Cover Girl Lash Blast Rave!

I love when I find something new! I have been in desperate need of a new mascara, my one true cosmetic essential. Lancome discontinued my all time fave Amplicils, and I replaced that with Bourgouis Volume Glamour. It's good, not so easy to find. I have not been a drug store makeup girl for years (Smashbox, Chanel, MAC, and Nars are some of my favorites). After hearing so much about Lash Blast I decided to try it, and......I LOVE IT! My lashes look long, full and most important, natural! No clumps, and goes on easy. The handle on the wand is a little big, some people may need to get used to it. AND, with a price tag of $8.99, it can't be beat! Just wanted to share :)

Artichoke Dip

Here is a simple recipe for a delicious dip that I always make when I entertain, and is suitable for any occasion.

Recipe:

1 can quartered artichokes

1 small jar marinated artichokes

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup grated romano cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

cracked black pepper, to taste

1 round bread loaf (pumpernickel, sourdough, or whatever you prefer)

Completely drain can of artichokes, then drain marinated artichokes, keeping about 25% liquid. Add both to food processor, and pulse a couple of times until the are well chopped, but not mushy. If you do not have a food processor, you can also use a hand masher. Add cheeses, mayo, sour cream and mix. Add black pepper (I use about 1 tablespoon) to taste. Set aside. Cut a circle on top of bread loaf and remove bread, to create a bowl. Save excess bread. Pour the dip into the bread bowl, and bake on 350 for about 30 minutes, until top just starts to turn a golden brown color on edges. Serve on a pretty plate, with some light crackers (I love sesame seed crackers) and the excess bread. Enjoy!

Potluck

Last night I had some friends over for a wonderful evening, and thought we don't do this nearly enough. To make things interesting, I have suggested doing a potluck maybe monthly, but making a bit of a game out of it. Decide on a theme, such as northern italian, carribean, game night, etc. and then randomly choose (like a drawing) who will bring what (appetizer, entree, dessert, wine, etc.). Be prepared to talk about your dish, what makes it relative to your particular theme. I think it is a fun way to get together and have fun, as well as to step out of your kitchen comfort zone and try something new!

Cooking

Cooking is something I have always loved to do. I have never been much of a recipe person, but am now starting to get into following recipes. I learned to cook by old family recipes, being inspired by one ingredient, and by being creative and creating my own dishes. I have some wonderful dishes to share, that I will post shortly. This past Easter I finally made some pizza gana (sp?) and it was quite delicious, light not heavy, and received many comliments. Some of the recipes I will be sharing are pizza gana, mac and cheese, pancetta pasta, artichoke dip, and stuffed mushrooms. Check back soon, and I will have recipes and pics posted!