Boy, Those French...

"Boy, those French, they have a different word for everything!"-Steve Martin

Know what is a crowd pleaser? A show stopper and something everyone secretly loves? French toast. There is just something comforting about eggs and milk whisked together, cinnamon and fresh bread. Not only does everyone love it, but it is one of the most simple, yet wonderful, things to make. I remember as a child being so excited when once every few months we got to have it for supper, breakfast for supper! There is something perfectly thrilling about breaking those kind of rules.

The thing about French toast is you can make it however you want. It can be on white bread, french bread or raisin bread. You can dust it with icing sugar, drown it in syrup or top it with whip cream. There are no rules and you really cant screw it up! My favorite is marble rye, I swear it makes the best French toast. Top it with cinnamon and whatever fruit is in season and you have a winner in my eyes.

Next time skip the big breakfast when you have company. Eggs and bacon can be a snore (unless it involves benny...). Keep it easy and keep it simple, your guests will appreciate it!
-m

Hand Made Presents Are Scary..

"Hand made presents are scary because the reveal that you have too much spare time."-Doug Coupland

I disagree with that, but regardless, I am not writing to disagree with Doug Coupland. I want to talk about gift wrapping. When I was a child we made our own wrapping paper with heavy brown paper and sponge stamps. I am fairly certain we may have even used potatoes and cut shapes out of them to make our own stamps at one point or another. Growing up, I have been known to enjoy using news paper and satin ribbon. Recently it was my uncles birthday. My sister and I bought him a lovely silk tie that happened to be placed in a red tie box by the sales man. Instead of wasting paper (and trying to be both thrifty and environmentally friendly) I kept it simple with just a little ribbon. I always have a good assortment of satin ribbons on hand and picked a navy satin ribbon and  a very small navy gingham ribbon. Not only did it look beautiful but it was just the right amount of masculine for my uncle. Pic follows along with some more inspiration! Get creative and happy gift wrapping!
-m