Straight Sexy Hair/Smooth and Seal: Aerated Anti-Frizz and Shine Spray

In preparation for traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, like so many other men and women, I got my hair cut.  I felt adventurous and tried a new salon and Loretta was the hair stylist!

Loretta took one look at my hair and knew immediately that I had burnt it up with a flat iron.  I needed help quickly since I was flying out of town the next morning.  Loretta shared with me the secrets of conditioning hair and the importance of using good product.  Always in search for the best anti frizz solution, this time I bought a can of "Straight Sexy Hair" by a company called Sexy Hair.

According to the Sexy Hair product's website this hair spray claimed to both smooth and protect hair when a flat iron is used.

Straight Sexy Hair: Aerated Anti-Frizz and Shine Spray

Directions in how Straight Sexy hairspray should be applied:

Spray sections of dry hair lightly from top to bottom before flat ironing for smoothness, shine, intense moisture and advanced thermal protection. 

Use also as a finishing spray for increased shine and humidity protection.

Want to know more about the Sexy Hair Product Line, go to:  Sexy Hair

Mango Cupcakes

MANGO CUPCAKES

In honor of my birthday, after sampling a week's worth of sweet desserts, Mango Cupcakes made the line up.  Below was the recipe my friend Heidi used to make the celebratory morsels.

Mango Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (Pillsbury)

15 oz can of mangos

1/3  cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites

Butter Cream Frosting

1 stick of butter

2 teaspoons of vanilla

4 cups powdered confectioners sugar

3 tablespoons of mango concentrate

Decorations

Candy sprinkles 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 20 regular-size muffin cups.   

2. In large bowl, beat cake mix, mangos, 1/3 cup reserved mango syrup, the oil and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds.  Beat on medium speed scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.   

3. Bake 22 to 27 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. 

4. In medium bowl, beat butter, powdered confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons of mango concentrate and 2 teaspoons of vanilla on low speed until well blended.  Make sure you add the powdered sugar and liquid alternately using more or less until you get a nice consistency - fluffy and spreadable. 

 
5. Frost cupcakes and cover with sprinkles. Store loosely covered.

Mango Birthday Cupcakes

 These cupcakes were super moist and tangy!  Consider adding fruit to your cupcake batter!

Lucky Bamboo by FTD

Having just turned 30 AGAIN, I was super excited to have found a package on my front porch marked "Live Plant" and "Perishable".

Rushing to meet friends out for dinner that day, I tore through the box to find four items: a bag of small white stones, a ceramic planter, stalks of bright green bamboo, and a sweet birthday wish from my brother, his wife and children.  Apparently, the gift of living bamboo should bring good fortune to it's recipient!

I carefully poured the stones to fill the bottom of the planter.  Then the next steps were to put the stalks of bamboo in the planter and use remaining stones to fill in around the stalks.  The bamboo also required distilled or purified water to be added.

The plant care and handling tips pointed out that Lucky Bamboo required relatively low maintenance with water being changed once a week, room temperature set to moderate, and of course plenty of indirect sunlight.


Thinking about ordering a Lucky Bamboo arrangement?
Check out this link: Lucky Bamboo by FTD

Forest Hill, Maryland: Harford Vineyard and Winery

I found out about Harford Vineyard and Winery through the social media coupon, Groupon.  My friend Stacy, who lives out in Forest Hill, volunteered to participate in a wine tasting session.  I have visited several vineyards in Maryland but this was the first time I had heard of Harford Vineyard and Winery at 1131 W. Jarretsville Road in Forest Hill.  Driving past farm fields we see the vineyards roadside sign.

Harford Vineyard and Winery

Stacey drove us to a building where we see a sign marked "Tasting Room".

Having walked into the Tasting Room, we met super approachable winery owners, Kevin and Teresa Mooney.  Kevin explains that originally the vineyard was a supplier of juice and grapes for other companies.  Then the Mooneys decided to produce wine from their vineyard's crops.

Harford Vineyard and Winery produces both reds and white wines.  The Vintage Vidal Blanc won a "Silver Medal" in the Govenor's Award Wine Competition in Maryland.

Vidal Blanc Award Winning Wine, Harford Vineyard and Winery

These days I tend to prefer whites over reds.  Harford Vineyard had samples of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.  Teresa took the time to tell us about each wine that is selected for us to sample.

White Wines at Harford Vineyard and Winery

 My friend Stacey tried pours of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Crimson Moon.

Selection of Reds at Harford Vineyard

Some of the fruity wines were quite delicious and I envisioned them to be paired with a variety of desserts. Sweet wines included Paint the Town Red, Peach Kissed Vidal and Piedmont Pleasure.  It was also recommended to use the semi sweet Harford Blush in a recipe for mulled wine. 

Award Winning wines at Harford Vineyard and Winery

Harford Vineyard and Winery also sells supplies to make your own wine in addition to home goods.

Supplies on Sale for Wine Making

Wine Barrel in Wine Tasting Room, Harford Vineyard and Winery

Want to know about Harford Vineyard's and Winery's wines, events, gifts & supplies? Go to: Harford Vineyard and Winery     Harford Vineyard and Winery Kevin & Teresa Mooney 1311 W. Jarretsville Road Forest Hill, MD 21050 mail@harfordvineyard.com 443-495-1699 or 443-695-5380

Jungle Coconut Oil

I was recently informed about the health benefits of using Coconut Oil.  My friend Heidi has an interest in biology gave me this jar of Coconut Oil.

Coconut Oi by Jungle

 Jungle Product's website listed the following benefits of Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

• Aids digestion and helps to promote weight loss
• Supports and aids immune system function
• Promotes healthy skin and hair
• Helps utilization of Essential Fatty Acids and protects them from oxidation
• Helps to improve insulin secretion

You can used coconut oil while preparing meals too.  Sometimes I stir in a couple of tablespoons into my coffee.  Being a big fan of the taste of coconut, the oil also moisturizes my lips with every sip.

Besides being great for your health, with your purchase of Coconut Oil the Jungle Company supports farmers in the South Pacific.

Want to know about the benefits of Coconut Oil and Jungle Products?

Go to:
Jungle Coconut Oil 

Middleburg, Virginia: Nobel Nielsen Shoes

Last month, my friend Heather and I visited the quaint town of Middleburg in Virginia.  As  I mentioned in an earlier post, Middleburg has a great deal of history concentrated around horses and fox hunts.  Right around the Nobel Nielsen Shoe store we ran into this bronze statue. 

Bronze Fox Statue, Middleburg, Virginia

 Immediately after spotting the bronze fox statue, Heather and I spied a sidewalk sale of shoes which lead us to Noble Nielsen Shoe boutique.

Nobel Nielsen Shoes, Middleburg

Nobel Nielsen Shoes store atmosphere was uber casual.  Store owner, Elisabeth Plaskitt, introduced herself while assisting other customers.  The boutique carries men's and women's shoes made by Le Chameau, Franchetti Bond, Bearpaw and Vaneli.  While I tried on a pair of Vaneli flats, one of Elisabeth's inquisitive well behaved black dogs sat next to me.   

Selection of Vaneli Shoes, Nobel Nielsen Shoes

After trying on the shoes, Elisabeth also pointed out the selection of purses, from shoulder bags to clutches.

Honey Clutch, Nobel Nielsen Shoes

Grey Belly Clutch, Nobel Nielsen Shoes

The store also carried vegan purses.  By the way, no animals were harmed in the making of this bag.

Vegan Bag, Nobel Nielsen Shoes

Elisabeth's business card also mentioned that they also sell Ekelund Linens of Sweden and products from Floris of London.  

Exploring Washington Street in Middleburg, Virginia?  Plan to visit Elisabeth Plaskitt's boutique, Nobel Nielsen Shoes. 
Curious about the following product lines?
Le Chameau 
Franchetti Bond
Bearpaw
Floris London



Nobel Nielsen Shoes
19 East Washington Street
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
Phone:540-687-8200
Email: nnshoes1@mac.com

Baltimore Album Quilts

In her early 20's, my friend Joan took a dressmaking class at a local Singer store and discovered that she really liked working with fabrics.  It wasn't until she met a woman on vacation somewhere who had a quilted purse, that Joan learned she had an interest in quilting.  The lady who owned the quilted purse told Joan about a quilting magazine which later she purchased.  When Joan started experimenting and putting blocks together, she knew she had found what she was looking for. After talking a few classes and finally trying applique, Joan knew she had "come home."

Joan created this Poe's Baltimore Album.  Baltimore Album quilts were a special style that was developed in Baltimore between 1840-1850. Joan stated, "We are very  proud of our 'albums'.  Most appliquers want to make one, but they are intricate and sometimes daunting."

Baltimore Album Quilt created by Joan Zelinka

Joan enrolled in a 13 month long class, quilting a block a month.  In the designing, picking out fabrics stage, she remembered the Edgar Allan Poe died in Baltimore in 1849.  Joan decided to put a reference to one of his stories, the poem "The Raven"', in each block.  She painted a silhouette of him in the center medallion. A picture of this quilt was later published in the Baltimore Sun.

Creative applique block which includes a raven!

Baltimore Album Quilt

Joan also mentioned that after a hard day at work, she can spend many relaxing evening with her fabric and needle. There can be a certain rhythm to sewing and Joan has often wondered if the calming effect (that has been scientifically studied) is not related to prayer, chanting or other religious ritual.  Lastly Joan mentioned that many quilters have commented that their "work" was their escape or salvation!

Handcrafted Baltimore Album Quilt by Joan Zelinka

 Look for future blog posts about Joan Zelinka's handcrafted quilts!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Village Whiskey Restaurant

Have you ever had french fries prepared in duck fat?  Wonder what they taste like?  The Village Whiskey Restaurant in Philadelphia has that item on their menu along with awesome burgers. 

After meeting Lisa, our hostess, our group was immediately seated in the casual dining room.

Hostess Station at Village Whiskey, Philadelphia

Across from our marble table top, I took this picture of the restaurant's bar.

Bar at Village Whiskey

After getting situated at our booth, Trey our server, took our order. 
  

Our Table at Village Whiskey, Philadelphia

We ordered the infamous french fries cooked in duck fat, along with a Village Burger and a delicious red and golden beets salad.  


Loved the beet salad and burger.  I was curious about how the duck fat french fries would taste.  Believe it or not they look and taste similar to a Boardwalk fry that can be found in Ocean City, Maryland.

This sign was posted outside.   The restaurant served duck fat fries, burgers, pickles, oysters, salads and spirits.


Also Village Whiskey is part of the Garces Restaurant Group which manages Amada, Distrito, Tinto, Chifa, Garces Trading Company, and JG Domestic.






They have a new Loyalty Program where points will be rewarded on both dine-in and carry-out orders.  Points can be redeemed for credit towards future meals.


For more information go to: Garces Restaurant Group Loyalty Card

Village Whiskey
118 South 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 

Phone (215) 665-1088 

Village Whiskey

L'Occitane Shower Cream

L'Occitane Shower Cream

Looking to buy a gift for yourself or for a friend?  Consider this ultra rich shower soap by L'Occitane. The shower cream lathers really well and is also gentle on your skin.

Want detailed information?
L'Occitane Shower Cream

Middleburg, Virginia: The Shaggy Ram

Within the beautiful town of Middleburg, many boutiques and shops abound.  I happened upon this boutique, The Shaggy Ram.

The Shaggy Ram, Middleburg, VA

The shop has been known for it's country antiques, imports and interior furnishings. The air of the boutique was filled with the fragrant smell of sweet Anjou Pear. Upon speaking to owner Joanne Swift, I figured out where the scent was coming from.  The company Root makes the Legacy all-natural beeswax candle in a variety of fragrances.  I bought the Anjou Pear candle.

Root Beeswax Blend Candle, Anjou Pear

As I made my way to the store's front window, I was immediately drawn to look at some hardcover books.  I came across a book with several pictures of Jackie Onassis. I have always been intrigued by Jackie Onassis's timeless style and grace.  Sharing my interest in Jackie, Joanne Swift,  The Shaggy Ram boutique owner, mentioned that Jackie actually frequented The Shaggy Ram.  Time stood still for me at that moment.  To have actually meet someone who knew Jackie Onassis, I was immediately in awe.

The Shaggy Ram, Middleburg, VA

The Shaggy Ram has so many neat home goods on display.  I plan to go back and visit store owner Joanne and explore her boutique's interior furnishings.

When in Middleburg, visit The Shaggy Ram!

The Shaggy Ram
3 East Washington Street
Middleburg, VA 20118
(540) 687-3546

Stewartstown, Pennsylvania: Shaw Orchards

Shaw Orchards, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania

Shaw Orchards is a 102 year old farm straddling the Mason Dixon Line.  Shaw's has great apple trees and pumpkin patches.  They offer tractor rides to both areas of the farm.  

Shaw Orchards, Mason Dixon Line

Tractor Rides at Shaw Orchards

Apple Stand at Shaw Orchards

Pumpkin Patch at Shaw Orchards

Although the apple picking is done for this year's season, there are plenty of pumpkins, apples and apple cider for sale.

Shaw Orchards

I snapped this picture of the machinery that processes the apples at the orchard.  

Apple picking at Shaw Orchards

Children and adults enjoy picking the produce by hand. 

Shaw Orchards offers a variety of snacking and baking apples for purchase.

Fresh Picked Apples at Shaw Orchards

Curious about this farm?  Check it out for yourself!
Shaw Orchards

21901 Barrens Rd South

Stewartstown, PA
(717) 993-2974
Shaw Orchards