(NewsUSA) -  

The holidays are here, and you can be the host with the most by offering guests a truly distinctive and delicious menu to celebrate in style.

A holiday brunch is a great way to relax and reconnect with friends and family. A menu that adapts easily to large or small groups leaves you more time to spend with your guests.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with food and drinks based on your theme when planning your holiday party and going snowman. Try snowman pancakes: place two pancakes on a plate with one on top of the other, take a piece of bacon and place it where the pancakes meet for a scarf; chocolate chips, nuts, mini M&Ms, or raisins can serve as eyes, nose, or buttons. Please keep it simple, or make it sophisticated. 

Don’t want to mess up the kitchen? Slide some mini powdered donuts onto skewers and add chocolate candy hats (mini Reese’s cups?) and licorice scarves for a simple snowman kabob that will delight all ages.

(NewsUSA) - The 2023 hurricane season is approaching, and experts say now is the time to prepare.  When a hurricane or even a strong tropical storm strikes, it leaves a path of destruction that could leave homeowners without power for days – even weeks. Power outages are becoming more frequent due to an aging electrical grid, which makes it crucial to build a preparedness plan that involves a backup power solution.

“Weather is uncertain and changes rapidly,” said Mark McGinnis, Certified Consulting Meteorologist with Fair Skies Consulting, and a longtime observer of hurricane trends. “From a safety perspective, you don’t want to be rushing at the last minute. That is a stressful situation for any family. Act now to think through the different possible scenarios and create a plan to protect your family and your home.”

“With such high levels of uncertainty surrounding this year's hurricane season, homeowners and business owners need to do everything they can to prepare now,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Making a plan ahead of time that includes a source of backup power is an important step to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and comfortable in the event of a strong storm.”

Quick Tips

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for blackouts during hurricane season:

• Identify the safest location in the home to wait out a storm, and review emergency plans for evacuation, based on your local government’s recommendations.
• Identify when your nearest evacuation centers will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets. As an alternative to an evacuation center, reach out to friends or family who live outside of the forecasted cone of impact and create a list of potential evacuation locations.
• Designate a main location and a backup location to meet after the storm.
• Gather local area maps in the event mobile devices lack service or electricity.
• Build an emergency kit.
• Compile contact information for relevant family members and keep it handy in a wallet or purse. Create a communication plan in case of an outage.
• Consider investing in a portable or home standby generator to backup critical components of your home. If you already have a generator, be sure it is well-maintained, so it is ready to work when you need it most.

It’s important to remember that, even in a slower-than-average hurricane season, it only takes one strong storm to cause serious destruction. Therefore, it's crucial to prepare equally for every season, regardless of the forecasted activity.

To learn more about the 2023 hurricane season, obtain tips to prepare for power outages, or download printable inventory checklists and more, visit the website.

(NewsUSA) - The holiday season is here, and people are eager for some well-earned self-indulgence.

Custom jewelry is an ideal way to honor yourself or someone you love with something truly special that lasts a lifetime.     

Custom jewelry, such as the handcrafted items from Scottsdale, Arizona-based Cornelis Hollander, has several advantages over standard-issue pieces that make for memorable gifts.     

- Showcase your style. Go bold, go traditional; with a custom jeweler, the options are limitless. Custom jewelry lets you add a touch of elegance or make a bold statement. Combine elements to create something uniquely yours. Choose from one of the award-winning designs in the Cornelis Hollander signature collection, or take inspiration from their bold yet elegant options, and create something uniquely yours.     

- Reimagine your heirlooms. Cornelis Hollander encourages clients to think outside the box, the jewelry box, that is. For example, if you have a diamond ring from your grandmother with multiple stones, you can turn it into a pendant and earrings with settings that reflect your style and honor your family.     

“Whether transforming heirloom pieces into something new, upgrading to something more impressive or finding that first heart-stopping ring, we are honored to help you bring your vision to life,” according to Walter Hollander, who inherited the company from his father. “Your jewelry is a showpiece for your personal style, and we want to help you shine.”     

The experts at Cornelis Hollander work with you each step of the way to craft your jewelry. After an initial consultation, the team creates a 3D rendering so you can see and approve your piece from every angle. Next, you receive a 3D printed version, so you can hold a model in your hand and propose any final changes. Once approved, the piece is cast, and the gemstones are set according to your design.     

Cornelis Hollander, a native of the Netherlands, refined his jewelry design skills at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. He eventually settled in Arizona, and his unique and award-winning designs for diamond engagement rings and other custom jewelry combine classic training and modern innovation. The company remains in the hands of the Hollander family, and all designs are manufactured by skilled craftsmen in the Scottsdale, Arizona, studio.     

Visit cornelishollander.com for more details.

The fun might include boating and other watersports, such as tubing, skiing, or wakeboarding. Preparation and education are the keys to a safe and successful day on the water. So get the summer off to a great start by making sure passengers of all ages have well-fitted lifejackets and understand safety procedures.

When fitting a child's lifejacket, be sure to select the current size. Don't put a child in an adult lifejacket or buy one in a larger size for a child to grow into. Rather, put the jacket on the child and buckle and secure all straps. Then lift the child's arm up over his or her head and pull up on the jacket. If it slips off, it's too big.

BoatUS offers a helpful video to show correct fit on their website, BoatUS.org/fit-video.

If you don't own a lifejacket and aren't prepared to buy one, borrow one from a friend or neighbor, or borrow one for free through the BoatUS Foundation Kids Life Jacket Loaner program. Find information about their 550 locations at BoatUS.org/life-jacket-loaner.

Be sure a child or anyone else riding behind a boat not only wears a lifejacket, but also knows the hand signals to communicate with the boat driver while being towed.

The following hand signals and rules of the water will ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe:

* If the speed is right, use an OK sign with your thumb and first finger.

* If you want the driver to go faster, use a thumbs up; to slow down, use a thumbs down; and use a slashing motion across your neck to stop.

* If you fall off, raise both arms above your head and clasp your hands as soon as possible to let the boat driver know you are okay.

Find more signals at BoatUS.com/hand-signals.

* While waiting in the water, ready to be pulled or towed again, be patient and allow the boat captain a little time to safely deliver the towline or tube to you.

* If you decide to come back aboard, the driver will allow the boat to drift to you with the engine off. When reboarding, use a step, deck, or boarding ladder only after the boat driver has signaled that it is safe to get back in the boat.

* Never swim near a boat while the engine is on.

Visit BoatUS.org for more information about staying safe on the water this summer. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and have fun!

Before inviting loved ones onto your boat, however, it's important to review some safety procedures to help ensure a relaxing experience for everyone.

Check out the tips below to ensure safe and enjoyable boating all summer long:

1) Watch the weather - Summer weather can turn nasty in an instant, and a boat can be a dangerous place to get caught in a storm. Before hitting the water, check the weather forecast and make note of any chance of precipitation or storms. If you see lightning while you're out on the water and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat or go below deck, if possible.

2) Boat maintenance - A well-maintained engine is key to enjoying your time on the water. So be sure to check your oil levels before heading out on the water, or invest in an engine that doesn't require oil changes, such as the E-TEC G2 by Evinrude. With an E-TEC, there's no need to remove any engine components to check oil levels before every use as with other engines, so you can get out on the water faster.

3) Life jacket required - Although warmer weather may make swimming irresistible, safety stillcomes first. It's important to always wear a life jacket while in the water, and to have access to one while in the boat. According to a 2014 study by the United States Coast Guard, 84 percent of victims who drowned during a boating accident were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. While they may seem like a hassle, life jackets really do save lives.

4) Don't drink and boat - An ice-cold beverage and boating can go hand-in-hand. However, just as with driving a car, it is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated across the United States and Canada. In fact, being intoxicated on the water can be even more dangerous than being intoxicated on land. Unsteady footing, sun, wind, and even engine noise accelerates a drinker's impairment.

Keeping in mind a few simple safety tips can make all the difference for boat owners everywhere. So, before your next outing, make sure you, your boat and your passengers are all ready to go - and enjoy the ride!

"Wine and food pairings don't have to be complicated," says Riana Mondavi, a member of the fourth generation of the Mondavi wine family from Napa and an ambassador for her family's CK Mondavi and Family wines. "It's really about what you taste and smell in the wine and how you feel the wine brings out and compliments the food you are eating."

If done correctly, a proper pairing can enhance the flavors of both the food and your chosen bottle of wine. The intensity of a specific food or wine depends on a lot of things such as sugar, acid, salt and spice. The food should not overpower the wine (and vice versa). By matching a light wine with light fare or a heavy dish with a heavier wine, the food and wine balance each other out and their intensities line up for a perfect pairing.

For example, if you have a dish that has a lot of citrus in it, it's great to pair with a Chardonnay, as it also has hints of citrus in it. The two enhance each other and balance out the flavors. A lighter white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with summer vegetables, as it brings out the crisp, light flavor profiles. Red wines typically pair best with richer food such as steak and sweets, but there's no set rule. Many people pair a Merlot with seafood.

CK Mondavi and Family has made wine pairing easy for everyone, and this summer they invite you to play around with pairings. They've created a downloadable "Wine pairing made simple" guide on their website: https://www.ckmondavi.com/ckm-pairings. They also added flavor descriptors to each bottle of CK Mondavi and Family. With descriptors such as "Rich & Velvety" for Cabernet Sauvignon and "Bright & Fresh" for Chardonnay, anyone can quickly decide on a wine.

Riana Mondavi also recommends impromptu wine pairings with friends. "It's fun to get together with a group to see what everyone tastes or smells in the wine," she adds. "Everyone has a different opinion and it's fun to see what we all come up with."

So, this summer, have some fun pairing wines with your favorite foods. And while doing it, enter CK Mondavi and Family's monthly #pairNpost drawing, where you can enter to win a prize. Just snap a photo of your favorite pairing and tag it with #pairNpost on Twitter or Instagram.

It's all part of a new, fun approach to wine. After all, summer is about enjoying yourself and what better way to enjoy life than at the table with friends and family?

Whether you want to brighten up your closet now from the dreary winter blacks and grays (or later), or get ready for that spring-break vacation in between, you can find everything you need at maurices store or at maurices.com.

For more inspiration, follow these tips to spruce up your wardrobe:

* Mix in pretty utility: Give your outfit a pretty utility twist with the must-have trend of the season. Pair feminine tops featuring eyelet and ruffles with utility weekender pants for now, or an effortless utility romper for later. Want to dress up your look in a dash? Try a pretty top with a button-up skirt that's anything but expected. Tie it all together with jewelry, wedge sandals, and dinner plans.

* Layer on the compliments: Get into the swing of spring with kimonos, dusters and oversized denim jackets you can count on from brrr to brighter days ahead. Try a lightweight floral kimono over a tee (and under a jacket if you still need one) or make a statement with a longer-length duster cardi or denim trench jacket you'll wear again. Finish the look with flyaway pants or jeans for an outfit that's oh-so good.

* Say hello to 24/7 tees and tanks: Tee up spring in 24/7 tees and tanks with endless versatility and irresistible softness that feel as good as they look. You'll love how easy they are to style. Dress it up with an animal print tee paired back with bengaline pants and a blazer or keep it laid back with a drop-shoulder tee in floral or stripes with maurices' Everflex jeans, so good you'll want to live in them - now with new details, washes and crop lengths just in time for spring.

* Spring forward in throwback denim: Authentic vintage jeggings that feel as good as your favorite pair of broken-in jeans, with more washes, destruction, rises, sizes and fits than ever before. For effortless comfy style, pair with a floral tank and denim jacket or try a baseball tee with white or gray sneakers … perfect for all of those last-minute plans that keep popping up.

* Jumpsuits, dresses, all yeses: Say hello to instant spring outfits with new pretty dresses or flattering jumpsuits you can effortlessly pull off. To dress up your look for date night, add heels and jewelry or keep it casual for brunch or a coffee run with sneakers and a denim jacket.

* Pair skirts with graphic tees:?Make a fun statement by pairing graphic tees with skirts this season. Just pick the tee (and skirt) that speaks to you, style it with a front tuck and you're out the door in five. Another instant outfit? Done and done!

* Work in confidence: Long story short ... from work tops that wow to popular bengaline pants, you'll find yourself making more plans to go from nine to whenever. Whether you've got an interview lined up or want to make a good first impression, our bengaline pants are extra flattering, know how to work around the clock, and now come in a spring-ready crop.

Want more ways to feel good?

Follow @maurices on Instagram for outfit inspiration that's sure to make your day or visit your nearest maurices store to book a free styling session.

Many sports stadiums, both old and new, are works of architectural elegance. The exquisite replicas from Westbrook Sports Classics present these iconic structures from a new perspective that lets fans enjoy the beauty of their favorite ballparks at home on a desk, table, or bookshelf.

The stadium reproductions measure approximately 7 by 7 inches, weigh approximately 10-12 pounds, and come with a protective acrylic case. The models are designed and created by John Kimball Westbrook, an award-winning artist whose background includes both architecture and commercial art. Mr. Westbrook also spent time in Washington, DC, on a scholarship to study with Italian stone carvers during the completion of the National Cathedral, where he developed his passion for sculpture.

"Over the past 30 years, I have worked with different fine art mediums, including carving marble, granite, various semi-precious stones, bronze, wood, ivory, silversmithing, drawing and painting," Mr. Westbrook explains on his website.

The limited-edition ballparks are cast in a bronze composite and mounted on a natural black marble base. Mr. Westbrook creates each mold by hand over a period of approximately two months. Fans will appreciate the attention to details such as handpainted seats and the use of tiny crystals inserted into light poles that refract light to give the appearance of the stadium at night.

The Westbrook Sports collection to date features 17 Major League Baseball stadiums, historic and current, including Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox; Candlestick Park, the former home of the San Francisco Giants; the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field; and both old and new versions of Yankee Stadium. All Major League Baseball trademark copyrights are used with the permission of Major League Baseball. Mr. Westbrook plans to expand the collection to National Football League stadiums, NCAA college stadiums, and British football (soccer) stadiums as well.

For more information and to view photos of stadium models, visit westbrooksportsclassics.com.

Opening Day (complete with fans in the stadium) finally happened after a year off, and a stunning desktop replica of a favorite stadium brings team spirit and energy into your home, whether or not you -- or your favorite sports fan -- attends a game in person this year

Many sports stadiums, both old and new, are works of architectural elegance. The exquisite replicas from Westbrook Sports Classics present these iconic structures from a new perspective that lets fans enjoy the beauty of their favorite ballparks at home. The stadium reproductions measure approximately 7 by 7 inches, weigh approximately 10- 12 pounds, perfect for a desk, table, or bookshelf, and come with a protective acrylic case.

The models are designed and created by John Kimball Westbrook, an award-winning artist whose background includes both architecture and commercial art.

Westbrook also spent time in Washington, DC, on a scholarship to study with Italian stone carvers during the completion of the National Cathedral, where he developed his passion for sculpture. "Over the past 30 years, I have worked with different fine art mediums, including carving marble, granite, various semi-precious stones, bronze, wood, ivory, silversmithing, drawing and painting," Westbrook explains on his website.

The limited-edition ballparks are cast in a bronze composite and mounted on a natural black marble base.

Westbrook creates each mold by hand over a period of approximately two months. Fans will appreciate the attention to details, such as hand-painted seats and the use of tiny crystals inserted into light poles that refract light to give the appearance of the stadium at night.

The Westbrook Sports collection to date features 17 Major League Baseball stadiums, historic and current, including Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox; Candlestick Park, the former home of the San Francisco Giants; the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field; and both old and new versions of Yankee Stadium.

All Major League Baseball trademark copyrights are used with the permission of Major League Baseball. Westbrook plans to expand the collection to National Football League stadiums, NCAA college stadiums, and British football (soccer) stadiums as well.

For more information and to view photos of stadium models, visit westbrooksportsclassics.com.

(NewsUSA) - - Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June officially as California Avocado Month and is excited to continue celebrating this long-standing tradition. As an ode to the past ten years, the Commission has enlisted the culinary talents of Southern California-native Chef Nyesha Arrington to create delicious and seasonal recipes that prominently feature California avocados, which are grown by about 3,000 California avocado growers with groves from San Diego to Monterey.

Arrington has been celebrated throughout her career for using farm fresh, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, which made her the perfect partner to craft customized dishes for this celebratory anniversary.

"It's hard narrowing down the recipes when California avocados have countless possibilities! However, I love when they are paired with complementing flavors. These California avocados definitely hold their own by leveling up any dish and giving an extra wow factor, making it a California chef's key ingredient," Arrington says.

Meticulously cared for and picked at their peak, California avocados are a heart-healthy superfood that provide "good" fats to one's diet. Inspired by how the bountiful flavor and nutrition pair perfectly, Arrington's Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad showcases fresh and light flavors perfect for those warm summer nights. The recipe features fresh California avocados and peaches, grilled to perfection, layered on a bed of arugula and crispy quinoa, then paired with a tangy and delicious pistachio-arugula vinaigrette.

To view other mouthwatering creations, including Arrington's California Avocado Crab & Tuna Stack, or to learn more about California avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

For even more celebration, check out Shop.CaliforniaAvocado.com to grab this season's newest merch just in time for California Avocado Month.

Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad

Recipe created by Nyesha Arrington for the California Avocado Commission

Serves: 4

Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup black quinoa
• 2 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
• 2 medium firm peaches, seeded and halved
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, for frying
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, separated
• 1 (5 oz.) package wild arugula, 1/2 cup reserved for vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup no-shell chopped pistachios (optional)

Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup wild arugula
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 5 no-shell pistachio nuts
• 1 1/2 tsp. creamy Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. honey (local if available)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (may substitute extra virgin olive oil)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 clove garlic
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp. pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Drain well using a fine strainer and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand, tossing occasionally until dried, about 30 minutes.
2. While quinoa dries, place all the Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until combined. Set aside.
3. Once the quinoa is thoroughly dry, heat oil for frying in a large skillet on high until waves begin to form in oil. Carefully add the quinoa, reduce heat to medium and fry until puffed, approximately 30 seconds. Drain the quinoa in a fine strainer to remove excess oil and transfer to paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
4. On a tray or baking sheet, place avocados and peaches cut side up, drizzle with olive oil and lightly season the avocados with salt.
5. Heat grill to medium high, add avocados and peaches cut side down, reduce heat to low and grill until tender and slightly charred (peaches 5 minutes; avocados 2 minutes).
6. To assemble salad, toss arugula with a small amount of the vinaigrette and place on the platter. Next, sprinkle quinoa on the platter.
7. Cut avocado and peaches into wedges and place onto the platter.
8. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
9. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.