Jul 10
Bugs can be a problem anytime but they are often the most unwanted guests of summer. We have some safe and natural ways to send them on their way or keep them from “visiting” in the first place! Read more
Jul 9
You know, the English love to bet. They bet on all and anything! So, it does not surprise us one bit that a lot of the English have placed money on whether the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, will have a girl or a boy and what they will name this precious baby. Read more
Jul 8
Your Two Chums are interested. Read more
Jul 5
Where ever you live, chances are, fried chicken tops the list of your favorite All American Comfort Foods… Read more
Jul 4
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 3
What could be more American than any version of apple pie? You will love these little Apple Hand Pies. They are perfect for the 4th of July… as the saying goes, something truly American is “as American as apple pie!” Read more
Jul 2
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
Jul 1
It was not until about six years ago that I first stepped foot into an American Girl doll store and oh, what a wonderful surprise awaited me! Read more
Jun 29
How good is this cookie? One bite is all you will need to know…. Read more
Jun 27
As I walked through my laundry room not long ago I saw two pairs of pink Crocs sitting by the back door. One belonged to my daughter, Amanda, and the other to her youngest daughter, Evangeline. There they were, a picture of exactly what was happening day in and day out…little feet were following in the footsteps of the bigger ones and Evangeline was actually, in so many ways, becoming a mini version of her mommy. Read more
Jun 26
Back when we first started this Two Chums website journey, we offered you our recipe for Deviled Eggs.
Jun 25
Everybody loves a bargain. We came across a few we thought we would share with you, our chums. We’re not talking about just cheap junk (as in our recent post A Father’ Advices). We are talking things from companies that sell nice quality items but simply have too much stock and have put these items On Sale !
Read more
Jun 24
Recently we received an email from a chum with an attachment we felt we needed to share. The story reminds us of the words from that old gospel spiritual “Down By The Riverside”. The first verse of the spiritual is:
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside.
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside. Read more
Jun 21
Growing up in Los Angeles with family roots in Texas, Mexican food has always been a staple at our table… this recipe is a relatively new addition that promises to be a favorite for many years to come:) Read more
Jun 20
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 19
Parsley may be the world’s most popular garnish but this remarkable herb has healing properties and health benefits that qualify it as a superfood. Read more
Jun 18
The pun is a form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of words or similar sounding words. They have been used to create humor by writers, ranging from William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to George Carlin.
Everyone can appreciate a good pun now and again. Your Two chums are no exception. We came across a list of clever puns that we thought you might appreciate…or at least you may know someone who will enjoy them… Read more
Jun 17
When we say “Never Give In”, we mean it in the context that Sir Winston Churchill did when he said, “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Instead, “Just Let Go”.
Jun 14
Not so many years ago, pot roast was the Sunday dinner of choice in many homes….at least many southern homes. Meat and potatoes is a meal that most men love….a meal dads love! Read more
Jun 13
In the course of a casual conversation, a young man recently told me that the best advice he ever got came from his father. “My father told me a long time ago, ‘Remember, cheap is usually very expensive. And free is dangerous. You get what you pay for.'” Read more
Jun 12
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
Jun 11
Cucumbers are among the top five most cultivated vegetables in the world. The cucumber is a highly under rated food, or perhaps superfood, as it is known to be one of the best foods for your body’s overall health. We want to give you some impressive reasons to eat more cucumbers. And one very delicious one…..Cucumber Mint Sorbet 🙂 Read more
Jun 10
Here we are again with more things that, once let go of, a more abundant life appears! Give it a go this week. Let go of these! Read more
Jun 7
Certainly, one of the greatest figures of our time was Winston Churchill. Not only did Sir Winston have great vision and staying power, which helped to lead parts of the Western World out of Naziism, but he also had a great wit and could easily laugh at himself as well as others.
Jun 6
Recently our good chum Jen was here visiting from Iowa. She very sweetly brought us her treasured copy of a very reliable old stand by for what we like to call Savvy Secrets…..Mary Ellen’s Best of Helpful Hints – fast easy fun ways of solving household problems. Read more
Jun 5
Summer is coming and it is hard to beat the cool refreshing taste of watermelon…especially in this easy and delicious salad. Read more
Jun 4
It has always given me great pleasure to fly into the Bahamian islands during the day. The waters are so very beautiful – something you might see on a picture postcard and wonder, “Could it possibly be that beautiful or has it been touched up to make it more appealing?” BUT it is REAL and, oftentimes, MORE beautiful than the photo represents. Read more
Jun 3
Delighted, once again to be here with things that, once let go, make room for more good to appear. Read more
May 31
If you read or listen to any news regarding food you can’t help but be aware of the controversy surrounding bread or more specifically wheat. Read more
May 30
Yes we do! Oh, how we absolutely love sharing these helpful hints with all of our Chums. Read more
May 29
Today John F. Kennedy would have turned 96 years old. There are some amazing similarities between former Presidents Abraham LIncoln and John F. Kennedy. See what you think! Read more
May 28
Most of us would love the chance to have the day at a spa to relax and refresh ourselves, but not all of us have the time or the money to make that fantasy a reality. Now you can create the experience of a healthy detoxing bath in your own home!
Read more
May 27
As we mentioned last Monday, we are continuing our “series” of “Never Give Up – Just Let Go”. The things we should “just let go” of in order to “Never Give Up” on the good. Read more
May 24
Abraham Lincoln in his famous Gettysburg Address referred to the slain warriors as having given “the last full measure of devotion”. Such a poignant few words and, oh, how true they are! Read more
May 23
Why is it, you might ask, that period pieces such as the PBS Masterpiece series“Mr. Selfridge” that is currently on television and “Call The Midwife” are so very popular? “Downtown Abbey”, which is in between seasons at the moment, took this country by storm – everyone was talking about it and one quickly realized that it was near the top of the “Most Popular” list!
May 22
What could possibly be better than an all American hot dog?…a hot dog with a side of bacon! Read more
May 21
It seems we can all use some freshing up in our bathrooms or guest bathrooms from time to time. So we found some lovely ideas for doing just that at Martha Stewart and Real Simple and we wanted to share them with our chums 🙂 Read more
May 20
This past week, one of our good chums, Pam, posted something on her Facebook page that caught our attention and made us ponder just what things we, your chums, are hanging on to that may be keeping us from becoming all we were meant to be. Read more
May 17
Sometimes nothing but a crunchy, salty, snack is the only thing that will satisfy you…especially with a cold drink or a nice glass of wine. But maybe you’re tired of potato chips or peanuts….OK nobody ever really gets tired of potato chips…Lays made a fortune on their ad campaign based around “Nobody can eat just one!” Read more
May 16
Don’t you just love things you can make ahead of time and with only a couple of slight ingredient variations have 4 very different tasty meals? Read more
May 15
“What did we do before cell ‘phones?” is the question! It is hard now to imagine life without them – they are involved in so much of what we do.
May 14
Tea time in England, where I grew up, was not something that was reserved for a “special occasion” or getting together with friends but was a meal that was enjoyed EVERY day! Read more
May 13
No matter how experienced (or inexperienced) you are in the kitchen, everyone can use a good tip now and again….10 good tips, or as we like to call them, Savvy Secrets, are just ten times better! Read more
May 12
May 10
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
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 8
In this 1960 photograph, it seemed such a far way off that Charles would take over as Monarch from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Read more
May 7
Vodka is known as one of the world’s most popular spirits. But did you know that vodka also has a long history of use as medicine? Over the years it has been sold to cure everything from infertility to colic and the plague. While not all of its touted uses over the years are viable, it is true that vodka has a wide range of potential uses beyond just being served as a social beverage. Read more
May 6
Even though Cinco de Mayo is the time that the most avocados are sold, we love them all year long! There is NO time during the year that we do not love these wonderful yummies! So, just because Cinco de Mayo has come and gone, be sure to have a good stock of avocados in your pantry or refrigerator. They are so good for you as well as tasting great!
May 3
This weekend Mexicans, and anyone who likes Mexican food, will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Mexican restaurants across the country will be jammed. Most people there may not even know the history or meaning behind this very popular Mexican holiday. What they do know is that it is a great excuse to to have a Corona or a margarita…eat some chips and guacamole…and of course have that quintessential Mexcian food, the tortilla! Read more
May 2
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
May 1
Today is May Day and flowers are in bloom everywhere….even on this delicious Bavarian Cream Cake! Read more
Apr 30
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 29
And by that, we do not mean have you “labored” lately, as depicted in this wonderful piece of fabric, but have you used toile fabric to decorate lately? Read more
Apr 26
Today is Friday and in the Jewish tradition, that means that sundown tonight begins the weekly observance of Shabbat and in many Jewish homes, the tasty treat known as kugel. Read more
Apr 25
You no doubt remember the question the “beautiful” queen asked of her mirror in the classic Disney movie, Snow White. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Few of us would ask that question expecting that the mirror would answer us at all much less tell us that we were the fairest, most beautiful. I came across a very interesting video made by Dove soap that examines how women see themselves versus how others see them. Read more
Apr 24
Well, we all know the value of keeping a box of baking soda in our refrigerators to take care of horrid smells but ….. here are lots more uses for that same baking soda! Read more
Apr 23
Apr 22
With Spring already here and Summer fast approaching, it seems we all eat a lot more salads. But what are all those tasty salads wearing? Read more
Apr 19
Did you know that April is Grilled Cheese month? It would appear that the favorite of all sandwiches…the grilled cheese….has come a long way baby! Read more
Apr 18
It’s that time of year again and your home is just waiting for that annual domestic ritual….Spring cleaning. Here are some great savvy secrets to make your work easier and things sparkle 🙂
Apr 17
If we had to pick five people in the world who had left their mark on fashion, certainly Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy would be one of those five! Read more
Apr 16
In the wake of yesterday’s horrific events in Boston, we find ourselves once again faced with unexpected, unforeseen tragedy. Read more
Apr 16
If you go down to the woods today,
You’re sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today,
You’d better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain because
Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
Picnic time for teddy bears;
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch us catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad about.
They love to play and shout,
They never have any cares.
At six o’clock their mummies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they’re tired little teddy bears.
But….do you know how the “teddy bear” got its name? Read more
Apr 15
There is nothing like the timeless “sailor suit” made popular by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales in 1846. A the age of four, he was given a miniature copy of the of the uniform worn by the crew on the Royal Yacht. Read more
Apr 12
Whether you call them biscuits or cookies, you can always call them delicious! If I had only one kind of cookie I could have for the rest of my life, I believe this would be the one. I am confident my dear chum Jackie would say it would be hers 🙂 Read more
Apr 11
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
“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 9
We heard yesterday of the passing of one of the world’s most renowned women, Margaret Thatcher – otherwise known as “The Iron Lady” – the lady who, virtually single handedly, re-routed a falling nation and put it back on its feet with her tireless dedication.
Apr 8
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 5
Everyone knows the goodness of classic hummus as a spread on sandwiches and of course as a dip. Lots of “hummus love” out there:) Today we want to give you more ways to love hummus! Read more
Apr 4
In the world of crackers and chips, the up and coming favorite seems to be the pita chip. Read more
Apr 3
Apr 2
If I told you that you could make one of the easiest and most delicious chocolate desserts you will ever eat with just 3 ingredients would you believe me? Of course you would, because if you are reading this, we are “chums” after all 🙂 Read more
Apr 1
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
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
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 27
Looking for something fun and memorable to do with your family over this Spring Break? Here’s an idea that turned out to be a BIG hit in our home! Read more
Mar 26
When I think of eggs, the first thing that comes to my mind are those wonderful, absolutely exquisite, Fabergé eggs!
Mar 25
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 22
One of the best benefits of this season leading up to Passover is that there is matzo available almost everywhere in every market. Delicious by itself spread with butter, my favorite matzo dish is matzo brei…a sort of Jewish twist on French toast….yummy! Read more
Mar 21
Your mother or grandmother…especially if they happened to be southern…may have kept a can for collecting bacon grease on the back of the stove. You may have wondered where the tradition came from. Here’s your answer:)
Mar 20
It’s official…as of today Spring is here. And one of the best things about Spring is that with it comes more flowers. I love flowers, all kinds….any place , any time and for any reason. Yet the one place I have never enjoyed flowers is in my food. Read more
Mar 19
Years ago when Robin and Randy took a trip to London they came home with so many wonderful goodies. They had gone just before Christmas and so had done a lot of Christmas shopping whilst there. Read more
Mar 18
Why are even those of us who aren’t Catholic surprised and delighted by this new leader of the Catholic Church? Perhaps it is because Pope Francis’ familiar, “regular guy” style has already made a down-to-earth impression on the world. Read more
Mar 15
If there is an iconic food that everyone knows is associated with the Irish it would have to be the potato!
Mar 14
Mar 13
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 12
With only a few ingredients, only a little bit of time, and a very few pennies you can have a meal that tastes like a million bucks! Read more
Mar 11
The world is in love with this darling couple and so happy for them as they anticipate the birth of their first child who will one day be the king or queen of England. Other than the question of whether this baby will be a boy or girl, or even possibly twins, the question many have, is what will the royal baby’s nursery look like. Read more
Mar 8
Reading the title of this post you might have been expecting something people could ride on in a March 17th celebration parade in Boston. We have other tastier sorts of floats in mind:) Read more
Mar 7
Mar 6
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
Mar 5
We all uses terms and phrases everyday and never know where they came from or what the origin of them is. From time to time we like to shed some light on some of these sayings and share what their origins are. Read more
Mar 4
Meet Mr. Chin. He is my latest “find” and, oh how we are welcoming him into our home!
Mar 1
Feb 28
How very important it is to really know yourself….know what you are made of, all of the wonderful qualities that come together to make you you! Read more
Feb 27
Caramel has always been delicious but of late it is enjoying a new fashionability in food circles. Everywhere you turn these days there seems to be something about caramel, especially salted caramel. And why not? Who can resist the sweet sticky goodness that we call caramel:) Read more
Feb 26
