tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43123065282857652732011-11-14T14:57:33.647-05:00Kristanoreply@blogger.comBlogger2421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-31596376416576387332011-11-14T14:50:00.001-05:002011-11-14T14:57:34.067-05:00

It's that time of year again!  We're having our Christmas Cookie Contest at Mystery Lover's Kitchen.  We'll bake and taste (poor us!) and select ten finalists.  You get to vote for the overall winner!  Send your recipes to KristaDavis at KristaDavis dot com.  You could win these! Pastel Sanding Sugar Primary Sanding Sugar Powdered Food Colors Cute Flower Cookie Stencils

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-21026279982256585112011-08-18T16:25:00.000-04:002011-08-18T16:25:05.005-04:00

Not too long ago, I overheard someone in my grocery store say "Ugh.  Organic food.  Don't want that!"  She turned her cart quickly to avoid the organic food aisle.  The truth is that the days of shoe sole taste and cardboard box texture organic food are long gone.  We all have our favorite brands, organic and not organic.  Late July is a brand that I've found to be consistently good.  They make

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-59747848830133482062011-07-29T00:01:00.004-04:002011-07-29T00:01:03.184-04:00

So you have company coming for dinner and not enough time.  What's the easiest thing for them to nosh on before dinner?  A cheese platter, of course.  All you have to do is make it look pretty.  But instead of plain Jane crackers, add some daelia's Hazelnut Biscuits for Cheese and you'll instantly have an upscale, gourmet cheese platter.  They have tiny bits of fig in them, which sets them

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-368020082191988052011-07-25T00:01:00.008-04:002011-07-25T09:20:39.861-04:00

Have you ever linked three long extension cords together to cut hedges?  Me, too.  The process of connecting everything was such a chore that I was always putting it off.  So, when the electric hedge trimmer died, I wasn't altogether too sad about it. I'll admit that I had some reservations about buying a battery-powered hedge trimmer.  Would it have enough power to cut anything?  Would it weigh

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-16011085618086254102011-07-20T00:01:00.001-04:002011-07-20T00:01:07.406-04:00

It seems like I'm obsessed with dishwashing!  My favorite dishwashing liquid (for hand-washing dishes) has become very hard to find.  I've churned through a slew of brands, some overly stinky, some that dry hands, some that just didn't work as well as I would have liked.  I use my dishwashing liquid a lot, so I'm very conscious of how my hands feel after using it. I'm thrilled with Ecover's

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-84955910533931345172011-07-15T00:01:00.001-04:002011-07-15T00:01:02.888-04:00

Teresa at my local health food store knows everything about cheese.  She's an expert on all kinds of other things, too, but I've never seen anyone who knows cheeses like she does.  (With the exception of Avery Aames, of course!) One day when I was shopping, a woman was buying Cablanca.  She explained that her daughter had issues with dairy products, but not with items made from goat's milk.  I

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-59133508686407776392011-07-12T14:02:00.002-04:002011-07-12T15:53:52.991-04:00

Lately, I've been buying one automatic dishwasher detergent after another and getting the same horrible results.  Nothing gets clean.  Oh, the dishes are sort of clean, but that's because I've been washing them by hand before I put them into the dishwasher.  And let's not even get into glasses.  Ick!  I was beginning to think I would have to go back to hand-washing my dishes. Since the day my

Kristanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-16033117499732047342011-03-26T19:36:00.007-04:002011-03-26T20:14:43.085-04:00

They're actually very pretty. What a lovely spray of yellow. But when we see these little flowers, or worse, the subsequent clouds of seeds that develop, we see RED!I have been fighting these pesky things for so long that I have actually contemplated eating the leaves -- if I can't get rid of them, might as well use them!In my quest to rid the yard of dandelions, I have bought several tools

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-89182198144183765202011-03-07T00:01:00.000-05:002011-03-07T00:10:20.789-05:00

Although I don't live too far from the Atlantic Coast as the seagull flies, for some reason our grocery stores are full of fish from half way around the world. Tonight as I ate fish from Australia, I couldn't help wondering if Australians eat fish from Virginia.My Australian fish dining experience involved a Barramundi, a totally new fish to me. It's low in fat and contains heart healthy omega 3

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-15902859624842905672011-02-13T16:49:00.002-05:002011-02-13T17:02:52.169-05:00

One of my favorite comic strips is Pickles. I had a good laugh recently when a couple of the characters made fun of fancy salts and mentioned pink salt. One of my new favorites is pink Himalayan Salt. It really is pink! The container says the salt comes from a region once covered by an unpolluted primordial ocean. They claim it's the "purest and most balanced salt on earth." Supposedly, our

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-77283831442110831492010-11-18T14:03:00.003-05:002010-11-18T14:44:52.594-05:00

Of course I have to share my new trailer with you! Hope you enjoy. The Diva Cooks A Goose is available for pre-order and will be in stores on December 7th!

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-44093253423454431162010-11-18T13:35:00.005-05:002010-11-18T14:59:22.865-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I'm hoping to be here a little bit more often as we roll into the holidays.If you're like the rest of us and you're pinching pennies, I've got two hot links for you. I've been following them for a while and they really do offer some terrific deals!Kaley at Chaching On A Shoestring spends her days looking for bargains, which means we get the benefit

Kristanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-16474273955916678222010-06-18T00:01:00.000-04:002010-06-18T00:01:02.457-04:00

Sometimes I am an idiot. Hey! You didn't have to agree so fast. I'm going to blame my stupidity on a fondness for bling. There's a reason that manufacturers put so much money and effort into packaging -- to attract the attention of shoppers like me. I was looking for crackers recently. Plain old Saltine type crackers that were organic. My eyes skipped right over the bland, recycled

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-66512933027612503532010-05-17T00:01:00.000-04:002010-05-17T00:01:01.691-04:00

I am totally in love with this Indian style bread I found at my local Kroger. I bought the garlic version, but it comes without garlic, too. Made by International Fabulous Flats, this Naan is preservative-free. It can be prepared on a pan, the grill, the oven or over an open flame on a gas stove. Talk about versatile! Ideal to take along on a camping trip.I tried heating it on a pan (we're

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-49028862181515032672010-05-10T13:00:00.002-04:002010-05-10T13:11:41.873-04:00

Before I hit the road to Malice Domestic, I stocked up on road trip food. Half the fun is getting there and munching on slightly sinful foods on the way is even better. Right?I was eager to rip into this bag of Grand Pops Best Kettle Corn. Made in Richmond, Virginia, it contains no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and no trans fat. In fact, as healthy snacks go, this treat isn't too bad because

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-52927472337237660752010-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:002010-03-02T00:01:00.539-05:00

Those of you who read The Diva Dishes regularly may recall that I was not a fan of the One Touch can opener. I thought it was a great idea, but the two I bought failed miserably and landed in the trash, which was tantamount to throwing out $40, which made me very unhappy. A friend (who obviously does not read this blog!) recently gave me a One Touch as a gift. It was very thoughtful, but I had

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-43360014027277336312010-02-18T09:49:00.005-05:002010-02-18T10:00:50.844-05:00

I heard the other day that 48 states had snow somewhere. It's been such a bitter winter, especially in the south where we're not used to living with snow covering everything. I guess it's not surprising then, that I'm already thinking about spring.Over at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, we're having a little contest for a collection of spring cookie cutters from Wilton. This adorable shamrock and

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-39446890297987023342010-02-16T15:58:00.008-05:002010-02-16T16:21:40.647-05:00

And she's baaack!Well, part time anyway. I'm not going to be blogging every day, or on a regular schedule even, but I will be posting here occasionally. I have some updates on products that I look forward to sharing with you.I won't be posting recipes, though. If you haven't dropped by Mystery Lovers' Kitchen yet, come on by and join the fun. Loads of recipes and personal stories from six

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-57220045327248262442009-07-27T00:05:00.001-04:002009-07-27T00:05:00.785-04:00

It is with mixed feelings that I am announcing the end of The Diva Dishes. It has been almost a year since I began this blog and it has been an adventure. I've enjoyed all your comments and messages and in many ways, I know I will miss it.However, there is good news. I'm joining a group of cozy writers who write about food, and we're launching a blog called Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. I'm

Kristanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-18872248013432075502009-07-27T00:01:00.002-04:002009-07-27T00:01:03.111-04:00

This story is so amusing that it won Coco Ihle a copy of The Diva Takes the Cake.My ex-husband and I were congenially preparing for our son’s wedding, but my ex’s girlfriend was trying her best to make the experience a total nightmare for me. I asked my ex if she could possible be excluded from this event. After all, she had nothing to do with raising our son. My ex agreed, but she wasn’t having

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-67774414681438622192009-07-26T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-26T00:01:00.276-04:00

Patti O'Brien was married two years ago and sent a long list of tips. Some of these were sentiments voiced by others, so I'm sharing her entire letter with you because It's a lovely wrap-up and a wonderful reminder that a wedding isn't just about one day in your life.Have the wedding you want, not what someone else (parents, future in-laws, friends) wants. Graciously (very graciously) take

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-10285387113701427792009-07-25T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-25T00:01:01.290-04:00

A clever variation on a traditional cake and decor from Joy Isley.I recently went to a small wedding where the table decorations were flowers in angel food cake pans, cookie cutters strewn along the tables, and sprinkles of cake decorations sprinkled along with the ribbons down the cener of the tables.. The wedding cake was a small decorated cake and the guests ate cookes instead. There were

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-43580052772905174042009-07-24T00:01:00.003-04:002009-07-24T00:01:00.753-04:00

And a last all season tip for entertaining children at weddings from Vickie Hartwell.I have a tip for the reception especially if there will be children present. For my wedding, I made each child a sand bucket filled with crayons, coloring pages, small tub of playdoh, cars, stickers, bubbles, candy...you get the idea. This kept them entertained during the reception while all the adults were

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-18980235413914909912009-07-23T00:01:00.002-04:002009-07-23T09:45:26.896-04:00

This tip from Anna-Marie Barker is so easy and only requires a trip to the bulk food section of your local box store.I am a believer in having children at the reception (I know somefolks aren't). I also believe that they should be made to feel a part of it just as like adult guests to feel. So my tip is to do what we did at our reception...First, the bride throws the bouquet. Next, the groom

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-33470920540659714672009-07-22T00:01:00.001-04:002009-07-22T00:01:01.373-04:00

A smart idea for children at winter weddings, from JT Thompson.I was at a wedding a few months ago that had the best idea I've ever seen. A few of the young guests had brought their children with them - returning to Ireland for the wedding from Australia, Bali, France, the Americas - and some adults were wondering how they were going to keep two- to eight-year-olds from becoming fractious over

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-85375440100343659942009-07-21T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-21T00:01:01.093-04:00

Four people submitted clever ideas about entertaining children at weddings. Since this seems to be such a big topic of discussion and since the tips were so diverse, I decided to share them all. The next four days will be devoted to children at weddings.First, from Leana McKay:I have a wedding tip for the divas. I attended a wedding where the bride and groom provided separate reception

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-59485571366448531542009-07-20T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-20T00:01:02.283-04:00

Helpful wedding tip # 6 is about being organized. Yes, you can use your computer, but notebooks and at-a-glance calendars might just be more useful than spreadsheets when it comes to wedding plans.From Beth McKay:A tip both Sophie and Natsha will love. (I'm sure Natasha's will be designer or ornately personalized):Whether you are using a wedding planner or saving money with a do it yourself

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-36325501498633207442009-07-17T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-17T00:01:03.115-04:00

Clergy and their wives go through more weddings than Elizabeth Taylor. This advice from wedding pros Lynn S. Smith-Roberts and Kathlyn Chin might save the day!From Lynn S. Smith-RobertsMake sure to have an emergency kit in case things start to fall apart. Include: Scotch tape; needle & at least 2 threads, black and white, & maybe another the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses; floral tape; pen;

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-62080505578940704342009-07-16T00:01:00.000-04:002009-07-16T00:01:01.360-04:00

Wedding tip #4 comes from Joyce Delaney, who knows how to dance the night away!For the bride who loves to dance (but not in the stiletto heels that are so in favor now), buy a pair of basic white Keds in her size and decorate them with tiny satin bows, lace cupids, etc. from a craft store. Change the sneaker laces for satin ribbon, either white or the color of her attendants' dresses. Use a

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-82870216473494925922009-07-14T16:00:00.006-04:002009-07-15T09:18:57.350-04:00

If you've read The Diva Takes the Cake, you know things can go very wrong with wedding plans, even if Natasha isn't involved. Our tip today, from Anne Tomlin, helps take some of the pressure off.Bonus tip: wedding insurance (no kidding.) The country club where my daughter's reception is being held burned down last year, and her fiance is in service on active duty so is subject to abrupt

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-35908709696483767052009-07-13T23:01:00.005-04:002009-07-14T08:34:57.537-04:00

I heard recently that nearly 50% of brides say they have cut back on the amount they can spend on their weddings. Mary Rice's clever tip is a great money saver.Rent your greenery from the florist! For a fee (which is very reasonable) they will deliver and pick-up. It saves tons of money and time!!Krista's note: I was surprised by this tip and made a few inquiries. Kim Jameson of Kim Jameson

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-7681203073305288212009-07-12T21:44:00.011-04:002009-07-13T10:44:43.890-04:00

I never thought it would be so hard to pick a winner. Wedding tips came in fast and thick, and they were fabulous. Thanks to everyone who sent in wedding tips!There were a few that recommended not getting married at all. I also received a host of recommendations to elope, or tie the knot privately. If you're considering going that route, you should know that many of the people who made

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-8862223838356138402009-07-10T01:19:00.003-04:002009-07-10T01:25:15.668-04:00

A Mudslide is such a lovely indulgence. Sweet and creamy, it really does slide right down.1 part vanilla vodka1 part Kahlua1 part Bailey's Irish Cream2 parts milk2 small or 1 large scoop vanilla ice creamPour the liquids into a glass and top with ice cream.Enjoy!

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-27242780294678979242009-07-09T09:54:00.002-04:002009-07-09T19:25:16.013-04:00

This nifty gadget is the Bernzomatic Self-Igniting Outdoor Torch. In other words, a flame thrower. It looks a little bit like a cane. A clever design really. It's held by the curved handle at the top. You attach a bottle of propane at the end of the handle and a flame comes out at the bottom. It's not a huge flame, but it's just the right size to burn those pesky weeds that grow between

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-70489771959658272922009-07-09T09:52:00.003-04:002009-07-09T09:54:27.862-04:00

The winners of the contest will be announced soon. There were so many entries and wonderful suggestions that it's really hard to pick only eight winners! I'm planning to announced them on Monday and that will kick off eight days of wedding suggestions.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-42062277339009773822009-07-08T08:38:00.004-04:002009-07-08T09:03:35.734-04:00

I don't eat enough salmon. Do you? It's supposed to be so heart healthy and loaded with fats that lower our cholesterol. So I was in the grocery store looking at salmon and had a choice between $7 a pound Sockeye and $3 a pound Silverbrite. $3 a pound for salmon? How could that be?The fish guy at the store said Sockeye was a superior salmon and that accounted for the price difference.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-74268592643538917702009-07-07T00:01:00.003-04:002009-07-07T09:10:11.833-04:00

Many thanks to author Sheila Connolly for joining us today as her new book, Rotten to the Core, launches in bookstores everywhere.Last year's debut book of my Orchard Mystery series, One Bad Apple, was a top ten bestseller in its first month among independent mystery bookstores, and now the second in the series, Rotten to the Core, will be issued July 7th. Former Boston banker Meg Corey has

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-75327171983929581832009-07-06T00:01:00.001-04:002009-07-06T19:56:01.083-04:00

Italians know their pasta, and the French know their cheese. When you have German ancestry, sausages like Bratwurst are important. Consequently, I'm always a little bit leery when I buy Bratwurst. I've sunk my teeth into some that were so bad, well, they wouldn't rate any cupcakes. I'm told that the various regions of Germany include different spices in their Bratwurst. So the Bratwurst in

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-58256983039141502242009-07-04T10:05:00.005-04:002009-07-04T10:14:54.730-04:00

This is the last day to enter my contest. Go to http://divamysteries.com and click on CONTEST. All you have to do to enter is send me a fabulous wedding tip. The top eight tips will win a copy of The Diva Takes the Cake, and the person who sends the best tip will also win a tiara made with Swarovski crystals and a Vera Bradley tote bag.Enter today!

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-60981693614019464962009-07-03T00:01:00.001-04:002009-07-03T07:43:11.685-04:00

This weekend a lot of spicy grilling will be going on. The perfect drink for meat with heat is a frozen Margarita. This particular version of a blender Margarita has been passed around through a number of Washington DC law firms. It came to me called the Washington Lawyer Margarita. I have no idea who originated it, but it's a winner every time I make it.Like a lot of blender drinks, it's

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-24709179384619597192009-07-02T09:14:00.006-04:002009-07-02T09:36:01.157-04:00

That wonderful summer treat, watermelon, is packed with vitamins and potassium, and has the distinction of being the leader among fresh foods for lycopene. It's delicious and good for us, too. But half of the last watermelon you bought spoiled and landed in the trash, didn't it?While there's something fun about biting into a slice of watermelon, there's something annoying about storing that

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-58932442205827574362009-07-01T06:39:00.001-04:002009-07-02T22:03:46.356-04:00

They're coming! With July 4th around the corner, friends and relatives are packing their cars and heading to -- your house. Most house guests are out at lunchtime, so that leaves breakfast and dinner. Dinner can be barbecue, after all it's summer. But even if you take your guests out to dinner, you still have to make breakfast.Enter the frittata -- a versatile breakfast/brunch egg dish that you

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-10498190312386881612009-06-30T00:01:00.001-04:002009-07-02T22:03:28.067-04:00

Now that summer is here, it's movie time. But popcorn and chips are beginning to get old, and you'd really like to graze on something a little bit healthier, right? Pirate's Booty to the rescue. These savory treats are baked, not fried. They contain all natural ingredients with no preservatives or colors and supposedly contain half the calories of potato chips. Gluten free and trans fat free

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-46050539966654437522009-06-29T09:21:00.004-04:002009-06-29T09:31:05.382-04:00

Last week someone asked me what would be a great, but inexpensive, wedding gift. Naturally, every gift should be bought with the particular recipient in mind, but my top pick is a set of martini glasses.Martinis are back in vogue, and there's just a touch of James Bond classiness about a martini glass. They look chic. The array of variations on martini glasses is astounding. And very nice

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-89997001101148290472009-06-26T00:01:00.005-04:002009-06-26T01:18:06.935-04:00

One of my favorite summer drinks is a mixture that brings on looks of confusion and sometimes, downright revulsion. It's very refreshing, though.Here's the recipe:Fill a Pilsner glass or beer mug half way with beer.Pour Sprite in and fill to the top.Enjoy!That's right. Half beer and half Sprite. In Germany, it's called a Radler (Rrrod-ler) and can be found in restaurants and bars all over the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-34914696452273792702009-06-25T10:07:00.008-04:002009-06-25T10:29:29.781-04:00

Have you heard about submersible floralytes? These cool little lights come in a rainbow of colors and can be used in water and wet locations. They're meant for one time use only, but they only run about $1.90 to $2.10 each, depending on the quantity you buy and where you buy them. Just Google submersible floralytes and you'll be amazed by the number of places that sell them.These wireless

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-27252154765573831522009-06-24T09:05:00.004-04:002009-06-24T09:17:41.811-04:00

I refuse to pay $6 for a pepper. Which means I walk by them wistfully in the winter. But right now, my grocery store is loaded with gorgeous peppers for $1. Red, orange, and yellow and they're positively mouthwatering. And in the garden, the peppers are growing fast. It won't be long before I have too many peppers. So what to do with them? Freeze them. It's almost as simple as freezing

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-64275665963021714512009-06-23T00:01:00.001-04:002009-06-24T09:18:08.783-04:00

One of my good friends has a soy allergy. She was stunned to discover recently that her favorite mayonnaise is based on soybean oil. A lot of us are avoiding soybeans these days, for a whole host of reasons, but few people are aware that it's the primary ingredient in mayonnaise and 99% of salad dressings.But you don't have to give up your mayonnaise addiction. After all, it's summertime and

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-67604871953901496552009-06-22T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-22T00:01:15.245-04:00

I am not always as creative as I'd like to be. So when I see something that dresses up a simple thing and isn't a lot of work, I get very excited.The most basic cupcake will be the star of the birthday party for your little princess in these filigree cupcake wrappers. Even your book club or bridge party will be elevated if you cluster cupcakes as a centerpiece in these clever cupcake wrappers.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-58167670007310138412009-06-19T00:01:00.007-04:002009-06-19T00:01:33.866-04:00

This has to be the easiest drink to make. It's very elegant, and would be a perfect after-dinner drink any time of year. Absolut Raspberri is clear, so the gorgeous color, even the hint of a reddish hue, comes entirely from the Godiva liquor. Be forewarned, though -- contrary to what one might think, this isn't a sweet, creamy bon bon type of drink. It's all liquor and there's no ice or mixer

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-29068636139229013202009-06-18T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-18T00:01:06.649-04:00

Have you noticed that dulce de leche seems to be turning up everywhere? Apparently Starbucks has a dulce de leche latte, and I think I heard it mentioned on the last episode of The Next Food Network Star.Essentially dulce de leche (dool-say de lay-chay) means sweet milk. It's a very close cousin of caramel, and I noticed that Haagen Dazs added the word "caramel" to their delicious dulce de

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-83793558337667321972009-06-17T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-17T00:01:01.621-04:00

The array of mustards in our grocery stores is nothing short of mind-boggling. We must eat a lot of the stuff to keep all those companies afloat.Now I happen to like a little horseradish in my mustard. Yum, it adds a little extra zing to an ordinary ham sandwich. Horseradish mustard can be used anywhere you use ordinary mustard. It's not hot or unpleasant, it just adds a spark.But which one

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-9698205324093250002009-06-16T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-16T00:01:01.285-04:00

It happens to all of us. A distracting phone call, someone at the door, or just plain juggling too many things at once -- and when we come back to the stove, not only is the food ruined, but the pot looks like it might be ruined, too. There is a way to rescue your pot without scrubbing until your arm breaks.It's a little bit counter-intuitive, though. Put it back on the burner. Add enough

Kristanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-69271445654216650362009-06-15T00:01:00.001-04:002009-06-15T00:01:00.667-04:00

A warm welcome to Kim H. Striker, who is kind enough to join us as a guest blogger today. Kim resides in far northern Maine (so far north that if Canada ever invades, she'll be speaking French), with her husband, five cats, and the odd visiting moose and deer. Kim has had many short stories published, including romances in the Trues magazines and anthologies, the most recent A Cup of Comfort for

Kristanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-18462168175632137362009-06-12T20:17:00.000-04:002009-06-14T13:52:25.632-04:00

It's Friday again. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll all be outdoors this weekend, manning our grills. This week's cocktail selection is the Orange Lion. Couldn't be easier or quicker to make. The Mandrin vodka tames the sweetness of the peach schnapps. Very refreshing and summery.Orange Lion1 part Mandarin vodka1 part peach schnapps1 1/2 parts orange juiceAdd crushed ice to a

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-24450748723986175572009-06-11T00:01:00.001-04:002009-06-11T00:01:01.265-04:00

The hottest trend in cooking this year is buying local. It makes sense in this economy. We need to support our local businesses and that certainly includes farmers.But it makes sense on another level, too. Food that is local is fresher, and more likely to have been grown naturally. It probably wasn't picked and packed green. It hasn't spent time in a shipping container, and it most likely

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-46770625223887791552009-06-10T00:01:00.001-04:002009-06-10T00:01:00.934-04:00

They're here! The price on blueberries is swiftly coming down in grocery stores as they come into season. If you have blueberry bushes, you'll be picking them soon, with raspberries coming along in about a month.But what to do with all those gorgeous berries? There's only so much jam your family can eat. Turns out blueberries and raspberries are very easy to freeze. Buy extra berries and

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-9113288078162204722009-06-09T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-09T00:01:01.327-04:00

I'm excited to welcome Kaye George as a guest blogger today. Kaye is the author of many published short stories, the most recent HANDBASKETS, DRAWERS, AND A KILLER COLD in the January 2009 issue of “Crooked” ezine and RETRANSFORMATION in the Summer 2008 edition of “Mysterical-E” ezine (first place Muse contest). She recently completed DEATH IN THE TIME OF ICE, a Neanderthal thriller.I got one

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-2591368878374310252009-06-08T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-08T00:01:00.557-04:00

On one of my writing lists, the conversation has turned to keeping pesky animals out of gardens, and squirrels out of bird feeders. Squirrels are very resourceful little guys, and seem to figure out a way around most of our efforts to guard bird seed.A few years ago, our squirrel problem became so bad that we installed a special pole with a squirrel proof baffle. If squirrels try to climb the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-3324850170012114212009-06-05T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-05T00:01:02.997-04:00

Summer is officially in full swing. It seems like I always fall back on the same old mixed drinks for company, so every Friday, I'm going to try out and blog about a new drink.I'm beginning with a symbol of summer -- watermelon. Marie Brizard Liquors brought out this Watermelon Liquor in 2005. Made of watermelon and a variety of seasonal melons, the liquor is all natural and I had to try

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-67378861725929140382009-06-04T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-04T00:01:00.287-04:00

I love ice cream. In my humble opinion, Haagen Dazs has the best flavors going. Ben & Jerry's chocolate does give Haagen Dazs chocolate a run for the money, but no one does coffee ice cream as well as Haagen Dazs. It has the right taste and texture.When I saw Haagen Dazs five ingredient ice cream, I was skeptical. How could they improve on their classic coffee ice cream? Well, the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-89116650048964891042009-06-03T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-03T00:01:00.521-04:00

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the little things make all the difference? I started getting cranky when I couldn't find this bottle brush. It had fallen over, no big deal, but I would have been upset if I had lost it. The bristles are about two inches wide, and they're flexible enough to bend easily.I use this little guy to clean narrow glasses, water canteens, vases, and all sorts of

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-23029040621066430682009-06-02T00:52:00.006-04:002009-06-02T01:25:20.841-04:00

I attended a class reunion this past weekend. One of the fun activities they offered was a chocolate tasting. What a fabulous idea to perk up a party! Whether it's your book club, your church group, or your fifteen year old daughter's sleepover -- a chocolate tasting will always be a hit.Buy candy boxes through eBay or a local chocolatier.Select chocolate bars to taste and break them into bite

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-48516150669267231112009-06-01T09:15:00.004-04:002009-06-01T09:41:18.516-04:00

Natasha takes great pride in her tablescapes. But Sophie thinks summer flowers and candles are perfectly adequate for a barbecue.You don't have to be a Natasha and hand-embroider napkins for your guests. Fun paper napkins spark up the table and enhance any barbecue. From elegant watercolor grapes, to simple red and white, to funny themes and sayings -- you can't go wrong.And the great thing is

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-81677548582599639222009-05-29T00:38:00.003-04:002009-05-29T00:50:42.359-04:00

Since my trip to Georgetown Cupcakes, I've had cupcakes on the mind. I've tried a few recipes and read a lot more, but so many of them seem to be overly complicated. While I was out shopping today, I found a nice Wilton cupcake pan on sale for half price.I was actually quite happy to find it since I was overdue for a new cupcake pan. I hadn't planned on buying one, but it occurred to me while

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-60380067815765189612009-05-28T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-28T00:01:00.343-04:00

When spring arrives and I make my annual visits to local nurseries, I suffer from gotta-have-it-syndrome. After many years of killing plants, I've learned there are some I'd better avoid. But not impatiens. Every year I plant a long row of these against a wall and they're always gorgeous. I just put these in yesterday, so they're tiny. But by mid-summer, that mulch will barely be visible.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-24472750963169853232009-05-27T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-27T00:01:00.972-04:00

So you made burgers on Memorial Day weekend, right? Me, too. How did yours turn out? It's pretty amazing that we constantly cook hamburgers, but they're so often dry and tough. About ten years ago, there was a big scare about eating undercooked meat. At the time, some states required restaurants to cook hamburger meat through. The problem is that overcooked hamburger is the main reason it's

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-29012555105141920132009-05-26T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-26T00:01:00.097-04:00

Hot days are already upon us. There are times when I'm out and about and I wish I had a refreshing drink. Izze fits the bill. Made of fruit juices and sparkling water, Izze has a light, refreshing taste. Like a soda, but Izze is remarkable for what it does not contain. No refined sugars, no caffeine, and no preservatives. It's 70% juice and the rest is sparkling water.Even better, they

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-60850374839425084532009-05-23T08:42:00.002-04:002009-05-23T12:15:14.834-04:00

A rare weekend update! My local Kroger has Boursin on sale for $3.50. Nearly half off -- a great price if you want try it out or stock up.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-32205679393494621342009-05-22T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-22T00:01:00.306-04:00

Boursin cheese brings back so many memories for me. We loved it in the 70's, and the marvelous mixture of fresh cheese blended with garlic and herbs is still a delicious treat. Boursin is a soft cheese, easily spread on crackers for an informal snack. And it's a fabulous alternative to traditional cheeses on hamburgers.Boursin is ridiculously high in fat -- 12 grams in 2 tablespoons, but then,

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-76322725348496358962009-05-21T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-21T00:01:00.387-04:00

I love outdoor lights. Especially solar ones. In my dreams, we'll all be using solar lights to decorate for Christmas someday. Unfortunately, most solar strands of lights are fairly expensive. I've seen them in catalogs at Christmas for $70.00 a strand. Yikes!So when I saw these cute stars at Target for $20.00, I couldn't resist trying them. They're called Solar String Lights. Each light

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-34749458922913795922009-05-20T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-20T00:01:00.451-04:00

Three Dog Bakery makes cookies that look just like Oreos. So much so that it would be easy to confuse Lick 'n Crunch with Oreos. They're made with carob and have a peanut butter filling that smells delicious. No added salt, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. In fact, Three Dog Bakery makes it a point to use wholesome, all natural ingredients.Check them out and find a store near you

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-55500678061275808902009-05-19T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-19T00:01:00.599-04:00

We just passed our no freeze date where I live, which means we can safely plant our annuals. The local nurseries look like there was a run on plants -- totally wiped out. And now there are freeze warnings. I don't believe them.I've been busy planting and had to pick up more plant food today. Osmocote is little yellowish balls that you mix into the soil before you add the plant. The great

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-65246339106791905822009-05-18T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-18T00:01:01.195-04:00

I've noticed recently that we're coming back to some things that used to be popular. Clothes, for instance. Though I, for one, can't wait until the horrible baby-doll clothes make way for something that doesn't cause everyone to look like a pregnant teenager.On the plus side, though, I've rediscovered Perrier. Somehow, it got lost in the vast array of waters on the market. Fancy names,

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-6505079691456879192009-05-15T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-15T00:01:00.519-04:00

I've been playing around with a recipe for The Diva Paints the Town Red (coming February 2010). It calls for mustard, but since there are strong competing flavors, it seemed a course mustard might have more punch. I found this new Grey Poupon today and it seemed to fit my needs.Harvest Course Ground isn't an overpowering mustard. In fact, I'd say that it almost edges toward mild. It's quite

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-58793945978433116092009-05-14T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-14T00:01:00.500-04:00

I found these cute little butterflies at Pier One. About two inches wide, they have just enough bling on their wings to bring a bit of sparkle to anything metallic. Why metallic? Because they have a magnet on their stomachs. They're very sweet. Adorable on gift packages and way too cute to use on the refrigerator. They come six to a box in a variety of colors. I don't see them on the Pier

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-11766970716729447382009-05-13T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-13T00:01:01.077-04:00

Yes, that's a Halloween blueberry pie! Right concept, wrong season. I didn't have time to bake a blueberry pie for the blog today. So I'm using a photo of one I made at Halloween (proving how versatile blueberry pie can be if you have a blueberry lover in the house).Some things are best left in their simplest form. I think blueberry and cherry pies fall into that category. If Natasha were

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-56827333358313230512009-05-12T10:41:00.003-04:002009-05-12T11:06:27.550-04:00

Prices are falling on fresh blueberries because they're coming into season. In Virginia, our blueberry bushes still only have small white fruit on them, but they're already ripe farther south. It has become pretty clear that berries of any kind are tremendously healthy for us. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants , so much so that they're at the top of the antioxidant list. Recent

Kristanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-75664978063577360392009-05-11T09:37:00.004-04:002009-05-11T10:23:29.937-04:00

You've probably walked by it in your grocery store. If you haven't tried it, you owe yourself a taste treat. Balsamic vinegar is sweet, with a rich, distinctive taste. I add it to sauteed mushrooms and use it in vinaigrettes. One of my favorite summer indulgences is homegrown tomatoes, chopped into bite-size cubes, with a balsamic vinegar vinaigrette. The juices from the tomatoes mingle with

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-58524854858238345572009-05-08T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-08T00:01:00.600-04:00

When I was a kid, I loved grape juice. What wasn't to like? It was sweet and purple. But I can still hear my dad saying, "it's full of added colors and sugar" and that was the end of that.It turns out that grapes and grape juice are really good for us. Loaded with antioxidants, it seems that lowly grape juice also contains the heart healthy benefits of red wine. (Yes, I hear the wine version

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-84838606047912104412009-05-07T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-07T00:01:01.255-04:00

It's a spoonula or a spoontula! Who knew they had a name? Whatever you want to call it, I've read about people searching for the perfect one. Seems the handles are too long, or too flimsy, or the head isn't firm enough.Even though they really are just a slight variation on a spatula, I love these things. They're the perfect way to get every last bit of batter out of the mixing bowl. They fit

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-384973718192223532009-05-06T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-06T00:01:00.506-04:00

These three silicone spatulas are from Williams-Sonoma. The latest versions have rounder handles but the basics are still the same.The great thing about them is that they stand up to heat. The silicone heads can take heat up to 800 degrees. They slide off the wooden handles to go in the dishwasher. I've had mine for years. They've received some heavy use and have been in the top rack of the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-89811033956172786982009-05-05T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-05T00:01:02.278-04:00

This practical tea kettle is made of glass with a metallic heating unit in the bottom. It sits on a base that plugs into the wall, and is turned on easily by pushing a lever in the back. I bought it because I needed to be able to boil water for a function away from home. It isn't the best traveler because it's glass, but I plop it into a box and take it with me anyway. So far, so good.Water

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-45501353375330627912009-05-04T09:38:00.003-04:002009-05-04T10:12:25.460-04:00

Apparently, the US is experiencing a cupcake revival. A cupcake craze, in fact. Cupcakeries are popping up all over the place and devotees in every town can tell you where the best cupcakes are.I'm late posting this morning, because I just returned from Washington, DC. where I needed cupcakes. I researched before I left, and while there are some who would disagree (aren't there always?), the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-88574073513672937512009-05-01T00:01:00.000-04:002009-05-01T00:01:00.983-04:00

For some time now, my favorite grocery store has carried Boar's Head deli products. I was pleased to find some selections of ham and turkey without added preservatives.But Boar's Head has taken it a step further. They now offer turkey, ham, and roast beef that are all natural, without any preservatives. And from vegetarian fed animals, raised without use of hormones or antibiotics.What's more,

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-87160736871319569302009-04-30T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-30T00:01:00.055-04:00

How cute are these? They're billed as no fat, no calorie cupcakes. Just fill your tub, put one under the running water, and they fizz to make a bubble bath. By Delish Gourmet Bath Bakery.They come in various colors and scents, and the presentation really is adorable. Check them out at http://www.delishbath.com.Five cupcakes!

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-51331968800349712522009-04-29T00:01:00.001-04:002009-04-29T00:01:00.192-04:00

I have to admit to a fondness for jewelry -- but candle jewelry? This was a new one on me. For the diva who wants to dress up her plain Jane candles, cute little pins are now available. They're metal and come with a very strong straight pin on the reverse side so you can adorn your candles. And when the candle burns down, or you change your color scheme, you can remove the cute little bug and

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-70144180520353363472009-04-28T00:47:00.007-04:002009-04-28T01:32:02.203-04:00

My next step was to try a carrot. The down side is that one has to slice the carrot first. Normally, I would have just left the carrot in slices. I have to admit, though, that the Vidalia Chop Wizard did a great job of creating equal sized diced carrot bits, which looked quite nice next to the onions. Not bad for a stir fry or a salad.It came a surprise to realize that a carrot is so much

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-77839315859710228842009-04-26T19:49:00.000-04:002009-04-27T08:07:08.406-04:00

This weekend, I tried out the Vidalia Chop Wizard. Yes, that's the same one you've seen advertised on TV. A few swift moves and the spokesman produces cups of chopped onions and a great fruit salad.I'm going to be blogging about this gadget for two days, mostly because my impressions kept swinging back and forth about it.The Chop Wizard is nearly a foot long and few inches high. It comes with

Kristanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-14627238591918358332009-04-24T08:20:00.005-04:002009-04-24T08:35:01.938-04:00

My cat, Mochie is putting together a basket for an auction with a few of his favorite things. These toys from Kitty Hoots are top of the line feline fun. Some are stuffed with catnip, others have irresistible feathers. Kitty Hoots are made by a company called Fat Cats, which started because a husband and wife gave their cats handmade toys for Christmas. They also make a line of dog toys.

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-41516039246980857312009-04-23T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-23T00:01:00.800-04:00

One of my friends is in the habit of refilling water bottles and sticking them in the freezer so the water stays cold longer on road trips. Another friend bought an enormous plastic thermos, but it scares me each time I see her fill it with boiling water.Kaye George blogged a while back about the dangers of plastic water bottles. And Lorraine Bartlett chimed in to say "Singer Sheryl Crow blames

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-14494758172845715782009-04-22T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-22T00:01:00.847-04:00

Champagne and Crimini Mushroom Gravy1 package crimini mushrooms, sliced3 tablespoons butter1/2 teaspoon sage1/4 cup onions, diced small3 tablespoons flour3/4 cup champagne (or wine)1 1/4 cup chicken brothsalt to tasteMelt the butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Add the mushrooms and sage, and cook until the mushrooms begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the onions. At this point

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-68202834239446051902009-04-21T00:01:00.001-04:002009-04-21T00:01:00.723-04:00

I am in the habit of roasting whole turkeys. But I happened to find a turkey breast at the grocery store, so why not give it a shot? When I make a whole turkey, the procedure begins nearly 36 hours before we plan to eat. It goes into a salt brine overnight (shameless self promotion here -- brining instructions are in The Diva Runs Out of Thyme), and then it rests, uncovered in the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-21742253461591443112009-04-20T00:01:00.001-04:002009-04-20T00:01:00.603-04:00

Friends visited last weekend, which left me with something unusual in my refrigerator -- an open bottle of leftover champagne. One of them cleverly stuck a spoon in the open bottle, handle down, and I was surprised to find that even after a week, the champagne still contained bubbles. According to a group of researchers at Stanford (http://news.stanford.edu/pr/94/941221Arc4008.html) the spoon

Kristanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-32964026113015544892009-04-17T00:01:00.001-04:002009-04-17T00:01:00.345-04:00

No, I don't mean your wallet. I mean where is that lovely loaf of your favorite bread? I hope it's not in your refrigerator.For some reason, refrigeration makes bread stale. There are theories about refrigeration sucking the moisture out of bread. So if you're in the habit of popping your bread in the fridge to keep it fresh, you're actually just helping it get stale faster.Believe it or not,

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-378252530344527742009-04-16T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-16T00:01:00.923-04:00

As warmer weather approaches, so do thoughts of summertime pleasures. Steamed shrimp are always a big favorite with my friends. And, shhh, don't tell but they're so easy to make.All you need are a pound of shrimp in the shells (hurrah, you don't even have to peel them!), vinegar, water, and Old Bay Seasoning, the classic spice for steamed shrimp. Honestly, if you can boil water, you can make

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-14302736825615001592009-04-15T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-15T00:01:00.790-04:00

For Easter, a friend of mine gave me a box of dragees from The CocoaRoom. Seems the word dragee has several meanings, but it's basically a coated candy, often used decoratively. The CocoaRoom website describes their products as chic and I have to say that's an apt description.The box itself is simple, yet elegant in a clean way. And the contents are delicious. Especially the tiny chocolate

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-28717179793642768022009-04-14T00:01:00.000-04:002009-04-14T00:01:00.884-04:00

Everyone who sees my Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter asks the same thing -- does it work?Well, yes. It's basically a heavy cylindrical bag with a plastic top. The top lifts off so it can be filled with soil. There's also a handy round hole in the top for watering. The tomato plant is inserted through a hole in the bottom. Not exactly rocket science but clever enough.My biggest complaint with the

Kristanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-84074500416175634212009-04-13T10:03:00.005-04:002009-04-13T10:19:09.127-04:00

I was grocery shopping the other day when a man and a woman stopped their cart and I overhead her say, "Oh, natural foods. We don't need to go down that aisle." I could hear the ick factor dripping from her tone of voice.Now, it's true that some organic foods are more expensive. However, as someone who has been buying them for many years, I can tell you that the prices have evened out and many

Kristanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312306528285765273.post-83768916727063763102009-04-10T00:01:00.002-04:002009-04-10T00:01:00.439-04:00

You've seen these rugs in stores and magazines. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors -- there's one for every imaginable decor. The top is colorful and the back is polyurethane foam, which makes them very easy on the feet. Just the thing for that spot at the sink or stove where you spend so much time. I've used them as doormats.But not anymore. The first one was a gift. Very cute. I

Kristanoreply@blogger.com0