make the mood. We all know the usual terms of endearment—honey, dear, sweetie, angel, to name but a few. But to fan the flames of ardor and romance, why not try some less tired language, like sweeting, sweetling, or sweetkin (terms in vogue in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries). Or how about dearling (the original form of darling)? Your partner could become your paramour (literally through love) in French. Instead of attractive or cute, you could try toothsome or cuddlesome. Rather than missing, try yearning, pining, longing, or hungering, and watch the passion build.
JANUARY 20
CRAZY FOR CRACKERS
Crackers are incredibly easy to make, and homemade ones are so much better than store-bought ones. I love sesame seeds, so I sprinkle some on just before baking—you can too!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
salt
3/4 cup water, approximately
sesame seeds, optional
4 tablespoons butter, margarine, or other shortening
Preheat oven to 325°. Sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. With 2 knives, cut the shortening into the flour until mixture is fine. Add just enough water to make a firm dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out thinly with a floured rolling pin. Using a round cookie cutter, stamp out crackers, prick them all over with a fork, and sprinkle with salt and sesame seeds if desired. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes or until crisp. Cool on a rack and store in airtight container. Makes 2 dozen.
JANUARY 21
SCENTED CANDLES
Surprise your sweetheart with a candlelit dinner for two with your own homemade scented candles gracing both the table and the bedroom. Their lovely fragrance will be released as they burn. Scented candles are incredibly easy to make—you just need to plan in advance. (If you haven’t planned ahead, you can still get some of the effect by sprinkling a drop or two of your favorite essential oil in the melted wax of a plain candle as it burns.)
2 ounces of your favorite fragrance essential oil (or try a combination; vanilla and rose are my favorites for romance)
¼ cup orris root powder (available at herbal stores)
1 large airtight plastic container big enough to fit 6 candles
6 unscented candles, any size
Combine the oil(s) and the orris root and sprinkle in the bottom of the container. Place candles inside, cover, and store in a cool spot for 4 to 6 weeks.
JANUARY 22
TRACTOR TRACKS
After the first big blizzard of winter ends and the snow is clean and white, go outside and make tractor tracks. Walk with your feet pointing out at a 45-degree angle. First put your left foot down, then your right foot so that the heel is against the middle of your left foot, and then it’s left, right, left till it looks just like a John Deere has passed through on the way to the barn. Don’t forget to do both wheels, if you really want to impress your mom. To impress your kids, you may need to add a snow angel between the tracks. Just lie on your back and wave your arms back and forth in the snow. Get up carefully without stepping on your imprint. Admire your handiwork.
JANUARY 23
SNOW ICE CREAM
This is a wonderful nineteenth-century treat that you can replicate if you live in snowy climes.
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup superfine sugar
2 teaspoons lemon extract or two tablespoons rosewater
8 to 10 cups fresh, clean snow
Mix the cream, sugar, and lemon extract or rosewater. Add the snow, beating with a whisk, using only enough snow to make a stiff ice cream. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.
JANUARY 24
OATMEAL MASKS
Masks are used to deep clean and condition the skin and should always be applied after you have thoroughly washed your face. Be sure to avoid your eyes. After applying, lie down for fifteen minutes, covering your eyes with water-moistened eye pads. The kind of mask you choose depends on your skin type. This one works for all types—and it’s so easy to make.
½ cup water
¼ cup oatmeal
Bring water to a boil, add oats, and cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool until warm but not hot. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then cool.
JANUARY 25
BASKET OF LOVE
Do you want to surprise your paramour some evening? Make a love basket. Simply find a heart-shaped basket, spray-paint it red (sand it slightly first so the paint will stick better), add a pretty ribbon to the handle, and fill it with your beloved’s favorite things: chocolate-covered cherries, sexy underwear—whatever he or she fancies. Then place it on your love’s pillow to be discovered.
JANUARY 26
PERSONALIZED FURNITURE
You can create customized furniture that you and your kids will love. Find an old chest of drawers, a wooden trunk, or other wooden furniture at a garage sale. Paint it white or another solid color. Then dip baby’s (older kids can do this themselves) hands and feet in water-based latex pastel paints and gently stamp them on the top and sides of the dresser. You’ll have a permanent reminder of their childhood that you—and they—will treasure always.
JANUARY 27
THE PLEASURES OF A GOOD BOOK
Read out loud to family members. When our kids are young, most of us do this naturally. But when children learn to read for themselves, we often give up this bonding activity. But we don’t have to. No matter how old your child is, you can find something that you will both enjoy. Try it with your mate—I know a couple who read Lord of the Rings to each other and said that reading it together was much more fun than reading it on their own. Some people prefer reading and others being read to; find the combination that works for you.
JANUARY 28
EYE PADS
These are great
