When buying an item or gift at the mall, always ask for a gift receipt. If you have one, retailers may be more lenient when you decide to return your purchase. With a regular slip, you often have 30 days to take good back, but stores often accept a gift receipt for up to 60 days.
Help retail returns go smoothly
July 27th, 2010Need to cool off
July 26th, 2010
How about a Minty Honeydew Limeade?
Bring 1 cup each sugar and water, the zest of 2 limes and 1/3 cup mint leaves to a boil, stirring. Let cool; strain. Puree 2 cups chopped honeydew in blender. Strain. Puree 2 cups chopped honeydew in blender. Stir together honeydew puree, 1 cup fresh lime juice, lime-mint syrup and 3 cups cold water. Chill 2 hours. Enjoy
What a tasy melon drink
July 25th, 2010
Summer Breeze
How about some Melon Breeze?
In a blender, mix 2 cups chopped ripe cantaloupe, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup orange juice and 3 cups ice. Blend well, adding more orange juice or water to thin, if desired. Serve immediately.
Then there’s the bridemaids’ gifts
July 24th, 2010
- Spa Treatments
Today’s top 10 bridesmaids’ gifts:
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bold coctail rings-major bling for minor bucks
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mini camcorders-cute, and your’re sure to get at least one great take of the first dance.
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statment cuffs,-perfect for sleeveless dresses
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spa treatments-who doesn’t crave a massage?
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clutches-this year’s chicest accessory
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pashminas-the kindest gift for those going strapless in Seattle
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personalized jewelry-a symbol or an initial add meaning
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ballet flats-practicality meet style
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long pendant necklaces-2010′s pitch-perfect bauble
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gift card-the ultimate custom present
First comes love. Then comes
July 23rd, 2010
Daisy Wedding Cake
a cushion-cut diamond ring. Next; a vintage-themed wedding with a fried-chicken station. A wedding may be one of humankind’s oldest traditions, but the ingredients reflect the world we live in today. Here’s todays top in cake flavors;
- pound cake with peach mousse
- red velvet cake
- dark chocolate cake
- almond cake with Bavarian cream filling
- spice cake with orange buttercream filling
- hummingbird cake (banana, pineapple, pecans) with cream cheese filling
- carrot cake with lemon filling
- grasshopper cake (mint and Oreos)
- Key-lime cake
- Banana-buttermilk cake with peanut butter filling
Need a Cool Drink
July 22nd, 2010How about a Strawberry Slushy?
- In a blender, combine a 1 lb bag defrosted frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar and 3 cups ice. Blend well and serve immediately. Garnish with melon balls, if desired.
Eifle Tower Birthday Cake
July 21st, 2010
Isabella's Eifle Tower Birthday Cake
finishing cake on hot day
I had so much fun making this Eiffel Tower. It was a late order, so ended up finishing it in the refrig. 83 degrees outside with 75% humity, no air conditioning.
How do I get dough off my hands quickly
July 20th, 2010
Kneading dough for pies or biscuits is fun, but getting it off you hands when you’re finished can be a chore. To speed it up, rub your hands with cornmeal and give them a brief rinse. The dough will come right off.
Baker’s secret to perfect pound cake
July 15th, 2010Want a perfect pound cake?
To prevent a dense dessert, leave your butter out to soften for just 30 minutes instead of the standar 2 hours. The “cool room temperature” butter (about 60 degrees F) will aerate more readily than fully softened butter (about 70 degrees F) to produce a light fluffy batter.
Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
July 14th, 2010
“What do I get my bridesmaids?”
If you had been pondering this question, here are just a few ideas:
- Spa certificates: or plan a trip to the spa, and treat everyone to a massage. Your “maids” will appreciate the special pampering.
- Personalized picture frames: Including an individal photo of you with each bridesmaid in their frame.
- Jewelry: Maybe something to wear at the wedding, choosing something they will wear again.
- Monogrammed totes: A fun canvas bag and fill it with several of the items they will need the day of the wedding. i.e. hand cream, clear nail polish, hankie, kleenex, mints, etc. (for more ideas of bag inserts, check out my website under bride’s room emergency list)