Ideas for Party Favor Designs

For Your Party

3 Lemonade Cocktails

Each recipe serves 4. Combine the ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice.

• Lemonade margarita  Mix 2¼ cups lemonade and ¾ cup tequila. Garnish with lemon rounds.
• Lemon-champagne sparkler  Mix 1 cup lemonade, 2 cups Champagne or some other sparkling wine, and 2 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail.
• Gin shandy  Mix 1 cup lemonade, one 12-ounce bottle ginger beer, and ¾ cup gin.

Warm-Weather Wines

Real Simple's List of Warm-Weather Wines
(Here's the list...follow the link above for more details.)

René Barbier Mediterranean White
Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Rosé
2009 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Blanc
2010 Remy Pannier Rosé d'Anjou
2009 MandraRossa Fiano
2009 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc
2010 Bieler Père et Fils Rosé
2010 Flipflop Pinot Grigio
2010 El Coto Rioja Rosado
2009 Bogle Vineyards Chardonnay

Picnic Ideas

I love these Real Simple picnic ideas and menus.

The Dolly Parton Dump Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can crushed pineapple
1 can cherry pie filling
1 can blueberry pie filling
1 stick butter

Greae 9x12 pan. Put yellow cake mix on the bottom.  Pour the can of pineapple with juice on next. Add the pie fillings.  Slice butter all over.  Bake at 325 for 30 minutes.

Fast Food Better Choices

Burger King - Tender Grilled Chicken Sandwich
McDonald's - California Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken; Balsamic Dressing
Wendy's - Baked Potato topped with chili, broccoli and chives
KFC - Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Taco Bell - Any of the Fresco items
Subway - Turkey Breast
Chinese - Steamed Dumplings and order brown rice
Pizza - Thin crust with light cheese and grilled chicken
Italian - Spaghetti Squash
Japanese - Sushi with avocado
Mexican - Burrito with guacamole

Real Simple's Fake It, Don't Make It

I love Real Simple's fake recipes...well, easy recipes...with pre-made products.
I want to try the Lasagne and Chicken Stir Fry.

TV Dinners...Rated

Here's a website/blog that rates frozen dinners...genius!

And here are some winners:

Kashi All Natural Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Lean Cuisine Fiesta Grilled Chicken

Trader Joe's Cheese Enchiladas

Grilled Pork Chops With Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes

This recipe sounds good and easy.

Great Ideas for Household Products

Plus a lot more here! Like ideas for ice buckets, strawberry cutter, cupcake liners, picnic ideas and sundae bar.

10 Recipes for Rotisserie Chicken

These seems easy enough!

Bagel Sandwiches I'd Eat

Bagel With Prosciutto, Tomato, and Gruyère

Bagel With Cream Cheese, Apple, and Honey
Bagel With Avocado and Radish

Yard Sale Treasure Map

Type in your zip code and the site scans Craig's List for upcoming yardsales!
Yard Sale Treasure Map

Outdoor Rugs

Home Decorators Collection

California Tea Places to Try

Royal T in Culver City
Halcyon Tea in San Diego
Tranquil Tea Lounge in Fullerton
Lavender Lounge Tea Company in San Clemente
Infusions of Tea in La Jolla
Paris in a Cup in Orange
American Tea Room in Beverly Hills
Vices and Spices in Santa Barbara

Blue Dog

Maybe one day...

from the series "Mardi Gras Colors on Paper" by George Rodrigue, 50x38 inches, 2011

Another Photo Book Option

MyPublisher.Com

Sweet Rose Creamery

A creamery in Santa Monica.  Gotta try it!
Sweet Rose

NeoMeze

A place to try in Old Town...with comfy couches.
NeoMeze

The Getty - BOTH!

One day...
The Getty and the Getty Village in Malibu

Pasadena ArtWeekend in October

Just adding to the list:
Pasadena Art

Taste of South Lake

The Grove and Farmer's Market

I wanna go to these classic LA sites!

The Grove

LA's Original Farmer's Market

LA's 5 Best Easy Hikes....

Malibu Creek State Park
An old swimming hole is the sweet reward for finding your way through the gorgeous rock gorge, so pack your suit. You may also want to take long sleeves and pants, as you’ll likely encounter poison ivy along the way. (Remember leaves of three, let them be; leaves of four, fear no more?) Take the Las Virgenes Road exit off the 101, and then turn left at the park sign.

Runyon Canyon Park
With easy access from Fuller or Mulholland, 360-degree views of the city, and dependably good people-watching, this hike lands at the top of many outdoorsy types’ lists, including locals, fitness trainers, and A-listers whose dogs need to go out to play. Thanks to several route choices, it can be as challenging as you make it.

Temescal Gateway Park
Pack a lunch and follow the PCH to Temescal Canyon Road, where you’ll pay a few bucks to park near the picnic spots. After your snacks, hike under tree canopies until reaching trails that lead to hilltops with views of the azure ocean. Leave Rocky at home — this park doesn’t allow four-legged friends beyond the trail signs.

Griffith Park
Park your ride on Los Angeles Zoo Drive and access the main trails for an only slightly creepy historic adventure across the grounds of the original zoo site, abandoned in 1965. (Perhaps you recognize it from the 1971 film Escape from the Planet of the Apes?) Afterward, rest on the rolling green grass, tuning in (or out) the vintage carousel nearby.

Bronson Canyon
North of Franklin Avenue, the twisting trees make for a perfect cool morning and afternoon hike. Watch the sun rise in the east or warm up to a glowing sunset over the Hollywood Hills. Hit the trails midday and be glad you slathered on the SPF in advance. Share the road with the equestrian center’s trails and an ambling Mr. Ed or two.

More Places to Eat

Burger Continental

ApplePan

Best Veggie Burgers

Real Simple's Road test for Veggie Burgers...

Havarti-Stuffed Chicken With Tomato Salad

Ingredients

• 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces dill Havarti cheese, cut into small pieces
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 4 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Cut a 2-inch pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast.
2. Dividing evenly, stuff the pockets with the cheese and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, arrange the tomatoes and peppers on a plate. Drizzle with the remaining oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Serve with the chicken.

Click here to find out more! Parchment-Baked Halibut with Sautéed Spinach

Ingredients

• 4 6-ounce pieces skinless halibut fillet
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 12 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 small orange, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 10-ounce package spinach, thick stems removed (about 16 cups)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Place the fish on one side of four 12- to 15-inch lengths of parchment.
2. Season the fish with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Top with thyme and orange slices.
3. Fold the parchment over the fish; make small overlapping folds along the edges to seal. Transfer to 2 baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach, basil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Carefully cut the packets open and serve with the spinach.

Grilled Teriyaki Wings

Directions

1. Halve 8 chicken wings (about 1½ pounds) through the joint; cut off and discard the wing tips. Grill over medium-low heat, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Brush with ¼ cup teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and serve with additional teriyaki sauce for dipping, if desired.

Shrimp with Ginger Sauce

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, cook ¾ cup apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until melted, about 2 minutes.
2. Place 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 16) on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the apricot sauce, and season with ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper. Broil until browned in spots and opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with the remaining sauce.

Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (about half a 12-ounce box)
• 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 2 15-ounce containers ricotta
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella (4 ounces)
• green salad (optional)

Directions

1. Set an oven rack to the highest position and heat oven to 400° F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and run under cold water until cool.
2. Spread the marinara sauce in the bottom of a large broilerproof baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spoon the mixture into the shells and place them on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and bake until the shells are heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Increase heat to broil. Broil the shells until the cheese begins to brown, 2 to 5 minutes. Serve with the salad, if desired.

Best Cocktail Mixes

Best Bloody Mary: Dave's Gourmet
Best Mojito: Purista
Best Cosmo: Freshies
Best Margarita: Williams Sonoma Lemon Lime
Best Pina Colada: Roland
Best Fruity Martini: Stirrings Simple Apple Martinia

(Pics here)

Creamy Fettuccine With Leeks, Corn, and Arugula

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fettuccine (3⁄4 box)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into thin half-moons
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby arugula (1 1⁄2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino (1 ounce)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the corn and wine and simmer until the corn is tender, 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the cream.
3. Add the pasta, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and toss to combine; fold in the arugula. Sprinkle with the pecorino before serving.

Desserts using Vanilla Ice Cream

Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte

1. Press ½ gallon (4 pints) softened vanilla ice cream into a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze until slightly firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Top with 1 cup caramel sauce (slightly warmed, if too thick) and ½ cup toasted sliced almonds. Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days. To serve, remove from pan and slice.

Banana-Rum Sundaes

1. Beat ½ cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Divide 1 pint vanilla ice cream, 2 sliced bananas, the whipped cream, ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans, and ¼ cup dark rum among 4 bowls.

Fruity Ice Cream Cups

1. Dividing evenly, layer ½ cup vanilla ice cream, ½ cup fruit-flavored sorbet, and another ½ cup vanilla ice cream in 4 small paper cups.
2. Freeze until firm, at least 10 minutes and up to 4 days.

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

Ingredients

• 3 pounds small red new potatoes (about 24)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 8 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce heat, and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut into quarters.
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then break into pieces.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the potatoes and celery and toss to coat. Fold in the parsley, tarragon, and bacon before serving.

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 6 pounds bone-in chicken pieces

Directions

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, garlic, paprika, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
2. Divide the buttermilk mixture and chicken between 2 large resealable plastic bags. Let marinate in the refrigerator, turning the bags occasionally, for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
3. Heat grill to medium-low. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and grill, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes.

Removable Tile Decals

Easy patterned vinyl stick-on decals for your bathroom or kitchen tile. And easy, temporary renovation!
Tile Tattoos

Music for your Mood

behind every song there's always an emotion. we don't know why but maybe that's why we love music.

so we've created a way to suggest songs that follow your feelings: stereomood is the emotional internet radio, providing music that best suits your mood and your activities.

how do i feel? what am i doing now? Find it at StereoMood!

Last Minute Travel Deals

FareCompare
Choose your departure city and how much you want to spend.

Last Minute Cruises

Reminders: Better deals for leaving on Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday. And sales are usually announced on Tuesday morning.

Best Digital Cameras

Real Simple's Road Test for the BEST Digital Camera

Voted Best Women's Solid Deodorant

Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Revive Deodorant

New Travel-Friendly Make-Up "Wands"

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer

Ellis Faas Blush

Tarte Lock & Roll 12-hour Eye Shadow

Mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain

Shiseido The Makeup Automatic Lip Crayon

Feta Cheese Appetizers

3 simple recipes using feta cheese for appetizers!

FloorPlanner

The easiest way to create a Floor Plan!
FloorPlanner

Route4Me

I've been waiting for this FOREVER!
ROUTE4ME
Just enter all the addresses of your errands, and it will calculate the shortest route to get it all done...with driving directions!

Parchment Paper Liminaries

I have to try this sometime when I need a taller centerpiece that is cheap and easy.
(Punch holes in parchment paper and wrap around a votive.)

Easy Pine Nut Cookies

Toast your own pine nuts. Then roll ready-to-bake cookies in them and bake.

I Love Prosciutto

Here are 3 recipes for appetizers using prosciutto. YUM!!

Yummy Salad to Try - #2

Romaine Salad with Tomatoes and Bacon

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 head romaine lettuce, cut into strips (6 cups)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 4 to 6 tablespoons Creamy Parmesan Dressing
• or bottled Caesar dressing

Directions

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Break into pieces when cool.

2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, and bacon with the dressing.

Tip: Croutons add extra crunch to this salad. Use store-bought or make your own: Toss bread cut into cubes with olive oil and salt. Bake at 400° F on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, Parmesan, sour cream, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Tip: This dressing will keep for 5 days in a jar in the refrigerator. If it becomes solidified, run the jar under hot water.

L.A. Sushi

Sushi place that is highly recommended in Little Tokyo.
O Omasa

Yummy Salad to Try - #1

Boston Lettuce Salad with Herbs and Toasted Almonds

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 large head Boston or Bibb lettuce, leaves torn (6 cups)
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 10 chives, cut into 1-inch lengths
• 4 to 5 tablespoons Lemon and Shallot Vinaigrette
• or bottled Italian vinaigrette

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Spread the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, parsley, cilantro, chives, and almonds with the vinaigrette.

Tip: Use scissors to snip the chives into long pieces; a knife can sometimes bruise delicate herbs.

Lemon and Shallot Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the oil, lemon juice, honey, shallot, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Tip: This dressing will keep for 5 days in a jar in the refrigerator. If it becomes solidified, run the jar under hot water.

5-Minute Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 clove garlic
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste; optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini (if using), cumin, and ¾ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika before serving.

Tip: This dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Cheddar Chicken

Ingredients

• 16 buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 3⁄4 cup)
• 6 ounces sharp Cheddar, grated
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a bowl, combine the crackers, cheese, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

2. Dip the chicken in the butter, then in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture on the chicken and drizzle with any remaining butter. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with the pilaf and green beans, if using.

I love these sandals!

I wonder if the are comfortable...

Franco Sarto Artist Collection 'Typhoon' Sandal

Asparagus

I LOVE asparagus but can never get it to come out right when I cook it. Here are some tips and recipes I'll try.

Bookseer

Head to BookSeer and type in the title of the book you last read and loved, and the site gives you a list of suggestions based on information compiled from Amazon, LibraryThing, and BookArmy.

Personal Gofers

Outsourcing your Chores!

ihabilis

Get Friday

Ask Sunday

Red Butler

Potato Chips Ranked

Best Original: Lay's Kettle Cooked
Best Salt and Pepper: Dirty Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt
Best Crinkle Cut: Ruffles Original
Best Jalapeno: Deep River Zesty Jalapeno
Best BBQ: Lay's Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ
Best Cheese: Kettle New York Cheddar with Herbs
Best Salt & Vinegar: Dirty Sea Salt & Vinegar
Best Sour Cream & Onion: Cape Cod Sour Cream and Green Onion

Healthy Best Plain: Ruffles Baked
Healthy Best Reduced Fat: Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt
Healthy Best Lightly Salted: Boulder Canyon 50% Reduced Salt
Healthy Best BBQ: PopChips BBQ
Healthy Best Cheese: Kettle Baked Aged White Cheddar
Healthy Best Salt & Pepper: Popchips Salt & Pepper
Healthy Best Salt & Vinegar: Kettle Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar

Frozen Blueberry Lemondae

Good recipe for frozen blueberry lemonade. And you can add 1/2 cup vodka for a cocktail.

Beach Tips

Use metal grilling skewers to hold down the corners of your towel or sheet.

Take a bottle of baby powder to the beach, shake a little on your legs and Voila! the sand rubs right off.

Private Sales for Hotels

Sign up for a free account at Tablet Hotels and get weekly private sales up to 60% off of hotels.

Gifts by Text

Choose a gift card or movie tickets at Giiv, enter person's cell phone and they receive a text message to redeem your gift!

Golf Tees

Great idea to mark food at parties: Use colored golf tees!

Pink for cranberry, blue for blueberry, etc.

Or pink to mark rare hamburger patties.

Party Playlist

The average number of songs needed for a three-hour party playlist? 40.

And for more fun, get an account at Songvote and have friends vote and submit on songs for the party. Then it links to iTunes to create the playlist.

Pasadena Farmer's Markets

If you have never been to a Farmers' Market, you are in for a real treat. You'll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you'll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products.

Camping Spots?

Possible Beach Camping Spots:
Sycamore Cove
Thornhill Broome Beach
Leo Carillo State Park - Site 138 or any along that edge

Reservations can be made here...although many of the tent sites are not reservable!

Pasadena Restaurants

Places to try in Pasadena or places to take guests:
Burger Continental
Celistinos
Slaw Dog

Pasadena Food Tour

Here's an interesting idea, Old Pasadena Food Tasting Tour.

Hot Dogs

Fab Hot Dogs...in Reseda!

Pinks in West Hollywood.

Old Pasadena Film Festival

Another to add to the list:
Old Pasadena Film Festival

Olive Tour

A tour to try out sometime: Ojai Olive Grove

Lasagna Verdi

Angelini Osteria in L.A. made the list on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate...Cheesy".

NOLA Crab Au Gratin

Next time we're in NOLA, we gotta try Bon Ton Cafe's Crab au Gratin.

Mac & Cheese

The mac and cheese at Cafe de Artistes made the Food Network list. Guess we gotta go!

Email Invitations

Everyone knows about Evite but here are a few others I try to remember:
PaperlessPost
Pingg (they will also mail paper cards for a fee)
Cocodot

The Whole Enchilada

Played a new game this weekend and need to remember the rules.

1-take no tricks. 10pts each
2-take no hearts. 10pts each
3-take no queens. 25pts each
4-take no king of spade. 100pts each.
5-don't take last pack. 100pts each.
6-whole enchilada.

Ravinia-Style at the Rose Bowl

Lawn Concert at the Rose Bowl...I'm so there!

---

Fireworks POPS Spectacular

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Come celebrate with the Pasadena POPS as we inaugurate our new summer home located on the spacious Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl! We’ll fill the sky with an explosion of color and delight your senses with a feast of musical favorites from Carmen, Firebird and Swan Lake to Bohemian Masquerades, Saber Dances and Toreadors. The POPS and the world-famous performers of Cirque de la Symphonie will dazzle you with a display of thrilling acrobatics and breathtaking theatrics set to music.

I ♥ NY

Saturday, July 17, 2010

No need to take a holiday. Let the Pasadena POPS put you in a New York state of mind! Experience the glamorous and spectacular sounds of the Big Apple performed by famed Broadway singers Lisa Vroman and Doug Labrecque. Selections from West Side Story, Ragtime, and The Lion King plus favorite hits by Berlin, Bernstein, Porter and Gershwin will make want you to be a part of it—unforgettable musical moments from the city that never sleeps.

All That Jazz

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Pasadena POPS has arranged a cool-cat night just for you with Cuban jazz sensation Alfredo Rodriguez performing Rhapsody in Blue. The orchestra will paint a symphonic portrait of Porgy and Bess and you’ll shimmy and shake with jazz vocalist Valarie Pettiford to hit songs All That Jazz, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Come Rain or Come Shine and much more.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The POPS issue you a backstage pass to the nostalgic sounds of Old Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the New. Explore the artistic and musical geniuses that connect films with their audiences through the magic of music. Jodi Benson, the voice of the Little Mermaid, will enchant you with songs from Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, Nine and other blockbusters. The orchestra will sweep you away with beloved film moments by Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams including a special tribute to Star Wars. We’ll provide the POPcorn!

Best Cinnamon Rolls?

Someone told us to find them at Pie 'n Burger. Can't hurt to try, right?

BEST Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please.

BEST GRILLED CHEESE in LA? Others claim it, we OWN it - the DA VIN CHEESE @LOCALI, 1st place award winner, 2010 Grilled Chesse Invitational!

In Hollywood...5825 Franklin Avenue

Seaside Dining in Malibu

Can't wait to try them all!

Gladstone

Geoffrey's

Sunset

Weekend Villa

Half way between Los Angeles and San Diego.
South Coast Resort

Beachy Cream

Another for the LaLa List...
At its best, it’s a Ginger Wipeout. The perfectly proportioned hunk of candied ginger ice cream smushed between molasses spice cookies started it all for Beachy Cream. Sugar cookies get loaded with strawberry balsamic swirl ice cream for Strawberry Surfer Girl, while coconut oatmeal cookies are piled high with tart citrus ice cream for Key Lime Cowabunga.

Testing PING!

Foldable Hanger

Today I wondered if you could get such a thing...and Mindy found one. It doesn't help me for tomorrow but here's the info if I ever decide to spend the money on such!

Passenger Foldable Travel Hanger

POSH PARTY BOX

"Memorable Celebrations delivered to your Door!"

If you're hosting a party and don't have time to pull it all together...you can order a Posh Party Box that comes with everything you need for the party!

Green-Papaya Brightening Mask

This is a great brightening mask that "exfoliates and stimulates circulation in the face, resulting in a warm, rosy glow."

Here's why it works: Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells. Yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture, and honey helps skin retain moisture. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

FaceBomb

FaceBomb is a new tool that enables you to upload a photograph of your choice to the site and then apply an effect to the area or portion of the photograph that you want. The results are saved on your computer, and you can then start using that picture. It's a simple, quick, and easy way to jazz up your pics! Plus...it's free!

Wasting Time

Online Solitaire

'Nuf said!

TripIt

This looks fabulous...gotta remember it for my next trip.

TripIt: An Effortless Online Travel Organizer

Anyone who's ever travelled is surely familiar with the dreaded Manila Folder—that sheaf of printouts, receipts and tickets we rely on to stay on schedule during a trip. Now TripIt promises to free us from those manila shackles with an online service that organizes all the pieces into a single, consolidated itinerary.

TripIt then searches the web for complementary information, including Google maps and directions, weather from the NOAA, SeatGuru airplane seat advice, Wikipedia city information, current events information from Eventful, city photos from Flickr, and dining reservations from OpenTable.

Edible Greeting Card

'Nuf said!

Edibles Inc

"Christmasy" Scent

So apparently my next real Christmas tree should be a Balsam Fir! They maintain their scent longer than most other trees.

Hanging Pictures

Yes...as I'm packing to move, I'm also trying to clean out. So I'm putting all those notes here...finally!

I'll need this one when I get settled in to a new place:
When hanging a picture on a plaster wall, place a small piece of tape on the wall where the nail will go to prevent the plaster from chipping when you hammer the nail in.

Aha!

Broadway Box

Check Broadway Box for free discount codes for Broadway shows...some savings up to 50%!

Journey Woman

I haven't spent much time surfing yet, but it looks pretty cool! Journey Woman is "the premier travel resource for women".

Italian Getaways

Two recommendations for our trip to Italy:

• The Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence (if you're going with family, the 2-bedroom suites are the way to go)
• Il Pellicano in Tuscany (a seaside splurge!)
  

Mayan Riviera

In case I win the lottery (do you have to play to win?), this is one for a remote resort get-away! (No one under 16 is allowed January through April.)

Maroma Resort & Spa

Maui Hotel

This one is for when I get to go to Maui again!
Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Unclaimed Baggage

If I'm ever in Scottsboro, Alabama, I think it would be fun to go to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Over 1 million items a year end up here after going unclaimed at the airport. And it's all on sale here! Plus it's also pretty fun to check out the website and see some of the strange things that go unclaimed!

Flavored Water

I saw a report the other day about making your own flavored water with flavorings that are helpful to your digestive system as well as giving you overall health benefits.

Mix 4 ingredients with your water:
LEMON
CUCUMBER
GINGER
MINT

Cure for Coffee Drips

I saw a good idea the other day that made a common mess look less messier! :>)

Put a small dish of pebbles or marbles underneath the coffee maker spicket (or any kind of beverage dispenser) to keep a brown mess/stain from dripping on the tablecloth. This made the beverage presentation much more pleasant.

Facial Help

I'm sure no one out there has wrinkles, right? I didn't think so. So this tip is for all the other people!

Ranked the best:
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Aveda Enbrightenment Correcting Serum