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Tag: cake

Royal Wedding ~ Two People Fell In Love and We all Showed Up

Royal Wedding ~ Two People Fell In Love and We all Showed Up

Two people fell in love and we all showed up for a royal wedding. His Royal Highness Duke Henry Charles Albert David (Harry) married Her Royal Highness Duchess Rachel Meghan Markle (Meghan) of Sussex. This fairy tale day began 18 months ago with a blind date set up by Meghan’s friend.

Royal Wedding Dutchess Meghan Markle 4chion lifestyle
Duchess Meghan Markle

Wedding Style

The wedding took place at Windsor Castle at St George’s Chapel. The flowers and plants designed by Philippa Craddock include beech, birch, hornbeam, as well as white garden roses (late Princess Diana’s favorite), Myrtle (represents love and marriage) a tradition for all royal wedding bouquets, peonies and foxgloves. Some flowers came from Princess Diana’s garden as well. Prince William sat next to an empty seat in honor of their mother’s memory.  The chapel is a high-medieval Gothic style. This is a beautiful place to share vows with friends and family.

The dress code for the bride includes dress must have sleeve, lace, and be white. The 600 guest to the wedding dress for the day is for men military uniform, morning coats, or lounge suits and women’s dress for the day is choosing a day dress with hat.

Many guests including George and Amal Clooney, Oprah, Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, arrive in the best finery. The best-dressed guest is David Beckham. He wore a Dior Homme charcoal grey super 130’s wool twill morning coat and pants, a light grey super 150’s wool twill double-breasted waistcoat, a white 200/2 Egyptian cotton poplin shirt, a grey silk satin tie, a grey silk satin pocket square and derbies in black calfskin leather. He seems to upstage the groom, Duke Harry.

Duke Harry wore his frock-coat uniform of the Blues and Royals. Duchess Meghan wore Claire Waight Keller Givenchy boat neck neckline silk crepe and 3/4 sleeves. 2019 spring collection, Queen Mary’s diamond Bandeau tiara, and Cartier jewels.  She looked stunning in the beautiful gown. Her veil was absolutely the show stopper of the day. It was cathedral length, made from silk tulle, and featured a trim of hand-embroidered flowers from the commonwealths, Wintersweet from the Kensington Palace, and California poppy, with crops of wheat representing love and charity. Her veil is well crafted by hand and hundreds of hours of work.

Her makeup was beautiful and light. This added a sense of innocence and you could still see her freckles. Duchess Meghan gave six of her dear friends and sister-in-law Princess Catherine gold disc bespoke bracelets called the Kensington Bracelet designed by Zofia Day.

Royal Wedding Dutch Harry and Dutchess Meghan Markle 4chion lifestyle
Royal Wedding Dutch Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle First Kiss

Wedding Ceremony 

Duchess Meghan entered the chapel nave alone. This was a strong representation that she is an independent woman and a change from tradition for royal weddings. Prince Charles walked to the last pew then he steps aside while Duchess Meghan walks to Duke Harry. This again shows her strong independence and strength. Duke Harry thanks his father, looks at his bride, and says, “You look amazing, and you look so beautiful. “They exchange rings, something not traditionally done. The rings made from gifted Welch gold from Queen Elizabeth. The ceremony was one of love and commitment.  The most Revd. and Rt Honored Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury,  officiated. Duke Harry could hardly look away from his bride.

Royal Wedding Royal Family 4chion lifestyle
Royal Wedding
Royal Family

Wedding Reception

The couple took a carriage ride around the town of Windsor after sharing their first public kiss outside the chapel. They then enjoyed a ride in an electric silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero to the reception at Frogmore House. Duke Harry changed into a tuxedo and Duchess Meghan wearing bespoke Stella McCartney high neck lily-white gown in silk crepe with an aquamarine ring that once belonged to Princess Diana. They looked exceptional for the evening reception hosted by Prince Charles.

The menu for the evening reception included:

  • Scottish Langoustines wrapped in Smoked Salmon with Citrus Créme Fraiche
  • Grilled English Asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian Ham
  • Garden Pea Panna Cotta with Quail Eggs and Lemon Verbena
  • Heritage Tomato and Basil Tartare with balsamic Pearls
  • Poached Free Range Chicken bound in a Lightly Spiced Yoghurt with Roasted Apricot
  • Croquette of Confit Windsor Lamb, Roasted Vegetables, and Shallot Jam
  • Warm Asparagus Spears with Mozzarella and Sun-Blush Tomatoes
  • Fricassee of Free Range Chicken with Morel Mushrooms and Young Leeks
  • Pea and Mint Risotto with Pea Shoots, Truffle Oil, and Parmesan Crisps
  • Ten Hour Slow Roasted Windsor Pork Belly with Apple Compote and Crackling
  • Sweet Canapés including
    • Champagne and Pistachio Macaroons
    • Orange Créme Brülée Tartlets
    • Miniature Rhubarb Crumble Tartlets
  • Beverages for the evening reception include:
    • Pol Roger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage Champagne
    • Selection of Wines
    • Soft Drinks
    • Apple and Elderflower mocktail (using the same syrup as the wedding cake)
    • Sandringham Cox’s apple juice
    •  When Harry Met Meghan ginger and rum cocktail
Royal Wedding Wedding Cake 4chion lifestyle
Wedding Cake

The reception included a beautiful wedding cake. Clarie Ptak designed the wedding cake. The wedding cake features:

  • Elderflowers syrup using elderflowers from the Queen’s residence
  • A light sponge cake uniquely formulated for the couple
  • Filling Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower buttercream
  • Decorated with Swiss meringue buttercream and 140 fresh flowers that are in season

Elton John played a set of four songs after Harry asked, “Anyone here know how to play the piano?” Taking away from tradition Duchess Meghan gave a speech. The tradition is for the father of the bride to make a speech, but Duchess of Sussex (Duchess Meghan). This wedding brought modern traditions fusing with royal traditions to a new forefront.  The event concluded with fireworks.

Congrats to the newlyweds on their wedding day. There is no official notice of their honeymoon.

@4ChionLifestyle

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Happy Birthday Freebie Hauls

Happy Birthday Freebie Hauls

Birthdays are a wonderful time in life. Getting dressed up, sharing the day with friends, and loved ones. Freebies for your birthday are a lot of fun. You will gain all year access to great deals, reward programs, and freebies for your birthday for food and beauty.

Happy Birthday freebies

Great Food Birthday Opportunities: 

Happy Birthday freebies

Happy Birthday freebies

Beauty Opportunities 

Tarte sephora 4chion lifestyle

Have a happy birthday and fun gathering your free birthday fun.

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The Key To Modern Travel ~ The Moxy

The Key To Modern Travel ~ The Moxy

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Moxy in Tempe Arizona. A great anniversary “staycation”. The first night we were at the hotel we enjoyed an evening of exceptional Italian food, drinks, company, and beautiful fashion. This night was ours to savor and enjoy. This boutique hotel brings a place for the modern travel that is relaxing, peaceful, and fun.

Grand Opening

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening

The Moxy owned by Marriott managed by 24/7  opened the first Moxy in Milan Italy. The Tempe place opened with a traditional Italian dinner and fashion show.  They now have 7 opened throughout the United States and Europe. The hotel concept is about an independent that wants to make the rules.

Moxy Hotel

When we arrived check-in takes place at the bar. The lobby looks a lot different from the first night. There is no runway, but a look and feel of entering your home. The check-in takes place at the bar. The staff is young and casually dressed. The room comes with a complimentary cocktail called “The Moxy.” This is a light refreshing lime-aide with a little kick.

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lobby fills with travelers listening to records, playing pool, enjoying books, computer, 1980 video games, board games, and more. There is a nice pool that is heated for cooler winters. It is like being at home. A long table to sit and enjoy your meal with new friends. Commissioned artwork fills the lobby. This selection took place through an online process.

We enter a room with casual styling. The decor is from Ikea and a LoveSack for relaxing. It is a decent sized room with an old-fashioned phone with a number of bedtime stories. The bathroom is close quarters, but a great shower with dual nozzles. You need extra towel or ironing they have an “ironing room” on each floor. Here you can get clean towels, linens, and iron a shirt. There was a very small patio and small is the keyword. You can stand on the patio, but that is all it is super small. There was a great place to hang my hat and scarf. The hotel room is exceptionally clean.

The decor was fun and spirited. All doors have “disturb” painted on them. The Do Not Disturb sign has a nice looking half-dressed man laying on a bed. The wall decor is thematic with great sayings on some pictures. The floors are wood with throw rugs. Loved this idea. Living in Phoenix there is very little need for the warmth of carpeting. The one downside in the room was the pillows.

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a long mirror perfect for getting ready for the evening. I did make the evening fun by dressing as a 1950 wife. Styling for the evening included: a dress purchased through Amazon. This was a first for me purchasing clothing online. The dress was a knit black dress with a doll collar, hung just below the knee, and fit the theme for the evening very well, short black gloves with a pearl ring over the top, hair L’Oréal Techni Art Dual Styler, Jazzy eyeshadow, YBF lipstick, and Revlon powder. Completing the styling was my wedding veil and a set of pearls from my husband.

The ride down the elevator to the lobby included the ride a moment for a selfie. The elevator is equipped with selfie props and a couple of backdrops. Attach your photos with #AtTheMoxy and they show up on Instagram. This made for a wonderful memory and some fun photos.

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anniversary Dinner

The hotel restaurant is a self-service collection. You help yourself to a wide choice of beverages, snacks, and quick meals. The kick is you “do it yourself.” There are many great local restaurants in the are to enjoy. We enjoyed sushi at  Kobe. This was the place our first date. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine. We sat in the bar area just like our first date.

 

Kobe 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Kobe

Moxy Bar

The evening closed out at the bar enjoying “The Moxy”Bacardi Cherry Rum infused cocktail with our traditional anniversary cake from Variations Bakery. It is a white cake (best sponge cake, banana filling, and whipped cream icing). The staff very helpful and they enjoyed our cake with us. The bar has a floating ceiling that comes from a reclaimed Kentucky horse barn/fence. It was great enjoying the bar after hearing the story from the architect who designed the hotel at the opening night party.

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moxy Amenities

As we checked out of the hotel we left our names on the large chalkboard wall in the back of the lobby. Each section of the lobby is themed for the entertainment surrounding the area. There is a large working area with MAC computers. Towards the front of the lobby a large choice of records and a record player. The best of the lobby for me was the bikes you can take out for biking. This is a great place for bike riding with Tempe Town Lake and the college campus nearby. My husband was thrilled about the pool table in the lobby.

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hotel that brings a new wave of travel experiences. It was a great accommodating hotel with a ton of independence to experience our adventures. This hotel has been called a hostel type with an upgrade. This hotel is not a hostel with an upgrade, but a nice affordable boutique providing the independent traveler with a beautiful stay.

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

Moxy Hotel Grand Opening 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Moxy Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harlow’s Cafe

We stopped on the way home to Harlow’s Cafe for breakfast. This local restaurant is near the hotel. They offer a very straightforward traditional breakfast. The service was spot on, food that is tradition American Cafe menu. Conversations carried through the air with the smells of eggs, syrup, and coffee.

 

Harlow's Cafe 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Harlow’s Cafe
Harlow's Cafe 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Harlow’s Cafe
Harlow's Cafe 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion
Harlow’s Cafe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weekend was such a great time away.

@4ChionLifestyle

Summertime is Here ~ Happy Memorial Day

Summertime is Here ~ Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the first celebration of the summer holiday. Many spend their time at the poolside, beach, or picnicking. Food, family, and fun are key to this holiday.

This holiday  celebration to honor those who have served and lost their lives protecting America. This holiday started shortly after the Civil War. We deeply appreciate the sacrifice of many and their families. This traditionally was known as decoration day. As a child I remember going to Almo, Idaho (a small town near the City of Rocks & Burly Idaho) to clean up the family cemetery and decorating the graves for Memorial Day.

Enjoying family traditions and recipes during Memorial Day weekend creates a connection between ourselves and those who went on before us.  We all have those tried and true recipes that come with no recipe card. It is fun to create your own traditions and recipes for the holidays.

This Memorial Day our menu will include Ciabatta and Cherry Almond Bundt Cake. It is one last time before the summer heat to get a few great bakes created. Ciabatta is a great, simple bread to start learning to create your own loaves of bread. The bread created by Arnaldo Cavallari, a miller, in Verona, Veneto, Italy in 1982 as a response to the popular French baguettes. This is a perfect bread for transportation.

Cibatta Bread 4Chion LIfestyle
Cibatta Bread

Ciabatta

3 3/4 cups of White whole wheat flour 

2 1/4 Tsp. Dry Active Yeast (1 package)

2 1/4 Tsp. Salt

1 1/2 cups cold water

1/2 cups cold water

Olive oil for pans and the rising bowl

Bosch Mixer (I used the hand mixer) with dough hook(s)

Place flour, yeast (on the right side of the flour), and salt (on the left side of flour) 1 1/2 cup water in mixer bowl. Begin mixing on low. When the dough begins to form drizzle remaining 1/2 cup into the bowl and raise mixer to the next level up. Mix the dough for 5-8 minutes. You will know it is ready when it is stretchy and smooth.

Place dough in a square plastic container (enough room for bread to rise) with side oiled with olive oil. The square container assists with keeping the bread the proper shape for baking. Place lid on top. The lid keeps the dry skin from forming while bread rises. Raise dough until double in size about 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 hours at room temperature.

Dust a workspace well with flour (the dough will be sticky). Allow for it to naturally fall out of the container onto a floured surface. Coat the top of the dough with more flour. Handle the dough very carefully, don’t pat back down. You want to keep as much air as possible in the dough. Cut the dough lengthways into 4 equal sized loaves. Slightly stretch each piece lengthways and place on oiled baking trays. Let rest 30-45 min on a baking sheet. 

Pre-heat oven 425 degrees. Baked bread 25 min. until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool completely on wire racks.

Cherry Bundt Cake 4Chion Lifestyle
Cherry Bundt Cake

Cherry Almond Bundt Cake 

3/4 cup quartered Natural Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries

  • rinse cherries
  • dry well with paper towels
  • toss with 2 tablespoons flour
  • set aside

You can make your own maraschino cherries (make two days in advance)

  • 1 pint of sour cherries
  • 1 cup maraschino liqueur (possible substitutes are Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or contact your local store for assistance)
  • Bring liqueur to a simmer. Turn off the heat, and add the cherries, stir, let cool, and pour into jars. Refrigerate. Make these a day or two before using. Cherries last for months.

1 Cup all-purpose white flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup unsalted softened butter (do not microwave)

3/4 white sugar (pulse slightly in the food processor before measuring)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/8 cup plus 2 tsp. finely ground almonds

3 large eggs

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees. Fluff flour and baking powder until well mixed in a bowl. Add all ingredients except the cherries to the mixer bowl,  mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Lightly fold cherries into batter. Place in a well butter bundt pan. Bake 25-45 min. When cooled and cake starts to pull from sides of pan remove from pan to cooling rack. Finish with Ganache and toasted almonds (place sliced almonds in a warmed pan and toss lightly until golden brown) on top.

Ganache 

1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

1 lb. semi-chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chopped (we recommend 61% cacao)

In a heavy saucepan, bring heavy cream to boil. Turn off the heat. Add chopped chocolate pieces and let it rest until melted (this is key). Use a rubber spatula to stir the mixture until all the pieces are melted. Pour it into a room-temperature bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate ganache until it is firm.

The weekend meal included trout almondine, roasted garlic green beans, ciabatta bread, and cherry almond cake. A nice pinot noir is served with the meal.

May your holiday be filled with great memories and remember your lifestyle is worth the best.

@4ChionLifestyle

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Shopping List

1 lb. Land O’ Lakes butter

Natural Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries

1 lb. natural almonds

1/2 lb. sliced almonds

All-purpose white flour

1 quart Heavy Cream

1 lb. 61% cacao semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate

1 dozen eggs

Sugar Baking 4Chion Lifestyle ©2017
C&H Sugar

C&H White Sugar

1 small can Baking Powder 

5 lbs. White whole wheat flour 

Dry Active Yeast

Silicone Kitchen Set

Bundt Pan

Bosch Mixer