When someone asks what you hope to do when you venture out to explore a new part of the world, nobody responds that they hope to spend their vacation time researching and planning excursions. To get the most out of your trip you need to create a tentative vacation itinerary prior to departure. Travelers who are fortunate enough to know people in the region they are visiting are at a special advantage, as they have their own personal concierge who will be most helpful in generating the itinerary. If you find yourself in the position of hosting houseguests, in addition to preparing your home for visitors and planning meals, a gracious host will compile a tentative vacation itinerary. The most useful itinerary will be created blending the guests' desired experiences with local host ... [Read More]
8 Steps to Preparing for Houseguests
As guests would leave our home, my dad would call out, “come anytime!” The welcome mat spoke the truth at our house. It was not uncommon for friends or relatives to simply show up. If they timed the visit right, they would receive an invitation to join us for dinner. Mom was already cooking for a large family, so an additional plate or two was rarely an inconvenience. As an adult, I enjoy hosting events and entertaining guests. Especially, I look forward to family or friends visiting from out of town. I want my guests to know I am excited they are visiting. I want them to feel at home and leave with a desire to return. With experience and practice, I have learned that preparing your home for houseguests prior to their arrival creates time to relax and enjoy the visit once the guests ... [Read More]
One Simple Change Can Eliminate the Mess in Composting
I come from a large family I was raised in a family with five children. When you have a large family, certain household responsibilities require daily attention. We washed laundry every day. We ran the dishwasher every day. Some poor soul took out the trash every day. My Mom created a chore chart comprised of about twenty tasks requiring daily attention. The chores were grouped and divided among the five of us and we rotated through the list. This meant every fifth day I took out the kitchen trash. I dreaded “E” Day. I much preferred “B” Day, when I dusted and vacuumed the living room and folded clean laundry. “E” Day. Yuck! I cannot even remember the other chores on “E” Day, as they are forever crowded out of my memory by my disgust for kitchen trash. Bathroom garbage ... [Read More]
Fiesta Pasta Salad
Fiesta Pasta Salad Fiesta pasta salad is just about to become a family favorite in your household! Try this refreshing variation on a pasta salad. Flavorful and filling, this salad makes for a tasty side dish or a main course. Boasting a Spanish - Mexican flair, this recipe contains no mayonnaise to spoil. Fiesta pasta salad is a welcome contribution to summer gatherings when you are asked to bring a side dish. ... [Read More]
How Grandma’s Muffin Tins Keep Lemonade Chilled
I am the punch master! Growing up, I always looked forward to Grandma’s punch, served only at special occasions. It was cranberry-licious and very refreshing. There was a frozen lemonade ring that kept the punch chilled without watering it down. We, the grandkids, enjoyed dipping the ladle in the center of the ring and bathing the icy lemonade with cranberry goodness. As an adult, I am the punch master of the family and host the majority of the holidays in my home. Every Christmas, I make sure to freeze two lemonade rings in anticipation of the guests’ descent upon the tasty drink. So you see, I am no stranger to freezing lemonade for use as ice that will preserve the integrity of the beverage. When preparing to host a backyard barbecue for approximately fifty guests, I found myself ... [Read More]
Super Quick: Kitchen Gift Basket
“I was invited to a graduation party!” the girl announced. “Great,” I replied. “Is she going away to college?” “Yes”, she answered, “she will be living in a dorm.” Whether venturing off to college, moving into a first apartment, or purchasing your first home, you’re about to find yourself testing the kitchen skills your mother attempted to instill in you. You’re going to need supplies! ... [Read More]
