Monday, June 17, 2013

Graduation time

Just wanted everyone to know that my middle son Jeremy graduated from University of WA Tacoma last Friday as did his fiancee Melissa.  It was a great ceremony at the Tacoma Dome.  Pictures are on my Facebook page... Please visit and check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/celticattic/photos

My youngest son's girlfriend also graduated from High School and her party was on Saturday.  So we had a fun filled weekend of too much food and too much chocolate.  Never thought I would say that!

Enjoy your summer and all the graduations and weddings coming up!

4th of July

For American's the 4th of July holiday is filled with fun in the sun, games, kids, kites, beach, bbq's, slip n slides and family fun.  We gather and watch fireworks on the beach in the evening and spend the day in celebration with our families and friends.  It is truly the American holiday.

Be safe have fun. Below are some interesting facts and fictions about this holiday.

Here are some basic tips for the next time you grill, barbecue or go over to the know-it-all neighbor's house for a cook-out:

  1. Make sure to clean the grill properly. Some people use a wire brush to clean away any food remnants. It's best to first heat the grill, cook off any remnants, and then brush off. This helps sterilize the surface before placing the food on the grill.


  2. Once the grill is hot (if using coals let them burn a minimum of 30 minutes to cook off most of the chemicals), brush cooking oil onto the grill so the food won't stick and possibly tear.


  3. Try using some wood or wood chips on top of the coals in order to give the food extra flavor. Nice cooking woods include oak, maple, and mesquite. Stay away from soft woods like pine. To produce more smoke, and therefore more flavor, soak the wood in water for a little while before cooking.


  4. In order to avoid uneven cooking, don't overload the grill with food. For best possible results cook fewer pieces in order to preserve the presentation and quality of the food. Remember, when it comes to any kind of food, everyone wants quality over quantity.


  5. Monitor the grill at all times. It's too easy to overcook food over an open flame. Turn meat and marinate often. Remember, too, that it is always better to slow cook the meat. Just be careful you don't keep the guests waiting too long, or they might send out for pizza.


  6. Serve the food right away. Meat will continue to cook even after it's removed from the flame, if left to sit it will dry out and become less appetizing.

Early fireworks were enjoyed more for the sound than the show—in its simplest forms gunpowder explodes quickly, leaving a terrific bang but not much to see other than a rather brief golden glow. Over time people discovered that using chemical compounds with greater amounts of oxygen made the explosives burn brighter and longer.

The multi-hued displays we know now began in the 1830s, when Italians added trace amounts of metals that burn at high temperatures, creating beautiful colors. Other additives also produced interesting effects. For example, calcium deepens colors, titanium makes sparks, and zinc creates smoke clouds.

Gold Aluminum, magnesium
White Aluminum, magnesium
Yellow Sodium salts



The Star-Spangled Banner

—Francis Scott Key, 1814
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

It’s barbecue season!

It’s barbecue season!  Here are some great recipes that can be converted from the kitchen to your backyard grill.  Have fun, eat well, enjoy the sunshine and if your Irish, put on your sunscreen...

Luck of the Irish Burger Recipe by Anthony Meidenbauer, chef at Holsteins at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
What you’ll need:
2 lb 80% lean ground beef
4 large hamburger buns
4 Tbsp Russian dressing
2 cups braised cabbage (see recipe below)
8 slices Swiss cheese
¾ lb sliced corned beef
Salt and pepper

How to make it:
1. Preheat your grill to direct, high heat or heat coals until white and hot.
2. Divide the ground beef into fourths and shape into patties ½-inch thick. Season the patties with salt and pepper and grill over high heat until cooked to desired temperature, about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
3. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, warm braised cabbage and corned beef. Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each patty and allow to melt. Dress each bun with 1 Tbsp Russian dressing and top with each hamburger. Top each burger with cabbage and a few slices of corned beef and close the bun. Makes 4 burgers.



Viking Pepper Steak



Ingredients:  Green onions for topping, 1/2 clove garlic, 6 sliced mushrooms, 2 onions, 2 green peppers, 2 sliced celery stalks, 2 small carrots, 1 can bean sprouts or small bag of fresh sprouts, 2 cans beef broth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce to taste, 1 or 2 pounds of beef. 


Brown beef.  Add broth and cook on simmer or slightly above for 10 minutes.  Add veggies and cook an additional 20 minutes simmer or slightly above for.  Add Rice or Noodles or a grand Salad.


Dell’s Dip



1-teaspoon oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves crushed

2-cup tomato sauce

2 cup diced green chilies

2 cups grated sharp cheese

2 cups crushed pork rinds



Sauté onion and garlic in oil on medium heat.  Add tomato sauce, green chilies, grated cheese and pork rinds.  Let simmer until cheese is melted.  Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips.

Celtic Attic Fun in the Sun Contest



Top O' The Morning To All,
Ce'ad Mi'le Fa'ilte
100,000 Welcomes

Mum’s Day, Dad’s Day and Graduations for the year 2013 have come and gone.  We wish you many blessings for all the events, people, parties and fun you have had the past few months.  Summer is now in full swing.  Kiddies are out of school for the summer and Weddings are being planned.  Why not buy your Wedding gifts here at the celtic attic.   Or you can check out our Jewelry pages to discover all the wonderful items we have available. 

Celtic Attic thought it would be the perfect time to offer its First Annual Fun in the Sun Contest.  We are posting this on all our social media as well.  Send us your Favorite Summertime activity with a photo or photos.  We will pick 3 winners and send out a special surprise Celtic Pendant at the end of July.  We want everyone to know that there is sun and fun out there.  Just email your picture and fun activity to kc@celticattic.com
  
We want to offer this great Shopping Deal to you from today until June 15th.   Half Off on shipping order now at the Celtic Attic.  Plus get a candy bag & a wee GIFT FREE with each and every order.
What to know where Celtic Attic will be and what shows we will be selling at?  Visit this page for more info… 



Here is the deal of the month at the Celtic Attic.  The Leprechaun's Pot of Gold is now available for FREE in PDF format.  That's right, FREE.   We have decided to give you this gift so that you might be inspired to start your own business or just read about how we started ours!  Just click on the link below to get your free cop


As Always, Peace
Kristin and the staff at the Celtic Attic
2916 NW Bucklin Hill Rd #133
Silverdale, WA 98383
360-813-1113



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Happy July! Who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary this month?
Celtic Attic Custom Wedding Candles http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSC&Product_Code=2CUCS&Category_Code=
The big trends for Summer 2013 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/summer-fashion-trends-2013_n_3232750.html
Happy Fourth Of July!
A checklist of 50 fun, summertime activities http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/summer-activities-00100000082747/index.html
Too hot to cook? Here are 10 no-cook dinners http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/5-no-cook-dinners-for-summer.htm
Summer crafts for kids http://www.marthastewart.com/275581/kids-summer-crafts/@center/276975/marthas-crafts-kids#275581
Celtic Attic Shamrock Headband http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSC&Product_Code=SHKG&Category_Code=CC4
It's National Blueberry Month - here are some blueberry recieps for inspiration http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/blueberry/index.html
Fun activities for your kids to do this summer http://spoonful.com/summer
What is your favorite no-cook summer recipe?
Celtic Attic Cookbook http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSC&Product_Code=CACCB&Category_Code=
The best swimsuits for all figures http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/best-swimsuits-body-types-00000000032820/index.html
Stay cool this summer without turning on the A/C
It's National Hot Dog Month -- what is your favorite way to eat hotdogs?
Have you taken a "break" from cable this summer? How's it going?
What is your favorite summer drink to help you stay cool?
Summer gardneing tips http://www.harlowgardens.com/summer-gardening-tips/
Need some new sunglasses? Find which kind flatters your face shape http://www.oprah.com/style/Find-the-Best-Sunglasses-for-Your-Face-Shape
100 Ways To Conserve Water http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/
Celtic Attic Irish Beer Soap http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSC&Product_Code=KRBSBB&Category_Code=
Will you have a kindegartener this year? How to calm their fears http://childparenting.about.com/od/schoollearning/a/first_day_kindergarten_anxiety.htm
It's National Ice Cream Month - what's your favorite flavor?
What book are you reading this summer?
Who's heading to BlogHer this weekend?
No cook summer recipes http://www.marthastewart.com/275692/no-cook-summer-recipes/@center/276964/60-days-summer#275692
How are you organizing your photos this summer? Are you making any photo books?
Working out when it's hot out? Here are some tips http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/keep-your-fitness-cool-exercising-in-heat
Did you get too much sun? Here are some ways to relieve your sunburn http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/sunburn-home-treatment
Celtic Attic Warrior Pendant http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSC&Product_Code=CWP&Category_Code=
What has been your favoirte part of Summer so far?

It’s hard to believe but we are now half-way through 2012! How are you doing on your goals?

Celtic Attic has taken on a major project, we are remodeling our entire website and shopping cart system.  Yeah, time to come out of the 1990's.  lol.  My eldest son who is now working for the company and is a computer wiz kid is leading the charge.  He has a day job so in his off hours he is helping in the warehouse and working on the remodel.  He tells me we should be able to launch at the end of summer!  I am so excited about the new website, it is stunning so far.  Oh and best of all, easy to navigate and highlights our products beautifully.  It will also be full of info that you my customers and friends will find useful.  Keep checking back for updates and let us know if you have suggestions, we can always use your thoughts on what we can do to improve the website and your shopping experience.

What are your goals for the end of the year?  Write them down and post them where you can see them everyday to motivate yourself.  A picture is worth a thousand words, maybe, so if you are a visual person post a picture next to your goal and double your changes of completing it...

July is National Ice Cream Month - what’s your favorite flavor?

It's not July yet, but it is national ice cream month and as soon as someone told me that, I went Whoo Hoo... Let's break out the ice cream maker and make all natural or not, chocolate or vanilla or mix it up or even better cookies and cream... yummy...  As you can tell I LOVE ice cream.  It takes me back to my childhood... sitting on the front lawn with the neighbor kids eating from bowls of strawberries and spooning ice cream from our cones off the ice cream truck.  I even had a nickname back then, Strawberry because my dear mum thought I was going to turn into one with all I ate.  I am shocked I still like them today.  Sometimes when you over do something you decide you don't like it later in life.  Not me, Strawberries and Ice cream forever!  Have a great summer and remember to eat ice cream, just a wee bit if you like and transform your life into a memory of childhood kites, kittens, trips to the park and ice cream from the ice cream truck eaten with your pals on the front lawn...

Grads and Dads.. Congratulations...


Father’s Day is just around the corner; honor your Irish Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother or Cousin with a great Celtic Gift.  Irish for Father is – Athair.  Shop now Dad's Day, Graduation or your Wedding Day.  We have some great new gifts and some old tried and true ones.  Why not buy your dad a Personalized item or a celtic pendant.  Or you can check out our Jewelry pages to discover all the wonderful items we have available. 





Here is the deal of the month at the Celtic Attic.  The Leprechaun's Pot of Gold is now available for FREE in PDF format.  That's right, FREE.   We have decided to give you this gift so that you might be inspired to start your own business or just read about how we started ours!  Just click on the link below to get your free cop

Leprechaun's Pot of Gold
  
A good Luck Irish Graduation Blessing by Kristin Olsen © 2013

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way

As you step into the world today.

Open your eyes wide to see

Happiness, Good health, Good Luck

Forever shall it be
For today and every day
Never forget let love and light guide your way.

Happy Birthday Canada!

Frequently referred to as "Canada's birthday", as the occasion marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. Canada became a kingdom in its own right on this day in history,  but the British parliament and Cabinet kept limited rights of political control over the new country until the last vestiges were surrendered in 1982. This is when the Constitution Act gave way to the Canadian constitution.

We all seem to have an independence day of some sort.  What a great way to bring your country together.  For me it is great to think that people honor their cultures and their heritages.  After all we cannot become who we are now without walking our past and we cannot become who we wish to be without who we are now.  Life is a big lesson and what you take from the past and use today creates your amazing tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Canada.