Plan before you leave for Europe

You've decided to go to Europe. Now what?  Planning on how to get around is something you need to decide before you go anywhere. Of course you have an idea on how you want to get across the pond, hopefully. Repositioning cruises are a money saving way; travel and good included but you might not have 14 days for the crossing unless you're retired or have saved ups ton of vacation time you want to dump.  Flying in is probably what 95% of folks will choose. Search for that great airfare.   

Planning on how you will get around once your feet are on the ground can be perplexing as well. My favorite is Eurail. There are so many ticketing options but be sure, if you choose this option, you should purchase before leaving for  Europe. 

When we went on our last family trip we used Eurail and traveled from Frankfurt to Heidelburg on to Paris to Barcelona, back into France to Monaco, back to Paris, Heidelberg  and finally back to Frankfurt, all with a 10 day pass. What a bargain. You can see a lot thus way and not bust the budget.  

Planning a trip to Europe?

The best advice I can give you, the same I would give our kids; travel light. I mean don't learn the hard way like we did.  You don't need to pack a suite case with 70 pounds of food. They do have it there. Our first trip this is what we did and ended up donating it to the food pantry on base but not before we hauled it to 3 countries with our Eurarail pass. Not fun getting on and off the trains with luggage overload. 

If you're planning a trip and are using mass transit take a backpack and only take the absolute minimum. If we're going for a month I would pick our the oldest underwear and plan on throwing them away before flying home. 5 sets are plenty. Socks too.  Then a nice pair of slacks, two changes of clothes and plan on washing them out.  If you need to purchase something during your trip toss what is worn out to make room fir the new. 

Don't take hair dryers etc as they weigh too much and you can do a lot without it 

Plan ahead, travel light and you will have less stress. By traveling light you won't have to stash your luggage in a terminal locker or at the hotel will call. You will always have everything with you so no backtracking to retrieve it. 

Also forget the luggage on wheels as they soon deteriorate on the pavement and soon become a loss. If you're just going from the airport to you're hotel and back they are wonderful if they have the multidirectional wheels but o. Cement they will be toast in short order. 

We are leaving shortly for a trip to the Virgin Islands so will try to pack light 

Sochi Olympics. Are Americans safe?

For those lucky enough to be going to Sochi security is tight. The State Department has issued a warning for  American's traveling in Russia. 

There is another terrorist threat, a real one fir the Olympic Village and against Americans.   A world wild threat has been made by Al Quaida threatening to avenge death of their members. 

Outside the ring of Steel, the Olympic Village and surrounding grounds. The has sent the FBI and other resources to aid in helping the Russian Government to secure the games. To date they have declined our assistance. 

10,000-15,000 Americans will be at the games and everything is being done to keep them safe. If you're traveling to the games our government is advising don't wear anything away from the venue that could identify you as an American 

The games are a time honored tradition that should be safe for all 

Lunch at Basils, Mt. Pleasant sc

Basil's is the latest addition to the outstanding cuisine offered in the Charleston area. 

Basil's pad Thai is outstanding here.  The high quality ingredients make it a healthy option for lunch on the go. 

How to be a great long distance dad when you're deployed.

Our son is currently deployed and I consider him to be a wonderful dad even though he's across the world in an isolated environment.  Being a military wife of a Navy guy that served 30 years in the Navy I know how important and how difficult it can be to communicate with your family.


During the Vietnam Era when my husband was deployed there wasn't the internet or Skype to help keep the family woven together.  Now our son Skype's our granddaughter and his wife and it's comforting to know that they can still communicate.  Hopefully this will aid military families in keeping the family strong during deployments.


The highlight of our year was our Skype with our son on Christmas Day and we're looking forward to our birthday calls as the day approaches.


God bless our soldiers and with communications being key to a strong family and peace of mind during deployments you have to look at the internet as a good thing.


To all those that are deployed and their families know we hold you close in our hearts and that you are always in our prayers.

Carnival lawsuit by homeowners in Charleston

Mayor Joe Davis said he was happy with the higher correct dropping the lawsuit. Whoop Hooo Carnival will stay for now. They State Port Authority is moving forward with the new terminal. 

We won't have to drive to Florida to catch a cruise in the future. 

We did cruise put of Charleston twice and they've bent over backwards to ensure they don't disturb the residents with noise. Their silent debarkation is so efficient with no announcements over the PA to ruffle locals. 

Justice had been done. Move on!  I'm sure it won't be the last we hear of this as a handful if locals are still threatening another lawsuit. 

Tuxedo junction north charleston sc. Getting the tuxedo shirt for the cruise

We're visiting to get a tuxedo shirt for hubby for our cruise. He found the tux but NO shirt. It was new last year but us gone now. Where oh where could it be? 

The folks at Tuxedo Junction are wonderful; Barry Johnson and his wife clarisse

Feed the Hungry in Charleston. A great idea. Potters create the vessels for the soup and fill the hearts of the hungry

Join cone 10 studios for Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls cone 10 studios invites YOU to support Crisis Ministries Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger that has been used to raise money in communities across the United States (www.emptybowls.net). On February 21 guests of cone 10 studios are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread prepared by Celia Cerasoli, of Celia’s of Charleston, and Fiorenzo Berardozzi. Potters from the Charleston community have created and donated each of the bowls we will use for the meal.  In exchange for a donation of $42 to Crisis Ministries, each guest will keep the bowl they have eaten from as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.  Tickets may be obtained from cone 10 studios by calling (843) 853-3345.  Because of limited space we ask that you reserve your ticket now. Time:                   February 21 at 6:00 pm Place:                  cone 10 studios  (www.cone10studios.com)                              1080 North Morrison Drive (free parking) Donation:            $42 to Crisis Ministries

Tickets may be obtained from cone 10 studios by calling (843) 853-3345. Because of limited space we ask that you reserve your ticket now.

We'll be guests of Carnival Cruises for a week in February. Virgin Islands here we come!

Watch for the best things to do in the Virgin Islands; St Maarten and St. Thomas. 

Ill be visiting a local potter and will have many more adventures and trip planning info for you. 

Legos - latest and greatest Princess line

Legos have to be the best tool parents have to help their children gain self confidence and boost their self image. 

Our granddaughter Madison lives her Legos and is alway so proud of her accomplishment when she finishes a kit. 

This is  one of her Christmas kits she wanted ever so much so we, of course, had to make she she had it. 

Now this I'd the face of a confident, proud little peacock. 

The latest Lego must have by all the girls is Lego' Princess line. I've had so many inquiries and wanted to provide information for all.   You can also go to Lego Shop and they always have the most up to date information on the must have's. 

Cinderella's Romantic Castle has created the buzz I've heard when I've been out traveling.  Your little one will imagine dancing with her prince at the Royal ball with mom and dad sitting with lucifer the cat and Bruno the firstly puppy in front of the fireplace. There's even a glass slipper. Be sure to leave it in the courtyard so your prince can find you. 

This kit includes two mini- dolls as an added bonus. There's even a hidden love letter, a tiara for your little princess a treasure chest and even lipstick and a brush to ensure your little princess looks amazing. Don't forget to put out milk for lucifer and treat Bruno with a bone just for him. All of these extra that are included in the set help make this a truly magical experience for the entire family. 

Recommended for ages 6-12 but I know from experience with our grown children it will still be enjoyed by the family long after their adults with families if their own. 

Ariel's amazing treasures is part of the princess line and will be a must have for your little ones. It will be a great adventure for Ariel, Flounder and your princess. 

Don't forget the other two kits that make up the princess line; Merida's Highland Games and Rapunzel's Creativity Tower that will provide yet another fairy tale experience with its hidden stairs, and the enchanted tower will capture your princess' imagination. 

National popcorn day today! OH YEAH! A fantastic recipe too

One of my favorite food groups, POPCORN!  Imagine the possibilities.  Jalapeño, cupcake, snickerdoodles,  you are only limited by your imagination. My favorite still is Carmel corn.  Yep, plain ole carmelcorn. 

Whenever were traveling and I see it I have to grab a bag. It's a great travel snack as it doesn't need To be refrigerated and it keeps for a week or more. Through all our travels I have to say the WORLDS best carmelcorn come from nuts on Clark. We found it the first time during a layover at Chicago O'hare. It's located in terminal 1 & 3. This is a must have trigger food for me. You can also order your fix online at nutsonclark.com.  They have many different flavored packed and ready to grab and go. The first time I purchased it I got the small snack bag. Well it was gone before our flight landed in San Francisco and I had no way to get a refill. The sad thing was we weren't flying through O'hare on the way home so it was another five months before we could have our daughter bring more and info on where to order by mail. 

Enjoy National popcorn day. 

For those that don't live in Chicago here's a great carmelcorn recipe that I got from a microwave demo dated December 19, 1981. It is wonderful and its all made in the microwave so great for   and college students too. 

Microwave Carmel popcorn recipe

(Ye Olde Van Buskirk Recipe)

I was at the base exchange and the lady was just finishing up her demo and have me the recipe. It's made it's way into my cookbook, Eating our way duty station to duty station. 

Ingredients

5 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 Tablespoons corn syrup (light)

1/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoons vanilla

1/8 teaspoon baking soda 

1 batch popped corn ( I use one bag of microwave popcorn without butter- plain)

Mixed nuts or peanuts are optional but a must for me. Add as many as you want 

Directions

1.  Make batch of popcorn

2.  In a large mixing bowl combine butter, salt, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla

3.  Cook at full power in microwave for 2-

      3 minutes. Mixture should be bubbly hot. Add baking soda. The mixture will foam and a lighter color. 

4.  Mix in popcorn and stir well. ( I have to add mixed nuts or just some jumbo peanuts as I love the cracker jack addition).  Pour out onto aluminum foil or silpat and cool. Break into pieces. 

LEGO's the Simpson's House only for VIP's right now.

Guess what Lego fan's?  I just found in my Lego VIP account an email announcing that LEGO VIP's can order the Simpson's House until January 31, 2014 to be the first to purchase it.


Don't miss out on this. Be sure to sign up for their VIP program and earn rewards points. It helps when you're purchasing gifts or just wanting to get the latest offering with reward dollars.

Jesus in Charleston-John mengarelli

We are always happy when we see this gentleman that rolls a cross around town when he's not working as an electrician, John Mengarelli 

We've seen him for years and marvel at his dedication. He's on the bridge today battling the 48 degree weather here. I know that's not cold in the Midwest but here it's FREEZING.  

The Charleston Food and Wine Festival 2014-Don't miss it!

This is one of my favorite events of the year here in Charleston, South Carolina, and there are so many to choose from but this is tops.  It was rated as one of the top five food and wine festivals in America by Forbes Traveler.  It is a massive event with guest chefs from around the country.


I had the please of working as prep chef for Bobby Flay when he attended.  The Culinary Institute of Charleston made it possible.  I was a Pastry and Bake Shop major and was chosen to help with the event.  A truly once in a life time experience.  Bobby was such a pleasure to work with and thanked staff at the end of the event.  Not all the chefs did, but he made a point to come back to the work areas and thank each person individually.


Spring is a wonderful time in Charleston so hope to see you there.




http://charlestonwineandfood.com/

My signed chefs jacket 

Bobby and I after the Featival

Traveling Napa - Yountsville, California

Bouchon Bakery in Yountsville Calufornia is one if my favorite places in the whole world. I could definitely be kicked off of Weight Watchers lifetime if I lived close. 

Every time we travel to the area we have to stop for Cafe Mocha there. It has to be the velvety chocolate they use in the drink that sends me into a tailspin. I always have to have their spectacular oatmeal cookie too. I can make the cookies st home from Bouchons cookbook as they give exact instructions for baking and they always turn out perfectly. 

My husbands doctor always requests the cookies too so they're a hit with everyone that I've made them for. 

It's a beautiful time of the year In Yountsville and Napa. Get out and explore. Be sure to drop in for a bite at Bottega's too. We always do and have never be disappointed.  What a beautiful, serene place. I'm glad we've had the opportunity to go many times. We aren't drinkers but you don't have to be to enjoy the beauty. Be sure to add it to the bucket list. 

Wounded warrior project - I'm back to quilting

We'll be traveling soon but in the mean time with holidays over;being recently retired, I'm trying to constructively fill my days. I don't want to just molt in front of the TV. Quilting has helped me keep from packing the pounds back on and it occupies my mind. 

I'm working on a Wounded Warrior quilt. I have lots of scraps so I want to be sure nothing goes to waste and that our wounded warriors know they hold a place in our hearts. Here's my way if honoring them. 

For those that can't quilt maybe you can donate fabric to the cause so others can keep sewing. 

Restaurant Week-Charleston South Carolina. Hymans Seafood a must visit

Hyman's Seafood-Celebrating Charleston Restaurant Week Jan 8 - Jan 19, 2014 3 for $30 (Also includes a glass of house wine) Choice of one Appetizer: Fried Green Tomatoes Wademalaw Delight Cheese grits topped with fried green tomatoes and Parmesan cheese sauce Choice of one Entree: Crispy Flounder 16-24 oz. Shrimp Carolina Delight Fried with shrimp, garlic alfredo sauce topped with Cajun seasoning Salmon Medley Fresh salmon served four ways: Cajun, sautéed, jerk, and broiled over red rice topped with parmesan cream sauce Salmon Croquette Home made deep fried croquettes served with remoulade sauce (All Entrees include one side: squash casserole, French fries, grits, broccoli, mac-n-cheese, grits, collards, sweet potato, baked potato, and sweet potato soufflé) Dessert: Brownie a la mode Key Lime Pie Apple Torte a la mode Rustic Triple Berry Tarte

Also offering, 1.5 pounds of JUMBO Snow Crab (3 clusters) with your choice of coleslaw and 2 sides. This is NOT ALL YOU CAN EAT. This is normally $28.95 With this coupon however, it is now only $22.95! THE FINE PRINT We apologize for the price increase, but the price of snow crab has risen dramatically beyond our control. Please accept our apologies. An %18 gratuity will be added to the table. Food is coming from separate kitchens therefore it WILL arrive at separate time. NO Plate sharing, if so there will be a $29.95 charge per person NO to go boxes or bags at all.  (NO EXCEPTIONS) Not available with any other coupons or promotions. Only available Sunday-Thursday. Not available on holidays. Black out dates may apply, please call for any questions Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. WE WILL NOT BE OFFERING THE ALL YOU CAN EAT SPECIAL JAN 19 OR 20. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

The new Lego Movie

For all my Lego fans watch for the new Lego Movie coming in February 

Free senior drinks

At Wendy's and Taco Bell they honor the seniors with free drinks. Hoorah!

My life long friends

Ran into them at the base. Haven't seen them in such a long time. Can't go home with me today though! 

Motown founded 55 years ago today

What a monumental date in history. I grew up in Michigan just outside Detroit. The Motown sound is what we loved 

My first job was at Air conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration News Where I met Evelyn Gordie, relative if Barry Gordie. I remember being invited to a party with Evelyn but my parents wouldn't let me go downtown at night do I had to decline. I later found out it was at Barry's company, Motown. I missed the chance if a lifetime and didn't realize it till years later. Who knows who I would have seen that night. 

Celebrate by listening to the oldies tonight. We are!   Remember the good ole days. 

Uncle Bubbas - Paula Deans brothers place

We had a fantastic meal. Ashley our server did a fantastic job tending to our every need.  She was wonderful. 

Portions were over the top- had to take home two doggie bags. Red rice was better than Paula's and so was the coleslaw. Make it a destination when you're in Savannah

Ashley and my husband

The seafood duo. Oysters and scallops were wonderful. More than I could eat and my husband had more than half if his left. We'll have a great lunch tomorrow. We even had their corn muffins and red pepper jelly left to bring home as well. Toooo much food. Wonderful quality and service great as well. I give them a 5 star out of 5 awArd. Atmosphere, staff, service and quality of food. All get 5 stars. A must visit. 

I had wanted to go and see if all the hype was justified or was Bubba being over promised by famous sister. Well I have to tell you he has the BEST red rice I've had and the coleslaw was perfect. No bitter cabbage here. He definitely stands on his own. He just has an added bonus, Paula For a sister. We'll definitely be back. Add this to your must visit list 

The po-boy shrimp sandwich

Corn muffin basket greeted us. What a welcome! 

Just part of the menu. We considered the Bubba Bucket but when we saw the Tub it came in when a fellow diner ordered it, well it would have fed 3 hungry folks in my opinion. This wasn't a small peanut bucket but the table top replica of a wash tub, just on a smaller scale. BEWARE. Next time we'll order it and let you know how many people it takes to consume it. 

Paula waiting to greet us at the door to the gift shop 

Bubba and the pups

Pat came and visited our table to ensure that we received their stellar service. Great job by the entire staff. 

We're guests of Tybee Island Georgia today

Lego and the new Disney Princess line

I've had a lot of inquiries about the new Lego princess line if projects with great interest in Cinderella's Castle. I hope to do a review for everyone in the very near future. Stay tuned. Please let me know the latest and greatest you would like to see reviewed 

Great ironwork at home show

Larry from Lancaster Ohio has fantastic pieces if art and low, low, low prices. We got bunches