Spring Color - Pistachio

According to InStyle Magazine it looks like the color Pistachio is going to be big this Spring, including this great top from J. Crew...more...

Life of Pi - The Movie - 5 Reviews

I'm trying to get in as many best picture nominations as I can pre-Oscars. This week it's going to be Life of Pi. I thought the book was fabulous. Here's what the critics are saying about the movie...

The Rolling Stone Magazine
The Guardian
Los Angeles Times
Roger Ebert
Washington Post

Malibu Beach Celebrities

I love these three paintings, in the March issue of Vanity Fair, of celebrities on the beach. One is from 1933, one from 1995 and one from 2013. Wouldn't they be great in a beach house? Or, anywhere in my house?

20 Minute Toning

Here's a workout for strength and tone from Better Homes and Gardens. Doesn't look very hard and would be easy to fit in during the day. It's got to be convenient. Gym memberships just don't work for me. I pay and then never go.

Ten Best Chocolatiers in the World

If I had an unlimited amount of money and easily burned off calories, I would travel the world taking pictures with my iPhone and eating chocolate. National Geographic has listed 10 of the world's best chocolate makers.

Breakfast Smoothies

I have been making a lot of blueberry and banana smoothies (#17) lately. Here are 41 other smoothie recipes from Whole Living.

Floral Table Runner

I thought this idea from Real Simple would be so great as a centerpiece for Easter. I would tuck some eggs in among the grass and flowers.

Dog Friendly Gardens

I love these ideas from Sunset Magazine for dog friendly gardens. My dog Lola would love these paths and look-out spots.

Hairstyles For Every Age

Looking a new hairstyle? More Magazine has a slide show with great haircuts that work for every age.

Iconic Bathing Suits

I'm not quite ready to be thinking of bathing suit shopping. (Actually I am never ready to think of bathing suit shopping.) However, InStyle Magazine has a slide show of some of the best iconic bathing suits of years past.

Funny Video Serious Tips on Women and Heart Attacks

Thanks Janice for sending me this. It's great.

Making Music By Swinging

This is a community project in Montreal. The swing set makes sounds as you swing. Together you can make melodies. How cool is that?

Anybody Need a Laugh?

I tivo most of my television programs so I don't see many commercials. Bumped into this one and love it. Hope you laugh today!

Amazing and Adorable! Five Year Old Prodigy

A Healthier Blueberry Cheesecake

Okay...I have been on Weight Watchers for awhile and am doing well (about a pound a week). But, I have been kind of hungry for a healthier cheesecake. I found this recipe online and am going to try it this weekend.

Flavored Ice Cubes

From Martha Stewart of course...
Get the Cucumber-Basil Puree
Get the Orange-Lime Mix
Get the Lemonade-Raspberry
Floral Ice Cubes
and more...

White House Kids State Dinner

Now this is just way cool. Michelle Obama had healthy recipes contest winners (all kids) at the white house for a State Luncheon. 

Winners and Recipes

Pictures of the Event

Beat the Heat

...with 23 Strategies from Real Simple
I particularly like the idea of putting a pan of ice in front of a fan. I remember my grandmother doing that when I was young.

Another good idea is to put a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator, so you can spritz yourself with cool water when the temperature rises!

What to Eat When It's too Hot to Cook

Ten recipes that are best served cold...
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Gazpacho Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
Feta and Chick Pea Salad
Italian Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
Meyer Lemon and Arugula Pesto
Creamy Caesar Gazpacho
Easy Summer Bruschetta
California Style Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad
Classic Tabbouleah Salad

Ten of the Most Spectacular Gardens of the World

Berlin's Botanical Garden
The other 9 Gardens...

Lady Gaga is On the Cover of Vogue

Read the story.

Lonny Magazine

Do you know Lonny Magazine? It is absolutely eye candy and full of decorating and fashion inspiration. You can see the latest complete issue here...

Growing Peonies

I love peonies, but never have had much luck growing them in California. I think the soil doesn't get cold enough at night or something. So I was thrilled when I ran across this Sunset Magazine article about peonies and tips for growing them. First tip is growing the right peonies...Since Sunset is the magazine about the western part of the U.S., I'm thinking if I find the right peony I will have more success.

Cynthia

Grape Recipes

Did you know that grapes get sweeter when roasted? This slide show has lots of ideas on how to use grapes in tarts, pies, ice-cream and more.

Think I am going to try the grilled goat cheese and honey roasted grape sandwich, the wine grape pie and the rosemary grape focaccia. Yummmm.
Cynthia