Sabrina was robbed!

October 31, 2007 in Television

The results show tonight were shocking! I had envisioned Jane and Marie in the bottom two - and neither of them made it. (lucky for them!) To see Sabrina not make the cut to move on, was quite a shock. To me, she seemed like the clear front runner! Who can figure out the fickle tastes of the voters! Oh, Len!
Debbie

Permalink | Email this | Comments (3)

Keep on Smiling, Helio!

October 30, 2007 in Television

I was most concerned this week for Marie. If I was her, I would feel apprehensive about fainting again. And (I think intentionally) her routine had her on the floor a lot. That was a little unsettling. However, the whole incident hasn’t done her career any harm – she’s received an enormous amount of media attention. (not to mention, Donny too)

I thought Carrie Ann (the judge) was the luckiest girl of the night because Maksim gave her a little kiss at the end of their routine. We all squealed with envy! And it certainly paid off since Maks and Mel got triple 10’s for their dance. 

The group dance was lively and entertaining – Highlight was seeing Sabrina flip her partner – She’s a determined little thing! (Didn’t you think Jane Seymour looked like Suzanne Somers in her platinum blonde wig!?)

FAVS of the Night:
Tied for first place (for me) - Helio and Jennie

1.  Helio made his comeback – Yeah! And he came back as “Get Smart!” He totally reminded me of Don Adams from Get Smart in his costume. Keep on smiling, Helio! – It’s workin’ for ya!

1.  Jennie – She managed to accomplish cute and sexy in the same routine. If there hadn’t been that one little flub – I think she would have gotten some 10 scores.

2.  Mel B – Even though the judges thought her routine was perfect – it wasn’t quite the show stopper that the others were. She may surpass everyone, who knows. The “I hate you, I love you” chemistry between her and Maks is a crack-up!

Permalink | Email this | Comments (0)

Lifelong Friends

October 25, 2007 in Friendship

On a recent trip to Seattle, I got the chance to get together with “the girls.” These aren’t just any girls – these are lifelong friends. Girls that I grew up with, went to their weddings and watched their children grow up and still get together with a couple times a year to catch up. As we get a little older, it seems more meaningful to have friends that you have such a long history with.

It’s interesting how the period of time when you’re launching your career, getting married and/or raising little ones, that your friendships don’t always get as much attention. Often it’s simply because you’re so busy, or because your lives have taken different directions. (Or, in my case, I also moved away from my hometown)

We had a few years where keeping in touch didn’t seem to make it to the top of the priority list, or we just somehow just let it slip away. However, in the last 10 years we’ve made a renewed effort to stay more connected. Have you ever noticed that with some friends – even if a year went by without talking - the connection is still there, it is still strong and you pick up right where you left off? And the memories that we have to talk about – they seem endless. What one of us forgets, someone else (Sue!) can describe in detail.

At our recent gathering at the Copper Gate in Ballard, we ate some traditional Norwegian foods and chatted the night away. My favorite topic was sharing the experience of our first periods to all our current menopause symptoms. And it’s also amazing that we were friends before the first event and will be long after the second.

Keep in touch.  Debbie

Permalink | Email this | Comments (2)

A first on “Dancing”

October 23, 2007 in Television

Oh my, the show started out with major drama. Marie fainted after her dance! She was laughing and breathing weird and then all the sudden, “plunk!” It was kind of shocking. Poor thing.

I was invited to a “Dancing” get together last night and was watching (not exercising!) with 4 other ladies. We all just looked at each other in shock with our mouths hanging open. So, it was cute...the ladies I was with were learning to crochet, but the teacher didn’t make it. So, they were struggling with their “butt’s” – I’m not sure if that was official terminology or not. By the way, our hostess made a wonderful Chicken Tortilla Soup. She shared the recipe with me, so I will share with you too. (see next blog)

So, back to the show.
I noticed they didn’t give Marie any sympathy votes for fainting on Live Television. But her dance was off. In fact, many seemed off tonight. Including being shook up after the “Marie Incident,” there was also much distraction with the huge fires that were burning in nearby Malibu. But I noticed there were a lot of celebs in the audience anyway.
 
My FAVS of the night were:

1.  Cameron – he was “smoldering!” Good heavens, he has come a long way. It was cute how he was concerned about his wife’s reaction to all the comments about how sexy the chemistry was. He shouted out, “I love my Wife!”

2.  Mel B – Not that she was doing bad before, but she had one of the best performances of the night. Even though it’s hard to remember to watch her – because you can hardly take your eyes off of Maksim.

3.  Sabrina – more “hot” chemistry there. After their dance, I blurted to the girls, “Get a Room!” and put it in my notes. Right after that the host made the same proclamation.

I must conclude in saying, as cute as Kim’s “I Dream of Jeannie” costume was, I don’t think even that will save Mark Cuban from going home next. I think it’s his turn.

Permalink | Email this | Comments (0)

Tortilla Soup – “Dinner & Dancing!”

October 22, 2007 in Recipes

Stormi’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Soup:
3 Cans Assorted Black, Kidney, Pinto Beans (drain)
1 16oz. Can Corn (drain)
1 lg. Can Stewed Tomatoes
2 c. Cooked and Chopped Chicken
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
1 pkg. Chili Seasoning
Salt & Pepper to taste
Heat on stovetop until flavors blend and beans are tender.

Topping:
Diced Onion
Shredded Jack & Cheddar Cheese
Cilantro
Tortilla Strips
Dollop of Sour Cream

Serve in a Big Soup Bowl. 
Enjoy and Thank You Stormi!

Permalink | Email this | Comments (1)

Framed Quotes -Fun Gift Idea!

October 17, 2007 in Crafts

Kris, our very talented studio organizer and my assistant, made some wonderful gifts recently for our staff.  They are framed quotes using Scrapbook papers and cute do-dahs.  What was so special about these, is that she selected the quote and designed the frame to suit each recipient. I asked Kris for any tips or thoughts she had about creating these.

From Kris:

• I created as Christmas gifts for co-workers: something to decorate their desks and bring a smile to their face.
• The first (and most fun!) step was to search for applicable quotes for each person.
• I used inexpensive frames that were easy to customize.
• I used up Paper scraps and mis-matched supplies
• I also included a personalized note on the back of each frame (i.e. Mandie, CPA - "I don't know much about being a millionaire, but I bet I'd be darling at it." The note on the back of her frame said "Mandie... Money isn't really everything, but it sure is fun to play with, isn't it?! -Kris")

It was so fun to see what Kris created for you, but just as fun to see and read everyone else’s.   

Permalink | Email this | Comments (3)

My quick “Dancing” synopsis:

October 16, 2007 in Television

• Mark – Wow! He’s taken off a lot of weight – He was looking great and dancing better too. 
• Sabrina – What else can I say but, “Amazing!” - She’s a clear front runner at this point.
• Cameron – Up in the sky, is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superman! Oh my, those muscles. “Umma, Umma!”
• Marie – The “Dancing Diet” is working for her too.  Her best move was the hair twirling.  I’d be in traction if I tried that!
• Jennie – I loved the movie “Moulin Rouge” - and anything that makes me think of Ewan McGregor is good.
• Helio – Mr. Charm is back on “track!”

I missed Jane and Floyd – I got an unexpected phone call. I should know better than to answer the phone during DWTS! I’m amazed how incredibly well everyone is doing. Right now it looks like the competition is for 2nd and 3rd place.

Tonight’s FAV’s:
Sabrina
Cameron
Jennie

I’m sure Jane would have been on the list if I had seen her. 

Permalink | Email this | Comments (4)

Pre-Holiday Decorating

October 12, 2007 in Decorating

I know it’s not even Halloween yet, but I’m already starting to plan for Christmas. It never seems like it’s too early to get started anymore since time seems to move at warped speed this time of year. I’m even starting to piecemeal a couple of holiday items into my décor. I have some Harvest décor up now of course – but I can’t help but have the anticipation of Christmas décorating being just around the corner.

I have a new Holiday project book that was recently released called “Joy, Joy, Joy.” It features four decorating themes and one of them is called “Wildberry Lodge.” This look is more about Nature’s beauty and earthy colors and is not just Christmas specific. It’s the kind of look that works well from Fall through Winter. (International friends – My apologies, I know temperatures of our seasons can be pretty different – but we are entering the “chilly” season here in Spokane, WA) In case, you don’t have the book – I thought I’d share a few of the projects and ideas from the section. I hope you get some inspiration for your “pre-holiday” decorating.

Permalink | Email this | Comments (3)

Pinecone Centerpiece

October 12, 2007 in Decorating

Permalink | Email this | Comments (0)

I just love Jane!

October 10, 2007 in Television

The obsession in the U.S. seems to be growing for this show - every move of the celebs and dancers seems to be fodder for entertainment TV and mags everywhere. I heard Tony (Jane Seymour's partner) interviewed  on the radio this morning. He clarified that there was nothing but a professional partnership between Maks and Mel B and that part of dancing is to make it look they are "in love." (of course, what else would he  say!) Other tidbits of critical information he shared: The packages on the first show when they show them meeting their partners is the moment they both learn who their partner is for the season. The professional  dancer's get paid for how long they are on the show - so they have extra incentive to keep their celebs competing.

So, Wow! - the dancers raised the bar pretty high already - particularly the ladies! Everyone was impressive (and slimmer too), if not with their dancing, at least with their costume. Speaking of which, I thought Wayne Newton was quite dashing in his Gaucho costume and ponytail. Maksim looked quite amazing too when he tore his shirt away! Jennie Garth showed off great gams with high kicks and her big comeback. For some reason I get weepy when I watch Jane Seymour - her grace and her heart eminate such beauty. Her emotional and intense performance of the tango was impressive too. You can tell Tony just loves her. 

Top Favs of the Night

Jane (the oldest)

Sabrina (the youngest)

Mel B (the spunkiest) Well that's a toss up between her and Marie

And all the other ladies!

Permalink | Email this | Comments (4)