Ralph Lauren Bears

I’m sure, by now, you are aware that Ralph Lauren is celebrating 50 years of trendsetting fashion and a total way of living. The name is synonymous with the word “lifestyle” and, in my opinion, no one does it better! The theme of the Michigan Avenue, Chicago windows this season is a glorious bear family and they are truly Holiday magic.

A few more from the Ralph Lauren Collection…

This is not, however, a Ralph Lauren sponsored post but a story about teddy bears which really started with founder Margarete Steiff in 1880 who was making plush toys in Giengen, Germany.  The company is best known for its teddy bears which were invented in 1902 some of which command thousands of dollars on the secondary market  According to the Steiff website “Manufacturing is still done by hand in our factory in Germany. Steiff products are often considered family heirlooms and are passed from generation to generation. Steiff animals are made from mohair, alpaca, cashmere, 100 percent cotton velvet, 100 percent wool felt, and valuable woven plush – a material usually reserved for the high fashion industry.”

I’m sure we all have had or still have our childhood Teddy’s.  Just a little story about my kitty, Noel (guess when she arrived, yet another story for another time) her favorite “companions” were her miniature Steiff animals, in particular her teddy bear, that she would carry around in her mouth and talk to, adorable and treasured memories!

Margarete Steiff and her favorite nephew, Richard Steiff “father” of the teddy bear in 1902.  Do read the story of how “teddy” got his name on The National Park Service website, it has “something” to do with Teddy Roosevelt, but you knew that!!

While I was recently visiting friends I was invited to another friend’s home that is filled with many treasures (they will fill several posts in the near future) but one bedroom is the teddy bear tree and then some…the following photos I took of Earl Summers delightful teddy bear guest room….

Aren’t they all too adorable for words….what a collection.

A precious little lady whose portrait I found on Pinterest, love her…

Of course, Pagebear, The Peninsula Chicago’s iconic bear….

And then there are our Chicago Bears….go Bears….

For your Holiday entertaining a perfect recipe for your drinks party….

I saved this recipe to (I don’t remember where I originally found it!) the New York Times Cooking App (one of my favorite Apps), subscribe for fabulous recipes and you can save any recipes you find on line, give yourself a gift of the App, you will thank you!!!!!  Tommy and I have added this nut recipe to our tried and true collection for gift giving, Holiday entertaining and, of course, your own snacking  really, really delicious, it is my favorite this year!

Rosemary Spiced Nuts
by PETER MCQUAID

Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11308-rosemary-spiced-nuts

INGREDIENTS

1 pound unsalted mixed nuts
1 tablespoon melted butter
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt

Mix nuts and butter together on a baking sheet for 10 minutes at 350.  Mix the rest of the ingredients and toss with nuts and let cool.

Nena’s Note….you will want to make more than one batch, trust me!!!!!!

All photos,  unless wisenoted found on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

This is an unsponsored post, as always, unless quoted, the copy is mine for sponsorship opportunities please contact me at nenasnotes1@gmail.com