Dog days of summer

I don't know about the rest of ya'll but I have been doing my fair share of sweating and complaining about the heat and humidity lately.  It seems that August weather arrived in June, much to my chagrin.  And while I can manage with a grimace and a little push of a button to turn down the AC, my pup is less privileged when it comes to managing the summer temps.  And after hearing a horror story about a friend of a friend who had an OES and lost her pup after a morning walk in the summer due to heat exhaustion, I've been paying better attention to my dear pup, Paddy.  We've found a few coping mechanisms for her and hopefully they'll help your hot poochies too.

1. Water, water everywhere.  I have a water bowl for the pup inside and also on our deck so she can hydrate at will.  I spoil her and fill them with cool Brita water rather than tepid tap water, but she's my baby, ok?!  I once tried to add ice cubes for an added chill, but that only resulted in her thinking she needed to fish them out and a large pool of water on the kitchen floor.  No more.

2. Consider a haircut.  While I adore Paddy's shaggy identity, it was definitely time to get her a nice trim.  I was shocked to learn that the cost of her haircut was nearly triple mine, but I quickly reminded myself that I am neither completely covered in hair nor do I wiggle during a hair trim.  The results were almost immediate - she had more energy and was willing to stay outside longer...but as you can see she was a little self-conscious about her "naked" self.

3. Take a chill pill.  While ice cubes didn't seem to work out in the water bowl, they certainly are a welcome treat.  Paddy loves enjoying a cool treat - if I notice her panting and acting a little lethargic, I usually offer one then.  It's a quick and easy treat and is a nice deterrent if I need a moment of doggie peace and quiet (shh don't tell Paddy!).

4. Timing is everything.  I used to walk Paddy in the afternoon after work, but now that the sun is still shining and the temperatures are nearing triple digits, I've bitten the bullet and walk her in the morning before work.  It's relatively cool and it gets me going - everybody wins!

5. Take note.  I'm no vet, but I try to pay close attention to the pup's behavior.  Heavy panting, huffing and puffing, extreme lethargy, confusion and vomiting can be signs of heat exhaustion.  If in doubt, call your vet and get your sweet pet some help.  Like people, dogs are also affected by the heat.
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Kitchen first aid

I'm not what you would call clumsy, but I am definitely careless and injury-prone!  I frequently have bruises on my arms and legs from trying to cut corners and then running into them...door frames, coffee tables, bedframes, etc.  It's sort of a running joke with my friends and family.  And in addition to running into things, I've also been known to slice and dice my poor fingers in the kitchen.  And luckily, I've never done serious damage, requiring a hospital visit (knock on wood).  But being that I am so accident prone, I did some research so I would know when exactly I might need some medical support. 

Burns: I have been pretty lucky when it comes to avoiding a hot surface in the kitchen.  To date, I've been scathed only by a flying drop of oil and a small burn from the oven.  That being said, I'm airing on the cautious side in case I should ever encounter a more serious burn. 
Severity: The degree of a burn was smething I never fully understood, but it's actually pretty self explanatory based on the name.  First degree burns injure the first layer of skin; second degree burns injure the first and second layers of skin; third degree burns injure all layers of skin and tissue and require prompt medical attention.
Treatment: Immediately run the burn under cold water.  Do not use ice as this could cause frostbite.  Taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can help with pain and irritation.  If you need additional medical attention, loosely wrap the burn in light cloth to prevent infection and avoid putting ice, butter or any salve on the area.

Cuts: I'm getting a little woozy just thinking about writing this section.  I am definitely ER doctor material!  I have many, many scars on my hands from knicking myself with kitchen knives.  This is one of those, do as I say, not as I do moments.  Be careful when you're cutting produce, bread, meat or whatever.  Always cut away from you, with a sharp knife and be sure your digits are out of harm's way.
Severity: More serious cuts that are long and deep, occur over an area of movement like a joint or remove layers of skin require medical attention.  Seriously, I cringed/shivered as I typed that.  If your cut does not permeate tissue, you're probably ok to treat at home.  But if you are concerned, better to be safe than sorry and get help.
Treatment: Immediately stop the bleeding with pressure and a compress (gauze, cotton, tissue, etc.).  Clean the cut, apply an ointment (like Neosporin) and bandage.

Be safe in your kitchen...no great meal ever ended with a trip to the ER!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and am not intending to provide medical advice.  The medical info presented in this post is from WebMD and my doctor friends. :)
*Photo courtesy of Red Cross.
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A survival kit for life

Now that I'm a big girl, I've learned there are some things you just need in life.  I've compiled my list below, so add 'em to your Rolodex, repertoire or closet and feel free to weigh in on your ideas.  Voila!

A fabulous tailor.  They may not be the cheapest shop in town, but a versatile tailor who can hem your jeans and remake an evening gown when you lose weight is an invaluable commodity!  And if you're anything like me (somewhat petite in stature), you're in need of some nips and tucks with reasonable regularity.  Every gal needs one.

A power suit.  Even if you don't wear a suit on a daily basis, a perfectly fitting black suit is an asset to a closet...and many life situations.

A drinking buddy.  It may not be your BFF, but a fun acquaintance ain't bad either. 

A hobby.  It's easy to get into a rut of working and eating and sleeping.  Some extracurricular activities outside the office help make us well-rounded people and give us outlets.  It could be tennis, knitting, coaching a children's basketball team, etc.

A shoulder to cry on.  Every girl needs one friend or family member who will just let you blubber and listen, without judging whatever predicament you may be in. 

A hairdresser you trust.  We all need a change once in a while and a hairdresser you trust (and love) can help with that.  Whether it's a cute bob or new highlights, every gal needs a great hair stylist.

A current version of your resume.  You never know when you might need it...even if to toss across someone's desk on a whim.

A hot dress.  It doesn't even have to be black.  This is the one to make your ex-boyfriends jealous.  It works for a dinner out or a wedding...or to sit on your couch if you are in such a mood.

A success story.  Everyone has something for which they feel deep pride.  It could be your college degree, buying your first car, your child, etc.  Every gal needs a success story in her life - something that she can say "I did/made/earned that"...and bonus points if you did this solo.  It's so rewarding to see hard work pay off and generates a sense of self-worth and respect.

Now go ahead with your bad self!

*Photo courtesy of Boston Herald.
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Toaster Oven Love

I was recently debating the merits of the toaster oven with some girlfriends and I realized that most people are unaware of this little kitchen appliance's potential.  I'm a toaster oven enthusiast.  This is one of the kitchen appliances that is worth the counter space, not to mention its name says it all...it is multifunctional after all.  As part of said conversation, my friends suggested the toaster oven's capabilities as part of a blog post.  And lucky for you, I happily obliged!

Toast: Duh.  Of course it can toast.  I'm not a huge fan of upright toasters because I always feel like my toast or bagel was burned.  With a toaster oven, you can more easily monitor the progress of a toast job.  I also love slicing up some slices of french bread to have with dinner and toast them all at once.

Bake: By far the most versatile capability.  This works for reheating things without getting the microwaved-rubberyness and also baking small portion meals.

• Reheat pizza for about 5-10 minutes on 300 degrees. 
• Make a baked potato.
• Bake 1 or 2 chicken breasts.
• Heat up leftover casserole or other baked dish.
• Bake a small dinner for a few people.

Broil: For small portions, the broil function is another wonderful addition.  I've used it to broil a small piece of fish.

I haven't done the calculations, but I would assume this little kitchen wonder appliance can save energy by avoiding a potentially lengthy preheat time for a conventional oven.  Not to mention it's a time saver alone.  Who knows, maybe I'll start dreaming up recipes that can all be done in a toaster oven! :)

My product recommendation: Cuisinart Classic Toaster Oven Broiler available at Bed Bath and Beyond for $99.

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Tame the wave

I have fluffy, wavy hair with a tendency for frizz.  And for years, I have resisted the natural waviness of my hair and spent hours sweating through constant hair drying and straightening.  My hair suffered and my patience suffered as well.  Then finally one day, I had a hair stylist (in Philadelphia) who actually knew what to do with my waves.  She gave me some invaluable advice on tools to deal with wavy, frizzy hair and prescribed a life saving product.  And ever since, I've lived happily ever after without lots of heat-induced styling in the stifling summer months.

Product: I've learned that lighter products are best.  In addition, go light on the product to avoid weighing your hair down and having the "crunchy" look (not my fav).  I'm a big fan of Sunsilk Waves of Envy and the Curls Rock line by Catwalk. 

Tools: A diffuser is a must.  I don't totally understand how they work, but these days most hair dryers come with a diffuser attachment.  Flip your hair upside down and gently use diffuser to "catch" the hair and move upwards towards the scalp, moving to different sections quickly, so you don't burn your scalp.  Sometimes, I'll use the dryer without an attachment to finish drying hair at the crown of my head.

Left to right: Sunsilk Waves of Envy at Amazon, T3 soft touch diffuser at Sephora, Catwalk Curls Rock Curls Amplifier at Amazon.
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Happy Dad's Day

To all the Dad's out there, wishing you a wonderful day!

And to my Daddy-o, hope you have a wonderful day filled with golf and winning Boston sports teams!
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Someone has a birthday today

And it's our sweet pup, Paddy!  She turned one year old today!  And in her honor we had a "pool party"! :)

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Work-Life Balance

The clock read 8:19pm.  I groaned with fatigue and anticipation of the evening that lay ahead.  I had just finished going to the gym, cooking and eating dinner and playing with the pup.  Unfortunately, two assignments, due in the morning, loomed between me and a good night's sleep (or that evening's episode of The Hills).  Unfortunately, I'd spent much of the day in meetings and doing damage control on the daily crisis and was offered little opportunity for "real" work.  So alas, I cracked open my laptop and settled in for the evening on the sofa, next to my husband, who was happily relaxing and enjoying his latest Xbox game.  Occasionally, I would glance over and glare at him, as he enjoyed his evening.  Finally finishing my assignments, I crawled into bed at 11:53pm, barely interested in brushing my teeth and taking out my contact lenses before falling into 6 hours of slumber.

Sound familiar?  That's a real story of a recent evening in my life and I have a feeling I'm not unique.  The end goal is elusive; it's coveted and it's certainly a buzz word at American corporations.  Yes, ladies it's that thing companies tout as a great "benefit" of working at their company - being provided with the opportunity to balance work demands with your real life.  I'm sure everyone has a slightly different version of what this means.  To me, it's pretty simple - it means being able to balance my job, enjoy my family, friends and outside-the-office hobbies and be successful and happy at it all.  Ok, maybe it's not that simple.  Come to think of it, it's neither simple nor easy to attain.

In the age of laptops, iphones, blackberrys on the bedside table, 24/7 email access and the like, it's easy to become wrapped up in it all.  Our mothers and grandmothers never worked in a similar environment....in most households, there weren't two incomes (aka most women didn't have demanding, corporate jobs), there wasn't the expectation to perform in a 24/7 environment, all the while maintaining composure through it all.  Furthermore in today's economy, companies are downsizing, expecting the current employees to fill the void.  It's not an easy environment in which to navigate.  At times it can feel like a vast ocean, with endless responsibilities, tasks and no end in sight; and at others, it can feel like a shark tank, constantly fighting for the attention of your boss, spouse, friends and family.  Add the work environment to trying to manage a household, whether that's just you and your pooch or a family of 5, and it can be overwhelming.  I know women who have up and quit crummy jobs to try to regain their sanity and happiness, those who have confessed to crying every Sunday night and those who just stopped caring and were ultimately, terminated.  I'm certainly not the penultimate role model for work life balance, but I'm slowly learning to set boundaries and manage life.  Below I'm offering some things I've learned, advice I've received and tactics I've used to maintain a semblance of a "life."

Cut corners: I'm amazed by the number of smart, motivated women I know who have employed a housekeeper.  I judged laughed when I heard some of my friends mention it.  I couldn't believe it.  How could a self-respecting woman without children possibly need a housekeeper?  What I've come to learn is that sometimes it is worth spending some cash to have a few extra few hours each week to enjoy life.  Maybe it's not a housekeeper, but perhaps it's a lawn service or a dog walker or pre-prepared meals that might make your life a little more manageable.  As long as you and yours are still happy and financially solvent (aka not going broke to pay the maid) at the end of the day, whatever you're doing is working.  I challenge you to find ways to cut out simple, but time consuming household tasks to provide more "down time" to relax and spend time with family and friends. 

Build a box: I've learned from some of my wise colleagues that people are often highly respected for setting work and personal boundaries and sticking with them.  This doesn't mean gracing your office with your presence from 10-2, but it does mean establishing reasonable boundaries that gel with your company's culture and expectations.  Maybe it means that 10 hours per day is your max, that you need to leave the office each day by 4:30 to pick up your son from daycare and have some QT with him or that you won't work in the evenings.  One word of caution - make sure that your "boundaries" don't conflict significantly with your office culture, or else you might find yourself being labeled the slacker or the workaholic.

Make a schedule: There are weeks where I need to log a few hours in the evenings or on a weekend to complete a project.  Definitely not my preferred evening entertainment, but I do my best to forecast when this may occur and "schedule" that time for myself.  I find my weeks much more manageable if I "schedule" additional tasks to complete at home in the evenings.  Like most, I operate better with a reward; if I can convince myself to tie up some loose ends on Tuesday night, knowing I'm having dinner with friends on Wednesday night, I'm much more likely to get everything done, and usually more efficiently, to boot!

Vacation sans email: Unless you're solving world hunger, do you really need your crackberry and laptop on your family vacation?  They will only serve as distractions and interrupt your break.  Most bosses actually like when you take vacation; it offers you a chance to recharge your batteries and come back to the office refreshed.

Chart a course:  At the end of the day, you have to know what's best for your life and what makes up your career and life goals.  It's ok if your officemate wants to be CEO and you endeavor to be a small team lead.  You know what's best for you and makes you happy and helps you achieve your "zen."  Be confident in knowing that!

Related posts: A better morning routine, Stock your pantry for easy meals, Business trip essentials.
*Photo courtesy of JCrew.
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Freebie fabulousness

Who doesn't love a freebie?  I do!  Whether it's a sample of a new product or winning an online contest, I love opening my mailbox and finding a special treat, all for free!  Here are a few sites online where you can sign up to receive freebies and samples.

Grocery Game - This site offers a service, for a fee, that helps identify great deals on grocery items, but their message boards are available for free.  And there is a special message board focused on rebates and samples.  Jackpot!

Twitter - Most of your fav companies offer free products from time to time via their twitter feeds.  I've seen contents from Cargo cosmetics, Stonyfarm dairy and many others.  So maybe twitter does have a purpose after all...

Walmart - Each week, Walmart adds new samples of specific products, usually snacks or drug items.  You're not required to enter your email, which is an added bonus, so you can be assured you won't receive any spam!

Pinching your pennies - This site also has fabulous forums with great deals, including one on deals for "less than a penny" aka free. 
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Bring out the funk

For one reason or another, most of us have been known, on occasion, to get into a funk.  I'm not talking about a serious medical ailment - I'm thinking more the kind that plagues you for a distinct period of time, leaving you feeling a little out of sorts and down and out.  Maybe it's brought on by a break-up, rainy weather for an extended period of time, a never-ending crummy job or bring bummed that you can't buy the latest Louis Vuitton (ok, that's probably an excessive reason to contract the blues), but whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to make you feel like your chipper-self again.  And these seem to be somewhat universal.

1. Get moving.  As Elle Woods so aptly put it, "Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy!"  A little exercise and sweat equity won't only help your waistline, but also your mood.  Blowing off a little steam always seems to do the body (and mind) good.

2. Get some fresh air.  Whether it's talking a stroll around the block or indulging in some al fresco dining, a little fresh air does the mind good.  Not to mention being outdoors is probably a forcing function to get you out of your natural habitat.

3. Do good.  It's not just my sorority's motto; it's a great way to lift your spirits.  Volunteer at a food bank, read to young children or teach a class at your rec center.  You'll see some less fortunate than you and hey, it's good karma!

4. Take care of you.  Nothing says "funk" like sporting sweatpants and unshampooed locks.  A friend in college used to say that you should "dress better than you feel."  And I think she was on to something.  I always feel good about myself when I have a great outfit or a fresh haircut.  Spend the time to get dolled up, even if you really don't feel like it; I guarantee you'll feel great when you look in the mirror!

5. Phone a friend.  Friends are the best support system around.  Make plans with some pals to get dinner, drinks or enjoy an afternoon walk.  Ensure you get some good laughs and don't let it become a sob-fest (although those can be cathartic too...). 

6. Say thanks.  Instead of counting all the bad things in life, look on the bright side.  Although this is easier said than done, thinking about your blessings can help turn your mood around - health, family, job and yummy dinner are a few quick items that come to mind.

*Photo courtesy of Planet Natural.
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Flag Day Inspiration

Today is Flag Day.  And for those of you wondering what flag day means, look no further!  June 14th commemorates the day that the stars and stripes were adopted as the American Flag.  Oftentimes, American Flags are flying and show up in daily life unnoticed.  They fly on military bases, over courthouses, at schools and the like.  Here are a few of my inspirations for displaying pride for our flag.

Clockwise from upper right: Star paper plates from Crate and Barrel, American Flab pillow from walkthetalk on etsy, Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake recipe at allrecipes, Painted American Flag wall art from Pottery Barn.
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Tick toc

It's the time of year when ticks are out in force and are causing trouble for humans and animals.  We have quite a few trees in the backyard, which means that we frequently have issues with ticks on the pup.  I've learned quickly that I need a "toolkit" at the ready in our kitchen/den area where I frequently give her a nice rubdown, aka a tick check.  It's a basket that's filled with a few simple household items - tweezers, a random spoon (stainless steel), cotton balls, rubbing and matches.  When you find the little suckers, you want to remove them quickly.  One of my co-workers taught me a good trick to help loosen them up - soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and rub over the area plagued with the parasite.  Next, grab the tweezers, and grab the bug by the body and remove it with tweezers to get the whole bug.  I place it in the spoon, quickly light a match and burn that guy!  I keep my basket of supplies in the same cabinet in our kitchen with other dog supplies like food, shampoo, treats and whatnot.
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Summer Book Club

It's summer vacation season, which for me, means a lot more opportunities for picking up a good book.  Whether you're jetting off to a beach in paradise, enjoying a staycation, visiting family or sitting on your backyard deck, everyone needs a good book or two for the summer. Because we live near a beach, I find myself devouring books during the summer.  So here are a few of my recommendations, to suit any taste in literature.

The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls: A fabulous memoir about a nomadic and highly eccentric family.  A very quick read.  Available at Amazon for $9.97.

A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving: This is one of my all-time favorite books.  It's a bit lengthy, but it's a wonderful story of a young boy growing up without his mother in a New England town.  Available at Amazon for $10.88

In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan: The author's second book following The Omnivore's Dilemma.  This quick read evaluates whole food versus those developed as a result of nutrition science.  A good read if you have liked his others or Fast Food Nation and the like.  Available at Amazon for $10.97.

Hotel Babylon, by Imogen Edwards-Jones: The token trashy novel on this list.  About a London hotel staff and the comings and goings seen behind the scenes at a posh hotel.  Available at Amazon for $11.20.

Grayson, by Lynne Cox: A very short, delightful story of a woman swimming in the San Francisco Bay, who happens upon a baby gray whale.  Available at Amazon for $5.20.

Shadow Divers, by Robert Kurson: The true story of two divers who discovered a German U-boat in the Atlantic Ocean. Available at Amazon for $7.99.

*Photo courtesy of ARTSJOURNAL.
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Quick fix for a dirty dawg

If you're a pet owner, you've dealt with the inevitable, but dreaded dirty paws after playing outside or a jaunt around the block.  And if you have luck like me, it's always at the worst moment!  Take this morning for example.  I was trying to get out of the house a bit early to get into work early (and get a decent parking space...but that's another story).  So, I put the dog out for one last "business" before I was off.  I had my work bag slung over my shoulder and keys, sunglasses, cell phone and coffee mug in hand as I was about to let the dog in the house and get her in her crate...but not before I noticed a dirty snout and dirty-looking paws.  My internal response probably included some "seriously?'s" and a few "are you kidding me?'s" thrown in for kicks. 

Luckily, I've devised a pretty clever (to me!) method to quickly clean the pup's paws when I don't have time for a bath.  Since Paddy is shaggy and quite furry, a quick towel off just won't do.  I've thrown her in the tub in a few inches of water, but that's a pain because it requires more prep work and the dog hates the tub because, like most dogs, she isn't a huge fan of having her hair washed.  But the approach is the same with my handy dandy trick that I like to call the dunk tank.  All you need is a plastic cup, some water and a towel.  I use a plastic cup with a wide mouth and fill it with lukewarm water about 2/3 full.  With a towel nearby or under the pup's four paws, gently dip each foot into the cup and then dry off.  Much easier than a bath and with a lot less tugging, sad puppy eyes and shakes, getting me and our entire bathroom soaking wet!

Happy dunking!
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Canine treats

Ever thought about your dog having special treats?  Maybe you've visited a gourmet dog bakery with a buffet of treats, resembling human cookies.  Have you ever considered making them yourself?  I have made a few batches for our pup and they're surprisingly easy, the pup seems to love them and they're quite inexpensive compared to those sold in stores...not to mention you know what your pup is eating!

Beefy Bacon Dog Biscuits

• 4 C whole wheat flour
• 1/3 C powdered milk
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 10 oz beef consomme*
• 3 Tbsp bacon fat
• 1 egg, beaten

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine dry ingredients.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Knead dough.  Roll out on floured counter to 1/4 inch thick.  Cut with cookie cutter.  Place cookies on greased cookie sheet and prick with fork.
3. Bake for 40 minutes.  Turn oven to lowest temperature and bake until hard, at least 2 hours.
4. Store in airtight container.

*Beef consomme is simply beef bouillon in water.

They sound pretty tasty, eh?  After hearing the ingredients, my father in law thought they sounded more like people food than dog food!
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Put your best foot forward

It's summertime, which means that your tootsies may need a little TLC.  It may be a crummy economy or catching a flight first thing in the morning for a family wedding that keep you from a pedicure appointment.  But no matter what the reason, every gal needs to know how to do a home pedi.  It's not all that challenging and if you add a little ambiance, you just might trick yourself into thinking you're at the spa...okay maybe not, but it's worth a try. 

Supplies:

• Bathtub, sink or wash basin
• Clean, fluffy towel
• Pumice stone
• Foot scrub (make your own with large granules of salt or sugar, mixed with olive oil
• Nail polish remover
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Cuticle stick
• Thick, moisturizer
• Toe separators
• Nail polish
• Clear, top coat (I prefer a quick dry)

1. Prep the battlefield: Remove any existing polish with nail polish remover.
2. Soak: Meanwhile, fill a bathtub, sink or wash basin with warm water and Epsom salts.  My favorite scent is lavender.  Plus it makes your bathroom smell divine!  Soak for about 10-15 minutes while you enjoy a book or magazine.  Dry thoroughly.
3. In the buff: Using a pumice stone (or equivalent), lightly buff each foot, focusing on the heels, bottoms and any calluses.  Be gentle - you don't need to take all of the skin off!
4. Scrub a dub: Using a scrub of your choice (I love a sugar scrub), massage your feet and lower legs in circular motions.  This exfoliates and helps moisturize (if you have an oil based scrub).
5. Clip: Clip nails to desired length and file to desired shape (if you're wondering, square-ish is in!).  Push back cuticles (gently!) with cuticle stick.
6. Moisturize: Using your favorite foot cream, rub over feet and lower legs, ensuring heels and nails aren't missed.
7. Add some color: Separate your toes using a separator or a thick strand of cotton.  Using your favorite color polish, apply a base coat and then a secondary coat.  Finish with a top coat.
8. Patience is a virtue: Give your freshly painted toes a good 30 minutes to thoroughly dry.  And don't forget to sit back and enjoy your handy work!

A selection of my favorite foot-pampering products are below:

Clockwise from top left: Bath and Body Works Shea it isn't so foot cream at $15, The Body Shop Peppermint foot scrub at $14, Sephora Pumice Stone at $2.50,Sephora by O.P.I. nail colour at $9, L'Occitane Sugar Scrub at $36.

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Brownie switcheroo

Brownies are another one of my absolute favorite desserts.  But I'm not talking about the kind from a box - I'm talking about a legit, made-from-scratch treat that oozes cocoa and fresh chocolate.  One of my favorite ways to jazz up this perfect chocolate treat is add a little unexpected flavor. 

Instead of vanilla extract, try any of the following additives:

• Coffee liquer
• Raspberry extract
• Strawberry extract
• Grand marnier

Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and the appropriate garnish (fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint with raspberry extract, for example), and you have yourself a delicious twist on an old favorite!

*Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart.
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Summer beckons

There's no stronger indication that summer is on the way than when the hydrangeas start to flower in our yard.  I simply love the blooms and clip them just about as quick as they appear to adorn our home.

There's something deliciously indulgent about fresh flowers on your nightstand - it's hard to start the day grumpy!
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