January 2012

Boy do I feel deliquent--it's been way too long since a blog.  FB just seems a little simpler, but here I am.

My son, Jonathan, AKA JW, was here this weekend and prepared a tapas feast.  This was fun but sure wish more folks were here to enjoy it. 

June 25, 2011

     Business is slow so it is our time to do spring cleaning.  Getting alot done--ceiling fans, baseboards, shower curtains, etc.  Put the miniblinds in the bathtub yesterday and scrubbed them.  That is a real chore, but I feel alot better when they are done.  Now, if I will just remember to dust them REGULARLY, that's the trick.   My handheld Swiffer makes that job easy.

     Anybody out there have any good cleaning tips?  I'll tell you my secret weapon and one of my favorite tools.  It is a denture brush.  It comes in so handy when there is a tight or small place to dust or scrub.  If you have one of those fancy crystal cut table lamps or the like it is perfect for brushing the dust out of all those crevices. 

     I discovered another item that I've put to use this year, especially this winter when there are smaller laundry loads.  It is water saving, time saving, washer saving--the Shout Color Catcher.  These are little sheets you put in with your wash.  They enable you to put several small loads together...lights with darks, as this sheet catches the loose dyes and dirt released during the wash.  See the proof on the sheet.  I bought my parents (senior, senior citizens) a box as they usually have multiple tiny loads. 

Ok, send me your cleaning tips--new tricks to try makes it more fun!   Chris

EVER SEEN ONE OF THESE?

IN THE VALENTINE MOOD

I know it is a little early, but I just can't help it. My girlfriend (since grade school) and I got together (as best of friends must do) for a few days and labored over these cookies. These took alot of time and patience but the results were worth it. Actual postcard size with a vintage victorian look, these cookies are a yummy almond flavor. AND totally edible!!! Ah, the joys of sisterhood and making something together.

 

January 22, 2011

Just received the fourth shipment of our pot belly mugs! Deneen Pottery makes these for us and we love the design and colors! These are wonderful pieces of pottery that keep your beverage warm especially on a day like today (18 degrees this morning)!

Our guests this morning are enjoying an 8:30 breakfast of cinnamon apple cranberries, steel-cut oats and cinnamon rolls, along with eggs, bacon and asparagus in the sunroom. It is surrounded with a blanket of snow, making this room doubly sunny!!

Flutterbys

Yesterday we hosted a group of young ladies that were learning about hospitality and preparing a room for a guest. These little gals were so attentive and interested in their lesson--made it a joy to have them here in the mansion. When their lesson was finished they gathered in the dining room for hot cocoa and lovely cupcakes.

Take a look at the picture of the cupcakes here that we served in October for a visiting group of ladies. Even prettier than you see here! These are actual pictures of butterflies that have been transformed into sparkly, totally edible versions.