Posts
Reading the few remaining newspapers that are still printing, getting your news on the internet, or listening to talk radio while in your car - a few ways to find out exactly what is going on in the world around you. We listen but we have a specific agenda in our minds about what really interests us and what will have an impact on our daily lives.
Being part of a world community, sometimes we get so absorbed in our own path that we "hear" what is going on but we really do not take it in or find it something to garner our concern. While every single one of us is human and a citizen of the entire world, so to speak, we usually just meander as to our local, state, and federal news items. If the truth be known, deep inside the recesses of our subconscious mind we have heard about the total and unrelenting abuse of people all over the world by their own governments or by warring factions that want to be their government. Darfur is one example, Mexico is still another, and the Guantanemo abuse story is old news to many of us. However, these atrocities happened, are happening, and while they may not be right there on our doorstep, we can all realize one issue. Cruelty and abhorrent behavior is on the rise and there seems to be no way of stopping it. We are repulsed by the news but we feel helpless and unable to do much about it. The "side effect" of feeling this way is that life loses some of its "special" and important assets, which is one reason why violence thrives and grows.
When a nation cannot feel pity and pain at the death and devastation of people of other ethnic, color, or religious beliefs, then we have given apathy a free reign in our thoughts. This is inherently dangerous to us as individuals and as a society. There is numbness that grows in our hearts and minds and when a child dies from bombs and war, we see it, read it, and it dies somewhere in our soul, because it is not "one of us." Bringing the issue closer to home, we pick and choose our political affiliations and being what they are, when a Republican does what a Democrat just might do but hasn't, they are praised and put up on a pedestal. When it is reversed, the Democrat is verbally stoned and the thought of "tar and feathering" is there but maybe not in so many words. This can be turned around with the Democrat being on top and the Republican battered. It just depends on what side of the aisle you are on.
There is such a very transparent malady that we all see and hear, but many choose not to deal with. We no longer judge issues on their merit, but we decide the outcomes by petty grievances held against a certain party, nationality, or religious sect. We, as a people, have lost our ability to do our homework, regardless of what side we sway towards, and to do what is right because the facts speak for themselves and there is only one right way - the way that will benefit humanity and do the best by those who are suffering. Whether we want to acknowledge Darfur, an Iraqi child killed by misguided rage, or something as close to home as the danger our young people are in. in the battle of drugs and sexual exploitation, we need to stand up as adults, and act as adults. Mexican drug problems have crossed the borders into our country, brutality in violence is astonishing right here and right now, and even harsh outrage against those in our government needs to have the restraints of civility and just actions - not demeaning people of different color, or bank account balances. The rich sometimes feel they have all the answers and they deal with the less fortunate, never knowing what it is like to go to bed hungry or to lose a job and your pride at the same time. They have never experienced it and therefore do not have the right to assert they know the answers. Wall Street cannot take taxpayer dollars and "party" while those who gave stand in long lines for food stamps and unemployment benefits. While their existence is worlds apart from day to day experience, they need to examine, and find solutions that will benefit all and not just a few chosen ones such as their families, relatives, and friends.
The point of all this is that we as human beings need to begin to "walk in someone else's shoes" before we complain that they do not hurt or bind. We need to do less of the "talk the talk" and more of the "lean on me" mind sets. Lately, prominent and highly publicized government officials argue, and denouce each other, no matter the issue. This example to our young is that if you are on one side of the fence, make sure that the rocks and stones you throw are indiscrimately aimed, just so long as they hit a target. It doesn't matter if you know that what the other side is doing is right and is for the good of all, pick up that stick and strike with all your might. In the end, you just might convince yourself right along with all the others you are trying to convince. Power after all is the prize and control is the sought after gold pot at the end of the rainbow.
Civility demands a change in our attitudes, and we must pick our fights against those who kill and brutalize, not those who work toward peaceful negotiations and ways to correct crooked paths. Party affiliations, religious rights, and ethic barriers do not solve problems for the multitide, but they do create a gap that cannot be bridged or water too deep to tread. We were blessed with minds and hearts, and if we don't use them to the best of our abilities, then we have no one to blame when the war comes into our own back yards, and it is our children who learn that "might makes right" and "the bottom line is all that really matters." Those who steal money from others in scams and in bail-outs that were caused by their own greed and inept behavior are thieves and should be treated as such. Rewarding them with perks and allowing them to reside in regal surroundings only teaches everyone that money is the goal and greed is the way to get there. Those who are abusive to children, the elderly or to those who win over them in competitions or campaigns, they are the true "terrorists" and their reign is unacceptable and needs to be overthrown.
Facing issues, using our intelligence, and working so that "all" people live in the best of ways in the best of times is our goal on this planet. There is no color we should see, there is no ethnicity we cannot accept, and there is no religious or party affiliation we can't throw aside and work for unity and freedom. We are not the color of our skin, or the church we were raised in. We are not a government party or a chosen ancestry - we are people and we are "equal" because God did not give up His/Her job just yet. The position is filled and we, while only a small pebble on the beach, we are a vital and vigorous entity that can find solutions and reach across oceans, aisles, and prosperity inequalities. We can, but we have to want to - this is the first step.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Springtime Hints and Household Helps
Spring Cleaning is a ritual that most families fear but it always seems to get done. Well, maybe not in Spring but by Labor Day at least.
Here are a few tips that just might help your quest for that squeaky clean house so that you can enjoy the Summer time weather at the beach right along with the rest of the family. These were learned "in the trenches" and worked so they are "tried and true".
Most households keep the cabinet under the sink for cleaning supplies, unless you have little children. Then keeping this cabinet locked is a must, but with older children or no children - glue some wooden clothespins onto the inner door. These can hold sponges, rubber gloves, and window cloths. They don't get moldy because they are not bunched on the bottom floor of the cabinet, and they stay just as fresh as you need them. Talking about soap, most people get dirty digging, clipping, and working outdoors. It you use a soap on a rope technique (it doesn't have to be expensive soap, just use any hand strong soap and attach to a nylon rope), you can make sure that everyone washes their hands right there by your outside faucet. Kids love it because it is washing in a whole different realm and dads love it because their hands are clean before picking up little ones or leaving smudge marks on back doors or screen doors.
Attach a Key Board (home made or bought at a craft store to the "inside" cabinet door right by the door. This keeps the keys out of sight, they are organized, and they are not just thrown on the counter never to be seen when you need them. Most key boards are thin enough not to interfere with shelving inside the cabinet, or you can simply attach it where you have a wider space between shelves.
Mops, brooms, and dustpans are the mainstay of spring cleaning. Little ones can feel like they help, and a bit older chidren can use "children" size cleaning gear much easier than the adult size. In your broom closet or wherever you store cleaning musts, attach a bar about the height of your child on the inside of the door, then attach hooks for a child-size mop, broom, and dustpan or any other "cleaning" wonder that your child might enjoy. They even have little-size vacuums, and for the outside, this works well for shovels, pails, and rakes.
Remember enjoying blowing bubbles when you were small? That iridescent liquid produced those billowing bubbles that kept your attention until they disappeared into another world. If you have very small children, let them join in the fun with the older ones, with your supervision of course. Use a paper clip and form it into a bubble maker just like the regular slze ones that come with the bottles. Pour a bit of bubble liquid into the cap of the bottle and help your little one enjoy petite size bubbles that may soar just as high as the bigger versions of his/her brothers/sisters. It is fun and it is a chance for quality time with your children. Also, bubbles work best on a day after it just rained. It seems the humidity and moistures helps create bigger and better bubbles. Next time you are in a dollar store, buy a spare fly swatter with the hundred little holes. Give this to your older child and let them enjoy a cloud burst of hundreds of bubbles. Pour the liquid into a baking pan and let them place the swatter into the liquid. Different and a real "attention" keeper.
When it comes to craft time, your child finds waiting for the old-standby white craft glue to slowly come to the tip. If you use a plastic two liter bottle and cut it off about 3 inches from the top, you can fit the plastic glue bottle into the top of the cut off bottle and the glue will always be "ready." No more waiting and it doesn't tip over while the "crafting" is taking place.
Hope a few of these tips give you ideas for enjoying more time when you clean, and more fun time with your children.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
Here are a few tips that just might help your quest for that squeaky clean house so that you can enjoy the Summer time weather at the beach right along with the rest of the family. These were learned "in the trenches" and worked so they are "tried and true".
Most households keep the cabinet under the sink for cleaning supplies, unless you have little children. Then keeping this cabinet locked is a must, but with older children or no children - glue some wooden clothespins onto the inner door. These can hold sponges, rubber gloves, and window cloths. They don't get moldy because they are not bunched on the bottom floor of the cabinet, and they stay just as fresh as you need them. Talking about soap, most people get dirty digging, clipping, and working outdoors. It you use a soap on a rope technique (it doesn't have to be expensive soap, just use any hand strong soap and attach to a nylon rope), you can make sure that everyone washes their hands right there by your outside faucet. Kids love it because it is washing in a whole different realm and dads love it because their hands are clean before picking up little ones or leaving smudge marks on back doors or screen doors.
Attach a Key Board (home made or bought at a craft store to the "inside" cabinet door right by the door. This keeps the keys out of sight, they are organized, and they are not just thrown on the counter never to be seen when you need them. Most key boards are thin enough not to interfere with shelving inside the cabinet, or you can simply attach it where you have a wider space between shelves.
Mops, brooms, and dustpans are the mainstay of spring cleaning. Little ones can feel like they help, and a bit older chidren can use "children" size cleaning gear much easier than the adult size. In your broom closet or wherever you store cleaning musts, attach a bar about the height of your child on the inside of the door, then attach hooks for a child-size mop, broom, and dustpan or any other "cleaning" wonder that your child might enjoy. They even have little-size vacuums, and for the outside, this works well for shovels, pails, and rakes.
Remember enjoying blowing bubbles when you were small? That iridescent liquid produced those billowing bubbles that kept your attention until they disappeared into another world. If you have very small children, let them join in the fun with the older ones, with your supervision of course. Use a paper clip and form it into a bubble maker just like the regular slze ones that come with the bottles. Pour a bit of bubble liquid into the cap of the bottle and help your little one enjoy petite size bubbles that may soar just as high as the bigger versions of his/her brothers/sisters. It is fun and it is a chance for quality time with your children. Also, bubbles work best on a day after it just rained. It seems the humidity and moistures helps create bigger and better bubbles. Next time you are in a dollar store, buy a spare fly swatter with the hundred little holes. Give this to your older child and let them enjoy a cloud burst of hundreds of bubbles. Pour the liquid into a baking pan and let them place the swatter into the liquid. Different and a real "attention" keeper.
When it comes to craft time, your child finds waiting for the old-standby white craft glue to slowly come to the tip. If you use a plastic two liter bottle and cut it off about 3 inches from the top, you can fit the plastic glue bottle into the top of the cut off bottle and the glue will always be "ready." No more waiting and it doesn't tip over while the "crafting" is taking place.
Hope a few of these tips give you ideas for enjoying more time when you clean, and more fun time with your children.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
Vintage, Antique - Old Is Today's Gold
With the change in weather from winter's cold, brutal wind and driving snow, Spring ushers in that longing to go treasure hunting at tag and rummage sales. Churches, towns, and civic groups also feel this tug to begin tossing out winter and bringing in "new." Today, however, "new" does not have to be literally just off the manufacturer's assembly line. New to the savvy home-maker of today means vintage, antique, and gracefully charming items that "breathe" that feeling of "home" and "gracious living."
Something as simple as throw-away windows from Victorian era homes are a "find" that you should grab and run with. They are versatile and can be a part of any room in your home. As the weather brings back sun, and balmy breezes, antique water cans, porch swings, and even garden gates will put your homefront in your neighborhood's Home and Garden Special Places. Even terra cotta flower pots in varying sizes are used not only on porches and "Florida Rooms" but in the kitchen, bathroom and in your craft/sewing room.
If you are fortunate to find leaded glass windows then you have a myriad of possibilities to highlight and delight family and friends. These unique windows are a virtual rainbow in their own right, but added to your home decor they can take the place of painted pictures. Adding a bit of extra charm is if you showcase them with additional "vintage" items such as antique quilt blocks, or even old-fashioned handkerchiefs or table doilies. Check on the web for laundering instructions for delicate needlework or ask a dry cleaning establishment what they would recommend in case you have a "yellowing" of the fabric or any stains on the needlework.
Once you begin the challenge of bringing the "old" into your home, you will begin to realize just how "right" it seems to have these "vintage" items displayed and treasured by today's generations. So when the weather begs you to go outside, check out those flea markets or even architectural "scrap" stores that have the most fascinating door knobs, cabinet hardware, and yes, most assuredly windows and their frames. Consider this a fun way to bring true charm and captivating decorating accents into your home, no matter the style. You won't be disappointed and just think of how proud you will feel when everyone notices and thinks you are truly a decorating genius.
Something to think about
©February, 2009
Something as simple as throw-away windows from Victorian era homes are a "find" that you should grab and run with. They are versatile and can be a part of any room in your home. As the weather brings back sun, and balmy breezes, antique water cans, porch swings, and even garden gates will put your homefront in your neighborhood's Home and Garden Special Places. Even terra cotta flower pots in varying sizes are used not only on porches and "Florida Rooms" but in the kitchen, bathroom and in your craft/sewing room.
If you are fortunate to find leaded glass windows then you have a myriad of possibilities to highlight and delight family and friends. These unique windows are a virtual rainbow in their own right, but added to your home decor they can take the place of painted pictures. Adding a bit of extra charm is if you showcase them with additional "vintage" items such as antique quilt blocks, or even old-fashioned handkerchiefs or table doilies. Check on the web for laundering instructions for delicate needlework or ask a dry cleaning establishment what they would recommend in case you have a "yellowing" of the fabric or any stains on the needlework.
Once you begin the challenge of bringing the "old" into your home, you will begin to realize just how "right" it seems to have these "vintage" items displayed and treasured by today's generations. So when the weather begs you to go outside, check out those flea markets or even architectural "scrap" stores that have the most fascinating door knobs, cabinet hardware, and yes, most assuredly windows and their frames. Consider this a fun way to bring true charm and captivating decorating accents into your home, no matter the style. You won't be disappointed and just think of how proud you will feel when everyone notices and thinks you are truly a decorating genius.
Something to think about
©February, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Night Gallery of Corporate America and the Banking Industry
The news just keeps getting "stranger" with each day that passes. Citizens are urged to "make sacrifices" and tighten their belts, and government officials promise that saving the economy will take the work of everyone. It seems that banks and Wall Street feel that they are not part of "everyone."
When a bank such as Northern Trust, or Wells Fargo accepts tax-payer bailout funds, then they have joined the ranks of "everyone." Outrageous expenses on parties, lavish foods, highest priced hotel accomodations, and entertaining that ordinary people just can't afford seems to scream out "We don't care what you do without, because we don't have to do without anything." Northern Trust stated that they did not ask for the bailout funds. I cannot imagine an armored truck pulling up to Northern Trust's door, bandishing weapons and demanding that the safe be opened so that they could pour the billions of dollars into the coffers. It is more of a stretch of the imagination than Night Gallery. If it was a hostage situation where bank CEO's were held against their will and the money stuffed into their pockets by government agents, then I could understand their dilemna. This did not nor has it ever happened. Their open hands took the money and decided that now it was "party time."
If the Obama administration could do one thing while in office, it should be to make it plain, simple, and mandatory that banking and Wall Street "higher ups" do not make fools out of the American taxpayers, and that they share in the misery that they have created. There is a lot of finger pointing, but one thing is for sure. It did not happen overnight, it did not happen since January 20, 2009 when President Obama took office, and it did not happen because of the expertise of these highly educated and valued employees. It happened because of greed, stupidity and down right blatant "me and not you" attitudes. If you did not want the money Northern Trust, then return it, and ask your guests to pay the tab, and not the American people. You could have made corporate contacts at a much less lavish scandal then the one you flaunted in the face of the nation. So if the American people point their fingers, it should be at corporate America and the banking industry. There has never been in the history of America such a significant gap between those who have and those who have not, and especially in those who take and those who have to give. Taxpayers do not have a choice, they have to pay their taxes or face the penalties. Corporate and Banking CEO's do have a choice, as does the automobile industry. If GM buckled down, used common sense and tried to appease its customers instead of its investors, I can assure you that the economy would not be the straits it is now in and it would not be costing in the trillions. It should be the American people who celebrate when greedy corporations, whether Northern Trust, Bank of America, Citi-groups, or Chrysler face the taskmaster and pay up, shut up, or give up their opulent lifestyles. After all, it seems that with the lack of business sense displayed so far, there is a lack of education and quality among the CEO's of this nation. It is time to start cleaning house and dispose of the "malfunctioning", broken, and inadequate leadership in the business world. If they were in the private sector, they would be the first to be let go for inefficiency, non-productivity, and corporate theft. They stole the peace of mind, and the lifestyle of the everyday tax paying man, and woman and should be dealth with swiftly and forcefully. An uncontrolled child is disciplined and an uncontrolled adult is just not acceptable.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
When a bank such as Northern Trust, or Wells Fargo accepts tax-payer bailout funds, then they have joined the ranks of "everyone." Outrageous expenses on parties, lavish foods, highest priced hotel accomodations, and entertaining that ordinary people just can't afford seems to scream out "We don't care what you do without, because we don't have to do without anything." Northern Trust stated that they did not ask for the bailout funds. I cannot imagine an armored truck pulling up to Northern Trust's door, bandishing weapons and demanding that the safe be opened so that they could pour the billions of dollars into the coffers. It is more of a stretch of the imagination than Night Gallery. If it was a hostage situation where bank CEO's were held against their will and the money stuffed into their pockets by government agents, then I could understand their dilemna. This did not nor has it ever happened. Their open hands took the money and decided that now it was "party time."
If the Obama administration could do one thing while in office, it should be to make it plain, simple, and mandatory that banking and Wall Street "higher ups" do not make fools out of the American taxpayers, and that they share in the misery that they have created. There is a lot of finger pointing, but one thing is for sure. It did not happen overnight, it did not happen since January 20, 2009 when President Obama took office, and it did not happen because of the expertise of these highly educated and valued employees. It happened because of greed, stupidity and down right blatant "me and not you" attitudes. If you did not want the money Northern Trust, then return it, and ask your guests to pay the tab, and not the American people. You could have made corporate contacts at a much less lavish scandal then the one you flaunted in the face of the nation. So if the American people point their fingers, it should be at corporate America and the banking industry. There has never been in the history of America such a significant gap between those who have and those who have not, and especially in those who take and those who have to give. Taxpayers do not have a choice, they have to pay their taxes or face the penalties. Corporate and Banking CEO's do have a choice, as does the automobile industry. If GM buckled down, used common sense and tried to appease its customers instead of its investors, I can assure you that the economy would not be the straits it is now in and it would not be costing in the trillions. It should be the American people who celebrate when greedy corporations, whether Northern Trust, Bank of America, Citi-groups, or Chrysler face the taskmaster and pay up, shut up, or give up their opulent lifestyles. After all, it seems that with the lack of business sense displayed so far, there is a lack of education and quality among the CEO's of this nation. It is time to start cleaning house and dispose of the "malfunctioning", broken, and inadequate leadership in the business world. If they were in the private sector, they would be the first to be let go for inefficiency, non-productivity, and corporate theft. They stole the peace of mind, and the lifestyle of the everyday tax paying man, and woman and should be dealth with swiftly and forcefully. An uncontrolled child is disciplined and an uncontrolled adult is just not acceptable.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
Easter Brunch-Celebration That Is "Egg cellent"
Easter is the welcome banner of Spring. Whether you decide to have a delightful breakfast served after church services or a formal sit-down dinner with your best silverware, china, and linens, there is another option to consider. Brunch showcases an informality of morning taste treats with the sumptious offerings of dinner. On such a special occasion such as Easter, foods are presented in silver casserole trays and the table is sparkling with daffodils and tulips, as well as baskets overflowing with creative colored eggs and bunny cookies.
As you go through your recipe files, look for some do ahead dishes that will allow you more variety at a slower pace on Easter Day. Serving a variety of hot and cold foods is sure to please the food choices of everyone who shares your Easter Brunch.
Condiments such as butter, jams and cream cheese should be chilled in their serving dishes so that the frosty goodness melts on toast, muffins and Easter breads. Peach muffins topped with brown sugar and pecans tantalize your guests from baskets set around such entrees as scrambled eggs or ham and swiss strudel. Succulent roast beef carved into thin slices will literally melt in sheer goodness or let your guests taste the traditional leg of lamb seasoned to perfection with just a hint of garlic and lemon.
Asparagus, while simple to prepare, makes brunch a true Springtime event. Glazed bacon strips are a reminder of childhood "candy" treats and tart shells brimming with the first strawberries of the season fan across a cool, creamy custard filling. Add a mint leave and you have eye appeal and taste satisfaction.
The aroma of baked ham slightly sweet with warm juices running down each slice stands next to a colorful bowl of buttered carrots with a green accent of chives, highlighting all the pastels that Easter represents. French toast sticks bring the young and young at heart together and chocolate chip coffee cake just begs for a smooth, hot and delicious cup of coffee.
Serving breakfast fare and dinner specials allows everyone to pick and choose, find new favorites and renew past memories of fantastic food, great companion-ship, and the wondrous opulent colors of Easter. Don't forget the camera for those scrapbook additions of family and celebration photos.
Enjoy Easter in all its delights with family and friends and know that all your ventures into culinary land will finish up "eggs cellent".
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
As you go through your recipe files, look for some do ahead dishes that will allow you more variety at a slower pace on Easter Day. Serving a variety of hot and cold foods is sure to please the food choices of everyone who shares your Easter Brunch.
Condiments such as butter, jams and cream cheese should be chilled in their serving dishes so that the frosty goodness melts on toast, muffins and Easter breads. Peach muffins topped with brown sugar and pecans tantalize your guests from baskets set around such entrees as scrambled eggs or ham and swiss strudel. Succulent roast beef carved into thin slices will literally melt in sheer goodness or let your guests taste the traditional leg of lamb seasoned to perfection with just a hint of garlic and lemon.
Asparagus, while simple to prepare, makes brunch a true Springtime event. Glazed bacon strips are a reminder of childhood "candy" treats and tart shells brimming with the first strawberries of the season fan across a cool, creamy custard filling. Add a mint leave and you have eye appeal and taste satisfaction.
The aroma of baked ham slightly sweet with warm juices running down each slice stands next to a colorful bowl of buttered carrots with a green accent of chives, highlighting all the pastels that Easter represents. French toast sticks bring the young and young at heart together and chocolate chip coffee cake just begs for a smooth, hot and delicious cup of coffee.
Serving breakfast fare and dinner specials allows everyone to pick and choose, find new favorites and renew past memories of fantastic food, great companion-ship, and the wondrous opulent colors of Easter. Don't forget the camera for those scrapbook additions of family and celebration photos.
Enjoy Easter in all its delights with family and friends and know that all your ventures into culinary land will finish up "eggs cellent".
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Easter Eggs and Mother Earth
When Easter time comes rolling around, everyone enjoys the tradition of coloring eggs. Hard boiling eggs and then using your artistic touch is not only fun but can be a true learning experience for younger members of your family and their friends.
Waste not - want not is true even when coloring eggs for the Easter Basket. Scraps of food that you would otherwise just toss can and do produce some of the brilliant hues that make you "Ah" when placed in a basket for a centerpiece on the tableor as part of your mealtime plans.
The deepness of the colors depend on your preferences and if you enjoy mixing and matching, then using rubber bands around the eggs, or wax will allow for that decorative touch that we all have hidden in our "creativity" file right there next to "holidays are special". These files while hidden deep in our minds do come out once in a while and when they do, beauty and elegance as well as remarkable can be used to describe our efforts.
In the "purple" family - ordinary bottled grape juice is a "natural". For lavender, a shorter soaking period will produce this "spring" color, while a deeper shade comes with prolonged "soaking." While red onions have red skins, they do produce the color red, but also shades of violet and deep blues. Using pomegranate juiceis an interesting and tasty way to get shades of ruby. Remember to boil any "natural" coloring in water and allow it to cool. This brings out the "artistic" qualities of the natural products.
For brown or tan, try using dill seeds and if you like brown with a touch of orange then chili powder will give you that effect. Yellow which is a very popular color for Spring can be obtained with orange and lemon peels and you also get the aroma of these two citrus fruits which makes your whole kitchen smell like a breath of fresh air.
Deep brown or true chocolate brown - strong coffee and if you use instant coffee then vary the amount to reach the intensity you like. Orange comes with yellow onion skins and pink shines through with beet juice (and you have a vegetable for dinner) or use cranberry juice. In any of these products use only the "juice" and remove any solids from your bowl before placing the eggs in them.
Green is bright and can be obtained by using spinach leaves and a lighter lime green or yellow/green comes with apple peels, especially the Delicious variety.
Coloring eggs is not hard - it is well worth the extra effort and you can experiment on your own. While cooking vegetables or using a spice that your family enjoys, note the colors that it produces and try them with your egg coloring venture. It is all natural, with no chemicals or preservatives and it is time well spent. Imagine the truly stunning baskets you can create as well as watch the smiles if you use eggs as place setting "extras."
However you use Easter eggs, enjoy the moment, and enjoy the experience. Your creativity will bloom just like the lilies and tulips that are part and parcel of this Holiday.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February 25, 2009
Waste not - want not is true even when coloring eggs for the Easter Basket. Scraps of food that you would otherwise just toss can and do produce some of the brilliant hues that make you "Ah" when placed in a basket for a centerpiece on the tableor as part of your mealtime plans.
The deepness of the colors depend on your preferences and if you enjoy mixing and matching, then using rubber bands around the eggs, or wax will allow for that decorative touch that we all have hidden in our "creativity" file right there next to "holidays are special". These files while hidden deep in our minds do come out once in a while and when they do, beauty and elegance as well as remarkable can be used to describe our efforts.
In the "purple" family - ordinary bottled grape juice is a "natural". For lavender, a shorter soaking period will produce this "spring" color, while a deeper shade comes with prolonged "soaking." While red onions have red skins, they do produce the color red, but also shades of violet and deep blues. Using pomegranate juiceis an interesting and tasty way to get shades of ruby. Remember to boil any "natural" coloring in water and allow it to cool. This brings out the "artistic" qualities of the natural products.
For brown or tan, try using dill seeds and if you like brown with a touch of orange then chili powder will give you that effect. Yellow which is a very popular color for Spring can be obtained with orange and lemon peels and you also get the aroma of these two citrus fruits which makes your whole kitchen smell like a breath of fresh air.
Deep brown or true chocolate brown - strong coffee and if you use instant coffee then vary the amount to reach the intensity you like. Orange comes with yellow onion skins and pink shines through with beet juice (and you have a vegetable for dinner) or use cranberry juice. In any of these products use only the "juice" and remove any solids from your bowl before placing the eggs in them.
Green is bright and can be obtained by using spinach leaves and a lighter lime green or yellow/green comes with apple peels, especially the Delicious variety.
Coloring eggs is not hard - it is well worth the extra effort and you can experiment on your own. While cooking vegetables or using a spice that your family enjoys, note the colors that it produces and try them with your egg coloring venture. It is all natural, with no chemicals or preservatives and it is time well spent. Imagine the truly stunning baskets you can create as well as watch the smiles if you use eggs as place setting "extras."
However you use Easter eggs, enjoy the moment, and enjoy the experience. Your creativity will bloom just like the lilies and tulips that are part and parcel of this Holiday.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Gardening - A History of Love and Life
When warm breezes blow and the sun shines on more days than not, it is time to begin the task of preparing and getting a garden together. It might just be a small plot, a container garden on a patio or porch, or several acres if you are so blessed. Whatever the space available, it is one of the most enjoyable, and healthiest pasttimes around. There is actually something "spiritual" about a handful of soil and a seed - each attending to a task of producting fantastic blooms of color and aroma, crisp and tasty vegetables and fruits, and herbs to tantalize and set any dish to higher standards.
Many who garden also enjoy scrapbooking or crafting. These ventures can be joined together and you can have the best of all worlds right there at your fingertips. If you garden with children, then the sense of unity, ancestry, and shared quality time is priceless. Many years ago, I visited a garden that gave me an incentive to try my hand at "naming" the wondrous flowers and succulent vegetables that I grew. While the packages of seeds already come with names, they really had no meaning to me or to anyone I gave the "Grand Tour" of my garden plot to. It just seemed like the perfect melting together of personal history and gardening success. Scrapbooking supplies provide the material for some fantastic yard signs at the end of a row of peas, or green peppers. They also can decorate a rose garden or a planter filled with fragrant flowers and set on a porch just outside the entry way of a house. These "markers" can give a hint of fun and laughter or a sentimental reminder of those we love and cherish. If roses were Grandpa's favorite gardening pursuit, then a small sign highlighting his love of tea roses can give him the honor of having his name on a banner proclaiming to all that he did have a hand in keeping the tradition of sachet scents greeting visitors to his home a while back. So "Grandpa Mike's American Beauty Roses" is a tribute, and one that will bring back fond memories as you work in the garden or just admire the unbelievable floral treasures that are yours in the height of summer. In the vegetable garden, cherry tomatoes are a quick snack and a very tasty treat as you well remember when you visited Aunt Betty's house for a Fourth of July picnic. So a garden sign giving her the "honor" of Aunt Betty's Red Ruby Tomato Gems will make you smile every time you pop one in your mouth delighting in the warmth from the sun and the "splash" of juice and tomato goodness with just one bite. There could be signposts for your best friend who lives miles away (Sherry's Green Goddess Green Peppers) or for a friend who always makes the best pies (Lydia's Azure Blue Blueberries).
This is not only a whole lot of fun, it makes your daily gardening chores a trip into friendship and family. It allows small children to relate to being part of the success and accomplishment of family and friends, who they may never have met, but whose lives they can now touch through something as simple as a garden signpost. A venture like this combines gardening with crafting and scrapbooking and those photographs of your child standing in a patch of Uncle Harvey's Candy Sweet Strawberries is another contribution from the garden.
So using your imagination and creativity just got a bit more "personal" but a whole lot more fun - now that's a harvest of some very good things all put together.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2008
Many who garden also enjoy scrapbooking or crafting. These ventures can be joined together and you can have the best of all worlds right there at your fingertips. If you garden with children, then the sense of unity, ancestry, and shared quality time is priceless. Many years ago, I visited a garden that gave me an incentive to try my hand at "naming" the wondrous flowers and succulent vegetables that I grew. While the packages of seeds already come with names, they really had no meaning to me or to anyone I gave the "Grand Tour" of my garden plot to. It just seemed like the perfect melting together of personal history and gardening success. Scrapbooking supplies provide the material for some fantastic yard signs at the end of a row of peas, or green peppers. They also can decorate a rose garden or a planter filled with fragrant flowers and set on a porch just outside the entry way of a house. These "markers" can give a hint of fun and laughter or a sentimental reminder of those we love and cherish. If roses were Grandpa's favorite gardening pursuit, then a small sign highlighting his love of tea roses can give him the honor of having his name on a banner proclaiming to all that he did have a hand in keeping the tradition of sachet scents greeting visitors to his home a while back. So "Grandpa Mike's American Beauty Roses" is a tribute, and one that will bring back fond memories as you work in the garden or just admire the unbelievable floral treasures that are yours in the height of summer. In the vegetable garden, cherry tomatoes are a quick snack and a very tasty treat as you well remember when you visited Aunt Betty's house for a Fourth of July picnic. So a garden sign giving her the "honor" of Aunt Betty's Red Ruby Tomato Gems will make you smile every time you pop one in your mouth delighting in the warmth from the sun and the "splash" of juice and tomato goodness with just one bite. There could be signposts for your best friend who lives miles away (Sherry's Green Goddess Green Peppers) or for a friend who always makes the best pies (Lydia's Azure Blue Blueberries).
This is not only a whole lot of fun, it makes your daily gardening chores a trip into friendship and family. It allows small children to relate to being part of the success and accomplishment of family and friends, who they may never have met, but whose lives they can now touch through something as simple as a garden signpost. A venture like this combines gardening with crafting and scrapbooking and those photographs of your child standing in a patch of Uncle Harvey's Candy Sweet Strawberries is another contribution from the garden.
So using your imagination and creativity just got a bit more "personal" but a whole lot more fun - now that's a harvest of some very good things all put together.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2008
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