Snuggle up with these- Part 2

If this has posted on Jan.30th, I am here to say that I LOVE BLOGGER!

I have 3 more books that I think you will enjoy reading.

The first is Joie De Vivre- Simple French Style for Everyday Living by Robert Arbor and Katherine Whiteside.

The recipes are the real deal and the pictures..... You will learn so much by the time you finish the book, you'll be almost French (another really great book by Sarah Turnbull)


The next book is A Goose in Toulouse and other Culinary Adventures in France by Mort Rosenblum.
I seem to have a theme going here-hehe.
If you love food and love all things French, pick it up. You will not regret it.
It is like taking a mini vacation without the price tag.


I have to warn you about the last book. I was reading this in a waiting room and started laughing so hard I had to leave the room. It is a hoot!

It is called The Reluctant Tuscan- How I discovered my inner Italian by Phil Doran.
I laughed until I cried but the story also made me cry.
Trust me on this and just read it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Snuggle up with these

I am trusting that the post options with blogger truly do work.
This week is filled with Dr appointments (not for me, for my son) so I thought I would write a couple of quick posts while I had the chance. If you are reading this on Jan. 28th, it worked. Yay!


There is nothing better than sitting down with a good book. O.k, I can think of a few things but.....won't go there!

I have enjoyed every book that Frances Mayes has written.
A Year in the World is exceptional.
If you love travel and reading about getting off the beaten path, this one is for you.
If only I could visit all the marvelous places she has had the pleasure of seeing!


Mediterranean Summer by David Shalleck with Erol Muntz is a must read.
The story is not only entertaining but there are MANY recipes.
The forward was written by MARIO BATALI (love him).
Imagine sailing around the Mediterranean as a chef on a yacht.
What an adventure.

Too Much Tuscan Sun (confessions of a Chianti tour guide) by Dario Castagno with Robert Rodi,
is charming and very funny.
After reading this, I am ready to take a tour with Dario.
If you are in a bookstore soon, take a look at the back cover. He is a cutie!

I hope everyone is having a good week. I'm hoping to visit soon.

Do you fondue?

We do! I have been a huge fan of fondue since the early 70's.
The pot is old- the color says it all-hehe.

I always think of fondue as a fun meal. When my boys were younger, we would have it occasionally (minus the alcohol).
With the weather so cold throughout the country, this is a perfect way to warm up.

Ladies, tradition says the man of the house prepares it (so I was told by a lovely Swiss man years ago). At this stage of my life, fondue has turned into a romantic meal. Nothing better than that!

While this recipe calls for white wine and Kirsch, it can easily be made without these ingredients.


Ingredient list

10 oz Gruyere cheese
10 oz Emmental cheese (Swiss cheese in the U.S.)
1 clove garlic
10 oz dry white wine
juice of 1 lemon
grated nutmeg
2 tsp cornstarch
4 oz of Kirsch
black pepper to taste

lots of very crusty bread torn (or you can cube it) into pieces


Grate the cheese and put into the fondue pot with the garlic, wine, lemon juice and nutmeg.
Mix together the cornstarch and Kirsch and add to your pot. While stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Simmer gently for several minutes.
Add pepper to taste.

You can add a simple salad but the fondue is very filling.

Bring the fondue pot to your table, light those candles and let the romance begin.

I'm thinking Valentines Day!

I have been busy adding items to my shop
Lots of little pretties for Valentines Day.

I just love crowns!


I hope everyone has a truly blessed week.

Been doggone tired!

The picture is of my granddog Cash (as in Johnny).

His face pretty much sums up how I have been feeling. I have just been dog tired.
Unfortunately, visiting blogs and posting was at the bottom of my list.
I know many of you can relate to that. Just when I would sit down and think I could catch up, something would come up that needed to be taken care of asap.

I have missed visiting you but plan on making my way around this weekend.

Cash and I have just one more thing to say "GO CARDINALS".

Wishing you the best year ever

Another year gone by and I can honestly say I am looking forward to 2009.

2008 is the year that many of us will remember for a long time. It certainly was jam packed with ups and downs. I am thankful to see it "out".

I pray that 2009 will be a positive year for all of us, filled with good health and many blessings.

Over the past 9 months, I have met so many wonderful people through blogging. All of you have left your hand print on my heart and for that I am a much richer person.

From my family to your family, Happy New Year!
May God bless us all.

Finding the ho ho ho

That is not a picture of me but I am looking for the ho ho ho.

It has been a busy week but not with Christmas preparations.
Many of you are aware of the fact that my youngest son is ill. This has been a difficult week health wise for him. We are not sure if he will be in or out of the hospital for Christmas.
I really feel that the spirit of Christmas lives in the heart so it can be celebrated anywhere.

I am so thankful for another year with him. I have wonderful memories of past Christmases with my boys. They have been two of the best gifts I have ever received (hubby too).
This has always been one of my favorite times of the year and this year is no different.
Time with family is one of the best gifts we can ever receive.
Treasure it, it goes by way too fast.

Hummmm.....

I came across this old photo from 1958 earlier today.

Yep, that's me with Santa.

I was 4 years old.

I think we both look a little skeptical.

Joyeux Anniversaire to my DH!

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear hubbyyyyyy,
Happy birthday to you!

Today is my hubby's birthday (I know you figured that out-hehe).

I am so glad that Jeff introduced us (hooked us up as he says). Without getting all mushy, I am a better person for having you in my life. I love you very much!

If you are reading this at work, beware when you walk through the door.

From a friend...

An old friend sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you.
The author is unknown.


Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses much more; he who loses faith,
loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself...

There is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.



I thought I might make a plaque from this. What wisdom in those words.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We all have so much to be thankful for. Even when times are tough, we can always find a blessing.

I consider each of you a true blessing to me. You have brought a sense of community and friendship and for that I am very grateful. I may not be able to visit as much as I would like but you are there in my heart daily.

I trust that each of you have a love filled Holiday.

See you soon!

Lots of hugs and more......

An award and au revoir for a while

Nana Trish honored me with the Marie Antoinette award. Since I love just about all things French, this award was no exception. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

What a pretty award this is. I just love that chubby little cherub in the background by the clock. Marie Antoinette is looking very pretty in this painting.

I would like to pass this on to all the lovely ladies that visit my blog. Please accept it and know that there is a lot of "French love" behind it.



I wish there were more hours in the day to visit everyone. I enjoy reading your posts so much. Right now it is difficult to budget blogging time into the schedule. If there was a way to perhaps read blogs while driving or working, I would be all over it! In a perfect world, there would be time for every thing. Going into the Holidays is always a busy time and this year is no exception. I guess that is a good thing-hehe!


I really am looking forward to catching up but until then...au revoir.

California dreaming and praying

When I saw the news last night showing the fires in Ca, I knew the post I had planned for today needed to change.

I spent many years living in the L.A. area. Santa Barbara and Montecito were always a favorite getaway. Not too far away but it had a different feel to it (a wonderful vibe).

I have some friends that still live in the area and I pray they are safe.


My heart and prayers go out to everyone there. I can't imagine what they are going through.

The wild, wild west

Hubby and I took a little drive to Prescott a while ago to basically get out of the HEAT.

Prescott (pronounced Preskit) is a charming town with a lot of history. I hope you enjoy the little tour.




Whiskey Row. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and the boys, were frequent visitors.
There are quite a few old saloons.
The local Masonic Temple
Another shot of Whiskey row.
A walkway in the downtown area. I just love the trees, all that shade!

Lots of traffic. Phoenicians trying to get out of the heat-hehe.
I
Love the benches and this gazebo in the front yard.

Maybe someday......

Courthouse Square. I think it is great that the center of town has its own gazebo.
This is the main hub. It is hard to believe that soon the grass will be covered with snow.
Time goes by wayyyy too fast.

A little prayer request

Hi everyone,

Many of you know that my precious mother-in-law is very ill. She lives in Co. and we live in AZ.
My husband will be going back up next week. We need to work the trips around his job.
I will be staying here to help my son. I know we are not given more than we can handle.
Any prayers you can send this way would be very much appreciated. Faith has been seeing us through.

You have been so supportive and I just want you to know that it really means the world to us.

hugs and more hugs,
Barb

The Ultimate indulgence

When the weather starts to cool down, my thoughts turn to chocolate. Hot chocolate!
My boys feel the same way. Although the picture was taken years ago (Interlaken, Switzerland),
it always puts a smile on my face. We were enjoying a perfect day with the perfect drink (even if it came from a pack).


The picture below was taken in Angelina's Tearoom in Paris. They "discouraged" picture taking but I took a couple of discreet shots. The tearoom opened in 1903. Just imagine all the people that have indulged in the ultimate pot of hot chocolate.





Isn't it just lovely?
This is a serious indulgence. Definitely worth the price.



In NYC, there is a great place called Serendipity. I used to spend a lot of time in Manhattan and this became a favorite restaurant (a lot of fun). The lines were always long but it was definitely worth the wait. One of their specialties is Frozen Hot Chocolate. A few years ago they published the recipe. I was thrilled!

This is worth the calories ladies!


Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

6 pieces of chocolate (1/2 ounce)
2 teaspoons hot chocolate mix
1 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cup of milk
3 cups ice

whipped cream
chocolate shavings


chop chocolate and place in the top of a double boiler over simmering hot water.
stir until melted.
add hot chocolate mix and sugar. stir until melted
remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth.
cool to room temperature.

In a blender, add remaining milk, the room temperature chocolate mix and the ice.
Blend on high until smooth.

Pour into your favorite mug or glass. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Voila!

Terrific Tuesday!

Happy Election day to everyone. I was ready to spend the day in line. I had snacks, books, water, phone, and patience. Unbelievably, when I got to the church, there was no line.
I had just missed the first line and was able to walk right in. I was in and out within 10 minutes.
How wonderful was that? I hope you all have an experience like mine.

Also, the mistress of botched hair color (Stephanie, you ROCK) was able to fix my hair. The color looks great and I will NEVER do it myself. This was a lesson I needed to learn-hehe.



I have been working on my bottles as well as some other goodies. The website is up and humming along. I am still loading some items but all in all, the categories are finished (for now).

Big YAY!!

It's not boo-ti-ful! A Halloween boo boo

Well, I have scared myself and poor Tommy! I have had red (faux) hair for years.
Last night I decided I could go from red to dark brown without a problem. I thought this was
something I could do myself. I put the color on and waited 25 minutes. I rinsed it out and took a
look. I am going for the Goth look this Halloween. When my husband heard the laughter, he
came into the bathroom to see what was going on. The look on his face was priceless! I
explained it is only hair and it is not a problem. It will take a bit of getting used to.

When Tommy saw it, he had a peculiar look on his face. And they say dogs can't see color.
Well, I guess it is perfect for Halloween.



Below is my French buddy sporting his beret. We would like to wish everyone a very safe and
fun filled Halloween.




The website is coming along nicely. I have certainly been learning along the way.

Hoping to visit all of you special ladies.

hugs from "Blackie" (me)

A wonderful weekend

Our middle granddaughter Hailey, spent the weekend with us. Although she is just 6, she is wise beyond her years. I know, all grandma's feel that way-hehe. She has a kind heart and a generous spirit. She is a compassionate child and feels very deeply about things. She really is a joy to be around. I am blessed to call her my granddaughter.

Miss Christi gave me this very special award. It is the Blogging Friends Forever Award.
Christi has a lovely, spirit filled blog. She was one of my very first blogging friends. She is what my son calls, "the real deal". I am very honored to receive this from her.

There are rules to go along with this award but right now I am choosing to make my own rules.
Sorry Christi. Everyone that stops by and visits from time to time, I consider a blogging friend (I hope forever). You all mean the world to me.

Please take this and accept it from me. It really does come from my heart.


I have been working on the new website today. I still have a lot of work to do but it is coming along. One step at a time. What more can I ask for?

A ride on the merry-go-round of life

It has been a while since my last post. My intention has been to post a couple times a week but life does not always allow that. Last week was a busy one. A few minor health issues or what I call "a little hiccup in the scheme of things". All is o.k and I am still smiling (hehe).

A lot of you have read my previous posts about the FDA globalization Act of 2008. While it has not been put into place, I have felt that I need to make a change. I remember many years ago when I worked for Clinique. When I started with them, ingredients were not even listed on products. No one thought that would ever become mandatory. Now it is difficult to find anyone who remembers life before ingredient listing. I have been listening to the voice inside. You know, the one you hear when you are quiet and receptive. That voice has been telling me for a while that The French Elements needs to evolve and it is evolving as we speak. I guess I needed to have a health set back to really listen and act on what was being revealed to me.

I won't go into the details here but you can read Our story on the new website. Change can be scary, but I know this is a change that I am supposed to make. The look has changed( you rock Cathy), the focus has changed and I could not be happier. It will take some time to get everything up and running.
Right now, only the policies and Our story pages are finished. I hope to have it completed by the end of next week. But if not, I am not stressing about it. Life is way too short!



Yesterday was a long one but look what came in the mail to truly make my day. Sherry had
several giveaways and I was one of the lucky winners. When I came in last night and saw the box, I was so excited. When I opened it up, oh my goodness. The picture doesn't do it justice (shaky hands-hehe). The giveaway was this beautiful cup and saucer but Sherry included the makings of my very own tea party. Miss Hailey may be over this weekend and I intend to have a tea party with her. We will be using everything! The vintage spoon and butter knife will be put to good use. The variety of teas and the cookies-oh yes. This will be a fun party.

Thank you so much Sherry. I love everything and will think of you every time I use my beautiful cup and saucer. You brightened my day!

I also wanted to ask for some extra prayers and good thoughts for both my son and my darling mother-in law. You know about my son's health problems. Please hold him up in prayer.
My dear Mother-in-law has been diagnosed with stage4 ovarian cancer. She is young, only 75.
She is undergoing chemo but it is taking a toll. Please remember her in prayer.

Well, I have rambled on long enough. I am hoping to get around to visit everyone this week. If I don't make it around, know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Many hugs to each of you.

Try it, it helps

I have to tell you that Put On a Happy face is my new theme song.


It is so easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged.
I have been there, I know.
It is very discouraging to turn on the news and see what is going on in our own neighborhood, country and around the world.

The only thing I can control is my own attitude toward problems. I have faith but it gets tested on a regular basis. There are many setbacks but the one thing that has made a difference is the way I choose to look at life.



We are not abandoned, a promise was made years ago.

A smile can make all the difference.

I hope to visit everyone this week but if I don't make my way around, know that I am smiling.