market}

Inga Deksne — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:03:20 -0000

I'm not a chocolate person drink wise, I prefer coffee, but your description sounds so delicious that I would give it a go, I might add orange blossom whipped cream to my coffee.

Re: How to spice up your hot chocolate {Recipe from Spice Market}

Julie Geigle — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:05:20 -0000

Oh my! What a chef you are!! My family would faint if they saw me going to that much work for a cup of hot chocolate. How about if I come over and enjoy yours? Now I truly understand why they charge so much at my gourmet coffee shop. And now that I think of it, this would be a GREAT Christmas gift ~ to invite a few girlfriends over and make them a special brew of Tracey's hot chocolate. Merry Christmas!! ♥

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Sueann — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:53:23 -0000

Such a tragic loss for so many people. Thank you for writing such a heartfelt description of this disaster filled with love and hope. And perspective. Glad you're safe and thank you for calling me in the midst of all that just to "check in." xxxooo

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Michelle Nickolaisen — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:34:39 -0000

I'm so happy that you're safe, Tracey, along with your daughter! I saw (though not firsthand...not until about 6 months afterwards) devastation on that scale when the F5 tornado hit Joplin, MO last year, and that was AWFUL. My heart breaks looking at the Sandy photos because it reminds me of that. Thanks for the reminder to keep things in perspective.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Jacqueline Fairbrass — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:40:49 -0000

I'm very happy that you are safe and well after this ordeal. My prayers, love and light go out to those who have lost so much and are so frightened.

Life can change in the matter of a heartbeat. It's important to support those who are hurting, and it's important to learn from them too. With that we honor their pain.

Love 'I'm alive. That's what matters.' Thank you for reminding us to not sweat the small stuff.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Sue — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:58:35 -0000

Agreed, things can and often do, change in 30 seconds. I believe there are great changes in the air these days, and it behooves all of us to be "there" for each other. I am grateful for the energy of community that arises during difficult times, and for people like you Tracey who point out tangible ways in which to help!

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Inga Deksne — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:07:19 -0000

Glad that you and your daughter are save. Here in the UK we've watched with horror what's happening in the areas affected by storm and I only can imagine how devastating it can be.
I'm grateful for a place that I can call home and I'm grateful to my children whose support allows me to pursue my dream of having my own business.
I'm grateful to feel support from many people wherever I go, feel really blessed.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Julie 'Meider' Geigle — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:36:30 -0000

I think it's so great how we as a nation are coming together to help those out from Storm Sandy & Nightmare N'oreaster. I have made a personal donation to the Red Cross and next week am hosting a Smoke Free Hypnosis Clinic on Nov 15th, The Great American Smoke Out date and donating all proceeds to these worthy causes. Glad to hear you are safe and sound. ♥

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Christie — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:35:01 -0000

Thank you Tracey for your personal look at the aftermath of the storm. I am so grateful you and your daughter are safe and sound and so many other of my online business friends. I still have not heard from one of my clients who lives on Long Island and I'm hoping that she's o.k. and just without power.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Lisa Claudia Briggs — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:26:16 -0000

Tracey.. beautiful post and it's true that perspective (and gratitude) are everything. Glad to know you are safe and sound.. and I know that many of us.. even those who were not impacted by the storm by some miracle.. know that in just minutes, life changes. Right now the world keeps reminding us of that.. and to stay in present time, and to stay focused on every small blessing.
I am grateful for the small and the big..heat and hot water and the health of my family..my freedom to vote and be reminded of how incredibly free we are, for work that i love and all of the freedom that self-employment brings.. For the peace in this moment of writing by a fire with my sleeping dogs nearby and quiet in the house.
If you come to Boston let's have lunch..
Love and blessings,
Lisa

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Kimby — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:42:57 -0000

Tracey, you condensed compassion into two sentences: I am safe... others aren't. Your heartfelt appeal (and subsequent perspectives) are sure to raise funds, meals, and whatever other help is needed for the survivors of Sandy. Thank you.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Denise — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:31:06 -0000

Never in my life did I think I'd see something like this hit the Northeast coast. So, far everyone I know in the area got through the storm unscathed. I'm saying prayers and sending love and will check your links on how to help.

Re: How to help with Hurricane Sandy {and not sweating the small stuff}

Dr. Karen Lee — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:01:53 -0000

I normally don't eat out but you gave me a great reason to eat out. And yea, I wholeheartedly agree with you about #1.

Sandy was definitely a humbling experience.

Re: Sweets: Smoke & Stout Caramel Bar from Vosges

Denise — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:09:45 -0000

You and Sue Anne are going to turn me into a true connoisseur of chocolate yet. I'm looking at my shabby little pile of Hershey's and Lindt and thinking I need to go on a chocolate expedition. I'm taking notes, ladies.

Re: Limbo is not fun {Farfalle with tomato + basil chicken meatballs}

Denise — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:36:28 -0000

Yum...this is one to add to my busy week rotation. I tend to rely on those grocery store roisterer chickens and salad in bag with store chopped veggies added for good measure when I'm busy. It's easy to forget just how easy it is to whip up a healthy, delicious meal at home. Thanks for the reminder and the recipe.

Re: Entertain: Retro Party Sets

Sueann — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:13:12 -0000

These are so much fun, Tracey. I think setting the table is just as much fun as preparing the meal!

Re: Limbo is not fun {Farfalle with tomato + basil chicken meatballs}

majjensen — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:05:42 -0000

This recipe looks so delish. And so easy that I actually believe I can do this. Your trademark! I can't wait to try it.

Re: Entertain: Retro Party Sets

Kimby — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:37:41 -0000

Tracey, these retro dinnerware collections are fabulous! I'm with you on the "lobstah." :) But, as you so aptly stated at the beginning of your post -- the food and the guests who attend definitely take center stage. But who doesn't need props -- clever, cute props -- now and then? Thanks for sharing your latest discovery!

Re: Sweets: Smoke & Stout Caramel Bar from Vosges

Kimby — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:18:04 -0000

Storytelling in chocolate... I entirely love that!

Re: Limbo is not fun {Farfalle with tomato + basil chicken meatballs}

Kimby — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:11:17 -0000

Tracey, this sounds so delicious! (Mental grocery list going on as we speak...) I, too, enjoy cooking from scratch (mostly due to cost, rather than convenience), but I don't beat myself up for using "pre-prepared" products from time to time. There are a lot of terrific ones out there (I suspect you're a label-reader, too) and when YOU decide what's best for you and your family, you nourish them with the added ingredient: love! Hope those boxes (and your favorite kitchen tools) are unpacked SOON!

Re: Sweets: Smoke & Stout Caramel Bar from Vosges

Sueann — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:29:07 -0000

I remember stumbling into that shop on my last trip to NYC and walking out thinking I needed to add more "purple" to my life. I certainly have enough chocolate! LOL

Re: Where to eat in NYC: Barrio 47

Monique — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:04:50 -0000

I love Barrio 47! When you walk in it has a magical feeling, and the stresses of the day seem to melt away. I think I'll take a page from your book Tracey, and sit at the bar next time. It seems very inviting, and the lure of their deliciously named cocktails will make for an interesting and fun evening! It doesn't hurt that the entire staff is gorgeous either:)

Re: Tetley Tea Drinks for Kids (that you’ll enjoy, too)

mpule — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:21:56 -0000

is green tea good for kids