M is for Marzipan…

So what do you do when you live in Ann Arbor, have an MBA from Harvard, but also a creative itch that you just need to scratch? You become a marzipan master!

We have found these delightful creations—all certified kosher—created right on our doorstep in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

They could not be cuter and, more importantly, they couldn’t taste any better.

 

What to do:

Gather a grouping of these to put at everyone’s place for Christmas Eve, keep a few on hand in case neighbors drop over unexpectedly and you want to give them a sweet treat, or, just buy a little one for yourself because it’s simply so smooth, and so delicious to enjoy a little bit of marzipan. 

We have charming snowman, miniature little Christmas trees, and classic Scandinavian elves all waiting to go home with you...

{Click here to shop.}

 Every morning for nearly 15 years, I have descended the staircase trailed by my faithful, four-footed companion.  Call her what you might— a large beagle, or a small hound--my Gracie May has always followed me everywhere.

As I made coffee, she faithfully executed a backyard garden check that the most diligent general would approve of.  The perimeter was the first ground covered to insure all was secure.  Then, a grid of some sort was run, back and forth, to detect what rabbit, raccoon, or skunk might have dared to intrude overnight on her domain. Only then, with suspicions assuaged, did she return to the house, and turn her thoughts firmly towards breakfast, and our day ahead.

Gracie made the one mile journey to my mother’s house every morning for ,”doggy day care” and was generally pampered and protected. I retrieved her every evening, and we returned home. Such was my darling dogs life—following our daily routine—but she was ever on the look out for spontaneous activity. The nose of a hound gives it liittle respit— and Gracie May was often jolted from her deepest sleeps by something in the air.  She was ever ready to travel where the scent of something drew her—and adventure waited around every corner. Our long, evening walks were time so well spent for both of us—in all seasons, she found so many things to explore as we prowled the mean streets of Western Springs after dark.  

They say we can measure our lives in our dogs: We only get a certain number of them to share our time with.  I am blessed to have had this special, magical and sweet creature in mine—for a more genteel dog could not be found.  Her deep brown eyes grasped the world with the insolence and security of a canine that was truly loved.  

Her end came rather swiftly.  Liver cancer. Undetected, it rapidly overcame her, and she was gone in a matter of hours.  We had weathered the pandemic together and were just emerging from it when she was suddenly gone.  

I mourn her absence everyday.  My gentle, tender girl — who slept by my side, rode in the car, roamed the beaches of Michigan and rocky coast of Maine with me and shared every up and down with equal aplomb for so long.  My sweetest dog, with the most silky, soft ears on earth.

I feel your absence so keenly, my darling. I mourn the loss of our routine and easy companionship. I feel the void left by my faithful friend. I miss you my sweet girl, and will see you on the other side one day.

For surely, there are all of our dogs in heaven…..

Gracie May: 2007-2021

Wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day...

One of Maine's most famous and beloved writers, E. B. White, wrote the following reply to a Mr. Nadeau, who sought White’s opinion on what he saw as a bleak future for the human race. 

It holds up rather well, I do believe...

North Brooklin, Maine
30 March 1973

Dear Mr. Nadeau:
As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.
Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society—things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.
Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day. 

Sincerely,
[Signed, ‘E. B. White’]

"P" is for Puzzles!

Who would have guessed that puzzles would become our top selling item in the month of March?  We've been fans of them here at Clever Girl for a long time--but with the world situation such as it is,  puzzles are a bonafide hit.  

  

It seems we're not alone in our puzzle love.  Here's an interesting clip from CBS Sunday Morning... 

And some excellent advise from the ever-entertaining Conan O'Brian...

We are trying to keep up with demand for our puzzles here at the store.  You can order online, and we have free local delivery.  Click HERE for the link.  Unfortunately, many of our suppliers are running low on inventory, or unable to ship, so at some point we will run out--please don't delay if you're needing some old school entertainment in these days of quarantine.  

Know that we miss all of our wonderful customers, hope that you are safe, and can't wait to see you all again very soon!

Best of the Best.....to Watch

Greetings fellow Clever Girls.  I want to share this wonderful site, Willow and Thatch,  with all of you, as I'm so excited to have discovered it....  

As you probably know, Downtown Abbey, the movie is now playing.  For those of us that were entranced with the series on television, this is indeed a treat to once again see the Crawley family in action, and all of the intrigue that surrounds them.  Having seen the new film, I can tell you it doesn't disappoint.  The costumes, characters, beautiful musical score and depiction of life in a simpler time are all still there.  Things pick up just as they were, and, at the end, I was left wanting more.  (I think the door is clearly open--wide open--for sequels.)  Hence the thrill of finding the blog, Willow and Thatch!  

For those of us who can not get enough of all things period drama, this is indeed a treasure trove of a website.  As they describe the site, "Willow and Thatch loves period dramas from the Georgian/Regency, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and beyond. We write reviews about the best historical and costume dramas, share news about what's coming to your favorite streaming services, and through our articles and The Willow and Thatch Period Films List, offer recommendations of what to watch."

Even thought I have 100's of channels,and Netflix, and YouTube and on and on, often I don't find anything of quality to watch.  But now, happily, I have a HUGE list of previously unknown gems to view.  AND just look at the line up of things to come!

There is a new version of Emma on the way....

An excellent sounding new mystery, Vienna Blood....

Christmas 2019 will be bringing Meryl Streep in a new version of  Little Women.

The Singapore Grip is both a love story and a war story--an epic new period series set during World War Two.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is also coming soon. Set in Chicago, the Gilded Age drama centers on the true story of two men, who meet at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair – Daniel H. Burnham, the fair’s architect, and Dr. H.H. Holmes, an evil pharmacist, who is Americas first documented serial killer.

And,  then, there is Sandition to look forward to in the bleak of our coming January winter.  Jane Austen's last work is a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town.   

I discovered all of this via Willow and Thatch.  Do look over their site--It's full of the promising distractions that we all love to see...

Salty Talk...

As the days close in, and the evenings begin to have a bit of chill, setting the table inside, once again becomes a special ritual.  My grandmother always changed out her light summer linens and place settings on October first in favor of her more formal settings, the big silver candelabras, and  she put out the pretty crystal salt cellars.  The candlelight made the salts twinkle like little jewels on the table; and I always was excited when she asked me to fill them before dinner.  

Have you seen our selection of vintage salt cellars?  We have a large case filled with a terrific selection.  Some are sold as sets, while others are fun to mix-and-match.  They add so much to a luncheon or dinner table setting and make a clever and memorable hostess gift.  Add one of our containers of delicious, French salts, and you've got a truly lovely gift that will be long remembered.

Keep these in mind for engagement, anniversary or weddings gifts.  What a lovely tradition to begin a collection for someone special and add a few for each holiday.  I keep an odd little one on the window above my sink to hold my rings when I'm cooking--another great idea for these lovely little dishes....

For more on the history of salt cellars, CLICK HERE for a video from Martha Stewart--very interesting!

W is for Water

Freshly delivered to the kitchen department at Clever Girl....a new book that will inspire you to infuse your water and put a little magic in your glass. Infused Water: 50 Simple, Gorgeous Drinks for Ultimate Hydration and Health, will give you some delicious direction.

Everyone knows we should drink more water – sales of reusable water bottles have soared as we seek to cut down on our plastic and maintain maximum hydration. But it hasn't been the most inspiring of drinks – until now.

Infused Waters offers 50 beautiful, healthy drinks that will help you get through the day's challenges. With chapters on fruit infusions, herbal waters, and spicier blends, you'll find ways of adding a little vitamin C to your office bottle, and floral fragrance to the dullest of drinks.

As summer fades into fall, the dryer indoor air becomes the enemy of hydration.  Forced air and winter winds can make our skin dry and parched.  This new book is filled with lovely recipes for hot and cold water infusions - simple ways to jazz up your normal glass of water and help keep you hydrated.

There are some lovely ideas that also look (and taste) amazing in big jugs - perfect for entertaining. And some soothing, hot recipes too.

Defiantly an excellent book to keep on hand for inspiration and filled with great information!

Floral Libations...

Look at the lovely new book we've just gotten in!  I just LOVE this!!!  Isn't the cover so pretty?!?

Right on time for summer sipping, we've got a new spin on cocktails for the season.  This beautiful little book is as fun to read as it is to mix from.  Cassie Winslow has put together an inspiring book, indeed.  Click here: http://bit.ly/2GBH2fM to listen to an interview she did all about using florals in cocktails.  The photos are stunning as well...

Recipes include:
• Iced Lavender Café au Lait 
• Rose Petal Almond Milk
• Dandelion Tea Cinnamon Cappuccino 
• Hibiscus Old Fashioned
• Plum Rosewater Gin and Tonic 
• Orange Blossom Moscow Mule

Defiantly keep this on hand as a go-to gift.  Add a bottle or two of some special liquors, and you've got the perfect gift for a lake-house hostess gift.  

Mother's Day Gift Guide...

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12!  Here are a few of my favorite Clever Girl things...

A box of hand decorated stationary...

Lovely Gift Enclosure cards with a garden theme...

Floral Libations, an absolutely beautiful book...

Jardin Tea Gift Set in keepsake box...

A fresh floral top or scarf...

Floral Jewelry for a pop of color...

P is for Picasso...

This is such a fun time of year as new merchandise really starts flooding in the door.  Here is just one of my favorite new things this week.  

Other than dots and stick figures, I have exactly "zero" talent for drawing, and have always been envious of those who can translate what's in their head onto paper.  These darling new paint by number kits are just the ticket for the art impaired.  Each tube contains a printed canvas, paints, brushes and a guide for painting.  When you're done, you have a delightful, professional looking floral painting.  I'm going to hunt around for a vintage frame to put around mine...   

There are several kits to chose from, all very pretty  florals.  They come packaged in a clever tube and contain everything you need for the project--I love that you don't have to scramble around for anything.  Wouldn't this make a thoughtful hostess gift for someone?  Or get several and make the painting part of a girls weekend where everybody gets to take home a masterpiece as well as the memories of doing them together.  

Stop in to see the kits in person, or shop online and we can send some right out to you.  Whichever one you chose, don't for get to sign your name when you finish...

Wintertime, Fireside...

As you surely know, we are huge fans of the Nest Fragrances line around here.  We have one of these extraordinary candles burning each and every day at Clever Girl, and I light one every evening at home.  

In my opinion, nothing is better on these dreary, damp, January evenings, than the Hearth Candle.  The fragrance is soft, smoky, rich and fills a room with personality.  Think English Gentleman's private club, Downton Abby, leather chairs, hounds, pipe tobacco (just a hint) and a heavy, cut crystal tumbler filled with a deep amber colored  bourbon.  Add some jazz, a good book, and, of course a fire, and there you have it.  This is an aristocratic scent that makes cold and snowy evenings instantly restful.  

Even if you don't have an actual fireplace, Hearth will transport you fireside and make these lingering winter evenings most pleasant...I absolutely recommend you have one on-hand until the first crocus raises its lovely head.

Recipe Round-Up...

Thank you to everybody that attended our Christmas Open House.We love seeing you all and I can't believe it's been 10 years already!  We had lots of fun, food and libations.  Here's a round up of the recipes....  

Hot Pepper Cranberry Spirals

Makes 24 Spirals

Ingredients

2 sheets (1 box) puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly

2 Tablespoons fresh thyme, additional for garnish if desired

1 egg, whisked with a dash of water

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare 2 baking sheets by covering them with parchment paper.

Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a flat surface to ensure there are no tears. Gently spread 2 ounces of cream cheese evenly onto each sheet, leaving the top inch uncovered. Spread the Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly over the cream cheese and sprinkle each sheet with one tablespoon of thyme.

Brush the top inch that was left uncovered with the egg. Beginning at the bottom, roll the puff pastry sheets tightly until you have completed the roll.

Place in the refrigerator to allow it to firm up for about 30 minutes for ease with cutting. Remove and slice into 1/2” slices.

Place each slice down on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the slices have puffed and browned slightly. Garnish with additional thyme and serve warm.

Click here to shop for Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly 

Fluffy Peppermint Dip

Ingredients:
1 container (7 oz.) Marshmallow Fluff
8 oz Cream Cheese
1 tsp Peppermint Extract
¼ c Peppermints, crushed
1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Using a mixer on low combine Marshmallow Fluff, cream cheese, and peppermint extract.
Sprinkle with crushed peppermints and continue to mix until they are fully incorporated into the fluff.
Add red food coloring to create a light pink color. This is optional.
Serve with chocolate graham crackers, or your favorite dipper.




Curry Mayonnaise 





Ingredients: 
2½ Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups mayonnaise


Directions: 
Whisk together the lime juice, honey, curry powder, ginger, and garlic salt in a small bowl.  Slowly whisk the lime mixture into the mayonnaise in a medium bowl, using a fork or a flat whisk.  Be gentle so the mayonnaise doesn't "break".  Store, tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one month.  Serve with assorted, fresh vegetables.  
This is great as a base for chicken salad, on French fries,or as a dip for shrimp cocktail.


For recipes from past Clever Girl gatherings, click HERE and HERE

I read this little poem every year--and particularly love the line, "look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine". It's just how I think of opening the Christmas closet where we store the masses of vintage ornaments for my mothers absolutely fantastic feather tree.

[little tree]

BY E. E. CUMMINGS

little tree 

little silent Christmas tree 

you are so little 

you are more like a flower 

who found you in the green forest 

and were you very sorry to come away? 

see i will comfort you 

because you smell so sweetly 

i will kiss your cool bark 

and hug you safe and tight 

just as your mother would, 

only don't be afraid 

look the spangles 

that sleep all the year in a dark box 

dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine, 

the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads, 

put up your little arms 

and i'll give them all to you to hold 

every finger shall have its ring 

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy 

then when you're quite dressed 

you'll stand in the window for everyone to see 

and how they'll stare! 

oh but you'll be very proud 

and my little sister and i will take hands 

and looking up at our beautiful tree 

we'll dance and sing 

"Noel Noel" 

Isn't that lovely?  I hope you all enjoy dressing your trees as we enter into the most wonderful time of the year.  We've dressed the store with lovely spangles, ornaments, gifts and pretty things.  We're ever at the ready to help make your season more merry...

The Great American Read

Did any of you watch the PBS series, The Great American Read?  The Clever Girls here did, and we really enjoyed the mini book reports the show gave as it explored the top 100 best-loved novels that Americans chose. The Great American Read was an eight-part series that explored and celebrated the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels.  It investigated how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience. 

The television series featured entertaining and informative documentary segments, with compelling testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country. It was comprised of a two-hour launch episode in which the list of 100 books was revealed, five one-hour theme episodes that examined concepts common to groups of books on the list, and a finale, in which the results were announced of a nationwide vote to choose America’s best-loved book. 

I have read 38 of the 100, and definitely am going to revisit the list and try many more.  Surprisingly, a lot that I'm not familiar with are more contemporary works that I just never got around to reading.  Some, like Game of Thrones, Dune, and The Stand are never going to be my cup of tea,but The Book Thief, The Lovely Bones and The Joy Luck Club are going on my list. Click HERE to see the top 100, and see how many you know and love...

         

What's nice is that there are all kinds of novels on this list, from classics, to mysteries, to series.  My personal favorite came in at #4 (Pride and Prejudice) I also love Charlotte's Web, Anne of Green Gables, The Color Purple, Rebecca and The Help.  I'm surprised that Little House on the Prairie didn't make the list, along with In Cold Blood, which I found so incredible the first time I read it.  That was the first book I ever read cover to cover in a day.

I love a good list, and think this one is so interesting and comprehensive.  Most of all, I love discovering a great story. It's great to know a good book is awaiting you, isn't it? 

A happy footnote: In looking for some of the top 100 books on my shelves, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my copies of Rebecca and Gone With the Wind are both first editions--as is my volume of A Confederacy of Dunces.   And, while I have multiple copies of Jane Austen, alas, non are signed, nor even close to being first editions.....