Furnishings for your Jewelry: Crystal Glass Ring Holders

Making a trip to my local mall, I was in search of a way to organize my jewelry.  I thought crystal ring holders could serve as a solution.

Having walked though several accessory stores and not finding exactly what I wanted, I visited the home goods section of Macy's Department Store.  In my opinion this retailer had the greatest variety of crystal and glass ring holders. 

Vera Wang "Duchess" Crystal Ring Holder

Clothing designers have branched into creating home furnishings.  Vera Wang has a a beautiful lead crystal ring holder called the "Duchess".

Martha Stewart's Trousseau Glass Ring Holder

The romantic glass ring holder created by Martha Stewart's company, is an affordable option compared to lead crystal ring models.  The Trousseau costs about $15 dollars.

So if you are looking for a way to organize and care for your jewelry, visit Macy's home good section.  Macy's carries multiple designer's crystal and glass ring holders.

New York, NY: Bendel Girl Wellies

With Hurricane Irene barreling up the East coast, one must properly prepare!  The media suggests we gas up the car, buy bottled water, and find batteries for those flashlights.  

In case you have to go outside during this major rain event, I would consider wearing gear that is functional and of course fashionable!

I immediately thought of my brown Bendel rubber boots, my "Wellies".  I bought this pair at the world famous retail store, Henri Bendel at 712 5th Avenue, Manhattan, New York.  In order to carry my boots away, I was also given this signature brown and white striped bag. The same brown and white stripe could also be found on these "Wellies".

Bendel Girl Wellies

Henri Bendel Signature Brown and White Stripe

 In addition to handling super soakers, these boots have weathered well in major snow storms too. 

This iconic retail store, Henri Bendel has been around since 1895 and currently sells accessories, cosmetics, gifts, and clothing. Besides Manhattan, Henri Bendel Stores is expanding all over the continental United States.

Want more information on:
Bendel Girl Wellies

Shop for Henri Bendel merchandise:
Henri Bendel Store Locations 

Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser

Want a Spa experience without paying Spa prices?  I recommend using Purity made by the company named Philosophy.

Purity Facial Cleanser

On my last trip to Sephora I bought 24 fluid ounces of this amazing product.  It is a great deep cleanser and is fragrance free.  I also like the way it melts makeup away.   

Purity comes in a variety of fluid ounces including a travel size. Next time you are in Sephora, check this cleanser out!

Purity at Sephora 

Suede Fringe Hobo Bag

While visiting my friend Heidi in Harrisburg, we made a stop at a Goodwill Store on Route 22.  I immediately went to the handbags section of the store and found this amazing bag!  With Fall fashion being right around the corner, I thought this bag would be perfect for when the weather turns a little cooler.

Suede Fringe Hobo Bag made by Ecote'

That day, I was particularly drawn to suede and fringe.  I also liked the way the hobo bag hung on my shoulder with the adjustable strap.  I walked around the store for a while then decided to buy it.  I was shocked that I spent less than $10 for it.  

While in the store I noticed that the label sewn inside read "Ecote'."  Upon further research at home, I discovered "Ecote' " is a brand sold at the popular clothing chain "Urban Outfitters." Recognizing great style, there is always a way to achieve a great look without spending a great deal of money.

Suede Hobo Bag

 If you have ever experienced a great thrift shop find, feel free to post a comment and let us know about your story!

Shannon's Berger Cookie Cheesecake

For those who are not from Baltimore, food items that are synonymous with Bmore are crabs, Old Bay Seasoning, Natty Boh Beer, and of course Berger Cookies.  For inquiring minds, a Berger cookie is made with a vanilla wafer topped with a heaping amount of chocolate ganache. If you love chocolate, you'll want to try a Berger!

Infamous Berger Cookies, Baltimore

My generous coworker Linnea offered me a slice of a Berger Cookie Cheesecake made by another fellow coworker named Shannon.  After taking several bites of the delicious, creamy, sweet dessert I asked Shannon if it would be OK to share her recipe with blog readers.  Shannon mention she used a recipe from Eagle Brand Condensed Milk and modified it to make the Berger Cookie Cheesecake.  Now Julie's Journeys readers will be privy to the recipe too.

Shannon's Berger Cookie Cheesecake

Shannon's Berger Cookie Cheesecake
 
Ingredients

Crust:

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Filling:

1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk

3/4 cup cold water

1 (3 5/8 oz.) package vanilla pudding and pie filling

3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

3 large eggs

About 4 Berger cookies, chopped (more or less to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

HEAT oven to 375°F. Combine butter, graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar in small bowl; press firmly onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan.

COMBINE sweetened condensed milk and water in medium saucepan; mix well. Stir in pudding mix. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.

BEAT cream cheese in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla; beat in pudding mixture. Gently fold in most of the chopped cookies, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.  Pour into prepared pan and top with remaining cookies.

BAKE 45-50 minutes or until golden brown around edge (center will be soft but will firm up as it cools).  Cool to room temperature. Chill. 

Berger Cookie Cheesecake

Try this cheesecake, post a comment and let us know how the recipe turned out!

Learn more about where Berger Cookies come from:
Berger Cookies History 


Want more information on Eagle Brand Recipes:
Eagle Brand Recipes 

Philadelphia, Fairmount: Trio, Great Pan-Asian Food

Planning on visiting the Philadelphia Art Museum of Philadelphia?  Looking for a place to eat dinner after viewing the museum's exhibits? Try Trio located in the neighborhood of Fairmount on 2624 Brown Street. 

 I love the Thai, Pan - Asian food served at this BYOB!  The restaurant has been opened for the past 5 years.  Online reviews are very complimentary of Trio's food, service and ambiance.

This last visit to Philadelphia with my friends we decided to eat at Trio. This time we ate on the  restaurant's second floor row home. On multiple occasions we have also had the fortunate opportunity to dine outside  at a table on the rooftop deck. 

Patrick, our server, was super attentive to our needs.  Upon reviewing the menu our group placed our order.  I selected vegetable samosas as an appetizer.

Vegetable Samosas at Trio, Philadelphia, PA

My other friend ordered a Kak Salad.

Salad Kak, Trio, Philadelphia

Now onto the main entree.  Our group ordered the following entrees:  Basil-Chicken, Pad Thai with Veggies and a Crispy Duck.

Special Served at Trio, Philadelphia- Crispy Duck

Pad Thai w/ Vegetables, Philadelphia, PA

Basil - Chicken, Trio, Philadelphia, PA

Upon finishing our entrees, Patrick bought an iPAD over to our table.  Trio's desserts are actually posted online and our displayed through an iPAD.  This was the first time I saw desserts displayed digitally. Clever idea Trio!

We declined ordering the dessert and we asked for the bill.  By the way, entrees were super affordable and we saved a great deal of money by bringing our own wine.


Want more information on Trio?  Go to:

Trio
2624 Brown Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 232-8746
Trio, Philadelphia

Souvenir Display w/ Movable Type Tray

Before the age of typewriters and computers, movable type was the popular method used to print documents. The use of movable type in Europe actually dates back to the year 1436 with Johannes Gutenberg's printing press. Today's blog is about a creative way to use a movable type printing tray.


During my last visit to Joan's home, I couldn't stop looking at one wall in her dining room.  I was drawn to this display posted below.

Souvenir Display w/ Movable Type Tray

Joan has had the fortunate opportunity to travel extensively in the United States and abroad. Along the way she would pick up tiny souvenirs from her exciting adventures. By selecting small items from your vacation spots, it makes it so much easier to bring them safely home in your suitcase.  With such a large collection, Joan got to thinking,  "How am I going to display all these souvenirs?" 

Creative Souvenir Display

That is when she thought about a movable type tray that her father actually used at work.

Souvenirs displayed in Movable Type Tray

Unique Souvenirs

When furnishing your dwelling, consider decorating it with recycled commonly used items. You'll be able to create a great conversational piece for those who visit your home.

Christie Brinkley Tre's Chic Reading Glasses

A couple of years ago I had the fortune opportunity to attend a couple Fashion Week runway shows in New York City.  My long time friend Christine was able to secure tickets to see Trias and Davidelfin's clothing lines.  It was also the last year that Mercedes - Benz Fashion Week was going to be held in Bryant Park, New York.  


So what does one wear to Fashion Week's shows?  Something BLACK of course!  The show is held typically in February so I picked out a black cable knit over sized cowl neck sweater (H&M), a short layered zebra print skirt (White House/Black Market), black opaque tights and black knee high riding boots.  I also wore these fun Christie Brinkley reader glasses that I bought at Walmart which were on sale!

Christie Brinkley Glam Reading Glasses

After watching the Davidelfin's models walk back an forth with long linear jackets, pants, skirts and dresses, I was particularly amazed to see the Spanish model Eleonora Bosa's Paas Easter egg yellow colored hair. At that moment I can't  believe I was actually sitting at a Fashion Week runway show.


Immediately after Davidelfin's show finished, Christine and I made our way out of the room and and a representative from a major fashion magazine asked me if I would share my review on Davidelfin's collection.  After the mini interview was finished, I asked her why she approached me for my opinion.  She mentioned that she was intrigued by my stylish glasses.  


Case in point, great fashion design does not have to be ultra spendy.  Go with great classic lines for clothing/accessories and wear them with confidence, you'll never go wrong!

Kathy's Peach Cobbler

Here in Maryland, August is a great month to buy local fresh peaches.  Upon arriving at my friend Kathy's home, I immediately noticed the aroma of freshly baked peaches filled her kitchen's air.  Within a couple of minutes after my arrival, she pulled out two dishes of Peach Cobbler.  

I took this picture with my phone. 

Kathy's Peach Cobbler

Waiting for the hot peach cobbler to cool, Kathy remarked, "It would be great if we had some ice cream to go with with the cobbler."

After sampling the sweet, warm, fruity dessert, I immediately asked for the recipe.  Look below, now I am sharing it with you.

Kathy's Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (dip fresh peaches in boiling water for 1 min for easy peeling)  

½ cup sugar

Bisquick  2/3 cup & 1 Tbsp
½ tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
¼ cup butter, softened at room temperature
2 Tbsp milk

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In medium bowl combine peaches, sugar, 1 Tbsp Bisquick and cinnamon.  Pour into shallow baking dish (9 inch pie pan works well).  Combine 2/3 cup Bisquick and brown sugar.   Place butter in separate bowl and cut the Bisquick and brown sugar mixture into the butter until it forms small pea sized balls.  Stir in the milk.  Drizzle/spoon batter over the peach mixture.  Bake at 375 degrees 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.  Cool and serve.

If you try this cobbler recipe, let Julie's Journeys Blog Readers know how it turned out! 

Switzerland: Geneva

Today I would like to highlight a really beautiful city that sits on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps in Switzerland called Geneva.  My friends who lived in Chavannes de Bogis introduced me to this European city.

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a city known for making some amazing time keeping devices.  Can you identify the watch company featured below?

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is also known to have the world's largest water fountain called Jet d'Eau.  Ironically timing was off for me to see the fountain.  It wasn't working during my visit.

Geneva Waterfront

Geneva is also the home of the United Nations and The Red Cross.

City Street of Geneva, Switzerland

 I particularly enjoyed exploring  the city streets.

Flag in Switzerland

Flowers, flags, statues, swans were discovered on my walk throughout the city.

Geneva, Switzerland

Swans in Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland

I found Geneva was clean and had an amazing array of sophisticated boutiques.  I liked the shopping but I found the prices uber expensive.  I quickly discovered that my American dollar didn't go so far.  Many of the tourist shops sold cow bells and Swiss Army knifes.  I opted for a small Swiss Army knife.

Traveling to Geneva? I would allow time to visit some of the neighboring towns of Lusanne and Chamonix. Lastly, I'd highly recommend taking the train for a great day visit to Montreux.  The Freddie Mercury (lead singer of Queen) fans would also agree!

Delaware, Rehoboth Beach: Cafe' Papillon

A couple years ago, my friend Sheila first introduced me to Cafe Papillon situated within Penny Lane in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Sheila who owns and operates Far Away Places shop in Penny Lane had ordered a Salade Nicoise for us to eat at dinner time. She also ordered an array of fresh baked pastries too.

Penny Lane, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Earlier this season, on my last trip to Rehoboth Beach, I made a stop to see Cafe' Papillon. This quaint cafe offers french pastries, croissants, Brioche, salads, crepes and a coffee bar.

Crepe Menu at Cafe Papillon, Rohoboth Beach, DE

I like crepes and I tend to order the crepe with Nutella (hazelnut spread) and a cup of cafe' au lait. Cafe' Papillon's food is affordable and really authentic.


Upon further research I also discovered that Papillon means "butterfly" in French and it also a name for a specific breed of dog.  Marie Antoinette owned a papillon.


Spending time in Rehoboth, check out the casual French Cafe' Papillon. Bon Appe'tit!


For more information:
Cafe Papillon French Cafe and Bakery

Cafe Papillon French Cafe and Bakery
42 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Baltimore: Cazbar Turkish Food Truck & Upcoming Rally

This week my coworker Heather and I serendipitously encountered the Cazbar Food Truck!  I had intended to let Julie's Journeys Blog readers know about the next upcoming Food Truck Rally which takes place this Friday August 5th, in the neighborhood of Fells Point. This time Food Trucks have planned to congregate near the Red Star Bar and Grill on South Wolfe Street. Running into Cazbar's Turkish Food Truck immediately jogged my memory about the upcoming foodie event.

I immediately asked Taci and Ken from Cazbar if the truck will be at the next rally in Fells Point.  Ken replied, "Yes, we will be there."  

Heather and I ordered two falafel tacos which were made with super flavorful spices!  The falafel was a great solution for a quick, tasty, and affordable lunch. 

Cazbar Food Truck Menu, Baltimore, MD

I also wanted to mention that Taci and Ken's customer service was courteous and expedient.

Taci and Ken of Cazbar Food Truck, Baltimore   

Cazbar Food Truck, Baltimore

For Julie's Journeys readers, I was informed by Taci that Cazbar also offers great Turkish food at their restaurant located on 316 North Charles Street in Baltimore, Maryland.


The link below will provide more information regarding this Turkish Taverna's cuisine:
Cazbar Restaurant


I really enjoyed the falafel taco from Cazbar's Food Truck, now I want to try dining at Cazbar's restaurant.


If you have already tried Cazbar's food, post a comment and let Julie's Journeys readers know what you thought!