It's Ladies Night....

Let's hear it for all the ladies in the house! Whoop Whoop! After last night's Oscars and in honor of International Women's Day, I think it's time to celebrate the ladies of the silver screen. Now, there are a MILLION wonderful movies and actresses out there, so it makes is really hard to pick just a few-but I'm going to do it anyway.

One of my favorite actresses is Barbara Stanwyck. All of her characters were tough as nails and you wonder if her own life transcribed into the sirens she played on screen.  One of her most intriguing roles was Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity with Fred Murray. This Billy Wilder movie is film noir at it finest with murder and mystery around every corner.

I think so many times we seem to miss the true strength in a woman and her character when it is overshadowed by a certain label. Pam Greer as Foxy Brown is one of those movies. Foxy Brown can kick ass and look damn good while doing it. When her man is shot down by the government, Foxy seeks revenge.  Sure the movie was a little blue and the writing wasn't  spectacular but it solidified Pam Greer as a force to be reckoned with.

Okay, let me first say that in no way do I EVER promote violence against one another but when Faye Dunaway screamed,"NO WIRE HANGERS!" in Mommy Dearest, It gave me chills. I have not been able to look at Joan Crawford in the same light since that film. The amazing performance by Dunaway made you hate, yet feel sorry for Crawford. You wanted her to get everything bad she had coming and yet you loved to see her go toe to toe with a board room full of bullies.

Whether these ladies are playing mothers, lovers or fighters, they have blazed the way for future generations to achieve their goals. Now get out there and create your own story. For, you my friend are some character.

Feel Good Friday!

I'm smelling it-are you? No, not the dog! Spring is in the air! The trees are blooming, flowers are peaking out to say hello, the birds are chirping at 6 in the morning. Time to shake off those winter blues and start thinking about the merriment of spring.

 Egret Flowers, Bleeding Hearts and Passion flower

I LOVE fresh flowers! These are so neat. I am determined to have some sort of weird funky alien pod flower in my backyard that will scare people.  The Egret flowers are so neat! I hope I can grow them in my zone. 

 

This is killing me on every level. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE IT! Wonderwoman embroidering Snoopy-Are you kidding me? This is the best ever! Giddy girl is AWESOME!

Speaking of awesome! Have you seen The Happy Zombie blog? Now before all you gore gore girls get excited, the happy zombie is a super awesome blog about quilting, crafting and absurdity (her words, not mine).The Norwegian curling pants inspired quilt is to die for-get it, happy zombie, to die for..hello? I was excited when I saw all the amazing crafts but almost wet myself to find out that she lives in Astoria, OR-one of my favorite coastal communities where my all time favorite hotel is.  

 

1.factorygirllashli 2.missindie 3. mishmashDesigns 4. danitashop

Who's gonna go see Alice in Wonderland this weekend? Enjoy these Alice inspired goodies on Etsy!

Get out there! Get that garden growing! Enjoy a little bit of life. You deserve it! 

See, even baby bunny approves! 

The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions—the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitesimals of pleasurable thought and genial feeling.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Happy Little Home

What great patterns to decorate towels, pillow cases and other linens around your home.

 

  

  

You're welcome! 

Go Get Those Banners!

Today is the day to post those banners to the flickr group!. Sweets4ever is rocking the banners right now! She definitely did some great ones! What about you? Give it your best shot-you could win a prize!

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.