#Crudités Grazing

[aqpippin]

Six Sentence Sunday - 

goodecox au 🥐

(beach house fic)

Gigi is warm and golden, and Jackie can still feel the sand and taste the salt on her skin when she presses a kiss into the redhead’s shoulder. The evening is quiet, they move with ease, nothing needing to be said between gin and tonic refills and the occasional refresh of the grazing board between them. 

Gigi alternates between chewing on crudités and her pencil as she works through a little crossword book she bought at the airport, mumbles a little ‘fuck’ every time some condensation drips off her glass and smudges her lead scratchings. Jackie works through emails and invoices and Gigi doesn’t even have the heart or the energy to tell her to stop, just lets her do her own thing in an attempt to keep the peace that has grown between them. Jackie feels like Malibu sunsets go for hours, with the way the sun moves lazily away from the coast timestamped only by the changing of the tide rather than the shutter of Gigi’s instagram story. As much as she loves the city, as much as she swears she’ll never leave New York, she feels like she can live like this forever. 

[yashsinha499]

The Ultimate Guide to House Party Catering: Tips, Tricks, and Menu Ideas for Every Occasion 

Everyone knows hosting a house party is equal parts exciting and stressful. You want your guests to have a blast, but the thought of working in the kitchen all night can dampen the fun. That's where the magic of house party catering comes in. 

Home catering services are your secret weapon for stress-free entertainment. They take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to be the social butterfly you were meant to be. But with so many house party caterers, how do you choose the right one and create a menu that wows your guests? No worries; this guide is your one-stop shop for conquering home catering for small parties.  

Know Your Crowd 

Before finalizing menus, consider your guest list. Are you hosting a casual get-together with close friends, a fancy soiree with colleagues, or a wild pool party? Knowing the vibe will help you tailor the house party catering to their preferences.   

Guest count is also crucial. Home catering services typically have minimum order amounts, so ensure you have a realistic estimate to avoid overspending or getting stuck with a mountain of leftovers.  

Decide Party Theme 

Level up your party with a theme. It can be anything from a luau with Hawaiian treats to a murder mystery dinner with a gourmet spread. A theme helps guide your house party caterer in menu suggestions and can spark conversation among your guests.  

Menu Magic - Crowd-Pleasing Ideas for Every Occasion  

When it comes to food, here are some crowd-pleasing ideas for different party themes, keeping in mind options for both home catering for small parties and larger gatherings.  

I. Casual Get-Together 

Finger Foods 

Mini pizzas, skewers with veggies and grilled meats, bite-sized quiches, spring rolls, and samosas are perfect for grazing. Consider offering vegetarian and gluten-free options for dietary restrictions.  

Big Batch Delights 

A crowd-pleasing pasta dish, a hearty chilli with cornbread, or a platter of assorted dips with crudités are budget-friendly choices for a small gathering.  

II. Pool Party Extravaganza 

Light and Refreshing 

Opt for a variety of salads, grilled chicken or fish tacos, and fresh fruit skewers. Don't forget the crowd favorites - hot dogs and hamburgers!  

Sweet Treats 

Keep it cool with popsicles, ice cream sundaes, or a DIY shaved ice station.  

III. Elegant Soiree 

Passed Hors d'oeuvres 

Fancy finger foods like mini crab cakes, cucumber canapés with smoked salmon, and bruschetta with goat cheese are perfect for a sophisticated gathering.  

Plated Dinner 

Consider a home catering service specializing in gourmet cuisine. They can create a multi-course meal with dishes like herb-roasted chicken, roasted vegetables, and a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.  

Pro Tip: Be sure to discuss any dietary restrictions with your house party caterer beforehand. They can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other needs to ensure everyone enjoys the delicious spread.  

Beyond the Food - Drinks and Service  

House party catering goes beyond just food. Many caterers offer beverage packages with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You should discuss your preferences and budget with them to create a drink list that complements the food and keeps your guests hydrated. 

Home catering services can also provide staff for serving and cleanup. This lets you focus on mingling and enjoying your party, leaving the dirty dishes to the professionals.  

The Final Touches - Setting the Stage for Fun  

While the food is a highlight, don't forget the ambience. Set the mood with music, decorations, and comfortable seating. Consider the theme when choosing these elements.  

Bonus Tip: Delegate! Assign tasks to a trusted friend or family member, like helping with decorations or keeping the drinks flowing. This will ensure a smooth-running party and allow you to relax and have fun.  

House party catering is a game-changer for stress-free entertainment. With some planning and the help of a skilled home catering service, you can throw a bash that your guests will love. If you are looking for house party catering services, choose Soul Chef. Being one of the renowned event caterers in Mumbai, they provide catering services for weddings, corporate events, sundowners, birthday parties, outdoor events, house parties, and many more. The culinary professionals understand your requirements and curate a delicious menu that suits the purpose of your event.  

[crispkitchenandjuice]

MEZZE // and crudité for the weekend! Grazing boards with a delighted fan base! Parties and Picnics! Perfect for any gathering! (Orders 24 hours in advance.) . . . #grazingplatter #grazingboard #mezze #crudités (at Crisp Kitchen + Juice) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrDzcn0LX0R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wistfulweaverwoman]

For Christmas breakfast we’ll have Christmas hot chocolate (my own recipe made with ganache and milk and heavy cream and butter and sea salt) and almond danishes and my husband will make a traditional Portuguese pork marinated in wine and garlic thing (Carne Vinha d’ Alhos)

Then I’ll put out stuff to graze on (crudité, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie with meat/cheese/fruit/mini quiches).

For dinner I’ve got a standing rib roast coated in herb butter that I’m popping in the sous vide immersion cooker this evening to cook for the next day and then I’ll sear it around an hour before we eat. Also my husband will make his Christmas potatoes (a combination of scalloped and au gratin with loads of garlic) and I’ll make Brussels sprouts sautéed with apples and bacon. And salad, I guess.

Have to figure out a desert 🤔 might just buy something

Alright what’s everyone eating this weekend lay it on me Redwall-style

[karoundairies]

Labne + Hummus = Yummus! Posted @withregram • @grazelosangeles #SendCrudes 😋 We’re a little obsessed with this medium #crudités spread for @anita_fancy — want some? Check the link in our bio to order! #labne #labneh #hummus #crudités #crudites #veggies #vegetables #vegetable #vegetablelover #veggie #veggiedinner #dip #dips #garden #vegeterianfood #vegeterian #vegeterianlife #karoun #karoundairies #karounlabne #tzatziki #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneo #mediterraneanlife #california #californiamilk #grazeboard #graze (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbImxTlvz_8/?utm_medium=tumblr

[theaussiewhoatethebigapple]

Y’all...yesterday I had another amazing #CharcBites event—this time for an incredible wedding shower for the uber-talented and awesomely sweet @iammjscott 🥰 His besties worked with me to come in a create a showcase grazing table that would be an edible work of art. What an honor it was to be a part of such a special celebration! ⁣ ⁣ ➡️Swipe through to see how I start by mapping out my cheeses and then fill in the landscape with all kinds of goodies like a variety of charcuterie, olives, pickles, nuts, dips, crudités, berries, fruit, and crackers galore. 😛🙌🏼⁣ ⁣ Want to get in on some of the @charcbites action? Hit me up! Large or small, I’d love to bring some joy to your next event. #NibbleOnThis (at Chelsea, Manhattan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B00-6rCFeIg/?igshid=1oi8fuartp5lb

[adekortionblog]

20+ einfache Fingerfoods, die ein gewohnliches Abendessen ubertreffen

Fingerfood zur Selbstbedienung kann ein ganzes Abendessen am Tisch ersetzen. Und ich sage das nicht nur, weil ich eine ausdauernde Naschkatze bin oder man mich bei jeder Veranstaltung garantiert in der Küche oder am Snacktisch antrifft. Es ist die Art von Essen, die viel stressfreier vorzubereiten ist, weil es viel mehr um das Essen als um das Kochen geht. Man ist weder an strenge Servierzeiten gebunden, noch muss man alles von Grund auf frisch zubereiten, geschweige denn irgendwelche Erwartungen an eine beeindruckende Spitzenküche erfüllen. Außerdem kann man durch die Abwechslung auf dem Tisch viel leichter auf die unterschiedlichsten Essgewohnheiten eingehen.

Wenn du dieses Jahr eine kleine Runde verköstigen willst, oder auch nur deinen eigenen Haushalt, ist das alles kein Problem. Ein einfacher Fingerfood-Festschmaus ist eine lustige Abwechslung. Tausche also dein übliches Abendessen gegen kleine Snacks und unkomplizierte Leckereien. So einfach geht's:

Die einfache Formel für ein unkompliziertes Buffet

Verwende hochwertige, gekaufte Zutaten als schnelle Lösung

Kaum etwas ist auf einem Buffet einladender als ein Dip, umgeben von bunten Crudités (sehr nützlich, wenn man glutenfreie Gäste empfängt) und Crackern. Es gibt eine Vielzahl köstlicher Dips, die man selbst zubereiten kann. Um Zeit zu sparen und sich auf die größeren, hausgemachten Gerichte zu konzentrieren, gibt es aber auch viele im Laden erhältliche Varianten, wie wir sie für unser winterliches Snackboard verwendet haben.

Besonders angetan hat es uns gerade die Produktlinie von miree. Der Frischkäse ist so locker und luftig und kommt in verschiedenen Geschmacksrichtungen wie Knoblauch, Paprika-Chili oder französische Kräuter daher und bietet generell eine hohe Sortenvielfalt an. Den Frischkäse einfach in eine Schüssel geben, kunstvoll verrühren und mit Kräutern garnieren. miree schmeckt auch herrlich auf Brot, als Bestandteil von Grazing Boards, zu schnell gebratenen Pimientos de Padrón oder sogar als Krönung von Nachos, indem man sie als kleine Nocken darauf löffelt. Weitere leckere Rezepte von miree findet ihr hier!

Winterliches Snackboard

→ zum Rezept

Für mehr Farbe und Knabbereien auf dem Tisch sorgen Oliven, eingelegte Chilischoten und Ähnliches aus dem Einmachglas.

Wähle einfach ein paar Gerichte aus, die du selbst zubereitest

Fingerfood bedeutet für mich Essen, das man mit den Händen essen oder mit einer Gabel aufpieksen kann. Man denke hier also an mundgerechte Gerichte wie sättigende, aber leckere Kartoffeln, eine Tarte oder Tortilla, die man in Scheiben schneiden kann, oder sogar mit Salat belegte Focaccia.

So wird der Nachtisch zum praktischen Snack!

Wenn du ein Dessert zubereiten möchtest, solltest du das am besten am Vortag tun, um dich nicht hetzen zu müssen. Wie wäre es mit Kuchen, Keksen oder Pavlova (einige Rezepte sind unten verlinkt). Ansonsten kannst du auch einen Panettone kaufen, etwas Mascarpone in eine Schüssel geben und eine Flasche Brandy, Schnaps oder Amaretto daneben stellen. Ich wüsste genau, was ich zu tun hätte, wenn ich mit diesem Dreierlei konfrontiert würde.

[feastcateringsblog]

Boat catering service Perth

For fun-loving people, a boat party is the best way to enjoy it. Planning a boat party can be hectic for you because you have to take care of many things for that. A boat party is a unique and adventurous idea. Your guests will definitely enjoy your ceremony in the water. With us, you can enjoy your boat party at a very affordable cost.

Without food your boat party is incomplete. We provide boat catering service Perth according to your need and budget. We provide cheese platters, barbecue boxes, charcuterie, seafood, morning and afternoon tea platters, and much more. With this, we can provide service staff, licensed alcohol, and equipment for boat safety.

Our boat catering service Perth menu include

Soft, blue & hard cheeses

Grazing platters

Sopressa, ham off the bone, prosciutto

Red pepper fondant, feta & cucumber dip, fresh vegetable crudités (peeled cucumber, carrot sticks & red capsicum), butter & olive oil, house marinated olives, sourdough bread & assorted crackers

Peking duck rice paper rolls

Mini asparagus & feta tartlets

Roast chicken pieces

Stuffing balls

Watermelon & cherries, Seasonal cut fresh fruits to include strawberries

About us

We have the experience of managing many events, so we know the importance of food for your event. We have our own facility license and have a wide range of necessary equipment. Zac Wilkinson is our chef-patron. He has the expertise of the highest level in the front and back of the house. He has worked in various positions throughout his carrier.

A moveable Feast Catering services Perth has always played a significant role in the celebrations of tens of thousands of Australian families. We are a company that provides full boat catering services Perth that visits locations of your choice.

Conclusion

To make your special day a memorable day gives us the most delightful feeling. We do discuss with you about our boat catering service Perth and put it on paper. Our whole team of professionals is well trained and specializes in boat catering service Perth.

[bluemagic-girl]

🔥Stay healthy at home: the nutritionist-approved working from home diet🔥

The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends

No more commuting and the opportunity to wear your pyjamas to work. Working from home might sound like a dream come true on paper. But if you’re not used to the structure of setting up a home working routine, it can be difficult to keep things in order.

Aside from the isolation and lack of structure, diet can be one of the biggest challenges when you work from home. Nutritionist Kim Pearson is here to help, with advice to ensure working from home doesn’t derail your diet.

Keep Structure

With easy access to your kitchen, cupboards full of snacks and nobody else waiting until 1pm to eat their lunch, it can be easy to eat your way through your new working from home day. But just because your day isn’t broken up by commutes, meetings and lunch hours doesn’t mean you shouldn’t structure it as if it is. Set a time for breakfast, lunch and to finish working and stick to them.

Repurpose Your Commute

If you are used to a lengthy commute, it can be tempting to use this time to lie in bed scrolling for pandemic updates. Instead, aim to use this time productively. Get out for a walk in your nearest park or use your commute time to meal plan and prep. How about switching that 30-minute central line journey for putting on a healthy slow cooker dinner that you can enjoy that evening?

Stock Up

Buy (a sensible amount of) healthy ingredients to stock up your cupboards for the week so that you can throw together something quick and easy for lunches. Boil eggs and roast some veg (in your repurposed commute slot) to throw together with salad leaves and olive oil dressing for a quick lunch later in the day.

Clear Out

As well as making sure your cupboards are stocked with healthy essentials, if there are trigger foods that will tempt you to snack or over-indulge, make sure they’re not in the house. In an office full of people around it’s a lot easier to just take one biscuit, but when you’re working from home, once you open the packet the people to biscuit ratio isn’t so favourable from a health point of view.

Beat Boredom

It’s normal to break up your office working day with coffee breaks, chats with teammates, trips to the shops and meetings. Your at-home work day will look very different, and boredom can turn into snacking. Learn what your triggers are for eating when you’re not actually hungry and break up your working day with things like meditation, going for a short walk or domestic tasks like putting the washing on or doing the hoovering.

Don’t Eat at Your Desk

Turning your home desk into a snack table is not the best idea. Eat any meals in the place you’d usually eat and avoid grazing, set out times for eating and try to avoid getting into the habit of completing a task and rewarding yourself with a snack.

If your desk is right by the kitchen this will be even harder – if you can position yourself further away you might want to consider this. Overcoming the urge to snack really is the biggest challenge. If you are a chronic snacker, make sure you have healthy options, such as olives, unroasted nuts and vegetable crudités, all of which are better than crisps, nuts and biscuits.

Coffee Breaks

As well as constant grazing, it can be easy to punctuate your new working day with a lot of coffee breaks. Try to be mindful of how much caffeine you’re consuming, and when, as drinking it too late into the day can affect your sleep. Try switching to decaf or try some new herbal teas. 

from Moose Gazette https://ift.tt/2J578bz via moosegazette.net

[themarshmallowist-blog]

DIY S’mores grazing board!

Every so often a trend comes along that I can really get on board with. Like everyone wearing Stan Smith trainers instead of heels on a night out. OR when we all became slightly obsessed with houseplants. And now… grazing tables. I bloody love a grazing table. It’s a bit like a buffet but, also, not. It’s decadent, lush, abundant, fresh, tasty little bits of mmmm. It’s almost exactly what I want to eat all the time. If I was a Mariah level of celebrity I would ask for every room I entered to have a grazing table (and to be filled with puppies)

Handily, grazing tables are the new big trend- it’s an American thing that’s drifted over here on the winds of Pintrest. Normally they are filled with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fresh bread, crudités and dried fruits. A colourful feast to relax into. An epic spread that forms the centrepiece to your event. But… to give it a Marshmallowist twist…what if… all of that was sweet? And what if…all the sweet things on the table could be eaten on their own OR brought together to make the most gorgeous S’mores? Well, I’ve just jumped ahead and done that for you. I’ve created the most luxe way to eat S’mores and now I’m going to chat you through how you can do it too. From gourmet marshmallows to pots of salted caramel, shards of chocolate, handmade cinnamon graham crackers and- of course- an abundance of fresh fruit and nuts.

Place your board on the flat surface or table you want to serve from. If you want to produce something truly show stopping (that’s easy to clean away) then roll out a length of brown greaseproof paper and use a small strip of masking tape to attach it to your table.

If you’re creating a S’mores board then the marshmallows really need to be the focus. I’ve used 4 different flavours here for variety of colour and taste. Pop the mallows in small stacks across your board.

Prepare a selection of seasonal fruits. Now, I’m not going to be too prescriptive here but you generally want to have fruit that can be eaten easily by hand ( no stones or pips) I’ve chopped the fruit into halves and slices then used the smaller fruit slices to edge the corners of the board and the larger pieces to draw the eye.

Place pots of dipping chocolate at either side of the board for easy access. You don’t want to be scrambling over chocolate so I would recommend smaller pots and more of them. You can make your own dipping chocolate by:

melting 50g of dark or white chocolate over a Bain Marie.

Heat 125ml double cream and 25g butter in a small saucepan until evenly combined. Remove from the heat and stir through the melted chocolate.

I would recommend serving this slightly warm.

Fill the remaining gaps with spikes of chocolate shards and close stacks of graham crackers or biscuits. I would recommend a thin crisp biscuit here. They let the marshmallow remain the star and are also handy for snapping off a little corner for a dip in the chocolate or a nibble.

Now, frame your board using foliage- fresh eucalyptus looks beautiful, bold palms look incredible AND on trend.

We serve this with indoor braziers- you can pop the lid off them and use inside. But you can have this near a roaring firepit or bbq.Then get creative- dip the fruit into the melted chocolate, snap off a few biscuits, and toast marshmallows until they’re burnt and gooey. Get messy, be relaxed and indulge because this table is as a beautiful to look at, as it is to eat!

And that’s it- look at you being all trendy! You can order one of your own S’mores boards here or…we’ve teamed up with Mirabeau wine for you to win a Magnum of Provence Rosé and a S’mores board for you next party- just pop over to our instagram to find out more.

[theaussiewhoatethebigapple]

Y’all...yesterday I had another amazing #CharcBites event—this time for an incredible wedding shower for the uber-talented and awesomely sweet @iammjscott 🥰 His besties worked with me to come in a create a showcase grazing table that would be an edible work of art. What an honor it was to be a part of such a special celebration! ⁣ ⁣ ➡️Swipe through to see how I start by mapping out my cheeses and then fill in the landscape with all kinds of goodies like a variety of charcuterie, olives, pickles, nuts, dips, crudités, berries, fruit, and crackers galore. 😛🙌🏼⁣ ⁣ Want to get in on some of the @charcbites action? Hit me up! Large or small, I’d love to bring some joy to your next event. #NibbleOnThis (at Chelsea, Manhattan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B00-6rCFeIg/?igshid=1oi8fuartp5lb

[crispkitchenandjuice]

GOOD MORNING // little baby Romanesco! Grown in Italy since the 16th century, its structure and vibrancy always fascinates us! Lightly steamed and cooled, it’s a delicious addition to our crudités grazing board with an equally vibrant avocado goddess dip! #staycool #romanesco #greens (at Saint Helena, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmlwI5nefR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7mls9qyd7mj5

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matrimony: Chapter 1

Authors’ Note: Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!!! As promised, we start the story of Mike and Maggie’s wedding! First up is a party full of announcements and surprises! @vintagemichelle91 and I hope you enjoy!!!

          “Sweet pea! Don’t stir so fast!”

           Violetta let the spoon fall as Natalia wiped bits of brownie batter from the counter top to tend to the crudité, lifting her head to meet her daughter’s narrowed eyes and folded arms.

           “Someone won’t let me use the power mixer.” They looked to Rafael descending the steps as he slowly shook his head.

           “Then we’d have a real mess on our hands,” he cautioned. “Muñequita, how about you help me with the drinks?”

           “Cause that totally propriate for me.”

           Natalia giggled as she started to pour the batter into the tin. Rafael pulled out the ice bucket and wrapped one arm around Violetta’s waist.

           “Quite right,” he said with a quick kiss. “No drinking until you’re forty.”

           “Mami not that old,” Violetta pointed out. “And she drink lots of wine.”

           “I wouldn’t say lots,” Natalia said. The little girl furrowed her tiny brow and finally nodded.

           “That true,” she ultimately agreed. “Papi drink lots. But he much more than forty.”

           “Just how old do you think I am?” he asked Violetta as she carefully studied his face and stroked her chin.

           “Seventy-eight?” she guessed as Rafael nearly dropped the metallic bucket on his foot. “Well you got gray in your hair! But I not think you eighty yet. Or are you?”

           He was at a complete loss for words as Natalia ducked between them, kissing each one in turn before Violetta tried to pick up the ice bucket.

           “Are we doing this or what, Papi?”

           “Duty calls,” he sighed.

           “Can you handle it, old man?” Natalia teased. Groaning, Rafael hoisted his little girl and the ice bucket into his arms.

           “Sure this will hurt come winter. But I’ll get by.”

           “See that you do,” Natalia said, pecking his cheek again as they turned their attention to the dessert and the drinks.

           “Muñequita, how about you fold the napkins for Papi?”

           “Can’t the guests do that?” Violetta whined.

           “Not as nicely as you.” Kissing the top of her head as she rolled her eyes, Rafael moved back to the kitchen and slowly turned Natalia towards him.

           “You’re taking me away from my work,” she warned.

           “I couldn’t resist. You look so lovely when you’re happy.” He waited and watched as she bit down on her lip.

           “I am, Atticus. Weddings make everything better.”

           “Is that the only reason?” he asked. Natalia patted his cheek and placed the pan in the oven. Best not to push it. Take each precious moment and pray for another one.

           “This gonna be my first wedding!” Violetta happily exclaimed as she rushed towards them and bounced from one foot to the other.

           “Not quite,” Natalia said. “You were there when Mami married Papi”

           At that her little jaw dropped and Violetta tilted her head.

           “I not remember that,” she said. “How that possible?”

           Natalia started to explain when she placed one soft hand on her husband’s back.

           “Papi will tell you. Because he’s so old and wise.”

           And blushing if the heat he felt flowing through his face was any indication.

           “Natalia, I don’t know if I should---”

           “Says the man who was going to turn the inner-workings of the criminal justice into a bedtime story.”

           “That I can handle,” he said. “This…”

           Violetta tapped her toes impatiently as Natalia leaned forward, her lips grazing his ear.

           “You know all about the birds and the bees, Papi.”

           “What that have to do with how I was at the wedding?” Violetta demanded. Rafael’s palms turned clammy as he wished for a miracle to save him from a discussion he hoped to avoid until Violetta was pushing eighty when a knock at the door and a hearty hello broke through the tension.

           “Saved by the bell,” Natalia quipped.

           “No, Mami. It just Tio Sonny.”

           “You want to help me show them in?” Rafael asked as he fell to his knees.

           “Is Jesse here?” Violetta whispered.

           “Of course. And Tia Amanda.”

           “But I gonna be the flower girl, right?”

           Another question to which he had no answer. All he knew from Natalia by way of Maggie was that the happy couple wanted to discuss the wedding party. And if Jesse was in the mix…

           “We’re all going with whatever Maggie wants,” Rafael told her.

           “But I helped pick the ring.”

           “Hermosa?” he moaned until Natalia wiped her hands on the nearest dishtowel and joined them on the floor.

           “It is Maggie’s day, sweet pea,” she reminded her. Violetta sulked until Natalia pinched her cheeks. And offered her a carrot from the vegetable platter.

           “Better get a extra brownie before this is over,” Violetta said. But she still took the snack as Rafael stood with a groan to open the door.

           “Maybe I am getting old,” he muttered under his breath.

           “But like a fine wine better with age,” Natalia sighed.

           “See! I told you Mami likes her wine!”

           Once the party was in full swing, Maggie kept making like a hand model when it came to said ring. That everyone had already seen half a dozen times or more.

           “Why shouldn’t I show it off?” she protested. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.”

           “I could say that about you,” Dodds said as he leaned in for a kiss, and Maggie pressed her fingers to his lips.

           “Just because I want to get married in a castle does not mean that we’re taking medieval vows.”

           “A castle?” Liv asked.

           “We found this place in Vermont that is just magical!” Maggie squealed as she started to bring up pictures on her phone.

           “We’re not doing this in the dead of winter, right?” Fin asked as Violetta watched him finish his drink and pointed towards the bar.

           “You go there if you want more,” she said.

           “Get a load of the bartender!” he laughed.

           “Maybe they’ll hire you for the wedding, Little V,” Carisi joked.

           For a single second, Violetta seemed on board with the idea until Rafael scooped her into his arms.

           “I don’t know about---”

           “Papi! You no get to decide.”

           “That’s right, Violetta,” Maggie said. “And one of the reasons that we’re all here---”

           “Besides the crudité,” Dodds said. “Which is tops, Natalia.”

           “How about we let Maggie speak before Sonny says I should cater,” Natalia joked.

           “Natty, no offense, but we’re going with harvest fare.”

           “Harvest?” Rollins asked.

           “Farm to fork,” Maggie said. “Everything fresh. They’ll even wear white gloves for just a little extra!”

           “Who’s paying for all this?” the Chief whispered to Liv as she nudged his side.

           “I have a little money coming to me,” Maggie assured him with a laugh. “You just have to show up and…”

           Her voice trailed off as she looked to Dodds and he nodded his head as Maggie clapped her hands.

           “Okay, okay!” she started. “This is as good a time as any!” Lifting her glass, she glanced around the room as her grin grew wider.

           “When Natty said that she wanted to throw us a little shindig, we decided that we should get you all some gifts!” She reached into a shiny silver bag and started handing out slim pink envelopes.

           “Very little,” Rafael murmured as he rested his chin on Natalia’s shoulder and Maggie passed out the rest of her surprises to all the other ladies in attendance.

           “Does one of us go first?” Liv asked.

           “Natty, naturally!”

           “You’re up, hermosa.”

           Natalia carefully tore open the pastel paper and pulled out a sparkling invitation embossed with lavender calligraphy on a rose-colored background.

           “What it say, Mami?” Violetta asked as Natalia read the words and brushed a stray tear from her eye.

           “Sweetest Sister, you’ve stood by me through thick and thin. Will you be there when I marry him?”

           Natalia laughed or cried into her palm as Maggie moved to hug her.

           “Is that a yes?” Maggie whispered.

           Natalia nodded into her neck and Rafael looked to Violetta ready to rip her envelope open with her teeth if Maggie didn’t give the word go.

           “Maggie?” he asked as the bride-to-be waved her ringed hand in the air.

           “Have at it, lovely ladies!”

           A chorus of four envelopes tore in nothing close to harmony and Liv inched forward on the sofa as she read aloud.

           “Will you be my bridesmaid? There’s cake in it for you.”

           “That’s all we get?” Rollins asked. “It doesn’t even rhyme.”

           “Well we are getting dessert, Amanda.”

           “Point taken,” Rollins agreed as Jesse ran forward with her invitation in hand.

           “What have you got there, honey?” she asked.

           “Look, Momma.”

           Placing Jesse on her lap, Rollins looked to the shiniest card of all.

           “Roses are red, violets are blue. We need flower girls, and nothing is sweeter than---”

           “Two?!”

           Violetta appeared to recognize the final word all too well and looked like a pit bull ready to pounce.

           “Play nice, sweet pea,” Natalia muttered out of the corner of her mouth. “Remember it’s Maggie’s day.”

           Violetta looked to her father who held a brownie under her nose until she took the sweet.

           “Fine. I share with Jesse.”

           “Yay!” Maggie yelled as she hugged both little girls. “You two will look adorable.”

           “And Violetta won’t bite?” Jesse asked.

           Violetta chomped down on the treat, shredding it in half before offering Jesse a piece.

           “As long as you no step on my skirt.”

           Jesse was on the verge of wailing until Carisi got her a snack of her very own and all eyes turned to Dodds.

           “Guess it’s my turn,” he said. “Here.”

           He doled out a series of mini bottles labeled with the single word Groomsmen.

           “What’s this?” Carisi asked. “We don’t get poems?”

           “Liv and I didn’t,” Rollins reminded him.

           “But this is better!” the Chief declared as he downed his in one throw.

           “For Noah,” Dodds continued as he handed the little boy a shot of chocolate milk asking him to be the ring bearer.

           “What’s that about?” Jesse asked.

           “We no share with him!” Violetta agreed as the flower girls suddenly formed a united front and Noah cowered against his mother’s leg.

           “Maybe we should wrap this up and get down to dinner,” Dodds said. One more bottle remained. Rafael looked to Fin who seemed more interested in the promise of the meal and felt bad that he was about to be left out.

           “This… this is for the guy who told me to throw the switch.”

           And the bottle bearing the word Best Man suddenly made its way into the detective’s hand.

           “Aw for real, man?” Fin asked.

           “Will you have my back?”

           “As long as I get a dance with the bride,” Fin winked.

           “Think we can arrange that,” Dodds promised.

           Rafael felt the air leave his lungs and Natalia’s hand in his. It made sense. Of course he would ask his father, his brothers in blue, Noah who would basically be his brother one of these days. And it wasn’t like they needed another flower girl. Might have been nice if they’d asked him to help Noah carry the ring and given him a helping of chocolate milk. But the bottomless bag seemingly held no more surprises.

           And he needed something stronger as Natalia rubbed his arm.

           “Atticus, I---”

           “I share the rest of the brownie with you,” Violetta offered.

           “That’s fine,” he said as he patted her head and poured a fresh glass of scotch. Maggie started to speak when he said he needed to make a call and moved through the French doors to the sound of Natalia’s voice scolding her sister.

           “Really, Maggie? You couldn’t even---”

           “Natty, it’s not…”

            Closing the doors, Rafael stared up into the sky drinking the scotch so quickly that it burned his throat and clouded his brain as the door cracked open.

           “I’ll be right in, hermosa,” he promised without looking back.

           “It’s me, counselor.”

           Clutching his glass in one hand and the railing in the other, he felt Maggie’s shadow approach until she stood at his side and followed his gaze into the stars.

           “Nice night,” she started.

           “It was.”

           “You’re upset.”

           “No,” he said as he chewed on a piece of ice to keep his tongue in check. Maggie nearly took his hand when he pulled away.

           “You don’t---”

           “I do, Maggie,” he said, whirling around to face her. “You just want me there as… as a what? A guest?”

           “No,” Maggie calmly answered.

           “I know you and I got off to a rough start,” he continued.

           “There’s been a lot of bumps along the way.”

           “But I thought… you wouldn’t even know him if it wasn’t for me.”

           “Well actually it’s because of Natty but we won’t split hairs,” she smirked.

           “Fine. Are you going back in?”

           “Not yet.”

           “Well I am,” he said.

           “Not so fast.”

           She swirled around to block his path and Rafael tensed as Maggie took his hand.

           “Do you remember what you said to me in London?” she asked.

           “When you had too much to drink or---?”

           “In the hospital,” Maggie cut him off. “When you said that I was family.”

           “I meant that,” he mumbled.

           “And I believed you,” she said. “Even more after everything with Natalia and the baby.”

           He waited as Maggie tightened her grip.

           “I never had a father,” she continued.

           “Now there’s Trevor.”

           “He’s not invited,” Maggie said in a firm voice. “And it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you… you and your silly ties and snarky comments... I can’t imagine my life without you.”

            "What are you getting at?” he asked as he peered down at her.

           “I’m saying that I… I need someone to walk me down the aisle. And I want it to be you.”

           Thunderstruck, he stared and watched her eyes, so like Natalia’s, fill with tears as she hung her head.

           “I had a whole toast planned for dinner,” she said. “I didn’t think you would take being left out so hard.”

           “Whatever gave you that idea?” he challenged.

           “Because you’re always a good host. You opened your home to me.”

           To Maggie. To the self-destructive dancer who was so much more than any label on a bottle. And the thought that he might mean that much to her, too…

           “What were you going to say?” he asked. “For the toast?”

           Taking his glass, Maggie lifted the empty crystal towards the night sky.

           “That I need my big brother on my big day.”

           She slowly met his stare as his heart swelled. The beautiful ballerina who kept them all on pointe. But she fit; she was family.

           “Was I going to get a gift?” he smirked.

           “Well Mike… he said that you might want a gold watch.”

           “Sounds about right,” Rafael agreed.

           “But I want you to have this.”

           She reached into her purse and revealed a pair of silver cuff links and pressed them into his hand.

           “This way I can find your hand. If I start to fall.”

           Fixing them to his sleeves, Rafael smiled at the sheen and folded Maggie into a hug.

           “Not on my watch, Maggie. It’s not happening.”

           She kissed his cheek as Violetta pounded her small fist on the plate glass.

           “Are you friends again?” she demanded. “We hungry in here!”

           They started inside as Rafael offered his arm.

           “Practice makes perfect, right?” he smiled.

           “Let’s hope I’ll be,” she whispered.

           “Of course you will. What could go wrong?” 

[youdontknowinfo]

What Foods To Eat to Lose Belly Fat? 27 Food For You | BellyFatZone #FoodstoEattoLoseBellyFat #BellyFatZone Subscribe: https://ift.tt/2yUPpC1 - You are always the first to receive valuable videos! ====================================== Website: https://ift.tt/2MSOdUl Facebook: https://ift.tt/2WFUwiJ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellyfatzonecom Pinterest: https://ift.tt/2WCtEA4 ====================================== 1- Herbs and Spices Flavor foods with herbs and spices whenever you can. It’ll encourage you to cut back on high-sodium staples and avoid the salt shaker, a major player in bloating. Plus, many have mild diuretic effects, helping you flush out excess water. We love basil, cilantro, rosemary, sage, tarragon, mint, oregano, and black and red chili peppers, to name a few. 2- Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other good-for-you orange veggies are lower in calories and chock-full of potassium and beta-carotene. Their mineral-rich and fiber-full properties make them bloat-beating all-stars. 3- Onions You already know that alliums like garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, and shallots add lots of flavors, but they also provide tons of prebiotic fiber. Sneak them into savory dishes, like omelets and healthy salads. 4- Citrus Fruits The potassium in citrus helps combat bloat while the antioxidants fight inflammation, which is associated with belly-fat storage. Since a key part of beating the bulge is proper hydration, adding citrus to your H2O can help non-water drinkers to sip up and ultimately slim down! 5- Asparagus As a prebiotic-filled veggie, asparagus is a great addition to soups, pastas, and omelets, or served as a side dish. For extra bloat-beating benefits, try pairing asparagus sticks with other crudité and dipping in hummus. 6-Tomatoes Tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, and other salad staples all help you stay hydrated due to their high H2O content. That extra water can offset fluid retention caused by excess salt. 7- Coffee and Tea: Another win for your morning cup of joe: Caffeinated coffee keeps things moving through the digestive tract. Since staying regular is key to a tighter-looking tummy, drinking about 8 to 16 ounces of java at the same time every day can help you stay on schedule. Remember: Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, so skip fancy flavorings and synthetic sweeteners containing sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating. 8- Bananas Filled with potassium and magnesium, bananas offset the bloat caused salty processed foods and pack in plant-based prebiotics, “feeding” your good bacteria. Snack on one a day with a tablespoon of nut butter, or slice it into your morning cereal. 9- Avocados Good news for lovers of this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!): A 2013 study linked eating avocado regularly to lower waist circumference and BMI. What’s more, the monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and filling, reducing the urge to graze on processed foods later on. 10- Leafy Greens Plant-based omega-3s belong in any healthy eating plan, but leafy greens and cauliflower are especially helpful for tightening up. They’re loaded with minerals like potassium, which can help offset the bloat-inducing effects of sodium. ... Viewmore: https://ift.tt/3bFF5em =========================================== Disclaimer: The products and also the information contained on here are attended to basic and also academic functions just and also do not make up any type of lawful, medical or other expert suggestions on any type of subject. These statements have actually not been examined by the FDA and also are not meant to diagnose, deal with or treat any condition. Always look for the advice of your doctor or various other qualified health and wellness company before starting any type of brand-new diet regimen or treatment as well as with any kind of questions you may have pertaining to a clinical problem. If you have or believe that you have a medical issue, without delay call your health care company. What Foods To Eat to Lose Belly Fat? 27 Food For You | BellyFatZone #FoodstoEattoLoseBellyFat #BellyFatZone Subscribe: https://ift.tt/2yUPpC1 - You are always the first to receive valuable videos! ====================================== Website: https://ift.tt/2MSOdUl Facebook: https://ift.tt/2WFUwiJ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellyfatzonecom Pinterest: https://ift.tt/2WCtEA4 ====================================== 1- Herbs and Spices Flavor foods with herbs and spices whenever you can. It’ll encourage you to cut back on high-sodium staples and avoid the salt shaker, a major player in bloating. Plus, many have mild diuretic effects, helping you flush out excess water. We love basil, cilantro, rosemary, sage, tarragon, mint, oregano, and black and red chili peppers, to name a few. 2- Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other good-for-you orange veggies are lower in calories and chock-full of potassium and beta-carotene. Their mineral-rich and fiber-full properties make them bloat-beating all-stars. 3- Onions You already know that alliums like garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, and shallots add lots of flavors, but they also provide tons of prebiotic fiber. Sneak them into savory dishes, like omelets and healthy salads. 4- Citrus Fruits The potassium in citrus helps combat bloat while the antioxidants fight inflammation, which is associated with belly-fat storage. Since a key part of beating the bulge is proper hydration, adding citrus to your H2O can help non-water drinkers to sip up and ultimately slim down! 5- Asparagus As a prebiotic-filled veggie, asparagus is a great addition to soups, pastas, and omelets, or served as a side dish. For extra bloat-beating benefits, try pairing asparagus sticks with other crudité and dipping in hummus. 6-Tomatoes Tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, and other salad staples all help you stay hydrated due to their high H2O content. That extra water can offset fluid retention caused by excess salt. 7- Coffee and Tea: Another win for your morning cup of joe: Caffeinated coffee keeps things moving through the digestive tract. Since staying regular is key to a tighter-looking tummy, drinking about 8 to 16 ounces of java at the same time every day can help you stay on schedule. Remember: Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, so skip fancy flavorings and synthetic sweeteners containing sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating. 8- Bananas Filled with potassium and magnesium, bananas offset the bloat caused salty processed foods and pack in plant-based prebiotics, “feeding” your good bacteria. Snack on one a day with a tablespoon of nut butter, or slice it into your morning cereal. 9- Avocados Good news for lovers of this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!): A 2013 study linked eating avocado regularly to lower waist circumference and BMI. What’s more, the monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and filling, reducing the urge to graze on processed foods later on. 10- Leafy Greens Plant-based omega-3s belong in any healthy eating plan, but leafy greens and cauliflower are especially helpful for tightening up. They’re loaded with minerals like potassium, which can help offset the bloat-inducing effects of sodium. ... Viewmore: https://ift.tt/3bFF5em =========================================== Disclaimer: The products and also the information contained on here are attended to basic and also academic functions just and also do not make up any type of lawful, medical or other expert suggestions on any type of subject. These statements have actually not been examined by the FDA and also are not meant to diagnose, deal with or treat any condition. Always look for the advice of your doctor or various other qualified health and wellness company before starting any type of brand-new diet regimen or treatment as well as with any kind of questions you may have pertaining to a clinical problem. If you have or believe that you have a medical issue, without delay call your health care company.