Friday, April 30, 2010

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.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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

Sunday, April 11, 2010

One of my dreams in life is to own a black and white photo booth, for the entryway of my home. I absolutely adore photo booths.
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

Sunday, April 4, 2010

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

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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.