FYI: The Wesson Chamber of Commerce is on Facebook.

Finding hidden treasures amid clutter

As I went through the clutter of boxes, drawers and shelves in my house, I discovered that most of what I found was just junk but I did find what I consider a few gems.

My favorite would be this old pair of gloves. These really take me back to when I was a little girl and occasionally wore white, lacy gloves to church. These gloves were probably my mother's and I think they are so elegant. They aren't white but I love the scallops along the wrists.

They are clean, no stains and I will keep them -- not because I have a need of them, but because they do remind me of a more genteel time when everything wasn't casual. They make me think of Little Women where Jo had a ruined glove at a party and she had to hold her gloves, rather than wear them -- or maybe she held one and wore one. It's one of my favorite childhood novels.

I don't always like to dress up. I love to wear my "garden clothes" and my comfy sweats, but I do enjoy "cleaning up," too. I found these in the old play closet upstairs and I am sure my daughter played with them, but I will save them for posterity, if nothing else.

I also found a few old jewelry items. Most of the silver was tarnished and I think I will clean it up and maybe give it to my granddaughter, if she likes it.

I also found what I think is material from an old flour sack. It is textured just like they were and does have a hem on one side. I don't know but I think it would make a lovely apron so I will save this material.

Don't you just love these old treasures? I just need to be sure not to save too many of them because they will just become another box of clutter.

Pancakes for a snowy day

It started snowing and sleeting here around 6:00 pm last night and we have a little more than a dusting this morning. It doesn't often get as cold as it has recently in the deep south and I decided to cook something for the small fry in my house to fortify him when he goes out in the snow. You do have to take advantage of the snow when you are a child. Around here, snow days are scarce.

Back to the pancakes, heart-shaped pancakes. I started with my old tried and true recipe and then made changes, of course. My basic recipe is from the old Betty Crocker cookbook. The really old one. (My copy is now in bad shape from years of use.) I am always looking for a nicer copy at yard sales but haven't found one like mine, yet.

Heart-shaped pancakes. Right. I have these old stainless molds with a wooden knobs. They can be used for pancakes, fried or poached eggs or anything that needs to be cooked into a (heart) shape. I sprayed them with cooking spray and buttered the pan, today it was an old iron skillet. I put the molds in the pan for a few minutes and then poured in a little batter. The batter needs to cover the bottom of the mold.

I waited until the pancakes were bubbly and the pancakes started shrinking and separating around the edges. I then lifted the molds off and turned the pancake.

They turned out great except for one thing. I should have used a griddle or a non-stick skillet. I had forgotten how browned things get in an iron skillet! Next time.

I did spray some cooking spray on the molds and wiped them clean between pancakes. I think I will use the mold next for eggs. I think I could make something really nice for Valentine's Day using poached eggs and these molds, maybe a heart shaped breakfast sandwich or I could do heart-shaped eggs to go with heart-shaped pancakes.

Here is my old standby recipe:

Favorite Pancakes (based on the Betty Crocker cookbook recipe)

1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon sugar

Put the egg in a small pourable mixing bowl and beat. Add milk and the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Batter will be very thin. Pour onto hot preheated griddle by 1/4 cup increments or the size you want. Pancakes will form air bubbles when they are ready to flip. Turn and allow to cook until lightly browned.

Snow Day Pancakes

1 egg
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup spelt flour
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon oil
3/4 cup of blueberries (I used frozen blueberries that were thawed in the microwave.)

Follow directions above for cooking.

Resolutions for 2011

Here's my new list followed by last year's list and what I accomplished. I did OK, not great and I realize some of them were just things I wanted to do. I pared down the list a bit and here it is. This list is officially not on my to-do list. One thing done already!

 MY 2011 LIST

1. Become more organized and keep clutter at a minimum.
2. Do a thorough spring and fall cleaning.
3. Lose at least ten pounds. Keep to my low carb eating regimen.
4. Read more. Goal -- 10 books.
5. Blog 5 days a week. As often as possible compile blog information on weekends.
6. Start painting again. Set up my art studio.
7. Develop healthy recipes -- as many as possible.
8. Exercise at least 3 days a week, treadmill and yoga
9. Develop 3 personal goals for self-improvement.
10. Finish Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving.
11. Make 3 improvements at work
12. Improve gardening skills. Try to become a Master Gardener.
13. Buy a beehive and bees/beekeeping supplies
14. Participate more at church -- attend Wednesday services consistently.

MY 2010 LIST + COMMENTS

1. Become more organized. (I tried but wasn't too successful. This stays on
my list.)
2. Clean my basement. (This we did. I need to keep it clean.)
3. Complete a spring cleaning and fall cleaning of my home. Includes window-washing. ( I am embarrassed to say I didn't fully succeed on this one. This stays.)
4. De-clutter my home. (It has taken all year but I am close!)
5. Have a yard sale when the weather gets better. I have never before had a yard sale. Use the money for a special purpose. (I did this. I had more than one with my sis and my daughter. It would be nice to have another this year but I don't plan to make this a goal but I would like to have one a year.)
6. Lose 20 pounds. I lost 20 this past year and I need to finish the job. (I didn't fully lose another twenty but around ten. Hooray. Ten is this year's goal.)
7. Read at least 10 new books. (Hm_mm. I read more but not ten.)
8. Blog 5 days a week. Don't miss a week day. (This was a little unrealistic but I still want this to be my goal.)
9. Set up an art studio. (I had gotten a start on this last year, but I didn't finish. I didn't do anything about this goal but buy supplies.)
10. Paint at least 5 new paintings. (I really failed here.)
11. Develop 20 new healthy recipes that also taste good. I did develop a few. (Sometimes my made up recipes failed the taste test.)
12. Write in my journal every day. (I did write in my journal but not as diligently as I wanted.)
13. Exercise at least 3 days a week. Treadmill and yoga. ( Better luck next year.)
14. Design greeting cards for each holiday and personal note cards.thing but buy some (I didn't succeed but I did a few cards.)
15. Have Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. (I did better this year but I need to work on this goal.)
16. Make a project to give away at Christmas. (I did do some projects but not this specifically. I am taking this one off the list.)
17. Develop a personal list -- 10 personal goals that help me to become a better person. (No comment.)
18. Become a better designer at work. Develop goals and make sure they are met. (I think I did a pretty good job. I always need to try to do a better job.)
19. Learn a new skill or craft. (I am not going to leave this one on the list. I did quite a few crafts so  will say this one is completed. I realize I don't really need this on the list to do crafts and projects.)
20. Refinish two pieces of furniture that I already have and need to complete. (I refinished one, not two. I was very proud of myself.)
21. Improve my gardening skills. (Includes planting a garden for all seasons. I really was proud of myself for how much I accomplished in the garden. I just need to continue learning.)

Playing in the leaves

This week we had our gutters cleaned. It was probably was a bit late (better late than never), but it was nice to finally have it done.

We usually have someone who calls twice each year and asks to clean our gutters, and since our roof has some very high and dangerous places we have decided that is one thing that is better if we hire it done. We usually have a number to call, but this time a couple came by and promised to do a good job. My husband said they looked like they could use the work and thankfully they did do a good job, taking the time to clean afterward.

The photo above is of our grandson who recently enjoyed playing in the leaves. I am very entertained by this photo and I hope you will be, too. There is nothing like playing in a big pile of leaves. Expensive toys are nice but jumping in a huge pile of leaves is the ultimate in fun for a little kid.

Top 5 Outstanding Budgeted Hotels in Malaysia

In this installment of the annual HotelClub Awards, we cast our collective gaze on Malaysia. The diverse country and inimitable tourist destination in Southeast Asia has it all, from cosmopolitan, dynamic Kuala Lumpur to UNESCO World Heritage George Town and Melaka, exotic Borneo to lush Pulao Tioman. Suffice to say that the array of accommodations options in Malaysia is just as diverse.

Read on as we honour five superlative hotels that cater to travelers on small budgets in magnificent Malaysia. Best of all, this notable quintet delivers best bang-for-your-buck goods with flair and exceptional service.

Citin Hotel Pudu Kuala Lumpur

The vibrant capital of Malaysia is a metropolis where it truly pays to save a few dollars on accommodations in order to enjoy the best of the city. Needless to say, KL has a lot to offer, from world class gourmet restaurants to upscale shops, energetic nightlife to phenomenal museums. To experience it all, the Citin Hotel Pudu is incomparable, with access to Starhill/Bukit Bintang leisure and entertainment district, Merdeka Square and Central Market.

Hillview Inn Cameron Highlands

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands is a lush paradise of tea plantations, exotic flower farms, traditional Malay culture and spectacular scenery. The Hillview Inn is a warm and amiable refuge in the town of Tanah Rata. The hospitable hotel provides visitors with clean comfort, attentive service and idyllic access to the fertile hinterland region. Guests also enjoy proximity to a wide range of shops, banks, transport hubs, cafés and restaurants.

Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur

Another tidy gem for budget-conscious Kuala Lumpur tourists, the Swiss Inn is a lovely sanctuary in the heart of the busy city. Terrific points of interest within easy pedestrian distance of the hotel include Chinatown, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the National Museum of Malaysia, Masjid Negara (National Mosque) and KL Tower. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a mere 2 km away, with two light rail transit stations less than ten minutes from the hotel. Additionally, the Swiss Inn features live music in the Monte Carlo Lounge and delicious local cuisine and excellent city views courtesy of the Terrace Café.

The Baba House Melaka Hotel

As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Melaka (Malacca) enjoys a special distinction within Malaysia. For authentic Peranakan charm and culture, visitors clamor for a room at the remarkable Baba House. The heritage hotel is full of character, from the antique furniture to the conscientious service. Best of all, Melaka’s peerless ensemble of colonial Portuguese, Chinese and Malay landmarks is just outside the hotel’s doorstep. For above par affordable comfort in Melaka, The Baba House sets the gold standard.

My Hotel @ Sentral Kuala Lumpur

My Hotel is a convenient and delightful jewel within enviable distance of Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. The KL gem offers spacious, immaculate and comfortable rooms at rates most travelers can well afford. With many of the city’s best landmarks, museums and parks close by, My Hotel is a popular option for savvy tourists. Enjoy WiFi throughout, a café, 24/7 reception and nearby attractions like the National Museum, Planetarium, KL Bird Park and National Palace.

Top 5 Outstanding Budgeted Hotels in Malaysia

In this installment of the annual HotelClub Awards, we cast our collective gaze on Malaysia. The diverse country and inimitable tourist destination in Southeast Asia has it all, from cosmopolitan, dynamic Kuala Lumpur to UNESCO World Heritage George Town and Melaka, exotic Borneo to lush Pulao Tioman. Suffice to say that the array of accommodations options in Malaysia is just as diverse.

Read on as we honour five superlative hotels that cater to travelers on small budgets in magnificent Malaysia. Best of all, this notable quintet delivers best bang-for-your-buck goods with flair and exceptional service.

Citin Hotel Pudu Kuala Lumpur

The vibrant capital of Malaysia is a metropolis where it truly pays to save a few dollars on accommodations in order to enjoy the best of the city. Needless to say, KL has a lot to offer, from world class gourmet restaurants to upscale shops, energetic nightlife to phenomenal museums. To experience it all, the Citin Hotel Pudu is incomparable, with access to Starhill/Bukit Bintang leisure and entertainment district, Merdeka Square and Central Market.

Hillview Inn Cameron Highlands

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands is a lush paradise of tea plantations, exotic flower farms, traditional Malay culture and spectacular scenery. The Hillview Inn is a warm and amiable refuge in the town of Tanah Rata. The hospitable hotel provides visitors with clean comfort, attentive service and idyllic access to the fertile hinterland region. Guests also enjoy proximity to a wide range of shops, banks, transport hubs, cafés and restaurants.

Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur

Another tidy gem for budget-conscious Kuala Lumpur tourists, the Swiss Inn is a lovely sanctuary in the heart of the busy city. Terrific points of interest within easy pedestrian distance of the hotel include Chinatown, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the National Museum of Malaysia, Masjid Negara (National Mosque) and KL Tower. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a mere 2 km away, with two light rail transit stations less than ten minutes from the hotel. Additionally, the Swiss Inn features live music in the Monte Carlo Lounge and delicious local cuisine and excellent city views courtesy of the Terrace Café.

The Baba House Melaka Hotel

As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Melaka (Malacca) enjoys a special distinction within Malaysia. For authentic Peranakan charm and culture, visitors clamor for a room at the remarkable Baba House. The heritage hotel is full of character, from the antique furniture to the conscientious service. Best of all, Melaka’s peerless ensemble of colonial Portuguese, Chinese and Malay landmarks is just outside the hotel’s doorstep. For above par affordable comfort in Melaka, The Baba House sets the gold standard.

My Hotel @ Sentral Kuala Lumpur

My Hotel is a convenient and delightful jewel within enviable distance of Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. The KL gem offers spacious, immaculate and comfortable rooms at rates most travelers can well afford. With many of the city’s best landmarks, museums and parks close by, My Hotel is a popular option for savvy tourists. Enjoy WiFi throughout, a café, 24/7 reception and nearby attractions like the National Museum, Planetarium, KL Bird Park and National Palace.