Champagne and Cupcakes's blog

Like a Virgin, the product that is

2009-05-07T07:27:53-05:00

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A Bunny's Tale on Marriage, Motherhood, and Domestic Bliss

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Like a Virgin, the product that is...

Virginale Paris Bebe products from Beauty Habitat are on my list of products that need to be in my home. My four year old has soft soft skin and I don't want any harsh chemicals irritating him. I also want the purest safest products on my skin as well. Virginale Paris Bebe is the product line to go to when nothing else but absolute purity will do. The products are made with 100% natural ingrediants without the use of colorants, synthetic oils, mineral oil or parabens.

try the Bath Time Shower Gel, The Fresh Lotion, The protective Lime Tree Oil and the Rice Powder. apprx. $15-$25

Ephesus Turkey Vs Yankee Stadium

2009-05-04T13:01:38-05:00

skip to main | skip to sidebar The Paris House

A Bunny's Tale on Marriage, Motherhood, and Domestic Bliss

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Ephesus Turkey and Yankee Stadium

Ancient Ephesus, Turkey
beautiful stadium

me and three of my four boys

delicious fish/shrimp tacos

the new Yankee stadium
Ancient Ephesus, Turkey
Take me and my boys out to the Ball Game! We just went to see our team, the Yankees play at their new stadium. It was a gorgeous day and the new stadium is beautiful. Great food catered by The Food Network and others, fantastic seats behind home plate. As I was sitting and watching the game I couldn't help but to reminisce about a recent trip my family and I took to Ephesus Turkey. I realize that may seem a bit odd, but not really, when you think about it they are two stadiums albeit 2,000 years apart in time My husband sons and I spent a lot of time exploring the ruins of this great ancient city. As much as we love Pompei, we found Ephesus even more fascinating. Their stadium was large, I believe it had 24,000 seats ( Yankee stadium has 50,000) and very old. When I was looking around the sparkling brand new Yankee stadium listening to the cheers of such fiercely loyal fans I started to picture what the "fans" were like so many years ago in Ephesus. Were they cheering on some things that would make us all close our eyes and look away in horror, were they listening to some lovely music and dance, Or perhaps they were listening to Mary and Pope Paul VI spread the word of Christianity after Jesus died. It is reputed that Mary had made the journey down from the hills where it is rumoured she spent her last days. It is impossible to know for certain exactly what they celebrated in their "stadium" as it was so many years ago. What I feel certain of is, people gathered, people cheered on one another, they come together in a community of spirit, sportsmanship and hope. 2,000 years later fans are coming to stadiums all over the world either alone hoping to find someone to share a moment with, or hopefully they come with loved ones and friends to make a lifetime of memories.We all know that nothing lasts forever, someday others will be sitting in those spots, will they wonder about those "Yankees" will they even know who they were?? I do hope they are still coming together to cheer on their favorite teams, to gather to support the arts, to have peaceful rallies for good causes, but mostly to spend a beautiful day with their loved ones.
The Bronx Bommers Shrimp Tacos-
I enjoyed a delicous fish taco at the game. I thought I would devise a shrimp version of it.
Its really good, and easy!
1lb of fresh Shrimp (more depending on how many people you are cooking for) I purchase our seafood at a local seafood shop that lightly breads it in a cornmeal batter.
I either deep fry or sautee my shrimp in oil
Use whatever type of wraps you like, I get whole wheat flour tortillas from Whole Foods that are organic
I put out homemade guacomole, salsa, red onions, diced tomatoes, a variety of cheeses, an organic coleslaw, an a chipotle aioli sauce, everyonoe just adds the toppings they like
**I often sautee in place of using a deep fryer for health reasons, and I must say it is just as good, I'm not a big fan of deep fried foods.

You might like these stories: The Paris House Loves Fashion Gorgonzola

Shes got everything delightful shes got everything I need,

2009-04-30T09:25:33-05:00

skip to main | skip to sidebar The Paris House

A Bunny's Tale on Marriage, Motherhood, and Domestic Bliss

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Shes got everything delightful shes got everything I need,

This song always makes me smile and the Magnolias too!!
You might like these stories: Shes got everything delightful shes got everything I need, ... Making Italian Easter Ham Pie with Bunny IMG_8551 LinkWithin Posted by THE PARIS HOUSE at 8:25 AM Labels: flowers, music, the Dead 0 comments

ASPARAGUS SPRING TART

2009-04-13T08:07:46-05:00

skip to main | skip to sidebar THE PARIS HOUSE

A Bunny's Tale on Marriage, Motherhood, and Domestic Bliss

Monday, April 13, 2009

ASPARAGUS SPRING TART

I made this lovely tart over Easter weekend. The pie crust can be made in a bowl, so no need to dirty the food processor. I think it is a wonderful savory recipe to make throughout the Spring. Perfect for a Mother's Day brunch.

ASPARAGUS SPRING TART- with smoked salmon, leeks and gruyere cheese

For Pastry

1 Cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large egg, lightly beaten

for filling

1 medium leek(white and pale green part), sliced into small thin pieces
1 lb of asparagus, trimmed
1 package of smoked salmon sliced into small thin strips
1 block of good quality gruyere cheese shredded
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups heavy cream
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon (feel free to use fresh parsley)
2 teaspoons water

note-you can use a 9-inch flan ring that is lined with parchment paper. However- I felt more comfortable using a large old fashioned deep dish pie plate, to avoid any spills in the oven. It came out great and looked very pretty.

Make pastry:
Combine flour, salt and butter in a bowl and combine with pastry cutter until mixture resembles course meal with some small butter lumps. Drizzle evenly with egg and gently stir with a fork (or this can all be done in a processor) just until dough forms.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and with the heel of your hand, roll and flatten out into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and chill dough for at least 30 minutes.

Making the filling:
Wash leek very well, slice and add to sautee pan with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and sautee until lightly golden
cook Asparagus in a pot of salted boiling water for 5 minutes, plunge into ice bath to stop cooking and then add to leek mixture and lightly sautee.
season with salt and pepper
set aside

Continue with filling preperation:
Whisk together 2 eggs,tarragon(can substitute with parsely) and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of saltand 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Add sliced smoked salmon
Add gruyere cheese
Add leek and Asparagus to filling mixture, saving some of the Asparagus tips for later
Lightly beat remaining egg and water and brush over the pie crust

pour the filling over the pie crust
Bake tart until filling starts to set for 20-25 minutes, Scatter asparagus tips over top, pressing lightly if necessary to help them settle into filling, then continue to bake until custard is golden and just set but still slightly wobbly in center, about 30 minutes more (custard will continue to set while it cools)

Cool tart on baking sheet on a rack until warm, about 30 minutes. Loosen edges with a sharp knife, cut and serve.

If using a flan , then lift off flan ring and serve.

Notes-You can make pastry dough 1 day ahead, Let stand to room temperature to slightly soften before rolling out.

serve with beautiful dishes that enhance the color of the Spring Asparagus, Leeks and Salmon

recipe is adapted from Gourmet magazine, but there have been many changes
Enjoy!! Posted by THE PARIS HOUSE at 8:03 AM 0 comments:

The Paris House Loves Fashion

2009-04-07T20:02:51-05:00

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Paris House Loves Fashion

Fashion, Beauty, Fitness & Wellness
Chic is where you find it!- Bonnie Cashin
"I love fashion, I love everything about it" When I get up in the morning I can decide "who" I want to be that day: cute, high fashion Parisian woman, grungy, chic, English gardener in my wellies. It always changes and always depends on my mood.
You don't need to change your style on a daily basis to look great, I just like to create something 24 hours a day. You do however need to find clothes and a style that flatter your figure and work with your lifestyle. If this is not something you are comfortable with then it would be a wise investment to hire a personal stylist to help you sort through your closet and weed out what doesn't work and shop for some basic staples that will work for years to come (I could recommend a good image consultant). Cut out pictures that you like from various fashion magazines. If you are over forty, try More Magazine they have beautiful clothes that are stylish and yet appropriate, although I am a true believer that if it looks good and you are in great shape wear whatever you want for as long as you can. I'd rather see a 50 year old hot woman in a bikini than a 25 year old that has no business wearing one.
Ladies, the times They Are A Changing!! So take a little time to put on some mascara, a little lipstick a cute pair of shoes. I wear dresses a lot, for me it is much easier, with three kids, I don't always have a lot of time to think about what I am wearing. A dress is one thing, it is that easy!! Tory Burch is a great designer that creates beautiful sporty casual dresses. It doesn't get much easier than pulling one item of clothing over your head and looking great!! There are days I only have time for lipstick and no other makeup. Lipstick, a dress, a cute pair of shoes/boots, an all over beautifully scented body lotion and a pretty haircut or an adorable ponytail and you are good to go and more beautiful than ever!! Combine this routine with a little exercise and there will be no stopping you!!!
I also love fitness! Everything I do, really starts with exercise. In order for me to be healthy, happy, care for my three sons, be a wife, creative person and all the other endless things I have to do in the course of the day, sometimes not stopping for 20 hours straight!! I need my hour of excersise every morning and when I take this time, often the only time I have for myself, I feel like I can rule the world. It doesn't mean I don't get sick every now and then, but I can honestly say I rarely ever get tired. I know this is from a lifetime of fitness and good nutrition. If fitness and healthy living is not a part of your life, then please, I urge you to see your doctor and find a fitness plan best suited for you. I promise you it will change your life. This isn't about being the next swimsuit cover model, ( but who knows, maybe you will be) it is about living the one life we have the best we can. There are no guarantees in life, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take care of yourself. Being fit is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself!!
We have added a “Wellness” section to our fashion, beauty and fitness page. To us Wellness is living beautifully starting on the inside first. Each month we will add special little quotes and sayings that inspire us, helpful healthy tips and anything we feel will help us all achieve “Wellness” in our lives.
Today treat everyone you come in contact with ... with kindness
I was recently watching a movie when one of the actors said
Today treat everyone you come in contact with, no matter who they are, if you love them or hate them, like they will be dead by midnight, and treat them with kindnessTry and do that for an entire day and then try it for two days, who knows it just might be contagious and before you know it only kind things will come from your mouth. I'm going to give it try!!!
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Christmas Fashion, My Muse was MrsPosted by BUNNY AKA MICHELE

Gardening tips and ideas from The Paris House

2009-04-06T19:18:09-05:00

Bunny's Garden

Working in a garden never ever seems like work!

Michele (aka 'Bunny') and her family are avid gardeners. Her love of gardening goes back many years to her childhood. Since then she has been fortunate to have traveled throughout the world to find inspiration for her garden. From the historical gardens of Colonial Williamsburg, the formal gardens of Versailles, the artistic gardens of Giverny, the spectacular balconies in Venice, Italy and the wonderful gardens in England. She has been continually motivated to improve and develop her gardens in New Jersey. She recently visited the Hildene in Manchester Vermont, a vacation home of a family member of President Lincoln, where she took so many pictures and was so inspired. Everyone has there own idea of what appeals to them and what will work in their space and how much time they have to maintain the garden. For Michele and her family, working in a garden never ever seems like work!!!

This winter get out a garden journal, some graph paper and start planning, plant bulbs in the fall for a glorious spring garden. Sow seeds in the early summer for pumpkins, gourds and mammoth sunflowers. cover arbors with climbing flowers, such as roses, morning glory vine and clematis. Plant an organic vegetable garden to cook from. grow your own herbs in pots so you always have them on hand, plant a small cutting garden to make spur of the moment flower arrangements. Remember to amend your soil, compost, mulch, weed, water, deadhead. Most Gardeners find these things very meditative, I know I do! I never lament the end of a season, but enjoy the changing seasons and how my garden changes, I look forward to seeing our "old friends" come back year after year to fill our home with such beauty.

Intuitive cooking from the farmers market

2009-04-02T09:53:18-05:00

Intuitive Cooking From the Farmer’s Market

Posted by Michele Rosenthal
April 2, 2009

Recently, I vacationed in sunny Palm Beach Florida where there is an abundance of fresh produce, delicious berries and other fruits and wonderful seafood. We have a great farmer’s market close to our condo in Delray Beach that is filled with more than just delectable produce. You can go there without a menu planned for your evening meal and no grocery list in hand and leave ready and able to create a delicious dinner. I love to go out to dinner with my husband and three sons when we travel because that is where I get the vast majority of my inspiration for new recipes. However, there are times when we don’t feel like it after a long day on the beach in the hot sun. On those days, we would rather eat out on our balcony.

On those days, we head off to the aforementioned farmer’s market, where I let the fresh ingredients inspire my cooking for the evening. We stroll around with our shopping cart, seeing what looks good and tasty. Fresh tuna and green beans? That’s a tuna nicoise salad!

We use the same method to find dessert foods as well. On this recent trip, I passed by strawberries that were just picked next door. I did a double take — not because of the visual but because of the heavenly sweet fragrance that wafted from the stand. There was no way I was leaving there without those berries and the juicy, fat blackberries sitting next to them.

Now for me I could be a very happy lady just eating those berries after dinner, but I wanted to make a quick dessert that would dazzle my husband. Well, in life some things are just meant to be, and that was so that day when I spied packets of pre-cooked crepes from France. Crafted by Terroirs d’Antan and imported from Bretagne, the package cost $5.99 for 12 preservative-free crepes. Prior to that, I’d never purchased pre-cooked crepes since I enjoy making them at home. However, I decided to give those a try. After all, they are from France, how bad could they be? So with berries and crepes in hand, I searched for some mascarpone cheese to turn the ingredients into a gourmet dessert.

Shopping at a well-appointed farmer’s market can really be this simple. Look for the freshest ingredients, let your mind wander to combinations and possibilities and then make it happen at home. Dinners and desserts with fresh ingredients needn’t be complicated or time consuming.

On the evening in question, I did make a quick tuna salad nicoise that I served with a delicious dressing and some crusty bread. For dessert, it was crepes au fruits avec fromage. My husband declared it a perfect ten. The crepes were very good and this only took minutes. The next evening I used more of the crepes to make crepes bananas in a butter rum sugar sauce that was also very good.

Crepes au Fruits avec Fromage

1 cup of Mascapone cheese
1/4 cup sugar plus a pinch, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons Cassis liquors
1/2 cup good quality jam (I used black currant preserves)
Strawberries and blackberries, I used 1 cup of each
crepes

Whip together the mascarpone cheese, sugar and vanilla. Set aside.

Combine preserves, Cassis liquors and a pinch of sugar in a pan and cook until combined. Add a handful of strawberries and blackberries (depending on how many crepes your are serving, you may want to add more or less berries). Stir over heat until the berries burst, releasing their juices. Let cool.

Spread a generous amount of the mascarpone cheese mixture on top of each crepe. Then spoon cooled (or warm, however you like it) berry mixture on top and fold crepe over. If desired, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

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Planning an Irish Fest

2009-03-23T19:59:37-05:00

Planning an Irish Fest at Home

Posted by Michele Rosenthal
March 16, 2009

Madaglia D’Oro Instant Espresso is a staple in my home. There is nothing better than a fabulous cup of freshly brewed espresso, especially after dinner in some quaint little cafe in Europe while you are relaxing and people watching. While I’m drinking my espresso, I silently think that I can never recreate this feeling and taste at home. You know what? I can’t, so I don’t even try, well at least not that hard. It is so much more than that perfect cup of espresso. It is, as I mentioned above, the feeling that goes along with each precious sip. The warmth, perfection and the special place you are in the World, it all adds up to one wonderful cup of espresso. It all feels magical and it is.

I stumbled across the Madaglia D’Oro Espresso when I was watching Giada De Laurentis make brownies on the Food Network. She added some of the powder to her brownie filling and then later in her icing. I ran out to the grocery store and started using this more and more over the last few years.

St. Patrick’s Day is rapidly approaching and it is that time of the year again when I break out my Waterford crystal coffee mugs that I purchased at Blarney Castle in Ireland several years ago. It seems that every March 1, I start planning a festive St. Patrick’s Day dinner. I set a beautiful table inspired by Ireland’s lush green countryside with a layer of crisp creamy white Irish linens on my old farm table. Dinner will be served in our sunroom that still has exposed 200-year-old two-foot thick stone walls, many plants that we winter over and a running fountain. If one tries hard enough they may conjure up the image of a babbling brook in a lovely Irish village.

I put a row of topiaries down the center of my table and if I have them I like to add a few small potted violets. Of course, lots of crystal, some are my beautiful Waterford pieces I have collected and some are much less expensive pieces from Pier 1 imports, Bed, Bath and Beyond and even Wal-Mart.

For dinner, I prepare a salmon dish usually in a chive sauce and always corned beef and cabbage with some potatoes and a salad. For drinks, I put out a variety of Irish beer. After dinner, we move to the family room for some delicious homemade Irish coffees by the fireside and great conversation with family and friends. This is often our last fire of the season and I want to savor every minute.
I checked out my cookbooks recently looking for a great coffee ice cream recipe. I decided to use my espresso instead to really give this dessert some depth and intense flavor. I took out my trusty Madaglia D’oro Instant Espresso and added it along with Bailey’s Irish Cream and some Kilbegan’s Irish whiskey I found while in Ireland. This ice cream is a dessert, after dinner drink and after dinner coffee all rolled into one. I like to serve them with long silver spoons so you don’t miss one delicious drop. When I drink them fireside I can close my eyes and dream of the lovely people I met in Ireland, the charming thatched cottages, and splendor of The Cliffs of Moor. This is a time of year when everyone is a wee bit Irish and where a little dash of Espresso never hurts!

Bailey’s Irish Expresso Coffee Ice Cream
1 1/2 cups of whole milk
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
1 cup of brewed espresso coffee, chilled- I used Madaglia D’oro
2 Tablespoons of Bailey’s Irish Cream
2 Tablespoons of Irish Whiskey- I used Kilbeggan
1 teaspoon of good quality vanilla
1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon of sugar
Pinch of salt

Mix the first 6 (wet) ingredients together in a bowl.

Add the sugar and salt together in a separate bowl, mix and then add to bowl with milk and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Cover and refrigerate for a few hours and then pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to the maker’s instructions. This took me about one hour in the machine. Then transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze over night or until firm, at least 3 hours.

Serve a few scoops of ice cream in a glass coffee mug, top with hot espresso and some whipped cream and serve with a spoon.

Crafts and Giftwrapping

2009-03-16T07:56:45-05:00

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New Recipe: Figs stuffed with mozarella

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Crafts & Gift Wrappings

Because sometimes it's what's on the outside that counts

Crafting, Making Macaroni Christmas Trees

All you need is to buy a few styrofoam tree forms, spray paint them with the color your macaroni noodles will be, hot glue 3 different type of macaroni (I used medium bow tie pasta, shells and a very pretty spiral type sea shell). After you glue on all your shells, spray paint them and sprinkle with glitter and then top the tree with a star or decorative Christmas Ball.

If you have any questions post them on my Ask Michele Forum and I will answer asap.

Fresh Asparagus recipes and ideas for Easter brunch

2009-03-15T18:52:21-05:00

Delray Beach Florida a Foodies delight

Delay goodies delight, originally uploaded by rosenthal_michele.

Asparagus season is upon us. Yes , we can get asparagus year round, but nothing tastes as wonderful as picked locally and trucked all of about 10 feet inside the farmers market fresh asparagus and produce. It still tastes of earth in the best possible way. This is when I don't wish to "embellish" my asparagus but let it be the lead actor in my recipe. Just a little olive oil perhaps some butter and some sea salt a bit of fresh ground pepper is all that I need to make me happy. There are many other ways to dress up or at least change it up and not get bored or maybe some of your guests need to be impressed with some fancier presentation. If so try the never fail approach of wrapping your asparagus in prociutto. Before I do this I spread a little montrache cheese that I doctored up with fresh minced garlic, a lilttle fresh parsley and some salt and pepper. Just cook your asparagus for about 5 minutes to make sure it has some crunch left. plunge in a bowl of ice water to shock it and stop the cooking process. When it is cool just spread some of the herbed montrached cheese and wrap some procsiutto around the bottom half of the asparagus, making sure to keep the top of the spears exposed. I always serve them with the tips up in a beautiful chic container or vase to look like a floral arrangement. When I make arrangements I oftern use fruits and herbs mixed in with my flowers, of course those are not to eat, but in this case you have a completely edible arrangement that looks fab. on your table or buffet. Give it a try this Easter or for a springtime brunch. and try and eat what is in season you can't go wrong.

Eating healthy and delicious food in Florida

2009-03-12T16:27:25-05:00

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Eating healthy and delicious food in Florida

florida, originally uploaded by rosenthal_michele.

Sometimes simple and healthy is the best. It hits the spot, tastes great and makes you feel well. I get this delicious chopped salad from Luna Rosa cafe almost evreyday for lunch while we are in Florida. They make a delicious pizza, but that just makes me feel incredibly full and not exactly bathing suit ready while eating on the beach. This salad is full of delicious chopoped veggies, crunchy romaine (one of my favorite lettuces) , topped with cajun blackened jumbo fresh shrimp and tossed lightly in wonderful balsamic vinagrette. This spikes my energy level, leaves my happy and full and with major calories to eat a more "decadent" dinner later in the evening. I don't have their recipe, but I think we can all figure this one out. I'll give it a try, please feel free to let me know any other suggestions and additions you may have to take this to the next level.

DELRAY CHOPPED SALAD WITH CAJUN BLACKENED SHRIMP, IN A BALSAMIC VINAGRETTE:

1) chop up a crisp head of Romaine lettuce into small bites
2) chop up a few carrotts
3) chop up a cucumber, in small bites
4)chop of a red onion and some radicchio
5) add a handful of chickpeas

toss some jumbo shrimp in some olive oil and sprinkle with some Old Bay seasoning and grill until pink

toss salad with the vinagrette and top with your shrimp, I love this on the beach with a ice cold beer.

Posted by michele at 1:16 PM 0 comments:

Travel Makes Perfect Appetizers

2009-03-04T15:40:20-06:00

I love to travel and do so for both work and pleasure, and I am lucky enough to see no difference in the two. I own a party planning and design business so traveling helps me make sure I am offering one of kind unique ideas for my clients. This applies across the board, finding the perfect antique day bed in Paris, discovering a small jewelry shop on a back street in Venice, begging the Breakers hotel in Palm Beach for their delicious recipe of gorgonzola truffle French fries, that perfect cocktail in a little restaurant in the Middle East, or photographing the gardens in the Cotswold’s in England My eyes are always open seeing and taking it all in. I do everything better because of travel and all that it has offered me for so many years. Even the rum I still use in my mini individual pineapple upside down cakes that I discovered in my 20's while rum tasting in Jamaica still has a place in my creative life. Today I made Black Mission figs stuffed with fresh mozzarella, wrapped in prosciutto and broiled until the cheese is golden and bubbly. The piece de resistance here is the wine drizzle that I lightly pour over the top of the figs after they come out of the oven. I found this wonderful wine drizzle in a little shop in Niagara on the Lake in the Niagara Falls region on the Canadian side. About a year ago my husband and I took our three sons to Niagara Falls for a quick little vacation. It ended up being one of our favorites, we say this about all of our trips, we love to travel anywhere in the world. We had so much fun. Our children loved the excitement of the falls and all the fun they could encounter, from the Maid of the Mist, to the massive slide and pool in our hotel, the spectacular firework display from our hotel window to standing directly behind the falls as the water just gushed in front and around us. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find Niagara on the Lake to be such a "foodies" delight. We had just come off of an amazing trip to Napa and we were thinking of little else besides wine and food. We had just eaten and drank some of the best food and wine we had ever had anywhere in the World so we were amazed at how fine the food and wine was in this region. The tasting were relaxed and informal, the food wonderful and memorable and the shopping exciting. We were walking around this adorable little street in Niagara on the Lake and in a small shop I purchased Tracy's wine drizzles that are made locally. They come in three delicious flavors, Jalapeno Chardonnay, Merlot and a Sangria drizzle. I have used them over chicken, ice cream, in homemade vinaigrettes, drizzled over jalepeno poppers to soften the heat. My favorite is when used with the black mission figs stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese and wrapped in prosciutto that I mentioned above. I have tried this appetizer with all three of the drizzles and my favorite is the jalapeno, although they all work beautifully.I make this a couple times a month and everyone raves about it. If I had not been on that little vacation and in that little shop on that day we would not have created this fantastic appetizer. That is why travel makes perfect.FIGS STUFFED WITH FRESH MOZZERELLA WRAPPED IN PROSCIUTTO AND DRIZZELED WITH TRACY'S JALAPENO WINE DRIZZLE18 fresh black mission figs18 small round mozzarella balls18 thin strips of prosciuttoFill the figs each with one mozzarella ball and wrap in prosciutto. Broil for a few moments until cheese is golden and bubblyRemove from oven and drizzle with Tracy’s wine drizzleand serve! www.tracywinejellies.com

Botanical Gardens candy train theme party at home!!

2009-02-22T14:16:02-06:00

Create a Botanical Garden Train show at home for a fun and beautiful birthday party idea. We set a gorgeous table complete with Limoge china and antique crystal, and Irish linens. We then ran train tracks around the perimeter of the table and put an old fashion train on the tracks and filled the cars with candies. Then we filled in all spaces with tons of flowers and plants. We still had several charming soft pink poinsettias so we used them. We added Eurpean pots filled with all different flowering plants, and citrus plants that perfumed the garden/party room. I will post some of the photos more are on my web sites and some of my mobile blogs. and flickr.

Everyone including the older children were in that room as much as they were on their xbox!!! No matter your age there is something magical about a train that pulls us all in, makes us stop and watch the magic as it chugs merrily on its way aroung the table. Even more so when it is filled with candies for the children to enjoy and surrounded by beautiful flowers.

It was our version of The Botanical Gardens train show

The Earth Mother ring

2009-02-12T17:07:20-06:00

My company The Paris House designs is a lifestyle business that is run our of my 200 year old farmhouse in the country about one hour outside of Manhatten, which is the best of both worlds. I can go to meetings in the city and come home to my old farmhouse with my husband, three children and our many pets. I am a party planner and designer who teaches workshops on entertaining especially focused on travel. Entertaining ideas all over the World. On my site we craft, talk fashion, happy hour, parties, classe, book reviews, beauty and fitness, floral design, gardening and so much more. One of my proudest and most beautiful designs is our Earth Mother Birthstone ring which our clients can click onto our site and design their own rings with their children's birthstones. However up until now the ring was only offered in a high end version. Starting at $3,400 and up, we still take commissions for this ring but now are offering it in a much more affordable version. I had been asked for years to do this and finally decided. We donate 15%of the high end ring to charity and 5% of our less expensive version $375.88 A HUGE difference. At The Paris House Designs I always stress that we only have one life to live and it is important to live it beautifully and living a beautiful life need not be expensive or time consuming. Well, my high end version complete with diamonds galore is wonderful and I have it and wear it almost everyday , everywhere I go, but the less expensive CZ version is just a beautiful and every bit as CHIC!! The most important thing about this ring is that when you look at it you see the beautiful birthstones of your children and I am happy we re made this ring so many many more moms can wear it. And the more that do, the more money the Paris House will be able to donate to charities, such as , St Jude's, Make A Wish and more!!

The Cook’s Kitchen

2009-02-07T19:03:43-06:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

When talking to cooks, especially well-seasoned cooks, it may not be easy to convince all that Gravy Master can be a good thing and sometimes a necessary addition to gravy. This seasoning and browning sauce has been around for years and I have seen some of the most fabulous cooks not only sneak it into their gravy and sauces, but unabashedly and proudly add it like it were a fine French accoutrement that is necessary to the outcome of their dish. Well, I must admit that every now and then my dear old stand-by Gravy Master makes it into some of my finest sauces and gravy’s. We were recently up at my parents’ house for Christmas. My Mother is many things, but a gourmet cook and domestic goddess is not among them. Don’t worry, she takes no offense to this–in fact, we all get a good laugh about it, including her.Mrosenthal, The Cook’s Kitchen, Feb 2009

You should read the whole article.