Look back to your childhood.  What can better complement the most romantic day of your adult life than the nostalgia of bright-eyed, innocent wonder?  If you have a hard time deciding on your dress, perhaps you can take a cue from your favorite fairy tale princess.  At the Lord Thompson Manor, we like to set up candy tables as Wedding favors; these can simply cover the Bride and Groom’s favorite flavors, or they can follow a charming color theme.  The delights of childhood don’t have to disappear as you grow up, and can provide perfect inspiration for your Wedding.

Listen to music.  Your favorite music can help you decide on a unique, personal tone for your Wedding—for example, you could translate your diva fabulous style into a glamorous set of necklaces for your Bridesmaids, or your enjoyment of jazz into a silky smooth color palette.  The Lord Thompson Manor also provides its Brides with lists of popular classical and contemporary Wedding songs that may spark the imagination with imagery from their melodies or lyrics.

Go to an art gallery or museum.  The paintings and sculptures that appeal to you the most can help you dream up your theme, your colors and your overall style.  Perhaps Monet’s lily pads will inspire a garden-themed Wedding with varied colors, perfectly situated in the Lord Thompson Manor’s Side Garden.  A seascape might spark your imagination with bold aqua, pearlescent shells or jewel-toned tropical fish, set to life on your dance floor in our elegant, flexible Conservatory.  You might also find a modernist or contemporary piece that strikes you with a perfect, relevant, unique palette or theme.

Watch your favorite romantic movie.  The costumes can inform the style of your Bridesmaids’ dress, or your color scheme.  You might also theme your Wedding around the movie’s location—you don’t have to fly to Paris for the perfect wine and cheese or Hawaii for ripe pineapples.  Our Keep It Simple Spa bridal package includes styling the Bride’s hair the day of her Wedding, and if she loves one movie star or character’s style, our technicians can incorporate this inspiration into the bridal look.

Author Deanna Cassidy

Lord Thompson Manor

1. Shine.  Satin is a very popular Wedding Dress fabric, with one smooth, shiny side and one matte side.  Charmeuse is similar to satin, but the shine is a bit more subtle.

2. Flow.  Taffeta is known for the whispering rustle that sounds when the person wearing it moves, but it gives a dress a very flowing look.  Chiffon is an airy, translucent fabric often layered on the outside of a dress specifically to give it a floating, flowing feel.  Organza is similar to chiffon in effect, but slightly stiffer.

3. Texture.  Crepe is a gauzy fabric, often layered on the outside of a dress for its intentionally crinkled texture.  Damask is a good choice for obvious but gentle texture.  Shantung is a silk or cotton fabric with rough texture, and dupioni is similarly textured, but with a slightly shinier finish.

4.  Shape.  Some Wedding Dresses depend on stiffer fabrics that can hold their shape.  Tulle is a netted fabric, usually starched, that is often used in veils or to create the full skirt of a gown.  Another option for stiffness is organdy, which is a very sheer cotton fabric.

5.  Weight.  Winter Weddings call for heavier, warmer fabrics.  Velvet is one example, with a soft, lush texture on one side.  Another possibility is brocade, a weighty and highly ornamental fabric.

The Lord Thompson Manor provides up to five complimentary clean white votives for every centerpiece.  We can also provide other candles in elegant configurations, collaborate with our Brides to create floral centerpieces, connect our Brides to other professional florists, or assist in any combination of those options.  Our philosophy combines service with perfection, and we’re determined to help make our Brides’ ideal centerpieces the talk of the table.

Wedding favors are little gifts that are traditionally given to people who attended the wedding. It is a tradition that symbolizes appreciation. Depending on the couple’s taste, favors can be anything from decorative, useful, eco-friendly to even charity favors.

Wedding favors have been around throughout centuries. They have started as bonbonieres (little boxes filled with almonds or sugar candies). Today, wedding favors evolve from traditional bonbonieres to unique favor ideas that you may never thought are existing.

As time goes by, favors are becoming an integral party of every wedding. Whether a nuptial is small or big, there should be something for the guests to take home. Wedding favors come in different sizes, shapes, types and themes to choose from. Since most of weddings nowadays are theme-based, most producers are making various style of wedding favors to fit all types of wedding themes. They are available in both online and local market at ranges of prices.

These days, favors can be personalized to meet you wants and needs. Your imagination is the limits when it comes to making your wedding more unique and creative. You can personalized all your wedding accessories according to the theme of your party or to your personal taste. Personalizing your favors can is one way to give an impression to your guests that they will never forget even for years that they still have your wedding souvenir in their home. Almost every option can be personalized with your names, monograms, a personal message or even a photo of you.

There are various types of wedding favors that can be used in different seasons. Since a wedding can be based on the season where it falls in, couples can now find favors in spring, summer, fall and winter themes. The idea of incorporating a matching seasonal favor into a season-themed wedding is not only to provide guests with little thank you gifts, but to complete the look of the wedding party.

The wedding industry has banged people with various trends of supplies, particularly favors. Although they are little, but they have been leveled up in terms of importance. Wedding favors are now becoming as important as major wedding stuff like wedding rings and bridal gown, and should be handled with proper care and consideration.

Although integral, but favors doesn’t need to be pricey. They are meant to be keepsakes – worth to cherish memorabilia – of a very special day that happens in your life. Shopping favors should start by setting a reasonable budget. And when shopping, choose only those that are within your chosen price. For a limited budget, there are affordable wedding favors like candles, soaps, or you can even make diy wedding favors – one great idea to save money.

Cheap wedding favors will not look literally cheap if made with care and creativity. Just be creative and explore your imagination. Be unique but do not go over board. Lastly, choose according to what your heart tells you. Remember, it is your wedding and there’s no other better way to celebrate it than having everything linked to you.

This weeks theme:  Going organic on a budget.  In this tough economy I will explore ways to go organic and still have money left over. 

Lord Thompson Manor Author:  Doug G White.

Is Organic Worth It?

Been in the grocery store recently shopping for meats, eggs, fish milk etc? Noticed all the strange labeling; “Organic” or “Natural” on these items? So we all know these organic food stuffs cost significantly more than regular food, but why, what is the difference really and is it worth the extra cost?

The word natural is used for most fruits and veggies, and is mostly a marketing ploy to get you to buy their product, as all fruits and veggies are natural – unless its some newly developed processed food, it is natural. What you should be looking for is the food labeled “organic”.

So what does organic mean?

Organic food is food which has been grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals. Buying organic food has two major benefits: Firstly you are preventing these potentially harmful chemicals from entering into the environment, so organic food is more environmentally friendly. Secondly, you do not induce these chemicals yourself, which is a lot healthier than “regular” foods. Since organic food tends to be a bit more expensive; if you are shopping on a budget then skip over the organic fruits and veggies which have peels that you remove before you eat them e.g. Bananas, Oranges etc… After all once you have removed the peel you remove the chemicals. Opt to at least buy organic foods such as apples where you actually consume the peel.

Remember to rinse the food thoroughly under water when you get home, regardless of whether it is organic or not.

Another label that you might come across is “No Hormones”, this is generally used on milk and meat products. Technically all such labels are completely wrong, as all animals produce hormones to function properly. What they really mean with this label is that no artificial hormones were given to the animal to grow faster and fatter or to produce more milk. Regardless of hormones or not, this meat and milk is perfectly safe for human consumption.

The last label that you might come across while shopping is found on meat and egg products. These will indicate whether the animal was caged or penned. This makes no difference to the nutritional value of the food but is more a question of animal rights. These products also generally cost more but are more of a humane decision.

So remember to read the labels carefully while grocery shopping, as being informed about what they mean can help you make the best choices for your diet.

Cool Lord Thompson Manor Snacks By Deborah Shelton.

Beat the heat with these cool summer treats!

Mouse Popsicles

It’s not what you’re thinking! The name refers to the size of the popsicle—not the contents. Wash a bowl of seedless grapes, and then set the grapes in the freezer for about an hour. Poke colored toothpicks into the grapes to serve.

Juice Pops

Summer isn’t complete without homemade juice popsicles. Simply fill a popsicle mold or an ice tray with your favorite fruit juice. Cover the ice tray with clear plastic wrap and poke a toothpick through the plastic into each square. Place the tray into the freezer until the popsicles are frozen solid.

Frozen Monkey Treats

Here is a healthy snack that your kids will go bananas for! Peel a banana and cut it in half. Insert popsicle sticks into the cut ends. Dip the bananas into yogurt or melted chocolate, and then roll the bananas in chopped nuts, crushed cereal, or coconut shavings. Place the bananas on a small waxed paper-lined baking sheet and set the sheet into the freezer for an hour or so. Fun to make and even more fun to eat!

Fruit Fizzy

Don’t plan your summer party without this refreshing drink. Pour one can of Sprite (it doesn’t have caffeine) into a blender, along with small ice cubes. Add several large strawberries, a handful of blueberries, or other favorite fruit to the mix. Blend the mixture until it has the texture of a slush. Pour into a glass and garnish with a cherry on top.

Lord Thompson Manor Cooking Recipe Author: Elsie Shan.
A cooking recipe is a series of instructions on how to prepare a meal. It will list down the ingredients required as well as preparation instruction and other useful information to make your cooking a success. By following the instructions the cooking recipe, you will be able to come up with new dishes. Cooking recipes are used not only by novice but by professional chefs around the world.

In order to take full advantage of the cooking recipe, it got to be used in the right way. Many people do not know how to use a cooking recipe correctly. They usually jump right in and before you know it, faces problem with their cooking.

Browse Through The Cooking Recipe

The right way is to browse through the cooking recipe briefly from the beginning to the end. Familiarize yourself with the methods or processes involved and try to visualize it in your mind. After you have understood what is needed out of you do you start it. By taking this initial step, you will save yourself from trouble because you can give the recipe a miss if it’s too difficult to cook. It will spare you the embarrassment of failure. You will also be able to plan what to buy before actually starting to cook. Therefore it is important to browse through your cooking recipe before you actually begin cooking.

Preparing The Ingredients

After the preliminary reading of the cooking recipe you will have a general idea of how the dish is cooked and what ingredients to buy. Make sure that all the ingredients are ready before you begin your cooking adventure. It is very frustrating to realize that you have run out of the ingredients half-way through your cooking. You will loose all the momentum and enthusiasm once this happen.

You will also need to have the right type of ingredients. For example, if the cooking recipe says prepared mustard, do not assume that you can substitute it with dried mustard. They are two completely different ingredients and substituting one for the other will have disastrous effect on your cooking. Another thing worth mentioning is make sure you have enough of the ingredients. Double check to ensure that you have enough of everything before you starts to cook. Imagine what will happen if you don’t have enough flour when baking a sponge cake!

Have The Equipment/Utensil Ready

Just as important and often overlooked is to have all the equipment and utensils ready before cooking. If you do not have the equipment or utensil, try borrowing them from your friends. You might only need to use the utensil mentioned in the cooking recipe once and so it is cheaper to borrow. If your friends do not have the items you are looking for or if you foresee that you are going to use it more than once, then buy it. Also, check that the equipment or utensil is in working order before starting your cooking.

Conclusion

Cooking is great fun for many people. It can foster relationships and improve family bonding. In order cook great dishes, you must make sure that you have followed the cooking recipe closely.

Lord Thompson Manor Safe Cook-out Author: Shirley McNeal.
Don’t you just love to have outdoor cook-outs during the long, summer days? It’s great family fun for all, but it is important to take steps to keep your family safe and healthy while you prepare for grilling, the clean up activities and food storage afterwards. Here are some important tips to remember:
1. Since you will be using raw meat for grilling, it is important to begin by washing your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry.

2. Wash the cutting boards, utensils and dishes with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean up spills.
3. Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked.

4. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and also cooked foods.

5. Eat ground beef or ground beef patties only if they have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees.

6. You cannot always look at the color of ground beef as a reliable indicator that it has been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria.

7. Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of ground beef to make sure it was cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

8. Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees.

9. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.

Lord Thompson Manor Kids Cooking Author: Andrew K Kapinga.
Getting the older kids cooking healthy snacks that are simple will help keep them occupied and train them into healthy habits. Young children always want to help out in the kitchen and letting them mix, measure and chop – with a plastic knife – will help develop their hand-eye coordination and their maths skills. Easy recipes for kids can be no-cook meals such as fresh fruit salad and coleslaw. As they get older they will be able to cope with simple meals.

When children are interested in cooking it improves their palate and teaches them healthy habits as they experiment with different recipes. Then when they leave home for uni or wherever, they won’t be so reliant on junk food to survive. Getting the older kids cooking healthy snacks that are simple will help keep them occupied and train them into healthy habits. Young children always want to help out in the kitchen and letting them mix, measure and chop – with a plastic knife – will help develop their hand-eye coordination and their maths skills. Easy recipes for kids can be no-cook meals such as fresh fruit salad and coleslaw. As they get older they will be able to cope with simple meals. Taking children to a farmers market will expose them to a variety of fresh and nutritious foods; letting them grow their own will provide variety too.

When children are used to helping out in the kitchen it gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them feel more confident. Cooking together strengthens family bonds and may even lead your child into a career in cooking that can take them to many different countries. Better still, cooking together can be great fun.

Lord Thompson Manor Outdoor Cooking Author: Carol Freyer.
‘Tis the season for outdoor cooking, and this year there are more options than ever for backyard barbecuing, and even baking, as we will see. In addition to the usual line of gas-fired and briquette grills, wood-fired ovens are gaining popularity amongst food enthusiasts.

Wood-fired ovens come in a couple of different designs. The wood cook stove is a metal stove that usually has an oven chamber beside the wood-burning chamber, and food is cooked while the fire is burning. But there is another kind of wood-fired oven that is also known as a masonry stove, a brick oven or a Quebec oven. These are built of a material that has thermal mass, that is a material that holds and stores heat and releases it long after the source (in this case, fire) is gone. These can be made of bricks, adobe, cement, or cob.

A masonry oven consists of a single, usually done-shaped, chamber, sitting on a base. There is a door, and usually though not always a separate chimney. A fire is lit inside the chamber and fed until the body of the oven has absorbed enough heat. The fire is then allowed to naturally burn out, whereupon the ashes are swept from the oven. Then it is ready for roasting or baking.

These ovens have been popular for years in artisan bakeries and pizzerias, but are gaining popularity for individual use. They are relatively easy to build, and, especially when they are made of cob, which is a mixture of sand, clay and straw, are quite inexpensive. A level foundation is necessary, as is flat surface of fire bricks to form the base of the oven. With a cob oven, the done is then formed of sand with a layer of newspaper covering it and the cob dome covering that. When the cob is dry, the sand and paper is dug out through doorway. The traditional technique for building a Quebec style oven is to make a dome form of saplings which is then covered by the cob or cement. When it is dry the first firing burns the saplings out. A Quebec style oven has a chimney just behind the first door, and a second door behind that to enclose the firing/baking chamber to prevent heat loss through the chimney during baking. Other ovens just have the front door, which acts as a chimney when the fire is burning, and is then closed by a wood or cast-iron door during baking.

Cob ovens should ideally be plastered with a clay-based plaster to prevent weathering, and also covered by a roof, as cob will degrade with exposure to rain. Similar ovens made of bricks withstand weather a bit better, but a cover is still useful to prevent weathering and also prevent rain from cooling the oven during baking.

When well built and thick, and with a good long firing, these ovens can hold heat for an amazingly long time. They can be used for baking one thing after another for the better part of an entire day. Usually, pizza or a similar quick-cooking food is baked first. Then meats can be roasted, then bread and cookies can be baked.

These ovens make a dramatic addition to any backyard. In fact, cob ovens can incorporate benches that are then heated through osmosis during the firing process, making them a cozy place for your guests to lounge, and allowing for exciting outdoor entertaining even in the cold winter months. Depending on the artistic bent of the designer and builder, these ovens and their benches can be tremendously sculptural, or simple and functional. There are many pictures of cob ovens on-line, including a curled up dragon whose nostrils act as a chimney, and an oven that is a bird’s head with a built-in bench on either side that from behind look like the outspread wings of the bird. Others are merely simple yet elegant domes.

Whatever your aesthetic preference, if you enjoy cooking and being outdoors, these beautiful ovens are an intriguing way to do it.