The Giggle Mat: Growing Gardens

EPISODE 15: GROWING GARDENS!

🌈 The Giggle Mat 🌈 is made possible through the wonders of modern technology. To maintain the safety of everyone, we are still utilizing the virtual space, however we are able to appropriately socialdistance for any additional filming.

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!

As of May 1, 2022: 

Thank you to everyone who has supported The Giggle Mat project over the last year and a half!

We had a great time creating these special episodes! 

We will be taking a hiatus from production of the show to pursue other projects which includes some spinoff projects!  We'll keep you posted.

Our shows are also available on Youtube, so you can watch Episode 14 and check out all the other episodes too!

💜Supported by the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Fund (ACHF) achfwindsor.ca

Feasting And Frolicking At Biltmore Estate

Photo from our 6th floor room.  All photos by: Melissa Arditti

The next morning, we were up early and ready to start another exciting day.

Heading downstairs, I contemplated what I would have for breakfast. After such an amazing meal the previous night at The Bistro, I was still quite full. Our server started talking about the breakfast buffet and so when “smoked salmon” was heard, my dad said “I’ll have the buffet!” Tempted, but not hungry enough to make it worth our while, my mom and I ordered off the menu.

So we had an egg-white artichoke quiche, which was so flavourful and light. I really like the idea of using egg-whites as opposed to the whole egg, at times. I chose hash browns as my side and my mom substituted the carbs for grilled tomatoes.

Entering, this is what you have to look forward to as a “morning” view in the dining room.  Formal yet relaxed.

Here is the buffet. Take your pick. There’s smoked salmon, fresh fruit, sausages, bacon, yogurt, waffles, an omelette station and freshly-baked sweet treats galore. I’d consider this “brunch” for sure.

My favourite photo that we’re going to get framed of my parents in the beautiful Biltmore lobby, as we were waiting to find out when the next shuttle bus would arrive.

After breakfast, we took the shuttle bus to the Estate Gardens again. Rain was in the forecast and so it was a short trip, but still lovely as ever, as you can see.

Heading back, we went for a late lunch and attempted to eat light with 2 chopped salads and a cobb salad. Portions were great, everything was fresh with mixed greens, corn, and I just love broccolini! We were fortunate to be able to have lunch with Leann Donnelly and she shared with us more about the history of Biltmore and her love of Biltmore’s twist on a grilled cheese sandwich.

One thing that is quite special here is the afternoon tea. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was going to be starting shortly after we had our lunch. There was no way I could eat another bite, but it is surely something to try out on a future visit with such a selection of high quality loose leaf teas, scones and sandwiches, just like they do in England.

Dinner time, my dad tried a bison burger for the first time. He didn't have it with a bun or any toppings (sure, now’s the time to eat light!) so I don’t have a photo to share because it was just a piece of meat on a plate with a side salad, as he requested. However, he said it was very different than regular cow beef, and significantly lighter. So a nice switch once in a while.

I was feeling a tad English after emailing my best friend from the UK and telling him all about my adventures of the day. So I had fish and chips (minus the chips, I asked for grilled vegetables).

My mom tried the grilled tuna which she enjoyed a lot. It is meant to be medium-rare, so that was something new to learn. On the side were some tasty zucchini sticks.

As we were eating, we heard some lovely music from this modern elegant trio!

To end our amazing stay at Biltmore, we tried the creme bruele with a biscotti. We shared just one. Perfect amount of sweetness, I loved the subtle burnt caramel flavour and the biscotti was made to dip into the rich and creamy custard.

A Trip To The Biltmore Estate

What does Last of the Mohicans and The Odd Life of Timothy Green have in common? Scenes from both of these movies were shot at George Vanderbilt’s grandiose home; Biltmore Estate, in Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re unfamiliar with this location, you will certainly have your eyes opened to one of the most luxurious destination spots in the United States, that many celebrities have stayed at, including, President Obama.

Biltmore “Inn” was our next stop, and where we’d be hanging our hats for the next two days. We would be living like the Vanderbilt’s, or close enough with the 5-star hospitality, incredible award-winning cuisine, and jaw-dropping scenery at the Castle and the various other gems that make up Biltmore Estate.

No,  this is NOT  the Castle but the back of their hotel on the grounds if you can believe  it.  Just in case you might be confused.

The backyard of Biltmore Inn. All photos by: Melissa Arditti

Some interesting facts about the Estate as a whole:

• It is on 8000 acres of land (The House  is 175,000 square ft).
• Biltmore employs over 2000 workers/ 60 are just for landscaping.
• It is the 2nd largest employer in all of Asheville.
• They raise angus cattle, sheep, free-range chickens, etc.
• Biltmore has over 10,000 visitors per day at Christmas time, and generates over 1.2 million visitors per year.
• Daily operations feature several sustainable and clean energy practices, such as using solar power, planting a 60-acre canola field whose seeds will be harvested and pressed into a food-grade cooking oil and using vegetable oil as a bio diesel fuel for powering equipment used on the estate — now that is innovative thinking.

As my dad went to check in, I went around to take some photos of the stunning lobby. From the photo you can see the detailed oriental rugs, over-sized iron wrought chandelier, and vibrant flowers/plants that really welcome you into the Inn. There are also doors that lead out to a beautiful veranda that faces the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River.

This view was heavenly.

Before heading up to our room, I spotted an abundance of fresh apples by the front desk and so as the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! It was a nice healthy and refreshing snack. The little things that I notice. ;)

The Inn has 213 rooms and 9 suites to choose from. Here is a photo of our room, including a luxurious bathroom.

Speaking of concierge service, a quick story. After double checking that I had everything in my luggage for the trip, I soon realized that I didn’t pack my razor! I wanted to wear a dress that day and so I called the front desk in a bit of a panic. This was the conversation:

Front Desk: “Good morning Ms. Arditti, how may I assist you today?”
Me: “Do you have any razors that I could have, I forgot mine.”
Front Desk: “Of course. Is there a specific kind and how many would you like?”
Me: “Anything you have is great. 2 would be fine, if that’s not a problem.”
Front Desk: “No problem at all. I’ll send someone right up. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Me: “No that would be all, thank you very much.”
Front Desk: “Have a great day.”
Me: You too.

I literally put down the phone and walked toward my luggage to get my hairbrush when I heard a gentle knock at the door. I was pretty shocked at how quickly my request was granted. I have never experienced service like that before, so it certainly started the day off on the right foot. It may seem trivial, but to me, it is the little things that truly make a good hotel stay.

Another first for me was the complimentary nightly turn-down service with chocolates that the Inn offers each of their guests. After a long day walking around in the sunshine, it was nice to walk into our room and know that it was freshly cleaned and I didn’t have to fight with the covers (every hotel seems to tuck them in so tightly) I just slid right in and was ready for a restful sleep.

Plan your next stay here