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Sunday, September 30, 2012
Fired Up for Fall
Fired Up for Fall
Ok ok we know summer isn’t over quite yet – BUT – we just can’t help being super excited for fall. It’s hat season after all! And more than hats, fall means hot apple cider, pumpkin picking and county fairs – what could be better?!
To celebrate the impending season of cozy sweaters, cute hats and delicious drinks, we’re bringing you a fun fall recipe, and some tips for cooking the season’s signature food – squash!
When it comes to diet super-foods, squash has to be right up there. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber – and it’s easy to grow and cheap to buy. When cooking squash the first decision is how to cut it. If you’ve got a oblong shaped squash like butternut, cut it length wise. For round varieties, either cut off the top, or cut a circle around the stem. When it comes to peeling, only strip the sides if you’re going to cube or slice it. For other cooking methods, keep the peel on and scoop out the inside.
And when you’re feeling chilly and in the mood for a delicious, hearty soup – use this incredible Paula Dean recipe to warm you up!
Creamy Squash Soup (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/creamy-squash-soup-recipe/index.html)
Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine squash, onion, carrots, broth and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream, or sprinkle of crushed chestnuts, if desired.
Ok ok we know summer isn’t over quite yet – BUT – we just can’t help being super excited for fall. It’s hat season after all! And more than hats, fall means hot apple cider, pumpkin picking and county fairs – what could be better?!
Pumpkin Spice Latte (Photo by Jack Hebert)
When it comes to diet super-foods, squash has to be right up there. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber – and it’s easy to grow and cheap to buy. When cooking squash the first decision is how to cut it. If you’ve got a oblong shaped squash like butternut, cut it length wise. For round varieties, either cut off the top, or cut a circle around the stem. When it comes to peeling, only strip the sides if you’re going to cube or slice it. For other cooking methods, keep the peel on and scoop out the inside.
And when you’re feeling chilly and in the mood for a delicious, hearty soup – use this incredible Paula Dean recipe to warm you up!
Creamy Squash Soup (Photo by nebulux76)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, halved, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups diced onion
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 (13 3/4-ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup light cream or heavy cream
- Sour cream and crushed chestnuts for garnish
In a medium saucepan, combine squash, onion, carrots, broth and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream, or sprinkle of crushed chestnuts, if desired.
Happy (Almost) Labor Day Weekend
Happy (Almost) Labor Day Weekend
While it might feel like fall hasn’t landed quite yet – one of the season’s most famous crops is rearing and ready to go – apples! Due to a heat wave that swept through the region in mid-march, apples got an early start on growing, and now they’re ready to be harvested as early as week before Labor Day.
While it may seem like this is good news for apple growers, many are wary as to whether families are ready to devote their weekends to one of fall’s most time honored traditions.
“It’s too hot out,” said Ted Painter, owner of Shelburne Farm Orchard. “People are still out at the beach.”
However, orchards outside of New England have bigger fish to fry than an early harvest. Huge percentages of their crop have been devastated by drought and late spring frosts. The Department of Agriculture expects an apple crop that is down more than 14% nationally.
So I guess that means those of us in New England should feel lucky to be able to continue of our most time honored traditions of apple picking. What do you think? Are you planning to go apple picking this year? What is your favorite apple treat?
While it might feel like fall hasn’t landed quite yet – one of the season’s most famous crops is rearing and ready to go – apples! Due to a heat wave that swept through the region in mid-march, apples got an early start on growing, and now they’re ready to be harvested as early as week before Labor Day.
Fresh Picked Apples (Photo by Planetc1)
“It’s too hot out,” said Ted Painter, owner of Shelburne Farm Orchard. “People are still out at the beach.”
However, orchards outside of New England have bigger fish to fry than an early harvest. Huge percentages of their crop have been devastated by drought and late spring frosts. The Department of Agriculture expects an apple crop that is down more than 14% nationally.
Apple Picking (Photo by Jeff Kubina)
Homemade Apple Pie (Photo by avlxyz)
Cirque du Soleil is Coming to Boston!
Cirque du Soleil is Coming to Boston!
Here at Yak we believe in living life in color. Which is why we’re always trying to bring color into our lives – whether it’s through fashion, flowers, new foods, or just living with exuberance. So we couldn’t have been more excited when we found out that Cirque du Soleil (pretty much the epitome of living life in color), was bringing one of their incredible shows to our hometown of Boston, MA.
The show is called Saltimbanco, and it’s described as “an abundance of joyful and colorful acrobatics in a metropolis.” The theme of the show is life in the city – and the incredible acrobats will portraying what Cirque refers to as “the urban experience.”
Their colorful costumes are beyond amazing – and the stunts they perform are literally unbelievable. Who knew humans could bend like that?! The dates for the Boston show haven’t been set yet, but it looks like something this winter. Check the Cirque website (http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/) to sign up for email notification as soon as tickets go on sale.
Have you ever been to Cirque du Soleil show? What did you think? Which is your favorite show? Share with us on Facebook!
Here at Yak we believe in living life in color. Which is why we’re always trying to bring color into our lives – whether it’s through fashion, flowers, new foods, or just living with exuberance. So we couldn’t have been more excited when we found out that Cirque du Soleil (pretty much the epitome of living life in color), was bringing one of their incredible shows to our hometown of Boston, MA.
Saltimbanco (Photo courtesy of CirqueduSoleil.com)
Cirque du Soleil (Photo by Benson Kua)
Have you ever been to Cirque du Soleil show? What did you think? Which is your favorite show? Share with us on Facebook!
YAK Challenge: Find the correct item number to get a 50% discount coupon
YAK Challenge: Find the correct item number to get a 50% discount coupon
50% Discount coupon to you if you can figure out the item # of this hat at http://shop.yakapparel.com/; email your answer to caitlin@yakapparel.com
50% Discount coupon to you if you can figure out the item # of this hat at http://shop.yakapparel.com/; email your answer to caitlin@yakapparel.com
Favorite Fall Hats
Favorite Fall Hats
Well, it was a beautiful weekend – but despite the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had here in New England – it’s about to get a little chilly. While some of you are probably dreading the drop in degrees, we’re super excited because it’s almost time to break out all the winter hats!
To get you psyched too we’ve picked out our top styles for this fall and showcased them here on the blog (see below). AND, throughout the season we’ll also be updating the blog with fun fashion inspiration boards to give you ideas for styling your favorite accessories.
This warm and cozy, yet elegant faux fur trapper dresses up or down and keep you head and ears warm an toasty. Its beige tones are perfect for fall.
Super cute and colorful, this fun pom pom hat covers your head, ears and neck to keep you nice and toasty during that post-thanksgiving family walk.
This yellow and gray fleece lined earflap hat is perfect for both girls and guys. It’s warm, fun and classically casual.
Comfy, classy and completely cute – this pink and white headwrap is perfect for teens and snow-bunnies alike. If you’re looking for a way to keep your ears warm without worrying about hat hair – Yak headwraps are just the thing.
Do you have a favorite Yak hat? Send us a picture or share on Facebook. And don’t forget to guess the secret hat on our Facebook page – everyone who emails us the correct answer gets a 50% off coupon!
Well, it was a beautiful weekend – but despite the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had here in New England – it’s about to get a little chilly. While some of you are probably dreading the drop in degrees, we’re super excited because it’s almost time to break out all the winter hats!
Fall Foliage (Photo by dougtone)
Yak Apparel Beige Faux Fur Trapper
Yak Apparel Red/Orange Pom Pom Hat
Yak Apparel Fleece Lined Earflap Hat
Yak Apparel Pink and White Headwrap
Do you have a favorite Yak hat? Send us a picture or share on Facebook. And don’t forget to guess the secret hat on our Facebook page – everyone who emails us the correct answer gets a 50% off coupon!
Purple YAK Apparel’s winter hat
Purple YAK Apparel’s winter hat
Blue Nile white gold ring
bluenile.com
bluenile.com
Flower jewelry
sheinside.com
sheinside.com
Avril lavigne perfume
$58 - nelly.com
$58 - nelly.com
Faux fur lined pom pom winter hat
yakapparel.com
yakapparel.com