Ask Annie

Melanie from Atlanta wrote:

Hello Annie,

The weather has been absolutely dreadful, and as you can imagine my twin nine year old daughters and I are really looking forward to spring! 

We’ve already planned some picnics in the park and have some wonderful open air concert nights that we’re looking forward to. More than anything really, we just want to be able to take some nice long walks! Do you have any ideas for hair accessories? 

Hi Melanie! The weather has been a bit much hasn’t it? Snow and snowmen are all well and good, but mushy ice and frosty days indoors are not for me!

I love picnics in the park, I don’t get to go on picnics as much as I would like to these days, but preparing a packed lunch and unfurling a soft blanket on the cool grass is just so much fun! 

But that’s quite enough daydreaming! As far as hair accessories for spring go? Here’s what I recommend:

Our Lauren Crochet Flowers, particularly in Apricot or Turquoise. They’re very cute and the subtle variation in texture and detailing really brings them to life. Can’t you just see your little girls wearing these?

And here’s a little something you too, mom, we wouldn’t want you to feel left out! Our Tallulah French and Pinch Clips from the Multi-Colored Embroidery Flower line are a wonderfully vibrant burst of color, particularly in Amethyst or Olive

Alternatively, you could go for that classic look and try out our Daisy Headband, with a beautifully detailed pure white headband and spring daisy adorning.

Whichever No Slippy Hair Clippy you decide to get, remember its spring, so don’t be afraid to really announce yourself, think subtle yet deep colors, and above all have fun! 

Soup for the Soul

Pretty soon, we will be welcoming beautiful springtime once again. But for now, to cozy up in the freezing weather, here's what could possibly be the best chicken soup recipe ever. Or at least that's what the author says! Why not try it yourself and YOU be the judge? Whip up some warm lovin' and let me know how your family likes it!

BEST CHICKEN SOUP EVER

Ingredients:
1 (2-3 lb) whole chicken
3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
1 pound baby carrots
2 onions, chopped
2 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
1 packet chicken noodle soup mix
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 pinch dried thyme
1 pinch poultry seasoning
1 pinch dried basil
5 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 pinch dried parsley
1 (8 oz) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta

Directions
1. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Place celery leaves in pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and place in a bowl until cool enough to handle.

2. Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid, discard the celery tops and place the cooking liquid in a large pot. Place celery, carrots, onion, bouillon, soup mix and chicken broth in the pot and let simmer. Season with thyme, poultry seasoning, basil, peppercorns, bay leaves and parsley.

3. Bone chicken and cut up meat into bite-size pieces. Return meat to pot. Cook until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended, up to 90 minutes.

4. Stir pasta into pot and cook 10 to 15 minutes more, until noodles are al dente. Serve hot.

Recipe and image from allrecipes.com.