You might recognize this classic tune from the silent film, The Artist. Perhaps you've heard it once before on your grandfather's phonograph. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Sing, Sing, Sing" by the one and only Benny Goodman!

As a bicycle enthusiast, I anticipate the day I advance to wheels of a similar height.

"The Great Imposter" by The Fleetwools

Think Pink!

From birth, girls are doted and adorned with the color pink. Very rarely do you ask a small girl what her favorite color is to hear her respond, "Why blue of course!" Pink is the signature color of femininity and naturally being females, we are drawn to its poise and pizazz. So next time you're wondering what to wear, think pink!

Photo Booth

Last week I found my name scribbled on a neighbor's wedding list and was all too happy to obligingly attend! At the garden wedding, among the usual commodities offered to wedding guests appeared a rather unusual amenity. There in the center of the procession stood a photo booth meant for capturing the happy faces of courting couples and single straying souls. Being a group of giddy girls excited to relive any form of the past, my fellow comrades and I yanked down the velvet red curtain and took a seat in angst for the flash of the camera. After snapping a few photographs of merry faces and gleeful grins, a thin strip of photos spat out of the mouth of the machine. Though we unanimously agreed that the photographs were less than flattering, we were content to have preserved the memory of the night in a sequential of pictures. The gathering came to a close with quiet dancing under the moonlight and the sleepy yawning of violin strings.

It seems that a memorable night for one happy couple declaring their devotion under the seal of matrimony is a noteworthy night for all.

A Do for Your Hairdo

Are you avoiding the bathroom mirror for fear of discovering one more little grey hair? Try these quick fixes that are guaranteed to rid you of another hair headache!

If you just don't have time to drop by the salon, pick up some fresh chamomile flowers or tea leaves on your way home. Simply boil a cup of chamomile, add 1 tsp of lavender oil, and stir in 1 cup of yogurt. Rub the mixture into your hair and put on a shower cap to let the blend work its wonders. After 30 minutes, rinse out the mix to see your brightened and lightened hairdo! Not only  will chamomile lighten your hair, but its flowers will promote growth on your happy head! 

By Curly Cue 9/4/12

The Tallest Man on Earth

Last night I went to a vintage folk concert downtown. Never before had I seen such attractive young men and lovely ladies! Rumor had it that there was a beauty pageant prior to the concert so the comely contestants were still walking about. Even more wonderful than the familiar faces from magazine and newspaper ads was the aesthetics of the venue. The show was held in a 1920s theater where the voices of operatic stars of the day once echoed off the faded painted walls. If you listened closely enough, you could still hear the resounding chime of champagne glasses and the gentle noise of wind sliding past waving fans. 

The draw of the night was the Swedish musical prodigy Kristian Matsson. Although this little man was well under six feet, the passion with which he sang, the lyrics he penned, and the beauty of the notes which graced our ears proved that there was nothing so consuming nor so enrapturing as the music bursting out of that little lad on stage. In that one moment, no matter how slight, you truly believed him to be the tallest man on earth.

By Curly Cue 9/3/12

Fortune's Darling

While on Captain Ronald Reagan's business, a photographer was stopped dead in his tracks by a girl working in a plane munitions factory. The photographer had been sent to take morale-boosting photographs of attractive ladies helping the war effort for a Yank magazine when he spotted beauty incarnate in the 1930s. The young lady was truly lovely with milk white skin, red rosy lips, and soft brown hair. Still the girl would have certainly laughed aloud to hear that one day she would be the most famous and desirable woman in the world! For certain, after being tossed around like used clothing betwixt inhospitable family members and foster homes, Norma Jean was a diamond in the rogue. 

After snapping a few pictures, the photographer encouraged Norma to die her hair blonde and promptly apply to a modeling agency. After a quick dye job, it wouldn't be long till Norma would outgrow the industry of still pictures and advance into the moving picture business. A wink here, a song and dance there, and voluptuousness everywhere...and America had fallen in love with enamoring Norma Jean. Though the name of Norma wouldn't suit the star for long; for the world would soon learn to call her, Ms. Marilyn Monroe. 

By Curly Cue 9/3/12

Sweater Smitten

It's hot and humid outside, but you would never know by the looks of me; for I am certainly smitten with sweaters. I wear sweaters in all colors of the rainbow, sweaters with collars, and sweaters with frills. It seems that every occasion calls for a sweater. Are you getting ready for a long day at the office? Be cozy in a sweater. Will you be going for a walk tonight? You should probably bring along a sweater. Even Jane Russell knows that everyday is a sweater day! 

By Curly Cue 9/3/12

Mint Mister

 Try this homemade mint facial mister to keep cool and refreshed all summer long!

Ingredients 

1/2 cup fresh mint
peel from 1 orange
 

How to

First combine the ingredients above in an 8 oz. glass jar. Next cover the mix with a lid and shake well. Leave the mixture in a cool, dark area to set for a day. Strain out the solids of the solution using a fine muslin or paper coffee filter. Finally put the mint mister in a bottle and mist the heat away!

"Get Happy" by Judy Garland

Cheerio Coffee...Ta-ta Tea!

Never again will I pour hot coffee from pots or steam milk for frothy cappuccinos. No longer will I gather loose tea leaves from mason jars and seep their leaves in piping hot water; for I have said cheerio to coffee and ta-ta to tea at my coffee shop job at long last. Still I must admit, that along with almond croissants and café au laits, I will truly miss the Breakfast Club. 

The Breakfast Club are a group of cranky old men who convene each morning to fret and bicker over cups of coffee and day old newspapers. They scarcely say hello and until someone starts up about Washington or the fickleness of Wall Street, they remain obstinately mum the whole morning procession. There must be only four or five of these grey-haired grouches who each patiently wait his turn to frown at his ancient companions. No matter how little they discuss or how red in the face they get, like clockwork they return the next day to argue over the same things once more. Who knows how many of their conversations I have eagerly lent an ear and had to restrain from piping in?!

Until the morning when I too wake up old and grumpy, ready to dispute presidential candidates and rumors of an early spring, I will dearly miss the Breakfast Club.

By Curly Cue 8/26/12

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Tomorrow is my first day of school, so I decided to bake away the school blues & add a little sugar to my day. Betty Crocker here I come!

 What You Need

1 1/2 sticks of softened butter
3 cups cake flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened coca powder 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 3/4 cup sugar 
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring 
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1 cup buttermilk 

cream cheese frosting 

Time to Bake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

Beat the sugar, butter and vegetable oil in another bowl on medium speed for about 4 minutes, or til the mixture is nice & fluffy. Next beat in the eggs. Then beat in the food coloring, vinegar and vanilla. Decrease the mixer speed to low as you add the flour mixture. Pour the batter into cupcake sleeves. Bake the cakes for 19 minutes; then let them cool for about 15 minutes. Frost your heart out with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

By Curly Cue 8/26/12

Beauty Sleep

Have you been waking up to find circles under your eyes prooving another sleepless night? Mother may have been right when she warned that you were simply not getting enough beauty sleep. But have no fear...lavender is here! Before you try counting sheep or reciting your ABC's, scatter some lavender flowers on your pillow to ensure a good night's rest. Sweet dreams will be your beauty cream! 

By Curly Cue 8/21/12

Tea Time

A cup of tea may be your drink of choice on snow frosted mornings, but you may not know that your favorite brew can lend a helping hand when it comes to looking pretty! Peppermint tea is an appliable astringent whose leaves can work wonders for cleansing skin. Dip a cloth in warmed peppermint tea, wash your face, and dry off your new squeaky clean skin! Don't forget to thank those friendly leaves the next time you brew a cup o' tea!

By Curly Cue 8/20/12

Me...Shy?

Today I stopped by for an interview at a cupcake shop...and boy was I in for a treat! When I first walked into the store, I was shocked to find a boisterous bubbly woman shouting at me greetings of salutation. Far from her intent, my instincts urged me to flee the cupcake counter to avoid being shouted out of the store! But no matter. The aroma of sweet southern tea and freshly frosted cupcakes were filling my nostrils as I gazed wide eyed at bowls of fondant and hand stirred batter. Yes siree, was I in for a surprise! 

By the close of the interview, the owner and I both knew it was time to discuss the white elephant in the strawberry pink room- my area of weakness. The owner explained to me that she had a gift for summing people up within moments of their meeting, and could tell for a fact that I was dreadfully shy. The owner then explained how approachable and welcoming her employees were; and then ever so kindly reminded me what a dreadfully shy girl I was, in case it hadn't sunk in the first time. I imagine my definition of shy must look rather different from hers after meeting her deafening cupcake greeter. So why yes, in comparison to a roaring lion, I appear as a timid lamb! 
The interview was a flop, largely due to the oversized stamp the owner had rolled on my forehead- "Warning...shy girl ahead!" 

The frosting on the cake finally came when she told me that I was "cupcakey," possibly due to the curly cues atop my head. However, despite my "sweetsy" appearance, her assessment of my shyness left this cupcake queen jobless. 

"The Flying Deuces" Film Review

Stan & Ollie literally break out in song and dance in this black and white picture prize. In The Flying Deuces, Mr. Ollie, a rather dim fellow, falls madly in love with gorgeous Ms. Georgette, who is in fact a married Mrs.! Stan is a disaster waiting to happen, remaining ever so faithful and ever so dull. The poor fellow cannot seem to do a thing right and is downright adorable for it. 
When Ollie's wooing attempts prove fatal, he turns to the comforts of drowning himself with the company of blindly devoted Stan. On second thought, Ollie decides to join the Foreign Legion in order "to forget" his married maiden. In a jiffy, the overstuffed lovesick man and his well meaning comrade find themselves in ill humor with the Legion and are sentenced to be shot at sunrise. Ollie whines, "There's a nice pickle we're in...shot at sunrise." Stan replies, "I hope it's cloudy tomorrow" and begins to play the harp on his bed strings. After shooting their capturers with champagne bottle tops, the deuces fly off in a plane only to wind up in a crash landing. In the end, Ollie gets what he wanted all along- his spirit floats up to heaven and his soul reincarnates in the form of a horse with a top hat. Just by skin of his teeth, Stan survives the crash and the deuces walk off into the sunset of comedic success.

By Curly Cue 8/19/12

A Plea for Gentlementry

Following behind a young chap leaving a flower shop, I was surprised to find a glass door slammed in my face. After a hard smack to the noggin, I successfully made it to the curb only to find I had soiled my shoes in a rainy street puddle. What a day I say! To make matters worse, my only comfort was the snickering of a passing man quite amused by my soggy shoe situation. 
Every day at breakfast, I find myself opening the morning paper expecting the headlines to read, "Where have all the gentlemen gone?". It seems to me that "gentlemen" these days have left out the "gentle" bit and still wonder why women faint just reading the name of Gregory Peck. 
Grandma had it nice. Back in those nostalgic days, men held doors for dames and asked their fathers for a date with their daughter. Along with the parting era of the milkman, chivalry hasn't been seen since.
Since that fateful day when I first had a door shut in my face, I've been daydreaming about the olden days of gentlementry. If I ever come across a feller like the ones from grandma's day, I'll likely be in such a stupor that I may just declare "I do" then and there!
So men, help a lady into her coat, pull out her chair, and tip your hat to her to say good day! You're guaranteed to be the most popular lad in town!

By Curly Cue 8/18/12

I've called in sick so many days, I wonder what they'll say if I call in well!

Working Woman

Tomorrow I have an interview for a job at a cupcake shop. Cupcakes being one of my daily food groups, I am considerably eager to spoon out some batter, heat up the oven, and chirpily sprinkle cherry chips and vanilla flakes on tiny hills of frosting! If all goes well, I'll be dressed in a white apron in no time!

I'll never take another cigarette...just the ones people give me.

The Audrey Attraction

Audrey Hepburn always looked picture perfect. Her every day wear was casual yet classy, making the iconic star a walking fashion show. Below are a series of photographs that give a glimpse into the leading lady's day-to-day wear on and off screen. If you're a girl with a heart after vintage vogue, take a peek at one of Hollywood's best dressed legends!

Straw hats are perfect for sunny weather.

Audrey didn't juts love Tiffany's in the movies.

Scarves make you feel, oh so mysterious!

A matching dress & gloves are a lovely duo.

It always helps to study while wearing a collar.

When in Rome, be sure to peddle in polka dots!

Cotton Candy & Chocolate Raspberry Cakes

For the cupcake in your life...here's a recipe that's guaranteed to satisfy your sweetie's sweet tooth!

What You Need

1 cup sugar 
1 stick of butter 
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk

1 cup fresh raspberries
cupcake sleeves
Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Flavor Mix (I picked cotton candy & white chocolate raspberry)

cream cheese frosting

chocolate & rainbow sprinkles

Time to Bake!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, beat the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Next stir in the milk until batter is smooth. For a great pink color, drop two droplets of red food coloring in the cake mix.

Next pour the batter in the cupcake sleeves till they are 2/3rds full. Bake the cupcakes for 20 minutes, rotating the cupcake trays at the half way mark. Let the cakes cool for 15 min. Pour the packages of Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Flavor Mix in two bowls of frosting. Stir well.

Frost the cakes with fresh raspberries and sprinkles to decorate. These cakes make tasty tea time treats!

When life gives you lemons, find a friend with a good juicer.

Flying Pink Balloons

What could be more lovely than setting free a pink balloon into the breezy summer air? Not much, I daresay! So here's another way to celebrate the summer season. Whether you're relaxing seaside or picnicking at the park, bring along a pink balloon to let loose into the clear blue skies. You'll be sure to find there's nothing quite like a flying balloon to make those cloudy days float away.

By Curly Cue 8/16/12