• Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add mandarin vodka, Grand Marnier and shake
• Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with Blood Orange DRY Soda

Try one of the many flavors (or a cocktail) and let me know what you think!
Want more ideas?  Visit their website ~ Dry Soda Company
(PS.  They are Seattle based company.  Love that, too!)

Let’s be honest!  I think walking a red carpet in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown would be A-mazing!  Hair, make up, accessories (borrowed from Neil Lane), and a dress that is JUST perfect for me.

However, I live in reality (and mostly in my gym clothes).  I am far removed from any Hollywood premiere, BUT anticipation does build in my home for the release of an epic blockbuster.  The characters faced many deep, rooted personal shortcomings in the first film.  We all fell in love with their honesty, humor, and determination! Who doesn’t love when Lightning McQueen finally figures out that friends are more important that winning the Piston Cup?  There may not be a red carpet…..but we shall be there opening night! (Well, maybe the opening day matinee!?!)

This is BIG people.  Where will you be on June 24th?

Brilliant!  Calling all those with an “e” reader device…  you can borrow electronic books from your library.  Who knew?

I have recently entered the ebook world, via our iPad 2.  Our local library system loans you up to 20 titles for 21 days each!  Ask at your library for details and if this service is available, but I am almost certain it will be for you too!  There is a wait list for many of the “hot” titles, but you simply get an email when it is ready for you to download.  It could not be easier!  What great summer titles will you download?

For those of you using the King County Library System, there are easy to follow directions (for various electronic readers) on the KCLS web page.  http://www.kcls.org/downloads/

I am in Love (with a capital L) with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and the two books that followed. Although it took me 2 tries and a good 150 pages to truly get into the first book, I am certifiably head-over-heels for Lisbeth Salander.  Ok, yes, she is a bit nuts.  Unorthodox, true.  Totally bad ass, hell ya!  I am empathic to her character, although I am sure not every reader feels the same.  (I feel like a tiny sliver of Lisbeth resides somewhere deep inside me.)

Hollywood is in the final stages of making the first installment of this book trilogy.   On Tuesday, a trailer was circulating for the upcoming movie, but was quickly pulled by Sony Pictures.  Oh, how I want it to be GOOD!  My hopes are high after seeing the total and complete transformation of Rooney Mara, the actress cast to play Lisbeth.  Check at the Before and After shots of this makeover gone horribly “right”!

What is better than a steamed artichoke? Can’t think of many things!  It is the perfect snack or appetizer to enjoy on a long, lazy afternoon. (Maybe even with a glass of crisp, white wine?)

 

Mid-century design fits the “feel” of our house and I am drawn to the simplicity of the furnishings.  We have not remodeled our home, nor will we anytime soon.  I simply settle for sprucing it up a bit.  That doesn’t mean I don’t plan for an amazing facelift or a dream of a new lot with a breathtaking view. 

I saw these pictures of Demi and Ashton’s home in Beverly Hills and fell in love.  The open space, vast windows, and amazing pool instantly make me smile!  Can’t you just picture a summer party?

 

Well, isn’t she a lucky girl?  Kim K. received a 20.5 carat sparkler this week from someone.  (Don’t know who he is, but I am sure she does.  Right?)  Opinions are a-plenty on this subject!  Totally over the top.  Superficial!  Greedy.  Is that a “blood diamond”? I am Switzerland on this one.  Seems like a fairly stunning setting and actually doesn’t look ridiculous on her hand. However,  I do have a few words of advice for Miss Kim. 

Dear Kim,
Congratulations on your surprise engagement!  All of my best to you.  Your ring is spectacular.  I thought I might offer a little advice as you get accustomed to wearing it.  You will need to continue being the face of Skechers Shape ups, pimp your life out to E!, and host parties for 100’s of people you don’t know poolside in Vegas.  Why, you wonder?  You will forever need a domestic staff.   20.5 carat engagement rings and SOS pads are not friends. Housekeepers will be a necessity.  And if you are so blessed with child, in the near future, diaper blow outs will be a problem.  It is a real nuisance having to clean your setting once it is coated in poop.  (Don’t worry, it won’t be so bad when it is your baby!)  A nanny will be your first line of defense in keeping your ring pristine.

I am sure your financial future is rock solid.  No pun intended.  I would hate for you or any of the Kardashian family to fall on hard times.  Just in case you aren’t able to keep an army of help employed, I have attached a photo of a ring keeper.  A ring keeper is a lovely way to have that “one” place to keep your ring.  So-if you have to wash dishes, change diapers, bathe a baby, mop the floor, pick cheerios off the backseat floor, or any other mindless chore-you will know your “bling” is safe and sound.

Again, my most sincere congratulations!  Can’t wait to see the dress your stylist chooses and all of the fantastic ideas your wedding planner comes up with.
Yours truly,
denise thomas