Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way

Easter is three and a half weeks away from today.  So it's time to start planning.  It will be here before you know it.  I received notice from Williams Sonoma a couple weeks ago that I had accrued several points on my Williams Sonoma account and that I could use those points toward payment of an item purchased from them on my account.  So I went shopping!  And what did I find?  Take a look.

A package arrived yesterday.  We love having packages delivered at Crest Avenue.  It's like Christmas everyday.  Although we don't have packages delivered every day.

And under the bubble wrap was this wonderful bunny cake pan.  I couldn't resist when I saw this.  The beauty of this pan is that you can make two separate bunny halves and serve each on a cake plate alone.
Or you can ice the backside of one and then adhere the other side to the icing to make a 3-D bunny cake!
I think I will do both.

Here is a picture of the booklet which was included in the box.  Cute.  Just too cute for words.

Inside the booklet are the instructions for how to bake and assemble the bunny.  Look at the picture on the left with the 3-D bunny.  I'm making this sometime over the coming weeks and I'll post a picture to let you know how it turns out.

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way

Easter is three and a half weeks away from today.  So it's time to start planning.  It will be here before you know it.  I received notice from Williams Sonoma a couple weeks ago that I had accrued several points on my Williams Sonoma account and that I could use those points toward payment of an item purchased from them on my account.  So I went shopping!  And what did I find?  Take a look.

A package arrived yesterday.  We love having packages delivered at Crest Avenue.  It's like Christmas everyday.  Although we don't have packages delivered every day.

And under the bubble wrap was this wonderful bunny cake pan.  I couldn't resist when I saw this.  The beauty of this pan is that you can make two separate bunny halves and serve each on a cake plate alone.
Or you can ice the backside of one and then adhere the other side to the icing to make a 3-D bunny cake!
I think I will do both.

Here is a picture of the booklet which was included in the box.  Cute.  Just too cute for words.

Inside the booklet are the instructions for how to bake and assemble the bunny.  Look at the picture on the left with the 3-D bunny.  I'm making this sometime over the coming weeks and I'll post a picture to let you know how it turns out.

Easter Grass and Crinkle Cut

During errands last weekend, I ran into Walmart to pick up something (I can't remember now what I went in there for) and guess what I found.

A rainbow of colors of Easter grass, some of which was crinkle cut.  This will work perfectly in the Boxmania boxes.  The green translucent grass on top (the kind that came in your Easter basket when you little) was .33 cents per bag.  The bags of colored grasses were $1.37 per bag.  That's quite a price disparity.  I guess the manufacturer thinks the colored grasses will be more popular, therefore ... .

I got four bags of the old-fashioned translucent grass for a couple Easter boxes I am sending in the next couple weeks.  We'll talk more about that later today.  So if you are thinking of putting together some Easter baskets, I suggest a quick stop at Walmart to get your colored grasses.

Easter Grass and Crinkle Cut

During errands last weekend, I ran into Walmart to pick up something (I can't remember now what I went in there for) and guess what I found.

A rainbow of colors of Easter grass, some of which was crinkle cut.  This will work perfectly in the Boxmania boxes.  The green translucent grass on top (the kind that came in your Easter basket when you little) was .33 cents per bag.  The bags of colored grasses were $1.37 per bag.  That's quite a price disparity.  I guess the manufacturer thinks the colored grasses will be more popular, therefore ... .

I got four bags of the old-fashioned translucent grass for a couple Easter boxes I am sending in the next couple weeks.  We'll talk more about that later today.  So if you are thinking of putting together some Easter baskets, I suggest a quick stop at Walmart to get your colored grasses.

Another Snowy Morn

We are experiencing yet another snowfall this morning here in DC.  We are not expecting too much from this storm.  And inch or two on grassy surfaces will be all we get.  And for that we are extremely grateful.  As much as we are all a bit weary of snow, it is beautiful.  Here are a few pictures from this morning.

A random outdoor parking lot.  Snow already beginning to collect on the car windows.

Snow on the liriope.  This picture was taken at St. Paul's Parish on K Street, NW.

This is St. Paul's Parish - Episcopal, in sunnier times.  Such a beautiful building.

A little further down K Street, NW at the House of Sweden.

And another of the House of Sweden.

These park benches will not be a suitable place to enjoy lunch alfresco today.

So, we move on like dutiful soldiers through the snow in anticipation of the warm spring days which will inevitably arrive.

Another Snowy Morn

We are experiencing yet another snowfall this morning here in DC.  We are not expecting too much from this storm.  And inch or two on grassy surfaces will be all we get.  And for that we are extremely grateful.  As much as we are all a bit weary of snow, it is beautiful.  Here are a few pictures from this morning.

A random outdoor parking lot.  Snow already beginning to collect on the car windows.

Snow on the liriope.  This picture was taken at St. Paul's Parish on K Street, NW.

This is St. Paul's Parish - Episcopal, in sunnier times.  Such a beautiful building.

A little further down K Street, NW at the House of Sweden.

And another of the House of Sweden.

These park benches will not be a suitable place to enjoy lunch alfresco today.

So, we move on like dutiful soldiers through the snow in anticipation of the warm spring days which will inevitably arrive.

A Trip to Salvation Army

We started spring cleaning at Crest Avenue this past weekend.  Even though spring has officially arrived on the calendar, we are still waiting for the actual spring season to arrive here in the mid-Atlantic.  I cannot remember the last time we had such a long winter.  I believe spring will arrive this coming weekend.  Positive thoughts.  Positive thoughts.  I decided it was time to take some things to the Salvation Army donation center that I am no longer using.  What a wonderful feeling to know that someone else will get use of these items rather than having them dropped into some cavernous landfill.

So, we took over a tall, glass vase and a picture frame from IKEA, a food warming plate and a rowing machine.  You notice on the food warming plate and the rowing machine I taped the instruction manuals.  It is always nice to include those on any items you take to the Salvation Army or other donation center.  The new owner will really appreciate the extra effort you took to find them and attach them to the items you are donating.  We will be going through Crest Avenue over the coming weeks and making a few more trips to the center.  Time to bring some order to our space.

A Trip to Salvation Army

We started spring cleaning at Crest Avenue this past weekend.  Even though spring has officially arrived on the calendar, we are still waiting for the actual spring season to arrive here in the mid-Atlantic.  I cannot remember the last time we had such a long winter.  I believe spring will arrive this coming weekend.  Positive thoughts.  Positive thoughts.  I decided it was time to take some things to the Salvation Army donation center that I am no longer using.  What a wonderful feeling to know that someone else will get use of these items rather than having them dropped into some cavernous landfill.

So, we took over a tall, glass vase and a picture frame from IKEA, a food warming plate and a rowing machine.  You notice on the food warming plate and the rowing machine I taped the instruction manuals.  It is always nice to include those on any items you take to the Salvation Army or other donation center.  The new owner will really appreciate the extra effort you took to find them and attach them to the items you are donating.  We will be going through Crest Avenue over the coming weeks and making a few more trips to the center.  Time to bring some order to our space.

Nap Time for Baxter

I was going through the pictures on my camera and I found this shot I took of Baxter a couple weeks ago.

He was taking a nap, if you can believe it, with his face tucked underneath the covers.  Ever the vigilant hound, he placed his dingo in a strategic location so that if anyone decided to mess with it (anyone being me) he could immediately take action to keep possession.

Nap Time for Baxter

I was going through the pictures on my camera and I found this shot I took of Baxter a couple weeks ago.

He was taking a nap, if you can believe it, with his face tucked underneath the covers.  Ever the vigilant hound, he placed his dingo in a strategic location so that if anyone decided to mess with it (anyone being me) he could immediately take action to keep possession.

The Frozen Baxter Treats Are a Hit!

The frozen banana/peanut butter/yogurt treats we made for Baxter are a huge hit.  He LOVES them.  And I love the fact that he loves them because I know he is getting fresh, wholesome treats and not treats that are laden with dyes and chemicals to make them attractive and to give them a long shelf life.

Here is one of the treats in a stainless steel condiment cup like you would use for cocktail sauce if you were serving steamed shrimp.  It fits perfectly in this vessel without moving around.  He doesn't like to chase it all around a soup bowl or some other large bowl.  It fits snugly here and he likes to eat it this way.  I usually hold this in my hand and he eats from there.

The Frozen Baxter Treats Are a Hit!

The frozen banana/peanut butter/yogurt treats we made for Baxter are a huge hit.  He LOVES them.  And I love the fact that he loves them because I know he is getting fresh, wholesome treats and not treats that are laden with dyes and chemicals to make them attractive and to give them a long shelf life.

Here is one of the treats in a stainless steel condiment cup like you would use for cocktail sauce if you were serving steamed shrimp.  It fits perfectly in this vessel without moving around.  He doesn't like to chase it all around a soup bowl or some other large bowl.  It fits snugly here and he likes to eat it this way.  I usually hold this in my hand and he eats from there.

Strawberry Storage

I found these beautiful, fresh strawberries while running errands this past weekend.  They were on sale - two containers for $6.00.  What a deal.  So I got two.

First things first, when you buy fresh strawberries, be certain to empty the containers into a strainer and rinse them thoroughly.

I gave these beautiful strawberries a good, long rinse in cold water to remove any dirt and debris that may have made its way to the grocer.  As part of the packaging process they are rinsed but an extra rinse will certainly not hurt.

Then it was time to cut them into quarters and place them in a container.

I added a small amount of sugar - the amount I could pick up from the sugar jar in my 4 fingers and thumb.  I would guess about three tablespoons of sugar lightly sprinkled over the top.  This will bring a little sweetness to these delicious berries.

Finally, an airtight lid was attached and into the refrigerator with them.  These are perfect for snacking right from the container.  When the taste buds are wanting a sweet treat, a few of these hits the spot.  Much better for you than a candy bar or a slice of cake.  And every bit as satisfying.

Strawberry Storage

I found these beautiful, fresh strawberries while running errands this past weekend.  They were on sale - two containers for $6.00.  What a deal.  So I got two.

First things first, when you buy fresh strawberries, be certain to empty the containers into a strainer and rinse them thoroughly.

I gave these beautiful strawberries a good, long rinse in cold water to remove any dirt and debris that may have made its way to the grocer.  As part of the packaging process they are rinsed but an extra rinse will certainly not hurt.

Then it was time to cut them into quarters and place them in a container.

I added a small amount of sugar - the amount I could pick up from the sugar jar in my 4 fingers and thumb.  I would guess about three tablespoons of sugar lightly sprinkled over the top.  This will bring a little sweetness to these delicious berries.

Finally, an airtight lid was attached and into the refrigerator with them.  These are perfect for snacking right from the container.  When the taste buds are wanting a sweet treat, a few of these hits the spot.  Much better for you than a candy bar or a slice of cake.  And every bit as satisfying.

Shlagel Farms and Fresh Eggs

On a recent night on Netflix, I watched a documentary entitled "Food, Inc." produced in 2008.

It was very disturbing to see how our food makes its way to our tables.  One of the most disturbing parts of this documentary were the factory farms where our eggs are produced.  Eggs are a staple in the American kitchen.  They are used in everything - breakfast food, making pasta, as appetizers at parties, in baking, etc. The conditions in which the hens are kept in these factory farms and made to produce eggs en masse is deplorable.  How any human or group of humans can reach such a level of depravity in their treatment of another creature on this earth is unfathomable to me. I knew I had to so something.  So, I simply stopped buying their product.

I am fortunate in that I have access to Eileen Shlagel and her Shlagel Farms in Waldorf, MD.  Eileen is a delightful woman, which makes for a pleasant experience too!

Last week Eileen sent out an email to her regular customers informing us that she would be at the Community Center beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning with fresh eggs and asking for our orders.  I immediately responded that I would take one dozen brown eggs.  When I arrived at 10:05 AM, there she was with a truckload of eggs for her good customers.  I opted for the jumbo over the extra large.  I know this picture does not do them justice, but these eggs are enormous.  And fresh.

You can tell that her hens are well fed and taken care of by the size of the eggs and the distinct color.  More of an orangey color than store bought, factory produced eggs.  That is because her hens are fed a healthy diet, free of antibiotics and left to roam, as is their nature.  Here is one in the microwaveable egg poacher ready to be cooked for my breakfast.  Quite delicious.

If you are in the area and would like to find out more about Shlagel Farms, click on this link, www.shlagelfarms.com.  

Shlagel Farms and Fresh Eggs

On a recent night on Netflix, I watched a documentary entitled "Food, Inc." produced in 2008.

It was very disturbing to see how our food makes its way to our tables.  One of the most disturbing parts of this documentary were the factory farms where our eggs are produced.  Eggs are a staple in the American kitchen.  They are used in everything - breakfast food, making pasta, as appetizers at parties, in baking, etc. The conditions in which the hens are kept in these factory farms and made to produce eggs en masse is deplorable.  How any human or group of humans can reach such a level of depravity in their treatment of another creature on this earth is unfathomable to me. I knew I had to so something.  So, I simply stopped buying their product.

I am fortunate in that I have access to Eileen Shlagel and her Shlagel Farms in Waldorf, MD.  Eileen is a delightful woman, which makes for a pleasant experience too!

Last week Eileen sent out an email to her regular customers informing us that she would be at the Community Center beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning with fresh eggs and asking for our orders.  I immediately responded that I would take one dozen brown eggs.  When I arrived at 10:05 AM, there she was with a truckload of eggs for her good customers.  I opted for the jumbo over the extra large.  I know this picture does not do them justice, but these eggs are enormous.  And fresh.

You can tell that her hens are well fed and taken care of by the size of the eggs and the distinct color.  More of an orangey color than store bought, factory produced eggs.  That is because her hens are fed a healthy diet, free of antibiotics and left to roam, as is their nature.  Here is one in the microwaveable egg poacher ready to be cooked for my breakfast.  Quite delicious.

If you are in the area and would like to find out more about Shlagel Farms, click on this link, www.shlagelfarms.com.  

Eco Shred

I mentioned in the previous post about Von's birthday that my mission this year was to find Eco Shred wholesale because I use it frequently.  It is especially nice to use in the embossed boxes we sell through Boxmania.  Easter grows ever closer and I was in need of some Eco Shred in appropriate colors.  I found it at the Paper Source in pink and green.

So I bought two bags of each color which will at least get me started on Easter projects.  I'm going to check with one or two of my current suppliers and see if they sell it wholesale.  If so, I can see a rather large order coming their way over the next few weeks.

Eco Shred

I mentioned in the previous post about Von's birthday that my mission this year was to find Eco Shred wholesale because I use it frequently.  It is especially nice to use in the embossed boxes we sell through Boxmania.  Easter grows ever closer and I was in need of some Eco Shred in appropriate colors.  I found it at the Paper Source in pink and green.

So I bought two bags of each color which will at least get me started on Easter projects.  I'm going to check with one or two of my current suppliers and see if they sell it wholesale.  If so, I can see a rather large order coming their way over the next few weeks.

A Happy Birthday Gift to My Friend, Von

One day last week, my friend Von celebrated her ___th birthday.  We are not sure which birthday.  It is a mystery!!  I kind of like that she keeps it a secret.  Keeps us guessing.  She is a beautiful woman no matter the year.  Of course I couldn't let the occasion slip by without notice, so I put together a little gift bag.  These are so much fun to do.  They can be as simple or as extravagant as you like.  Von likes to keep things simple, so we went that route.

Out of this pile of "stuff", we put together a really cute gift bag.

I found these shreds of crinkle cut at the Paper Source.  My endeavor this year is to find this at wholesale and keep a good supply of it on hand at all times in a multitude of colors.

We filled the bottom of the bag with some crinkle cut in preparation for a few little gifts.

The first gift was a gift card from Sprinkles Cupcakes in the amount of twenty dollars.  Now that will buy you a few cupcakes.  And the cupcakes at Sprinkles are sooooo incredibly delicious.  You will remember this was the place we stopped in last week and got cupcakes for Baxter, which he positively adored.

Searching for just the right card and I found it also at the Paper Source.

Just perfect.  I couldn't have designed a card any better.

I keep a variety of stickers on hand for different occasions.  I had birthday stickers but I saw these and couldn't resist.  So now we have some extra birthday stickers.

I hand addressed the envelope which contained her card and placed a black and white sticker on the envelope in keeping with the black and white theme this year.

Next stop was Au Bon Pain where I found these cute little bags of goodies to add to the gift bag.

And finally, the bag with the baked goods and the Sprinkles gift card.  It was just perfect and she loved it.

Now we explain why we have gone for two days without a post.  I took these pictures and sent them to myself like I have done 656 times before (at least I think that is how many posts I have made on WTCA). The first five photos came through perfectly so I downloaded them to the blog and started writing the story. The last five pictures came through "rotated".  That is, they were not in the position I wanted them in for the post.  So I did what I normally do to rotate them into the correct position.  For reasons still unknown to me it wouldn't work.  They would show up in the library in the proper position but when I would add them to the blogpost, they were in the wrong position.  I have been struggling with this for three days now.  Finally -- FINALLY today I got them in the right position.  I hope I don't have that to deal with again.