Buy Flowers For Less

I love flowers.  And now that Spring is … well … in full bloom, with summer to follow, fresh flowers are a no brainer way of bringing beauty, elegance and nature into your home … or showing someone you care.  I rarely cross paths with anyone, male or female, who doesn't appreciate flowers.  But depending on where you buy them, flowers can be expensive.

Here are some ways of finding nature's perfect brilliance without spending a fortune:

1.  Always buy flowers that are in season … and be flexible.  You don't have to buy the rarest and most expensive, or even a great quantity.  A few flowers will look beautiful by tying them together with a bright ribbon.  You know pretty when you see it.  Buy what you like, but can afford.

2.  Select short stems over long steamed roses.  People usually cut long stems before placing roses in a vase anyway, so why pay for inches of stem that end up in the garbage?  Roses are beautiful both ways, but short steams are cheaper.

3.  Shop outside of a florist:  My friends don't care how much I spend on flowers, it's the effect – the thought and how they are presented that counts.  Many grocery stores, Home Depots and Targets have entire flower departments, where you can get beautiful arrangements for $7 - $30.  I find bouquets and potted plants at Home Depot and Food Emporium that are so lovely you'd never know they didn't come from a florist.

4.  When buying for a friend or relative, deliver the flowers yourself.  Flowers make wonderful hostess gifts, and supermarkets will even deliver for a small charge if you can't hand them to the recipient in person.  But if possible, don't you want to see the look on someone's face when they open the door and see their bouquet or arrangement?  I realize I'm doing it for someone else, but I don't want to miss out on the fun.  It's such a joy to make someone happy when they have no reason to expect it!  Surprise!  Gotcha!!

5.  Herbs and spices are a cheap and healthy way to decorate your home.  Instead of plants you can't eat, consider a window-box herb garden.  Not only are they green and beautiful, they are easy to grow.

6.  Buy aromatherapeutic flowers like lavender and eucalyptus plants that can be dried. Each smells divine, looks fantastic and lasts a long time, so you really get your money's worth.  I purchased a wicker ring at a dollar store, wrapped eucalyptus leaves around it and decorated my wreath with the blossoms of tiny silk roses, baby's breadth and sunflowers.  It makes my home smell so clean, and I love it!  (So does my neighbor.)  I don't think of myself as crafty, but I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted to hang on a wall and tried it.  I needed 4 bunches of eucalyptus, 3 twigs of different colored, silk flowers and the circle.  My total cost: $25.00.

Now it's your turn.  With a little ingenuity and knowing places to shop, you can enjoy beautiful flowers at very affordable prices.

Extra tip: I once attended a wedding reception where the table centerpieces were small clay pots of African violets, which guests were encouraged to take home.  It was simple, charming and probably saved the bride's family a bundle.

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Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the world. It always occurs on the first Saturday in May. This year will be the 137th run for the roses, which takes place at historic Churchill Downs in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky.

I was lucky when I attended The Derby.  Not only did I pick the Derby winner, along with a “win,”“place” or “show” horse [one ticket: the horse has to come in 1, 2, or 3 to win], my friends and I chose a spot in the infield to stand, that turned out to be only a few yards away from a direct, eye-level-view of the starting gate.  After the horses are (loaded into the gates and) off, the gates are pulled away and that area on the racetrack becomes the finish line!  So we saw the most meaningful and exciting parts of the race up close.  I watched my horses come in first and third, and we did a lot of jumping up and down ourselves.  It was also beginner's luck, and I haven't bet on 3-year old thoroughbreds since, other than drawing names out of a hat.  Since I'm not a gambler, I'd hate to mar my horse racing, winning streak.

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions that add to the joyful exuberance of the race, itself.  Some are very practical.  You must wear a big hat to cover your head at Churchill Downs, or else you'll sizzle like a walking-talking piece of bacon in the hot sun.

An icy Mint Julep is THE drink to quench your thirst at The Derby.  Here's how to make an authentic one:

Ingredients for each serving:

5 fresh mint sprigs

2 teaspoons fine sugar

About 2 tablespoons water

2 ounces good Kentucky bourbon [guidance]

Crushed Ice

Directions:

1. Rub the mint leaves with your fingers and drop into a silver Mint Julep Cup.  (Or use a glass tumbler.)

2. Crush the mint leaves at the bottom of the cup with a spoon.

3. Add 2 teaspoons fine sugar

4. Add about 2 tablespoons water and stir.

5. Add 2 ounces bourbon.  Stir.

6. Overfill the cup with crushed ice -- over the top snow cone-style.  If you use a silver cup, it will frost on the outside.

7. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
 

The Kentucky Derby is, indeed, the most exciting two minutes in sports.  If you can't make it to Louisville this year, you can still throw a great Derby Party with all the traditions and food.  Don't even think of serving your guests bourbon, without feeding them a hearty meal.  Deviled eggs, country ham, Hot Browns (open-face turkey with Mornay sauce) and Derby Pie (chocolate and pecans) are customary … and scrumptious!

You can also make a huge pot of Kentucky Burgoo and cornbread.  Here's how:

Ingredients:

1 chicken, 3 to 4 pounds

1 ½ pounds chuck roast beef cubes

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 ½ teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

½  teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (about 28-32 ounces) tomato puree

6 medium potatoes

2 large onions, chopped

4 stocks celery, chopped

1 medium head cabbage, finely chopped

2 28 ounce cans tomatoes

2 16 ounce bags frozen corn

1 pound fresh carrots, sliced

1 cup fresh sliced okra 
*16 ounces green beans

16 ounces lima beans

2 bell peppers, red and green, finely chopped

Salt to taste, begin with 1 tablespoon

1/4 to 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

Optional: 2 cups red wine

Other spices to taste: Garlic, cilantro, parsley, red pepper flakes, etc.

Optional:  Some folks use ham hocks, lamb and/or rabbit in this dish.  I do not.

Directions:

1) Stew the meat, beef broth and water in a stockpot for one hour.

2) Remove from the stove, reserve the liquid, but remove the skin, fat and bones from the meats.

3) Shred the meat and return it to the pot.

4) Add the vegetables, spices and other liquids.

5) Simmer on low heat for 4 hours.

Watch The Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7th on NBC.  Post time is about 6:30 pm, right after the University of Louisville band plays and people sing, “My Old Kentucky Home.”  No need to stand in your living room for the state song ... unless you wish to show your Derby spirit.🌹

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Chocolate Biscuit Cake (Prince William's Favorite)

Just like two billion people all over the world, I watched much of the royal wedding today.  I loved it.  It was a perfect ceremony.  Breathtaking dress.  Stunning diamond earrings ["new" from her parents].  Elegant tiara ["borrowed" from the Queen].  And that was just the bride.

William and Catherine seem lovely; Harry, a fun-loving and likable best man.  Nice in-laws too.  Now, if only the press will leave them alone for a while.

Here's the recipe for Prince William's groom's cake, which we can easily make at home:

Didn't get invited to the wedding?  Eat the cake.

Chocolate Biscuit Cake

(recipe by Darren McGrady, the royal chef)

Ingredients

½ teaspoon butter , for greasing
8 ounces rich tea biscuits

4 ounces unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces granulated sugar

4 ounces dark chocolate, for the cake

1 egg

8 ounces dark chocolate, for coating

1 ounce dark chocolate, for decorating

Directions

1. Lightly butter a 6" by 2 ½ " cake ring and and place on a tray with a sheet of parchment paper

2. Break the tea biscuits into ½ inch pieces by hand and set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until the mixture starts to lighten.

4. Melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate and add to the butter mixture while constantly stirring.

5. Beat the egg into the mixture.

6. Fold in the biscuit pieces until they are coated with the chocolate mixture.

6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake ring. Be sure to fill all of the gaps on the bottom of the ring because this will be the top when it is done.

7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

Next decorate: 

1) Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it stand while you melt 8 ounces of dark chocolate.

2) Slide the ring off the cake and turn it upside down onto a cake wire.

3) Pour melted chocolate over the cake and smooth the top and sides with a knife.

4) Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature.

5) Carefully run a knife around the bottom of the cake where the chocolate has stuck it to the cake wire and lift it onto a tea plate.

6) Melt the remaining 1 ounce of chocolate and use to decorate the top of the cake.

Makes 8 - 10 servings.

Click here for Wedding photos in big, beautiful digital color.  To watch it on YouTube, go here.  I don't believe in fairy tales.  But with wealth, privilege and supportive families, if this couple can't be happy, who can?  They seem right for each other.


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The Voice Premieres On NBC

A new reality show is about to hit the airwaves tonight.  The Voice, a singing competition, looks promising ... and for all the right reasons.  It's based on talent.

Allow me to digress momentarily:  Most reality shows are dreadful.  Just as processed foods are food-like substances, a show such as Kate Plus 8 is a show-like substance.  I have zero interest in it, or in pseudo-celebrities like Kate Gosselin.  She seems perfectly nice, but I don't need to know about her life.  When I see her being interviewed on The Today Show, I use that time to blow-dry my hair.

I am amazed by how much time legitimate journalists spend on scandals and meaningless news.  Everyday a barely recognizable name is speaking out about fluff.  Fine.  But why are Meredith and Matt and Barbara interviewing them?

It's not like we're short of issues that could be examined on the air.  Aren't we wondering how to extricate ourselves from a war in Iraq?  What about the popular uprisings against tyranny in the Middle East?  What's going on with that oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico?  Oh, and how are the Tea Partiers faring in Congress?  Has anybody on Capitol Hill solved our economic woes yet?

Now back to The Voice.  Of course, not everything on the small screen has to be hardcore.  There are times when we watch television for the pure joy of it.  Entertainment has its place, and we need it to unwind.  But please, no more banal show-like substances.  Personally, I'm a sucker for shows that provide spotlights for someone with a God-given talent to be discovered.  Even after years of hard work, it's an uphill battle for any singer to get a lucky break.  And it's exciting when a gorgeous, but totally unknown voice, steps up to a mike and SHINES!  That's the kind of reality show I want to watch.

On The Voice, the singers will do their auditions blind and be judged solely on their voice.  Nice.  The Voice will have four “coaches” all currently successful in the music industry, namely: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton.  The music pros will mentor the amateurs through all the phases of the competition until America selects a winner.  If the show lives up to it's potential, everyone wins.  Viewers get a show featuring real talent and the best performance.  And the contestants will have a chance to gain experience and confidence in front of a national audience.  I like the concept.  Let's hope America, along with a few TV execs, take notice.  We need a reality with beautiful voices, genuine talent and a few goosebumps. Hosted by Carson Daily, tune in tonight at 9pm for the two-hour premiere.

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It's Easter Sunday

The custom of giving eggs began as a pagan practice, but was adopted by early Christians.  Easter eggs are used as symbols of new life, the arrival of spring and the resurrection of Jesus.  Plus, kids love dyeing them.

Michelangelo's Pieta, which depicts the body of Jesus on his mother's lap after the Crucifixion, is poignant, equally human and divine.  Easter remembers this, but more importantly, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus -- a miracle in the Christian faith -- showing how it is possible for good to conquer evil and life to overcome death.

Happy Easter Everyone!  Enjoy your Easter egg hunt, basket of treats and family dinner. And take a moment to remember ...

Life is good.

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Booking Cheap Airfares Like A Pro

With the sun peeking out, is it time to book your summer getaway?  Pauline Frommer, a budget travel writer (and daughter of Arthur Frommer) thinks it's the perfect time for June.  As for July or August, you should watch and wait.  Her tips for finding the best airfares include:

1) Book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the lowest fares.

2) Include a Saturday night stay for the best deals.  Business travelers don't want to stay the extra night.  Airlines know this, and charge accordingly.

3) To get the cheapest fares, book from 24 days up to 2 months in advanced.  If you book too far in advanced, for example, 10 months before a trip, you are less likely to get a discount.

4) Avoid booking on weekends.  Prices can be slightly higher, and since decision-makers are off, fares rarely drop on Saturdays and Sundays.

5) Some hotels will reimburse your “checked baggage fees,” so remember to ask.

6) You pay an extra $25 for booking over the phone, therefore go online to save $25, instantly.

7) Usually you get lower fares by booking on aggregator sites versus the individual websites of airlines, or 3rd parties.  Aggregator sites search for cheap fares on multiple travel sites simultaneously -- including airline and third party sites -- without charging booking fees.

Travel experts stress:  Compare several aggregator sites for deals.  And be persistent.  Check back often for drops in ticket prices.

Here is a consensus of reliable aggregator sites to check.  The following 3 appear on everybody's list:

Kayak

Mobissimo

Bookingbuddy

Other websites give you great budget travel advice:

Bing Travel – Tries to predict the best time to book airline tickets.

Trip Advisor – Is user-generated content; fellow travelers post information and reviews.

Pauline Frommer's “Spend, less, see more”page – Is an overview of helpful hints.

Armed with tips from the pros and the ease of the internet, you can book your flight and still have money left to spend on vacation.


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What I Like About Mad Men And The 60s

I enjoy watching Mad Men and wish its season ran longer.  It's interesting how few of the other characters know anything about Don Draper, the show's lead ... and how the themes of identity and trust run through the series.

Another aspect of the show I like is, it takes place in the 1960s, a time when Camelot and excellence were admired.  Celebrities and successful people rarely left home without looking glamorous.  Everybody dressed up for an outing, and most tried to be on their best behavior.  Airing your dirty laundry in public was scandalous, not rewarded.

At the time, there were no reality stars.  Entertainers were famous for their talents, not their antics; and one was distinct from another.  Not only were Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante and Elizabeth Taylor at the top of their game, but they were all one-of-a-kind.  When you think about other actors, singers and comedians of the era, no two were alike.

 As much as appearances mattered back in the 60s, there was an authenticity about it, that also runs through the fictional television show.  And ignorance was bliss.  Wouldn't we all like to drink and smoke like the characters do on the show and not think anything of it? Oh, go ahead, admit it ... flicking ashes off of a cigarette, with experienced fingers, looks debonair and grown-up.  Mad Men's fifth season is set to premiere on AMC in March, 2012, but that's a longtime to wait.

 Meanwhile, let's salute the show with a Mad Men-like drink, a whisky sour … in moderation of course ... since we don't live in the 60s anymore:

Whiskey Sour

2 ounces bourbon (whiskey)

½ oz fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon sugar

1 cherry

½ lemon slice

Directions:  Put all ingredients in mixing glass and add ice cubes. Strain into highball glass. Add lemon slice and cherry to garnish.


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Cooking Tagines In A Tagine

Recently I walked into Williams-Sonoma and was intrigued by a Tunisian tagine.  It's the name of a hand-painted and glazed terra-cotta pot, as well as, the spicy dishes that are slowly simmered in it.  Tagines are at the heart of Moroccan cooking and are characterized by their rich, complex sauces.

The clay pot has two parts, a flat, circular base and a dome-shaped cover that fits inside the base during cooking.  When placed in an oven, the top is designed to return all the juices to the bottom, continually basting the food to moisten and tenderize it, intensifying its favors.  You end up with a hearty medley of meat, vegetables and savory tastes.  Comfort food, North African style!

In addition to traditional Moroccan stews [recipes here], you can use a tagine to prepare seriously, succulent beef shot ribs.  The tagine can be used on a stovetop with a heat diffuser.  Here's a mouthwatering recipe from William-Sonoma:

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

3 tablespoon olive oil

3 ¾ pounds bone-in beef short ribs (6-8 pieces)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 celery stalk, diced

2 carrots, diced

¾ cup finely diced shallot

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 tablespoon tomato paste

¾ teaspoon crushed Aleppo chili

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

½ cup beef broth

¾ cup red wine

Mashed potatoes for serving

1)  Soak the tagine according to manufacturer's instructions.  Place the tagine on a diffuser over medium-high heat; warm 1 tablespoon oil.  Season the ribs with salt and pepper.  Dredge in flour; shake off excess.  Brown half of the ribs on all sides, about 10 minutes total; transfer to a plate.  Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and the rest of the ribs.

2)  Reduce heat to medium; warm 1 tablespoon oil.  Cook the celery, carrots and shallot for 7-8 minutes.  Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.  Add the Aleppo chili, thyme, broth, wine, salt and pepper; bring to simmer.  Return the ribs to the tagine.  Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, turning ribs occasionally, until tender, about 4 ½-5 hours.  Makes 4 servings.

Now the base becomes a platter.  Serve with mashed potatoes, a bold Grenache and enjoy!

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