SweetGirlSmirk

"And we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun" -John Lennon You know you just sang that! I hope everyone has a great evening out under the blue moon and kicking off Labor Day weekend. Stay safe, drink responsibly, and I hope you can sleep in Saturday morning! In case you missed it, here is yesterday's post on the phenomenon and other moon musings  http://themodernsuburbanite.blogspot.com/2012/08/qotd-830-once-in-blue-moon-dreamers-and.html See you next week! I have been running a poll on Twitter (@KimmayJ)  and on  Facebook (Kimberly Walls Art and Design) on what three movies people would choose to watch if they could only watch those three. Feel free to comment with your response.  Also coming next week, a new setlist, fall drinks, and autumn staycation ideas!

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream. Wandering by lone sea breakers, and sitting by desolate streams. World losers and world forsakers, for whom the pale moon gleams. Yet we are movers and the shakers of the world forever it seems.” -Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy When something unexpected comes along, we turn the phrase "once in a blue moon". Tomorrow night, we get that blue moon. This will not happen again until 2015. So those who want to shape culture, not just sit idly by-tonight is your night to take that leap! Dreaming beyond what we know is the lifespring of art, music, culture, and taste. Sadly, one who dared to step beyond where any man had stepped before, Neil Armstrong, was recently taken from us. Tomorrow night, on this blue moon, his family will say their final goodbyes. So, in honor of the movers and shakers, the could bes, the dreamers and the doers: when the man in the moon smiles upon you, wink back. http://newyork.new

Recently, I took an excursion to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to view their  Visions of Arcadia  exhibit. This was a well put together exclusive showing of classic and modern paintings, sculptures, and poetry that draw upon the French theme of Earthly paradise. With works from Cezanne, Matisse, and Gauguin headlined, I knew this would be one that I would enjoy. And I did. The Bathers do not disappoint;  Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" is enigmatic, beautiful, and thought provoking; Rousseau's "The Dream" is vibrant; Delaunay's "The City of Paris" fabulously meshes the modern and classic in a way that you want to go back to review it one more time. The whole thing was absolutely charming, and it is a shame if anyone misses it. Afterwards, I took a tour of the American Art wing. I will admit, I am a Europhile snob and do not often give credit to American artists where it is due. This wing features Shaker an

Yup, that is me. I am a serial procrastinator. Today, though, I am tunneling through my to-do list. Why? The backlog is becoming unbearable. So today, I am determined to not procrastinate. So far, so good! Tips to overcome procrastination: -Perspective. Don't make a task too big. If possible, just think about doing one little piece of the puzzle at a time. -Start with the most difficult task. Huh? You say? Yes, do the hardest thing first. Once you do, you will be so proud of yourself that you will keep plowing through. Everything else, also, will seem easier in comparison. -Get moving. Maybe go for a jog or a walk or even just stretch a bit first if excercise isn't your "thing". This will brighten your mood, get your blood pumping, and will make your body want to keep moving! -Finish the task. Allow yourself enough time to not get interrupted, which will restart the procrastination cycle.  Event tip: Order your event tickets ahead of time so that wee

Sometimes it is scary just to put yourself out there. It can become difficult when the voices in our heads try to convince us that others may laugh or judge or that we must fail. But, that is failure in itself. The most effective way to do it, is to do it.  -Amelia Earhart Reach for that promotion, person  you've had your eye on, art project, whatever!

Labor day weekend is breathing down  our necks! Even though the kiddies have begun school, there is still time for one last summer fling! Why not bring the tropics to your backyard? This can be done easily and cheaply. Palm trees- party rental facilities rent everything from life like replicas to neon light up faux trees. But if simplicity or a tight budget is on your mind, little hanging palm trees can be created with just some poster board and streamers. Cut four leaves on green poster-board (for the size pictured, one sheet makes 12 leaves) and arrange in an "x" formation , loop a yellow streamer four times from the middle, staple, and voila! Cut the end of the streamers so they all dangle instead of loop. They are fun, summery replacements for your typical streamers. Food- It is labor day, so I say break out the BBQ one last time before it is better used for s'mores than burgers. BUT, ambrosia salad makes a great summer dessert. Mix 8 oz light sour cream, 8 oz

I, regrettably, haven't blogged as much the last few days as I would like. The last weekend of summer is so busy, and I have been outside soaking as much of it in as possible. I also threw a tropical birthday party. So, there are MANY blog posts to look forward to this week. Everything from art reviews, to party planning, to a playlist, to some movie ideas. I am very excited. But for this final Saturday before back to school and fall begins: "We watched the season pull up its own stage and catch the last weekend of the last week before gold and the glimmer have been replaced, another sun soaked season fades away" -Dashboard Confessional I always get a bit misty eyed this last weekend of August, and this song has been stuck in my head this time of year ever since its release. So go catch the rays, take a swim, have some water ice.... Breathe, and enjoy! What is your favorite part of summer? Source: weheartit.com via Ivy on Pinterest

If I'm honest I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all. -Audrey Hepburn I agree! I love things that are fantastic and creative and beautiful and transport us. A lot of people do (See the popularity of shows  like  Once Upon A Time and movies like  Snow White and the Huntsman and The Hobbit ) These are not "girly" or for the young, they are for those that never stop believing that the world is not a small, crowded place. If you are in the mood for a great fantasy read, why not try the classics: Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream is perfect for a warm, summery night! It may not be midsummer, but we can dream! Tip: It is free on the kindle!

Life pushes at us hard. I get it. Kids, work, school, bills, and taking care of everyone's needs leave us with little time for anything else. But, please, do not forget to keep things creative, free, and beautiful. Support your local arts and artists, whether it is someone else or your own! For today's quick quote, here is JFK on why that is so important. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. -John F. Kennedy

I post a lot of alcoholic drinks, and some people would like to make some fun drink ideas that are suitable for everyone. So, here are a few fun alcohol free drinks to roll out at a brunch, gathering, or the next time you just want something new. If you still want something with that alcohol kick, these are a great base as well. Pomegranate power! Mix some orange juice and pineapple juice, add a splash of fresh lime. Add a splash of pomegranate juice for color and super great antioxidants. Fall is around the corner- mix some sparkling cider with ginger ale! For some extra fun, stir with a cinnamon stick! Sparkling apple punch- 2 qt apple juice, 6 freshly juiced lemons, 10 freshly juiced oranges, and a bottle of sparkling grape juice mix together for a fresh punch! Lemon Fizz- lemonade, limeade, sprite. Stir. Enjoy! Enjoy! Once it gets cooler, look for some warm drink recipes!

Artist Saturday! "Art is either plagiarism or revolution" -Paul Gauguin An Online Collection of Gauguin's Works

When you want a breathe of honesty, go with Oscar Wilde. The man truly said it like it is, and you will probably see a lot of his quotes pop up here. In honor of the impending weekend: "Work is the plague of the drinking class." -Oscar Wilde So stop working for a few days and relax! And like always, drink responsibly! *For more quotes like these, and great conversation pieces:  the "drink with the great drinkers" shot glasses are for you!  I got these for Christmas, and I thoroughly love them!

Today is a sad day. I learned that my favorite dessert, earl grey c rème brûlée , was taken off the menu at  Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art . It was what dreams were made of and perfect way to cap off a visit to one of my favorite places to wander. I am not one to throw a tantrum, but I have sent them a message asking if it will come back on a fall or winter seasonal menu. Despite this change, I will still go back to eat there often. It is a Stephen Starr establishment that lives up to the reputation. A delectable chef's table, a perfect hamburger, inspired drinks, and seasonal French cuisine are the staples of this minimalistic- AKA perfected menu. The service is also delightful and polite, and the manager oversees that every dish is sent out at top quality. I cannot speak highly enough of how much Granite Hill adds the perfect cap to a beautiful day at the museum. Okay, so what to do about the  c rème brûlée  ? Find a recipe and make it yourself! (Gasp! I know

With only a few weeks left of summer, time is running out. If you are anything like me, you have a list of things you want to accomplish before the chill sets in. So, don't waste time mixing complicated drinks. Here are easy two-ingredient drink combinations that will get the job done, taste great, and leave you time to cross a few things off that list. Arnold Palmer Half and Half Cocktail Mix and vodka. If you love your lemonade iced teas, Arizona was kind enough to make it as a cocktail mix. It is so good, and I would buy a few. I have no idea if this is a limited time thing, so I have been grabbing a bottle whenever I see it in the grocery store. Beware: you can barely taste the vodka but it hits you pretty hard. Oh, and there is a pomegranate variation as well. Cherry lemonade. Lemonade and cherry vodka. Mix. Enjoy. ( I suggest  Veil Cherry Vodka ) Loopy Sour: 3 Olives Loopy Vodka and cranberry juice. It may be delicious enough for dessert! Pinnacle Whipped vodk

I always try to be mindful of being graceful. I really do try. Courage is grace under pressure. -Ernest Hemingway *Reading recommendation: Hemingway's short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" Hey, the complete short stories are available on Kindle, too!

Today, Julia Child would be 100 years old. Many of us are only old enough to remember her as the inspiration for  Julie and Julia , but her immortality is far reaching. She was the original foodie. Before Ms. Child's cookbook,  Mastering the Art of French Cooking  hit every kitchen counter in America, we were not the most creative bunch of chefs. She taught America simply HOW to cook. She took away the mystery. Roast a turkey? Bake a cake? Make a stew that didn't taste simply like boiled mystery meat and potatoes? We could. She did not just teach us how to eat well, she gave us courage. There is not a lot that can be said about this magnificent woman that has not already been said. So to honor her memory, instead of speaking, lets go eat. The famous Beef Bourguignon recipe

Everything we do changes us. We read a book, watch a movie, laugh with a friend, drop some baggage, gain some baggage... and we are changed. Sometimes big, sometimes small, but we are always a bit different than the moment before. Appreciating art will surely help us evolve.  "I can't go back to yesterday, I was a different person then." -Lewis Carroll If you recently gained some baggage, and need to escape, have you read the original Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ? Classic escapism.

I am by NO means a movie buff. But, when the sun is drowned in rain drops and rolling thunder, I must heat up some soup and pop a few blu-rays in. Here are a few movies that have that just right amount of "snug factor" for a rainy day. Because it should be number one on every list: Casablanca . I don't need to explain it. It just- nothing quite gets to anyone like their unrequited love. Bogart and Bergman DEFINE on-screen chemistry. If you can, watch it on blu-ray. It is so crisp, but still maintains that beautiful charm that has sustained it all these years, that it took my breath away. Big Fish - The whole son trying to learn about his dying father premise may be a bit too emotional for some. And do watch this with a box of tissues. Yet, it is so aesthetically rich and beautiful, that it is a must see.  Get more info at IMDB Elizabethtown - Okay, more son/dead dad stuff. Here, though, the son is on a road trip home from his father's memorial and lear

Here's to overcoming the Monday blues: "No matter what tears at us, no matter what holds us down, if nothing can be done, we'll make the best of what's around." - Dave Matthews Band Apparently the Monday blues are real! Interesting theory. And my favorite part- how to overcome them: 1. Watching TV 2. Sex 3. Online shopping 4. Buying chocolate or makeup 5. Planning a holiday I agree, if that were every Monday's protocol, I'd be pretty happy. For the record, I first smiled during the eleven o'clock hour.

Saturday is upon us. The sun is shining, the pool is perfect... time for a few libations! Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. -Ernest Hemingway Wine is bottled poetry -Robert Louis Stevenson I've drunk a lot of wine and I'm feeling fine! -David Bowie When cooling off in the summer, I love a fruity drink. Wine, though, always takes favor. Therefore, I vote the best summertime drink to be sangria. The Spaniards did us well! Red Wine Sangria Recipe (A summertime staple) Peachy White Wine Sangria Recipe Turn the music up, don't drink and drive!

With August upon us, there are a plethora of fresh food choices. Whether it comes from your personal garden, a neighbor's yard, or a produce stand, this is the time to snatch up deliciously fresh food on the cheap. Anyone who has grown their own tomatoes knows the ones you find in the grocery store simply don't compare. I am not going to lecture you on organics or genetically modified horror stories that lace every news feed compiled by the environmental watchdogs. I just want to discuss taste. We may disagree on FDA politics, I doubt we will disagree on what is yummy. This past month, I have incorporated a tomato sandwich into my daily diet. Sliced tomato, light mayo, soft bread, a dash of salt and pepper. It is truly a summer delight. Yesterday, though, I decided to expand on my garden to table menu. I have bell peppers, banana peppers, and tomatoes. I also had some leftover rice and beans in the freezer. I finely chopped the tomatoes and banana pepper, mixed it with t

Finally, Friday is here. We can head to the beach, throw a party, or spend the weekend in bed marathoning some show on Netflix we used to love. Another reason why this is the best day of the week: "If you must have motivation, think of your paycheck on Friday" - Noel Coward Amen! More about the effervescent and fabulous English playwright: Click to listen to a performance of "I've Been to a Marvelous Party" A slide show tribute to "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" Happy Friday!

Thursdays are always my busiest day. I procrastinate Monday through Wednesday, then come Thursday realize I need to get everything done in order to enjoy the weekend. On days like this especially, no one likes that person who just rambles on and on. So, I'll be succinct today. "Brevity is the soul of wit" -William Shakespeare IF you have the time, maybe freshen up on Hamlet?  Sparknotes- for those who don't have enough time to read :) Hamlet page book art for the theater, literature, and art fan via Natural Words and Prints on Etsy! Enjoy your Thursday, tomorrow is Friday!!!!

In honor of debuting the first playlist and to great music everywhere: "If music be the food of love, play on." - William Shakespeare

Welcome to the first playlist recommendation! I am excited to share some of my musical interest with you, and I am looking forward to your feedback. Summer is still in full swing, but thoughts are slowly returning to shorter days, longer sleeves, and back to school. We still splash in the pool, and mix a mean margarita. But we begin to sense that it is the final 90 degree days are near, a hoodie is a bit more necessary. Here's a playlist to commemorate the end  of the dog days of summer. This mix brings just the right amount of summer fun and romance, but is more fitting for those cooler nights on the beach under the stars. Florence + The Machine- Dog Days Are Over Bruce Springsteen- Thunder Road M83- Kim and Jessie Harry Nilsson- Coconut O.A.R.- Hey Girl Dave Matthews Band- Everyday Neon Trees- Everybody Talks Phish- Heavy Things Otis Redding- (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay Ray LaMontagne- Let it Be Me Dashboard Confessional- Stolen  Ingrid Michaelson- Foo

At some point, we all question what the great cosmic scheme is. Personally, I do every time something new on my car breaks, guzzling up the money I set aside for something else. For today's quote, let's look to the iconic Woody Allen for some perspective. "I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown." I'm bad at geography, no wonder I'm lost. For those who don't know, his  IMDB  list is a treasure trove of Great American Cinema.

The Olympics have been captivating. Like many others, the opening ceremonies came this close to inspiring me to hop across the pond and take up a new residence in the heart of London. Despite the dreary rain, England has been recast as charming? The Queen as a Bond girl? Irresistible. Americans already love their Rock and Roll, but never quite have gotten a taste for the stiff upper lip. We fought off those Brits for a reason! But, we can never resist a good drink. So while they have been sipping on this delicious drink for quite a while (Pimm's No. 1, the gin-based drink that is the main ingredient, was invented in 1823), it is the recent Olympic/London fever that has brought this age old concoction, Pimm's Cup, stateside.  So much that the New York Times wrote an article on its growing popularity Pimm's Cup is one of those lovely cocktails that can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. A basic pitcher of Pimm's is: 2 oranges (sliced into half moons

Today I am unveiling a new topic (one of many to roll out in August) for the blog: Quote of the Day! Whether inspirational, funny, thought-provoking, or helpful, it will always be useful. Keep coming back for more! For the first ever quote of the day, I went philosophical. Everyone has conflict in their life.... be it a nosy neighbor, an annoying ex-friend, or that random person who decided to take out their bad day on you (or vice versa... but shhhhhhh we are never the instigator!).  Enjoy! "A quarrel is quickly settled when deserted by one party; there is no battle unless there be two." -Seneca For more information on Seneca, check out  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/seneca/