Sunday, May 31, 2020

Movie Review: Love Punch


The Love Punch (2013) - IMDb

While I would not give this movie a gold star, I also would not throw rotten veggies at it.  I love the actors and recognized them all immediately as favourite characters in favourite movies.


I love Pierce Brosnan as so many different characters but my personal favourite is Sam in Mama Mia.  Emma Thompson is awesome in so many movies but I will always love her best as Nanny McPhee.

Love Punch is silly, unbelievable and a comedy caper gone wrong.  Brosnan and Thompson play Kate and Richard, a divorced couple who have been robbed by a heartless CEO of their retirement savings.  They are determined to get it back.  When they concoct a wacky scheme to steal a nearly priceless diamond from the CEO, they need help.  

Help arrives in the form of Pen (Celia Imrie) and Jerry (Timothy Spall), their friends and neighbours.  Celia is so funny but I love the mystery of Jerry who has secrets only now coming to light in a really amusing way.  I loved Imrie in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and my favourite Spall character is in the Last Samuri.

This movie I think they made just for the fun of it.  But I liked it.  Who says we can only watch GOOD movies?  Sometimes silly is the perfect thing for a quiet afternoon.


Saturday, May 30, 2020

Scrapbook Challenge: Lyrics

Scrapbook a layout that connects lyrics to life.

Don't scrapbook?  Journal about this or create a page in your art journal.  Just get creative!

Sketch Challenge 30 May 2020 ~ 11 photos 2 pages

Do you have a pile of photos and you want them on one layout?  Try this . . .




Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Rosemary Chicken


Quantity : 2 servings
Preparation : 15 min Cooking : 40 min
280 calories/serving

Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil 10 mL
1 slice bacon, finely chopped 20 g
2 chicken legs, with back 600 g
1/2 onions, finely chopped 100 g
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 sprig rosemary, fresh, finely chopped 5 g
1 tbsp Parsley and Garlic Base 15 mL
1 tbsp tomato paste 18 g
3 tbsp white wine 45 mL
1 pinch salt [optional] 0.2 g
ground pepper to taste [optional]
3 tbsp water 45 mL

Before you start

Keep the serving plates in the oven at the lowest setting so they are warm when you serve.

Method

Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Finely chop the bacon then add it to the pan. Sauté 2 min, then add the chicken legs and sauté thoroughly on each side until golden, about 10 min. Take the chicken out of the pan then set it aside
Finely chop the onion, garlic, and rosemary, then add them to the pan. Cook 2-3 min over medium heat, taking care not to let them burn. Add the Parsley and Garlic Base and the tomato paste then cook 2-3 min over medium heat. Deglaze with the wine. Cook 2 min until the alcohol has evaporated. Put the chicken back into the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in about ½ cm of warm water, cover, and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender, 30-35 min.
Serve on the warmed plate.

https://www.soscuisine.com/recipe/rosemary-chicken

Monday, May 25, 2020

Book Review: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother: Amazon.co.uk: Amy Chua ...

I loved reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua.  It is definitely a controversial book, but it is written in an honest and humorous fashion that is appealing and easy to read.

Amy Chua is determined to raise her two daughters in what she considers the stereotypical Chinese style.  She points out that you don't have to be Chinese to parent this way.  Chinese style parenting is about discipline and focus, preparing your children for the future, instilling excellent work habits and confidence and self-esteem resulting from accomplishment.  The Chinese parent stresses accomplishment in academics and extra-curricular activities.  This is extreme parenting.

Chua compares her style to Western parenting in which parents nurture their childrens' individuality, allowing them to find their own passions and creating a soft, entitled, untalented child unprepared for life.  Western parents believe self-esteem comes first and then accomplishment.

Chua has certainly created some controversy with these extremes.  But she learns that there has to be some compromise when her second daughter turns out to be very opinionated and stubborn, creating a collision of wills which, I am happy to say, ends in compromise.  Chua shares what she has learned about the rewards and costs of raising children the Chinese way.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is funny, honest, shocking, controversial and a great read.  Perhaps somewhere between Western and Chinese parenting we will find the compromise which will lead us to parenting happy children who are ready to face the world when they are grown.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Dark Shadows (2012)


If you had asked me a few years back what I thought of Johnny Depp I would have probably said eh, he's okay I guess.  But for some reason I am becoming addicted to his movies.  It all started with Sweeney Todd.  I have developed a real enjoyment of his quirky characters .  

Anyway, the movie is silly and parts of it just don't make any sense.  And yet I really did like it a lot.  It is funny.

The story is about Barnabas Collins who spurns the affections of a witch.  Her revenge is to kill his fiance, turn him into a vampire and then bury him alive.  

A couple of centuries later Barnabas is inadvertently dug up by a construction crew and, after a quick snack, returns to his family estate to find it in ruins.  His family are totally dysfunctional and going broke.  Barnabas is determined to fix everything.

Only one problem, his ex-girlfriend is still around.

This is not a great movie.  But it is funny and I love when Alice Cooper performs.  Check it out some rainy day.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Journal Prompt 21 May 2020 ~ Mailbox

Today's Writing Prompt: Mailbox

What is the most interesting item you've ever received / found in your mailbox?


Dress your mailbox up in style with this wood mailbox post. (With ...

Once upon a time I could go to the mailbox and there was mail almost every day.  I used to join in swaps and write to pen pals so there was always something to look forward to besides bills.
But time moved on and postage became so expensive that it became ridiculous to join in swaps or write to pen pals.  

The thing I like most about online billing for everything is that bills have stopped coming to the mailbox . . . so if you see an envelope you know there is a good chance it is something nice . . . or the inevitable junk mail which isn't always junk mail if it is coupons.  Coupons are not junk.

My favourite thing to find in my mailbox is a sample box.  Every once in a while a company puts out an advertising to pick the samples you want to try and I always say yes.  Those boxes are fun because you never know what you will receive.  A couple of years ago I got a sample box from Kellogg's.  That was a spectacular box.



Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Sloppy Joes

Image result for sloppy joes

1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp canola oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
260 g ground beef, lean
ground pepper to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp brown sugar
2 tbsp water
4 drops Tabasco sauce (optional)
2 hamburger buns

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.  Add the onion then cook until it is translucent, about 3 minutes with occasional stirring, paying attention not to let it burn.  Add salt, then reduce the heat, cover and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cayenne pepper then cook with stirring until fragrant, 1 minute.

Add the beef then cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it loses its pink colour, about 5 minutes.  It is important not to overcook the meat at this point, otherwise it will end up dry and crumbly.

Season with ground pepper to taste, then add the tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar and water.  A few drops of Tabasco sauce may be added for extra spiciness.  Cover, then simmer 10 minutes

Spoon the meat mixture onto hamburger buns, then serve.

Makes 2 servings.


Monday, May 18, 2020

Book Review: Velvet Whispers by Joan Elizabeth Lloyd



If you enjoy reading very poorly written soft porn, than this is the book for you.  I'm not a prude.  I love "sex in long skirts books" (you know the ones I mean) where it takes pages and pages of delicious prose to describe a passionate encounter by the naive but secretly wealthy girl and her arch-enemy turned lover.  

In Velvet Whispers the delicious pages of prose have been replaced with two pages that basically say we came, he went in a very juvenile way.  The writing is the worst sort of corny porn imaginable.  The story is totally unbelievable.  I couldn't finish the book.  In fact I didn't even make it half-way and it is only 200 pages long.  I don't know anyone I dislike enough to give this book to so the book is now in the garbage because that is where it belongs.

Pretty Flower using CTMH Pinwheel Thin Cuts

Please excuse the amateur video.  I'm good at many things but vlogging isn't really one of them . . . yet!

This video was made to share a free make n take at an online crop I hosted recently.  Enjoy!

Sketch Challenge 16 May 2020 ~ 1 photo 1 page


No photo description available.


Sunday, May 17, 2020

Movie Review: Moonrise Kingdom


Moonrise Kingdom is . . . ummmmm . . . unusual.  I felt like Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Bill Murray felt they needed to get outside their comfort zones and do something VERY different.  The characters were silly and yet realistic in an odd sort of way.  Can you tell I'm having trouble figuring out how to tell you what I loved about this movie?

Quirky?  Yes.

Anyway it is the story of two tweens who meet, fall in love, write back and forth, and finally decide to run away together.  And believe it or not this movie won some awards and was nominated for an Oscar for best writing and original screenplay.

Original?  Oh, yes.

This is definitely a fun movie for a quiet evening.  Do not expect any CGI or graphic anything.  Expect a good story told well.




Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Mixed Greens with Marinated Goat Cheese


Quantity : 2 servings
Brining : 1 h Preparation : 10 min
230 calories/serving

Ingredients
4 tsp fresh basil, finely chopped 5 g
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30 mL
40 g goat cheese, sliced into rounds
2 tsp wine vinegar 10 mL
1 pinch salt [optional] 0.2 g
ground pepper to taste [optional]
2 3/4 cups mixed greens 70 g
1 plums, red or black, cut into thin wedges 100 g

Before you start

Marinate the cheese for 1 h, as explained below, then assemble the salad just before serving.

Method

Finely chop half of the basil then put it in a shallow bowl. Pour in the oil then mix well. Slice the goat cheese into rounds then add them to the bowl. Spoon the basil oil over the cheese, cover and let stand about 1 h at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Remove the cheese from the basil oil and transfer the oil to a large bowl. Pour in the vinegar, add salt and pepper to taste. Wash and spin-dry the mixed greens, then add them to the bowl. Chop the remaining basil then add it to the bowl. Toss well, then divide up the greens onto individual serving plates.
Wash the plums and cut each into thin wedges lengthwise, discarding the core. Place the wedges on top of each plate with 1 cheese round in the centre. Serve.


https://www.soscuisine.com/recipe/mixed-greens-marinated-goat-cheese

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Top Movies of All Time according to IMDB ~ # 12 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Special Book ...

It was so long ago but I think I saw the first Star Wars movie at the old St. Thomas Drive-In.  Amazing!

I can't remember if I saw The Empire Strikes Back at the movie theatre, drive-in, or on video for the first time, but I do remember seeing it many times including just this week.  Hal and I are enjoying a Star Wars Marathon.

Exciting action, wonderful creative aliens, lots of humour mixed in with the heroics and danger.  I don't think you can watch this movie (or the entire series) too many times.

Next rainy day why not enjoy a Star Wars movie binge?


Academy Awards, USA 1981

Won
Oscar
Best Sound
Bill Varney
Steve Maslow
Gregg Landaker
Peter Sutton 
Won
Special Achievement Award
Brian Johnson
Richard Edlund
Dennis Muren
Bruce Nicholson
For visual effects (statuette).
Nominated
Oscar
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Norman Reynolds
Leslie Dilley
Harry Lange
Alan Tomkins
Michael Ford 
Best Music, Original Score
John Williams 

Thursday, May 7, 2020

SPEED ROUND ~ The Final Challenge: Books and Magazines

You may recall that Challenge #8 was organizing your paper cosmetics. I have a rather large collection although I am pretty sure there are lots of you with even more. But mine ARE organized.




So I am more than ready for Challenge #9 ~ The Final Challenge . . .


Books and Magazines

Inspiration for scrapbook pages is everywhere. But what is the best way to organize it so that it's actually USEFUL?



First consider cutting up your magazines and idea books, and only saving the ideas that you really plan to use. Magazines and idea books that just sit on your shelves aren't really useful. It can take hours to go through your books to find the one layout you remember. Having your ideas in a condensed form, arranged in a way that makes sense to you is much more effective. If you are able to cut up your magazines, here are some ideas for arranging them:


theme (holidays, birthday, babies, pets, travel etc)
number of photos used in the layout
journaling ideas
colours
quotes
techniques

Now that you've decided how to arrange them, where do you store them? A few ideas:

* a composition book or some other kind of sketchbook: you can sketch in there and adhere page ideas into it. It's also portable, so you can take it with you to crops!
* an index card box: adhere your ideas to index cards
* idea file folders. Place your ideas inside file folders and label the index tab. Store in a portable file box. Add categories as needed.
* binder with page protectors: tuck clippings into the page protectors

If you have decided you are NOT cutting up your magazines . . .

SORT


Make sure that the magazines and books are still relevant to you. If you are holding onto magazines more than a year or two old, REALLY make sure they still interest you. Sort them into piles: KEEP, DONATE, SELL, TOSS

PURGE


Trash the TOSS pile. Arrange immediate drop-off or pick-up of the DONATE pile. Bag up and assign a price and your initials to the SELL pile.

ASSIGN


Sort your magazines/books by title/date of issue, and consider storing your books and magazines down low on your bookshelf due to their weight.

CONTAINERIZE


Store in boxes or magazine holders.

EQUALIZE


Consider getting varied colours of post-it flags, and setting up categories for ideas. Each time you get a new book or magazine, flag the pages you like according to your system, so that you an easily see from the outside of your books which one might have an idea applicable to the project you are working on.

This is the final challenge . . . 

how's your space looking now?

Share photos of your newly organized space with us in this album.

Journal Prompt 7 May 2020 ~ It's almost the weekend

Journal Prompt:  What will you be up to this weekend?

Scrapbook Scrapbooking Clipart

I just received 144 wedding photos that need to be scrapbooked.  So that is my plan this weekend.  To assist in this endeavour I have signed up for a 2 day online crop.  And if I accidentally do run out of wedding photos I can start my pandemic album or my east coast trip album . . . so much to scrapbook . . . so little time . . . 

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Rhubarb and Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberry-Rhubarb Sorbet


1-1/2 stalks rhubarb
8 tbsp sugar
1-1/2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 cup water
1-1/4 strawberries
1 egg white

Put a metal or glass bowl into the freezer so that it will be cold when filling it with the sorbet mixture.

Wash the rhubarb stalks briefly.  If necessary, the fibrous stings can be removed by pulling them as with celery.  Cut them crosswise into approximately 1.5 cm pieces and place them in a saucepan.  Stir in the sugar, lemon juice and water.  Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer 8-10 minutes.  Take the saucepan off the heat.

Hull the strawberries and halve them lengthwise, then add them to the rhubarb.  Transfer the mixture to a blender and process until smooth.  With the blender running, pour in the egg white and continue to mix until homogeneous.  You may also beat the egg white in a separate bowl using an electric mixer, then add to the fruit puree and mix well.

Let the mixture cool down about 10 minutes in the refrigerator, then pour it into the prepared container, cover and chill in the freezer.

After about 3 hours, take the mixture out of the freezer and stir it using a whisk.  Return it to the freezer and repeat the same stirring operation after an additional 2 hours.  In order to reduce the standing times between the stirring operations, you may distribute the mixture into 2 smaller containers, rather that just pouring it into 1, so that it will freeze more rapidly.  This is particularly useful when preparing larger amounts.

Take the sorbet out of the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving, so that it will soften slightly.

Serves 5.

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars:  Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)


Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope | Wookieepedia | Fandom

Hal and I are watching are rewatching the Star Wars movies this week.  I can't say I am a huge fan of the Star Wars franchise . . . but I do like it quite a bit.  I think it is very clever.  And I can't believe I never questioned why the first movie was called Episode IV.

It has a great and swashbuckling story line and great special effects, especially for the times.  "Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."  I stole this from IMDB because I couldn't have said it better myself.

I think a week of social distancing should be devoted to watching all the Star Wars movies while curled up on the couch eating popcorn.

 


I like that . . . the story of a boy, a girl and a universe . . . 


Academy Awards, USA 1978

Won
Oscar Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
John Barry
Norman Reynolds
Leslie Dilley
Roger Christian

Best Costume Design
John Mollo

Best Sound
Don MacDougall
Ray West
Bob Minkler
Derek Ball

Best Film Editing
Paul Hirsch
Marcia Lucas
Richard Chew

Best Effects, Visual Effects
John Stears
John Dykstra
Richard Edlund
Grant McCune
Robert Blalack

Best Music, Original Score
John Williams

Special Achievement Award

Ben Burtt (as Benjamin Burtt Jr.)
For sound effects. (For the creation of the alien, creature and robot voices.)

Nominated
Oscar Best Picture
Gary Kurtz

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Alec Guinness

Best Director
George Lucas

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
George Lucas