Happy Birthday!

I have been receiving quite a few invites as of late to several different friends’ B-day bashes. Some are monumental (turning 40) and some not so much (turning 46). It also got me to thinking that I will be turning 29 again this June and it is a BIG 29 for me. It also got me to thinking about celebrating and what types of beverages are normally imbibed at a B-day celebration. Now – get me a bottle of mid-level imported Champagne and I am a happy girl. Others a simple six pack of Pabst and they are fine. Still there are others out there that require a bit more sophistication then that (and yes I just dissed myself). So with out further adieu– I give you, birthday cocktails to get down to your “suit” in:

First up, a Champagne Cocktail. Yah, I know we have done it before but please bear with me.

The Regatta – now that’s Rich people term for a party (a boat party but hey)

1/2 shot Galliano (or sub Chartreuse)

1/2 shot Triple Sec

1/4 shot Vodka

Champagne

Juice of half a Lemon

Mix all your ingredients together (except Champagne) into a fluted glass. Pour Champagne over the top and enjoy the candles on your cake.

Next up. A nice little punch for all you out there planning on a large contingent of people to help you celebrate. Thanks to our friends over at the drink guru, this one is know as –

Le Chambord

Please note – you will need a punch bowl for this little ditty. The recipe as described below serves approx. 20 people (or10 if they are heavy drinkers)!

1 bottle premium Vodka

1/2 a bottle of Chambord liqueur (or Crème de Cassis)

1/4 Gallon of Pineapple juice

1/4 Gallon of Sweet and Sour mix

ICE

Mix all ingredients into large Punch Bowl and add ice right before your guests arrive. Also float some fresh Pineapple slices on the top for added flavor and effect.

So you want your cake and drink it too huh? Well here you go Jethro:

The Birthday Cake Shot

1/2 shot of Frangelico (or other Hazelnut flavored Booze)

1/2 shot Vanilla Vodka

Lemon wedges

Take your lemon wedges, put them on a plate and sprinkle them with sugar. Mix the two ingredients into a shot glass. NOW – take the shot and then pick up a lemon wedge and suck on it – do not bite it!!! Once the sugar sweet is gone you can put the lemon down and do it again!

If that sounds to frat boy for you, there is always this:

The Birthday Cake Martini

1 oz. half & half

1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz. Almond liqueur

Lemon zest

Pour all your ingredients into a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake until there is a nice layer of frost on the outside of the shaker. Strain into Martini glass and enjoy.

So there you go, something to look forward to on your special day to come. Remember this important safety tip: when blowing out the candles on the cake – Alcohol is FLAMMABLE!!  Drink safe but remember to have fun also.

Bottoms up till next time!

Make Em' Laugh

I love an intelligent comedy-yeah right! Who am I kidding. I love a good slapstick belly aching laugh in your face comedy.  Throughout the years, some would say that slapstick has been dumbdown for the masses. I beg to differ. There is nothing harder than pulling off a prat fall to make it look painful yet funny and flawless. It is a loss art.

The Bellboy is still regarded as one of Jerry Lewis' best films. Maybe it's because we don't have to hear him talk-it's just a theory I have. The slapstick is priceless and you are cringing and giggling at Stanley the bellboy's adventures in a Luxurious Miami hotel. The funniest scenes are the part that Jerry Lewis plays himself and the bellboy. It is regarded as one of Jerry Lewis' greatest films and in the world of slapstick is held in high regard.

I don't know any man that does not like the Marx brothers. A Night at the Opera is considered one of the best films in the Marx Brothers filmography. Once again they take on high society by giving socialites just what they deserve and helping a friend get his chance breaking into the opera and win the girl.

A more modern day twist on slapstick comes from across the pond with Mr. Bean in the appropriately titled Bean. Once again, words are not really needed as the physical comedy plays out on the big screen. Rowan Atkinson plays Mr. Bean, a caretaker for the British Royal Gallery on his way to the US. He stays with a California family and the slapstick ensues. The kitchen scene with the turkey is priceless.

So check that ego at the door, dig deep back into your childhood and throw on one of these slapstick comedies These movies will cure whatever ails you. The only problem you'll have left is the pain in your gut from giggling so much.

Feel Good Friday!

Just when I start feeling sorry for myself, my inner "mom" tells me to SNAP OUT OF IT and I throw on some show tunes, pull myself up and belt out my best Ethel Merman impression. That's what today's Feel Good Friday is all about-channeling your own Ethel Merman, Barabara Streisand or Judy Garland . Sometimes ya just got to sing!

 Meet Me at Mikes definitely puts me in a good mood. They have crafts, food and music. I was hooked the instant I saw the Ska and Soul Train videos. They know how to wrap me around their little finger!

 

It's a monkey. In a fez. I don't think I have to say anymore.  Moesewco's stitching is amazing and again, it's a monkey in a fez-I'm dying over here.

I love this pin. They are hand painted and flocked (which I am obsessed with right now). Check out Kitschy Galore on etsy. 

I'll admit it, I love the show Glee-sure it's total After School Special and sometimes they aim for the mark and miss terribly. I say more singing and less story but who am I to judge. Anyhoo, the songs are inspiring and totally make my day when I'm down and self doubting. I strongly advise you to pick up both soundtracks and release your inner drama dork.

Alright all you divas just dying to get out! Don't let anyone steal your spotlight. Don't let them tell you that your voice is too pitchy-get out there and sing your song. Enjoy life and be who you are-whatever that person is, be the best at it (unless you're a jerk, then you might want to invest in being someone less offensive). Live and love life to the fullest-you are worth it.

Be An Angel....

Be an angel and stitch up these sweet little girl patterns. I love that to be an angel, she must go shopping!

 

One More Week!

Hey everybody!
Ya got one more week in the banner contest. It can be any type of medium. Stitched, graphic design, collaged. Whatever your little heart desires!

C'mon! You know you want to! There will be prizes!

Walk the Plank

Last week in Portland the weather was amazing. 60 degrees and sunny. Today, however, the rain came back. In order to keep my feet dry, I decided to put on my pirate rubber boots. They make me very happy and feel like I'm 5 years old every time I splash through a puddle. Which bring me to now. See, I have a weird way to bringing things together. My boots reminded me of pirates, which remind me of my pirate friends and drinking. So I call them up and ask them what are the best pirate drinks. They give me a few and I end the call by asking them if the want to meet me at ARRRRRRRRBY's  for some BARRRRRR BBQ(said in my worse pirate voice), in which the phone goes dead. I have found out that my pirate friends have no sense of humor, which might be the reason they drink. Where was I, oh yes, Tie One On Tuesday and Pirate drinks-so here are few to bring out the swash buckler in all of us and may even help with that scurvy problem.

First....Captain Morgans spice rum-is a BIG NO NO! Do not use it at all!

First up is the Angry Pirate Cocktail. I'm not sure why he's so angry. This drink sounds delicious!

1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps
1/2 ounce Coconut Rum
1/2 ounce Blue Hawaiian Schnapps
1/2 ounce Melon Liqueur
1 ounce pineapple juice
Splash of 7-Up
Pour the peach schnapps, coconut rum,Blue Hawaiian schnapps, melon liqueur and pineapple juice into a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with chilled 7-Up, garnish with lime, and serve.

Say yer looking for treasure matey? Well, here be your Pirate Treasure!
2 ounces Spiced Rum
1 1/2 ounces Whisky
12 ounce Coke or Cola like drink
Combine all in a glass and drink up!

Last but not least, this one is for the pirate that likes ice cream and really, what pirate doesn't?
The Chocolate Pirate
1 1/2 ounces rum
1 ounce coffee liqueur
1 ounce milk
2 scoops chocolate ice cream
Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve in a chilled wine goblet (cause I'm fancy like that)


ARGH mateys! There be yer drinks to warm yer belly. Be careful with these concoctions, they may seem mild but after a few you will be donning puffy shirts, mounting a fake parrot to your shoulder and cussing like a sailor. Come to think of it, I might already be there-I've got the parrot and cussing part down.

Feel Good Friday

 

Special thanks to kind over matter.

I'll admit it-I'm cranky today. Sure it's Friday and yes it's 60 degrees in the middle of winter, but I'm still cranky. I'm hoping to fix that with a little bit of Feel Good Friday.

This sweet little girl was stitched up by revoluzzza. She is too adorable. You should check out her other creations.

The weather may be heating up here but in most places it's still chilly. I love gsakowskidesigns scarf. They won't set you back a pretty penny to look fabulous in the cold weather. It's so hard to pick a favorite.

I came across Attic24 through another blog and fell in love. The pictures are brilliant and Lucy's style of writing makes you think you are reading a letter from a long lost friend or sister. Her words sooth as her pictures make you smile.

 

FUZZY JACK RUSSELL! 

Okay, that last picture pulled me out of the grumpy mood I was in. How can you not be happy when you have cute puppies?
I hope everyone's weekend is as fab and you enjoy resting, hanging with friends and being good to yourself.