April Celebrations and Recipes

Spring is arriving once again, and after a long few weeks of showers here on the West coast, the sunshine could not feel more welcome! The much needed rain seems to be coming to an end, and a case of Spring Fever looms, which has been perpetuated by up and coming designs that celebrate spring. Another reason to celebrate is the quickly approaching Easter holiday – a time traditionally spent with family and friends. I cannot wait for Easter this year, and as the bright colors, reverent attitude, and joyous celebration approaches, I find myself anticipating the traditional treats, Easter Egg hunts, and family togetherness this holiday allows as we usher in the fresh and rejuvenating spring time!

I’ve been testing the waters for design trends - here’s what I’m seeing. A return to the energy of bright colors, but in offbeat shades and nothing too primary. Think milk chocolate and peach, turquoise and coral, magenta and lime as accents and upholstery colors. Lush animal prints in velvet are roaring onto the scene and make fabulous upholstery for a side chair bottom or pillows for anywhere. Shades of white, beige, rose and cream singly and together always look elegant. Have you discovered some wonderful paint in those shades? If so we’d love to hear about them and what special qualities they bring to a room. I’m also seeing some refreshing use of the grassy shades of summer, such as Pebblestone from Pratt & Lambert, Sienna Laurel from Benjamin Moore and Beach Grass by Martha Stewart Living. These go great in a dining room or a guest room with their calming tones. They look especially well with a white ceiling or muted neutral accents.

Spring, especially around Easter, is also a time when I enjoy breaking out some favorite recipes, and enjoying a zesty treat or flavorful entree. Find a new twist on an old classic recipe with a Suzani Spring Quiche. Suzani or Spring flowers are all the rage on everything from carpets to pottery and textiles. This is my all natural culinary take on it and modification of a Quiche lorrine. Here I have to admit that I often use a purchased fresh or frozen pie crust, and actually usually have several in my freezer. Very simply it’s because I have a life, and spending extra time in the kitchen for minimum reward (that’s because I think most commercial crust are almost as good as my homemade and sometimes even better) meanwhile the filling for a quiche come together very quickly as do most other pies.

In order:
Preheat oven to 350®
Make or begin defrosting pie crust for single pie.
Briefly parboil 6 to 8 broccoli spears (easy does it, 3-4 minutes is enough)
Meanwhile, measure a cup and a half milk, (I use low fat)
½ cup cubed ham
1 cup grated cheese, I prefer Swiss in this dish, but most other s would work
3 eggs
1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
6 Asparagus spears
Sprinkle of paprika

Place crust in pan and sprinkle bottom with ½ cup ham followed by ½ cup cheese. Beat milk, eggs, sauce together, pour over rest. Take wilted asparagus spears in patter. Point 6 stems towards the center, as seen in picture. Leave a space in the very center of the pie which you will sprinkle with paprika to form the center of the flower. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes on 350® being careful not to let the pie crust edges burn. Cover with aluminum foil if need be towards the end of baking. Quiche is done when crack appear about 1 inch in and the center starts to look golden brown, but still jiggly. Remove and cool, and serve at room temperature.

Another oh-so-Springy and simple and festive cake is the one I made the other day, literally in 10 minutes, using a yellow Jiffy cake mix, with a little added vanilla. I then baked it in a glass pie plate, covered the top with an even layer of Blueberries, baked for 20 minutes and cut it into wedges. I served it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a dollop of lemon curd. This was a big hit, and looked lovely after I sprinkled the top with a little powdered sugar.

I have also recently been enjoying multiple trips to go and speak at Bed and Breakfast conferences around the US. Many thanks and well wishes to all those who made my recent trips to Kentucky, Illinois, and Maries time at the Mid-Atlantic Conference very special and quite enjoyable!



Finally, please see a few more of our Guests Greatest Picks for 2011 below. What a fantastic crop we have this year, I’m always losing myself in their great listings when picking them out to feature!

Best Wishes,
Pamela

Los Poblanos Inn – 2011 Most Likely to Visit Again Winner




Adair Country Inn and Restaurant – 2011 Best Specials Offered Winner




River House B&B Getaway Retreat –2011 Most Family Friendly Winner



Brampton B&B – 2011 Best Décor Winner





North End Crossing Barn and Bed – 2011Best for Farm Activities Winner

In the Pink with a Dash of Green

March seems to be devoted to colorful celebration, and I am excited for the upcoming month of merriment! First we are bedecked in purple, yellow and bright green for Mardi Gras, the wonderful indulgence holiday of New Orleans. Falling on March 8th this year, this last ditch celebration before the devotions of Lent begin offers a bit of a chance for frivolous fun and mid week masquerading! Mardi Gras also offers the perfect excuse for a getaway, so take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and remember to pack your best mask!

Arguably the biggest color that comes to mind in March, however, is the lucky shimmering green of the Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and the day beckons to both kinds of people in the world – “Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were.” As Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit and explore, I love when this time rolls around, and I’m inundated with Irish folklore, myths, and stories surrounding this little island. The green waves of color from clothes, food, drink and décor seem to be trying to mimic the lush rolling hills of the homeland, creating a bright fresh color of new life. The joy and merriment of this time of year, from leprechauns and pots of gold to a little extra luck in your day, always seems to pull me in. A favorite Irish saying of mine always seems to find me this time of year –

“Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched.”

I believe this is particularly important for Innkeepers and their travelers, who have the opportunities along their respective journeys to be a wealth of knowledge, comfort and joy for each other along the way!

To add to the plethora of colorful events and goings on this month, the wonderful and optimistic color pink has been named Color of the Year by Pantone. About time! I love pink, and have used it in many ways. A few of my favorite tips for using pink unexpectedly: Pink light bulbs in at least one lamp in every bedroom and the dining room, guaranteed to cast a flattering light and create a romantic atmosphere effortlessly (Pinqueslavania.com). A pale pink ceiling, which can be achieved by adding a small amount of pink to any white paint, works magic by reflecting a flattering light downwards and can be used with any wall color. Pink flowers are somehow always very special. Camellias are in bloom right now and are a long lasting classic. Roses will be coming up soon and the specific pink that pantone selected “Honeysuckle Pink” will be reflected in summer’s blooms. The shade pink is actually named for a color from the flower genus Dianthus an, an especially clear and bright shade. Pink is great with many other colors in small or large doses. Picking up on the trim from glossy wall paint, a single pink wall can really light up a room and especially a dark area. Play some light on it for instant pop. I love pink contrasted with black and shiny dark brown, but actually, there are very few colors that don’t go well with pink. Some of my very favorite shades are: Bridal Pink from Benjamin Moore, Hibiscus by Ralph Lauren, Red Earth, by Farrow and Ball, Light Sandstone from Martha Stewart Living, Checkerberry from Glidden, and Persimmon from Benjamin Moore. Just give it a try and I think you’ll find that a dose of pink will have you viewing the world through rose colored glasses.

To round off this blog, please find below more of our Guest’s Greatest Picks 2011 Award Winners!

Best Wishes,
Pamela

This Irish getaway offers a Celtic experience right in the Ozarks! The Irish Inn, our Most International Winner, provides a small, intimate setting, perfect for a quiet weekend away, small wedding, and taking in a little luck o’ the Irish.


The Historic Fairfield Inn has the oldest tavern license in Gettysburg, dating back from 1786! At the Best Bar/Pub Winner, guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time to enjoy a pint with good friends at the Historic Fairfield Inn.


Spinnakers has much to offer guests – three guest houses, a restaurant, a pub, and a brewery all their own. Voted Best Gift Shop, their shelves are stocked with specialty beer, wine and spirits, allowing guests to take a bit of their getaway home with them.

For active guests, this Best Nearby Golf Award Winner is a must-visit! McConnell Inn offers excellent golf courses and proximity make this a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, or those simply wanting to practice their swing during a relaxing getaway.

2011 is Off to a Great Start!

How quickly 2011 is off to a great start! It was an incredibly fast January indeed, with some encouraging and uplifting news coming out about the travel industry and the announcing of our 2011 Award Winners here at LanierBB. January has set the pace – and I think travelers and innkeepers alike are in for a fantastic year!


After the excitement of ushering in the New Year, we started getting in trends and outlooks for the next year with optimistic news about the travel industry as we move ahead and out of the recession. The dominating viewpoint is that people are more willing to travel as we begin to see a recovery in the economy, but value is still in vogue across the boards. Travelers want a unique and telling experience during their getaway, so B&Bs and inns that create a singular getaway that only they can offer allow guests to not only treasure their hard earned respite, but become loyal and returning customers and friends. Please see my article, Travel Trends in 2011, in our archive for a full list of pertinent quotes and outlooks for the coming year.

Creating an experience is exactly what our 2011 Award Winners have done. By offering a unique amenity, location, or outstanding service to guests, our Award Winners have achieved the gratitude and loyalty of their guests for a memorable experience and getaway. I want to give a well deserved and hearty congratulations to all of our 2011 Winners, who will continue to be leaders and innovators in the industry for years to come. Thank you for allowing us to share in your success by honoring your commitment to hospitality and exceptional service. The full list of our Winners can be see here, and should be pursued with a wish list at hand in order to add to the list of dream getaway spots.

Finally, during this romantic month, I want to call on innkeepers for their help in the creation of our new cookbook, titled Inn Love: Recipes for Romance. This is a free member benefit, and a perfect way to showcase your inn and your savvy cooking prowess! Please submit your recipes to ashley@travelguides.com by February 28th, 2011 in order to be featured, and as always, give our office a call if you have any questions: 888-410-2244.

With such a busy month, it’s easy to become bogged down in January. But February offers the chance to quietly escape and enjoy those around us. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for B&Bs and Inns, as it celebrates all the core aspects of what a getaway is for – relaxing, enjoying the company of your significant other, and spending time with the person you love away from the daily distractions and stresses. Below are just a few of our award winners with perfect distractions for this Valentine’s.


First, our Most Romantic Inn, The Gables Inn in Hot Springs AR. This small inn is an intimate and luxurious place, with lushly decorated rooms and romantic gardens. The Gables Inn gives some great specials too, and is available for small weddings.



Next, the Best Sunset View winner, Elk Cove Inn and Spa in Elk CA. The stunning view of this Mendocino coast property is truly a singular sight, where you and your loved one can sit in the peaceful atmosphere and watch the beauty surround you.



The Best Linens, Comforters and Pillows Winner for 2011 is Cameron Park Inn in Raleigh, North Carolina. Snuggling up with your bedfellow in this historic inn is much too tempting to pass up!



Finally, the Best for Anniversaries property for 2011, the Copperstone Inn in Rockton IL. This expansive retreat is secluded on 130 acres, has a spa, luxuriously decorated rooms, and offers period restorations to their distinguished guests.



With sincere wishes for a lovely February,

Pamela

P.S. I just returned from the beautiful state of Hawaii and my 8th time speaking at the seminar at sea B&B conference. What a treat! Hawaii was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was perfect. I met so many wonderful innkeepers and toured some fantastic inns. The innkeepers we helped participated on the cruise were lucky enough to see the Napili coast up closed at sunset and most spectacular of all, to see the lava flow into the Pacific off the southern coast of the Big Island - a magical, mystical experience. If you’re an innkeeper or dreaming of becoming one, the dates and itinerary will be announced shortly for next year’s cruise (Caribbean here we come!) on BedandBreakfastConference.com.

New January Blog

For the New Year, I have found an all together fascinating book that has been getting some notable and well deserved attention recently. "At Home" by Bill Bryson is a close examination of his own Victorian house, in which he discovers not just his families history, or the history of the structure, but the entire history of the world. From the Introduction..."...whatever happens in the world - whatever is discovered or created or bitterly fought over - eventually ends up, in one way or another, in your house. Wars, famines, the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment - they are all there in your sofas and chests of drawers, tucked into the folds of your curtains, in the downy softness of your pillows, in the paint on your walls and the water in your pipes. So the history of household life isn't just a history of beds and sofas and kitchen stoves, as I had vaguely supposed it would be, but of scurvy and guano and the Eiffel Tower and bedbugs and body-snatching and just about everything else that has ever happened. Houses aren't refuges from history. They are where history ends up."

What a truly wonderful and fresh perspective with which to ring in the New Year! Such an idea, that the very history of ourselves as human beings can be found in the home is especially poignant for bed and breakfast goers, who find rejuvenation and inspiration from their B&B experiences, learning and living in another's home.

Speaking of books, we here at Lanier Publishing are proud to announce our 8th cookbook, to be released in the fall of 2011, called Inn Love: Romantic Recipes to Serve the Ones You Love. We are searching for suitable and delicious recipes to include right now, and would like to call on our members to submit their best and most loved recipes as soon as possible so we can feature it in this year's highly anticipated cookbook. Please email your recipe to Romantic Recipes Submission in order to be included!

Please find below some excellent recipes to kick off 2011. I simply cannot wait for the excitement, inspiration, and surprises that this year has in store!



Rita's Gnocchi

* You will need: 5 large idaho potatoes
* 1 egg
* 8 cups of all purpose flour

In a deep pot of salted boiling water cook 5 large Idaho potatoes in the jacket until just tender. Peel while hot under running water, then put through a ricer immediately into a large bowl. Beat 1 egg and add to potatoes, mix quickly. Add 1/2 cup of flour at a time, slowly beating all ingredients together until you've used all 2 pounds. Roll on a floured board into 1 inch cylinders, then cut into half inch pieces. Flatten slightly with the tines of a fork and allow to dry while salt water comes to a boil in a large pot. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface. Drain and keep warm, serve with marinara sauce or pesto or 1/2 and 1/2 of each!




Aunt Flora's Lanier's Holiday Salad

* You will need: 1 large gelatin mold
* 1 pkg lime-flavored JELL-O
* 1/2 pkg plain Knox gelatin
* 14 large marshmallows cut into small cubes
* 1 8-oz pkg of cream cheese
* 1 16-oz can grated pineapple, well-drained and cooled
* 1 cup (or so) pecans, finely chopped
* 1 11-oz can Mandarin orange slices
* 1/2 cup Queen Anne cherries, drained and chopped
* 1/2 pint of heavy cream, well-whipped

Chill the JELL-O mold in the refrigerator ahead of time.

Dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Add the marshmallows and stir until dissolved (will be foamy). Remove from burner and allow to cool. Once cooled, add the cream cheese and stir until completely blended and smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine pineapple, pecans, Mandarin oranges and cherries.

Fold the pineapple mixture into the JELL-O mixture until combined.

Gently fold in the whipped cream and pour into the chilled mold. Refrigerate until well-set.

This salad can be made the day before.

This is pure comfort food; cool, creamy and luscious.

Mary Gean's Corn Bread

* You will need: 1 cup flour
* 1 cup corn meal
* 4 tsp baking powder
* Pinch salt
* 1 egg
* 1 cup whole milk
* 1/3 cup oil

Mix dry, then wet on top of dry, mix all together.

Pour into a hot skillet with touch of oil, cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm and always fresh out of the oven.



Finally, we had this sensational cornbread while driving through the Black Hills of New Mexico on the way back from the New Mexico Bed and Breakfast Conference in November (see recipe above). Verbally, Lynn gave us the recipe for their infamous, wondrous, Chipotle Beef brisket. Take a whole brisket well trimmed of fat, salt and pepper both side thoroughly spread one small can, chipotle in adobo sauce, roast at 275 degrees for 12 hours. Tent with aluminum foil (and for my taste, put in some onions that last 4 hours, around the brisket, whole or half).

Best wishes and healthy 2011!

Pamela

Winter is here!

December greetings! I always find B&B to be a great place to pick up holiday decorating tips and some of the best are on viewing tours of B&Bs taking place in many areas where there are a cluster of inns. We have some terrific recipes for Christmas cheer, cookies and more. Many of our favorite inns are offering all sorts of specials for their guests this time of year. Check those out in our B&B Travel Newsletter. The holidays can be hectic, but below please find some tips to keep you nice and warm, and happily fed, this season!




Winter weather is here and the first thing I want to address are some excellent tips that have been the result of recent speaking engagements at Bed & Breakfast conferences all over the US, most recently in Colorado just a couple of weeks ago. For older properties, it is important to make sure heating is efficient and taken care of, both for financial purposes and the comfort of your guests.


1. Stop Air Leaks
Designers and manufacturers are paying attention to the changing mood in the market, and have created new and inventive ways to meet the needs of style-savvy customers. Trends like heritage America, folk art, and vintage touches have become essential when creating a comforting and homey feeling in a room, and are quite easy to incorporate. Handcrafted pieces and classic furniture work to bring a nostalgic spirit, while the rich spice colors mentioned above are a lovely background palette from which to bring in a comforting feel.
check your windows.

2. Check Windows
Tightly secure all windows by locking them for maximum heat retention. Replace all cracked windows and any fractured window frames that leak in the cold air and become moldy from the damp weather. Rigid foam inserts or expandable foam fillers can help with the insulation.


3. Insulate Pipes and Water Heaters, and Inspect the Furnace
Insulate your hot-water heaters and basement water pipes to prevent heat loss. Inspect your furnace and have it checked professionally once a year. Replace the furnace filters twice a year if needed or at least annually prior to the cooler seasons of Fall & Winter. Check the air ducts and cover any air leaks with foil tape, or use duct putty on the seams.

4. The Fireplace
The flames in your fireplace need oxygen and your fireplace pulls air from the rooms in your house, including the warm air from your furnace. If you install glass doors in front of the hearth and the outside vent into the firebox, then the fire will draw air from outside the chimney to feed the fire. The radiant heat from the glass-enclosed fireplace should sufficiently heat the space near it.

5. Add Blow-in Insulation
Adding blow-in insulation to your home will save on heat loss and keep your home warmer longer. The work involves punching holes at the top and bottom of each stud bay and filling up the space with densely packed cellulose insulation.


With these helpful tips for keeping a cheerful household warm and cozy, your holiday is sure to go off without a hitch this season. Another great way to ensure guests are getting the full affect of the holiday cheer is the food! One of my favorite aspects of this time of year are the seasonal treats and dishes that appear, from old favorites like Holiday Peanut Brittle to new, inventive takes like Cranberry Nut Bread! We have a great variety of recipes to please the winter palette, from beverages to dessert. Some Hot Mulled Cider this season will surely please guests, while decadent Hot Chocolate can be enjoyed by the fire! Treats like Chocolate Orange Biscotti are a new twist in the holiday flavors, and Cranberry Cookies are much anticipated favorites.


So this time of the year, sit back and enjoy the hot cocoa, warm fireplace, and the festive cheer!

Best wishes and Happy Holidays,

Pamela

Eco-Friendly is Inn!

A rising concern for both Innkeepers and homeowners is the eco-friendly trend in every market – whether we are talking about organic food, renewable fuel, industrial business, or yes, hospitality, the big question on everyone’s mind these days is – is it eco-friendly? With the new awareness and efforts to make a smaller impact on the environment, new and exciting options are becoming available for Innkeepers, providing a plethora of opportunities to switch up your inn’s habits and promote a green and eco-friendly atmosphere. With these new tools, innkeepers can not only start (or continue!) promoting an eco-friendly business, but also notice an economical change – the following eco-friendly tips aren’t just good for the environment; they are good for your bank account too!


Even small changes make a big impact on the environment, and one of the best things Innkeepers, and homeowners everywhere, can do is to invest in some CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps. These cost on average about $2 more than regular bulbs, but while regular bulbs last about 750 hours, CFLs can last up to 10,000! They also use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs, so your energy bill, as well as your conscience, will be a little brighter for this small change. Replacing high use bulbs is most important – like lights in entry ways or the kitchen – but simply keeping CFLs on hand for the next time a light burns out will make this eco friendly switch completely hassle free!

Another important aspect of the hospitality business is water – B&B’s, inns, and hotels all use way more water than the average household, with multiple travelling guests enjoying hot showers daily, keeping up the beautiful gardens and landscape, and not to mention the endless laundry of linens innkeepers keep on top of! All three of these expenses add up quickly – but there are ecological ways of cutting down on water use – without sacrificing any of the amenities or comfort of guests.


Rising in popularity are ultra-low flow shower heads, which have built in aeration that pulls air in from the entire room. This adds to the pressure of the showerhead while using 2 gallons per minute less than regular low flow showerheads, and 6.5 gallons less than traditional showerheads. As far as your garden goes, adding native flowers and plants to your landscape will not only add to your B&B’s charm, but subtract from the amount of watering necessary to bloom and blossom, since its natural environment is already in your backyard!

When it comes to laundry, a great option is getting back to the basics. Small inns may be able to air dry laundry, which help significantly when considering energy use. But if air drying is not an option, whether because of the volume of laundry or climate issues, front loading washers are a great way to save on water. Front loading washer use up to 50% less water than traditional top loaders, which will cut down your water bill quite a bit! And if air drying and a new washer are simply not in the stars for your B&B right now? Cleaning the lint trap on your dryer every time contributes to efficiency, and washing clothes in cold water whenever possible are quick and easy ways to cut into energy usage.

If a guestroom is due for a redecoration, see this as a golden opportunity to utilize some great eco-friendly strategies. Using low- to no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, which won’t emit toxic fumes, is a great way to kick off a room renovation, and products like Farrow & Balls paint offer great eco-friendly options, without sacrificing color or style. When decorating your new room, antiques are the most eco-friendly choice – they are already manufactured and create no new pollution or extra energy to make! Refinishing with some low VOC paint can give new life to an old piece of furniture, while eco friendly fabric, like seersucker, a nostalgic yet classic fabric that doesn’t require ironing, can be a quick way to refresh an old lounge, chair or bedroom.

There are so many great ways for B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels to embrace the wave of options springing up for those ecologically minded. The obvious benefits to the environment, as well as to your monthly bills, are reason enough. But along with these great rewards go the pride in running a green business, without having to sacrifice any creature comforts or amenities to your family or guests.

West Facing Rooms - Don't Despair!

Indian Summers, golden afternoons, and bright afternoon light from the afternoon sun signifies this time of year for me, and I love it. When I race home and see the sun streaming in it gladdens my heart. These bright beautiful days have a downside, however, and uncomfortable glare from afternoon sun is an important issue when considering comfort, especially in west facing rooms.

A west facing room gets lots of sun, and generally has dramatic shadow lines that feed off of afternoon light. West facing rooms are ideal for using subtle color, and are an especially interesting area in which to use a warm gray or gray white, the “in” color this year. Gray will absorb light and soften hot spots, while still holding some color. A good choice would be Clunch 2009 by Farrow & Ball, which won’t reflect bright light, but combine to add soft warmth to any room. Some bright accent colors will help to compliment the neutral white/gray/beige combination. Another cool color is Benjamin Moore’s Valley Forge Tan AC-35, a darker shade which goes beautifully with light colored accents and upholstery.

One of my favorite color solutions for a west facing room is a soft lilac. This beautiful shade seems to change throughout the day in a west facing room, as it creates a very mellow beige in the morning, while in the evening, as it absorbs more light, can transform into a deep mauve that works to make a room enchanting and delightful for all guests. I recommend using Benjamin Moore, as they have the perfect shade called Misty Lilac 2071-70. Using this in a west facing room, along with a couple of soft lavender or white accents as well as dark wood furniture will make a simply lovely room.

If lilac doesn’t tickle your fancy as far as colors go, another Benjamin Moore gem for west facing rooms will do the trick - Spring Mint 2040-70. This color goes from a gray-blue in the morning to something similar to a robin’s egg tone in the intense evening light. It doesn’t clash with the western light, but works in tandem with it to create a room that simply glows. I love the richness of this color, and that it can be combined with chocolate, light gray and white accents in order to complete the room.

Whatever color you end up choosing for your west facing room, remember that the extra sparkle and light it receives is a blessing. These beautiful colors look best with the intense sunlight your west facing room receives, and your room will shine the most, both with warm sun light and delightful décor, in the evening light!

Best wishes,
Pamela