Why Planning Your Holiday in Advance is the Best Move

 

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We love spontaneity in our holiday trips. There is something special to grabbing your laptop or taking out your phone because a weekend just opened up and you’ve got a chance to travel. But sometimes, we forget how spontaneity is a double-edged sword. When you don’t have time to plan, you end up taking what you can get - and often, that’s not conducive to a great holiday. Instead, what we’re going to deal with today is the pleasure of taking your time to really plan a holiday, whether it’s overseas or domestic, and why it leads to a better break.

A tailored experience: Flexibility and variety

When you don’t have time to plan, your choices aren’t so much narrowed down as you just don’t have time to think about them. Planning in advance, whether it’s a couple of months or half a year, means you can get every detail right and remake any plans that don’t quite work. Instead of booking any hotel you can find with capacity, you can check out short term rentals that allow you to enjoy the break in comfort and research the area for places of interest. You can talk to whoever you may be traveling with and canvass opinion on what they would like to do, ensuring a holiday that suits everyone.

The financial edge: Save big by booking ahead

We’ve all seen TV plots where someone wins big brownie points by booking a spontaneous getaway to somewhere glamorous. “We don’t have time to pack, just pick something up at the airport”, they might exclaim. Yes, that sounds amazing. Right up until the moment the credit card bill lands and they get extreme buyer’s remorse. By planning a holiday well in advance, you may lose that Hollywood thrill, but you also lose the incredible mark-ups you’ll pay on travel, accommodation, and anything else that needs to be booked. Months ahead, you can usually get a great rental for the same price that you’d pay for a motel at 24 hours’ notice.

Reduced stress: Dodging emergencies and surprises

Booking opportunistically can lead to some great holidays, but can equally end with you walking into a series of less than pleasant surprises. You’ll just book a ride share from the airport to your accommodation? Great idea, but you picked the one weekend when the carnival’s in town and the few drivers you can get have raised their prices. Or something much simpler, like you call your friend to ask them to house-sit and they tell you they have a prior engagement. When you plan ahead, it doesn’t just make Plan A stronger - it gives you space to make Plans B, C and D too.

The joy of anticipation: Enhancing the experience

Building anticipation too much never helped anything, admittedly, but a dim gray day can certainly be enlivened by daydreaming about the trip that is on the horizon. If you’re waiting on hold for an interminable spell, time to Google pictures of the view from your holiday home! With weeks or months between booking and traveling, you could even learn some basics (and some less basic things) of the language of the place you’re visiting. You can create itineraries in your head and on paper, too. Studies have shown that anticipation can have a beneficial effect on your mental health, and it’s not hard to see why.

Tasty Homemade Donut Recipes

 

Donut Heaven: A Collection of Delicious Donut Recipes

Ah, donuts. Those fluffy, glazed rings of joy that bring smiles to faces all over the world. But who says you have to rely on store-bought donuts? Making donuts at home is easier than you think, and the results are infinitely more satisfying (and delicious!).

This blog post is your gateway to donut nirvana. We've compiled a collection of donut recipes, from classic glazed to fun and creative flavors, that will have you whipping up batches in no time.

For the Adventurous Donut Enthusiast:

Feeling a little more adventurous? We've got you covered! Try out our recipes for:

• Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts: These donuts have a denser texture and a tangy flavor that's absolutely delightful.
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A lighter take on the donut, these baked donuts are bursting with fall flavors. Perfect for a cozy afternoon!
• Chocolate Frosted Donuts: Who can resist a rich chocolate frosting? This recipe takes classic donuts to a whole new level.

Beyond the Doughnut Hole:

Don't forget about the fun part of making donuts - decorating! We have a variety of frosting and glaze recipes to choose from, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and maple. You can even get creative with sprinkles, chopped nuts, and drizzles.

Pro-Tips for Donut Perfection:

• Freshness is Key: Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Make a batch for a weekend brunch or afternoon treat.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 375°F) to ensure your donuts cook evenly and don't get greasy.
• Don't Skimp on the Glaze: A good glaze is the crowning glory of a donut. Be generous with your glaze and let those donuts take a good dunk!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your rolling pin, crank up the tunes, and get ready to bake a batch of donut deliciousness. With this collection of recipes and a little bit of love, you'll be a donut-making pro in no time!

Here are some of my favorite homemade donut recipes! Make sure you click thru some of the links to view the recipes.

Brioche Crumb Donuts by The Practical Kitchen

This brioche donut recipe has the most delectable crumb topping! These are going to remind you of an Entemann’s but they taste so much fresher!

Creme Brulee Donuts by Corrie Cooks

This recipe makes such elegant cream filled donuts at home. You are sure to appreciate how easy this recipe is to recreate if you love all things creme brulee.

Baked Double Chocolate Donuts by What the Fork

This baked donut recipe is so good! It has loads of chocolate flavor in a gluten free form that everyone can enjoy.

Strawberry Donuts by Fit and Full

These donuts have a sweet strawberry flavor that you will love. Bake them for a delicious start to your day or serve them as a snack  in the afternoon.

Oreo Donuts by Organically Addison

If you love cookies and cream flavor then these donuts are going to pique your interest! This decadent donut recipe is perfect for a treat to share with someone sweet.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Donuts by Bake It With Love

This donut recipe brings lots of peanut butter flavor to your breakfast routine. Sprinkle in plenty of chocolate chips for a dreamy combination.

Cinnamon Roll Donuts by Savor the Spoonful

Can’t decide between donuts and cinnamon rolls? Why not combine them into one tasty treat? You are sure to love the cinnamon burst these donuts offer.

Churro Donuts by I Heart Eating

If you love churros, then adding them to donuts is going to be a delicious idea that works for a dreamy breakfast or an epic dessert.

Confetti Baked Donuts by Life as a Strawberry

This donut recipe tastes like a party in every bite! You are sure to love the tender baked donut paired with the decadent chocolate glaze that is so fudgy!

Baked Chocolate Donuts by The Flour Handprint

These donuts are baked to perfection with so much chocolate flavor. Toss them in powdered sugar or dip them into chocolate glaze for a restaurant quality sweet treat.

Red Velvet Donuts by Lane and Grey Fare

This red velvet donut recipe is beautiful to look at, but wait until you taste these vegan donuts, you are going to LOVE them!

Banana Donuts with Chocolate Glaze by Homan at Home

These donuts have a soft sweet flavor that is perfect for anyone who loves bananas. Dip them in chocolate for a perfect start to the day.

Apple Cider Donuts by The Gunny Sack

This apple cider donut recipe has so much fall flavor! Make these to savor with a cup of hot apple cider for a seasonal sweet that you are sure to love.

Brioche Donuts by A Baking Journey

This decadent, rich donut recipe is perfect for a Sunday brunch. Enjoy them plain or stuff them with cream, fruit or custard for a super yummy homemade treat.

Raised Donuts by Platter Talk

This classic donut recipe is perfect! These are so good that they will take you back to grandma’s kitchen for a moment when you taste them.

Coquito Donuts by Sense and Edibility

This donut recipe takes your taste buds on a tropical vacation with so much coconut flavor!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts by The Simple Sweet Life

These pumpkin spice latte donuts are what you make when you have a craving for seasonal flavors. This donut makes for a delicious breakfast or snack that has so much pumpkin flavor.

Boston Cream Donuts by Sugar Pursuit

These cream filled donuts are the definition of decadence. Make them for dessert, but be prepared! Everyone will ask you to make these again!

Fruity Pebbles Donuts by The Savory Cipolla

This colorful donut recipe makes use of a favorite cereal! These are perfect for the kids, but you will want to grab a few for yourself too.

S’mores Donuts with Marshmallow Cream by Broken Oven Baking

This donut recipe is full of summer vibes! Graham cracker crumbs, chocolate glaze and marshmallow cream make for the best s’mores donut ever!

Sour Cream Donuts by Craving Some Creativity

This recipe makes for retro donuts that taste timelessly good! Sour cream gives these donuts a rich and moist flavor.

Jelly Donuts by An Edible Mosaic 

Stuff these donuts with your favorite jelly for a delicious treat you can have for breakfast or dessert.

Pistachio Cream Donuts by Addicted to Dates

This vegan donut recipe has the best cream filling! If you like pistachios, then you are going to want to grab a bite of this treat.

Mini Orange Donuts by 24 Bite

These mini donuts are made the easy way; with cake mix and a donut maker! You will love this fast and flavorful recipe for easy breakfasts.

Pennsylvania Dutch Donuts by Beyond the Butter

These cream filled donuts are full of Pennsylvania Dutch flavor! You are sure to love the fluffy texture these homemade donuts offer.

Sourdough Discard Donuts by Season and Thyme

Don’t toss that sourdough discard! Make the most flavorful donuts with it. These are simple and simply delicious!

Caramel Biscuit Donuts by Baba Ganosh

These tasty treats start with canned biscuits and end up as a goodie that rivals a bakery’s donuts! I know you will love these fast goodies.

Honey Doughnuts by Live to Sweet

This simple sweet donut recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Dip them in a delicate vanilla honey glaze for the best flavor.

Instant Pot Donuts by Corrie Cooks

Did you know you can make donuts in your instant pot? These are so tasty and come together really fast!

Krispy Kreme Donuts by Seasonal Cravings

These taste just like krispie kreme, but are from your home kitchen! Make these for a really good snack that always hits the spot.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Donut Balls

D is for Donut Coloring page

Baked Chocolate Peanut Butter Donuts

Paper Plate Donuts

What's Missing From Your Bedroom Design?

 Bedroom design is a pretty big deal. This is probably the most private room in your house, but it’s also the space that should be most reflective of who you are. It’s an area that will ideally invite relaxation and comfort, and it should be somewhere that you enjoy spending time. 

For many of us, though, lacklustre bedroom designs mean that this simply isn’t the case. It makes no sense – you’ve used calming pastel colours and plenty of soft furnishings, and have even researched how to choose a mattress and a striking bed frame but, still, your bedroom doesn’t feel quite right. 

You wouldn’t be alone – many of us struggle with bedroom design. In reality, though, bedroom niggles often come down to the absence of a few vital additions that you might not even realise you need. Keep on reading to finally find out what’s missing from your bedroom design. 

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# 1 - A Seating Area

You’ve got your bed sorted, but have you incorporated any seating into your bedroom? This addition makes it far more likely you’ll spend time here and can be great for everything from applying your makeup to curling up with a good book.

Luckily, there are loads of different seating options for bedrooms, including dressing tables, hanging chairs, and even a bench at the end of your bed. Equally, it’s possible to turn generous windowsills into window seats or to place a cushion on top of items like a low storage chest which could double up as a stylish seat. 

# 2 - A Big Enough Wardrobe

Your bed is likely the main focal point of this room, so it’s not unusual to go small with things like your wardrobe choices. It’s better than overshadowing the main event, right? Wrong. In truth, a big enough wardrobe is a key bedroom consideration and can ensure the space is never cluttered or overwhelmed with additional clothes. 

If you still want your bed to be the most eye-catching item in this room, then avoid things like heavy oak wardrobes in place of clothes rails or options like these Rauch wardrobes, which offer the addition of mirrored doors that reflect attention back to the centre of the room. That way, you can ensure plenty of clothes storage and a great-looking bedroom design overall. 

# 3 - A Pop of Plant Life 

While seating and wardrobe space might not be the most outlandish bedroom suggestions, few of us consider introducing bedroom plants. But, we probably should! 

Plants can brighten our bedrooms with a pop of natural colour, while also providing a wide range of health benefits such as air purification and even stress relief. 

Plants like lavender and peace Lily can particularly help to promote sleep, though there are a wide variety of potential bedroom plants to choose from, including trailing plants for shelves, succulents for your bedroom table, and larger floor plants that could look great in a sizable bedroom. 

Are you worried that something might be missing from your bedroom design? Ask yourself whether you’ve included these crucial things. 

Throw The Best Wedding Ever With These Simple Suggestions

If you are getting married, the first thing that we want to do is to extend our congratulations! A wedding can be such an incredible day if it is planned properly, but it can be a lot to handle if you are not much of a planner. That’s okay though because we have got your back on some of the essential aspects of your wedding day, allowing you to make it a day to remember. Keep reading if you would like to find out more about how to create the best day ever.

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Get The Right Food

The first thing that we are going to look at is getting the right food for your wedding. When going through your options, determine what will appeal to the most significant number of people and not just what you like. You should also check with your guests if there are any dietary requirements to be catered for before you make any selections.

To make the right choice, you should research various catering companies, see what is on offer, what fits your budget, and if anything sticks out to you. You should taste everything before you settle on a catering company, ensuring that you like the food they are offering. Or, perhaps someone you love may make a particular dish that you adore, so you may ask them to make this for you. For example, you might have Italian roots and want an Italian Wedding Soup for your special day or something entirely different, like a sit-down roast dinner. As long as it makes you happy and you think that people will enjoy it, that’s what matters.

Keep People Dancing

If you want a successful wedding, you don’t want people turning around to go home at 8 pm. You want to keep them dancing through the night until you’re ready to leave, which is why a DJ might be a better option than a live band. Chances are that the DJ will stay later, play a variety of music, and generally keep things happy and relaxed. 

Choosing the right entertainment can be tricky, but it’s possible if you are willing to put a little effort into the selection process. Check out reviews of anyone you are considering, and then you can go from there.

Don’t Have Massive Long Gaps

One of the worst things about a wedding is that there are massive gaps throughout the day. For the best results for your wedding, both for you and your guests, ensure that there are not empty spaces where people are sitting around waiting. You can take staged photos of your day, but you don't have to spend hours doing so to get the right shot. Hire the right photographer, and you will get this anyway without keeping your guests waiting.

We hope that you have found this article helpful and now know a little more about how you can throw the best wedding ever. Sometimes, it might not feel like it’s going this way throughout the planning process, but stick to your guns. It will all turn out okay in the end!

Deck the Halls (and the Table): Your Guide to Effortless Holiday Entertaining

 The holidays are a time for joy, family, friends, and of course, delicious food! But between the gift shopping, decorating, and travel, hosting a holiday party can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow merrymakers! With a little planning and these tasty recipes, you can throw a stress-free and festive gathering that will leave your guests raving.

Appetizers: The Art of the Finger Food

The key to effortless entertaining is serving appetizers that are easy to make and eat. A beautiful platter of cheese and crackers is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not add a touch of holiday flair? Consider whipping up some bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites for a sweet and savory twist, or try elegant grape, walnut, and labneh crostini drizzled with spicy honey.

Don't Forget the Classics!

For those who crave tradition, there's always room for classic hors d'oeuvres. Deviled eggs get a festive makeover with a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of caviar. Miniature quiches filled with sausage and cheese are a hearty option, while crostini topped with pesto and cherry tomatoes offer a burst of fresh flavor.

Here are some tasty holiday appetizer ideas to try. Click thru the links to find the full recipe. You will want to pin a few to your holiday party board.

Now, let's get cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to get you started...

Filet Mignon Skewers with Rosemary by Give It Some Thyme

Fried Crab Claws by The Cagle Diaries

Lemon Asparagus Tart by Barth Bakery

Zucchini Pastry Cupcakes by DIY Candy

Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms by Cook Eat Live Love

Cream of Sardine Tapas by A Taste For Travel

Chicken Liver Mousse with Bacon Jam by Went Here 8 This

Creamy Asparagus Puffs by Ketchup with Linda

Potato Roses by Curry Trail

Pesto Toast with Cannellini Beans and Potatoes by The Pypers Kitchen

Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Lima Crema Crostini by Cook What You Love

Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini by Tao of Spice

Mississippi Sin Dip by Spend with Pennies

Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers by The Castaway Kitchen

Baked Pears with Gorgonzola by Happy Kitchen

The Main Event: Make it Merry and Make it Easy

For the main course, you have options! A slow cooker is your best friend during the holidays. Toss in a roast with vegetables and let it simmer while you decorate or wrap last-minute gifts. Stuffed shells or a vegetarian lasagna are great crowd-pleasers, and can be prepped ahead of time.

Think Outside the Box (or Casserole Dish!)

Feeling adventurous? Offer a selection of international flavors! A platter of hummus and pita bread with various toppings is a crowd-pleaser, and pairs well with festive cocktails. For a heartier option, consider a sheet-pan curry with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.

Sweet Endings: A Delicious Tradition

No holiday party is complete without dessert! Opt for a classic like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies cut into festive shapes. Mini cheesecakes or a cranberry crumb pie add a touch of elegance, while a simple fruit salad with a drizzle of honey is light and refreshing.

The Final Touches: It's All in the Details

The key to effortless entertaining is creating a festive atmosphere. String some fairy lights, put on a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, and light some scented candles. Don't forget to set out festive napkins and plates – even small details can make a big impact!

With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to throwing a holiday party that's both merry and manageable. So relax, gather your loved ones, and savor the delicious memories you'll create together!

Find my favorite holiday posts here:

Mickey Mouse Gift Tags

Holiday Breakfast Recipes

Christmas Cheesecake Recipes

Christmas Gnome Craft