Rosle, Rosle

If the cutting board and chef's knife is already out, it's usually just quicker and easier to mince a clove of garlic with the knife.  But other times, like tonight when the recipe called for 9 cloves of minced garlic, I turn to this gadget.  It's a Rosle Garlic Press from Williams Sonoma.  And let me tell you, this little guy can really press the garlic.  The first time I used it, after struggling with an inferior brand for several years, I applied the usual amount of pressure and Woohoo! , the garlic went flying out and splattered all across the back splash.  I soon learned that you don't need a lot of pressure to use this style.  Just aim carefully and give it a gentle squeeze.  When you're done, you can flip the screen up for easy cleaning or toss it in the dish washer.  Yes, it's a bit more expensive than some brands, but it is quite possibly the last garlic press you will ever buy!

A Fun Surprise!

A surprise package was waiting for me on the steps last week - the Pearl and Chain Necklace Tee from Ann Taylor Loft!  It was an early birthday present from my thoughtful daughter, who seems to think I need to add a little more bling to my wardrobe.  I paired this with a black ruffled cardigan for a birthday dinner at the Bistro.  So cute, and so fun!  Thank you, Heike!

I don't know how to dance the Flamenco, but this skirt makes me want to learn!

A new favorite - the Knit Flamenco Skirt from Garnet Hill.  It is a soft comfortable knit, hits just below the knee and is topped with layers of soft ruffles that lay flat.  Cute with a dark red floral embroidered T, or a soft pink cardigan, or a simple black T - with sandals, flats, or boots - the combinations are limitless. Comfort, style, and just a bit of sass!

Lime, Basil & Mandarin

No, not a recipe for a new Thai favorite, but one of my favorite scents ~ Lime, Basil, Mandarin from Jo Malone.  A hint of citrus, a bit of herbal; not too heavy, somehow just right.  Fresh.

Belle of the Ball

This dessert is too good and too easy not to share with you.  Blueberry Belle Crunch - a simple but delicious dessert bursting with tart and juicy blueberries with an crunchy topping that tastes like an oatmeal cookie.  Yum!

Blueberry Belle Crunch

Combine:

2 cups blueberries

2 T lemon juice

2 T flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar.  

Spread in a greased 9x9 pan.  

Mix:

1 c flour

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

Cut in:

1/2 cup butter 

until mixture resembles course meal.

Sprinkle over blueberry mixture.

Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Laundry Room Space Saver

If you stopped after looking at just the first picture, you might wonder what what's so exciting about this item.  But the second picture reveals the ingenious design.  This wall mounted drying rack unfolds to allow 14 feet of drying space, then folds neatly away when not in use.  I've tried other drying racks and have never been satisfied - they take up too much space or are clumsy to use.  This one is neat and tidy, was easy to install, and sells for $34.99 at the Container Store.   Look for the Fold-Away Drying Rack. You won't be disappointed.

The Hunt is Over!

I've found it!  All summer long I have been looking for the perfect warm weather handbag.  Two Rules:  1)  Zipper top  and  2)  Light weight,  and preferably in a luggage tan leather.  Last week, when I breezed through Macy's on my way to the car, I found it!  The MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Tote (which really isn't that large).  The price scared me a way for a bit, but then I decided to go for it.  You see, I'm not one to switch bags every day.  I generally use the same bag all season long.  I started the spring with a white patent bag from last year, but was totally frustrated in that I kept spilling my "stuff".  I had broken Rule #1 - Zipper Top.  While the white bag did have a zipper section for my wallet, the main closure was magnetic.  Never again.  I ditched the white bag for an orange satchel from a few years ago.  While the color was fun, the straps soon began to lose their stitching and it started looking kind of ratty.  Added to the fact that all my "stuff" ended up in a clump in the middle.  The hunt continued.  Taking a quick spin through Macy's, I weight tested a few bags that caught my eye - picking each one up to check how heavy it was.  This luggage brown leather tote was the answer to my quest.  Zipper top.  Light weight.  Soft luggage brown leather.  An outer pocket on each end - one for keys, one for sunglasses.  Four open pockets in the inside, for pens & gloss, phone, a pack of gum & my clip of cards.  One inside zipper pocket.  It holds its shape and keeps everything from ending up in a clump in the center.  Not too big but holds the essentials.  In a pinch, can hold a bit more.  Out running errands today I added a prescription, a book, and a water bottle.  A bit heavier for sure, but still looking good.  The straps are just the right length for looping over your shoulder or carrying at your side.  I'm not big on logos, so I removed the MK hanging logo charm.  I don't need to impress anyone or advertise for free. I love, Love, LOVE it!