White Chocolate Berry Muffins
White Chocolate Berry Muffins. These fruity muffins are a sweet delight for breakfast, an afternoon snack or anytime! Rasberries, blueberries, and melted white chocolate bits. Yum! I was looking for a recipe that would allow me to use up some frozen raspberries I had on hand, when I ran across this one. It’s an old Betty Crocker recipe I had in my book, but with a few changes. Rasberries are always a treat, however they are...
Aliens – Do They Know It’s Christmas Time At All?
Aliens – Do They Know It’s Christmas Time At All? Well no, because they’re aliens. But what if we have to explain it all to them? Just as we have many questions for them, they surely will have for us. If we believe the reports… aliens have been appearing in our skies for a very long time. Some of these sightings have occurred at Christmas time. So one day – maybe even one Christmas Day – an alien...
Vegetable Cooking Tips
Vegetable Cooking Tips. It’s nice knowing some vegetable cooking tips. Tips can save time, improve flavor, improve shelf lifetime, and more. Here you’ll find some tips on preparing, storing, and cooking vegetables. Carrots in cucumbers To cook carrots faster, provide a larger cooking surface – Carrots can cook a little faster by having a larger surface area. How to do this is to slice the carrot diagonally at a 45...
Christmas Card Memories
Christmas Card Memories. Sending out Christmas cards to family and friends is a time to say Happy Holidays. It’s a way of letting them know your thinking of them. I love opening up my mailbox to see I’ve received some cards. I love to hang them up as part of my Christmas decorations. There is always so many designs you can choose to send; even order photo cards. The First Christmas Card Sir Henry Cole was born July 15,...
Book Review: Daemon, by Daniel Suarez
A Book Review: Daemon by Daniel Suarez Let me start this review by stating that this book is fantastic. What a debut for Mr. Suarez. Any time I read a book like Daemon, classified as science fiction, I get a little nervous. That genre covers a host of ideas these days, some that are of interest, others too far out of my comfort zone. I always have a need to add, “This is not what I would normally read,” to any review I do. Yet some of...
Christmas Bazaars and Bake Sales
For anyone who belongs to a group, be it of seniors, church groups, ladies crafting clubs and the like, you know as well as I do, that Christmas is a time when people are not only out shopping for handmade items, but they are also on the look out for Classic Bake Sale Goodies. I think one of the reasons this is so, is because everyone get invited to house parties or some sort of get together and we all feel the need to “bring...
Festive Cheese and Garlic Bread
Quick and easy cheese garlic bread. Use one of my favourite convenience foods to make this simple but delicious garlic bread. It’s so easy to make, it fills your home with the gorgeous aroma of freshly-baked bread and it makes any meal into a special occasion. It goes well with so many meals as an accompaniment but often we make this the focus of our dinner — with a bowl of delicious homemade soup it makes a scrummy and...
Rolo: The Roll-Up Travel Bag
Travel light with the fabulous Rolo. This must surely be the best travelling bag if you like to travel light. Even when I’m going on long trip, I prefer to avoid checking luggage if I can – I’d rather rely on carry-on bags and avoid all the palaver they can cause.The Rolo is the perfect solution. I can easily pack everything I need for a trip of five or so days – longer if the trip is a warm-weather one and...
Move over Martha Stewart: We Need Quick Holiday Decorations
Move over Martha Stewart: We Need Quick Holiday Decorations Last minute holiday decorations are no problem with this easy tutorial for an instant wall or shelf decoration using just a few inexpensive items that you may have around the house or items that can easily be picked up at your local neighborhood dollar store. A few frames, some decorative papers and large letters in a contrast color are all you need to put this quick and easy...
Time to Bake Cookies!
It’s National Bake Cookies Day I just noticed that today, December 18th, is Bake Cookies Day. I’m not sure where this is celebrated, but in my kitchen, or yours, would be a very good place to start. Here are some ideas to get you baking. Or, in some cases, not baking. Follow the links: Cookies from Cake Mix If you’re like me, you’re all about “easy” when it comes to baking cookies. That’s why...
The Question: Book Review
The Question: R. Breuer Stearns. When I first received a review copy of this book, I was intrigued by the quote on the front cover. This is ‘if you could have the answer to only one question, what would you ask?’ This in itself made me want to read this book (after pondering the question posed for a while) and I’m so pleased that I did. I know it’s a well-worn phrase that has been done to death, but I truly did...
The Windsor Faction: If Edward VIII hadn’t Abdicated
What would have happened if Edward VIII hadn’t abdicated for Wallis Simpson? When King Edward VIII renounced the throne of England to marry his twice-divorced American mistress it undoubtedly had a bearing on world history. This is particularly true in the case of the early stages of the Second World War. This novel explores that very possibility. Ever since he abdicated in 1935, historians have been wondering just how –...
It’s a Beautiful Life – if we want it to be!
It’s a Beautiful Life – if we want it to be! Christmas time is right around the corner and for most of us it will be a time for family, friends and neighbours. There will be people rushing around, buying last minute gifts, baking those cookies that are always a special Christmas treat and the anticipation of giving and receiving gifts from our loved ones. Christmas is also a time of emotional ups and downs, with many...
While My Sitar Gently Weeps
It was February 1965 and the London R&B band Yardbirds had convened at a recording studio to record a follow up song to their smash hit For Your Love. The idea was to open the song – Heart Full of Soul – with a sitar riff and they’d recruited an authentic player from a local Indian restaurant to do the honors. Journalist Penny Valentine recalled “Apparently the man, a highly proficient classical musician...
Bittersweet Holidays with Alzheimer’s Disease
Bittersweet Holidays with Alzheimer’s Disease Christmas brings so many memories to mind, doesn’t it? Our childhoods, when most of us would be excitedly waiting for Santa. Our delight when we opened our presents. Big family dinners with friends and guests who didn’t have family of their own. Fast forward to today, many of us with children of our own, many with grandchildren. Hopefully, there is joy in our memories, but...
Monopoly: The De Luxe Edition
Play Monopoly in style. There’s no doubt that Monopoly is a great game. It’s been around for so many years and it’s lots of fun for all ages. But no-one could ever claim that it’s a stylish game. Most of us care deeply about the looks of the products we use in our homes and that’s why we usually keep the Monopoly box hidden away in a closet until it’s time to play. Until now, that is. Just take a...
Sam Cooke
The murder of Sam Cooke. On December 1964, singer Sam Cooke had been in a Los Angeles nightclub. There he’d met (or probably picked up) a girl of ‘English and Chinese origin’, Elisa Boyer. He had taken her to a motel, booked a room, registered and the couple went to their accommodation. Some time later, the manager of the motel, Bertha Franklin, was in her room which was also her office. In burst Sam Cooke, demanding...
Drakelow Tunnels
Drakelow Tunnels: Ghosts and cannabis Drakelow Tunnels are located in Kidderminster in England and have a fascinating history that includes the Second World War, the Cold War, ghosts and even cannabis. A curious combination, that’s for sure. This huge underground complex was built in the early stages of the Second World War and was an entire underground factory, including facilities for the workers. The Rover Car Company was...
Blue cheese butter recipe – simple & tasty
Blue cheese butter recipe – simple & tasty Blue cheese butter adds a great wonderful flavour to so many different foods and is also delicious eat on its own, spread onto high-quality crackers. I first saw this on a very long and complex recipe for a steak dish by Heston Blumenthal. Even though we don’t eat meat, the combination of blue cheese and butter was irresistible! For steak, the chef recommends you use Stilton....
Bathroom Makeover at Zero Cost
My ‘new’ bathroom with no budget. I have to admit that my bathroom was a complete embarrassment. It’s extremely tiny and dates from 1949. In the intervening years, someone had added a rather horrible, cheap wood vanity (which I had NO money to replace) and a completely out-of-period acrylic sink (ditto). Other than that, it has original fittings — so therefore they are somewhat old, to say the least....
Dozens of Easy Felt Ornaments – FREE Patterns
Dozens and Dozens of Christmas ornaments. I work year round on my projects so that they will be done in plenty of time to ship to family and friends who live out of my state. I never know when I will not be well enough to work some days so I pace myself and give myself at least two or more months to finish projects before the holiday or birthday or whatever occasion the item will be for that person. All the pins on this page are found...
Miracle in the Andes: Survivor’s Story
It was in the mid nineteen seventies when I first read about an astonishing story of survival. Piers Paul Reid, a respected author, recounted the true story of how sixteen young men had survived a plane crash and survived in the inhospitable terrain of the Andes for seventy two days, thanks to their own determination and will to live. October 13th, 1972 The chartered aircraft took off from Montevideo en route to Santiago. The...
Judi Dench: Top Movies
I’m a huge fan of the British actress, Judi Dench. Or, I should say, Dame Judi Dench – she was honoured for her services to the performing arts by Her Majesty the Queen in 1980. She had a hugely successful career on the stage before she moved to television work but she is probably best known today for her fabulous films. Here are my favourites. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel This one gets the biggest image because I think...
I’m a Stranger Here Myself….
I’m a Stranger Here Myself… You’ve got to love Bill Bryson. Well I do anyway. I can almost guarantee a laugh when I read one of his books. And it’s not just any old laugh; it can range from an audible giggle to a roll on the floor until your belly hurts and you can’t see for the tears, kind of laugh; which is great if you want to improve your mood, but it can get kind of embarrassing if you happen to be reading one of his books in an...
Cute Reindeer Cookie Bags
Cute Reindeer Cookie Bags Here is a really quick and easy packaging idea for gifting Christmas cookies and treats. Now that the holiday baking is done, you are left with the task of packaging up the treats in individual packages to give to guests, neighbors, teachers and all the special people in your life. These cute cookie bags don’t take many supplies to make. For each reindeer cookie bag, you will need one paper lunch bag, 2 pipe...
Keeping Safe: Is it a Choice?
Help me out – Can you remember a time in the recent past few years, that there were not so many acts of senseless violence and killing and gun shootings in the USA? I wish someone could tell me if these mass shootings and senseless acts of terrorism have become the “norm”. What’s happening in our world, that killing has become such a focus of sensationalism and a common topic in the daily television news...
Laugh and Learn Puppy from Fisher Price
Dance, Sing, and Learn with This Adorable Pup I recently bought one of these adorable puppies for a baby gift. When I first saw it I thought he was the cutest little fellow. It comes in a few different colors, and responds when a paw is pressed. What surprised me was the singing and talking that comes from the little dog. This guy doesn’t just say things like “I love you,” but goes on to sing the ABC’s,...
Christmas Crafts – Easy Children’s crafts: Sakura Felt Ornament & Button Snowmen
Christmas Crafts – Easy Children’s crafts – age 5 and up – “Sakura” Felt Ornament and Button Snowmen – FREE Patterns. Sakura – Two circles of felt embellished by faux pearl beads White Cherry Blossoms or Japanese Sakura White Cherry Blossoms in Japan are called Sakura. See link below the photo of the Cherry Blossoms for a full explanation. Source. Pinterest – DIY Sakura Flower...
Gifts for Cat Lovers: Cat Design Pillows and Throws
Gifts for Cat Lovers: Cat Design Pillows and Throws. All cat lovers will appreciate these warm, cosy throws and pillows because their designs are truly beautiful. These are quality throws and pillows at very reasonable prices. They are made of luxurious materials designed for utter comfort. Throws: 1. Kitty Korner: The Manual Tapestry with Fringe This is a woven tapestry throw 47 x 60 inches. It is made in the USA. It has 8 panels...
Ten items you don’t need in your home
Ten things you may not need in your home So many of us are downsizing and decluttering these days and I was having an interesting conversation with a friend about what we really need in our homes and what is superfluous. Of course, it’s personal tastes so I’d love you to leave your comments below. Over the years, I’ve given a lot of accumulated ‘stuff’ away. If I haven’t used something for months,...
Insider’s Guide to Rome (Part 3)
Insider’s Guide to Rome (Part 3). This is the third and final part of my article about what to do in Rome. The focus is on: The Forum and The Pantheon. You have to be selective because there are so many magnificent things to see in Rome. If time is short, it’s better to focus on a few things and then throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, which will guarantee that you return to the most romantic city in the world. A good guidebook is...
Recipe: Cinnamon rolls
Recipe: Cinnamon rolls Christmas Morning. I can picture it now……the excited children running into your room, begging you to get up to see what Santa brought, anxious to open family presents. The next scene, everyone in cozy robes make their way downstairs. Then comes the coffee brewing. Who can resist the aroma of freshly made coffee? To perfect your Christmas morning, why not put a batch of cinnamon rolls in the oven? The scent of...
A Soap Opera – The Invention of Sunlight
Andy Royston gets all in a lather about a bar of soap. “I know half my advertising isn’t working, I just don’t know which half”. W.H. Lever Before Victorian times hard soap would be made at home – a simple mix of ashes and fat, with dry weather and salt to set the soap. If you bought, you would buy a piece cut from a block. In the 1800s block soap was simple stuff. There were about a half dozen basic...
Cute And Funny Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas Guaranteed To Make You Laugh
Cute And Funny Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas Guaranteed To Make You Laugh Looking for a last minute gift idea? Need something light hearted and a little silly for someone you don’t know very well like a neighbor or teacher? Trying to find a white elephant or secret Santa gift that does not include a candle or a mug? Here are 3 fun and silly homemade Christmas gift ideas that are guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter to the receiver....
Bug Jewellery
Bug Jewellery has been fashionable for many years. Everything from bees to dragonflies, cicadas, grasshoppers and bugs of every kind. I personally love butterflies, lady bugs and bees. Bug Jewellery is not for everyone, but I happen to really like it. Red bug bejewelled jewelry box In ancient times, Bug Jewellery was worn not just by women but by the men also. In Egypt, the Scarab Beetle was worn by the army as a talisman of...
Adult Coloring Books, A Gift for All Ages
How many years has it been since you grabbed a handful of color pencils, markers or crayons and sat quietly coloring? Personally for me, this was a pastime that I really enjoyed as a child. I would sit quietly coloring and making each outline in a coloring book my own. When there weren’t enough lines in the drawing, I would add my own and color until my fingers were almost numb. I had the most intricate patterns drawn into an...
Small Spaces: Surviving a Small Refrigerator
How to live with a tiny fridge. When I first came to live in the States, I was completely astonished by the size of the refrigerators. When I was in the UK (admittedly a lot of years ago) people had fridges that were a fraction of the size. And we managed very well. For my first years in the States I rented homes. Invariably there was a monolith refrigerator and I became very accustomed to them. But then when I bought my tiny...
Has Anyone Seen Our Pig?
On December 3rd 1976 a large inflatable pig made a run for it during a photoshoot at Battersea Power Station. Andy Royston investigates. “I’ve a right to think,” said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried. “Just about as much right,” said the Duchess, “as pigs have to fly.” Lewis Carroll It all started as Roger Waters’ bright idea to promote the new Pink Floyd album Animals. He lived within sight of the...
Fun, Retro Coca Cola Decor
Retro Coca Cola Accessories for the Home. The Coca Cola brand is surely one of the best known in the world and is certainly recognisable just about anywhere. Particularly popular right now are the funky retro Coke décor items and household goods dating from the fifties, sixties and seventies – the good old rock ‘n’ roll years. They’re such fun and can make an interesting conversation piece in your home in...
The Cabernet Slush, An Adult Beverage
A Refreshing Slush with An Adult Taste Wine Adds a Lovely Taste With the holidays approaching rapidly, entertaining moves into overdrive. Many of us will be hosting parties, dinners, gift exchanges, or simply enjoying some time with our families. Spice up your party with a cocktail like this one. It’s easy, pretty, and so flavorful. Something cold can taste so refreshing while sitting in front of the fireplace. Plus it is so...
Twilight – Why the Book is Better than the Movie
Hands Down – Twilight the Book is Better than the Movie. First and foremost, I find it important to tell you that I am not a fan of vampires. I don’t like the TV shows, such as True Blood, and before reading Twilight (Book 1) I had never enjoyed a vampire book. However, I was a big fan of the Harry Potter series and some supernatural books by authors such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz. My Mom introduced me to Twilight...
I’m in Love with Scotland
I’m in love with Scotland. One thing that makes Scotland great is the pride the Scots take in their identity and the respect they have for their traditions. For example, the great poet Robert Burns is celebrated every year with a Burns Supper of haggis and smoked salmon. Also, you can expect to hear bagpipes playing in the distance when you are out in the great Scottish wilderness. It has happened to me several times. The last time...
Remember the Electric Knife? It’s Still So Handy!
Fast and Efficient for Slicing Bread and Meat Make carving a whole lot easier Essential for holidays or party times is our electric knife. I am still surprised how effective the Cuisinart CEK is–what an improvement over my old one! I love to roast turkeys. In spite of the last minute rush, it seems one of the easiest meals to prepare. Just stuff the bird and stash him in the oven. No matter what I do, several hours later the...
Alice in Wonderland Costume for Tweens
Alice in Wonderland is a Perfect Costume for Girls. As of my daughter’s last birthday, I am officially the mom of a tween and I can already tell you this is an awkward age. She definitely isn’t a “little” girl, but she isn’t a teen yet either. With this in mind, we have been talking about Halloween costumes and I already know the princess costumes of yesterday are not what she has in mind this year....
Igloo Craft For Kids
Igloo craft ideas Sugar cube igloos are a really fun igloo craft for kids who are learning about the history of the indigenous tribes who once lived in igloos, otherwise known as snow houses, to protect themselves and their families from the cold and harsh weather of the Arctic tundra. Kids can get a history lesson while having fun building a mini igloo made from sugar cubes, 1/2 a styrofoam ball and glue. This igloo craft for kids is...
British – American Language Differences: Solved
Are the British and Americans divided by a common language? Yes! When I first came to live in the States, I truly felt that I needed an Anglo-American dictionary. Yes, the two countries speak the same language on the face of things but there are so many differences and misunderstandings occur all the time. I have been here for twenty years now and the situation is better – but still not perfect. Even after all these years, I...
No Bake Oatmeal Cocoa Cookies
Oatmeal Cookies Recipe: No Oven Required. A no bake cookie that is easy to make even for kids. There is no using a oven to make these cookies just a mixing bowl and spoon. All kids love to help so these would be perfect for that. You can have them mix the dry ingredients together while you warm a few of the other ingredients up in a saucepan on top of the stove. These are perfect to make on a hot day since no oven is required. Who...
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Don’t Forget the Cookies
As we have entered into the Advent season waiting for the arrival of Christmas most folks are preparing for the big day with lots of preparation in their homes. Decorating, wrapping gifts, and holiday baking are just a few that top the list. What holiday recipes are you baking this year? Do you have traditional dishes and goodies you make every year that say Christmas in your home or do you like changing it up trying new recipes to...
Christmas Countdown: Advent Calendars For Children of all Ages
I know that some of you may already have turned off your curiosity because you feel it’s just too early to start thinking about Christmas. Well I must disagree with you. After all Christmas is not just a one day holiday, it is a whole season holiday starting with the first Sunday in Advent. Even if you are not religious, you can follow along on twenty four days leading up to Christmas. For years, I made Advent Calendars for my...
Modern Classics : The Family Silver
Andy Royston discovers a fine new album from England that’s an instant rock winner. “He and his boys up there were keeping it new, at the risk of ruin, destruction, madness and death, in order to find new ways to make us listen. For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it must always be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light...
Gift Ideas That Save On Shipping
Tips and Ideas that will Save on Shipping Shipping shouldn’t have to cost more than the gift you are sending. Don’t you agree? Over the past few years though, it seems to be edging closer and closer. So many of us have family scattered across the country, and even across the ocean. It’s frustrating when the expense of it becomes an issue. So this year and last, I’ve gone on a hunt for gifts that save on...
Sour Cream Cranberry Bars
Are you looking for a dessert that is good for Fall? Well I have just the one for you! They are Sour Cream Cranberry Bars. They use dried cranberries. I wasn’t so sure about this recipe at first but after making them and trying one I was hooked. What an amazing taste! This is a fairly easy to make. Just follow the steps in the recipe. That’s all I did since I’d never made it before. I didn’t have regular dried...
Forty Years Young – Anarchy in the UK
Andy Royston’s fifteen again, re-discovering his inner Sex Pistol… It was forty years ago this month that the Sex Pistols, a wild-eyed punk rock band from London, made the news headlines. Seriously, folks, it must have been a slow news day. I was fifteen years old, delivering newspapers in a small mining village in South Yorkshire, and there they were on the front page. The Sex Pistols. Fidel Castro took over as Cuban...
Illustrating ‘Alice’
Alice – and Her Illustrators. On one hot summer day in 1862, a shy, introverted mathematic professor, Charles Dodgson, told a story to three young girls whilst rowing on the River Thames. One of the three girls, Alice Liddell (his favourite) begged Dodgson to write it down and give it to her. He did. And ‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ was born. So too, was ‘Lewis Carroll’, the pen name adopted now...
Visit Medieval Dublin
Explore historic Dublin. If you’re visiting Ireland, then the chances are that Dublin will certainly be on your itinerary. It’s certainly true that Dublin offers you the very best that can be found in any modern city but did you know that it has attractions that go back hundred of years? The city has everything – lush parks, the arts, a very vibrant night life, sports facilities and superb shopping – but its...
The Sisters: Saga of the Mitford Family
Who were the Mitford sisters? They were the most remarkable people. They were scandalous, controversial and a lot of fun. They were born between 1904 and 1920 to an aristocratic, well-connected and decidedly eccentric English family. Between them the six sisters kept the newspapers busy for years with stories of their scandals, divorces, affairs and bizarre and differing political views. They were all beautiful with stunning figures...
Ditching the Drive-Thru
Ditching the Drive-Thru: Down to earth family food advice from J. Natalie Winch. Advice about feeding our families in a healthy and nutritious way bombards us these days. It’s hard not to know that the typical American diet is bad for us and also for our children. Despite this knowledge, many of us still rely on processed foods and those from fast food outlets. In this excellent book, the author not only explains why we do this...
Mom’s Sheet Cake Brownies
Brownies To Die For! These homemade sheet cake brownies are super delicious! My mom use to make these all the time when my boys were younger. She liked to make them for mostly holidays but could made anytime of the year. I loved them so much they became a favorite of mine. She always made them just right. One of the things that made them so good was that she’d keep them in the freezer. After she was done frosting the cake...
Forza! Ferrari gifts
Ferrari gifts We know that Ferrari produces the most fabulous cars but did you know about the other luxury Ferrari items you can buy? The backgammon set on the left is a lovely example. Fans of Scuderia Ferrari – the motorsport division – are often to be seen wearing the marque’s merchandise and yes, the t-shirts, hats, jackets and children’s clothing produced by the company are wonderful. But there’s so...
German Chocolate Cake Bars Recipe
German Chocolate Is To Die For! I’ve been a huge fan of German Chocolate all my life so I fell in love with this recipe right away when I found it. I just had to make it! I gathered my ingredients, mixing bowls, and utensils to put these bars together. I keep pecans in my freezer so all I had to do was get them out and chop them up for the coconut mixture. A good alternative is walnuts if you don’t have pecans. The...
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays and a Joyous Thanksgiving From Tweedle Pet Products – Natural and Organic – Gourmet Gluten-Grain Free Non GMO treats for Pets and Pet Parents. Tweedle and I are wishing all of our friends a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday. So much food looks so delicious, but I nudge myself to try and taste a variety of foods, but not to overdo it. We can always revisit the fixings table, for a second and third portion…Why...
Pumpkin Pie Dessert
Pumpkin Dessert A delicious pumpkin pie dessert is just as good a pumpkin pie! I learned to make this dessert from my oldest sister. We have a big family so making a whole pan of dessert goes over really well and sometimes isn’t enough especially if they all love it. It’s turned out so good now that it’s a family favorite for the Fall holidays. My younger son loves pumpkin so this is his all time favorite dessert...
A Classic Must See: Phantom of the Opera
A Classic Story That Many Still Love. The Phantom of the Opera is a movie that must be seen! The stage performances of this classic has been seen world wide for years and years. I know that when it was playing in my city, it had a run of at least 5 years. In that 5 year time span I managed to go and see it 3 times and I would have gone 3 more times if anyone had asked me……. The Phantom of the Opera has been one of the most...
Stylish Eco-Friendly Jewellery
It is a must one should only wear the best designer brand earrings and neckpieces while attending a formal event. But what about when it comes to completing a sundress or vacation look? Not to worry as the following fabulous jewellery pieces come from various countries throughout the world and are guaranteed to be planet-friendly and are guaranteed to complete every vacation look you are thinking. Made by local artisans, many of these...
Under The Covers – Shipbuilding
Andy Royston revisits the Falklands crisis and one of the most poignant songs about war ever recorded. I’ve always been skeptical about protest songs. What is this thing, a song for the barricades or a sermon from the pulpit? Is that a broadside, a bulletin, a lecture? Can a mere song change people’s minds? I doubt that it is so, but a song can infiltrate your heart and the heart may change your mind. Elvis Costello...
Pumpkin Spice Bars
These super easy pumpkin spice brownies are a new favorite of mine. I call them a brownie, though I know a bar would be the proper description. But since I first tried the two ingredient brownies using pumpkin and cake mix, brownie seems appropriate here too. It still amazes me how quick it is to make either of these recipes. For this one I used a spice cake mix and one 15 oz can of pumpkin. The very first time I made them I had a...
Metrokane Lever Corkscrew: My Kitchen Essential
The easiest & most stylish way to open a bottle of wine. If you know me, or are familiar with my articles and recipes, then it will come as no surprise to you that the most essential item in my kitchen is my corkscrew. But not just any old corkscrew. Oh no. This is special. This is known as the Metrokane Rabbit Before we decided to buy this, we relied on the traditional-style corkscrew – the type that wine waiters use...
Life of Pi: A Magical Masterpiece
Life of Pi lived with me for a very long time making me think very deeply about our very existence! I highly recommend it for anyone with a love of life and adventure. This is the kind of film that lifts you off your seat, transports you right into the screen, and swallows you up. Was what I had just seen for real or not? It is a poetic story about an Indian family who are forced to transport their entire zoo across the ocean. During...
Super Light Pumpkin Muffins
Today when you do a search for a light pumpkin muffin recipe, most of what you find will be a combination of pumpkin and a cake mix. I use the recipe for my favorite pumpkin bars so I know it’s a good one. Still, using a cake mix always makes me wonder how many ingredients are included that I would rather avoid. These days if you are trying to eat less sugar and less flour, it feels healthier to fix from scratch. That brought me...
How To Keep Half an Avocado Fresh
I love avocado and here in Florida, they are really inexpensive at certain times of year. During those times I love to have half an avocado for lunch or for a snack. But I’ve only recently discovered how to keep the cut half fresh for another day. I was looking for a way to keep the remaining half fresh without resorting to aluminium foil or that plastic wrap stuff – neither of which I wanted to buy. Furthermore, they...
Breaking bad habits: Creating good ones
It’s much easier than you think to break and create habits. I imagine that we all have bad habits that we’d rather not have. Furthermore, wouldn’t it be great to have some good habits? If it sounds impossible, let me give you some great examples that the book you see here can help you with. A daily walk Many of us make New Year resolutions and I imagine that one of the most common ones is to get more exercise. I...
The Perfect Gift: A Basket full of Favorites
Who doesn’t love a gift basket? A good friend over at Sam’s Place puts together beautiful baskets filled with goodies for all occasions. That made me think of a way to share my favorites with friends and family. A basket such as this would work for anything from a wedding gift to a housewarming present to birthday or mother or father’s day. Its contents are something everyone would appreciate and enjoy using....
Mickey Mouse Toys Make a Great Gift for a Child in Search of a Role Model!
Mickey Mouse Toys Make a Great Gift for a Child in Search of a Role Model! My son was about three years old when he first watched Steamboat Willy and met Mickey Mouse for the very first time, and he laughed so much that we had to ration how many times he watched it from then on! He was looking at Mickey Mouse through the eyes of a very young child, and related to this cheeky little character completely. He understood him, and I would...
The Survival Bracelet
The Wazoo survival bracelet: A great gift idea. Whether you’re buying this bracelet for yourself or as a gift, you can be sure that it’s a fabulous idea that can actually save lives in an emergency. Furthermore, I think it looks terrific. Survival bracelets – which contain just about everything you need in emergency situations – have been around for a while but the one made by Wazoo is without doubt the best....
Mom’s Blueberry Dessert
My Mom made the BEST blueberry dessert when I was growing up. It is my very favorite dessert besides German chocolate cake of course! Mom started making this Blueberry Dessert for family gatherings when I was a young girl. It became such a hit and a to die for dessert each time it was served. The flavor of this is so rich and blueberry tasting! It’s not to hard to make. I have a hard time making the carton whipping cream up so I...
Baby’s Best Blanket: 100% Cotton from aden + anais
100% Muslin Cotton Equals Super Softness aden + anais Muslin Dream Blankets for babies have been at the top of the last three baby registries I’ve seen. I’m starting to think I should order them by the dozen to have them on hand. Both my niece and my nephew requested them, along with the aden + anais swaddles. Parents prefer natural fabrics and products today. They lean away from man-made fibers which can tend to make a...
The Panasonic SD-YD250: Bread Making Made Easy.
So Glad I Got This Bread Machine. This bread machine is one of my top ten favorite presents! I won’t go so far as to say it changed my life, but it’s surely made it more fun. It’s been used so much it would have paid for itself in under six months (if it hadn’t been a gift, that is). For years I didn’t think I would use one. How much bread can a family eat…and so on. My brother-in-law bought this...
Using Pullquote on Twitter
Use Pullquote to add interest and appeal to your Twitter messages. It sometimes seems to me that people either love Twitter or hate it. There seems to be no middle ground. For those who don’t like Twitter, the most common complaint is ‘how can I say everything I want to with just 140 characters?’ Youmight, for instance, have found a great quote on a website that you’d like to share. Or maybe you’d like to...
Should You Buy a Range with a Glass Ceramic Cooktop?
Electric ranges with smooth cooktops: Perfect for small kitchens. I’m sometimes asked about this because the electric range I have in my small apartment has a smooth ceramic glass hob. Are they easy to clean? Do they work efficiently for cooking? Do they retain their good looks? The range I have is now twelve years old and it looks and works as good as new, despite daily use. They are excellent for any size of kitchen but are...
Ahava, Love in Hebrew!
I’m not big into cosmetics that you put on your face and I’m not knocking anyone who is, but for me, I prefer to keep things simple. To that end, you won’t find me wearing a whole lot of makeup on a daily basis. I just don’t have the time or the talent to use some of the millions of products out there. I would rather not wear any make up than wear it incorrectly! There is one thing though, that I cannot do...
My Childhood: 1949 – 1963
When my brother, my only sibling, who is two years older than me, had a life threatening severe asthma attack in 1957 in San Francisco. The doctor came out to the house and gave him an adrenaline shot directly into his heart. He was saved from near death. After a month of testing which involved the “scratch” test with common offending allergens, the doctor found that my brother was severely allergic to eggs, milk,...
Diamodacious by D.A. Belmont. Free for a limited period
Diamondacious by D.A.Belmont. Free for your Kindle Starting on November 13th, and for only five days, this fabulous book is available for free download for your Kindle. (November 13th – 17th inclusive). You’ll love this story of the life of Debbie DeVore. Born on the wrong side of the tracks in Fort Lauderdale, as little girl she looked longingly at the wealth that surrounded her in the city. She watched as her mother...
Brownies Made With Pumpkin
Lighten Up Your Brownies with this Two Ingredient Recipe Ever since I discovered this brownie recipe, it’s the only way I make them. I found it in the Hungry Girl dessert cookbook shown below. It’s not only simple, but she’s made it much healthier by using pumpkin instead of oil and eggs. And best of all is it’s rich chocolate taste! Her cookbook offers many different versions that all look yummy, but for...
Fashion & Style from Luisa Villavicencio
Designer fashion from Guatemala. Luisa Villavicencio creates the most stylish cotton goods. You can see a lovely example on the right. This gorgeous cardigan is made using raw cotton and blends three natural shades – ivory, jade and brown. All the products she produces are natural – no dyes are used at all – and make the most of cotton’s qualities. Luisa explains that she comes from a Guatemalan family and they...
Prevent Food Waste in your Home
Waste not want not – especially food. I’ve always hated seeing any sort of waste. This is probably because my parents were brought up during the Second World War and at that time, avoiding waste was a big issue and making the most of every scrap of meat, vegetables and fish was very important to the war effort. A report that was recently released has revealed that between thirty and fifty percent of the consumer edibles...
A Taste Of Ukraine
Ukraine. It’s not for everyone! But if you’re anything like me, you’ll see that as part of its appeal. I should clarify, I guess, that I am biased… Ukraine stole my heart back in 2007. I have been returning ever since. Two or even three times a year is not unusual for me. I even lived there for 12 months in 2009. And these days, I am gearing my life towards the day that I can move to Ukraine permanently. So...
Carry on Bags: Great Gifts for Travelers
Carry on Bags: Great Gifts for Travelers The last time I went on holiday for a week I fitted everything I needed into a carry on sized bag. I really couldn’t be bothered putting a case into the hold, and I certainly didn’t want to pay extra either. So I carefully packed my favorite things and no more. I rolled them up into sausages and they all fitted perfectly. I made a real effort to colour code things, and think...
It’s Here! Robert Crais’ New Book “The Promise”
The Promise, by Robert Crais It’s finally here! After a very long wait for Robert Crais and Suspect fans, the second book featuring Scott and Maggie, The Promise, has been released. It is actually considered part of the Joe Pike series, but this one features all four. If you have read one of Robert Crais’ novels, you’ve probably read several. There is something very endearing about his characters. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike...
Four Boys, Three Nights And A Place Called Prague
Since overcoming my dread of flying two years ago (read about that here if you like) I’ve been hopping on and off aeroplanes like they’re skateboards. My latest get-away was three days in Prague. Accompanied by three of my mates. Travel brochures here in Britain cannot gush enough about the place: Stunning Prague this. Mesmerising Prague that. And when I told my neighbours I was going… “Oh. You’ll love...
Sesame Street
Today is a day that everyone under the age of 100 will be able to relate to in some way or another……what has lasted this long or made such an impact that almost everyone has heard of it? None other than your favorite characters on Sesame Street! Today is the anniversary of the very first episode of Sesame Street that aired on November 10, 1969. On that day, Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert, Big Bird, Grover and Oscar the...
We Had a Job to Do: By Theresa Anzaldua
A fascinating selection of eyewitness stories from the Second World War. Anyone who was twenty years old when the Second World War ended in 1945 would be ninety nowadays. This means that we are gradually losing our WW2 veterans and with them, the stories about their wartime experiences. To compensate to some extent for this, author Theresa Anzaldua has collected reminiscences and stories from a variety of people who served in the US...
Book Review: Ice Cold, by Tess Gerritsen
Book Review: Ice Cold, by Tess Gerritsen This fast paced mystery may be my favorite by Tess Gerritsen. From the very beginning it pulled me right in. An impromptu ski trip, an accident in a snow storm leads to an unexpected find. A small group of houses that have been totally abandoned, and quite suddenly. That only begins the mystery within this great story. Missing people, an attempted rescue, someone watching them—or are they...
The Best Travel Accessory: The ScotteVest
Storage and security when travelling, particularly for your tech. When you travel – whether you’re heading for an adventure in India or just to the local park for the afternoon – carrying everything you need securely and safely can be so tricky. When I travel, the important things I need with me in addition to regular packing (at minimum) are my travel documents, ID, iPad, Kindle, phone, my keys, wallet, sunglasses,...
Good Shoe Choices For Aging Seniors
Good Shoe Choices For Aging Seniors As you age, it is so important to have shoes that are appropriate. Maybe some are able to wear all kinds of heels still, but probably not too many. One of the most common injuries is a broken hip from a fall. Aging brings with it brittle bones. Those bones break more easily. With heels you risk ankle injuries as well as those that may occur from a fall. Depending on the age of the person, a...
Almost Instant: DIY Artwork
Help! I need artwork for my bathroom. Recently, I gave my tiny bathroom a long overdue overhaul on a budget — actually a budget of zero dollars. It was looking good but I had one huge problem. The previous owner of our mid-century apartment had left us with a mysterious hole in the tiles. What’s more, it was the first thing you see as you enter the bathroom and it was really bugging me. I needed to cover it quickly and for...
Lady Ursula d’Abo
Lady Ursula d’Abo: The girl with the widow’s peak. Words by Lyndsy Spence Born into an aristocratic family in 1916, Lady Ursula d’Abo (née Manners) was interrelated with some of the most powerful and interesting figures of the 20th century. She counted the famous beauty and hostess Lady Diana Cooper as her paternal aunt, and among those famous aunts were Laura and Margot Tennant, part of the Victorian intellectual...
Willow Tree Figurines
One of my favorite gifts has to be the Willow Tree Figurines! There is a beauty in their faces that makes them universally appealing. So many emotions are played out in their rather simple stances and a little bouquet of flowers in their hands makes one understand right away, that they are appreciated by the sender of the gift. Whether it’s a mother and father, boyfriend, girlfriend, or grandparents with children, the way the figures...
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a favorite with coffee anytime but wait until you try them as cake rolls. This recipe is a cross between a coffee cake and cinnamon rolls. Lets Get Started! I had this recipe laying around for a little while waiting to make it. Gee, what was I waiting for. It turned out so fantastic! After it is was baked; it came out looking like a cake this is cracked on top. I thought I’d done something wrong at first but...
Gourmet Food: A Great Gift
Is he eating properly? Is she cooking for herself? Chances are that there’s someone whose nutrition concerns you. It might be a son or daughter who is at college and living away from home for the first time. Or maybe you worry about an elderly relative. Whoever you’re concerned about – and whatever their age – healthy and delicious foods are a always a wonderful gift idea. It’s also a lovely way to send...
Do Cheap Ski Holidays Exist?
Do cheap ski holidays really exist and how easy are they to find? There’s no doubt that skiing can be totally addictive, is absolute fun and something extremely exciting to look forward to as winter closes in. Let’s face it only skiers can really enjoy the winter! But how much do they cost? Perhaps that’s the wrong question. Let’s try asking ourselves this instead; are skiing holidays worth the money? I would say yes, yes, yes!...
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