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A Give Away for Chocolate Lovers

November 10, 2011 by procourtesy

If you love chocolate, and who doesn’t? Here is your chance to win a gift package of the most delicious hot fudge in the world. My life time friend, Wayne Shive, has been a gourmet cook for years and developed the recipes for these hot fudge sauces. He is the founder and owner of Best Boy & Co., that distributes this yummy treat, along with other food products. The gift set includes: the Original, Mocha, Chili and the new flavor, Balsamic, which is quickly becoming the favorite.

All you have to do to have a chance at winning is to post your unique recipe ideas for using these fabulous sauces. Or…
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The contest starts today, November 10, 2011 and will end on November 17, 2011. The gift set will be sent directly to the winner from Best Boy & Co.

To learn more about Best Boy and Co.and all of the wonderful food products they offer go to their website www.bestboyandco.com All of their food items make wonderful gifts.

You will also note that their profits go to charitable organizations around the world.

By the way, I have served the sauces over multiple flavors of ice cream, on profiteroles, and as a dip for my short bread cookies. It is also great on a spoon right out of the jar!

Note: shipping is restricted to the U.S. and Canada

Contest ended on Friday, November 18, 2011

Jacqueline Whitmore’s New Book Release

November 10, 2011 by procourtesy

Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Jacqueline Whitmore, on the release of her second book, Poised For Success. In this book she talks about the four qualities that distinguish outstanding professionals. As in her first book, Business Class, Jacqueline succinctly and effectively offers advice that will enhance the lives of everyone who reads this new book. She guides us through the essence of good manners; consideration for others. And helps us understand that real graciousness isn’t just about using the right fork.

Her book is in book stores now and on Amazon.com

http://amzn.to/nNtJHj

Dress Survival Kit

May 9, 2011 by procourtesy

Have you ever been in the middle of your work day or at an important event and had a wardrobe malfunction? I have. And it can be very annoying, to say the least. Being prepared with an emergency kit can help you avoid an embarrassing situation and keep you looking professional at all times.

Here is my list of items to put into your kit:

A small sewing kit
Hem tape or another kind of tape
Clear nail polish
Small shoe kit with buffing rag
Extra stockings/tights
Safety pins
Button pins
Band aids
Moleskin
Spotting wipes
Rubber bands
Body Glide
Seltzer and blotting cloth
Lint remover
Anti static spray
Extra tie
Spare blouse and/or shirt
Flat shoes

Keeping a jacket or blazer on hand can always take your casual outfit to a more traditional business outfit.

What other items would you recommend putting in your wardrobe survival kit?

Studying Tea With Pearl Dexter

May 4, 2011 by procourtesy

Some years ago, I had the pleasure of studying privately,
with Pearl Dexter, one of Americas leading authorities on tea and publisher of “Tea
A Magazine.” I traveled to her home in
Scotland, Connecticut and spent several days learning as much as I could, in
that amount of time, about tea. One thing became apparent very quickly; the
more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.

The study of tea is much like the study of wine. It is deep,
steeped in history and has committed, passionate, people who love to drink it.
Pearl is one of those people. Tea is her passion in life and she holds a wealth
of information on the subject. In fact, tea is her life

I learned about the history of tea, where it is grown, how it
is blended, how to make it and the different categories of tea. Also, learning
to taste it with a discerning palate since I tasted a multitude of different teas
increased my appreciation for this drink that is consumed more than any other
beverage, except for water, in the world.

Pearl also took me into New York City where we visited some
of the best places to have tea in the city at that time; the St. Regis Hotel for
afternoon tea in the English style, Ito En for the Japanese experience, Toraya
where we sampled food made with green tea and Fauchon, where we saw how the
French do it.

Those few days piqued my interest on the topic of tea and
also gave me a tremendous appreciation for the subject. I continue to drink it,
enjoy it and even tutor or lecture on the subject occasionally. I will always
be grateful to Pearl for sharing her knowledge and love of tea with me.

To learn more about her or find out how to get her magazine go to www.teamag.com

One of the many things Pearl shared with me was her recipe
for tea concentrate. This can be done ahead of time when brewing tea for large
numbers of people.

Tea Concentrate

6 cups boiling water

9 teaspoons of loose tea or 9 tea bags

In a tea kettle bring fresh cold water to a rolling boil.

Pour over tea bags (or loose tea) in a teapot. Infuse for
3-5 minutes for black tea, adjusting for personal taste.

Avoid infusing longer than suggested as it will make the
tea bitter. If stronger tea is desired add more tea.

Add 6 cups hot water, just before serving, (or half water
to half concentrate

What is your favorite tea?

Toasting a First Lady

February 19, 2011 by procourtesy

Barbara Bush photo — Barbara Bush and Karen Hickman

In 1999 I was part of an organization that had engaged former First Lady, Barbara Bush, as our keynote speaker. During her stay, my late husband and I had the opportunity to host a small intimate dinner in her honor. Since I was the person involved with the organization that engaged her I was the person responsible for making the toast at our dinner. Initially, I was quite nervous about it, but with some preparation and a little practice I felt I pulled it off with adequate aplomb.

The essence of my toast thanked her for gracing our table with her presence and for helping my organization celebrate it’s tenth anniversary. Inviting everyone else at the table to join me in raising their glasses…we wished a long happy life.

Offering an appropriate and memorable toast can add a great deal to a celebration or an event honoring a colleague or noted guest. Toasts should emphasize the reason for the event and not become the event. Preparing ahead of time can help the person responsible for the toast deliver it with grace and ease. Knowing the etiquette surrounding toasting can also keep one from making a major faux pas.

Here are some tips and rules for offering a memorable toast:

A toast is a tribute not a “roast”
A toast can be offered at the beginning of a meal or at dessert time.
Be appropriate for the audience. Those raucous college stories and ribald jokes should be reserved for the bachelor and bachelorette parties not at the wedding.
Clear all stories with the toast recipients
Keep it brief; no more than a few minutes.
Stand to deliver a toast.
Wait until everyone’s glass is filled before starting a toast.
In the business world, the highest ranking corporate person is usually responsible for the toast, regardless of gender.
In social settings it is usually the host or hostess who offers the first toast.
As a recipient of a toast, one does not drink to oneself.
If you are an honored guest you should be prepared to respond to your toast.
It is not essential to “clink” glasses.

In short, be prepared, be brief, be seated.

Do you or your family members have any toasting traditions?

A Give Away for Chocolate Lovers

Jacqueline Whitmore’s New Book Release

Dress Survival Kit

Studying Tea With Pearl Dexter

Toasting a First Lady

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