Entries Tagged 'Domestic Goddess' ↓

These slate cheese boards come in an abundance of colors and sizes. They make adorable house warming gifts paired with artisan cheeses and crackers. Each cheese board includes: 1 soapstone pencil for writing the names of cheeses and hors d’œuvres on the board, 4 anti-slip cork feet, which can be applied to the bottom of the board in order to protect table top surfaces and 1 burlap bag, which can be used for storing the slate and as a place mat for the cheese board. All Brooklyn Slate products are treated and sealed to be food safe. Soapstone, chalk, crumbs, and liquids wipe off easily with a damp sponge or towel. The cheese boards can also be washed with a sponge and dish soap. Boards that do not have cork feet on the bottom are dishwasher safe. Individual boards range from $25.00 - 32.00. Available at the website below or at Farm Shop in Brentwood. - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

www.Brooklynslate.com

This apron is just as beautiful hanging on a hook in the kitchen as it is on the chef. Svenskt Tenn’s own textiles are printed by hand, primarily in Sweden. They are made from one hundred percent linen of the highest quality.

www.svenskttenn.se

If your a parent who finds it extremely difficult to part ways with your children’s art work here’s a creative way to save it. Whether it’s your child’s wobbly handwriting or a darling drawing (Jigsaw Graphics can work with most images) this is fantastic idea for personalized thank-you notes. All you need to do is scan or photograph the artwork and email it and they letterpress your child’s designs. Allow 3-5 weeks for creation and delivery. The size of these note cards is 5.5″ x 4.25.” 30 Cards for $79.00.

www.jigsawgraphics.com

Every great wife should know how to throw an amazing dinner party. Organize all your best planning ideas in this entertaining book. Record 77 menus and seating plans plus sections for large parties, guest records, favorite caterers, florists and other helpful resources. Personalization available, $97.00.

www.graphicimage.com

Rifle Paper Co. Global Greetings Note Card Set, $28.00

Anthropologie.Com

Set of 3 Chalkboard Canisters $29.99 and Set of 3 Chalkboard Bowls $39.99

www.WilliamSonoma.Com

Fruute believe’s in the unordinary tart. Meet a not so traditional tart: mini incredibly airy and infused with meticulously paired flavors, some even quite unexpected. Thy start with the finest ingredients: natural flour, sugar, eggs, butter and cream to help create a healthy, better tasting pastry. They’ve dreamed up the most unique flavors… a great way to spice up any dessert table!

www.Fruute.com

Perfect for chopping Winter wood…. Dependable, versatile and with a rich and powerful history, the American Felling Axe is the quintessential woodland tool and an icon of American design and ingenuity. Every feature of this axe was meticulously designed by Best Made in New York. The Dayton pattern head is made from high carbon American steel and is drop forged in North Carolina by fourth-generation axe makers. The Best Made helve is lathed from Appalachian hickory and its elegant curvature and slender form factor ensure superior efficiency and safety. Every Best Made axe comes numbered with our documentation and guarantee, and a fitted, top-grain leather blade guard. This Special Edition axe will arrive in a hand-built crate with wood wool. American Felling Axe, $300.00

www.BestMadeCo.com

Opens a bottle then glides over the top and makes a tight seal to keep beers from going flat or spilling. Perfect for bottles sized for more than one sitting. Made in Germany

This bottle opener can be used to open any crown cap bottle, ranging from a standard twelve-ounce beer to larger twenty-four or even forty ounce bottles. In the event that a twist off cap becomes stuck or impossible to open, it can even be used to pry those caps as well.

The resealing function is what sets this gadget apart and can also be used for a wide range of pop-cap bottles. One simply flips over the implement and, using the metal guides to grip the rim at the top of the bottle, slides the rubbery panel over the opening to ensure a tight seal over the beverage — preventing the contents from going stale or spilling when turned on its side. Hermetus Bottle Opener and Resealer $8.00

www.Kaufmann-Mercantile.com

Extension cords you won’t want to hide. We didn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, we just wanted to dress it up in some some new duds.

Cloth covered extension cords are woven in Massachusetts using three copper wires, each stranded and covered in PVC insulation. The wires are twisted together, padded, and braided with a durable cotton weave. Cords are then assembled in New York using solid brass plug blades that are set in a rubber plug (which will resist chemicals and stay flexible in extremely low temperatures). These extension cords are recommended to be used in the home and shop for small appliances. $38.00 each.

www.BestMade.Com

If your on of those wives who love their non stick pans, reading the article below might sway you to switch them out for a healthier cooking alternative. Or if you cannot part with them at all, here are some tips to keeping them in tip top condition.

Health Concerns: Teflon contains highly toxic chemicals that may be released into your foods when the pan becomes scorched or starts to peel. The chemicals that manufacturers use to create the seemingly magic lining of nonstick cookware could end up damaging your liver or thyroid, or messing with your immune system. Reduce the risk of endocrine- and immune-system damage by ditching Teflon and other cookware made with fluoropolymers and fluorinated telomers. When replacing your pots and pans coated in Teflon, you should consider replacing them with cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

Replacing: If you must keep your teflon pots and pans replace them every two to three years or sooner if they have burned or the coating has begun to peel. This will depend on the wear of the pan, which can be determined by how well you have cared for it.

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A lady always shows respect and consideration for others while placing a premium on honesty and graciousness. A lady also knows how her individual choices may affect others and how easy it is to choose words and actions more wisely. If you missed out on cotillion as a child, I think it best to invest in an etiquette book. ‘Emily Post’s Book of Etiquette’ is great to look up and source any question you might have and a perfect addition to any Lady’s Library. In the meantime here are my top 10 tips for being a lady in modern day society. - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. Follow Through – Nobody likes a flaky person. Regardless of how busy your life has become with commitments to your Husband and Children, you should never agree to take on more than you can handle i.e.… rsvp-ing to events, lunches with friends or other engagements. When receiving an invitation, contemplate if you’ll be exhausted from a busy day and politely decline. Many people re-arrange their schedules and look forward to plans and get upset with last minute cancellations. If a cancellation is necessary, be sincere in your apology and reschedule as soon as possible.

2. Phone Etiquette – Calls should only be placed between the hours of 9:00am – 10:00pm. Try to make a habit of returning calls within 24 hours of getting the message. When taking calls on your cell phone do consider other around you, keep conversations short and never discuss private matters in public. Your cell phone should remain in your purse and never be taken out during a meal. If need be excuse yourself from the table to check in with babysitters or any other emergencies. When in theatres or performances turn your phone to silent or off and avoid texting. Texting is extremely rude when in the presence of others.

3. Dressing Like a Lady – A lady always leaves something to the imagination, which is why one should choose to show a little leg or instead decide to accentuate your décolletage. When sitting down always cross your legs or ankles to avoid nearby peeping toms; it’s also important to practice getting in and out of cars without flashing the valet. (How to get out of a car without showing your knickers) Take the time to learn which dress codes are appropriate for certain occasions, for example if your invitation calls for “Cocktail Attire”, “Black Tie” or “White Tie,” would you know what is appropriate to wear? (Dress Code Guide)

4. It’s The Little Things – When a guest enters your home, do you offer them a glass of water or beverage of their choice? When arranging for a dinner party, do you remember if one of your dinner guests has a gluten allergy? When selecting a gift, is it something your friend mentioned they wanted? Just as a gentlemen would offer his coat if you were showing signs of being cold is how you should pay attention to small details. It’s a great way to show the people around you how much you care and are listening. Go the distance to make the people in your life feel incredibly special.

5. Always The Gracious Guest – Whether you have been invited over to a someone’s home for a dinner party, movie screening or cocktails, Never show up without a hostess gift. The gesture can be as small as a bottle of wine or dessert to as grand as having a flower arrangement delivered.

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www.Blog.MrsLilien.Com

A few weeks ago, Mina, from the website MiniPiccolini asked me to share with her readers my top 10 favorite things for wives. Below are my favorite things every wife should have in her life.

1. William Sonoma - A wondrous playground for any wife who loves to cook in her kitchen. This charming store provides tools to make preparation easier, cooking classes for those who want to learn, and inspiration around every corner for those looking for creativity. www.williamsonoma.com

2. Mrs. Meyers – Every wife should have an eco friendly conscious when shopping for her household. Enter Mrs. Meyers… A collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that pack a real punch against daily dirt and grim. From dish soap to laundry detergent to window cleaners Mrs. Meyers brings a powerful clean and a garden fresh scent to your home. All their products are earth friendly, bio degradable, non toxic and never tested on animals. www.mrsmeyers.com

3. Emily Post Etiquette Book - Every wife should always carry herself like a true lady. Emily Post’s discourses on etiquette is said to be one of the most useful reference books published, next to a dictionary, a thesaurus and a world atlas. The new edition has discussions on perennially necessary topics, such as where to place a soup spoon when setting a formal table and whether one may wear white after Labor Day (the answer is yes). This integration of new material with old, showing respect and consideration for others while placing a premium on honesty, graciousness and deference. It also serves as a reminder of how individual choices may affect others and how easy it is to choose—words, wardrobes, gifts and actions—more wisely. $27.00 on Amazon.Com

4. Stationer - Every wife can benefit from a very creative and talented stationer. While I take my services to Jonathan Wright and Sugar Paper in Los Angeles, They are always there to help with last minute gifts and an abundance of greeting cards for every occasion. Your stationer can also aid you in the designing all of life’s celebrations from wedding invitations to birth announcements to personal stationary for thank you notes. Jonathan Wright 7404 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90036 323 931 1710; Sugar Paper 253 26^th Street, Brentwood, California 310 451 7870

5. La Perla – Just like the age old saying “A lamb in the kitchen and a tiger in the bedroom.” What better way to inspire a healthy and consistent sex life with your husband than with luxurious lingerie from La Perla. Every man can appreciate his wife coming to bed in a flirtatious silk night gown or something else a little more provocative. www.laperla.com

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If your a wife on the West side there’s no doubt your a regular at The Brentwood Country Mart and have passed by Botany’s Fragrant Floral Displays. Not only does the flower and gift shop make striking arrangements for every occasion but have now opened a Flower School. Sip Champagne and enjoy Hors d’oeuvres while learning the basic art of floral arranging. Each Student will leave with a beautiful floral arrangement. Every wife should know how to arrange flowers in her home, So sign up Now as class space is limited. Next Class is Scheduled for April 13th at 5:00pm - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

Perfect for any California Wife with beautiful photography and a sophisticated wit, C is California’s arbiter of taste and trends—primarily in the areas of fashion, jewelry, people, beauty and home. It focuses on the looks, people, places, and events that define California’s style and its role as the creative center of the country.

C is Hollywood, yes. But also Silicon Valley, La Jolla, Napa and Palm Springs. The incomparable San Francisco. The rich enclaves of Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, and Carmel. C celebrates the best of California life, style, and influence.

www.MagazineC.com

Early spring brings rain, mud, and more flowers. Look for these favorites.

Early Spring:

• Daffodil: The earliest Narcissi appear now, especially small cultivars like Tete-a-Tete.
• Iris Reticulata: The large iris are a summer pleasure, but this small beauty is an early spring treasure.
• Forsythia: This is a shrub that screams “Springtime!”
• Scilla: These small bulbs produce wonderful blue and purple blossoms.
• Anemone: The blanda species produces pale blue and white starry blossoms for the spring garden.
• Pussy Willow: Salix discolor and Salix caprea were standards in Grandmother’s garden, but new varieties have larger and more strongly-colored catkins to delight today’s gardeners.

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“How to Shovel Snow Like a Man” by: Simon Grey for The Art of Manliness

Those of you in the perennially freezing parts of the US will know this information as well as the back of your hand, but I thought this would be a fun primer for those who got surprisingly dumped upon by a big storm.

There are certain duties that almost invariably fall to men. Killing spiders. Opening stuck jar lids. Unclogging toilets. And especially this time of year, shoveling snow. Snow shoveling is often a back-breaking, tiresome process. If you have a driveway that is sixty feet long by twenty feet wide, and you get six inches of snow, clearing off the driveway means moving six hundred cubic feet of snow. It is thus a task that calls for some seriously manly brawn.

Shoveling snow is generally not a particularly fun activity, although it is an excellent workout and a fine opportunity to get some crisp, fresh air. And there are a few ways to mitigate the unpleasantness of this chore, which we’ll discuss today.

Dressing for the Occasion

First, you need to dress for the job at hand. If it’s above twenty degrees outside, you will want to dress in light layers. I recommend an outfit that consists of leather boots, wool socks, jeans, an undershirt, a thermal henley, a red plaid flannel shirt, and gloves. Maybe a cap, but only if it’s really windy outside. This outfit works best when it’s above twenty degrees outside, especially if you have a decent amount of shoveling to do. You don’t want to be dressed too warmly, because once you start getting into the swing of things, you’ll heat up fast. This makes wearing at least a couple of layers essential; you’ll want to strip one off as you get going and warm up.

If it’s below ten degrees, dress warmer. Add a second pair of socks and a heavier coat. If the snow is deep enough, wear snow pants. And make sure to wear thermal shirts and leggings.

Methods of Snow Removal

For Short Driveways

If you have a short driveway, a shovel will probably work best. Make sure to pick the right shovel for the job. Do not get a plastic shovel; they are poorly constructed and do not stand up to the rigors of moving any snow heavier than a light dusting. They break easily and cannot handle ice.

Also, do not get an “ergonomically designed” shovel. They do not offer any significant benefits to your lower back, at least compared to normal shovels, and they are slightly harder to scoop snow with.

Instead, opt for a shovel with a straight wooden handle and a reinforced metal blade. You will find that these are the easiest to work with and are generally pretty sturdy as well.

The process for shoveling a driveway is pretty simple: first, shovel a line along the edge of the driveway, on the side that the wind is coming from. Do not try to shovel into the wind. After that, shovel snow from that path to the opposite side of the driveway. If you need to toss snow across the driveway, you will be aided by the wind.

For Mid-Length Driveways

If you have a mid-length driveway, you should probably use a snow blower. There are a variety of different brands and types, and each will likely have its own starting process. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions.

Also, remember that snow blowers can be very dangerous. Never stick your hands in the snow chute or scoop while the snow blower is in operation.

Using a snow blower is fairly simple: plow down one side of the driveway and work your way to the other side of the driveway. Make sure to blow all the snow in the same direction. Also, make sure to blow the snow with the wind, not against it. This is a very cold lesson to learn the hard way.

For Long Driveways

If you have a long driveway, use a truck with a snow blade attached. This process is relatively simple as well: drive the truck onto the driveway, lower the blade, and clear off the snow. Make sure that you warm up the truck first, though; you don’t want to harm your engine or drive in a cold cab. If the street on which you live has already been cleared, try to push the snow either off to the side of the driveway or across the street. No one wants to have to drive through or around a pile of snow, including you.

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This multitasking machine from Cuisinart sautés, cooks and blends your favorite homemade soups. It’s also a high-performance blender – crushing ice or whipping up cocktails and smoothies. $199.99 at www.WilliamSonoma.Com

• Versatile machine makes hot soup, whips up smoothies, crushes ice and does much more.
• For soups, simply add pre-cut ingredients and the machine sautes, blends and keeps the soup warm until serving.
• Razor-sharp blades quickly chop or mince foods.
• Push-button digital controls make it easy to set cooking time and temperature.
• The machine has three temperature settings - low, medium and high bringing soup from a gentle simmer to a boil.
• Four speeds – plus stir and pulse functions – blend ingredients to desired consistency.
• Thermal shock-resistant glass container with plastic base.
• Cleaning brush included.

www.williams-sonoma.com

“What Will the Girl Become” an illustration from an early 20th century manual on “social hygiene.”

The unique design of the Dryerballs lift and separate fabrics while relaxing fibers. The result is less lint and wrinkles, softer clothes, more absorbent towels and a reduced drying time of up to 25% - saving you moolah! Best of all, it’s toxic-free, environmentally friendly, and guaranteed to last up to 2 years. That’s equivalent to a whole lotta dryer sheets. $16.00.

www.nelliesallnatural.com

How to Be The Perfect Vintage Housewife

By: Rockabilly Love

The good old days of set family roles are long gone, but with a little bit of hard work and a lot of determination, you can bring back the original and best ‘happy family’!

Things You’ll Need:

Your own house

A partner and or/children

Patience

Instructions:

1. Start with your personal self. Rise an hour early, before the rest of your family, and take a warm shower {not hot-don’t want to scald your skin!}, using a fragrant soap or bodywash. Dress in appropriate clothing, tight enough to show off your feminine figure, and loose enough to be practical. Spray a favourite scent in front of you, then walk into it, giving you a slight, alluring scent that won’t be harsh on anyone’s nose! For makeup, stick with creamy foundation, a mild rosy blush and light eye makeup. Pin your hair up into a pretty yet practical style. The point is to make your husband/partner admire your ability to be beautiful the second he wakes. After this is completed, wake the children {if you have any}. Get them organised for showers and dressing, and to collect their homework from the previous night.

2. He will be awake at this point, so while he showers and shaves, swiftly prepare a non-greasy but filling breakfast for yourselves. Aim to create something new every few days, for example, bacon and eggs on toast one morning, mushroom omelette the next. When he is dressed and seated at the table, and before he reads his paper or turns on the tv, tell him what you have planned for dinner that night, and ask him for any suggestions he may have. This lets him know you care about his opinion and input, which is essential for any healthy relationship. Slip in little things like “I know you like mushrooms, so I thought a mushroom and beef stew would be good for dinner tonight?”

3. While he is eating, prepare his lunch and a few snacks for the day. Pack something filling, nutritious AND tasty. If you’re lucky enough to have children, now is the time to pack their lunches too. If he is on any medication, or has any specific needs for that day, e.g: You know he has a cold, so pack a few aspirin and a handkerchief. Pay close attention to his needs, and when you use that knowledge to attend to him, he will be happy…and when my husband is happy, I’m happy!

4. Depending on who leaves the house first, kiss your husband and children goodbye. Wish him a good day and let him know that you’re proud of how hard he works, and ask him if there is anything he wants done today. If he says, for example, “I have no clean socks”, apologise for not noticing, and promise to wash them the second he goes to work. Even if you don’t touch them for a few hours, he leaves the house with peace of mind that he can come home to clean socks and a wife that remembers his needs. Once everyone has left the house, clear the breakfast dishes and wipe the sink and benchtop down. Now is the time to wrap a scarf around your hair and don an apron and gloves. Start with clothing. Find all the dirty clothing and wash it, then dry it outside if possible. It gives a nicer, fresher smell. While they are washing, change over the bedsheets and give them a light spritz of his favourite perfume. Iron and fold the clothing. Pick up the general mess, and sort it into it’s appropriate places. Wipe dust from shelves, put on a pair of your highest high heels and pay close attention to all the places that you can now see- these are the places your husband will notice! Mop and vaccuum the floors {obviously, only mop the tiles or vinyl floors!}. Open the windows and sit a vase of fresh flowers or spring of lavender in front of each window. A great trick for the room closest to the front door is, later in the day, to bake {yes, handmake!} a loaf of bread, and place it to cool on an open window ledge near the front door. As soon as he enters, he gets that ultimate homely comfort smell- warm, soft, hand baked bread. It makes a perfect tool to relax him after a long hard day, and he won’t even know it!

5. Next, cook yourself a small, quick meal. As you eat, you can relax outside, watch a tv show or call a friend. Your cleaning is all done, so if you’re making dinner, do it now before the children get home. The instant they do get home, get them into a bath, dressed in clean clothes and doing their homework at the kitchen table. You can provide assistance and keep an eye on them as you cook- two jobs in one! Let them play or watch tv before your husband gets home, so that they are calm and relaxed to greet their father. Let him unwind with warmed slippers and dressing gown {clothes dryer for a few minutes!} in his favourite chair, and ask him, with genuine interest, how his day was. Give comments, always supporting him, such as “Oh darling, how terrible! But don’t worry, I baked your favourite apple crumble!” After dinner, play a boardgame or have a ’show and tell’, where each family member tells something interesting they learnt or experienced that day, ending with a discussion on current events and news. Send the children to bed with hugs and kisses to their parents, let them know they are loved and their love is appreciated in return.

6. Head to the bedroom and make sure it looks and smells nice. Turn back the covers so he only need slip between the covers. Take down your hair, clean off your makeup, and get into a nice, clean nightdress or better yet, nothing at all. *wink* When he goes to bed, offer a massage, or gently stroke his hair. If he wants to discuss anything, listen to him and let him know you’re listening. - eHow.Com

Perfect for a coat closet, guest room or a darling keepsake for from your wedding day, $28.00

www.PalomasNest.Com

Set of 3 Sandwich, Fruit and Snack, $24.00

Set of 5 Sandwich, Fruit, Veggie, Snack and suprise, $38.00

www.GrazeOrganic.Com

Images: Elle Decor

Their Mission:

“OUR MISSION is to reopen the doors of accessible design. By embracing an online platform we provide inspiration at the click of a finger, directly connecting our readers to their favorite products and resources. Our freedom from page limits means that we can share more content in each issue, delivering an intimate look into the way people really live.
At Lonny, we value independent thinking and believe not in following trends but rather in making choices that lead to happiness. We believe that good design and affordable design can coexist and that true inspiration can be found in the teeniest of homes or in the grandest of spaces.” - Lonny Magazine

www.LonnyMag.Com

Flavors in Season: Triple Berry, Sour Cherry and Apple Whiskey Crumble Pie, $54.00

or

Order Online at WilliamSonoma.Com