Curated

Charlene Hartung, Curated

Make your own Charcuterie Board

Make your own Charcuterie Board Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated A charcuterie board is of French origin and typically served as an appetizer on a wooden board or stone slab, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto tableware. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. Wikipedia Oh, nothing is prettier than gorgeously stacked food on a wooden board! Do you agree with me? It is simple to make and you can impress your friends in no time. What you are going to need: A wooden board big enough for a variety of food. Jams and Pate A French loaf and a variety of crackers Cured Meats like salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, Nuts and Seeds Cheese like Gouda, Goat cheese, brie, camembert with some fig jam Herbs for garnish, like rill and rosemary Fruit like grapes, strawberries, kiwi, whatever is in season. Even dry fruits make a lovely addition. I like to put my jams and pate’s in small bowls to create some height. If you have time, I like to make some pastries, like ham and cheese wheels or meat pies. It adds more weight to your display of food. When you have all your goodies together, you just stack them on. There really is no right or wrong way. Enjoy doing it! Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … 1 2 3 Next »

Charlene Hartung, Curated

Date Night Ideas

Date Night Ideas Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Are you and your man regular date night people? Here are some ideas for you. Couples massages and dinner afterwards. How romantic! You can picnic in your garden at home, do the sunset thing on the dunes, or at the beach. You can either make your picnic basket or buy a charcuterie board. Please take a look at the article on making your own. Stroll through town, eating ice cream on a lovely summer evening. Something my husband would like is cycling together. You could do a bike tour or take your bikes out for a spin, and have a picnic while you’re at it. I still want to do a wine-tasting experience with my husband. Atlantic Villa in Swakopmund regularly offers wine tastings and pairings. We also have Gellert wines; you can book a tasting with them at any time. Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … 1 2 3 Next »

Charlene Hartung, Curated

Hostess Gifts

Hostess Gifts Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Are you and your man regular date night people? Here are some ideas for you. Couples massages and dinner afterwards. How romantic! You can picnic in your garden at home, do the sunset thing on the dunes, or at the beach. You can either make your picnic basket or buy a charcuterie board. Please take a look at the article on making your own. Stroll through town, eating ice cream on a lovely summer evening. Something my husband would like is cycling together. You could do a bike tour or take your bikes out for a spin, and have a picnic while you’re at it. I still want to do a wine-tasting experience with my husband. Atlantic Villa in Swakopmund regularly offers wine tastings and pairings. We also have Gellert wines; you can book a tasting with them at any time. Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … 1 2 3 Next »

Charlene Hartung, Curated

Wise Words: 7 Sentences I Wish I Had Read Sooner

Wise Words: 7 Sentences I Wish I Had Read Sooner Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … 1 2 3 4 Next »

Charlene Hartung, Curated

A Letter to My Son

A Letter to My Son Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Dear Adam When you were little, and I’d think ahead to the future, I’d always feel a twinge of sadness and dread. I couldn’t fathom you getting older. I couldn’t imagine your little baby-round feet maturing. You’re growing taller than me. Adult teeth. The beginnings of body hair. A skincare regimen. The signs of being on the brink of teenage life. But here we are. 12. The last year of childhood for you. And, yes, it tugs at my mamma’s heart a bit, but honestly? It’s a transition of joy more than sadness. Of excitement more than dread. Of eagerness and sometimes of longing for that tiny body next to me. Your baby voice and your intelligent mind.  I watched those little freckles present themselves on your face as I thought it was sand. Yes, I am that silly. I can’t imagine you being 13, 14, and 16. I’m here for it and am excited to experience it with you! You and I have always had our special bond and connection, and I am so thankful that I don’t foresee any change in that anytime soon. You look like me—exactly like me. I’m already praying that your future wife sees me and our bond as an asset and not an annoyance. Hopefully, I can tread that line smoothly! I love our talks. Our nightly chats. Our discussions. Me – sharing history lessons with you. You know you can talk to me about ANYTHING, and it means the world that YOU DO. I love that you aren’t embarrassed or nervous to ask me anything, and it’s never awkward or uncomfortable for either of us, no matter the topic. I do my best to be available. I want you to share your heart and know I’m a safe space, but I will never nag you or force things out of you. Our connection is easy and natural, and those moments when you choose to open up are always ones I cherish so much. You have always made me proud, but the older you get, the more reasons I have to be proud of you and who you are. I trust you fully and will continue until I have reasons not to. You have such a strong moral compass and personal values. You choose to do right. And when in doubt? You ASK. You don’t just do something and ask for forgiveness later; you like that assurance that what you think is the right choice, and it makes being your parent so easy because we KNOW we can trust you no matter the situation. As you get older and have more freedom, this quality will allow you to enjoy more independence because we know you’ll ask us whenever any problem causes you to pause and contemplate! I know you’ll be the first baby I’ll have to let go of in many ways, and it’s a blessing to me to let you go in little moments rather than in leaps when you reach adulthood. Even as you begin to embrace independence, I know you know you have me in your corner, always there rooting for you and loving you. Our bond doesn’t require entertainment or busyness. I am your mamma. You are my son. That is enough! You’ve done so well rolling with things as they’ve come and have adapted so beautifully to life in upper primary school. You have found YOUR PLACE and VOICE; nothing makes me happier than seeing you SHINE. Your sense of humour, your dry sense of humour, is so funny; it reminds me of Dadda and how he is able to make me smile. I love how shy you are. How polite you are. How you ask when you want a koekie. I’ve always known you’re super awesome and I’m so glad to see you let that side of you shine and for you to embrace the unique qualities that make you the incredible person YOU are! Own it and embrace it and be unapologeticly who God designed you to be! It’s my mission to firmly plant that truth within you as I know it’ll help guide you through the upcoming teen years if you just embrace and love yourself and be PROUD of who you are. Because, my sweet boy, you are AMAZING. I’m so proud of how you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone and gotten to know other kids and how much you love tennis. How you have fitted in at after care. I love how you are my go-to person to remind me of appointments or things your sister has to do. I know by telling you, things will not be forgotten. I am so blessed to be your mamma. I know God’s love for me when I look at my babies and I just could pinch myself to really believe that I am THIS fortunate. You are everything a mamma could ever wish for and I am so honored to get to be the one to raise you. You’ll be tested and tried, and sometimes, you won’t make the right choice. But my love is unwavering and unending and will never, ever be broken. I promise you, my son. I am your mom, and I love you unconditionally. I may have times when you disappoint me, but I will never disappoint you or let you down. No matter what. I love you so so much and ALWAYS will. Happy Birthday, Muffin! Love, Mommy Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book

Charlene Hartung, Curated

Dinner Inspiration

Dinner Inspiration Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I’m sharing the meals I cook for my family in a week. Monday: I try to go meat-free on Mondays. So we will have fish with sweet potatoes that I cut up thin and put in the air fryer to bake and then crisp up. Together with this, I’ll make a salad, too. Kabeljou is my favourite fish. I buy them from the fish shop in town here in Swakopmund. They are very nicely filled, and I bake them in the air fryer. I recently rediscovered a dish I used to make when we were newlyweds: chilli tomato Lucky Star with rice and cheese. You can also add a can of mussels and some veg to the mix. Tuesday: I love a lovely old veggie soup and recently started buying rotisserie chicken, disassembling it, and adding it to my veggies. No skin, of course. It makes the work so much less. Alternatively, spaghetti bolognese is a no-brainer with my kids; they love it. I like to add a bit of diced bacon in there, to add some smokiness. Then there’s a tomato and garlic sauce that I also like to add to my tomato-based dishes; I even throw it in my curries sometimes. Wednesday: Sandwich night. We get some nice sourdough bread with avocado, spinach, and an egg. The kids usually want ham and cheese. On Wednesday nights, we take it easy. Thursday: These are usually for chicken wings. We make a lot of meals in the air fryer, hey. Meats cook fast and are still very juicy. Recently, my husband started coasting the wings, like KFC chicken. I love to dunk them in a blue cheese sauce, and then we serve them with salad or steamed vegetables. Friday nights are reserved for pizza or burgers.We usually get takeaways on a Friday. Who wants to still cook after an exhausting week? A new favourite of mine is squash with sweetcorn and cheese. Sometimes, I remove all the vegetables from the shell, mix the sweetcorn in it, throw over cheese, and bake it like that.   Avocados and naartjies are in season now, so use this opportunity to get those vitamins in your body. Then, my kids love eggs. So, for a snack—or even to pack in their school lunch boxes—I boil 10 eggs on a Sunday and store them in the fridge. They can take one out when they want some, and it’s cooked already. However, they do, only last two days. Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … 1 2 3 … 5 Next »

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