Etiquette

AFTERWARD, SHOULD YOU CALL OR WRITE A NOTE? WHAT ABOUT E-MAIL?

It's best to write a personal thank-you note. It's kind of a lost art and a real measure of graciousness. Even if it's just a few words: Thanks for the fantastic evening. Let me return the favor one day soon. Cheers. It's a class act. E-mail is fine but not as nice as sending a note.

Via Outstanding in the field

BASIL GIMLET

Yield: Makes 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large bunch basil, coarsely chopped
• Ice
• 6 tablespoons gin
• 4 tablespoons lime juice
• undBasil sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Make basil syrup: In a large microwave-safe measuring cup, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, and basil.

2. Microwave on high until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Let basil steep in syrup 20 to 30 minutes, then strain (you'll have enough syrup for 4 drinks).

4. Fill 2 highball glasses with ice. Into each glass, pour 3 tbsp. gin, 4 tbsp. basil syrup, and 2 tbsp. lime juice. Stir and serve, garnished with basil sprigs.

Time: 5 minutes, plus 20 minutes to steep. Move over, mint: Basil's spicy flavor puts a fresh spin on the traditional gimlet. Make the syrup before guests arrive—it keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Tip: Add lemon juice and chilled water to the leftover syrup and serve over ice for basil lemonade.

recipe via sunset

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HOMEMADE BATH SALTS

4 cups sea salt or kosher salt

mix several drops of an aromatic bath oil,

if you wish, dried fragrant plant, such as lavender or eucalyptus.

Pour into a jar for yourself or to give as a gift.

use a few spoonfuls of salts per bath

HOME MADE PLAY DOUGH

1 cup salt

1 cup flour

2 tablespoon alum or cream of tartar

mix together

1 3/4 boiling Water

2 tablespoons baby oil or vegetable oil

mix all ingredients and knead in flour as needed

add

liquid food coloring & essential oils of your choice

HIBISCUS MOCKTINI

Ingredients

3 cups hibiscus tea

3 cups ginger ale

6 fresh pineapple spears

Direction

In a pitcher, mix together the hibiscus tea and ginger ale. Serve over ice in a tall glass with a fresh pineapple spear.

• Via Real Simple