The Finer things You Can Afford

Here is a close up of a japanese beetle.  They are very destructive and should be removed if at all possible especially because they attract more friends once given the opportunity to settle in on your roses, bushes, flowers or trees. 

Get Entertaining by Martha Stewart, the book that started it all. Even though it was written some time ago the recipes continue to be innovative and unique. Martha shares many secrets and tricks of the trade that will help you impress your guests not only with the food but with the ambiance of your party.

Arbonne products are fantastic. I use the NutriMinC® RE9 line and actually noticed a reduction in fine lines underneath my eyes after a week or two. These products are the first ones that prevented my skin from flaking during the winter months yet are not too heavy during the summer months. They also have 15 SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.

After I read The Secret I decided to try it out on something small as was suggested in the book.  I decided that I was going to win a free cup of coffee in a contest running at a local coffee shop.  I focused on it for the drive there and was a little surprised that the contest was over when I arrived.  The funny thing was that when I got to work one of my friends had brought me a cup of coffee.  I think that my intention was too specific and I realized that I don’t have to worry about how things will happen I just have to believe that they will… 

I subscribed to House Beautiful last spring after picking it up in a bookstore.  It is a fabulous publication!  There is information on all the basics, paints, wall coverings, window treatments, accessories, furniture, etc.  But there is a great deal of information from interior designers that the average person may not have access to.  There are a variety of styles represented and I always look forward to flipping through and getting my next inspiration.  There is also a column by Ina Garten (also known as The Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network).  The thing I like most is that the interior designers reveal many of their sources for where they shop for their clients and the paint tricks they use. 

Another must see gallery when visiting Niagara-on-the Lake is Ed Spera’s.  He is a very talented wildlife artist that captures every last detail.  Mr. Spera travels extensively in order to photograph animals that he recreates on canvas.  His clients buy paintings based on the pictures from his travels so check in frequently if you want something specific. 

http://www.speraart.ca/index.html

Every time we are in Niagara-on-the-Lake we stop by the Angie Strauss Gallery.  She does beautiful art work including florals (my personal favorite), landscapes, and vineyard scenes.  Ms. Strauss accepts commissions as well.  We bought a piece from her and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 

http://www.angiestrauss.com/

The Secret is both a film and a book that everyone should try to open their mind to.  Basically it can help you to focus your thoughts to bring you good things rather than bad things.  If you believe something good will happen to you and you feel the happiness that this thing or person will bring you, then it will happen.  The possibilities are endless.  This book has changed my outlook and I imagine that it will change yours as well.  You can also watch The Secret Movie.  If you decide to check it out either the book or the movie I would love to hear your thoughts on this. 

http://thesecret.tv/

The Perfect Roast Turkey by Ina Garten

http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes/3.html

 

1 fresh turkey (12 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch of fresh thyme
1 lemon, halved
3 Spanish onions
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), melted
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 red new potatoes, halved
3 heads fennel, fronds removed, cut into wedges through the core

This turkey recipe has never failed me.  I used it on the first Thanksgiving I ever hosted and everything went quite well.  Give it a try. 

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Verdure al Forno

By Giada DiLaurentiis

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 medium zucchini, (about 1 1/2 pounds) sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated fontina
1/4 cup grated Romano
1 cup plain dried bread crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

This is a wonderful recipe that I made for a birthday celebration.  Everyone loved it and could not get over that zucchini was used instead of lasagna noodles.  And we all know that zucchini tends to come all at once in the garden so this is a good way to use it up.  Enjoy!

Le Creuset 10.75×8.5-in. Glazed Rectangular Deep Dish Baker, White If you’re throwing a dinner party or cooking for a large family, it’s time to get your hands on some baking pieces with greater capacity! Made of stoneware, this 10.75-in. non-porous enameled large Rectangular Baker can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator and freezer allowing you to prepare, bake, serve and store in the same piece. The easy grip rim on all sides of the piece allows you to comfortably lift and carry it from the oven to the table, no matter how heavy your dish is.