Charlotte and I thought it would be fun to "brief" you on the Boomer brothers and sisters who frequent the site. So, we've decided to create a new column called "Catching Up With..." that pulls back the curtain on another Boomer every couple of weeks.
Dinner for Schmucks is a quirky, goofball film that bounces off the comedy guardrails just enough to make you wonder if it could have been better as dark comedy or (dare I say it?) romantic comedy. It's a premise that could've gone either way. Luckily, the middle-of-the-road-comedy approach works very well and it delivers more than its share of laughs.
I'll admit to being fashion-challenged sometimes. But, I learned a long time ago that an outfit consisting of polka dots, stripes and plaid isn't acceptable unless your job description calls for getting out of a VW Bug with 33 other guys in the middle of an arena. It's. Just. Not. Done.
We're doing a remodeling project at Blogger HQ to take in some attic space and create a new home office. We've hired our favorite contractors Doug and Christine to tackle this job and basically turn our lives upside down for the next two months. Join us as we explore whether remodelers and home owners can peacefully coexist and/or find out if it's OK to dump a body in a construction dumpster.
Remodel Diary
Day 1
"Framers start early," Contractor Doug said.
"They'd like to get goin at 7:30 Monday morning if that's OK."
What he DIDN'T say was that a guy in an 18-wheeler would pull up in front of the house with a load of lumber forty minutes BEFORE the framer's "early start".One small detail that was lost in translation.
That's why I was shaving when I heard the rumbala-bumbala-bumbala of an 18-wheeler idling in front of our house. No, we don't get many big rigs in our gated Colleywood cul-de-sac. So it took a while for my Monday-morning brain to realize that this 18-wheeler might have SOMETHING to do with our remodeling project.
After rinsing the shaving cream off my face, I threw on a pair of shorts and grabbed a golf shirt out of the dirty clothes hamper. I know this wardrobe choice isn't in keeping with the Colleywood dress code, dahling...but protocol be damned. I was in a hurry.
Here at Boomer Mansion Charlotte's the green-thumb goddess and I'm the guy in charge of pruning, weeding and watering. She likes her plants - I mean, really likes 'em. We once lived in a house that had so many outdoor plants I was spending about an hour every day in the summer just making sure they were watered (yeah, the summers can be hot and dry in Texas).
By Charlotte on April 18, 2011 6:30 AM | Read More
My long-time friend Linda Storer and I are soul sisters. Besides being fellow breast cancer survivors, we write together. And we share everything from Brio's Insalata Roma (seasoned grilled white chicken and Roma tomatoes on a bed of field greens sprinkled with grapes and caramelized pecans -ahhh!) to a weakness for Nordstrom's shoes (they're easily returned ... no questions asked).
The King's Speech is a crown jewel of a movie that doesn't just live up to the hype - it exceeds it on every level. It's a moving and powerful story of personal triumph that's inspiring without being preachy; uplifting without being corny and engaging from the opening scene to the closing credits.
By Charlotte on April 13, 2011 6:00 AM | Read More
Although that why-don't-we-get-started-already remodeling project has us sidelined for now, Bob and I are fascinated with Mediterranean travel. I'm voting we go to Italy, Bob's love of baklava has him looking at Greece and, as you'd expect of classic movie buffs like us, we're both curious about Grace Kelly's Monaco (who wouldn't wonder about a country smaller than Central Park that attracts the super-rich?).
It's not that I'm antisocial, but I just don't see the point in getting together once every decade with people who only want to see me onceeverydecade.
What am I Haley's Comet?
If you really like me (that includes you and maybe you) you'll see me more often than every time the year ends in zero - because, well, I'm just so damned charming.
So of course, this is just a setup to tell you that I broke my rule a few days ago and actually attended a reunion (start wagging your fingers now) against my better judgment.
What reunion was it? The WHAT isn't really important. It's the WHY that matters to me. Let's just call it the, People-Who-Get-Together-Every-Ten-Years-For-The-Hell-Of-It (PWGTETYFTHOI)reunion. See, right now you know it's stupid because the name is so effing long it doesn't even make a good acronym.
Remember that time we (ate/drank/escaped from that Mexican prison)?
Spongeables are one of those why-didn't-I-think-of-that products that make their way into the blogger compound from time to time. What a great idea! They're bath sponges already infused with spa quality soaps and fragrances - all you add is water.
For years, my girlfriends have teased me about my wacky eating habits. They'll tell you I live on dill pickles and toothpicks (I actually prefer graham crackers), Altoids and cereal (Special K without milk, of course).
In junior high, I wanted nothing more than to be like Julie Barnes (Peggy Lipton) on Mod Squad. Forget fighting crime. I envied her tall, thin frame; simply natural beauty and -- most of all -- her LOOOONG, blond hair.I just knew those luscious locks were the key to her success in life and love.
By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.