Ping Pong Ball Tricks

Just For Fun!

If you find you have time on your hands and you'd like to learn a new skill, watch carefully.

Have some fun today.

Trickey with Balls - The funniest videos are a click away

Renoir on the Delaware

This past July I spent some time in New Jersey visiting family. One Sunday evening we had a relaxing dinner in Lambertville, NJ along the Delaware river and then took a stroll across the bridge to New Hope, PA. Walking back on the bridge, I took a photo of an outdoor dining venue.

photo by me and enhanced to look "old"

This scene reminded me of a Renoir painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party. While not nearly as romantic or idyllic as the Renoir rendering, the riverbank setting seemed of another era.

This is a photo of the Renoir's, Luncheon of the Boating Party, painted 1800-1801. The backdrop of the luncheon was along the Seine.

This painting is a centerpiece of The Philips Collection in Washington, DC. You can read more about the painting and The Phillips Collection by clicking here.

Trend: Motorcycle Jackets

Last year I gave away my black leather jacket. I was tired of it and it just didn't do anything for me. This fall, Motorcycle jackets are one of the popular trends, key pieces, or must haves according to magazines and retailers. I'm debating whether or not I "must have" another leather jacket.

DKNY jacket is Editor pick at INSTYLE .

Motorcycle jackets are not just for a biker chic look, they can be juxtaposed with dresses and skirts.

With the help of Polyvore, I put together a look with a leather jacket, a red(another trend) bag, and Frye boots. The belt has some studs, for the hardware trend and a blue scarf to soften the look. From my online search, the jacket doesn't have to be black and there are some feminine styles. I think I'll be looking for just the right jacket. Considering the temperatures in Michigan this past weekend...I'll be wearing it soon and for a LONG time.

Find me on Polyvore

What To Do With All Those Beans?

I showed some photos earlier in this blog of my garden. Months later, I am harvesting green beans, tomatoes, peppers, lettuces and herbs. I am a bit overwhelmed by beans! I love green bean salads in many forms but a favorite hot bean prep is this corn and bean duo.

Prepare the beans by rinsing and snapping into 2 inch lengths. Slice corn off the cob. Have equal amounts of each vegetable. Heat a large pot of water to boil and toss the veggies into the water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and blanch by plunging them into water with lots of ice cubes. When cool, drain well.

Heat about 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and saute fresh thyme stripped from several sprigs.

Heat the corn and beans by tossing them in the pot with the herb butter. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Have a delicious weekend.

Pink Pump Photo

Conde Nast : Pink Capezio Pump, artist Richard Rutledge

On the Conde Nast website you can shop for fabulous art from their magazines.

I just love this photo of a shoe balancing capriciously on a glass of rose and a pencil.

Have a lovely day.

Tights, Not Leggings For Me

One of the trends for fall is leggings. I've tried them, and on me, it just doesn't work. While the bare leg is now appropriate year-round, it just isn't practical in Michigan. Just too COLD in winter. A practical solution and a fashionable one is tights.

Fendi dress, Neiman Marcus online

How perfect is this look? Black opaque tights with a lovely dress.

Studio m + o

Are you feeling bold? You could wear tights that map your veins and arteries.

Be bold with patterns and colors.

Or be sexy in fishnets. Find your own style. Click here for lots of choices.

Caffeine Love

It can be tough to get going in the morning, particularly on Monday.

I look forward to a kickboxing class and caffeine. I've had a Nespresso espresso machine for several years and I love it for the ease, consistency and speed.

This is the Nespresso Essenza. To the left are a selection of pods. Using pods insures a measured and fresh cup of espresso with virtually no cleanup.

A selection of favorite cups

The Nespresso Aeroccino froths milk for lattes, cappuccinos, etc.

I'm a visual person so I like this cup chart that visually describes the "recipe" for favorite coffee drinks.

Wake up and smell the coffee!!