Chin Deep

Cooking the evening meal is one of my favorite things to do. I light candles, play a soothing CD, and sip a glass of wine as I cook. I like to have a fragrant bouquet of flowers of a bowl of tangy lemons on the counter to delight my senses when I pass by. In warmer months, I open our back porch door so I can hear the birds singing and the wind chimes tinkling and smell the fresh air as I create my culinary masterpieces I like to wear comfortable, flowing cotton clothes when I cook and I always go barefoot. Naked feet are a must. I also love writing the evening’s menu on a big “bistro” board that I made out of a big blackboard and display in our dining room.

Using exotic ingredients is a simple pleasure that I indulge on a regular basis. The simple act of using cheese from Provence, wine from Italy, spices from India, chocolate from Switzerland, and unfiltered extra virgin olive oil from Spain elevates plain old cooking to a divine experience. I am also a big believer in using fresh ingredients every day. Herbs and vegetables from my kitchen garden or nearby Red Wing Farmer’s Market, baguette from our village bakery, sausages, meats and seafoods from our local butcher, and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices not only add amazing flavor, but are much better for you.

Try some or all of these ideas and turn cooking for your family into a wonderful ritual that you look forward to every day!

“There is no spectacle on earth more appealing than that of a beautiful woman in the act of cooking dinner for someone she loves. ”
~Tom Wolfe

In my book “Welcome Home-Simple Tips for Turning Your House Into a Luxurious Retreat” on page 36, I have written the instructions for creating a gossamer canopy for over your bed. This Graceful Gossamer Canopy is easy and inexpensive to make and it takes about 5 minutes.

Simply hang a wreath or pretty ring style towel hanger on the wall, centered over your bed, about 3 feet above your headboard. Drape gossamer bridal netting through the wreath (or ring) so it hangs evenly over the sides of your bed and “puddles” on the floor on both sides (buy about 7 yards.)

Recently, while paging through a magazine, I noticed someone had decorated their front porch with gossamer curtain panels that were fluttering in the breeze. What a wonderful summer look! So pretty.

If you are anything like me, you LOVE going on vacation. Seeing new sights, hearing new sounds, eating interesting new foods, and absorbing the feel and textures of a new place are the things that make the vacation experience truly wonderful. Sometimes, however, the act of getting there can be daunting and expensive. Packing suitcases, finding a babysitter, boarding your dog, the hassle of airports and passports, delayed flights, and then the endless pile of laundry when you get home–Who needs it? Here is a refreshing thought. How about taking a vacation at home this year? Some people call it a “Staycation.” A home vacation can satisfy your desire for that much needed retreat that you deserve without the cost, stress, and jet lag. If this sounds appealing to you, here are some tips you can follow to enjoy your home vacation to the fullest :

• Hire a maid service to come in and clean your house from top to bottom the day before your vacation officially begins.

• Unplug your phone, and don’t give in to the temptation to check your work email.

• Eat out at a different restaurant every night. Explore new cultures through cuisine. How about an Afghani restaurant? Sit on floor pillows, and watch belly dancers while you feast on curried lamb and yogurt cake by candlelight. Other fun restaurants might include an authentic Italian trattoria (such as Buca di Beppo or Maggiano’s) where they serve everything family style and feature strolling opera singers, or an outdoor French street cafe where you can sip wine and eat baguette and brie while sporting Audrey Hepburn sunglasses and people watching.

• Pick up some brochures at your local visitors’ bureau and visit your own city as a tourist. Plan a fun activity every day. Go see a movie or a play. Attend a concert in a park or an outdoor art festival. Go to a gallery or museum. Take a long bike ride and stop somewhere beautiful for a picnic.(In Red Wing we enjoy hiking and biking on the gorgeous Cannon Valley Trail) Go to a local spa for professional massages. Have a candlelight dinner. Visit a local bookstore/espresso bar (our favorite is Barnes and Noble) and sip mochas while looking at your favorite magazines. Go to a wine tasting. Take time to reconnect with your love.

• Don’t do any home projects or anything work related. Pretend your home is a B&B. Sleep in, put your feet up, read a book or your favorite magazine.

• Look through family albums and scrapbooks together. Reminisce.

• Make sure you set aside plenty of time for relaxing. Take lots of hammock naps and bubble baths. Try some fun, new wines.

• Build a back yard campfire and roast hot dogs and s’mores for dinner one night.

• Visit a local tearoom and go out for an elegant afternoon tea.

“Ah, there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” -Jane Austen