Nuts! Thursday, Nov 29 2012 

Cooking and Entertaining and Food , , , , , , , , thenononsenseassistant 12:00 pm

Give the gift of nuts.

IMG_0717Here is an easy recipe for spiced nuts:

2 Cups Raw Unsalted Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans, etc)

3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

1/2 Tablespoon Water

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/4 Teaspoon Ginger

Heat the nuts in a cast iron skillet until they are toasted. Remove the nuts and wipe out the skillet. Add the butter, sugar, water and spices to the skillet. Stir the ingredients until the sugar and butter are melted. Add the nuts back and stir until well coated. Spread the nuts on parchment paper and let cool. Once the nuts are cool package in pretty, airtight containers. This is an easy homemade gift that anyone can do. You can change the spice mixture to make different flavored nuts — this is just a starting point. Enjoy!

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That’s a Wrap Monday, Oct 15 2012 

Decorating and Entertaining and Fun Tips and Products and Tips , , , , , , thenononsenseassistant 1:58 pm


 

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Here are fun items for making unique and interesting gift packages. Click on the links to find online sources for the various products.

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Decorative Tape 

 

 

 

 

 

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Not your Mom’s Masking Tape

 

 

 

 

 

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Twine

 

 

 

 

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More Twine

 

 

 

 

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Kraft Paper

 

 

 

 

 

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Gift Packaging: Cello Bags, Pillow Boxes, Gift Boxes

 

 

 

 

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Printable Labels

 

The Welcome Mat Sunday, Nov 13 2011 

Entertaining and Living and Tips , , , , , , , thenononsenseassistant 11:56 am

As friends and family come to town to stay with you, having a few simple things prepared in advance can help make their stay relaxed and less harried for you.

  1. If you have the luxury of a guest room or cottage prepare it in advance by giving it a good cleaning.
  2. Provide blankets and clean linens for your guest.
  3. If you have a guest room, check the light bulbs to make sure they work.
  4. Provide some hangers or hooks for their clothes.
  5. Provide soap, shampoo, conditioner & toothpaste. If you have a guest bathroom, towels and bathroom essentials can be set out for your guest in the bathroom. If you don’t have a separate guest bathroom you can prepare a basket with the necessary items and give your guest a spot to hang their towels.
  6. If you don’t have a room for your guest make some space where they can keep their belongings and provide them with clean linens, blankets and a basket of bathroom essentials.
  7. Provide a night-light so your guest can find their way in the dark.
  8. Provide some reading material and or a television or radio.
  9. Bottled water and some fresh flowers add a nice touch.
  10. Provide information on the area: tourist guide, local paper, etc.
  11. Show your guest your home and where the kitchen essentials are.

The more your guests have a spot of their own, the more they will feel at home and the less likely they will feel like they are in the way.

 

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