MaidenShade

10893 Sea Coral Court, Bonita Springs, Florida

2009-11-28T07:09:00.006-05:00

Click here to view photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/MaidenShadeLady/HOUSEPHOTOS?feat=directlink

Features and Facts

Built in 2000
8,448 square foot lot, irregular shape
Slab foundation, concrete block and stucco construction
Vaulted/volume ceilings
FRESH PAINT! Pristine Condition - Move-in ready
Great room, split bedroom floor plan
All hard-surface flooring (laminate and tile) throughout
Kitchen features Wilsonart solid surface countertops and sink with bull-nose edge, upgraded faucet
Oversized paver drive, walk
Attached 2 car garage with attic (drop-down stairs) for storage (462.5 SF), door opener, shelving
12' Slider doors to 207 SF lanai (under roof)
Enclosed solar-heated 26'x13' pool, wired for sound with speakers and outside shower
Aluminum gutters
Fiberglass shingles
Central heating
Municipal water/sewer
Double door entry with interior shades and security screen doors
Security System
All Appliances Stay

Convenient inside front-load washer/dryer, dishwasher, range, built-in microwave, disposal unit, fridge with icemaker, electric water heater

Huge master bedroom suite with crown molding, tray ceiling, slider opens to pool
ALL bedrooms have walk-in closets, master features custom shelving
Plant shelves
Upgraded ceiling fans and light fixtures in all rooms
Wired for surround sound, rear speakers included
Quiet cul du sac location
Arched doorways
3 bedrooms
2 Full Baths

Spa tub, walk-in shower, dual shower heads and double sinks in Master; 2nd bath has pool entrance with shower, marble sinks - both bathrooms

Sprinkler System
ROOM TO PLAY! Private, fenced backyard with lush oasis-style landscaping features bird and butterfly attracting perennials, well-established Koi pond with 2 fish, mature trees including palm, fruit, oak; quaint paths, unique rounded concrete patio
6'x6' Storage shed with attached potting locker and shelf

Room Sizes

Living room - 16’ x 19”
Dining Room - 11’x15’
Kitchen - 10’ x 14’
Master bedroom - 13.5’ x 19’
Bedroom - 12’ x 14’
Bedroom - 10.5’ x 13.5’
Laundry - 5’ x 7.5’
Total under air = 1,775 sq. feet
Approximate total including garage and lanai = 2444.5 generous square feet!

Schools, Local

Bonita Springs Charter School
Bonita Springs Middle School
Bonita Springs Elementary School
Great Central Location - Walk to city parks, city recreation center (with skate park, disc golf, workout room and pool!), library, close to the beach, boating, and Fabulous Shopping!

Costs

Property taxes: $2,100
Association fees: $35 (common area maintenance)

MaidenShade Matters

2009-05-12T11:11:00.002-04:00

Just a note in case you come to this blog, please continue on to MaidenShade Matters, my dedicated blog at MaidenShade.net. Thank you, J

MaidenShade Matters

2008-09-26T13:05:00.003-04:00

What do you think? Old or New?

NEW BLOG: navigates like a website with multiple pages, has mouse-over page previews on linked pages, easy comment format, posts are categorized so you can search by them for specific things like "how to's", recipes...

OLD BLOG (this one): pink/colorful, can have slideshows and functionality fun things like the chat, useless facts...

Give the Gift of Light!
http://www.maidenshade.com/

NEWS FLASH: MaidenShade & SWFHandmade

2008-09-21T10:24:00.007-04:00

MaidenShade has joined SWFHandmade, a group of Etsians from the Southwest Florida area. "We are a collective of creative minds determined to shine a spotlight on (our) handmade items in the Southwest Florida area. Be sure to read through our About SWFH page and check out our list of talented members on the Member’s Page."

This off-shoot from FEST (Florida Etsy Street Team - see the FEST mini below that has items from this talented group) will be focused directly on the Lee and Collier County realm. We will be involved in local events, have articles in local publications, and may even host things like open houses and shows/sales!

Check out the Blog and if you're an Etsian in our area, join the Yahoo Group and become a member of the SWFHandmade Group!

Check Out What's New

2008-09-16T15:58:00.007-04:00

I've updated my inventory, adding additional NEW night lights, and replacing some existing ones that had sold. Look around, there are great gift ideas for everyone from tot to teen, skateboarder, to gardener!

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN

2008-09-03T08:41:00.007-04:00

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

#2
Let me introduce you

... to an inspirational woman I am lucky enough to know. Her name is Cindy.

Why do I say "inspirational"? Because in her I see dedication, commitment, energy, vision - all things that are admirable and worth striving toward for myself. She is educated and self-taught, business savvy and creative. But mostly, I see willingness to give of herself; a helping hand stretched out to friends and strangers alike.

Go have a look at ONE of her many businesses - Celebration Sensations. What well-priced and wonderful items for events from birthday parties to picnics! Here are a couple of my favorite picks: Light up Rocks Glasses (HOW COOL IS THIS STUFF???) and anything from the Max and Lucy line - too cute and funny!

Need help on your website? Send her an email!

(Hey Cindy, I think you're the best!)

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

#1
I Think....

Meeting kindred souls is sweetest when we least expect to find them - so it was when I initially saw Nora at our very first art show in Tampa.

Both of us standing around in the pre-dawn world of infinite possibility that day would bring, each happy to have the opportunity and to have someone there to check up with throughout the day, and then after the show, throughout the coming months.

Please, go look at her fabulous wearable art. You'll find her signature peacocks are so brilliant, the jewelry shines with that hot Miami flair that only NoraKaren can claim. She doesn't stop there; for fabulous canvased art, a personalized item, your favorite outfit gorgeously painted NoraKaren Design is the place to go!

Need something custom created? Nora is your go to gal! Check her out at her Etsy location.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Of course my very first inspirational woman is my mom, Emily. That is a post unto itself - nay, a BLOG unto itself!

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

August End Video

2008-08-21T17:16:00.005-04:00

For a taste of what's to be at the shows this year and at MaidenShade.com as well see the SlideShow below. Have fun!

Mid-August Offerings

2008-08-15T13:19:00.004-04:00

Have a look at what's new! Check out the video to see some of our hottest new latest night lights at MaidenShade:

EVENT: 2nd Annual Naples Craft Festival

2008-08-13T06:18:00.007-04:00

It's coming up, make your plans to attend now, and meet the MaidenShade Lady - in person!

2nd Annual Naples Craft Festival
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 6th & 7th, 2008
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: Admission is Free
City: Naples, FL
About: Fifth Avenue South in Downtown Naples is notorious for great restaurants, shops and cultural events. The show is along 5th Avenue South, and provides a beautiful backdrop.

Venue
5th Avenue South in Downtown Naples (SW FL)

Directions
FROM FT. LAUDERDALE: Take Alligator Alley (SR 84, I-75) west to Naples. At exit 101 go west on Davis Boulevard (or 84) to Route 41. At 41 go to the right. 5th Avenue South will be straight ahead. If you go past Central Avenue on Rt. 41, you went too far.

FROM TAMPA: Take I-75 to Exit 107 - Pine Ridge Road. Proceed west to Route 41. Go south. Route 41 turns left, but keep going straight. Turn right on 5th Avenue South.

MaidenShade Lady & The King

NEWS FLASH - MaidenShade CONTEST

2008-08-08T13:43:00.010-04:00

LET'S HAVE A CONTEST!

CONTEST RULES:

Go check out MaidenShade's Night Lights, Lamps, and Lampshades and send your opinion / suggestions / feedback via email. 1) Make sure you include your initials and 2) city, and 3) a viable return email addy so I can contact you. 4) Also include the name of the night light you'd like if you win.
Lucky random respondent will receive a night light of their choice!
Winner must agree to having their winning response along with their initials and City posted on this blog. By participating, you so agree.

Contest Ends August 31. Good luck and have fun!

_______________________

What's Changed At http://www.maidenshade.com/?

Well, I've finished the next phase in my website upgrading. Will you go look at it and give me feedback, please? Test out its functionality, use the new buttons, peruse the new categories - let me know if you find any problems, misspellings etc.

If you were participating in my "help choose the lamps" project, see if you can easily find the "All Lamps" category. (If you weren't and would like to, pick out 10 lamps I should bring to my show in Naples, Florida on Sep. 6-7, as I can't decide. Just send me an email and tell my your top 10.)

What's new:
Layout

Abbreviated "welcome" text
Categories titles enlarged, colored
Cart running total relocated to top navigation bar
Featured products across bottom added, buttons added to them
Main category descriptions & picture added in search result pages
Subcategories delineated with colored line in search result pages
Payment and security verification logos added to each description page (PayPal, Thwat...)
Subcategories added
Enlarge on mouse-over feature in the search results pages (not possible in long description area yet, can only have 2 pictures in ProStores environment, the tiny one and the one you see on mouse over & in the long description)

Navigation

"more info" buttons added in search result items (so people know there is more to each item than just the little picture & brief description...)
Picture resizing to achieve consistency
Abbreviated short descriptions
Uniform/Consistent long descriptions

WOW, that's a lot of work! Kudos to CR, MM AND myself for an amazing job. Thank you!

FUN FYI SLIDESHOWS ON MAIDENSHADE!

2008-07-30T12:33:00.009-04:00

Oh this is too cool - look at what I've made to help facilitate the custom ordering process, SlideShows! Just click through and have fun. Now you can see some of your choices, don't want to choose? No problem, I'm happy to oblige!

The MaidenShade FYI Library currently includes: "M'bellishments", "MaidenShade Presents Shapes, Sizes & Examples", "Fabric Swatches", & "MaidenShade Made, How it's Done". I particularly want to point you toward the Shapes, Sizes & Examples - this one includes great shots of completed items, side by side and next to a ruler for size comparison. Those slides are in the last section, go have a look.

M'Bellishments (click the word/link)
Fabric Swatches (click the word/link)
Shapes, Sizes, Examples (click the word/link)
MaidenShade Made, How it's Done (click the word/link - this one is more like a story, so fun!)

I've put in one actual slideshow at the bottom of this post just so you can see it, but recommend you go to the links provided above to actually view this one as then you'll get a full page view as opposed to what you have below, which is too tiny to see clearly.

When you're using this Scribd document, take a second to familiarize yourself with the tools across the top of the page that magnify, decrease size, allow you to arrow or page through, let you view it in a grid, and so on.

REMEMBER: Click on your browser's back button to return to this blog!

SLIDE SHOW EXAMPLE:

M'bellishments PP - Upload a Document to Scribd

PROMO SALE

2008-07-24T10:23:00.010-04:00

AUTUMNAL MADNESS STRIKES MAIDENSHADE!

Hey, it's the first of its kind - a sale at MaidenShade! Go check these autumnal offerings out:

Promotion Name: Pre-Autumn Madness!

Promotion Codes (type exactly as seen):

HM 0808 Autumn Leaves $17 ($20)

PP0808 Punkin Party $17 ($20)

FA0808 Fauna $17 ($20)

LFA0808 Large Fauna NL $17 ($20)

FL0808 Flora Mini $27 ($35)

WW0808 Which Witch? $17 ($20)

Valid Dates: From:7/24/08 - To: 9/01/08

GO SHOP

Part II of CatTails

2008-07-21T09:21:00.002-04:00

Click here to go to see the continuing saga of our 4 little foster wards!

NEW LOOK at MaidenShade!

2008-07-06T10:00:00.012-04:00

Hello and Happy July!

It's gorgeous over at the MaidenShade site. I have changed my look for summer/autumn and I love it! Please go have a look around and give me your opinion. While you're there, will you take a tour of the different pages, and then go further into the links I've put in? (Please note that my "Custom" page is still "under construction". )

Comment back - your feedback is vital!

Helpful Links... Please look at the "About Us" page to see what our customers have to say and to look at what they purchased! Also, check out the new features in these links:
Custom Creation Information (The place to start when you want something specific!)
Resourcefully Yours (Links to the outside)
Locator (Including an alpha Product Index!)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - go look at the NEW FYI SlideShow!!!)

You artsy craftsy bloggers - Let's link! Just email/give me the html for your page so I can copy and paste it into my new "resourcefully yours" page, your Etsy &/or store links too. I'm not very good at all of that yet, but I'm learning and would love to help promote you and your work

I've also changed my AVA (A Virtual Assistant - I offer independant administrative help) website to reflect more of my "other side" - I've added a "What's New" column on the Home page, and a Shopping page which features MaidenShade products. If you give me one or two of your things I'll put them on there too. What do you think, wanna collaborate?

At my Esty site, I've added a couple of products - but TBH, things that I make aren't selling, just supplies like my extra trims are! What's up with that?

On a personal note, yesterday the kittens went to PetSmart to be adopted. I bawled of course, we had them for a month and a half, how could I not fall in love with them? Check out the video on You Tube if you havent... talk about poignant. 'sob

We kept one of the kitties, Sassy. She loves me and I wanted a kitty who at least seemed to care about me. Our big ones all love David... ALL babies and animals (and everyone else for that matter!) love him. You know what Dickens said about that, don't you?

"...It is no small thing when they,

who are so fresh from God, love us..."

KITTENS KITTENS EVERYWHERE!

2008-06-11T08:44:00.006-04:00

What's new? You mean besides gearing up for 2 shows by trying to increase my inventory by 200%... Right?

We are sharing our home with 4 homeless tiny kittens for about 3 weeks - fostering them (for a rescue organization in SW Florida called Friends of Gummi) until they are big enough to be neutered and adopted out. I've made a PDF slideshow of them, if you'd like to see it go to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2nLcrQNiMA and if that link doesn't work, do a search on CatTail or MaidenShade within http://www.youtube.com/.

They are so sweet! (ahem, this is in addition to our 4 indoor adults and 2 feral outside cats we are owned by...)

_______________

Here are some of the fabrics I'm using for my Christmas line:

Tossed Scotty Dogs,

Christmas Mice,

Meowy Christmas

Oh Deer!

Meowleleuia

Anna Griffin Christmas:

Two Fabulous Florals

Shop at http://www.maidenshade.com/ - don't see what you want there? Send me an email, we can create it together.

NEW CREATE YOUR CUSTOM NIGHTLIGHT

2008-05-21T15:15:00.008-04:00

Just introduced today is the new create your own nightlight listing on http://www.maidenshade.com/. What a great idea! You know, for $20 you can't beat this for adding a little glow to your life or providing one in someone else's. Check out some nightlights I've made for clients

Casey

Gentle Golden

Tiny Terrier i Bee Cause

URSUS

MAIDENSHADE IS ON ETSY

2008-03-18T16:07:00.002-04:00

What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade.

Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice:

Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

Where is Etsy?
Since our launch in June, 2005, over 100,000 sellers from around the world have opened up Etsy shops.

Who is Etsy?
We are a community and a company. Etsy was founded by Rob, Chris, Haim and Jared in 2005.

And now you can shop for all things MaidenShade at our Etsy store too!

EASTER FACTS!

2008-02-25T10:20:00.005-05:00

Easter this year is: Sunday March 23, 2008

As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!

Here are the facts:

The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now).
The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now).
The last time it was on March 22 was 1818.

So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

Source: MIL Informative E-Mail

SHOP TO FILL THOSE EASTER BASKETS NOW

FOLLOW THAT RAINBOW!

2008-02-20T11:25:00.020-05:00

Go right to MaidenShade to see what's at the rainbow's end in lights for St. Paddy's Day, Easter, Everyday - and to find out what's ON SALE!

Why, Sure and Begorin Lads and Lassies, y'd better get your bit o'luck 'n pot o'gold before someone else claims them!

_________________________________________________

Get a great discount on Valentine's Day nightlights for the next 2 weeks only! Do a search on "Sale"

_________________________________________________

New for Spring are some FABULOUS offerings featuring fabric designer Amy Butler prints she did for Moda, a lovely Hydrangea floral, and a sweet religious nightlight called Cross Toss. Here's a peek at some of them (click the picture or link to go to the actual item and a larger view):

Vanities Large Scalloped NightLight

Haute Peony Stripe Lamp

A La Rouge Large Round NightLight

A La Rouge Tissue Cozy

PLUS THERE ARE MORE!

TAKE ME TO MAIDENSHADE

SO I CAN SHOP!

Heck with Easter Bonnets! Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail!

2008-02-05T12:56:00.001-05:00

Hippity-Hopping right into your heart, it's Peter Cotton Tail! Wouldn't some "BUNNY" you know just LOVE this lamp?~more pictures are available on my eBay listing~

Well, MaidenShade Lady is up to it again. Putting MORE fabulous deals on eBay, blogging on her Auctiva Blog, and inviting one and all to SAVE SAVE SAVE.

Shop eBay Way

Blog eBay Way (scroll down when you get to this page)

Shop MaidenShade

Contact Me

MAIDENSHADE ON EBAY

2008-01-30T05:24:00.000-05:00

There are some bargains to be had from MaidenShade! At EBay, (where once upon a time a store called Trollops was conceived and consequently renamed due to an offended few), that enormous auction emporium in the sky.

One of the advantages in listing there is the exposure of one's products - significant compared to an unknown e-store's - and the flexibility of listing other items as well. There is no stigma attached to including fabric, trim, or a tea set from China to your list of items for sale at eBay!

I invite you to take advantage of LOWER PRICES on my unique gift ideas for Valentine's Day and Easter, go check out my nightlights, lamps, and lampshades on eBay. Who knows what you might find?

SHOP AT EBAY NOW

SHOP AT MAIDENSHADE NOW

At MaidenShade, in addition to the Valentine's Day and Easter , I've added some religious themed NightLights. Respectful and beautiful, these little lights will bring a holy glowing light to your hallway path and bathe your bath in their gentle light. What a comfort to look over at night and see the reminder of Our Lord in your room, quietly shedding its light. Choose from handsome, jewel-hued crucifixes (Sign of the Cross), Our Lady, or neutral Pax, which features the symbol of early Christians, the fish.

Please Contact Me if you have any special requests, like a lamp that adds a perfect accent to your decor, and please tell your friends to shop at for unique and fabulous gift ideas at MaidenShade.

___________________________________

Everyone has lights, but NOT everyone has a MaidenShade!

NEW FOR SPRING

2008-01-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

They are here - the NEW Nighty-NightLights from MaidenShade! Go have a look and enjoy.

SIZING A LAMPSHADE

2008-01-10T08:05:00.000-05:00

CHOOSING THE PERFECT LAMPSHADE FOR YOUR LIGHT FIXTURE
Sizing a lampshade to fit your lamp is not as difficult as it might seem. Simply follow the easy instructions below, and you'll be able to order a great looking new lampshade that will fit your lamp perfectly.

Lampshades are measured and sized according to:

width across the top
width across the bottom
height down the side.

For example, 10" top, 16" bottom, 12" side. Any shade measurements on MaidenShade's site are displayed TOP X BOTTOM X SIDE. The width across the bottom is what is referred to as the lampshade size. So a shade with the example measurements above would be referred to as a 16" shade.

If you have an existing shade and want a similar one, simply measure it and find a shade with a similar measurement.

If the measurements are not exactly the same as your shade, the height is the most important size to match with your existing shade.

If you do not have an existing shade or simply want something different in style and/or size, measure from the top of the lamp's harp to just below the socket in which the bulb fits. Then match it to the height of a shade on our site.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT FITTER
There are five distinct ways nearly all lampshades fit onto a lamp, using three varieties of fitters:

Washer (Spider)
This is the most common lamp fitter. The washer fit (1/2" ring) will fit on one of the following settings:

Most table shades use a harp to hold the shade, then allowing a finial to be screwed on top.
Many floor lamps and some desk and table lamps have a vertical rod (1/2" wide) on which the shade rests.
Some floor lamps or table lamps have a white globe (measuring 6" - 10" across the top). The shade will simply sit on top of the globe. The shade will have notches in the wire to keep it from sliding out of place.
Unless otherwise noted all of our lampshades larger than 10" use a washer style fitter.

Clip
The standard bulb clip is used predominantly on smaller table lamps.

The candelabra bulb clip fits chandeliers and wall sconces (using 4", 5", and 6" shades).

NOTE: Any shade with a washer fitter can be modified to use a clip fitter.

Uno
This shade has a 1" ring with inner threads which screw onto the lamp socket, and is used mostly on floor lamps, but occasionally on table lamps also.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Most lamps will accomodate a different style or size lampshade than what was on it when you purchased or acquired it.
A different size harp, or the addition of a screw-on extender to the harp, can help make your new shade fit even better.
If you have any questions about style, size, or fitter please give us a call at 239.980.0799 or send an E-Mail.
Please contact us if you are having trouble finding a particular shade, if we don't have what you want we can create a custom shade for you.

Remember, don't hesitate to ask for our assistance in choosing a great looking new shade for your lamp. MaidenShade has hundreds of lamps, lampshades, and nightlights to choose from and many are not on our web site.

SHOP NOW

MaidenShade 2008

2008-01-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

"A lampshade is a fixture that covers the lightbulb on a lamp to diffuse the light it emits.

Conical, cylindrical and other forms on floor-, desk- or table top-mounted as well as suspended lamp models are the most common and are made in a wide range of materials. The term can also apply to the glass hung under many designs of ceiling lamp.

Beyond its practical purpose, significant emphasis is also usually given to decorative and aesthetic features..."

Source: Wikipedia

UPCOMING AT MAIDENSHADE:

New for 2008 will be unique seasonal and themed items!

Valentine's Day:
Look for the sweetheart lamp, perfect for your sweetie. If you have a specific color theme in mind, just let me know so I can create a personalized "I LOVE YOU" just for you.

Easter:
Buying has begun for adorable fabrics and yummy trims. From sacred to traditional bunnies and chicks, decorating has just gotten fresh again with MaidenShade lamps, lampshades, and nightlights!

Sit-Down Dinner Menu & Table Tips

2007-12-28T08:14:00.000-05:00

No, you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Your guests will never notice if you cut a few corners and take advantage of packaged ingredients. You can save more than an hour of prep time by relying on frozen pearl onions (no peeling!), presliced mushrooms, precut stew meat and carrots, and pre-bagged lettuce. How about a special touch for this fabulous holiday celebration - a gift of light from MaidenShade using a NightLight to mark each guest's place? Customization is a snap, and we are happy to help make your dinner unforgetable! Just ask to see some of the possibilities and find out about a discount for mentioning this blog.

Menu

Lettuce, Orange, and Pecan Salad

Beef Bourguignonne

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli Rabe with Currant Vinaigrette

Ice Cream Bombe

Shopping List
3 1/2 to 4 pounds stew or chuck meat
1 bottle dry red wine (such as Côtes du Rhône)
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 14.5-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion
1 whole carrot
1 head garlic
1 1-pound bag carrots, preferably baby cut
2 sticks unsalted butter1 pound fresh or frozen pearl onions
1 pound sliced button mushrooms
8 russet potatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 quart whole milk
3 bunches (about 3 pounds) broccoli rabe
1 12-ounce jar red currant jelly
1 1.5-ounce jar red pepper flakes
1 8-ounce jar Dijon mustard
3 heads Bibb or Boston lettuce
2 navel oranges
3 ounces pecan halves
4 ounces goat cheese (optional)
1 shallot
1 8-ounce carton orange juice
1 12.7-ounce bottle white wine vinegar
2 pints vanilla ice cream2 pints chocolate ice cream
1 7.5-ounce bag hard peppermint candies
1 customized NightLight for each guest

RECIPES FOLLOW IN NEXT POSTS

What to Sip
Tradition holds that whatever wine goes in the stew should go in the glass. That’s fine, but according to wine expert Andrea Robinson, a better match for rich beef stew and bitter broccoli rabe is a more assertive Rioja (such as Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Reserva, $16) or a Petite Syrah (like Bogle, $10).

Preparing for Your Sit-Down Dinner

Two Days Before
Make the Ice Cream Bombe.
Select the music.

The Day Before
Set the table.
Clip cuttings from your yard for a fresh look to your table's center piece.
Use a NightLight from MaidenShade as a placecard holder and gift for each guest.
Clean the living room, dining room, and bathrooms; edit the medicine cabinet, in case of nosy guests.
Make the Beef Bourguignonne.

Early in the Day
Unmold the Ice Cream Bombe onto a platter and return to freezer.
Make the salad and the vinaigrette; refrigerate them separately.

Two Hours Before Guests Arrive
Mash the potatoes; transfer to oven.One Hour Before Guests Arrive
Heat the stew.
Make sure the dishwasher is empty.
Change into your party clothes.

15 Minutes Before Guests Arrive
Light the candles and turn on the music.
Set out some chilled sparkling water.
Uncork the wine.

15 Minutes Before Dinner
Toss the salad.
After the First Course
Make the broccoli rabe.After Dinner But Before Dessert
Place a load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Sprinkle the candy over the Ice Cream Bombe.

After the Last Guest Leaves
Clean the dishes before going to bed so you don’t have to face them in the morning.

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FOR THE RECEIPES

It's Christmas Eve!

2007-12-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

Want to read some fun Christmas facts while you shop for that last minute gift? Go to MaidenShade now!

Here's a sample:

Holly: The sharply pointed leaves were to symbolize the thorns in Christ's crown and the red berries drops of his blood. Holly became a nativity tradition.

Lump of Coal: According to tradition, giving a lump of coal in the stockings of naughty children comes from Italy.

Merry Christmas: Some priests in Australia advise you to say "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas", because Merry has connotations of getting drunk- which brings it's own problems.

Poinsettias: Poinsettias were attached to Christmas starting in 1828. Joel Roberts Poinsett, then the first Mexican ambassador from the United States, imported the plant from Mexico.

Ice Cream Bombe

2007-12-19T06:08:00.000-05:00

Continued: Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

2 pints vanilla ice cream
2 pints chocolate ice cream
1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Line a medium-size bowl with 2 sheets of aluminum foil. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into balls and place in bowl. Freeze for 30 minutes.

Repeat with the chocolate ice cream, placing it on top of the vanilla and making the top as even as possible. Freeze for at least 2 and up to 24 hours.

Invert bowl onto a serving platter. Remove bowl and foil. Sprinkle with the crushed candy. Use a knife to slice the bombe into wedges, running it under hot water in between cuts. Serve immediately.

In Advance: The Ice Cream Bombe must be made at least a day ahead of time. You can unmold it the morning of the party, inverting it onto a serving platter, and return it to the freezer. Sprinkle the crushed candies over the top just before serving.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 338.37(41% from fat); FAT 15.29g (sat 9.48g); PROTEIN 5.31mg; CHOLESTEROL 49.04mg; CALCIUM 164.48mg; SODIUM 93.47mg; FIBER 1.46g; CARBOHYDRATE 46.42g; IRON 0.78mg

MaidenShade has lamps dressed for every occasion - Shop MaidenShade for the classics or step out into the wow and now of trendy designer fabrics.

Broccoli Rabe with Currant Vinaigrette

2007-12-19T06:04:00.000-05:00

Continued: Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

3 bunches (about 3 pounds) broccoli rabe
1/4 cup red currant jelly
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, squeezing to remove any excess water.

Heat the jelly in a small saucepan over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the red pepper and mustard. Whisking constantly, slowly add the oil. Season with the salt and black pepper. Transfer the broccoli rabe to a serving bowl, drizzle with the jelly vinaigrette, and toss. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 135.32(44% from fat); FAT 6.79g (sat 0.91g); PROTEIN 6.03mg; CHOLESTEROL 0mg; CALCIUM 80.73mg; SODIUM 128.12mg; FIBER 0.03g; CARBOHYDRATE 14.59g; IRON 1.51mg

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

2007-12-19T05:56:00.000-05:00

Continued: Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

8 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Heat oven to 300° F. Place the potatoes in a large pot with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, return to pot, and mash. Add 8 tablespoons of the butter, the cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a casserole and dot with the remaining butter, cut into small pieces. Place in oven, uncovered, to keep warm for up to 1 hour.

In Advance: For a crisp, golden crust on the potatoes, increase the oven temperature to 400° F for the last 15 minutes.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 397.85(58% from fat); FAT 25.92g (sat 16.19g); PROTEIN 5.57mg; CHOLESTEROL 79.91mg; CALCIUM 66.93mg; SODIUM 386.61mg; FIBER 3.81g; CARBOHYDRATE 38.06g; IRON 1.9mg

Lettuce, Orange, and Pecan Salad

2007-12-19T05:48:00.000-05:00

Continued: Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

3 heads Bibb or Boston lettuce, rinsed and torn
2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced into thin circles
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) toasted pecans, roughly chopped
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 shallot, minced 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Place the lettuce, oranges, pecans, and goat cheese (if using) in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, shallot, oil, salt, and pepper. Add to the salad and toss. Divide among individual salad plates.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 159.85(80% from fat); FAT 14.25g (sat 1.56g); PROTEIN 2.17mg; CHOLESTEROL 0mg; CALCIUM 45.13mg; SODIUM 73.87mg; FIBER 2.46g; CARBOHYDRATE 8g; IRON 1.15mg

MaidenShade makes some wonderful mood-setters, come see what lamps, lampshades and nightlights we have to offer that will help transform the atmosphere in your home.

Recipe: Beef Bourguignonne

2007-12-18T06:38:00.000-05:00

Continued: Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

3 1/2 to 4 pounds stew or chuck meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 bottle dry red wine
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 14.5-ounce cans (3 1/2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 small yellow onion
1 whole carrot, peeled
8 cloves garlic, peeled
1 pound whole carrots, peeled and cut into strips, or baby-cut carrots
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound fresh or frozen pearl onions
1 pound button mushrooms, sliced

Heat oven to 300° F.

Season the meat on all sides with 1 tablespoon of the salt and the pepper.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot over medium heat. Cook the meat in batches, turning to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.

Add the wine to the drippings in the pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. Add the meat, tomatoes, and 2 cups of the broth and bring to a simmer. Add the yellow onion, whole carrot, and garlic. Cover tightly and transfer to oven for 1 hour.

Add the baby-cut carrots or carrot strips, cover, and return to oven until the meat is fork-tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes more. Skim any fat from the surface.

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and the remaining broth. Simmer until the liquid almost completely evaporates and the onions are tender, about 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to coat the onions with the liquid. Transfer to a plate.

Clean the skillet, then melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and toss to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid released by the mushrooms almost completely evaporates, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and add the remaining salt.

Meanwhile, place the pot of beef stew on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard the onion half and the whole carrot. Simmer the stew, uncovered, until it thickens to the desired consistency, 10 to 20 minutes. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms and simmer for 5 more minutes. Spoon onto plates.

In Advance:
Beef Bourguignonne's flavor improves with time. Make it 1 or 2 days ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it, keeping the onions and mushrooms separate from the stew. The next day, skim any fat from the surface. Reheat the stew over a medium-low flame for 45 minutes.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVINGCALORIES 554.28(41% from fat); FAT 25.15g (sat 8.82g); PROTEIN 46.42mg; CHOLESTEROL 143.46mg; CALCIUM 90.38mg; SODIUM 835.8mg; FIBER 2.26g; CARBOHYDRATE 20.87g; IRON 6.02mg

MaidenShade makes some wonderful mood-setters, come see what lamps, lampshades and nightlights we have to offer that will help transform the atmosphere in your home.

Host a Sit Down Holiday Dinner

2007-12-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Sit-Down Dinner Menu & Table Tips

No, you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Your guests will never notice if you cut a few corners and take advantage of packaged ingredients. You can save more than an hour of prep time by relying on frozen pearl onions (no peeling!), presliced mushrooms, precut stew meat and carrots, and pre-bagged lettuce.

How about a special touch for this fabulous holiday celebration - a gift of light from MaidenShade using a NightLight to mark each guest's place? Customization is a snap, and we are happy to help make your dinner unforgetable! Just ask to see some of the possibilities and find out about a discount for mentioning this blog.

Menu
Lettuce, Orange, and Pecan Salad
Beef Bourguignonne
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Rabe with Currant Vinaigrette
Ice Cream Bombe

Shopping List

3 1/2 to 4 pounds stew or chuck meat1 bottle dry red wine (such as Côtes du Rhône)
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 14.5-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion
1 whole carrot
1 head garlic
1 1-pound bag carrots, preferably baby cut
2 sticks unsalted butter1 pound fresh or frozen pearl onions
1 pound sliced button mushrooms
8 russet potatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 quart whole milk
3 bunches (about 3 pounds) broccoli rabe
1 12-ounce jar red currant jelly
1 1.5-ounce jar red pepper flakes
1 8-ounce jar Dijon mustard
3 heads Bibb or Boston lettuce
2 navel oranges
3 ounces pecan halves
4 ounces goat cheese (optional)
1 shallot
1 8-ounce carton orange juice
1 12.7-ounce bottle white wine vinegar
2 pints vanilla ice cream2 pints chocolate ice cream
1 7.5-ounce bag hard peppermint candies
1 customized NightLight for each guest

RECIPES TO FOLLOW IN NEXT POSTS

Make the Ice Cream Bombe.

Select the music.

The Day Before

Set the table. Holly sprigs or evergreen branches can add seasonal color to the table. Clip cuttings from your yard or (discreetly, of course) your Christmas tree. Use a NightLight from MaidenShade as a placecard holder and gift for each guest.
Clean the living room, dining room, and bathrooms; edit the medicine cabinet, in case of nosy guests.
Make the Beef Bourguignonne.

Early in the Day

Unmold the Ice Cream Bombe onto a platter and return to freezer.Make the salad and the vinaigrette; refrigerate them separately.Two Hours Before Guests Arrive

Mash the potatoes; transfer to oven.

One Hour Before Guests Arrive

Heat the stew.
Make sure the dishwasher is empty.
Change into your party clothes.

15 Minutes Before Guests Arrive

Light the candles and turn on the music.
Set out some chilled sparkling water.
Uncork the wine.

15 Minutes Before Dinner

Toss the salad.

After the First Course

Make the broccoli rabe.

After Dinner But Before Dessert

Place a load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Sprinkle the candy over the Ice Cream Bombe.

After the Last Guest Leaves

Clean the dishes before going to bed so you don’t have to face them in the morning.

MORE POSTS TO FOLLOW, BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT!

Beautiful and Easy Christmas Table Ideas

2007-12-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Decorating your table for Christmas can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it, but it can always be eye-catching and uplifting. If you have a little money to spend, you should first establish a limit, and then decide upon a theme. Do you want a particular color or colors? People, who especially love Christmas, still rely on the old stand-bys. I will admit that red, green, white, gold and silver are still my favorites and probably always will be.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a wintery look. Simple. Just use white, blue, light shades of purple and you’re on your way. Along with candles you can add ornamental snowflakes, little snowmen, or strands of clear beads or snowy white garlands.

If you have a color scheme in your home that you would like to play off of, then that can make it even simpler. You can always find candles, ribbons, napkins, beads, etc. on line or at the store. Add touches of winter greenery or tiny Christmas trees to solidify the look.

A Christmas wreath laid in the center of the table can be the beginning of a perfect centerpiece. It can be decorated with any object you may want to use as a theme. If you have no theme in mind other than something special, then ribbons and bows can always come to the rescue.

Inside the wreath, place a large candle or several tapers. The tapers can be the same height or differing heights. The choice is yours. Just make certain that the flames or hot wax do not come in contact with anything that could cause a fire. I was at a dinner party once where that happened. We certainly had a lively Christmas party that night!

Hurricane lanterns placed in a row down the center of the table can take the place of a traditional centerpiece. Stemware filled with beads, nuts, berries, glass marbles, or any small festive objects can be used as well. You can use themed pieces to decorate in between. We’ll use Christmas bells as our example of a theme. Bells can be purchased in packages or they can be purchased already strung on wire. If they are on wire, they can be wrapped around the base of the hurricane lanterns, or you can attach them to ribbon and wrap the ribbon around the lanterns. Long strands of ribbon and beads can flow around the decorations.

Continue to carry out your theme with your table napkins. Use two napkins of different colors for each place setting. Place one napkin on top of the other. You can roll them separately or roll them together, but the important thing is to tie them together. Tie them with a beautiful wired ribbon with the bell attached to the ribbon. Because wired ribbon can be shaped, it is easy to make the perfect size napkin holder. With your napkins inside your ribbon napkin holder, artfully arrange them and place them in the center of each plate. You now have bells on your napkin holders and bells on your table decorations.

You can continue the theme with bells tied to the backs of chairs, hanging from the chandelier or attached to your stemware. The idea is to repeat your color or decoration. By using a theme, your Christmas table will go from ho-hum to spectacular! Happy decorating.

source: Amazing-Christmas-Ideas.com

Christmas Toffee-Pecan Bars

2007-12-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

These toffee-pecan bars are perfect for Christmas gift giving, taking to a Christmas cookie exchange or a Christmas office party.

Be sure to take copies of the recipe with you, because you will get requests. It’s quick and easy to make and may become one of your stand-bys.

1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg yoke
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 (6-ounce) package Heath Bits (2/3 cup in recipe, remaining on top)
½ cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350° F. Cream butter until smooth and creamy. Blend in sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Mix in by hand flour, 2/3 cup Heath Bits (toffee chips) and nuts. Press into ungreased 15 ½ x 10 ½-inch jellyroll pan.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with remaining Heath Bits. Cool slightly, but cut while still warm. Makes 2 dozen bars.

source: Amazing-Christmas-Ideas.com

Need a unique gift? Why not check out what's at MaidenShade - nightlights make the perfect little something for that hard-to-buy-for someone on your list! At the homepage, click on nightlights to see the entire collection, then when you see one that interests you, click on the picture to get a larger view. Or Contact Me and ask for additional photos - I'll be happy to send them your way.

Sunday Morning

2007-12-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

Just 16 days until Christmas, are you ready? There is free gift wrapping for all purchases of lamps, lampshades, nightlights through the month of December at www.MaidenShade.com!

In other areas, I've updated my www.avirtualassistant.biz site. I've re-opened my contact me page in the hopes those evil spammers don't invade yet again!

Yesterday I had high expectations for myself, and got most of them done too. Just a few decorating touches, about 5 more gifts to wrap and some prep work for the Christmas Day Dinner and we're set!

How to Make a Feathered Lampshade

2007-12-05T06:33:00.000-05:00

Here's an idea I picked up along the way - Someday you'll find this at MaidenShade, but in the meantime maybe you should go buy some feathers?

Materials:

Flat-surface lamp shade
Hot glue gun
Packaged feathers or a feather boa.

Directions:

Purchase bags of feathers, choosing from the many colors available at most craft and fabric stores. The bag usually includes instructions on ways to use the feathers beyond just gluing them down flat, including curling them or cutting unusual shapes.

Select a smooth fabric or paper lamp shade to feather. A pleated shade won't work -- the surface must be flat.

With a glue gun, glue feathers to the shade in rows, starting at the bottom of the shade. Put a bead of glue on the stem of each feather and then press it to the shade. As you start each new row, make sure the fluffy ends of the feathers cover the stems of the feathers below it.

Finagle the feathers in the rows towards the top of the shade so that the top row will have the feather stems pointing down and the fluffy ends covering the top of the shade.

Along the top rim, consider gluing on a trim of metallic ribbon or gimp.

For a 50's look, use a cylinder-shaped shade. Wrap a feather boa around the shade, top to bottom hold with a bead of hot glue. For a glamorous look, hot glue pieces of a marabou boa to the top and bottom of a trapezoid-shaped shade.

RIGHT COLUMN PICTURE: You can find the sweet Meow-leleuia Lamp on eBay for the next 6 days at an unbelieveably low price - Go check it out and my other reasonably priced listings too!

Thank You Mom

2007-12-04T06:48:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday. I just wrote and thanked my mom for that; )

Tonight I shall eat something like lasagna which is terribly fattening (not to mention a food I've been avoiding), and perhaps cake with a candle. It will be chocolate and completely decadent.

But for now, it's time to go get ready for the day at Mr. Meanie's office of trepidation... lol

Inclinations for this day are to:

put more www.MaidenShade.com keywords into my product's descriptions.
I will also wrap Christmas presents,
begin decorating the tree and
maybe make some shades.

www.MaidenShade.Com is Open!

2007-12-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

FROM THE HOMEPAGE...

Welcome to MaidenShade!

MaidenShade is artistically handcrafted lamps, nightlights, and lampshades, featuring unique designer fabrics and high-end trims. Choices range from everyday, holiday, and nursery themed lamps, nightlights, and lampshades, to special requests including coordinating items like lightswitch covers, tissue box covers, waste baskets, and curtains - possibilities abound. At MaidenShade you'll find sweet, funny, neutral, elegant, and fabulous lights for your home or office.

Our lamps, nightlights, and lampshades are sure to add an element of interest to your decor or provide a unique gift idea. We all know that the use of coordinating items provides a professional decorating accent as well as offering light; but although everyone has lamps, NOT everyone has a MaidenShade! As you look through these offerings, remember that at MaidenShade we also create custom lamps, lampshades, and nightlights, if you can not find what you are looking for in our store please contact us with your needs.

Additional images of MaidenShade products can be sent to you via email so you can better view the fabric and trim detail, specific scenes and elements on the lamps; see an item from different angles, and to get perspective by seeing it next to a ruler or a hand -- whatever you need to be able to better appreciate the unique qualities of these lamps, nightlights, and lampshades.

COME TO MAIDENSHADE AND SHOP!