Plant Your Garlic This Fall! Now is the Time!

It's a cold, fall Saturday morning here in Michigan and 

I have just gone out to rip up my garden!

I love this part of gardening, as I am able to reminisce about each plant that I helped to nourish and grow and think back to my families enjoyment-as well as mine, and all of the delicious recipes that they inspired! 

Now...however is the time to let the soil re-boot!  Leaving in some of the root vegetables and throwing on top some of the last tomatoes that were left on the vines will help to give some added nutrients to replenish the soil.  

I will also cover the garden with dried leaves and grass to help it over-winter. 

But...I also get to PLANT THE GARLIC!! 

In warmer regions, garlic can be planted in the early spring. But, most experts say that planting in the fall is best and 

gives the roots a good amount of time to grow strong and deep. 

See the best planting and growing guide I have found, here in the link below, 

by Organic Gardening Magazine! 

Garlic Growing Guide-Organic Gardening Magazine

An Easy Way to Peel Fresh GARLIC!

Oh! This is a good one! I love garlic! 

 I always use the traditional SMASH AND PEEL method for garlic cloves...but if you have alot to peel, it sticks to your fingers and makes a mess! 

 This is a good tip from Gluten Free Girl (www.GlutenFreeGirl.com) and her chef :) 

 It's a good blog to follow, too! Check her out!

 

Holidays are Approaching...How To Properly Set Your Table

Setting a proper table is a MUST for entertaining

. 

With the holidays approaching, it's a good thing to learn. 

Here is a diagram for the proper way to SET your table. 

 Click the Link to get full instructions, by HomeMadeSimple.com  

More Tips from:  HomeMadeSimple...How to Set Your Table.

1. Napkin
2. Salad fork
3. Dinner fork
4. Dessert fork & spoon
5. Bread and butter plate with spreader
6. Dinner plate
7. Dinner knife
8. Teaspoon
9. Soup spoon
10. Cocktail fork
11. Water glass
12. Wine glass (red wine)
13. Wine glass (white wine)
14. Coffee cup and saucer

How to Order a Drink Like a Lady...by Skinnygirlcocktails

With all of these heavy political issues we women are facing today, it's nice to come across something FUN and REFRESHING!

 

I am not a big drinker. But, I do like a light fru-fru cocktail or a good glass of vino, once in a while.

 

So, I thought this is so cute that Bethenny Frankel is putting out these "how to" guides and videos for women. In this day and age of casual-everywhere, it's refreshing to add

 some formality to our endeavors.

 

In fact, the market for books on social graces is on the rise...so this might come in handy! Here is one of her most recent...How to Order a Drink Like a Lady..simple, but cute.

 

This is a good one to SHARE with your girlfriends! More to come from Skinngirlcocktails..

I promise :)

 

 

Pumpkin Adventures! Happy Halloweeny Craft!

Tutorial Link:  http://www.marthastewart.com/274309/outdoor-halloween-decorations/@center/276965/halloween#/280189

I love these pumpkins by Martha Stewart! Click the above for the tutorial and make for yourself!

La Dolce Vita!! xoxo

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Champagne's First Lady & An Amazing Woman!

Let me introduce you to Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. What an AMAZING woman! She built an entire empire and legacy for her heritage, that spawned an entire industry. With the aid of her salesman, Louis Bohne, she was the first to trade Champagne, internationally.

Not only did she have to break the law and commandeer ships and sneak them into Russian ports during war-risking her own freedom and inheritance; but she also had to INVENT the manner in which to bottle/cork/transport across the ocean these thousands of bottles...WITHOUT LOSING THE FIZZ!

Oh my gosh, if you read the story, which I will post the link to, next, you will be FOREVER IN AWE & INSPIRED!

CHEERS TO YOU, Barbe-Nicole` Ponsardin, and may I achieve a fraction of what you did!!

****

This is a very well written, easy to read, and INTRIGUING story of her life and history of the company. One of the BEST CHAMPAGNE HOUSES in history...and still today!

You can order it at Amazon...click here.

Two Cakes in One Day

Ohhhh, but it was so much fun :) 

For the past two weeks I was head-long into a writing project. But, the party is upon us for our Daughter and my husbands Granddaughter.

Boxes cakes just won't do for this occassion!

For two sparkling little Birthday Girls, there are nothing like flowers, butterflies, and princess sprinklers to get them giddy.  These are both made from scratch, except for the sprinkles....so the only buzz they will have is sugar :)

Happy Birthday to Sophie-4,  and Ariana-3, 

xoxo

Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing &

 Italian Vanilla Coconut Cake w/Vanilla Creem Cheese Icing

Mama Mia!!

La Dolce Vita!!

Enjoy Your Life

xoxo