More info…

Photo by Lien Tran-Batdorf during visit to the Butterfl…

The White House, Washington DC
Texas Knobs N' Things

standing-on-deck-of-chinese-tea-house
Omnia Stainless Steel Pair Dummy Lever - 032PD
Omnia Stainless Steel Pair Dummy Lever - 032PD

STAINLESS STEEL PAIR DUMMY LEVER - 032 PAIR DUMMY Trim on both sides of door SET INCLUDES PAIR DUMMIES will consist of two 2 surface mounted concealed screw single dummies Stainless Steel Finish Only Dimensions 2 1/2 in Projection 5 5/8 in Length 11/16 in Lever Diameter 2 Lever Handles 2 Rosettes All Necessary Mounting Screws and Templates FEATURES Surface - Concealed Screws No screws are exposed in this format One side is factory assembled while one side is left unassembled requiring the instal |
Retail: $ 145.00
Your Price: $108.75
Buy/More Info
|
Deck The Halls For This Holiday Season
We all do a little more entertaining over the holiday season. And at this time of year, you want to offer your guests the warmest of holiday welcomes. This year, deck the halls… and your front entrance too. Build a little excitement on your front porch, and then let your warm, welcoming front hall sparkle with the holiday spirit!
* Let there be light! But don’t be a “Sparky Griswold”, swathing everything in sight with mega-watt power. A bit of restraint will often create more mood and mystery than will an over- the- top light display. Hang a string of golden stars above your entry porch, or light up one or two small potted evergreen trees with tiny sparkle lights. Real cedar garland (accented with scarlet bows for the daylight hours) entwined with tiny clear lights looks superb when framing an outside door. Your guests will love the cedar scent, and the glimmer of little lights makes a magical entrance.
* Invest in a timer. Don’t give your outdoor lights a second thought. Set up a timer to turn them on at twilight and turn them off at bedtime.
* Go natural with your front door. This is where guests will notice that special touch. You can gather greenery from your garden onto a wire frame, or bring home a heavenly balsam wreath from a nearby garden centre or tree farm. Tie on a big red ribbon, wire in some pinecones, and you will have the loveliest wreath in the neighbourhood!
* Add a touch of winter whimsy. Dress up your entryway - inside or out - with a whimsical touch. Perhaps you could hang up some ice skates (red laces of course), or adorn an older wooden sleigh with evergreen and a generous bow?
* Bells, bells, bells. You can never have too many jingle bells hanging on doorknobs and over your doors signaling the arrival of family or guests. This is especially true when you are secretly wrapping gifts and need a jingle warning!
* Greet your guests with warmth, colour, and fragrance. Place baskets of red tulips and creamy narcissus in front of your hall table mirror. Twist tiny sparkle lights and cedar garland through your banister, and keep a big china bowl filled with bundled cinnamon sticks and handfuls of cloves nearby.
* Protect from winter drafts. Take a cue from the Victorians this holiday season. Drape thick claret or olive green velvet curtains over your front door to keep away the chill. During the day, tie them back with velvet ribbon or silky cords.
* Enjoy the sound of music. It would be lovely if you could have music softly piped into your entry hall for arriving guests. A jazzy holiday album may suit your taste, or consider some classic English chorale hymns and carols to add serenity and comfort to your holiday season.
* Holiday hugs and kisses. For warm holiday greetings, hang a ball of mistletoe from your hall fixture with a shining satin ribbon. So go ahead and deck the halls… and warm your house with good friends and good cheer this holiday season.
About the Author
Visit The House Team today for mortgage advice that will help you in making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. http://www.thehouseteam.ca
Organizing Your Laundry
Organizing Your Laundry
By: Janet L. Hall
Does it seem like your laundry is multiplying:
Fear not because you are not alone! Paper, toys, and laundry are usually on the top of all my home clients list of causing chaos and frustration. According to The Tide Clothesline? at http://www.clothesline.com the average household washes 7.4 loads about 50 lbs. - per week and the average load contains 16 items. They go on to say that in a typical household, more than 6,000 articles of clothing are washed each year!
Id like you to ask yourself and answer the following questions; I hope these will help you in evaluating your situation. I have added suggestions and some thoughts for you to ponder on after the questions.
1. Who do you do laundry for? 2. Who can do their own laundry?
If youre washing for everyone in the home and you have children/spouse that can reach the knobs on the machines, ask them for HELP.
? Teach them to be responsible for their clothing and show them how to sort, wash, fold, and put away. ? Post washing and drying instructions near the machines. ? Develop a schedule for family members that can wash their own clothes.
3. What kinds of clothes are piling upchildrens, towels, sheets, etc.?
4. What help can you get from others?
? Assign and limit 1-2 towels to each family member per week.
? Wear clothes more then once. ? If you have children that are too young to do their own laundry, teach them to sort clothes and/or fold towels, underwear, socks. Depending on their age, dont expect it to be perfect but praise them for their help. ? Show children where their folded items go (make it easy for them by storing those items in bottom drawers).
5. When do you prefer to do laundry? 6. When do you have time to do laundry?
? Decide if you prefer to do laundry in the morning, in the evening, during the week, or only on weekends. ? Pick a day and time that youre not going to be constantly interrupted or tempted to play. ? Place yourself on a schedule and system if you cant get help.
? Time yourself and your machines cycles; sort, wash, machine or line dry, fold, sort and put away to help you determine how much time you need for each load. ? Wash, dry, and put away by person or room.
Sample schedules:
Stay at home two loads a day schedule: If you stay or work from home try starting a wash load in the morning while the coffee is brewing, throw that load in the dryer or hang at lunch time, and start another wash load. Right before or after dinner, take the dried load out and put the other load in. Fold while dinner is cooking, watching the news, or waiting for pages to load on the Internet. Get the last load out and fold before going to bed. Make sure you put each person/rooms in a sorted pile to make putting away quicker and more efficient. (My mom use to use the couch, bed, or a table to fold and sort onto, she would then pile the piles into the basket by person and room and distribute them on our beds for us to put away).
Away from home one load a day schedule: If you go out to work you can try throwing in a wash load before going to bed at night and tossing them in the dryer before leaving for work. As soon as you walk in the door, get them out of the dryer and fold while youre checking your phone messages or email. Put away before retiring for the night.
7. Where is your washer/dryer located? 8. Where does everyone put his or her dirty clothes? 9. Where do you like to or would like to fold clothes?
? Your washer and dryer might not be located in a convenient place, such as the basement. More and more builders are starting to place these machines in hallways, kitchens, and even bathrooms. If you have the funds and space, you might look into relocating your machines. ? Install a laundry shoot in the bathroom closet or area that is convenient for everyone to use. If that isnt possible, designate a place for everyone in the home to put his or her dirty clothes.
? Find a place in the home where you are comfortable and have plenty of room to spread out and sort/fold clean clothes.
10. Why are you responsible for everyone clothes?
You are the only one that can answer this one .
11. How often do you want to do laundry?
? Decide if you want (I know, no one wants to do laundry) to do laundry daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Then ask if you need to or are you able to.
12. How many articles of clothing does each family member REALLY need per week, season, and special occasion?
? This is the time to be REALLY HONEST with yourself and will depend on your answer to # 11. How many articles of play, casual, dressy, work, holiday, seasonal, and special occasion outfits does each family member need? If they have too many, you will never stay ahead of the dirty clothes.
? Recycle, sell, or donate clothes that arent being used or that you have an abundance of. ? If you or your family are putting on and taking something off (and throwing it in the dirty clothes) because it doesnt fit right, look right, or you/they dont really like itget RID of it!
Laundry Tips:
Always try and wash a full load. Wash hand towels and smaller items of same color range with large articles, such as sheets and table cloths. Make sure you and others know how to use the proper cycles on machines to minimize wrinkling. Put a clothes rack by the dryer and hang clothes as they come out; put away by person/room. If you cant hear the buzzers on the machines or tend to lose track of time, set a timer for the length of the cycle and keep near you.
Clothes that need ironing should be washed first so you can iron while the other loads are being done. Wash delicate, underclothes, and hand washables while taking a shower.
Please remember that anything you try you MUST give it a chance to work, at least a month. If you find something not working, try another schedule or approach for another month until your clothes stop multiplying.
I hope some of these tips and hints will STOP the major reproductive system of your laundry. Good Luck!
Smiles, not Piles,
Janet
The Organizing Wizard, Janet L. Hall, is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, and Author. She is the owner of OverHall Consulting, and Organizing By Phone. Subscribe to her FREE organizing newsletter at http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm or visit her web site at http://www.overhall.com
Copyright 2000 by OverHall Consulting, P.O. Box 263, Port Republic, MD 20676. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached and article is kept intact.
The Organizing Wizard, Janet L. Hall, is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, and Author. She is the owner of OverHall Consulting, and Organizing By Phone. Subscribe to her FREE organizing newsletter at http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm or visit her web site at http://www.overhall.com
MOMENTS IN MAYArleen M. Kaptur
May has the rich promise of warm days and tantalizing nights. The
stars are bright and the very smell of the air says New. Winter is
a thought from the past, and Summer is a hope for the future.
How about some great party ideas for this fabulous month of May?
Here are some suggestions:
A MERRY MAY BREAKFAST
Grapefruit Baskets, Scrambled Eggs with Green Peppers, Baked Sausages,
Panfried Pineapple slices, Sweet Rolls, Pancakes, Maple Syrup,
Crushed Strawberries, and Beverage
Table Decor: Fresh Daffodils or Brightly colored tulips in pots
A SPRING LADIES TEA
Assorted miniature sandwiches on croissants, Tea or Coffee, Meringue
Mushrooms, Marshmallow Baskets and Strawberry Sherbet
(Light - but very gracious)
Table Decor: Pastel flowers in clear vases with lace-trimmed scarves
PRE MEMORIAL DAY END OF YEAR DINNER for School
Officials/Employees
Creamed lobster and mushrooms on toast points, stuffed cucumbers with
chicken or tuna salad, Condiment tray (olives, pickles, cocktail
onions, tomato slices w/mozzarella cheese), strawberry parfaits
Table Decor: Plain china plates w/rich green napkins/gold rings/and
Crystal Goblets, sprigs of fragrant lilac blooms in gold-edged vases,
and gold/white confetti around vase bases
May is an inspiration in itself and it lends itself to very elegant and formal
affairs. It is not too hot outside (for the comfort of your guests) and yet the gentle
breezes carry a vision of June, which bursts into all those Summertime activities
we all love.
Lets make the most of May and truly enjoy what it has to offer.
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002
Arleen Kaptur is the author of numerous
articles for newspapers/magazines.
Author: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES and
author of e-cookbooks, on-line workshops
Website:
http://www.rusticliving.info
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving
http://www.authorsden/com/arleenmkaptur
AH! ASPARAGUSArleen M. Kaptur
During this very beautiful time of year, fresh green spears of asparagus
add not only nutritional value to our meals, but supply a stunning color,
texture, and delight to the table.
If you can grow your own asparagus, more power to you. If not, purchase
them at your local grocer, but take advantage of their appealing taste and
you will be an asparagus lover. Let your family and especially your children try asparagus - preparing it in different ways will add variety
as well as giving them an opportunity to pick and choose their favorites.
So heres to asparagus - ENJOY.
ASPARAGUS POLONAISE -
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup dried white bread crumbs
1 lb. of fresh asparagus
1 hard-cooked egg, finely chopped
1 tbs. fresh parsley, chopped very finely
In a pan, over medium heat, cook asparagus in boiling, salted water until
tender, about 8 mins. Drain and keep warm.
Melt the butter in a small pan. Add the crumbs and cook until the butter
foams, but does not brown.
On a platter, place the cooked spears of asparagus. Sprinkle the hard-cooked
egg over the spears, then the parsley. Spoon the buttered bread crumbs over
the parsley and serve.
*****
Extra-Special Hint:
On party bread, spread a small amount of mayonnaise. Top each piece of
bread with a small leaf of lettuce, Top with a bit of tuna (packed in water)
that has been drained, a spear of cooked asparagus, and a slice of tomato.
You have a very stunning party sandwich for your guests to enjoy.
ELEGANT FILLET OF SOLE AND ASPARAGUS
1 can (10/3/4oz. condensed cream of celery soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup (4 ozs.) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
1/4 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cups baby carrots, cooked and drained
1 lb. fresh asparagus, cooked an drained 1 lb. unbreaded sole fillets, (if using frozen, please defrost totally and dry
with paper toweling before using
Preheat oven to 375. In a small bowl, combine the undiluted soup, milk, one-half
of the Swiss cheese, and all the seasonings. Set aside.
In an 8×12 baking pan, combine the carrots, asparagus.
Roll your fish fillets and place them upright along the center of the baking pan.
Spoon the vegetable medley around the bundles of fish. Pour your soup mixture
over the entire casserole. Bake, covered, for about 30 mins. or until
the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
After 30 mins. top the fish only with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered
for 3 mins.
This is true company faire that will make your guests feel very special.
ASPARAGUS SALAD -
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil (canola, if possible)
1/2 cup white vinegar (do not use cider)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup chopped green/or red bell pepper
or a combination of both
1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
2 lbs. fresh asparagus, cooked and drained
2 tomatoes, sliced
a few slices of red radishes (optional)
1/2 cucumber sliced thinly (optional)
1 tbs. chopped fresh curly parsley
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Add
the bell pepper, parsley, green onions, cucumber, and radishes, if using. Place
the asparagus spears in a glass bowl. Pour the dressing with the vegetables
over the asparagus. Cover and chill overnight.
When ready to serve, drain the asparagus by using a slotted spoon and arrange
them on a plate lined with lettuce leaves. Garnish with the tomato slices.
Pour by spoon some of the dressing over the asparagus and tomato slices,
including some of the vegetables in the dressing.
Place the remainder of the dressing in a small bowl so that guests can add
more if they would like to.
You have a very nice luncheon salad or a pretty dinner salad.
Either way enjoy the taste of asparagus!
Arleen M. Kaptur
(An excerpt from Rustic Living e-cookbook - Vegetables-Here’s to Your
Health
Arleen has written numerous magazine/ newspaper articles.
Author: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES, e-cookbooks, and on-line workshops Website:
http://www.rusticliving.info and
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving
RHUBARB-GIFT FROM THE GARDENArleen M. Kaptur
Rhubarb - you either love it or not. There doesnt seem to be any
in-between when it comes to this fruit that lends itself from a pale
pink to a ruby red hue.
This strange looking plant with its giant leaves and pink stems comes
originally to us from China and Tibet. These ancient cultures used the
rhubarb for medicinal purposes. Its leaves are very toxic, and they should
never be eaten.
Here are a few country-fair recipes for rhubarb - pick your favorite
and see if your family can decide if they are rhubarb enthusiasts.
RHUBARB CREAM PIE -
2 cups rhubarb, washed, dried, and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbs. all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
Mix the sugar, flour, milk and egg yolks together. Pour this mixture over
the cut rhubarb and mix together well. Pour into an unbaked pie shell
and bake in a 425 degree oven until the fruit is tender and the filling is
a custard consistency.
You can add meringue to the baked pie using the egg whites and 3
tbs. of sugar.
Brown in the oven for about 10 mins.
Cool and serve.
RHUBARB COOKIE TREAT
4 cups trimmed, washed, and diced rhubarb
2 cups sugar divided
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbs. sweet-cream butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Heat oven to 350. Using a pre-buttered baking pan, place diced rhubarb in pan
and sprinkle with 1 cup of the sugar and all of the cinnamon. Heat in oven for
about 20 mins. Remove from oven and set aside.
Cream together 2 tbs. butter and 1 cup sugar. Add the eggs, gently stir in the flour, and add the salt. Mix gently incorporating all the ingredients.
Pour this
mixture over the hot rhubarb. Bake in oven for 1 hour. Remove, cool, and cut
into squares
.
FAVORITE RHUBARB TREAT
1 cup flour
3 tbs. powdered sugar
1/2 cup sweet-cream butter
2 cups trimmed, washed, diced rhubarb
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup orange juice (not concentrate)
3/4 tsp. salt
Mix the flour, powdered sugar and butter together and press into the bottom
of an ungreased 7-1/2 x 11-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins. Remove
from oven and set aside.
Mix the rhubarb, eggs, sugar, flour, orange juice and salt together. Pour onto the
baked crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins. Using a knife inserted in center, check to see if the center is set. If not, bake for an additional 5-8 mins. Test
again, and when knife comes out clean, remove, cool, and serve.
Here is a very different kind of jam. Try it - you just might make this your
favorite!
EASY RHUBARB JAM
4 cups trimmed, washed, and diced rhubarb
2 cups granulated sugar
1 (3 oz.) box raspberry jello (Do not make the jello - just use the powder)
In pan, combine all the ingredients above.
Simmer over a gentle, low heat until well cooked.
Pour into fancy glass jars.
When the jam has cooled, cover with plastic wrap and store in your
refrigerator.
Easy and tastes great!
There is nothing nicer than combining two seasonal favorites and discovering
that two good things make one great pie!
RHUBARB/STRAWBERRY PIE
1-1/2 cups rhubarb, trimmed, washed and cut into small pieces
1 cup fresh washed, trimmed, and sliced strawberries
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbs. flour
2 tbs. sweet cream butter
1 tbs. cold milk
1 9 unbaked pie shell, ready-made or made from scratch
Combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, flour, butter and milk. Gently blend
and then pour into unbaked pie shell. Dot mixture with remaining 1 tbs. butter. Cover pie with additional pie crust, or use strips of pie crust for a lattice design.
Also, if using an additional pie crust, combine equal amounts of flour (about 1/2 cup),
sugar (about 1/2 cup), and about 3 tbs. softened sweet-cream butter. Cut with pastry blender or two knives. You will get very tasty
crunchies to sprinkle on top of your pie crust. Flute the edges of the two crusts together before using the sprinkles.
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 mins.
Reduce oven to 350 and bake for 30 mins. or until crust/or crunchies are
lightly browned.
Remove from oven and cool on rack.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for a very special pie ala mode.
Hope these recipes make a rhubarb lover out of you and your family.
Arleen M. Kaptur
Arleen has written many magazine/newspaper articles Author: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES and numerous e-cookbooks Website:
http://www.rusticliving.info and
http://www.topica.com/lists/simplelivingand http://www.authorsden/com/arleenmkaptur
gas masks
rocky mountain
Popularity: 73% [?]