Nora Ephron's Films

RIP Nora Ephron. Your creative genius will be missed.

Tai Chi Boosts Brain Functioning

There's a new study that shows that Tai Chi slows down dementia and helps to keep the brain functioning. More in the article at Huffington Post.

Ten Things To Do With BBQ Sauce

I have been grilling a lot this summer so have been paying quite a bit of attention to BBG recipes. Bon Appetit has a terrific article on things to do with BBQ sauce. I especially like the look of the bacon and BBQ sauce grilled cheese sandwich pictured on the left. However, since I am doing Weight Watchers I am going to make the BBQ meatloaf poppers tonight. The recipes... 

19 Favorite Garden Cottages and Sheds

Sunset Magazine has some great examples of backyard cottages and sheds. I especially like this shed that was made into a little bathing retreat with a claw foot tub.

Meryle Streep - Just turned 63

And she is fabulous.

Working in a Coffee Shop Good for Creativity

I knew I was more creative in a coffee shop. Now there is research that backs up my theory.

15 Lazy Moves That Ramp Up Health

Prevention Magazine has a cool list of 15 small things to do that have big health payoffs. Some of my favorites are #5 - rock out to exercise, #6 - boost brain power with chocolate and #8 - fight a cold with red wine.
You can read the rest of the list here.

Giant Post It Table

I would love to have one of these in my kitchen area...just to track things to do, ideas, etc. Although lately most of my to do tracking is done on a nice little iPhone app called Clear.

15 Tips For Going After Your Dreams

I am doing a daily blog challenge this summer. Day 14 challenge is to list 15 tips to help get through life. I decided to list 15 tips for going after your dreams. You can read them on my blog.
Cynthia

Nik Wallenda Walks on Tightrope Across Niagara Falls

In case you missed Wallenda's walk across Niagara Falls last night, here are pictures. Amazing!

Can't Ever Get Enough Willie Nelson

 I love how he just walks up and starts singing.

Moving to Bali

I found this article, in the Wall Street Journal, about a retired couple moving to Bali, to be fascinating. I know of a number of couples who are retiring elsewhere because living in California has gotten just too expensive. Love the idea of getting a "social visaa" to try it out for six months. Bali sounds so fabulous but I have just one question...Tsunamis?

Five Ways Don and Megan Draper Could Rescue Their Relationship

If you are a Mad Men fan, I found this article based on the relationship principles of John Gottman, to be pretty fun and interesting.

10 Best Zoos in the World

I hate zoos that have animals in cramped cages. Here are 10 of the best zoos in the world.

Still Talking About Kate's Red Dress

Did you know the Kate's Diamond Jubilee dress was designed by Alexander McQueen. The original was part of the pre-fall 2011 collection. And yes I'm still talking about her red dress. I thought she looked fabulous. So glad she didn't wear that black belt.

Solar-powered plane makes first intercontinental flight

So how come we are not hearing more about this. A solar powered plane flies for 19 hours? How cool is that? Okay....now the question is...if we can get a plane to fly by solar power certainly I should be able to drive a car to get groceries by solar power. I live in California for Pete's sake.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces

One thing I love about California is our mild summer evenings. It is perfect for an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Fresh Home Ideas has some very cool examples that are perfect for hanging out with friends and family; drinking wine, roasting marshmellows. I especially like this modern gas fireplace.

Peace Love and Understanding

The Best Summer Dresses for Your Body.

Looking for a great summer dress? The Good Housekeeping site has suggestions for the best dresses for your shape.

Stand By Me

Queen Elizabeth's Boat Parade

Love the first line of the Huffington Post article about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. "Nobody throws a party in the rain like the Brits." Nobody wears hats like they do either. Looks like a boat parade would be a lot of fun, but maybe not so much in the rain.

Summer Cake

I saw this cake on the Anthology site and thought it looked just perfect for a summer party. It's called a Stella Cake and has a lemon curd filling.

Sade is Back

After many years the fabulous Sade is back touring and recording. This morning I have been listening to Sade's new album Bring Me Home. 53 year old Sade still has that silky smooth voice that I fell in love with in the 1980s. As of today her new album is number one on the charts. You can find out more about the return of this amazing singer on her website.

Grilled Asparagus

 I've decided that this summer I am going to become the grilling queen. I'm trying to get more vegetables in my diet and my friend Lois told me about grilling asparagus. I am usually okay with asparagus but prefer it with lots of butter. Since I don't want to spend all my Weight Watchers points on butter, I decided to try grilling them. Found this recipe which is close to what my friend suggests. They were yummy yummy yummy and only used a couple of Weight Watchers points for olive oil.

Update - Thursday p.m.

They were so good that we are having them again tonight with grilled pork chops!