Outdoor Party Helpers

Flowerpot Servers--Match the informality of a summer buffet with rustic serving dishes fashioned from clay flowerpots and saucers.Use brand new terra cotta, and wipe it with a damp cloth. Line flowerpots with tea towels to hold bread,buns,or biscuits; for saucers, use napkins or clean nontoxic leaves for cheeses.

Baby Update

Jennifer had her doctor's appointment today, and all is well. He is pleased with her progress and we are all anxious for the big day.

July's Thought of the Month

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as
you don't stop. Confucius

Quick and Easy Gift Ideas

Easy Teakettle Pincushion- Keep sewing supplies handy with this pretty makeshift pincushion. Simply wrap a foam ball with felt and push it into the top of a tiny teakettle

Embellished Canvas Tote Bag-- Add personal style to an ordinary canvas tote. Hand or machine stitch fabric along the side and bottom seams of the tote. Glue or stitch wide ribbon in a coordinating color to the top edge of the added fabric

Good Things for Outdoor Entertaining

Ice Cream Cone Stopper --Use this trick to keep ice cream from dripping out of the bottom of a cone. Drop in a mini marshmallow or two before you add your ice cream

Good things for Outdoor Entertaining

Flavorful Skewers-- With its sturdy stalk,rosemary makes a great skewer, infusing grilled food its garden fresh flavor. Soak stalks for a half hour before adding meat, fish, or vegetables. You may need to pole holes through the food fist with a metal skewer

Good Things for Outdoor Entertaining

Bill and I are going to try these for our 4th of July BBQ. Grilled Corn Disks--Enjoy sweet summer corn in a new way- as an hors d'oeuvre for a casual party. Cut ears of corn into rounds,about 1 inch thick, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium hot grill, cut sides down about 2 minutes per side I thought maybe I would melt some garlic buter to drizzle over .