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Posts from the ‘Let’s Celebrate’ Category

Moms On Fire

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These moms are on FIRE!  This will make you smile 🙂

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Dear Chums – R.S.V.P. Etiquette

Dear Chums

“Dear Chums,

I am having a shower for a friend’s daughter and have sent out the invitations.  I did put RSVP on the invitation but have not heard from many of the invitees.” Read more

Cinco De Mayo – A Sweet And Spicy Celebration

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This is perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo.  It is so simple and so good, you’ll be “celebrating” all summer long! Read more

Dear Chums – Who Should Be Included?

 

Dear Chums

“Dear Two Chums,

I am hosting a shower for a bride-to-be and would really like to include some people at the shower who are not invited to the wedding” Read more

Easter Cookie Pops

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These are what we would call a trifecta….easy, delicious, and can serve as your centerpiece!
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Tick Tock Cinnamon Rolls – An Easter Tradition

2 rollsYears ago there was a wonderful restaurant right in the heart of Hollywood called the Tick Tock.  It was a place to go when you wanted delicious home cooking and you weren’t the one cooking it.  Growing up, my family ate there frequently on Sundays after church.  And when I was married and had children of my own we continued the tradition. Read more

Dear Chums – Should There Be An End Time?

Dear Chums
“Dear Two Chums,

When I send out an invitation, should I put an “end time” on it?” Read more

Good Pesach – Happy Passover

PassoverAs the 8 days of Passover begin tonight we want to wish all our Jewish chums…. Read more

Some Things Bear Repeating – Brisket

brisket-on-platter-e1332762306422Passover begins at sundown on Monday.  In Jewish homes everywhere families will be sitting down together to celebrate at a Passover seder.  In many of those dining rooms there will be brisket on the seder table.  But you don’t have to be Jewish, or celebrating Passover, to enjoy this super easy and very delicious meal!
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Down Under

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“What on earth does ‘Down Under’ have to do with the United Kingdom?”, you might ask. Read more

All Roads Lead To Green


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The color associated with St. Patrick’s Day was originally blue!  Can you believe that? Read more

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner – Dublin Coddle

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“What in the world is Dublin Coddle?” you may well be asking.  It’s Irish comfort food at it’s best and is the perfect alternative to corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Read more

The Best of Ireland!

bread and butterOur favorite Irish food?…why it’s  their delicious butter of course! Read more

“Your Presence Is His Present”

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Recently, one of my darling daughters-in-law asked a question of me. Read more

Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras; Rex Parade

Yes, today is “Fat Tuesday” or what is more commonly called “Mardi Gras”.  There is celebrating going on throughout a lot of the Christian world with lots of music, parades, and partying.

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Mardi Gras Dessert – Banana Pudding

BP -Cover You REALLY can’t go wrong by serving this at your Mardi Gras celebration tomorrow or any celebration for that matter!

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If It’s Good Enough For Wolfgang Puck…

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…then it is probably good enough for you too to serve it with confidence.  Every year, for the past 20 years, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, has served this to the Hollywood elite at the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball.  What exactly are we referring to?  Chicken Pot Pie! Read more

Red Carpet Treatment

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As we “walk” our way through this week to the Oscars on Sunday, your Two Chums thought it would be fun to explore how the “red carpet” concept came into being. Read more

Sweet Hearts – White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

heart cookiesWhat says “Valentine” better than a heart?  And what better heart than a yummy sweet pink cookie heart ?!! 🙂 Read more

Love In The Morning – Heart Shaped Breakfast

Heart breakfastDinner doesn’t have to be the only romantic meal of the day on Valentine’s Day.  Why not start celebrating at breakfast? Read more

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

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President Abraham Lincoln is, arguably, one of the most respected individuals our society has known.  It is not hard to see why after reading some of his quotes! Read more

“Heart-y” Healthy Soup

SoupThis soup is not only tasty and healthy, it also has heart or more accurately, hearts….carrot hearts! Read more

The Five Rings

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Do you know what the five rings and the five different colors of the rings represent?  Well ….. Read more

Kate Look Alike!

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Girl Meets Dress is a UK based company where you can go and rent a wonderful dress for the evening.   Read more

A Crown For Your Princess

pink crown What little girl doesn’t love to dream of being a princess?  What big girl doesn’t for that matter?  🙂 Read more

Did You Know?

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When you freeze water to make ice cubes, most times, those ice cubes come out very cloudy. Read more

In Celebration….

1010466_261150774047669_1604825981_nof love….and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Birthday, Katherine!

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In honour of her turning 32, here are 32 reasons why we love Katherine! Read more

Flower Trends For 2014

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With the infamous Rose Parade over for another year, we thought it would be fun to look at some of the foreseeable flower trends for 2014.   Read more

Happy New Year!

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From our homes to yours… Read more

A Buffet Is Always A Good Idea

BuffetIf you are still deciding what to have for your New Years Eve or New Years Day celebration, we have some ideas for you….a buffet….especially a buffet of finger foods, is always a good idea:-)
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Merry Christmas Chums!

J&RWe wish you a Merry Christmas! Read more

I’m Dreaming of a Sweet Christmas

cupcakesStill deciding what to make for your Christmas dinner dessert?  Here are some of our favorites:-) Read more

PS Don’t Forget The Christmas Crackers!

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Having grown up in England, I never knew a Christmas table that was without Christmas crackers.   Read more

Girls Gone “Wig”!

unnamed-1What fun to have a holiday party with a twist! Read more

Let Us Rejoice!

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How very fitting this is today as we pause to give thanks and express our gratitude to God for all He has done. Read more

The Blessing of Hanukkah

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Tonight at sundown, the celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights will begin… Read more

When Is Halloween?

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Sadie Rae Vann, my 7 year old granddaughter wrote a poem in school that she entitled “When Is Halloween?”.  On this day that every child looks forward to I felt it was certainly worth sharing….I think you will too.  Enjoy her creativity and sensitive writing.  A very talented little girl if I do say so:-) Read more

Halloween Hats

1185108_10200588019278601_61621678_nThese are fun and soooo easy to make for your Halloween celebration!
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Godparents of the Future King

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Anyone would be honored to be the godparent of this little dolly, but the fact that he will one day be the King of England makes the job a particularly special honour! Read more

Today’s The Day!

Prince George
Yes, today is the day that His Royal Highness, Prince George, is being christened.    He wore the christening gown that his Daddy wore (seen below)….the only difference is that George actually wore a replica of the gown as it was felt that it was getting a bit old and fragile.

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Columbus Started It All!

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Not only did he discover that the world was round and not flat but, in so doing, he found the New World which encompasses what we now call the United States of America! Read more

Simple Soft Homemade Pretzels

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As Fall sets in, what could be more inviting than a warm soft homemade pretzel?!!!  And yes!…anyone can make these 🙂 Read more

It’s Oktoberfest Time!

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Today is October 1st.  Whether you are of German heritage or not, it’s time to celebrate. It’s Oktoberfest time! Read more

Charles Is Forever Waiting!

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His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales (shown here with his grandmother, the Queen Mother) was just three years old at the time of his mother’s accession to the throne of England and ever since that young age has been groomed to be king. Read more

Happy Labor Day!

labor-day_delaware-dot-govLabor Day, the first Monday in September, is a day set aside each year to celebrate the achievements of American workers and the contributions they have made to our country. Read more

Happy Birthday Randy

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Simply cannot miss an opportunity to wish my sweet husband a very blessed and Happy Birthday.  He is an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and very, very loved by all who know him …especially and mostly me 🙂 So I simply must say loudly:

Happy Birthday Randy!

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On Sale – Lemons!

Ceramic lemons in bowl

Ceramic lemons in bowl

There is something just rather wonderful, rather traditional, rather timeless, about a bowl of ceramic lemons sitting on a coffee table or a kitchen counter.  The yellow in lemons is so cheery, so upbeat, reminding us of wonderful summer evenings, sitting outside sipping on a long glass of lemonade. Read more

A Special Day In The Life Of A Chum!

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This week we have all been busy celebrating the birth of Prince George but today, this Chum celebrates a very special lady – her Chum, Robin! Read more

It’s George Alexander Louis!

BRITAIN-ROYAL_131448--525x350The new little prince has a name…George Alexander Louis.  He will be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.  A big name for this little guy.  But then he comes from a family with a big history!
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Gifts for the Prince

AP385668866772_620x350The world is rejoicing at the birth of this new Prince.   Babies who were born in England on Monday, when His Royal Highness Prince of Cambridge was born, will receive a commemorative silver coin….in blue pouches for boys and pink for girls. Apparently, commemorating a birth by crossing the palm of a baby with silver has long been a tradition.
The Royal Mint has made 2013 of these silver pennies. The sterling silver penny features the shield of the Royal Arms along with the year 2013.  How lovely that in some small way each baby who receives one will share in the celebration! Read more

Welcome the Future King!

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Let the celebrations begin….the future King has arrived! Read more

Waiting For An Heir

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Catherine and William will not be needing any witnesses at the birth of their baby! Read more

Let’s Hear It For The French!

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Yes, let’s hear it for the French!  Bastille Day having been celebrated in France yesterday, we thought it would be fun to raise the French flag and salute France. Read more

Celebrating Our Freedom- Happy 4th!

American-flag-fireworksToday, no matter who you are, which part of this country you call home, no matter how old or young you may be, we all celebrate the freedom that is ours as those who live in the United States of America. Read more

“America’s Pastime”

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It is hard to think about the United States of America and not think of baseball.  Certainly, baseball is a game that is enjoyed by the people of many different countries but it is considered “America’s game”! Read more

9 March, 1959

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Can you guess who was born on 9 March, 1959?  All little girls have at least one of them!  Yes, you guessed it – Barbie was born! Read more

A Tribute to a Father-in-Law

580303_10151627889910306_712989721_n Today we bring you a story that was originally a Facebook post written by the sister-in-law of one of our chums about her father-in-law who is struggling with early onset Alzheimers.  Though we don’t usually use other people’s personal FB posts on Two Chums, it seemed particularly appropriate with Father’s Day just around the corner.  What a beautiful message for all of us that no matter our age or physical or mental condition, while our heart still beats, we have value and worth and can make a difference in someone else’s life. Read more

Hot Dog – Memorial Day is Coming

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What could possibly be better than an all American hot dog?…a hot dog with a side of bacon! Read more

Breaking News : You’re the Best, Mom!

enhanced-buzz-18536-1366392932-1 Think about it…by the time you were 18 years old your mother had served you breakfast somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 times!  This Mother’s Day is your chance to return the favor 🙂
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A Rose By Any Other Name

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As the quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet goes, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.  Here’s an idea…another name for those beautiful roses could be “sweet and thoughtful gift”. Read more

The Sport of Queens

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Saturday will mark the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, the race always run on the first Saturday in May.  Horse racing has long been referred to as ‘the sport of kings”.  That may be true, but at this horse race anyway, “hat watching” could be called “the sport of queens”.   Read more

April Showers

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It is that time of year…not the rainy season, but the time when brides-to-be everywhere are being celebrated at bridal showers.  Your Two Chums were delighted to be guests recently at an absolutely lovely shower in honor of a beautiful bride-to-be, Megan.  Her mother, aunts and grandmothers are our dear chums! Read more

Did You Know This About Scotland?

Did You Know?

Continuing on with our “Scottish” week, we found some interesting and fun facts about Scotland that we thought you all might enjoy. Read more

Balmoral – The Queen’s Scottish Retreat

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“A Victorian fantasy in the Scottish Highlands”, Balmoral Castle is the place the Queen calls “home” during the summer of any given year. Read more

Tartans and What They Mean

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This being “Scotland Week”, Americans and Canadians alike are celebrating their Scottish heritage in all sorts of ways.   Last Saturday, in New York, there was the Tartan Parade where people in all sorts of tartans and bands of bagpipes and drums walked the streets. Read more

The History of Today

Have you read in the news about the fact that  they have now discovered that the world is, in fact, flat? Read more

Lavender Shortbread -An Easter Treat

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Have you ever noticed that just like fashion, or music, or the genre of TV shows, even food is subject to trends?  Lavender seems to be one of those culinary trends that is popular right now.  As Easter approaches these shortbread cookies scented with lavender could just be the crowning treat at your Easter gathering 🙂 Read more

Top Off Your Outfit With A Hat!

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Growing up in England, it was very commonplace to see ladies, and gentlemen for that matter, in hats.  My darling Mother wore hats all the time.  A lot of luncheons she attended called for a hat and definitely when my parents went to the races, be it Ascot, the Derby or any other special one, she would always have a wonderful hat on her head with Father beside her in his top hat and tails. Read more

Passover and Easter -The Egg

It is interesting to me that the egg is obviously present in both the celebration of Passover and that of Easter.  There are many things that connect these two very important holidays.  Perhaps that isn’t a coincidence given that the first Easter came at a time when Jesus, as all other Jews of the time, was celebrating Passover Himself. Read more

The Potato -What Could Be More Irish?


If there is an iconic food that everyone knows is associated with the Irish it would have to be the potato!

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The Infamous Tube

All of you who have visited London, whether you actually used it or not, knows of the wonderful London Tube!  London’s underground train system, commonly called “The Tube” celebrated its 150th birthday in January of this year. Read more

Leftovers 411 – Celery Soup


If you asked most people what celery soup is, they would tell you that it comes in a can and is used in casseroles. Read more

George Washington

Oh, what a kind face this gentleman has.  George Washington – a household name in our world – was the first President of the United States of America and he took his job very seriously!

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No Guilt Chocolate


Last Thursday we celebrated Valentine’s Day.  Do you have any idea just HOW MUCH chocolate was eaten? Read more

Honest Abe

 

Abraham Lincoln was one of the great demonstrators of the term “the American Dream”.  Being born to illiterate farmers who lived, at the time, in a one-room log cabin, Honest Abe, as he was known, rose to be one of America’s greats, ending slavery and, against all odds,  keeping the country united. Read more

King For A Day

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras…Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when the season of Lent begins.  If you happen to live in the south east especially in Louisiana, it is also the season for King Cake.  Unless you are from this region or know someone who is, you may never have heard or known of King Cake.  You will now, and you are in for a real treat! Read more

French Quarter Cheese – It’s Super!


Sunday is the Super Bowl.  The whole country will be focused on New Orleans this Sunday. But if you ask me the football is secondary, the real celebration will be the food:) Read more

MLK & Inauguration Day

  
Today we reflect on the impact that  Dr. Martin Luther King had on us as a society and a nation.  And we inaugurate our 44th president. Read more

Blueberry Pie Oh Me Oh My!!!!


How many little hands does it take to make a pie?  As many as you can get to help you would be my answer 🙂 Read more

The “Other” Rose Bowl

Know someone who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a job well done or who is under the weather and could use a bit of joy?  A simple and simply beautiful arrangement of roses is always a welcome gift. Read more

Happy New Year!

2013 holds blessings galore!  May we all be quiet enough to hear them! Read more

Black Eyed Peas


If there is anything you should know about your Two Chums, it would be that we love a celebration and we are very fond of traditions.   Read more

Appetizers, Hors d’oeuvres, Canapes


New Year’s Eve is coming up quickly.  Whether you are hosting a large party, an intimate gathering of friends, or you are headed to a potluck at your neighbor’s home,  you will no doubt be sharing food along with some fun with your friends and family.  And no matter what name you assign them – appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, or canapes – bite sized savory treats are sure to please! Read more

What Is “Boxing Day”, Anyway?

What is “Boxing Day”, anyway?

Is it when all the boxes go back into the attic with the Christmas decorations put back safely inside?  Or, is it when all the boxes containing the Christmas gifts are burned in the fireplace?

Or, there again, is it when the biggest boxing match of the season is played in certain countries? Read more

Joy To The World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

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Last Minute Gift ideas

Christmas is one week from today.  Are there still people on your list that you just can’t figure out what the right gift would be…an uncle, a grandfather, a niece or nephew? We have some ideas. Is there someone who has everything and you wonder  what could you give them that would be special or meaningful for them?  Or maybe your budget is wearing thin and you still have teachers or neighbors, the postman or gardener or babysitter you want to remember…we have some ideas for those gifts too. Read more

Off We Go A-Caroling, A-Caroling, A-Caroling….

Having trained to sing while I was growing up, I have never lost the love of singing!  No, unfortunately, I did not pursue voice in a professional way but, nonetheless, I always have had it to enjoy!  And enjoy I did and do! Read more

Things Memories Are Made Of

     
Food is so much more than what we eat to sustain ourselves physically.  It has the power to nurture us in many ways. For most of us there are foods that the sight, or smell, or certainly the taste of, can transport us back in time or to another place altogether or remind us of the people we love.

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Kindle the Lights


Tomorrow night at sundown begins the Jewish Festival of Lights known as Hanukkah.  Every community has its unique Hanukkah traditions, but there are some traditions that are almost universally practiced. They are: lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods. Read more

Oh Baby!


Oh baby it is!  We are so excited about William and Catherine’s news and are rejoicing with them! Read more

Wrap, Wrap, Wrap, A-round The Clock!

The holidays are upon us and what would the holiday season be without a few beautifully wrapped presents?   Read more

Play With Your Pumpkins


There is more than one  way to decorate a pumpkin for Halloween…and a lot of creative fun to be had in the process 🙂

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Welcoming Autumn In

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Hot soups on the stove, leaves crunching under foot, trees ablaze with color – fall has arrived!

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First Stirrings….

The amazing age of communication in which we now live had its first stirrings in the 1870’s when Alexander Graham bell invented the telephone.  Although the telephone is what the world remembers this gentleman for, his passion was actually something different. Read more

Where, Oh Where, Is Nova Scotia?


You might well ask!  It is not often that I run into people in Southern California who know where Nova Scotia is, much less what it is!

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Trick or Treat

It’s coming…or should I say “They’re coming”…Halloween is around the corner and all those neighborhood children adorned in their costume finery will come knocking on the door.  Whether you still have little ones of your own at home or now its grandbabies that make your cheeks hurt from all the smiling, who can resist a precious little one in a costume so excited to be going door to door and collecting all that sugar…aka candy.  I love it!  And my husband Randy loves it even more!  Each year he hands out the biggest candy bars he can buy in the hopes that in years to come, adults who used to be the children trick or treating in our neighborhood, will drive their children past our home, point out of the window of their cars at our house and exclaim with great fondness, “The people in that house always gave the best candy every year!” Read more

Thanksgiving in Canada

The United States and Canada have many, many things in common and one of those things is that both countries celebrate Thanksgiving – one, on one given day, and the other, on another given day – each year.   Read more

You’ve Got A Place At The Table

Everyone likes to feel wanted.  That is why Jackie and I feel so strongly about using place cards when we invite anyone to a gathering where we will be sitting down to a meal.  They tell the person whose name is on the card “we’re glad you are here and we planned on you coming.”  Besides that, place cards can be just plain fun to design and make!
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Light Up Your House – Atmosphere Counts!


Ten minutes before my guests arrive, I like to go around and light all of the candles.  Candles create a wonderful atmosphere in your home, both, because of the light they produce and, if they are scented, the perfume they give off.   Read more

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