pleasure in simple things

you scream, i scream

July 12, 2013

We have been making a lot of homemade ice cream at my house this year with our old hand crank ice cream maker…the last batch was my favorite…Turkish cherries and dark chocolate in a country vanilla base. Yum! So, I haven’t really been motivated to visit my favorite ice cream shop. But, this week I did end up going for ice cream, just not to my usual spot.

One of my friends had never visited The Creamery at Ferris Acres Farm in Newtown, so I took it upon myself to introduce her to The Creamery and I am sharing the visit with you on today’s Friday field trip .

Ferris Acres is the last working diary farm in Fairfield County and it certainly is a beautiful location to enjoy some good quality ice cream. Something about a farm and cows just seems to make the ice cream taste all that much better. And, flavors? Yeah, they got ’em…the flavors in these photos are not even the complete list of offerings…

I really enjoy a creative name for an ice cream flavor…it’s almost as good as a great nail polish color name or paint color name. They have a few good ones, don’t you think? I had a scoop of coconut chocolate chunk…not one of the more creative names on the list, but a delicious ice cream!

I also had a scoop of Salty Cow…delicious!

As you can see, my friend certainly made her first visit count…waffle cone and all! I have a strong feeling she will be back for a visit!

How could I resist snapping a photo of this happy customer..yes, life is good with an ice cream cone in hand on a hot day!

Can’t imagine why this customer didn’t convince his parents to take the “The Creamery Challenge!”

Hope you enjoyed our visit to Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown, Connecticut…if you find yourself in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Sugar Street! Yes, that is the name of the street!

Have a really great weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper.

7 comments

beachy shower gift

July 9, 2013

Need a gift idea for a bridal shower?

On previous posts we shared creating a beach themed gift wrap, beach theme decorations, and a beach themed shell tote bag tie-on.Since I have gotten some emails asking what was actually inside the tote bag gift, today I am sharing a beach themed gift idea for a bridal shower.

This year, my go-to bridal shower gift was his and her beach towels.A nice beach towel is a necessity for all beach lovers and a natural gift choice for a summer shower!I chose some really large, bright striped, heavyweight matching beach towels and had them monogrammed ‘MR.’ and ‘MRS.’ So cute!A great item to pack for a honeymoon. :)

(I love monogrammed towels – I always had my kids’ towels monogrammed with their names to hang in the ‘kids’ bathroom; avoiding any question of towel ownership!Even a college student can appreciate a way to help safeguard a towel that may be left in a laundry or shower room.Note:Monogramming a small child’s name on a beach towel for use on a public beach is not recommended! )

You can package the towels in a beach tote or basket.Try to include items special or unique to the couple…maybe something symbolic to where they met or a special interest.The couple receiving this gift tote were wine lovers… so a bottle of wine, acrylic wine glasses, and cocktail napkins were included in the tote.Of course, the bottle of wine tucked inside needed to fit the theme!Also, a holiday ornament inscribed with the town where the couple met was tucked into one of the glasses.

A gift tag attached to the pull of the tote was made using an old beach photo of the groom’s mom that was photocopied onto a piece of cardstock.

Personalizing your gift for the couple is the fun part!If you don’t know the couple very well, you can usually get a good sense of their interests and color preferences by reviewing their gift registries.

I hope this bridal shower gift idea will inspire you to create a gift tote to give to a special couple in your life.

Thanks for visiting, Jackie

Sharing at The Shabby Nest and Craftberry Bush.

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making candles in the sand

July 5, 2013

For a long time I have wanted to make a sand candle like the ones I made as a kid. Recently I came across a rock I painted back in junior high school and it got me thinking once again about making a sand candle. So, today’s Friday field trip is a nostalgic trip back to my childhood to make some sand candles.

Back in junior high, our candle making was very basic – we melted candle wax in a tin can over a hot plate. Rather than spoil the nostalgia, I decided to make my sand candle from memory and forgo any formal candle making research.

Candle makers probably use thermometers, scents, colors and other ‘fancy’ equipment for accuracy and safety. My equipment is some wax and an old pan. I did purchase a package of votive candle wicks from the craft store that I happen to notice when I stopped in to pick up a 1 lb. block of wax. I think in junior high we just used twine dipped in wax. So, I am going a little bit ‘high tech’ with this project. ;)

To make a sand candle, sand is used as the mold for the candle. At low tide, the candle ‘mold’ is made in the sand. I made an oval shape in the sand and then poked a stick into the bottom in three places to make three ‘legs’ for the candle to stand on. It’s a very simple premise. And then, before the tide comes up again and the wax has hardened, I dig the candle out of the sand. Sand adheres to the hot wax, creating a sandy outside to the candle.

I really didn’t want to keep the wax its natural white color. Thinking a light lavender color may be pretty against the sand, I checked to see if I had a lavender crayon to add a little tint…nope. I chose a ‘sea green’ crayon from the colors I had and threw it into the pot with the wax.

I used an old pot that I keep specifically for various craft projects –like tie dyeing, or other projects where I don’t want to ruin my good pans. I melted the wax using a double boiler method, melting it slowly since I wasn’t sure about the safety of melting wax and wanted to be as cautious as possible.

Once the wax melted, I used a pot holder to carry the pot out to the mold in the sand. After I poured in the wax I needed, I poured the remaining wax into shells I found on the beach after adding wicks from the bag I had purchased.

And, that is it! The hardest part is timing the tide! If you don’t have a beach, you can certainly use this method with a bucket of sand…and then you don’t have to worry about the high tide coming in and taking your candle out to sea! ;) I was so excited about my nostalgic creations, the next day I couldn’t wait for it to get dark so I could light them!

Now that I got that out of my system, I wonder what other crafts from my past I can recreate…

Until next time…

Thanks for visiting. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at The Shabby Nest.

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seafood swag

July 2, 2013

You may already know that I am a big Plasti Dip fan from my wooden spoon tutorial. Today, I am going to show you how I used Plasti Dip to give an old set of seafood forks new life by putting a colorful plastic coating on the handles.

I was lucky enough to be the recipient of an old set of seafood forks from my friend Terry…thanks again T ;) If you don’t have a friend like mine to give you good stuff to recycle, you can head to a thrift store. The forks don’t need to match since the color you choose for the Plasti Dip will tie the set together.

I wanted my seafood fork set for eating shellfish on the beach and decided on royal blue for my Plasti Dip color. Following the directions on the ‘Make Your Own Color Kit’, I used blue and a little bit of black to mix the color I wanted.

Plasti Dip is very easy to use. You can follow my spoon tutorial if you need some instruction. In the same way that I dipped the wooden spoons, I dipped each seafood fork into the Plasti Dip. Easy!

After allowing for drying time, my forks are ready to use!

Now I have a colorful supply of seafood forks that I love! Mussels anyone?

Thanks so much for visiting!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie Be sure to ‘like’ my facebook page and follow on Instagram to share more summer photos!

Sharing at Coastal Charm.

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monthly book giveaway for july!

July 1, 2013

Congratulations to Emma from Connecticut, winner of the June giveaway book Little Princes by Conor Grennan! Emma, I know you will enjoy this wonderful read signed by the author. Now, for our July giveaway selection…

Temporary tattoos distributed by the Fairfield Library during the Fairfield University appearance of author R.J. Palacio, who’s book Wonder was chosen for Fairfield’s 2013 town read.

I don’t like vampires…or zombies…so; I am not a big reader of Young Adult fiction. Yet, every once in a while a really special book shows up in the YA category that deserves attention. Books like The Fault in Our Stars or The Book Thief come to mind. Recently, a book categorized for even younger readers – 9 to 12 year olds -was added to my list of recommended titles. This book is Wonder by R. J. Palacio, and it is a must read for all ages.

I was lucky enough to catch an appearance by the author when she was in Fairfield, Connecticut, and I am thrilled to be able to give away a copy of Wonder signed by R. J. Palacio to one of my blog readers. Just leave me a comment during the month of July to be entered into the drawing…each comment qualifies as an entry.

The book’s message? Choose kindness. Sounds simple, right? It certainly should be…and this is the sentiment illustrated beautifully in the story of a young boy with a facial deformity, named August, who mainstreams into school for the first time in fifth grade. The book starts from Auggie’s point of view, continuing on with the perspectives of others to help tell this story of friendship and acceptance.

R. J. Palacio, author of the New York Times best seller Wonder.

Inspired by her own personal experience, Ms. Palacio touches the hearts of all who read the story of young August. Put this book on your summer reading list. You will be so glad you did. And when you finish, you can let your children read it. :)

Be sure to enter to win this marvelous book!

Have a wonderful start to July! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie Instagram users, please read on… Please share your simple pleasures on Instagram! Use these word prompts for July to inspire photos to share. Be sure to tag your #pleasuregram …share today or every day! Enjoy!

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beachy bridal shower

June 28, 2013

A visit to a bridal shower is today’s Friday field trip. I am sharing some of the decorations I created for a beach themed bridal shower, hoping it may provide inspiration for some of your own party planning.

The first impression for any party is created by the invitation. So, for this party we needed something really ‘beachy.’ What better than a message in a bottle for an invite?! I created the message on my home computer and printed out copies on a color printer. The messages were rolled and inserted into glass bottles and mailed off in boxes the size of the bottles (with a little extra room to protect them with some bubble wrap).

Not only does the invitation create the mood, but gives guests the opportunity to wrap their gifts in the theme and also to dress the part!

Welcoming guests into the party also creates a great opportunity to set the mood. I used a skim board chalkboard with the future couple’s initials at the entryway to welcome guests to the party. And, don’t forget that summertime playlist…Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett need to be included!

The labels for the takeaway favors were also created on a home computer and printed on label sheets using a color printer. Inside each ‘beach pail’ were some realistic looking candy rocks, salt water taffy, and homemade decorated sugar cookies cut in the shapes of shells and fish.

Beach themed wines or frozen drinks are great for a beach themed party, but for a bridal shower, including the future bride’s favorite drink is a must! All the fixings for this guest of honor’s favorite were included at the drink bar.

This shower was held at the future groom’s parent’s house. ‘Beachy’ photos of the future groom as a child were collected and printed out in black and white on a home copier. I ripped the photos rather than cutting them to create a ragged edge. The photos were used in old jars and placed down the center of the tables.

I used a burlap runner down each table and decorated with old jars, lanterns, twine, raffia, shells, sea glass, driftwood, and rocks to set the mood.

Some of the jars were filled with sea glass and water to fill with daisies…always a great symbol of summer.

The same decor was carried through to decorate the bathrooms and the area where everyone gathered to watch the future bride open gifts – where a large white washed anchor set the tone.

“Beachyness” was included in every detail. The dessert bar included cupcakes topped with graham cracker crumb ‘sand’ and garnished with variegated chocolate shells, seahorses, and starfish that were made by the future groom’s mom.

Those are some of the decorations…I didn’t have enough space to show you every detail, but feel free to send me an email if you are having a beach themed party of your own and I would be happy to give you some more ‘beachy’ ideas ;) I hope you enjoyed today’s Friday field trip to check out the decorations at a beach themed bridal shower.

Thank you so much for visiting. Please be sure to click ‘like’ on my facebook page so you won’t miss any of my beach photos this summer. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Sending saltwater kisses, Jackie

Sharing at The Shabby Nest, Craftberry Bush, and The Tablescaper.

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essence of roses

June 25, 2013

I am working on a menu for a charity garden tour, so I have been experimenting with recipes for both sweet and savory items that utilize flower and herb components. I fell in love with the combination of the Middle Eastern flavors of rosewater and pistachios when I made a Persian Love Cake. Thinking about the flavors of that wonderful cake and still having roses in my thoughts, I decided to try and create a rosewater meringue.

I was very happy with the result and wanted to share the recipe with you. This light and airy cookie has a wonderful essence of roses…perfect for my garden tour menu!

Recipe for Rosewater Meringues

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 whites from large eggs
¼ teaspoon rosewater (you can purchase bottled rosewater…if you make your own, be sure to use organic rose petals!)
1/3 cup finely chopped unsalted natural pistachios

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Line 1 large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sift the confectioners’ sugar twice to remove all lumps and divide into two equal portions.

Put the egg whites in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until the whites hold soft peaks. Continue beating while gradually adding one portion of confectioners’ sugar. Beat until firm, glossy peaks form. Add the rosewater and mix briefly. Sift the remaining confectioners’ sugar over the meringue and gently fold in until blended.

Scoop the meringue into a large pastry bag fitting with a large star tip. Pipe swirls (about 1 ½” wide and 2″ high) about 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. (If not using a pastry bag, just drop the meringue by 2 Tablespoonfuls). Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios over the meringues.

Bake until dry and crisp, about 3 hours. Turn the oven off and let the meringues cool in the oven for 1 hour. Serve immediately or cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 week. (And since I don’t have air conditioning, I can strongly recommend from experience to store your cookies in a cool place until you are ready to serve.)

This recipe was adapted from a meringue recipe in a wonderful book called Desserts 4 Today by Abigail Johnson Dodge that contains recipes for flavorful desserts using just four ingredients.

I hope you enjoyed sharing my rosewater meringues recipe. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Timewashed and Mona’s Picturesque.

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little cakes with big attitudes

June 21, 2013

Do you like cupcakes? For the second time, a Connecticut team won the top prize on the Food Network show Cupcake Wars.

SuzieCakes of Milford won the top prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to make 1,000 cupcakes for a Hollywood inspired poker party!

The bestselling “All About Ethel” cupcake at SuzieCakes in Milford, Connecticut, winners of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.

Cousins Sue Schowerer and Darlene Delaney are the owners that create “little cakes with big attitudes” at the newly opened shop on River Street and I ~~wanted~~ needed to check it out!

After seeing the episode featuring the Connecticut store, I knew I had to feature it on a Friday field trip. Of course, this required tasting some of the products!

I sampled five different varieties, including the top seller inspired by the show I Love Lucy. Seeing themselves as a modern day Lucy and Ethel, Sue and Darlene named their bestselling cupcake “All About Ethel.” This tribute to Ethel Mertz is a chocolate cake filled with peanut butter mousse, topped with chocolate mascarpone frosting, and finished off with a mini peanut butter cup. Intense!

But, my favorite was a different chocolate and peanut butter creation called “Mail Guy.” A chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and caramel drizzle garnished with a chocolate dipped pretzel and crunchy pretzel salt.

The shop features some of their most popular flavors on a daily basis, but also rotates additional flavors each day. I decided I need to go back on a Wednesday to try a “Rosie.” This is a pistachio and rosewater cupcake with rosewater buttercream, custard filling, dark honey/vanilla buttercream and crushed pistachios on top. Sounds wonderful! If you find yourself in the vicinity of Milford, the shop is definitely worth an exploratory visit. ;) Bet you can’t try just one!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed Friday field trip to Cupcake Wars winner SuzieCakes in Milford, Connecticut.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things and have a wonderful weekend, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper, and Crafts a la mode.

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got nuts?

June 18, 2013

For a friend’s birthday, I wanted to give her a little something acknowledging her squirrel obsession.

Inspired by many jars I have seen across the internet, I decided to find a plastic squirrel to affix to a jar to make a birthday gift.

To make something similar for a friend or as a party favor, decide on something to fit an obsession or theme and purchase a toy version at a craft or dollar store.

For myself I would have chosen a mermaid or something sea inspired ;)

Once I found the squirrel, I glued the figure onto a jar rescued from the recycling bin. After the glue dried, I spray painted the jar top…figure and all. I know the brown I chose isn’t a very summery choice, but I wanted to match the décor of the recipient. Chalkboard paint would have been a fun option as well -“got nuts?” could have been written right on the lid with chalk.

There are so many fun alternative ideas for this gift. I know exactly what I would have made for my son if he were still small…I would have used an army man, painted the top with olive drab, and wrote “got ammo?”, filling the jar with water balloon ‘grenades.’ Or, I could have addressed his childhood train obsession and put a train on the lid top. Of course, the contents would have to be bubble gum so I could write “got choo?” A perfect choice for a train themed party favor!

Other ideas? A shark on top with gummy fish…“got fish?” A fish on top with gummy worms… “got worms?” A baseball player with sunflower seeds…”got seeds?” …come up with some using your favorite theme or obsession.

I decided to tie the “got nuts?” message onto the jar so it could be removed, but you can use whatever you prefer. A chalkboard label on the side of the jar is a cute option. Or, even etching cream … etch the words onto the side of the jar for an elegant look.

I filled the jar with peanuts and it is good to go. A perfect ‘little something’ designed specifically for the recipient.

Can’t understand a squirrel obsession? Does this National Geographic photo I found on the web change your mind?

See more examples of squirrel cuteness I found across the web on my Facebook page by clicking here.

I hope you will use this tutorial as inspiration to come up with your own gift creation! Thanks so much for visiting.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Better With Age and Craftberry Bush.

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but i don’t care for roses…

June 14, 2013

A rose has never been my favorite flower. When all my friends would hope for a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day, I was wishing for an arrangement of many different varieties of flowers – all white. Or, a single variety of something unique or exotic.

So, when a friend suggested I visit the rose garden in bloom at Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford, the idea of making the trip was met by me with lukewarm enthusiasm. Not one to dismiss new experiences, I decided to surrender a little bit of my time to the roses in bloom.

Today’s Friday field trip is a visit to this rose garden. And, with hundreds of different types of roses represented, it was really hard to edit my photos to just a few representations. The weather had been very rainy and I was lucky to time my visit between a series of rainfalls. I thought the weather actually added character to the photos, although an excursion like this really makes me yearn for a good camera. (hint, hint Santa!)

Enjoy our little stroll through the garden…

And yes, I did change my mind a little on the roses…still not my favorite, but I definitely have a new respect for them after this experience…hard not to, right?

I hope you enjoyed sharing the Boothe Memorial Park rose garden with me. We even happened upon a lovely volunteer caretaker during our trip :)

I will be posting more photos from the Boothe Memorial Park rose garden on my Facebook page in the coming days…please ‘like’ my page if you haven’t already and please feel free to share any rose experiences! Also, please feel free to ‘pin’ any photos you like :)

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