Feb 5, 2013 |
Y’all know how I love Pinterest, right? I mean, every time I start a new board, you’re the first to know about it!
A few months ago I started Pinning Mason Jars. How to decorate them. What to do with them. Things to put in them. I’m in Mason Jar Nirvana!
My first post was my Feta Tomato Spinach Salad in a Jar. Remember this lovely, delectable delight?
Thanks to Pinterest and other Blogs I follow, I found some delightful easy crafts. This weekend I tried my hand at making my own kind of kitchen air freshener.
In less than five minutes from start to finish, this craft was completed.
First, gather the necessary materials: Mason Jar, scrapbook paper (or any decorative paper), pen, scissors, small nail, and soft mat/cloth.
Materials
On a flat surface, trace around the lid. It’s okay to keep the paper face up so you can see where you’re placing your circle.
Positioning the Lid
Tracing the Circle
Next, cut the circle out. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The edges will be hidden under the rim.
Put your scrapbook circle on the soft mat and using the small nail, carefully punch holes through the paper. Get creative, make designs! Punch enough holes to allow air flow. If necessary, use a bigger nail.
Hole Punching
Fill your jar with your favorite aromatic blend, cover with paper and rim.
My kitchen now smells like fresh ground coffee even when the Keurig isn’t brewing!
Fresh Ground Aroma
Experiment with your favorite fragrances: fresh-cut herbs. Potpourri. Leftover candle wax. Essential oils. Whatever scent makes you smile… smell and smell again.
How sweet is that?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 15, 2012 |
Y’all know how I love my chocolate, right? I know. You love it, too. But I didn’t really love chocolate until I won this great Holiday Gift Assortment from Scharffen Berger last year.
And thus began my greatest Love Affair with chocolate. [I’m very pleased to announce we’re still on our honeymoon!].
This summer, Scharffen Berger sponsored a giveaway for these delectable Artisan chocolate bars. Who can forget Wendy’s excitement when she won?
- “Maybe one of my favorite days ever! Look what came in the mail !”
I’ve spent the better part of the last year finding ways to enjoy my Scharffen Berger. Well, we’re taking our romance out in public once more! Scharffen Berger has again agreed to sponsor one of Frankly, My Dear…’s Holiday Gift Basket Giveaways, and what they’re giving away this time will last far longer than their chocolate bars (trust me!).
THE ESSENCE OF CHOCOLATE book is gorgeous. Beautiful. Pretty much, you’ll want to eat the pages. With just under 400 pages, THE ESSENCE OF CHOCOLATE is simply necessary to any chocolate lover’s library.
THE ESSENCE OF CHOCOLATE
Filled ~ and I mean filled ~ with full-color photos, detailed chapters, and too many wonderful recipes [wait! I take that back! You can never have too many chocolate recipes!]… it’s everything you never know you needed to know about chocolate.
Since they’re giving you the book, I’ll give you the recipe that started it all.
Mocha Flavored Coffee Mix
Mocha Flavored Coffee Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup instant coffee
- 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup powdered creamer
- 2 TBSP Scharffen Berger Unsweetened Cocoa powder
- 2 TBSP instant hot cocoa mix
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Add 2 rounded teaspoons (or more) to 8 oz. hot water or coffee.
- Stir thoroughly.
Notes
Embellish with whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate shavings, sprinkles or candy canes. Store in air-tight container for months (if it lasts that long!). Use decaffeinated coffee grounds and a sugar substitute if desired.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/15/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-the-essence-of-chocolate/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
Thanks to Scharffen Berger, my chocolate love knows no bounds. When you’re finished with the day’s busyness or just like a tasteful dessert drink, turn to Page 103 and make your own indulgent Chocolate Martini.
Treats Under the Tree
Are you salivating yet? No? Don’t want to wait to order your own? Well how about this: a chance to win your own copy of THE ESSENCE OF CHOCOLATE right here from Frankly, My Dear… and Scharffen Berger! Just use the Rafflecopter entries below, and you’ll be entered to win!
Good luck! EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 1, 2012 |
Saturday was National Coffee Day. To celebrate this, and Second Daughter’s successful Mary Kay kick off party, we spontaneously drove down to Casey’s Cupcakes at the Mission Inn. It was close to 7pm before we even hit the road. But after the Mary Kay party, we were all dressed up with otherwise no place to go.
The Three Amigos: Dot, Me, Elisa
To The City at Twilight
I put in My Soundtrack, which is great for roadtrips. A few miles down the freeway, and Elisa squealed as The Partridge Family began to play. “Oh my gosh! I LOVE this song!” I quickly told her the story of how David Cassidy sang to me. We hadn’t even arrived at the Inn yet, and already we were laughing at great memories.
Dot and Elisa chatted throughout the drive, sang along, and took many photos. We each had our iPhones, and since we were all together, our photo albums are similar, if not identical.
Elisa had never been to the Inn before. Dot and I find great joy in introducing others to Our Favorite Place. While our intent was only to walk around and grab a cup o’ Joe at Casey’s Cupcakes, as usual it turned into so much more.
We began by parking a block away. Seems a lot of other people also were inspired to visit the Inn.
The Inn at Twilight
It was perfect walking weather. The humidity was low, the temperature was mild. At every corner we could smell either coffee or garlic.
Elisa at the Flowers
Outside Las Campanas
The Avenue
The low-lit neon signs signaled that most stores along the path were closed. All except the Mission Galleria: a four-story consignment store filled with antiques and wonderful treasures. This was our first stop, where The Dots tried on nearly every hat they could find, and a few for me too.
The Dots in Hats
And Hats…
And Hats!
When we realized the clock was ticking, we meandered back across the avenue and strolled the short distance to Casey’s. Detouring first, of course, through the halls of the Inn just in time to visit Napoleon and Josephine. Napoleon was quite friendly, but Josephine was feeling a little shy.
Friendly Napoleon
Bashful Josephine
There’s a corner where the Spa, the entrance to the gift shop, and one open-air pathway all connect. It is my favorite corner. Just standing there, surrounded by old brick and mosaics is a visual endorphin. Then the scent of fresh eucalyptus oils greets your nostrils, immediately soothing any stress still being held in the body. Just a short moment of standing there with eyes closed is all that’s needed to be transported away from the busyness of the world, and have a truly individual experience.
After this, we finally made it to Casey’s Cupcakes. The outdoor tables were vacant, which made it easy for us to get comfortable and enjoy our treats.
Happy National Coffee Day!
Dot, Me and Elisa at Casey’s Cupcakes
Of course, having heard about the exceptional Tiramisu at the Bella Trattoria next door, we stepped over for a second dessert. Since Dot isn’t a fan of coffee and had just eaten her sweet treat, she opted for a steaming bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup. The menu was so enticing, that Elisa and I followed her lead and shared both a bowl of Minestrone soup, and a Tiramisu.
Dot’s Favorite: Creamy Tomato Soup
Minestrone and Me
Our Tiramisu
Ambiance at the Bella Trattoria
After indulging our tastebuds, we meandered past the door leading to the Rotunda. Unfortunately, it’s closed to the public. Dot had jaunted to the nearest restroom, leaving Elisa and I to drool when a gentleman came up and used his key-card to unlock the door. I joked, “Oh, look! He has a magic card!” He turned and smiled. He told us that part of the Inn is generally off-limits… but if we promised not to jump over the railings, he’d let us in. Elisa and I tried to assure him we would behave, but our girlish giggles gave us away. He held the door open for us, and introduced himself. “If anyone stops you,” he said, “You tell ’em, Tony sent ya. Tell ’em I said it was okay.” To which I promised him, “You are so going to be named in my Blog!” So here you are, Tony. Thank you! Dot scurried up, and we ventured into the Magic Door.
We spent nearly half an hour climbing level after level of the Rotunda, photographing every angle and entrance. It was ethereal. Like being thrown back in time.
Looking Down on the Dots
Rotunda
The Fountain at the Rotunda
We found ourselves on Author’s Row overlooking the Reception Area. A wedding had taken place, and people were celebrating! There in the corner, we saw Tony! He was busy making sure everyone was having a wonderful time. We walked around the level, showing Elisa the doors to Ann Rice’s room, the Herb Garden, and other sights on the Fourth Floor. Then we took the elevator down and found ourselves mistakenly led to in front of the Chapel. We were unwitting party crashers, who quickly found our way back to where we were supposed to be.
Strolling through the Main Lobby, we stopped at the Front Desk to ask general questions about the Inn, about rates and reservations.
Helpful Chris
Dot’s 18th birthday is in six weeks. Can you imagine what she might be wanting?
Yet again, Tony walked by with a wave and a smile. Yet again, we giggled. It must be a prerequisite for employment at the Inn to be good looking. I mean… really good looking. Just sayin’…
After we took up enough of Chris’s time with questions and “What If’s”, Dot was thirsty enough to warrant us walking the short distance to the Presidential Lounge. The music of two wedding receptions nearby mixed with the sounds of the Piano Bar. Elisa and I opted to enjoy an Adult Beverage. As she first delivered bottled water to Dot waiting outside the Lounge, the Bartender made my night. He couldn’t figure out my relationship with Elisa. I had called her “Girlfriend” a few minutes earlier. We were both spunky and outgoing. Finally he pointed in her missing direction and asked, “Sister?” I laughed and said, “Daughter.” He was honestly astonished.
I know bartenders get paid to flirt and make conversation. But this was honest astonishment. And it felt great. Then I asked him to make a virgin drink for my underage daughter waiting in the Lobby. Her Shirley Temple was On The House.
From the Presidential Lounge
Yeah. I’m so going back there again.
The Presidential Lounge is a wonderful experience. Small, intimate, upscale. You needn’t be a guest of the Inn to enter. It feels like a higher class of CHEERS. And the entrances lead right into the Main Lobby. So even though Dot was sitting at a table in the Lobby, it took less than five minutes for us to rejoin her, drinks in hand. The Inn welcomes guests to stroll with their beverages; making it an even nicer experience. We weren’t limited to a corner barstool. We could sit, walk, talk, and enjoy. Which we did.
Then we strolled outside yet again. The streets are lit with low yellow-ambient lighting, and light strings in the trees. It’s not garish or bright or modern. “Strolling” is the perfect word. We weren’t in any rush to get anywhere. We ambled and danced our way up and down Orange Street.
Chainmail Jacket at Parrott’s
A band was playing at a corner bar, and we stopped just long enough to enjoy the music. And the pick-up lines. “Hey, girls! The party’s over here!” “Where ya going?” I pointed to Dot and yelled, “Underage! But thank you for asking!” Elisa fits right between us. Old enough to go out with adults, young enough to keep my teenager company and not feel like a babysitter. Of course, that’s what Family is. We blend well. Period.
Then it was time to get home.
We only showed Elisa the tip of the iceberg. In a few weeks, we’ll be back. Maybe on a Saturday morning. To experience the University Photography Museum. The Pizza Parlor. The Farmer’s Market.
Or maybe we’ll just save our money and give Dot the Birthday of a Lifetime. After all, isn’t that what Family is for?
If you get there before we do, tell Tony we said hi. And we’ll be back.
Ambient Avenue
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
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Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Sep 23, 2012 |
This is one of my favorite recipes. This is what every coffee drinker in my family gets each year. This is what gets me through the holidays.
HOLIDAYS?!
That’s right. I said it. And I’ll say it again.
HOLIDAYS!
For weeks, I’ve been working on my Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway: scrounging up sponsors, writing reviews, and just plain getting into that Ol’ Holiday Spirit.
It can’t be avoided… and I don’t want to.
I’ve spent the last week reorganizing my kitchen, and today we decorated for Fall. I’ve tweeted it, Facebooked about it, and shown my beautiful dishes on Instagram. Didn’t see it? Well… here you are:
And now I’m ready to cook. Bake. Make. And taste.
Sounds exhausting? You would think… But don’t worry. This Girl’s got ya covered with some great tasting caffeine.
Mocha Flavored Coffee is one of those really great, easy, oh-so-appreciated recipes. You can add as little or as much as you want to 8 ounces of hot liquid. I prefer to embellish my basic coffee with it, others add it to hot water. Either way, it’s sure to please.
RECIPE: Mocha Flavored Coffee
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup instant coffee
- 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup powdered creamer
- 2 TBSP Cocoa powder
- 2 TBSP instant hot cocoa mix
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Add 2 rounded teaspoons (or more) to 8 oz. hot water or coffee.
- Stir thoroughly.
Notes
Embellish with whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate shavings, sprinkles or candy canes.
Store in air-tight container for months (if it lasts that long!).
Use decaffeinated coffee grounds and a sugar substitute if desired.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/23/recipe-mocha-flavored-coffee-mix/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
Now here’s a little bonus idea for you (call it an early Christmas gift): How often do you wish you could just take a small break from the day and enjoy a blend of your favorite cafe mocha? But you’re busy. Working. Running errands. Taking care of the Home Front. There’s not always time or money to treat yourself.
Well, now you can!
I bought my OXO Good Grips Salt and Pepper Shakers for just this purpose!
See that great little pour spout on the side? Just Take and Shake!
They’re called Good Grips for good reason: These little dandies fit perfectly in the palm of a hand, making them easy to hold. They’re solidly built, but not bulky. They’ll fit in your cabinet, desk drawer, and bag. And because they’re clear, there’s no guessing if there’s enough mix left for one more Mocha. They’re perfect.
Carry one of these lightweight shakers with you throughout the season, and you’ll enjoy several mugfuls of this great drink recipe. (Be sure to keep the shaker holes covered or put a small round of paper under the cap so it doesn’t sprinkle all over the inside of your tote!)
As you can see, I also like to add layers of cinnamon and nutmeg to my personal stash. A few shakes of the shaker and it blends quite nicely. Each shaker holds enough mix for three regular cups of Mocha Flavored Coffee.
So whether I’m at work, in my own kitchen, or busy running errands, I always have a great cup of coffee with me.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
[Disclaimer: Frankly, My Dear.. has joined up with OXO and their Blogger Outreach Program. I have not been compensated for this post in any manner. All reviews and opinions are my own.]
