Helpful Hint

I've had these annoying drip marks on window of my oven door for about a year.  The cleaning cycle of the oven didn't take care of it nor did wiping the window.  The drip was between two panes of glass.  I gave up, UNTIL I saw the solution in Real Simple magazine.

Take the oven door off the hinges.  You will see an opening at the bottom of the door. 

You can see in this photo that I slid a spatula through the opening and between the panes of glass.

Cover a spatula with a damp cloth and insert between the glass panes and rub until marks disappear.  You can see that I have removed part of the marks.

The door is back on the hinges and the window is free of the greasy streaks.  I'm happy.

DIY: Bottle Stoppers

Crate and Barrel $4.95 each

I was walking around Crate and Barrel on Saturday and spotted these colorful bottle stoppers.  Then I walked into Anthropologie and spotted some fantastic drawer knobs.

So I thought, why not use a drawer knob on a cork for a bottle stopper?

I purchased the appropriate sized corks from a craft store.  Using a hack saw, I cut off the screw end of the knob to fit the cork.  

 
Mark the center of the cork.  Drive an awl through the cork as a path to keep the screw straight as you screw it into the cork.

Done!  and no glue gun necessary.

I really like the way these bottle stoppers look on my bar cart.

I'm going to be on the lookout for antique and unusual drawer knobs for more stopper options.  

Cool Soups

A hot day call for cold soup.  

Make it portable by storing in a mason jar.  Great for a picnic or party.

Cucumber soup with yogurt and dill.

See recipe below.

Carrot soup with lots of fresh dill.  Recipe found here, and then add fresh dill.

Watermelon Gazpacho.  Find the recipe here. 

Cucumber Soup

3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped

1 onion, roughly chopped

1 small clove garlic

5 cups plain yogurt (I used Greek 2%)

1 teaspoon oil

4 teaspoons chopped dill

1 teaspoon salt

dash pepper

Put vegetables in a food processor blender with 2 cups yogurt and remaining ingredients.  Process until all ingredients and the sames size but not smooth.  Add remaining yogurt and process until just incorporated.  Chill and then serve with more fresh dill on top.  

Serves 6.

Watermelon Stars

Add a little holiday panache...

...cut out some watermelon stars and add them to drinks or 

fruit salad, or anything that needs a patriotic touch.  

Wall of Fame

A few years ago I visited a friend who had a whole wall filled with photos.  

I adopted the idea and call it my wall of fame.  I have photos of family, friends and pets.  There are photos from vacations, weddings, graduations and random milestones.  The photos now span over 30 years of memories.  I walk past this wall every time I go to the laundry room and it always makes me smile each time I glance at a photo and remember the person or events portrayed.  

Get some photo paper and start printing.  My frames are erratic in size and design but they are all black.  I pick up frames from craft stores like Michaels or Joann whenever there is a sale or I have a coupon.  I think it is the casual attention to uniformity that makes the wall interesting.  Hanging the frames with 3M Picture Hangers means no nails and easy removal if you need to move a frame.  

Just an idea.  

Do You Need a Fouta?

A fouta is a cotton, machine washable towel originally used in saunas in Mediterranean countries like Tunia and Turkey.  Foutas are light weight, 72 x 40 inches, and become softer and more absorbent with each washing.  They have evolved as more of a lifestyle essential than a towel.  

photo 

A fouta is an absorbent towel for for bath or beach.  

photo

Use a foutas as you would a pashmina, for a shawl or blanket on a plane.

photo D. Flanagan

Use a foutas for a beach chair.

photo D. Flanagan

Impromptu tablecloth on a table or for a picnic in a park or on the beach.

photo

Guest towel size 20 x 28.  Besides a great towel in the powder room, these towels could be used as placemats, dish towels or on top of a dresser.  

I have just discovered foutas.  I use mine on a plane, and at the beach as a sarong or towel.  These would make an excellent gift and are a great travel companion with multiple uses.

You can purchase on line here or here.

Scanner App Worth the $2

For the price of sending one fax from your local copy store, you can download this app and scan and fax to your heart's content.

TurboScan

Hubby read about this app in the NY Times  and sent me a link to download the app.  I gave it a try and it is a cinch to use.  The app prompts you to take 3 photos of the document you wish to "scan".  You are then able to center the document and play around with the darkness.  You can create a pdf or jpeg, and then fax, email, print or store your image.  

This would be a fabulous tool for a business person traveling to keep track of expenses.  I may be able to get rid of my lousy fax machine that drives me crazy.  For $2, give it a try.  I think you'll like it.  

DIY Jewelry Display and Storage

I found these DIY jewelry displays on the blog, Mr. Kate.  

Start with a frame...

...add lace,

or those corks you've been saving,

or simply wire.

For a more earthy, rustic look, try burlap or chicken wire.

Lost and Found

Yesterday I was walking the puppy at a large athletic site.  While I was there, my cell phone fell out of my pocket and I did not realize it was missing until I arrive home.

I went back to the field twice, using another phone to call my cell phone but to no avail. 

Then I remembered that I had Mobile Me.  I googled, mobile me find my iphone and got the Mobile Me website.  All I had to do was enter my id and password and the gps in the phone was identified and displayed on a map.  I went to a different view and saw it lying in the grass on the soccer field.  Hubby retrieved the phone while I made dinner and we are living happily ever after.

This is not an advertisement for Mobile Me but maybe it will help you find a lost phone some day.  

AND I am not putting my phone in my pocket again, I'll carry my big old purse with a cell phone pocket inside. 

at west end: a unique vase

Genius Idea!

multi-hole vase $49

This vase with holes in the sides enables 6 blooms to look like a unique arrangement.  A great way to deal with droopy stems too.

Click here to view the new issue of Matchbook Magazine...Field Guide to a Charmed Life for some online inspiration.

Consider Your Guest Room

There is a good chance that you may host a guest in your home over the holidays.  Now is the time to look at that space with the eyes of a guest to see if it is welcoming and will meet your guests needs.  Not every home has the luxury of a designated guest room.  Still, consider the space you will set aside for the use of a guest to make it as comfortable and private as possible.

Most important for your guest is the bed and bedding.  Offer a choice of pillows and high quality sheets.  For high quality and low price try shopping for these items at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.  If your guest must sleep on a pullout or inflatable bed, provide a featherbed for additional comfort.  

Provide an extra blanket and throw to keep your guest cozy and warm.  In summer, have a fan in the room to keep guests cool.

Be sure to clear space in closets and dresser for guests to unpack and store clothes.  Supply a variety of hangers for coats, pants, skirts and shirts.

Be thoughtful and furnish toiletries. Include basic such as toothpaste and towels as well as haircare items and body wash and lotion.  

A fluffy robe is a pleasant addition to a guest room, eliminating the need for a guest to pack their own and take up valuable space in the suitcase.

A clock is a necessity and one that allows guest to play their music is a pleasure.

Some bedside niceties would be a water carafe, chocolates, reading material, a candle and a few simple flowers in a vase.  A local paper, guide book or map would be helpful for guests as well.  

I've found it helpful to spend a night in my guest room to see if it was comfortable and supplied all the necessary accoutrements to make a guest feel at home.  

Party Photos and Tips

Holidays are the perfect time to get together with friends and family to celebrate and make merry.  These gatherings can be extravagant or low key.  No matter, everyone loves an invitation, a chance to dress up and socialize.

Last week I had a neighborhood party and this week I am getting ready for another party of friends and work colleagues.  We always give a party the Sunday before Christmas.  This is our 18th annual soiree.  Here are some things I've learned over the years.

Pottery Barn drink dispenser $79  Light Cubes from FlashingBlinkyLights

Offer a signature drink, eliminating the need for  full bar offerings.  Provide beer, wine, non-alcohol beverages as well. 

 Crimsontini

8 cups vodka

5 cups cranberry juice

1 1/4 cups lime juice 

7 tablespoons super fine sugar

serves 20

Roasted potatoes topped with sour cream and bacon, cheddar or green onion

A bed of coarse salt stabilizes wobbly appetizers

Everyone loves deviled eggs.  I just started offering deviled eggs at parties lately, I always thought they were too "pedestrian", but they are gobbled up.  Eggs are very versatile.  Incorporate flavor variations in the yolk mixture or the toppings.  

Sliced pork or beef tenderloin open faced sandwiches are easy for guests to pick up and eat with one hand.  For a fun topping, whip cream and add a flavoring such as chipotle chilies in adobo for the pork or horseradish for beef.

Tips

• Don't worry about cleaning the house.  Just make sure clutter is gone, serving surfaces are gleaming and the powder room is guest ready.  Then just dim the lights and light lots of candles.  The time to wash floors is after the party.
• Buy red paper cocktail napkins in bulk.  Red works for almost every holiday and event.  You'll be sure to always have them on hand.
• If you entertain frequently, invest in glassware by the case.  Shop restaurant supply and Ikea.  
• Likewise, small glass plates 
• Keep appetizers bite size and eat from hand so no forks are necessary.
• Create a musical playlist to have ready as soon as the doorbell rings.
• Plan what you will wear ahead of time so you don't waste precious last minutes trying on everything in your closet...and be dressed and ready an hour before the party starts so you can have a drink and calm down
• Remove chairs from dining room so people can circulate and mingle.
• Provide a place for coats, either on a bed or a portable coat rack.
• Don't take yourself too seriously.  Have fun with table decor and menu
• The party is over when you run out of ice

Festive Light-string Add Ons

I bid on these cute lighthouse add-ons for a light string.  The event was a fundraiser for the fire department in Hope Town, Elbow Cay.  

These are apropos because of the famous lighthouse on the island.

You can find add-ons for light strands in all sorts of themes.

Light strand add-ons by Spiralstyle on Polyvore.com

5  Bloomination Natural Blooming Flower Party String Lights - Teal -...

1  Cupcakes Party String Lights Set - Food String Light Strands & Sets -...

4  Colorful Tropical Fish Party String Lights - Animal String Light...

6  American Flag Party String Lights - Patriotic String Light Strands &...

3  Moose on the Loose Party String Lights - Animal String Light Strands &...

2  Happy Hour Party String Lights - Novelty String Light Strands & Sets -...

This is a way to use the add-ons in #5 above.  

A string or two of fun lights could be a great decor addition to a baby shower, anniversary party, or other merry event.

Safe Keeping

I'm on my way to my Bahamas house for a week or relaxation.  As careful as I try to be, I'm always a bit concerned I'll loose some important documents or my purse or wallet will be stolen and I'll be stuck and not able to get back into the US.  

To make life easier if this would happen, I've taken precautions.  Scan your passport and then email it to yourself.  Keep this email in a folder in your online account and you'll have access to this no matter where you are.  It will certainly help speed things along if you need to replace your passport since you'll have all the necessary information at hand.

Do the same with drivers license, health insurance cards, bank cards, credit cards and other important pieces of information.  I emailed each piece separately and included online id and passwords so that I could access accounts and contact the various institutions.

While I hope I never need to use these saved emails, I'm sure glad they are there if the need does arrive.  

Do you have tricks to share for travel?  I'd love to hear them.