Christmas Greetings

... from our home to yours. 

vintage image used with permission from here

Mrs. Mac and Family

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Week In Review

Thanksgiving meal 2010

Challah bread for Thanksgiving

backyard winter wonderland

turkey hot out of the oven

Jacob ready for a sled ride

Grandson Jacob  studying the Christmas ads

This past week brought crazy cold weather to the North Woods of Idaho.  We had a few days with sub-zero temps.  A few days where the nights were warmer than the days.  Snow and blizzard conditions as well.  I have not ventured outside much .. other than to drop off or pick up someone in town.  No Black Friday shopping for me; sleep is better medicine than rushing around in the middle of the night en mass looking for a bargain.  A meal of scrumptious turkey, ham, taters 'n gravy with cranberries and green beans will be on the menu tonight.  Turkey stock is simmering on the stove to freeze for soups. 

During the quiet moments of the week, I've been sewing a night gown similar to the one in the photo; just have to do the arms and buttons.  It's been a while since I've sewn clothing .. and with my near sighted vision not being what it used to be .. it was rather tedious.  Sewing skills are on the decline .. but I think it's a skill worth practicing.  The knitting needles have seen little rest as dish clothes are flying off at the speed of light ;) 

nightgown pattern I'm working on

What's going on in your neck of the woods?

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Rain

... once again.  But ... it meant I didn't have to get up early to water the garden as I had expected to have to do.  A wee bit soggy of a Father's Day!  We had a breakfast down at the local fire station served up by the Lions Club.  A good place to hang out with the whole family and friends.  Mr. Mac & our oldest son, Patrick, were supposed to attend a Spokane Indians (minor league) baseball game today .. but it got rained out.  Happy Father's Day to all of you dads!

pics:  top .. daughter Ann, Mr. Mac, son Nathan
bottom .. Mac family and friends

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Easter Sunrise

.... service was awesome!  It's a beautiful sunny morning in the North Woods of Idaho.  The MacFrugal family will be having our Easter dinner on Monday when we can partake in the celebration as a entire family.  Yesterday's weather was dismal with snow, hail, rain, sleet.  Perhaps today, we will have an egg hunt outside.  Enjoy the day.

Day After Easter Dinner Menu

smoked ham with a brown sugar mustard glaze

cheesy potatoes au gratin

angel eggs

ambrosia

asparagus

homemade dinner rolls

fresh banana cake and coffee for dessert

Banana Cake Recipe

In a bowl, whisk together:

2-1/4 cups cake flour (I'll use half ww pastry & unbleached white flour)

1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Cream in a large bowl

1/2 cup butter

Add gradually and cream until light:

1-1/2 cups sifted sugar

Beat in one at a time:

2 eggs

Prepare:

1 cup lightly mashed ripe banans

Add:

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup buttermilk or yogurt

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the banana mixture.  Stir the batter after each addition until smooth.  Bake in greased round cake pans about 1/2 hour.  When cool, place between the layers:

2 sliced ripe bananas

Spread the cake with:

a white icing

If served at once, this cake is good without icing ... just sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.  

Recipe adapted from:  The Joy of Cooking Cookbook

copyright free image from here

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Breckenridge - new skiing holidays in Northwoods ski chalet

Chalets USA have added a stunning new ski chalet in Breckenridge to their portfolio. Northwoods ski chalet can be booked on a catered or self-catered basis and is our only 5 bedroom ski chalet in Breckenridge, giving groups of 10-12 an opportunity to have sole occupancy of their own chalet.

Located near the Peak 8 lift, Northwoods chalet is built to the highest standards with decor and amenities which are sure to please those with the most discerning tastes. Space and comfort are in abundance in this chalet with its lounge / dining room with rock fireplace, plus separate media room, office area, gym & reading nook. Guests can relax after a hard day's work on the slopes in the outdoor hot tub.

Every detail is taken care of from the bathrobes, toiletries, hairdryers to the gourmet food & a courtesy van to shuttle you to & from the slopes (with catered option).

More details on Northwoods Chalet, Breckenridge

Enquire about Northwoods Chalet, Breckenridge

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NEW BRECKENRIDGE SKIING HOLIDAYS WITH CHALETS USA

Chalets USA are now offering new self-catered skiing holidays in Breckenridge, Colorado, USA.

Breckenridge ski resort is one of our most popular resorts, partly due to the fantastic skiing for every ability level, but also due to the character of the town. Breckenridge is a historic town with over 350 historic buildings and is a delight to explore with its many boutiques, art galleries, independent coffee shops, bars & restaurants and legendary nightlife.

We have had great success with our catered chalets in Breckenridge and now we have added fabulous new self-catered ski holidays for those skiers who like a little more independence. Skiers and boarders can now choose to cook for themselves with all the amenities of home or sample some of the many varied restaurants in Breckenridge.

The Village at Breckenridge is unique due to its location being ski in, ski out at the base of Peak 9 & being right in the middle of town. The Village combines the benefits of having your own apartment with your own living space / kitchen with all the amenities of a full service resort including pool, hot tubs, health club, ice rink, arcade bars & restaurants on site & the ski school right at the base of Peak 9.

Beaver Run Resort is another ski in, ski out full service resort with the Beaver Run Superchair only steps away. Beaver Run apartments include the amenities of a top hotel including spa, pool, hot tubs, sauna, gym, shuttle bus, bars & restaurants on site.

We have also added 3 more ski in, ski out options in Breckenridge - Trails End 1 bedroom condos and Cedars 2 bedroom townhomes, which are also just at the base of Peak 9 and very near the centre of town. For larger groups Saddlewood 3 bedroom townhomes are ski in, ski out from the Snowflake Run and sleep 6-10 people. These townhomes are beautifully furnished with superior decor and furnishings and have all the amenities of home plus a private outdoor hot tub.

For those who need a larger property to accommodate their groups we have 4 and 5 bedroom townhomes in Elk Ridge, which sleep up to 14 people and are perfect for 2 families. They have spacious living accommodation over 3 or 4 floors to give families a chance to spread out, a private hot tub and access to the Upper Village Pool.

Boulder Chalet is another option for large groups with its 6 bedrooms, sleeping 14 people. This is a new luxury chalet jsut 400 yards from Peak 8 lift in Breckenridge. Boulder Chalet has delightful space including open plan lounge / dining room, rec room with pool table & playstation, a cinema room, plus outdoor hot tub.

With the economy in mind, we have added a couple of affordable self-catered skiing holiday options: Der Steiermark has cosy 1 and 2 bedroom condos, which have the benefit of being right in the middle of Breckenridge. The 2 bedroom condos also have an open loft sleeping area, so can sleep 6 comfortably with another 2 on a sofa bed if necessary.

Los Pinos townhomes are another good value option - these 1, 2 or 3 bedroom townhomes are a short walk from the Snowflake chair and on the free shuttle bus route. They have high quality furnishings, all the amenities of home and a hot tub in the complex.

We are delighted to be able to offer our guests these new skiing holidays and give them the chance to experience everything Breckenridge has to offer.


More info on Breckenridge self-catered ski holidays
More info on Breckenridge ski resort

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Breckenridge skiing holidays - top 5 things to love!

1) Ski in, ski out
There are so many ski in, ski out opportunities in Breckenridge. There are clusters of accommodation around the base at Peak 9 like The Village at Breckenridge, Cedars townhomes and Trails End condos. Then just up the run is Beaver Run Resort right by the base of the Beaver Run superchair. Plus the runs have extended into the town and vice versa along the green Snowflake run to the bottom of the Snowflake chair and all the way into town along the long 4 O'Clock run.

2) Historic Mountain Town
Breckenridge was originally a base camp when gold was discovered along the Blue River in 1859. Nowadays Breckenridge contains over 350 historic structures, making it the largest historic district in the state of Colorado. The Town is a delight to explore with its many boutiques, art galleries, independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants. They even buried all the power lines a few years ago, so the town looks its picturesque best!

3) Within reach

Everything is close by in Breckenridge. The slopes virtually reach the town in many areas unlike many US resorts where the town & ski area is separated & the town is fairly compact. The new gondola has connected the town to Peak 7 and 8, plus there is a great free shuttle bus system to get you from peak to peak & into town if you need it.

4) Nightlife

Breckenridge is world famous for its nightlife and you certainly can party into the early hours if you so wish. Breckenridge has a huge variety of dining options to choose from. Try Breck's newest restaurant Modis on the main street, which serves an eclectic mix of bistro and asian flavoured fare or try "Steak and Rib" often recommended by locals. On the drinks side there is something for everyone from sports bars to micro breweries to wine tasting. If clubbing is your thing try Cecilias with "hot" DJs and occasionally a live band and a long long 6 hour "happy hour"...

5) The slopes

Breckenridge Ski Resort is a world famous resort so it goes without saying the skiing / snowboarding is fantastic and Breckenridge has the highest chairlift in North America. Peak 7 and Peak 9 are an intermediate's paradise with run after run of cruisy blues. For more advanced skiers try the wide open bowls off the T-bar or bumps on Peak 8. For those who like to experience rock and cornice drops head to Lake Chutes or to the back of Peak 9 for stunning tree skiing.

Enquire about skiing holidays in Breckenridge

More info on Breckenridge ski resort

More info on self-catered accommodation in Breckenridge

More info on catered chalets in Breckenridge

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Now booking the Ritz Carlton Club at Beaver Creek

Chalets USA are proud to announce the addition of The Ritz Carlton Club at Beaver Creek to their portfolio of skiing holidays. The Ritz Carlton Club ski in ski out 2 and 3 bedroom condominium residences are decorated & furnished to the highest Ritz Carlton standards. In addition guests benefit from all the amenities of the adjacent Ritz Carlton Hotel including slopeside heated outdoor pool, hot tubs & state of the art spa & fitness centre. Ritz Carlton services include a ski valet to warm your boots & prepare your skis, concierge & nanny services. The Ritz Carlton Club is located at Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

For more info / photos visit http://www.chalets-usa.co.uk/the-ritz-carlton-club-beaver-creek-colorado-usa.htm and enquire for availability.

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Chalets USA accredited by IATAN

Chalets USA have now been accredited by IATAN who give global recognition to members of the travel industry. "IATAN is committed to upholding the integrity of the travel industry" and we are proud to be associated with them, giving our customers even more peace of mind. For more info about Chalets USA see About Us page of our website.

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New skiing holidays in Vail

Chalets USA are now offering new self-catered skiing holidays in Vail, Colorado, USA.

Vail is a ski resort loved by the Brits mainly due to the huge amount of terrain on offer, which can easily keep them skiing all day long for a 14 night holiday. The nightlife, boutique shops & pedestrian villages of Lionshead & Vail Village only add to the attraction of this world famous resort.

Our catered ski chalets in Vail have been popular and now we have added self-catered apartments, condos & homes for those who like a little more independence. Skiers now have the choice of cooking for themselves or sampling the many varied restaurants in Vail.

Vantage Point (1-4 bedroom) & Lionshead Arcade (2 bedroom) condos are located in the heart of Lionshead Village, Vail and are within easy walking distance of the Eagle Bahn gondola with the shops, bars & restaurants on the doorstep.

Vail Trails (2 bedroom) and Vail Core (1 bedroom) condos are located in Vail Village just a short stroll from the slopes & nightlife.

All these condos include unlimited access to the Aria Club & Spa, Vail's most extensive workout facility & spa. Take advantage of the indoor track, tennis or squash courts, heated outdoor pool & hot tubs. Join a pilates or cardio class or work out with a personal trainer...

We've also added some more affordable condos for budget conscious skiers who to still want to experience the skiing in Vail: The Lodge at Brookside has 1,2 & 3 bedroom condos and is located in Avon about a 10-15 minute bus ride from Vail and very close to Beaver Creek ski resort.

We also now have a number of larger homes available for families and groups. Just tell us your requirements and we'll find you something suitable....

Take a look at http://www.chalets-usa.co.uk/vail-self-catered-holidays-apartments-condos-homes.htm for more info / photos or enquire about a Vail skiing holiday.

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New Skiing holidays with Chalets USA

Since the snow stopped flying at the end of last ski season, Chalets USA have been very busy adding new skiing holidays for the 2009/10 ski season both in our hometown of Winter Park and in some of the other fantastic resorts in Colorado, USA.

Economic conditions have meant that Crystal Ski Holidays have pulled out of the ski chalet market in the USA and Canada and well known tour operator Ski All America has shut its doors permanently.

We, at Chalets USA, want to make sure guests still have a chance to experience the fantastic snow conditions and service offered in USA ski resorts and so we have been expanding our range of accommodation options to make up for the reduction in supply from the other guys.

Take a look at our new chalets in Breckenridge : Chalet Chloe can be booked by room or the whole chalet and Boulder Chalet is a brand new ski chalet with 6 bedrooms and is booked on a whole chalet basis.

Blue Spruce Chalet is a great option for groups who want a luxury chalet in Vail and we have a new option in Winter Park Resort called Sawmill Station, which can be a catered or self-catered chalet. For the budget conscious skier we have introduced Hi Country Haus in Winter Park, which are 1, 2 or 3 bedroom self-catered apartments in the heart of the Town of Winter Park.

For those who want total luxury and pampering Steamboat Springs is the place to go. New chalets this year include Friendly Fox Chalet which has 5 bedrooms, traditional living room, dining room kitchem, plus rec room with pool table & a separate family room with table tennis, a really fantastic place to play. River Queen Chalets are also a new addition. These 4 bedroom homes can be booked separately or together to accommodate groups of up to 23 people.

These chalets can be self-catered or you can choose from 2 catering options. The full service option includes everything you could wish for - complimentary chauffeur airport pick up from Hayden airport, hors d'oeuvres, gourmet meals and an on call complimentary shuttle service to take you wherever you please and mobile phone to call them with. The economy catered service was designed for those who still want some pampering, but want good value in these troubled times and includes meals & shared chalet shuttle.

Lots going on and lots more to come. We are currently working on new skiing holidays in Vail, so watch this space there's more to come!

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Welcome USA Skiers & Boarders!

Welcome to the new Chalets USA Blog!

Find tips on ski resorts & accommodation in the US, skiing related articles & come ski season the latest snow reports.

Special offers will be posted here, which you don't want to miss!

Have questions? Just ask.

So come back often or "subscribe" for regular updates...

Thanks for visiting the Chalest USA Blog

Helen & Rob
www.chalets-usa.co.uk

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Holidays

We're usually far away from our spread-out family members at holidays, and it's been so for many years. It's generated a simple tradition of putting out a few Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving to enjoy the week or so before leaving for winter break travels.

The two small stockings were in cards my grandparents sent many years ago, with small cash gifts. The reindeer set came from my Mom, as did the angel candle-holder.

We're looking forward to travels to come.

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