Feb 13
Today is Mardi Gras. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! We have something yummy for you to make in a snap whether you are indulging today and giving up chocolate for Lent tomorrow, or celebrating tomorrow on the “day of love”. Today is a good day to make these sweet treats. Give some to those you love. They will surely return the love once they get a bite of these! Read more
Jan 22
Anyone who knows Two Chums, knows that we value the act of gratitude and find it to be very powerful…. Read more
Jan 15
Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is the day we celebrate the life of Dr. King and honor the man who is synonymous with the American Civil Rights movement. He is remembered with gratitude and respect for many things. But perhaps nothing he said in all his many speeches and national and international addresses was more profound, more powerful, or more pertinent to us today, than these words about light and love. Read more
Jan 11
If you’ve never tried making garlicky cheese bread, now is the time to start. This Hedge Hog Bread is DELICIOUS! Read more
Jan 10
Well, well!
We are told that Meghan Markle’s choice for a Christmas gift for HRM Queen Elizabeth, her future grandmother-in-law, was a huge hit! Read more
Jan 4
Yesterday we asked (and answered) the question “Why Times Square?” with regard to the long and time honored New Years tradition in New York of celebrating New Years Eve. So today, we bring you the story of the New Years festivities that occur on the other side of the country to celebrate New Years Day, The Rose Parade. Read more
Jan 3
Have you ever wondered why Times Square and the “Ball Drop” are synonymous with New Year’s Eve? Read more
Dec 29
If you are planning a New Years Eve gathering or a get together for New Years Day, we have a list here of some old favorites that can help you ring in the New Year in a tasty way. Read more
Dec 28
Your Two Chums are all about “etiquette” (just another word for social rules or boundaries) and feel badly that this word conjures up a horrible feeling in a lot of people. A feeling of, “what on earth do we need that for?”, or “I don’t know anything about the proper etiquette so let’s get rid of having to use it.” Read more
Dec 27
We feel sure that at least a few of you had Christmas crackers at your table on Monday. Read more
Dec 26
For some, Boxing Day refers to the day after Christmas when things get “boxed up”. But did you know there is another meaning and purpose to the day that pertains to us all? Read more
Dec 22
You might be thinking we are using the British holiday greeting. The Brits say “Happy Christmas” rather than “Merry Christmas”, as we do here. But this is about something different than how we greet each other at the holidays. This is a story about making choices. Read more
Dec 19
(photography by Chris Jackson of Getty images)
We reported on Meghan Markle’s invitation to Christmas with the Queen yesterday, but we have more royal news for you today. The Christmas card of Prince William and family was released yesterday. No matter how much of a Royal watcher you are, or are not, you must admit they are a beautiful family. Read more
Dec 18
Sandringham, where the Queen and Prince Philip always spend Christmas
As we all know, Prince Harry asked Meghan Markle to marry him and she said “yes”! Read more
Dec 15
Photography by Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
We are right in the middle of Hanukkah. Every holiday needs something sweet. The New York Times, known for it’s food section and recipes, is offering a spin on a classic toffee recipe, substituting matzo for the usual saltine crackers, and adding a bit of zing with ginger! Read more
Dec 14
We realize that a lot of Holiday Parties have already taken place – at least you have assembled a guest list and the invitations have gone out ….. BUT Read more
Dec 13
It seems with all of the hustle and the bustle of this time of year, things can get pretty crazy Read more
Dec 11
What does Christmas have to do with a pickle? As we’ve learned, it wouldn’t be Christmas without one in many homes. Read more
Dec 8
The holidays are upon us and opportunities for get togethers to celebrate with family and friends are abundant. Though our holiday parties usually happen in the evenings, who says they have to be night time events. Why not have a brunch gathering instead? Read more
Dec 7
Often we hear people say that the hardest person on their holiday gift list to buy for is their dad, their husband, their brother, their close male friend….you get the idea. Men are sometimes difficult when it comes to finding something to buy for them without breaking the bank. If that’s you too, we have some ideas for you today 🙂 Read more
Dec 5
You’ve got lots of gatherings to go to and need some inexpensive gifts to take along. We can help you with that! Read more
Dec 1
For your Two Chums, at least, it is hard to believe that this wonderful time of year has rolled around….so quickly! Read more
Nov 30
Nov 22
Turkey will be the star of the show on most tables around the country tomorrow. But we have some side dishes that make a great supporting cast! Read more
Nov 21
Thanksgiving is just two days away. If you are still deciding about dessert, we have a pretty delicious idea for you. This is a new twist on two old favorites…cheesecake and sweet potato pie! Read more
Nov 20
Seventy years ago today, Princess Elizabeth married her prince, who became HRH Prince Philip (of Greece and Denmark), Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day. A few short years after they were married, Elizabeth became Queen and, we feel sure, not only did her life change forever but that of her husband probably changed more! Read more
Nov 15
Nov 14
The remake of an old movie has just come out called, “Murder On The Orient Express”. Read more
Nov 6
Nov 3
Oct 31
If you need a quick and yummy last minute treat for your Halloween celebration we’ve got just the thing for you. This is an old classic with a new twist. Read more
Oct 30
Well, here we are the day before Halloween. Golly, where did the time go? Read more
Oct 27
Who says Halloween pumpkins have to have scary or funny faces? We have another idea 🙂 Read more
Oct 24
Buckingham Palace has become a household name and yes, indeed, it is the London home of Queen Elizabeth. We found some interesting things about “Buck House” as we like to call it. Read more
Oct 23
A sweet couple we know was married on Saturday and like so many before them, Jazmine and Cormac chose to conclude their ceremony and solidify their marriage vows with the lovely long-standing African American tradition of “jumping the broom”. Read more
Oct 18
Why not adorn your door with bat lights or pumpkin lights or black cat lights; Read more
Oct 13
Oct 12
The B5 Motors dealership in Gilbert, Arizona, took to Facebook last Wednesday to ask the public for help to track down former Marine, Taylor Winston. You see, Taylor Winston had done a great thing. Read more
Oct 11
What a wonderful moment when you get the opportunity to celebrate a wonderful person on her birthday. There is just such a joy for all, the moment the “birthday girl” enters the room to the collective shout “SURPRISE!” Read more
Oct 6
It’s never too early to get your Halloween costumes organized. Here are some really fun ideas! Read more
Oct 4
If you want to know how a child is feeling, have that child make a mask. It will tell you a lot. Read more
Sep 29
Today is National Coffee Day! And we have some fun news for you 🙂 Read more
Sep 28
These two people, Brittany and Clayton Cook, had just said their vows and become husband and wife. Read more
Sep 21
With all this talk about Prince Harry “about to propose” to Meghan Markle, we thought we would take a look at what it takes for a “Royal” to marry a “Commoner”. Read more
Sep 18
This cheesecake, you may take notice, is two toned…chocolate and vanilla. Both chocolate and vanilla are enjoyable by themselves, yet together, these elements create an even sweeter and more satisfying experience than either of them could produce alone. Read more
Sep 13
In the late-1830’s, most brides wore colored wedding dresses but Queen Victoria had another idea in mind. Read more
Sep 5
Yes, their little family will go from four to five! Read more
Sep 4
Here’s a great tip for your Labor Day BBQ…. Read more
Aug 28
Last week we told you we would be bringing you some yummy recipes using those plentiful strawberries you find in every grocery store right now. So today we have a great one for you. It’s so easy, so sweet and yummy and so pink. And as if that wasn’t enough, these delicious oversized meringues are gluten-free too! Read more
Aug 22
Have you ever wondered what title you would get if you married a King? Read more
Aug 21
Aug 11
If you have been around Two Chums for any time at all you know our love for all things royal. We enjoy everything about the royal family….their events, their fashion, and of course their homes. This Sunday, August 13th, a special 4 part series will begin about one of the most beloved of royal residences… Windsor Castle. Read more
Aug 3
Aug 2
Getty Images
To a lot of our readers, the two initials can only mean one thing: F.W. Woolworth or the 5 and dime store! Read more
Jul 17
Jul 4
Happy Birthday USA! Yes, today is the commemoration of Independence Day so remember…. Read more
Jul 3
The United States of America have a lot of things in common with England but this one thing you may not realize. Read more
Jun 29
On this day in 2003, Katherine Hepburn left us at the wonderful age of 96. She left us physically but left us with a golden legacy! When she died, the lights on Broadway were dimmed for an hour to mark the passing of one of entertainment’s brightest stars. Read more
Jun 28
Jun 21
Jun 20
Who can argue that the first time a little one has “Happy Birthday” sung to them, or they have their first bite of birthday cake isn’t a sweet moment for everyone involved! And even if the party is a simple family affair, if it includes yummy cake, and cousins, the whole thing is sure to be a hit 🙂 Read more
Jun 19
Jun 12
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan visited West Berlin to deliver a speech.
Jun 5
If that isn’t the look of a proud husband, we don’t know what is! Read more
Jun 1
Buttermilk is a workhorse in the kitchen. Used in baked goods, salad dressings, dips and drinks, it makes everything you use it in taste better. This yummy Tea Cake is no exception. The tang of buttermilk gives this cake added flavor and tenderness. Read more
May 30
John F. Kennedy, (1917-1963), 35th President of the United States
John F. Kennedy would have been 100 years old yesterday…hard to believe but there you have it. Read more
May 25
The Oscars, Emmy’s or Golden Globes aren’t the only place you’ll see a Red Carpet. This year at the high school in Newman, California, students attending the prom walked a red carpet to go into the dance. Read more
May 22
The intimate high-society event—only 100 -150 guests were expected to attend, according to the Times—was held a short distance from where Pippa Middleton grew up with her siblings in the village of Bucklebury, at the St. Mark’s 12th-century church in Englefield, Berkshire. And yes, your Two Chums can certainly say that she reached her mark of “classic” and “elegant”! Read more
May 19
Tomorrow is a big day for the Middleton clan! Their Bucklebury home is full to the brim with activity as they get last minute details secured and roll into a huge party after the marriage of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews. Read more
May 9
There was a flurry of activity at Buckingham Palace last Thursday evening and everyone was all abuzz! Read more
May 4
Your Two Chums seem to be running to catch up this week but we could not let this celebration go by without posting something about it. Read more
May 2
AP Photo – Matt Dunham
Catherine Middleton and Prince William certainly have packed a lot into the last six years! In some ways, it seems that they have always been together but, of course, we are reminded always that they have not always been together and, in fact, Catherine was a “commoner” Read more
May 1
“April showers bring May flowers. But what do May flowers bring?” If you are in elementary school your answer to this riddle is supposed to be “Pilgrims!” But we would say that May flowers, like those pictured here, will bring nothing short of delight and joy to the one who receives them 🙂 Read more
Apr 28
Only 3 more days until May! What better way to celebrate than with a floral wreath for your hair. In Medieval times these wreaths were called flower crowns. They are sometimes referred to as fairy rings. The Hawaiians call them haku leis. Read more
Apr 25
Apr 18
Apr 14
The Imperial Coronation Egg,one of the most famous and iconic of Faberge eggs.
What is the story behind these very beautiful Faberge eggs? Read more
Apr 13
On Sunday, ladies all over the world, even women who never wear hats, will head to church and don their Easter bonnets. While hats are not as common today as they once were, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is certainly no stranger to them. Read more
Apr 11
Courtesy of Anna Harris
Always wanting to share the good, we are passing on a story that struck us as wonderful originally shared by Elisa Murphy of GMA. Read more
Apr 10
Apr 7
In a few days it will be Easter and eggs will take a central role at Easter celebrations everywhere. Today we want to share a way they can do double duty at your Easter dinner table. Dyed or decorated eggs are common at Easter. There are as many ways to decorate your Easter eggs as there are people who decorate them. But we have some ways to use your decorated eggs as place cards or favors for your guests.
1. You can use decorative rubber stamps like this one of a chick that we picked up at Michaels in the $1 bin. We simply coated the stamp with ink from a pink stamp pad and, rolling the stamp over the surface of the egg, transferred the image to the egg. This is easier than you might think.
The one you see here was actually our first try. You can dye the egg first or leave it white. Also you can blow out the egg or use a hard boiled egg. Once you have the image on the egg, simple use a Sharpie in a contrasting color and draw a small bow on the bird or on a flower or whatever image you are using and then draw a “tag” at the end of the ribbon bow you drew and then write the name of one of your guests on the “tag”. Now you not only have a decorated egg, but a place card too.
2. Another way to have your dyed egg double as a place card is to use bakers twine or very thin yarn to wrap the egg as a “gift” and place a tag with a guests name tied to the end of the twine. To make it easier to use the twine or yarn on the egg, first dip the string in some water and cornstarch or water and white glue. This will make the string slightly sticky which will help to hold it in place as you tie the bow.
3. You may not be seating your guests but choose to have them leave with a reminder of the fun day you have provided. You can decorate an egg and leave one at each place at the table. That way each person has a little favor to take home to remember the happy celebration. To make a bouquet of flowers start by placing dots of yellow paint as the center of your flowers. Next use another color and, with your tiny paint brush, make colorful dots around each yellow center. Using the same brush, make small sweeping green brush marks to be the leaves on your bouquet.
Happy and beautiful celebrations with people we love can bring such joy and that is surely abundant living!
Mar 17
The Luck of the Irish is a popular phrase, as well as the title of a 1948 film. It happens to be one we have not yet seen but now will make it a point to see. Here’s why…. Read more
Mar 16
Tomorrow everyone will be Irish, as all over the country people will celebrate that most famous Irishman, St. Patrick. While a corned beef dinner is the norm on St. Patrick’s Day, we know that not everyone loves corned beef, especially perhaps, the little ones in your family. So we have a suggestion that can still allow the adults to celebrate the day and serve something your children can eat and enjoy too…a meal Dr. Seuss would happily approve of…. Read more
Mar 15
You know how sometimes you go to bed at night and you feel your hair looks perfect and worry about what a night’s sleep will do to it? Read more
Mar 9
And there she goes. At 90 years old, HRM Queen Elizabeth II, is still riding and loving it! Read more
Mar 8
Sophie and Justin Trudeau
On March 8 every year, a lot of our world celebrates International Women’s Day. Clearly initiated as a feminist movement, it continues that way but Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wants to be sure that she celebrates it with “her man”. Read more
Feb 28
Lay-zEh leh bAwn taw rOO-leh! Today is the day! Yes, today IS the day! Read more
Feb 27
Tomorrow is Mardi Gras…or Fat Tuesday as it’s translated into English. It is the day before Ash Wednesday when the Lenten season begins. Typically people give up rich foods for Lent, so on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, they celebrate eating delicious fare and celebrating before Lent begins. Today we’ve got a really delicious recipe for you for your Mardi Gras celebration… Gumbo! Read more
Feb 24
Whether you are having an Oscar party this weekend, or will be having an anniversary or birthday party soon, or just want to add some pizazz to drinks with friends before a night out, today we’ve got some simple and easy to prepare hors d’ouvres that you and your guests are sure to enjoy 🙂 Read more
Feb 21
Feb 15
Credit: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images
Yes, it’s Oscar time again. The big day is less than two weeks away and Hollywood is abuzz. Read more
Feb 14
We are told in the popular Shoop Shoop Song of 1964, “If you want to know if he loves you so…it’s in his kiss!” Turns out the song may not be too far off! Read more
Feb 10
Flowers have had meaning attributed to them for thousands of years. But in Victorian times, the language of flowers found a special meaning. Read more
Feb 9
It is hard to imagine Hollywood without the Walk of Fame where anybody who is anybody has a star on the walkway. Read more
Feb 6
Feb 1
Did you know that on this day, the first day of February, one hundred and thirty years ago, Hollywood was born? Read more
Jan 30
Do you believe in coincidence? What you may see as coincidence, your Two Chums see as God’s hand or His plans. We have an amazing story to share with you today. Read more
Jan 27
One would never think that an eighty-five year old woman would still be walking the runway but Carmen Dell’Orefice proved differently this week! Read more
Jan 26
If you are anything like your Two Chums, you enjoy wearing red lipstick every so often. Read more
Jan 25
Photo Opportunity with Members of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force/Headquarters European Theater of Operations US Army Veterans Association. (Courtesy Wikipedia)
The widely viewed PBS Masterpiece special “Victoria” is such an enlightening program. We have no doubt Read more
