Twilight Reaches Door County

I'm not gonna lie, I wasn't holding my breathe that the ONE movie theater in a 100 mile radius of the tiny little vacation hamlet of Door County, Wisconsin was going to show Eclipse BUT I was wrong and I have my DBIL to thank!


I believe I've mentioned that Mr. O (also known as DH) and I are packing up Little Mister and Baby Deux and heading to the midwest for a week in Door County with his parents, his three siblings and their spouses and everyone's kids for a total of SEVENTEEN people! Did I mention I'm an only child? yeah, I am. 


Oh AND we'll be there during the release of Eclipse. Luckily, my adorable niece is also a twi-hard ~ cause it's appropriate at her age ~ so I won't have to go alone!


But I'm getting ahead of myself. While I've signed up for Fandago's "twilight movie updates" they haven't sent me a gosh darn thing! Not one little email to say, we're still working on your request, don't give up hope, we'll find a theater near you that is showing Eclipse.

Well never fear Super BIL is here! He saved the day by emailing the theater directly. (Just so you know, he's like super smart!) And shockingly enough they responded. Not only are they planning to show Eclipse they are even offering a midnight showing! Squuuueeeee. 


Now, what to wear?! Only another 37 days to figure it out. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Happy Birthday Boys!

Let me start by saying I am currently making fun of myself for even thinking about posting this much less actually doing it... so with that in mind I have to include at least one snarky anti-twilight funny. 


Okay, so you may have already guessed that I am not referring to my own two boys' birthdays. After all, it would be kinda weird for them to share the same birthday, but whatever that's not what this post is about. 


Instead I'm sending birthday wishes to two other men that I've never met and likely never will. Totally normal, right?  


I had a super busy day but couldn't let this twi-pportunity to bump up my Twi-related posts pass by, so with out further ado....

~ Happy Birthday RPatzz ~

& 

~ Happy Birthday SR ~

(or SIR as I prefer)

I know it's not sparkly or glittery but I'm a busy woman with not one, but two children sitting on me at the moment. This is the best I can do. 

Cheers, 

Ouiser

PS I know you don't know who SR is and that's okay. From what I can tell he is sweet, intelligent, an extremely talented writer and has an adorable mummy to boot! Below is a picture that my very own Clairee created for SR's birthday and I thought it was too cute not to share. Kudo's to you Ms. Clairee, I love you more than my luggage!!

Book Review ~ Boycotts & Barflies

I know its been forever since my last book review and I would like to say that its because I've been busy shaping the minds of two precious little boys but in reality I've just been reading a lot of online fanfiction and (as of yet) I'm still not anywhere near ready to "review" that kind of reading lest DH have something to make fun of me for.... well for the rest of my life! He already likens my Twi-session to those cultish Trekies.

So before I get started I thought I'd make my own Twi-Creed... *places hand on copy of Twilight*

I, Ouiser B. swear to remind myself at least once a day that despise my love of Edward, Carlisle and the entire Cullen clan they are in fact fictional characters and in reality I have a wonderful and loving husband that supports me and our two beautiful children.

No matter how "fashionable" it may become, I will NEVER wear, hang or sleep in/on any Twi-related merchandise. This includes all bedding, posters, cardboard cut outs and all clothing and other accessories.


*exception: There is a particular coffee mug that I may not be able to stop myself from ordering but since it hasn't even been produced yet I've got some time.


This is my solemn vow.

Okay, with that off my chest on to today's book... which for the record was originally written as fan fiction. snicker snicker.

Boycotts and Barflies, by Victoria Michaels is PERFECT vacation reading! I pretty much read the whole thing while we were in Texas. Now this little novel isn't likely to win any literary awards but it's light, fluffy, funny and all about young love. Which as you likely know me, is right up my alley.

Grace Park and her two roommates are fresh out of college and while their careers are right on track, their love lives are a mess. So in a drastic attempt to clear out the cobwebs from their disastrous dates they decide to boycott men until New Year's Eve, which is a couple of months away. And which ever lady lasts the longest with out "french kissing" someone wins $600 to be spent on a new pair of fabulous shoes for their first date of the new year.

Well as you might image not long after the bet commences these ladies meet three adorable, witty and devastatingly handsome men. Who, just so happen to be on a bit of a boycott themselves. No more dating barflies!

Who can last longest?? I know I know you are already on the edge of your seat. (giggle giggle) Like I said this is super light beach reading.

Oh and as you know I can NOT keep books around the house at the moment so if this sounds like it's up your alley, I'd be happy to mail you my copy. At the time I purchased the book it wasn't available on Kindle although as I was poking around this morning I see that it now is. So, you can purchase your own copy by clicking here or the kindle version by clicking here.

*Note: As I was looking for a pic of the book cover for you I discovered that the book has it's own website AND it's own playlist AND it's own video trailer. Very cool! Visit www.boycottsandbarflies.com to check it out for yourself.

Happy reading and giggling like the jr. high girl buried deep with in you!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Obligatory Twilight Eclipse Post

Yep, this is exactly what it looks like... A post about the newly released trailer for Eclipse.

If you don't know what Eclipse is or why I'm posting the trailer you should go ahead and outclick cause this is not the post (or the blog) for you.

For the rest of you twi-rob-cullen-vampire-sessed fans you already know that it aired on Friday's Oprah. And because Oprah is on in the morning in Chicago, more than a few "versions" hit the Internet about 10 seconds later. And by "versions" I mean people actually videotapping their television screens and then uploaded to Youtube. I actually watched one of these around 9:05 am and it was hilarious ~ bad audio and I think I could kinda see the person's living room reflected in the screen. 

With in moments of Summit releasing the official trailer the criticisms began. Bad makeup ~ worst wigs ~ and an engagement ring from hell are just a few things I heard. But there was some good as well... Helloooo Team Riley! Thanks for joining the party, you sir are a cutie pie. And of course I saw more than a few tweets about a certain vampire's umm "guns"? Who knew you were so buff Dr. Cullen?

So I've got two little gems *wink wink* for you today. The first is the official trailer courtesy of Summit Entertainment. 

Exciting right!? I can't wait to see it in the theaters. Fingers crossed it'll be playing in Door County, where I'll be on June 30th while vacationing with DH and his entire family. Thank the good Lord of all things Twilight, my adorable wish-I-was-that-cute-in-highschool niece and fellow twi-fan will be with me. Although I am pretty sure I'll be the one squealing like a teen-aged girl and she'll be playing it much cooler. 

And because I can't help being a little snarky, here is the engagement ring. Now, to be fair I didn't care for the ring as described by Stephenie Meyer in the book either but this is just plane ugly. And while I'm on the subject, I also take issue with the fact that it is more of a cocktail ring than engagement ring! But I'll be honest if Mr. Hottie Darcy-esque vampire ask me to marry him with a ring made out of twine I'd likely say ... Yes, please! How about here and now??

THE Ring....

Really? Reeeeaaalllly? It looks like something you'd find in a box of cracker jack!

I think this is a much better ring for the (ridiculously marriage phobic) little Mrs.

Note: This ring can be found at my all time favorite shop (and where DH's and my wedding rings came from) The Menagerie in Austin Texas. www.themenagerie.com 

Cheers & Jeers, 

Ouiser

Hello Anybody Out There?

**clears throat and looks around nervously**

Hi... umm, hello? 

So yeah it's been a while sorry about that. In fact Le Coeur is curled up on her fluffy chaise with her back to me ignoring my pleas. I hope the salted chocolate caramels and pol roger I sent her way make a dent. 

While I'm finishing up a "real" post for today, here is a brief list of thing that happened while I was away.

1. Baby Deaux got his ticket to the promise land and didn't poop on the Bishop or anything! 

2. We finally got a new sofa *yay* although I'm still waiting on the upholstered chairs I ordered 6 weeks ago from Ballards. Cute right?

3. I finally came up with a good blog nickname for our older son. Little Mister. I realized yesterday I call him that all the time so now it's Little Mister and Baby Deux. 

4. Gained 5 pounds from all the delicious leftovers. Sigh. Re-starting the only diet that's ever worked for me today.... Coffee + Protein + Twilight Books = Rapid Weight Loss. 

I think that's about it....

Cheers, 

Ouiser 

LOST ~ Bringing Dialogue to Marriages Since September 22, 2004

Do you watch LOST? No? Okay, I'm going to shoot strait with you. Go ahead and stop reading. Aside from my witty, charming and endearing writing this post isn't going to be of any interest to you. shoo. 

Okay, fellow Lost fans (stop snickering DH~ I'm still a fan.) now that it's just us.

I'm sure I don't even need to ask if you watched this week's episode cause its Thursday. And even if you were stuck at the office err gym.. okay the bar and missed the episode, you've surely seen it by now online or courtesy of your Tivo. 

There are a million and one theories out there on the island, the characters, the "monsters" ... blah blah blah blah. I won't bore you with discussing them all. I do however want to discuss what I think it all means. Helloooo this is my blog ~ what, were you expecting a democracy? not here people. 

So, it just so happens that I'm in the midst of reading Dante's Divine Comedies ~ Inferno, Purgatorio & Paradisio. Ah yes, thank you twilight fanfiction for turning me on to said reading.

I'm more convinced than ever that the entire Lost series is based on these Medieval poems. I don't want to turn this into a lecture so I'll be brief but if you want to discuss further by all means leave me a comment... or email me. I'd love to discuss.

1. Being "Lost"

Divine Comedies (DC): We first meet Dante when he is lost. Literally in the woods and figuratively~ his soul's path toward salvation. 

Lost: Each of the characters who find themselves "lost" on the island also seem to be struggling to find their way in their real lives as well as physically on the island. 

2. Good vs. Evil - The Rules

DC: There are clear rules that seem to be unbreakable in hell, purgatory and heaven (paradise). One being that the devil is unable to leave hell. He there for can not enter purgatory nor can he enter heaven.

Lost: IF the island is hell as some have described and our new "friend"- the man in black/smoke monster is indeed the devil he is physically unable to leave. Of course there have been hints at a loophole that would allow him to leave. Alas, am thinking that in Dante's time "loopholes" to your salvation did not exist.

3. Pennace is required for one's salvation.

DC: The entire Comedies are based on this notion.  Accepting God is without question the most crucial step towards salvation however, your past sins aren't exactly wiped away. You must repent and pay penance for your sins before you are invited to paradise. In the Comedies these sinners are forced to pay penance (in some pretty creatively nasty ways) for hundreds and thousands of years before they may assend.

Lost: Our lovable sinners are given a much easer time of their penance if in fact that's what is happening. Regardless, it is clear that they are all being forced to work through their "real life" issues and behavior.


4. Virgil & Hurley
DC: Dante is led through Hell by the Greek poet (and one of Dante's heros) Virgil. He is able to calm, instruct, persuade and even scold Dante when needed. 
Lost: Hurley is the most genuinely good figure in this story. He is innocent but wise and often scared but always brave in the end. He is the "voice of truth" expressed by those unable to do so themselves (usually because they are dead but that's another issue)


okay... seriously peeps I could go on, (ie Jacob being the Angel at the gates of Purgatorio keeping the devil out) but nap time is almost up and mommy needs to get started on today's errands....so this is it.


5. Beatrice & Isabella
DC: She is at the very heart of Dante's life and his writing. To quote an incredibly talented author. "she represents courtly love, poetic inspiration, faith, hope, and charity. She is the ideal of feminine perfection, at once intelligent and compassionate, and vibrant with the kind of selfless love that can only come from God. She inspires Dante to be a better man." She is the driving force and the reason that Dante's soul may be saved. 
Lost: It is clear that Richard and Isbella have an epic love as well. Their situation seems to be oddly reversed from that of Dante and Beatrice. Richard was able to spend his "life" with Isabella but now must face eternity with out her. Despite this separation, on more than one occasion Isabella "saves" Richard. Even now she is only concerned with his salvation. She is clearly watching over him and appears (through Hurley) to remind Richard not to stray from his intended path.


And more to this point ~ the names Isabella and Beatrice. During the time which Dante is writing (late 1200's) the name "Beatrice" was understood to be a personification or the human beautification of love- from the Greek which has four versions of love. Eros (sexual), Agape (sacrificial), Philia (friendly), and finally Storge (familial).

Isabella, as you can guess is a form of Bella - meaning beautiful in Italian, incidentally this is Dante's native language. And speaking of Italy, Sandro Botticelli, the famous Italian Renaissance painter did an entire series of paintings depicting Dante's stories and his "image" of Beatrice. The woman depicted in his paintings is often referred to as his muse, La Bella Simonetta. Take a look at these painting and tell me she doesn't look a lot like Richard's Isabella?

This last one is Botticelli's painting representing the four types of love....

NOTE: The main issue for me remains to be Bernard and Rose. Why they are there? Is it a reward because she was sick in "real life"? Are they meant to be an example for the other characters? Oddly enough this is one point which DH and I completely agree on ... we are flummoxed. 

So my dearest DH, if you don't share a comment on today's post I don't imagine you ever will. ;)

Cheers, 
Ouiser

There's a New Moon Rising...

**rings bells wildly and shouting**


The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming.....


So I'm taking liberty with that line but RPattz is British as is the good Doctor Cullen so work with me people. DH and I were up past midnight with Baby Deux and then back up again with him at 5am. Did I mention I've only had two cups of coffee?


Anywho, my dear post man arrived yesterday afternoon to me squealing....  It's Heeeeeeeeeeere. Yes, that's right my New Moon DVD arrived yesterday afternoon. Here's a bit of conversation I had afterwards with DH. And if you don't pick up the sarcasm you're not reading it right. 


Ouiser: So, our precious angel ran off with the remote control and I've just spent 20 minute on the hunt. It was in the bathroom, natch  PS New Moon arrived today, feel like breaking it in tonight?


DH: Oh boy, shouldn't that be saved for a weekend so we can really spend time analyzing it.


Ouiser: Wow, that soon? Are you sure I shouldn't just wait till you're out of town late next month?


DH: That is a good idea. Wait, you're watching it right now aren't you? you are. 


Ouiser: Moi? Sigh.... No, but I thought about it. Alas, good mommy won out and we're watching sesame street instead.


Poor poor Ouiser, right? I guess my feelings are best summed up by one of my favorite tweeps (that's people who twitter)...


"My gay husband just offered to come over and watch New Moon with me. My real husband says that's great!"


Sigh... where is my gay husband? 


So, long story short, my fingers are crossed I can watch New Moon during nap time today, that is unless I pass out from exhaustion. 


Cheers, 
(A Very Sleepy) Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Tiramisu

Today's (okay okay tonight's) recipe comes from one very talented lady. Both a writer of Twi-fiction as well as a gourmand, clearly she's my role-model! And isn't it great when I can combine two of my favorite things... cooking and twilight?

Now I think we all know that I lurv most sweets but I've never been a big fan of tiramisu. Not sure why, perhaps because when I'm actually in an Italian restaurant I usually gorge myself with the pasta so that I can't even dream of having dessert.

I'm still pretty much making a dessert a week as I did when I was pregnant (note I now have a 4 month old... sigh...) and for some reason haven't exactly kicked the habit yet. So when I noticed that the multi-talented Ms. Ninapolitani (yep, she's Italian) posted her tiramisu recipe I decide to try it..... Oh and check out her recipe blog, it's very witty! Click here.

It was AWESOME... like ~ lick the bowl, beaters, spatula and yes the few spills on the counter ~ kinda good. And warning, it very rich so a little goes a long way but we are still snacking on the one I made on Monday afternoon. What? I know it's only Wednesday but I'm at home ALL day people, you can't expect something this good to stick around very long. Did I mention it has Frangelico in it? Y-U-M-M-Y! A few years ago I went through a big coffee and frangelco phase were I ordered it after every meal. I think DH was happy to see me get past that one.

Step one... Mix eggs & sugar in double boiler, which (along with our cookware set) is courtesy of the hosts of our engagement party. Thanks guys!! This is like the 4th time I've used the double boiler in 6 years. 

Step Two... fold in whipped cream into sugar mixture and pour yourself a cup of coffee... 

Step Three ... You're almost there so why not add a little Kaluha to your coffee? mmm, yummy! 

Step Four... Let the finished product chill for 8 hours in the fridge... or just dig into it with a spoon cause its really that good!

Below is Nina's recipe. I hope you'll try it and let me know what you think!

PS. If you're thinking to yourself that it looks a lot like a trifle it's cause it does. I didn't have a pretty tiramisu dish... trust me it tastes just the same people.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Remember Me Premiere

3/4/10 UPDATE: I found it I found it I found it.... the link to the super funny blog post about how to get your boyfriend to take you to Remember Me! Once your read this whole post you'll get this note. Click here to read it. 


If you're part of the Twilight baptized then you can go ahead and skip ahead to the trailer cause you already know everything I'm going to say here.... 

Seriously dear friend go ahead... nothing for you to read here. With all my love and respect ... shoo!

 **glances left then right making sure the coast is clear**

Okay, now that its just us I can relish in the opportunity to be the one to tell you about this little flick. Cause seriously folks it looks drool-worthy good. I'm thinking better than a tray of buttercream frosted cupcakes but not as good as say... you know my littlest rolling over for the first time. 

Sidebar: So, yep baby deux rolled over last week. One proud mommy! Of course he's clearly our second because when mamere asked me if this was early or late for his age I was clueless. Haven't read one book for this one... poor baby deux.

Okay back to the movie....

The basic story line involves RPattz as Tyler, a wealthy, angsty, twenty-something who has a rocky (at best) relationship with his father, played by the equally smexy Pierce Brosnan. 

There's of course a girl, played by Emilie de Ravin (aka Claire from Lost) and a budding romance between the two that is sure to be hawt! I may or may not have seen a few stills from a shower scene (yes fully clothed) that is super delish!

Sidebar: Anyone else think it's a little weird to have warm fuzzy feelings for both RPattz and PBrosnan? I guess it's sorta like my issues (discussed here) with the Cullen father-son thing, but I digress... again.

So far, its getting great reviews and not just because of the handsome leading men. Apparently the dialogue, directing, acting and editing isn't too shabby either. Oh and if you're worried about figuring out how to get your husband/boyfriend/guy friend to see it with you? Well I read a hilarious post that gives LOTS of suggestions but alas I can't find it for the life of me. (Ouiser Fail)


I tried out a few on DH the other weekend as we sat in the theater waiting for Avatar to start (obviously his movie pick, but I must admit the special effects were like nothing I've ever seen!) I don't think he's "excited" to see Remember Me but I think he's willing. **fingers crossed**

Remember Me premiered in NYC last night and will be released nationwide on Friday, March 12th.

With out further adue .... I give you Remember Me, **le sigh** 

Welcome back fellow twi-hards.... pretty delicious right? 

Oh and before I forget, Saturday, March 13th is being dubbed Remember Me Saturday. You can read more about it here but in essence it's a fan event to support the cast and crew of Remember Me by boosting opening weekend sales. 

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Ode to Canada...

Morning Readers....

Hope you had a restful weekend ~ and if not I hope that you have plenty of caffeine in your system. You all know I fluctuate between coffee and wine with a few obligatory glasses of water in between for good measure. 

Not to get all "big brother" on you but recently I've noticed that I actually have a few regular readers and I'm pretty sure they are outside my immediate family. **cheers wildly** Yay, Me! 

And to those of you that are reading, please chime in with your thoughts! I would love to chat about all things. Seriously... home decor ... twilight... blogs you like... RPattz... books you're reading ... twi-fiction... food & wine. Just a few things I love! Did I mention RPattz? okay, pheww.

So on to today's post... Have you been watching the Olympics? What am I saying of course you have... Even if you don't know what curling is you've been watching (as I have) I'm sure. 

As I watched the Canadian Men's Hockey team score the winning goal in overtime yesterday I was surprised to feel relief. I mean don't get me wrong, I was cheering for our team but I was kinda routing for Canada too. I mean it seems really cold up there... like really really cold and apparently hockey is really important to them, like really really important. So I guess it would have been great if we'd won the gold, but I'm pretty sure it would have been devastating had they lost. 

So cheers to you Oh Canada and here's one of my favorite (not-actually-a-Canandian) Canadians. Do you watch "How I Met Your Mother"? If you do, this is my second favorite storyline. The first being Slap-Bet... DH and I keep arguing about how many slaps are left. I'm pretty sure it's 2 but don't quote me on that. 

Hope you have a (Robin) Sparkles kinda day!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Mea Culpa

Is that a chocolate bar I see? My computer must be depressed. 

Dear Sweet Blog,


I'm sorry.


I know I gave you fair warning I'd be ignoring you this week but that doesn't make it hurt any less does it? I promise I did often think about you.... All alone in my little laptop just hoping I'd open you up so we could play and laugh. It makes me sad.


So, the kids are napping and I'm sipping on my third cup of coffee, a perfect time for us to play! What do you say? ...

**Bing**

LeCoeur: Hello Ouiser.

Ouiser: Uhhhh, Hello? LeCoeur is that you? I was just writing you a note. **nervously looks around**

LeCoeur: Yes, I see that.

Ouiser: Sooo, whatcha been up to?

LeCoeur: Once I realized you weren't coming back I put on my big girl pants, poured a glass of wine and ventured off to meet some new friends. You know, I'm very likable! **glaring with both eyes**

Ouiser: Oh that's great LeCoeur, I'm so happy for you. Did you meet anyone famous? Any cute boys? Spill it!

LeCoeur: Don't patronize me.

***crickets***

Ouiser: I'm sorry?

LeCoeur: Okay, that's better. **sachets over to a pouffy chaise lounge and curls up** So I guess I'll forgive you but don't let it happen again. I mean you didn't even share a recipe this week and I KNOW you had two in mind.

Ouiser: **plants head on desk** I know I know. How about if I post two recipes next week? Now... can we get on to the good stuff. Who'd you meet?

LeCoeur: First, did you know that Watts is a judge on American Idol?

Ouiser: Makes sense given her talent on the drums but I think you mean Ellen DeGeneres.

LeCoeur: Are you sure?


Ouiser: I mean I don't watch the show, but I'm pretty sure.

LeCoeur: Interesting. Well then... *with an evil glint in her eye** Did you know that Rob and Kristen were spotted out this week? And I'm pretty sure there was some kissing going on.

Ouiser: *Sigh* Yes, I did. You know even though I fully admit to "noticing" his hawtness, I'm not jealous or even envious. I have DH after all and I wouldn't trade him for anyone!  Plus did I mention he's 10 years younger? kinda icky.

LeCoer: *Pouting* You're no fun you know that? No fun at all.

Ouiser: Thanks LeCoeur... So, **nervously shuffles and lowers eyes** ... so, are we okay?

LaCoeur: Yes, but just so you know I am fully aware that you've been online and just chose not to visit me ... does this look familiar?

Ugh, always comes back to Twitter doesn't it? 

Busted....


Thanks for sharing my warped world for a few moments.

Happy Friday!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Is Rob Pattinson Taking Over the World? Or Am I Just Too Obsessed?

So it's been a pretty eventful week or two in the Twi-world ~ fan obsessed ~ Rob Pattinson universe. This of course will come as no surprise to anyone in said world but for those of you that only occasionally put your toe in the big twi-world swimming pool I'll be happy to share with you what those of us all prune-y from swimming in it have been discussing and drooling over.

1. Details Magazine. Umm wow, this photo shoot and accompanying video are hot... like Thoms. Crown Affair meets The Saint meets James Bond kinda hot. I'll just leave it at the fact that I've seen the letters NSFW more over the last week than I have in my entire time on line. yay, think about that.  I'm guessing that there is an article to go along with the pictures but frankly it doesn't so much matter. Although I'm sure I'll justify buying the magazine... you know, "for the articles".

2. New Eclipse "stills". Now if you are a newbie into the world of celebrity obsession you may not know this (I didn't) but studios distribute pictures from movie sets as teasers. And to be honest I don't get what all the fuss is about but I'm sharing it anyway cause I'm nothing if not thorough in my Twi-session.

3. BAFTA NIGHT!! Did you host a BAFTA watching party last night? Complete with themed menus and print out score cards, natch. Okay, if you're scratching your head and wondering if BAFTA is another new Olympic sport, it's not.  It's the British Academy of Film & Television Arts awards, kinda like our Oscars. And yes the lovely (and sincerely she did look lovely) KStew and adorkable (yes he seriously looked both adorable and dorky) RPattz were on hand to give out and in KStew's case, accept awards. And while I just couldn't muster the energy to jump into the insane online chatter about his hair ~ Too flat, too young, too greasy... too much for me! ~ I do think I prefer the scruff to the clean shaven look.

photos courtesy of PopSugar

Well that's it for my weekly R. Pattz update errrrr, **shakes head** I didn't just say that, did I? This will not be a weekly thing I promise errr, I think it won't be.

Now off to another cup of joe and some "reviewing" of last night's award show.... *sigh*... again.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Banana Cream Pie & Vampire Excuses

Okay yeah, ummm I wasn't even sure if I should acknowledge the fact that I haven't blogged since Sunday, but let's be honest it's me and I can't help but over share.

So here's the deal... when I get sucked into a book (or in this case a series) I loose all ability to do much else but read. And yes, I've gotten sucked into ANOTHER vampire book series. I know I know, I swore to myself that I wasn't a "vampire" kinda girl and that Twilight was a one time thing. Well apparently after reading four, yes FOUR vampire series over the last seven months I'm finally admitting what DH has teased me about for months... I. Like. Vampire. Books. **drops head and sighs** 


Just a quick plug for the current book series, Morganville Vampire Series by Rachele Caine. The plot revolves around Claire Danvers, a brilliant sixteen year old college freshman at Texas Prairie University in Morganville who literally stumbles into serious trouble with every turn in this mysterious vampire ruled town. Luckily she finds refuge, friendship and first love in a house with three town rebels. This isn't as ummm, shall I say "risque" as the Southern Vampire Series but its action packed with a great story line and the romance is young and very sweet. There are seven books in the series (with the eighth coming out early this year) and I'm about to finish the second book later tonight. Thank goodness for my kindle! When I finished book 1 last night around midnight instead of responsibly going to bed I was able to feed my addition by ordering book 2 and starting it within 60 seconds. Gaaahhh how I love my kindle. Click here for more kindle lovin'.

Okay believe it or not today's post is in fact about food. In this case the BEST EVER Banana Creme Pie.  Early on in my relationship with DH I learned about his love of Banana Creme Pie so after several easy bake jello pudding pies complete with pre-made graham cracker crusts I decided it was time to "stretch my legs" so to speak. This recipe sounded complicated to me at first but having made it a number of times over the last few year it's become much easier. And since DH made a scrumptious Valentines Day dinner for me (Chinese Cashew Chicken!) I made this for dessert.

Recipe Credit: This came to me via Bon Appetite magazine from their RSVP section, which (if you aren't familiar with) is where they print recipes from restaurants that readers have requested. In this case it's from Memphis, Tennessee restaurant, McEwen's on Monroe. 

If you make this, please let me know what you think! I crave comments and am not afraid to ask for them!!

Banana Creme Pie
Crust
2 1/2 C    Graham Cracker crumbs (about 2 packages of crackers)
1/3 C       Sugar
1/4 C       Bananas, mashed
1/4 C       (1/2 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted


Filling
1/2 C      Sugar
1/3 C      Corn Starch
1/3 tsp    Salt
1 1/2 C   Whipping Cream
1 1/2 C   Whole Milk
3 large    Egg yolks
3 tsp       Vanilla (recipe calls for vanilla bean & extract but here I just increased the extract)
2            Ripe Bananas, peeled, cut in half and then cut into 1/4 inch slices.


For Crust: 
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Stir graham cracker crumbs, sugar & mashed bananas. Add melted butter and stir before pressing onto the bottom and up the sides of a 10-in glass pie dish. Bake crust 15 mins then cool completely before adding filling.


For Filling: 
Whisk sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large sauce pot. Whisk in whipping cream, whole milk, egg yolks and vanilla extract. Whisk over medium heat until custard thickens and boils (about 5 mins). Let custard cool completely, about an hour. 


Stir custard to loosen. Spread 1 Cup of custard on bottom of pie crust then top with a half of sliced bananas. Repeat layering with remaining custard and followed by banana slices. Chill pie until filling sets and crust softens slightly, at least 8 hours and up to one day. Add a layer of banana slices on top before serving. I also make homemade whip cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract to top of the pie.

Happy Baking!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Johnny Depp & Rob Pattinson ~ Hello March Madness!

So I don't want to go all fangirly on everyone out there so I'm going to get this out early... Squuueeeeel! March is going to be like totally awesome.

Okay, so if you're old (like me) you might think of Johnny Depp more like this than like this but both young and old can agree that he's hot. And the whole cool-shyguy-livinginaforeigncountry- thing isn't exactly a turn off either.

As you already know from reading this, New Moon is being released on March 20th. Have you pre-ordered your copy? It's not too late! 

But March will also see the release of Tim Burton's latest creep-ilicious retelling of a childhood classic. This time he's taken Alice in Wonderland, swirling it into his already bizarre mind and I can't wait to see it! 

Here's the trailer, take a peek. Apparently this was aired during the super bowl but I must have missed it cause I don't remember seeing it.

"I love a warm pig belly for my aching feet" Great stuff, right?! 

It hits theaters on March 5th and I'm definitely requesting this as my movie pick for my next date night with DH. Yep, dinner and a movie *sans kiddos* is a BIG night out for us these days. You know... cause we're old, I already told you that. Geesh. 

Happy Drooling!

Cheers, 

Ouiser