DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY - James - Book Review

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I love an epilogue and a sequel is even better.  England's grande dame mystery writer P.D. James has written a follow-up to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Checking up on old friends is always fun and Baroness James provides a bit of an update in her prologue.  Then we are off and rolling with the family and staff of Pemberley preparing for the annual ball. Trouble is not far off which is where Baroness James really excels.

At times, James sounds just like Austen, "She consistently congratulated him on qualities he did not possess in the hope that, flattered by her praise and approval, he would acquire them” and at other times the lines don't quite ring true--but who cares?  It is good writing, a good plot, and a wrap-up that was more than I expected.  There is also a little Emma and Persuasion interwoven into the story which made me smile. 

P.D. James is 91 years old and her wit is reflected in her writing. The author added this note at the beginning of the book:  "I owe an apology to the shade of Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in the trauma of a murder investigation, especially as in the final chapter of Mansfield Park Miss Austen made her views plain: “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody not greatly in fault themselves to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest.” No doubt she would have replied to my apology by saying that, had she wished to dwell on such odious subjects, she would have written this story herself, and done it better."

Bravo to Baroness James.

TRADER JOE'S ARGENTINIAN RED SHRIMP with LINGUINE

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I'm so sorry if you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby.  Truly.  And I am hoping you can find this sweet lobster-like shrimp if you don't have a TJ's--it's worth the search.  My friend, Ashley, grabbed several bags when she spied these because apparently it is only available a few times a year. Lucky me--she gave me a bag.

I had lots of pasta so concocted a recipe using what I had in the pantry.  But grilled and served with vegetables would work well, too.



INGREDIENTS
Serves 4

Bag of Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp (frozen)
8 oz Linguine
4 cloves of garlic, minced or crushed
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Olive oil (I used garlic infused olive oil)
Fresh parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS


Forgive me, I didn't measure much in this recipe, but I know you will turn all these ingredients into a lovely dish.

While pasta is boiling, drizzle olive oil in a skillet and add crushed garlic cloves and red pepper flakes.  Cook the garlic for a few minutes and then add the frozen shrimp sprinkling with salt and pepper.  Cook until shrimp is pink and curled (about the same amount of time it takes to cook the pasta).

Drain the pasta saving 1 cup of pasta water.  Add pasta water to the shrimp, stir, and then add the linguine.  Peel fresh parmesan strip over the shrimp and linguine. Serve with fresh parmesan.



Really, this is so yummy and easy.  Do make it!  From start to finish it took less than 30 minutes.

THEN AGAIN - Diane Keaton

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Diane Keaton is quirky and classic and I've always liked her acting--even when the movie was terrible. Her recently published  biography, Then Again, begins with excerpts from her mother's journals which Keaton uses throughout as a comparison of their two lives. She was very close to her mom and this book pays honor to her. I listened to this book on audio CD narrated by Diane Keaton which made it all the better. Keaton's voice at times was emotional but it always fit the subject matter (usually talking about her mom or dad).

This woman loves and enjoys her family--her parents, sisters, brother, and now her children.  I didn't realize Keaton grew up in Orange County, California.  She always struck me as the New York type.  It was fun to hear her mention various places around Orange County since I love the place and have been there a zillion times.

Keaton describes her relationships with Woody Allen, Al Pacino, and Warren Beatty with enough detail to make it interesting but always respectful. I would have loved more information about her success at restoring houses and more behind the scene stories from movie sets.  But all in all I enjoyed this book.

Personalized Kid's Place Settings!

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Ok, so I may not be able to create something beautiful out of my kid's food (see earlier post) but I certainly can "place" it on something fabulous! Check out this new line from Clairebella. There are colors and patterns for every kid and every hobby!

I don't know about you, but when I get invited to a kid's party or a baby shower, I am always at a loss at what to bring...I want to bring something unique and something I put some thought into...not just check off an item from a registry.

What little girl wouldn't love to clear their plate and see a little pink princess crown or a monkey with a pink bow in her hair?

How about the little boy that has everything? Maybe he loves tennis, or soccer or baseball? Personalize his plate with his name and an image from his favorite sport or his favorite animal, like a dinosaur? The possibilities are endless...almost.

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S'well Bottles- Cool Looking, Functional and Socially Conscientious

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We just brought in the coolest water bottle around (and we know water bottles) by S'well. Founder Sarah Kauss was on a hike one day in the desert and was miserable because she was drinking luke warm water out of a reusable bottle and wondered "why isn't there a bottle that can keep my water cold? And keep my coffee hot? And why can't this bottle be elegant and beautiful, at home in the board room or hiking a trail?" And there, in that hot and uncomfortable moment, the idea for the S'well water bottle was born! And let us tell you, this is not just any water bottle! Its special technology keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. It doesn't "sweat" on your hands, bag or papers. It fits in a car holder, stroller cup and its mouth is big enough for ice cubes. It's made of high quality stainless steal so there is no plastic lining and no after taste. No, it won't do your laundry, but it is one cool looking water bottle that you will love to have and to give! The 17 oz version comes in 7 really cool colors and there is a 25 oz size that is perfect for wine for a little dinner al fresco! Even better, they donate 10% to WaterAid that helps provide clean and safe drinking water for some of the poorest countries throughout the world!

Offered in black, blue, green, pink, red, gold and silver so there are plenty of choices for your thirsty self or friends! Need a gift for that someone who really has everything? Done.
We consume way to much plastic in this country which does not biodegrade, ends up in our oceans and uses a ton of oil to be produced. So quit your plastic water bottle habit now! Give this a try. They are amazing!
And here's a fun video to watch about plastic.

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Personalized Kid's Place Settings!

To contact us Click HERE

Ok, so I may not be able to create something beautiful out of my kid's food (see earlier post) but I certainly can "place" it on something fabulous! Check out this new line from Clairebella. There are colors and patterns for every kid and every hobby!

I don't know about you, but when I get invited to a kid's party or a baby shower, I am always at a loss at what to bring...I want to bring something unique and something I put some thought into...not just check off an item from a registry.

What little girl wouldn't love to clear their plate and see a little pink princess crown or a monkey with a pink bow in her hair?

How about the little boy that has everything? Maybe he loves tennis, or soccer or baseball? Personalize his plate with his name and an image from his favorite sport or his favorite animal, like a dinosaur? The possibilities are endless...almost.

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5 of Our Favorite Images from the May / June Lonny Magazine

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Perusing shelter magazines is definitely one of my favorite ways to relax but I've been so busy recently that I'm way behind on checking out my favorite online mags. Lonny Magazine is a gorgeous one and I just finished looking through it. I thought I'd share some of my favorite images in no particular order. Also, our friend and very talented Grant Tankoos of Soundview Millworks was mentioned in Lonny for his nautical and equestrian inspired cheese and serving boards. They can be personalized with almost anything and are handmade in his shop in Darien, CT and they make perfect gifts.
I love this painting - the combination of the greens, blues and grays are so soothing to me. The teal glass vase and gray ceramic vase are perfect next to it.
I love hydrangeas and this dusty purple bouquet is gorgeous.
I just love Thonet Bentwood chairs. I've inherited a couple of old ones from my Grandfather. I love the "curly" detail on these chairs.
This is just a fabulous orange and green patio design! I also love it mixed with brown (our colors)! I just want to sink into that couch with a glass of wine.
I love this deep orange pagoda mirror!
Here is the Soundview Millworks mention:

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