2020-12-15 15:32
As it's been sung, "Everything old is new again."In the 1980s - 1990s, I subscribed to Country Living magazine, and with every new month, I just about wore out the printed pages mesmerized b… Read More
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Passementaries Blog
passementaries.blogspot.com
The simple trimmings for an elegant lifeâ„¢ - featuring affordable ideas with small stay-at-home journeys that can enhance your life - or what I like to refer to as, "trimmings."
2020-12-08 15:30
Every season is tea season from fancying a cozy warm cuppa to a crisp cool tall glass. And no, it's not about growing black pekoe in your garden. From the polished 17th-century apo… Read More
2020-12-01 18:06
This recipe is a keeper. What can I say when it comes to turkey leftovers? This is the recipe to use. I originally posted it in November of 2016, and I have found nothing better to replace t… Read More
2020-11-10 15:30
Say that three times... The year was 1975. I was living in Portland, Oregon, and had an opportunity to take a Lebanese cooking class sponsored by Mt. Hood Community College. The Lebanes… Read More
2020-11-03 15:15
This Pinterest recipe for pumpkin muffins has been around now for several months. I first saw it a year ago on the Food Network's show, "The Kitchen," and was recently reminded of it again o… Read More
2020-10-29 14:30
Yeah, I know, but the internet is still being filled with this silly topic - even in 2020! I was guilty of this when I was writing a wine blog several years ago. Perhaps this resurge of Hall… Read More
2020-10-27 14:30
Last week I posted Part One of "Meet My New Friends on YouTube." These video channels are a collection of dedicated women who share their talents on YouTube. They garden, forage, bake, prese… Read More
2020-10-20 14:30
During quarantine, there have been days when I want a bit of "noise" in the house or just a quick break - a mind rest from writing. Yet I am not in the mood for music, regular television pro… Read More
2020-09-29 14:30
Sometimes life on my blog isn't all about cooking, gardening, and fluffing pillows. Sometimes it's about experiences - my experiences. Recently on Facebook, a friend (winemaker and nota… Read More
2020-09-22 14:30
It's delicious. It makes generous servings for a one main dish (for one to two people) or several servings as a side. And it's so easy! I discovered the recipe on the Pioneer Woman… Read More
2020-09-15 14:30
At least a couple times of year I look through magazines (and now online) to see what is trendy, fashionable, and what is not when it comes to home decor. It's been more out of curiosit… Read More
2020-09-01 14:30
The first time I ever laid my eyes on a galette was through a bakery window in the historic Galleria building located in downtown Portland, OR. This time-frame for me was back in the late 19… Read More
2020-08-25 14:30
The trademark on Florida Water is as old as 1808. This fragrant "water" was first introduced by a New York City perfumier Robert Murray. While France had their Eau de Cologn… Read More
2020-08-18 14:35
I know. I know. There are moments the old playground song rattles through my mind when I think of beans, and sometimes I even giggle like a 10-year old boy when the song brings up the… Read More
2020-08-13 14:42
Like fruit on the tree or tomatoes on the vine, roses seem to bloom all at once. I have been successful enough to have a few rose bushes continue to bloom through the summer if I conti… Read More
2020-08-06 14:30
The recipe I happened to use was on the cardboard tube of rolled oats. It's always been my "go-to recipe" when it comes to making oatmeal cookies. Why not? Use the recipe on the container th… Read More
2020-08-04 14:30
It's been over 20 years since I've made bread from scratch. During quarantine, all I had was a package of three-month-old expired yeast, and wouldn't you know every store in town was out of… Read More
2020-07-07 19:08
On March 24 our governor issued the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order to combat COVID-19. Eleven days before this order I saw the "writing on the wall," and personally made a choice to put mys… Read More
2020-03-25 14:30
With apologies to author Gabriel García Márquez...The rules on how to deal with our situation that has swept the world are fairly simple. Go back to basics. I believe… Read More
2020-03-12 14:30
Since I was a sophomore in high school, I was burning incense - and of course, the "flavor" was always-always-always patchouli. After I became a tax-paying adult and stopped wearing pea… Read More
2020-03-03 15:30
It's one of the best food websites and Youtube food channel videos around. Food52, a recipe and cookware site was founded in 2009 by former New York Times columnist Amanda Hesser. It re… Read More
2020-02-25 15:30
Sorry, I'm not buying it. I am not "buying" into that the younger generation doesn't want our "old stuff." There's no doubt that some of the younger generations don't want anything to do wit… Read More
2020-02-20 15:30
You're probably thinking, "Catie, you don't live in a castle or have a driver who hauls your tush around in a Rolls Royce. So where do you get off telling your readers how to live an elegant… Read More
2020-02-18 15:30
And it's origins aren't even from France. It's from Rome. One of the earliest versions of French toast has been traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was referred to… Read More
2020-02-13 15:30
When it comes to decorating for Valentine's Day, I really don't have to do much. As I was looking around my house, most of the hearts I have around the house are here almost 365 days of the… Read More
2020-01-30 15:30
What is a torta? It depends where you're standing geographically. If you're standing in Mexico, it's a sandwich on a bun. If you're standing in the Philippines it's a small cake. If yo… Read More
2020-01-28 15:30
New Year resolutions are not my thing as I don't want the pressure or disappointment, but I still try to strive and improve myself or at least take the time for the things I enjoy - and one… Read More
2020-01-23 15:30
Let's keep it simple -Eat what makes you healthy. Eat what makes you happy. Eat with those you love or share an interest with. Pray with intentions. Create a sacred space. Pause. Light… Read More
2020-01-21 15:30
Is there anyone who was born beyond the 1980's know of Emily Post? In 1922 the book, “Etiquette: In Society, In Business, In Politics and At Home,” topped the nonfictio… Read More
2020-01-14 15:30
'Tis the season to hunker down and enjoy time at home. I often find January a relief after a busy holiday season. It's nice to cuddle up with a dog (or two dogs, and/or a cat) on my lap, war… Read More
2020-01-08 19:14
What is it and why now? A rest in January after the busy holidays is the perfect time to bring "Hygge" into your home. I wrote this two years ago... http://passementaries.blogspot.com/2… Read More
2020-01-02 18:46
There isn't any doubt that if Marie Kondo walked into my house she would leave screaming, "Help! Save me!" Where do I start? There are several antique oak hutches in the living ro… Read More
2019-12-31 20:47
On July 23, 2018, I closed this blog for a while. It was out of sight and out of mind while I worked on other projects - namely book deadlines - and to be honest some family issues that knoc… Read More
2018-07-23 15:51
I write.I love this little blog. It's certainly not a barn burner in readers like my original blog that went off the charts, Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman, but that's okay. This blog let's me… Read More
2018-07-10 14:30
Yay! I feel vindicated for taking a cooking shortcut!The other day, all afternoon I was wanting something sweet - a dessert - a fruity dessert. Then I remembered a popular old recipe t… Read More
2018-05-25 14:31
Do you ever get bored with your home decor and furniture? I certainly have my moments... Well, at this stage of my life, I am not going to go out and buy a new couch - I just bought new… Read More
2018-05-22 14:26
Hello. My name is... and I am a procrastibaker. Baking is my excuse when I have a writing deadline and struggling with "writer's block."Now I am going to confess something shocking. It dawne… Read More
2018-05-03 14:57
Use it. There are several ways to reuse this "magical" elixir. 1. Re-pickle. Make refrigerator pickles. Stuff in the jar one of the following like hard boiled eggs, oni… Read More
2018-05-01 15:07
"Such a twanging of bells and rapping of knockers; such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll collisions as boys came racing round corners, or girls ran into one another's arms as the… Read More
2018-03-20 14:30
My home decor hasn't changed in over 20 years, and at this stage of the game I doubt that it ever will. What is my decor? A blend of Victorian and Country antique, along with a touch of Shab… Read More
2018-03-16 14:52
It decided not to be a Thanksgiving amaryllis. It decided not to be a Christmas amaryllis. It decided not to be a Valentine's Day amaryllis...It decided to be a Saint Patrick's Day… Read More
2018-02-28 20:12
The wine cooking makes the house smell so good... I should make this dish more often than I do. For sure I usually make it in February and in the past if Valentine's Day was on a weeken… Read More
2018-01-30 15:24
First of all, you have to use your candles before you can care for them, so let's "shed some light" on the subject. Whether it is a gift or a purchase, the first impression of a new can… Read More
2018-01-26 15:30
You may not recognize the name, but you have certainly seen her illustrations. Susan Branch is an author, watercolorist, and designer. Her colorful illustrations gained popularity… Read More
2018-01-23 15:30
Brown butter sounds like the old tongue twister, right? Betty Botter bought some butter,"But," she said, "If I brown this butter,It would make my batter better... Last year was the… Read More
2018-01-18 19:52
It's a Danish concept that's been traveling about for a few years in American decor magazines. I know. Sometimes I am slow to catch up. Hey, I am still decorating in the Country Living/Victo… Read More
2018-01-10 23:16
It's almost the end of the year. I know. I know. I haven't shown my face much, but I have a good excuse. Sometimes I have to write for a living. Sometimes I have to write around editor sched… Read More
2017-11-01 16:47
Rabbit, Rabbit... It's the first of the month and I am wondering where my year went? In my mind I am still in August - and no, I am not ignoring my blog so that's why I am checking in… Read More
2017-09-20 15:02
So what is "pissaladiere?" It's a pizza-like dish that originated from Nice, located in the southern region of France. So yes, this is a French pizza. The dough is typica… Read More
2017-08-02 15:58
Last week I had a craving for "pissaladiere." What is pissaladiere, you ask? In short, it's a pizza with origins from southern France topped with lots of caramelized onions (S… Read More
2017-07-25 18:03
Leave it to me...Here I thought I was well read about the basics, and yes my mother really did teach me table etiquette and proper place settings. Hey - - I even traveled a few miles i… Read More
2017-07-21 15:42
After a few busy weeks and weekends in a row, it's rather nice to have several days of solitude. Through most of my adult life, "solitude" has been a rare thing for me - - and after almost f… Read More
2017-07-19 21:34
Finding leisurely time to curl up during a quiet afternoon or late evening with a favorite beverage is one of those events in life that is on the list of "nothing better than..."If you are a… Read More
2017-07-14 14:30
Where have I been?Goofing off? Yes and no.The truth of the matter is I have been writing - a lot - just not writing on the blog. Instead I have been writing a few magazine articles, and work… Read More
2017-05-27 16:48
There's been a few days I have neglected my Friday rants, but I have a good reason - - honest.Books and Articles: During the last couple of weeks, my mornings and evenings have been spent wr… Read More
2017-05-23 15:00
Who doesn't love grilled cheese sandwiches? If you don't, then I don't think we can be friends - - kidding! Of course we can still be friends if you are a hater of grilled cheese. After all… Read More
2017-05-22 17:12
It's the perfect time of year to make these pretties since everything is in bloom. All you need are some posies, twine, a little patience and you have, not only a smudge stick, but something… Read More
2017-05-12 17:26
This is the week where I have been drawn to politics like a moth to a flame. I-must-stop-and start writing about pleasant things... The other day I wrote about "An Elegant Life." … Read More
2017-05-10 16:45
The tag line to my blog is "The simple trimmings for an elegant life™... "First of all, it is important to note I do not live an elegant life, especially if you are thinking as in the… Read More
2017-05-05 14:17
Happy May! I cannot explain it, but there is always something exciting about the first week of May. Perhaps it goes back to my childhood and how much I looked forward to the ritual of M… Read More
2017-05-02 14:30
Yes! Yes they do eat white sauce and sometimes even make it, but possibly they do not know they are eating "white sauce." It's just that it's not often referred to as "white sauce." Now days… Read More
2017-04-28 14:35
What! It's Friday already? It's been a busy week, but I am feeling rather accomplished. And speaking of accomplished... The Graphics Fairy: is on my list as one of my favorite blog… Read More
2017-04-24 18:07
Last week I did a "survey" about this blog. I have to say all of the responses gave me excellent feed back - - all of them. This blog isn't just a foodie blog, but a "lifestyle" blog - my li… Read More
2017-04-21 14:41
This week I have not had a lot on my mind. Perhaps it is the clouds and rain that bring on somewhat of a malaise. I had great hopes to get a lot of things done, and here I am - feeling very… Read More
2017-04-19 01:39
Fran·co·phile (ˈfraNGkəˌfīl/) noun - a person who is fond of or greatly admires France or the French.This weekend I read an article in the New York Tim… Read More
2017-04-14 14:30
This week has brought me many memories: from learning some of the basics about Kosher cooking and how to make the perfect matzo ball, to being a youngster and the thrill of receiving the pas… Read More
2017-04-12 15:00
You may be thinking, "Earlier this week you published photos of Easter eggs and bunnies, and today you have photos of Passover Matzo Ball Soup. What gives?" Monday was the first day of… Read More
2017-04-10 15:52
It's been a few years since I put out any Easter-type decor. So why now? It's not that I have more time since I quit working outside of the home. It's just that I am working in my home, and… Read More
2017-04-07 16:12
Sometimes it's a good thing to be so busy you have no time to "wander and ponder," but then again it gives you limited things to write about. My Yard: It looks like hell - - not that I… Read More
2017-04-05 15:09
After a very long and unusual winter, we finally celebrated the arrival of spring. We had a fairy tea. We are known for having an annual "Witches Tea," but this season the fairies came… Read More
2017-03-31 14:30
Where did my week go? The mind didn't have a lot of time to "wander and ponder?" Tomorrow starts a new month, "Rabbit, Rabbit... " Tomorrow is also April Fool's Day. I never understood… Read More
2017-03-29 14:30
Keeping a pantry full of favorites is important, especially for those last minute meals, guests, and events. As I wrote a while back, Cooking is Cheaper than Therapy: The Infallible Bro… Read More
2017-03-24 14:55
What's been on my mind this week, other than the usual of checking the weather reports, running errands, writing a bit here and there...Spring Cleaning: My mind is feeling more inspired abou… Read More
2017-03-21 14:45
Roses are redViolets are blue... Some gardeners refer to them as lawn invaders. I refer to them as secretive little petals with a magical fragrance. Sometimes I think I must have l… Read More
2017-03-17 14:30
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Where is my mind wandering and what is my mind pondering? Well, I am thinking about Saint Patrick's Day. While I love preparing a traditional Saint Patrick's… Read More
2017-03-15 15:29
If you have vanilla ice cream and espresso (or very strong coffee), then you have an impressive last minute dessert. In Italian, “affogato” means “drowned” or “… Read More
2017-03-10 15:00
This week of Wander and Ponder is my third attempt to let my readers know where my mind is wandering and what my mind is pondering. I am a bit frustrated that I cannot seem to… Read More
2017-03-03 15:30
Wander and Ponder is my attempt to let my readers know where my mind is wandering and what my mind is pondering. So here's what's been happening this week in my brain. Pie Pla… Read More
2017-03-02 16:22
There's still a few weeks of winter to make a big pot of hearty soup, and especially this filling minestrone soup. I love this easy and forgiving recipe of Italian origin, as you d… Read More
2017-02-24 21:08
Believe it or not, I love Mondays. For me Mondays are like a fresh sheet of paper, a clean black board; a time to set goals for the week. The setting of goals often starts in the morning sho… Read More
2017-02-21 15:51
Valentine's may have passed, but February is still a good month to enjoy chocolate, but then again, what month isn't a good month to enjoy chocolate? We still have a few short winter da… Read More
2017-02-16 15:52
Oh yeah, I am going to be truthful. I am drawn to the reality show, The Kardashians. However, I did miss the last season, yet it's not so much their drama (snooze) that captures me. Th… Read More
2017-02-14 16:20
My love of hearts goes back to as far as when I was a little girl in grade school. Our classroom Valentine's Day parties were my favorite. My mother was often a room mother, and a party with… Read More
2017-01-19 17:07
This is the third part of my proposed New Year Resolutions, all designed to get to the kitchen and start cooking: 1.) Cook More; 2.) Art of Freezing Casseroles; and now - - 3.) Lea… Read More
2017-01-13 15:00
Last week I started with a three-part cooking idea for New Year Resolutions. Part I suggestion was to cook more often. Take-out less, cook more, and stop getting caught up in trendy ing… Read More
2017-01-02 15:00
This is a blog I have been thinking about for the last couple of months: 1.) Cook more; 2.) Art of freezing casseroles; and 3.) Learn to cook at least one Julia Child recipe before the end o… Read More
2016-12-24 15:00
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to My Readers. Wishing You Peace, Love, and Latkes. C~ Read More
2016-12-16 15:30
You're probably giggling about the name. No, I am not referring to the Yiddish name for a fool or an idiot. I am making reference to a name of a decor - a German Christmas decor of little ho… Read More
2016-12-14 15:30
It's snowing. I know. I know. It's snowing where a lot of you live, but in my home town, the snow usually stays in the nearby mountains. It's rare to see it in the valley - - and so much of… Read More
2016-11-29 17:55
They provoke childhood memories. The mirrored-silver always captivated my youthful eyes. Today I still have a few of the beautiful old mercury glass ornaments that were popular over 50 years… Read More
2016-11-25 15:30
This is my list of holiday movies. It's not the traditional that you think. My list of holiday movies are those with a bigger story line than the holidays, and even those movies where Christ… Read More
2016-11-23 15:30
After a busy day of preparing food, eating food, visiting with friends and family, putting food away and cleaning the kitchen on Thanksgiving; the last thing I want to do is make plans to ge… Read More
2016-11-21 15:30
It's the weekend after a busy Thanksgiving, and you've had your fill of turkey sandwiches. Looking for something easy, yet different? Tetrazzini could be the answer. What is "Tetrazzini," yo… Read More
2016-11-17 15:30
This week my email box is flooded with articles about the "Perfect Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving." As always, these articles suggest Pinot Noir. I cannot help myself, but I need to jum… Read More
2016-11-15 15:30
We're told that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," but sometimes those "best friends" can be a bit elusive. Many of us cannot walk into the jewelry store and buy a few karats whenever we w… Read More
2016-11-10 15:30
Sabbath - a day of religious observance and abstinence from work.No, I am not going to get all religious on you. A few years ago on a flight, out of boredom, I started thumbing through the a… Read More
2016-11-10 15:30
This is one of those recipes that I refer to as a "spring board," as it is almost fail-proof, and you can add various ingredients to change it up. I first made this recipe last year fo… Read More
2016-11-07 15:30
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip™? That's an often asked question, but the truth of the matter there are very big differences between the two. The latter, Miracle Whip has sweeteners in it… Read More
2016-11-02 15:52
Picture this: It's the weekend, and the wet fog is rolling in. You need an escape, but where can you go with limited funds before payday, and no time to find a dogsitter for the belove… Read More
2016-10-25 14:30
Come on in. Relax, and sit for a spell...They really do taste delicious, like little "finger size" short bread cookies. These little morsels have been a standard at many of our Witches… Read More
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