Corny can be good!

Summer corn is so sweet! We use it in so many ways but this is the latest thanks to Ben. We love wings of all persuasions...but we are trying to trim down. This corn has all the flavors of those greasy, tasty wings... without too many calories. Grill the corn (we did 3 ears) on a grill pan or on the grill outside if you can brave the heat. Make sure to rotate the ears so as not to scorch them:) Meanwhile whisk 6 TBs of butter into 4 TBs of buffalo sauce. When the corn has some nice char to it, pull it off and brush with the sauce. Sprinkle with celery salt and dot with blue cheese. You even get the celery and blue cheese flavor of the typical wing experience. This is so tangy and savory! If you don't like the pungent flavor of blue cheese, try some queso fresco or a small drizzle of ranch dressing instead. We made it with grilled chicken and roasted broccoli. Sure, sure corn is kind of a carb... But it's a vegetable too, right?

Queen Anne neckline

Just look at this neckline on a perfect polka dot dress. It's one of the easiest to find in current clothes with retro style. And it's flattering on everyone. I used to have a purple shirt with this same Queen Anne neckline. It was from JCPenney!  My students would say, "You look like you are an extra in Pearl Harbor." I was confused until I realized they were referencing the movie with Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsale. The costumes and makeup in that flick are so lovely...

Back to Rita Hayworth. She was usually a redhead or brunette, but as a blonde she is just as gorgeous. You don't see short hair on many starlets from the '40s. She rocks the cut in "The Lady from Shanghai" released in 1948. As an avid Turner Classic Movie fan... I saw a commercial announcing a new DVD release of the film, starring and directed by Orson Welles. Now I have to see it! Just the snippets shown sucked me in! A murder mystery with all the shadows, angles and close ups of film noir. It's not airing anytime soon, but I'll post if it does!

Road trip Reading

Southern Living has become my go-to source for every type of recipe these days. Pimento cheese, the deliciously retro Chicken Divan casserole and a lemon-lime pound cake recipe from the '50s to name a few.  Yes, I use Mom's recipes so don't think I'm cheating on the traditional generational cooking thing. After all, she's the one who gave me the "All New Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook" in 2006. Yes, that is the title. I rediscovered it this past year when I really got cooking in the kitchen. I mean, five different, elaborate meals a week kind of cooking. When I would read the latest SL issue, I would neatly clip out anything that looked enticing. Then it hit me, I have a treasure trove of recipes all in one place-the cookbook! More on that later... 

But this Cakes and Pies edition that just hit stands... Oh Lordy! I needed some light reading for a trip from Jacksonville to Orlando and snagged this "Special Collector's Edition." This magazine is drool-worthy. Hand pies, cupcakes, layer, icebox and ice cream cakes....I started to be disappointed I would be in a hotel room for three days without butter, sugar and flour! The issue is divided by season so you can bake and make with what's in season. So think Strawberry Mousse Cake for spring and Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake for fall. SL's recipes are so easy to follow and every one I have made has turned out just right and scrumptious. It's nice to have all the sweet recipes in one beautifully photographed place. I also have their soup and stew edition...Now I know why Mom kept all those hard-backed editions for decades.

That's Amore!

This is how I think I look in the kitchen....just like the voluptuous Sophia Loren. I have the Italian thing going for me. And I tried to get my hair colored like her...but the stylist thought red meant purple....ugh. At least Sophia has some flour haphazardly wiped on her hip. Hopefully it wasn't styled like that for the photo and she really is making pizza. But Sophia...I would use a spoon to spread the sauce:) When I was pregnant and making pizza, the flour was everywhere...especially my belly. And I love to wear black, so it was always a dress again before dinner situation. Publix has wonderful ready-made pizza dough for less than $3. The only trick....let it sit out in a bowl slicked with good olive oil. You need to let it proof, or rise, for at least an hour. My husband and I have been on the fresh mozzerella, broccoli, tomato and ricotta kick. If you'e never had ricotta on a pizza...you must try it. You can season it with fresh or dried basil and oregano and garlic if you like....or dollop it right from the container. Or if you are super fancy and watch too much Food Network, you can make your own ricotta. I'll save my strength for eating the pizza. The pic below doesn't have ricotta...I must have used it all making cannolis!

 

Peeping toes!

 Love my new Chantilly heels by Mel! They are so feminine and sassy. They are made from some magical rubber substance that's scented. Think Strawberry Shortcake! They are so comfortable and go perfectly with my red and white gingham bathing suit....more on that later!

Well, hello there!

If you've ever lusted after a sparkling rhinestone necklace or baby-pink peep-toe pumps, I hope you like what you read and see here. Vintage and pin-up style has crept into my wardrobe, jewelery box and dining room. I'd like to share some of my favorite retro-finds and prized possessions with all of you lovers of times-gone-by.  I'd also like to share my triumphs and tragedies in the kitchen! More to come later!