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Showing posts from April, 2010

A Fine Irish Pub in Ohio

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This past weekend, my husband and I attended the Mad Anthony Writer's Conference in Hamilton, Ohio, and were delighted to be introduced to a truly Irish pub in the same town, Ryan's Tavern . Run by the husband of one of the conference organizers, whose family hails on both sides from the Emerald Isle, Ryan's Tavern has the distinction of being a fantastic restaurant as well as a genuine pub.  Ensconced in a renovated building crammed with history, Ryan's Tavern features a cherry-wood staircase that makes a grand entrance for any bridal party, extra-large booths (built and carved with Irish knotwork and ivy by Amish craftsmen) to accomodate many friendly dinner parties, and a vast variety of fine Irish beers and spirits. Coming from an Italian background myself, a family joke was that the Irish can't cook: have you ever heard of an Irish restaurant? Well, after eating twice at Ryan's Tavern, I am happy to be proven wrong. The Shepherd's Pie was simply mout

Easter Vigil and Morning Centerpieces

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Our usual routine on the Easter Vigil is to send our young children to be early, while the rest of us stay up to clean house, fill and hide Easter baskets, and set the table for breakfast after church in the morning.  This year, my eldest daughter created centerpieces that were so enchanting I had to share them. She cut flowering branches and planted them in soil-filled clay pots topped with moss, then hung them with tiny wooden ornaments (culled by me from a thrift-store table) and set them on flowered linens from the antique store bin. Taking a cue from my friend Clare , I had purchased wooden peg people which the girls and I painted, then glued on wool hair and gilded wooden wings to make a chorus of Easter angels to welcome our children in the morning. My daughter again took creative license with my plans when it came to setting the table. A yellow sheet from a giveaway bag was our tablecloth and I bought 50-cent white dishes at thift stores to serve as chargers for my grandmothe

Sparkling Elegance from LuShae Jewelry

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Recently I received a free sample from LuShae Jewelry ( http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/ ) in a splendid dark blue gift box, which brought my attention to this Australian-based company (but they ship from California).  I love this simply elegant iridescent pearl, and I highly recommend their jewelry.  They have everything from promise rings to beautiful cross pendants  to  earrings , and don't miss this adorable antique fleur de lis necklace . If you're searching for Confirmation or graduation gifts this spring, give this site a browse!  Their customer service is quite wonderful, and bloggers might want to note that they run a yearly contest to give bloggers the chance to win $5000.