The Over 35 Beauty

Dresses For Summer

2013-07-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

I happened to trip onto this site and saw some of the cutiest, retro with a modern twist dresses ever. I have posted a few on the blog to give you an idea...but you really need to see the site to get an idea of the variety of sweet little dresses they have. Just click on the images or the link at the beginning and of the page, to get to the Mod Cloth site. Plus there is a sale going on as well!!!

ModCloth Sale - Get these goodies while you still can!

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Pole Dancing for Fitness

2013-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Image From Pinterest

Just hearing the words "Pole Dancing" congers up images of dark, smelly strip clubs and sleezy people. Pole Dancing is certainly not anything that a "nice" woman would ever do.

Well, that has changed. If you look at the recent surge in popularity of pole dancing it is not because of the erotic component. Pole dancing has been discovered by fitness gurus and celebrities such as Eve Longoria and Kate Middleton, Marisa Tomei, Jennifer Aniston and Ellen Degeneres

,(click on this link to see a display of strength and acrobatics using a pole), as a wonderful way to improve your muscle tone, balance, grace and self esteem. If you think about it, a dancing pole has been around in a very acceptable format for many years. I am speaking about the ballet barre.

Anyone who has ever taken a ballet class as a child is familiar with the barre attached to the wall. Often the barre is placed against a mirror, so the students can observe their form as they attempt to emulate the movements performed by the instructor.

A ballet barre provides the student with a mechanism for support and balance while pushing their body to stretch and develop strength. The barre is a tool without which many movements would take much longer to master.

The vertical pole for pole dancing provides the same type of support, just oriented differently. It is now possible to go to pole dancing classes, where the emphasis is on fitness. See the following video.

If you are too shy to take a class, you can purchase a pole, with video instructions, to learn in the privacy of your own home. Amazon has a great selection of poles to choose from.

Having a pole at home is also useful to practice in privacy, even if you are taking classes. Amazon offers all sorts of additional gear to help you with your pole dancing efforts, from slip resistant gloves and socks, to video classes.

So if you want to have a fun, new way to get into great shape, try out pole dancing. The erotic elements are entirely optional. You will, however, probably feel sexier just from having a more toned ans flexible body.

Let me know if you have done pole dancing and your results! Here's to tighter abs and firmer arms!

Watches As Graduation Gifts, Free Shipping From Amazon

2013-06-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

It is time (hehe) to think about getting gifts for the graduates in your life.

There are several reasons why watches are always such and popular and appreciated gift. The first is that metaphorically, watches indicate the passage of one stage of life to another. Few passages are as significant as going from a student to "adult" life.

Another reason is that watches are practical. Almost everyone uses, or has used a watch at some point in their lives. With today's selection, a watch can have many other applications beyond telling time.

Philip Stein Mother of Pearl, Diamond
with Ostrich Strap, $1130.00 and free shipping

Fashion is also a consideration when looking for a watch. There are dress watches, sport watches, watches that tell time in multiple time zones, stop watches, diving watches, the list goes on. Even the least fashion conscious among us usually has several different style watches.

Citizen Eco Driven Bella Diamond Accented Watch
List $495.00 now $371.25 and free shipping

Those of us who have 19 different pairs of black shoes most certainly has a variety of watches as well. One is not going to wear a rough leather banded watch to a formal event for example.

Casio Women's Baby-G Gray Whale
Digital Sport Watch, $67.00 and free shipping

Watches also offer a degree of intimacy without the implications of other types of jewelry. You could feel very comfortable giving a friend a watch, where a ring or pair of earrings would not be as appropriate.

Mulco Unisex Bluemarine Swiss Movement Watch
List $365.00, now $235.00 and free shipping

Finally, watches are an item that a person holds onto. When you give a gift of a watch to your graduate, you know that this is a gift that the recipient will enjoy for years to come.

Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Titanium Watch
List $350.00 now $262.50

Surviving The Loss Of A Pet - Ode To Abby - Cats With FIP

2013-06-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

Abby on the
counter in the kitchen

Losing a pet can be one of the most devastating events to happen to a person..If you have ever gone through the loss of a pet that you loved dearly, you know what I am talking about. These sweet creatures are God's way of giving true unconditional love. They don't care how you look, how much money you make, if you haven't brushed your teeth today, or even if you yelled at them for scratching the couch.

I have lost a number of pets through the years. None of the losses was ever easy. But losing my 5 year old Abigail was the worst.

Abby was the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful little cat I ever had. She was a petite tortie long haired domestic cat. Her eyes were the color of perfect Colombian emeralds. Her mouth was so tiny I could barely see in it to check her teeth. She was so feminine, a true little girlie girl through and through. When she walked down the hall, her tiny little back feet turned out like a well trained ballet dancers, and her full, gorgeous tail splayed open like the feathers in Vegas showgirls headdress. She walked with such poise and grace the I would call her my Vegas show cat. Occasionally I would put pearls around her neck, much to her disapproval!!.

Her tail was just a bit too short and she would catch site of it in her peripheral vision. She would squeak and chase that tail in frustration. I hoped that she would eventually get used to it, for her sake, and she did. Abby was also very timid with strangers, especially men. Hearing a man's footfalls would send her running to her favorite hiding place, a lower ledge of a side table covered with a floor length tablecloth.

We used to have a special time everyday in the afternoon when I would give her a brushing. Abby would jump on top of the highest perch on the kitty condo and let me brush her all over. If I forgot her brushing she would let me know by rolling on her back and chirpping at me until I got the message. She loved getting her face and head brushed, and even enjoyed long strokes down her back. Her gorgeous eyes would be half closed in contentment.

At night Abby would chase me into the bedroom and jump on the bed behind me so fast that occasionally I didn't realize that she was there and almost sit on her! After rubbing up and down against my upheld arm she would settle on my left shoulder. Her butt firmly entrenched, her soft tail would flutter onto my face and nose, wonderfully annoying. In the morning I would find her sleeping on my flipflops beside the bed. Then she would follow me into the bathroom and sit like a meerkat while I gave her adoring strokes on her head. Those pretty eyes of hers would just melt my heart.

Biffy and Abby approving the table setting

My second cat at the time, Biffy, would chase Abby in some pretty rambunctious play. But Abby was quite adept in getting away from his roughhousing. She would often run and hide in a kitty bed that was enclosed, she was soo cute!!!

If you didn't get the idea by now I really loved this little animal. I lost her three years ago to FIP. (check out the link to see an FIP article) I had never heard of it at the time, and I spent unbelievable amounts of money with her in the best animal ICU in the area. I also had a Reiki healer going into the hospital to work on her. Despite suffering from two autoimmune diseases at the time, I was in twice daily contact with both her vets, and made the 45 minute trip daily to see her. But despite all the best efforts, after two weeks she succumbed to the disease.

I was shattered. A primal scream came out of me after I got off the phone with the Dr. telling me she had passed away. The hospital had called at 11:00 the night before to tell me she had a grand mal seizure. They asked if I wanted to come and see her, the implication being that she would not last out the night. I chose not to go in, believing that I would go the next day and stay with her till she passed.

I was overwhelmed with guilt. For a solid 18 months afterward I could not speak about her without crying, not just getting teary eyes, but crying. Did I let her suffer? Was she angry with me not being with her in the end? I just couldn't forgive myself for letting this precious little fluffy ball of love and joy die.

Finally I came to terms with what happened. I realized that I had done everything humanly possible to save my little girl. I knew that she knew it too. And that she loved me. Only now she was with my other beautiful pets in heaven.

Only recently did I summon up the courage to research FIP. I found that it is fatal 100% of the time. This past year some new protocols been put into place that can offer any hope what so ever. Once I read that material, I knew that I had done everything that I could to help little Abby. I didn't euthanize her because she loved life so much, I just tried to keep her pain managed and let God take her. I made tough decisions on my own about a creature I shared my everyday with. I listened to my heart and to the best Vet in the world (I took her to Randy Caviness at the Integrative Animal Health Center in Bolton, MA, a homeopathic and conventional practitioner). I still miss her terribly. But I now have two new additions to the family, a silly little boy named Samuel Oscar.........

Sam taking a nap

and a little stray that showed up on my door step just as Abby went into the hospital named Kitty Kitty.

Kitty Kitty looking cute

I believe that God gives us trials to make us stronger, and losing a beloved pet was one of the worst culminations of a seriously bad time in my life. Now I have three crazy four legged little boys to look out for, and although I miss Abby dearly, I have come to terms with it and have focused on enjoying what He has given me. Although I must admit to my eyes tearing up while I am writing this.

Please leave a comment if you had a similar heartbreak, and if you know anything more about FIP and any current treatments, or to just give me your opinion.

If you are broken hearted over losing a pet, there are some wonderful books that can help you deal with your grief.

In Praise Of Gays

2013-05-24T11:25:00.001-07:00

Chely Wright

I have had several odd things happen to me in the past few weeks that made me think of the plight of Gay Men and Woman in America and indeed the world.

First of all let me say that I am a straight, white female that lives in the Northeast. So I am already a member of a relatively privileged segment of society. Strictly by accident of birth.

In the last several weeks two specific eye openers occurred. The first was a bit embarrassing. I was looking at a church website I saw that one of their staff's profile said that a woman was living with her wife and 3 children. I at first thought it was a typo. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.....she was talking about HER wife. OOHHH. Okay, she is gay.

Then I was watching a movie about Chely Wright. She is a well known country and western star that at the age of 40, finally came out as a gay person. The movie illustrated this woman's internal struggle with coming out in a homophobic industry and risk loosing her fans and indeed, possibly her career.

I cannot imagine what sort of torture it must be to live with a very important part of your fundamental being, hidden. Chely happens to be a very successful performer, but what about the average person. The secretary at your doctors office. The cashier at the local pharmacy. The paralegal at your lawyers office. How many of these folks cannot openly talk about their loved ones for fear of prejudice or some sort of retribution?

It seems that one has to first come to terms within their own heart about their sexuality. Once they have been able to accept that they are gay, how do you tell family and friends? It is no surprise to me that "gay enclaves" exist, such as Provincetown, MA. These are areas where a gay person can walk with their loved one hand in hand and even kiss them publicly (like straight people do) without being stared at or denigrated.

I think that gay men and women have a lot more pressure on them, by virtue of an act of God, that made them be more attracted to their sex. So along with the normal pressures of everyday life, gay folks have an additional strain that straight people cannot comprehend.

Yet despite this pressure there are so many highly productive gay people in every aspect of our society. Doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers, athletes, that list could go on and on. This illustrates an ability to go beyond what life has dealt you and succeed. I think it shows courage of a nature that is just not in the average straight folks vernacular.

If you would like to support the greater understanding and acceptance of gays worldwide, you may want to check out Love and Pride. It is a company owned and run by gays, for every body. Every purchase from Love and Pride goes to support organizations such as The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, The Mercury Phoenix Trust, and Marriage Equality USA. So do a little public service while you shop.

Click on this banner to be taken directly to their website.

Valentine Underwear To Die For

2013-02-12T18:04:00.002-08:00

Some yummy underwear sets for Valentine presents??? I know many ladies who would love to put on a private show for whoever gave them one or more of these exquisite sets. Click on any image to get purchasing information. These sets are not cheap...but what the heck, you only live once.

Black Balconette Bra

Black Balcoette Panty

Bordeaux Lace Bra

Bordeaux Lace Panty

Grey/Gold Katherine Shining Thong

Grey/Gold Katherine Shining Bra

Black and Red Spot Bra

Black and Red Spot Garter Belt

Black and Red Spot Panty

Luxury Eyelash Lace Balconette Bra

Luxury Eyelash Lace Balconette Garter Belt

Nude and Black Lace Bustier

Fuchsia Cherie Contour Bra

Fuchsia Cherie Brief

Black Balconette Marchese Bra

Black Lace Marchese Garter Belt With Tutu

Black Silk Expose Bra

Black Silk High Waisted Thong

Grey/Nature Shanghai San Bra

Grey/Nature Shanghai San Brief

Click on any image to get more information and to see even more delicious designs.

Organic Roses for Valentines

2013-02-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

Organic Roses for Valentines Day show that you really care.

The flowers and gifts from Organic Bouquet are beautiful and priced less than most grocery store flowers. All flowers and gifts are certified to adhere to the most rigorous standards of sustainable growers.

And of course all of their packaging is green as well.

If you are considering flowers for your sweetie this Valentines why not help the earth and your wallet while showing her (or him) how much you care!

Click on the link below and you will go straight to the Organic Bouquet site.

Kindle Fire 8.9 Available Today

2012-11-15T17:15:00.001-08:00

According to USA Today.com, Amazon has started shipping the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 inch today and it will begin making it into the hands of consumers by the 20th of this month. This WIFI model, which costs $299.00, is a full five days early.

Image David McNew Getty Images

The article continues, the Kindle Fire HD displays shipping dates of December 3, highlighting that the company will fulfil preorders before fulfilling more recent purchases. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9" offers a 1920 x 1200 (254 PPI) display, TI OMAP 4470 processor, Dolby Digital Plus audio for $299. The 4G-enabled model — which is available, starts at $499 with an AT&T data package for a one-off payment of $49.99 — ships as planned on November 20.

You can order the Kindle, as well as any other Amazon product, through the link at the top of the page.

Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy FINALE

2012-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

In this post for preparing your Thanksgiving Dinner we will cover

How To Tell That The Turkey Is Cooked

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Turnip and Carrot Swirl

Giblet Gravy

Peas

Carving The Turkey

Wine Suggestions

Presentation

OK here goes.

How To Tell That The Turkey Is Cooked

This is without a doubt the most important part of a good turkey dinner. If the bird is under cooked you will have raw, pink looking neat that can make you sick. Very bad idea. If the turkey is over done

you will get tough, dry meat that cannot be swallowed.

By using the stuffing described in the earlier posts, and by basting very frequently during cooking, you have a good chance of getting a juicy bird to serve to your guests.

A turkey takes 15-20 minutes per pound. So a 12 lb turkey will take between 3-4 hours to cook, a 16 lb bird will take 4-5 hours 20 minutes. Variations in oven heat, stuffing density, and the bird itself make for different cooking times.

If you have a meat thermometer, insert one into the turkey, into the deepest part of the breast making sure not to rest it on a bone. The temperature should read 180-185 degrees fahrenheit. Another test is to poke a fork into the joint between the leg and the body. The juices will flow clear when the turkey is done. If the juices are red then more cooking needs to happen If you are cooking and the temperature is not reaching the right degree but the breast is getting very dark, put an aluminium tent over the darkening areas. This can save a bird from being burned on the outside and raw on the inside.......never a good thing!!!!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Put the pre chopped potatoes in a large saucepan with fresh water. Let the potatoes come to a boil and reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced by a fork, about 25-20 minutes. Take the roasted garlic you prepared earlier and squeeze the garlic out of the cloves into a small bowl. Mash the garlic into a paste with a fork and a bit of salt. Finely chop enough parsley and sage to make 1/4 cup. Drain the potatoes and mash thoroughly. Add 1 stick of butter, 1/3 cup milk or cream, mashed garlic, chopped herbs, salt and pepper to taste and mash everything together very well. Cover the potatoes and keep on the stove BUT AWAY FROM DIRECT HEAT, They should stay warm for 10-15 minutes. If too much time passes you can reheat in a microwave safe bowl before turning them out into a serving bowl. These are YUMMY if you like garlic!

Turnip and Carrot Swirl

Cook the pre cut carrots and turnips in separate saucepans. Turnips are a tough vegetable so they can take a bit longer to cook. When the carrots and turnips are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork take them off the heat and set aside. Pull the thyme leaves off the stem and chop till fine. Drain the carrots and mash with butter, salt, pepper and the thyme to taste. Drain the turnip and mash with butter, salt and pepper to taste. Take a wide, oven proof, shallow dish. Place the carrot mix in on side, the turnip mix on the other side of the same dish. With a spatula or a large wooden spoon pull some of the carrot through the turnip. The contrast of colors makes for a very beautiful and appetising presentation. Put the dish with the carrot/turnip swirl in the oven IF it has been turned off and is still warm. If you need to reheat this dish put into the oven at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. This looks great and is a wonderful combination of flavors.

Giblet Gravy

Once the turkey is done cooking remove it from the roasting pan and place it on the serving platter. Cover tightly with foil and set aside. Chop the remaining 8 oz of mushrooms. Take the roasting pan (be sure you have used a metal one!) and drain off all but 1/3 cup of the drippings. (save the drippings to soak break in to feed your wild birds). Put the roasting pan on a burner of the stove and turn the burner onto medium heat. Get the turkey stock you prepared out of the fridge. Pour 1 cup of the dry white wine in the roasting pan to degaze all the cooked on bits from the sides of the pan. Use a metal spoon or a large whisk to get all the bits off the pan and bubbling slowly. Distribute 2-3 tablespoons of flour over the top of the bubbling mix in the roasting pan. With the whisk mix the flour until there are no lumps and it becomes a smooth paste. Add a bit more flour if needed but not too much. Let the flour paste cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Slowly add the stock to the flour mix in the pan. Keep mixing with the whisk. Add enough stock to make a rich, relatively thin gravy. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE MIXED EVERYTHING WELL. Strain the gravy into a large saucepan. Place on low heat and add the mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy "perk" for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly. When the mushrooms are cooked (they will shrink down to about 1/2 their size) the gravy is done!

Peas

This could not be easier. Put the amount of frozen peas required into a large, microwave proof bowl (I like to use corningware). Add enough water to cover the peas and nuke for 5 minutes. Check to see if the peas are done. If not, keep heating at 1-2 minute intervals until cooked. Drain the water off, add salt and pepper and they are ready to serve!

Carving The Turkey

There are two important parts of carving a turkey.. 1) the turkey needs to rest (sit undisturbed) for 20-30 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to go back into the meat and the proteins realign. This will let the meat be sliced into firm pieces. 2) Have a large, sharp knife. You are tackling a large bird. To attempt to slice it with a dull, small knife will end in failure. Take a sharp knife and slice down the breast vertically, from the outside of the breast, the release the slice by cutting across horizontally. Repeat until you get to the center breast bone, then do the other side. To remove the legs, gently pull the leg out with a carving fork while slicing through the skin attaching it. The point of the knife will help to disengage the leg bone from the body. Same thing can be done with the wings.

Wine Suggestions

My favorites for wines with turkey is a nice light Pinot Grigio, a Pouilly Fuisse, Sauvignon Blanc or a really light wine is the Vinho Verde. Jf you prefer a red wine then I strongly suggest getting a beaujolais nouveau. This is the fresh new wines that are celebrated in France this time of year. The beaujolais nouveau is light and delicious with turkey, but has the flavor and body that a red wine drinker will enjoy.

Presentation

If you don't have a huge selection of serving dishes, don't worry. Use your imagination. Several small dishes of stuffing around the table are just as good as one large one. Creamers can be used for the gravy. Wicker baskets lined with clean dish towels are great for keeping bread warm. An inexpensive way to have flowers to to pick up a pre made bouquet from your local market, split it up and cut it down to put into three old tomato sauce jars set across the table looks great and allows your guests to see each other.

Anything that you may need, from wines to sharp knives, can be found by looking through the Amazon

link at the top of the page. You can order directly from that link and have your meat thermometer or roasting pan in time for the big day.

Most importantly, just do the best you can. Your family and friends are coming to see you, this menu will give you a lot of yummy food. Add some nice wine, a bit of music and you will have a party that everyone (including you!) will enjoy. I hope that this has helped you, and best wishes for a Happy and save Thanksgiving. God Bless.

Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy Part 2

2012-11-14T08:18:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving Dinner Part 2

In this post we are going to prep

Carrot and Turnip Swirl
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prep bird for roasting

click on image for purchase information

Revol Belle Cuisine Roasting Dish - 3.7 QT
A perfect blend of traditional use and modern design. The iconic and media loved handles are cast in a single piece for extra strength and easy grip.Revol Porcelain is fired at high temperatures for durability. It's non-porous finish resists chips, stains and scratches. This is safe for oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer.Made in France13.5 x 9.75 x 2.5

Carrot and Turnip Swirl
1-2 days before the meal

Rinse and peel the turnips. Cut
the turnips into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces.
Place the pieces into a bowl of cold
water. Make sure the vegetables are
totally under water. Cover and store
in the fridge.

Peel and chop 10-12 carrots. Place
them in a separate bowl covered
with water. Store in the fridge.

for purchase information click on image

Peugeot Saint Malo Salt & Pepper Mills
The Saint Malo mills offer all of Peugeot's legendary classic mills, with the added convenience o

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1-2 days before the meal

Scrub the red potatoes well.
Trim off any dark or discolored
bits. Cut into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces.
Leave the red skin on. Place
in a bowl covered with water like
the other vegetables.

Early Morning of Thanksgiving

Take the bird out of the refrigerator and allow
to come to room temperature. Rinse the bird
in cold water completely inside and out.
Salt and pepper the inside of the bird
and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Take two garlic bulbs and slice the tops
off to expose the cloves. Place in oven proof
dishes. Pour Extra Virgin Olive Oil over
the top of the garlic.Place in the oven and set the
timer for 60 minutes.

Put the stuffing ad ins into a large sauce pan.
Begin heating on low heat until the butter is melted.
Add the stuffing mix and the water as
according to directions. Mix the ad ins into
the stuffing mix with a large wooden or utility
spoon. Also add in the giblet meat and blend
completely.

Put the bird in the roasting pan. Place the stuffing
in the body and neck cavity of the bird. Put any
extra in an oven proof dish. Rub olive oil all
over the bird. Make sure you cover the entire
bird, breast, legs and wings. Salt and pepper
the entire exterior of the bird and place in the
center of the oven.

Take out all the prepped vegetables and place them
in separate sauce pans.

Take the garlic out of the oven after 1 hour and
set aside.

Watch the bird. As soon as drippings begin
accumulating in the pan (about 60-90 minutes)
start basting the bird. Continue basting every
20-30 minutes.

The bird takes 15-20 minutes per pound and then
the meat needs to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Have a glass of wine, finish setting the table,
put out the flowers and the next step will be 2 hours
before the turkey is completely cooked.

Keep a watch on the bird, if one side starts getting too
dark turn the bird around in the oven. Also watch for
the breast and wings getting too dark. If this happens
make a tent with aluminum foil and cover areas to
protect them while the rest of the bird finishes cooking.

Till the last step! If you enjoy this please like it on facebook below!

Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy Part One

2012-11-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

The most important part of putting together a wonderful meal is planning. Getting as much work done ahead of time as possible allows for a great deal less hair tearing on the actual day of the big meal.

Image from Cape Cod Curbed.com

For this Thanksgiving feast I will give you the directions for the basic, wonderful turkey dinner.

Roast Turkey

Stuffing

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Giblet Gravy with Mushrooms

Turnip and Carrot

Green Peas

Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Dessert and Appetizers will not be covered, but check out my Pumpkin post for a super easy and delicious pumpkin pie.

First of all most of you shopping can be done this week. Even the turkey will be the same age if you buy it from the store this week or next. If you are into making everything from scratch, do your muffin, bread or bisquit doughs and put them in the freezer. Have them preformed and ready to pop into the oven on T Day. This can also be done with your pie crusts. Put them into pie plates, wrap them tightly with saran and keep frozen until Thanksgiving morning.

Today we will go over your shopping list and preparing the gravy stock, the stuffing addins and the cranberry sauce. This is a meal for 6-8 adults.

12-16 lb whole fresh turkey

2 8 oz packages prepared stuffing mix

4-5 lbs red potatoes

4-5 lbs carrots

3-4 lbs white turnips

3-4 lbs yellow onions

1 large bunch fresh parsley

Fresh sage

Fresh thyme

1 bunch celery

1 lb unsalted butter

2 8 oz packages fresh cranberries

2 garlic bulbs

2-3 large naval oranges

16 oz fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, shitaki)

1 pint whole fresh cream

Port

1 bottle dry white wine (this is for cooking only, more will be needed to serve with the meal)

Make sure that you have in your pantry

salt

peppercorns

sugar

olive oil

flour

milk

Stock For Giblet Gravy

remove giblets from the neck area and body cavity of your turkey

place giblets in large stock pot

rinse and roughly chop

3-4 carrots

4-5 ribs of celery

3-4 medium onions

12 or more peppercorns

2 T salt

several sprigs each of the parsley, sage and thyme

add to the stockpot

cover with cold water - at least 2 quarts

bring to a boil and let simmer for 60-90 minutes.

Let stock cool. Drain through a colander. Put the liquid into

a sealed container and refrigerate. Dispose of the vegetables.

Take the meat off the bones and finely chop. Save in a separate

container in the fridge.

Addins For The Stuffing

Finely chop 2-3 medium onions, 3-4 ribs celery,

8 oz of mushrooms.

Melt 2 sticks butter over medium low heat.

Saute the chopped veggies in the butter until

soft, about 15-25 minutes. Allow to cool. Package

in air tight container and store in fridge.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Put cranberries in colander, rinse well and pick out any

stones or other foreign objects.

Wash the oranges thoroughly.

Grate the orange part of the zest off

the oranges only, not the white.

Squeeze the juice from the oranges.

Put the cranberries in a heavy saucepan

and cook according to directions on the

package. Add the orange juice and zest.

Add 1/3 cup Port wine. Continue simmering

cranberries until all berries have popped.

Let cool and put in an air tight container.

Refigerate.

There you go. Part I of a great Thanksgiving Day Dinner is complete!

If you like this post please like on facebook. Also...use the link on this page to do your Amazon shopping for the Holidays.

Nicki Minaj's Butt Gave Me A Ride

2012-11-12T10:55:00.002-08:00

OK I admit that I am not the most current person when it comes to American pop culture. I have never watched any of the American Idol shows. Never even watched any Survivor. I did watch one or two of So You Think You Can Dance. Other than that I am a pop culture idiot.

I do love music and showmanship however, and became intrigued by what I saw of the Rap and Hip Hop artist Nicki Minaj. I thought that her offbeat, exaggerated fashions were a relief from the hyper sexual standards of most of her contemporaries.

It wasn't until recently that I saw her in a video with what appeared to be a God given HUGH BUTT and HEAVY THIGHS. I thought, how wonderful, a woman who can afford to have every piece of fat sucked from her body is embracing what looks like something a lot of others would exercise, diet and surgery their way out of at any cost. I was going to give her cudos for being a real roll model for young women.

Now I am not living under a rock, I do know about the big butt fetish surrounding Jennifer Lopez and one of the Kardasians. However, I was silly enough to think that Nicki, because of her great originality in so many other ways, was showing her real body.

Imagine my embarrassment when I caught this headline from the Huffington Post. "Nicki Minaj Before Butt Implants". Oh dear. Foiled again. That's what I get for believing that corporate American pop culture is not a process of manufacturing. Don't get me wrong, there is much popular music I really enjoy, the large music producers spend lots of money researching it to make sure that I do. I just feel, well, a bit betrayed by someone I thought was a real original. No problem, on to the next......

If you like this post please like it on facebook. Check out the cool Amazon link at the top of the page, links directly to amazon and let's you do searches for everything!

Amazon Search Widget

2012-11-11T13:35:00.002-08:00

For my readers convenience I have added an Amazon search widget to the home page of my blog. Through this widget you can search through the entire Amazon database for items you may be looking for without having to leave my site. It is a great littrle tool that will show you all the latest sales and promotions going on in Amazon. So give it a try!

Sexy Heels For Winter

2012-11-10T22:40:00.003-08:00

There is nothing that makes a woman move in a more seductive way than when she is tottering on top of some fabulously high heels. Yeh, we all know that chronic wearing of high heels ruins the feet and can cause all sort of alignment issues. But who can resist the feeling of being taller, more graceful and gliding along once you have mastered the art of balancing on your tippytoes without falling on your face. Let's not forget the way walking in heels makes a womans bum protrude and rotate from side to side in an effortless sway given by the angels.

Some of the hottest looks this season comes from that paragon of high fashion on the web, Style Bop. These next six examples are sure to awaken the desires of any genetically predisposed human (ie a woman). Enjoy the view and click on Style Bop to get taken to their website.

Guiseppe Zanotti Black with Carved Goldtone Heels $650.00

Guiseppe Zanotti Black and White Rhinstone Pump $1395.00

Valentino Black Suede Ankle Strap Heels $700.00

Sergio Rossi Flamenco Red Stilettos $650.00

Edmundo Castillo Pewter Debi Pumps $795.00

Casadei Peep Toe Python Embossed Plum Stilettos $570.00

Click on Style Bop for more information and more SHOES!!

High Design Erotic Romance Aides

2012-11-09T20:25:00.004-08:00

There are so many wonderful, naughty items found on the AHALife site you will not know what to pick out to make time with your significant other more errr.......satisfying. While I always find working with a partner to be lots more fun than a solo act, some of these items are just so beautiful you might want to just buy one for your own private self indulgence. To see the complete selection of the AHALifes click on the name. If you like this post please hit the like button at the end of this post or share this post with pinterest also located at the end of this post. Thank you!

Jimmy Jane High Design Vibrator. A new and improved version of the iconic "Rabbit" Starting at $145.00

Incognito Droplet Necklace, These can be worn as a necklace. than the base can be twisted to turn on the pendants vibrators. Starting at $120.00

Lelo Tor 2 Waterproof Gentlemen's Ring. Powerful, sleek and flexible. $120.00.

Lelo Mia Lipstick Sized vibe. For the ultimate in discretion when traveling. $64.00.

Lelo Tantra Feather Teaser. Constructed of the most delicate down feathers. $24.00.

Jeremy Brown Love Is Art Kit. This allows you and your significant other to create an original work of art while making love. The kit starts at $128.00.

Lelo Inez Vibrator. Available in 24 carat gold plate or stainless steel. Starting at $7,900.00

Incognito Leather Handcuffs starting at $62.00

Billy Gentlemans Gspot Massager $129.00 Designed specifically for the male anatomy.

To see the entire delicious collection click on AHALife.

Cashmere Sweaters, Dresses And Coats

2012-10-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hard Cider Instead Of Beer

2012-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Image From Macksapples.com

Anyone in the US that has visited the British Isles is well aware of the wonderful hard ciders served in the quaint pubs that dot the countryside. You can get these delicious amber colored elixirs by the pint just like the Guinness. What many people don't know is that cider was the favorite of the Founding Fathers of America.

According to an article in News Review, the average Massachusetts resident in 1767 drank 35 gallons of hard cider a year. Much easier to produce than beer or wine, all that is needed is apples.

Image From Telegraph.co.uk

It has been difficult to procure a decent cider on this side of the pond until recently. Even Irish pubs in larger metropolitan areas of the US only served one variety of hard cider by bottle or on tap. Usually it was Woodpecker. I must graciously disagree with a recent ranking of hard ciders in the Hufffington Post. They have Woodpecker as number 2 and Magners as 14. I would put Magners,Strong Bow, Hornsby's and Blackthorne as the top ciders with Woodchuck a distant second and Woodpecker to be consumed only as a last resort.

The light and crisp taste of a nice, dry, hard cider is more refreshing than the yeastiness of beers. It goes well with casual and pub type foods, and it has a kick that can sneak up on you. As a matter of fact a drink called the snakebite, a blend of hardcider and beer cannot be served as it tends to put one under the table.

Please remember this ditty before your next foray into experimenting with alcohol.

One drink is lovely,
Two at the most,
Cause with three you're under the table,
Four you're under the host.

Hot Brunette Movie Stars - Vote For Your Favorite

2012-10-21T11:04:00.001-07:00

Here is a selection of some of the finest looking men in filmmaking today. It is hard to say which one is the hottest. Help out and vote for who you think is the handsomest. You can vote for 1, 2, 3 or all four of theses beefcakes (sorry for that, but they are!). I have an idea who will come out on top, but I am curious to find out what your opinion is. Personally, I think they are all about as cute as a bugs ear. Vote below and make your opinion count.

Ben Barnes
Image From
CanMag.com

Johnny Depp
Image From
IMDB.com

Robert Downey Jr.
Image From ChrisUillott.blogspot.com

Keanu Reeves
Image From
MyOpera.com

Which of these guys is the hottest

Sensuous Silk Caftans

2012-10-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sensuous Silk Caftans

These gorgeous silk caftans are pure poetry. The colors of tropical gardens. Very expensive, but isn't everything this beautiful. Click on the images for more information.

sexy nighties

2012-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sexy Nighties

What else needs to be said. Any woman would love these and any man would love a woman in them. Click on the images to get more information.

Press Release On Fountain Of Youth

2012-10-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to my earlier post on Telomeres and their effect on aging, here is the latest information about the Fountain Of Youth from Dr Al Sears.

For Immediate Release

Dr. Al Sears, M.D. announces the discovery that leads you to the Fountain of Youth.
Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Dr. Al Sears, MD is releasing the newest addition to his Primal Force's Anti-aging line-up. It's called Chalice. This remarkable nutritional supplement, based on Dr. Sear's understanding of telomeres and how they effectively control your genetic sequencing, is the first of its kind.

"I have to say, I've written more than a dozen books on natural healing. I've discovered hundreds more cures from around the world, and produced over a hundred healing formulas. Out of all those discoveries I've investigated, created and prescribed...This is the single best formula I'VE EVER CREATED AS A DOCTOR."

You can compare it to sipping from the Fountain of Youth. It's unlike anything else the world has to offer because it's based on a discovery that actually won a Nobel Prize for medicine in 2009.

This scientific research is based on maintaining your telomeres. Telomeres are the tiny timekeepers in your DNA that control how fast your cells age. If you want them to act younger, you have to keep the telomeres longer. This ultimately keeps you living healthier longer.

That's why Chalice is so amazing. It has 16 telomere supporting nutrients in every capsule. This gives your body more strength and stamina, improves your body and mind, and will help you feel and act younger. It truly is the best solution ever found to combat aging, because it allows you to help your body slow down the aging process at the cellular level.

If you want to make every cell in your body act younger, you need to experience Primal Force's newest product- Chalice!

Dr. Sears' Breakthrough Fountain of Youth Formula! Click to Save 28% on new Chalice and also get FREE shipping! Save over 28% and Get FREE Express Shipping on Chalice

World-renowned physician Al Sears, M.D., calls Chalice "the most exciting anti-aging breakthrough I've ever released at my clinic...and the best formula I've ever created as a doctor." Chalice is based on a revolutionary new technology that gives you the power to control how well you age. Chalice works by slowing down the "time clocks" in your cells, to help each cell act younger, longer. It's like a sip from the fountain of youth that'll change the way you look and feel. Join our VIP program to save over 28% and get FREE Express Shipping!

Erotica - What Women Love

2012-10-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Erotica - What Women Love

Do you want to spice up your love life? Do something a little bit daring? How about some very naughty literature? If you have never read any Anais Nin you are in for a treat. Far from any Penthouse Forum letters, Anais Nin's erotica is deliciously sensuous. These are books you can keep out in the open without embarrassment.

Little Birds by Anais Nin

They are written by a creative, imaginative women. Despite and maybe because of the fact that they were created some time ago, (nearly 80 years) they have a languid provocative tone not generally found in contemporary adult literature.

Fire: From A Journal of Love by Anais Nin

Delta of Venus, Little Birds and Fire all contain vignettes of circumstances that end up getting orgasmic. And not in the blatant big tits and blow jobs of today. This is literature that partners can enjoy together, and maybe get some ideas from.

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin

To say much more would be disclosing the treasures found within these books. After all isn't anticipation half the fun? Pick up these books and have a hotter time between the sheets then you have in a while.

Thinner Thighs By Wearing Tights?

2012-10-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

Thinner Thighs By Wearing Tights?

Anytime I see a headline like this I think "WHO are they kidding". Until I checked out Proskins compression garments. They are on the cutting edge of scientific design and do some incredibly cool things to get rid of the fat and cellulite on your legs.

Proskins Bespoke Recovery Leggings

Slimming Leggings

The leggings come in various sizes of shorts and full length. The prices run from $80.00 to $170.00 for the full length, 10 point custom measurement fit.

Proskin Compression Tops

Proskins has also produced tops made out of the same amazing technology as the leggings. These tops come in several different primary colors and styles.

Sculpt FX garments are temperature regulating to optimise body temperature independently and regulate to 37°C or 98.6°F.

Garments also have a silver anti-bacterial treatment for extended wear, odour reduction and improved garment lifetime.

Soft handle yarns provide exceptional comfort for periods of extended wear. The benefits to the wearer include:

Improve circulation and blood flow to help you slim, sculpt and define.
Provides a very specific level of scientific compression which flushes toxins from the body and reduces the build up of lactic acid.
Wicks or draws sweat and moisture away from the body keeping you dry.

Slimming Leggings

Proskins SCULPT FX is constructed using patented micro-encapsulated yarn. These microcapsules are released in a controlled way throughout the lifetime of the garment and contain all sorts of skin toning, fat melting, good for your shape ingredients including:.

Caffeine: A renowed active slimming agent that activates micro-circulation and promotes fat destruction
Retinol: A skin regenerator which stimulates collagen, giving a youthful appearance to the skin
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps the skin appear young and fresh
Aloe Vera: A plant extract that makes the skin feel smoother and softer
Ceramides: Restores the skin's barrier system providing immediate tensor effect.
Fatty Acids: Natural ingredients existing in our skin. They are the perfect vehicle to improve the penetration of the rest of the active ingredients.

Slimming Leggings

Brain Exercise

2012-10-16T23:21:00.001-07:00

Brain Exercise

If you want a distraction from your day, and you want to benefit from it as well, then you should try Word Dynamo. This great little site is part of the Dictionary.com site. Word Dynamo produces several different formats of word games. Then you get graded. The games range from dead easy to prep words for LSAT and other post graduate tests. It is fun, builds up your vocabulary, and it is free. Now that's a winner in my book!

Go to http://dynamo.dictionary.com and have fun!!!

The Zen Of The Big Lebowski

2012-10-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Zen Of The Big Lebowski

Driving down the road, listening to Creedance, banging on the roof of the car, smoking a bone, dropping the roach in your crotch and putting it out with the beer you are drinking......crashing into a trash can......my favorite scene from "The Big Lebowski".

If you lived through the 70's you probably experienced something like this at some point. It's OK, I won't tell your kids. Oh by the way, did you know that Jeff Bridges wore his own clothes for that movie?

Speaking of Jeff Bridges, wow was he ever cute in that movie. That long, wavy blond hair. Those beautiful, sad blue eyes. The super groomed and moussed cinema idols of today just don't hold a candle to the shaggy haired cuties of my youth.

There is a great interview in Rolling Stone where Jeff Bridges discusses the Zen of the "Dude". If you are a Jeff Bridges or a "Big Lebowski" fan check it out.4PNF4BPK9EMT