The Finer things You Can Afford

Last year we visited Kennebunkport, Maine for a family vacation.  We visited a few art galleries to find just the right memento for our visit there.  We ended up at the Morris Trainor Art Gallery in Kennebunkport and found a lovely original watercolor by Bob Arsenault.  It is very different because it portrays the sea at night with dark blues and purples – and a full moon.  The gallery staff were very knowledgeable and helpful and the painting was shipped to our home.   

While on a walk one evening, I spotted a beautiful lamp illuminating the window of a local antique shop.  I was concerned that it would be too expensive so I tried to put it out of my mind.  But that was useless because I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I decided to go in and inquire about it.  Not only was it only $55, I got another 30% off.  The lesson here is to not assume that something is out of your reach and you should always gather information when you instantly fall in love with something.  So get out there and find your next take your breath away shopping moment. 

I recently received my copy of Point of View by Bunny Williams. She is a talented interior designer from New York with impeccable taste. Ms. Williams has shared many tips that one normally needs to hire a professional in order to learn. The photographs are gorgeous and give a great deal of inspiration. There is information on floor plans, furniture, use of color, lighting, layering accessories, window treatments or lack thereof, fabrics, bathrooms, kitchens. Ms. Williams also shares some things and places that have inspired her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a home particularly if they are planning to remodel, building a new home, or simply want to re-arrange or re-style a room.

Colin Cowie is a well known lifestyle expert. I just got his book Chic and it was worth every penny. There is information on living a great life and taking time to appreciate your life. An important message of Mr. Cowie’s is to use your fine china and stemware or anything else that you truly love as often as possible. I agree that life is too short to leave all those beautiful things sitting on a shelf collecting dust. This book contains information on entertaining, setting up your home, organizing your kitchen, decorating, recipes, hosting guests, travel. There are also lists on must have items for your kitchen etc. This book is well written and it appeals to both people of all ages. 

(Both mixtures should be ground in the food processor before adding to dough)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients gradually, beating just until blended. Add the nuts/chocolate chip mixture and mix by hand until they are just incorporated.
4. Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper. The dough is very sticky. Spray your hands with cooking spray and divide the dough in half and place it on the cookie sheet. Make 2 logs about 14 inches long and 1 ½ to 2 inches wide. Shape the logs using saran wrap so the dough does not stick to your hands. Put parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easier clean up.
5. Bake until the logs are firm to the touch and lightly colored, about 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and cut with a serrated knife on an angle into ¾ inch slices. Place the slices on an unlined baking sheet, cut side down, and bake until lightly colored and dry 15 to 20 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

 Click the link below for a supplier for Macadamia nuts online. 

http://eclecticgrocer.com/nuts.html

Cuisinart 15 x 10 x 1-in. Chef’s Classic Nonstick Baking SheetThis 15-in. baking sheet is ideal for warming appetizers or baking cookies. The rolled sides prevent food from sliding off when removing from the oven. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic nonstick bakeware is constructed of heavy gauge aluminized steel to provide even heat distribution and consistent baking results. The nonstick interior and exterior ensure easy food release and cleanup, and extra-thick rolled edges prevent warping. Cuisinart quality promises you a lifetime of great performance, whatever the baking task!

Cuisinart Non Stick Parchment PaperNon Stick Parchment Paper

Olive oil based skin care products are great.  They provide needed moisture but don’t leave your skin feeling oily.  Buyer beware because all olive oil skin care products are not created equally.  Check out the link below for low prices on a high quality olive oil based skin care line. 

http://eclecticgrocer.com/olive-oil-based-skin-care.html

I recently tried the famed Kona Coffee, and it was fabulous!  It has such a smooth finish and distinct taste.  You should get it whole bean and grind it yourself just prior to brewing it.  It adds a couple minutes to the morning coffee routine, but you will find that it is worth the time.  Check out the link below for an online source for Kona Coffee. 

http://eclecticgrocer.com/kona-coffee.html

I recently ordered a Romertopf clay baker and am enjoying it.  The food is very healthy because I don’t need to add oils or butter to the food.  I have made roasted vegetables and a pork roast and they both came out great.  I highly recommend this product.  Check out the link below to learn more about it. 

http://eclecticgrocer.com/clay-bakeware.html

Everyone has heard of Kobe beef, but many of us think that it is out of our reach and are certainly not finding it at the local market. There are actually some great prices for Kobe Beef online. Many American ranchers have begun to cross Wagyu cattle with American breeds, which makes the beef less expensive and more palatable for Americans. Kobe Beef from Japan is so heavily marbled and rich that you can only consume a few ounces at a time. Click the link below to visit a site that sells American Kobe Beef.

http://eclecticgrocer.com/”></a

When we entertain you must take into account how the food will taste, but don’t forget to present it beautifully.  Sometimes the right serving dish can dress up even the simplest of things.  A cheese platter can be stunning with the right serving plate or cheese board.  Whether it be appetizers or the main course, invest in serving platters and serving bowls.  Your guests will undoubtedly be impressed. 

Click below to shop for serving options.