Appliances with electric cords
retactable cord on the rice cooker.
A quick fix.
Posted in Ozarks Travel Examiner
Tagged appliances, bread machine, crock pot, rice cooker, slow cooker
Bypass pruner
Where are your Fiskars? In the tool shed, sewing basket, crafts drawer, and in the office.
Edgers
I had a light bulb moment today. At lunch with my scrap booking girlfriends, Fiskars craft tools came up. They were talking about crafting with Fiskers equipment like stamping tools, punches and paper trimmers they use in craft projects.
Who knew? I just thought Fiskars made some of the best garden tools I own. That is when we punched in Fiskars on our ipods.
“They make sewing stuff,” Liz said.
“I use those orange scissors all the time,” said Gail.
“I just thought they made these really cool paper punches.”
I have several pairs of Fiskars pruners in my garden tools box, all cleaned, ready and waiting for spring. There is also a Fiskars Momentum™ mower in the garage waiting to be tested with the first lawn mowing of 2011.
This is the reel thing.
I am looking forward to using the ergonomically designed mower that says it is much easier to handle, has StaySharp™ blades, and a greater cut range. Every Fiskars tool I’ve used so far has been easy to use and long lasting. But the Momentum™ is way more than the precision pruners I love.
When was the last time you heard anyone say they were looking forward to mowing?
Learn more about Fiskars products
Enter to win the Fiskars® Ultimate Scissors Collection. Giveaway package featuring 8 premium pairs of scissors. Deadline is February 20th, 2011.
Pruning Stik® Telescoping Tree Pruner
The 12′ Pruning Stik® Telescoping Tree Pruner was a big help after last years winter storms. It’s the easiest overhead pruner I’ve used. This is much easier to control
Posted in Gardens (not mine), Gifts, My Homeplace, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Product reviews
Tagged craft, Fiskars, mower, pruners, reel mower, scissors, tools, Tree Pruner
Hamner Barber
Miracle of Christmas is the largest faith based live theatrical performance, Miracle of Christmas, in America. A 300-foot-long stage wraps around a theatrical production that surrounds the audience on three sides. The actors and animals move through the theater aisles and angels fly over head.
It is dramatic presentation of the Christmas story – Jesus coming to earth in human form. With more than 45 actors telling a story of kings, angels, shepherds and the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
Sight & Sound Theatres, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson MO 65616, phone 800-377-1277. E-mail: groupsales@sight-sound.com. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, by visiting the website, or by calling 800-377-1277. The show is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an intermission.
Check the calender for specific dates. Miracle of Christmas runs through – Dec 30, 2009.
Cost For 1-14 ADULTS :$47, CHILD :$16, TEEN :$23. Groups of 15 or more are ADULTS: $44.65 , CHILD: $$16.00, and TEEN $$23.00.
Lodging
Chateau on the Lake – Branson, Missouri’s only AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, Spa & Convention Center. 415 North State Highway 265 • Branson, Missouri 65616
Toll Free: 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) • Phone: (417) 334-1161 • Fax: (417) 339-5566
Stay Three Nights for the Price of Two
between now and November 30th, plan to stay a minimum of three consecutive nights – Sunday through Thursday before December 16th, 2010 – and the THIRD NIGHT IS ON US!
Enjoy all our Chateau amenities – indoor pool and hot tub, fitness facility, nature trail, tennis courts, nightly movies in Sassafras Theatre and free indoor parking.
New Year’s Eve Special Celebrate 2011 at the Chateau on the Lake!! Availability:
12/31/2010 – 12/31/2010
Where to eat
Branson Cafe – come celebrate the Branson’s cafe’s 100th anniversary.
120 W Main St., Branson MO 65616
Phone: 417-334-3021, E-mail: ymicser@yahoo.com
More to do
I like to have a little bit of magic and mystery in this old world. That brings me to Happiness is an Illusion Hamner Barber Variety Show is laugh out loud funny with comedy, dance, magic and ventriloquism in one show. The second half of the show is their holiday show: Wings of Christmas Hamner Barber also has one of Branson’s most touching tributes to veterans. “Thank You’s Not Enough,” is a heartwarming multimedia finale that has audiences on their feet.
Christmas Limo Lights Tour
Make this Christmas season a memorable one for you, your family, friends, or a company Christmas party.
Sit back and enjoy some sparkling cider while listening to your favorite Christmas music in one of our warm and luxurious limousines. Please call for details, we would be happy to help you plan your Christmas or New Year’s Eve event.
Make reservations online or call (417) 331.1316
• 4 Passenger Luxury Sedan – $130.00*
• 10 Passenger Super Stretch Limousine – $240.00*
Prices are for a Two-Hour Tour (6-8 PM or 8:30-10:30 PM
Make reservations online or call (417) 331.1316
For more information: Chamber of Commerce & CVB Visitor Welcome Center. http://www.explorebranson.com
Welcome Center is at the intersection of U.S. 65 and Highway 248 (Red Route). Make this you first stop in Branson for friendly faces, free maps, brochures, Branson Vacation Guides, coffee and clean restrooms.
Branson – regarded as the “Live Music Show Capital of America,” Branson features more than 100 live shows every day.
Comments Off on Branson’s weekend of magic and miracles
Posted in Gifts, Go Away, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Traveling
Tagged Barber, Hamner, magic show, Miracle of Christmas, Ventriloquist
Bass Pro
I have good friends going to the Springfield and Branson area for an all too short getaway. I hope they have a much needed break, because after this weekend, Christmas shopping, decorating, baking, caroling begins in all our lives. Lynn and Brian McCreery own the The Irish Inn in Ozark, IL USA
If they don’t have time for everything, maybe they can try some of these things: Branson Zipline is just North of Branson, off Hwy 65, easy to see the giant billboard. I wrote about it at Halloween time, but I think now is a good time to go. Leaf fall has made it easier to see the terrain from a fast flying birds eye view and, Brian, it may comfort you to know that they’ve never lost anyone, yet. http://www.examiner.com/ozarks-travel-in-st-louis/happy-halloweeee
I like to have a little bit of magic and mystery in this old world. That brings me to Happiness is an Illusion. 
Hamner Barber Variety Show is laugh out loud funny with comedy, dance, magic and ventriloquism in one show. Hamner Barber also has one of Branson’s most touching tributes to veterans. “Thank You’s Not Enough,” is a heartwarming multimedia finale that has audiences on their feet.
In Branson, not fancy just simply good. Eat Here:
Branson Cafe, this is authentic regional cuisine. Save room for pie.
http://www.examiner.com/ozarks-travel-in-st-louis/branson-caf-serves-country-style-food-for-100-years
or here:
http://www.examiner.com/ozarks-travel-in-st-louis/branson-s-sugar-leaf-bakery-cafe-grand-village
I love the Grand Village and I love the Sugar Leaf Bakery/Cafe. No matter what you have, it will be good.
You will love Shoji’s Christmas Show and don’t miss the Titanic Exhibit.
(FREE Event Father Christmas will be at the Titanic with his reindeer on some weekends.)
In Springfield, help make the world a better place. Eat chocolate.
Don’t miss Askinoisie Chocolate This may be the purest chocolate you have ever eaten. It is made of only two things: Cacao and sugar.
Chocolate for a better world.
Askinosie Chocolate is a small batch bean to bar chocolate manufacturer. Shawn Askinoisie buys cacao directly from the farmers for more than market value. (most cacao farmers live in poverty). Askinosie is unique because each small batch is single-origin cocoa butter and nibs, plus you get to know exactly who grew your chocolate and where.
Askinoisie Chocolate 514 E Commercial St. Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 862-9900
Go Here. No, really. Bass Pro is Springfield’s biggest tourist attraction. Popcorn, Christmas dishes, warm socks. Really good warm socks, plus I bought a jacket on sale. They even have binoculars, GPS’ , knife sharpeners and hand warmers.
In Springfield, Eat Here:
Springfield Brewing Company, a local pub, seasonal beer, can’t wait to hear what you think, Lynn and Brian. Also, this is good food, lunch or dinner.
http://www.examiner.com/ozarks-travel-in-st-louis/roof-top-garden-grows-on-springfield-brewing-company
or eat here, Farmers Gastropub, sustainable, farm to table food. Not fancy, but the food is good and the beer is cold. 431 S. Jefferson, Ste. 160 (entrance on Pershing next to The Moxie), phone (417) 864-6994 is open 9:30-11 p.m. M-W and 9:30 a.m.-midnight Th-Sat, with Bistro Dining 6-9:30 p.m. Th-Sat
The Irish Inn
The Irish Inn is in the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost Illinois. I’ve stayed at the Irish Inn. The hosts are charming, the rooms are beautifully appointed, the breakfast is unforgetable. I enjoyed our getaways to the Irish Inn, they are on the Shawnee wine trail and near orchards and vinyards. http://irishinn.tripod.com This may turn out to be one of you favorite B&Bs, too. Call (618) 695-3355 or (618) 695-5683.
The McCreerys are staying at Dear’s Rest Bed and Breakfast in Ozark, MO. Owned by Allan and Linda Schilter, call 417 581 3839 or view the weboage http://www.dearsrest.com. The Dear’s Rest is half way between Springfield and Branson.
Comments Off on Lynn and Brian Go to Branson
Posted in Eat Here, Gifts, Go Away, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Traveling
Tagged Branson Cafe, Branson Zipline, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gastropub, Shoji, Springfield, Sugar Leaf Bakery, Titanic
Jules and I made a holiday shopping deal. I tease him that Bass Pro Outdoor World is the original man cave chain. “Well I bet I can shop for you and get all your Christmas presents here too,” he challenged. And I said I could do all my shopping for him this year in Bass Pro.
Santa's on his way“
This seems like a doable and more precisely a winable challenge. One more thing you should know: Jules and I are not hunters or campers and I only trout fish rarely, and then it’s catch and release.
This is how we spent the better part of a day in one store and got all our Christmas shopping done. We had a lunch break at Hemingways. If you have kids in tow, they can have bunches of fun at Bass Pro.
For the Kids:
Santa’sWonderland where there is over 3,500 square feet of free holiday magic. With elves moving trains, arcades, free craft activities and even make and take tree ornaments on weekends.
Bass Pro has the old fashioned Magical Wonderland where the post man takes your letters to Santa. There are even free pictures with Santa. Go to Basspro.com to check times for photos through December 24. The Wonderland Santa is at every Bass Pro store.
There is a Thanksgiving 4-day sale and a seperate Black Friday 5 Hours Only Sale (November 26, 6am-11:00 pm)
More than hunting and camping equipment
Bass Pro Shops is an online sporting goods retailer that offers a large selection of hunting and fishing gear. Founded in 1971, they are one of the largest outdoor retailers in the United States
The granddaddy of all Bass Pro stores is in Springfield, MO. It is also a major tourist attraction in the state of Missouri. Bass Pro Shop:1935 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807, Phone: 417-887-7334
GPS Coordinates: 37.1798ºN, 93.2973ºW (WGS84/NAD83)
To learn about accomodations in the Springfield area. Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3315 E. Battlefield Road- Springfield, MO 65804. Downtown Visitor Information Center, 815 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 100 – Springfield, MO 65806 (800) 678-8767 or (417) 881-5300 – fax (417) 881-2231 cvb@springfieldmo.org
Comments Off on Christmas Shopping Done!
Posted in Eat Here, Gifts, Go Away, My Gardens, My Homeplace, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Product reviews, Traveling
Tagged Bass Pro, Christmas shopping, Magical Wonderland, Outdoor World, presents, Santa's Wonderland, socks
Christmas Gifts for Gardeners
Bass Pro in Springfield, MO
Go Caddy
Perfect tote for garden phographers
This Go Caddy can carry more than you might think. It folds flat and stays in my suitcase, ever ready for my travels.
Eating your way to a better world with bean to bar chocolate.
Dark Chocolate
Milk Chocolate
Peppermint
Gator Grabber
The Gator Grabber it’s much easier to keep my balance when picking up
pine cone or
black walnuts.
Herbaria
This Herbaria soap has cornmeal to gently clean hands.
Mild
Fragrant
Long lasting
Watch your Garden Grow with Plant Cam
The Plant Cam photos can be converted to movies.
I’m going to photograph my
daffodils and
tulips
Watering Can
The Best Gift U CAN give a Gardener
This U CAN watering can is well balanced and easy to carry.
Posted in Gifts, Herbs in the garden, My Gardens, My Homeplace, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Product reviews
Tagged Christmas gifts, garden gift, Gator Grabber, Go Caddy, Herbaria, plant cam, Santa, U Can
Christmas Gifts for Gardeners
Plant Cam the website shows plant cam, bird cam and project cam. I received a free Plant Cam from the makers so that I can evaluate it and write about my experience. I’m staking out Plant Cam to several locations so I can literally see the daffodils and tulips bloom from beginning to end this spring.
weather proof timelapse camera,
The time lapse photos blend into a seamless movie of spring in my front yard!
Read the Blog
Find it here: Store Locator
Buy online: Timelapse PlantCam
Price $79.95
More good news: There are tips for movies and e-mailing photos on the website.
Posted in Gifts, Herbs in the garden, My Gardens, My Homeplace, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner
Tagged bird can, plant cam, plant photography, plant watch
The Garden Bistro in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
I get to Eureka Springs, Arkansas once or twice a year, it seems as though new restaurants come and go as quickly as I do. Or, as Dorthy said, “My! People come and go so quickly here!”
My point is, there was a decent restaurant in this location the last time I was in Eureka Springs, but now there is a different great restaurant at 119 North Main. The good news: everything I had at the Garden Bistro was good. Bad news, I only “discovered” The Garden Bistro on my last day in Eureka Springs.
Chef Lana Campbell brings garden-fresh dining to Eureka Springs via the local farmers markets. The menu is seasonal. Meaning the menu in spring is different than the menu in fall, all based on what is fresh and local. The Garden Bistro serves the best of locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs and meats.
Diners at the next table allowed me to share their opinions and photograph their food. They were pleased with their entrees, none of us had dessert. Portions are very generous.
Strawberry Lavender Soup
My fellow diners started with a fried green tomato appetiser followed by a dinner salad. I started my meal with a fabulous strawberry lavender soup*. Campbell also makes the bread. The heavy yeasty rolls are rich enough that I did not not even want butter.
My entre choice was a pecan encrusted salmon. It was a generous portion of perfectly cooked and beautifully served salmon. Side dishes are served family style, and include a vegetable and starch.
Herb & pecan encrusted salmon, hot bread, green beans, baked potato
There is a new restaurant in town every time I come to Eureka Springs. I hope The Garden Bistro makes it. It will become a favorite, like Ermilios and Mud Street Cafe.
Getting there:
119 North Main, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Contact:Phone:(479) 253-1281.Website: not yet
Hours:Tea Room style lunches from 11 am – 2 pm Thursday through Monday.
Casual fine dining dinners from 5 pm – 9 pm every Thursday through Monday.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
The recipe for Strawberry Lavender Soup from The Garden Bistro in Eureka Springs Arkansas is on my Herb Companion Garden Blog
The restaurant review for The Garden Bistro in Eureka Springs Arkansas is on my Blog, Oh Grow Up!
Comments Off on The Garden Bistro – a review
Posted in Eat Here, Herbs in the kitchen, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Product reviews, Recipes
Tagged Campbell, Eureka Springs, Garden Bistro, lavender, pecan encrusted salmon, Salmon, soup, Strawberry
I am not going to reinvent the wheel. This is a great idea. It’s not mine.
By mid winter, I’m ready to impale sweet potatoes with toothpicks and it takes all my strength to keep from buying chia pets in bulk. I want to grow Something. Anything. So this winter, I will be prepaired, thanks to Botanical Interests, Inc.
This is a great idea from a respected source for the best quality seed a gardener can buy. Read this, Micro Greens for Holiday Meals and save yourself from suspended vegetation. In fact, let’s just make a pledge: NO MORE Avacado Piercing.
How about an ity bity salad?
I’m ordering Micro Greens Mild Mix now. This mix includes: Beet Bulls Blood, Pak Choy, Cabbage Red Ace, Kohlrabi, and Swiss Chard Lucullus.
This would be great on a turkey sandwich.
And, maybe even Micro Greens Spicy Mix which contains: Sawtooth Mustard, Peppergrass Cress, Cabbage Red Acre, Mustard Red Giant, and Radish China Rose.
Yes, this is way better than sprouts.
Thanks, Botanical Interests!
Comments Off on Micro Greens for Holiday Meals
Posted in Ozarks Travel Examiner
Tagged Botanical Interests, garden fix, Micro Greens, mild mix, Spicy Mix, winter greens
Black Krim with a slightly salty tomato flavor
So you thought I was done talking about tomatoes for the year.
But no. There are more heirloom tomato surprises from zone 6 in Southeast Missouri.
Called black tomatoes, Black Krim produces a medium size (10 to 12 ozs.), dark browish-red tomatoes. This heirloom is growing in popularity and being discovered by black tomato converts every year. It has just a hint of saltiness, and rich, comomplex flavor.
Black Krim gets darker in hot weather, which may shed some light to neighbor Bill’s very colorful cooler season Black Krim Tomatoes.
Here is a bit of a surprise. (I pulled up all the tomatoes in my garden 3 weeks ago.)
Patsybell,
This tomato plant you gave me this spring has just now sprung into action. All summer it produced a few tomatoes that would ripen and rot at the bottom of the fruit
while the top was still green.When October got here – lots of fruit, ripening evenly and the very best tasting tomato of the year. Should I save some seed from them?
Hope you can see these pictures.
Thank you,
Neighbor Bill
Black Krims are a generous sandwich sized slices.
Black Krim plants were sent to me for trial from Hort Couture®,
Hort Couture® is only available through independent garden centers and retailers- you won’t see these plants in the mass markets. While the plants arrived healthy, I shared one plant with my neighbor, Bill, The head tomato grower in our neighborhood. These tomatoes have a very tasty smoky/rich flavor that was a regular and consistant indeterminate that only sucummed to late blight as did all the tomatoes in my garden.
Grown in the heat of summer, my Black Krim had brownish shoulders and red purplish skin and flesh. The color was not as distinct this summer. I used the black heirloom tomatoes in fresh salsa the summer. The Black Krim just seems to add another level of flavor to salsa.
Two late season Black Krims
Comments Off on Black Krim
Posted in Herb Everything, Herbs in the garden, Herbs in the kitchen, My Gardens, My Homeplace, Oh Grow Up!, Ozarks Travel Examiner, Product reviews
Tagged Black Krim, black tomato, heirloom tomato, indeterminate, tomatoplant
