August 31, 2011

Summer Scrapbook...

Well, I'm happy to report that all has returned to normal up here in Maine.  Hurricane Irene was nice enough to drop by--she didn't do too much damage, and declined to stay for cocktails.  The power is on, and the skys are back to being that yummy, late summer blue again.  I'm heading home very soon to get us all ready for fall at the store; Labor Day signals the end of summer, and am ready for some cooler days and cozy nights.  People always ask me what we do out here, so here's a little taste of Maine...

We made several stops at the farm stand for fresh corn, delicious tomatoes and fresh herbs.  The pumpkins are getting ready to be harvested, and the garlic drying house was filled!  Everything here is beautifully displayed and and they have heirloom vegetable varieties that I've never seen anywhere else.

The big Union Antiques show was filled with great antique finds.  Some for Clever Girl, several that will stay with me...Plus, a few Christmas gifts were found (how's that for early?)  I fell in love with several dozen vintage buttons in great colors at this wonderful booth. Such an array of styles and different shades to choose from...

 Took in a film at the historic Lincoln Theater, formerly known as "Odd Fellows Hall"... (Midnight in Paris.  Quite good, do go and see it.)
Soaked up a little of Maine's abundant history at Fort William Henry, which is just down the road. Originally built in 1692.  Now that's old!
Took the Happy Hound on long walks...
And enjoyed all of the lovely views that Maine has to offer.  Sad to leave, but very much looking forward to a fabulous fall back home...













August 19, 2011

It's trunk show time...

Who says boys don't make passes at girls that wear glasses???
Please join us, Thursday,
 September 15th, 2011* 
for a special trunk show featuring
 the new fall eye bobs collection!
Every 8 seconds, someone turns 40. Eyes over the age of 40 begin to lose their flexibility which makes focusing at close range more difficult.  No, you don’t need longer arms, more light or a menu written in larger type. Neither diet nor exercise will stave off this condition. We hate to break it to you; but reading glasses are inevitable.  Now the good news! You are not doomed to wander the racks of drugstore readers in search of the least ugly pair of cheaters.  It's eyebobs to the rescue... 
Consider this: reading glasses are an opportunity to express yourself!  You’re stylish, smart and a little bit sarcastic – your eyewear should be too.  We’ve got styles and colors to suit every mood, from dignified classics to big, bold and bright.  We’ve got sunglass readers to keep you looking stylish while reading outdoors. Prescription glasses? Convert your eyebobs into prescription eyewear.  Be the envy of younger eyes everywhere with your funky glasses!
* Get out your glasses, here's the "fine print"...
Trunk show is Thursday, September 15th from 9:30 am-1:00pm.  Representives from eyebobs will be on hand to show you the latest and greatest frames.  Enjoy refreshments while you browse.  Be sure and enter our drawing for a free pair of glasses too!



August 8, 2011

Summer Yum

If you're anything like me, you have a kitchen drawer (or two) filled with seldom used gadgets and gizmos that you thought you really needed, but didn't.  They kind of mock you from a twisted jumble of spoons, tongs and zesters that are rarely never used.  These, however, are different.  This is a gadget that's actually going to become an indispensable friend.  Girls, meet the new magic kitchen scissors....
As many of you are aware, several of the Clever Girls around here are absolutely no slouch when it comes to the cooking department: If they say it's good, it is. These herb scissors have the "CG" stamp of approval all over them.  The multi-blades make quick, neat work of even the most tender herbs; and this is the perfect tool to assist you in putting the summer's delicious and bountiful yield to good use. Snip the herbs you need neatly, quickly and right where you want them with this great gadget.  Basil, scallions, parsley, mint and dill are our summer favorites; but these babies work on just about anything.
To get you started, two of our top clever, culinary girls offer you some recipes to get cookin' with.

WATERMELON SALAD with MINT LEAVES
  • Ingredients
  • 1 (5-pound) watermelon
  • 1 Vidalia or other sweet onion (I use red, and a bit less than this calls for)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (use the scissors!)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 6 whole mint sprigs
  • Directions
  • Remove the melon from the rind.  Discard rind.  Remove seeds from melon and cut into bite size pieces.
    Peel and slice the onion into paperthin rings or finely chop. 
    In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until salt is dissolved.  Slowly whisk  in olive oil, a few drops at a time.  Add in the chopped mint, and adjust seasonings.   
    In a large bowl combine the melon, onion and feta.  Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and gently toss until coated.  Garnish with mint springs. 
    *Note, this does not keep well.  I'd recommend making only the amount you will be enjoying at the time.  Also, I cut back on the oil just a little.
    Perfect during this upcoming hot August!
  • ~Lynn D.
  • ************************************
  • Michelle offers this scrumptious, herb infused dish (use your new scissors!) and it is a perfect way to serve up some of the seasons delicious, sun-ripened tomatoes ...
  • SLICED TOMATOES with FRESH HERB DRESSING

Ingredients
  • 4 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/4c. good quality olive oil
  • 1 1/2 T. good quality red wine vinegar (St. Julian)
  • 2 T. chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 T. chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 T. chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 T. chopped fresh chives
  • 2 T. minced garlic
  • 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Directions
  • Arrange the tomato slices in a shallow casserole dish.  Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives and garlic in a small bowl.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Pour herb mixture over the tomatoes, covering evenly.  Top with Parmesan cheese.  
  • *This recipe improves by letting the flavors meld together.  Be sure you have some great, crusty bread to dip into the dressing.  Enjoy!  ~Michelle M.
One last tip from  Michelle: Don't be intimidated by using fresh herbs in place of dried.   Here's her secret: Substitutions can be made in many recipes using a simple 1:3 ratio of dried to fresh herbs.  For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, use 3 tablespoons of fresh.  
Clever, right?  Happy cooking!

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