Smashed and Crispy
There is hardly any better way to describe these potatoes than smashed and crispy 🙂 Read more
Jun 14
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Jun 13
The Final Bow
The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, saddened the world and brought with it great emotion. Read more
Jun 12
Tear Down The Wall
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan visited West Berlin to deliver a speech.
Jun 9
Sugared Lemons – Savvy Secret
This may not be what you think it is 🙂 If you thought this lemon was part of a drinking ritual or some kind of bug repellent or a substitute for cleanser, you guessed wrongly. Read more
Jun 8
Cheesy Spinach Maria
This is delicious anytime, but with Father’s Day less than 2 weeks away, this could be a great start to your dinner to honor Dad! Read more
Jun 7
Savvy Secrets – Organize Your Closet
Summer is fast approaching. Maybe this is a good time for some clean out and organization in your closets and drawers. If so, we’ve got some good ideas for you to make more space and get organized. Read more
Jun 6
Jun 5
Prince Phillip Looks Proudly On
If that isn’t the look of a proud husband, we don’t know what is! Read more
Jun 2
A Shower And A Blower
For those of you who are wondering what on earth this post is about, it is NOT a shower that you get wet in and a hair blower! Read more
Jun 1
Buttermilk Tea Cake
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 31
A Mamma’s Heart is Ferocious!
We had to share this wonderful true story of a Mother’s love. Read more
May 30
One Hundred Years Ago, Yesterday
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 29
Some Gave All
On this Memorial we want to take a moment to remember the brave me and women of the armed forces who have made that ultimate sacrifice, giving their very lives, to defend our freedom. They have gone into dark and dangerous places so that we, and our children and our children’s children might be safe. For that we are a grateful nation and we honor those who have fallen today. Several years ago on November 13, 2010 Lt General John Kelly USMC, delivered a speech about the dedication and valor of our young men and women who step forward each and every day to protect us. Having lost his own son, Lt. Robert Kelly, USMC, just 4 days earlier, General Kelly spoke from his heart.
He closed the speech with the moving account of the last six seconds in the lives of two young Marines who died with rifles blazing to protect their brother Marines. During the speech, he never mentioned the loss of his own son. Read more
May 26
You Can Bloom
We all find ourselves in difficult places at one time or another. We came across a lovely encouragement that we could all use from time to time. Read more
May 25
Well Done -Walking The Red Carpet
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 24
What To Eat
No matter where you are headed this summer for your vacation, you can find some delicious food. And we can help! Read more
May 23
A Twist On A Favorite
If there is one dessert that we have requests for again and again and again at events from birthdays to holidays it would have to be a Strawberry Meringue. This Strawberry Lemon Meringue, is a variation of that favorite dessert. Read more
May 22
Classic and Elegant, For Sure!
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
Here Comes The Bride!
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 18
Teacher Appreciation
The end of the school year is fast approaching. Children will say goodbye to their classmates and their teachers. Telling those teachers “thank you” and letting them know how very appreciated they are for all they have done should never be overlooked. Your words and small tokens of appreciation can mean more than you might realize to those women and men who help to shape our children’s world and even their futures. But sometimes finding the right words or small gift to give as a token of your appreciation can be hard. So today we have a few suggestions for you 🙂 Read more
May 17
Lessons From Andy Rooney
Andy Rooney was a television star, writer and humorist. Here are a few profound things he shared with us. Read more
May 16
Drippy Beef Sandwiches
The name of this dish says it all…well, almost all. These sandwiches are most certainly drippy, but what the name doesn’t tell you is that they aren’t just dripping with juice but also dripping with flavor 🙂 Read more
May 15
May 12
By An Unknown Author
Many of you may have read this before, these very touching words, but we thought today to be a good day to share it with you…. Read more
May 11
Mother’s Day Flowers
All mother’s love flowers…any kind of flowers. But flowers you can eat? All the better 🙂 Read more
May 10
Another Mother’s Day
On Mother’s Day we celebrate those women who gave us life. Here in the United States that day is the second Sunday in May. This year is it is this Sunday, May 14th. But today, May 10th is always Mother’s Day in Mexico no matter what day of the week it falls on. Read more
May 9
A Flurry Of Activity
There was a flurry of activity at Buckingham Palace last Thursday evening and everyone was all abuzz! Read more
May 8
My Door Is Always Open
My very dear chum, and life long mentor posted something on her Facebook page with the request that if you feel the same as she does, you might pass this message along. It struck me so deeply, and is such a profound message I felt I wanted to share it with each and every one of you. Read more
May 5
An Oldie But Goodie With A Twist
This Magic Bar recipe has been around for decades. This is one of those recipes that once you’ve tried it you make it again and again. You just can’t go wrong with these Magic Bars. They are “magic” because they are simple to make, and simply yummy!
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May 4
Terrific Two!
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 3
Jeremy’s Orange Chicken
If you are asking yourself “Who is Jeremy and what is his Orange Chicken all about?”, the answer is simple. Jeremy is my 13 year old grandson and his Orange chicken is all about deliciousness! Read more
May 2
It’s Been Six Years!
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
May Flowers
“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
May Day Is On It’s Way
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 27
Ice Cream – Minty And Fresh
If you love the flavor of fresh mint, love chocolate and love ice cream, you are going to LOVE this easy and delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream! Read more
Apr 26
Apr 25
Apr 24
Simple Reminders
In almost every home there are articles that have emotional attachments associated with them. Read more
Apr 21
Dinner – Healthy and Delicious
Sometimes we make things for dinner that taste really good, but are not necessarily so good for us. Then there are those healthy meals that leave something to be desired with regard to taste. This one is both good and good for you! Read more
Apr 20
Savvy Secrets
Don’t have too much time for ironing? Apparently, this is going to help you. Read more
Apr 19
Peanut Butter Pie
If you love peanut butter, or like the candy called Abba Zaba…this is the pie for you! Read more
Apr 18
Apr 17
Making The Ordinary Matter
Recently we came across an admonition regarding appreciating the ordinary. We thought it so extraordinary that we wanted to share it with you, our chums. Read more
Apr 14
No Ordinary Egg
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
In Her Easter Bonnet
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 12
Apr 11
Sixty-Four Years Later
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
Good Pesach
Apr 7
Double Duty Eggs
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!
Apr 6
Mac N’ Cheese – 3.0
If you have been around Two Chums for any amount of time you probably know your chums LOVEEEE macaroni and cheese! We shared a favorite recipe for Father’s Day in 2012. That was Mac N’ Cheese 1.0 Then last July we shared another method we came across for making this family favorite. That was Mac N’ Cheese 2.0 Now we have the 3.0 version to share with you and you won’t want to miss this one! Read more
Apr 5
A Lesson For All Of Us From The Mouth of a Babe
Jihan Forbes of Yahoo shared this inspiring story with us.
Brandi Benner describes how an otherwise uneventful excursion to buy her daughter a doll took an unexpected turn once her family got to the register. Read more
Apr 4
Out, Damn’d Spot!
If we listen to Macbeth, it sounds as though Shakespeare knew a lot about laundry. Read more
Apr 3
Mar 31
Lemon Olive Oil Corn Cake
This yummy confection is part corn bread, part lemon cake, part coffee cake, and totally delicious! Read more
Mar 30
Mar 29
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Though they sell any number of combinations and types of pizza, according to a number of sites, the most popular pizza at CPK is BBQ Chicken Pizza. They are responsible for introducing this pizza to the world. Almost every pizza outlet now offers some form of this iconic pizza, but you can make a delicious version at home and have it hot and fresh in minutes. Making this delicious pizza is much easier than you might think it would be. Read more
Mar 28
A Few More Laughs!
Well, we feel that a wonderful medicine is laughter and so, with the help of many fine people, thought we would provide you with some…
Mar 27
Well Done! No one Sits Alone!
We read, with joy, this article, The Power of Humanity by Taylor Pittman and just HAD to share it with all of you! Read more
Mar 24
It’s Slime Time
Unless you have children or grandchildren, or have been in a craft store recently, you may not know what the latest craze is with kids…..it’s SLIME 🙂 Read more
Mar 23
Sweet Words From The Princes, William and Harry
Some of you may have read these sweet words (written by Brittney Stephens) recently but they are too touching not to spread! Read more
Mar 22
More Deeply Resonating Quotes
And again, thanks to Encurious, here are some more inspirational quotes which, hopefully, will help your days go wonderfully well. Read more
Mar 21
Garlic Noodle Salad
Last year, at Chinese New Year, we shared with you one of our favorite noodle dishes, Chinese Garlic Noodles. They have been a favorite of adults and children alike, and certainly are delicious any time of year, not just at New Year. But this year we made a discovery. Read more
Mar 20
“The Cherry At The Top”
Paul Burrell was quoted in an interview with the Mirror as saying, “Buckingham Palace is a village, a world of its own. The cherry on the cake is Her Majesty at the top of it all.” Read more
Mar 17
The Luck Of The
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
A Dr. Seuss St. Patrick’s Day
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
Night Night. Sleep Tight. Keep Your Hair Right.
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 14
For Children Of All Ages
We feel sure you will hold onto these wonderful quotes which were shared by Encurious.
Mar 13
A Good Laugh – It’s Funny ‘Cause It’s True!
There is little that is better for you, in a whole variety of ways, than a really good laugh. A good laugh makes you feel better, boosts your immune system, exercises your stomach muscles, and brightens your spirits. And if what makes you laugh actually happened to someone…well prepare to have a really good belly laugh. As Homer Simpson says “It’s funny cause it’s true!” Today, we have a doozy of a story for you 🙂 Read more
Mar 10
Royal-Tea For Royalty -Jam Pennies
Yesterday we told you that HRM Queen Elizabeth II is still riding her beloved horse and loving every minute of it. Today we are going to tell you, after she rides, what she has for tea. Read more
Mar 9
Tally-Ho! There Goes HRM!
And there she goes. At 90 years old, HRM Queen Elizabeth II, is still riding and loving it! Read more
Mar 8
Celebrate!
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
Mar 7
Well Done – Portraits Of Courage
When people retire, going from being very engaged and busy with an active full life, to suddenly having no where you have to be and nothing you have to do can be a big shock. So retired people often travel, play golf, spend time with grandchildren, or take up a hobby. Taking up a “hobby” is precisely what the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, has done…he has taken up painting portraits. And not just any portraits either. Read more
Mar 6
Not Decided Yet?
Yes, Lent has indeed started but we came across a wonderful list that we just HAD to share. Read more
Mar 3
Savvy Secrets – A Cleaner Tub
Everyone loves a clean tub. But let’s face it…not everyone loves cleaning that tub! Today we have a great way to get that sparkling clean bathtub in the easiest imaginable way. A chum shared this savvy secret with us and we are happy to pass it along. With just 2 simple ingredients, and little to no scrubbing, you can have the cleanest tub around.
Here is this amazing savvy secret to getting the cleanest tub around:
Here’s to clean bathrooms and the joy they bring…not to mention that sense of abundant living 🙂
Mar 2
Old Is New Again-Part 2
Last week we did a post about an old mid-century dresser, purchased at our local thrift store, that we painted and refinished. One of the best features of that great old dresser was the hardware. Read more
Mar 1
When Charles Becomes King
Charles and Camilla on their wedding day in April, 2005
The wife of the King is always known as “Queen Consort,” usually abbreviated to ‘Queen’. Read more
Feb 28
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
Lay-zEh leh bAwn taw rOO-leh! Today is the day! Yes, today IS the day! Read more
Feb 27
Mardi Gras Crazy Sista Gumbo
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
Square Celebrations
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 23
Soups On! – Southwestern Chicken Soup
When the weather is cold and rainy or snowy, nothing is more comforting than a nice streaming hot bowl of soup. We’ve got a yummy one for you today 🙂 Read more
Feb 22
Feb 21
Feb 20
Old Is New Again
With a few dollars, a little “elbow grease”, and a can of paint, you can transform a thrift store find into a treasure. Read more
Feb 16
Her Majesty Queen (Alexandrina) Victoria
Queen Victoria…a name well known today – well known for many reasons. Read more
Feb 15
Gone With The Wind
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
It’s In His Kiss
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 13
Did You Know?
With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, we thought we would share a bit of trivia with you… Read more
Feb 10
The Language Of Flowers
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
First Star of Fame
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 8
Feb 7
Well Done – A Lesson In Forgiveness
If someone told you a story about a black man accused of dealing drugs, and a white cop, who later became the best of friends, you’d say a little skeptically “well….maybe”. But if they told you it was the white cop who accused and arrested the black man, and had him sent to prison, you’d be even more leary of the story. But guess what? That isn’t even the half of it! this one has a twist you will never see coming. This is one of the most remarkable and powerful stories….true stories…we’ve ever heard. Read more
Feb 6
Feb 3
Super Supper For Super Bowl
Do you want a yummy and hearty meal for Sunday’s Super Bowl that everyone will enjoy, and that you can make a day ahead? We’ve got that! Read more
Feb 2
Well Done – A Currency Of Kindness
(photo curtesy of CBS News)
When a little boy in Ohio found $20 in a parking lot, neither he nor his mother could possibly have imagined all the good that could come from investing that $20 bill in kindness. Read more
Feb 1
Hollywood is Born
Did you know that on this day, the first day of February, one hundred and thirty years ago, Hollywood was born? Read more
Jan 31
Jan 30
Seeing God’s Hand
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
No Matter What Your Age, You Can Walk The Runway!
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
Red Lipstick?
If you are anything like your Two Chums, you enjoy wearing red lipstick every so often. Read more
