seasonal Archives - now & gen

Fall Cocktail Recipes

Nowandgen Author — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 21:37:12 +0000

In celebration of cooler temps and the changing season, I’ve rounded up six fall cocktail recipes from some of my favorite people, places, and publications.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Nowandgen Author — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 20:44:17 +0000

21 gift ideas for grown ups and kids that help us focus on creating joyful memories with the ones we love.

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Creating a Tablecloth of Gratitude

Heather Catania — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 23:22:54 +0000

No matter how planned the day is, Thanksgiving always feels so frantic. This year, I wanted to create a personal touch that could be a conversation starter and sweet contribution to our Thanksgiving and allow our family some time to reflect on the year. Since I love home decor and tablescapes centered around fall and family, I had the idea to make a gratitude tablecloth. It’s easy to lose sight of our memories and what we are thankful for, so it was wonderful to all gather together to artistically illustrate our favorite moments from the year. I also love that the gratitude tablecloth is not too precious. I want it to live under our plates and trays and for every wine ring and gravy stain to add to the decor and the memories. It’s messy, just like we are! I have to admit, it didn’t come out exactly as I was envisioning—it’s not quite as bright and full as I thought it would be, though I realize that will take time and memories. But it did its job to get the kids thinking about all the wonderful things they have in their lives, from family and friends to toys and […]

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9 Ways to Reduce Holiday Hosting Stress

Heather Catania — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 17:39:48 +0000

In case you missed my confession last year, I’m known as The Grinch of Thanksgiving dinner. I love the actual holiday—having the whole family together and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. The rest of it, not so much. All of the planning, cleaning, and cooking (especially making sure the turkey and all the other dishes are done at the same time) stresses me out! I’m in awe of people who are able to throw parties with such ease. So I asked the hostess with the mostess, Gina Whittington, to share some of her secrets to reduce holiday hosting stress. She’s an event planner here in Austin who not only effortlessly hosts the holidays every year, but routinely throws exquisite events from intimate dinners to parties for over 200 people (and that’s just at her own house!). Read on to find Gina’s strategies for stress-free entertaining. And then let me know: Do you host the holidays for your family? If yes, what are your tricks to reduce party-hosting anxiety? Divide the labor Just because you’re the host, doesn’t mean you have to shoulder everything yourself. Communicate with your partner and see what they can do to help you out. My husband, for instance, […]

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DIY: Feathered Halloween Masks

Heather Catania — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:25:03 +0000

Confession: I’m a huge stan of Martha Stewart. I used to hoard all her magazines growing up and could spend hours flipping through the pages. She has this inner toughness mixed with femininity that I admire. Not to mention all those amazing crafts! I’ve always found crafting fun and relaxing, especially when the items you make, like these Halloween masks, are pretty and usable. My friend Virginia Davidson saw these DIY feathered Halloween masks on Creative Bug and suggested them to me as an activity to do with the kids. They were a huge hit and a fun way for me to channel my inner Martha. When doing this craft with kids, you will need to be careful of burning little fingers (yours included) with hot glue. But the gorgeous end result is well worth it. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to make your own DIY feathered Halloween masks. And let me know how you feel about crafting with your kids (crazy fun or crazy stressful?) in the comments! What You’ll Need store bought white or black masks hot glue gun scissors craft felt in a variety of colors loose feathers Step 1 Pick three or four felt colors. (For an owl, […]

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9 Things on My Fall Bucket List

Heather Catania — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:05:18 +0000

I love this time of year. The weather is finally getting cooler, which means I can pull out my boots, sweaters and jackets (layering makes me so happy!), watch as the leaves change from green to yellow to orange, and cozy up with my family over hearty stews and roasted root vegetables. I also love that it reminds me to be more present and enjoy family time before we launch into the chaos of the holidays—which inspired me to make a fall bucket list this year. Here are some of the things I hope to do this season with our family (or just for me). Check out my list below and let me know what your fall bucket list looks like. There’s even a graphic you can pin and print for yourself if you need some inspo! Spend one-on-one time with each of my kids As my kids grow up and participate in more sports and after-school activities, I’m finding it harder and harder to spend quality time together. And the older they get, I’m finding the more different they are and the more unique their experiences. For instance, Tom isn’t as vocal about what’s going on at school and […]

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November Lit List

Heather Catania — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 17:41:50 +0000

Oops—I’ve been so focused on running the Seattle half marathon that I forgot to post my November Lit List. I think I’m still on a runner’s high. The adrenaline rush I felt crossing that finish line was incredible and I’m already fantasizing about where to run my next race. But first, I’m ready to give my body a break and curl up on the couch with a good book. Here are the five new(ish) releases that I can’t wait to tuck into… Becoming by Michelle Obama There are so many things I admire about our former First Lady: that she’s a strong working mom, that she’s an outspoken proponent of healthy eating and exercise, that she’s setting a positive example for all our kids, girls and boys alike (“when they go low, we go high.”) Even though it just came out, I’m already burning through her memoir. Michelle Obama is one of those women who we feel like we already know because of her public persona, but it’s fascinating to hear the story in her own words, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to living in the White House. Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver While plenty of nonfiction […]

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5 PERFECT FALL SWEATERS

Heather Catania — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 06:00:05 +0000

Is it really November already?! I can’t believe how fast fall has flown by. Between carpools, the boy’s weekend sports and mommy & me play dates with my baby, it’s hard to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things. One of my favorite little things about this time of year: sweater weather. Growing up in Montana and Idaho, I learned to embrace the chill and love an excuse to curl up in some cozy knits. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites here. You’ll notice most of them are cardigans. These sweaters have become my must-have layering piece for fall in Austin—where temperatures can go from 80 degrees to 50 degrees in a matter of hours. I love that I can easily throw them on over a dress, jumpsuit or button-down when the temperatures dip. And they’re a fun way to add unexpected color and texture to an outfit. Scroll my favorites below. Boden USA Sweater, $110 A vibrant lightning bolt gives a basic merino blend crewneck some major character. I love the pops of color—and fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Marc Jacobs Chunky Cable-Knit Cardigan, $575 A neon blue hue and oversized […]

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Scary-Easy Halloween Recipes

Heather Catania — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 06:00:39 +0000

I love the idea of a DIY Halloween party, of Martha Stewart-ing every last detail of my kids’ favorite holiday. But the sad truth is: I’m kinda terrible at it. I can admire a curated Pinterest board of perfectly decorated spider cupcakes and handmade costumes as much as the next mom, but “craftsy” is not a word I’d use to describe myself. Unfortunately for me, my kids are begging for all things Halloween-themed right now… I decided to try out a couple of seemingly easy DIY Halloween recipes that I thought even a craftily challenged mom like myself could pull off. Well, as you’ll see, my results wouldn’t exactly make anyone’s Pinterest board. The snacks still made my kids’ day though, which is really the most important thing. Shep and I had the best time playing in the kitchen together—and laughing my missteps. I love that these moments with my kids never fail to remind me what the holidays are really about. If you’d like to give them a go, the “recipes” don’t require a lot of tools. All you need are a couple of cookie cutters, and you’re ready to go. And I even added my own little “Not-So-Pro […]

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Happy Hour: Fall for This Spiked Mulled Cider

Heather Catania — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:39:37 +0000

Nothing says fall like apples—especially mulled apple cider spiked with bourbon. This is my go-to autumn cocktail. It’s insanely easy to make, perfect for big gatherings and its warm spices make my house smell ahh-mazing. We’re having a bunch of families over before we commence trick-or-treating this year and I’m already planning to have a pot of this stuff on hand. Simply heat up the apple cider in a slow cooker or stockpot with the spices. All the kids can drink it as is and the grown-ups can add a little kick to their mug as needed. Pro tip (er, confession): We sometimes take one to-go in a coffee thermos for a cozy Trick-or-Treat roadie. It’s good way to stay warm—responsibly, of course!—as we trek from house to house. Kentucky Mulled Cider Ingredients: Apple cider Dash of cinnamon Dash of nutmeg 1¼ oz of your favorite bourbon Cinnamon stick or star anise pod Orange peel strip Warm the apple cider over low heat, stirring in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the bourbon into your favorite cup, then top with the warm spiced cider. Add a cinnamon stick or star anise pod. Twist the orange peel strip to release its […]

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