Twilight Themed Make-up? ~ Get Excited!

A wonderful friend of mine (don't worry I won't name names!) emailed me this weekend, albeit it reluctantly to share that she's just purchased some fun new make-up and here is the interesting part... it's inspired by the Twilight book series. She blames me of course because she found it on a blog I'm linked to, Twilight Mom's. Well I take full credit! That is IF the make-up is of good quality of course, otherwise I don't know what she's talking about!

Out of curiosity I took a look at the new line of make-up which can be found at Twilight Beauty.com. As I've mentioned before as a stay at home mom, I rarely blow dry my hair let alone put on make-up more than once or twice a week. Since I'm still in my early 30's I am hoping I can get away with the "natural look" for a few more years. However, I do always have a tube of lip gloss with me. Like a fabulous necklace, I truly believe a little bit of lip gloss can help pull together any look. There are several brands of lip gloss I love, Chanel and Laura Mercier are two in particular but that is a side note. I LOVE the range of lip gloss colors the luna twilight line offers. I haven't ordered any yet so I can't speak to their quality. I usually judge mine based on shimmer and lack of stickiness. I do hate those icky sticky glosses.

In case you are wondering, my favorite colors are '53 Chevy, Hush and Myth. I'm thinking I may try one and see how the quality is. And of course dear reader I'll let you know!


Cheers,
Ouiser

I Capture the Castle ~ Book Review

The family returned home yesterday afternoon from our first family trip to the beach. We had a wonderful time with some really great friends... lots of food, books, swimming and of course libations (don't worry mom, only one a day for me) and I even played a little beer pong. That's right, I said beer pong. Of course we had a designated drinker for when I lost a point. I'm sad to say that my sobriety didn't give me much of an edge on the competition at all. Who knew DH was so good at ping pong??

But I digress... on to the book review. As I mentioned in my last post I had planned to discuss a three book fantasy adventure series but once I actually finished the books I wasn't wild about them and since I really do want to keep this blog about things I love, I hated to write anything negative. Luckily I finished another book last night when we got home, one that I really really like and am so pleased to share it with you this morning!

I Capture the Castle was written and first published in the mid 1940's and is set in a small village outside of London in the late 1930's. It's author, Dodie Smith passed away in 1990 but in addition to being a successful play write she also authored the children's story The hundred and one Dalmatians, later made famous by Disney. She even had a Dalmatian named Pongo. What a wonderful reminder of how inspirational a puppy can be! Oh I just can't wait till our kiddos are "off the floor" so we can add a puppy to our family. We've (well at least I have) decided since I'm now the only girl to THREE boys we must add a girl dog to the family. I've already picked out a name and breed, but I think I've veered off point again....

So, I was a little unsure about how I'd like I Capture the Castle as it isn't at all in the same genre of books I've been reading recently, thankfully I was completely wrong. The writing is wonderfully heartfelt and imaginative and because it's written as if it's a personal journal, it feels very intimate. The story centers around Cassandra Mortmain, a young girl who lives with her family in a dilapidated old castle in a village outside of London. Her father is a once famous writer who has had quite an extended bout of writer's block. In an attempt to teach her self the art of writing she begins a personal journal which chronicles her life and her impressions of those around her. The characters are all wonderfully described. It's rare for me to truly like every character in a book, it is almost as if you need a foil for a good story. This book is an exception, I really did care for and like every character although they are all so very different. Of course I had my favorites, oh sweet Stephen I just adore him.

As the "story" progresses the reader experiences all that Cassandra does over an eight month journey. Even now, I have a hard time realizing what a remarkable amount happens during these eight months. Her family's story is fascinating in it's own right but getting to witness as she grows from a naive and fanciful child to a wise young lady is most endearing. It really is a lovely and enchanting story of right and wrong, changing times, first loves and losses. It is truly a timeless novel.

I do hope that if you find yourself looking for a good read that you'll pick it up.

Now, on to a lot of laundry--unpacking and repacking as we are off again this Thursday to spend the Labor Day weekend with DH's whole family! (well almost, one of us has just started college and who could leave their first real weekend? I wouldn't dream of asking that~ too much fun!!) Don't worry I'll be sure to post a few gems between now and then!

Cheers,

Ouiser

Recipe of the week ~ Tomato & Corn Salad

This will likely be my last post of the week. I know I know, what will all my readers (aka- my mother) do? Thankfully we can still chat by phone.

The family is packing up and heading out to the outer banks in North Carolina for a long weekend with some of our best friends. This will be my first time to the outer banks, that is if we make it through the six hour drive (yes that's right, I said 6 hours!). Eek gad just thinking about how many toys I'll need to keep our precious little one occupied is exhausting. Unfortunately, for DH and I he is not a good car napper.

Road trip aside, I'm mid-way through a 3 book series about ware wolves, vampires, fairies, warlocks and teen romance and can't wait to sit on the beach and finish. More about the series in my next book review.

As the end of August draws near, I'm reminded of all my favorite things about summer... bbqs, frozen limeade, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, strawberries and frozen custard. Interesting, all my favorites are food... well I guess its only fitting for a recipe post.

Today, I thought I'd share one of my summer favorites~ Tomato Corn Salad. As you may recall from my last recipe of the week post, a lot of my "recipes" aren't really recipes at all. They are just a gathering of tasty things that I've thrown together. This is definitely one of those, but it has been a favorite all season long and thought I'd share it with you today as I definitely plan on making it while we are at the beach this weekend.

Each Saturday morning, we trot down about 2 blocks to the Del Ray Farmers Market as they are opening to peruse all the fabulous treats and we inevitably leave with more than we can realistically consume, it all looks so good! So, this salad is something I came up with to try and get the most use out of the fabulous fresh produce sitting on my counter. It changes every week depending on what I've picked up but it mainly consist of tomatoes and corn, two things we buy EVERY week that we can.

Tomato & Corn Salad

Serves 4 *or 2 with tasty leftovers*

3 medium large tomatoes, diced (Heirlooms are great but any quality tomato will do)

2 large ears of sweet corn (cooked on the grill and cut off the cob)

1 large sweet onion, sliced thin (a mandolin cuts them as thin as possible)

3-4 small English cucumbers, diced (or 1 large regular cucumber)

1 or 2 limes, juice only

2-4 oz. crumbled cheese (Gorgonzola, goat, blue, feta are my favorite but use whatever you like) We are lucky to have a fantastic cheese shop down the street, I highly recommend Cheesetique if you are in the area.

salt & pepper to taste

Optional: olive oil and vinegar to taste. You really don't need to use these at all as the juice from the fruits and vegetables will work just fine but sometime it's nice to give it a kick with some kind of vinegar. Champagne, white wine and red wine are my favorites.

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for 5 -10 mins for the flavors to combine before serving.

I hope you try this version or make your own this weekend, I promise if you've got access to good produce you won't be disappointed!

Until next week.... check out some of the other blogs I've linked to!

Cheers,

Ouiser

Must See Movie: The September Issue

Now that we have our precious son, DH and I hardly see any movies unless they are on Comcast On Demand so I'm usually at least six months behind when it comes to any movie. However, I'm eagerly anticipating the release of a new movie, that I want to tell you about! The September Issue.

Actually, there are several movies I'm looking forward to-- The sequel to Sex in the City of course. And it should go with out saying that if at all possible, I'll be at the opening of New Moon come November 20th. Yes, I will have just had a baby 2 weeks before and yes I'm sure I'll be surrounded by 100 screaming teen-age girls. After all, despite being less than impressed with the movie version of Twilight I bought the dvd and even watched it with the director (Catherine Hardwicke), Rob and Kristen's comments. As long as I've veered off into the world of twilight for a moment I might as well also mention how adorable both Rob and Kristen are on the directors cut. Exactly how you'd probably react if you had to comment on a film you made as a teenager. Both were embarrassed and cracking each other up about their own flaws, totally adorable!

But back to THIS post....

I'm sure, like me you saw The Devil Wears Prada and already knew about Anna Wintour's crazy and hard as nails reputation. I am always intrigued by strong women in power, be it politics, business or fashion. So to find out about this movie (and before it's even out) is quite exciting! The September Issue tells the story of how the legendary editor, Anna Wintour puts together *along with an amaaaaazing team* the 2007 September issue of Vogue. To date, the largest isssue ever.

It premiered in NYC this week to rave reviews, albeit it not all the reviews of Ms. Wintour were that flattering. Are you really surprised? I liked one review in particular, mostly because it highlights Grace Coddington, Vogue's long time Creative Director. I hadn't realized that she started the same day as Ms. Wintour and it seems they've had quite an interesting working experience from day one. Reminds me a bit of how fundraising and policy staff can butt heads on a campaign and yet respect each other. (okay sometimes those policy folks are just wrong, but thats a whole other issue).

If you are lucky enough to be in "The City" you can see the film starting Aug. 28th. However if you, like me live elsewhere, you will have to wait until September 11th. Luckily, my wonderful mother will be in town that weekend so hopefully DH can have an afternoon playdate with our precious son while the ladies head out for a matinee screening!

Oh, and if my smashingly brilliant post wasn't enticing enough, here's a look at the preview, "approved for appropriate audiences." Does this mean I have to wear a designer label to see the movie? Oh golly, I should probably be prepared just in case I think.

Cheers,

Ouiser

Fall Favorite ~ Stylish Walking Flats

I can't pass up the opportunity to talk about my favorite shoes! I say favorite not because they are my most stylish pair of pointy-toe heels (I just drool every time I wear them) nor are they my most fabulous pair of designer flats. No, the real reason they are my favorite is because they saved my life! Not to be too dramatic or anything but they did.

During and after my first pregnancy I tried to walk several miles a day, and I must say I did a great job for a while. However, I tried to compensate for my "new mom look" (also known as a disheveled mess) by wearing my cutest most stylish flats to walk in. This lasted a few months until I noticed some serious foot pain. After months of complaining DH finally persuaded me to see a doctor. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Sounds awful right? Well really it just meant that due to my ridiculously unsupportive shoes and the amount of time I spent walking in them I had swelling in my feet causing this pain. The sweet sweet doctor recommended wearing tennis shoes and easy spirits for the next 6 months. What? Ummm, this was going to be a challenge.

After limping around for another few weeks occasionally succumbing to wearing my tennis shoes I found the Nike Air shoe line on the Cole Haan website and thought I'd try them out. Well I fell in love immediately and in a matter of weeks my feet were back to normal. Quelle surprise!

They come in a number of styles and colors. I own the Air Bria Geni Ballet in black patton and in brown leather. Both are slip on flats and are extremely comfortable. For those of you that are either commuting to work and can no longer wear those 4 in heals or if you just can't jump on the tennis shoe and/or flip flop bandwagon these are the shoes for you! I walk in them every day and never have a problem. Plus they are stylish enough to wear with almost anything.

As I was looking at the Cole Haan website this morning, I noticed they now offer these shoes in a cute mary jane as well as a high heel in closed and open toe. Plus, both are on sale! I think the Air Genivieve pump is adorable and at half off it's a bargain! By no means do I think these should replace your fabulous heels or flats but if you want to give your feet a tiny little break, I implore you to stop by and try on a pair. I know you'll love them as much as I do!

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,

Ouiser

Football Fever Begins...

Fall is my favorite time of year for a number of reasons, but one in particular is football season! As a good southern girl, I was raised to love football. And growing up in Austin I paid little attention to the NFL, other then attending the occasional Oilers game when we were in Houston. Why bother when you had the Longhorns just down the street?

However, I married a serious Chicago Bears fan (gratuitous excuse to insert- the '85 Superbowl shuffle) so I've been forced into watching a number of NFL games and to be fair, I do recognize how and why some people prefer the NFL. To me it's like comparing apples and oranges, they are really so different. Which is a nice way of saying I like college better, but do actually enjoy watching some NFL games even if I occasionally blurt out "why is the clock still running, they got the first down?"

So, last night I put down down my book and watched a "new to me" show ~ HBO: Hard Knocks Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals with DH. I found it completely fascinating! As a girl, I am always looking for the likable character in any story. This one has plenty! Not only is it an interesting look behind the scenes of every aspect of the team - players, families, coaches and management. Its also a really cool look at the players personalities.

My favorite part was actually off the field. They showed Tank Johnson attempting to put together his daughters' new bunk bed, this of course after a full day's work out. I was rolling I was laughing so hard, of course my mind immediately went to my own memory of DH putting together our son's swing set and the problems that ensued.

There is a hilarious bit with Carson Palmer talking to his center about trying to "keep clean" because after practice he noticed the top of his hand reeked. I won't go any further than that, but again hilarious.

I love getting to know the players' personalities because for me it will make watching the games this fall all the more interesting. I know I'll be routing for Tank Johnson and Chris Henry (He's got a great story!) whenever we catch a Cincinnati game.

The show airs on HBO, Wednesdays at 10pm and although the series is already in week 3, like everything else you can always go to HBO on demand to catch up on the past two episodes this weekend.

I hope you'll watch and enjoy as I have!


Cheers,
Ouiser

Shopping for Baby and Mommy

Darling Husband (*Note: I'll now be referring to my better half as DH, lest anyone think I'm a complete sap) and I are eagerly expecting a new arrival to our little household this fall. A baby boy! And with a baby comes shopping of course.

With this being our second child and our second boy there is very little to do in the way of preparation. And I do LOVE preparation. So, once I'd picked a new crib and a double stroller (a process worthy of it's own post) I found we didn't *need* much more. Instead, I've found plenty of "must haves" that, while not entirely necessary sure are fun! Here are a couple of my favorites. And by all means if you've found something that I simply must have before baby deux arrives please share!

I found this darling minky soft car seat cover too cute to pass up. Since our little one is arriving in November I know it will keep him all warm and toasty. You can order your own at the Baby Bella Company website. They have several options in 100% cotton for summer and my favorite, the soft minky material for winter.

I found this second item almost by accident while watching Tori and Dean- Home Sweet Hollywood (please don't judge). In this episode she was delivering her second child and I couldn't get over how adorable Tori looked in her hospital gown. It never occurred to me that somewhere, someone (surely a woman) would come up with the idea for a designer hospital gown. What a brilliant idea!

Sure enough when I went online I found several companies offering these gowns. I like B.Y.O.G the best and with so many cute choices I'm still deciding between two, "blue lagoon" and "lemon drop". Maybe I'll get both--after all I will be in the hospital for 4 days.

If you are pregnant I hope these are fun new finds for you and if you aren't well, I hope the post was able to entertain you for a few moments in your day.

Cheers,

Ouiser

Recipe of the week ~ Lasagna

I could write a number of posts on the silly things I did as a newlywed but today's topic is my recipe of the week so I'll try to stick to that.

As a newlywed I spent most of my Sundays pouring over my new cookbooks to come up with a delicious weekly meal plan for my darling husband. I usually had at least one recipe for each night and sometimes even more if I was including a complicated side dish.

Did I mention that I usually served an appetizer and cocktail to keep my darling husband happy while I made dinner? (Yes, we both gained weight that first year!) I can still hear my mother telling me to keep my new husband well fed and a cocktail after work to help him unwind doesn't hurt either. My mother gave me some absolutely wonderful advice that first year. It may seem outdated in today's world but I firmly believe there is a kernel of truth to everything she said.

It didn't take long for me to familiarize myself with a few basic recipes and then branch off on my own to avoid being tied to a recipe. I've always liked cooking, but once I was able to make that transition I've come to realize how fun and creative you can be in the kitchen, so much more enjoyable! Plus, isn't it so much nicer to go to the market and pick out what looks best and freshest even if you have no idea what to do with it?

Well, this week I found some great looking Italian sausage, a favorite of my darling husband, who is originally from Chicago and has taught me so much about cased meats. Growing up in Texas the only sausage I'd ever seen was smoked and covered in bbq sauce. I'm still not totally sure what a bratwurst is, but I digress. The sausage reminded me that its been ages since I made our favorite lasagna!

This recipe is from Bride and Groom First and Forever Cookbook, a gift from a very sweet friend for my wedding. It is written by two young southern wives and has a ton of great recipes! I've made a couple of changes to the recipe over the years, so the below is my version but the original is great too!

This is what my darling husband and I are having for dinner tonight and probably the next few nights as it makes a lot! I do hope you try it out sometime.

Cheers,

Ouiser

Classic Lasagna

1lbs. ground beef (ground turkey also works)

1lbs. ground Italian sausage (don't skip the sausage, it's the secret!)

6 cups of marinara sauce (or 2 26 oz. jars)

8 oz. ricotta cheese (skim okay)

8 oz. cream cheese (light okay)

1 C Parmigiano reggiano, grated (please use the GOOD stuff)

1 pkg (8 oz.) "no-boil" lasagna noodles

1 C basil leaves (about a handful)

2 C (8 oz.) Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees and spray lasagna pan (or 9x13 in. casserole dish) with Pam.

Combine beef and sausage and season with salt and pepper then saute over medium high heat till cooked through and browned. Add meat to marinara sauce in a large bowl and set aside.

Mix ricotta, cream cheese and Parmesian cheese in a second bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Cover bottom of baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce (about a cup maybe more) Arrange a layer of noodles (3-4 noodles) on top of sauce. Spread another layer of the meat sauce evenly on top. Add half of the cheese mixture by spoonfuls (it doesn't spread easily so just dollop small amounts around the top, it will melt evenly). Scatter half of the basil leaves on top. Repeat steps-- 3-4 lasagna noodles, meat sauce, remaining cheese mixture, basil leaves. Finish with 3-4 more lasagna noodles and remaining meat sauce on top. Cover with mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 mins. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 mins until the cheese begins to bubble and brown. Let rest for 10 mins before serving.

This is pretty heavy and rich so it's nice with a light salad and of course a good red wine matches perfectly.

Fall Favorite ~ Esther Design

Even as the temperatures hover in the 90s, I know fall is right around the corner! How do I know? Because the September fashion magazines are already out! Aside from anticipating another exciting season of Longhorn football, I am eagerly awaiting the avalanche of new fall fashions. As we all know September offers the best of the best when it comes to fashion mags! Where am I going with all this? Please note the gorgeous necklace to your left. Doesn't it just scream wear me everywhere? This is my first fall favorite! I have a wonderful life long friend who just happens to also be an extremely talented jewelry designer. This is one of her original designs, "sparkle and shine" and can be found and *sold* on her website Esther Design.

I love the layered look of her jewelry but more than that, these pieces literally can be worn with everything! From jeans and a t-shirt to that sexy black dress just hanging in your closet. As I generally live in jeans or khakis and a variety of maternity t-shirts I'm a BIG believer in jewelry dressing up any outfit! At this point the only times I even blow dry my hair are for the occasional girls night out or a date night with my darling husband so any excuse to throw on some jewelry to help out my look is welcome.

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,

Ouiser

Twilight Book Reccomendation

I thought I'd go ahead and get this all out in one post (hopefully I can limit it to one post). For anyone that has seen me or talked to me in the last month, I have been in a Twilight haze. I think only now I'm beginning to see my way out.

I had more than a few mom-friends tell me over the last year that I absolutely must read the Twilight series of books. Since I'm a fan of neither sci-fi or vampires I thought it was probably not my kinda book. I mostly prefer autobiographies or historical accounts of women in politics. (mmm, I wonder why?) Anyway, needless to say this was way way off my radar. But since I was going to the lake for a week with my darling husband, our son and my sister-in-law and her family I thought what the heck. Well I finished the book in no less than 24 hours and then immediately re-read it. YES it was that good. After returning home I purchased the remaining three books (New Moon, Eclipse & Breaking Dawn) and finished the whole series in a week. The compounded reading probably only fueled my new found obsession. Sadly, I am confident that I neglected my family during this time, on the upside I also lost about 7 lbs. Yes, I was too engrossed in reading to think about eating. Well, there's a new diet idea! :)

While the series is action packed and does delve into the world of vampires and ware wolves (err, shift shapers) it is at its heart a sweet, sincere and passionate love story. In the end, it made me love and appreciate my darling husband even more and reminded me just how lucky I am. Now, how can that be a bad thing? So, with the summer almost over, I hope that you will take a leap and pick up a copy of Twilight. I promise you won't be disappointed!

And then when you are as obsessed as I am, check out the draft version of Midnight Sun. Oh how I wish Stephanie would complete it!

Lastly, once you are done with the series, please check out Stephenie Meyer's latest book, the Host. It's fantastic, and as the website professes its "science fiction for those that don't like science fiction". Who knew that a stay at home mom could be so talented. (insert laughter)

Cheers,
Ouiser

The Evening Star Cafe

Had dinner with darling husband and son last night at The Evening Star Cafe in our new neighborhood. I'd really been looking forward to trying the restaurant ever since we moved to the Del Ray neighborhood a few months ago. This was the site of my first official date with a fore mentioned darling husband. It's hard to believe that was 7 years ago this summer. Well, I have no idea what I ordered back then, probably just endless glasses of wine and no dinner. Oh how times have changed. But last night I had the duck salad and this amazing spinach gnocchi with bacon, tomatoes and creamy truffle cheese. I believe they call it "BLT Mac n Cheese". Both dishes were outstanding although I could have passed on the pickled cipollini onion in my duck salad.



I have found through this pregnancy that knowing I can only have one glass of wine has made me a much pickier drinker than I once was. After pouring over their incredible wine list (it helps that they are affiliated with and next door to Planet Wine, a fabulous specialty wine shop) I decided on an Italian Prosecco. It was bubbly, creamy and delicious all the qualities one likes in a sparkling beverage.



Check out their menu and if you find yourself in our neighborhood please call us, we'd love to meet you for dessert at the Dairy Godmother. I'll talk about that wonderful spot in an entirely new post.




Cheers,
Ouiser

First Post

I should probably begin by admiting that I don't speak a lick of French, I'm just playing around with ideas and Le Coeur de la Vie means the heart of life (or so says my online translator). As a (somewhat) new stay at home mom, I've found that it takes a little bit more effort to stay in "the real world" then it did when I was working. I thought this would be a fun thing for me to do to keep up with the outside world and share my thoughts. With whom am I sharing these thoughts? Probably my mother and husband. I can't imagine many more would find it interesting. And frankly they may not either, but they are sorta required to at least fain interest for my benefit.

I don't have a specific direction in mind for this blog, especially since I haven't spent much time reading any blogs so we'll see where this goes.