'Blogebrity Tour' ABC

I wanted to send you on a tour of the most fabulous blogs in the world. In my humble opinion, these 'Blogebrities' rock the blogosphere and the internet universe. (In fact, all the blogs listed on my right side bar - My Blog Tour - are part of this blogebrity status!) If I forget to mention a few of you, don't despair, I will do this again soon. To begin, I want to comment on the splendid photograph above. It was 'Shot in Sicily' by one of Egypt Girl's friends. (Emily, your photograph is killer.) I just love, love, love that photograph. And now, on with the 'Blogegrity Tour ABC'.

A Glamorous Little Side Project

At Home With Kim Vallee

At Home With The Farmer's Wife

Absolutely Beautiful Things

Beach Bungalow 8

Black Eiffel

Blog Me Baby

Brilliant Asylum

Cafe Cartolina

Calamity Kim

Carla Loves Photography

Cote de Texas

Cucina Cara Mia

Coco + Kelly

Alice Waters on 60 Minutes

The Mother of Slow Food (this is such a delicious segment. watch & enjoy)

When it comes to food, Alice Waters is a legend. At age 64, she has done more to change how we (North) Americans eat, cook and think about food than anyone since Julia Child.

Waters was only 27 years old in 1971 when she opened her French bistro Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., today considered one of the finest restaurants not just in the United States but in the world.

Waters has produced eight cookbooks, but she's more famous as the mother of a movement that preaches about fresh food grown in a way that's good for the environment. The movement, now called "slow food," is a healthy alternative to "fast food."

You might think this appeals only to the Prius-driving, latte-sipping upper crust, but Waters' ideas have gone mainstream.

Lusting After Moss Green

And the new cycle of colour love begins. This time it's 'moss green'. It's the dew covered spores in the morning sunlight, the haunting walls of shadowy alleys; brick walls and aged pots - velvet blazers. Old money.

Pussy Willow Arrangements

I just love this don't you? It's a Spring rite. (except..get this...it's snowing here today...let the record show it's March 30th!) The top pussy's are in our local grocery store - outrageously priced at $7.99 for a teensy weensy little bunch! Please let me know where to find fresh & free ones near Wasaga Beach!

Phototransportation

There is no other word to describe how certain photographs take me away to another place; transports me. Enlarge this photo and inhale the moist air, hear the rain, listen to the music, feel the candle flicker, touch the furniture, smell the food, roll the wine around your tongue, taste the beer, slurp the chocolate pot, stroke the cashmere, twirl the black curls, sip the white coffee, lick the cream, love the moment.

BREAKING NEWS

I just experienced visual overdose. It was delicious. I dedicate this post to my Mom. She loves to O.D. too. Wanna try it?

I'm gonna write and I'm only gonna write about cheese

Imagine telling your family that you are destined to be a writer. Not just any writer, but that you've narrowed it down even more; zeroed in to one topic, 'cheese'. Buying cheese is one of the most exhilarating yet often most intimidating food-buying experiences imaginable. It doesn't have to be. All you have to do is learn the Eight Basic Styles of Cheese and you'll be on your way to a worry-free cheese-buying experience. (and who would our cheese teacher be?) Laura Werlin is recognized as one of the country's foremost authorities on American cheese. She has written two award-winning books on the subject, a book on every body's favorite cheese sandwich called Great Grilled Cheese (Stewart, Tabori & Chang), and she has just released her fourth cheese book, Laura Werlin's Cheese Essentials (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2007). Laura considers herself an ambassador for American cheese and hopes that by spreading the word about the cheeses made in this country that cheese lovers here and everywhere will develop a deeper appreciation for these cheeses as well as for the cheese makers who work so hard to make them. Learn how to host a wine and cheese party here. Can a writer pinpoint a subject any further? Success is in the details. (and smelly cheese)

Extra: Cheese History: Many historians believe that cheese making originated in the Middle East about 5,000 years ago. One legend cites the “discoverer” of cheese was an Arab nomad, who had filled his drinking bladder with milk to sustain him for a long journey across the desert. While resting on his trip, he discovered that the milk had separated into a watery liquid and solid white lumps. His drinking bladder was made from the stomach of a young animal, which contained a coagulating enzyme known as rennin. The rennin separated the curds (solid white lumps) and whey (watery liquid). And thus the first cheese was born…though it probably didn’t taste anything like a nice wedge of Stilton!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Don't take your love away from me

Don't you leave my heart in misery

If you go then I'll be blue'

Cause breaking up his hard to do

Remember when you held me tight

And you kissed me all through the night

Think of all that we've been through

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

They say that breaking up is hard to do

Now I know, I know that it's true

Don't say that this is the end

Instead of breaking up

I wish that we were making up again

I beg of you, don't say goodbye

Can't we give our love another try

Come on baby, let's start a new'

Cause breaking up is hard to do

Eat Pray Love Watch

Fresh from TED 2009, Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk. (Recorded February 2009 in Long Beach, California. Duration: 19:29.) Via World Market Portraits who said: "For all my artist friends who struggle with their demons." Writers....you will love this. LPxo Lights out now for an hour. Bye. Oh...you can own her book here.

And the G10

I have to have it. (Yes, I know there's a difference today in need, want and have...I don't care...I have to have it.) Tucked inside the doggy blanket with the new puppers. Please.

My Cheating Guilt-Filled Heart

How could I commit such a horrible sin? How could I turn my back on the love of my life? My dear Golden Retrievers. I've had such a long and happy affair with them. This week I slipped up. I actually thought I would love another; another breed. That little Norfolk Terrier Woody was such a flirt. I couldn't resist him. I caved. But I slept on it and this morning I remembered my vows. My dream of having a happy family of 2 Goldens sprawled out on my white denim covered sofas. Hair billowing, blowing and collecting in all my corners. (wisped outside daily; floating in the air and softly landing on the ground - perfect for baby bird nests.) I no longer want that Woody. Someone else can have him. I want a delightful, cuddly Retriever for my 50th Birthday. I have changed my wicked, wicked ways. Desire is a dangerous thing.

EARTH HOUR

Desparately Seeking Woody

My future little Norfolk Terrier. (it's all in the ears. the floppy ears) In case anyone in my family (or good friend) is reading this: I want a female for my 50th Birthday (June). Paige needs a sister. Puppies are available now. Hint. Hint. If everyone chips in a few dollars........

Camping in Vogue Again

In this economy, camping is in style. It's affordable, 'green' and healthy. A great place to learn and relax together. A notch up in luxury from Survivor. I do prefer 'hotel camping' or 'hamping' or 'glamping', but I must admit, there is something so nostalgic and fresh and bonding about being outside with friends and loved ones. One with nature, the stars, the moon, the lake - the wildlife; the campfire, the marshmallows, the damp sleeping bags - the bugs!!! Perhaps we all need to go camping this year. It's cool to tell people you are going camping. You can admit it now. (you don't have to hide it anymore more.) A camping revival! Oh what the hell.....I'll say it....Yeah!!!

Jukari Fit to Fly

Let the fun begin. Kinda like Anti-Gravity Yoga.

Reebok and Cirque du Soleil have come together to create an innovative training experience that makes staying in shape a lot more fun. The program is called JUKARI Fit to Fly and combines the fluid, imaginative and intriguing Cirque du Soleil approach to movement with Reebok’s fitness expertise to provide women with a truly different group exercise experience. JUKARI comes from a Sicilian word meaning “to play”. The first module called “Fit to Fly” takes its inspiration from trapeze and Cirque’s aerial acts. The result is a group workout that tones your body while having fun!

Yet another way to 'feel' as though you have actually run away to join the circus. Is there a trend here? Do we all want to become kids again? I think so.

Fish Pedicure

For those of you squeamish about people touching your feet, you may find great comfort in knowing you can now get a pedicure from 'flesh-eating' fish.

Pyjama University

Did you know that Blogger has it's own YouTube Channel? It's like going to university for a degree in the future of media, but you get to do it in your pyjamas.

Recession or Not, The Circus Comes to Town

And thank goodness it does. Everyone loves to escape to the big top. (and then some want to run away and join it.)

White House Re-Do

I have been thinking about the decorating that may (or may not be?) going on inside the White House. Are the carpets being rolled up under Barack's feet as he wipes his brow with AIG frustration? Are the girls and Michelle lounging on a big soft bed going through wallpaper books while they watch movies? Is the designer becoming impatient with not being able to get started? I can't wait to see it all finished! (I'm so tired of hearing about the bailouts....give us 'happy'.) Oh, to be a fly on the wall.

Random Quirky Snapshot of My Life

You have to enlarge this shot to appreciate my reality. Notice the snow? (ugh) This was yesterday afternoon. Bee in her spring boots, winter coat and new summer sunglasses. Newly rediscovered pucks poking out from the top layer of the melting ice rink. Paige basking in smelly-dog-spring-poo-scented air and sunshine. (Paige! You are so un-lady-like! Jeeze.) Yes, life around here is definitely random, quirky and wonderful.

Smile Birds

Thanks to my good friend 'Beach Vicki' for sending me this amazing photograph! Smile!

Jane Cumberbatch's Spring Newsletter

Pure Style ideas found on her Pure Blog.

Cold Cuts, Hot Dogs and Beef Oh My

It doesn't take a wizard to figure out that there's something in these studies that suggest that too much beef isn't good for humans. People are saying: 'Don't eat anything that has eyes, or only eat animals that have no legs or only 2 legs'. I personally could live without eating meat except that every once and a while I get a strong craving for a juicy bbq'd steak or an incredible Lick's homeburger. The mortality risk is quite scary. I feel for the cattle farmers. Yet another PR crisis to deal with. And they thought they buried that all with the Oprah lawsuit. (Thank goodness 'free speech' won!)

"Free speech not only lives, it rocks." - Oprah Winfrey

Family Heirloom Ring

My cousin joyfully and proudly wears this ring that belonged to our Grandmother, Jean Olmsted. It is gold filigree, black onyx with a classic & gorgeous diamond on top. She gets so many compliments. I love it because it is so rare and unique in design.

My New Blog

Introducing The Beach Post - because I want to serve my community with local content. Liberty Post will continue as always!

Backyard Bohemia

10 Steps to Your Own Paradise

Tips from Windsor Smith for creating an outdoor transitional room:

1. Stake out a flat spot in an area with indirect sunlight.

2. Create a sense of enclosure with a trellis, a canopy, or a Moroccan tent.

3. Delineate space with a cozy rug.

4. Make the area large enough for dining.

5. Use paper lanterns, ground lights, and candles for ambience.

6. Mix indoor rugs and furniture with the usual garden pieces. Seasonal slipcovers can protect indoor furniture from weather. Add pillows for sitting and lounging—interior pillows are fine, or make covers from soft, weather-resistant fabrics.

7. Provide hard surfaces for trays of food or a pitcher of mojitos.

8. Let attractive game boards double as decorative pieces. Backgammon, chess, and checkerboards work well.

9. Use colors that imply a completely separate experience. Think international, ocean getaway, or similar escapist themes.

10. Hang art or mirrors to create the atmosphere of a real room.

President Barack Obama Op-Ed (because it didn't run in a single Canadian Newspaper, Liberty Post will publish it.)

A time for global action

By Barack Obama

Monday, March 23, 2009




WASHINGTON:





We are living through a time of global economic challenges that cannot be met by half measures or the isolated efforts of any nation. Now, the leaders of the Group of 20 have a responsibility to take bold, comprehensive and coordinated action that not only jump-starts recovery, but also launches a new era of economic engagement to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.




No one can deny the urgency of action. A crisis in credit and confidence has swept across borders, with consequences for every corner of the world. For the first time in a generation, the global economy is contracting and trade is shrinking.




Trillions of dollars have been lost, banks have stopped lending, and tens of millions will lose their jobs across the globe. The prosperity of every nation has been endangered, along with the stability of governments and the survival of people in the most vulnerable parts of the world.
Once and for all, we have learned that the success of the American economy is inextricably linked to the global economy. There is no line between action that restores growth within our borders and action that supports it beyond.




If people in other countries cannot spend, markets dry up -- already we've seen the biggest drop in American exports in nearly four decades, which has led directly to American job losses. And if we continue to let financial institutions around the world act recklessly and irresponsibly, we will remain trapped in a cycle of bubble and bust. That is why the upcoming London Summit is directly relevant to our recovery at home.



My message is clear: The United States is ready to lead, and we call upon our partners to join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose. Much good work has been done, but much more remains.




Our leadership is grounded in a simple premise: We will act boldly to lift the American economy out of crisis and reform our regulatory structure, and these actions will be strengthened by complementary action abroad. Through our example, the United States can promote a global recovery and build confidence around the world; and if the London Summit helps galvanize collective action, we can forge a secure recovery, and future crises can be averted.




Our efforts must begin with swift action to stimulate growth. Already, the United States has passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- the most dramatic effort to jump-start job creation and lay a foundation for growth in a generation.




Other members of the G-20 have pursued fiscal stimulus as well, and these efforts should be robust and sustained until demand is restored. As we go forward, we should embrace a collective commitment to encourage open trade and investment, while resisting the protectionism that would deepen this crisis.




Second, we must restore the credit that businesses and consumers depend upon. At home, we are working aggressively to stabilize our financial system. This includes an honest assessment of the balance sheets of our major banks, and will lead directly to lending that can help Americans purchase goods, stay in their homes and grow their businesses.




This must continue to be amplified by the actions of our G-20 partners. Together, we can embrace a common framework that insists upon transparency, accountability and a focus on restoring the flow of credit that is the lifeblood of a growing global economy. And the G-20, together with multilateral institutions, can provide trade finance to help lift up exports and create jobs.




Third, we have an economic, security and moral obligation to extend a hand to countries and people who face the greatest risk. If we turn our backs on them, the suffering caused by this crisis will be enlarged, and our own recovery will be delayed because markets for our goods will shrink further and more American jobs will be lost.


The G-20 should quickly deploy resources to stabilize emerging markets, substantially boost the emergency capacity of the International Monetary Fund and help regional development banks accelerate lending. Meanwhile, America will support new and meaningful investments in food security that can help the poorest weather the difficult days that will come.




While these actions can help get us out of crisis, we cannot settle for a return to the status quo. We must put an end to the reckless speculation and spending beyond our means; to the bad credit, over-leveraged banks and absence of oversight that condemns us to bubbles that inevitably bust.


Only coordinated international action can prevent the irresponsible risk-taking that caused this crisis. That is why I am committed to seizing this opportunity to advance comprehensive reforms of our regulatory and supervisory framework.


All of our financial institutions -- on Wall Street and around the globe -- need strong oversight and common sense rules of the road. All markets should have standards for stability and a mechanism for disclosure. A strong framework of capital requirements should protect against future crises. We must crack down on offshore tax havens and money laundering.


Rigorous transparency and accountability must check abuse, and the days of out-of-control compensation must end. Instead of patchwork efforts that enable a race to the bottom, we must provide the clear incentives for good behavior that foster a race to the top.


I know that America bears our share of responsibility for the mess that we all face. But I also know that we need not choose between a chaotic and unforgiving capitalism and an oppressive government-run economy. That is a false choice that will not serve our people or any people.
This G-20 meeting provides a forum for a new kind of global economic cooperation. Now is the time to work together to restore the sustained growth that can only come from open and stable markets that harness innovation, support entrepreneurship and advance opportunity.
The nations of the world have a stake in one another. The United States is ready to join a global effort on behalf of new jobs and sustainable growth. Together, we can learn the lessons of this crisis, and forge a prosperity that is enduring and secure for the 21st century.








Barack Obama is president of the United States. A Global Viewpoint article distributed by Tribune Media Services.

10 Pain-Free Sex Positions

Wrecked your knees playing squash or strained your back on that ski trip to Whistler? If your daytime activities have hampered your nighttime pleasure, theres more than one way to ensure that your love life is no pain, all gain. Health industry experts share sex positions to try that ease common body aches and pains and increase pleasure.