Savvy Secrets – Attract The Bees!
We are most grateful to Karen, one of our dear chums, who shared this “Savvy Secret” with us for making sure your vegetables not only blossom but then fruit. Read more
Aug 7
We are most grateful to Karen, one of our dear chums, who shared this “Savvy Secret” with us for making sure your vegetables not only blossom but then fruit. Read more
Aug 6
The author of the wonderful life of Winnie the Pooh,, A.A. Milne, certainly left us with some indelible quotes. Read more
Aug 2
You have probably heard us talk about our love of American Girl Dolls. Both of us have granddaughters that have, and love, their American Girl dolls. They are special treasures. Read more
Aug 1
Jul 30
Jul 26
Jul 25
For those of you who we are blessed enough to have as followers, you know that our website is built on the fact that we are Two Chums who have been chums for a very long time and cherish our relationship deeply.
Gratitude is a quality we talk about a lot …… Read more
Jul 24
Jul 23
Jul 20
You may have heard that last Sunday was dubbed National Ice Cream Day, in celebration of that favorite dessert of all ages. If you ask us, your Two Chums, we would tell you that everyday could be considered “Ice Cream Day”! Read more
Jul 19
If you have been a regular visitor to Two Chums for any length of time, you know how important we believe that gratitude is to our lives. Read more
Jul 18
What can be more fun in the summer than popsicles, Read more
Jul 17
On this day in 1955, our amazing Disneyland opened its gates for the first time. Read more
Jul 16
Jul 13
“We Are the World,” a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, hit an all-enveloping chord when it was sung in the U.S.A. as the ending to the world-wide Live Aid concert, on this day in 1985. Read more
Jul 12
Jul 10
Well, we don’t know about you but we were finding that we were throwing away a lot (and we mean a lot) of plastic straws every week. Read more
Jul 9
If you have a dinner or event upcoming we have an easy and lovely idea for your centerpiece. Read more
Jul 6
Today we have some yummy and cute kitties that just happen to be very edible and fun to make! Read more
Jul 5
What ever else may be on your agenda this coming weekend, it would be well worth your time to take yourself to see the recently released documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”. It is the story of the philosophy and life of Fred Rogers, known affectionately to generations of children and their parents as “Mr. Rogers”. With our world in the place we find ourselves today, with all the fighting, angry words and actions towards others, uncivil behavior by so many that gets reported daily and a media that thrives, and even delights, in telling us about all the garbage out there, this film is a soothing balm for the mind and an oasis for the heart and soul.
Unless this is your very first visit to TwoChums, you know we exist to promote “Love, Joy and Abundant Living”. This isn’t just a tag line to us, it is the way we strive to live our lives and hope to give some encouragement to others wanting lives filled by the same.
Mr. Rogers understood the overwhelming need for such encouragement to be at the center of everything we do, especially as it relates to children. He understood that at the core of each of us there is still a child who needs to be nurtured and respected, loved and encouraged.
This film isn’t sappy, corny, or some sort of deification of Fred Rogers. Instead, it is a reminder of the power of a life well lived. An admonishment to each of us to recognize the power of a life where one is true to his or her calling and convictions, can make on a generation. Not just the life of Fred Rogers, but our lives as well. We have opportunities every day to live up to what our calling and purpose is. And we can all do what Mr. Rogers aspired to do “help someone know they are loved and capable of loving”.
Make time to see this film. It will touch you in places you may have forgotten you had. Both men and women were heard sniffling in the theatre and tissues were seen out in abundance. As one critic put it, “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ you’ll cry in the movie. It’s about ‘where’ and ‘how many times’. ”
We don’t say it often..not sure we’ve ever said it before, but this one is a “must see”. It is really all about “love, joy and abundant living”.
Jul 3
If grilling or BBQing isn’t possible for your celebration this 4th of July, we have a delicious and easy alternative for making those ribs we all love to eat! These are so simple and will travel well too in your slow cooker if you are taking them to a 4th of July celebration.
Bon appetit!
Slow Cooker Ribs*
3 lbs. pork ribs (we like St. Louis style or baby back ribs)
Rub made from 1 tablespoon each: salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder
5 cloves of minced garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup honey
Rub the ribs on all sides with rub and place in slow cooker. Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey and garlic and add to slow cooker. Cook ribs on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Remove ribs and slice between bones. Pour additional sauce from slow cooker over ribs and serve.
* For traditional more smoky BBQ style ribs, replace soy sauce with apple juice or cider, and cover the ribs in hickory BBQ sauce after removing ribs from slow cooker.
Jun 29
Jun 28
We are frequently asked how many servings a cake will make. Of course that answer depends on the size of your cake, and the size of the pieces you want to serve. But today we have a guideline we think will be helpful. Read more
Jun 27
This spring the ABC hit comedy series “The Middle”, ended after 9 seasons and we said goodbye to the Heck family, Mike (the dad), Frankie (the mom), Axel (oldest child) ,Sue (middle child), and Brick (the youngest). If you were a fan, you know there were some very funny and very poignant moments that most families could relate to in one way or another. But one of the most significant scenes in the 9 year run came in the final episode. It was a scene in which the three siblings on the eve of Axel, the oldest, moving away, were reminiscing and discussing their feelings for the family and each other. Read more
Jun 26
Jun 25
It is hard to believe but it was nine years ago today that Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” passed on. Read more
Jun 22
they will come! Read more
Jun 20
We think everyone can use a good laugh now and again. So here you go from us to you….enjoy!
Jun 18
Jun 14
On Sunday, dads will be the guests of honor at celebrations of Fatherhood all over the country. We have a wonderful dessert for your family’s celebration. It’s a great way to remind your father, grandfather, Godfather, or husband just how “sweet” you think he is 🙂 Read more
Jun 13
Sometimes your Two Chums are not sure which heading a Post should be under. This is one of those. We started to put it under “Savvy Secrets” but think now that it is a “Favorite Find”! Read more
Jun 11
Here we are….again…. at the beginning of a new week. Now THIS week, please don’t forget Read more
Jun 8
Jun 7
School is out in many places and it’s summer vacation for most already. Maybe now there is a bit more time for breakfast and we have a fast, easy and very economical way to make breakfast fun for your family. Read more
Jun 6
Jun 4
May 31
We found some great articles to help us all be a bit tidier! Keep on reading….we feel sure you will want some of these! Read more
May 30
This gentle-man needs no long introduction. He lead the people of India to independence in 1947. Here are 10 bits of advice he has for us all to help to change the world. They have been written by Henrik Edberg. Read more
May 29
There are about as many ways to make this Mexican classic as there are people making it. Suffice it to say there is no right or wrong way to make this Mexican treat. We have actually made it a number of times and it is usually a little different each and every time. Why?…. you may ask Read more
May 28
May 24
We mentioned a variation of the above quote yesterday in our post as one of Fred Rogers’ questions. Mr. Rogers was a much-loved and often-watched television show for Littles and there was an absolute purity about the production each day. It was filled with love. For sure ….. Read more
May 23
Every neighborhood, no matter whether yours is in Manhattan or Timbuktu, could use more kindness. Read more
May 21
Some of the official photos have just been released…glorious! Read more
May 21
What day you might ask? Why, it’s the day of that very special wedding of Harry and Meghan, the now, Duke and Duchess of Sussex of course! We just had to do a recap of all the day’s festivities and fun…both ours and theirs 🙂 Read more
May 18
Well, there has been a lot of “wedmin” going on, for sure! “What is ‘wedmin’?”, you might well ask! Read more
May 17
May 17
Off to the Royal wedding? Or just packing for another trip? Needing to organize your shelves? We have what you need! Read more
May 16
Eggs are a staple of many breakfasts, but cooking them, especially soft boiling them, can be a frustration. No one trying to cook a soft boiled egg wants a runny white or a hard yolk, yet that is what we often get. That is until now! Read more
May 15
That word, “fascinator”, could mean many things, we understand. One who is fascinated with something could be a fascinator. Or, on the other hand, one who fascinates could be a fascinator! But neither of those is what we mean! Read more
May 14
It is almost here! The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take place this Saturday, May 19th, at noon local time at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Do you plan to watch? Read more
May 10
If you have never been to a Renaissance Faire, you should think about going. But be sure you go in costume! Read more
May 9
On this day in 1964, the long reign of the Beatles very popular hit “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” came to an unexpected end… Read more
May 8
If you are a mom-on-the-go, or a grandparent with little ones who visit at mealtimes, we have a favorite find for you today that you are going to love! Read more
May 7
May 4
Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby. What has come to be known as “the run for the roses” and “the greatest 2 minutes in sports” will take place again on the first Saturday in May, as it has since 1872. Read more
May 3
We just couldn’t let the day go by without a heartfelt Happy Birthday to this adorable little Princess who celebrated her 3rd birthday yesterday! Read more
May 3
May 2
It is that time of the year when you are planning and planting your Kitchen Garden! These are a must have for that! Read more
May 1
Like every other date on the calendar, this one comes just once a year. But this one is different because it has a special name…May Day. Read more
Apr 30
Prince Harry and his soon to be wife, Meghan Markle, will be married on 19 May, 2018. The wedding will take place at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. And later that day a select few people have been invited by Prince Charles to an evening of dinner and dancing and celebrating at Frogmore House. Read more
Apr 27
Most of us have had some version of Pigs in a Blanket along the way. It’s one of these foods you always seem to enjoy but frequently forget about when you are looking to make a snack for your children, or a simple and casual hors d’ouvres. We’ve got a really simple version of this classic for you today. Read more
Apr 25
So often, we think we are using the correct phrase and come to find out that we are not! Read more
Apr 24
Apr 19
Apr 18
In about one month’s time, the world will watch with joy while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unite in marriage at Windsor Castle in England. But, Read more
Apr 16
As the week begins we have an idea for you to make any meal seem more special. Read more
Apr 12
On Higher Perspective, we found these 9 Life Lessons From 100 Year Olds and felt sure you, our chums, would love to hear them. Read more
Apr 11
Apr 10
Sometimes all we need to liven up our ordinary meals is a good side dish. Read more
Apr 9
Apr 5
Your Two Chums have always said that, when pouring a cup of tea, the milk should go in first and then the tea. Is this correct? Read more
Apr 4
Just because Easter has come and gone for another year does not mean that we don’t want to cook any more eggs! Read more
Apr 3
Want a quick yummy option for dinner? We’ve got that! Read more
Apr 2
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry on May 19th. One of the central features of any wedding celebration is the cake. While we don’t know what the couple’s cake will look like, we do know what flavor it will be and who will make it. We got some good info from the British publication, Hello. And we have some fun photos and info about the cakes of other members of the royal family.
Read more
Mar 30
Most people think of eggs and bunnies when they think of decorating, or preparing food for Easter. Today we’ve got some fun ways to use carrots as well. Read more
Mar 29
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. Read more
Mar 28
St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
With the royal wedding happening on 19 May, 2018, we are certainly counting down! A few etiquette tips: Read more
Mar 27
Today we have some fun ways to use cloth napkins to create table decorations for your Easter celebration. Read more
Mar 26
Mar 23
Your Two Chums truly enjoy going out to dinner. We like all kinds of restaurants but at least once a year, usually in the Spring, we have dinner at a local Japanese, teppan restaurant…it’s tradition. Read more
Mar 22
Making food fun is good for grownups and kids alike. Read more
Mar 20
Easter will be here before we know it. And it will again be time to dye those eggs that everybody loves. If you aren’t a fan of the synthetic or chemical dyes that can leach into your eggs, we have some other options for you today. Read more
Mar 19
When we say “How to hang artwork” we mean “How to hang anything on the wall”! Here are all the things you will need for all the different kinds of wall surfaces. Read more
Mar 16
Tomorrow, as you are surely aware, is St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you are technically Irish or not, it seems on March 17th EVERYONE is at least a little bit Irish. Read more
Mar 15
Monograms are a timeless tradition. They are especially popular in the South. Mens’ shirts, children’s clothing, towels and bed linens, jewelry, silver serving pieces, even furniture can be beautifully personalized with a monogram. Read more
Mar 14
It’s international Pi Day. And do we have a “pie” for you! Read more
Mar 13
Mar 12
. . . you leave the house occasionally having forgotten the one thing you needed to take with you. Read more
Mar 8
The weekend will soon be here. It’s time for another good breakfast option. Read more