Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.

I love Aperol Spritzes.  They have been popular for years because they are refreshing, flavorful and the spritz element reduces the amount of alcohol.   The New York Times recently ran an article announcing the emergence of a drink that is challenging the popularity of the Aperol Spritz.  It’s called the Hugo Spritz.  I felt the least I could do if I wanted to include this information in the Friday Bulletin was to try a Hugo Spritz.  I have done so, and I like it.  It is also refreshing and tasty, but it’s a gentler taste, and sweeter than the Aperol.  Apparently, Americans are currently preferring ‘light and bubbly’ drinks, and the Hugo was well-positioned to be promoted by St. Germain, the maker of the Elderflower liqueur used in the Hugo.  It is easy to make – here is the recipe:

Fill a tall glass with ice.  Add 2 ounces of Elderflower liqueur and 3 ounces of Prosecco.  Top up with club soda as a finish.  I recommend adding a mint sprig and a slice of lime to the finished product.

You have probably read that wire bristle grill cleaning brushes lose their wire bristles over time and they go onto your grill and then into your food. Many brands have been recalled.  Throw away those grill cleaners and switch to this OXO bristle-free grill cleaner.  With its flexible silicone and durable stainless-steel coils it can clean hot or cold grill grates and has no bristles to leave behind.  It has a removable head for cleaning, putting in the dishwasher or replacing.  It measures 2.5” L x 5” W x 20” H. $44.99.

Upcycled Art gives discarded, often old paintings and prints a new life by adding fun and unexpected elements to bring them into modern life a bit.  The additions can be sci-fi or fantasy based.  She sells both her ‘original-reimagined’ artwork and digital downloads.

Heather Castles is the artist behind this salvaging and modernizing project. She sources mass produced or damaged artwork that is on its way to landfills.  She repairs the artwork and then plans her alterations, matching the palette and style.   The results are varied, quirky and interesting. The prices are reasonable.

Good Housekeeping just came out with recommendations on cleaning the common stains of summer like grass, mustard, sunscreen and berries. Cleaning agents like white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, Tide liquid detergent and glycerin are the items to have on hand.   Click here to see the solutions for stain removal.

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