Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Brini Bakes A Wiener Loaf







My friend Margot Potter - The Impatient Crafter - was a guest on the new show Craft Wars on TLC last Tuesday. In honor of her appearance I'm sharing this episode we did together a few years ago. She's showing Mary Ellen and I how to make Wiener Loaf! It's remarkably easy and lots of fun. Here's how:

You'll need:

2 corn muffin mixes
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 package of hot dogs
Butter or crisco

Begin by greasing your loaf pan. We used crisco, but you can use butter or cooking spray if you like. Then pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Make up one of the corn bread mixes as directed on the box and spread it in your greased pan. Next, place three of the wieners on top of the dough. Place them so that any slice will have part of at least one of the wieners. Then prepare the next mix and spread it on top of the first. Slice horizontal parallel lines into the surface of the last two wieners and place them on top of the batter. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Wednesday

AskBrini.com: My Pineapple Granita Recipe



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Jane Napkins by Brini: http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini: http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

THIS WEEK! ...

Brini from the Vault! ... Welcome to Ask Brini!

This week we have a segment from the archives for you. Gene Simon wrote in with a request for my pineapple granita recipe for a somewhat unusual birthday party. Here it is:

1 pineapple, cubed
1 cup water
2 cups sugar

Dissolve the sugar in the water over low heat and set aside. Blend up the cubed, fresh pineapple, then add the simple syrup. Blend to combine and freeze in shallow containers. When frozen, scrape up and store in a tub.

Love,
Brini


So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at http://AskBrini.com ...

Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini of the Web: http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

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Google+ Brini: http://bit.ly/BriniPlus

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Itching for Summer!




Hello people. A little something from the Vault! ...

When it comes to summer itches, there's nothing like a little vitamin A. It will help your skin heal up from bites and rashes quickly and painlessly. Be careful of the dosage, however. Too much over too long a time can cause liver problems.

And if you're looking for a place to store that vitamin A, why not sink a medicine cabinet into the wall to the left of your sink (if you can't put one in above the sink) and put it behind a picture rather than a mirror?

Why didn't you think of that?

Love,
Brini

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com

http://facebook.com/Brini.TVhttp://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Jane Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins



Wednesday

AskBrini.com: Planning a Sweet 16 Party!



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Creating a memorable sweet 16 party for a girl is such a lovely thing to do. The theme is all-important and here are a few ideas.

- To make your daughter the center of attention ask all the guests to wear black, white or black and white. On the day of the party, your daughter will make an entrance after guests have arrived, wearing bright red. This will make her the center of attention.

- If she's a bit more shy and retiring, perhaps a more subtle pink party is in order. Pink and white decorations, peppermint stick details, a fluffy coconut cake and place cards inscribed with silver ink will make your daughter feel like a princess!

Love, Brini

So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at http://AskBrini.com ...

Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

SWEET 16th BIRTHDAYS:

Sweet sixteens may be extremely formal, casual, or semi-formal; they can range from modest parties at home with close family and friends to large affairs with a hired DJ, makeup and hair stylists, yachts and hotel ballrooms.

Candle-Lighting Ceremony:
Each of the 16 candles holds a special meaning ...
* The first candle is for the girl's parents.
*The second candle is for the siblings.
(If there are no siblings, then this candle can represent the grandparents.)
* Candles 3, 4, 5 and 6 are for the rest of the family members.
* Candles 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are for friends.
* Candle 15 is for the girl's best friend or friends.
* The 16th candle is for a significant male, such as a boyfriend or good friend.
* Some add a 17th candle which represents good luck

Shoe Ceremony:
For females the shoe ceremony is common at sweet sixteen parties. In this ceremony, the birthday girl sits down in a chair while her grandfather, uncle, godfather, or father approaches her with high heels on a decorative pillow. The girl would traditionally be wearing flat shoes, such as slippers, and the father ceremoniously helps her into her new high heels. This is symbolic of the girl transitioning into a woman.

Tiara Ceremony:
This ceremony is similar to the shoe ceremony, except the mother approaches with a tiara instead of shoes. She places it on her daughters head to symbolize her becoming a woman. Sometimes this is combined with the shoe ceremony, so that two people approach the birthday girl, one with a pillow with high heels, and the other with a pillow with a tiara.

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Jane Napkins by Brini:  http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Glazed Napkins by Brini:  http://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

Friday

Ask Brini: Don't Let the Turkeys Get You Down - Dealing with Negative Friends


This week, Carol writes in about friends who react negatively to her dreams. Sharing your plans and schemes with friends can feel empowering, but unless you're discriminating about who you're sharing with you can be hit with a wall of negativity and resistance. Sometimes it's a good idea to hold your dreams close, keeping them to yourself can conserve their power and help them manifest. When you share, be sure the ones you share with will support you. 

The Maxwell Moment: Tips for Sliced Bread and Wet Watches



This week we delve into the archives for another pair of tips for your kitchen. Spreading butter on sliced bread can lead to torn slices and tears of frustration. Prevent that tsouris by buttering the slice before you cut it!

Your watch is a delicate piece of machinery, even if it is just a cheapo dollar store purchase. Keep it running well by taking it off while doing the dishes and hanging it on a cup hook you install in a handy spot by the sink!

Thursday

AskBrini.com: Don't Be Flattened By a Crush!



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Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Tina in Orlando writes about a man at work that she's crushing on. She's concerned about her self image as she considers approaching him ...

"Dear Brini, I've had my eye on a man with whom I work with, but I'm not the most outgoing person. Do you have any tips for me so I can try to boost my confidence level and possibly get a chance with "Mr. Right"?"
Tinaxoxo, Orlando

It's important to be in the right head space when you consider making your interest known to someone you're attracted to. Feeling your value as a person and potential mate is a good start. You can do this by opening your heart to yourself first. When you're in a good place with yourself you're in a great place to flirt! That's the next step. Keep it light with the object of your affection. Having fun with your interactions with him will make you irresistible. Approach him with joy and you'll be sitting pretty!

Love Brini

So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at http://AskBrini.com ...

Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. Love is also a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection; and "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another". Love may also be described as actions towards others or oneself based on compassion, or as actions towards others based on affection.

In English, love refers to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from pleasure ("I loved that meal") to interpersonal attraction ("I love my partner"). "Love" may refer specifically to the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love, to the sexual love of eros, to the emotional closeness of familial love, to the platonic love that defines friendship, or to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love. This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, compared to other emotional states.

Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

Love may be understood as part of the survival instinct, a function to keep human beings together against menaces and to facilitate the continuation of the species.

The word "love" can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts. Often, other languages use multiple words to express some of the different concepts that English relies mainly on "love" to encapsulate; one example is the plurality of Greek words for "love." Cultural differences in conceptualizing love thus make it doubly difficult to establish any universal definition.

NEW!  Jane Napkins by Brini:  http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: The Scarf Napkin Fold



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For my mod dinner party I wanted something special, so I used my silver glazed linen napkins and implemented the scarf fold which needs a napkin ring. It's very simple. Just fold the napkin into quarters, then fold it in half diagonally and pleat back each half. Slip it into the ring and arrange the folds so it lays well. I used rectangular white metal rings, but this fold works with round rings as well. It really makes a pretty presentation!

Creative napkin folding may have started during the reign of Louis XIV, when people decided to present napkins as an art form. However, napkin folding really took off around the turn of the last century. 

A creatively folded napkin can make the simplest meal classier, and dinner guests are always impressed by an artfully folded napkin resting at their table setting.

The art of napery folding has been compared to origami, and many different types of three-dimensional figures may be produced.

You can learn to fold napkins into pyramids, pockets for flatware, flowers, hats, fans, slippers and various animals.

The best type of cloth napkin to use for napkin folding is crisp linen, as it holds its shape better than other types of cloth.

Brini's 100% European Linen Napkins
http://amzn.to/JaneNapkinshttp://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins

The first napkin was a lump of dough the Spartans called "apomagdalie" a mixture cut into small pieces and rolled and kneaded at the table, a custom that led to using sliced bread to wipe the hands.  In Roman antiquity, napkins known as sudaria and mappae were made in both small and large lengths.  The sudarium, Latin for "handkerchief" was a pocket-size fabric earned to blot the brow during meals taken in the warm Mediterranean climate.  The mappa was a larger cloth spread over the edge of the couch as protection from food taken in a reclining position.  The fabric was also used to blot the lips.  Although each guest supplied his own mappa, on departure mappae were filled with delicacies leftover from the feast, a custom that continues today in restaurant "doggy bags."

In the early Middle Ages, the napkin disappeared from the table and hands and mouths were wiped on whatever was available, the back of the hand, clothing, or a piece of bread.  Later, a few amenities returned and the table was laid with three cloths approximately 4 to 6 feet long by 5 feet wide.  The first cloth, called a couch (from French, coucher, meaning "to lie down") was laid lengthwise before the master's place.  A long towel called a surnappe, meaning "on the cloth" was laid over the couch; this indicated a place setting for an honoured guest.  The third cloth was a communal napkin that hung like a swag from the edge of the table.  An example can be seen in The Last Supper by Dierik Bouts (1415 - 1475) which hangs in Saint Peter's Church, Louvain, Belgium.  In the late Middle Ages the communal napkin was reduced to about the size of our average bath towel.

The napkin had gone from a cloth laid on a table to a fabric draped over the left arm of a servant.  The maitre d' hotel, the man in charge of feasts, as a symbol of office and rank, draped a napkin from his left shoulder, and servants of lower rank folded napkins lengthwise over their left arms, a custom that continued into the eighteenth century.  Today in the United States, the napkin is placed on the left of the cover.  But in Europe, the napkin is often laid to the right of the spoon.

The napkin was a part of the ritual at medieval banquets.  The ewerer, the person in charge of ablutions, carried a towel that the lord and his honoured guests used to wipe their hands on.  The Bayeux tapestry depicts a ewerer kneeling before the high table with a finger bowl and napkin.  The panter carried a portpayne, a napkin folded decoratively to carry the bread and knife used by the lord of the manor, a custom that distinguished his space from those of exalted guests.  The folded napkin was placed on the left side of the place setting; the open end faced the lord.  The spoon was wrapped in another napkin, and a third napkin was laid over the first and second napkins.  To demonstrate that the water for ablutions was not poisoned, the marshal or the cup bearer kissed the towel on which the lord wiped his hands and draped the towel over the lord's left shoulder for use.

"If napkins are distributed, yours should be placed on the left shoulder or arm; goblet and knife go to the right, bread to the left."
Erasmus, De Civilitate Morum Puerilium, 1530

Brini's 100% European Linen Napkins
http://amzn.to/JaneNapkinshttp://amzn.to/GlazedNapkins