all the dish that’s fit to print
operation mincemeat

Ian Fleming’s creativity was thriving long before he created the iconic James Bond. As an officer in the British Army, Fleming was an integral part in several top-secret military campaigns. One of his campaigns – Operation Goldeneye – inspired the name of his Jamaica home, and another lives in history as a major coup for the Allies. (more…)
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castles made of sand
I’m sure everyone can make a pretty standard sand castle. Fill the pail with moist sand, flip, and voila! However, have you ever tried to build massive sand flip flips, or perhaps a VW bug made completely of sand? All have been done during The Annual Nantucket Sandcastle & Sculpture Day, which will take place on this Saturday, August 21 at Jetties Beach on Nantucket.
Starting at noon, teams must use their creativity and whatever tools possible (biodegradable items suggested!) to build an impressive sand masterpiece. The judges, professional artists from the faculty of the Nantucket Island School of Design, will review all creations based on creativity, concept and design and award ribbons to those that excelled.
How much for this amazing day on the beach? Just $10/person to participate, and free for all spectators! For more information, call the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce at 508 228 1700.
Photo courtesy of NICC website.
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yoga > j.crew

National Yoga Month is only 19 days away… and we at AMPR couldn’t be more ready! We were very surprised to learn, however, just how popular yoga has become across the country.
About 16 million adults practice yoga and spend $5.6 billion a year on classes and products. That’s a lot of classes (or mats and spandex?) given that the average class only costs $12.
If you haven’t joined the yoga bandwagon yet, don’t be shy! Three-out-of-four yoga practitioners have only been practicing themselves for five years or less.
So jump on and see just what the hype is all about. With lululemon stores generating an average of $1,800 in sales per square foot – three times as much as J-Crew! – looks like yoga is set to become the new classic Americana.
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not your typical wine and cheese party

While Istanbul is famous as the ancient city where East meets West, the General Manager at Park Hyatt Istanbul –Maçka Palas invites food, wine, culture and experiences from all around the world to meet in the hotel’s inviting setting. (more…)
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10 reasons to visit nantucket this fall
Does this sticky hot summer weather have you looking forward to the fall? If so, might be time to start planning a fall vacation to Nantucket. The summer crowds have dispersed, the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, and restaurant reservations are much easier to come by. If that’s not enough, here are 10 Other Great Reasons to Visit Nantucket This Fall.

1. Value (more…)
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what’s new and hot in the caribbean
What’s new in the Caribbean? LOTS! Our hot list includes new villa rentals in Turks & Caicos, a glamorous new hotel, authentic Farm Dinners and Reggaelates (the new fitness craze) all happening in Jamaica, as well as moonlight yoga classes in Mexico, and an exclusive jazz-themed Caribbean cruise itinerary. Read on to find out more…
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andaz 5th avenue on the today show
Andaz 5th Avenue shined on The Today Show this morning! Watch the footage below and then book a summer stay at this great (and new!) New York City hotel located on Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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not your average summer getaway
Crowded beaches… Sun-burnt skin… Sand in inappropriate places… Sigh. Ditch the hand-held fan and take a detour from the average getaway this summer with an unexpected vacation. Bundle up in the southern hemisphere and experience Australia and Argentina’s winter season, discover the cool misty air in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, or take in the beauty of the snow-capped peaks in India.
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herbal remedies
What’s in your garden? Anantara Dhigu divulges the juicy scoop on the resort’s chef’s garden. Check out the growing there. Not only do the 12 varieties of organic herbs and vegetables add punches of flavor to food and several offer holistic benefits. This may be inspiration for starting a backyard garden, or at least planting some herbs on the fire escape.
Lemongrass
As an ingredient: used to give soups and sauces a sharp lemony flavor
For good health: works as a diuretic, emmanagogue, and is anti-flatulence, anti-flu, and antimicrobials
Thai Chili, Maldivian Chili, Indian Chili, and Hot Pepper
As ingredients: used to make curries spicy and give varying levels of heat to many Thai dishes
For good health: Chilis contain capsaicin, a chemical that benefits the respiratory system, blood pressure, and heart. Eating lots of chilis also raises body temperature which can speed up metabolism.
Arugula
As an ingredient: used in salads and as a garnish, this zesty leaves has a horseradish flavor
For good health: While arugula seeds are historically thought to be an aphrodisiac, its leaves are known to stimulate digestion and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Bok Choy
As an ingredient: this Chinese cabbage is great for soups, salads, and stir-fry
For good health: The leafy green is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K and promotes improvement of vision and the proper growth of bones and teeth.
Thyme
As an ingredient: adds an earthy taste and rich scent to stews and sauces and grilled meats
For good health: it’s said to aid in the digestion of fats
Sweet and Thai Basil
As an ingredient: both basils provide a fresh, flavorful note to dishes, with Thai basil carrying a stronger anise taste
For good health: basil can help digestion and stomach health
Ginger
As an ingredient: adds a spicy kick to lots of Asian dishes and makes a great soothing tea
For good health: this root has many perks, thought to be an aphrodisiac and known to help upset stomachs and calm nausea from motion sickness and morning sickness.
Cherry Tomato
As an ingredient: sweeter than its bigger cousins, these tomatoes are great in salads
For good health: they’re a great source of Vitamins E, C, and A
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underground surf scene on nantucket
Nantucket is a classic New England getaway, but did you also know that it’s a great place to get your surf on? On The Today Show last Thursday, Condé Nast Traveler’s Kate Maxwell filled Matt Lauer in on the underground surfing scene at Cisco Beach on Nantucket Island. Kate suggests surfing during the day and cleaning up for dinner at the White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill in the evening. Watch the video below to get all the inside scoop!
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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