FOOD: New Year's Eve Cocktails and Appetizers!

Make your friends a Royal Tenenbaum cocktail tonight and become (or help them become) the life of the party!

http://www.soakupliving.com/NewYearsEveCocktails.html

If you are like me, you may still be wondering what to serve your guests today and tomorrow. Here are a couple of ideas!

http://www.soakupliving.com/ASophisticatedNewYearsEve.html

CINEMA: How Interesting Does a Film about a Dog Sound?

Pretty darn interesting, I'm surprised to say. I placed my hand on the book "Marley & Me" at Barnes and Noble tonight, thinking I should read it before watching the film as I usually try to do, but then decided I am going to break my rule this time. There is something about the combination of Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson that makes me think that this film may actually be better than the book.

According to Fandango, "Marley & Me" opened up at the Box Office this week to an astounding $37M. I have been busy with family stuff but plan to head out over the next couple of days and catch a matinee of this one. Then, I'll probably read the book and enjoy the additional flavor that the written word allows while imagining Jennifer and Owen in the leading roles.

This is the trailer that got me excited about watching this film: http://www.soakupliving.com/JenniferAnistonOnMarleyMe.html

Whether you like or dislike the film (or the book), we'd love to hear your observations!

HOME: Bring a Little of the Outdoors Indoors and Vice Versa

If you live somewhere that is cold (and if you live in North America, you probably do), the last thing you are thinking about right now is your outdoor furniture.

However, even as you spruce up the interior of your home, it's never too early to start thinking about your next outdoor makeover.

This video just released from WatchMojo.com covers some interesting trends for outdoor living and how to bring some of the outdoors indoors and some of the indoors outdoors to create an exotic yet comfortable living space spanning the best of both worlds...

Visit http://www.soakupliving.com/OutdoorFurnitureAndAccessories.html to watch the video.

STYLE: Fashion Team 86 Presents Boob Maternity Fashions

Watch the video here: http://www.soakupliving.com/BoobMaternity.html

Regardless of the company name, you gotta' love what this company is all about - helping women weather the shape-altering state of pregnancy without looking frumpy. They also say their styles can be worn before, during and after pregnancy - what a great, economical idea!

In this video, Boob Maternity fashions show that, "Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to look frumpy. The Fashion Team checks out the chic styles of Boob Maternity, a unique line of maternity clothes for every stage of pregnancy!" (TV Broadband, 12-9-08)

SUCCESS: Communicate Effectively With Your Boss

This video offers great communication tips to help you succeed with making requests of your boss, as well as in communicating with others in your professional network with a little more finesse and better results than might be typical (for you or for anyone).

http://www.soakupliving.com/HowToEffectivelyCommunicateWithYourBoss.html

Home Page Video Playlist Updated on Soak Up Living

I just updated these videos to the home page of Soak Up Living. They'll be there for a day or two....

Island style apple pineapple cake
8-Dec-08 7:04 AM GMT

Grammy's Cheese Ball
8-Dec-08 5:00 AM GMT

Chocolate Chess Pie
8-Dec-08 5:00 AM GMT

Tune Into 'Cadillac Records'
"Only On The Web:" Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, Gabrielle Union, Eamonn Walker and director Darnell Martin speak about "Cadillac Records," which costars Beyonce Knowles and Adrien Brody.
7-Dec-08 3:31 AM GMT

Qualities of Lasting Relationships
When it comes to relationships, it is definitely a give and take. We want that perfect partner, but how do we find them? And once we do, how do we make sure we do not mess it up?
8-Dec-08 2:46 PM GMT

Discover Italian Beers
Consumption of Italian beer is not as widespread as other European countries, mainly because of a historical preference for wine in the country. In this video we discover what breweries are doing to try to change that, one example is Piccolo Birrificio Chiostro, a beer brewed with Absinthe leaves.
8-Dec-08 1:00 PM GMT

Tips for Keeping off the Holiday Weight
Plan for parties, use low-fat ingredients, don't deprive yourself.
8-Dec-08 5:00 AM GMT

How To Decorate a Shadow Box
Whether you want to commemorate a special event or just keep the dust off mementos, a shadow box is a great way to show off your treasures.
7-Dec-08 2:01 PM GMT

Baby Show Highlights and Interviews - Part 1
In this video see highlights from a recent baby show that is sure to help any new mom.
7-Dec-08 1:00 PM GMT

Too Much Exercise Could Be Bad For Pregnant Women
(Denver, CO) Women need to know there can be too much of a good thing when they exercise while pregnant. A little bit can mean easier labor and delivery, but too much exercise can be risky, Dr. Dave Hnida reports.
6-Dec-08 11:03 PM GMT

Great Gifts For The Chef In The Family
(Minneapolis, MN) Do you have a cook or a want to be chef at home? We've got some holiday gift ideas just for that person on your list, Heather Brown reports (4:06).
6-Dec-08 3:01 PM GMT

How To Look Great in a Winter Scarf
Stay warm and look chic this winter with a few simple scarf-tying tricks.
6-Dec-08 2:01 PM GMT

Meet the Cast and Creative team of Surviving My Mother
A mother is taken on an emotional roller-coaster ride when she delves into the troubled life of her 21-year-old daughter. Starring Robert Crooks, Ellen David, Caroline Dhavernas, Adam Harrington, Jessica Malka. Directed by Emile Gaudreault.
6-Dec-08 1:00 PM GMT

Baby Show Highlights and Interviews - Part 2
In this video we will show you some highlights from a baby show that will surely help any mother to be.
6-Dec-08 1:00 PM GMT

Networking For A Cure
One woman has taken her crusade against ALS to the Web, creating a social networking site in the hopes of finding a cure. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has more.
6-Dec-08 12:46 AM GMT

Obama Gets Advice From Young Penpals
(Chicago, IL) A national writing program called "Mail to the Chief" encourages school children to send letters to President-elect Barack Obama. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.
5-Dec-08 11:58 PM GMT

Boldly going beer!
A beer goes where no beer has gone before? We've got the latest on how to keep your kids injury free. The latest true love story by Fancy Feast and more! See what's on the plate as Shay Pausa serves up today's Daily Dish on SheKnows.com!
5-Dec-08 11:25 PM GMT

Heavy Exercise & Pregnancy Dangerous Combination
(Baltimore, MD) Doctors agree, it's a good thing to exercise during pregnancy, but Karen Brown reports a new study shows that too much of a good thing can lead to problems for mother and baby.
5-Dec-08 10:02 PM GMT

Fitness Must-Haves
What you need to jump start your healthy living and nutrition goals.
5-Dec-08 6:22 PM GMT

Wrap Up a Great Idea! Books Equal Gifts
America's book publishers are proud to debut a holiday video featuring celebrities sharing their reasons why books make great gifts.
5-Dec-08 5:35 PM GMT

How To Furnish an Apartment With Practically No Money
You can't be a couch potato without a couch. So stop squatting around and listen to these hints.
5-Dec-08 5:30 PM GMT

How To Shuck an Oyster
8-Dec-08 10:31 PM GMT

The Unlikely Lavender Queen
Jeannie Ralston figured she'd live in New York City forever. So how did this big city girl end up growing lavender in rural Texas? And how did she go from miserable to delighting in a life better than anything she could've planned for herself?
8-Dec-08 10:00 PM GMT

How To Make Perfect Pancakes
Impress your brunch guests—or just treat yourself—to light, fluffy, delicious pancakes.
8-Dec-08 6:33 PM GMT

How To Make French Toast
Velvety on the inside, crisp on the outside, great French toast is like the delicious love child of bread and custard. Here's how to make it yourself.
7-Dec-08 7:31 PM GMT

FOOD: Discover Italian Beers (Huh?)

I know that "beer" is not a usual topic on my blog, however all things Italian certainly are. Besides, the phrase "Italian beer" piqued my curiosity. Have you ever tried Italian beer?

Per this video, "Consumption of Italian beer is not as widespread as other European countries, mainly because of a historical preference for wine in the country. In this video we discover what breweries are doing to try to change that, one example is Piccolo Birrificio Chiostro, a beer brewed with Absinthe leaves." (WatchMojo.com - 12/8/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/DiscoverItalianBeers.html

CINEMA: Tune Into 'Cadillac Records,' Starring Adrien Brody and Beyonce Knowles

I'm not sure when this comes out but it should be good. Adrien Brody is one of my favorite actors. Once you've seen it, please let me know what you think. As soon as I see it, I'll come back and post a review.

"'Only On The Web:' Cedric The Entertainer, Columbus Short, Gabrielle Union, Eamonn Walker and director Darnell Martin speak about "Cadillac Records," which costars Beyonce Knowles and Adrien Brody." (CBS News - 12/7/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/TuneIntoCadillacRecords.html

HEALTH: Tips for Keeping off the Holiday Weight

Personally, I think you should just enjoy yourself and eat whatever you want during the holidays then worry about it in 2009. However, if you ARE worried about packing on a few pounds during the holidays, check out this video containing tips on how to keep off the holiday weight.

Plan for parties, use low-fat ingredients, don't deprive yourself. (ABC/CW/13 - 12/8/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/TipsforKeepingofftheHolidayWeight.html

FOOD: Shake Up the Holidays with Island-Style Apple Pineapple Cake

I haven't had a chance to attempt this recipe for island-style apple pineapple cake yet, but I bet it would add a nice tropical flavor to the cold winter months... If you make it, please post a comment and let us know about both the cooking and devouring experiences!

http://www.soakupliving.com/Island-StyleApplePineappleCake.html

SUCCESS: How Not to Mess Up Your Next Relationship (Don't Take It from Me)

I'm really not qualified to comment on this video outlining the qualities of lasting relationships, but I hope you get something out of it! :-)

"When it comes to relationships, it is definitely a give and take. We want that perfect partner, but how do we find them? And once we do, how do we make sure we do not mess it up?" (SomeGirls.tv - 12/8/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/QualitiesofLastingRelationships.html

SUCCESS: Living A Moral Life is Easier Than It Sounds

One of my favorite classes at Harvard Business School was The Moral Leader. Every week for a full semester we read a different book and often watched the accompanying film containing the story of a leader facing a moral dilemma so we could study his or her actions and learn from them. I was raised by parents who were particularly focused on helping my sister and I learn to make the right decisions and many a dinner conversation (and spanking session) was consumed by this very topic. I still enjoy mulling over complex moral decisions faced by our world's leaders and the ordinary/extraordinary leaders around me and wondering what I would do if I were faced with the same decisions.

This video highlights some really important points in striving to lead a moral life: A Moral Life In A Modern World

"Father Thomas Williams spoke to Maggie Rodriguez about how to live a moral life and figuring out right from wrong in a modern world." (CBS News - 12/4/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/AMoralLifeInAModernWorld.html

FAMILY: How to Raise a Baby (Especially if You Still Feel Like You Act Like One Yourself Sometimes)

I have been taking care of my adorable niece for the past two weeks and realize that it's SO MUCH HARDER than it sounds. Yesterday, my sister said, "I don't know how alcoholics and drug addicts do this. It's really hard and requires a lot of energy." Then she looked at me and said, "I'm not sure you are ready." For the record, I am not an alcoholic nor a drug addict. And I guess it was a bit odd that she kind of ran those two disparate thoughts together in her mind. However, I realized that the conversation had enabled me to set a very real goal for myself when I said, "I'm ready. And I'll probably end up somewhere between being as good a mom as you are and a crack mom."

Anyway, I digress. The point of this blog posting is that there are tips to help you (and me someday!) learn how to raise a baby successfully: Baby Show Highlights and Interviews - Part 1

In this video see highlights from a recent baby show that is sure to help any new mom. (WatchMojo.com - 12/7/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/BabyShowHighlightsandInterviews-Part1.html



Baby Show Highlights and Interviews - Part 2

In this video see highlights from a recent baby show that is sure to help any new mom. (WatchMojo.com - 12/7/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/BabyShowHighlightsandInterviews-Part2.html

HOME: How to Furnish an Apartment on Next to Nothing

Since I just quit my job and expect to spiral into bankruptcy sometime within the next year (how's that for positive thinking about my future success as an entrepreneur?), this video may come in handy! :-)


And if you have a college-aged kid, it could definitely help your family out during this period of economic turmoil: How To Furnish an Apartment With Practically No Money

"You can't be a couch potato without a couch. So stop squatting around and listen to these hints." (Howcast - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/HowToFurnishanApartmentWithPracticallyNoMoney.html

HOME: Entertaining Made Easy? I'll Take All the Help I Can Get!

In my past, the words "easy" and "entertaining" haven't really made it into the same sentence. Check out some expert tips in this video Entertaining Made Easy to help you survive (and enjoy!) the holiday season...

"One way to eliminate the stress of entertaining guests for dinner is to make the meal ahead of time. Food expert Chris Kimball shows Maggie Rodriguez the tricks of the trade. (CBS News - 12/5/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/EntertainingMadeEasy.html

TRAVEL: Travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands

I had a chance to visit the Turks & Caicos with a French boyfriend who wanted to stay at Club Med there. I think we went to Mauritius instead that year and I'm still dreaming of visiting these islands... As an avid scuba diver and rescue diver, I try to take at least a couple of diving trips per year and this destination is high on my list - see if this travel video inspires you to want to join me! Travel To Turks & Caicos

"The Turks & Caicos Islands are home to the Best Beach in the World, with legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing. In this video we discover Turks and Caicos. (WatchMojo.com - 12/4/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/TravelToTurksCaicos.html

TRAVEL: Eyes on Kenya (or on Dean Cain if Africa Bores You)

My travels to Africa so far have been contained to the Northernmost (Tunisia) and Southernmost points (South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana). As I dream about my next foray into Africa, the dream is split between a decadently-equipped game farm in Kenya (I'm too old and unadventurous to hike in Africa like days gone by!) and a week on a beach in Zanzibar. This video has made me start planning a trip to Africa in 2009 with renewed interest: Eyes on Kenya: Dean Cain

"Dean Cain, TV's Superman, stars in EYES ON KENYA, a MyNetworkTV documentary about the beauty of Kenya. He talks with TV Watercooler about the trip he made with a host of other celebrities, and, his new Western for the Hallmark Channel." (TV Broadband - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/EyesonKenyaDeanCain.html

FOOD: If I Could Change Careers (Wait, I Can!), I'd Like to Become a Chocolate Smith!

The Chocolate Smith

"Step inside the shop of a creative chocolate smith." (KOB.com - 12/4/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/TheChocolateSmith.html

WINE: Choosing the Perfect Wine for a Meal or a Dinner Party

I spent yesterday evening doing a wine tasting at the Tarara Winery in Leesburg, Virginia (Tarara Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176 (703) 771-7100) and can't wait to come back for their wine and music evenings by the lake when it's a little warmer! I took copious notes throughout my tasting (as I do in every wine tasting until my handwriting starts becoming illegible) because I am especially interested in food & wine pairings. I think that wine is never perfect until it's matched with exactly the right accompaniment. This video, Choosing The Perfect Wine, helps you make that critical decision.

"Whether hosting or attending a dinner party, wine is always an issue. What do you serve? What do you give your host? Gary Vaynerchuk, author of Wines 101, explains how's its done to Harry Smith." (CBS News - 12/3/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/ChoosingThePerfectWine.html

HEALTH: Fitness Must-Haves to Achieve Healthy Living and Solid Nutrition

My last post was about Victoria's Secret models and beauty queens, so it's only fitting that this video be about what it takes to keep us all fit enough to want to strut our stuff: Fitness Must-Haves

"What you need to jump start your healthy living and nutrition goals." (Better TV - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/FitnessMust-Haves.html

STYLE: Who Would Really WANT to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

My godbrother recently married the winner of the bathing suit contest in a Miss America pageant. Needless to say, I'll be avoiding going to the beach with them for as long as possible. I have the same kind of envy for the figures of the Victoria Secret swimsuit models (and longing for the kind of confidence it would take for me to strut down a pageant or fashion show runway that scantily clad). But a girl should never stop trying to achieve perfection and this video made me hit the treadmill with renewed vigor! Heidi Klum in Victoria's Secret

"The Victoria's Secret girls are at it again! Usher performs as Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Marisa Miller and Heidi Klum take to the runway for the 2008 Victoria's Secret fashion show. Check it out here!" (TV Broadband - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/HeidiKluminVictoriasSecret.html

STYLE: The Right Coat Can Really Finish the Outfit

In this video, Fashion - Wrap It Up with Coats, see how celebrities and models finish their looks by choosing the perfect coat.

"Runway is fantasy, and sometimes deconstructing the fantasy and translating it to day to day can be difficult. We sometimes look to celebrities to get inspiration and incorporate that into our own style." (SomaGirls.tv - 12/6/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/Fashion-CoatTrendWrapUp.html

STYLE: Look Great in a Winter Scarf (Yes, There's a Formula!)

When I lived in Paris, I always wondered how French women could walk down the streets looking like their scarves were floating effortlessly about them when mine kept falling off and being dragged through puddles.

This video gives us all who struggle with achieving the glamorous scarf look a little help: How To Look Great in a Winter Scarf

"Stay warm and look chic this winter with a few simple scarf-tying tricks." (Howcast - 12/6/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/HowToLookGreatinaWinterScarf.html

ART: A Lifetime of Art

When we were little, we took art in school and attempted crafts at home. Our educators and parents obviously figured out that using the right-side of our brains in creative, artistic ways was good for our development. This young girl is taking her art seriously and I hope it will inspire you to revive the artistic dreams of your own childhood or help keep your own kids creating art and adding beauty to the world: Little Girl Takes On Big Art Show

"Artists from all over the world have converged on Miami Beach for Art Basel, but age isn't an impediment for little artists showing high-priced art." (12/4/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/LittleGirlTakesOnBigArtShow.html

BOOKS: Out of the Mouths of Babes - Why Not Get Love Advice from a 9-Year-Old?

Other than the fact that it's sad whenever our young people get exposed to themes beyond their years, it's pretty cute that a 9-year-old has written a book called "How to Talk to Girls." I know a lot of 29-year-old, 39-year-old and even 49-year-old men who still haven't figured that one out! Check out the video here: A 9-Year-Old's Love Advice

"At age 9, Alec Greven has seen enough of the relations between men and women to write a book,"How To Talk To Girls." He shares his advice with Harry Smith." (CBS News - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/A9-Year-OldsLoveAdvice.html

CINEMA: J.K. Rowling's Latest Enchantment

On a recent trip to London, my taxi driver pointed out the forests where a lot of the filming for the Harry Potter film series happened. If I have more time next time, I plan to wander through those woods and see if I feel a sense of the enchantment brought about by this wonderful literary series.

In this video, Rowling's Latest Enchantment, "J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, has not lost her magic touch when it comes to generating big excitement over her latest books. Richard Roth reports." (CBS News - 12/5/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/RowlingsLatestEnchantment.html

BOOKS: 'The Purpose of Christmas' (i.e., The Reason for the Season)

Anyone who has read "The Purpose Driven Life" trusts the advice of Pastor Rick Warren. In this video, he talks about his new book 'The Purpose Of Christmas'.

"Pastor Rick Warren has sold over 30 million copies of his book "The Purpose Driven Life." Now, Warren talks with Harry Smith about his latest book, "The Purpose of Christmas." (CBS News - 12/5/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/ThePurposeOfChristmas.html

BOOKS: Books Make Great Christmas Gifts!

I started a book site (Beach Reads) because I love to read, so I think that books make the greatest gifts in the world. A careful selection for a friend or family member can show that you understand what he or she is passionate about and that you "get them" in a way that that you cannot convey with an ordinary, impersonal gift.

This video shows how books can make great gifts this holiday season: Wrap Up a Great Idea! Books Equal Gifts

"America's book publishers are proud to debut a holiday video featuring celebrities sharing their reasons why books make great gifts. (Books - 12/5/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/WrapUpaGreatIdeaBooksEqualGifts.html

BOOKS: Some Helpful Tips on Being an Author

As an aspiring writer myself, I enjoyed this video: Tips On Being An Author

"WatchMojo.com sits down with fiction writer, Nairne Holtz, and speaks a bit about self-publishing and being a published author in this day and age. (WatchMojo.com - 12/4/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/TipsOnBeingAnAuthor.html

CINEMA: The Gotham Independent Film Awards

Each year, the Gotham Independent Film Awards rewards the top actors and directors of Indie films. Check out this video of the red carpet: Carpetbagger: The Gotham Awards

David Carr reports from the 2008 Gotham Independent Film Awards, with a behind-the-scenes look at the front line of the awards season; the red carpet. (The New York Times - 12/4/08)

http://www.soakupliving.com/CarpetbaggerTheGothamAwards.html

MUSIC: Chasing Pavements - Adele's Music Video

The first time I heard this song I was relaxing in a cove on my boat and I loved it! It resonated with me regarding something that was going on in my life. I hope you enjoy this video preview: Adele 'Chasing Pavements' Music Video

"Following in the footsteps of Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash and Duffy, Neo-soul singer Adele is taking America by storm. Check out her video CHASING PAVEMENTS then see her performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Dec 10. (TV Broadband - 12/4/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/AdeleChasingPavementsMusicVideo.html

MUSIC: Faith Hill's New Song, A Baby Changes Everything, Speaks an Honest Truth

I was having dinner tonight at my sister's house and we were struggling to feed my niece when I heard this song for the first time, and laughed at its honesty and timeliness - watch the video here: Faith Hill Singing A Baby Changes Everything

"Faith Hill is all over your TV this holiday season including a PBS special called Joy to the World. She also has a new album of Christmas songs that includes this next video called A Baby Changes Everything. (TV Broadband - 12/4/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/FaithHillSingingBabyChangesEverything.html

MUSIC: Harry Connick, Jr. Croons Holiday Tunes

I had the pleasure of meeting Harry Connick, Jr. when he sang for the Katrina victims in the Astrodome. His soothing voice and positive attitude have carried over into a new release of Christmas tunes. Check out the video interview of him here: Harry Connick, Jr. Holiday Album

"Harry Connick, Jr. offers up a Christmas album and Hollywood 411 sits down with the crooner to find out about what went into What a Night! A Christmas Album; in stores now for holiday cheer. (TV Broadband - 12/5/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/HarryConnickJrHolidayAlbum.html

MUSIC: How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall? You Tube!

The internet has opened up a whole new avenue for struggling musicians to show their talent and meet teams of people in the music industry who can make their success happen. This video shows the power of You Tube: How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall? You Tube!

"There's a new way to get to Carnegie Hall - YouTube, YouTube, YouTube. The online video site announced plans Monday for a YouTube Symphony Orchestra, featuring a collaboration of wannabe musicians with Carnegie Hall, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. (AP - 12/3/08)"

http://www.soakupliving.com/HowDoYouGettoCarnegieHallYouTube.html

Welcome to the Soak Up Living Blog!

Welcome to the Soak Up Living blog, where we will post commentary and videos about the things in life we are passionate about!

Soak Up Living is a mind body spirit destination for individuals inspired by the arts, travel and style who love living a balanced yet indulgent life.

* Inspire Your Mind (Music, Cinema, Books & Art)

* Indulge Your Body (Style, Health, Wine & Chocolate)

* Invigorate Your Spirit (Travel, Home, Family & Success)

We look forward to hearing back from you on the items we post!


The Soak Up Living Team