Storage bin shopping tip

One reason I haven't been posting quite as often this week is because I am frantically working on organizing and rearranging to make room for some long-term house guests. I know it is time to celebrate the end of the old year and beginning of the new one and I will be doing that (on a small scale), but this morning I am working on filling these bins. I hope I won't need them all!

The comment and "tip" I want to share is more about shopping for bins rather than anything else.

I received an online "ad" from Lowe's that these great slate blue bins were $2.50 each through January 3rd. They are regularly $4.99. I thought it was such a great price and I had an immediate need for them, so I sent my very nice husband out for some. 

When he arrived at the store, they were priced at $3.50 each and he called me to ask if I was sure they were on sale. I double-checked my Lowe's email and sure enough, the price (not an online price only) was $2.50. By the time I called him back to give him the model and item numbers, they had already checked it out and the price was indeed $2.50 and he purchased 20 of the bins you see above.

I guess my tip is be sure to check online prices and make sure the people at the stores give you the price they advertise. (I wasn't the first customer who asked for the $2.50 bin, by the way but the $3.50 price was not changed. Hmmm.) I can't imagine why the "memo" didn't get to the people at the store but I can just see many really nice customers going to the store because of a great sale and then paying one dollar more than they should pay because they don't want to cause problems. It is OK to nicely ask them to check the website or bring your phone or a printed copy with the ad price.

It is hard to imagine that the corporate offices would send out an email with a price and then not change it at the store, but I know it's hard times and maybe they would do that. That is why you really have to check the prices carefully and then stick up for yourself at the store. Let the buyer beware is an old legal term that we need to remember while shopping because companies can resort to trickery -- and get away with it -- unless we hold them to their word.

Tax forms available

The IRS announced that individual and business taxpayers will no longer receive paper income tax packages in the mail from the IRS. These tax packages contained the forms, schedules and instructions for filing a paper income tax return.  The IRS is taking this step because of the continued growth in electronic filing and the availability of free options to taxpayers, as well as to help reduce costs. 

All branches of the Copiah-Jefferson Regional Library will have tax forms available (after 01/01/2011), while supplies last.  There are numerous free options available for library patrons to obtain tax products, tax preparation and assistance in filing their tax returns:

• Download Forms and instructions online at IRS.gov
• Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), participating libraries and U. S. Post Offices
• Individuals making $49,000 or less can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free tax preparation and, in many cases, free electronic filing
• Individuals aged 60 and older can take advantage of free tax counseling and basic income tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly
• IRS Free File provides options for free brand-name tax software or online fillable forms plus free electronic filing. For more information, visit IRS Free File on IRS.gov

Regular library fees applied to computer printouts and photocopies.

Dubai best Hotels Price comparison

Best hotels in dubai
Dubai Hotels price per night per room

Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai $1530 usd
Al Maha Desert Resort Dubai $1000 usd.
Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage $900 usd.
The Palace Hotel at One&Only Royal $800 usd.
Dar Al Masyaf Hotel Dubai $500 usd.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai $500 usd

Dubai best Hotels Price comparison

Best hotels in dubai
Dubai Hotels price per night per room

Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai $1530 usd
Al Maha Desert Resort Dubai $1000 usd.
Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage $900 usd.
The Palace Hotel at One&Only Royal $800 usd.
Dar Al Masyaf Hotel Dubai $500 usd.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai $500 usd

Getting a head start on the new year

Every year, right after Christmas I always feel a little energized. I know it is the perfect time to get some things done. It's time to put away the Christmas decorations and put on a pot of soup. It is not time to slave over a stove when you can fill a pot and let it simmer -- there is too much to do for that!

I like to "get a head start" on the new year because later, I feel it leaves me behind -- as soon as we get started on our garden. If I don't organize, clean and get ready for the year, I  probably won't get it done for quite awhile.

I still recommend Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook if you need "advice" with cleaning and organizing. It is still the most complete and useful book of its kind to me. It helps you make a cleaning plan and some provides useful tips, including what kinds of supplies you need to do a great cleaning job.

I think one of the best tips from the book would be to start with safer cleaning products and if that doesn't work, go to harsher ones. I used to use bleaches and harsh chemicals every day until I found that mild soaps like Dr. Bonner's classic liquid soaps, vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and sometimes grapefruit seed extract work better and are cheaper than the more expensive store brands. It only takes a small amounts of natural products and in my opinion, they clean better than most prepared products.

If you prefer to use brand name products, make sure they are mild and not harsh. Start with wood soaps and then move on. There are many recommendations in the book I mentioned above. I also like Seventh Generation products, available in most grocery stores -- but they are very expensive.

I also still like my Roomba. It is great for an area you can't get to immediately, and I think it does a very good job -- maybe not as good as a high powered canister vacuum, but as good as any upright.

When I am finished cleaning, I will be sure to have a good cup of tea -- a welcome reward for jobs I hate to do but feel kind of proud of myself when they are completed.

An especially nice Christmas present

My family really a pulled one over on me this year and gave me quite a surprise. When asked what I wanted for Christmas I said the most outlandish thing I could think of, an iPad.

I really wanted one, but I didn't imagine they would take me seriously. I did say they shouldn't have but I must admit I really, really am pleased with my gift. Shocked would also be a good description.

I even tried not to ignore everyone and "play" too much while I should be visiting -- a very hard thing to do.

My blogging was done this morning on my iPad -- one reason I am a bit late -- but I am sure to get better.

Anyway, to my family, thanks very much. I really love it and you really pulled one over on me this year. I was, am speechless and I really appreciate it. As soon as I learn a bit more, it should make my life/work much easier.

Christmas greetings and chocolate chip cookies

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and my gift to you is this great chocolate chip cookie recipe.

My friend Diane gave me this recipe years ago and I have made it more times than I can count. It has always been a good recipe for me and it is one I highly recommend. Don't overcook the cookies and they will be wonderfully chewy. I like to add as many chocolate chips as I can work into the mixture and though I don't use nuts (my family prefers them sans nuts), they would be a great addition. I have used M&Ms and other kinds of chips as well -- always good. I don't know of one bad thing about this recipe except that it makes SO many cookies. I usually have about 7 to 10 dozen after I am finished, depending on the size.

But, the positive thing about so much cookie dough is that it keeps for a week in the refrigerator and you can make fresh cookies at a moments notice. If you don't use the dough within that time, just roll them up into cookie-sized balls and freeze them. Bake them when you want. The dough will last a month or two in the freezer, if well wrapped.

My favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe:

1 pound butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups self-rising flour
4 to 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional, 1 cup pecans; use different kinds of chips for different flavors

Mix butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and flavoring. Slowly beat in flour, then chocolate chips until are ingredients are well-mixed. Refrigerate for a couple of hours until mixture is well-set. Form into tablespoon sized balls and bake at 350 degrees until cookies are lightly browned. Allow to cool on cooling racks.

Merry Christmas and I wish you all the blessings the season can bring.

Recipe for easy, "angelic" sugar cookies

Start out with a little angel. This one is six and has just finished performing in a Christmas play.

You will need the following:

Store-bought sugar cookies (or home-baked ones -- even better)
Red, green and white icing sealed in plastic baggies
Sugar sprinkles in red and green
Candies, like M&Ms
Paper plates
Scissors
Plastic knife

Put the cookies on a paper plate. Cut a small hole in the edge of the plastic bag and use it to apply the icing to the cookies.

 Spread on the icing and then add sprinkles and candies until the cookies are perfect.

When you are finished, you have a very sweet memory and a tasty cookie treat.

New York Marriott Marquis best Hotel in New York

The New York Marriott Marquis brings the energy of Manhattan to your door. Located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district, this Midtown NYC hotel is perfect for weekend getaways, family and business travel. This Broadway hotel sparkles with updated hotel rooms and suites, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this Midtown Manhattan hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner.


Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located in Broadway near Midtown attractions like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the UN and Madison Square Garden. Such a central location makes this Broadway hotel in New York City perfect for meetings, conventions, social events and weddings. With renowned Marriott service, creative catering and a variety of ballrooms, the Marriott Marquis hotel is the best choice for Manhattan events.

Source: Marriott Hotel

New York Marriott Marquis best Hotel in New York

The New York Marriott Marquis brings the energy of Manhattan to your door. Located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district, this Midtown NYC hotel is perfect for weekend getaways, family and business travel. This Broadway hotel sparkles with updated hotel rooms and suites, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this Midtown Manhattan hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner.


Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located in Broadway near Midtown attractions like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the UN and Madison Square Garden. Such a central location makes this Broadway hotel in New York City perfect for meetings, conventions, social events and weddings. With renowned Marriott service, creative catering and a variety of ballrooms, the Marriott Marquis hotel is the best choice for Manhattan events.

Source: Marriott Hotel

A new Christmas tea

Every year there are interesting products available on the market only during the holiday season. Fruitcake, eggnog and pumpkin spice flavored drinks are just a few examples. I am always looking for a few things that will excite my guests' palates during the holidays. I especially like it when I have a new tea to serve.

That is why I was so excited when my friend, Angela, shared some of her "Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea with me. It is one of the Celestial Seasoning holiday blends and I was happy to try it and even happier when I got it home and read the ingredients.

The main ingredient, milk thistle, is a cleansing herb and could really help during the holiday season -- which unfortunately is a season in which I have a tendency to overindulge. But the best thing about it is that my husband really loves it. I mean really loves it. Milk thistle does have a nice milky flavor and maybe that is what he likes. Also, it does taste a bit like sugar cookies. I guess it really tastes a bit like milk and cookies. What is not to like about that.

 Another tea he really likes is Peppermint Tea. I am a bit surprised at that, because it is not a favorite of mine. I like peppermint candy but I don't really enjoy it any other way -- just as candy.

 His very favorite tea is India Spice Chai, but this year I have not been able to find it in the grocery stores.

I can find the Tazo brand which is not quite as good to him, but he will drink most spicy chais, though he does tend to enjoy Celestial Seasonings brand the best.

One year I bought Grandma's Apple Pie Tea and all my female tea drinking guests really enjoyed it but not my husband.

This year I will probably add another holiday flavor or two by Christmas, maybe eggnog -- my favorite. It would be good if I could find a tea with the flavor of eggnog but without all the fat, cholesterol and calories of that yummy (to me) holiday drink. I am thinking a good gingerbread flavor would be nice, too.

All the goodies do call for a good cup of tea. I think this year I will have one treat and two cups of spicy holiday tea. Maybe then I won't have to make so many tough New Year's resolutions.

New Materials

We have such great patrons in Wesson! Our donations have really taken off during this "Season of Giving". Some of the authors are Nevada Barr, Suzanne Brockmann, Charlaine Harris, Iris Johanson, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Stephen King, Lisa Kleypas, Dean Koontz, Jane Anne Krentz, Brad Meltzer, Robert B. Parker, J.D. Robb, and Amanda Quick. Truly, we are blessed!

Amansara Hotel and Resort

Amansara lies in the former guesthouse of King Sihanouk. This classic sixties structure has been converted into a calm oasis on the outskirts of bustling Siem Reap.

King Sihanouk commissioned French architect, Laurent Mondet, in 1962, to build a guesthouse enabling visiting dignitaries to enjoy a cool and contemporary stay while allowing them to embrace the outstanding ancient ruins and temples within its jungle and rice paddy terrain. The ruins of nearby Angkor, clinging on in the clutches of forest and farmland are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranging from a cluster of bricks to the world’s largest single religious monument. Amansara, previously known as Villa Apsara, has had a fretful and fascinating legacy, though this splendid architectural gem, now meticulously restored and nurtured by Amansara, has maintained its spirit of intent. It rests as the ideal portal for discovering the incredible culmination of five centuries of Khmer civilisation, between 802 and 1220 AD, representing one of humankind’s most profound and long-lived architectural achievements.

This tranquil home offers a multitude of relaxing opportunities within its private garden enclave: a sultry curved slate swimming pool surrounded by bamboo and taupe cushioned loungers with a shaded pergola for alfresco delights; the Dining Room, previously the screening room of King Sihanouk, is both dramatic and outstanding with a cavernous seven-metre high ceiling and a well stocked walk-in wine cellar. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool grey, pristine white, dark timber and ivory with private courtyards and soothing water features with 12 offering private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, surrounded and shaded by trees, with mushroom hued cushions on low seating, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with pre-prandial drinks or, invigorating yoga sessions with the rising sun. The Spa, which has four immaculate treatment rooms in dark wood and fresh white, focuses strongly on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products and faces an exceptional Angkor-inspired 43m sandstone bas-relief set above a green hand tiled reflective pond.

Every suite has access to its own custom fitted remork and driver, for personal expeditions into this rich and glorious land.

Amansara Hotel night view
Amansara Hotel
Amansara Hotel and Resort
Amansara Hotel white color
Amansara Hotel USA
Amansara Hotel classical
Amansara Hotel

Resource :Amansara Hotel and Resort

Amansara Hotel and Resort

Amansara lies in the former guesthouse of King Sihanouk. This classic sixties structure has been converted into a calm oasis on the outskirts of bustling Siem Reap.

King Sihanouk commissioned French architect, Laurent Mondet, in 1962, to build a guesthouse enabling visiting dignitaries to enjoy a cool and contemporary stay while allowing them to embrace the outstanding ancient ruins and temples within its jungle and rice paddy terrain. The ruins of nearby Angkor, clinging on in the clutches of forest and farmland are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranging from a cluster of bricks to the world’s largest single religious monument. Amansara, previously known as Villa Apsara, has had a fretful and fascinating legacy, though this splendid architectural gem, now meticulously restored and nurtured by Amansara, has maintained its spirit of intent. It rests as the ideal portal for discovering the incredible culmination of five centuries of Khmer civilisation, between 802 and 1220 AD, representing one of humankind’s most profound and long-lived architectural achievements.

This tranquil home offers a multitude of relaxing opportunities within its private garden enclave: a sultry curved slate swimming pool surrounded by bamboo and taupe cushioned loungers with a shaded pergola for alfresco delights; the Dining Room, previously the screening room of King Sihanouk, is both dramatic and outstanding with a cavernous seven-metre high ceiling and a well stocked walk-in wine cellar. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool grey, pristine white, dark timber and ivory with private courtyards and soothing water features with 12 offering private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, surrounded and shaded by trees, with mushroom hued cushions on low seating, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with pre-prandial drinks or, invigorating yoga sessions with the rising sun. The Spa, which has four immaculate treatment rooms in dark wood and fresh white, focuses strongly on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products and faces an exceptional Angkor-inspired 43m sandstone bas-relief set above a green hand tiled reflective pond.

Every suite has access to its own custom fitted remork and driver, for personal expeditions into this rich and glorious land.

Amansara Hotel night view
Amansara Hotel
Amansara Hotel and Resort
Amansara Hotel white color
Amansara Hotel USA
Amansara Hotel classical
Amansara Hotel

Resource :Amansara Hotel and Resort

Gourds

 

We are still waiting for our gourds to dry. They were quite green and are now turning brown and developing the character that gourds usually develop before they are ready. At least that is what I have read. I am on new ground with these gourds. I really like them, but I don't have any experience.

Any ideas for Christmas decorations? I thought about tying read and green bows around them but I don't have any definite ideas. I do like the fact that they are changing colors. They are developing a greenish, beige color that is very nice. They should become brown as they dry and I think these are "browning" nicely. 

I thought about "glittering" them but I just hate it when glitter gets all over the house, so I don't think that is an option I would choose. They are too big for ornaments and they are not quite dry yet so and I don't want to interrupt the process.

I have seen very small dried gourds made into miniature bird house Christmas ornaments, complete with a little hole drilled in them for the little bird ornament -- a small cardinal sitting on a perch -- very cute, but I didn't have any miniature gourds, only large ones. Maybe next year I will have a Christmas birdhouse with a cardinal for a decoration. I could paint cardinals on a full-sized birdhouse. That would be pretty.

Any suggestions for this year? I would really appreciate it!