~Pillow Talk ...Week-end

The week-end is here again. For this weeks treat I give you "Pillow Talk"
Interior decorator Jan Morrow and composer Brad Allen share a phone line. Brad keeps the line occupied all day talking to his girlfriends, which annoys Jan terribly and animosity between them builds up. They however have never met and when by chance Brad sees Jan, he decides to add her to his list of conquests. Knowing however how she feels about him, he poses as an innocent Texan country boy named Rex Stetson to win her.

A tasty themed treat to eat while watching? How about Chocolate Pillows~

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup port or red zinfandel*
* 1 Tbsp. sugar
* 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
* 1 Tbsp. butter
* 2 cups canola oil or cooking oil
* 12 wonton wrappers
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 3-oz. bar bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, cut into 6 pieces
* Sugar
* Vanilla ice cream
* Grated bittersweet or semisweet chocolate

Directions

1. For sauce, in a small saucepan heat port to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes or until reduced to 1/3 cup. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; cook and stir 1 minute. Add cherries; cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and whisk in butter; cover to keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until temperature reaches 350 degrees F. While oil heats, lightly brush edges of one wonton wrapper with some of the beaten egg. Place 1 piece of chocolate in center atop wonton wrapper. Place another wonton wrapper atop. Press edges to seal.

3. Cook filled wontons, one at a time, in hot oil for 1 minute or until golden brown, turning frequently to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature. Cool wontons slightly. Sprinkle wontons evenly with sugar.

4. Serve wontons with sauce and ice cream. Sprinkle ice cream with grated chocolate and serve with two spoons. Makes 2 servings.

5. *Test kitchen tip: If using zinfandel, increase sugar in sauce to 2 tablespoons.

~Top 20 Cities to Find Single Men

LOL I knew Tucson was not going to be on here. lol

Top 20 Cities to Find Single Men

In a special survey conducted exclusively for The Oprah Show, Men's Health magazine came up with the best cities in America to meet single men over 35. David Zinczenko, the magazine's editor in chief, says the results are based on six criteria: the ratio of unmarried men to unmarried women, divorce rates, fitness level, philanthropy, education level and attraction.

"We crunched the numbers every which way—up and down, all around," David says. "And tried to find the best way to up your chances of finding men who are single, straight, smart, who are emotionally available."

Did your city make the top 20?

1. San Jose, California
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
3. Arlington, Texas
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
5. San Francisco, California
6. Fremont, California
7. Austin, Texas
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
9. Washington, D.C.
10. San Diego, California
11. Charlotte, North Carolina
12. Dallas, Texas
13. Denver, Colorado
14. St. Paul, Minnesota
15. Seattle, Washington
16. Houston, Texas
17. New York, New York
18. Madison, Wisconsin
19. Fort Worth, Texas
20. Durham, North Carolina

~Blue Willow

My dishes...

~ Will You Help Save Me?

Art from Daily Candy SF

During these tough times in our economy I am attempting to save up to move to the Bay Area. I walk to work, Turn off lights while not at home,I don't eat out a lot, or do the Starbucks thing, put alittle away every week. I also work a few odd jobs on the side. I'm looking for some good ideas on how to save for this move.Part from stealing, killing or putting up a Paypal link begging(that wouldn't work ...would it?lol)So dear readers how do you save? Give me your best ideas for getting through hard times.Maybe we can all help eachother out. :)

How to Dress Like...Katie Perry

Katie Perry's fashion style takes a nod from the 1940's pin up girls mixes with some 1980's. She is sexy, vintage, fun with her own flare.

1. When doing prints think polka dots,bold flowers, stripes, and gingham.

2. Don't be afraid of color from pretty pastel pink to bright turquoise.

3.Katie loves to show off her figure. So belts, scarves, and sashes tied around the waist are a must.

4. As for Jewelry go retro. Funky 80's bangles with lots of color. Shop ebay to thrift store to find these 80's gems. For he more vintage 40's look shop my favorite Stella & Dot.

5.Cute shoes. Ballet flats , platform heels, Kitten Heels. Just pick a pair with some style.

6.Finally remember to be bold and have fun. Katie is never afraid to be herself.

Katy Perry - Thinking of You

~Charlie's Monster-In-Law Bachelorette Pad

In the movie Monster-In-Law much has been said about Charlie & Kevin's Craftsman style Home. But, What about Charlie's Bachelorette pad? Her style is simple and romantic. Here's what I could find that reminded me off her place.


1.Single String Lily Mobile
2.Green slipper chair
3.Floating Shelves
4.Woven Handbag,More Bags


1. White Iron Bed
2. White Sheers

1. Bedding
2. White Folding screen
3. White Slipper Chair

~An Invitation To Style

~Shop Stella & Dot Here~

~Baby Boom ...Week-End

This one goes out to you over worked Mom's out there. Exceptionally Unknown Mami who has had a rough few months. :(

First to play with the kids....
PEANUT BUTTER PLAYDOUGH (I use to make this all the time as a kid & yes you can eat it . It tastes good!)


1 c. peanut butter
2/3-1 c. nonfat dry milk
2 tbsp. honey

Mix ingredients. Add enough powdered milk to make playdough dry enough to handle. Shape into balls. Add raisins to make a face. Or stir in chow mein noodles and make a bird's nest. Or stir in Cheerios or chocolate chips for fun. Eat and enjoy!

Then After putting them to bed....
Peanut Butter Cup Martini

Ingredients
2 oz Castries
1 oz Godiva Chocolate Liquor
1 oz Super Premium Vodka

Directions
1. Shake vigorously over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
2. Optional: Line the Martini glass with chocolate syrup for additional effect

Then settle in and watch.Baby Boom (1987)
J.C. Wiatt (Keaton) is a driven Manhattan career woman (nicknamed the "Tiger Lady") whose fast-paced lifestyle leaves her with no time for romance or relaxation, though she derives pleasure from her work, frantic schedule and demanding job. She lives with an investment broker (Harold Ramis) whose job and lifestyle are likewise hectic. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she inherits a toddler, Elizabeth (twins Kristina and Michelle Kennedy), from a deceased cousin whom she barely knew. Soon, caring for the child occupies much of her time, and her business career begins to suffer, culminating in the loss of her lover and job.

~Now That's The Way To Enter A Wedding

~Jane's 27 Dresses Apartment

Jane's Apartment is a great mix of modern & traditional. Once I again I tried to get as close as possible on the items in the apartment. Hope you enjoy!


1.Woven Chair

2. Brown Floor Pillow

3.Orange Slice Chair

1. Green Headboard

2.Rectangle Lamp

3. Painted Green Table

1. Eames Seafom Green Office Chair

2. Blue Velvet Sofa

3.MercuryLamp



1. Flowered Dishes

2. Spice Rack

3. Tea Kettle

~Fierce or Hot Mess?

“Project Runway” designer Christian Siriano will be unveiling his special “holiday collaboration” with Starbucks today. News sources are not allowed to tell us anything until November 17th. Maybe they will be coffee collars that say “Don’t Make A Hot Mess!” to urge you not to spill. Grab a free Starbucks pastry today while you ponder this "Fierce" news.

~S'more Smoothie Please Stand By Me

Who needs a mid week pick me up? How about a s'mores smoothie?


Makes 1 serving, 3/4 cup of milk per serving.

Ingredients
4 graham crackers
3/4 cup fat free or lowfat milk
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon marshmallow fluff

Directions

Crush graham crackers to a fine powder, then place all ingredients together and blend.

and...Stand By Me :)

Stand by Me is a 1986 coming of age, adventure-drama film directed by Rob Reiner. The title comes from a song with the same title by Ben E. King (which plays during the closing credits), while the story itself is based on the novella The Body by Stephen King.

~Zyrtec Boho Part 2

A few months back I had a posted a picture of the lovey Boho Zyrtec living room from their ad. Here is what I found online that looks like it may fit the look. The pillows are not exact but, they have the same feel.


1.Driftwood Lamp

2.Asian Plant Stand

3.Bird Cage

4. Wooden Vase

5. ">Pottery Vase

6.Walnut Buffet

7.Yellow & Black Flower Pillow

8-11 Pillows , more pillows

12. Armless Sofa

13. Tiffany Blue & Tan Pillow

~Gina Lollobrigida Quote

So I'm warm but, getting hotter? haha I like it.


A woman at 20 is like ice, at 30 she is warm and at 40 she is hot.
~Gina Lollobrigida

~Gigi's Retro Apartment

I love Gigi's from "He's Just Not That Into You" apartment. She has a sweet quirky style. Looks part ebay, Anthropologie , Urban Outfitters, with some craigslist thrown it. I did some research today and found a couple of her apartment retro jems. :)


1. 1950's Pink Princess Phone
2. Pink Daisy Rug
3. Retro Red "Lucy"Diner Table

1. IKEA Syntes Skiss side plate
2. Green Depression Glass Creamer
3. Ok so Gigi's lamp was a horse but, this one has the same feel. Urban Outfitters Snail lamp.

~R.I.P Frank McCourt

Today Frank McCourt passed away. For thoses of you out there that have not read and of his books just let me say. Frank will make you laugh, and cry. But, most of all he will touch your heart in a powerful way.
Francis "Frank" McCourt (19 August 1930 – 19 July 2009) was an Irish-American teacher and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, best known as the author of Angela's Ashes.



~Angela's-Ashes-Frank-McCourt~

~'Tis-Frank -McCourt~

~Angela's Ashes-the Movie~

~How to Dress Like ...Kate Hudson

By eHow Contributing Writer (with some changes by pink peony)(FYI run the cursors of my articles. A lot of times I add links inside them :D )

Kate Hudson never fails to look comfortable and sexy at the same time. Follow these steps to reproduce her distinctive style, a blend of Bohemian hippie and down-to-earth sunny California.


1. Wear scarves that are brightly colored with ethnic patterns to get the boho-chic style of Kate Hudson. Usually found on her while dressing down, they add a bit of color and spice to a plain outfit. Wear wrapped around the head, around a waist or around the neck.


2.Pair flirty and feminine sundresses with flat sandals and beads to achieve the nouveau-hippie style often seen on Kate Hudson. Go for vintage-looking sundresses or the real thing. Many times hers are long and spaghetti-strap.

3.Wear eyelet and crochet white tops. Kate is seen in various styles of them quite a lot. Pair with jeans, bracelets and a funky hat for the ultimate look.

4.Own a lot of boots. Kate is seen wearing boots with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts. Her boots are sometimes sleek and sexy, sometimes fun and outrageous. Wear western-style boots and a bohemian dress, or a furry pair with jean and a sweater. Her favorite boots are Frye boots.

5. Kate loves vintage looking jewelry. Shop thrift stores, flea markets or ebay for vintage pieces. Or go for newer pieces that have a vintage feel like Stella & Dot.

6. Dress up with a simple elegance. Kate is often seen on the red carpet looking classic and elegant. Her dresses are often very elegant in cut. Her hairstyles are usually simple and her make-up natural. She wears vintage-looking jewelry.

7. Keep an eye on new collections from her favorite designers. She has been seen wearing Siwy, Stella McCartney and Versace. Get the looks for less by shopping at cheaper clothing stores that offer boho-chic styles such as Anthropologie.

~Playing by Heart ...Week-end ( Bonus)

It has been a rough few days around here. Cell phone issues , work issues..yada yada yada. So I think I will stay in for my week-end. What does that mean for you my dear readers? A bonus movie and some fav food to go with it. So for my 2 pick I choose "Playing By Heart" a Little know film. With an All Star cast. Enjoy!

"Playing by Heart"~
Among the characters are a mature couple about to renew their vows (Sean Connery and Gena Rowlands); an anti-social woman (Gillian Anderson) who accepts a date offer from a stranger (Jon Stewart); a man dying of AIDS (Jay Mohr) and his mother (Ellen Burstyn) who has struggled to accept him; two clubbers who meet in a nightclub (Ryan Phillippe and Angelina Jolie); a couple having an affair (Anthony Edwards and Madeleine Stowe) and a man (Dennis Quaid) who tells his tragic life story to a woman he meets in a bar (Patricia Clarkson), but seems to have a strange connection to another mysterious woman. As the film continues and the stories evolve, the connections between the characters - both literal and subtextual - become evident. Kellie Waymire, Nastassja Kinski, Alec Mapa, Amanda Peet and Michael Emerson also have roles in the film.





Playing by Heart Pink Lemonade Mousse

Ingredients:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup water
2/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
4 drops red food coloring
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
3 thin lemon slices, halved
Lemon peel curls (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan combine gelatin and sugar; add 2/3 cup of the water. Cook and stir over medium heat until dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining water and lemonade concentrate. Divide mixture in half, transferring each to a medium bowl. Stir red food coloring into one portion of the mixture. Cover and chill about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until mixtures mound.

2. In a chilled bowl beat whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl); set aside.

3. Wash beaters. Beat plain lemonade mixture with electric mixer on medium speed about 30 seconds or until light and foamy. Beat pink mixture until light and foamy. Fold half the whipped cream into each lemonade mixture.

4. Carefully layer plain mixture and pink mixture into 6 small serving glasses or dessert dishes, dividing evenly.

5. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, and if desired, citrus slices and lemon peel curls.

~Gidget...Week-end

The week-end is once again upon us & this week-end's movie just screams out Summer. I give you Gidget. (1959)~
Due to an accident while swimming in the sea, Francis meets the surfer Moondoggy. She's fascinated of his sport and starts to hang out with his clique. Although they make fun of her at first, they teach her to surf. Soon she's accepted and given the nickname "Gidget". But it's hard work to become more than a friend to Moondoggy. Watch the whole movie here.

and your Super Surfin' Summer Moondoggy Mango Custard....


Ingredients

* 2 very ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into chunks, center seeds removed
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1 cup skim milk
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

Directions

1.In a blender container, combine mango chunks, lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2.In a small saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Mix until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir in mango mixture.
3.Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook and stir for 2 full minutes. Spoon into a 1-quart shallow bowl.
4.Chill thoroughly.

~How To Pick Out A Trench

It's Monsoon here in Tucson & I love rain wear. Especially a classic trench. Tim Gunn says it's a must in any woman's closet. But, how do you find the right one for you?

1. Remember quality is important when choosing.The right one can last you for many years.

2. Pick out a classic shape. One with an A-line always works. There are ones with fun lines but, keep in mind that it might not stand the test of time.

3.When picking length remember the ones above the knees are for casual looks. Longer the jacket the dressier the look.

4. Pick the color by your needs. Are you wanting int to blend in with lots of looks? Then go with a tan, black navy, white or black. If you want to brighten up a rain day? Go for color or a fun pattern. But, again keep in mind. Too trendy and it might not work for long .

5.This one is for the curvy girls. Cinch in the waist of a trench coat by tying the belt or sash in the back. This gives instant definition to your waist and can make you look thinner.

6. Pick out a material that works for your needs. Silkier one was super cute but, may wear out faster. So if you plan to wear your trench a lot keep this in mind.

7.You can wear a trench coat with jeans, suits , or even a dress.

~Starlet In The Sun

Who says you need to wear a bikini to look fab on the beach. Here are some modern twist on vintage beach looks. Eat your heart out Esther Williams.

Swim suit~

Flip-Flops~


Ring~
Bag~


Nailpolish~
Lipgloss~

SunGlasses~


Strawberry Cheesecake Martini ~
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce vanilla flavored vodka
1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
1 strawberry
Pour the cranberry juice, vodka, and grenadine into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a strawberry on the rim of the glass to serve.