Showing posts with label gatherings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gatherings. Show all posts

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Mask On, Mask Off


Virginia has entered into its mandatory masks in public phase and I have found yet another use for some fabulous fabrics I initially bought for sewing sensational Spring inspired napkins and tea towels.
After many tutorials and much reading, I settled on one of the many Youtube videos, that made the most out of my on hand materials. It was a useful guide to executing my own.  
I have been making masks for my family members, starting with my children of course and my mom, who's 80 years young, both in the high risk factor portion of the population, including but not limited to asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and myself, bringing a side of RA to the table. 
I've also come up with a hand sanitizer formula including aroma therapy oils, to soothe the drying  and chaffed hands and the mind.  An added plus of aromatherapy oils is that the essential oils have natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, fortifying the alcohol even more.
 I feel that even if the masks do not eliminate our risks completely, I am proactively taking charge of the practices we can control, alongside limiting travel and large crowds, vigilant and proper hand washing techniques and consistently decontaminating common areas, door knobs and adding a splash of bleach to the dishes water, something I did already. 
 Although this pandemic leaves no one safe, I like to think that 'we'll be alright, some day', a phrase from a gospel hymn, one that brings me solace in a time of such confusion and burgeoning uncertainty.  
When you return home from interacting with the world, the masks can be removed to enjoy some wholesome and delicious home cooked meals with family and snacks, while we play board games or watch Scooby Doo and the gang. 
 Family is at the heart of why we fight and why we keep going.  The fire in our bellies burn to protect the ones we love and compassion to sympathize with the families in areas most and least affected, the prayers we send out at night or the time we take to volunteer or lend a hand where we can does not go unnoticed and for that one should be grateful.  I know I am.  Amen.

Before I Go...

This is LeMon Grey, I like to call him Kibbeh. He looks like a panda bear in this photo of him chewing on his favorite, sticks!  He's wearing his hair piece, which he loves to toss about and shake.  He's a doll baby and an endless source of entertainment for our family.  He's not our pup, but we love him just the same.  I hope you were able to take a moment to smile and take it easy like this guy, until next time...

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

French Onion Bread Bowl w/ Fresh Dill and Cheddar

A fast and simple way I like to dress up the normal menu is by using a loaf of herbed bread as a bowl.  In just a few simple steps, your friends and family will be impressed and you can be the 'Belle' or 'Ben' of the ball(game that is!) or your next gathering.  This recipe shows a french onion dip, but you may fill it with whatever your heart desires. Add some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese/cheeses or even toasted bread crumbs from the center of the loaf, for added flavor and texture. Cater the size bread needed, to the amount of filling you will have or use smaller bread vessels to spread around the table. Day old or more bread would be easier to cut and manipulate.  Easy, Elevated and Delish. 
Instructions:
A loaf of French Bread of choice
A small paring knife
Your favorite dip, store bought or homemade
Fresh Herbs
Cheese, optional

Using the paring knife, cut out center of bread to about 1 inch from the edge, lengthwise, about 1/2 inch the other way.
Hollow out bread roughly 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches into the loaf.
Fill with dip of choice.
Garnish as desired.
Serve with crudites, assorted chips,(bagel, pita) etc.