tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18202924758190789042024-03-13T08:41:32.344-04:00Becky Knows EverythingA blog about interior design, entertaining, and personal styleBECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-10469873697433994112012-07-26T22:08:00.002-04:002012-07-26T22:10:25.500-04:00Mom's Latest Crazy Talk<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I am beginning to be a firm believer in the fact that growing old can make a person more critical (dare I say MEAN) and certainly rude, if comical at the same time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I know volumes have been written about the dynamics of mothers and daughters and mothers and sons etc. but I have my very own special take on this via my own mom, who, since the age of 60 has been telling me “she can say whatever she wants, no matter how rude because she is old.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, now she is 87 so that means we have all put up with 27 years of crazy.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are a few of her latest - I am typing these quotes in caps since she is hard of hearing and everything is delivered in a shout no matter where we are.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">She is having a conversation with me over lunch - ‘WHEN DID YOUR TEETH GET SO CROOKED?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">WHY DON’T YOU GET A REAL HAIRSTYLE AND WHY IS YOU HAIR SO THIN?</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The response to this is simple - I get my terrible hair from HER!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the massively crowded Denver airport where we are in the waiting area seated next to a family with twin girls - “THOSE ARE THE UGLIEST TWINS I HAVE EVER SEEN AND WORSE YET THERE ARE TWO OF THEM.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Continuing, before I could wheel her away - “AND THEIR NAMES ARE STUPID TOO.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">About my sister and me as we walked in front of her in Las Vegas “NEITHER ONE OF THOSE TWO GIRLS HAS PRETTY LEGS LIKE MINE.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">About the Food Network of which she is an avid viewer - “WHY DO THEY ALL MAKE SO MUCH FISH CRAP AND MEXICAN CRAP?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">And my favorite of Mom’s crazy talk on the subject of Jennifer Aniston when she was all over the news whining (according to Mom) about Brad Pitt leaving her-“SHE MAKES MY ASS TIRED.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">And there you go, another aspect of my always entertaining MOM.</span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-79925564660749681962012-07-11T23:03:00.004-04:002012-07-11T23:08:31.689-04:00Flowers to Make You Smile<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oriUII158/T_4_H9bZnYI/AAAAAAAAA8U/032QAVKbL9I/s1600/florals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oriUII158/T_4_H9bZnYI/AAAAAAAAA8U/032QAVKbL9I/s400/florals.jpg" alt="" 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I<span style="font-size:130%;"> am sitting here in the intense heat and decided to stop complaining about it and Google one my favorite subjects – FRESH FLOWERS.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course there are a zillion and one ways to combine flowers to make all types of different arrangements, but let me narrow it down a bit.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let’s talk about just plain pretty arrangements for any table – not gigantic, showy arrangements but pleasing ones you can place anywhere.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I really love the look of different flowers all in the same color family. It makes for a cohesive arrangement that is more subtle but has depth when you examine all the different varieties.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you ever watch the <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/">Barefoot Contessa</a> on the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">Food Network</a>, you will see she is a fan of solid color arrangements, usually in all white or orange.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">She will often use the same flower over and over in a large cluster, but I prefer different flowers.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can really use any container, from plain glass where you see the stems, to a pottery piece or my favorite – something different you own, like a small tureen or pitcher or even your gravy boat you haven’t had out since Thanksgiving.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Use your imagination. Fill the container with water, arrange the flowers in your hand to gather a perfect bouquet, freshly cut the stems, then place them in the water.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">You may need a few adjustments, but you can do it!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here in Cincinnati, we have a number of good florists, but a truly special one is Robin Wood.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Visit her amazing <a href="http://www.robinwoodflowers.com/">website</a> to order, get amazing ideas and view her photo gallery.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The pair of photos on this page are from her website and perfectly illustrate the single color theme.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Keep cool and think “flowery” thoughts!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Photos from <a href="http://www.robinwoodflowers.com/">Robin Wood Flowers</a><br /></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-49785440507700274222012-07-01T22:17:00.008-04:002012-07-01T22:24:39.469-04:00A Super Side Dish<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqpzyCNoeIE/T_EFGDRxP4I/AAAAAAAAA8E/builO5NUx2A/s1600/Tart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqpzyCNoeIE/T_EFGDRxP4I/AAAAAAAAA8E/builO5NUx2A/s400/Tart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760390999900766082" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0tMH2O-leGo/T_EFCYDtFDI/AAAAAAAAA74/ZBAcR4T_7Y4/s1600/tart2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; 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priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I recently saw a recipe made on the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">Food Network</a>, tried it at home (with a few adjustments) and it was so unique and delicious I wanted to share it with you!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Savory Spinach Bread Pudding</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">6 slices bacon, fried and chopped in small but not tiny pieces</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 ½ c. shredded swiss cheese</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">2 c. fresh baby spinach, chopped</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">2 shallots you have chopped and softened in olive oil</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">3 slices French or Italian bread, cut in cubes, crust on</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Combine all these ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Heat oven to 400 degrees.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Spray 4 ramekins with a non-stick spray (I used my larger ones – they hold about 12 ounces or use 6 small 6 ounce ones)</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:130%;">Custard:</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs and ¼ c.whole milk</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Add combined ingredients above and make sure all the bread is coated in the custard.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Spoon mixture into the prepared ramekins and bake 30 minutes for the larger ones and about 20-25 minutes for the smaller ramekins.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When the tops are golden and a bit bubbly, remove from oven.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">They can be served in the ramekin or for a pretty presentation, run a knife around the edge, flip them and the bread pudding should come right out.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:130%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Becky Knows Everything:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Here are a few important tips – Gruyere cheese is a great substitute for the swiss, but as it is a lot pricier I opted for the latter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>I purchased a loaf of unsliced French bread that was soft, not a crusty baguette (which won’t accept the custard as well), then sliced three medium thick slices and cubed from there. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>I served these as a side dish with a nice grilled strip steak, but they would also be great for an interesting brunch or ladies lunch dish too.</i></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-9827980105535063042012-06-20T21:18:00.006-04:002012-06-20T21:25:38.701-04:00An Enchanted Evening - Sara & Walt are Married<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edhjrC6kJQU/T-J2qPagitI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qKWW10qYg4w/s1600/searcy%2Bwedding%2B007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edhjrC6kJQU/T-J2qPagitI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qKWW10qYg4w/s400/searcy%2Bwedding%2B007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756293741797214930" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >One of Adrienne’s closest friends from high school was married recently to her sweetheart, Walter in an enchanting, magical manner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The natural beauty of Lexington, KY, home of rolling hills, bluegrass and manicured horse farms, was the setting for the ceremony and reception. A beautiful day, a soft breeze and the amazing landscape made everyone feel truly blessed to be there.</span></span></div> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >As guests arrived they were directed through a large manor house to the backyard setting, where the ceremony chairs were set up under a huge draping tree from which were hung small origami birds, made by a friend of Sara’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The breeze caught them and they swayed and added a special touch to the area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the ceremony began, the bridesmaids, dressed in perfect pink dresses, carrying lovely bouquets<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>of roses and greens in all the soft colors, pinks, peaches, creams and yellows came through the lawn, followed by the spectacular sight of Sa</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >ra on her father’s arm beaming with happiness matching Walter’s waiting smile. Sara’s dres</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >s was a beaded, fitted top with a drop waist that went into the most lavish confection of tulle and satin roses beneath layers of lace and a train.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To say she was beautiful simply doesn’t capture it properly.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >The reception tent was adjacent and it was a truly magical sight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The entire ceiling of the tent was hung with giant paper lanterns and flower balls in the floral colors, </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >made by the bride’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Martha Stewart should get this creative gro</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >up on her team without a doubt.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" ><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT8UaXHFlkI/T-J22mHafUI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ZtFWyWlweuE/s1600/searcy%2Bwedding%2B016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT8UaXHFlkI/T-J22mHafUI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ZtFWyWlweuE/s400/searcy%2Bwedding%2B016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756293954049572162" border="0" /></a></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" >The tables were draped in pale green silk with floral centerpieces that were garden fresh and included all the soft colors in roses and stock and lisianthus, hydrangeas and green bells of Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Surrounding the main centerpiece were multiple tiny arrangements in silver julep cups (we’re in KY, remember) with smaller cut versions of the main flowers and twinkling votives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As the evening continued, the lanterns were lit, the delicious food was eaten and the cake presented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a guest, you truly felt you had been part of a loving</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" ><span style="font-size:130%;"> family event</span>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" ></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6MoND2mIaM/T-J3T7wWVvI/AAAAAAAAA7o/XYk0KYU0yG4/s1600/searcy%2Bwedding%2B022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6MoND2mIaM/T-J3T7wWVvI/AAAAAAAAA7o/XYk0KYU0yG4/s400/searcy%2Bwedding%2B022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756294458074617586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";" ><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se3keLOObb8/T-J3Hg7vAwI/AAAAAAAAA7c/pyYaapIGf_o/s1600/searcy%2Bwedding%2B017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se3keLOObb8/T-J3Hg7vAwI/AAAAAAAAA7c/pyYaapIGf_o/s400/searcy%2Bwedding%2B017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756294244716184322" border="0" /></a></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";" >Sara and her family are so welcoming and everyone felt included – relatives, friends, children, horses and even a blind, deaf dog, their beloved family pet. It was a truly enchanted evening.</span></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-15700169030581834892012-05-31T22:36:00.004-04:002012-05-31T22:41:55.959-04:00Disappearing Mushrooms<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwzQ0ggvUIc/T8gr1LLmbBI/AAAAAAAAA60/gupRSdagUOw/s1600/mushroom%2Bplate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwzQ0ggvUIc/T8gr1LLmbBI/AAAAAAAAA60/gupRSdagUOw/s400/mushroom%2Bplate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748893116872944658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Yes, that’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I made this new stuffed mushroom recipe twice and both times, they</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" > were all gone before I could even take a </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >picture of t</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >hem for you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The in</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >gredients aren’t all that unusual but the flavor combination is great.</span></span> <p style=" color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >16oz. fresh mushrooms – I often buy these individually so I can select ones that are large enough to stuff but not so gigantic they are difficult to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The smaller mushrooms just don’t hold enough stuffing and that simply becomes annoying, as the stuffing falls all over the place.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >½ tsp. salt</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >2 shallots, minced</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >2 garlic cloves, minced</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >2 tbs. olive oil</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >1/2 c. parmesan cheese</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >1/3 c. panko bread crumbs (these crumbs are lighter than regular, but regular crumbs can be used)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >¼ c. pecans, chopped (I use pecan halves and chop them myself so they are a bit larger pieces)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6 tsb. butter</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The first thing you need to do is remove the mushroom stems, clean, chop and set aside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I believe mushroom caps need to be cooked in some way before stuffing or they just taste raw and their inherent moisture makes them too wet. The Barefoot Contessa sautés hers in Marsala wine. I tried a new idea where you salt and pepper the caps, then place them on a rack on a cookie sheet and bake them for 10 minutes – this got out all the moisture but they were so rubbery and tough and ugly you didn’t want to use them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My best method is to simply sauté them in a combo of olive oil and butter (a few tablespoons each) until they are getting soft and golden and pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drain on paper towels and they are all set.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >FOR THE STUFFING:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Sauté chopped stems, garlic, shallots and salt in a combo of 3 tsb. olive oil and 3 tsb. butter until tender. Add crumbs, cheese and pecans and stir to combine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If mixture is too wet, add a few more crumbs, and if it is too dry, add the remaining 3 tsb. butter until melted. Stuff the caps, place in baking pan (I use my pie pans) and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes until golden. I promise, just like mine, yours will disappear.</span></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-898016062302207412012-05-17T22:03:00.005-04:002012-05-18T22:05:31.078-04:00Outdoor Funscapes<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have been out researching some deliciously colorful tabletop acrylics and cloths to brighten and freshen your outdoor or indoor summer entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty much all the home merchandise stores that carry accessories </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">have wonder</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">ful selections this year and I spent an entire morning taking photo</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">graphs</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">for you!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4P81Z5gmsg/T7b_JBddLoI/AAAAAAAAA6A/rKLt2FkMrYY/s1600/plates.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4P81Z5gmsg/T7b_JBddLoI/AAAAAAAAA6A/rKLt2FkMrYY/s400/plates.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744058905233534594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EE0VaqviGzA/T7b_OBXAunI/AAAAAAAAA6M/ux-5fh0OE84/s1600/glasses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EE0VaqviGzA/T7b_OBXAunI/AAAAAAAAA6M/ux-5fh0OE84/s400/glasses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744058991105849970" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6F6cD7T6_Q/T7b_DJ8cOoI/AAAAAAAAA50/BSGwO7-1PtI/s1600/fabrics.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6F6cD7T6_Q/T7b_DJ8cOoI/AAAAAAAAA50/BSGwO7-1PtI/s400/fabrics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744058804431764098" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I visited Pier One (charming as always but a bit pricey), HomeGoods, Steinmart (again pricey and not a great selection) and I hit a home run at Macy’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have an amazing selection and a large section devoted to table</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">top, beachy accessories like totes and sandals and a cool collection of beach towels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>G</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;">ood old Martha Stewart is up to her magic again and offers an array of colorful patterns and solids.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">HomeGoods has a vast selection of pretty chair pads for outdoor furniture as well as a nice group of teak tables, chairs and benches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They also offer a colorful and inexpensive chair grouping made of woven plastic m</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">esh with metal frames that come in bright orange, blu</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">e, red and yellow.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOCvxUQwRWk/T7b-6dFYQaI/AAAAAAAAA5o/a8jsa3fUBZw/s1600/cushions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOCvxUQwRWk/T7b-6dFYQaI/AAAAAAAAA5o/a8jsa3fUBZw/s400/cushions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744058654950703522" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sP42suzVArk/T7b-yGrVgBI/AAAAAAAAA5c/VayHkcY79Yg/s1600/colorful%2Bchairs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sP42suzVArk/T7b-yGrVgBI/AAAAAAAAA5c/VayHkcY79Yg/s400/colorful%2Bchairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744058511496937490" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;">So many accessories can go into making your deck, sunroom or porch a fresh retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you like soothing stick with neutrals, but if you want to have some fun try crisp white with the bright solids and always throw in a pattern or two or three.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buy some inexpensive jar candles – the little ones are about a dollar and come in so many colors and can be grouped on a table or at an individual place setting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buy paper cocktail or luncheon napkins in solids if you have patterned plates or buy a two color patterned napkin – like a solid with a polka dot! A classic polka dot can make anyone smile. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;">Get your flowers planted and your hanging baskets purchased and you are on your way to beautiful summer fun.</span></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-79610021613062050182012-05-09T21:51:00.005-04:002012-05-09T21:58:20.413-04:00Love You Forever, A Mother's Day Tribute<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1X5RhJZno/T6sfrETZEKI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/dG5V2WLMQeY/s1600/Love_You_Forever_Robert_Munsch_1_1600105020.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1X5RhJZno/T6sfrETZEKI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/dG5V2WLMQeY/s400/Love_You_Forever_Robert_Munsch_1_1600105020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740716974763741346" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 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name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >I am sure most of you out there have read the very beautiful and moving book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Forever-Robert-Munsch/dp/0920668372"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Love You Forever</i> </a>by Robert Munsch.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was originally published in 1986 when my son was 9.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I purchased one a number of years later and recently found it when I was pulling from storage many of the books I had kept from when my children were young.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Andy and his family were coming for a visit and I wanted their son Jackson to be able to see his daddy’s childhood favorites as well as share it with Adrienne and her son when they visit in June.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >I had forgotten what an emotional tale this was and I also discovered I had written Andy a note on every page reminding him how much I loved him like the mother in the book loved her son.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To say I became tearful as I read the words I wrote 25 years ago is an understatement.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >The story follows a baby boy from birth into his adult years when he has his own family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His mother goes into his room at night, and when she is sure he is asleep, she takes him from his bed and rocks him in her arms while she sings “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Throughout the book the author mentions all the funny stages little boys go through from the terrible twos, messy sports and the crazy teenage years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All through these stages, she still creeps into his room and sings him the song as he sleeps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally he is grown and married and she is elderly and ill and she calls him for help. He comes to see her, picks her up in his arms and sings the same song.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When he returns home later that night, he picks up his own newborn child and sings her the same lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wish I could express how touching the story is. The illustrations by Sheila McGraw are lovely and add so much to each page.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >My wonderful mother turned 87 in March and someday when she needs help all five of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>her beloved children will rush to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We all know how incredibly blessed we are to have had her this long and for her to be able to still live alone, drive, cook, attend meetings, go to lunch with her friends (by the way she LOVES the Olive Garden) and just be so healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mom still says the funniest things, although often times she doesn’t mean to be funny. She gets all dressed up for appointments, has her hair done every Friday and for very special events gets a pedicure with “diamonds” glued onto her toes, with the polish always a bright, happy pink.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Very soon in early June, our family will all be celebrating the marriage of my niece, Stephanie to her husband-to-be Morgan. We will be traveling to Colorado for a great time and of course, Mom is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As this is a very special event, you can bet the pedicure is already scheduled and Mom’s suitcase is open on the guest room bed a month early all ready to be packed!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Happy Mother’s Day to all of you and especially to you Mom. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will all “love you forever.” If any of you have not read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Love You Forever</i> you must, because remember Becky Knows Everything!</span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-70818137074844124382012-05-08T07:56:00.002-04:002012-05-08T23:13:36.466-04:00Return! Reconnect! 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >What’s the best thing about returning to Cincinnati?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The answer isn’t Graeter’s ice cream or Frisch’s fudge cake, although that very well could be the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is reconnecting with dear friends and enjoying their company for more than a 20 minute quick visit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The other best thing is the re-launching of Becky Barras Interior Design!</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >I always loved retuning to Cincinnati but it often seemed there were so many people to see I could never find enough time to really enjoy our time together.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now all of that has changed and I am so happy to able to leisurely spend time with my favorite people.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >I have also been steadily and successfully restarting my design business.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With some help from some wonderful former clients, friends and my connections in the real estate community, I am excited to say all is well and I will be writing about projects very soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I will be going to the local design center and will bring you up-to-date info on all the newest fabrics, furnishings and wall coverings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are so many exciting things going on in design and I am pleased to share them with you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have been gone from Cincinnati for 7 years so many of my former clients have become current clients in need of an update, so I am thrilled!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >We can explore together all the new large scale printed fabrics for draperies and upholstery and the vivid new colors schemes for spring and summer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are also so many sturdy yet beautiful fabrics that are water-resistant for outdoor furniture. The colors and patterns are finally surprising and fun and not just plain navy, green or brown with a bland plaid thrown in. And of course this is the time to get all your outdoor and indoor porch areas spruced up so you don’t have to think about them for the rest of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Stay tuned as these are subjects Becky Knows Everything really does know about!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Photo from <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/">Southern Living</a><br /></span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-86503963390440780532012-05-02T19:19:00.003-04:002012-05-02T20:30:18.123-04:00Becky Knows Everything is Back!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flpLA9bo_OQ/T6HRlDf2bGI/AAAAAAAAA24/WCK36uVoNng/s1600/cincy%2Bskyline.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Hello everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know some or all of you have been wondering where I have been and I am here to tell you BECKY KNOWS EVERYTHING IS BACK!</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >So many changes have gone on in my life since our last blog so I will try to summarize them for you – we traveled to Cincinnati and to Mom’s house for Thanksgiving, hosted Jimmy and Adie, Baby Andy and Mom for Christmas in Rochester, and I managed to live through Tuesday Morning’s holiday season and a tortuous inventory.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then all the really big news happened!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>WE FINALLY SOLD OUR HOUSE after showing it 165 times in three years and no, there really was nothing wrong. We were elated at that news as it meant MIKE AND BECKY COULD FINALLY RETURN TO CINCINNATI, which we both consider home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >I learned quite a bit along the way, knowledge I could easily have lived without.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For instance, did you know if you show your home 165 times you have to clean it that many times too?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mean really clean it, not just the regular stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can never go out without making the bed or cleaning up the kitchen or sweeping the front walk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know many of you are really, really neat and keep beautiful, orderly homes 24 hours a day (are you reading this Kathy Schott?) but you surely cannot ALL be that way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This task really drove me nuts – that and having to constantly leave my house on short notice, but we did finally get through it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If I weren’t at Tuesday Morning you could often find me at The Outback’s happy hour killing time while strangers<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>wandered through my home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Outback’s coconut shrimp is delicious by the way.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >The next thing I learned was that it is WAY better to have a company transfer you and the movers pack for you then for you to do it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The hours I spent sorting and donating and selling and packing I will never get back but, we did get to come home in the end.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >So now here we are living in a special place in downtown Cincinnati in a high rise with amazing city and river views.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is the perfect size for us. We are near all the new dining and retail development downtown and the best part for Mike is that there are friendly maintenance men who will fix ANYTHING cheerfully and quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Actually this is the best part for Becky too as now Mike doesn’t complain, or worse yet try to fix anything himself.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:130%;" >SO, I welcome you all back to BECKY KNOWS EVERYTHNG! Please stay tuned. There is WAY more to come as I have been reuniting with tons of friends and re-launching Becky Barras Interior Design. If you live near the Cincinnati area and need help with your design project, contact me today!</span></p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-6409994031712247992011-11-23T11:38:00.000-05:002011-11-23T11:39:15.478-05:00Mini Munchkin Weekend<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mike and I recently spent a weekend in Milwaukee for a family wedding and we were so blessed to have our entire family there including the two grandsons, Jackson (17 mos.) and Andy (13 mos.) Here is what I learned about babies at that special age:<br /><br />BABIES LOVE TO CLAP. and they like it even more when you clap for them first. Then they can respond by clapping for themselves. At the wedding when we took the family photo, the bridesmaids and groomsmen all clapped so the babies would smile and they did!<br /><br />BABIES LOVE TO SPLASH. The bathtub is the happy zone, unless they poop in the tub and they still want to play in the water. Get them out fast!<br /><br />BABIES GET AS EXASPERATED AS ADULTS. When I would pick up little Andy from his crib, he would carefully hand me his blanket first, then raise his arms. I would put the blanket back in his bed so I could pick him up and he would SIGH, lower his arms and pick his blanket up again, while looking at me like I was not quite bright.<br /><br />Jackson has an Elmo covering on his tub faucet and each day his mom would repeat over and over, “Who’s this? It’s Elmo. Say Elmo.” Finally one day he just opened his mouth and screamed “ELMO” so she would stop. Very funny and again so exasperated. He knew it was Elmo all along of course.<br /><br />BABIES WAVE TO STRANGERS. When they are strolling or being carried, babies this age wave and point to people and dogs and cats. The really nice people smile and wave back which the grandparents love.<br /><br />BABIES CAN RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN MOM AT 100 FEET. And I am not kidding. They can whirl those little heads around and follow where their mom is and God help you if she walks out the door or into another room.<br /><br />BABIES LET FOOD AND MILK DRIBBLE OUT WHEN THEY DON’T LIKE IT. Nothing polite about this one. I was trying to teach Andy to use his new Elmo sippy cup. I thought I had conquered it until he opened his mouth and all the milk I thought he was swallowing began running down his face. That’s when I said, “Let his mom teach him this one.” They also seem fascinated when they tip the cup upside down and watch the milk dribble out onto the carpet.<br /><br />JACKSON HAS AN ACTUAL VOCABULARY. Which consists of cookie, Elmo, daddy, Bubba and Moe (his dogs) and something that Stephanie says is “Mama” but sounds a lot like “MMMMM.” He also learned a new word in Milwaukee-key. His Dedo (Mike) managed to misplace the home and car keys TWICE going to events and causing a big ruckus each time, with finger pointing, complaining etc. Then Jackson, sitting quietly in his car seat says “KEY” and we all cracked up. He also knows a lot of other words – I just can’t remember what they are.<br /><br />BABIES LOVE BOOKS. And they love to have you read to them. Often, its 27 books later and they are still interested but it IS one of the only times they will sit quietly and let you hold them.<br /><br />SOME BABIES LIKE TO CLIMB ON FURNITURE. Like Andy, who catapults himself onto the cocktail table and sofa and also wants to stand on the dishwasher whenever it is open.<br /><br />THE BEST THING IS BABIES THIS AGE CAN SLEEP ALL NIGHT AND<br />MOST OF THE AFTERNOON TOO. This sentence is all in caps because it is the most important. After all, they need to rest so they have the energy to clap and splash and spill milk and talk!! </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-58834577259248736452011-11-20T08:37:00.007-05:002011-11-20T08:46:37.749-05:00A Treat of a Tart<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last weekend while thumbing through a local grocery publication I spotted a recipe that looked interesting. They proclaimed “If you only make one appetizer this season this should be it!”<br /><br />Well, I thought, OK, let’s see if they’re correct and guess what,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> THEY WERE! It came out crispy and delicious and looked festive too. Here it is.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbhy59ncmuQ/TskD3yR8hJI/AAAAAAAAA2c/WRuQDdq5j1c/s1600/Tart%2BImage.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbhy59ncmuQ/TskD3yR8hJI/AAAAAAAAA2c/WRuQDdq5j1c/s400/Tart%2BImage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677073062201951378" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Caramelized Onion Tart</span><br /><br />1 pkg Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed on counter<br />10 slices bacon, fried and cut into 1” pieces<br />½ c. cottage cheese<br />2 large eggs<br />1 tbsp. flour<br />½ tsp. salt<br />¼ tsp. pepper<br />1 c. grated Gruyere cheese (I substituted Swiss as the Gruyere is so pricey but it is better)<br />6 medium onions, caramelized<br />1 tsp. chopped thyme or ¼ tsp. dried<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To Caramelize Onions</span><br /><br />This is very easy to do and caramelized onions can be used in a lot of ways – on bruschetta, on burgers, not to mention they are the basis for French onion soup.<br /><br />In a medium frying pan melt 2 tbsp. butter and add 3 tbsp. olive oil. Peel and thinly slice about 6 onions and add to pan. On a medium- low heat start to sauté onions. As they become translucent lower heat and let fry until they are brown and rich and not yet crispy. This may take 20 minutes or more. Remove from heat. If you are not using them right away they can be stored in fridge. Add more onions as needed for larger quantities.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Tart</span><br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br /><br />While onions are caramelizing, fry bacon and cut into pieces and set aside, then shred cheese so it is ready. As puff pastry begins to thaw, gently unfold it on your counter and squeeze edges together. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment p</span><span style="font-size:130%;">aper and place 5 sections of the pastry on the sheet. Discard the extra one or save it for some other use. Make sure pastry is thawed but still cold.<br /><br />Mix in a blender or food processor (I used my mini chopper) the cottage cheese, flour, eggs, salt and pepper until smooth. Spread custard evenly on puff pastry. I sort of crimped the edges so it doesn’t run off the cookie sheet. Top with the cheese, onions, bacon and thyme all spread evenly.<br /><br />Bake 30-35 minutes, let sit 5 minutes when out of oven.<br /><br />Really, try this one – it is best hot or warm, but I saved a portion of it for the next day and had it cold for lunch and it was great!! It really is the best new appetizer I have found!<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-59937681299890689312011-10-03T09:48:00.004-04:002011-10-03T09:50:57.193-04:00The New Fall Catalogs<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been exploring the new fall catalogs for you and I have found a couple you might enjoy. At this time of year the catalogs are so plentiful, as the holidays are approaching and they are all trying to entice us to buy.<br /><br />If you try </span><a href="http://www.catalogs.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Catalogs.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, you will find a wonderful resource of so many different catalogs. And you can pretty much order all of them for free. I have been getting catalogs for years – as a designer they were part of my everyday life and they seem to follow me no matter where I live. Just for fun and just for you, I scoped out a few new ones I wasn't that familiar with.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.image-designinc.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Image Design and Furniture Company</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> was chock full of great home décor items. There are so many categories on the website for you to try, like florals, vases, accents, throws and home accents. Themed décor wasn’t great – too many roosters, jungle and rustic lodge stuff. I clicked on picture frames, decorative bottles and vases and I found a treasure trove of fun stuff. They also have a group of home décor gifts under $25 which is pretty great. The “Old World Italian” section has some cool home lighting and rugs. Give this one a try!<br /><br />My next stop was a website called </span><a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Layla Grace</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Wow, do they ever have cool furnishings. They have a gorgeous group of nursery furniture (not that same old Toys R Us stuff or even Pottery Barn). Check out their “Staff Favorites” which includs a pretty wedding book keepsake and some great candlesticks. I think this website is a keeper and I have already ordered my own catalog. They are showcasing beautiful Dwell Studio fabrics which can be ordered by the yard. While the prices aren’t exactly inexpensive, they do carry ordinary things with extraordinary designs, like oven mitts and tablecloths. </span><br /><br /></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657514769050925682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMeg_4B_UYk/ToOHtSjOenI/AAAAAAAAA2U/lByeXZFPdeE/s400/layla%2Bgrace%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657514298088103010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyefYr8fh8g/ToOHR4E8HGI/AAAAAAAAA2E/d1s4ewhW7-0/s400/dwell-fabric%255B1%255D.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Try some updates in your home for fall. Broaden your horizons and instead of just shopping where you happen to live, check out a few new home décor websites and order yourself a catalog!! Happy Fall.</span> </p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-3730511931168514362011-09-28T16:22:00.003-04:002011-09-28T16:25:40.652-04:00My Beautiful Birthday Book<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I want to tell you all about my beautiful birthday book and what prompted me to write this blog (which I have been meaning to do for a month now).<br /><br />I was working at Tuesday Morning and a woman was purchasing a gorgeous cashmere throw. I commented on it and she said she had just turned 60 and the throw was a birthday gift to herself. I said, “I just turned 60 myself and my daughter gave me an amazing gift.” She replied that her daughter had also given her a special gift – she had flown in from her home in Berlin for a visit to celebrate. Well, I thought to myself, “I can top that!” I told her my daughter had not only visited me from Boston (OK I know Boston is not Berlin, but it gets better) and she brought her precious baby with her.<br /><br />Then I told her my big news – my daughter left a gift with my husband to be opened on my actual birthday and it was the most sensational, thoughtful and beautiful gift. It was a pretty notebook with FORTY letters from my friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and even college friends from 40 years past and they all said the best things. Like, how I am a good friend and fun and they love me and all that stuff that is so nice to hear/read especially when I am feeling low. The letters were all so interesting. I even received one listing the “Top Ten Reasons Why It’s Great To Be 60” which included a great comment on my perceived hearing loss which meant I could tune out Mike. College friends sent photos of the good old days and my daughter-in-law wrote an incredible letter that I will cherish. I have read and re-read all the letters so many times.<br /><br />I know so many of you participated in this wonderful book and I was so shocked and surprised, not only by the wonderfulness of it all, but that so many of you took the time to actually write these special letters. I know how busy everyone is and I promise if anyone ever does this for you, I will be first in line with a letter, as this meant the world to me. Thank you so much.<br /><br />Well, the lady at the counter started to cry and kept telling me what an incredible gift it was and how blessed I am to have my daughter who organized all of this for me and I couldn’t agree more! I really didn’t mean to make her cry with my story or make her daughter’s trip sound just OK, but there you go! I DID GET THE MOST AMAZING GIFT EVER. IT EVEN MADE TURNING 60 NOT SO BAD!!! </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-63276448149885621252011-08-30T11:45:00.005-04:002011-08-30T11:50:27.446-04:00Chairs, Chairs and More Chairs<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you noticed all the cool side chairs out there lately? An article in our local paper caught my eye recently—they showed a photo of a chair covered in different fabrics with different wood finishes and it was amazing how the chair changed personalities.
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<br />I went scouting for chairs for you and there is a great selection. You can find stylish chairs with and without arms, chairs with high backs and low backs, ones that are really only decorative and others that are supremely comfortable.
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<br />There is a catalog out there you all should sign up to receive. It’s called </span><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ballard Designs</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and it is full of up-to-minute styling for all sorts of things. Their current catalog has a display of multiple chairs on the cover available in different fabrics and finishes. Some of them may seem a little pricey but they sure can give you a jumping off point to figure out something creative for yourself.
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<br />I went to my favorite discount stops like </span><a href="http://www.tuesdaymorning.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday Morning</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and </span><a href="http://www.marshallsonline.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Marshalls</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and took some photos for inspiration. Haven’t you always wished you had one more great side chair you can pull away from the corner to seat that extra guest or use for a nice accent? I know all my clients always like this idea and here is your chance to make that happen!!</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646676369482680514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml3DGIsOgbs/Tl0GPZybiMI/AAAAAAAAA18/wNmGX14m8x8/s400/chair%2Bblog%2B004%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646676291921468898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdCfNEPI4XE/Tl0GK42ZXeI/AAAAAAAAA10/8PM_axqg354/s400/chair%2Bblog%2B007%255B1%255D.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646676199695243618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ5wwdWeh_k/Tl0GFhR82WI/AAAAAAAAA1s/NfDdY8XPTlo/s400/chair%2Bblog%2B002%255B2%255D.JPG" /></span>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-73747662940407168812011-08-23T22:41:00.000-04:002011-08-23T22:42:45.263-04:00Mom Goes to Greece<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hD4waLGrtI/TkvqEmwlGYI/AAAAAAAAA1U/pzUZCt2q7Zo/s1600/greece.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 303px; float: left; height: 206px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641860323056359810" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hD4waLGrtI/TkvqEmwlGYI/AAAAAAAAA1U/pzUZCt2q7Zo/s400/greece.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">No, of course Mom didn’t go to Greece, but she did go to the Detroit version of it, Greek Town. This is a true hotspot for the gambling gang which is mom and her buddies.
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<br />Once again she got up at 5 a.m. even though the bus doesn’t leave Lorain until 8 (it’s called anticipation and excitement). Her pal Olga is the leader of the pack so Mom got a good seat in the front of the bus. Apparently these are prized seats and since Olga and her brother Bobo (yes for you non-believers these are their real names) are the trip organizers, Mom always get to ride up front. There are a lot of perks to this friendship – Olga is in charge of the FOOD too and since they do a lot of eating, this is a great thing.
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<br />Before they even pull out of Lorain for the 3 hour drive, they are served coffee and doughnuts. Is this the smartest thing for a bunch of old people with bladder issues to be doing? I ask myself this every time. Then, midway there, they are served chips and fruit. They arrive and after only a bit of casino gambling they are off to the GRAND BUFFET which costs the whopping price of $12.99. They all get discount coupons from Olga so it is only $9, (about the price of a glass of wine for me in a restaurant). Since Mom only eats a tiny bit of food and they won’t let you carryout, it really isn’t that much of a bargain for her.
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<br />NOW THE IMPORTANT NEWS— MOM WINS BIG. When she tells me how much she won later that evening I am skeptical since she practices what we all call “Mom Math” which means she only tells us her winnings and not how many twenty dollar bills she takes out of her purse during the day. But this time she was incredibly lucky and had a great day. Thank goodness because if she loses and you win, things can get a bit ugly.
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<br />At 6 p.m. after a full day of gambling, they all board the bus to go back home. Olga serves her very own potato chip casserole on the bus and they all travel along in peace with Mom in the front counting her money. All is well with the world. </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-65755866962493516312011-08-17T10:50:00.008-04:002011-08-17T12:22:51.227-04:00June is for Jackson<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">In early June, our first grandbaby Jackson turned one year old and his parents celebrated with a super creative, pirate-themed party just for him. Stephanie is incredibly talented at entertaining and it was a most special event. I loved the fact so many age groups were invited – Stephanie and Andy’s friends, Mike and me (Baba and Dedo), my Cincinnati family of friends and of course, Karen, Jackson’s grandmother as well as Karen’s relatives. Stephanie and Andy have many friends with small children of their own who were all included as Jackson’s own buddies.
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<br />AHOY! Let’s talk pirates. J was wearing a darling onesie personalized with his name and a pirate and some cool checked pants. The tables were charming with large black and white polka dot cloths created for the event. Pirate favors of every kind were everywhere – treasure chests of candy, personalized candy bars, decorated cookies and a tiered centerpiece of cupcakes with pirate themed picks. The goodie bags were too cute and everyone wore birthday hats with a big “J.” A 4’ tall piñata pirate greeted guests at the front door, but before entering the magical space they were asked to stop on the porch for a photo wearing pirate and wench headpieces, with the option of waving swashbuckling swords. Stephanie had a large gold frame hanging from the porch soffit and Mike took the photos. Of course, not everyone enjoys having their photo taken as much as me but many of the guests joined in the fun.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The food was delicious – fried chicken, lots of salads, fruit and of course spectacular cupcakes, with popcorn and cotton candy as an additional option. We loved all of it, and while Jackson didn’t understand much, he does know a fun toy when he sees one – that’s for sure. He got some adorable gifts and everyone was happy to celebrate his first b-day!</span> </p>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-37787077049495255992011-07-01T11:52:00.005-04:002011-07-01T11:57:58.467-04:00Get Email Alerts When I Post!<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is now easier than every to follow my blog. On the right hand side of my site, under "Follow by Email", submit your email address and start receiving alerts when I post new content. Go ahead and sign up now!</span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can also Tweet my entries and share on your Facebook accounts to help me build readership. Thanks for all your support. -Becky</span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-20616555363320347822011-07-01T11:38:00.002-04:002011-08-17T12:23:21.516-04:00A Perfect 4th of July Picnic Salad<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a new salad to add to your list – I like it since it is not too mayonnaisey and has a lot of crunchy ingredients. After talking to friends, I think it is a slightly different version that many people make. Make it this weekend for your 4th of July festivities. </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#339999;">Best Broccoli Salad</span>
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<br />3c. broccoli flowerets – just buy the crowns and trim them into mouth size pieces
<br />½ c. raisins
<br />½ c. chopped celery
<br />8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (in a pinch I have used Hormel real bacon pieces)
<br />½ c. nuts – I have used cashews, walnuts and even peanuts
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<br />Mix all these elements together in a large bowl, then coat with dressing. Here is the dressing: mix ½ c. mayonnaise, 2 tbs. honey and the juice of one whole lemon. Pour on the salad and toss away. If I am making more, I use 2 lemons and increase the mayo by ¼ c.
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<br />I really liked this and so have my guests. I first had a version of it at my grandson’s birthday party that was purchased at Sam’s Club. This is my duplicate version. It keeps well and is something different than the standard fare. ENJOY! Happy Fourth of July! </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-82147269854247995892011-06-25T14:07:00.002-04:002011-06-25T14:08:34.849-04:00Amazing Moms<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I just returned from a long trip to Boston where I visited my daughter, her husband and adorable baby.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I felt compelled to write a blog about this current generation of educated, career moms and all they do. My daughter and her friends battle an incredible schedule of work, baby and family duties which is the norm, not the exception. When my children were babies, I was able to stay home and the most pressure on me was whether I could get to bowling on time on Wednesday mornings and if I could find something to do each day that would get me out of my house. One day I would grocery shop, another day found me at the fresh fruit market, another at the library and I always was home for nap time. My friends and I frowned at the moms who had their babies in Macy’s mid-afternoon, as that was standard nap time for a little one. Wow, how we judged others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well it is all different now. A working mom wakes early, goes to the gym before work (are you kidding me?), then comes home, wakes, changes, dresses and feeds her baby while her husband gets ready for work. She packs the baby’s lunch, a clothing change (the daycare really needs this) and all the supplies, then packs her own lunch, figures out a simple breakfast for her husband, and gets herself completely ready as a professional for a long day of her own.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The daddy (if you are lucky) takes the baby to daycare in the stroller or carrier and the mom goes to her office. At the end of the day, the mom takes the bus or subway to pick up the baby where the daycare provides her with a detailed written account of his day. She takes the baby home, makes dinner and keeps the laundry going and apartment clean too! And then, she gets to do it all again the next day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">BUT, there are huge benefits too! While the baby does have the standard daycare runny nose, he is extremely sociable, loves other babies and can sleep through anything. The mom and dad can utilize their exceptional educational backgrounds, feel productive, contribute to society and build a wonderful life together. I am not saying that sometimes there are not enough hours in the day, but we all experience that right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I know that for generations there have been so many moms that have to work to survive to take care of their families. My hat is off to them and to the current generation of moms that also only want the best for their loved ones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">P.S. I forgot to mention all the rest – grocery shopping, meal planning, haircuts, manicures and pedicures, planting flowers, shopping for your home, your clothing and planning nice things for your friends AND reading the book club book all the while maintaining your home and socializing with friends.</span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-62887288193167570872011-06-07T10:07:00.001-04:002011-06-07T10:17:25.105-04:00Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese, OH MY!!<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Recently I had lunch with one of my friends and the special soup of the day was cream of broccoli with bacon and gorgonzola cheese. Even though it was a warm day, we both thought it sounded great and it was! My mom has a broccoli soup she has been making for years and I knew I could easily add the additional ingredients. </span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#339999;">Cream of Broccoli Soup with Bacon and Cheese<br /><br /></span>6 tbs. butter<br />1 c. chopped onions<br />3 tbs. flour<br />6 c. chicken broth<br />2 bunches of broccoli chopped and cooked<br />1 ½ c. half and half<br />3/4 tsp. salt<br />1/8 tsp. pepper<br />8 strips bacon cooked till crisped, then chopped<br />½ c. gorgonzola cheese plus more for topping<br /><br />Melt butter in large pan and sauté onions for 5 minutes. Add flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring to get out that raw flour taste. Add chicken broth and broccoli. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Puree in blender in batches, then return to pan. Stir in half and half, salt and pepper, bacon and cheese.<br /><br />When serving, top with a few cheese crumbles and maybe a few bacon bits.<br /><br />When another friend came over with her husband I served this soup as a first course instead of my usual appetizers. I served it in plain white coffee cups with the Barefoot Contessa’s cheese straws, which by the way are very soft and yummy. Enjoy!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613719254938755762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-H6FGkBrw4/Tefv62tlIrI/AAAAAAAAA1A/5nWGg345zoo/s400/Broccoli%2BSoup.jpg" />BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-82093622958088016232011-06-02T16:01:00.007-04:002011-06-02T16:14:51.406-04:00Frozen Peanut Butter Cups<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Doesn’t this title sound delicious? Well they are delicious and the perfect simple summer dessert. They can be made ahead of time and popped out onto the plate whenever you are ready.<br /><br /></div></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 329px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613716877065624754" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbHG3egrvcg/TeftwcccnLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/MgzwueeD4XA/s400/Peanut%2Bbutter%2Bcup.jpg" /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">Frozen Peanut Butter Cups</span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">1c. whipping cream<br />7 oz. jar marshmallow crème<br />3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened<br />½ c. chunky peanut butter<br />Chocolate syrup or chocolate shavings if desired<br /><br />In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. In a large bowl, beat marshmallow crème, cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. With a rubber spatula, fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. This takes a bit of time but be patient so it all gets mixed in and stays fluffy.<br /><br />Line 9 regular sized muffin cups or 24 min-muffin cups with paper liners. Spoon the mousse mixture into the cups. Set uncovered pans in freezer for 20-25 minutes until cups are firm. I place them in a plastic container and cover tightly with foil and then the lid. From there, I return them to the freezer. Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving. Top with chocolate syrup or shavings if desired.<br /><br />I have been making these for years and they are always a hit. The mini ones are perfect for a ladies lunch with coffee. </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-16304756702726940462011-05-17T16:35:00.007-04:002011-05-17T16:39:53.477-04:00Speedy and the Washer<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPATtzMfcY4/TdLcuhoT_UI/AAAAAAAAA0o/TlPYW-sdOKg/s1600/indesit-washing-machine.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607787177889234242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPATtzMfcY4/TdLcuhoT_UI/AAAAAAAAA0o/TlPYW-sdOKg/s400/indesit-washing-machine.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">OK, I know this is not my typical blog but I have a funny story for you. Last week, I was doing laundry and since it is very noisy, I always keep the laundry room door closed. I opened the door to check on the dryer load and instantly smelled smoke and the room looked a bit hazy.<br /><br />I jumped on the dryer, pulled it from the wall and unplugged it, but the plug and outlet were cool. I was stumped. On impulse I opened the washer lid – well, the washer had stopped spinning and all I could hear was a low hum like the motor had died and the clothes were sitting in a pile of sudsy water. That’s how I knew I had myself a washer problem.<br /><br />When Mike came home I told him about it and he proclaimed he would handle everything. This was the first time in almost 40 years of marriage that he decided to help with this type of household problem. I said, “fine, go for it” and recommended he get on the internet and look for a Whirlpool repair person. Actually I told him to look it up in the phone book which I know is hopelessly old fashioned. So anyway, he did get on the internet and made an appointment for a service call for the next day. I was mightily impressed as he has shown no interest in this type of thing in the past.<br /><br />I come home from work the next day and Mike has left me a sign on the washer that said “NO PROBLEM, ONLY NEEDS A BELT.” Great. He tells me later the guy had ordered the belt and would come back when he got it. Finally, the funny part. I look at the card the guy left and it said: </span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">SPEEDY’S LAWN MOWER REPAIR<br />Address and phone no.<br /><br />And in the tiniest font imaginable on the very, very bottom of the card it said<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Simple washer and dryer repair<br /></span><br />Well, in the end Speedy called and said he did not really know how to fix it and would not be coming back. Leave it to Mike to call a mower repair service for the washer. Apparently Speedy can only really fix lawnmowers. Whirlpool is on their way on tomorrow. Speedy charges $10 for a service call but told Mike he didn’t have to pay. So much for Mike handling the family maintenance issues. But he tried. I guess next time it’s back to me again. </span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-20015629335690827892011-04-28T17:22:00.000-04:002011-04-29T17:24:24.155-04:00The Royal Wedding and Me<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vri7EET7PB4/TbssPbonyUI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/x7dczz2TN-o/s1600/144615_prince-william-and-kate-middletons-official-wedding-program-photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 347px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601119205193140546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vri7EET7PB4/TbssPbonyUI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/x7dczz2TN-o/s400/144615_prince-william-and-kate-middletons-official-wedding-program-photo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I looked each day in my mailbox for my invite to the royal wedding uniting Kate and William and alas, not even a “Save the Date” ever arrived. Well, never mind, I can attend in my own special way.<br /><br />As with Princess Anne, (we share the same birthday don’t ya know), Fergie and Andrew and Diana and Charles, I get myself up at 4 a.m. to participate in all the pageantry. This year, I have requested the day off from work and have arranged all my wedding party supplies. I am having fresh cinnamon rolls (well, Pillsbury makes them but I am baking them), bloody mary’s, and a delicious brunch casserole with ham, olives, cheese and eggs.<br /><br />My tiara is ready to go, my alarm is set and I may have on my PJs but I will be watching on my big screen as the queen and everyone else arrives. I can offer my own fashion critique (seriously, is that Princess Anne ever going to get any style?) and I cannot wait to see what my friend Kate is wearing. Will it be that rumpled tissue paper look that Diana chose, or will it be something fitted without all those bows and mutton sleeves? At least Kate won’t be as heavily corseted as Fergie, who looked so nice, then exploded after the wedding and became a Weight Watchers spokesperson. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I mean a princess has to make money too, right?<br /><br />Kate is a lucky girl. She went to the same college a prince and future king attended and managed to not only snag him but to hold onto him for 7 years. He has a new bald spot on the top of his head that I am pretty sure he did not have when she met him so I guess she really is in love. All my best to the happy couple and I will forgive them for not inviting me as I am sure my invite was “lost in the mail.” I will be there in spirit anyway. And by the way, I have absolutely perfected my royal wave. I have practicing it all week! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Photos from </span><a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com/celebrities"><span style="font-size:130%;">Access Hollywood</span></a><br /></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-20728713340227091472011-04-20T20:45:00.005-04:002011-04-20T20:57:03.207-04:00Wreaths for Your Door and More<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">SPRING IS HERE –at least in some parts of the country. Here in Rochester we had snow yesterday but we are always hopeful for Easter and all that spring brings.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">At <a href="http://www.tuesdaymorning.com">Tuesday Morning</a> we have an amazing variety of spring wreaths in the store right now. They are so colorful and bright, made of geraniums, hydrangeas, apple blossoms and a wonderful mix of spring flowers.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Pjxc9QT_E/Ta-AFy23fCI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DevQQghDSVU/s1600/Wreath%2Bred.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 362px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Pjxc9QT_E/Ta-AFy23fCI/AAAAAAAAA0A/DevQQghDSVU/s400/Wreath%2Bred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597833698884418594" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmIHrrZ4ey0/Ta-ANBF4uBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/aWAvh7sJg_4/s1600/wreath%2Bpurple.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmIHrrZ4ey0/Ta-ANBF4uBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/aWAvh7sJg_4/s400/wreath%2Bpurple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597833822964594706" border="0" /></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEmPP63kVbY/Ta-AJR0fyvI/AAAAAAAAA0I/igKPvoccgcg/s1600/wreath%2B2%2Bpink.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEmPP63kVbY/Ta-AJR0fyvI/AAAAAAAAA0I/igKPvoccgcg/s400/wreath%2B2%2Bpink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597833758735583986" border="0" /></a><br />Wreaths can be showcased in so many places. As a designer, I once had a client with twin daughters and we had a pair of wreaths made to go above their twin beds. The little girls loved them and thought of them as “crowns.” These tiny girls are grown now and their mom says they took the wreaths with them to college to hang above their beds as a little “smile from home.”<br /><br />Of course your front door is the perfect place for a welcoming wreath but I have seen them all over the house. They can hang on the armoire door, in a powder room, a laundry room, a kitchen or on the side door into the garage that no one ever “decorates.” At the holidays, I have a matching pair of berry wreaths flocked with snow I hang side by side on my twin bookcases.<br /><br />A wreath can hang over an entry mirror (suspend it from fishing line from a tiny nail midway into the mirror) or perfectly over a fireplace. Light it with tiny lights, to give you a happy glow no matter the season. Check out your local <a href="http://www.tuesdaymorning.com">Tuesday Morning </a>store to find the perfect wreath.<br /><br />Remember, if you have wreath on your front door and a bird family tries to nest there, just put an artificial bird on the wreath and the live birds will think another one lives there. This is a BECKY KNOWS EVERYTHING SUPER TIP JUST FOR YOU.</span></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820292475819078904.post-16959343606791840022011-04-08T21:43:00.005-04:002011-04-08T21:50:37.904-04:00Mom's Excellent Adventure<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A few weeks ago my 86 year old mother began her “excellent adventure.” She traveled to San Francisco to visit Bonnie and her family. Bonnie made all the plans and set to precision all the variables: how to get Mom to the airport, wheelchair access, credentials for me to walk her to the gate, Bonnie’s daughters home for their break from college, etc., etc. Of course the biggest variable of all was Mom’s ability to go that far from home and stay with Bonnie for 9 days. But she did it and I wanted to share with you the funny stuff.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iY-AP_2LDJY/TZ-6iPu8Q9I/AAAAAAAAAzw/vzlBsWtbiKA/s1600/Baba%2Band%2BGirls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 365px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iY-AP_2LDJY/TZ-6iPu8Q9I/AAAAAAAAAzw/vzlBsWtbiKA/s400/Baba%2Band%2BGirls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593394359719183314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Crazy Stuff Mom did on the Trip</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1. The night before the trip I traveled to Lorain to spend the night at Mom’s so I could take her to the airport – she had a 9:00 a.m. flight (which of course means we left her house at 5:30 for the 35 minute drive). Mom had a productive day and by that I mean she had her hair done and a pedicure, complete with jewel inserts. I arrived in Lorain to find her in 17 degree weather wearing flip flops to protect her new toe look. We go to dinner where Mom bites down on a crunchy baguette and cracks the cap on her front tooth. I am thinking this is now Bonnie’s problem.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">2. We get to the airport easily and stand in line to check her bag (none of that leaving it at the curb – she is convinced it won’t get to the proper place). We also get her boarding pass, a wheelchair and an escort pass for me. Our wheelchair attendant was Elizabeth and Mom whispered to ask me what her tip should be. When I said $5.00, Mom choked.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">3. OK she is off. I wait at the gate until the plane backs up. Bonnie safely gets her at the other end in San Fran. Bonnie promptly takes her to lunch since she is apparently going to die if she doesn’t eat lunch no matter what time zone she is in.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">4. She announces to Bonnie she has a broken cap and won’t go to a dentist. I didn’t realize she had so few teeth and uses her front teeth to chew, like a squirrel…so now Bonnie has to figure out how to feed her soft foods for the next 9 days. Sorry Bonnie.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">5. Bonnie lives in Modesto and has a fab new house with its own pool house/guest cottage, so Mom opts to stay there and I am thinking Bonnie is one lucky girl since Mom can do what she wants out there and not drive anyone too nuts. Mom is skittish about meeting Bonnie’s dog, Dodger but all goes well since he is a cutie pie.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">6. Bonnie calls me and says she has to make “Snaggle Tooth” a different soup each day as that is pretty much all she can eat. She makes French onion, potato leek, tomato, etc.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">7. Bonnie takes her to a casino where she wins $338 using “Mom Math” which she means she only counts her winnings, not the money she spent betting. Mom is thrilled and I say “good thing!” as Mom is very cranky when someone wins other than herself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">8. Mom tells Bonnie she figures she is “healthy from the head down but not so hot from the head up.” I mean she is deaf, has one bad eye and we won’t discuss her hair. Her mind is still very sharp though and with her foot troubles from her diabetes I think she is healthier up than down and so does Bonnie. (Her ears are really getting huge, so that would be a negative on the head up theory).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">9. The funniest thing that happened though is the photo Bonnie sent me of herself and Mom wearing the same dress. She titled it “Bitch Stole My Look” from the Joan River’s Fashion Police show (if you have never seen this you must watch – it is hysterical). They both own the same dress and are looking so cute, much like my Tete Menka and her daughter Vivian who wore the same clothes until Tete passed away at 80 some years old. Pretty sure Bon is not going to make this a trend.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdyemMNPB58/TZ-6vcP-BeI/AAAAAAAAAz4/4Pj7cctCLA8/s1600/Bitch%2BStole.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdyemMNPB58/TZ-6vcP-BeI/AAAAAAAAAz4/4Pj7cctCLA8/s400/Bitch%2BStole.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593394586417235426" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">10. Bonnie travels with Mom back to Cleveland and spends a few days there, finding a good dentist, a podiatrist and buys her a new toaster. That Bonnie is one great daughter and sister. Mom is home and couldn’t wait to tell all her friends about her “excellent adventure.”</span><br /></div>BECKY B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01164395629721901253noreply@blogger.com2