On the Side: How to Make DIY Tinsel Christmas Ornaments

Add some sparkle to your Christmas tree this year with this simple DIY Tinsel Christmas Ornament project.

Those of you who follow me on Instagram already know that I decided to make new Christmas ornaments for our Christmas tree this year after reading this article. I received so many lovely compliments about the ornaments that I thought I'd share a simple tutorial explaining how I made them in case you were looking for ways to add a little extra sparkle to your own tree.

Menu Plan: December 8 - December 14

Our weekly Menu Plan for December 8 - December 14, 2013.

Miniature Christmas Tree Centerpiece

Although we Stephen cut down our Christmas tree last weekend and I've been slowly decorating our house over the course of the past week, it didn't feel like we were approaching the peak holiday season until now. We attended our first holiday party at our friends' house in Philadelphia last night, and I'm off to a holiday luncheon with some of my sorority sisters in about 30 minutes.

The Fall Seasonal Menu at P.F. Chang's China Bistro - Plymouth Meeting, PA

Trying out some of the items on the Fall Seasonal Menu at P.F. Chang's China Bistro in Plymouth Meeting, PA

Miso Chicken - P.F. Chang's - Plymouth Meeting, PA

When I launched Taste As You Go back in 2008 (!), my friend Kym was one of my regular dining buddies as I set out to explore New York, one restaurant at a time. Although we both live in Pennsylvania, we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like now that I'm no longer based in New York (where she still works). So when the opportunity to try some of the items on the Fall Seasonal Menu at P.F. Chang's China Bistro came up, I immediately contacted Kym to see if she wanted to join me for a "dining adventure".

Luckily for me, Kym's always willing to come along as my "+1".

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Food Lovers

Image Credit: Charles and Hudson

In years past, the Holiday Gift Guides I've put together for Taste As You Go have included items that I wouldn't have minded finding under the Christmas tree. But these Guides shouldn't be just about me, and I shouldn't expect every food lover out there to think like me or to share my tastes. That's why I thought I would change things up a bit.

In this year's Holiday Gift Guide, you'll find a mixture of items on my personal Wish List and items that I've spotted throughout the year that I thought just looked like fun. If you're still looking for the perfect gift to give the favorite foodie in your life, then definitely consider the items I've compiled here. To make things easier, I've grouped them by price point.