Gardening Tips to cut costs
Here are some excerpts from Judy Savage’s article that ran in The Oklahoman on October 26th, along with a video about her ideas. She is really a neat and creative landscape designer. HFW
Landscape designer Judy Savage is subtly turning over a love of growing things to her children and grandchildren. Every Thanksgiving, she gives everyone a prepacked amaryllis kit with instructions to bring the plant back on Christmas Day for a competition to see whose plant has grown the tallest. Prizes include fast-food gift certificates.
And especially since people are trying to cut costs this year, the kits serve as an inexpensive party favor and decoration during the holidays, and they have a “green” environmental value of being of the earth. Savage said people can find the kits for $4.
For other decorations, Savage prunes her pine trees and broadleaf evergreens, gathers magnolia leaves and uses the natural decorations indoors in basket displays and as accents on wreaths and swags. She uses simple baskets filled with pine Tipscones.
She has a keen appreciation for nature’s gifts and a bounty of ideas for using them at home. These skills have helped her in her landscape business, which includes creating arrangements in containers for clients
“I don’t throw away pots that are cracked, either,” she said. “I keep using the authentic ones. It is more European. European people use everything they have.”
Savage has been on the job 20 years.
“What started out as a search for myself resulted in a career that is more like a joy and less like work. I create landscape designs for my clients which reflect their tastes and attitudes,” she said. “There’s a serenity to a garden which has a place in this stressful world. Flowers are what they are: beautiful, simple, positive.”
Pansies are Savage’s favorite flowers because they provide plenty of color in winter, when people emotionally need it the most. She also likes the Knock-Out Rose. “This plant does it all: constant color from spring through late fall, low maintenance and attractive foliage. I also like the Encore azaleas. Not only do they afford a gorgeous display of spring color, but, hence the name Encore — more color in the fall,” she said.
Click here for the link to The Oklahoman’s story and the entire story about Judy
To contact Judy Savage about her landscaping business, send e-mail to judysavage@cox.net.
NewsOk’s Grayson Cook interviews Judy.
Jin Ju, Florence Italy, plays for Ladies Music Club
Jin Ju played a piano program featuring selections composed by Frederic Chopin and Jorg Demus. (Photos by Betty Taylor).
The Ladies Music Club had the annual Fall Luncheon and Guest Artist Program at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
President Erma Stewart welcomed the members and guests. She introduced the Luncheon Committee chaired by Freida Dailey. During lunch the members were treated to a fashion show sponsored by Barbara’s Boutique. The models for show were club members, Faye Boles, Susan Carney, Kathryn Cashion, Gayle Miller, Colleen Montgomery, Ezell Potter, Jacque Winton, and Pam Woolbright.
Following a delicious lunch, members were treated to an extraordinary musical performance by pianist Jin Ju. She was born in Shanghai and now resides in Florence, Italy with her husband, Stefano Fiuzzi. Jin and Stefano were brought to Oklahoma by Virginia Campbell, an accomplished pianist herself, and the current Ms. Senior Oklahoma.
Pam Woolbright, Jacque Winton, Ezell Potter, Gayle Miller, Faye Boles, Colleen Montgomery, Susan Carney, and Kathryn Cashion were models at the Ladies Music Club luncheon.
Bill Guilford, Virginia Campbell, pianist Jin Ju, Jin’s husband, Stefano Fiuzzi enjoyed the event.
Author John Grisham visits Oklahoma City
A Cocktail reception was held in the home of Pam and Bill Shdeed to honor author John Grisham who gave a public lecture on the Oklahoma City University campus the next day.
Grisham was in town to help raise funds and awareness as OCU LAW begins its effort to establish a program addressing wrongful convictions. He talked about his non-fiction book, “The Innocent Man,” which recounts the saga of the wrongful conviction and ultimate exoneration of two Oklahomans, Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz. Based on his experience writing this book, Grisham has become dedicated to supporting programs throughout the nation to identify and correct wrongful convictions.
Co-hosts were Brenda and Tom McDaniel, Gay and Lawrence Hellman, Julee and John W. Coyle III, Vicki and Mack Martin.
Pam Shdeed, Barbara Paul, John Grisham, Bill Paul enjoy the party in the Shdeed home. (Photo by David Faytinger).
ETIQUETTE QUESTION #2
Click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
ETIQUETTE QUESTION #2 : From Helen’s email.
Your question:
My mother told me that is is appropriate to stand when an older person comes into the room. If I am sitting down talking to someone, it seems like that would be very rude to that person. What should I do?
My answer:
I think that rising when an older person comes in the room is a courtesy to them in small gatherings. Sometimes a younger person can offer an older woman (or man) a chair. In party settings, it is harder to jump up and down to acknowledge the older people, so I think you can use your common sense on this one!
Young people should definitely stand when being introduced to an older person!
Your thoughts?
It is time for pretty party dresses
Click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
Jane Webb of C/K and Co. talks about beautiful party dresses!
WNBA’s Shock Team will be in Tulsa
Bill Cameron, owner; Donna Orender, president of the WNBA, and Governor Brad Henry were at the Tulsa news conference. (Photos provided by Kari Culp, Account Executive, Schnake Turnbo Frank).
Parties Extra! got some “extra” photos yesterday. And we welcome SHOCK to the state!
At the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Tulsa news conference on Oct. 20 at the Mayo Hotel, it was officially announced that Tulsa will be the new home to the former Detroit Shock WNBA team.
Linda and Stuart Price, Donna Orender, president of the WNBA; Bill Cameron; Pat Chernicky; David Box; Rita and Sam Combs; Coach Nolan Richardson were at the WNBA news conference. Not pictured are owners Don and Pat Hardin, Paula Marshall and Katie and Scott Schofield.
Kari Culp
Luncheon set for “Fight for Air” American Lung Association table hostesses
Event Chairman…Debbie Yoeckel
Event Co-Chairman… Elaine Levy
Jennifer Williams, event coordinator for American Lung Association in Oklahoma, announced that table hostesses for the upcoming Fight for Air Luncheon will be treated to a luncheon October 29 at the Paseo Grill.
It is part of a kickoff celebration for the fundraising event which is set for February. The kickoff luncheon is being hosted by Luncheon Event Chairman, Debbie Yoeckel, and Co-Chairman, Elaine Levy. Interested hosts can contact Jennifer Williams at 405-748-4674 ext. 205 or Debbie at 405-706-9077 to attend.
The Fight for Air Luncheon will be held February 2, 2010, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club and will feature guest speaker Kathryn Joosten who will share her battle with lung cancer.
The luncheon is one of only two fundraisers held annually by the Lung Association and will directly support programming efforts for children’s programs in the Oklahoma City and surrounding area. More information is available at www.BreatheHealthy.org/OKCLuncheon.
10 tips for holiday parties
(A couple of years ago, we asked local residents for 10 holiday party tips. I found this information recently and realized it is good information for this year too….so here is a party re-run with tips for holiday parties. There are three good drink recipes too. HFW)
By Helen Ford Wallace
What kind of holiday party do you want to host this year? Elaborate? Simple? Lots of fabulous food? Dinner? Come and Go party? Come and Stay?
If you are having a party for the first time, make lists of everything: interesting mix of guests, delicious food, festive decorations, thoughtful gifts, liquor, wine, creative entertainment, holiday music, photos and everything you need to do. Then check them off.
You set the mood. If you are happy and festive, the guests will be happy and festive.
We asked several partygoers and party planners to share a few of their ideas on entertaining during the holiday season.
Invitation Designer and Calligrapher Linda Garrett:
Invitations should go out earlier than usual because there are so many events during the holidays.
And always have party favors (can be inexpensive) since you may not be at the door to tell your guest goodbye. Have a basket filled with cards that thank the guest for their friendship and for taking time to share the season with you. Put a sign on the basket saying please take one to tie on your tree.
If you don’t like people who ‘hit and run’, let your guests register for a surprise that will be given later in the evening. If you are encouraging ‘hit and run’, add ‘come and go’ to the invitation.
Bridal, Wedding and Party Consultant Judy Lehmbeck:
Keep everything for the party simple. Make sure everything you do can be done ahead of time so when guests arrive you will be able to focus on their comfort. Have all decorating done a day or two before the party. Make sure all serving pieces along with the serving utensil are out and put a sticky note in each container telling what is to go in each one.
Party Caterer Larry Brannon:
For entertaining, cook dishes that you know people would like. Many recipes are passed down generation to generation. It will make your party a little more personal. Do everything ahead of time as much as possible.
“When you set the table, use name cards with party favors using your holiday theme, Brannon said.
Local philanthropists and superb party cooks Jenny and David Kallenberger:
In planning a menu, try to include a family recipe such as ‘Grandma’s rolls’ as traditions are appreciated. Think local and seasonal as it hard to beat a homemade chocolate local pecan pie.
“For a dinner party, choose something tried and true ( not a great time to experiment). Entrees that are braised, roasted or baked are helpful when entertaining allowing attention to be turned towards guests instead of the kitchen. Make a complete shopping list. There is no reason to feel limited on choices of cuisine with places like Mediterranean Imports, Super Cao Nguyen, Gulfport, Kamp’s and Buy For Less and Crescent Market.
Trochta’s Florist Owner and Designer Jim Vallion:
Figure out where you want to have your party. Plan the menu. Order the flower centerpieces and other floral decorations. Send out festive and fun invitations so friends look forward to attending. Remember the economics of ‘how much do I want to spend on my party.’ Select the date and where to have it…home, club or restaurant. Plan a little something different with the theme…you might have all red, all gold, all silver.
“Good food is a must. You might have music and party favors and be sure to make everyone, friends, family, business associates, feels comfortable and special so they have a great time,” Vallion added.
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Events Director Carolyn Harl:
I like to send unusual printed invitations ( I hate e-mail invitations…they are so impersonal) . I love to create the party from either an experience I have had or have read about . I go on the Internet and see what the current ‘in thing’ is on the east and west coasts.
“I love giving party favors at the holiday season. It could be an ornament, bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with Christmas ribbon. Or it could be candy made from a secret family recipe beautifully wrapped in cellophane, ribbon and a small Christmas ornament attached to the ribbon. You might just give a Christmas handwritten note saying how important that person is to you sealed in a Christmas envelope,” Harl said.
Cookbook Author and excellent cook and party planner Ranell Brown:
Plan a party at least two months ahead. Send invitations four to five weeks ahead. It is hard to know, because sometimes if you send them too early, people forget. Remember to have a good time and enjoy your own party. If this means hiring someone to make all the arrangements, do so. The holidays are stressful enough without adding the pressures of entertaining.
Realtor and person who loves entertaining at home Kanela Huff: Be prepared. Do as much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy your party. I try to add one new item, signature food or decoration each year. It could be Italian or Mexican food for the holidays which adds something new in decorating. Usually, I have a new color scheme or new theme each year. This year? We are working on it.
At a meeting some time ago, Junior League members asked Curtis Bramlett, Chris Fuhrman and Brian Ferguson to talk about holiday tips for food menus and drinks. Nancy Skaarer-Brown from Paper N More discussed party invitations.
Some holiday drink ideas from that seminar are listed:
“Reindeer Martini-Created by bartender Sherri Flynn of Harry’s Velvet Room in Chicago.
Shake over ice and strain to serve straight up in a martini glass, garnished with a cherry (red nose) and two cinnamon sticks making a “V” for antlers.
2 parts vodka
1 part Frangelico
1 part Malibu
Splash of cream
Mama’s Eggnog
In a bowl beat the egg yolks with the 1/2 c. sugar until thick. In another bowl beat the egg whites with 1/4 c. of sugar until thick. In a third bowl beat the cream until thick. Add the cream to the yolks, fold in the egg whites, and add the milk, bourbon, vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Chill in freezer before serving. Serve in punch bowl.
6 eggs, separated
1 pt. Heavy cream
3/4 c. sugar
4 pt. Milk
1/2 pt. Bourbon
1 T. vanilla
Nutmeg
Carolers Confection
Combine ingredients and top with whipped cream.
1 part Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila
5 parts Freshly brewed strong hot coffee
1 package hot cocoa mix
1/2 part coffee brandy
Oklahoma City Executive Chef is speaker at Pi Phi luncheon
Mary Kay Bullard, Bibby Wilson, Millon Lilly, Cherie Martin, Jerry Jennings and Susie Blinn were at the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae luncheon at Nancy Arnold’s home. (Photos by Margo Ward).
The Skirvin Hotel’s Executive chef Andrew Black demonstrated cooking skills at the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club luncheon at Nancy Arnold’s house.
He showed the group how to make strawberry and walnut salad with poached salmon, risotto and warm pear cobbler.
Members brought children’s books to donate for their literacy project.
Chef Andrew Black talks about his recipes.
Friends of St. Jude in Oklahoma City will host a Halloween Boo Bash on Oct. 22 at 8:00 PM at The Harn Homestead Museum.
Attendees will be entertained by Joe Worrel and The Last Free Exit Band, and CounterFall. There will be food provided by Rib Crib and Advance Food, drinks provided by MillerCoors, costume contests, and premier raffle prizes, such as free dry cleaning for a year, Frontier City Passes, and various gift certificates.
Tickets are available online for $25. or at www.friendsofstjude.org/okc or by calling 405.217.9200.
Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .
