Creative Sandwich

Just livin'

2011-09-07T21:57:00.000-06:00

How are you doing sweet readers?

It's been a rather busy summer for us gals.

We hope you are doing well and ... just livin'.

Love, Besse & Bea

Just Livin'

It's bread and jam and a pot of tea

With someone you love for company,

A fire for chilly nights, a chair,

And radio music sounding there;

A sense of home and familiar things

An old back porch where a cricket sings.

Not askin' much, just a place to stay,

A quiet bed at the end of day,

A friend to drop in for a little chat,

Gossiping over this and that;

A game of checkers or dominoes,

And a small wood fire that softly glows.

It's dreams in your heart, deep down inside,

Clean living, decent, a bit of pride

In the little town and the people there,

The church and the store that you sort of share,

The crazy sidewalk, the yew-tree's shade,

The little first of July parade.

It's bread and butter and simple things,

Tears and laughter and wedding rings,

A birth in the house -- a death next door,

Sunlight falling upon the door;

A child to love when the day is done,

Just being alive ... is such splendid fun.

By: Edna Jaques

Tea Time Tuesday 6: Rainy day cheer

2011-07-26T12:19:00.001-06:00

Hello Lovely Readers!
It's a rainy day here at Bessie's Cottage,
and a perfect opportunity to have tea.

Good old Orange Pekoe does the trick today.

Bea is off gallivanting across the country while Bessie

keeps the home fires burning and the kettle whistling.

If you are cold, tea will warm you

if you are too heated; it will cool you
if you are depresses, it will cheer you
if you are exhausted, it will calm you.

- William Gladstone

There isn't a biscuit in the house ~ not even one.

Bessie will have to venture off to the market soon to remedy that horrid situation!

In the meantime, it gets one thinking about all the tasty treats go with tea...


English Scones


Canadian Butter Tarts


Earl Grey Shortbread

Nanaimo Bars

Check out Tea Time Tuesday over at Rose Chintz Cottage.

“The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort and refinement.”
-- Arthur Gray

Love,

Bessie

Weddings and Soap

2011-06-28T12:37:00.000-06:00

How is your summer going, dear ones? How are you spending your time in these glorious, warm months?

Bessie has been occupying herself in the capacity of unofficial Wedding Planner

in the past couple of months.

She was involved in all aspects of assisting the bride ~ from hosting a bridal tea

Above: Some of the hats and facinators that the guests donned at the bridal tea

Below: A tasty spread

... to floral arrangements ...

Above: Close up of bridal bouquet

... to creating a photo booth at the wedding reception.

Guests ham it up for the photo booth at the reception

And the nuptials went off without a hitch!

Bea has been busy as a ... well, as a bee! She's just recently learned the fine art of soap making.

Hopefully Bea will share some of her soapy enthusiasm on Creative Sandwich sometime soon!

Bessie & Bea

X0X

Check out Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Time Tuesday 5: Bessie and Bea celebrate the Royal Wedding

2011-05-03T14:06:00.007-06:00

It's Tea Time Tuesday over at Rose Chintz Cottage today, so in honour of the Royal Wedding Bessie & Bea proudly present

The answer to the question on everyone's lips ...

"Did you happen to catch Bessie & Bea at the Royal Wedding?"

Goodness gracious, the old girls would never miss a chance to hobnob with the Uppidies, the Hoypoloi, the Blue Bloods! Well sadly, the official invitation never arrived in the mail, so the ladies took it upon themselves to celebrate Will & Kate's nupitals the Bessie & Bea way ~ with a tea party ~ in front of the telly of course.

Country Living

It was in the wee hours of the morning, but that didn't quash the delight that Bessie & Bea experienced

by toasting Prince William and Princess Catherine

with Cucumber Sandwiches and piping hot English Breakfast Tea.

Bessie says she doesn't like the old stuffy title of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

Bea heartily agrees.

Country Living
Oh! and if you're interested in reading the program from the Royal Wedding,
you can find it here: Royal Wedding Programme PDF
Wishing the couple will live happily ever after!

Love

Bessie & Bea

X0X

Tea Time Tuesday 4

2011-03-29T11:17:00.005-06:00

It's Tea Time Tuesday over Rose Chintz Cottage ... join Besse & Bea for a cup of Orange Pekoe.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

"What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."
C. S. Lewis

Be thankful for your friends.
Have them over for a quiet cup of tea and let them know what they mean to you.
Love each other. Life is too short to do anything less.
Until next time, dearies ~
Love, Bessie & Bea
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

Tea Time Tuesday 3

2011-03-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday has become our most beloved day of all ~ after all, it means it's time for Tea Time Tuesday. We love having tea. It is one of our favourite past-times!

Bea will often bake some delectable cupcakes for the occasion like this

or this

Beautilicious!

We have been reading a little book called Painting as a Pastime by Winston Churchill. What a delight! If you can find a copy which isn't easy since it's out of print, read it ~ it's a 26 pages plus there are 18 colour plates of dear Winston's own paintings. He may not be the greatest painter England ever produced, but his paintbox brought him years of enjoyment. Here's a wee quote from the book ...

"I cannot pretend to feel impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns. When I get to heaven I mean to spend a considerable portion of my first million years in painting, and so get to the bottom of the subject. But then I shall require a still gayer palette than I get here below. I expect orange and vermilion will be the darkest, dullest colours upon it. and beyond them there will be a whole range of wonderful new colours which will delight the celestial eye."

Please see Sandi's Rose Chintz Cottage to check out all the other bloggers

who are participating in this week's Tea Time Tuesday!

Now excuse us, while we finish drinking our beautiful ruby red Tetley Delight Wild Berry Herbal Tea.

Bessie & Bea
x0x

Winners!!

2011-02-17T14:28:00.004-07:00

Bessie & Bea are pleased as punch to announce the winners of their OWOH giveaway.

And since there were over 100 comments TWO names were drawn out of the hat.

Winner of the Messy Date Stamp Set is ... Kathy from Canada

katiecowsudderthings.blogspot.com

Winner of lovely 2nd Prize is ... Carolyn from the UK

messmuddleandfun.blogspot.com

Thank you to all the lovely visitors who left us sweet comments during OWOH.

For those of you who didn't win our official prizes, we offer you
this virtual trophy ~ just for being so very special.
Thank you.
We loved every minute of the ride!

Love,

Bessie & Bea

Tea Time Tuesday 2

2011-02-15T08:21:00.020-07:00

Hello ever-lovely readers ... this is our 2nd Tea Time Tuesday and since yesterday was Valentine's we thought we would show you the pretty flowers that Mr. Bessie gave Bessie for the occasion.

Well, if the truth be told, Bessie went to the market and bought the flowers herself. When the mister is a little forgetful about special occasions ~ about buying flowers and such for his lady ~ his lady goes out and buys them herself! She's learnt a thing or two being married to the romantic fool for all these years.

So this morning, Bessie is sitting with a coffee (tea will come later!) and rather enjoying the beautiful arrangement which is Mr. Bessie approved. *wink, wink*

So how did you spend your Valentine's Day, dear loves? Do you have some beautifully fragrant flowers to enjoy today and in the days that follow? Do you express your love to your beloved throughout the year in big ways, or in little ways?

... until next time, we wish you love ... Bessie (and Bea) ... and remember these things ...

Love is patient,

love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

I Corinthians 13:4-7

Edge of the Brook

William Adolphe Bouguereau

(1825 – 1905)

x0x

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-02-08T09:53:00.010-07:00

Hello darling readers! We always take time for tea, but it's even more fun when we can pull out a couple more cups and saucers out of the old china cabinet to share with our dear friends.

Today's offering is a Chai Latte that we made using President's Choice Brand (Real Canadian Superstore) Chai tea bags. This tea is very lovely choice on a wintry day, especially when it is served up in a delightful mug Bessie brought home after a recent shopping trip to one of her favourite boutiques (Bea gave Bessie the same mug in blue, too!).

Have you ever heard of Tea Time Tuesday? It's a wonderful virtual tea time to be shared with other bloggers who enjoy a cuppa as much as us old gals do. We'll try to post on Tea Time Tuesday as often as possible because we think it is a wonderful idea. You could say it's Bessie & Bea Approved.

Now is that one lump, or two?

Bessie & Bea
xOx

One World One Heart

2011-02-04T14:56:00.021-07:00

Bless your hearts ~ Bessie and Bea have a giveaway!

We're still here dear hearts! Suppose some of our readers were doubting it ~ but you know us girls, we just get so busy at times that we forget about this blogging business (let alone flossing!).

It's time for the One World One Heart blogging event again and we are going to give it a go one more time. Rules say we're supposed to tell you a little bit about ourselves before we explain all the "fine print" details.

We are Bessie and Bea, and we are the best of friends. We love things such as our appreciation for re-purposing the mediocre, snail mail, not taking ourselves too seriously, cupcakes, simple Christmas times with our families, making art, laughing (usually at each other), old buttons, lace, rusty things and God's glorious creation! Yes, it's true we met on the Internet, but some think we must've been separated at birth since we have so much in common (except Bea is a year younger than Bessie). If you wish to read more about Bessie and Bea, just click on View My Complete Profile under About Bessie and Bea creative sandwich's lovely proprietors.

Now back to the details ... OWOH is a whole lot of fun, when bloggers from all over the world show off their blogs to other bloggers. We're giving a prize away ~ all you need to do is make a comment on this post ~ maybe tell us one or two things that you like (and be an active blogger yourself). On February 17th, Bea will get her frilly robin egg blue hat out of her closet and we'll put all the comments into it, then we'll draw a winner out the hat ~ without as much as a peek. We will let the lucky winner know and arrange to mail the gift out, so it's important you leave us a way to contact you when you leave your comment!

Well you're just probably itching to know what we have up our sleeves for an OWOH giveaway gift. This year, we will be giving a lucky reader Messy Date Stamps (see the picture at the bottom of this post) so you can create your very own calendar! And if we get over 100 comments, we will add a bonus prize which will include a collection of Bessie & Bea (beautifully) Handwritten Recipes, Herbal Tea Selection and any other little goodies we can fit into the envelope! We look forward to getting your comments, hearing from old friends and making new ones. Tra-la for now (comment your little hearts out) and always remember ...

We love you dearies ~
Bessie & Bea
xOx

Tea for Three

2010-08-16T10:18:00.005-06:00

Hello lovelies ~

Our dear friend Cynthia, who, even though being a woman of a certain age, has decided to go to university to take Fine Arts. In celebration of her braveness and new life, Bea hosted a beautiful little intimate tea party in her honour.

Although the rainy weather put a kabosh on our intended garden party (and crochet game), Bea invited us into her cozy cottage to partake tea together.

We laughed. We cried.

We talked about babies and art.

Oh, and our bellies were full.

It was a very good day indeed.

Until next time,

Bessie & Bea x0x0

It really is all about Pretty!

2010-07-22T13:19:00.010-06:00

Well bless my soul ~

it looks like Bessie and Bea may have to take a road trip!

Just look at what is coming up in a couple short months...

it the Mother~of~all~shabby~chic-ish~sale, and it is taking place in the town of Coaldale in the heart of southern Alberta. We are sure, that our vintage-smart readers will simply swoon at the thought of attending the lovely Laura's event bursting forth with charming handmade lovelies and a whole lot more.

Why not plan to join the festivities on September 10 & 11. You won't be disappointed.

And who knows ... maybe you'll spot Bessie and Bea there too!

Bessie's Watermelon Salad

2010-06-27T11:15:00.016-06:00

You can be assured that the girls don't always tolerate the heat too well on these hot summer days. It's on those insufferable humid days that Bessie makes up a batch of her famous Watermelon Salad. Here, for the first time, Bessie and Bea are sharing this family recipe with the world. Get your pens out and keep a copy in your safe deposit boxes!

Bessie's Watermelon Salad

1 small red onion

2 limes

3.3 lb (1.5 kg) sweet, ripe seedless watermelon

1 cup feta cheese, cut up in chunks

Fresh cilantro bunch, chopped

1/4 cup Fresh mint, chopped

3–4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup black olives

black pepper

Squeeze juice out of limes and put into small bowl. Cut red onion in half and then cut into very fine half moons and steep in lime juice.

Cut up watermelon into bite-sized chunks and place in wide, shallow bowl. Cut up feta into small bite-size chunks and add to watermelon. Finely chop mint and cilantro. Save a few Cilantro leaves to garnish top of salad. Add onion along with lime juice to watermelon. Add oil and olives. Toss salad very gently so that the feta and melon don't lose their shape. Add a good grinding of black pepper.

Bea says to serve Bessie's Watermelon Salad with pasta and a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Delicious and refreshing!

Yields 8 servings

Bessie & Bea xox

Joy!

2010-05-27T11:17:00.011-06:00

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. – C. H. Spurgeon

Today, I've been thinking about happiness and joy...

We all seem to want more. We know better, but we think, if I can just have this, or if I can just learn how to prosper, or if only I could win the lottery! But when we look around us at those who have more, and some much, much, more than ourselves ~ we see just because they have more resources, they don't have more happiness or joy. In fact, they often are much less happy. Sure they may exhibit a superficial happiness, but where's the joy? Where is the contentment? So, if things don't bring us happiness, how can we be happy? Can we experience joy in the midst of life's most difficult times? Yes.

I can still have joy in my heart when life is twisting me all up inside? At that point I am not feeling happy, but an inner joy remains: faith picks me up and hope carries me on.

My thoughts are with my dear friend Bea, today. Her brother is gravely ill and she has gone to be with him to comfort him, and her mother. This is not a happy situation, but Bea carries with her the joy of the Lord with her which gives her strength to care for her family in the midst of this most difficult experience.

To read more about joy, please read C. H. Spurgeon here. You will be glad you did!

Joyfully yours,

Bessie x0x0

New Canvas

2010-04-08T10:38:00.006-06:00

Hello Lovelies!

A dear sweet friend of ours
sent us this quote,
and we just had to share it with you this morning ...

Each day is a new canvas to paint upon.
Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness,
and at the end of the day you don't look at it and wish
you had painted something different.
~ Author Unknown

Happy Painting!
~ ~ ~

Bessie & Bea
x0x

Forgiveness

2010-04-04T09:57:00.004-06:00

Be kind one to one another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

It is a season to reflect upon forgiveness.

Easter blessings to all our readers.

Love,

Bessie & Bea

Cupcakes!

2010-03-30T18:37:00.007-06:00

Well hello dearies.
Do you ever get a hankering for something that you just can't let go until you get your hands on it? Well that happened to me in the last couple days. I've been wanting to have a nice cupcake with lots of gooey icing, in the worst way. Even though I put the call out for cupcakes to my family and dear ones, not a single cupcake showed up on my cottage's doorstep.

You can imagine the dire sadness that overcame me when I visited a lovely new favourite blog of mine, Pink Roses ~ only to see yet another irresistible cupcake! What is an old girl to do, I ask you? I know you're thinking that I simply got out my baking gear and started baking up some scrumptious cupcakes. Well just call me Mrs. Safeway, because sitting in front of me at this very moment are some perfectly wonderful cupcakes. Don't they look lip-smackingly scrumptious? Well, it's time for a nice quiet cup of tea and some cupcakes. Too bad Bea missed them ~ she stopped by for a visit earlier today, but that was before my trip to the grocery store! She never did have a good sense of timing.

Baking Beauties

2010-03-22T20:58:00.011-06:00

Look ~ it's a cake fit for a Queen!

Wait! This isn't what it first appears.
This is not a cake at all.

Then what exactly is on the cake plate?

Goodness gracious ~ it's Bessie's hat! Looks like she's found a new place
for her hat when she doesn't have
a freshly baked cake to display.
Inventive and pretty: Bessie and Bea strike again.

Lettin' ourselves go

2010-02-23T19:37:00.015-07:00

Bea came over for tea this afternoon. She had a ever-so-lovely birthday gift for yours truly. It was a beautiful hand sewn tote bag with numerous goodies tucked inside the pockets. One of the things that was included in the bag was this beautiful homemade pin cushion. It has Bea "written all over it" in all its lacy lusciousness!

There were many laughs and giggles between us gals today. At one point we were discussing the colour of our hair. Now you probably picture us gals having various shades of blue hair, but in actuality, dear Bea's hair looks blonde ~ she insists that it isn't. She says when she was younger it was blonde, but it went white some time ago. White, blonde, whatever, I think that her hair is a lovely shade and a couple years ago, I decided not to colour my hair anymore in hopes of reaching the beautiful shade Bea sports. Today, I wanted to tell her that she was the reason I decided to let the white take over, but it came out a little crazy. I said: "You know Bea, you were my inspiration to let it go!" "I inspired you to let yourself go?" Bea asked with a somewhat shocked, yet amused look on her face.

Ah sweet friendship!

It allows us to let ourselves go.

Until next time ~

Bessie x0x

Bessie & Bea's Easy Rag Wreath

2009-11-21T11:35:00.006-07:00

Well bless my soul! Christmas is fast
approaching and Bessie and Bea are busy as
beavers or maybe you could say Bea is a Busy Bea!

The girls are planning all sorts of handmade Christmas presents to give their friends and loved ones this year. Here is one idea that Bessie offers. It is simple and takes very little money or time to create.

It's the perfect gift to give someone who is a little klutzy perhaps and cowers at the idea of having a wreath on their wall with breakable bulbs. It also makes a great idea for a seamstress or a senior!
All you need for this project is a thin, pliable clothes hanger and lots of colourful fabric scraps. First you shape the hanger into a circle shape, and make a loop out of the hanger part. Next, cut the scraps about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide by 8 inches (21 cm) long. Finally, you tie the fabric scraps all around the hanger, interspersing the colours to give it a beautiful scattered look. You could also make a monochromatic wreath if you wish.

Such colour!
Such warmth!
Such love!

Happy creating this Christmas season ~
Bessie & Bea x0x0

Spaghetti Spaghetti

2009-10-08T14:18:00.010-06:00

Bea has been busy, busy, busy lately ~ babysitting her dear little grands all this week. As her grandson says: Grandma's house is so funnilarious! They've been having the time of their lives, I'm sure.

Hi folks! Bessie here. I had a chance to have some fun when I was caring for my great nephew and niece. We had a rip roaring time. The poor souls didn't know what "playing hooky" was until I was in charge! Don't worry dearies, I didn't actually allow them to play hooky while their Mama and Papa were gone, but we got into plenty of mischief anyway.

One day when they got home from a long hard day at school, I announced that it was Spaghetti Spaghetti Night. We started off the festivities by having a lovely sit down dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Toast, Peas and Green Salad. To drink we had the finest wine (Kool-Aid) available this side of the Rockies! The little ones were thrilled to be treated to such a grown up dinner.
For dessert, I served them a Spaghetti Cake. If you can believe it, all the ingredients came from the Dollarama! At the end of the meal, my nephew gave me a big compliment. He declared: "You're a good cook! Your food tastes better than restaurant food!" That's high praise from an 11 year old.

Alas the week passed quickly and soon it was time to say so long to the kids. We survived the week quite nicely ~ I mean, there was the obligatory visit to Chuck E Cheese, and the little tooth fairy incident, but really nothing too bad happened.

Love,
Bessie Poppins

As English as a cuppa tea

2009-09-03T13:57:00.019-06:00

Bessie here.
Put on a pot of tea dear ones!
I wanted to tell you about a rather charming and amusing book I happened to read this summer entitled Watching the English: the hidden rules of English behaviour by Kate Fox. Here is a wee quote from the book, I hope you'll enjoy it: "The central 'core' of Englishness. Social dis-ease is a shorthand term for all out chronic social inhibitions and handicaps. The English social dis-ease is a congenital disorder, bordering on a sort of sub-clinical combination of autism and agoraphobia (the politically correct euphemism would be 'socially challenged'). It is out lack of ease, discomfort and incompetence in the field (minefield) of social interaction; our embarrassment, insularity, awkwardness, perverse obliqueness, emotional constipation, fear of intimacy and general inability to engage in a normal and straightforward fashion with other human beings. When we feel uncomfortable in social situations (that is, most of the time) we either become over-polite, buttoned up and awkwardly restrained or loud, loutish, crude, violent and generally obnoxious. Both out famous 'English reserve' and out infamous 'English hooliganism' are symptoms of this social dis-ease, as is our obsession with privacy. Sorne of us are rnore severely afflicted than others. The dis-ease is treatable (temporary alleviation/remission can be achieved using props and facilitators - pubs, clubs, weather-speak, cyberspace, pets, etc. - and/or ritual, alcohol, magic words and other rnedications and we enjoy periods of 'natural' remission in private and arnong intimates, but it is never entirely curable. Most peculiarities of English behaviour are traceable, either directly or indirectly, to this unfortunate affliction. Key phrases include: 'An Englishman's home is his castle'; 'Nice day, isn't it?'; 'Oi -what You looking at?; , Mind your own business'; 'I don't like to pry, but ....' - 'Don't make a fuss/scene'; 'Don't draw attention to yourself'; 'Keep yourself to yourself'; "Ere we go, 'ere we go'; 'Eng-er-land! Eng-er-land! Eng-er-land!."

If you know an English person or are English yourself, take a sip of tea out of your china cup and down a few biscuits and read it!

Love, Bessie

Our gift to you

2009-08-08T15:03:00.023-06:00

Goodness gracious, we are busy gals!
Happily though, we found a moment to share an ice cold glass of homemade lemonade together a few days ago.
You see, we had to raise our glasses to each other, in celebration of Creative Sandwich's very first blogoversary!

In honour of our blogoversary, we would like to share one of our favourite recipes with all you dear faithful readers out there. It's our little gift to you all. Bessie often prepares this recipe for her guests when they visit her cottage, and since she cannot invite each and every one of you to her house, we will send this recipe out to you all with our love and affection.

Dutch Baby
1/3 c. Butter
6 Eggs
2 c. Milk
2-3 c. Flour
Sprinkling of Nutmeg & Icing Sugar
Fresh Fruit (your choice)
Whipping Cream
Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place 9"x13" baking dish in 425 degree oven with nutmeg. Beat eggs. Remove baking dish once butter has melted. *Make sure whole baking dish is coated with melted butter. Slowly pour batter into the dish and bake for 20 minutes and reduce to 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until puffy and well browned.

Serve immediately with fresh fruit and top with whipping cream and a dusting of icing sugar. Dutch Baby goes lovely with piping hot tea or coffee. Use your prettiest china to make your guests feel extra special.
Serves: 4

So dearies, here's to another great year ahead sharing together our creativity ...
Remember, that's what Creative Sandwich is all about: creativity. Creativity schmeared over around and in between the ordinary white bread of our sometimes dry and boring daily journeys. And if you feel you need a little help along the way, when you just can't take another bologna on white, come see Bessie and Bea. We'll cook you up something fresh and tasty; spicy, and dripping with taste and savoury messiness. And we'll remind you that you can do the same, only better! Better because what excites you is special and unique and individual. One of a kind!

Lovingly,
Bessie & Bea
x0x

Garage Saling

2009-07-05T15:07:00.004-06:00

Summer's here, and that can only mean one thing ... It's garage saling season!

Hello dear ones, Bessie here.
Even though the skies looked ominous, my first born and I went out garage saling (accidentally, on purpose) this weekend and found some special treasures. CDs for Junior. At 50 cents a piece, he was grabbing them to beat the band. Being a music major in university, he can never get enough music to listen to. For me, a huge bag of vintage buttons including some button cards (only a small portion of the buttons are shown in this photo). The asking price was $2, but I snagged em for $1. A mail & key holder for 50 cents and finally, an authentic black rotary telephone for a buck.

Ah, the joys of summer!

Love,
Bessie x0x

Bessie does some rearranging

2009-06-04T09:33:00.006-06:00

Well hello dearies ~ Bessie here. It's just been the longest time since we've talked, hasn't it.

Just every once in a while, we all have to rearrange our things. Some people call it cleaning, but I prefer to call it rearranging. Goodness knows, I'm not about to purge. Perish the thought!

Today is a rearranging day.

I tackled my dresser today. Oh the delights of looking at all those glittery earrings, and my bottles of French perfumes.

Glancing at my hats, I'm thinking it's just about time for a day trip with Bea in her old jalopy real soon. I must get on the tele and see when we can arrange one. Perhaps we'll take a ride in the country to take in all the sites, sounds and scents of springtime ~ and perhaps a thrift shop or two. Oh that would be fun!
Love,
Bessie

Did somebody say aprons?

2009-05-06T15:43:00.021-06:00

Bea love aprons.
Bessie loves aprons.
Much to their delight, the Mother-of-all-Aprons Swap hosted by Canadian Chickies has provided them with some utterly wonderful creations for them to swoon over. This swap has produced all sorts of beauties including flowing, flowery, formal and fantastic!
(Bessie and Bea also adore alliteration)

Here are some snapshots of some of the aprons...

Believe it or not, a repurposed shower curtain!

Look at the fine embroidery work on this pillowcase turned apron!

A hand-painted caricature ...
and a mermaid inspired creation.

Love,
Bessie & Bea
(who are so inspired they're thinking of creating their own aprons!)

Bessie cooks a pizza (gasp!) from scratch

2009-04-25T11:11:00.007-06:00

Feeling rather domestic lately, I decided to make pizza from scratch for Mr. Bessie and Junior. I found a lovely recipe for pizza crust. Now I admit, bread making is not my forte. All that kneading and waiting and kneading and waiting is just too much for me. Happily I found just the right recipe for bread maker pizza dough.

Once the dough was ready, I coated it with olive oil, minced garlic and tomato sauce, then combined red pepper, tomato, cilantro and freshly rubbed oregano over it to make a hearty veggie pizza.

This pizza was more than filling for three of us. We were stuffed to the gills with homemade goodness. My! Bea's going to be proud of me, cooking real food like this and all. Who knows, next thing you know I'll be making Yorkshire Pudding or Jambalaya. No, no ~ Jambalaya's Bea's specialty! We'll leave that delicacy entirely up to Bea dearest.

Bessie's Hearty Veggie Pizza

Put ingredients in bread maker in this order:

1-1/2 c. water
2 T. olive oil
2 tsp. each salt and sugar
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. rubbed Oregano
4 tsp. fast rising yeast
2 T. cornmeal

Select dough setting on bread maker. When timer beeps, remove the dough to lightly floured surface. Cover with clean dish towel and let rise in warm place for 30 minutes. Sprinkle cornmeal on large pizza stone and press dough into pizza shape. Let rise another 30 minutes, unless you're like Bessie and can't wait that long.

Spread dough with tomato sauce, toppings and seasonings ~ you pick!

Bake 425 for 20-30 minutes. Once out of the oven, let cool for 5 minutes because it will be very, very hot. Enjoy alone or with a leafy green salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Love,
Bessie

Where were you when the lights went out?

2009-04-21T10:12:00.003-06:00

Bessie here ... It hasn't happened in the longest time, but last night the power went out at the cottage.

Isn't it funny how when this happens everyone looks at each other and doesn't quite know what to do. It was just after 7 p.m. and it was still light out, although an incoming storm was making it not-so-bright out there. I sprung into action, finding a candle and matches. Mr. Bessie pulled out his old transistor radio ~ just in case.

There we sat lookin' at each other thinking of all the things we couldn't do because the power was out. Junior went out for a walk, tryin' to see how far down the lane the power was out.

Within an hour, the power was back on again and our electrical powered life returned to "normal", but not before we thought ~ hey, it's quiet and peaceful, a person could get used of this! Maybe it would be fun to flick the switch for a weekend sometime. Do you think we'd all be shakin' to get back on the Internet?

Until the next post ...
Love,
Bessie

What do you collect?

2009-04-14T11:53:00.011-06:00

Bessie and Bea love to collect things.
Bea, for instance collects old books and ...

glass marbles as well as many other delightful items!

Bessie got all domesticated yesterday and cooked up
some homemade cookies for Mr. Bessie.

Here you see Tropical Rhubarb Cookies (recipe at the bottom of this posting) placed on one of Bessie more unique collections.

Bessie, you see, likes to collect (and use!) anniversary and souvenir plates.
These plates were once the solution to the question ~ what do I give a special someone for a special anniversary or birthday?

We wonder ... do they even sell these things anymore?

Bessie's favourite plate was a gift from Bea. It's a North Dakota plate!
Who wouldn't want a lovely North Dakota plate saluting
cows, peasants, dams and badlands???

Speaking of collections, if you happen to collect recipes, here is one from Bessie's kitchen ...

Tropical Rhubarb Cookies

1-1/3 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
3 Tbsp. milk
2 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1 cup chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
1 cup walnuts

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg; mix well. Sift flour, spices, baking soda. Add this to mix ~ alternate with milk. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 13 minutes. Particularly yummy with a hot tea served in a china cup.

Place warm cookies on your favourite souvenir plate
and share with a friend on a cool spring morning!

Bessie & Bea
x0x

Rejoice!

2009-04-11T07:45:00.008-06:00

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Bessie & Bea send their best wishes to you and yours for a very joyful Easter!

Go outside ~ breathe deeply.
Listen to the bird's spring chorus.
Take a stroll.
Hug someone you love.
Rejoice!

Love, Bessie & Bea

Good enough to eat!

2009-04-04T09:37:00.009-06:00

Bea is the cook in the Bessie and Bea combo, but I wanted to share this with you today ...

You know how you we see a recipe in a magazine that really catches our eye and think to ourselves: I'm going to make that ... someday, but we never do?

As you know, I've been going through my stacks and stacks of magazines, harvesting what I want and recycling the rest. I came across a deliciously healthy looking Avocado Salad that I wanted to make from Mr. Bessie.

This salad is so simple, but it is also simply delicious and full of nutrients as well. Avocados are one of those rare things that actually have healthy fats and it is a cholesterol lowering fruit.

All you need to make this is romaine lettuce, avocados, juice of a lemon or lime, coarse salt, white onion, tomatoes, ground pepper. I think next time I make this for the mister and my young'uns, I'll add some chuncks of cucumber and fresh olives! I look forward to making this salad during tomato season, it'll be even more delicious.

Oh! if you don't know how to properly pit an avocado, watch this video. Bon appétit!

Love,
Bessie

A Smile

2009-04-01T09:57:00.006-06:00

A smile can be as lovely as a prayer,
If there is understanding in the eyes;
A smile that says: "I'm glad to see you there,"
A look that whispers something sweet and wise.
Old people often smile like this when they
Have special love and kindness to convey.

A baby's smile, a wee three-cornered thing,
A bit uncertain of its right to be,
Can lift your heart clear up where angels sing
And show you realms unguessed, eternity
Come down and held in crumpled rosy hands,
Frail in themselves yet strong as iron bands.

The smile of friendship where two eyes unite
In friendly gossip o'er a cup of tea,
Where little happenings of the neighborhood
Are told with relish and a kindly glee;
A lover's smile bent to his lady's face
Can make a palace of the meanest place.

The smiles between a husband and a wife
Across a room can tell the world so much
Of living shared and love's redeeming grace
As intimate and tender as a touch.
A smile can be as lovely as a prayer
If there is love and understanding there.

~ Edna Jaques
Back-Door Neighbors

A cup of tea and a stack of magazines

2009-03-31T09:48:00.004-06:00

Bessie and Bea are ever on the look out for ideas to inspire them in their creative endeavours, and as a result, they have magazines by the truckloads in their cottages.

This morning, Bessie sat down with her Earl Grey Tea and started going through a stack. Anything that caught her eye ~ anything inspiring ~ she clipped out and put them into protective sleeves, which she is going to put into a large binder (or two, or three).

Wish her luck because looking through some of these magazines can be somewhat distracting, and you don't want to distract the ever-distractable Bessie and Bea!

Now what was I saying?

Bessie & Bea
x0x

Bessie's Saturday adventure

2009-03-28T16:53:00.016-06:00

Saturday appeared bright and sunny. There was a March wind blowing but that didn't deter Bessie and Mr. Bessie. They headed out for an adventure to Tim Horton's, an Antique Mall and the local Farmer's Market. They even had a picnic in the snow ~ that Mr. Bessie ~ what a romantic. Oh! And since it's the couple's wedding anniversary tomorrow the mister bought Bessie a dozen beautiful pink roses. Now that's even better than sharing a hot dog on a park bench.

Wonder what Bea did today ...?

On second thought ...

2009-03-07T09:18:00.007-07:00

Okay ladies and gents ~ today we will conduct a little test
to see if you are a creative person or not

First of all, we present you with a photo...

What is your first thought?
(Music from Jeopardy plays)

If you're like Bessie,
you think: Oh dear! I loved drinking tea out of that teacup!
Almost immediately, Bessie has another thought.
Can you guess what that is?

Bea + Hammer = Creative Bliss!
Bea is coming over to Bessie's cozy cottage this very day.
Bessie is very excited to present the precious pieces of one
of her very favourite teacups
(that would be the one shown above)
to see what Bea can create out of the shattered pieces.

Stay warm today ~ think creative thoughts.

Bessie & Bea
x0x

How Fame Seeks Us Out.

2009-02-23T15:03:00.004-07:00

Perhaps fortune will follow??

Maybe that's asking too much, but what with the big interview over at Art of Humungous Proportion, it won't be long before we'll need to don dark glasses to go out in the streets! Goodness, all the attention is making me blush!

You can read the interview here. I hope Bessie isn't getting her knickers too twisted, she's such a shy thing, really.

Thank you dear, dear Dawn, for taking the time to make us feel so very special. And thank you to all who stop by to see what we've been up to.

Tah- tah for now!

Love,
Bea

A letter from one of our winners ...

2009-02-21T23:42:00.006-07:00

Dear Bessie & Bea,
My pendant and treasured bits of lace, music, tea and sparkles were waiting for me today when I got home from spending extra time in my classroom. Thank you, thank you so very much! Please check my blog on Sunday when I'll post photos and of course, link back to you and your wonderful blog!
Greatest appreciation,
Michaele Sommerville

Dearest Michaele ~
Thank you ever so much for letting us know that you have received your little prize from our recent giveaway draw. We look forward to going to your blog to read a post about your winnings. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to seeing you drop by many more times in the future.
Bessie & Bea
x0x

P.S. check out Michaele's blog here.

Wonderful OWOH winners announcement

2009-02-12T11:33:00.005-07:00

Well dearies it's official:
Michaele won the Granny's Pendant!
Latharia won the Beach Babes Pendant!
And Suzy won the Sharing Pendant!

We have heard from the first two lovely ladies and their prizes are going into the Post this very afternoon (with a couple extra little goodies!). We hope Sweet Suzy will soon contact us so we can mail her prize to her soon.

This has been a lovely, lovely event and we do thank all you wonderful folks out there in Blogland for stopping by the Creative Sandwich. We do hope you will make it a habit to stop by and see what delightful adventures Bessie & Bea go on in the days ahead.

Yours as ever ~
Bessie
x0x

P.S. Bea sends her love. Now if she would only post something!

It's a giveaway!

2009-01-25T14:24:00.016-07:00

Glory Be!! Bessie and Bea have joined the Gypsy Caravan! The One World One Heart 2009 blogging event is well underway, and the old girls don't want to be left out! We're giving stuff away, folks.

To win the prize, all you have to do is leave a comment ON THIS POST ONLY, with your name and email address and you'll be signed up, lickedly-split ~ your name will be put into one of our pillbox hats for a chance to win.

And just what are we giving away? We're proud as punch that you asked. See the snapshots? We will send out not one, but three prizes to three lucky readers!
If you know Bessie and Bea at all, you know that they're are a couple of tree huggers, so they made two pendants (Beach Babes and Granny's Pendant) and one brooch (Sharing) out of re-purposed materials. Something a little funky for the prize winners to wear to a morning at the BINGO Hall; for an afternoon out at the Antique Mall, or a romantic evening with the Mister.

Now, please be sure there is a way for Bessie & Bea
to contact you. (Leave your info in your comment). We will be making the draw on February 12th
and will contact the winner(s) at that time.
We look forward to hearing from our lovely readers all over the world, and we sincerely hope that you will all take the time to look around our blog!

Giddily yours,
Bessie & Bea
x0x

2009-01-01T18:25:00.002-07:00

Goodness gracious,
it's suddenly 2009!
A brand new year is
ahead of Bessie & Bea
and Creative Sandwich.
What wonderful adventures
await us this year,
we wonder?

Bessie is patiently awaiting
Bea's return to posting on
the Creative Sandwich.
Life is just so much more
interesting when Bea is around.

In the meantime,
take a look at some
modern masters' Snowmen.

Grab a hot chocolate, curl up in your favourite chair and think about all the exercise you'll need to do to get rid of all those excess pounds you gained eating Mildred's rum drenched Figgy Pudding or Aunt Gertrude's Boxing Day Turkey ala King!
Happy New Year to all our dear loyal readers. Bea should be back any moment ... really.
Love,
Bessie

Last minute gift!

2008-12-23T07:51:00.009-07:00

Bessie here.

Just wanted to show you
a last minute gift
I put together yesterday.
It's a small heart-shaped wreath
in red and silver
~ it's for my mother-in-law.

Hope she'll like it.

I wonder what Bea is doing these days ...? Love, Bessie x0x

Christmas is for Sharing

2008-12-15T13:37:00.004-07:00

Memories, gifts, our time and our favorite recipes are all things we like to share at this time of year. It doesn't matter if we can't afford the biggest or the best. When we share what we have, and add our talent and a lot of love, Christmas can live in our hearts all year long.

I hope you're enjoying the season and sharing your hearts with those you meet and those near and dear. If you aren't in the Christmas Spirit, go see a child's Christmas production, even if you don't know a child playing a part.

It's good for the soul to see little ones singing their hearts out about the baby Jesus. Better yet, volunteer to get involved and help with the production. It's not too late to print programs or hand them out at the door or shake a strangers hand and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Plato

Only 10 more days till Christmas!

Love, Bea

We love Christmas!

2008-12-13T09:12:00.005-07:00

Bessie and Bea are still here folks! I know, I know. We do deserve a swift kick in the behind for being so fainéant in blogging as of late. Sure we have a thousand excuses for not keeping up here, but we know you don't want to hear all the silly little self-justifications.

Now we turn our attention to the Christmas season. It is one of our favourite times of the year. We have some snow in our neck of the woods ~ just enough to make it feel a little more like Christmas, and we are busying ourselves with baking, making homemade gifts and decorating our homes while listening to Bing and Nat on the radio. Bessie is trying to get her Christmas gift together for her dear Bea. Now if only Bea would show up at Bessie's to collect it, everything would be fine.

Here's hoping Bea will post something on here too so that we can get into the grove of talking to our dear faithful readers once again. She has a nice camera, so maybe she will upload some snapshots of the sights around her home. Ta-ta for now and we look forward to your comments over the Christmas holidays!
Love,
Bessie
oXo

Keeping in touch

2008-10-15T17:24:00.010-06:00

Sincerest apologies from Bea and moi. We've been so very busy preparing for the Wild Blue Yonder Gift Show and hosting and attending Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations, we have had very little time for blogging. Although we have had plenty of time to increase our waistlines. Oh dear. But that's another post altogether.

Dear, dear neglected readers; we hope that you'll enjoy this blast from the past. Here is an advertisement from an old The National Geographic Magazine.

When Bea and I were young, we remember picking up the telephone, and occasionally hearing someone else having a conversation because we had party lines back then. I always felt sorry for the folks who were on our party line ~ especially when my mother and her friend Edna got on the phone! Our family's telephone is like the black one shown here. I also recall many people didn't have the luxury of even owning a telephone. That may explain why the Bell Telephone System ran this advertisement in the November 1958 edition of National Geographic.

Can you just imagine Bessie and Bea without telephones? Perish the thought! We're modern gals and we need to talk with each other to plan and scheme about wonderfully creative things and writing letters to one another just wouldn't do! Thank you Alexander Graham Bell!

Remember when ...

2008-10-02T14:01:00.005-06:00

Mercy me, Bea! Look at the lovely vintage children's books I acquired last week.
I can't find a copyright date on them.
The only thing that's on the books, aside from the stories and rhymes is: PURNELL Printed in England No. (C.5., C.6., C.7. and C.8.).
If anyone knows the circa date of these books, I'd love to know. Look at the page shown here on the right. It has a poem on it, called October. The poem reads:

October days are full of fun,
For leaves keep dropping fast,
So sweep and burn them every one,
You'll tidy up at last.

Ahh ... the good old days when you sent out your children to gather all the leaves in the yard and burn them!

Bessie
xOx

The post where Bessie gives you a sneak peak

2008-09-27T15:04:00.007-06:00

Here are a couple more tantalizing goodies that will be available at our Wild Blue Yonder (Christmas) Gift Show on October 24th & 25th.
As Bea once said: "Our objective [is] to find a few tired, sad and lonely pieces that we [can] rescue and rehabilitate with some tender loving care. We just have so much to offer to the forgotten treasures of yesterday! It has been said that we put the

"F-u-n" back into Funk-tionality!" That Bea, what a way with words.

So at the show (which, by the way, is less than one month away now ~ yikes!), we'll showcase spiffed-up goodies repurposed (Bea and I love that word!) from cast aside items as well as original art of several local artisans. We're hopin' and prayin' for good weather so that many of you good folks will take the only opportunity that you'll have this year to find purely unique gifts.

Bea is still gone on her lovely holiday to the mountains, (no envy here!) and I'm thinkin' I will have plenty of jobs for her to complete by the time she gets home. She's definitely been shirking her responsibilities. Seriously though, she is missed and I'm sure our good readers are looking forward to her return and hearing some amusing accounts of her adventures. Until next time, stay cozy and do something artisitc!
Love,
Bessie

While Bea's away, Bessie will play!

2008-09-21T12:23:00.011-06:00

That Bea! Can you imagine? She knows how close we're getting to the Wild Blue Yonder Gift Show (October 24th & 25th) and what does she do? She takes off for a get-away with Mr. Bea to the mountains. Hmph! I can imagine though, that she'll claim that she's spending the entire time doing "research and development".

Today I just want to share with you a little something that will be on sale at Bessie & Bea's big live event. These beauties are sturdy gift cones. They'd be pretty as Christmas decorations on a tree or a lovely way to present a small gift. Each cone is entirely unique and handmade with love by yours truly.

On another note, Dawn of ART of Humungous Proportions fame is painting up another Faux Gogh chair. This one, although another tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, is entirely different than the
one she painted for her friend Art De Me's Arlene. So far, Dawn's almost finished two parts of the chair, and she was gracious enough to allow Creative Sandwich to give our readers a peek at the chair's progress. Pretty, eh?

Well lovely readers, I hope you all have a marvellous day. Get outside and enjoy some of the wonderful fall sunshine!

Love, Bessie
(who really does miss Bea)

Bea and the Blue Jay

2008-09-17T13:18:00.005-06:00

Blue Jay's are common in my back yard here at Creative Sandwich. I have many large spruce trees that drop all kinds of yummy cones that they adore. They are such a beautiful bird. The brilliant flash of blue is such an uplifting sight as they glide from tree to tree outside my kitchen window. It almost makes doing dishes pleasant. Almost.
With such gorgeous plumage, it sometimes seems like a cruel joke when they open their little beaks and that comes out! Honestly, they sound just like a rusty gate, squealing on it's hinges! They have often awakened me with their noisy arguments in the treetops. Just get along already!

Early this morning I was deep in dreamland. There I was, tucked in my fluffy comforter and lavender scented pillows, enjoying a lovely, somniferous trip to the prettiest of imaginary cities. I was leisurely perusing exquisite shops chock full of pretty, dreamy offerings, when a rude tapping brought me back to Alberta...and not happily at that!

I pulled my covers over my head and tried to ignore it. Tap. Tap, tap. Tap, tap, TAP.

Arrggh! Who was that? I crawled out of my covers and stood, confused, in the middle of my room, trying to place the source of the sound. Was it from one of the boys rooms? They are never up that early, and it sounded like it was in my back yard. In fact, it was right outside my window!

I pried my eyes open a little further, and opened my window wider. I was pleased to see the sun shining on a scene of breezy autumn colours. No construction crews, but I could hear it. Tap, Tap. TAP!
A movement, a little streak of blue above my window caught my eye. There, in the eaves trough above my now wide awake head was a blue jays tail. Bobbing up and down in time to the banging noise.
I kindly and politely asked him to stop. (I'm always kind and polite around the crack of dawn. Really.) I can't say the same for the Blue Jay, because he ignored me completely. I asked again, perhaps a wee bit more forcefully. Tap. Tap. TAP, tap, tap.

Finally I banged on the window and insisted he cease and desist. The tail disappeared, replaced a second later by and upside down Blue Jay's head. There we were, eye to eye, each as surprised as the other. Then it happened. He opened that deceptively tiny little beak and let out a shrill shriek loud enough to curl my hair! Yikes! On and on he went, telling me exactly what he thought of me bothering him. Imagine the nerve!

Speaking of nerves, there was no going back to sleep after that. I had to go curl up in the sun in my favorite chair with a cup of tea. Far away, on the other side of the house.

*sigh* I think I prefer this bird. After all, a girl needs her beauty sleep.

Love,
Bea

Saturday is Play Day!

2008-09-13T10:13:00.003-06:00

Bessie is setting out this morning for the Wild Blue Yonder. It is a perfect September morn here. The sun is shining with that early Autumn glow that only September in the Northern Hemisphere can match. We're going to throw the big doors open at Wild Blue Yonder Studios, (formerly known as The Art Barn), and let Mother Nature inspire us with the crisp, fresh air, blue skies, and magical newness of the season.

Bessie and I have the whole day planned. Mr Bea is working, (as he does most Saturdays), so we are free to get a lot of fun and funktional projects accomplished.

First on my list this morning: Muffins!

Bessie always appreciates it when I bake up a little something sweet. It's just too early in the day for cupcakes...though, on second thought, is it ever the wrong time for cupcakes?? Hmmm...I think not.
But muffins are on the menu, for the first course at least. (Who knows what we may have later for tea!?)

I also picked up a little something for Bessie, as a surprise, when I was out perusing the used book store yesterday. Do you think she will like it? We all know how obsessed she is with Vincent. And really, who can blame her? Not Bea!

Now I really must be off to open up the studio, organize my art supplies, and of course, have a muffin! Mmmmm....Lemon Poppy Seed.
Blue skies, my good friend, art en plein air (that's for Kim!) What more could I ask for?

Love,
Bea - enjoying the sweet life with all her heart.

xo

Cupcakes: always masterpieces

2008-09-12T14:19:00.011-06:00

It's no secret. Bea and I dearly love our cupcakes! Would you just take a gander at these beauties! They're from the inspiring book entitled Hello Cupcake by Karen Tack.

I can just imagine Bea licking her chops when she sees how much icing is on this Starry Night Cupcake Cake. And she will probably demand that I reproduce one for her birthday. Good thing I don't have to think about that until next June; maybe by then she'll settle for some nondescript cake from her local supermarket.

Until next time, sweet friends ...
Bessie
x0x

Oh, by the way, I'll tell Bea that you're missing her and that it's about time for one of her long posts. After all, I can't do all the hard work around here!

Millineries make a come back

2008-09-09T20:20:00.004-06:00

Don't they look like cakes? Like they'd be perfect with a nice cup of tea?

Well, they'd be nice to wear to tea but they're not edible. They're hats, created by Bessie for an upcoming 60's themed party.
Well, the blue one was created by Bessie for Bea, just because...even though Bea will be off in the mountains enjoying the scenery and the crisp autumn air when the party happens. Maybe it would go with Bea's hiking ensemble. It's not as if she'll be scaling any precipices. A little stroll over to the tea house and a saunter along the streets of Whistler and an amble along the mountain trails...I think a polka dotted hat would blend right in, don't you?

Aren't they wonderful? The blue one is created from paint chip samples...and it features the colour "Wild Blue Yonder".

There it is, turning up again! It's a sign I tell you!

Bessie posts: Out of the Wild Blue Yonder

2008-09-08T13:53:00.019-06:00

Bessie here. I just sat down a few moments ago to look at some paint samples I picked up at Canadian Tire recently and have myself a nice cup of Chocolatey Chai Tea (with a dollop of cream on top, of course). As I was sipping the "fragrant herbal blend of rich chocolatey taste and chai-inspired spices",
I pondered about what I should share with you all, my friends, today...

Poor Bea seems to be busier than a bee these days homeschooling, homemaking and making hallo-peno jelly, so I didn't want to bother her by phoning her for post ideas. Anyway, I thought I'd just make a mini announcement ~ while Bea's not looking. (Bessie smiles broadly)

We are planning our very first live event! You heard me right folks! For the past few weeks the two of us gals have been creating and conjurin' up some wonderfully artsy, shabby chic-ish, trash-to-treasure items. What for? I'll tell you what for! We're holding the first ever Wild Blue Yonder Christmas Gift Show at the Wild Blue Yonder Studios! You will have the opportunity to purchase some amazing one-of-a-kind items at ridiculously low prices, there'll be door prizes and you'll get to meet and greet the lovely, the talented, Bessie and Bea!
I shan't tell you anything more, other than the date for this event which is October 24 &25, 2008. Do watch for further particulars, right here at Creative Sandwich in the coming days. Now excuse me while I go work on some pretty, pretty items for the show!
Love,
Bessie
P.S. Take a very close look at the beautiful paint sample names ~ can you spot the ironic surprise?

What do you get when you cross pizza with cough syrup?

2008-09-06T19:35:00.014-06:00

Hole-y pizza pan Batman! It was a supper to remember. Bessie went out of her way to make a delicious and wholesome meal for her menfolk Saturday night. She toddled off to Sobey's and purchased two yummy looking pizzas to go along with the ears of fresh corn on the cob that she got from her brother's garden.

The story goes something like this: Bessie places her fresh pizzas on her hole-y-er~than~thou pizza pan and turns the timer on for the usual 10 minutes. She takes extra care to lovingly place the pizzas under the broiler for two additional minutes just to give the cheese an extra melt and brown up the crush ever so slightly.

Apparently Bessie's been busy ~ somehow her mind seems to be elsewhere these days. She's been doing her artwork in her kitchen lately so half the kitchen table is taken up with paints, an easel, markers and glitter, lots and lots of glitter. But the boys don't care one spit as long as they can inhale the grub set before them.

Mr. Bessie so kindly helps his dear wifey set the table and he goes to open the bottle of Dr. Pepper which Bessie refers to as Devil's Brew. She insists that the soda tastes just like Jack and Jill Cough Syrup! Of course her family thinks this is an outrageous claim. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the mister places the pop bottle on the table and opens it. Swoooosh! Suddenly there's Dr. Pepper EVERYwhere! Bessie screams as she starts to wipe up paint samples and fabric swatches.

Mr. Bessie and the boys are licking their chops when the pizzas eventually arrive on the table along with the corn. After the last "Amen" and the first bite of the pizza, there's a sudden cry: "Argh!" everyone looks at the poor sucker who's taken the first bite. "This is doughy! The dough isn't even cooked!"

The mister doesn't think this possible, (the pizza looks so good and so cooked). He bravely takes a mighty huge chomp off his pizza slice. Sure enough the dough is completely gooey still. In fact, it's hard to tell what's pizza and what's melted mozzarella. So! the pizza is quickly swept away and placed back into the oven. Bessie suggests that maybe the pizza is still goey because it's Rising Crust Pizza from the Deli; a type she's never tried before. Folks, it's a well known fact that Bessie never reads instructions ~ 'cept this time it's got her in trouble.

So the family decides they'll devour the corn on the corn slathered in butter while they wait until the pizza is really cooked.
When the pizza pie comes back to the table the second time, the crust is almost done, but everyone's just too tuckered out to complain. Everyone just wants the disastrous meal to end, especially poor Bessie.

But on a brighter note, these are the Sunflowers that Bessie bought for the mister to give to her. He's such a romantic!

The Post where Bessie and Bea go Thrifting

2008-09-04T08:06:00.006-06:00

Recently Bessie and I headed out into the wild blue yonder on a thrifting adventure. Our objective was to find a few tired, sad and lonely pieces that we could rescue and rehabilitate with some tender loving care. We just have so much to offer to the forgotten treasures of yesterday! It has been said that we put the "F-u-n" back into "Funk-tionality!"

The wild blue yonder seemed like a great place to start, though truth be told I'm still a little fuzzy on the concept of where exactly that is. Maybe Bessie and Bea need to open a place and call it "The Wild Blue Yonder". What do you think? Would you set out there?? There would be great stuff and plenty of fun and funk-tion there! And probably cupcakes! And we couldn't forget glitter. We must have glitter.

Well, we did indeed find some fun and exciting treasures, junque and "Aunt-eeks". hehehe (Yes, my Aunt would surely "eek" if she saw some of the stuff I carted home!) But Bessie and I love the old and unloveable. The silly and the discarded call out to us, "please, please, take us home!" (Well, maybe that's our kids on their cell phones, calling from the car where they're sitting, waiting as we dig through every nook and crannie of the store). Still, we feel a real affinity for the used and well worn items of another day. Maybe we relate.

I got a new globe for my collection. (Mr Bea thinks I should use a new fangled GPS when I travel, or even an old fashioned map, for goodness sake! But I love a globe and have found myself in many interesting situations and met very interesting people while navigating by this tried and true tool of the past. "It it was good enough for Christopher Columbus and helped him discover the new world, then it's good enough for me" I always say!)
Also, notice the wonderful old album covers. I love the graphics. These will be bound into journals, that we affectionatley call "Re-Bounders." Recycling at it's most creative.

We also listen to them on this thrift store score:

It's "Symphonic"!! Oh, the sound that comes out of its tiny, tinny built in speakers! How marvelous as a soundtrack to our adventures here at Creative Sandwich.
It takes a while to warm up, but when it does there's no stopping the groove!

This trestle table needs a little love a la' Rachel Ashwell, don't you think? Look at those legs! Beeea-utiful!

Now don't turn up your nose at this. It has potential. Use your imagination.
I am. I'm imagining all the elbow grease it will take these old elbows to whip this baby into shape. Whew. It makes me tired just thinking about it. But just you wait and see...it will be worth it. I see it in a little girls room, all white and pink and pretty. It's very well made, with solid wood drawers...none of that particle board here.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little jaunt into the world of thrifting with Bessie and Bea. Come back soon and see what our treasures look like today.

See you soon, in the Wild Blue Yonder!
Love,
Bea

The things you can put into a soup pot according to Bessie

2008-08-30T19:27:00.006-06:00

Well folks, you won't believe the marvelous soup I made up for the mister for supper tonight. Since I'd bought 3 bunches of celery the other day at the market, I decided I should start using them up. I found a recipe from Canadian Living called Curried Apple and Celery Soup. Well now, doesn't that sound like an interesting combo?

I followed the recipe fairly closely, and when the soup was almost ready -- at the last moment -- I figured I should add some sort of meat-ish ingredient. Well I've been told you can put just about anything into a pot of soup and come up with some yummyliciousish results. In my freezer the perfect ingredient awaited: Flake Style Crab Flavoured Seafood. I thawed it, chopped it, and added it to the simmering soup. There were no complaints at the supper table tonight.

And if you leave a comment and ask real nice, I just may share this "Secret Family Recipe".

That's what we had for supper tonight ~ wonder if Bea will tell us what culinary delight she created ....
x0x
Bessie

Bessie sweetly steps back into history

2008-08-28T17:03:00.014-06:00

My stars, Bea! If you think these pretty pastels look good enough to eat, you're right, at least half right. They are good enough to eat, but their not pastels. They're some of the old fashioned Edinburgh Rock Candy we purchased on our trip to the local historical park today.

It was overcast and cool this morning when we headed to the fort. I'm thinking that a lot of people assume that the park is closed for the season because there weren't very many people there, which made our visit all the more enjoyable. We quite enjoyed the refreshing rain showers mixed with glorious sunshine. And the candy. Did I mention the candy? Mmm ... Bessie does love her sweets, especially the old fashioned variety.

Remember Chicken Bones? Mmm!

and Fruit Drops, anyone?

We had a ride on the old train which was completely rebuilt (the interior) in 2005 when Brad Pitt and company rode into town to film the movie, 'The Assassination of Jesse James'. New seats and sleeping bunks were installed. The front part of the car was designed as a posh parlor car for the movie.
Well dearies, that's about all for now, I have to go eat some more of the sweets that I acquired today on our little day trip. Until next time ...
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks ~
Love, Bessie
0x0

Where Dessert is Eaten First (and life is as it should be)

2008-08-27T11:43:00.006-06:00

There was a wedding on the weekend. (Yes, I know it's already Wednesday, but there was a lot of business here at Creative Sandwich the last few days).

The drive out into the country side was spectacular, with fall harvest in full swing, clear blue skies and a hint of a Autumn in the air already.

It was a wonderful day, and the bride and groom were the sensible sorts who invited the whole family, young and old, and asked if everyone could bring a little something for the celebration dinner. My favorite kind of wedding!! They didn't go broke on providing a meal to a hundred people, they had a wonderful assortment of homemade goodies and traditional Ukrainian food, and Bea was in heaven!!

I made a Tiramisu, because one can never have too many desserts, especially the rich and creamy kind! Would you like the directions? Recipes are far too restrictive, don't you think? I need scope for my imagination, just like Anne Shirley.

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful, creative week. And I hope you remember, the next time you attend an occasion, that life is short, so you should eat dessert first.

The Post Where Bea Gets New Socks and Life is Full of Wonder

2008-08-21T15:07:00.010-06:00

First I would like to offer my sincerest apology for the horrific formatting of this post. Blogger is intent on causing me a migraine today, and rather than fight it, I decided to choose the zen way and just let what is, simply be.

The best thing to do of a rainy day is have tea with a friend. Especially when you're wearing brand new, polka dot and striped socks. (Who even knew there was such a thing??!) These beauties are a gift from Bessie, the dear heart.

Bessie arrived at the Art Barn very early this grey day.

First we relaxed over a nice cup of Chai and cupcakes (blue; my favorite colour) and browsed through some inspiring books. Big City Junk by Mary Randolf Carter is a great book to get your Mojo going. The Creative License by Danny Gregory has also been very inspiring here at Creative Sandwich of late. It teaches you how to "give yourself permission to be the artist you truly are". Go Danny! Go Bessie and Bea!

After all that inspiration we couldn't even help getting busy with some of the amazing materials that abide out in the Art Barn. Serendipity happened! Bessie had started work on a painted shirt back at Phap Farm day in July. That shirt still needed a little something, and as we walked into the Art Barn the answer presented itself. A silk fabric panel, in the exact hues of the paint Bessie had randomly chosen for her shirt was sitting there, in plain view. We remembered picking it up at our favorite Secret Art Source a couple weeks ago, with no particular use for it in mind. Here it sat, perfect...in size, in colour and in theme! Don't you just LOVE it when that happens?!
Of course I had to sew it to the back of the shirt with a funky stitch and bright thread. Wonderful!
But still that shirt needed just a leeetle bit of jazz. Of course Bessie went rummaging in the Barn and found a bag (also found at Secret Source but in no way connected to first amazing piece of material) stuffed full of little scraps that seemed sure to be too small for any serious project. The bright, colourful scraps happened to be oriental silks in dazzling colours that (of course) look wonderful next to the paint and the patch on the shirt.

The muse, the Spirit, the universe, all cooperate in the most delightful ways when we have our hearts open to joy and wonder, don't they?

Here is evidence of our blessed day!

By the way, Bessie's shirt says, " Now, Go Do Some ART!"

What are you waiting for?

Love,
with a thankful heart,

Bea

Has Bessie lost all her marbles?

2008-08-21T08:26:00.005-06:00

Glory Be, Bea!
I just had to come up with 10 tiny things of my own for you and our faithful readers.

And since some may think I've lost my marbles already, here's proof that I haven't.

This group includes (Bea, I don't know all the highfalutin' names for these things, but I'll try):
1. A large really pretty light blue with dark blue and yellow swirls
2. Green cat's eye. I like this one because it's old and chipped.
3. Red and white Toothpaste
4. Steely
5. Black and orange
6. Pearlescent white
7. Princess mauve iridescent
8. Green milky
9. Clear Blue Peewee
10. Peewee Devil's Eye

Check out this interesting video on how marbles are made ~ very intriguing.

Until next time chickies ...
Bessie
x0x

Ruby Reads Playbills

2008-08-20T18:56:00.002-06:00

Just to spice things up a little for Bessie and Bea, I thought I'd get my column in on time... (before 10 counts as on time, doesn't it? Really, what civilized work can be done before then?)

I do love summer, and am ever so sad to see it spin its final days. There has been much to savor this season, from barbecues with friends and artsy events to festivals where one could feast their senses: music (blues, jazz, folk, Weird Al, and all points in between); world culture; art; and theatre.

With the latter in mind, I thought I would do a wee change from "Books That Should Have Been" to "Plays I Should Have Seen". Such a surfeit of choice! My mind first began to wander this way when I saw an advertisement for Genghis Khan's Guide to Etiquette. Who *wouldn't* want to know the ins and outs of pillage and plunder?! I bet there's a correct order and everything. One wouldn't want to lose face by improper form during conquest...

There are so many other plays that should have been, but two that most suit my mood (and boggle my mind) would be SUCH fun to write advertisements for (pardon my dangling participle ... mixed company and all, you know). The first? Yet another rendition of that perennial favorite, The Sound of Music. I have been fortunate enough to see it in a variety of circumstances, but there is one genre that has not yet adapted it, and it is one which I would most like to experience: imagine Maria and the children depicted entirely by... mimes.

The second? This one would clock in rather longer, including several intermissions, and need a much bigger budget for costumes. But who wouldn't benefit from an evening in the open air, hearing War and Peace declaimed in the dulcet style of... Bollywood?

It gives one pause...

Until next Wednesday, duckies. Ruby intends to spend one last lazy summer afternoon blowing bubbles and shopping for school supplies before next week's review of Textbooks That Should Have Been. Ta ta!
Love, Ruby

The Post Where Bea Chooses Ten Tiny Wonders

2008-08-20T12:55:00.006-06:00

Well, since my dear friend Dawn of Art of Humungous Proportions challenged us to play along with the Funky Art Queen here at Creative Sandwich, I give you Ten Tiny Things:

These diminutive treasures are all so very dear to my heart! I love miniatures, it probably comes of my tiny stature. *ahem*
No need to snort, Dear Reader.

I chose them all because they are Tiny. And that was the challenge. But it didn't take the pointiest Crayola in the box to figure that out, did it? I will move ahead and just describe each item in a short phrase. I'll give it's providence, if you will. The history and pedigree.

(Yes Bessie, I am getting to the point! Please give me some breathing room dear!)

I shall move clockwise from the largest item, located at the top left hand corner, in a spiral manner. Beginning now:

An exquisite and unique hand made book with polymer clay covers, water colour paper pages, jute closing wrap finished with a charm stamped in the form of an antique pen nib. Created by one Phapboy of the Pointy Hat Art Posse. (I am linking to your blog, Phapboy, so you had better scurry over there and post something new for our discriminating audience. Remember, Bea knows where you live!)
One of a set of two polymer clay charms created by my own wee babe, the very one who insists "he is not artistic". Bea begs to differ. The charms are attached on a string of jute, and are usually seen prominently (for so small a thing) looped over the antique mirror in the front entry way.
Tiny (one inch high) crystal bird. Sits in a cabinet with others of a feather and cheers household by it's preciousness.
Second of set of two charms. (see item number two above).
A tiny black stone with a word collaged on to each of the four sides. It says "an air of magic". Quite.
A glass, flat marble magnet with the image of an old clock face. It holds a photo of my now almost grown babies on my fridge and is a daily reminder of the passing of time. Carpe Diem.
A glass, flat marble magnet with image of little red bird, also holds a photo on my refrigerator. Does one need an excuse for a red bird in the kitchen?
A spider pin from the 1950's that belonged to my mother. (note to self: Get copy of photo of mother wearing said pin.)
Tiny birdhouse from Hallmark Christmas ornament (2002) that hangs in my kitchen year round.
Tiny (1 1/2 inch long) book, handmade by Ruth O'Conner for a Valentine Day swap in 2007. It is completely delightful in every way, just the size of a postage stamp.

So there you have it my friends. It was lovely playing along! Thank you Funky Art Queen for hosting. It's always so much fun showing off our treasures to other appreciative artsy types.

Love,
Bea

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Morning

2008-08-19T23:07:00.008-06:00

Even more so than Tea or Elevensies! So, to start the day off right, a good pancake is just what the doctor ordered. (Just not my doctor. Let's let this be our little secret, shall we?)

Now, I'm not one to be up with the sun unless pressed, (into falling out of bed), but I could be convinced to get my face on before the crack of noon for a table set with the likes of these.

Just like my own dear Grandma used to make
Every morning she fed her family these wonderful, whole wheat pancakes, topped with real butter and maple syrup, or fresh seasonal fruit ....

and fresh, thick cows cream from her own farm. I swoon at the memory! I spent summers on the farm eating these every single morning, with cold, cold milk to wash them down. Heaven! It's a miracle I've kept my girlish figure.

Here is her secret family recipe. Since she's in a better place now, (no, not Saskatoon for you Corner Gas fans. Goodness.) I don't think she'll mind me sharing it with a few close, personal friends.

Just remember dear ones, it makes a lot. Don't forget, she was feeding a family with seven children.
I've modified it to an amount that will make a dozen or so 4 inch pancakes. Enough for you and the mister. Oh, yes of course, maybe a guest or two as well. Tell them to bring peaches.

Love,
Bea

Grandma B's Whole Wheat Pancakes

butter for frying

Dry Ingredients:

2 c. unbleached white flour
2 c. whole wheat flour
1 Tblsp. baking soda

Wet Ingredients: For each 3/4 cup dry mix

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups buttermilk, from a cow named Bossie
2 Tblsp. melted butter

Mix dry ingredients and store them in the pantry ready to use.
Put 3/4 cup of the mix in a bowl. Add wet ingredients. Stir the pancake dough only to incorporate, not too much.
Make a cast iron frying pan really hot. Melt butter. Ladle in the pancake dough. Turn the heat to low. Cook until the top of the pancake bubbles, flip and brown the other side.
Serve with love and kindness. Feed leftovers to dog.

Bessie the Waxes Poetic (or something like that)

2008-08-19T16:20:00.009-06:00

I found a little gem at our local 2nd hand bookstore some time ago which is entitled Back-Door Neighbors by Edna Jaques, published in 1946. Edna (1891-1978) was a popular Canadian poet who beautifully celebrated the daily domestic life experience. I know our dear readers will love her poems which we will reprint on Creative Sandwich from time to time.
Enjoy!
Love,
Bessie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Homey Things

I like an old tea kettle
Sort of singing on the stove;
Petunias in a window-box,
Cerise and pink and mauve;
An old dog dozing on the step,
One eye half opened like;
A little boy a-riding by
On an old red bike.

I like to hear the birds at dawn
Chirpin' for all they're worth,
Digging for worms and bits of green
In the fresh morning earth;
The breakfast fires being lit,
Their smoke ascending high,
Spirals of hope that daily rise
Into the morning sky.

I like a clothesline by a lawn
Where little panties blow,
Where kids with sturdy arms and legs,
Sleep and eat and grow;
The little homes of common folk,
Carpenters, clerks, and such,
The patient workers of the world
Who matter, oh, so much.

A little house with four square walls
A bird-house painted red,
A father going off to work,
To earn the daily bread;
The mother faithful to her task,
A cobbled walk and gate --
These are the things, which, added up,
Make common living great.

It's 35 in the shade

2008-08-18T18:17:00.001-06:00

Bessie & Bea are hot ... literally! It's 35 degrees in the shade,
and it's hard to know what to feed the fam for supper.
How about ...

a Taco Salad: divided

or a Taco Salad: Smushed

and finish it off with a Fruit Salad.

Now excuse me while I go stick my head in the freezer!

Hot & Bothered ~
Bessie
xOx

Ruby Saturday?

2008-08-16T18:10:00.007-06:00

Goodness Gracious, Duckies!

So, I went into the woods to live deliberately, and I thought I was prepared ... I had purchased a lovely pink laptop (with WiFi, of course) and had even decoupaged a picture or two to its surface in the very best Altered Art tradition. HOWEVER, I had neglected to research yet another "Book That Should Have Been" -- Staying Connected in a Wireless World with a Pencil-and-Notebook Brain.

I am sure all of you will not be surprised in the slightest to find that I could not send in this week's column. Apparently the internet is not magic after all, and requires all manner of bits and pieces that I did not have at my disposal ... I was most disappointed to learn that a "Hot Spot" is not a patch of sand at the side of lake where I had set up shop with a travelling rug and a thermos of tea (with a china cup to decant it into, of course!).

Note to Bessie and Bea: some of the loveliest sparklies are the the dapples of sun on a lake in the afternoon. After emptying my thermos of tea, I brought you back some of the lake water, but I am afraid it has rather lost its effect...

Well, time groweth short, so I can only share with you one selection from my week away: Marie Antoinette's Gluten Free Baking Book. It turns out she was not the heartless wretch she has been portrayed as by hasty historians and the scandal-mongering media, but in fact a learned lass far ahead of her century's healthy eating trends. The poor darling was misquoted: in fact, what she said was, "The peasants are rioting because they have no bread? Let them eat my Flourless Chocolate Cake!"

While the directions are somewhat difficult (they include such instructions as "Add one very large cup of sugar", "Bake as long as it takes", and "While your servants are gathering hazelnuts"), her gentle wit sparkles throughout, deliciously illuminating a somewhat darker chapter of history. Of course, her habit of referring to "short crust" as "headless", and cutting butter with a miniature guillotine is perhaps a trifle tasteless...

Well, gentle readers, I must fly. I'll be with you on Wednesday!

Love,
Ruby ~ happily munching a piece of Revolutionary Raisin Toast

Of planning and Tea in Styrofoam Cups

2008-08-14T15:45:00.016-06:00

We are always planning our next big move, Bea and I. What will our next big venture be? We're not about to tell you, but let's just say that something big is coming up for us in early November.

Bea came over to my house this morning (2 days in a row ~ what a treat to be in each other's company!). Lunchtime rolled around, so I scrounged up some What's in the Cupboard Soup. It had a little this and a little of that in it with a Chicken-y, Tarragon-y, Wild Rice-y, Chickpea-y, Corn-y, Perogy-y flavour to it.

We got serious about eating and planning, planning and eating. Martha mags were close by to inspire us. We like her ideas, and love to rip them off in typical Bessie and Bea style ~ we're not sure if Martha would be proud or put off, but we really don't care.

Anyway, after the strenuousness of a "Planning Luncheon", we met up with a couple of our ART Friends, Nicolette and Zach at Starbuck's. We don't really like to admit that we ever frequent any place where one can't order a coffee or tea in a proper china cup. It's a Venti pain in the neck to try to remember the Grande rules of the place!

Thinking she was being hip, Bea went to order a tea and asked for a "Tall" thinking that that meant she'd get the biggest cup in the place. And to top it off, she asked for a Double-double, without the slightest idea of what that meant. Poor Bea. She got a little paper cup of tea with too much of everything ~ except tea. Needless to say, she wasn't pleased at all. The only way that the tea could be any worse is if it had arrived at our table in a Styrofoam cup.
Now that's pure evil!

Bea isn't used of drinking her tea in anything other than a lovely china cup. I'm sure she went straight home and made a cuppa the right way!

That's all for now. Until next time ...
Love,
Bessie
(who's very curious to the whereabouts of Ruby Wednesday!)

Research and Development

2008-08-13T19:02:00.008-06:00

...that's what we call doing the things we like best.

Doesn't everyone have dreams of being creative every single day? I thought so! Me too.

Bessie and I thought a Wednesday was a perfect excuse to get together and plan how we are going to take over the world, and bring art to everyone! And glitter. Definitely more glitter. "Glitter for the common man!" should be our motto. That and cupcakes. "Cupcakes for the common man!"
We're just thinking of all of you. It's what we do.

This morning found us getting our groove on with a hot cup of mocha latte' and a sticky, delicious cinnamon bun. It helps us think better when we're all hopped up on sugar.
We had a journal show and tell...we compared lists, scribbled in the dead of night into our journals, which of course we keep by the side of the bed. It's when we come up with our best glittery, sweet, frosted ideas. (Until our respective husbands tell us to please turn off the light and go. to. sleep! That usually happens a few times, generally around 2 am.)
We sipped. We nibbled. We looked through the new Country Living and found even more ideas!

We were off on a thrifting expedition today, and found lots of raw material for making more journals, lamps with pink dangly bits, beautiful old china and lots of other treasures we will be showing here once we get it tarted up.
Because we believe in equal opportunity here.
Tarts should get just as much limelight as cupcakes.

It's hard work coming up with all these amazing ideas and finding potential in the most humble of cast-offs.
So of course we had to stop for lunch in order to keep up our strength. We chose Bessie's favorite restaurant, a fantastic Indian place that gets rave reviews from all the locals. It was spicy and exotic and tasty and just wonderful. We tried a bit of everything. It's a wonderful experience. It has chandeliers! And hammered metal water goblets and carved furniture. It's the kind of place that does stimulate the creativity.

The afternoon ended with Bessie convincing Bea to take most of the treasures home to the Art Barn till she can come and play. *sigh* That's what happens when you have a barn...everyone wants to store stuff there.

Hope you'll check back soon and see what treasures we can show and tell!

Love,
Bea

Fun in the kitchen with Bessie

2008-08-12T18:41:00.007-06:00

Hello dearies,

That Bea!
I thought she was going post today something wonderful to share with you all today,
but I think she's busy puttering around in her artroom making fabulous art pieces or something, maybe she'll show us tomorrow. Or maybe she's cooking up a storm and taking step-by-step
photos for your perusal.
In the meantime, I would like to show you something I made today.

Funsticks!

I got these yummy Sesame Sticks and Baron (dark) Chocolate at my local Dollarama.
You getting hungry yet?
I broke up the chocolate bar, put it in the bowl and then melted the chocolate in the microwave. I should have had some white chocolate, but I didn't have any on hand so I made up some rum flavoured icing.

I drizzle chocolate over the icing ~ you could
drizzle white on dark chocolate or visa versa.

Then you sprinkle with whatever decorations
you like. Simple, eh?
Pretty, pretty!
Now that Bea is going to look on here and get
real jealous cuz I ate these all up and she
didn't get a single one.
I'm thinking I'd give this recipe *** out of 5
Until next time, Tra-la for now.
Love,
Bessie

A Charming Exchange

2008-08-08T15:53:00.011-06:00

Bessie and Bea are always tickled pink to promote little artsy endeavours, such as the brilliant book, A Charming Exchange, 25 Jewelry Projects to Create & Share ~ recently published by North Light Books. Their dear friend, Dawn of Art of Humungous Proportions fame is one of the 20-some artists included in this tome. For new jewelry makers or more experienced folks, this is a wonderful book full of original and inspiring ideas. After careful review, Bessie and Bea have decided that this new book is simply tres-chic. Buy it!

(Bessie & Bea figure if they're real nice they may get autographed copies of the book!)

Bessie cooks when it's 100 above (that's 38 in Celcius language)

2008-08-07T19:03:00.016-06:00

My goodness gracious sakes alive it's hot out there!
You could fry an egg on the sidewalk. At first I gave the Egg ala Sidewalk a thought, I'd fry up an egg or two out on the tarmac ... but then I decided that what I really had a hankering for was pasta maybe with a seafood twist ... mmmm! Since I didn't have a recipe, I thought what in the hootin' and hollerin' would my dear friend Bea do? She'd improvise, of course! So this is me improvising...

1. I cooked up a big pot of Rotini

2. Created a pasta sauce: A little butter, fresh garlic clove (or two), finely chopped onion, a little flour, salt & pepper, vino, 1/2 cream and milk

While that stuff is all cookin' there on the stove,

I quickly chopped up some fake crab to add to the sauce. That'll make it seafood-y, I thought to myself.

Next, I threw a green salad together:
1. Romaine lettuce
2. Carrots, thinly sliced
3. Cucumber chunks
4. Tomato chunks
5. Kalamata olives (whole ~ it's more fun to find a pit!)
6. Feta, small chunks
7. Hellmann's Salad Spritzers (Balsamic Breeze)

I jest about burnt the sauce, because I was making the salad, but I caught it just in time. Phew! Everyone gobbled it down, and I didn't get one complaint. In fact, the whole lot wanted seconds.

A perfect summer supper, gingham tablecloth to boot.
Sorry 'bout the southern accent in this post, it's so hot out there, I've acquired the accent!
xOx
Bessie

Inspiration Can be Pink and Refreshing

2008-08-07T12:36:00.014-06:00

Tea at three indeed. It's a very wise thing to have a pick-me-up when the energy begins to droop in mid afternoon. No drooping allowed around here. We're always perky! *

We here at Creative Sandwich also like to sip a cold and frosty drink when the heat gets unbearable, and if it's pink and pretty, so much the better!

ART-ing always stirs up creativity, in all areas of life.

I was flipping and snipping through an old Martha magazine, and this picture popped out at me! Mmmmmmm....how wonderful and tempting is that?

I didn't read the recipe, or really pause, I just ripped it out and put it to one side. Then later, when I went in to whip up the pizzas for lunch, I grabbed the torn out page and looked at it.
"Wouldn't that taste splendid?" I asked myself.

I answered in the affirmative, and quickly looked in the refrigerator to see what I had that would make a good facsimile. I had half a watermelon, cubed and cold, and a basket of ripe strawberries. Perfect!
They went into the VitaMix, with a squeeze of organic agave syrup, and 30 seconds later I poured them over ice into big, chunky goblets. I topped them up with a wee splash of the new Green Tea Ginger Ale from Canada Dry.
Oh my, it was love at first sip!
The only thing missing was a little umbrella.

Which Bessie kindly pointed out to me, bless her heart.

She's so helpful like that.

So I want to encourage you all in your creative endeavors. If a recipe calls out to you, whether it's for a special drink or a journal page, use what you have, improvise, and enjoy! It may not be exactly what you envisioned, but it will be brave, and it will be yours!

Love,
Bea

Cheers!

*You can even ask our husbands if you don't believe us. But they're out of town right now. No, we don't know when they'll be back.

Tea for Two at Three

2008-08-07T05:40:00.006-06:00

Some of Bessie and Bea's fans wonder ... just exactly who are these refined ladies? What makes them tick? What do they like during their day?

Bessie and Bea like tea at three, with china cups and saucers if you please. They also like old buttons, lace and rusty things. And, if they're not re-purposing the mediocre, they might be bartering at a garage sale, or blog hopping.

Recently, as the ladies sipped their Twinings, they were astonished, when they both confessed to each other, that yes, they like sparkley things. They like sparkley things, very much indeed! And that yes, wouldn't it be grand if they both had chandeliers? So now the ladies are on the look out for some sparklely to adorn their homes and lives with.

Oh, by the way ... Bessie and Bea are very particular about their tea ritual. Please watch Creative Sandwich as they will soon post a step-by-step tutorial on the correct method of making a perfect cuppa tea.

Introducing ...

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the lovely, the talented, Ruby Wednesday. Ruby will be providing some scrumptious filling for our creative sandwich on Wednesdays with her wonderfully wacky book reviews of volumes that should have been. We know you'll just eat it up!
Love,
Bessie

Heeeeeeere's Ruby!

Hallo, duckies! It's so lovely to begin a new adventure here at Creative Sandwich. I feel like a garnish -- something on the side to add a bit of color and crunch. I am so happy to be on the same plate as Bessie and Bea-- you're in for a real treat!

This column is dedicated to Books that Should Have Been. I'll share a few of my favorites every week. If you have any you'd like to add, please write me care of Creative Sandwich. In addition to my gratitude, you'll get full credit and assorted bon mots.

This week's offerings:

You may have heard of Armchair Travelers. Well, I am an armchair exerciser. I prefer to raise a healthy glow by turning pages rapidly, and did they ever turn rapidly in this slim little volume!

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Guide to Dog Training. I thought perhaps he was using his Terminator Techniques on terriers instead of terrorists, but no! The Governor of California has actually given directions on using one's pets as personal equipment. I suppose that makes just as much sense as using them as fashion accessories...

I was hooked from the very first chapter: Of Chin Ups and Chihuahuas. This is perfect for those of us of a certain age who are beginning to look as though we have dewlaps. I shan't spoil the secret except to say that I expect to have a neck worth necking with by Christmas!

A certain young David of my acquaintance remarked it was good to see a government official being so frugal: he was training himself and his animal at the same time. Touché! I am still not sure how he got those Saint Bernards to hang on to the barbells though...

The part on Shih Tzu Massage was priceless, as were the Cooling Down With Your Collie diagrams. Makes me want to run right out and rent a pet! Ah, well. You know what they say: No Great Dane, No Pain!

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All that reading about exercise certainly does work up a hunger! Well, I have just the appetizer --

Marie Curie's Slow Cooker Recipes. Whether you are in the laboratory working against a deadline, or lolling about in the lavatory the Morning After, it's so nice to have a little Something on the Simmer! My personal favorites were Bunsen Burner Bourguignonne and Poached Pears in a Petri dish. The Radiated Ragoût was a bit of a miss, though...

What this madame could have done with a microwave...

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I was hoping to have a third for you, but I am not quite finished translating. My interests ran more to the Conjugal than to the Conjugation in French class (I sat behind a muy handsome garcon). I believe it might be a rare (one might say revolutionary) 18th century treatise on parenting, by none other than Robespierre!

Until next time -- this is Ruby, cooing "Could Have; Should Have... I will! Next Wednesday."

Good-bye -- and good reading!!

Fun, Fun Fun ....

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till her Daddy took her glue stick away...

Step away from my glue stick!! I will never hand it over without a fight!

*ahem* I know, we do get rather passionate at times about things that really matter, deep down inside.

Today was not the day to try to come betwixt a girl and her glue stick. It was play day at the art barn, here in the sunny prairie city on the edge of the lake.

There was Soul Journaling to be done. Bessie did the cover of her ART journal. It's so lovely, don't you think?

To keep up our creative strength, Bea made pizza, and pretty, pink strawberry and watermelon coolers, and lovely Lisa provided a beautiful salad full of the bounty of her garden. It was fresher than fresh! ("Just like us" she said modestly.)

We ate out in the garden, next to the art barn. We left our mess behind and savoured the great conversation and wonderful food in the shade of a beautiful tree.

Food and art go together like... well....what doesn't food go with?

(Maybe sky diving?)

Lisa has orders form her doctor to live it up! To have FUN! To be wild! We are trying to help her in that department. It happens to be our specialty.
It's just another free service here at Creative Sandwich.

It looks like it's working...see that smile?

Well, we had to take a little break from all that art, to go thrifting. We scored big time!

We each found a retro cool groovy LP from the exact year of our respective births! The art work is too funky, just like us!

We think we see book covers in the works...they were too fun to pass on!

Hope your day is tasty and delicious, full of sunshine and joy. If it's not, take a bite of our Creative Sandwich and know that you are loved!
XOX
Bea

PS. Oh, Bessie? You know those scrumptious cupcakes you brought? The ones we didn't have time to decorate till after you went home?

Ummm....they were delicious.

And thanks ever so much for the dazzling sun flowers (see top) you brought for me. I love them!

Coming Soon...

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Bessie and Bea are pleased to announce that we have a special treat in store for all of our friends, new and old.

Ruby Wednesday, a good friend and fellow Diva, will be bringing us extraordinary book reviews. And who among us does not appreciate an astute, in depth review of a really life changing book?

Uh, huh. That's what we thought.

These will be reviews that we guarantee you will NOT see anywhere else in Blog Land, (nor anywhere else on the planet for that matter). In fact they are book reviews of books that should have been written. Oh, the possibilities! There are no end of titles that spring to mnd!

Stay tuned! Ruby is a brilliant spark of light in a too oft drab and weary world.

Love,
Bessie & Bea

Faux Gogh....with a Twist!

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You know, I think it's kind of poetic that this video, shot by an intuitive, artistic 14 year old, is shot 90 degrees off plumb.

It's kind of indicative of our lifestyle...we don't always fit the mold...and it's much more fun that way!

Love,
Bea

What Can you Create?

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Are you creative? Can you make "stuff"? Do only certain people, trained from birth, and naturally talented, have the ability to make the world a more beautiful place for the ordinary, little people, like you and me?

Is it only the trained and certified Chefs who are capable of feeding our souls along with our bodies?

HA! That's what many of us who have been raised and educated on the conveyor belt have believed in the past! We've been programed to believe that when it comes to beauty, and taste, and fashion, there are those who are qualified to lead and there are the rest of us whose only purpose is to follow, agree, and consume.

But is it true?

Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that sadly yes, it may be what we believe and experience to be true in the present tense. We may have surrendered our creative licenses to the art police experts, but does the world really believe that there are those who deserve to be called THE "Painter of Light", and the rest of us who can shell out our resources to support their fairy tale existence?

No, no, no. The good news is that this farce doesn't have to be the TRUTH!

TRUTH is different, and bigger, and more vibrant than what is true....because what is true may change, but TRUTH does not change, ever, and the TRUTH is that we are all creative, are created that way, and can live out our lives manifesting that TRUTH every day (yes, even when we stub our toe and the car is broken and we burned the toast...again!)

So though it may be true that we cannot recognize one iota of creativity in our day, right here- right now, that bigger, juicier, true-for-all-time-TRUTH is that we can not NOT be creative. It is in us to be creative, as we live, breath, move, think, and dream when our heads hit the pillow at night.

It's in our DNA people, and we cannot escape our destiny. Sometimes we may need a little nudge in the right direction, but life is one big messy, wonderful, blessed, hilariously exciting though sometimes painfully stretching, Art project! We are the brushes, and our days are the ATC's! (Hey, let's start small...less performance anxiety!)

That's what Creative Sandwich is all about...creativity; schmeared over around and in between the ordinary white bread of our sometimes dry and boring daily journeys. And if you feel you need a little help along the way, when you just can't take another bologna on white, come see Bessie and Bea. We'll cook you up something fresh and tasty; spicy, and dripping with taste and savory messiness. And we'll remind you that you can do the same, only better! Better because what excites you is special and unique and individual. One of a kind!

Yes, you will need napkins.

And don't be shy...go ahead, lick your fingers!
Love,
Bessie & Bea

This is a Test

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This is a test of Besse & Bea's new Creative Sandwich Blog system. What will a post look like here? This is an example of what it will look like once Bea has something profound to put here. This is not an actual post, this is only a test. If this had been a post, you would have known it. Now back to your regular Blog reading.
Love,
Bessie

Creative Sandwich

Just livin'

Tea Time Tuesday 6: Rainy day cheer

“The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort and refinement.”-- Arthur Gray

Love,

Bessie

Weddings and Soap

Tea Time Tuesday 5: Bessie and Bea celebrate the Royal Wedding

Tea Time Tuesday 4

Tea Time Tuesday 3

Winners!!

Tea Time Tuesday 2

Tea Time Tuesday

One World One Heart

Tea for Three

It really is all about Pretty!

Bessie's Watermelon Salad

Joy!

New Canvas

Forgiveness

Cupcakes!

Baking Beauties

Lettin' ourselves go

Bessie & Bea's Easy Rag Wreath

Spaghetti Spaghetti

As English as a cuppa tea

Our gift to you

Garage Saling

Bessie does some rearranging

Did somebody say aprons?

Bessie cooks a pizza (gasp!) from scratch

Where were you when the lights went out?

What do you collect?

Rejoice!

Good enough to eat!

A Smile

A cup of tea and a stack of magazines

Bessie's Saturday adventure

On second thought ...

How Fame Seeks Us Out.

A letter from one of our winners ...

Wonderful OWOH winners announcement

It's a giveaway!

Last minute gift!

Christmas is for Sharing

We love Christmas!

Keeping in touch

Remember when ...

The post where Bessie gives you a sneak peak

While Bea's away, Bessie will play!

Bea and the Blue Jay

Saturday is Play Day!

Cupcakes: always masterpieces

Millineries make a come back

Bessie posts: Out of the Wild Blue Yonder

What do you get when you cross pizza with cough syrup?

The Post where Bessie and Bea go Thrifting

The things you can put into a soup pot according to Bessie

Bessie sweetly steps back into history

Where Dessert is Eaten First (and life is as it should be)

The Post Where Bea Gets New Socks and Life is Full of Wonder

Has Bessie lost all her marbles?

Ruby Reads Playbills

The Post Where Bea Chooses Ten Tiny Wonders

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Morning

Bessie the Waxes Poetic (or something like that)

It's 35 in the shade

Ruby Saturday?

Of planning and Tea in Styrofoam Cups

Research and Development

Fun in the kitchen with Bessie

A Charming Exchange

Bessie cooks when it's 100 above (that's 38 in Celcius language)

Inspiration Can be Pink and Refreshing

Tea for Two at Three

Introducing ...

Fun, Fun Fun ....

Coming Soon...

Faux Gogh....with a Twist!

What Can you Create?

“The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort and refinement.”
-- Arthur Gray