Delicious Dips & Holiday Cheer

It was a cold night for the North Bay last night when we headed up to Healdsburg in the heart of dry creek and Anderson Valley for the annual fundraising event for Healdsburg library. The theme was wine and food and I was asked to bring an appetizer on behalf of an organization I belong to, Sonoma Culinary Guild. It was my pleasure.
Delicoius Dips

Marie and I showed up sporting Christmas red clothes and an hors d'oeuvre of dipped stuffed peppers, big chubby ones, in red, orange, yellow and green. Against the background of our square white plate and teamed up with all natural crackers in several shapes, this was a visual as well as a flavor hit. One of the dips was made with cream cheese or low fat cream cheese, blue cheese and I used the last portion of quite, strong blue cheese, mashed together, lightened up with some low fat sour cream and then for the final finish, we toasted and chopped some pecans. The whole things blended together in the course of the afternoon and were really a taste sensation.

I think I first had this type of dip in a little in Savannah, GA about twenty years ago..it stuck with me. The next one was a secret dip I learned at the Oaks in Ohio, an Inn/Spa that is noted for its affordable prices and fabulous cuisine. In one class, we learned to take low fat ricotta (non-fat cottage cheese works too) and a few chunks of strongly flavored hard cheese, in this case I used an excellent, ultra sharp New England Cheddar. Throw them together in a food processor and process longer until you would ever believe, until they totally form a dense cream consistency. Then, decant into a refrigerator container and store. Don’t taste until the next day. It’s amazing, but just 20% of the higher fat hard cheese totally permeates the blander ricotta and the whole dip is absolutely yummy and heart healthy.

My final dip was made of yogurt. In this case, a nice whole milk one-still pretty low in calories. Which I spiced up with some finally chopped green onion stems and a handful of finely chopped cilantro or parsley would be good too. Blend that, add some cracked black pepper and pop it in the refrigerator to combine overnight.
Delicious Dips

As you can see, the theme we chose was healthy, which is a lot of people we know New Years Resolution plan, just eat healthier all the time not be doing anything stringent, but by enjoying the delicious flavor of natural foods and cutting out fat calories, especially saturated fat calories by swapping lower cal dairy products. We heard lots of “mmms” and “wow delicious”. Come to think of it, it could be paired with Sonoma County’s finest wines, by Segheio, elevated our hors d'oeuvre quite a bit. What are you serving for holiday parties? We’d love to hear, send us your recipes!

Best to you and yours,

Pamela

The Color Orange

Autumn colors, the leaves turning oh so rapidly, the time is changing and it’s getting darker. To me, that means it’s time to brighten up! A really great way to do so is with the color of the season. Orange, whether pumpkin, azenia, carrot stick or turmeric is a color that spells optimism and energy.

If you love orange, like me, what does it say about you? You’re likely “outgoing, creative, expressive and young at heart,” says Colorstrology author and founder of myinnerworld.com Michelle Berhardt.
Colorstrology $13.57 amazon.com ISBN # 15947440259


I love orange and I love to bring it into rooms, but it can also be tricky if you want it to really be a treat. Generally when using deep pumpkin, or a bright day lily, it goes best in a smaller room and is great for rooms that will be lit at night. It also makes a fabulous accent color. Whether a bright chair or stool in the kitchen, or accent pillows on the sofa. The mellower, more amber shades may be used on larger surfaces with good effect. All oranges pair beautifully with mahogany, deep dark plum, medium dark blue, white, clove, dark woods and my personal favorite, chocolate velvet. The only color to really avoid is black, which except in the tiniest amounts on accessories creates too much of a trick-or-treat atmosphere.

If you’re going to add orange to a bedroom, do so with care, but do it! Perhaps start with a throw, it could be solid or even more fun and ethnic textile, maybe a paisley. I’m also seeing more top of bed and throw pillows with hints of orange. These can really wake up many background shade bedrooms, especially those with wall shades of mossy greens, pinks and “ubiquitous beige-y.” Keep those sheets and other under bedding white to balance this very vibrant hue.


Flowers are another natural way to add shades of fall to your decor, some of the very best looking silk and dried flowers can be found in this vibrant palette. Think field poppies, day lily, chrysanthemums, tithonia, sunflowers, there are so many. Why not mix them up with some taller hat tails, wheat ornamental Chinese pumpkins for a really stand out presentation? I also noticed more lamps and other room accessories in an orange or rust hue. I don’t think you can miss with a rust colored suede leather or velvet side chair. These shades of amber also go well to punch up a blush pink room and give it a little more backbone for winter.

Finally, I passed a house in Napa not too long ago that had a glossy front door in a rich but slightly muted pumpkin shade. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was gourd b1-2 by Dutch Boy. The door looked sensational with brass knocker, brass lamp above and flanked by terracotta pots running riot with greens and white Geranium. What a welcoming entry! I can just imagine it, with seasonal wreaths hung, if one were so inclined. Speaking of pumpkin, don’t miss out on our pumpkin pie recipes, pumpkin muffins and much, much more in the recipe section of

Some Oranges To Preview:

-Clay Red
-Valspar Orange Fruit
-Orange Bead
-Benjamin Moore Mandarin Orange
-Behr Paints Sweet Mandarin
-Glidden Paint Deep Garnet
-Glidden Paint Vibrant Day Lily
- Turmeric- Yarrow SW6669
- Carrot Stick- Crushed Orange 250B-7
- Wild Fire- Orange Bowl 47YR
- Zinnia- Palomino 2011-12
-Pumpkin Seed- Gourd B1-2
-Autumn Orange2156-10
-Autumn Glow 250B-6

Nebraska Travels & Award Winning Recipe!

Just back today from the amazing state of Nebraska where I had the pleasure of addressing the Nebraska Association of Bed and Breakfasts and the 2009 Nebraska travel and tourism conference. I am amazed by the inventiveness that the Nebraskans have shown in developing the tourism industry and increasing lodging and stay-overs in their state. Actually one of the most heavily transited in the United States going back all the way to the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, Union Pacific Railroad, and now Highway 8, which carries over 16,000 travelers over 450 plus miles each year. I had the pleasure of also taking part in the annual Bed and Breakfast recipe contest. Even after reviewing more than 6,000 B&B recipes for our cookbooks, including our latest Cinnamon Morning and Savory Nights, I still get a thrill from a wonderful thrill from a new recipe and this one developed by Yvonne Dalluge from My Blue Heaven B&B in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

UPSIDE-DOWN BANANA-WALNUT FRENCH TOAST
1 ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup butter or margarine, melted
¼ cup corn syrup ½ cup chopped walnuts
3 medium bananas, sliced 1 loaf sliced unfrosted firm cinnamon bread
6 eggs 1 ½ cups milk
1 teas. Vanilla
Spray bottom and sides of 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray of grease with shortening. Gently stir in bananas. Spoon banana mixture into baking dish.
Reserve heels of bread for another use. Arrange 2 loaves of bread on banana mixture, tearing bread to fit if needed.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and vanilla with a wire whish until well mixed. Pour over bread. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 24 hours.
Heat over to 325. Uncover bread mixture. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve portions upside down, spooning sauce from bottom of dish to cover each serving.
Makes 10 servings.

Best,
-Pamela

Fall Bliss

Northern California we’ve just experienced our first big rain, the air has changed, fall has clearly arrived and I am on my way to speak at the Nebraska bed and breakfast convention next week. On Wednesday, I’ll be addressing all of Nebraska tourism on the subject of destination marketing. So, as a traveler, I’m also looking around and wondering what my own destination has to offer that I haven’t really tapped into yet. A quick perusal of the visitors center site came up with two October Fest gatherings this weekend- beer, brats, and dancing.

Several pumpkin farms, which would be a blast with kids! , and a local brewpub are offering some special fall pumpkin pilsner. I decided to keep it simple this year in terms of the decorations. I found a great, tall pumpkin inexpensively, which I stuck on top of the old milk canister near the entrance to the house. A beautiful, glowing, harvest gold Chrysanthemum right by the back door, which I bough in tight bud, will provide us with lots of color and inspiration for the next three weeks. After it’s bloomed out, I’ll transplant it into the perennial border and later on at the end of November. After well established, I’ll cut it back with everything else.

This is a terrific time of year to think about what you want next years garden to look like, and that goes for however small your plot may be. By placing several thicknesses of newspaper over unwanted weeds and pads and weighing them down, you can kill them off for the year to come. This is good for the environment- less pesticides, and easy on your back. There is still time and more moderate climbs to put in some herbs. I keep a half of wine barrel filled with rich soil to which I have added some handfuls or vermiculite to hold the water right by my back door. In the center, elevated on a few bricks, goes my seasonal plant, in this case the Chrysanthemum. After that, I’m thinking of pink poinsettia, and around the sides of my barrel about three inches away from the wall of the barrel, I plant herbs. Most especially, tough ones like thyme, which also attractively spills over the edge, parsley both curly and flat is an absolute must, oregano, and sage, another decorative one, and whatever else the garden center offers up. In the spring I am always sure to add a few nasturtium seeds as their bright blooms tumble over the side, and both leaves and the bright blossoms are edible. Here is Northern California, we do get some frost in the winter, so if we are expecting one of those I take the centerpiece plant inside, and water the whole half barrel well, because water drown doesn’t freeze nearly as easily. Then, I loosely drape an old sheet over the whole thing. This is proven very effective for me. Finally, I love to cook and on a dreary day. Nothing raises my spirits more than a bout in the kitchen.
I am currently testing for a favorite apple crisp recipe-do you have one? Please send it to us!

mailto:Lanier@travelguides.com, and also, I am in search for my ultimate tender, delicious, healthy but not “ucky” bran muffin recipe. I’d love your input on that too! Have a beautiful fall, and Happy Halloween.

-Pamela

Fabulous Upcoming Innkeeper Conferences!

Hello Everybody! I wanted to personally invite all Innkeepers to our upcoming complimentary conference in NYC!
We felt it was time that our members have access to the latest products and services for the hospitality industry, and a voice at the industry's leading platform, so we've forged a partnership with The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show on your behalf. Take part in fascinating workshops, focusing on all sectors of the lodging experience alongside your peers, hoteliers, marketing directors and other lodging professions. Best of all, there is absolutely no charge for BBIGI members to attend the show on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Take advantage of the conference's negotiated rates at some of New York's finest hotels and join Pamela and Marie, and your fellow innkeepers, for some special sessions and entertainment just for us (including a Broadway style show!).

In addition, the upcoming Seminar At Sea Conference is also a great and informative, fun-filled conference to attend! Join your fellow Innkeepers on an 7 day Cruise the week of January 9 - 16, 2010 for a memorable Marketing Cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl in the Sunny Caribbean. This 2010 seven-day Cruise will head south out of Miami to Samana; St. Thomas; Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Our very own Marie Lanier, of lanier Publishing and VP of TravelGuides. Marie has become the new Marketing Guru at TravelGuides and is an expert when it comes to Social Networking. Both of these speakers are pillars of the Bed & Breakfast Industry whose knowledge on operations and marketing is invaluable to all of us. Seminars are given only on the days when the Ship is at Sea and these speakers will take part in round-table discussions on one of the days when we are at sea. This way, these experts can help answer your questions on B&B operations and marketing, and this interests all of us.

Cruise Itinerary

Saturday, January 9, 2010 --- Miami, Florida -- Depart 04:00 PM
Sunday, January 10, 2010 --- At Sea
Monday, January 11, 2010 -- Samana Arrive 10:00 AM - Depart 06:00 PM
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 -- St Thomas-- Arrive 09:00 AM - Depart 06:00 PM
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 -- Tortola (Roadtown) -- Arrive 07:00 AM -- Depart 03:00 PM
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - At Sea
Friday, . January 15, 2010 -- Great Stirrup Cay-- Arrive 09:00 AM -- Depart 06:00 PM
Saturday, January 16, 2010 -- Miami -- Arrive 08:00 AM


-These two conferences are going to be just fantastic, and are a great resource for Innkeepers! Not only can you learn very helpful tips on how to promote your Inn & continue your steady flow of travelers, you can also network-have a great time, and enjoy a nice vacation for yourself for once, instead of playing hostess! I recommend both to all of you! Can't wait!

FALL IS IN THE AIR

Fall is in the air- everywhere. I just returned from Southern Michigan where I toured a rose garden of nine hundred bushes on the premises of an amazing Friesian dairy cow-breeding farm. Some of the roses were still in bloom, but not for long. I love to celebrate harvest by taking drives and short getaways in the country. Fall just isn’t the same in the city. One of our favorite things to do is pack a picnic. While tracing around the countryside, it’s a great time to get a good value on pumpkins, gourds and all sorts of wonderful fall decorations and provision. There is nothing more comforting than the family joy this harvest holiday brings. It’s time to bake some fall goodies, fill the home with harvest décor, and heighten the moods of the ones you love. It’s difficult for one not to embrace this rich and vibrant season. The beautiful trees full of bright leaves, the crisp afternoon air, and light, gentle breeze will surely strengthen the hearts of many. Somehow that golden light brings out the romantic in all of us, so maybe this is also a great time for you and your sweetie to have a brief interlude at a country Inn.

"B&Bs Keep Their Bounce"-USA TODAY-

It was such a pleasure talking to Laura Bly about the B&B industry. I was especially glad to see todays article "B&Bs Keep Their Bounce", and that it recommends our website LanierBB.com. As I've been hearing from Inns the past few weeks, it does indeed look like folks are traveling to B&Bs!"There was a lot of panic earlier this year, but I can't remember a single weekend this summer that all inns didn't sell out," says Stan Rosen, head of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau lodging committee and owner of Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox.


The article confidently confirmed travelers are yet indeed still retreating to B&Bs across the globe. Tech-savvy updates and enticing packages have really worked in the B&Bs favor, as these tactics have successfully attracted travelers, and kept their doors open wide.

LanierBB.com was recommended in this featured article, as a B&B directory source frequently used by travelers. Bly referred to B&B as a B&B directory that highlighted deals and gave the traveler the choice to search for B&Bs by location, interests and amenities.

To read the full text article, and learn more about LanierBB.com, be sure to visit the link provided. http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2009-09-24-bed-and-breakfasts-lenox-ma_N.htm

Lanier Publishing International has established itself as the leader in providing quality, specialty lodging information through its best-selling print guides and award-winning web sites. Since 1982, Lanier Publishing has remained firm in its commitment to provide the most accurate, educational and current information for the traveling public and the accommodations industry.

Cooking With Julia Childs-A Fascinating Woman & True Inspiration

Julia Child was a great lady, an excellent educator, and a very warm and generous person as well. When I first thought to do bed and breakfast cookbook in 1985, our mutual friend Marion Cunningham (author of Fannie Farmer Cookbook and Lost Recipes: meals to share with family and friends) made an introduction and Julia was kind enough to give me some very practical advice about what readers want and how to write a successful cookbook-who would know better? A recipe of Julia’s that I use all the time and was actually one of the first “French” recipes I learned as a teen watching her show, was for Hollandaise Sauce. I still use the original recipe which can be varied by using tarragon vinegar and a little dried tarragon made into a reduction, which when cooled, may be used in place of the lemon juice to make a classic sauce for meats. Julia Childs mentions sauce recipes from Mastering The Art of French Cooking several times in her memoir, “My Life In France.” There’s a photocopy of a piece of paper that contains her hollandaise sauce recipe that she typed herself. It’s marked “ Top Secret!” On a side note, if you’re thinking about reading “My Life In France”, you definitely should! I absolutely loved it!

Hollendaise Sauce Recipe from “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”:
Ingredients
· 3 egg yolks
· 1 tablespoon water
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, if needed (or more)
· 6-8 ounces very soft unsalted butter
· 1 dash cayenne pepper
· Salt, to taste
· Fresh ground white pepper, to taste
Directions

1. Whisk the yolks, water, and lemon juice in the saucepan for a few moments, until thick and pale (this prepares them for what is to come).

2. Set the pan over moderately low heat and continue to whisk at reasonable speed, reaching all over the bottom and insides of the pan, where the eggs tend to overcook.

3. To moderate the heat, frequently move the pan off the burner for a few seconds, and then back on. (If, by chance, the eggs seem to be cooking too fast, set the pan in the bowl of cold water to cool the bottom, then continue).


4. As they cook, the eggs will become frothy and increase in volume, and then thicken. When you can see the pan bottom through the streaks of the whisk and the eggs are thick and smooth, remove from the heat.

5. By spoonfuls, add the soft butter, whisking constantly to incorporate each addition. As the emulsion forms, you may add the butter in slightly larger amounts, always whisking until fully absorbed. Continue incorporating butter until the sauce has thickened to the consistency you want.

6. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper, whisking in well. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding droplets of lemon juice if needed. Serve lukewarm.

Julia Childs updated version of this recipe is found in her “Mastering the Art of French Cooking 40th Anniversary Edition”;
BLENDER HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
Start to finish: 5 minutes
Makes about 3/4 cup
Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, cut into small pieces
Directions:
In a blender, combine the egg yolks, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium-high, add the butter and heat until foaming.
Blend the egg yolk mixture at top speed for 2 seconds then, with the blender running, remove the cover and pour in the hot butter in a thin stream of droplets. By the time two-thirds of the butter has been added, the sauce will be a thick cream. Continue pouring, but don't pour in the milky residue at the bottom of the pan. Taste and adjust seasonings.
If not using the sauce immediately, set the blender carafe in tepid, but not warm, water.

Slipping Between The Sheets

I don't know about you, but one of the high points of my bed and breakfast stays is slipping between the sheets into a sumptuous, luxurious bed in a lovely room and letting my cares drift away. The more I talk with avid B&B goers over breakfast, the more I find a shared trait of enjoying physical comfort and even sensual luxury. I can’t tell you how many times I've heard a fellow guest exclaiming over our shared morning pancakes how well he slept on that firm but yielding pillow top bed, and how the pillows were just heavenly!

Beautiful white linen brightens every bedroom.
For some time now, I have been on a personal quest for fantastic sheets and have gathered several pointers to be on the lookout for. If you’re unsure how important the thread count really is, just remember that 300 is the magic number—anything above that is considered high-quality. Some super high thread counts can be very stiff, so a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up better to washing, but you shouldn’t settle for anything below 300. It’s important to remember that pliability counts, too; you can check a sheet’s pliability by simply folding the corner of the sheet in your hand if the crease feels sharp you might want to continue looking. Cotton sheets are less likely to stain and will release dirt easily when wet. If you stay with white, which is my preference and recommendation, it can always be bleached to remove any persistent stains and they will always look fresh.

Recently, I have started polling other B&B travelers and innkeepers about their favorite sheets and some of those that rose to the surface were Percale sheets. Offering an exceptionally crisp, cool, satin finish with a higher proportion of vertices threads result in a super soft fabric. Below I have listed specific examples:

* Grand Supima: 450-thread count, gorgeous lace trimmed boarder ($79.99 for a queen flat)
* The Private Essential: 412-thread count wrinkle free collection, 100% ultra fine extra long staple Egyptian cotton ($44.99 for a queen flat)
* Court of Versailles Palace Collection: Silky smooth ($40 at Sam’s Club)
* Target Home: Very soft 600-thread count with strong elastic corners ($70 at Target)
* Chris Madden: Wrinkle-free, cool and silky ($70 at JCPenney)
* Garnet Hill Scallop Percale ($110 for a queen set)
* Lands' End Easy-Care ($109.50 for a queen set)

And now it is time for breakfast in bed. Offer your guests a delightful night's rest on quality sheets—they will be coming back for more nights in your wonderful beds!

Best,
Pamela

Conserving Inn Style

A ripe area for easy green upgrades is the bathroom and many inns have done a terrific job implementing simple but highly effective improvements and trade-outs to improve their inn’s carbon footprint. Since bathrooms account for almost 75% of consumer water use, it is an area ripe for improvement. Moreover, that translates right into savings on utility bills. You might like to pick up on some of these tips to adapt to your home.
A light and airy bathroom is achieved using white and beige. Consider putting in a new shower head. The new water saving kind still provides a strong spray while using one third to half as much water as standards.
A water saving shower head also saves money.

Add some additional mirrors to your bathroom to reflect additional ambient light while increasing the sense of space. If you position them across from windows, they also bring the outdoors in. If you are doing any renovations, consider putting in a tank less water heater, also known as on demand. If that’s not in the cards, be sure to install a water heater blanket which reduces heat loss 20 to 40% and also turning the thermostat down to 120 is a big energy saver as well.

Energy smart light bulbs are a must. And now that they’re almost identical to the standard incandescent, it’s easy to replace them. If you don’t care for the quality light that CFLs emit, I recommend adding a small side lamp to your bathroom décor and outfitting it with a low-watt pink bulb. This serves two services. It not only improves greatly the quality of light, but you might also be surprised at how great you look in the mirror thanks to the rosy glow.
Towels add a decorator’s touch to your bathroom decor.

When it’s time to purchase some new towels. And by all means, go organic. How about giving those new bamboo towels a try? I found them to be very absorbent and plush.

Finally, installing a low-flow toilet is a great idea. And now, the new high-performance models, they flush waste very effectively. The dual flush can save you even more.

As I travel around the country, I notice that in some areas, there’s been abundant rain while here in California, we’re always on the verge of another drought. Summer is a great time to be water conscious and take some clues from my favorite B&Bs to enhance your domestic water use profile.
A stylish decorator shelf with candles and fragrances for a touch of class.

Add a touch of luxury, B&B style, by including a comfy upholstered chair to the bathroom. If you don’t have room for a chair, an upholstered bench or stool will serve the same purpose. I often see some with nifty designs at thrift store, often in need of nothing more than some new padding and upholstery. Why not upholster the top in a cushy layer of organically grown terry cloth and make it a snappy color while you’re at it. This would be a perfect place to utilize one of those bamboo towels which come in a rainbow of colors to reupholster a stool or bench top. What a way to add instant pizazz to your bathroom décor!

Best,
Pamela

Family Reunions

More and more families are searching for their “roots” and as a result, family reunions are becoming increasingly important as people turn towards their family for a sense of belonging.

With improved communication and transportation, families are in closer contact with the more distant members of the clan. These days, a reunion might involve at least 50 people from thousands of miles apart. The host family doesn’t live in the same village as in days of old. The large multi-generation farm or house is long gone and Grandma and Grandpa are unable to put everybody up for a week

Bed and breakfasts make fantastic locales for family reunions. One of the beauties being that family groups can be accommodated in one homey place and if the reunion has larger, multiple family groupings they can be accommodated at nearby inns. Some inns have wonderful spaces designed for all sorts of gatherings where the group activities can take place. In other communities, local community centers, church halls and other rentable spaces can be used for larger events with favorite family activities held in the evenings at the inn or inns. Hearts or checkers anyone?

My family holds an annual reunion in semi rural Indiana that takes place in bed and breakfasts, family members homes and at a nearby state park and lodge. The event culminates with baseball, a potluck (with traditional family dishes of course) and a hilarious white elephant gift exchange.


Where a family reunion is held depends on a number of factors. Many families want to return to the area that they consider the family home. While other families prefer a destination where they won’t be interrupted or bothered by outside distractions. What works best for you? The first phase of planning is up to you. Only you know the guest list and where everyone in your clan will be able to enjoy some time together.

Each family is unique, and as various options are discussed there will probably be a marvelous mixing of ideas or perhaps an obvious and mutually agreed upon proposition on which to follow up. You want your reunion memories to be good, so take the time to plan a great one.

Pamela




You can print this check list by clicking the print button at the end of the list

18 Months Before
Appoint a chairperson.
Explore various family reunion ideas.
Start to prepare an invitation list.
Start a list of things that will need to be paid for and payment options.

12 Months Before
Select a date.
Create a budget.
Send out the invitations.
Make tentative reservations at the reunion site.
Collect family memorabilia and create a family tree or history

Nine Months Before
Finish compiling your guest list.
Assign duties.
Start building your reunion itinerary
Send out a newsletter.
Make final reservations.
Ask for family memorabilia to display.
Come up with a reunion souvenir (T-shirts, a collection of recipes or copies of the family tree).
Plan activities, games, and entertainment.

Three Months Before
Send out another newsletter, updating the guest list and what's in store for this event. Also break down the budget and provide everyone with expected costs.
together maps and directions for out-of-town guests.
Order the souvenirs.
Decide on meals.
Create a shopping list.
Next newsletter should include information about what food to bring.

One Month Before
Confirm your reservations.
Send next newsletter with updates.
In case of bad weather, come up with some alternatives.

Three Weeks Before
Create signs to place along highways directing family members to the reunion site.
Committee should discuss any unpaid bills

Two Weeks Before
Make sure that the souvenirs are almost completed.
Purchase all food items that won’t spoil.
Purchase all supplies (for example, paper plates, utensils, etc.).

One Week Before/Week of Reunion
Organize the reunion site.
Buy all perishable food items.
Pick up the souvenirs.
Verify your reservations one last time.

At the Reunion
Make sure camera is loaded.
Get acquainted activities..
Collect updated information from family members before they leave.
Poll the family about what they’d like to do for next year’s event.
Call for volunteers.

Post Reunion
Send updated newsletter with tales about the reunion.
Discuss any outstanding bills with committee.
Send thank you notes to those who helped with the reunion.
Take a deep breath and start planning next year’s reunion.

Lighten Up Your Bedroom - Inn style

With summer just around the corner, why not lighten up the bedroom? A decorating trend I have noticed in many bed and breakfast inns is one you can easily try at home – the seasonal freshening of linens. Simply switch out heavy draperies for light and airy chintz curtains that billow in the breeze, opening your bedroom to outdoor possibilities. A light and airy bedroom is achieved using white and beige. Ditto for your bedding: pack away that heavy comforter and bring in a light matelasse bedspread or perhaps a flowery new duvet cover. Sometimes I make my own by sewing two flat sheets (sized to the bed) at the open end together on three sides with the outward side facing; then tacking ribbons at one-foot intervals, putting a summer weight quilt inside and tying the open ends together. To evoke a crisp, light summertime look in any room, at any time, use a lot of white.

This pure color is a great idea for lightening up you home. White has two contradictory characteristics. On one hand it is a traditional color that has always been used. On the other hand its use is seen in all of today’s magazines, showrooms and decorating exhibitions, proving that white is back on top in color related trends.
Let in the light with all white.

One of the most appreciated features of white is its versatility. This is a tone that can be combined with any type of decoration. The defenders of this color wildcard define it as an escape route for the imagination when it comes time to decorate your home because it leaves open the possibility of creating very different spaces in your home without being afraid that the walls will not match everything else.

There are many reasons to make white your best friend. Its intrinsic brightness is the most effective weapon against shadowy spaces. When you bet on white, you are saying yes to renewed clarity in the living areas. White adds light and helps you think about your home as a true paradise where you can really enjoy yourself.

Many classical and cutting-edge decorators have favored this color because it suggests peace, tranquility and relaxation. The visual components become an accomplice of beauty in the environment by making the ceilings higher and the walls wider. There are no rules regarding furniture, accessories and complements that play a part in this clean space.

It often takes just a few minutes or perhaps a few hours on a Sunday afternoon to enliven your décor, bringing it from wintertime cozy to summertime breezy. Give it a try!

Best,
Pamela

The Guest Bedroom

I’ve always loved houseguesting, whether with a friend, a family member or a cozy B&B. There’s just something about being a guest that offers a time of true respite. After all, when you’re in someone else’s domain, they’re in charge of all the little details that make it work, bills, deliveries, and the myriad and one others.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what makes a guestroom, whether in a country inn, a bed and breakfast, or your own home work.
Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms.

Speaking of the home guestroom, if you’re like me and so many others, guestroom is also synonymous with home office. And even the word, office, is enough to scotch any restful feelings. So if your guestroom is also your home office, please be mindful of arranging it in such a way that the office aspects (computer, desk, and all) can be whisked away, locked behind doors, or otherwise disguised so that your honored guest isn’t reminded of their own bills not so patiently waiting back home. The bed in a guestroom is usually determined by the size of the room in its use. Even a room that can afford the luxury of a queen-sized bed often finds itself pressed into service as a project layout space, vacation packing central, etc. Modern day sofa beds have been much improved from the torturous racks of years gone by and can be a good choice. I personally think the queen size is a much better bed than the double for a guestroom which would usually accommodate two because the inner frame of a sofa bed takes up a considerable amount of space from the mattress sleeping area.


By all means, do your guests the favor of sleeping a night yourself in the guestroom, which will immediately open your eyes to just what’s needed. Some basic prerequisites include a bedside table amply sized to hold a lamp, book, clock, phone, and a glass of water, minimum; plenty of flexible bedding, and by flexible, Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms. I mean layered so that guests may add and subtract to suit their own temperature needs; and window shades, blinds, or curtains that effectively shut out the light since so much travel these days involves jetlag, sleeping in a truly dark room can make a real difference.

Choose a bedside table you don’t have to worry about. Be sure to design your room to be as low maintenance as possible, so guests don’t have to feel like they have to fuss around trying not to leave rings on the table, etc. make certain note that the bedside lamp is adequate to read by, and add a night light too, just in case. I prefer wall lights and table lamps to glaring overhead lamps, and I like lamps on dimmers so that one can easily control the mood of the room. I have a small radio alarm CD player I picked up for a song for the guestroom, and before my guests arrived I tuned it in to some jazz. No, I don’t provide a TV. My motto is, “pay attention to me, not the TV.” Instead, I always provide a lot of books and magazines, especially the ones with a focus on the local area. Another important feature in the guestroom is to have another comfortable place to sit besides the bed. If space allows, place a small table next to the chair as well and position a wall sconce above and behind. Other basic necessities include tissues, a large glass for water, and plenty of pillows. A luggage rack, which can be folded away, or a small bench is very handy for accessing suitcases. I find most people really don’t unpack any more, but will hang certain items, so do make sure that there are sufficient hangers in the closet.


A lovely scent in the air is always welcoming. Of course, “if I knew you were coming, I’d bake a cake,” is a truism as everyone loves the scent of freshly baked anything. But if you can’t arrange that, light a scented candle. A warm welcoming fragrance is a subliminal invitation to come in. Very simply, you can mull some spices in simmering water on the stove, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, mint, all smell wonderful when they release their essential oils into the air.

In the final analysis though, the single most important aspect of any guest stay in a home or a bed and breakfast is the host’s own attitude and personality. So don’t forget the golden rule and lay the hospitality on thick.

Best,
Pamela

Combination family summer vacations

With summer already scratching at our doors, many families are beginning to think of ways to manage their next vacation. It seems that the major issues that surface during these times concern both time and financial constraints. A valuable way to address these concerns, I’ve found, is to combine a vacation with other family projects.a small blue bird Some of the best trips I’ve ever taken with my family have been themed around separate, unrelated things that we had been wanting or needing to do and we simply took the opportunity to turn these things into a full-on adventure. Contact www.familytravelguides.com to find some wonderful family orientated places to stay on your way.

Oftentimes, visits to family and friends can easily become part of a larger trip. You can also take advantage of journeys to areas of academic or work interest to see what they would be like to live in and to take a few days to explore the surrounding areas. While planning a vacation, you don’t always have to search for faraway, exotic destinations. Sometimes, those more local (or at least nearby) attractions, like sites of cultural interest and natural beauty, make for the perfect affordable family travel vacation and are usually the attractions that you had always set aside, just waiting for the time when you couldn’t think of anything better to do, but why not make them the main attraction!
a scenic panorama of the ozark mountains and valleys


I can think of one special family travel vacation to the Ozarks in Missouri that didn’t sound all that thrilling initially. All it took was a little bit of research on www.familytravelguides.com and we discovered an exciting world filled with Native American history, incredible mineral caves, lakes, springs, and crafts and cultural festivals; all within a few hours drive from home! Not surprisingly, this family travel vacation became one of our best ever. a beautiful waterfall nestled within the ozarksIt was a road trip that involved lots of careful packing, a big picnic basket, and many stops along the way. For example, we pulled off the highway to hit features such as the ancient site of Cahokia Mounds, many quaint villages (think Mark Twain), and the Missouri State University campus in Springfield Missouri (thinking ahead of those tweens in the car and college coming up). While in Springfield, we just couldn’t resist a stop at the Bass outlet store. Eureka! Lots of wonderful fishing gear for our lake adventures to come. Finally, we ended with a long week at a cabin very near Lake of the Ozarks, which not only turned out to be quite economical but also a whole lot of fun.

Pamela

Yummy Breakfast B&B Style - Fast!

I’m constantly hearing from our readers how much they enjoy those sumptuous wonderful breakfasts they are served at the inns. Of course, everyday mornings don’t allow for a sumptuous breakfast…but a yummy breakfast? But of course! A table set for a sumptuous breafkast Taking a few tips from the B&B’s, there’s several ways to achieve a fantastic start to you and your family’s day without getting up predawn. I often spend Saturday mornings puttering around the kitchen, listening to my favorite cooking shows on TV, and preparing a few veggies in advance and some baked goods for the week to come. I must say, I really enjoy this time and I’ve also used it as a great chance to teach my kids some easy recipes in a relaxed way.

Some of the best ideas for make-ahead goodies come from the inns. Here are a few that I love and use all the time.

Make a batch of quick bread, something fruity and healthy, and freeze the small loaves. Take them out the night before and serve at breakfast with cream cheese or cottage cheese and a quick fruit bowl. Great nutrition and great taste! These quick breads also make a great grab-and-go homemade goodie to take to a potluck.
Slices of Pumpkin bread yumm



* Cranberry Bread Recipe
* Zucchini Pineapple Bread Recipe
* Pear Walnut Bread Recipe

I love to make granola and it keeps very well in a tightly covered container, so I’ll often whip up a batch. And because it’s so easy, it’s a great place to experiment with different favorite ingredients. My friend Judy’s favorite recipe lends itself well to other dried fruit and nut combinations. Skinny it down by using less oil than called for, but you still have to use some to get the crispy quality. Granola, fresh fruit, and a dollop of yogurt make a stellar breakfast. The same granola also makes a perfect topping for quickie breakfast muffins and for make-ahead batter you keep in the fridge till you need it; it couldn’t be easier. If you really want to wow everybody, try some of our innkeepers’ wonderful recipes for make-ahead breakfast casseroles.
Oats and berries

* Bark Eater Granola Recipe
* Fourteener's Granola Recipe
* Apple Cranberry Granola Recipe

Quiches are also a great make-ahead, as they can be cooked in advance and just briefly heated in the morning. Of course having a coffeemaker filled and preset so you can wake up to an invigorating cup-of-joe is something most inns do, and I do too. Somehow I just seem to have more enthusiasm for breakfast if it doesn’t loom so large and I can get it done beforehand. Be sure to check out all the wonderful breakfast recipes, including those that take just a little more time, like pancakes, waffles, and specialty egg dishes!

* Oat & Green Apple Griddle Cakes Recipe
* Apple-Sausage Puff Pancakes Recipe
* Nested Eggs with Mushrooms Recipe
* Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata Recipe

Pamela

April Get Away Time!

April is the best time for that quick family getaway. Why? Because the earth is alive, spring has burst into bloom, and almost everyone is near someplace in the countryside that’s just beautiful. Lots of family Bed and Breakfast’s and Inns are offering specials this spring to entice travelers with one or more nights to spend. To find just the right one for you, enter the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. With school vacations and service days coming up, you might just want to try for a three-day weekend!
I always think water is just the magic ingredient when children are involved, whether they splash in it, or swim in it, or just look at it. It provides endless entertainment and a chance for adults to relax and observe. Some of my favorite Midwestern resorts have indoor swimming and recreational facilities that can handily bridge the sometimes tricky April weather. However, if it looks like rain is inevitable; another dandy option is an in-town getaway. Simply segue downtown and stay at a lovely inn or Bed and Breakfast near some fun attractions. Planetariums, aquariums, plays, IMAX theaters, and more all beckon family travelers and are budget friendly during this spring season as well. If you have some favorite spring travel ideas, please let us know!

Last Minute Family Deals

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sk yourself this question....Does being cooped up inside for so many long hours in the winter because of the rain or snow make you and your children feel like going stir crazy like the mad hares in March? We have the antidote, a quick weekend getaway!

Many hotels and resorts are running fantastic specials this winter with occupancy down and the need to fill rooms ever present; they are offering some terrific deals which can be snatched up at bargain prices. Here are some great ideas: why not visit an upscale hotel that normally caters to businessmen during the week and at the weekend you might find their glorious indoor-pools all to yourself. Alternatively, why not visit a cultural hotspot such as Monterey, CA featuring the world-famous Sea Aquarium where you might not be able to get a room at the price you can afford during the high season and take in those galleries, theatre performances, and some much needed therapy shopping for an ultra sophisticated and also educational getaway. Perhaps city living has got you down? Head for the hills and rediscover the fun of a cozy fire in a country inn while sipping hot drinks and toasting marshmallows with the children (such as the Poconos in Pennsylvania). Feeling the need to exercise and get your family outdoors,, then why not check out a new winter sport, such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or even ice fishing (check out the Forest Suites Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA, a wonderful family getaway with specials for longer stays from 15% off 2 nights, 20% off 3 nights, or 25% off 4 nights). For some summer weather in the middle of winter head to Florida for a seaside family vacation. The Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach is a wonderful day’s activity for your family and available in winter months!

Many inns and bed and breakfasts cater specifically to sports aficionados and you can easily find the one just right for you by entering the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. The best antidote to feeling homebound is a quick mid-winter getaway. Maximize your time by perhaps packing on Friday, getting up early on Saturday and getting on the road to make the most of the next two days, catch dinner on the way home Sunday and then fall exhausted, but happy, in your bed feeling like you’ve had a real vacation and escaped those dreary winter blues while the price is right!

Pamela's Bed & Breakfast Blog

Banish Those Dreary Winter Days by Painting Your Door Inn Style

Sometimes at the end of a long cold winter, one of the best ways to let in a breath of fresh spring air is with a quick pick-me-up right at the front entrance to your home. I learned this from visiting many bed and breakfasts over the years. Whether it is a delightful pot of fresh spring bulbs sitting on your front step in an elegant stone planter, a colorful wreath to celebrate Mardi Gras or St Patrick’s Day, or for a more long lasting effect, welcome visitors to your door by painting it a wonderful new color with a high gloss easy care paint. We have all seen those wonderful doors welcoming us in cherry red and bottle green when we enter a bed and breakfast. Indeed such a color will brighten up the appearance of your entire home, maybe even your entire road and banish from view piles of wet snow, grey limbs or a brown lawn (this is something you’ll start noticing more and more at bed and breakfasts). However, there are some other color combinations that I think work beautifully on doors as well. Amongst them, you can try deeper shades of red such as cinnabar, evoking a Chinese lacquer box look, or Moroccan red, warm and earthy like a top quality paprika. Also one way to draw people like bees to a flower is a rich tulip red. Maybe your house is grey and white and just calling out for a lighter toned punch of pizzazz. In that case, a warm or lemony yellow would do the trick perfectly! Check out interesting new colors like sunburst, beeswax, daffodil, all of which look extra sharp in a home with a charcoal trim. In many Italianate homes and resort bed and breakfasts the world over, you might very well be welcomed by a beautiful turquoise blue. While on a silvery shingled home, an inky dark blue reminiscent of the late evening sky would look very rich. Greens have long been a favorite for bed and breakfast front doors, whether the ubiquitous bottle green, or something a little more contemporary, perhaps a deep dark blue green or teal or a subtler olive or a soft wet moss. The beauty of changing your door color is that it changes the whole outward appearance of your home and can be done in minimal expense and completed in just a few hours. If you are feeling like adding more, why not flank the door with some brass sconces and then center it with a big brass door knocker and emphasize the structural element by adding a brass kick plate. Wow, what a difference! You’ll be welcoming new and impressed guests into your home in no time at all, giving our bed and breakfasts a run for their money!

Pamela