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Posts tagged ‘Two Chums’

A New Coat of Arms for Kate and Wills

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a new Conjugal Coat of Arms which will represent them in heraldic terms as a married couple. 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

Smile – You’re Alive

A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<p>He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<p>"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We may feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<p>Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<p>You are special-Don't EVER forget it." If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it may bring. Count your blessings, not your problems.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<p>Please, like and share.

 

A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up.   He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.”  Read more

Weekend Brunch – Easy Huevos Rancheros

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Sometimes we think foods that have a foreign name or that we aren’t sure how to pronounce, must certainly be difficult to make.  Not this one! Read more

Well done, Joey Prusak

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A Dairy Queen employee, Joey Prusak, has certainly hit the headlines this week with his act of kindness. Read more

Simple and Hearty – Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew

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After a long day it is nice to be able to make a meal that won’t take longer to clean up than it did to eat.  From time to time we want to bring you ideas for some meals that you can make in minutes and that are oh so satisfying…otherwise known as Simple and Hearty.  Today it is Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew. 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

Naturally Clean

cleaner cover photo The shelves of stores are jammed with products that claim to be the strongest, best smelling, easiest to use, best value, etc. Read more

Thai It, You’ll Like It – Coconut Chicken Soup

Tom ka gaiThis is quick and easy to make and SOOOO yummy! Read more

Breakfast “Cupcakes”

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This breakfast muffin is so good, all you have to do is add a little butter cream cheese icing and you’ve got the perfect cupcake! Read more

Kate – The Future Queen

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“While Diana reignited the royal family, she also rocked the royal institution to its core.  Kate, however, has taken to her role seamlessly, embracing the royal rule book.” Read more

Salad Days – Aunt Nancy’s Taco Salad

Taco SaladMany years ago my darling cousin, Nancy Joy, served my son, Trevor, and I a wonderful taco salad. Read more

“Go Forth With Courage, Faith and Love”

 

Newtown Commemorates One Month Anniversary Of Elementary School Massacre

The mother of one of the 26 victims of last year’s Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre has written a powerful letter to the teachers of America. Read more

Dog Days of Summer Delight – Cherry Ice

Cherry Ice Sometimes the hottest days of summer, otherwise known as The Dog Days of Summer, come at the beginning of Fall.  When they arrive, we can all enjoy a treat of something cool and refreshing! Read more

Dare To Be…

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Dare to be grateful in the midst of darkness. Read more

Happy Birthday Puff

Puff 1Puff the Magic Dragon turns 50 this year! Read more

Delicious Tuesday Chicken Sandwich

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It would be just as delicious on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday! Read more

There Is So Much Good In This World

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How touching it is to read a wonderful story about something good that has taken place in the world.  Indeed, we feel that we should magnify and ponder these things and pass them along.  So, that we are doing.   Read more

Credit Where Credit Is Due

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It has been brought to our attention that we had our head in the clouds on Thursday when we mentioned that George Carlin was the author of  those wonderful observations about life. Read more

Love Lemon – Lemon Custard Cakes

Lemon Custard Cake -2Love a good lemony dessert?  Here’s a quick, easy and very yummy one for you! Read more

Food For Thought – George Carlin

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The Grammy Award winning George Carlin was not only a stand up comedian but, after reading his “observation” on the vast subject of life, we realize that he was obviously a great thinker as well.   Read more

Homemade Gift Tags

Gift Tags

Simple, cheap, quick and fun….why wouldn’t you make these pretty gift tags to keep on hand? Read more

Perfect Iced Refreshment

Iced TeaWant the perfect glass of iced tea? 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

Making A Better Burger

burgerThis is the start of Labor Day weekend.  We’ve got a tip to make your burgers better:) Read more

Food For Thought

Words are powerful…sometimes life changing. Here are a few powerful quotes we have run across lately that we wanted to share with you, our “chums”. Read more

Nuts to You! – Iced Pecans

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Our “chum”, Sally from Texas,  shared this recipe with us that she found in a 1960’s copy of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Read more

Meals With Mickey

42573Everybody loves Mickey! You can delight kids of all ages with a breakfast or lunch that includes this world famous mouse 🙂 Read more

Well done! Definition of ‘Sexy’

 

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Ashton Kutcher rose to the top of the pile a couple of weeks ago when he told a gigantic crowd of teenagers that to be sexy, one needs to be smart, thoughtful and generous. Read more

Remember Your Travels!

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How I wish that a Journal had been started for me when I was a babe and began my  travels!

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Magic Tangle Free – Stress Free Mornings

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If your home is like many, as mothers and their children ready themselves each day to get out the door to school, there is often a battle over the combing of the hair… but wait!…..not anymore! Read more

Off They Go With Their Backpacks!

Photo from earlymama.com

Photo from earlymama.com

What did we do before backpacks!  Golly, other cultures have carried things on their backs for centuries so we finally caught up and now, most school children you see, will be carrying one on their sweet back.   Read more

Double Duty Waffles

breakfast Waffles are always a welcome sight on any morning, but especially on school or work day mornings.  They don’t have to be time consuming or a hassle. And they can do “double duty ” if you use them to make lunch to! We’ll show you how 🙂 Read more

Back To School – LunchSkins For Our Munchkins

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It is hard to believe but summer is coming to an end and everyone is going down the list of things to be done in order to be prepared for that first day of school. Read more

Homemade Fresh, Clean AND Soft!

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We gave you our “recipe” for all natural laundry soap a couple of days ago.  But we thought the job wasn’t complete until you had our “recipe” for an all natural fabric softener  too 🙂 Read more

“Cleaner” Savvy Secrets!

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Continuing on with the “cleaning” idea, here are a few Savvy Secrets! Read more

There Is A Plan

Southwest_Airlines_Boeing_737-700_N231WN1Rarely, well actually never, do Jackie or I post something from someone else’s blog just verbatim.  We may reference it or use it for inspiration or suggest that you, our chums, check it out, but copy and paste a whole article….NEVER.  Until now 🙂 Read more

Homemade Fresh and Clean

1 If you want to, you can make just about anything you need for your home.  Many people now do make products they use everyday in an effort to save some money.  Nothing wrong with that!  But there is another reason for making some household products yourself, that may be even more important.  You can control what goes into them. Read more

Gratitude Will Turn Your Life Around!

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When John Kralik was a young boy, his grandfather told him that he would give him a silver dollar.  His grandfather also said that, if he wrote a thank you note to his grandfather for the silver dollar, when he received the silver dollar,  he would give him another silver dollar and for every thank you note thereafter, he would get a silver dollar. Read more

Everyone’s Favorite Summer Sandwich

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What is everyone’s favorite summer sandwich?  Why an ice cream sandwich, of course! Read more

Handed A Lemon? Make Lemonade!

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When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!   What a great bit of advice that is.   Read more

Savvy Secrets – Lemon Peel

Savvy secrest photoTo continue our week dedicated to the joys of lemons, we have some very helpful ideas about how to use lemon peel!
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The “No Fly” Zone

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According to Wikipedia: “A no-fly zone is a territory or an area over which aircraft are not permitted to fly.”  We aren’t referring to that no fly zone.  According to your Two Chums “A no-fly zone is a territory or an area over which flies are not permitted to fly.” Read more

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

Weekend Delight – Carrot Cake Pancakes

No you aren’t seeing double.  Due to a problem with the server, many of you, our chums who subscribe to Two Chums, were unable to open the e-mail containing the post yesterday.  So we are resending it out to you today.  Happy Saturday  and Bon Appetit !

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All across this great land, as the weekend approaches, so does brunch!  What better way to celebrate the weekend than with breakfast and dessert combined? !!! Read more

Uncle Harry

Prince-Harry-in-Washington-DC-2-777x1024 As the new loving first time parents, William and Kate are all about tradition and duty and teaching their son the lessons he will need to be the future King.  You can be sure Uncle Harry will balance them, and in true form, he will be all about fun:) Read more

Well Done! – Bald For Good

1016875_10152079902279062_2095693899_n We hear stories all the time about celebrities or teenagers who shave their heads.  They choose baldness to get attention or as the result of a prank or a dare.  This is a different story…the story of going Bald for Good 🙂 Read more

Salad Days – Kale Salad

Kale SaladNothing tastes better for lunch or dinner on warm summer days or nights than a refreshing crisp salad.  Cool and crunchy and perfectly dressed, this Kale Salad surely fits the bill…oh and did we mention it is really healthy too? 🙂
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The Gospel According To Nordstrom

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In the late 1800’s John W. Nordstrom, at the age of 16 came to the United States from Sweden with $5 in his pocket. Read more

Judging A Book By Its Cover

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Tootsie. This movie is a classic.  It is funny and poignant and is one of Dustin Hoffman’s finest performances.  He has some very interesting thoughts about having played the role of a woman. 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

Savvy Secrets of Duct Tape

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Last week we offered you some Savvy Secrets for WD-40 and quoted G. Weilacher as saying “One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.”   We promised then to bring you some Savvy Secrets for duct tape so today we are making good on that promise. Read more

The Cookie Jar – Lemon Butter Cookies

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What is summer without some yummy cookies for your trips to the beach, a weekend picnic, a Sunday lunch or a treat with a cup of tea or a tall glass of iced tea any afternoon of the week? Read more

The Greatest Show On Earth

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Growing up I looked forward every year to the circus coming to town.  Perhaps because it was always close to my birthday, I associated the arrival of the Greatest Show On Earth with excitement and delight! 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

Savvy Secrets – More WD-40!

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“One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.” – G. Weilacher 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

Gratitude

Amrican AirlinesWith the innate desire to be true to our moniker, we thought it would be fun to share, every so often, times for which we are grateful, where good overpowered evil and shone through.  After all, there are many times, it seems, that this does not happen but let’s magnify the good! Read more

Alexandra or George?

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You know, the English love to bet.  They bet on all and anything!  So, it does not surprise us one bit that a lot of the English have placed money on whether the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, will have a girl or a boy and what they will name this precious baby. Read more

Five Days A Week!

J & RYour Two Chums are interested. Read more

The Ultimate All American Comfort Food

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Where ever you live, chances are, fried chicken tops the list of your favorite All American Comfort Foods… 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

An “All American” Pie

pies -1What could be more American than any version of apple pie?  You will love these little Apple Hand Pies.  They are perfect for the 4th of July… as the saying goes, something truly American is “as American as apple pie!” 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

All “American Girl” Doll

Sadie in fron tof storeIt was not until about six years ago that I first stepped foot into an American Girl doll store and oh, what a wonderful surprise awaited me! Read more

The Cookie Jar -“Devil” Cookies

cccHow good is this cookie?  One bite is all you will need to know…. Read more

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

Pink CrocsAs I walked through my laundry room not long ago I saw two pairs of pink Crocs sitting by the back door.  One belonged to my daughter, Amanda, and the other to her youngest daughter, Evangeline.  There they were, a picture of exactly what was happening day in and day out…little feet were following in the footsteps of the bigger ones and Evangeline was actually, in so many ways, becoming a mini version of her mommy.  Read more

On Sale

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Everybody loves a bargain.  We came across a few we thought we would share with you, our chums.  We’re not talking about just cheap junk (as in our  recent post A Father’ Advices). We are talking things from companies that sell nice quality items but simply have too much stock and have put these items On Sale !
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Lay Your Burdens Down

The other side of the River TweedRecently we received an email from a chum with an attachment we felt we needed to share.  The story reminds us of the words from that old gospel spiritual “Down By The Riverside”.  The first verse  of the spiritual is:
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside.
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside. Read more

Chicken Enchiladas -Olé

Chciken Enchiladas Growing up in Los Angeles with family roots in Texas, Mexican food has always been a staple at our table… this recipe is a relatively new  addition that promises to be a favorite for many years to come:) 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

Not Just A Garnish – Parsley

Parsley-650x488Parsley may be the world’s most popular garnish but this remarkable herb has healing properties and health benefits that qualify it as a superfood. Read more

Have You Punned Lately?

Did You Know?

The pun is a form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of words or similar sounding words.  They have been used to create humor by writers, ranging from William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to George Carlin.

Everyone can appreciate a good pun now and again.  Your Two chums are no exception. We came across a list of clever puns that we thought you might appreciate…or at least you may know someone who will enjoy them…  Read more

Never Give In – Just Let Go Chapter 5

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When we say “Never Give In”, we mean it in the context that Sir Winston Churchill did when he said, “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”  Instead, “Just Let Go”.

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A Father’s Advice

advice-booth-clip-artIn the course of a casual conversation, a young man recently told me that the best advice he ever got came from his father.  “My father told me a long time ago, ‘Remember, cheap is usually very expensive.  And free is dangerous.  You get what you pay for.'” 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

Cool As A Cucumber

cucumber mint ice 2Cucumbers are among the top five most cultivated vegetables in the world.  The cucumber is a highly under rated food, or perhaps superfood, as it is known to be one of the best foods for your body’s overall health.  We want to give you some impressive reasons to eat more cucumbers.  And one very delicious one…..Cucumber Mint Sorbet 🙂 Read more

Never Give In – Just Let Go Chapter 4

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Here we are again with more things that, once let go of, a more abundant life appears!  Give it a go this week.  Let go of these! Read more

“Churchillisms”

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Certainly, one of the greatest figures of our time was Winston Churchill.  Not only did Sir Winston have great vision and staying power, which helped to lead parts of the Western World out of Naziism, but he also had a great wit and  could easily laugh at himself as well as others.

Read more

Savvy Secrets from Mary Ellen

Savvy secrest photoRecently our good chum Jen was here visiting from Iowa.  She very sweetly brought us her treasured copy of a very reliable old stand by for what we like to call Savvy Secrets…..Mary Ellen’s Best of Helpful Hints – fast easy fun ways of solving household problems. Read more

Salad Days – Watermelon Salad

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Summer is coming and it is hard to beat the cool refreshing taste of watermelon…especially in this easy and delicious salad. Read more

Is It For Real?

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It has always given me great pleasure to fly into the Bahamian islands during the day.  The waters are so very beautiful – something you might see on a picture postcard and wonder, “Could it possibly be that beautiful or has it been touched up to make it more appealing?”    BUT it is REAL and, oftentimes, MORE beautiful than the photo represents. Read more

Never Give Up – Just Let Go Chapter 3

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Delighted, once again to be here with things that, once let go, make room for more good to appear. Read more

The Staff of Life – Or Is It?

whole loaf If you read or listen to any news regarding food you can’t help but be aware of the controversy surrounding bread or more specifically wheat. Read more

Savvy Secrets – Yes, We Have More!

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Yes we do!  Oh, how we absolutely love sharing these helpful hints with all of our Chums. Read more

The Lincoln/Kennedy Coincidence

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Today John F. Kennedy would have turned 96 years old.  There are some amazing similarities between former Presidents Abraham LIncoln and John F. Kennedy.  See what you think! Read more

Spa At Home – Detox Bath

spaMost of us would love the chance to have the day at a spa to relax and refresh ourselves, but not all of us have the time or the money to make that fantasy a reality.  Now you can create the experience of a healthy detoxing bath in your own home!
Read more

Never Give Up – Just Let Go Chapter 2

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As we mentioned last Monday, we are continuing our “series” of “Never Give Up – Just Let Go”.  The things we should “just let go” of in order to “Never Give Up” on the good. Read more

The Last Full Measure Of Devotion

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Abraham Lincoln in his famous Gettysburg Address referred to the slain warriors as having given “the last full measure of devotion”.  Such a poignant few words and, oh, how true they are! Read more

Ever The Same


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Why is it, you might ask, that period pieces such as the PBS Masterpiece series“Mr. Selfridge” that is currently on television and “Call The Midwife” are so very popular?  “Downtown Abbey”, which is in between seasons at the moment, took this country by storm – everyone was talking about it and one quickly realized that it was near the top of the “Most Popular” list!

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Here’s To Jackie and Dennis!

J and D Read more

Hot Dog – Memorial Day is Coming

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

Crunchy Chickpeas

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Sometimes nothing but a crunchy, salty, snack is the only thing that will satisfy you…especially with a cold drink or a nice glass of wine.  But maybe you’re tired of potato chips or peanuts….OK nobody ever really gets tired of potato chips…Lays made a fortune on their ad campaign based around “Nobody can eat just one!” Read more

Salad Days – Shrimp Rice Salad 4 Ways

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Don’t you just love things you can make ahead of time and with only a couple of slight ingredient variations have 4 very different tasty meals? Read more

Cover Your ‘Phone – Make It Your Own

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“What did we do before cell ‘phones?” is the question!  It is hard now to imagine life without them – they are involved in so much of what we do.

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Keep Calm – It’s Tea Time!

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Tea time in England, where I grew up, was not something that was reserved for a “special occasion” or getting together with friends but was a meal that was enjoyed EVERY day! Read more

Savvy Secrets for the Kitchen

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No matter how experienced (or inexperienced) you are in the kitchen, everyone can use a good tip now and again….10 good tips, or as we like to call them, Savvy Secrets, are just ten times better!   Read more

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