Mill Grove

Valentine Fun: Famous Couples In History

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:20:32 +0000

As Valentine’s Day approaches, why not get in a romantic mood by learning about some of the most soaring love affairs in history? Here are five famous couples sure to get you thinking sweet thoughts on Cupid’s favorite day:

King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

The feelings between these two were so intense that, when the government demanded that King Edward either abdicate his throne or renounce his attention to marry Wallis Simpson, he chose to give up his crown. Edward’s sacrifice in the name of love remains one of the most famous romantic gestures in history.

Mark Antony and Cleopatra

Theirs is a love at-first-sight story, set into motion when the two monarchs met for the first time and Mark Antony, completely smitten, followed Cleopatra back to Egypt. Though they both met untimely ends, they enjoyed over a decade of life together.

Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo

These two talented painters shared a complicated and fiery love affair that resulted in a marriage, followed by a divorce, followed by another marriage. Along the way, they both had other short-term romantic interests but remained deeply connected and devoted to one another until the end, acting as lifelong inspirations for each other’s work.

Juan and Eva Peron

Thus Argentinian president and his first lady were one of the most famous power couples of all time. They rose together through the political ranks and gained mass popularity with the Argentinian people. Whether or not one agrees with their politics, nobody can deny this couple’s fierce and loving devotion to one another.

Johnny Cash and June Carter

This famous pair met when June started touring with Johnny. Soon after, they fell so madly in love that he proposed to her on-stage in front of a massive audience at a London concert, and she joyfully accepted. They shared a 31-year marriage during which their shared musical talents and collaborations received wide acclaim.

Chap’s Tap Room: An All-American Sports Grill in Jeffersonville, PA

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:39 +0000

Owner Michael Bono literally built Chap’s Taproom & Sports Grill from the ground up in 1998. Converting a vacant lot into a full-blown destination establishment, however, was only the beginning. These days, Chap’s has become a popular destination for sports lovers and local loyalists. The menu boasts pure American classics like prime rib, crab cakes, and house-made burger specials, as well as an extensive selection of tap beers—including seasonal and microbrew options. Beyond the consumable goods, the bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for events, fundraisers for community groups, playful poker tournaments, and there is even a projection screen in the rentable party room.

Chap’s Taproom
2509 W. Main Street
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
(610) 539-8722
www.chapstap.com

Blue Cross River Rink in Philadelphia!

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:25:43 +0000

This is the 18th year the River Rink at Penn’s Landing is having their ice skating rink. It is hosted by the Blue Cross every single year! It has been a wintertime tradition in the Philadelphia area for years. It is located on Columbus Boulevard and Market Street. It is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors with your favorite people!

It features an outdoor regulation size rink overlooking the Delaware River and an indoor heated facility with snack bar, game room and more! It is open from November to March. Click here for more details!

Five Must-Read Books for 2012

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:34:44 +0000

The New Year has brought with it several exciting hot-off-the-presses books, but it can be hard to sort through the stacks and find the gems. Here are five top choices for compelling reads in a variety of genres as the year unfolds:

Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

In this National Book Award winning novel, Ward chronicles the struggles of an impoverished family as they deal with the effects of hurricane Katrina. The book’s exploration of familial ties, life in the rural south, and self sacrifice will grip you from start to finish.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This novel, set in World War II Germany, tells the story of a foster girl living outside of Munich. Zusak weaves her adventures into a narrative full of fascinating characters, plot surprises, and historical and emotional depth. This is the kind of book you won’t want to put down!

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

This biography of the Apple Mastermind is already generating major buzz. Complex enough to satisfy techno-heads but accessible to a general readership, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of a man whose imagination changed the world.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Young Adult literature. The book, set in a post-apocalyptic world, tells the tale of Katniss Everden, a sixteen year-old girl who must participate in a government-run event called "The Hunger Games." This is the first novel in a gripping trilogy.

Arguably by Christopher Hitchens

This collection of engaging, thought-provoking essays spans a massive range of topics, including Henry VIII, Afghanistan, Harry Potter, and terrorism. Readers of all intellectual bents and political persuasions will find fascination between the covers of this book.

Visit La Vita Bella Salon & Day Spa Because You Deserve a Day of Beauty

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:25:31 +0000

La Vita Bella Salon & Day Spa is the place to go for pampering, indulgence, and beautifying perfection. Featuring full spa services and a relaxing environment, this is the place to come for some serious detox and decompression. Hair services range from simple cuts and colors to Japanese straightening and professional extensions, while customers can also get nails and make-up done. Body and skincare treatments are pure bliss with options like Honey Body Polish, Chocolate Decadence (which uses natural cocoa and almond oil to soften the skin), and classic standbys like a seaweed wrap or aromatherapy. A visit to La Vita Bella will leave you beautified and beaming.

La Vita Bella Salon & Day Spa
2939 Swede Road
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 277-2800‎
www.lavitabella.com

Happy New Year!

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:00:55 +0000

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best that 2012 has to offer.

Sweet Corn: Five Ways To Make Polenta

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:29:10 +0000

Polenta is an Italian dish made from boiled grains of cornmeal. Also known as grits, it’s an inexpensive, filling staple that can be cooked in a wide variety of ways. If you’ve never tried it, here are five simple recipes for polenta that you can make at home:

Cook the polenta in chicken stock to add more depth of flavor and stir in fresh rosemary, golden raisins, and grated Parmesan cheese. This is an excellent side dish that goes with just about any main course.
For breakfast, cook the polenta in milk instead of water to give it a more robust flavor. Mix in shredded Cheddar cheese, top with a fried egg and serve for a Southern-style start to the day.
Polenta makes an excellent base for many kinds of meals. Serving a traditional ratatouille (a mixed vegetable stew) on top of a cake of polenta will let the flavors seep into the corn, perfectly finishing the plate.
If you are cooking for people with a sensitivity to wheat gluten, polenta makes an excellent pizza crust. Cook as normal, let dry and smooth over the base of a pizza pan. Top as normal, bake in a hot oven and serve.
Polenta cakes are also a great way to serve the dish. Mold them into the size and shape of a can lid, quickly fry them in a pan and top with shredded chicken, chipotle peppers, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake them in an oven to melt everything together.

Blackfish Restaurant: Bouillabaisse to Die For

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:27:20 +0000

It's easy to see why Le Bec Fin supremo Georges Perrier allowed Chef Charles “Chip” Roman to study at his feet. This kid has talent, which is written all over his efforts at Blackfish. Look no further than how he treats bouillabaisse, such a well-known and well-loved dish that its nuances are often ignored. Roman cooks each element of the stew individually, ensuring that the mussels are as satisfying as the crisp-skinned black bass, without sacrificing the flavor of the complex saffron-anise broth. His intense focus extends to the restaurant itself, where the simple, classic, cozy BYOB atmosphere is subtly reinvented by small touches like bent-spoon napkin rings and balletically graceful servers. If Blackfish was in the city, it would be booked months in advance. Get in while you can.

Blackfish
119 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 397-0888
www.blackfishrestaurant.com

Happy Holidays!

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:01:15 +0000

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season filled with wonderful moments and loving memories!

Liquid Gold: Five Ways To Save Water

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:20:37 +0000

It used to seem like water was an inexhaustible element, but in recent years the supply of potable water has dwindled, and many places on Earth have no access to clean water. Saving water can lead to savings in your utility budget as well as environmental benefits, and here are five simple ways to cut your consumption at home:

When you wash dishes by hand, don’t keep the water running throughout the process. Plug your sinks up and fill one with soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing. You’ll use dramatically less hot water.
For drinking water, fill a pitcher and leave it in the refrigerator. That way you don’t waste water waiting for the tap to cool. You’ll have a refreshing beverage whenever you want one and you’ll save water to boot.
When washing fruits and vegetables, fill a pan with water and rinse them inside the pan rather than rinsing them under the faucet. You’ll get them just as clean with a fraction of the water usage.
Taking shorter showers can be a massive water savings. If you shave in the shower, stop – doing it at the sink can reduce your water consumption by hundreds of gallons a month. Make sure not to let the shower run excessively before you step in as well.
Save doing laundry until you have a completely full load – running the washing machine is one of the most water-intensive tasks, and doing a full load lets you stretch that water to its limit.