A Rose By Any Other Name
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
Posts tagged ‘Two Chums’
May 9
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May 8
Elizabethan Or Charlesian? That Is The Question!
In this 1960 photograph, it seemed such a far way off that Charles would take over as Monarch from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Read more
May 7
Did You Know – Vodka
Vodka is known as one of the world’s most popular spirits. But did you know that vodka also has a long history of use as medicine? Over the years it has been sold to cure everything from infertility to colic and the plague. While not all of its touted uses over the years are viable, it is true that vodka has a wide range of potential uses beyond just being served as a social beverage. Read more
May 6
Avocados – Not Just on Cinco de Mayo!
Even though Cinco de Mayo is the time that the most avocados are sold, we love them all year long! There is NO time during the year that we do not love these wonderful yummies! So, just because Cinco de Mayo has come and gone, be sure to have a good stock of avocados in your pantry or refrigerator. They are so good for you as well as tasting great!
May 3
Homemade Tortillas – Olé
This weekend Mexicans, and anyone who likes Mexican food, will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Mexican restaurants across the country will be jammed. Most people there may not even know the history or meaning behind this very popular Mexican holiday. What they do know is that it is a great excuse to to have a Corona or a margarita…eat some chips and guacamole…and of course have that quintessential Mexcian food, the tortilla! Read more
May 2
The Sport of Queens
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
May 1
Bring May Flowers
Today is May Day and flowers are in bloom everywhere….even on this delicious Bavarian Cream Cake! Read more
Apr 30
April Showers
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
Apr 29
Have You “Toilled” Lately?
And by that, we do not mean have you “labored” lately, as depicted in this wonderful piece of fabric, but have you used toile fabric to decorate lately? Read more
Apr 26
Shabbat Kugel
Today is Friday and in the Jewish tradition, that means that sundown tonight begins the weekly observance of Shabbat and in many Jewish homes, the tasty treat known as kugel. Read more
Apr 25
Mirror Mirror
You no doubt remember the question the “beautiful” queen asked of her mirror in the classic Disney movie, Snow White. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Few of us would ask that question expecting that the mirror would answer us at all much less tell us that we were the fairest, most beautiful. I came across a very interesting video made by Dove soap that examines how women see themselves versus how others see them. Read more
Apr 24
Savvy Secrets – Baking Soda Secrets!
Well, we all know the value of keeping a box of baking soda in our refrigerators to take care of horrid smells but ….. here are lots more uses for that same baking soda! Read more
Apr 23
Apr 22
Salad Days – All Dressed Up
With Spring already here and Summer fast approaching, it seems we all eat a lot more salads. But what are all those tasty salads wearing? Read more
Apr 19
Say Cheese – Grilled Cheese That Is
Did you know that April is Grilled Cheese month? It would appear that the favorite of all sandwiches…the grilled cheese….has come a long way baby! Read more
Apr 17
She Left Us So Much – Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy
If we had to pick five people in the world who had left their mark on fashion, certainly Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy would be one of those five! Read more
Apr 16
No Red, No Blue – Just Red, White and Blue
In the wake of yesterday’s horrific events in Boston, we find ourselves once again faced with unexpected, unforeseen tragedy. Read more
Apr 16
If You Go Down To The Woods Today….
- Teddy Bears’ Picnic
If you go down to the woods today,
You’re sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today,
You’d better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain because
Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
Picnic time for teddy bears;
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch us catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad about.
They love to play and shout,
They never have any cares.
At six o’clock their mummies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they’re tired little teddy bears.
But….do you know how the “teddy bear” got its name? Read more
Apr 15
Anchors Away!
There is nothing like the timeless “sailor suit” made popular by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales in 1846. A the age of four, he was given a miniature copy of the of the uniform worn by the crew on the Royal Yacht. Read more
Apr 12
Sweet Scotland – Shortbread
Whether you call them biscuits or cookies, you can always call them delicious! If I had only one kind of cookie I could have for the rest of my life, I believe this would be the one. I am confident my dear chum Jackie would say it would be hers 🙂 Read more
Apr 11
Did You Know This About Scotland?
Continuing on with our “Scottish” week, we found some interesting and fun facts about Scotland that we thought you all might enjoy. Read more
Apr 10
Balmoral – The Queen’s Scottish Retreat
“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
Apr 9
A Tribute to “The Iron Lady”
We heard yesterday of the passing of one of the world’s most renowned women, Margaret Thatcher – otherwise known as “The Iron Lady” – the lady who, virtually single handedly, re-routed a falling nation and put it back on its feet with her tireless dedication.
Apr 8
Tartans and What They Mean
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
Apr 5
Hummus Three Ways
Everyone knows the goodness of classic hummus as a spread on sandwiches and of course as a dip. Lots of “hummus love” out there:) Today we want to give you more ways to love hummus! Read more
Apr 3
Apr 2
A Slice Of Chocolate Heaven
If I told you that you could make one of the easiest and most delicious chocolate desserts you will ever eat with just 3 ingredients would you believe me? Of course you would, because if you are reading this, we are “chums” after all 🙂 Read more
Apr 1
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
Mar 29
Lavender Shortbread -An Easter Treat
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
Mar 28
Top Off Your Outfit With A Hat!
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
Mar 26
Ah Yes, Fabergé
When I think of eggs, the first thing that comes to my mind are those wonderful, absolutely exquisite, Fabergé eggs!
Mar 22
Matzo Brei – A Passover Treat
One of the best benefits of this season leading up to Passover is that there is matzo available almost everywhere in every market. Delicious by itself spread with butter, my favorite matzo dish is matzo brei…a sort of Jewish twist on French toast….yummy! Read more
Mar 21
Did You Know – Bacon Grease
Your mother or grandmother…especially if they happened to be southern…may have kept a can for collecting bacon grease on the back of the stove. You may have wondered where the tradition came from. Here’s your answer:)
Mar 20
Spring – A Taste For Something Floral
It’s official…as of today Spring is here. And one of the best things about Spring is that with it comes more flowers. I love flowers, all kinds….any place , any time and for any reason. Yet the one place I have never enjoyed flowers is in my food. Read more
Mar 19
That’s My NAME!
Years ago when Robin and Randy took a trip to London they came home with so many wonderful goodies. They had gone just before Christmas and so had done a lot of Christmas shopping whilst there. Read more
Mar 18
Francis: A Pope For The People
Why are even those of us who aren’t Catholic surprised and delighted by this new leader of the Catholic Church? Perhaps it is because Pope Francis’ familiar, “regular guy” style has already made a down-to-earth impression on the world. Read more
Mar 15
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!
Mar 14
Mar 13
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
Mar 12
Soup’s On – Split Pea Soup
With only a few ingredients, only a little bit of time, and a very few pennies you can have a meal that tastes like a million bucks! Read more
Mar 11
Rock-A-Bye “Royal” Baby
The world is in love with this darling couple and so happy for them as they anticipate the birth of their first child who will one day be the king or queen of England. Other than the question of whether this baby will be a boy or girl, or even possibly twins, the question many have, is what will the royal baby’s nursery look like. Read more
Mar 8
St. Paddy’s Day Floats
Reading the title of this post you might have been expecting something people could ride on in a March 17th celebration parade in Boston. We have other tastier sorts of floats in mind:) Read more
Mar 7
Mar 6
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
Mar 5
Did You Know -Why We Say That? (Part 2)
We all uses terms and phrases everyday and never know where they came from or what the origin of them is. From time to time we like to shed some light on some of these sayings and share what their origins are. Read more
Mar 4
Finding Treasures
Meet Mr. Chin. He is my latest “find” and, oh how we are welcoming him into our home!
Mar 1
Feb 28
Know Yourself
How very important it is to really know yourself….know what you are made of, all of the wonderful qualities that come together to make you you! Read more
Feb 27
Salted Caramel Candies
Caramel has always been delicious but of late it is enjoying a new fashionability in food circles. Everywhere you turn these days there seems to be something about caramel, especially salted caramel. And why not? Who can resist the sweet sticky goodness that we call caramel:) Read more
Feb 26
Did You Know – Cinnamon and Honey
Some really good and interesting info has come out regarding the healing properties of Cinnamon and Honey. Read more
Feb 25
A Night With Oscar
As we are getting up, Hollywood’s royalty is no doubt just heading to bed. Last night was the Academy Awards…the biggest celebration for Tinseltown and those who populate it….we celebrated right along with them!
Feb 22
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!
Feb 21
Crackers for Oscar
Oh, we all love cheese straws! Most all of us have eaten and enjoyed them, if not made them. The lovely cheesy bites pictured here are the more sophisticated cousin of the cheese straw. Read more
Feb 20
Salad Days – Classic Caesar Salad
The most popular salad in America may well be the Caesar. Everyone seems to love this iconic salad. Making it at home is a lot easier than you may have thought. Read more
Feb 19
Savvy Secrets – WD 40
Who knew there were so many uses for this simple household product? We’ll bet you have some of this absolute treasure in a cupboard or in your garage right now!
Feb 18
No Guilt Chocolate
Last Thursday we celebrated Valentine’s Day. Do you have any idea just HOW MUCH chocolate was eaten? Read more
Feb 15
Did You Know? – Why We Say That
We use some phrases commonly and most of us never stop to think about what they really mean or where it is they came from. Here are some clues as to why we say what we say. Read more
Feb 14
Feb 13
Pizza Love
Tomorrow is the day we celebrate love. All kinds of love. Love is everywhere, even in the kitchen. And everyone loves pizza! This one is so easy to make, you can have it ready as fast as you can order delivery pizza. You don’t need any special kitchen equipment to shape it like a heart and when you do, you’ve got a fun and delicious way to celebrate LOVE:) Read more
Feb 12
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
Feb 11
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
Feb 8
Comfort and Love, Joy and Abundant Living
You surely know by now that Two Chums is all about love, joy and abundant living. We’ll get to that in a minute. First let’s talk about comfort. The comfort here relates to a comfort food …potato soup. Read more
Feb 7
Hearts Full of Color
Homemade crayon hearts. Make them yourself or with your little ones and you’ll not only make some beautiful crayons, you’ll make some great fun. Every mother or grandmother needs a project like this that she can pull out of her special “bag of tricks” 🙂
Read more
Feb 6
Salad Days – The Cobb Salad
Cobb Salad: One of the most famous dishes in American culinary history was created on the spur of the moment at the famous Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood. Read more
Feb 5
Feb 4
Leftovers 411 – Baked French Toast Casserole
Today we have what can only be called a breakfast win/win. This is a way to use up old bread that is getting stale and make a delicious breakfast at the same time. Read more
Jan 31
Through The Years – Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
What a darling little girl Elizabeth, or Lillibet as she was called by her family, was! Winston Churchill described Elizabeth when she was two as “a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant”. Little did she know, at this young age, that she would one day become Queen of England. Not only that, but she would prove to be one of the longest reigning monarchs, if not the longest, ever! Read more
Jan 30
Mississippi Mud Cake
There are many, many delicious foods that are associated with southern cooking and with Mississippi in particular. None is more iconic or tastier than Mississippi Mud Cake. Read more
Jan 29
Can’t Find It? Just Substitute!
How many times, when you are excited to make something, do you go to the larder and find that you do not have one of the main ingredients? Here is a list of a few things that you can substitute out that you might find helpful for the next time that happens.
Read more
Jan 29
Can’t Find It? Substitute!
How many times, when you are excited to make something, do you go to the larder and find that you do not have one of the main ingredients? Here is a list of a few things that you can substitute out that you might find helpful for the next time that happens. Read more
Jan 28
Let Them Play With The Dough
There are few things that all of us share as memories of childhood but it seems that play dough is one of them. There is something so soothing about playing with that smooth, soft dough. Rolling it into long “ropes” and squishing it between our fingers, many of us could pass many happy hours just playing with our play dough. Read more
Jan 25
Amanda’s Blueberry Muffins
“And they ate blueberry muffins and lived happily ever after.” If this could be the ending to a fairy tale that you would enjoy being part of, then this is your happy day!
Jan 24
Salad Days – The Classic Chopped Salad
If you have ever been to La Scala in Beverly Hills you know just how perfect a salad can be. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to visit there yet, we have good news. We have the recipe for the best chopped salad ever made! Read more
Jan 23
Leftovers 411 – Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Ever wonder what to do with that lump of oatmeal after breakfast that no one ate? Here is one delicious and simple answer…Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Bread! Read more
Jan 22
The Pineapple
Besides being a wonderfully sweet and tastey “nosh”, the pineapple has served as a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome through the history of the Americas. Read more
Jan 21
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
Jan 18
Chicken Soup – Good For What Ails You
Chicken soup is synonymous for most people with being a homemade remedy for anything that’s got you down. In the neighborhood I grew up in, and amongst some of my Jewish friends now, it is known as Jewish penicillin. Read more
Jan 17
Did You Know – CFL Bulbs?
What you don’t know actually CAN hurt you…and especially can hurt those little people and pets you love! Read more
Jan 16
Leftovers 411 – Croutons
Let’s face it, from time to time we all find ourselves with leftovers. If there happens to be a lot left over, after a couple of meals we’re tired of whatever it was and ready to move on. If there is only a little left, we have no idea what to do with it, but we feel guilty about the idea of throwing away food. So we wrap things up and put them aside or in the refrigerator where they sit until they become a science experiment, and we don’t feel so bad about throwing them away anymore. Read more
Jan 15
Kitchenesque Savvy Secrets!
Some fabulous easy-to-follow tips for your work in the kitchen! Read more
Jan 14
Set the Alarm
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. Read more
Jan 11
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
Jan 10
Downton Abbey or Highclere Castle?
“Downton Abbey or Highclere Castle?” you ask. “Well,” you think to yourself, “it definitely looks like Downton Abbey but what is this other Castle that is mentioned? Read more
Jan 9
Happy Birthday, Catherine!
I came across this wonderful book, A Year In The Life of a Duchess, Catherine HRH*, The Duchess of Cambridge, and how on earth could I resist?! Read more
Jan 8
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
Jan 7
Jan 4
Gnocchi In No Time
The new year has begun and, for some of us, it’s time to get out of the rut of the meals we make week in and week out. Some repetition is good and some special meals feel like comfort food. But some dinners we make are the result of just not being able to come up with anything new. Read more
Jan 3
Jan 2
THIS one is healthy!
Your Two Cbums spent a wonderful evening at dear friends’ welcoming in the new year. It was a sweet evening – lots of grazing through wonderful appetizers and desserts!
Read more
Jan 1
Dec 31
Ringing It In!
At the stroke of midnight tonight, in most English speaking countries, the music of “Auld Lang Syne” will be heard echoing through walls and down streets. Read more
Dec 28
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
Dec 27
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
Dec 26
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
Dec 25
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.
Dec 24
O Holy Night
On this that holiest of night’s in the Christian faith, we remember the night that Jesus was born. The holy scriptures say God became flesh and dwelt among us. One of the many names of Christ is Immanuel which literally means “God with us”. Read more
Dec 21
Do Angels Really Exist?
We hear about angels throughout the Bible. From the very beginning, in Genesis, to the very end, in Revelation, there are numerous mentions of angels, more than two hundred times. But, are they real? Do they really exist?
Dec 20
From The Hand Of God
Every so often we hear a story that just brings tears to our eyes. This is one of those stories. It was originally printed in Readers Digest in December of 1954 and has apparently been circulating ever since. Read more
Dec 19
The Twelve Days of Christmas
We have all heard or sung this song hundreds of times throughout the holidays but did you ever stop to wonder what it is really all about? Partirdges in pear trees and maids a milking…very strange indeed unless you know the history behind this lovely carol. Now you will 🙂 Read more
Dec 18
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
