Black-eyed peas, and chickpeas, too. Please eat your black-eyed peas, but try some roasted chickpeas, too. We southerners need to eat extra black-eyed peas for some 2021 luck. That’s understood. But save room for something I finally tried: roasted chickpeas. I suppose I tried to roast some from a can many years ago and they weren’t crunchy. This time I succeeded. Crispy and sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, they were a satisfying snack. I ate the whole can’s worth, which I do not recommend. I certainly do not suggest that you open another can, roast some more and eat that, too. That was a bit too filling. So the process is simply to drain the liquid and pat them dry and roast them in olive oil for about 350 degrees for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with your spices after they are baked. You may shake the pan every 10 minutes and they will pop. I’ll be doing this again.

Churros. Say it again… If even saying the word “churros” gives you a comforting feeling, you’re not alone. In Southeast Texas we puff our dough and cover it in powdered sugar like the Cajuns do in New Orleans. We also love our Mexican flavors and they shape their dough into churros with sugar then add cinnamon for extra spice. San Diablo does churros of Utah and ships them everywhere. Scott Porter got his artisan flair in Mexico City while on mission work, so don’t be alarmed by the little devil logo and the red plastic pokey pitchfork that comes with an order. There’s an angel on there, too and she’s probably trying to tell you to not eat so many and save some for your husband. A batch arrived and it was easy as churros for me to heat them up 6 minutes and serve with included sauces. Their big news is they can ship you a churro maker, so you have the power to create in your own home. Are you and the angel ready for this power? I’m also considering La Muerte, a cinnamon sugar blend with ghoste pepper. Now that will spice up your day. Sandiablochurros.com For ‘Starters’ Have you wondered how to get your sourdough more sour? Felt your batard was less than perfect? Craved homemade oat crackers? Elaine Boddy is there for you with confidence your loaves will look as rustic, hearty and tempting as hers pictured in “Whole Grain Sourdough at Home: The Simple Way to Bake Artisan Bread with Whole Wheat, Einkorn, Spelt, Rye and Other Ancient Grains.” It’s doable, Boddy, founder of “foodbod Sourdough” blog says. You can learn to score your ovals (batards) and sprinkle them with raw pumpkin seeds to make them photo worthy. Sure, snap photos to make folks jealous, but these ancient grain breads of for eating. The author is funny and talented and also makes this process easy to understand. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who will join everyone else in resolving to eat more healthy in the new year. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Visit Heritage Village, after your Touch coffee

    

   Yes, the Pickett House in Woodville is still serving legendary fried chicken and heaping bowls of chicken and dumplings. It’s still boarding –house style, so you may make some new friends with similar tastes.

Be sure you and the family walk around the spread to visit Heritage Village, stable, post office, blacksmith shop, etc.

       I think the very best trip to this area would include some older and wiser folks – who may recall some of these vintage tools and such – and some younger children who need to know about these things.

Spend the day and eat all your greens.

Touch Coffee, taste coffee. Fast

       Makers are calling the Touch® T526S coffee system “ground-breaking,” no pun intended. My favorite part is that in addition to brewing up your favorite K-Cup, you can use the mesh cup included to make a cup, or larger carafe, or travel mug, of you own loose grind. That’s good for the environment and your smooth, tasty morning.

       You’ll be making your own coffee memes for Facebook about how much you love it.

       It’s a handsome machine, compatible with “any cup 

at all—from existing Keurig K-Cups® to generic cups, in 

addition to Touch's ground-breaking  XBold Cups™, 

XLarge Cups™ and reusable Refill Jumbo Cup.”  

        
Got 20 seconds? Here’s what the makers say:

       
 “According to the National Coffee Association USA, the 

brewing water temperature for a good cup of coffee is 
 
"between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal 

extraction." The Touch® T526S brewer reaches  this 

ideal temperature by using its Flash Heating system and 

starts brewing in under 20 seconds after being off all 

night. Plus, Touch heats just enough water for the 

selected  cup size as opposed to the entire tank of water, 

and the machine turns itself off after using, making it 

more energy efficient than its competitors.”

       I’m trying this with Touch L.A. Coffee, in Sunset 

Strip roast. These cups allow up to 30 percent more 

coffee from each capsule. All this coffee talk has its own 

language. I’m just speaking the delicious-convenient-

efficient dialect.

       
 Look it all up at www.TouchBeverages.com. 

darraghcastillo@icloud.com 

Is your wedding tree still up?

Dozens of “Christmas trees” are set up all year long at R.A. Smith Gifts in Dayton.

If you haven’t put yours away yet, after turning it into a Mardi Gras tree, then consider a stop at this shop, 4984 FM 1960. She’s got your ornaments.

Some are covered with ‘50s diner baubles, others with Halloween colors. Smith says is one of her biggest sellers is the wedding tree, popular at showers. Themed ornaments include a celebratory Champaign bottle.

Once you’ve gaped at this huge selection for a good while, roam around the rest of this big space for other sorts of gift items you can wear.

Lipsticks do more
In 2016, make your lipsticks work for you. Dermelect Cosmeceuticals has launched Multi-Targeted 4-in-1 Lip Solution, which I’m enjoying in Iconoic, a toned-down-for-me nude color that offers argan, jojoba, sunflower seed and camellia oils in addition to green tea, grape seed and pomegranate extracts. This demure look comes with anti-aging balm, hydration and the “all-day staying power of a stain.”
Dermelect is known for combining good looks and healthy concepts into nail polish and much more. Smooth + Plump Lipstick is another hit with peptide-infused, anti-aging formula and plumping technology.
If you want your “feathering” restricted to your Mardi Gras costume, try this. I’m hitting the festival with Rebelle, a rich fuchsia sure to blend into the Sweet Soiree candy theme. I can feel the luxury as it glides on. Learn more about lip lusciousness at www.dermelect.com.
darraghcastillo@icloud.com

The "dish" on Texas

 
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When I saw Port Arthur featured on the metal Texas-shaped dish, I couldn’t resist. A family nestled under a beach umbrella is etched near our city, near a big fish for Galveston and the San Jacinto Monument for Houston. The Lone Star State’s story goes all the way to a cattle drive in El Paso and a crown for King Ranch at the tip of Texas. Our flag, capitol building and a bluebonnet rim the shape, which seems a little cheated in the panhandle. It’s marked “Made in Japan” and the woman at Dovetail Antiques figures it’s a ‘50s piece.

I got this fabulous kitsch at one of the stores in the Liberty town square and there’s more waiting for spring road trippers.

A cold day had me passing through Liberty I ventured one block over from the main road to find a courthouse with a thriving square around the plaza de mercado. I spent 20 minutes in Liberty and I’m planning to head back when there’s more time, and sun.

Fun in Southeast Texas

         In one week I attended an educational Orphan Train presentation with live banjo and guitar music; an emotional production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in concert at Beaumont Community Players and an inspiring opening of Carlo Buceme’s “Relentless” opening at The Art Studio Inc.

         Hope you’re not one of those people staying at home because there’s nothing to do. Look for adult coloring at Texas Artists Museum, Big Thicket educational treks, salsa dancing, you name it.

         Now that we’re getting more daylight, it’s time to explore. See you out there.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Grapevine is "chill"

Wine charm at Off the Vine. Photo by Darragh Castillo

Cilla Hultin's card reads "Wine Lover!" She represents Off the Vine, one of the fun shopping stops in historic Grapevine. I picked up a blue glass and metal wine charm at there, a tourist-themed shopping bag at a co-op and visited Cowgirl Swag, where Ricky creates crochet embellishments and soda can pop-top collars on fancy T-shirts. 

Walk around downtown Grapevine every day of your visit and you will notice something new among the shops, farmers market, museums and of course, wine shops.

Double entendre wine sayings are on towels, T-shirts, coasters, you name it.

The visitors building is in a beautiful building downtown, and representative will refer you to the Settlement to City Museums next door, and of course the glockenspiel that reenacts a would-be train robbery.  

Walk around the Great Wolf Lodge and Gaylord Texan for fun off Main Street and make sure to get a view of the lake. 

Don't worry, there's plenty of modern shopping, too. Their botanical gardens are about to pop into bloom. 

Ready to go? Check out www.visitgrapevinetexasusa.com

Darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Art Museum has family fun; wake up early

 

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Art Museum of Southeast Texas

The most recent free family arts day at Art Museum of Southeast Texas was bustling with activity and I’m so glad I rounded the corner where I got a lump of clay to create my own little bowl.

Everybody’s creative, but you can also purchase someone else’s festively painted little bowls in the museum gift shop.

Check out the museum in downtown Beaumont any time, and the next family day on Saturday, May 21, featuring a Birds in Art theme. All the birders who “flock” to the Port Arthur and Beaumont area should love this one.

No more snooze button: The 5 a.m. Miracle

 Waking up early to run is what Jeff Sanders calls a double kick in the pants. Yet it’s kind of the whole concept he’s trying to pitch in his book “The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast.”

This is bout being a rock star in your work and home life by maximizing your productivity and perfecting your schedule.

The results sound good, but do we want to wake up early for it? Sanders gets a “no way” response much of the time, but just read through. He can guide you through some tips and he promises that you don’t exactly have to begin at 5 a.m. – that’s a guide to committing to make the good stuff happen. It’s all up to you. He’s got plenty of motivation, and here’s just a bit of it:

1.   Bounce out of bed bright and early.

2.    Hydrate like you life in the desert: He says your body is thirsty after sleep and he drinks a liter before his morning espresso.

3.    Quiet time is essential: develop a calm, inspirational habit.

4.    Fruit for breakfast: his green smoothie fits right in.

5.   Consume inspirational and informative content: Successful people do this.

6.   Pump your blood: Even 10 minutes of exercise can help. He’s a runner.

7.   Plan your day like you mean it: It puts you in the driver’s seat.

Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com

Drop some love on people, pets and protect yourself

This Love Drop bag does good for the environment and helps Living Waters International. Photo by Darragh Doiron.
Begin forwarded message:

Love Drop
Have you ever heard someone say they were addicted to bags? That sounded nuts, until I realized I had bags to hold my bags.
But here’s one suitable to recycle your others for: Love Drop Jumbo Canvas Shopper Tote ($17) Loving your planet looks good with this canvas tote that can stand up like a paper sack and slings over your shoulder. Keep it in the car for shopping, so you don’t have to waste another plastic bag from the rocer. The 100 percent natural cotton canvas features an original design by Scott Erickson. Mine has skyscrapers, an old-fashioned school house, a bike with a basket, produce, a yellow rose and other natural images designed into a water droplet, to remind us of how to use our resources responsibly. Living Water International makes sure prodeeds from sales give back to other projects. It can be purchased online. Now, read up on their good works.



TigerLady

This simple device looped to your wrist is a retractable claw that means business. When you’re headed to your car, keep it ready in your palm to squeeze out claws that can capture valuable DNA when used.

It’ s a little rectangle of plastic that works like this: Simply put the strap around your wrist, place in the palm of your hand and squeeze the device to extend 3 claws.

The company sent me one so I could share the information with you. Here’s how to get more in formation: http://www.tigerlady.com

Link up your dog
Chipped nail or lost pet?
While I don’t wear nail polish or own a pet, I hate the tedious task of changing out keys on a ring. I just heard someone talking about the urgent need/difficuluty of getting a new ID tag for a dog. The very next week I was invited to discuss LINKS-IT.
These colorful bits were designed by a pet owner and team of veterinarians to make attaching tags simple and painless. Just pull back the locking crossbar, snap apart the LINKS-IT, slide tags onto the bottom half and the collar ring onto the top half and then lock the LINKS-IT in place.
I asked my contact if her dog would look best in purple or red and forwarded a LINKS-IT to try. Word is, it does what it says:

• Easy to open and close without breaking your nails or needing tools
• Strong and sturdy for active dogs: Tested to hold 58 lbs and open and close over 50,000 times
• Match color to fit your pet's personality and style.  Select from Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow colors.
• Quiet and lightweight (lighter than a dime)
• Made in the USA
• Weatherproof and will not rust
• http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Big Thicket adventure in Southeast Texas

Big Thicket adventure

We were on our way to a bed and breakfast when we got the text. Our contact wanted to make sure we knew how cold the weather was getting, and how old houses are and if we wouldn’t like to reschedule.

Now that’s customer service. We did reschedule, but had a plenty nice day in right where we were when we got the text, the Kountze area.

We trekked the inner loop of the Kirby Nature trail in the Big Thicket National preserve and had big fun doing it.

The 1.5 miles boasted bridges, boardwalks, cypress knees in the water, a slope forest and woodpeckers.

While walking, I did some tourist-style wondering how many people who live right by this beauty had ever done the hike.

I got a chance to test that theory when we stopped at a Dairy Queen for a Blizzard. That’s a very Texan thing to do on a road trip. We had also shopped the “mile-long flea market” on U.S. 69 in Kountze, which is run out of a strip of mini storage sites. I recognized other DQ customers as a couple who were vendors. I told them how much fun we had in the Big Thicket and asked if they’d ever hiked it. They said they lived in the area and had never done it. We should all get out more.

As soon as it gets warmer, I’ll get out to that B&B.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

I found a heart

So I was taking my walk and looking for pennies when a pile of string on a bench caught my eye. I turned around and walked back to it and found it was a crochet heart, with a note inviting me to photograph it and tag it #PeytonHeartProject.

Just finding it put me in a spiritual mind, so I took a photo of the heart in the building I found it, which had a chapel with the bible open to the parable of the silver pieces. Message enough for me.

I read up that the Peyton Heart Project raises awareness of suicide and bullying. It’s named after a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide in 2014 after years of bullying. Read more at:

http://www.thepeytonheartproject.org/

 I was touched by this method of spreading the word. After a while I’m going to release this heart back into the world. Maybe you’ll find it.

No more snooze button: The 5 a.m. Miracle

 Waking up early to run is what Jeff Sanders calls a double kick in the pants. Yet it’s kind of the whole concept he’s trying to pitch in his book “The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast.”

This is bout being a rock star in your work and home life by maximizing your productivity and perfecting your schedule.

The results sound good, but do we want to wake up early for it? Sanders gets a “no way” response much of the time, but just read through. He can guide you through some tips and he promises that you don’t exactly have to begin at 5 a.m. – that’s a guide to committing to make the good stuff happen. It’s all up to you. He’s got plenty of motivation, and here’s just a bit of it:

1.  Bounce out of bed bright and early.

2.   Hydrate like you life in the desert: He says your body is thirsty after sleep and he drinks a liter before his morning espresso.

3.   Quiet time is essential: develop a calm, inspirational habit.

4.   Fruit for breakfast: his green smoothie fits right in.

5.  Consume inspirational and informative content: Successful people do this.

6.  Pump your blood: Even 10 minutes of exercise can help. He’s a runner.

7.  Plan your day like you mean it: It puts you in the driver’s seat.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Love drops for better water, loving your dog and becoming a tiger lady

Have you ever heard someone say they were addicted to bags? That sounded nuts, until I realized I had bags to hold my bags.

But here’s one suitable to recycle your others for: Love Drop Jumbo Canvas Shopper Tote ($17) Loving your planet looks good with this canvas tote that can stand up like a paper sack and slings over your shoulder. Keep it in the car for shopping, so you don’t have to waste another plastic bag from the rocer. The 100 percent natural cotton canvas features an original design by Scott Erickson. Mine has skyscrapers, an old-fashioned school house, a bike with a basket, produce, a yellow rose and other natural images designed into a water droplet, to remind us of how to use our resources responsibly. Living Water International makes sure prodeeds from sales give back to other projects. It can be purchased online. Now, read up on their good works.

TigerLady

This simple device looped to your wrist  is a retractable claw that means business. When you’re headed to your car, keep it ready in your palm to squeeze out claws that can capture valuable DNA when used.

It’ s a little rectangle of plastic that works like this: Simply put the strap around your wrist, place in the palm of your hand and squeeze the device to extend 3 claws.

The company sent me one so I could share the information with you. Here’s  how to get more in formation: http://www.tigerlady.com

Link up your dog

Chipped nail or lost pet?

While I don’t wear nail polish or own a pet, I hate the tedious task of changing out keys on a ring. I just heard someone talking about the urgent need/difficuluty of getting a new ID tag for a dog. The very next week I was invited to discuss LINKS-IT.

These colorful bits were designed by a pet owner and team of veterinarians to make attaching tags simple and painless. Just pull back the locking crossbar, snap apart the LINKS-IT, slide tags onto the bottom half and the collar ring onto the top half and then lock the LINKS-IT in place.

I asked my  contact if her dog would look best in purple or red and forwarded a LINKS-IT to try. Word is, it does what it says:

• Easy to open and close without breaking your nails or needing tools
• Strong and sturdy for active dogs: Tested to hold 58 lbs and open and close over 50,000 times
• Match color to fit your pet's personality and style.  Select from Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow colors.
• Quiet and lightweight (lighter than a dime)
• Made in the USA
• Weatherproof and will not rust
• http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Pennies from Heaven and Mardi Gras

Pennies from heaven

For years now, I’ve found a penny or more daily on my walks. It keeps me walking, and praying.

This year I found more than $50 on the ground, apparently just waiting on me. And this was pretty much a penny, dime and quarter at a time.

Those who have caught me at it over the years see me out, the often ask if I’ve found one yet.

You wouldn’t believe some of the other things I’ve found.  I usually like the money the best.

Mardi Gras is Sweet Soiree

Are you a Mardi Gras lover? Your time is coming early this year. Those of us who have already posted photos of our homes and offices all decked out in purple, gold and green have been making contact.

We’re all ready for Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, headed to downtown Port Arthur from Feb. 4-7.

Have you heard, Wayne Toups is back. He told me himself that he’s expecting a new release, music wise, and another one, baby wise. A new Toups is in development.

If you make a good gumbo, please, please enter the Mardi Gras gumbo cookoff, so I can taste it. If you know someone who makes good gumbo and needs a little push, get someone to call the festival office, at

(409) 721-8717.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Rookery down the road for exploring

Port Arthur and Beaumont are known for birding sights that connect viewers with nature.

Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Woods, Cattail Marsh and the Big Thicket are some popular Southeast Texas draws.

Here’s another spot I found, and I’ve driven right past it for years. Trinity River Waterbird Rookery is just nearly under the Interstate 10 bridge near the Wallisville Lake Project on the way to Houston.

Follow the sign to parking and walk over a little bridge to an observation dock. Train those binoculars to what’s out there.

I caught soaring egrets and flocks of smaller birds circling trees on the far side of the water. It was quiet and peaceful, considering the heavy traffic a short distance away. The short time I was there, a couple of other families made an appearance.

If this spot had been secreted from you, enjoy it and spread the word.

NAG promises something new

Dot Chauvin is teaching Nederland Art Guild classes in January, each Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. “Be prepared to have a new experience of doing a different painting in this class,” reads the press release.

Are you ready for that? Hey, who knows what adventures 2016 will bring? Classes are at the Texas Artists Museum, 3501 Cultural Center Drive, and these classes are just one of many reasons you should visit the museum. Call 409-983-4881 to learn what all is going on at TAM.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

What's blooming this new year?

 

Blooms for all seasons

Two bright pink azalea flowers on a shrub greeted me Christmas day as I pulled back the curtains.

Grateful for our mild winters, Southeast Texans can look to their landscapes for a variety of blooms now. Some are even more unexpected than usual.

I visited a friend with a little bouquet featuring yellow copper canyon daisies, purple “wandering jew” blooms, a fragrant rosemary, a stalk of succulent and a tropical leaf.

She later sent a photo, proving the bright colors popped against her purple wall. That made me happy, so the gift kept on giving.

Head to the far corners of your back 40 to see what’s blooming out there just for you.

New Orleans story

I’m nearly done with an advance copy of  “The Feathered Bone,” which Julie Cantrell begins with a field trip at Mardi Gras world in New Orleans, the ferry to Algiers and Jackson Square.

That’s heaven to me, and I can picture, feel and smell all those spots. But this story is about an abduction. Amanda is in charge of some children, including her daughter and her best friend. The friend goes missing and this story covers the years after and how that day affects so many in a community. As chilling is the story of Sarah is, Amanda, a social worker, is learning how to deal with tensions in her marriage and her daughter’s coping with Sarah’s loss. Amanda hears others give her advice she has doled out all these years to others and it sounds strange to hear it back.

The title reference is to a feather that a palm reader in Jackson Square gives Sarah minutes before her abduction. A feather bends, but it is difficult to break, is the theme of a very memorable book.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Beaumont Community Players has hit in "Both"

Beaumont Community Players has a hit in “Both”

Mark Wilson played Father McKenzie in “Both,” a story he wrote that tells the story of the Nativity through the music of The Beatles.

You heard me right. It’s important to know that “All You Need is Love,” that everybody needs “Help” and “Here Comes the Sun” can imply the baby Jesus.

Beaumont Community Players presented “Both” and didn’t charge a thing for it. I teared up through most of the show. My husband went back to see it again. I communicated with some of the cast members and get the impression that they were as transformed by the production as I was. “Imagine.”

“Change Your Story, Change Your Life”

So maybe you’re not ready to take a shamanistic journey. But you may be ready to change the way you think about negativity, so you can get past it.

Carl Greer’s book is subtitled “Using Shamanic and Jungian Tools to Achieve Personal Transformation.

In one anecdote a woman shares is imagining a symbol of a silver spoon to represent healing the relationship with her parents. A spoon is kind of small and it can tarnish. That’s it, the spoon is saying. You have to work a little to find the beauty in this nurturing tool.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Stuff those stockings with joy

For years my good friends at Museum of the Gulf Coast have reminded me to mention that the gift shop has Port Arthur-inspired ideas for the holidays. History books on local legends, T-shirts and jewelry are some choices.

Go to town at an array of area shops and get crafty at home. I’m looking to find someone who can turn some silverware into jewelry and windchimes for me.

I’m also thinking any brand of step counter you wear on your wrist is a great idea for a good friend or spouse. Walk your way to fitness next year. How about a membership to an area museum or club?

Here are some other ideas:

Tweezerman

Despite all the ideas I share with readers, I don’t do much online business. I want to say that Tweezerman has lived up to its name with the offer of free sharpening. I sent off two very old pair and they came back good as new. The website informed me that if the tweezers could not be sharpened, I’d get a discount on a new pair. So either way, the company came through.

It’s true that now I’m on their mailing list, so I can tell you they have quite the array of holiday offerings.

For the tech/chic savvy

In the days of “A Christmas Story,” kids got all bundled up and sometimes frozen to a pole. In the south, we worry less about freezing weather, but we want to stay warm. Who would have imagined we’d risk getting colder for using our smart phones and listing to our jam. Now U|R Powered offers Touchscreen Gloves and Audio Headwear for looking oh, so cool while keeping warm and connected.

U|R Powered’s holiday looks include gloves in knit, fleece, genuine sheepskin leather and heated nylon, so “fingers are kept warm, and stay dexterous.” Lined to keep body heat in and moisture out, the insulating materials are eco-friendly and contain zero trace of metals. U|R Powered’s stylish audio headwear allows wearers to enjoy music in comfort and warmth sans pesky earbuds that never seem to stay in place, makers say. I’m going for basic black gloves that should be in style forever and rocking the pullover hat that lets you hear your tunes as you walk off those Christmas pounds on the track. I rank these as high-quality options that will look good when we tend to get our most chilly weather… perhaps around Mardi Gras parade time?

 www.urpowered.com. Prices range from $36 to $75 for audio headwear and touch screen gloves.

  darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Can you name the 'boudin' capital?

Did you know Scott, La., is the Boudin Capital of the World? Lots of signs proclaim it, and I’m not gonna dispute it. In fact, I’d like to take a couple of days and taste them all for myself.

I did check out Don’s Specialty Meats offering the “best homemade boudin & cracklins.” See how they spelled that? “Boudin.” Now I’m not going to argue with that, either, but I put another letter in “boudain.”

Anyways, this store has some good each, and I was tickled that they have neon signs guiding the way. No matter how you spell it, I think it’s funny to see “boudin” and “cracklins” up in lights.

Sparkly holidays

What you want to know about Dermelect Cosmeceuticals have keratin protein peptide-hydrolyzed keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep’s wool that helps strengthen nails.

That news is almost as much fun as the winter color collection: of “ME.” Hold “ME”is Sparkled Midnight Noir, and I have been seeing this color in the skies of late. Thrill “ME” is frosted evergreen; Kiss “ME” is Velvet Crimson and Sleigh “ME” is Arctic Shimmer.

I’m shimmering now and it is an eye- and light-catching glow that seems a bit silver and gold at the same time. Ready for oysters and Champaign? This one will go through New Year’s Eve.

This cruelty-free product resists UV rays, chipping and splitting; restores nail flexibility and fore sure has no formaldehyde.

Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com

A pirate's life for me

I have always loved the Texas Renaissance Festival and enjoyed an adventurous, cold day there the final weekend. Lords, Ladies, jousters, barbarians and turkey leg proprietors will just have to wait another year to set up booths and camps.

My daughter asked me to go and I gave her a big, fat “Yes!”

People always ask if you went in costume. In my one-day’s notice, I did gather some “earthy” robes and some jewelry I’d purchased over past festivals. But it was too cold for costuming for us. I had a sweat shirt, rain jacket and other layers over my festive garb. We went back to the car for a minute and Jasmine found her dad’s overcoat was in the car, so we took turns with that. There were gloves in the pocket. We had been sharing my fingerless gloves, one on each hand. So then we traded off wearing one of each, so we’d have at least one warmer hand at a time.

Jasmine’s friend Meghan and her mother joined us and this girl showed up as a pirate in a red dress under a black corseted overcoat and glittery eye makeup. It was awfully fun to be with someone who would not break character because of a little drop in temperature.

Even when it was downright misting on our heads, we still rate the Texas Renaissance Festival as “aces.

Traveling with the folks

“Planes, Canes, and Automobiles: Connecting With Your Aging Parents Through Travel” is a checklist, with anecdotes plans for trips of a lifetime.

Say you want to take the parents back to the old country and now there are concerns about their medications, level of fatigue, etc. Valerie M. Grubb tells you how to get there from here.

I want her to plan my trip abroad. Let’s go to Europe. All of it, Valerie.

I loved the story about a clever child who had arranged for wheelchair transport at the airport, etc. Turns out Mom was very insulted at the notion. Wheelchairs are for “old” people, she announced. There are ways to have these talks ahead of time, and this book could save relationships. No need to “stew” for the duration of your travels. It should be a time of incredible new memories.

From simple things, like getting your parent a fanny pack and going over the contents of keys and maps and medications daily, to arranging for additional nights for layovers and medical travel insurance, this book will get you ready to go. And get back home.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Vanilla: Put it in my stocking

Thinking holidays? Think giving. Here’s a really wide array of ideas:

Rethink Vanilla
The cookbook "Vanilla a Table: The essence of exquisite cooking from the world's best chefs" is Natasha MacAller's opening of the universe of vanilla. I wish I would've thought of that comment, but it is written right on the cover. It's true that she has made me think of vanilla in a completely different way. Recipes for vanilla sugar, vanilla salt, vanilla syrup and vanilla vinegar are the bases for many a recipe.
But have you thought of Vanilla Candied a Bacon Bits? Vanilla in civiche? With cocoa nib crusted foie gras? Are you hearing this? It is revolutionary.
Try vanilla and orange juice to bring out the sweetness of lobster.
I have never before constructed a fennel flan. When I do I will be reaching for vanilla oil. There are pages of savory options before even getting to desserts. We know what vanilla will do for bread pudding, roasted pineapple and butterscotch pudding. This book has opened my eyes to the pod and what it can do for meats.
This book tells vanilla's story. Give the book to someone who loves to cook. Someone who loves to cook for you.

Brio

Okay, Brio healthy ice cream, now at Central Markets across Texas, is not for leaving under the tree, but you can surely enjoy some by your tree as you relax after shopping. It comes in the flavors you want and offers 6 grams of protein per serving, a rich dose of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D as well as 24 other vitamins and minerals, the inclusion of Omega 3-6-9 and prebiotic fiber, and a powerful boost of antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E as well as selenium. The individual servings range from 160 to 170 calories and have half the fat,  75 percent  less cholesterol and 10 percent less sugar than similar flavors of super premium ice cream. I’m sweet on the coffee flavor while my husband likes Spring Strawberry. They’re smooth and do the trick without the guilt trip. Other flavors are Tropical mango, vanilla caramel and mellow dark chocolate. You can currently order Brio online at http://www.icecreamsource.com/  (MSRP $1.99) 4 oz cup.

Skin care

For the girls: Girls just want to have clear skin. Moms know this. Texas-based dermatologist Carole Aponte, M.D. and CEO Kelly Barker, developed P.R.E.P. Cosmetics (www.prepyourskin.com), the first dermatologist-founded, tested and recommended skincare line created for girls.

I’m pretty sure that if these women experience Texas weather, their products are good for these girls. I’ve been playing with the Purifying Daily Cleanser myself and it’s working for me.
The founders are encouraging young girls to take ownership of their skin and educate them on the dangers of sun exposure. See, nobody cared about that when we were young. The line includes SPF 30 Face + Body Lotion and SPF 15 Lip Gloss.

For the women: Remember that old Saturday Night Live commercial for the product that is both a dessert topping and a floor wax? It came to mind when I heard about a serious, actual development from Grohen Technologies Ltd. Their line includes a blue vial of Intensive Facial Revitalizer Complex, made with seven natural oils including Evening of Primrose, Cucumber and Tea Tree. It feels good going on and I can’t get enough of it.

This line also includes a Feminine Wash that foams to clean the face and feminine areas. There’s a loofah and a microfiber sponge that comes from each use. The paperwork explains how the line’s renewal complex works in detail. Look it up. This is a gifting idea for someone who would not buy it for herself.
www.olgassecret.com
Darraghcastillo@icloud.com