Author / Talmadge House

by Talmadge House

A New Breakfast Spot & The Best Cheesecake in CT

Funny we’ve lived in Shelton CT for a very very long time and never knew that Stockbridge’s was here . . . yes just a mile or so from where we live.  Boy we don’t pay much attention . . . either that or their advertisement doesn’t stand out enough.  Either way, we’re happy to have found them as they make a delectable breakfast.  It’s pretty cool, you place your order at the counter and then pick out the most comfortable seat in the house (could be a table or perhaps you’d prefer the sofa?).  There’s a large coffee table in front of the sofa . . . reminds me of the show “Friends”.  Anywho, so you sit and they make up your order and bring it to your table or to your sofa.  EMM EMM it is so fresh and tasty.

They make divine scones and the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted (amen).  I’m not usually big on cheesecakes because most of them are kinda like eating a spoon full of peanut butter.  You know the consistency I’m talking about, it’s like your tongue sticks to the cheesecake like it’s . . . you know . . . gummy or something.  I don no it’s the best way I can describe most of them.  Well not Stockbrige’s cheesecakes . . . theirs are the lightest and fluffiest I’ve ever had!  And they have all sorts of flavors even peppermint “oh my . . . I LOVE peppermint!”.

If you live nearby or are in the area (I can’t imagine why you’d be here if you don’t live nearby) you should definitely give this place a try.  I think you can order online as well! Look who else even loves their cheesecakes.  Not the best lighting as it glares off of the glass of the picture frame but it’s the Tuttles from Orange County Choppers.

UPDATE TO POST 12/31/08

Check out this old picture of what the Stockbridges walls used to be in the “olden days”.  It was Shelton’s very first movie theater . . . the building with the stepped roof line (to the left) is the one.  Look at those cars . . . HA!

by Talmadge House

Green Tomato Relish . . . Emm Emm

I was taken waaaaaay back to 1979 when I was a wee 7 years old living in Marathon, NY.  The smell of green tomato relish waffling through the air as I got off of the school bus and walked up our long dirt driveway to get home.  “Emmm I can smell it, momma’s been canning Green Tomato Relish” and I’d race off doing something childlike and forgot all about the relish.  But the smell, the unique look of it and merrily reminiscing the experience has stayed with me all these years.  Odd the things that take you back to yester years.

This is one of my strong childhood memories and I haven’t smelled nor have I had the opportunity to ingest it since I was a child.  That is until Thanksgiving this year my momma visited and oooohhhh she canned and brought a jar full of my childhood.  Well I opened it today and took a long deep breath and it smelled exactly as I remember.  Thanks mom!  And thanks dad for enticing mom into making it.  You see my mom had all these green tomatoes hanging out on the vine and my dad said to her that he sure could go for some homemade green tomato relish if she didn’t already have plans for them there tomatoes.  Right on dad . . . so thanks to you too!

Green Tomato Relish is surprisingly tasty on eggs of which I had this morning.  Thank you for reminiscing with me.

by Talmadge House

Merry Christmas!

Oh what a jolly time we had at the Talmadge House last night (Christmas Eve).  We exchanged gifts, ate a bunch of appetizers, some fell asleep in the recliner (Jeremy who wasn’t feeling well) . . . we also had great company.  Thank you everyone for sharing your evening with us!  So here are some pictures . . . I wish I had more that turned out nice but I’m still working on nailing my shutter speed.  Layman’s Term = many of the pics were blurry.

Mike and his dad.  Sorry Mike I know your eyes are closed but it’s the only unblurred shot.

Uncle Mike and Isabella

Isabella watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in my studio.  Look at that beautiful smile, she’s such a happy little girl!  Oh boy was she so excited about Santa Claus arriving at their home.  Soooo innocent . . . hey I believe in Santa too and the sparkle in his eye.

Bridget and Isabella

Isabella even had us playing games (Cookin Cookies) . . . so cute!

Toys that Santa brought for Scottie Buddy Boy . . . all of his toys are called monkeys.

Our traditional Christmas Breakfast that is always prepared by Mike, french toast and ham.  Mike makes the best french toast on the planet.

And a Christmas kittie kat (Miss Wilbur).  She loves to lay under the Christmas Tree

I so wish I had more pics of the rest of the clan that celebrated with us . . . Jeremy, Carol, Kane, Scottie and yeah even myself.  I must’ve been a good girl this year as Santa was very good to me bringing many wonderfully thoughtful gifts.  Thank you Santa and Happy Birthday Jesus!  Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Eve and a Merry Merry Christmas Day!

by Talmadge House

Happy 38th Birthday Mikey!

We celebrated Mike’s 38th birthday yesterday.  He received a couple of nice gifts if I might say so myself and we dined at the Outback which was alright.  The company and atmosphere was superb however the choice in food not so much.  We’ll get something different next time.

My birthday guy and our buddy wrapped up on the couch for their evening cuddling

A few other pics from the weekend blizzard . . . look how much snow fell on us!

And for good measure another picture of Scottie in his snow trail that his daddy so nicely snow blows for him.  He’d really have  hard time getting around otherwise.  Look how deep it is compared to his little body.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I’m so excited!  Here’s what our tree looks like . . . before we swiped her up at the tree farm.  She’s a little thing isn’t she . . . PERFECT!

by Talmadge House

We Say Merry Christmas, What Say You…

We Say Merry Christmas Thanks to the Factor we are sporting this bumper sticker, We Say Merry Christmas. When we saw this bumper sticker was given out with the purchase of “Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity” Bill O’Rielly’s new book we had to have it, and the book is great too.

It really amazes me how many groups, organizations, governments and PEOPLE are so intimidated to wish someone their good beliefs, especially Christmas.  This country is built on around this belief, do some people not know this?

If someone wishes upon me their good beliefs I am okay with that and thank you for your good wishes, but I will say MERRY CHRISTMAS.

What Say You?

by Talmadge House

Drum Roll Please . . . We Have a Winner

And the winner of the Talmadge House “spirit of the season giveaway” is . . . . . . . .

MY SISTER BRIDGET

And the crowd roars . . . I can hear the shrilling screams of joy coming from her already.  Congrats Bridget!!!  I’ll put it in the mail tomorrow morning  (12/18) with Priority shipping so you can enjoy through the rest of the season.  Thank you to everyone who played along.  It was so nice to read about everyone’s traditions.  Simply divine!  Don’t you just love this time of year!  This was a lot of fun so I’m thinking we’ll have another giveaway in January.  Hmmm . . . what will I make for the next giveaway.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Alrighty then here are a few miscellaneous pictures from the last week of our lives.

Me and my mother-in-law Carol.  We all went to The Nutcracker of which Carla played a part in.  Loved this show!  Gorgeous costumes and divine music performed by The Danbury Symphony Orchestra.  Carla, the only picture of you and your girlfriends that turned out was the one you were talking in and I think you’d kill me if I posted it.  So you’re stuck with me and Carol’s pic instead.

And the man of all men . . . ooo la la.  Check out that smile/smurk on his face . . . I’ll just say it again ooo la la!  Picture taken the other day when we took Scottie for a walk at the marina.  Nice green trailer behind him huh?  Love this marina, so homey and down to earth!

Listen guys I know I take too many pictures of this dog of ours but really though how many of you can say you have a picture of your dog doing this?  You name it, I’ve probably got it.  Hysterical! This too was taken while at the marina.  SMILE SCOTTIE YOU’RE ON CAMERA!  Watch out when I’m around with the camera . . .  I’ll catch you doing something funky and am bound to post it here.  HA!

by Talmadge House

In the spirit of giving “A Free Giveaway”

Attention all friends and family . . . In the spirit of Christmas Talmadge House presents a giveaway of an advent calander handmade by me.  You can tuck the calendar into one of your Christmas displays or lean up against something on your desk.  I borrowed the idea from Jenni Bowlin who designs and sells all things pretty.  Isn’t that picture of the children and santa vintagy?  It’s circa 1940’s of my Uncle David, Uncle Gary and Aunt Ruth.  My Aunt Alicia and my mom call Mr Santa “The Sexy Santa”.  I think they’re right . . . our santa’s today don’t look like this one.  Although if you look at his eyes and the grip he has on my aunt he looks a bit scared.  I’m thinking my uncles bribed him for whatever it was they wanted for Christmas and told him they’d give him up if he didn’t make it happen (little devils).

So there’s only one so only person can win and here’s what you need to do to qualify.  You must subscribe to our blog (Talmadge House) which is very easy and I’ll describe in a minute.  The second thing you must do is leave a comment telling us one of your families Christmas Traditions.  Don’t have a tradition then tell us your favorite Christmas movie.  Comment section is at the end of this post.  If you’ve already subscribed then all you have to do is leave a comment as noted above.

Alrighty then . . . so onto those needing help subscribing to our blog.  Look to the top right of this post and you’ll see a red square with a gold door knob (this is actually our front door of which you’ll see on all of our pages . . . you can click on it and it will take you back to the home page otherwise known as the front door, clever huh?)  OK so right below our red door is a field where you enter your email address and then select the “subscribe” button.  You will receive an email (from confirmations @ emailenfuego .com) asking if you really want to subscribe to Talmadge House’s Blog. You will need to click on the link listed in this message to activate your subscription. By subscribing you will automatically receive an email from us when we post a new blog entry.  Isn’t that awesome!  You only have to visit us when we send you an “invitation” via your email.  Of course you can visit any other time as you’re always welcome.

OK you guys listen up . . . we will know who does and does not subscribe and you can only qualify for this advent calander by subscribing and leaving a comment as noted above.  By the way, our blog is for fun and so that you can keep up with our daily lives (that’s if you want to see us and read about us) and we do not give away your email address.  We will draw a random name on Wednesday 12/17/08 9PM eastern time and will post the winners name the same night.  We will mail the advent calendar to you . . . of course we’ll pay for the shipping . . . it IS a giveaway right?  It would warm our hearts and we’ll even do the sugar plum fairy dance if we have all of you sign up.

And a picture of the baby who we took for a walk at the marina this weekend.  Had to check on the boat to make sure all was well.  Look how little Scottie is compared to the boat . . . or maybe our boat is a big girl?  Scottie was right at home though, he LOVES the marina!  His spirit was lighter after this visit, it has been awhile.  He’s so used to going there pretty much every day from April – October.

Oh wow . . . this is a lengthy post hope you don’t mind.  I promised my girlfriend Latonya that I’d post pictures of my vintage finds from last week so here they are.

My most favorite is this vintage fan that has the original cord and yes it really works.  FABULOUS find!

And an apothecary jar for my peroxide (2nd jar from the left).  Love these containers, they dress up your bathroom.

And these door knobs made into knobs that can be added to a shelf to hang all things pretty from.  These are from Belgium.  I asked Santa (Mike) to make me a custom shelf for my studio of which we’ll add these knobs to.  Yippee!

by Talmadge House

Free Vintage Gift Tags

Ooo-la-la these are sooo pretty.  Sweet Jessie has given her readers a free PDF for these vintage gift tags which was worth sharing with my female readers.  Sorry guys Mike has to get to work with his manly postings.  Until then you’re stuck with me and HEY I don’t think that’s so bad and I’m sure you’d all agree wouldn’t you?  And listen think of the points you’ll earn if you printed these Vintage gift tags on nice cardstock and brought them home for your wives to use?  Mike would earn alot of extra credit points for that gesture.  So hop to it guys, get printing!

And a picture worth sharing of our baby sleeping while I was working for Thought Out assembling iPhone hands.  Such a good boy!  You can’t really see in the picture but his little head is actually laying on one of the metal hands.  He was comphie & content next to his mama and the warm wood stove . . . spoiled for sure!

by Talmadge House

Sparkly Christmas Wreath Tutorial & a Birthday Party

A sparkly ornamental wreath tutorial just in time for Christmas.  If I don’t make it this year, I’ll surely make it in the future so to the tutorial archives this link goes for me.  Can you imagine the sparkly pretty things that can be added . . . oh my

And a great big Happy Birthday #5 to Miss Isabella who celebrated with nine of her little friends at Great Escape today.  Wow, what an experience . . . I’m thinking my sister does not want me to have a child by allowing me into places such as this.  LOL!!!

This was at time of arrival when all the children were sweet smelling and extremely excited!

See how busy it started to become.  All the children were tagged like heards of animals and had to leave their shoes with the hearding staff.  Picture is a bit blurry but you get the idea.

Look at her looking at Leium (I know I’ve misspelled this little guys name).  He was quite the little entertainer as you can see by the sweet smile on Bella’s face.  It appears he’s covered his eye with a purple cup and she apparently thought this was funny.

Like monkeys in cages . . .

And yes Isabella I felt the same exact way at the end of this party . . . HA!

While I joke I’m truly blessed and entirely greatful to be a part of Isabella growing up.  Happy 5th birthday cutie pie!

Great Big Hugs & Kisses From

Aunt Brandi & Uncle Mike

by Talmadge House

Sis Boom Wahoo

Today my friend Michele and I made a trip to Wilton to visit Sis Boom’s open house.  She designs her own yummy fabric and makes all things kitschy.  Here’s her blog which also contains all things pretty surely a must see!

Here’s my vintage goodie finds . . .My favs?  Oh gosh definately the black & white cabinet card in the upper right hand corner (LOVE IT!) & the bag of miscellaneous fabric.

And this apron . . . I purchased it for our niece Isabella for her birthday, pink is one of her favorite colors right now.  It’s Sis Boom’s fabric and the apron is made from one of her fabric lines called “Girlfriends”.  Simply adorable, gosh I think it might fit me right?  HA!  It’s so pretty I’d love one in a big girl size.

Oh and since we WERE in Wilton we had to stop at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk.  Oh my gosh this was a day of all things pretty and yummy.  Stew has great marketing with his taste samples.  I mean I had no intention of purchasing Brussel Sprouts that is until I tasted what was cooking.  You go Stew for taking our hard earned money!  So here are the ingredients needed.

And the recipe . . .

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/4 cup olive oil

2-3 garlic cloves (chopped)

1 tsp salt

2 shallots (chopped)

2 containers brussel sprouts cut in half

1/2 cup crispy onions (you know like french’s in the red & white can . . . I have fancy imported onions in my picture though).  I love all things fancy you know.

3/4 cup mushrooms chopped

In a large skillet, saute garlic and mushrooms in olive oil.  Add shallots, brussel sprouts and chicken broth.  Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.  When brussel sprouts are tender add the crispy onions.

THE VERDICT:  I had to add about 1/3 cup more chicken broth for the last five minutes of cooking and next time I’ll try cooking on medium-high.  I loved this recipe!  Mike on the other hand, well lets just say he took a bite but then pushed them around his plate while making funny faces.  He’s such a good sport!  Thanks Mikey for letting me cook ONE NEW thing once per week and for trying it.  You see, I was in a phase of cooking new recipes all of the time so Mike thought it best to try one new recipe per week.

And lastly this little guy sprained his back right leg before I left for my Sis Boom/Stew Leonard’s day today.  Poor thing knew I was getting ready to leave and that I WAS NOT going to work (he knows).  He thought he might be going for a grand ride in the car.  Through his excitement he fell at the bottom of our stairs and injured his leg.  He cried which brook my heart.  He’s still gimping around on it tonight so I’m on my way out to the family room to put an ice pack on it.