Baxter Got a New Water Bowl from the Most Magical Place on Earth

And no, we're not talking about DisneyWorld.  We're talking about the Beverly Hills Hotel.  We were fortunate enough to stay at this world-class resort and hotel a few years ago while visiting Los Angeles.  For awhile after we returned the stairway down to the basement at Crest Avenue was painted in these familiar pink and white stripes.  But, we eventually decided that this color scheme was best left at The Beverly Hills Hotel and we painted over the stripes with something a little less dramatic.

When the box arrived with the water bowl, quite honestly, I had forgotten we ordered it.

It was very carefully packed, as you would expect.

And finally, there it was.

I should be correct in how I refer to the establishment.  It is The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows.  We did not stay in a bungalow when we were there.  But we did tour the grounds.  The bungalows are tucked away in private areas around the main building.  Maybe one day we can stay in a bungalow.

So we washed the bowl and filled it with bottle water and a few ice cubes and Baxter was all set to enjoy his new water bowl.  Honestly, he does prefer this to the stainless steel bowl he had previously.  I don't know if the water tasted different in the stainless steel bowl, but he drinks more water from this than he did from the previous bowl.

Baxter Got a New Water Bowl from the Most Magical Place on Earth

And no, we're not talking about DisneyWorld.  We're talking about the Beverly Hills Hotel.  We were fortunate enough to stay at this world-class resort and hotel a few years ago while visiting Los Angeles.  For awhile after we returned the stairway down to the basement at Crest Avenue was painted in these familiar pink and white stripes.  But, we eventually decided that this color scheme was best left at The Beverly Hills Hotel and we painted over the stripes with something a little less dramatic.

When the box arrived with the water bowl, quite honestly, I had forgotten we ordered it.

It was very carefully packed, as you would expect.

And finally, there it was.

I should be correct in how I refer to the establishment.  It is The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows.  We did not stay in a bungalow when we were there.  But we did tour the grounds.  The bungalows are tucked away in private areas around the main building.  Maybe one day we can stay in a bungalow.

So we washed the bowl and filled it with bottle water and a few ice cubes and Baxter was all set to enjoy his new water bowl.  Honestly, he does prefer this to the stainless steel bowl he had previously.  I don't know if the water tasted different in the stainless steel bowl, but he drinks more water from this than he did from the previous bowl.

A Festive Cutting Board

Still finding more Christmas decorations and essentials for the season.  My latest find was this cute cutting board.

This is the perfect size to fit easily on your counter-top.  Where did I get this?  I think my sister gave this to me one year for Christmas.  Many, many Christmases ago.  I'll have to email her and ask that question.  In any case, I love it and it has been thoroughly cleaned and is on the kitchen counter.  We will slice oranges to place in Old-Fashions.  Or maybe a wedge of lemon or lime for your gin and tonic.  I enjoy a festive cocktail or two during the season.  Here is a wonderful recipe for a delectable Old-Fashioned.

Crown Royal® Old Fashioned
Classic Cocktail

This is one of the more iconic recipes that’s made even better by using Crown Royal.

Ingredients:
Crown Royal® - 1 oz.
Sugar - 1 teaspoon
Bitters - 1-3 dashes
Water - A splash

In a shaker, muddle sugar, water and bitters. Add Crown Royal. Shake with ice, and pour into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon twist, orange slice and maraschino cherry.

A Festive Cutting Board

Still finding more Christmas decorations and essentials for the season.  My latest find was this cute cutting board.

This is the perfect size to fit easily on your counter-top.  Where did I get this?  I think my sister gave this to me one year for Christmas.  Many, many Christmases ago.  I'll have to email her and ask that question.  In any case, I love it and it has been thoroughly cleaned and is on the kitchen counter.  We will slice oranges to place in Old-Fashions.  Or maybe a wedge of lemon or lime for your gin and tonic.  I enjoy a festive cocktail or two during the season.  Here is a wonderful recipe for a delectable Old-Fashioned.

Crown Royal® Old Fashioned
Classic Cocktail

This is one of the more iconic recipes that’s made even better by using Crown Royal.

Ingredients:
Crown Royal® - 1 oz.
Sugar - 1 teaspoon
Bitters - 1-3 dashes
Water - A splash

In a shaker, muddle sugar, water and bitters. Add Crown Royal. Shake with ice, and pour into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon twist, orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Just a Little Christmas Decoration

I was in the attic this past weekend, sorting through the boxes of Christmas decoration.  I decided to fill the huge glass chalice I used to hold Halloween candy with the pretty ornaments.  So simple and easy to do and a beautiful look.  I have begun to put together the wreaths for the front of the house.  I have had a new idea this year on how to decorate the top of the wall unit in the living room.  I placed a few things on the fireplace mantel.  I will spend Friday putting up all of the Christmas decor.  I love this time of year.

Just a Little Christmas Decoration

I was in the attic this past weekend, sorting through the boxes of Christmas decoration.  I decided to fill the huge glass chalice I used to hold Halloween candy with the pretty ornaments.  So simple and easy to do and a beautiful look.  I have begun to put together the wreaths for the front of the house.  I have had a new idea this year on how to decorate the top of the wall unit in the living room.  I placed a few things on the fireplace mantel.  I will spend Friday putting up all of the Christmas decor.  I love this time of year.

We're Joining the iPhone World

I have never been one to have the fanciest and most current cellular phone.  I never joined the craze over the next and the best.  When I upgraded from the days of the flip phones to this generation of phones, I went with the Android.  I have never owned an iPhone.  Until now.  Today, I am the proud owner of the iPhone 4 8GB - in white!

I know.  I know.  A white cell phone?  I wanted something different.  If it is completely impossible to keep clean, I'll know better than to buy another one in the future.  This is not the latest and greatest of the iPhones. But I do not feel like I need the iPhone 5s 64GB for $749.99.  I could never pay that much for a phone of any description.  For most of us, the decision to upgrade to a new phone comes only after something has happened to the current phone.  Maybe your phone was stolen or lost or it is damaged.  Because, face it, unless one of those things happens, who wants to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a new cell phone when the one you have is working just fine.  This time for me was for health reasons.  Earlier this year I bought a set of the Withings weight/body mass scales and the BodyMedia armband.

The scales and the armband work together to monitor your weight and body mass and your sleep and daily activity.  All of this information is downloaded on your phone and separately, if you choose, through a cable onto your desktop or laptop computer.

The Withings app can also be configured to send the information directly to your chart at your doctor's office.  I recently started a new blood pressure medication and it was suggested that I begin monitoring my blood pressure from home.  I wanted to buy the Withings blood pressure monitor but found that it did not work with Android phones.  So, to continue with my tracking of my vital signs from home, I upgraded to this new iPhone which will work with the Withings app.  I am retiring my Samsung Transform Ultra and my service with Boost Mobile.  Boost Mobile is a great cell phone service provider.  I have been a very satisfied customer.  My new iPhone service is through Virgin Mobile.  Virgin had the phone I wanted at a great price and they offer plans similar to Boost.  Let's hope I am equally as happy with Virgin.

This was a great little phone.  And something else I liked about it.

The slide-out keyboard.  My on-screen keyboard on this phone was very tiny.  Too tiny for my fingers.  I never used it because it was so difficult to type on.  The slide-out keyboard was wonderful.  Hopefully the new iPhone on-screen keyboard will be larger.

In reference to the Withings products I referenced.  You can find out more about their line at www.withings.com.  

We're Joining the iPhone World

I have never been one to have the fanciest and most current cellular phone.  I never joined the craze over the next and the best.  When I upgraded from the days of the flip phones to this generation of phones, I went with the Android.  I have never owned an iPhone.  Until now.  Today, I am the proud owner of the iPhone 4 8GB - in white!

I know.  I know.  A white cell phone?  I wanted something different.  If it is completely impossible to keep clean, I'll know better than to buy another one in the future.  This is not the latest and greatest of the iPhones. But I do not feel like I need the iPhone 5s 64GB for $749.99.  I could never pay that much for a phone of any description.  For most of us, the decision to upgrade to a new phone comes only after something has happened to the current phone.  Maybe your phone was stolen or lost or it is damaged.  Because, face it, unless one of those things happens, who wants to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a new cell phone when the one you have is working just fine.  This time for me was for health reasons.  Earlier this year I bought a set of the Withings weight/body mass scales and the BodyMedia armband.

The scales and the armband work together to monitor your weight and body mass and your sleep and daily activity.  All of this information is downloaded on your phone and separately, if you choose, through a cable onto your desktop or laptop computer.

The Withings app can also be configured to send the information directly to your chart at your doctor's office.  I recently started a new blood pressure medication and it was suggested that I begin monitoring my blood pressure from home.  I wanted to buy the Withings blood pressure monitor but found that it did not work with Android phones.  So, to continue with my tracking of my vital signs from home, I upgraded to this new iPhone which will work with the Withings app.  I am retiring my Samsung Transform Ultra and my service with Boost Mobile.  Boost Mobile is a great cell phone service provider.  I have been a very satisfied customer.  My new iPhone service is through Virgin Mobile.  Virgin had the phone I wanted at a great price and they offer plans similar to Boost.  Let's hope I am equally as happy with Virgin.

This was a great little phone.  And something else I liked about it.

The slide-out keyboard.  My on-screen keyboard on this phone was very tiny.  Too tiny for my fingers.  I never used it because it was so difficult to type on.  The slide-out keyboard was wonderful.  Hopefully the new iPhone on-screen keyboard will be larger.

In reference to the Withings products I referenced.  You can find out more about their line at www.withings.com.  

Building Inventory at Boxmania

We're in production with the boxes.  Trying out different colors and designs for different events and holidays.

Some of these will be continued and some will not.  I can tell you that the little blue menorahs and the turkeys have been very popular.

Building Inventory at Boxmania

We're in production with the boxes.  Trying out different colors and designs for different events and holidays.

Some of these will be continued and some will not.  I can tell you that the little blue menorahs and the turkeys have been very popular.

New Hand Towels for the Kitchen

Sometimes you just need to upgrade.  The upgrade doesn't have to be super expensive.  Even an affordable upgrade is still an upgrade.  So was the case with the kitchen hand towels at Crest Avenue.  For some time I have been displeased with these bland, brown hand towels.

They are very utilitarian and do as good of a job as any kitchen hand towel will do.  But, ... really?

Is that really pleasing to look at every time you enter the kitchen?  In a word, "no."

So, on a recent stop at Walmart to pick up lightbulbs and a birthday card, I happened to make my way to the kitchen utensil section, not intending to make a purchase.  But, as is the case frequently, I find something that I need whether I am actually looking for it or not.  When I saw these towels, I knew immediately they were what I wanted.  And I'm glad they spelled out which room they should be used in!!!!!

So cute.  A much better look in the kitchen.  And affordable at $1.57 each.  The brown towels, which are perfectly good, have been folded and put away and will continue to be used in the kitchen.

New Hand Towels for the Kitchen

Sometimes you just need to upgrade.  The upgrade doesn't have to be super expensive.  Even an affordable upgrade is still an upgrade.  So was the case with the kitchen hand towels at Crest Avenue.  For some time I have been displeased with these bland, brown hand towels.

They are very utilitarian and do as good of a job as any kitchen hand towel will do.  But, ... really?

Is that really pleasing to look at every time you enter the kitchen?  In a word, "no."

So, on a recent stop at Walmart to pick up lightbulbs and a birthday card, I happened to make my way to the kitchen utensil section, not intending to make a purchase.  But, as is the case frequently, I find something that I need whether I am actually looking for it or not.  When I saw these towels, I knew immediately they were what I wanted.  And I'm glad they spelled out which room they should be used in!!!!!

So cute.  A much better look in the kitchen.  And affordable at $1.57 each.  The brown towels, which are perfectly good, have been folded and put away and will continue to be used in the kitchen.

A Little Christmas Decoration at Crest Avenue

We have begun Christmas decorating at Crest Avenue.  Not too much.  I found these really beautiful gold bows this past weekend and I couldn't resist.

So beautiful on a black door.  I am very pleased with this look.

Here is another shot a little further back.  So simple and beautiful.  I don't think you could go wrong with this look no matter what color your front door.  FYI - the two double bows have a tendency to flop around.  I doubled up some clear packing tape and placed it behind the top part of each bow to hold it tight to the door.

We will begin Christmas decorating in earnest next Friday.  Come back for more on that.  

A Little Christmas Decoration at Crest Avenue

We have begun Christmas decorating at Crest Avenue.  Not too much.  I found these really beautiful gold bows this past weekend and I couldn't resist.

So beautiful on a black door.  I am very pleased with this look.

Here is another shot a little further back.  So simple and beautiful.  I don't think you could go wrong with this look no matter what color your front door.  FYI - the two double bows have a tendency to flop around.  I doubled up some clear packing tape and placed it behind the top part of each bow to hold it tight to the door.

We will begin Christmas decorating in earnest next Friday.  Come back for more on that.  

I Can't Stand It

I can't stand it.  After nearly two and a half years of writing this blog, I can't stop.  This blog IS me.  We will just have to incorporate "Boxmania" and "Welcome to Crest Avenue" somehow.  So, ... let's get to it.

We got new lamps for the bedroom.  Well, we didn't really buy new lamps for the bedroom.  We found these lamps in storage in the basement.

The smallish, black metal lamps from IKEA that were here served their purpose well.  But, it was time for a change.  There is another of these on the nightstand.  I will get a picture of that and share it with you.

I Can't Stand It

I can't stand it.  After nearly two and a half years of writing this blog, I can't stop.  This blog IS me.  We will just have to incorporate "Boxmania" and "Welcome to Crest Avenue" somehow.  So, ... let's get to it.

We got new lamps for the bedroom.  Well, we didn't really buy new lamps for the bedroom.  We found these lamps in storage in the basement.

The smallish, black metal lamps from IKEA that were here served their purpose well.  But, it was time for a change.  There is another of these on the nightstand.  I will get a picture of that and share it with you.

530 Posts and a Fond Farewell

I have decided to shutter the Welcome to Crest Avenue ("WTCA") blog.  When I first started WTCA in late June of 2011, it was for the sole purpose of sharing with you my journey in the continuing renovation of my home on Crest Avenue.  That journey included interior renovations and design, garden renovations and design and food and entertainment.  It has been my great pleasure to share all 530 blogposts with you.

I have begun a new venture which now consumes a great deal of my time.  I find it increasingly difficult to devote enough quality time to the blog and the new venture.  Rather than continue to offer a so-so product on both, I have decided to close the blog and devote all my energies on the new enterprise.

To this end, I have partnered with two people, each exceptional in their respective careers - one a brilliant Graphics Designer whom I have known for many years and the other a multi-talented Sales and Marketing Executive whose track record is unmatched in the sales and marketing arena.  When your intention is to offer the very best product, you must surround yourself with the very best people.  I feel I have done just that by bringing Bev and Steven on-board.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will open a new website and Facebook page which will be a portal to our new product. As we immerse ourselves in the social media of the day, we look forward to hearing from each of you as we have over the course of WTCA.  Emails can still be sent to me at jnewmanster16@gmail.com.

With all of this said, I bid you farewell in this forum.  Until we meet again.  

530 Posts and a Fond Farewell

I have decided to shutter the Welcome to Crest Avenue ("WTCA") blog.  When I first started WTCA in late June of 2011, it was for the sole purpose of sharing with you my journey in the continuing renovation of my home on Crest Avenue.  That journey included interior renovations and design, garden renovations and design and food and entertainment.  It has been my great pleasure to share all 530 blogposts with you.

I have begun a new venture which now consumes a great deal of my time.  I find it increasingly difficult to devote enough quality time to the blog and the new venture.  Rather than continue to offer a so-so product on both, I have decided to close the blog and devote all my energies on the new enterprise.

To this end, I have partnered with two people, each exceptional in their respective careers - one a brilliant Graphics Designer whom I have known for many years and the other a multi-talented Sales and Marketing Executive whose track record is unmatched in the sales and marketing arena.  When your intention is to offer the very best product, you must surround yourself with the very best people.  I feel I have done just that by bringing Bev and Steven on-board.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will open a new website and Facebook page which will be a portal to our new product. As we immerse ourselves in the social media of the day, we look forward to hearing from each of you as we have over the course of WTCA.  Emails can still be sent to me at jnewmanster16@gmail.com.

With all of this said, I bid you farewell in this forum.  Until we meet again.  

Another Wonderful Birthday, Part Two

Yesterday I shared with you some pictures from my birthday celebration this past weekend.  Here are a few more pictures of the festive evening.

Me, looking up at what?  A balloon that said "You Rock."  Who is going to argue with that, I ask you? Look at that freshly prepared cheesecake in the lower right corner.  It was a recipe for a diabetic cheesecake. Very delicious.  I will post the recipe under the Food and Recipe page.  The baseball cap was a gift from Bob and Bette that says "Euro Hike."  They recently took a trip to Austria and did just that - they took a Euro hike across Austria.

I cannot go to any event, even if it is my birthday celebration, without taking something.  This is a baked brie with Wild Blueberry Preserves.  Positively incredible on crackers or sliced baguette.

This pasta bowl worked perfectly as a receptacle for the fresh veggies that we used in the fondue pot. Everything was par-boiled to release the flavors of the vegetables.  But be careful.  Just a couple minutes in boiling water, if that and then straight into iced water.  Otherwise, they are overcooked and fall apart in the fondue pot.  You don't want that.

A wider view of the feast prepared for the evening.  That is an aged gouda on the cutting board, large white grapes and crackers in the red-lined bowls and an empty wine glass and another almost empty wine glass.  It didn't take long to remedy the empty wine glasses.

I concur with these cocktail napkins.

A closer view of the table of plenty.

And finally, my gifts.  The Woo Hoo package was Martha Stewart Cakes book and the package with the red bow was the Coco Chanel book.  I had a wonderful birthday.