I am happy to tell you that I have started a new blog.
No! I will not ignore my followers and readers here at Daddy's Home, but I was really surprised to find that my last entry here, (All Too Un)Common Courtesy, garnered more comments and attention than anything else I've written here so I've decided that the subject deserves its own forum.
So, there is a new blog on the block - alltoouncommoncourtesy.blogspot.com.
Please, come and take a look. Read, follow, comment, suggest....any and all of the above.
Let's have some fun!
- SSG
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
(All too un)Common Courtesy
Friendly followers and readers,
Would it be okay for me to rant a bit here on my blog?
It's actually a polite courtesy for me to ask you because, frankly, I'm gonna do it anyway 'cause it's my blog and I REALLY need the outlet at the moment.
I know that writing about manners has the potential of being boring and tedious for the reader but maybe some random reader will tune in and finally tell someone they know about the points I make here.
OBVIOUSLY, none of my current readers and followers fall into these categories because they are personages of extraordinary taste and breeding who would never be rude in public or private, but we can't always choose our friends and acquaintances by the standards we hold ourselves to, now can we?
My husband and I were at one of the finer movie theaters in New York a couple of nights ago to see the filmed version of the Broadway musical Memphis. It's a show we truly loved in the theatre and we thought it would be great to see it again.
We were surprised that there was not a larger crowd but were happy that we were able to get our favorite seats - the first row of the upper level with no visual obstructions to the screen. We sat down ready to enjoy this wonderful opportunity together and throughout the previews of coming attractions the two...um...boys sitting next to us were holding an animated conversation which didn't seem as if it would abate when the show came time to begin. BIG surprise, they talked to one another and the other two boys they were with throughout the entire opening number barely, it seemed, to come up for air.
I tried. God knows I tried to ignore the talking but, to tell the truth, we got the feeling that they were in some way part of that generation whose parents have never taught there children any manners, respect or the etiquette involved in actually leaving the house on any given day and becoming a productive, non-self-centered member of society as a whole.
And, no. It is NOT my job to educate these young people (OY, I feel so old when I say that!) but it IS my right, after paying for a ticket to a performance of any kind, to enjoy said performance without having to winnow through extra dialogue that wasn't in the original script of the production and is merely being added by the amateurs NEXT TO ME IN THE AUDIENCE.
In the spirit of full disclosure I might add that some small part of me does enjoy the confrontational moment when I choose to demand my rights in these situations and, truth be told, it embarrasses the living heck out of Jae, but a gentleman's got to do what a gentleman's got to do and being a gentleman....I did it.
I was not rude. No. I just rose from my seat, leaned over, and in a low but firm voice said,
Would it be okay for me to rant a bit here on my blog?
It's actually a polite courtesy for me to ask you because, frankly, I'm gonna do it anyway 'cause it's my blog and I REALLY need the outlet at the moment.
I know that writing about manners has the potential of being boring and tedious for the reader but maybe some random reader will tune in and finally tell someone they know about the points I make here.
OBVIOUSLY, none of my current readers and followers fall into these categories because they are personages of extraordinary taste and breeding who would never be rude in public or private, but we can't always choose our friends and acquaintances by the standards we hold ourselves to, now can we?
My husband and I were at one of the finer movie theaters in New York a couple of nights ago to see the filmed version of the Broadway musical Memphis. It's a show we truly loved in the theatre and we thought it would be great to see it again.
We were surprised that there was not a larger crowd but were happy that we were able to get our favorite seats - the first row of the upper level with no visual obstructions to the screen. We sat down ready to enjoy this wonderful opportunity together and throughout the previews of coming attractions the two...um...boys sitting next to us were holding an animated conversation which didn't seem as if it would abate when the show came time to begin. BIG surprise, they talked to one another and the other two boys they were with throughout the entire opening number barely, it seemed, to come up for air.
I tried. God knows I tried to ignore the talking but, to tell the truth, we got the feeling that they were in some way part of that generation whose parents have never taught there children any manners, respect or the etiquette involved in actually leaving the house on any given day and becoming a productive, non-self-centered member of society as a whole.
And, no. It is NOT my job to educate these young people (OY, I feel so old when I say that!) but it IS my right, after paying for a ticket to a performance of any kind, to enjoy said performance without having to winnow through extra dialogue that wasn't in the original script of the production and is merely being added by the amateurs NEXT TO ME IN THE AUDIENCE.
In the spirit of full disclosure I might add that some small part of me does enjoy the confrontational moment when I choose to demand my rights in these situations and, truth be told, it embarrasses the living heck out of Jae, but a gentleman's got to do what a gentleman's got to do and being a gentleman....I did it.
I was not rude. No. I just rose from my seat, leaned over, and in a low but firm voice said,
"This is NOT your living room."
To which I got the curt reply,
"There's a whole theater full of seats."
Not one to let my point be misunderstood, I said (with a sharp poke of my thumb in the direction of the lobby,
"Yes, I know. And talking is to be done OUTside."
Whereupon - what are the odds? - their conversations stopped.
Now whether it was because they were scared of the two hundred fifty pound man with the shaved head, goatee and tattoos who was, at the very least, twice their age and strength, or it was because they had somehow learned a little something about theater etiquette.....honestly I don't know.
But that evening, the Ziegfeld Theater was a better place for the silence of the audience except for their reactions to the show we had all come - and paid - to see.
My point, of course, is for us all to think about the fact that pubic places are not designed for the behavior that we use in private situations and that no one should consider themselves more or less entitled than anyone else in any social situation.
My concern is, if course, that current society has become overrun with the entitlement issues of class, wealth and hard work without any of the class, wealth and hard work being achieved first.
WOW, I feel a bit better. Thanks for allowing my rant.
Anything to add? Comments? Please, feel free.
-SSG
Monday, April 18, 2011
Easter Without the Bunnies
As promised, dear readers, I have a favorite Easter recipe that I would like to share with you.
I know it might sound a little "trailer trash-y" but this is so good that even I will have to force myself to stop extra trips to the fridge in the middle of the night with a knife to slice off illicit pieces when no one is looking!
I usually serve this with roasted vegetables (quartered brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus).
Trust me you're going to LOVE this!!!
Enjoy!
- SSG
I know it might sound a little "trailer trash-y" but this is so good that even I will have to force myself to stop extra trips to the fridge in the middle of the night with a knife to slice off illicit pieces when no one is looking!
Coke & Dr. Pepper Ham
Ingredients:
- 3 -4 lb fully cooked boneless ham
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1(12 ounce) can Coca-Cola
- 1(12 ounce) can Dr. Pepper
- Whole cloves (4 or 5)
- Freshly ground pepper
Directions:
- Remove ham from packaging.
- Lightly score ham in diagonal lines to form a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut any deeper than about a eighth of an inch. (You can score both sides if you like).
- Make a paste of dark brown sugar and mustard
- Rub paste into ham on sides
- Pour the two cans of soda into bottom of crock pot and drop in cloves
- Place prepared ham in pot and cover
- Cook on low about 6 hours.
I usually serve this with roasted vegetables (quartered brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus).
Trust me you're going to LOVE this!!!
Enjoy!
- SSG
Sunday, April 17, 2011
YOU Seder. You brought her!
Howdy readers!
It's spring - trust me, no matter what the weather - it's spring.
And with spring comes some good things and some not so good things. Tax time? Blech! Rain? If I hear that old saw "April showers bring..." Feh! Rain brings wet streets, burgeoning winds and ruins the blossoms already on the trees. Blossoms on the trees? Woohoo! Milder temperatures? Jury's still out on that one but I have high hopes.
But there are two holidays on their way......Passover and Easter, both with their wonderful stories and traditions but the celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to indulge in some favorite foods and treats.
Now, being in a mixed marriage myself, I'm just as happy with either holidays traditional foods but I'm wedded to a man who says that he doesn't like lamb or fish (until I make a lamb stew and he takes multiple helpings and goes on and on about how extraordinarily good it is because I "accidentally" forgot to tell him it wasn't beef and who, now and then , shocks me by saying things like, "It's been a long time since you made those great salmon patties I like so much." As for ham, he's not all that enamored but will eat it on occasion so making a whole ham isn't really in the cards for us if we're not planning a gathering of sorts.
This being the case, I've decided to share a few recipes that can be used to round out either holiday's gustatory agenda. First, the aforementioned salmon patties, a really tasty luncheon entree or an appetizing appetizer with dinner. I have many variations of this recipe but I'll share the basic one with you today. If you want to know the variations, let me know.
SALMON PATTIES
Ingredients:
It's spring - trust me, no matter what the weather - it's spring.
And with spring comes some good things and some not so good things. Tax time? Blech! Rain? If I hear that old saw "April showers bring..." Feh! Rain brings wet streets, burgeoning winds and ruins the blossoms already on the trees. Blossoms on the trees? Woohoo! Milder temperatures? Jury's still out on that one but I have high hopes.
But there are two holidays on their way......Passover and Easter, both with their wonderful stories and traditions but the celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to indulge in some favorite foods and treats.
Now, being in a mixed marriage myself, I'm just as happy with either holidays traditional foods but I'm wedded to a man who says that he doesn't like lamb or fish (until I make a lamb stew and he takes multiple helpings and goes on and on about how extraordinarily good it is because I "accidentally" forgot to tell him it wasn't beef and who, now and then , shocks me by saying things like, "It's been a long time since you made those great salmon patties I like so much." As for ham, he's not all that enamored but will eat it on occasion so making a whole ham isn't really in the cards for us if we're not planning a gathering of sorts.
This being the case, I've decided to share a few recipes that can be used to round out either holiday's gustatory agenda. First, the aforementioned salmon patties, a really tasty luncheon entree or an appetizing appetizer with dinner. I have many variations of this recipe but I'll share the basic one with you today. If you want to know the variations, let me know.
SALMON PATTIES
Ingredients:
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 or 4 scallions, chopped
- 2/3 cup matzo meal
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- powdered garlic to taste
- hot paprika
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil for frying
- Reserved liquid from can
- 1 handful or 2 frozen peas, thawed
- cornstarch
- freshly ground pepper and kosher salt
Directions
- Drain the salmon, reserving the liquid. Flake the meat with a fork.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add scallions, and cook until tender.
- In a medium bowl, combine the scallions, 3/4 cup of reserved liquid, 1/3 of the matzo meal, eggs, parsley, mustard, garlic and salmon. Mix until well blended, then shape into six patties. Coat patties in remaining cracker crumbs and sprinkle with paprika.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until browned, then carefully turn and brown on the other side.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the remaining salmon liquid
- Make a slurry with cold water and cornstarch and mix into hot liquid stirring well to thicken, season to taste and throw in peas right before serving.
- Enjoy!!
- SSG
The Easter/Passover Conundrum
Hello dear readers,
Can you ever forgive me for forsaking you as I have these past weeks?
I sincerely hope you can. It has been so busy lately what with new projects and new students, spring cleaning and rearranging that I haven't been able to sit still long enough to get a blog entry logged.
But busy is a good thing, right? I have to believe that if only to pacify my urge to pack it all in and exile myself to a tropical island where I can sip rum-laden drinks and the only interior decorating I am called upon to perform is moving that palm frond slightly to the left to temporarily block the sun from glaring off the pages of my book!
SO, busy I will remain.
Well, a new holiday season is upon us...Whether you celebrate Passover, Easter or no holiday at all, you can definitely celebrate the arrival of Spring and one of the best things about the mild weather is being able to throw the windows open and enjoy a nice breeze through your home. Even here in midtown Manhattan, the capital of dirt, dust, soot and grime, it's kind of nice to have the opportunity to circulate some fresher air than we have been stuck with since winter - otherwise known as "last week"!
So, just to make up for it I will be making a more concerted effort to stay in touch with my blog and, by result, with you. I have a few ideas you might enjoy whether you're celebrating Passover, Easter or neither and just want to save some time, money and eat well.
"See" you soon!
- SSG
Can you ever forgive me for forsaking you as I have these past weeks?
I sincerely hope you can. It has been so busy lately what with new projects and new students, spring cleaning and rearranging that I haven't been able to sit still long enough to get a blog entry logged.
But busy is a good thing, right? I have to believe that if only to pacify my urge to pack it all in and exile myself to a tropical island where I can sip rum-laden drinks and the only interior decorating I am called upon to perform is moving that palm frond slightly to the left to temporarily block the sun from glaring off the pages of my book!
SO, busy I will remain.
Well, a new holiday season is upon us...Whether you celebrate Passover, Easter or no holiday at all, you can definitely celebrate the arrival of Spring and one of the best things about the mild weather is being able to throw the windows open and enjoy a nice breeze through your home. Even here in midtown Manhattan, the capital of dirt, dust, soot and grime, it's kind of nice to have the opportunity to circulate some fresher air than we have been stuck with since winter - otherwise known as "last week"!
So, just to make up for it I will be making a more concerted effort to stay in touch with my blog and, by result, with you. I have a few ideas you might enjoy whether you're celebrating Passover, Easter or neither and just want to save some time, money and eat well.
"See" you soon!
- SSG
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Once Upon A Thyme
Just a quick little post - I know it's been a while - a little hint that I was reminded of while shopping at the office supply store today.
Every once in a while they have little bins of things by the checkout to grab your attention while you wait in line and I LOVE that! I don't often get hooked but in a particularly slow moving queue I happened to notice these little round tins that they were selling with inset, clear, plastic tops - presumably for paper clips, tacks, stamps and the like - but on closer inspection I noticed that the tops also had holes pierced in the sides. One larger oval hole and a few little ones....SHAKER HOLES!!!
Yes, my friends, they could be used for spices and dried herbs in the kitchen!
Not only that, but I found some that actually had magnetic bottoms as well.
They were under $2.00 each (I've actually found them online in sets that take the price down even further per unit) and with my trusty Brother P-touch label maker I have cleared a lot of space in my kitchen cabinets by using the side of my refrigerator as a spice rack.....How about THEM apples!
As always, dear readers, I hope that this little tidbit is useful for you....Enjoy!
-SSG
Every once in a while they have little bins of things by the checkout to grab your attention while you wait in line and I LOVE that! I don't often get hooked but in a particularly slow moving queue I happened to notice these little round tins that they were selling with inset, clear, plastic tops - presumably for paper clips, tacks, stamps and the like - but on closer inspection I noticed that the tops also had holes pierced in the sides. One larger oval hole and a few little ones....SHAKER HOLES!!!
Yes, my friends, they could be used for spices and dried herbs in the kitchen!
They were under $2.00 each (I've actually found them online in sets that take the price down even further per unit) and with my trusty Brother P-touch label maker I have cleared a lot of space in my kitchen cabinets by using the side of my refrigerator as a spice rack.....How about THEM apples!
As always, dear readers, I hope that this little tidbit is useful for you....Enjoy!
-SSG
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Never Too Early For Spring Cleaning
Hello Dear Readers,
I don't know if any of you know this but Daddy's Home, Inc. started up as an Interior Design / Handyman / Housecleaning / Clutter Consultant business. Sort of a jack-of-all-trades thing that proved to be very successful in it's own way.
One of my favorite things in the world, believe it or not, is the feeling of accomplishment when a project involving de-cluttering or cleaning is involved. I know! Weird, right?
Even as a kid I used to love to clean all the silver and brass in the house just to see the shiny sparkling piles of metal when I was done. Maybe I'm just a raccoon or a crow at heart.
Well, this blog entry is all about home keeping and I hope my opinions and hints will help you out.
When I would meet with a new client I would give them a list of products that I would suggest were in the house before I and my crew would show up for the gig and I will share it with you all and the reasons for all of the product choices. Now, these are just my personal favorites and I don't want anyone to think that I'm shilling for any of these companies who make these products, nor am I telling anyone that their fave isn't the right one for them.
Of course, cleaning as you go is the optimum choice but, let's face it, who has the same amount of time every week to keep up? That's why they (you know, the infamous "they") came up with the Spring Cleaning thing, I'm sure. To give us all something to shoot for. A beautifully organized and clean house before we start spending more time outside of it when the weather turns marvellous.
Happy Cleaning!
-SSG
I don't know if any of you know this but Daddy's Home, Inc. started up as an Interior Design / Handyman / Housecleaning / Clutter Consultant business. Sort of a jack-of-all-trades thing that proved to be very successful in it's own way.
One of my favorite things in the world, believe it or not, is the feeling of accomplishment when a project involving de-cluttering or cleaning is involved. I know! Weird, right?
Even as a kid I used to love to clean all the silver and brass in the house just to see the shiny sparkling piles of metal when I was done. Maybe I'm just a raccoon or a crow at heart.
Well, this blog entry is all about home keeping and I hope my opinions and hints will help you out.
When I would meet with a new client I would give them a list of products that I would suggest were in the house before I and my crew would show up for the gig and I will share it with you all and the reasons for all of the product choices. Now, these are just my personal favorites and I don't want anyone to think that I'm shilling for any of these companies who make these products, nor am I telling anyone that their fave isn't the right one for them.
EQUIPMENT:
A good vacuum with working attachments
Broom and dustpan
Sponge mop
Toothbrush for small spaces and grout
Sponges
Cotton rags
Paper Towels
Swiffer duster (it's great for me here in NYC where you can dust 3 times a day and never be done!)
Plastic caddy for products et al
PRODUCTS:
Glass cleaner (I find that anything with a bit of ammonia works well)
De-greaser (You can find a lot of these at the dollar store with names like Awesome, Fabulous, etc.)
All purpose furniture polish (Pledge makes a great one that does computer and plasma screens too)
Softscrub (I NEVER use the powdered kind on anything but metal - better safe than...um...scratched)
Comet, Ajax or the best...Bon Ami
Pine Sol, for toilets, in a bucket of water for floors, walls...anything. Just make SURE to dilute well for floors.
Now....here are a few guidelines to make things run smoothly:
- Gather all of your products and equipment together in one spot - hence, the caddy - because it will save you time and energy in the long run if you carry everything with you. Imagine you were a professional cleaner. They come with a lot of their own stuff and can't just leave the job to get something else, right?
- House cleaning is a job. A chore than needs to be planned for just like going to the grocery or the post office. Treat it that way. PLAN AHEAD.
- Make a list and stick to it. Make an appointment with yourself and show up on time and ready to work.
- If there is a lot to do, don't plan to do it all in one go. What I suggest is planning to start with a "maintenance run" first; what needs to be done on a regular basis - the bathroom, the kitchen, the vacuuming and dusting, etc.
- THEN choose one bigger job per week. Something that needs special attention. My husband and I have our individual downfalls so I will choose to rearrange the pantry and clean out any expired foodstuffs, re-stack the cookware and bake ware, that sort of thing. He agrees to go through one foot (by depth) of unopened mail, papers, playbills, etc. that have piled up (Which, of course shows you how much he likes to hoard - but that's another blog entry in and of itself!)
- Play music but TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. You have to limit your distractions. We all know how easy it is to get involved with a conversation and lose your focus on the work at hand. Put something fun on your stereo or MP3 player and go to town. There's no rule that says it has to be drudgery, right?
- Clean rooms from top to bottom.Yea, I know it seems silly to say but think about it. If you vacuum first and then dust everything then where is that dust going? That goes for everything. Have a plan.
- Replace your sponges and rags after you've finished your spring cleaning (and actually as often as you choose) not only is it nicer to look at newer sponges on the sink top, but it's healthier too as it will cut down on mold, mildew and bacteria in your home.
Of course, cleaning as you go is the optimum choice but, let's face it, who has the same amount of time every week to keep up? That's why they (you know, the infamous "they") came up with the Spring Cleaning thing, I'm sure. To give us all something to shoot for. A beautifully organized and clean house before we start spending more time outside of it when the weather turns marvellous.
Happy Cleaning!
-SSG
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