Feelings by Lady of the House

It was my sophomore year of high school, and I befriended the phenomenally cool, and oh so foreign exchange student from Germany. Of course she was stuck in the Midwest of all places, but she didn't seem to mind hanging out in basements, loitering at the bowling alley, or waiting in line at McDonald's. One evening, as I stared up at that golden, glowing menu, I proclaimed, "I feel like a milkshake." And the sweet, but totally confused exchange student asked me, "What is it to feel like a milkshake?" We both may never know.

However you're feeling today, here are a few links to take you away for a bit. Enjoy!

*** These paper boxes turn "clutter" into "categorized." Wouldn't they be divine with shortbread tucked inside? Go, have a look at all the pretty options at Smock.

*** Maybe the only thing more fun than enjoying the beautiful wrapping on this soap is tearing it off. Okay, I actually know that for a fact.

*** Can't wait to give one of these bags to each of my September birthday buds. Fabric and Handle serves it up chic and sensible. Yes, please!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Jake's Famous Hot Fudge

This recipe is from my pal, Jake.  A few years ago, he made batches of this delicious chocolate sauce and gave it out with the recipe as gifts.  The husband and I were lucky recipients.

Since that fateful day, I have made Jake's Famous Hot Fudge many times.  This is the stuff of dreams, people.  Having a bad day?  I couple spoonfuls of this stuff straight from the fridge will turn things around. Or, if you're feeling less desperate, spoon the warm sauce over vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with toasted pecans.  Serve that up for company, and you'll have best friends for life.

Jake's Famous Hot Fudge
From: Jake, of course

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
6 ounces Ghirardelli 60% cocoa chocolate chips* (about 1 cup)
12 ounces evaporated milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir frequently until butter and chocolate are melted together.

Add half of the evaporated milk to the saucepan; stir to combine.  Then add half the powdered sugar, and stir to combine.  Repeat with the remaining evaporated milk and powdered sugar.  Bring this mixture to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 6 minutes, stirring very frequently.

Turn off the heat, and stir in vanilla.  Serve warm over ice cream.  This hot fudge will keep for a week or so in your fridge...as long as you don't get to it with a spoon first.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

*I'm sure you could use another brand of dark chocolate chips, but Jake recommends Ghirardelli.  I listen to Jake.

Showing Up by Lady of the House

Your social calendar is brimming, and yes, time is running short, but don't, I repeat, don't skimp on your hostess gifts. It's one thing being the host, now show how gracious you can be as a guest.

I'm not reinventing the wheel here, but I will say, my suggested gifts border on luxury and oh-you-shouldn't-have-yum!

1) Send a bouquet of flowers or an arrangement BEFORE the big event. What a fun little treat, and oh how useful for your already haggard friend.

2) Skip ordinary and lavish Ms. Dinner Party with decadent soaps from Claus Porto. She'll either pop them in the guest bath, or better yet, sneak them away to her quarters for that much needed soak once the guests have left and the dishes are done.

3) Got a light? Show up with the ambiance and the sparkle with a bundle of tapered candles. Seriously, it elevates even macaroni and cheese. Hostess with the Mostest will L-O-V-E you for it.

4) And if it's a quickie run to Trader Joes for a bottle of vino, at least dress it up with a fun, and might I add, conveniently re-giftable tote. Since we're not plucking the '94 Screaming Eagle from the cellar, we may as well take old Bogle to dinner in a fancy outfit.

Be fabulous, as usual.

xoxo Lady of the House