Do You Zig-Zag When You Eat?

If you're American, the answer is likely 'yes'. Zig-zag refers to the American style of dining - when you shift the fork to your left hand while cutting with the knife in the right hand. Of course, then you place the knife back on the plate and shift the fork back to the right hand. This is the correct way in the US. The other often-seen method is called Continental, as in the Continent (Europe). There are slight differences in Continental dining in various countries, but, these nuances aside, the basic way is to hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. And when I say 'hold', I mean through the whole meal - none of the American-style hands in the lap between bites.

I'm often asked which way is correct and the answer is either way. Today I want to talk just a bit about the American/Zig-Zag style, as that's how most of us eat. What do we need to know when using this style? Based on the dining questions I'm asked most often, here are some guidelines:

• Don't butter a whole piece of bread and bite it. Break one bite at a time and butter it - put the butter knife down and eat it. Repeat. I think biscuits are the exception, especially when they're hot. However, you are not likely to encounter biscuits in a formal dining situation.


• Put your knife down when not cutting - it's not a pointer or (gasp!) a fork. Place it across the top of your plate when not in use - if you never use it, leave it on the table.


• Once a piece of flatware is used, do not put it on the table. (Remember this when dining at someone's home - the person who launders the tablecloth will thank you. If dining in a casual restaurant you may have to break this rule - don't you hate it when the wait person says, "keep your fork"?)


• It's correct to drink from a soup bowl. However, if you're on an interview and you think the recruiter doesn't know this rule - stick to the spoon!


• If you need to leave the table simply say "please excuse me" and put your napkin in your chair. In many nice restaurants, the wait staff will refold your napkin and place it on the back of your chair. (People often ask what they should do if there is a big blob of food in their napkin - in this case you have a bigger problem . . . watch for future posts about inedible items.)


• Do not talk while eating (your Mother was right!). Try eating in front of a mirror and you'll see how unappealing this is. As a side note: 'talking with your mouth full' is often at the top of the list of reasons not to have a second date/turn-offs on first dates on dating surveys.


• It's okay to put your elbows on the table between courses (your Mother was wrong!?) While actively eating, however, it's still not a good idea.


• Cut one bite of meat at a time. Only toddlers whose mommies are cutting their food should have a plateful of bite-sized meat.

Stay tuned for more dining etiquette discussions.

To close, now that our kitchen garden is totally surrounded by plastic poultry mesh (formerly not plastic and known as chicken wire), the peppers are taking off, last night we had them on pizza and in salads - yum! They taste great, but are all slightly wonky - perhaps from the early summer deer trauma? Hope your garden is thriving . . .

Starting the Week with Fresh Figs

A neighbor just shared some fresh figs and I'm so excited. They need a day to ripen so for tonight I'll just consider how to eat them. Of course, just plain is always good, but I think I'll try a recipe I saw a few months ago that pairs sliced figs with gingered marscapone - does that sound yummy or what? I'll report back on the exact yumminess factor.

And tomorrow we'll be chatting about dining etiquette - the topic people ask about most . . .

Try These Wicked Pickles

If you like pickles and you like spicy food - these are for you! They're called Wickles and they are crunchy, garlicky, hot and sweet. Here in North Carolina, they're sold at most grocery stores - independents and chains.

Several years ago while on vacation, we bought some similar pickles from a small, local pickle & preserve shop - they were called 'Fire and Ice' and had jalapenos and pineapple added to the cucumber slices. They were so delish, but it wasn't practical to ship them from the pickle shop every time we wanted a jar so the search began for a readily available spicy & sweet pickle. You know the rest - Wickles are now a staple at our house. They're great alone (of course) and fabulous in potato salad, sandwiches, and on burgers.

If you're talented enough to make your own, look for a great Fire and Ice-type recipe. You'll never go back to Bread & Butter again. Otherwise, look for Wickles and spice up those boring sandwiches. As for me, I'm off to watch the pickle episode of 'The Andy Griffith Show' . . . isn't that your favorite?

Vintage Handbags! The Caro-Nan Baskets

Are you familiar with Caro-Nan bags? These handpainted basket bags were made in the 1960s and 70s and sold in dress shops throughout the South (and maybe beyond?). My mother had a few Caro-Nans in the mid-70s and I had totally forgotten about them until I stumbled upon one on eBay. It brought back so many memories - they way things from your childhood can when you see or hear them for the first time in several decades. But, the bags aren't just nostalgic - they are also cute and practical. You can guess where this is headed - I found myself bidding on one, then another one, on eBay.

The Caro-Nan signature bag has buildings painted around the bottom - these are labeled with the names of real places in the towns where they were sold. My large bag was sold at a shop called 'Lady Jane' in Savannah, hence the Savannah landmarks: The Herb House, Colonial Dames House, Independence Presbyterian Church, etc.). It also features one of the cornerstones of 1970s crafting - decoupage. (Remember Mod Podge?) Many of the Caro-Nan bags also had a penny, from the current year, decoupaged on the top. I'm keeping an eye on eBay for one that has a penny from my birth year.

The bags have gingham linings and are very sturdy and roomy and are signed on the inside lid. There are bags featuring lots of different cities and towns, plus many other charming motifs (turtles, golf, tennis, flowers) - I'm sure there's one that's perfect for you! (And, in these lean times, these bags can be a great deal - much cheaper now than when they were new! Watch eBay for a few weeks and you'll see several in great shape for less than $30 - if you're not worried about the condition you may find one for under $10.)

I've used the 'Savannah' bag the whole summer and am using the 'Turtle' bag to store stationery in my office. I'd love to find out more about Caro-Nan, but there is very little information online. Was she a mom who painted purses as a sideline? Did she visit all the cities represented on her bags, maybe for signings? Did she start out to paint a bag for herself and end up with a successful business? We may never know, but we can enjoy her work.

If you're hooked on other vintage bags, I'd love to hear about them!

Stock Up on Limes & Charcoal

That's right - limes and charcoal, plus chicken, tortillas, and black beans equals one yummy meal! (Actually two, maybe three, yummy meals.) Here's what we grilled this week:

I don't know which side of the Gas vs. Charcoal debate you're on, but as the picture shows, I'm a charcoal girl. (Use a chimney starter and you'll have hot coals in 20 minutes, every time - no smelly lighter fluid or weird, coated charcoal needed!) If you're a fan of Hank Hill's 'Lady Propane', just use your gas grill . . .

Here's our favorite Tex-Mex Chicken Marinade:

1/2 cup lime juice
1/3 cup EVOO
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon HOT paprika
2 teaspoons Kosher salt

Mix all in a (as they say on tv) zip-top bag. Marinate boneless, skinless chicken pieces for 1 hour or overnight (if using the large, pre-packaged breasts, cut into two or three smaller pieces for more marinated flavor and faster grilling). Grill on medium heat 10-15 minutes total. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing/serving. Use this time to grill your tortillas:

We made a tostada-ish dish with the grilled tortillas, fresh salsa, black beans, and sour cream. Served with grilled corn on the cob - it was a truly fabulous meal. The following night, we tossed the leftover, cold chicken onto salads (dressed with lime juice, EVOO, honey, dash of cumin, and salt/pepper) with a side of black bean quesadillas. As our remaining tomatoes have rotted on the vine, we did not have fresh salsa. Here's a trick though, to make bottled salsa taste almost like fresh - just add some chopped cilantro (it's what lots of Mexican restaurants do).

This post is getting a bit long, but I have to include our favorite refried bean recipe - it's so good (and healthy!) that we never eat refried beans in restaurants now. Try it once and you'll be hooked:

Queen Street Refried Black Beans

In a medium saucepan, saute these on med-high for 30 seconds:

1 teaspoon EVOO (not a typo, only a teaspoon)
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Add to garlic mixture:

2 (16 oz.) cans black beans, drained & rinsed
14 oz. chicken broth or stock

Bring to a boil, mash some of the beans with fork or potato masher. Reduce heat to low simmer and cook until thickened - stir and/or mash occasionally. It will take 20-30 minutes to cook to typicaly refried consistency. Beans will thicken a bit more as they cool. Once beans are in serving dish, squeeze lime juice over and stir.

Whew! Now you know what's for dinner here when we crave fresh, spicy Tex-Mex. Hope you'll fire up those grills this weekend and give it a try.

Leah's Grill Notes: If in doubt, use a meat thermometer to check grilled meats. Always oil the grill before using - put the grate over the heated coals for a few minutes, give it a quick swipe with your cleaning brush, then wipe with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel (obviously, use tongs to hold the towel). When you're finished cooking, use your grill brush to give it a quick clean - you'll never have to do a heavy-duty cleaning if you do these steps. Also, don't forget to close the top & bottom vents to cool off the grill much faster and, more importantly, save the remaining charcoal. Finally, if using hardwood charcoal, remember it burns much faster and hotter!

Dust Off Those Mirrors, People!

While having lunch recently with some friends, we noticed an older lady leaving the table next to us wearing a blouse with cut-outs. You know, cut-outs - areas where the fabric has been cut out. In this case, the holes were crescent moon shapes about 5 inches across covered with a flesh-covered net - exactly like they use in dance costumes. It was really disconcerting, especially the cut-outs in the breast area. I think she did not notice when she purchased the top - it was one of those busy prints with lots of colors/shapes/things going on. She didn't seem the type of 80 year old to wear a garment full of holes, or would-be holes.

This led us to a conversation about the Things People Wear and whether said people own a full-length mirror. This is not to say I have never made a fashion faux pas, or that my lunch companions are regulars on the local best dressed list. However, as hot weather seems to have a direct correlation with wardrobe mishaps - here are a few summer clothing facts that will let us all end the season on a high note.

• A straight skirt will rise several inches when you sit down - plan accordingly


• Sleeveless garments are not the smart choice if you have UADD*


• 'Whale Tails' may be more trendy than VPL, but they're not more appealing


• Unless you're incredibly fit, exposing your midriff is not a good idea (if you're not sure if you're lean enough for that outfit, chances are you're not and what's less sexy than a muffin top?)


• The whole foot should fit on/in the sandal - nothing overhanging, please


• Sandals/flip-flops draw attention to your feet, so don't forget the heel cream, nail polish, etc.

So, that's it really, just a few thoughts on summer fashions and a look at one famous summer outfit from The Seven Year Itch. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, while showing off your perfect pedicure in your well-fitting sandals, of course!

*Under Arm Dingle Dangle - enough said!

Enjoying Fresh Summer Fruit? You Need These!

Take a peek at these fruit knives . . . Mother of Pearl handles, Sterling Silver Ferrules (the little bands between the handles & blades), and rather worn plated blades.

No wonder Edwardians included a fruit course with most meals. Who could pass up a chance to use a fruit set like this one? Originally these knives had matching forks and probably serving pieces as well. This early 20th century set caught my eye, but is one of those charming vintage items that's just not practical due to the poor condition of the blades. On the bright side, though, they're beautiful and sometimes that's enough!

Must run - I'm off to eat an orange the gauche, 21st century way - with my hands . . .

Too Much Cheerwine During 'Julie & Julia'?

No, this isn't a review of 'Julie & Julia' - although I highly recommend it. Enough has been written about it without me adding my opinion here. It's also not a review of Cheerwine - that classic North Carolina soft drink - although I also highly recommend it, and I don't even like soda. No, this is about something more fundamental - the need to "go" during a movie. I know, not exactly the most polite topic, but a universal one. Who hasn't washed down handfuls of popcorn with overpriced soda during the painfully long previews? The result is inevitable - you want to go, but don't want to miss a key moment in the film.

Your worries are over - now there's a website that tells you the best time to leave the theater. It even tells you how long you have before the next big kiss, car chase, etc. Check it out: http://www.runpee.com/, print it out, e-mail a reminder, or read what happens while you're taking care of things.

As for 'Julie & Julia', 42 minutes into the movie is your potty break - just after the lobster scene!

To close, in case you were worried, the NY Times reports that no lobsters were harmed during the filming of the movie - that's cool mist you see rising from the lobster pot & American Humane Assoc. reps monitored the filming.

Summer's Coming to an End . . .

Even though it's officially still summer, there is a bit of fall in the air. Just a tiny hint of the changing season - I love autumn and by mid-July I'm ready for summer to end. I can't wait for the cool, crisp, sunny fall days. Whether fall for you means football, leaf peeping, or a return to school schedules, here's how the local farmers are getting ready.





Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Monet's 1890 'Stacks of Wheat, End of Summer' from the Chicago Institute of Art

5 Etiquette Questions That Can Be Answered 'Yes'*

1. Is it rude to ask a friend how much she paid for something?
   


2. When dining in a restaurant, is it rude to make or take a phone call at the table?
   


3. Is it rude to end a relationship with a text message?
   


4. Should you excuse yourself from the dinner table to blow your nose?
   


5. Is it okay to tip your soup plate (or soup bowl) to access the last bit of soup?

*There are exceptions to all rules and in a few isolated cases these questions may be answered with a 'No' or 'Maybe'. Generally, these exceptions involve emergencies, crazy people, close friends/relatives, or all of the above.

Summer Goodness in a Bowl - aka Corn Salad!

There are two favorite recipes that I typically make only once a season. The first is peach pie and the second is corn salad. I'm not sure why I don't make these more often - we eat fresh peaches and corn almost daily during their peak, but grilling corn on the cob or slicing a ripe peach takes minutes, while the pie and salad are longer commitments (in terms of cooking and eating). Plus, the pie is so delicious (and usually eaten with vanilla ice cream) that one per season is really our household limit! Yesterday I made the corn salad - and it was as yummy as we remembered. (Try to ignore the giant parsley garnish in the photo . . . I obviously don't need a disclaimer stating that I'm not a professional food stylist!)

Here's the recipe, hope you enjoy it!

Corn Salad (recipe originally from Southern Living magazine, about 6 years ago)

Ingredients

· 3 c corn (6 ears)
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 1 bunch green onions, sliced
· 2 medium zucchini, peeled and chopped
· 1 red pepper, chopped
· 1 green pepper, chopped
· ¼ c minced parsley
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· ¼ t. salt
· 1/8 t pepper
· 2 t sugar
· 1 t cumin
· 2 t Dijon mustard
· ½ t hot sauce
· 2/3 cup vegetable oil
· 1/3 c white vinegar


Preparation

1. Boil corn, covered, 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool.

2. Combine corn and next 6. Set aside.

3. Combine garlic and remaining ingredients. Stir well. Toss gently with vegetables.

4. Chill 8 hours.

Note: Increase the Cumin and/or Dijon for a zippier taste.

Three M's I Love This Summer

1. Molton Brown's Vitamin Lip Saver - your lips will be as soft as a baby's . . . well, lips. The Lip Saver may seem a bit pricey, but the tube lasts much longer than you would expect as a tiny dab is enough. Use it before bed and awake with fabulous-feeling lips!
   



2. Magazines! I've been reading more than my share of mags (new & vintage) this summer and am very sad to hear that Southern Accents is being closed by its owner, Time Inc. The NY Times and Forbes reported last week that the Sept/Oct issue of Southern Accents will be its last. The website will remain open so perhaps the magazine will return when the economy improves. Until then we'll always have the old issues . . .
   
   


3. Mad Men!! What's not to love about this addictive series? Do you love it for the glamorous 1960s fashions or byzantine plots? The ubiquitous cocktails or the ubiquitous cigarettes? Or simply for Jon Hamm? (I wonder if he knows about Lip Saver?) Regardless, mark your calendar for the Season Three opener on Sunday, August 16. If you haven't seen the DVDs for Seasons 1 & 2, consider renting them - there are some wonderful special features about the events, locations, and costumes featured in the episodes. Happy viewing!
   
   
   
   
   

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat

Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you're at!
Up above the world you fly,
Like a teatray in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little bat!
How I wonder what you're at!

Remember this crazy poem from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland? The next time you invite friends over for tea, there are two ways to ensure it doesn't devolve into a rowdy free-for-all where one guest tries to stuff another into a teapot:

1. Carefully vet your guest list - omit the Mad Hatters and March Hares, for they will inevitably be disruptive


2. Don't leave the brewing to chance - have a timer on hand so each pot of tea is perfectly steeped (after all, even the most polite guest may become unruly when presented with a weak, watery cup of tea!)

You're on your own with the guests, but I can offer a suggestion on the tea:

Timers similar to this 3-4-5 minute one are widely available in tea shops, kitchen ware stores, and tea websites. Each person at the table may be brewing a different type of tea, but one timer will work for all. Plus, sand timers are just fun (and for those over 40, it may remind you of the old opening for 'Days of Our Lives' - which I never watched, but as it was a lunch-time favorite in the dorm parlors during my college days I remember the theme well). Enjoy!

Why Do We Love Monograms?

Perhaps because they're traditional yet modern - and, let's not forget, profoundly personal. Today I want to talk a bit about the Couple Monogram. A couple monogram is a single monogram, usually consisting of three letters, that combines the initials of a husband and wife. (Sorry, but the couple monogram is technically used only by those who are married.)

Last week someone asked me a very simple question: for a couple's monogram, whose initial goes first? The answer is not as simple as the question - the rules for monograms have gone out the window and basically whatever you want to do is okay. Traditionally the husband's first initial was on the left, the shared surname initial in the center, and the wife's first initial on the right. Today, however, the norm is to put the wife's initial first. If there is not a single, shared surname you can place all four or five initials in the order that you choose. (I have actually seen a monogram that included the husband's first and last initials plus the wife's first and hyphenated maiden surname last initials! Wow, it was busy and confusing; perhaps we need a rule about this . . .) The only real rule though is that a couple should not use their couple's monogram until they are married. So, the earliest you could use it would be . . . ? If you said at the wedding reception, you are correct!

The good news for anyone looking for a great item that features a couple's monogram is that there are loads of cute items available. Here are a few of my favorites:

How happy would a couple be to receive these melamine plates from Neiman Marcus?

Or any of the great monogrammed items from Williams Sonoma, like these colorful glasses or a set of steak knives or even a branding iron to mark your steaks as they sizzle on the grill!

Or this framed monogram (that can include names, date, and occasion) from American Stationery? They also have lovely monogrammed coasters and tumblers. A word of warning about the tumblers, though. Once you see them, you're sure to want some for your next party or picnic!

Now you're ready to purchase the perfect shower, wedding, housewarming, or anniversary gift. Or maybe something for you and the person who's the other half of your couple's monogram!

Three Magic Words

Most first graders can tell you the 'Magic Words': Please and Thank You. Adults sometimes need a reminder of the importance of the magic words. Use them early and often and you can't go wrong.

As for the third word, etaerio, it's magic only for Scrabble players. It's the most likely seven-letter word (and you thought lots of vowels were bad . . .). Not sure of the definition? It's an aggregate fruit - like a blackberry or raspberry.

Thank you for dropping by my blog today. Please come again. I'm off to pick some etaerios!

Some Etiquette Quotes for Today

Good manners are, first of all, free.
----- Judith Martin (aka Miss Manners)

The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork.
----- Oscar Wilde

Let common sense be your guide and graciousness your goal.
----- Kate Spade

Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
----- George Washington

And finally, something refreshing during the August heat:

Courtyard Fountains at Calhoun Mansion, Charleston, SC
(Don't miss the converging water in the center fountain!)

Lettuce . . . and aprons

Here in Zone 7 the days have been pretty hot and humid, but fall is just around the corner and it's time to plant lettuce. We're planting a mesclun mix as we did in the spring, but also butterhead and iceberg (for those yummy, quick wedges). The packet of lettuce mix has 800 seeds and the idea is to plant repeatedly throughout the growing season - which for us may go until Thanksgiving. The other packets have only 200 seeds each - that should be enough for the two of us and all the neighborhood bunnies!

Under the seed packets you'll see my garden apron - perhaps the most useful 'tool' I have. Purchased at the Philadelphia Garden Show several years ago, it has become as much a requirement when I garden as my gloves. I keep my favorite Felco secateurs, gloves, garden ties, cable ties, and exacto knife in the pockets at all times and often add a bottle of water, sunscreen, lipgloss, seed packets, and other hand tools. The best part though is that dirt and mulch do not adhere to it the way they do to my clothes - I can actually garden without having clothes as dirty as Scarlett O'Hara's in the carrot scene (which is not to say I'm not otherwise mistaken for Vivien Leigh . . .). Consider adding a garden apron to your wardrobe or, even better, plan to visit The Flower Show this year and purchase one there. You (and your clothes) will love it!

Say It With Chocolate . . .

Writing with chocolate - what a great idea! Take a look at this yummy dessert from the Jasmine Porch restaurant at The Santuary on Kiawah Island - not only is the cake mouth-watering, but the presentation is fabulous. You can get this same effect by using Hershey's Syrup and a squeeze bottle. Simply write your message or design with the syrup and let it sit, uncovered, overnight (room temperature). In the morning the chocolate will be hard and ready to use with your favorite dessert. The chocolate will not soften and you can even store the dish in the refrigerator. The possibilities are endless: designs, names, dates, riddles, initials, proposals, and so on.

Why Southerners Love Self-Rising Flour

What's the main reason we love self-rising flour? Biscuits!
Many Southern cooks agree that biscuits made with self-rising flour are better than those made with all-purpose, or, as we call it 'plain', flour. (When my husband went to the grocery store with a list that included 'plain flour', I learned that other people don't use that term. On the bright side, it's this type of situation that has allowed him to meet many of the people who work in our local grocery store. He's now on a first-name basis with the butcher and produce manager, who seems to start every sentence with 'tell your wife . . .).



But, back to the biscuits. It isn't just the fact that self-rising flour is easier that makes these biscuits more appealing - they are truly flakier and fluffier. Of course, all really great biscuits start with a soft flour - my favorites being Martha White and White Lily. The self-rising variety has the leavening agent and salt already incorporated so you only need to add shortening and milk (and a pinch of sugar, if desired).

My mother makes great biscuits and she does it the traditional way - no measuring and no pastry blender. She just knows how much of each ingredient is needed and she cuts the shortening into the flour with a fork. I do have to measure and I use a pastry blender. I also have a recent acquisition that I love - a square biscuit cutter.

I purchased my set of four square cutters locally at A Southern Season; they do not offer these through their mail order catalog, but you can find them in many online shops including Kitchen Kapers and Chef Tools. I bought these as a novelty - expecting to use them to cut shortbread, cookies, tea sandwiches, etc. But - once I tried them with biscuits we were hooked. The square shape lends itself to quick cut-outs with less waste and, therefore, less re-rolling (which toughens the dough). Also, squares bake faster than rounds . . . who knew? One other perk is that you can't wiggle or turn the cutter once it's into the dough. Even though I know that twisting the cutter makes biscuits rise less (it seals the edges so stay compressed during baking), I still tend to do it. Notice your next batch - are there some that are not level? One edge is much lower than the other? That's probably the result of turning the cutter. If you use a square cutter, you'll have fluffy results every time.

I've tried loads of biscuit recipes and this is my favorite:

Preheat oven to 475.

2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon sugar
5 tablespoons vegetable shortening (buy it in the 'sticks' for easy measuring)
6 to 7 ounces milk (1% is okay, 2% or whole is better - don't use skim)

Blend self-rising flour and sugar in medium mixing bowl (using a fork or pastry blender). Cut shortening into flour (using fork, fork & knife, or pastry blender) - mixture should be crumbly and every bit of flour should be combined with a bit of shortening. Be careful not to over work - this will make the dough tough.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour milk into well and stir with a fork until dough forms. The mixture will be a bit wet. Flour your hands and the counter or board - with floured hands form dough into a ball in the bowl. (Sprinkle with flour if mixture is too sticky - humidity can affect the amount of flour needed.) Knead dough on counter a few times, until smooth. Shape into rectangle that's approximately 3/4" thick. Cut into 2" circles or squares. Re-knead the scraps and cut again or roll them into shapes - my family likes to make letters from the scraps for the children (easier for letters like L and C - trickier for R and E). If you make other shapes, be sure they're similar in size to the cut-outs so they will bake at the same rate.

Bake on ungreased sheet for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy while hot! The best thing is - once you've made this recipe a few times, you can make a pan of biscuits in 5 minutes and you will not need to look at the recipe. You'll be amazed at how many meals can go from mediocre to marvelous just by adding some fresh, hot biscuits!

One final note about self-rising flour, it's also great for many other baked goods including muffins, cookies, and basic cakes (the 1-2-3-4 style recipes). If the recipe includes flour, baking powder, and salt you can usually use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt. For baked goods like brownies, however, self-rising flour is not a good choice. It will give the brownies a cake-like texture rather the dense, chewy one you expect.

Huzzah for the Moonflower!

Our baby step towards a full-blown (excuse the pun) Night Garden bloomed its first bloom tonight! The Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is beautiful, as you can see, and within a few days there should be lots of blooms - we plan to sit and wait for them to open each night. It's not exactly 'one small step for mankind', but it does have a magic of its own.

Goodnight Moon . . .

What Makes This Monday Cheery?

Flowers in our neighbor's garden - Brown-eyed Susan, to be exact. Well, to be really exact they're Rudbeckia Hirta, a member of the Sunflower family.

And also, one of our favorite never-fail plants - the Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea Batatas) - seen here behind the Polka Dot Vinca. I think this variety of SPV is called Marguerite. There's another great variety called 'Chillin' Limeade' that's even more of a glow-in-the-dark chartreuse. Three Great Things About the SPV: it can't be killed, it spreads like crazy, and it's really easy to root in water.

The only drawback for the lazy gardener is that the SPV can take over neighboring plants and one day you notice it's the only thing thriving in your container and several long tendrils of it are stretching across the porch floor (not unlike those creepy, sad Philodendrons in offices that are allowed - or even encouraged! - to wrap around the whole room or ceiling). So, don't be afraid to prune it often and stick the clippings in a vase for a week and then you'll have a pass-along!

Hope your gardening week is cheery as well . . .

Etiquette Question of the Week: Thank-You Note Stationery

Thank-you notes are often a great source of stress - and they should not be! Unless you're dealing with a wedding or death, the modern rules are fairly relaxed. The only real rule is to send a thank-you promptly. People often ask about the type of stationery that's appropriate to use for a thank-you note. There used to be an unwritten rule about note cards with the words 'thank you' printed on them - these were considered tacky. (Actually there was a bit of a snob factor with this issue which we won't delve into now . . .) The key for us today is that this 'rule' no longer applies (again, the exception being very formal situations where you would use your own stationery - typically with your initials or monogram). After all, Crane makes many styles of cards with 'thank you' printed on them and they are the final word in stationery etiquette. (Their Blue Book is a must for any etiquette library!)

So, choose stationery that fits your personality, mood, and budget - with or without the words 'thank you' on the front. Fold-over cards are more suitable than flat, correspondence cards and this leaves you with so many great choices. Stock up on cute cards when they're on sale and you'll be ready to send a timely thank-you in style. As for me, I'm off to buy some adorable note cards I saw on sale earlier this week . . .

Looking for the Perfect Tea Accessory?

How about a sterling silver tea strainer?

This gorgeous Art Nouveau strainer could brighten any tea table - and if you don't normally use loose tea, this could be just the incentive you need. Pair this with a great pair of sugar tongs, and you're ready for an elegant tea party!

But, don't save these just for special occasions - use them everyday. After all, one of the things tea lovers love about tea is that it offers a chance to relax and enjoy a few quiet, stress-free minutes. So add some beautiful accessories to your tea routine and you're sure to make time for tea more often - and who couldn't use more quiet, stress-free moments?

What's Pink & Green in the Garden?

Amaranthus Tricolor, better known as Joseph's Coat of Many Colors. This fabulous plant has stunning color and likes our hot, dry weather.

I love this plant because it always makes me smile - not only because it's so pretty, but it makes me think of Joseph and his horrid brothers which then makes me remember the Sunday School play about them when I was in 5th grade which, of course, leads to thoughts of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical and its great soundtrack (who doesn't love the Joseph Megamix?), which leads me to think of Donny Osmond and that's where the smile comes in. I don't think about Donny nearly as much as I did 30 years ago (I wonder where my powder blue Puppy Love cassette is now . . .), but whenever I water my Joseph's Coat I think of Donny and that's a happy memory (even if he turned out not to be my dream husband)!

Stay tuned for more about my actual dream husband and his boring single-color coats . . .

What Makes This Wednesday Cheery?

Paint!
I am hooked on the small 'try-it-first' cans of paint that are now widely available. I first purchased one of these last summer from Restoration Hardware and have since used the little cans to try lots of fun colors. The latest is 'New Grass Green' from Glidden and I'm trying it on the shelves in my laundry room. It's such a great color that I'm sure I'll end up buying a whole gallon, but it's hard to commit to a vivid color without seeing it in the room first - especially when you're surrounded by hundreds of paint chips.



If the color doesn't work for your original project, it can always be used for craft projects. Another great paint deal is to look for pre-mixed colors that were rejected for some reason. Most home stores have a shelf of these in a variety of finishes. So, if you're not set on a specific color, you may pick up a great paint at a bargain price. Must run now . . . have to try my new paint!

Meet Polly the Dolly

Inspired by the some fabulous sewing blogs, I decided to make a fabric doll for my niece. Using the pattern from Inside the Black Apple and fabric from Amy Butler, I started with high hopes. (BTW - if you're looking for Amy Butler fabric, several eBay fabric stores carry great fat quarter packs that let you try whole collections and are perfect for small projects like this!) I used velvet for the hair, instead of felt, but otherwise stuck closely to the original. Mine isn't as well-tailored as the ones for sale by Inside the Black Apple, but I'm pretty pleased with her and think my niece will like her, too. She has her own pillow and a quilt that was based on the full-size quilt on the May cover of my new favorite magazine - BBC Homes & Antiques. The next time you're browsing through the web, take a look at the many great craft and sewing blogs - you're sure to find some inspirational ideas . . . and it's the perfect time to begin making those holiday gifts!

What Makes This Friday Cheery?

Blooms!

Remember the fable of the ant and the grasshopper? During the busy spring months I often feel like the ant - weeding, planting, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, watering, etc. By the time July and August roll around, I'm not that motivated to spend hours in the garden. In fact, I've become the grasshopper - stretching out in the hammock with a good book when I should be gardening or at least spraying everything with a new coat of deer repellent! But, then on days like today the hard work pays real dividends - the first blooms open on plants that will reward us with color all summer. The native pollinators (that's bees in non-garden speak) and butterflies are busy hopping from bloom to bloom and suddenly I'm glad I was the ant for a while . . . and happy to now spend a few weeks as the grasshopper.

'Miss Huff' Lantana - loves the heat & blooms until frost

Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee' - look at all the buds!

Polite Police on Patrol - The Ladies Room!

Are you slightly creeped out by public restrooms? You don't have to be a full-fledged germophobe (think Mr. Monk and his ubiquitous wipes . . .) to avoid touching things in the ladies room. So, if you've already touched the yucky door handle, why not hold the door open for the next person? (Admit it - you love it when that happens to you.) Or if the paper towel dispenser requires you to pull a wet lever to get a new towel, why not go the extra step and leave a new towel for the next person? Much has been said about restroom etiquette -particularly the workplace restroom. However, I'm not dealing with any of those issues here - just the thought that a tiny bit of effort can brighten the day of someone else and the ladies room is just the place to start . . .

Sterling Flatware 101: Demitasse Spoons

If you would like to start collecting sterling silver flatware, but aren't sure where to begin, consider demitasse spoons. At around 4 inches, these spoons are used for small cups of coffee, espresso, etc. They are readily available, beautiful, and often inexpensive (less than $5 each).

Many times when you find them in antique shops or online auctions/stores, they are in pristine condition (like those from the 1950s in the photo above - see the gold washed bowls? no wear at all!). Apparently many brides received demitasse spoons without receiving the necessary demitasse cups and saucers and the spoons were subsequently packed away and never used. Even if you won't use these for fun after-dinner drinks, they are perfect for small desserts (think custard or pudding in tiny cups), serving small items, or just for display. And, like many miniature items they're just fun! But, be forewarned - this may lead to a collection of demitasse china as well . . .

Happy Independence Day!

If you're still in the mood for something patriotic when the fireworks end, check out the Smithsonian's website for neat info about the Star Spangled Banner.

Happy 4th!

What's Pink & Green in the Garden?

Begonias! Not only in the garden, but in containers as well. (And if you also have problems with Carolina Wrens nesting and scratching in your containers, try river stones or shells. Just a few will deter even the most persistent birds.)

Five things to love about begonias:

1. Low maintenance


2. Blooms all summer


3. Spent blooms fall off - no need to deadhead


4. Lots of variety in both leaf and bloom colors/textures


5. Easily rooted in water