JC Swift, Your Style Cultivator

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Entertaining on Thanksgiving is a welcome challenge. One of my favorite NY food bloggers, Deb from Smitten Kitchen, posted a special Thanksgiving roundup back in 2007. Deb’s informative post answers frequently asked questions, and is just as relevant today as ever. She even lists a round up of Thanksgiving suggestions and recipe links broken down into “appetizers and sides”, “soups”, and “dessert.” I like the sound of her Acorn Squash with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette, the Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup, and Simplest Apple Tart.

The ever informative Epicurious offers how-to videos for those of us who feel that a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are looking for something more hands on that simply reading a blog post or watching a video, epicurious.com also lists a sample of cooking classes around the country.

Sometimes nothing beats an old fashioned cookbook. Blogger Amy of Cooking With Amy likes Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers so much that she interviewed the author.

If you are looking to brush up on elements of entertaining style,Florence Fabricant of the New York Times offers a touch up on “how to set the table and why.”

X JC Swift for SPROUTINGEDGE.COM

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“A farmer’s feast has no menus (at least not the traditional kind); instead we’re creating multi-course tastings around the day’s harvest.”  Blue Hill

Tired of the daily grind? Look no further. Plan a visit to Blue Hill at Stone Farms, a working four-season farm just 30 miles north of New York City in Hudson Valley. Walk the grounds and sit down to a farmer’s feast! A quote from their website: “An easy drive or train ride on the Metro-North (so you can enjoy their stellar wine list) make this an ideal getaway to wind down and appreciate the simpler things- even if just for a day.”

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There’s only one thing better than a hearty thanksgiving meal– the sandwiches that are made from the leftovers. For those of you who are die-hard sandwich makers, this truly ‘serious sandwich’ features stuffing as the bread.

For those of you who would rather dive right into the Thanksgiving spirit, the Food Network has their own delightful sandwich on their website. You can wash down these sandwiches with a sigh of relief after all the holiday clean-up is done!

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X JC Swift for SPROUTINGEDGE.COM

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Architectural enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about when it comes to green homes. Blue jean insulation, non-toxic paints, and rooftop gardens are a few hot items making a stir. Recently, much attention is given to the use of rain water. “Permeable pavement” utilizes bricks or stones, allowing rain water to pass though driveways thereby watering the lawn. Usually driveway runoff goes right down the drain.

We have all heard of solar panels, but many architects are utilizing the power of “passive sunlight”. Windows are strategically placed so sunlight warms the walls, releasing heat at night.

There are many different websites out there to help you find, build and renovate yourself to a greener existence. One of the most comprehensive is the Green Home Guide. If you have any questions, the site houses a forum to voice your inquiry to local experts. If you are looking for pre-greened property, go to Listed Green which has energy efficient homes for sale all over the world.

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It’s a thrill to buy a book written by a favorite blogger . . . it seems like you know the author, and its fun to follow their progression. Check out these books written by bloggers:

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander

Williams-Sonoma New Flavors for Appetizers: Classic Recipes Redefined by Amy Sherman

Go Fug Yourself : The Fug Awards by Heather Cook and Jessica Morgan

Yvan Rodic of Facehunter is publishing a book in 2010. Teen Vogue outlines his future book here

You can even publish your own blog content with the software outlined in this vintage NY Times article.

X JC Swift for SPROUTINGEDGE.COM

Image Credit: openingceremony.us

As uncertain times drive us to seek out comfort, fashion embraces soft cotton flannel once again. A notable list of celebrities have been caught wearing flannel, and the lumberjack inspired uniform has made its way into both high and low fashion.

Opening Ceremony carries Acne’s saddle dress, a western style shirt dress worn well with tights or leggings. Gitman Vintage does a notable take on flannel menswear with their bright pink check.I like Steven Alan’s Women’s Reverse Seam Flannel- this patten is also available in a pj top and bottom. Sometimes, nothing beats warm flannel pajamas and a cup of hot chocolate.

Selectism reviews Uniqlo’s patchwork flannel shirt here.

Take a look here for some suggestions on how to wear flannel this season.

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Recessions are always important for the tech industry. Microsoft, Apple, Dell, and even Skype had their beginnings in economic downturns.

For a list of noteworthy new tech items, take a look at Wired’s list of gadget reviews. The pocket projector is a great way to show off images in a fun and impressive way. It’s still new and expensive, but worth keeping an eye on.

X JC Swift for SPROUTINGEDGE.COM

Whether you are looking for a way to shine during Thanksgiving dinner, or stocking stuffers ideas- Bobbi Brown is the way to go. My friend at Bobbi Brown gave me insight into her favorite new products. For day to day glamour, try the “Tube Tint Trio”. I have my eye on the “Black Plum Deluxe Beauty Trunk”- such a wonderful way to stay organized!

Bobbi Brown Tube Tint Trio: $28

Bobbi Brown Plum Deluxe Trunk: $500