Seemingly old-fashioned, as in something you’d find in a drawer at grandma’s house, sachets can be both pretty and practical. They are aestetically pleasing when made from lovely fabrics and filled with heavenly scents, but can also serve to freshen linens, suitcases, and even keep insects away from fabrics. Handmade sachets make lovely gifts for…
Strawberry season is a treasured time of the year. Eaten fresh, sliced for shortcake, or sweetened and mashed for homemade ice cream, strawberries are full of amazing flavor when they’re in season. If you still have berries left over after all that eating, extend your strawberry pleasure by making jam. Making Jam There are two…
Mind your manners . . . watch your p’s and q’s . . . proper etiquette . . . Who came up with what’s proper and what is not? Should we still pay attention to such “rules” or are they outdated in today’s society? Manners are basically ways to show kindness and respect towards others…
Spring is the time for fresh peas. Eat them straight from the vine, boil, steam, or freeze them. Even canned peas can be delightful. These sweet green treats come in several varieties to be shelled, eaten pod and all, or even somewhat pea-less, such as the snow pea. Whatever your favorit may be, peas are…
Glass has been a decorative element in homes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Though it was often used for practical purposes, even the ancients appreciated its artistic possibilities, creating beautiful shapes and colors. Today glass continues to be admired for both form and function. Masters of glass blowing…
Looking for an easy-to-grow herb? Try thyme. It’s decorative and functional, great for dried arrangements, for kitchen creations, and even for medicinal uses. Native throughout the Mediterranean, thyme is a subshrub perennial that loves sun, and dry, well-drained soil. A member of the mint family, there are hundreds of varieties of thyme, but only six…
Salty or sweet, creamy or crunchy, peanut butter is a staple in kitchens across the country. It’s nutritious, delicious, and complements a variety of foods – fruits, vegetables, breads, and even poultry and seafood. Worldwide, peanuts are eaten plain, ground, in soups, sauces, and in sweets. History of Peanut Butter Peanuts themselves go way back…
Motion pictures have transformed the world of entertainment over the past 100 years. Stories told on the big screen in two hours’ time have taken us to new places, taught us life lessons, made us think and feel, and most importantly, helped us laugh. This larger than life medium dominates the world of acting and…
What percentage of adults have played with playdough at some point in their lives? We may not know the exact number, but surely it is high. At home, in school, at a birthday party – playdough abounds in the world of children’s activities. Bright colors attract the eye, the smooth, soft texture is pleasing to…
If you bake it, they will eat it – so why not make it healthy? Whether you are monitoring the health of your family or just your own, you are probably aware that convenience often determines the food of choice. By filling your refrigerator and cupboards with healthy selections, you’ll have something quick to grab…