Dear Chums – What Should I Wear?
“Dear Chums,
When I get an invitation, I have a really hard time knowing what I should wear.” Read more
Posts from the ‘Let’s Celebrate’ Category
Jun 11
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Jun 10
Who is Prince Harry With Now?
Who is this very distinguished lady with Prince Harry? Never has she looked so lovely. Read more
Jun 6
A Celebration of D-Day in Normandy
The Queen and Prince Philip, along with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge took a trip across the English Channel to participate in D-Day celebrations in Normandy today. Read more
May 31
Encore!
en·core – (ahng-kawr) any repeated or additional performance or appearance
Your Two Chums have talked about bringing you some repeat presentations of things we have done in the past in what we will call Encore posts. Since we do new posts Monday through Friday each week, Saturday seemed like the perfect time for this. For those of you who may have joined our Two Chums family in more recent months it will give you a chance to see them for the first time, and for our old chums, it can be a fun reminder of an old favorite.
Carrot Cake is Jackie’s favorite and since tomorrow is her birthday this seemed the perfect time to begin with that as our first Encore post…HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear chum! Please join me in celebrating her:-)
May 28
Pope Francis – Well Done!
On Sunday, during his sermon at mass, Pope Francis made an historic invitation. Read more
May 26
In Celebration of Memorial Day – Well Done!
Today, Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Read more
May 23
Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
This is a new twist on an old favorite! Read more
May 22
May 21
Nova Scotia Here They Come!
HRH The Prince of Wales and his wife, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sunday and were greeted by masses of Canadians! Read more
May 9
Mother’s Day Lemonade
Every mother will tell you that what is most important is that whatever her children or grandchildren do for her, or make for her, that it is done with love. If it happens to be sweet, refreshing, delicious and lovely to look at…well, all the better 🙂 Read more
May 8
May 6
Dear Chums – R.S.V.P. Etiquette
“Dear Chums,
I am having a shower for a friend’s daughter and have sent out the invitations. I did put RSVP on the invitation but have not heard from many of the invitees.” Read more
May 5
Cinco De Mayo – A Sweet And Spicy Celebration
This is perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. It is so simple and so good, you’ll be “celebrating” all summer long! Read more
Apr 22
Dear Chums – Who Should Be Included?
“Dear Two Chums,
I am hosting a shower for a bride-to-be and would really like to include some people at the shower who are not invited to the wedding” Read more
Apr 18
Easter Cookie Pops
These are what we would call a trifecta….easy, delicious, and can serve as your centerpiece!
Read more
Apr 17
Tick Tock Cinnamon Rolls – An Easter Tradition
Years ago there was a wonderful restaurant right in the heart of Hollywood called the Tick Tock. It was a place to go when you wanted delicious home cooking and you weren’t the one cooking it. Growing up, my family ate there frequently on Sundays after church. And when I was married and had children of my own we continued the tradition. Read more
Apr 15
Dear Chums – Should There Be An End Time?
“Dear Two Chums,
When I send out an invitation, should I put an “end time” on it?” Read more
Apr 14
Good Pesach – Happy Passover
As the 8 days of Passover begin tonight we want to wish all our Jewish chums…. Read more
Apr 10
Some Things Bear Repeating – Brisket
Passover begins at sundown on Monday. In Jewish homes everywhere families will be sitting down together to celebrate at a Passover seder. In many of those dining rooms there will be brisket on the seder table. But you don’t have to be Jewish, or celebrating Passover, to enjoy this super easy and very delicious meal!
Read more
Apr 9
Down Under
“What on earth does ‘Down Under’ have to do with the United Kingdom?”, you might ask. Read more
Mar 17
All Roads Lead To Green
The color associated with St. Patrick’s Day was originally blue! Can you believe that? Read more
Mar 14
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner – Dublin Coddle
“What in the world is Dublin Coddle?” you may well be asking. It’s Irish comfort food at it’s best and is the perfect alternative to corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Read more
Mar 13
The Best of Ireland!
Our favorite Irish food?…why it’s their delicious butter of course! Read more
Mar 6
“Your Presence Is His Present”
Recently, one of my darling daughters-in-law asked a question of me. Read more
Mar 4
Fat Tuesday
Yes, today is “Fat Tuesday” or what is more commonly called “Mardi Gras”. There is celebrating going on throughout a lot of the Christian world with lots of music, parades, and partying.
Mar 3
Mardi Gras Dessert – Banana Pudding
You REALLY can’t go wrong by serving this at your Mardi Gras celebration tomorrow or any celebration for that matter!
Feb 26
If It’s Good Enough For Wolfgang Puck…
…then it is probably good enough for you too to serve it with confidence. Every year, for the past 20 years, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, has served this to the Hollywood elite at the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball. What exactly are we referring to? Chicken Pot Pie! Read more
Feb 24
Red Carpet Treatment
As we “walk” our way through this week to the Oscars on Sunday, your Two Chums thought it would be fun to explore how the “red carpet” concept came into being. Read more
Feb 14
Sweet Hearts – White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
What says “Valentine” better than a heart? And what better heart than a yummy sweet pink cookie heart ?!! 🙂 Read more
Feb 13
Love In The Morning – Heart Shaped Breakfast
Dinner doesn’t have to be the only romantic meal of the day on Valentine’s Day. Why not start celebrating at breakfast? Read more
Feb 12
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
President Abraham Lincoln is, arguably, one of the most respected individuals our society has known. It is not hard to see why after reading some of his quotes! Read more
Feb 11
“Heart-y” Healthy Soup
This soup is not only tasty and healthy, it also has heart or more accurately, hearts….carrot hearts! Read more
Feb 5
The Five Rings
Do you know what the five rings and the five different colors of the rings represent? Well ….. Read more
Jan 29
Kate Look Alike!
Girl Meets Dress is a UK based company where you can go and rent a wonderful dress for the evening. Read more
Jan 28
A Crown For Your Princess
What little girl doesn’t love to dream of being a princess? What big girl doesn’t for that matter? 🙂 Read more
Jan 22
Did You Know?
When you freeze water to make ice cubes, most times, those ice cubes come out very cloudy. Read more
Jan 20
In Celebration….
of love….and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan 9
Happy Birthday, Katherine!
In honour of her turning 32, here are 32 reasons why we love Katherine! Read more
Jan 2
Flower Trends For 2014
With the infamous Rose Parade over for another year, we thought it would be fun to look at some of the foreseeable flower trends for 2014. Read more
Jan 1
Happy New Year!
From our homes to yours… Read more
Dec 30
A Buffet Is Always A Good Idea
If you are still deciding what to have for your New Years Eve or New Years Day celebration, we have some ideas for you….a buffet….especially a buffet of finger foods, is always a good idea:-)
Read more
Dec 25
Merry Christmas Chums!
We wish you a Merry Christmas! Read more
Dec 24
I’m Dreaming of a Sweet Christmas
Still deciding what to make for your Christmas dinner dessert? Here are some of our favorites:-) Read more
Dec 20
PS Don’t Forget The Christmas Crackers!
Having grown up in England, I never knew a Christmas table that was without Christmas crackers. Read more
Dec 9
Girls Gone “Wig”!
What fun to have a holiday party with a twist! Read more
Nov 28
Let Us Rejoice!
How very fitting this is today as we pause to give thanks and express our gratitude to God for all He has done. Read more
Nov 27
The Blessing of Hanukkah
Tonight at sundown, the celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights will begin… Read more
Oct 31
When Is Halloween?
Sadie Rae Vann, my 7 year old granddaughter wrote a poem in school that she entitled “When Is Halloween?”. On this day that every child looks forward to I felt it was certainly worth sharing….I think you will too. Enjoy her creativity and sensitive writing. A very talented little girl if I do say so:-) Read more
Oct 28
Halloween Hats
These are fun and soooo easy to make for your Halloween celebration!
Read more
Oct 25
Godparents of the Future King
Anyone would be honored to be the godparent of this little dolly, but the fact that he will one day be the King of England makes the job a particularly special honour! Read more
Oct 23
Today’s The Day!
Yes, today is the day that His Royal Highness, Prince George, is being christened. He wore the christening gown that his Daddy wore (seen below)….the only difference is that George actually wore a replica of the gown as it was felt that it was getting a bit old and fragile.
Oct 14
Columbus Started It All!
Not only did he discover that the world was round and not flat but, in so doing, he found the New World which encompasses what we now call the United States of America! Read more
Oct 4
Simple Soft Homemade Pretzels
As Fall sets in, what could be more inviting than a warm soft homemade pretzel?!!! And yes!…anyone can make these 🙂 Read more
Oct 1
It’s Oktoberfest Time!
Today is October 1st. Whether you are of German heritage or not, it’s time to celebrate. It’s Oktoberfest time! Read more
Sep 24
Charles Is Forever Waiting!
His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales (shown here with his grandmother, the Queen Mother) was just three years old at the time of his mother’s accession to the throne of England and ever since that young age has been groomed to be king. Read more
Sep 2
Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a day set aside each year to celebrate the achievements of American workers and the contributions they have made to our country. Read more
Aug 9
Happy Birthday Randy
Simply cannot miss an opportunity to wish my sweet husband a very blessed and Happy Birthday. He is an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and very, very loved by all who know him …especially and mostly me 🙂 So I simply must say loudly:
Happy Birthday Randy!
Aug 5
On Sale – Lemons!
Ceramic lemons in bowl
There is something just rather wonderful, rather traditional, rather timeless, about a bowl of ceramic lemons sitting on a coffee table or a kitchen counter. The yellow in lemons is so cheery, so upbeat, reminding us of wonderful summer evenings, sitting outside sipping on a long glass of lemonade. Read more
Jul 25
A Special Day In The Life Of A Chum!
This week we have all been busy celebrating the birth of Prince George but today, this Chum celebrates a very special lady – her Chum, Robin! Read more
Jul 25
It’s George Alexander Louis!
The new little prince has a name…George Alexander Louis. He will be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. A big name for this little guy. But then he comes from a family with a big history!
Read more
Jul 24
Gifts for the Prince
The world is rejoicing at the birth of this new Prince. Babies who were born in England on Monday, when His Royal Highness Prince of Cambridge was born, will receive a commemorative silver coin….in blue pouches for boys and pink for girls. Apparently, commemorating a birth by crossing the palm of a baby with silver has long been a tradition.
The Royal Mint has made 2013 of these silver pennies. The sterling silver penny features the shield of the Royal Arms along with the year 2013. How lovely that in some small way each baby who receives one will share in the celebration! Read more
Jul 23
Welcome the Future King!
Let the celebrations begin….the future King has arrived! Read more
Jul 17
Waiting For An Heir
Catherine and William will not be needing any witnesses at the birth of their baby! Read more
Jul 15
Let’s Hear It For The French!
Yes, let’s hear it for the French! Bastille Day having been celebrated in France yesterday, we thought it would be fun to raise the French flag and salute France. Read more
Jul 4
Celebrating Our Freedom- Happy 4th!
Today, no matter who you are, which part of this country you call home, no matter how old or young you may be, we all celebrate the freedom that is ours as those who live in the United States of America. Read more
Jul 2
“America’s Pastime”
It is hard to think about the United States of America and not think of baseball. Certainly, baseball is a game that is enjoyed by the people of many different countries but it is considered “America’s game”! Read more
Jun 20
9 March, 1959
Can you guess who was born on 9 March, 1959? All little girls have at least one of them! Yes, you guessed it – Barbie was born! Read more
Jun 12
A Tribute to a Father-in-Law
Today we bring you a story that was originally a Facebook post written by the sister-in-law of one of our chums about her father-in-law who is struggling with early onset Alzheimers. Though we don’t usually use other people’s personal FB posts on Two Chums, it seemed particularly appropriate with Father’s Day just around the corner. What a beautiful message for all of us that no matter our age or physical or mental condition, while our heart still beats, we have value and worth and can make a difference in someone else’s life. Read more
May 22
Hot Dog – Memorial Day is Coming
What could possibly be better than an all American hot dog?…a hot dog with a side of bacon! Read more
May 10
Breaking News : You’re the Best, Mom!
Think about it…by the time you were 18 years old your mother had served you breakfast somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 times! This Mother’s Day is your chance to return the favor 🙂
Read more
May 9
A Rose By Any Other Name
As the quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet goes, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Here’s an idea…another name for those beautiful roses could be “sweet and thoughtful gift”. Read more
May 2
The Sport of Queens
Saturday will mark the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, the race always run on the first Saturday in May. Horse racing has long been referred to as ‘the sport of kings”. That may be true, but at this horse race anyway, “hat watching” could be called “the sport of queens”. Read more
Apr 30
April Showers
It is that time of year…not the rainy season, but the time when brides-to-be everywhere are being celebrated at bridal showers. Your Two Chums were delighted to be guests recently at an absolutely lovely shower in honor of a beautiful bride-to-be, Megan. Her mother, aunts and grandmothers are our dear chums! Read more
Apr 11
Did You Know This About Scotland?
Continuing on with our “Scottish” week, we found some interesting and fun facts about Scotland that we thought you all might enjoy. Read more
Apr 10
Balmoral – The Queen’s Scottish Retreat
“A Victorian fantasy in the Scottish Highlands”, Balmoral Castle is the place the Queen calls “home” during the summer of any given year. Read more
Apr 8
Tartans and What They Mean
This being “Scotland Week”, Americans and Canadians alike are celebrating their Scottish heritage in all sorts of ways. Last Saturday, in New York, there was the Tartan Parade where people in all sorts of tartans and bands of bagpipes and drums walked the streets. Read more
Apr 1
The History of Today
Have you read in the news about the fact that they have now discovered that the world is, in fact, flat? Read more
Mar 29
Lavender Shortbread -An Easter Treat
Have you ever noticed that just like fashion, or music, or the genre of TV shows, even food is subject to trends? Lavender seems to be one of those culinary trends that is popular right now. As Easter approaches these shortbread cookies scented with lavender could just be the crowning treat at your Easter gathering 🙂 Read more
Mar 28
Top Off Your Outfit With A Hat!
Growing up in England, it was very commonplace to see ladies, and gentlemen for that matter, in hats. My darling Mother wore hats all the time. A lot of luncheons she attended called for a hat and definitely when my parents went to the races, be it Ascot, the Derby or any other special one, she would always have a wonderful hat on her head with Father beside her in his top hat and tails. Read more
Mar 25
Passover and Easter -The Egg
It is interesting to me that the egg is obviously present in both the celebration of Passover and that of Easter. There are many things that connect these two very important holidays. Perhaps that isn’t a coincidence given that the first Easter came at a time when Jesus, as all other Jews of the time, was celebrating Passover Himself. Read more
Mar 15
The Potato -What Could Be More Irish?
If there is an iconic food that everyone knows is associated with the Irish it would have to be the potato!
Mar 13
The Infamous Tube
All of you who have visited London, whether you actually used it or not, knows of the wonderful London Tube! London’s underground train system, commonly called “The Tube” celebrated its 150th birthday in January of this year. Read more
Mar 6
Leftovers 411 – Celery Soup
If you asked most people what celery soup is, they would tell you that it comes in a can and is used in casseroles. Read more
Feb 22
George Washington
Oh, what a kind face this gentleman has. George Washington – a household name in our world – was the first President of the United States of America and he took his job very seriously!
Feb 18
No Guilt Chocolate
Last Thursday we celebrated Valentine’s Day. Do you have any idea just HOW MUCH chocolate was eaten? Read more
Feb 12
Honest Abe
Abraham Lincoln was one of the great demonstrators of the term “the American Dream”. Being born to illiterate farmers who lived, at the time, in a one-room log cabin, Honest Abe, as he was known, rose to be one of America’s greats, ending slavery and, against all odds, keeping the country united. Read more
Feb 11
King For A Day
Tomorrow is Mardi Gras…Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when the season of Lent begins. If you happen to live in the south east especially in Louisiana, it is also the season for King Cake. Unless you are from this region or know someone who is, you may never have heard or known of King Cake. You will now, and you are in for a real treat! Read more
Feb 1
French Quarter Cheese – It’s Super!
Sunday is the Super Bowl. The whole country will be focused on New Orleans this Sunday. But if you ask me the football is secondary, the real celebration will be the food:) Read more
Jan 21
MLK & Inauguration Day
Today we reflect on the impact that Dr. Martin Luther King had on us as a society and a nation. And we inaugurate our 44th president. Read more
Jan 11
Blueberry Pie Oh Me Oh My!!!!
How many little hands does it take to make a pie? As many as you can get to help you would be my answer 🙂 Read more
Jan 8
The “Other” Rose Bowl
Know someone who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a job well done or who is under the weather and could use a bit of joy? A simple and simply beautiful arrangement of roses is always a welcome gift. Read more
Jan 1
Dec 28
Black Eyed Peas
If there is anything you should know about your Two Chums, it would be that we love a celebration and we are very fond of traditions. Read more
Dec 27
Appetizers, Hors d’oeuvres, Canapes
New Year’s Eve is coming up quickly. Whether you are hosting a large party, an intimate gathering of friends, or you are headed to a potluck at your neighbor’s home, you will no doubt be sharing food along with some fun with your friends and family. And no matter what name you assign them – appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, or canapes – bite sized savory treats are sure to please! Read more
Dec 26
What Is “Boxing Day”, Anyway?
What is “Boxing Day”, anyway?
Is it when all the boxes go back into the attic with the Christmas decorations put back safely inside? Or, is it when all the boxes containing the Christmas gifts are burned in the fireplace?
Or, there again, is it when the biggest boxing match of the season is played in certain countries? Read more
Dec 25
Joy To The World
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
Dec 18
Last Minute Gift ideas
Christmas is one week from today. Are there still people on your list that you just can’t figure out what the right gift would be…an uncle, a grandfather, a niece or nephew? We have some ideas. Is there someone who has everything and you wonder what could you give them that would be special or meaningful for them? Or maybe your budget is wearing thin and you still have teachers or neighbors, the postman or gardener or babysitter you want to remember…we have some ideas for those gifts too. Read more
Dec 14
Off We Go A-Caroling, A-Caroling, A-Caroling….
Having trained to sing while I was growing up, I have never lost the love of singing! No, unfortunately, I did not pursue voice in a professional way but, nonetheless, I always have had it to enjoy! And enjoy I did and do! Read more
Dec 12
Things Memories Are Made Of
Food is so much more than what we eat to sustain ourselves physically. It has the power to nurture us in many ways. For most of us there are foods that the sight, or smell, or certainly the taste of, can transport us back in time or to another place altogether or remind us of the people we love.
Dec 7
Kindle the Lights
Tomorrow night at sundown begins the Jewish Festival of Lights known as Hanukkah. Every community has its unique Hanukkah traditions, but there are some traditions that are almost universally practiced. They are: lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods. Read more
