Well did everyone have a busy summer, I know I did and that is a bit unusual for me. Summer is not my favorite season, I am not that fond of the heat and it is always slow at the store, so clearly neither of those would make me happy... But this summer seems to be passing quickly, it was still hot and still slow at the store but there were many other things to keep me busy.
I had a wonderful project that I worked on and wanted to share it with you. A lovely young woman of 93 was making a rather large move, leaving her long time home and taking up residence at Claremont Manor, a wonderful Senior Residence located here in Claremont, CA...I happen to know a bit about the Manor since I dine there weekly with the lovely Florence Webster. So Vera is now going to reside there too, and she will be living in her own one bedroom cottage on the Manor grounds. This was right up my alley, clearly we were going to downsize, actually we did more than downsize, we basically started over.
To begin with I had a drawing of the new space with the measurements, you can't really begin without this information. I made a trip to her home and we discussed the items that she wanted to take with her, she wanted most of her bedroom set, she felt no need for the highboy which worked out beautifully leaving room in the bedroom for a small computer table and her exercise bicycle. Vera had a beautiful dresser in a guest room that was perfect for the television in the living room, I always look for ways to re purpose the things that you have, a little paint or just some cleaning can make a big difference. The matching accent tables in the living room were made by an uncle and received as a wedding gift some 70 years before, there was no question that they would travel with us to a new home. And the last and maybe most important would be Vera's piano, as a gifted piano player this was a must.
It is always nice not to be working under strict time constraints, we had a move in date but we had no end date at her longtime home since it had not been sold and we would be dealing with that as a separate project. Several trips to the home were made to pack up dishes and other small items that would be making the move. Furniture and boxes were marked for the movers, and we were able to take stock of the things that would be remaining for a future garage sale. After going over styles and fabrics we ordered a love seat and chair as well as a recliner for the living room, a small dining table and 4 chairs were also purchased.
And so we began putting together Vera's new home...The cottage itself was fresh with new paint, flooring, counter tops and appliances so that was a great way to start. We began with the kitchen and bathrooms, filling them with new items as well as a few old favorites...The kitchen table was put together and placed in it's proper spot, we placed 2 new bar stools under a counter, set up the dresser that had been cleaned and polished and would now act as out TV stand. The bathrooms were set with fresh towels and accent pieces and the clothes were arranged in the closet...The movers arrived with the remaining items from the home, the accent tables in the living room were cleaned and polished, the bedroom was set and ready for the new mattress to arrive. Sometimes time is not on your side but this time we were very lucky, all of the actual moving took place on Monday and the furniture was to arrive on Tuesday...And it actually did...The mattress were delivered and the bed was made up with new bedding, the love seat and chair joined the recliner in the living room and were arranged perfectly...The televisions had been set up, the food was in the refrigerator and pantry...We were ready for Vera...She was, as she put it, beyond thrilled with her new home, it was beautiful, comfortable and organized.
I enjoyed this project very much it came together well because it was well thought out and organized from beginning to end...
This is what I love to do, so if you have a move coming up or maybe someone you know is downsizing call me or stop in the store...I can make it so much easier for you...
Talk Soon
Caren
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Mother's Day Brunch...
Well the time has just flown by since we last spoke and I certainly had plans to chat with you sooner but sometimes life just gets in the way...
Mother's Day will be with us in just a couple of weeks so are your plans made? Here at Crimson Cottage we have some lovely gifts for that special Mother in your life, stop by and have a look...And keep in mind that we also have Gift Certificates for items in the store as well as the services we offer. So if Mom could use a little Organizing help or Decorating help we would be happy to do it...
So what special things do you do for Mother's Day? Certainly going out to dinner is probably the number one choice of most...And no one likes going out to dinner more than me but I will tell you not on Mother's Day way too crowded...It is a tough call when most of our Mothers have Mothers and for that matter Grandmothers, who takes it on...The guys? Well I guess that may work in some cases but just by my own life experiences, not so much...I mean they can barbecue, but honestly who really does all the work? So I say just face it, it is what it is and if your going to have to do it, do what YOU want and make it easy on yourself.
Plan a nice Brunch, have everyone bring something so you are not overwhelmed and face it we all love to bring something...Do a little menu planning so that you know that all your bases are covered...An egg dish, bread, meat, potatoes and fruit...So here are a few ideas...
So some of the basics of a really good Brunch are keeping it simple...Especially if you are entertaining guests of all ages...Fresh flowers are a must for your table or counter where ever you are arranging it...Arrange the food so that it is easy to reach, you do not want one thing dropping into another. Set up a separate table or area for your drinks, sometime this takes a bit of time and slows your line down. And now for your food...
Don't try a new complicated recipe for the first time, seriously have faith in yourself but if something has a lot of steps and is a little confusing then try it out another time, don't over burden yourself...And now that I have said that here is a great recipe for your egg dish...
Eggs For Brunch
12 eggs
2 cubes butter
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 16 ounce cottage cheese, small curd
1 lb grated jack cheese
1 4 ounce green chili's (mild)
Add any one or a combo of onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach*, sausage or bacon...
Melt butter and whisk in flour and baking powder, whisk your eggs and then add to flour mixture, mixing well. Add your remaining ingredients and pour into a prepared 9 by 13" pan**. Refrigerate overnight.
In the Morning...
Bring to room temperature and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until set. Very easy and your guests will love it...
Use your imagination on you added ingredients, try spinach and artichoke hearts...Add what your family enjoys...
* I use frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry.
**To prepare your pan spray with a cooking spray like Pam.
Now for other items, I would suggest for your bread, serve muffins and bagels with, of course butter and whipped cream cheese alongside. You can make your muffins a day ahead and cover tightly or place in a sealed baggie or purchase them, although the ones at the store tend to be a little large...Pick up your bagels at your favorite bagel spot...Potatoes, either simple roasted potatoes or a cheese potato casserole...The casserole can be made the day before and then cooked at the same time you bake your egg dish...Here is that recipe...
Cheese Potatoes
1 large package frozen hash browns, thawed*
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
16 ounces of sour cream
1/2 cube melted butter
salt and pepper to taste
Mix together soup, sour cream,cheese and butter. Add potatoes and mix well. Spoon or pour into a prepared 9 x 13" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
You can use another type of cheese if your prefer, if your watching your fat, it will be fine without the butter. Add sliced green onion or bacon if you wish, make it your own. This is easy and delicious...
*Diced potatoes not shredded
For your meat...And keeping it simple...If you are going to serve bacon and or sausage cook it a day or 2 ahead and refrigerate, BUT make sure you under cook it a bit...On the day of the brunch place it on a foil lined baking sheet, make sure baking sheet has a lip on it, and place it in a 300 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes and you will have perfect bacon and sausage with no mess to clean up...
Always serve fruit...Whatever any one likes, whether it is a fruit salad or just strawberries or a platter with different melons it just would not be brunch without it...
Okay so there you have it your Mother's Day Brunch...
If you have any questions or further ideas let me know...
Talk Soon
Caren
Mother's Day will be with us in just a couple of weeks so are your plans made? Here at Crimson Cottage we have some lovely gifts for that special Mother in your life, stop by and have a look...And keep in mind that we also have Gift Certificates for items in the store as well as the services we offer. So if Mom could use a little Organizing help or Decorating help we would be happy to do it...
So what special things do you do for Mother's Day? Certainly going out to dinner is probably the number one choice of most...And no one likes going out to dinner more than me but I will tell you not on Mother's Day way too crowded...It is a tough call when most of our Mothers have Mothers and for that matter Grandmothers, who takes it on...The guys? Well I guess that may work in some cases but just by my own life experiences, not so much...I mean they can barbecue, but honestly who really does all the work? So I say just face it, it is what it is and if your going to have to do it, do what YOU want and make it easy on yourself.
Plan a nice Brunch, have everyone bring something so you are not overwhelmed and face it we all love to bring something...Do a little menu planning so that you know that all your bases are covered...An egg dish, bread, meat, potatoes and fruit...So here are a few ideas...
So some of the basics of a really good Brunch are keeping it simple...Especially if you are entertaining guests of all ages...Fresh flowers are a must for your table or counter where ever you are arranging it...Arrange the food so that it is easy to reach, you do not want one thing dropping into another. Set up a separate table or area for your drinks, sometime this takes a bit of time and slows your line down. And now for your food...
Don't try a new complicated recipe for the first time, seriously have faith in yourself but if something has a lot of steps and is a little confusing then try it out another time, don't over burden yourself...And now that I have said that here is a great recipe for your egg dish...
Eggs For Brunch
12 eggs
2 cubes butter
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 16 ounce cottage cheese, small curd
1 lb grated jack cheese
1 4 ounce green chili's (mild)
Add any one or a combo of onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach*, sausage or bacon...
Melt butter and whisk in flour and baking powder, whisk your eggs and then add to flour mixture, mixing well. Add your remaining ingredients and pour into a prepared 9 by 13" pan**. Refrigerate overnight.
In the Morning...
Bring to room temperature and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until set. Very easy and your guests will love it...
Use your imagination on you added ingredients, try spinach and artichoke hearts...Add what your family enjoys...
* I use frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry.
**To prepare your pan spray with a cooking spray like Pam.
Now for other items, I would suggest for your bread, serve muffins and bagels with, of course butter and whipped cream cheese alongside. You can make your muffins a day ahead and cover tightly or place in a sealed baggie or purchase them, although the ones at the store tend to be a little large...Pick up your bagels at your favorite bagel spot...Potatoes, either simple roasted potatoes or a cheese potato casserole...The casserole can be made the day before and then cooked at the same time you bake your egg dish...Here is that recipe...
Cheese Potatoes
1 large package frozen hash browns, thawed*
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
16 ounces of sour cream
1/2 cube melted butter
salt and pepper to taste
Mix together soup, sour cream,cheese and butter. Add potatoes and mix well. Spoon or pour into a prepared 9 x 13" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
You can use another type of cheese if your prefer, if your watching your fat, it will be fine without the butter. Add sliced green onion or bacon if you wish, make it your own. This is easy and delicious...
*Diced potatoes not shredded
For your meat...And keeping it simple...If you are going to serve bacon and or sausage cook it a day or 2 ahead and refrigerate, BUT make sure you under cook it a bit...On the day of the brunch place it on a foil lined baking sheet, make sure baking sheet has a lip on it, and place it in a 300 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes and you will have perfect bacon and sausage with no mess to clean up...
Always serve fruit...Whatever any one likes, whether it is a fruit salad or just strawberries or a platter with different melons it just would not be brunch without it...
Okay so there you have it your Mother's Day Brunch...
If you have any questions or further ideas let me know...
Talk Soon
Caren
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Welcome Spring...
Well I think spring is on its way...Although the weather can't seem to make up its mind...But there is clearly something in the air, a change, things feel different. Maybe its because we are springing forward tonight, or it could be we are just ready for that change... I know I am...
Its time to move forward on things that have been set aside, or maybe a new project that you have been thinking about. Here at The Crimson Cottage we are going in several directions.
After working on my Cookbook off and on for the past year or so, I have decided to get serious. I have taken what I have so far and sent it off to my 2 editors...That would be my sister Cathy and my sister, because I want her to be, Nancie...Since both of them have spent so much time in the "Book World" they have so much knowledge and neither one of them has any problem telling me what I have done wrong, or for that matter how to fix it...I am so lucky to have them working with me on this project...I will keep you updated on the progress and will be including tips and recipes in my blog...
As I mentioned in the last blog I am holding "Let's Get Organized" classes here at the Crimson Cottage. The next 4 week session begins on Wednesday, April 4th from 6 to 8 pm...We just finished up the first session and I was delighted with how well it went...Not really knowing how this was going to all come together I was a bit nervous as to whether people were actually going to get enough out of the class to make changes in their lives. They were given the tools and encouragement to get motivated and they were able to make those changes and move forward. I have to say that I loved the class, to be able to talk through your organizing issues with a small group really worked wonders for these women, I was so pleased... I keep the class size to no more than 6, it is very informal and we will find a way to deal with any issue you are having...If you are interested in more information please email me at carenwhiteside@verison.net or call The Crimson Cottage at 909 445-1205
Here are a few tips on getting organized...
Start your children early picking up toys and putting things away...
Share with your children the importance of donating...
We can't keep all of the wonderful things from our children's childhood...Start a "Keep Forever" box to pass onto them when they have their own home. Let your child help in deciding what is to be kept...Lots of special moments here...
Signs, signs, signs...Here at Crimson Cottage we have always done well with signs...People coming into the store and seeing a sign would often say how close some of the words would hit home. Whether it was thoughtful or amusing it brought someone or something to mind...So with the help of our printer Roger and the always amazing Wayne McNabb we are going to be making our own signs. This allows us to customize for our customer with the color or with the words...We shall have some displayed within the next 4 weeks...
So that is it for today...Next week we will discuss...Easter Brunch...Let's get cooking...
Talk Soon
Caren
Its time to move forward on things that have been set aside, or maybe a new project that you have been thinking about. Here at The Crimson Cottage we are going in several directions.
After working on my Cookbook off and on for the past year or so, I have decided to get serious. I have taken what I have so far and sent it off to my 2 editors...That would be my sister Cathy and my sister, because I want her to be, Nancie...Since both of them have spent so much time in the "Book World" they have so much knowledge and neither one of them has any problem telling me what I have done wrong, or for that matter how to fix it...I am so lucky to have them working with me on this project...I will keep you updated on the progress and will be including tips and recipes in my blog...
As I mentioned in the last blog I am holding "Let's Get Organized" classes here at the Crimson Cottage. The next 4 week session begins on Wednesday, April 4th from 6 to 8 pm...We just finished up the first session and I was delighted with how well it went...Not really knowing how this was going to all come together I was a bit nervous as to whether people were actually going to get enough out of the class to make changes in their lives. They were given the tools and encouragement to get motivated and they were able to make those changes and move forward. I have to say that I loved the class, to be able to talk through your organizing issues with a small group really worked wonders for these women, I was so pleased... I keep the class size to no more than 6, it is very informal and we will find a way to deal with any issue you are having...If you are interested in more information please email me at carenwhiteside@verison.net or call The Crimson Cottage at 909 445-1205
Here are a few tips on getting organized...
Start your children early picking up toys and putting things away...
Share with your children the importance of donating...
We can't keep all of the wonderful things from our children's childhood...Start a "Keep Forever" box to pass onto them when they have their own home. Let your child help in deciding what is to be kept...Lots of special moments here...
Signs, signs, signs...Here at Crimson Cottage we have always done well with signs...People coming into the store and seeing a sign would often say how close some of the words would hit home. Whether it was thoughtful or amusing it brought someone or something to mind...So with the help of our printer Roger and the always amazing Wayne McNabb we are going to be making our own signs. This allows us to customize for our customer with the color or with the words...We shall have some displayed within the next 4 weeks...
So that is it for today...Next week we will discuss...Easter Brunch...Let's get cooking...
Talk Soon
Caren
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Let's Get Organized
Well here I am again, wishing I would do this more often...
I seem to get wrapped up in a project here and a project there...My latest project is hosting a class called "Let's Get Organized". I had been asked to teach classes before and always had a bit of trouble seeing how it would all come together, with everyone getting something they needed out of the class. This time I was determined to put a plan together that would work...
I hold the class for 2 hours once a week, I began with 4 women who all had their own home organizational issues. They need to tell me what brought them to this class, what problems they are having...This is where I would always run into a bit of a brick wall...No issue is the same so can you key in on one, discuss and then move onto the next...Actually it works very well, I am happy to say...We learn so much from each other, I am able to give them some tools that will help them on their journey and a little homework never hurt anyone.
If someone needs to have me come to their home and take a look and help them with a plan of action I am of course available...I asked after the first class what they felt they were taking away from this and the answer I got was "Motivation"... I liked that...
The classes will be a 5 week session, meeting as I said for 2 hours, we meet at The Crimson Cottage, I will keep the class size at a maximum of 6...A good workable number for doing what we are doing and the space we have...If you are interested and need more information please call The Crimson Cottage, 909 445-1205..
Now that your getting organized let's move on to creating your own beautiful space...I cannot stress enough how important it is to own your space...To actually live in a place that you love to be in...I believe all other areas of your life benefit from you living your life in a home that reflects your style and comfort...So now you just need to find your comfort and style so you can start living your better, fuller, more productive life...
Let Crimson Cottage help you find just what your looking for...
Talk soon...
I seem to get wrapped up in a project here and a project there...My latest project is hosting a class called "Let's Get Organized". I had been asked to teach classes before and always had a bit of trouble seeing how it would all come together, with everyone getting something they needed out of the class. This time I was determined to put a plan together that would work...
I hold the class for 2 hours once a week, I began with 4 women who all had their own home organizational issues. They need to tell me what brought them to this class, what problems they are having...This is where I would always run into a bit of a brick wall...No issue is the same so can you key in on one, discuss and then move onto the next...Actually it works very well, I am happy to say...We learn so much from each other, I am able to give them some tools that will help them on their journey and a little homework never hurt anyone.
If someone needs to have me come to their home and take a look and help them with a plan of action I am of course available...I asked after the first class what they felt they were taking away from this and the answer I got was "Motivation"... I liked that...
The classes will be a 5 week session, meeting as I said for 2 hours, we meet at The Crimson Cottage, I will keep the class size at a maximum of 6...A good workable number for doing what we are doing and the space we have...If you are interested and need more information please call The Crimson Cottage, 909 445-1205..
Now that your getting organized let's move on to creating your own beautiful space...I cannot stress enough how important it is to own your space...To actually live in a place that you love to be in...I believe all other areas of your life benefit from you living your life in a home that reflects your style and comfort...So now you just need to find your comfort and style so you can start living your better, fuller, more productive life...
Let Crimson Cottage help you find just what your looking for...
Talk soon...
Friday, January 13, 2012
Into The New Year
And so we begin 2012...
I have to be honest and say that I am pretty happy to say farewell to 2011 for many reasons...So time to move on and possibly head in some new directions...
Crimson Cottage is alive and well and has some new company here at the Old School House...Moultrie Academy of Music, Voice and Dance and The Zoom Room have taken up residence and I could not be happier...Moultrie Academy has been in the area for over 30 years, having just moved from Upland. I have known Carly Moultrie since her business began, daughter Shannon was one of her first students. Carly is a force of nature, if she wants to get something done, do not stand in her way...She has brought all of our businesses here at the Old School House together, working towards better business for all...We hosted a Holiday Gathering on December 4th, offering entertainment and special discounts to all who came...A great success...We look forward to hosting these Gatherings every season... Also opening this fall , The Zoom Room, Agility Training Center and Canine Social Club...They offer a class for every dog...And have a great assortment of doggy needs as well as dog food...It is great seeing everyone with their dogs, a lovely parade every day...It has been a pleasure working with these 2 new businesses to the Old School House in addition to of course Candlelight Pavilion, Casa de Salsa and Elements of Style...Something for Everyone...Come by and see...
Crimson Cottage is still offering you Custom Furniture and Distinctive Treasures...Anyone who knows me clearly knows that I do love the stuff...But this year we are going to go with less stuff and more custom furniture items...I am working with companies that are offering you great fabric choices for your sofa or chairs in addition we have Wayne McNabb, woodworker extraordinaire, find it in a magazine and he can build it...Of course we will always have stuff, but we really want to work with you one on one to bring the home of your dreams to life...
Other services that we offer you are Staging, very useful to those who wish to sell your home, we can do a walk through and tell you what changes to make or we can make the changes for you. Remix Decorating, we use what you have and just mix it up a bit, it is amazing what a little change can do...Of course if you need a complete new look we can do that too...And of course along with pulling it all together is of course getting Organized...We can organize as we go...Be sure to ask us about the services that we offer...
Looking forward to an exciting 2012...Join us...
I have to be honest and say that I am pretty happy to say farewell to 2011 for many reasons...So time to move on and possibly head in some new directions...
Crimson Cottage is alive and well and has some new company here at the Old School House...Moultrie Academy of Music, Voice and Dance and The Zoom Room have taken up residence and I could not be happier...Moultrie Academy has been in the area for over 30 years, having just moved from Upland. I have known Carly Moultrie since her business began, daughter Shannon was one of her first students. Carly is a force of nature, if she wants to get something done, do not stand in her way...She has brought all of our businesses here at the Old School House together, working towards better business for all...We hosted a Holiday Gathering on December 4th, offering entertainment and special discounts to all who came...A great success...We look forward to hosting these Gatherings every season... Also opening this fall , The Zoom Room, Agility Training Center and Canine Social Club...They offer a class for every dog...And have a great assortment of doggy needs as well as dog food...It is great seeing everyone with their dogs, a lovely parade every day...It has been a pleasure working with these 2 new businesses to the Old School House in addition to of course Candlelight Pavilion, Casa de Salsa and Elements of Style...Something for Everyone...Come by and see...
Crimson Cottage is still offering you Custom Furniture and Distinctive Treasures...Anyone who knows me clearly knows that I do love the stuff...But this year we are going to go with less stuff and more custom furniture items...I am working with companies that are offering you great fabric choices for your sofa or chairs in addition we have Wayne McNabb, woodworker extraordinaire, find it in a magazine and he can build it...Of course we will always have stuff, but we really want to work with you one on one to bring the home of your dreams to life...
Other services that we offer you are Staging, very useful to those who wish to sell your home, we can do a walk through and tell you what changes to make or we can make the changes for you. Remix Decorating, we use what you have and just mix it up a bit, it is amazing what a little change can do...Of course if you need a complete new look we can do that too...And of course along with pulling it all together is of course getting Organized...We can organize as we go...Be sure to ask us about the services that we offer...
Looking forward to an exciting 2012...Join us...
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