HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a lovely holiday. Thank you for sharing your vintage corner of cyber space with me — your blogs have cheered up my days and added vintage-ness to my not-so-vintage days. And thank you ever so for taking the time to stop by and read my blog. :)

Prayer Request

Please pray for Sophia. This is an urgent one.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

It's so hard to grasp what happened on December 7th, 1941! As much as I want to write something, I can't. My words just seem so. . . trite. I do thank our soldiers who defended our country. Thank you to everyone on the home front who "made do" and sacrificed. And thank you to all our soldiers who are still defending our country and our freedoms!

My First Award!

The lovely Gabriella at Sewing Is Hard surprised me with the One Lovely Blog Award! This is my first blog award, and I was so surprised!

The conditions that go with this award are:

1- Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who awarded it along with a link to their blog.

2- Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have recently discovered.

3- Contact those bloggers and let them know they've been chosen.

I'm passing this award on to — drumroll please . . .

1. Vintage Belle

2. Those Were Very Good Years

3. For the Love of Pete

4. The Vintage Beehive

5. Forties Fashion

6. The Best of WWII

7. Art*Deco*Dame

8. Justice Pirate

9. Under His Wings

10. Beauty is A Think of the Past

11. Chronically Vintage

12. Circle 72099

13. The Girl With The Star Spangled Heart

14. Glamour Daze

15. The Vintage Housewife Handbook

U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center

After a much needed a break, I am back and finally out of my "funk". Me and my family took a few day trips, and it was just a lovely, relaxing week. I found a few retro goodies, which I'll share in my next post. However, the highlight of the trip was definitely visiting the U. S. Army Heritage and Education Center. They have a museum, which is currently featuring an exhibit on General Omar Bradley, and an outdoor exhibit called the Army Heritage Trail. The Trail is AMAZING!! You get to walk through the army's major campaigns from The Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War. Of course, the WWII Core Area was my favorite. It was like stepping back in time! But I did enjoy the Vietnam exhibit and WWI trenches. It's very difficult to wrap your mind around how our soldiers lived under those conditions.

Inside the Repair Shop

Unfortunately, it was almost closing time when we got there, and they had already locked up the church. I will definitely be planning another trip back!

The inscription reads:

66th, 67th, 68th, 506th Squadrons

8,000 Personnel/ 344 Combat Missions

153 B-24s Lost/ 330 Axis AC Shot Down

859 Air Crew KIA/ 232 WIA/ 544 POW

Lipstick

Nothing makes me feel more vintage than lipstick — 40's red or 50's pink. I wish I could pull the red off, but it's not the most flattering color on me. However, Clinique is offering their free bonus gift right now, and in my gift was a full size "All Heart" lipstick. The website says it is in the pink family, but i think it leans towards the red (the color is definitely darker in person than how it appears on the website. I would say it looks more like "Red Red Red" in the tube). It's sheer but gives that pop of color without being harsh. It feels light, not greasy. "All Heart" is going to be hanging out in my purse from now on. ;)

Vintage Deficiency

Sorry for the long gaps between blogs. I've been in a "slump" lately. My days have been much more busy and stressful. So between the lack of time and just being worn out, vintage hasn't been too prominent in my days.

In what simple ways do you incorporate vintage into your everyday life?

Giveaway at Pretty Little Things

Head on over to Pretty Little Things where Art Deco Dame is having a lovely giveaway! I'm in love with the orange bracelet and the gorgeous purse. :)

Retro Finds

I've been doing a lot of "surfing" lately. Vintage resources and products seem so limited, and I've been relentlessly digging in an attempt to find some treasures. Here are a few websites and items I came across. Enjoy!

Sweet Vintage Wrapping Paper

I have been on the prowl for reproduction vintage wrapping paper for YEARS!! I love the prints and whimsy of wrapping paper from the 50's, but who

wants to use it much less give it away? Enter Sweet Vintage: all of their paper is reversible with a retro print on each side, plus it is 60 lb. paper weight so you can reuse it. I love the wedding paper! It's covered in adorable 1950's brides and dashing grooms!

Their prices are very reasonable: $5.00 per sheet (28'' X 40''). Plus they give you two free matching gift tags, and shipping is only $1.00 per sheet. They also sell gift wrap sets and gift tag sets.

Good Old Days Magazine

Have you ever seen the magazine Remenisce? Good Old Days seems similar, except that the articles relate to the years 1900 to 1949.

Looking Back Magazine

The sister magazine of Good Old Days, Looking Back features stories about wartime romances, old advertisements, and Sunday comics. Looking Back stays within the years of 1930-1969.

Rosie The Riveter

Yet another wonderful thing in California: Find information on The Rosie the Riveter trust, park, and memorial here. As well as info about their events, such as the Home Front Festival By the Bay, park bus tour, and USO dance. There's also an online store selling Rosie stationary, mugs, shirts, tote bags, and WWII posters.

Stars In WII

America in WWII magazine is releasing a special issue, "Stars in WWII". It will hit newsstands on September 28th, but you can pre-order your copy now and receive $1.00 off the newsstand price plus free shipping. The magazine is said to be full of pinups, movie posters, movie ads, true stories about the hollywood stars who served in WWII, articles about the USO and canteens, and more. It looks like a fabulous issue! :)

Prayer Request Update

Thanks to everyone who was praying for my friend. She went home to be with the Lord yesterday. I am sad, but I know she is so happy right now and is no longer suffering! Thank you again for your prayers.

More Betty Crocker recipes (1943)

Last-Minute Tomato Soup

(Serves 4)

Stir well 1 cup cooked tomatoes to break up pulp and juice.

Add 3 cups rich milk. Heat stirring frequently.

Add 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon butter (if desired).

Serve immediately.

Mock Indian Pudding

(Serves 6)

Combine 2 cups milk, 2 small eggs - well beaten, 2 tablespoons molasses.

Add mixture of 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger.

Mix in 2 cups Wheaties.

Pour into greased 8-inch baking dish. Bake 1 to 1 1/4 hours in slow moderate over (325 degrees). Serve warn with plain or whipped cream.

Spring Fancy

(Serves 4)

Cook 10 minutes in boiling water: 2 cups slivered carrots, 2 cups slivered pared potatoes.

Drain.

Toss lightly with 4 tablespoons butter, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 cup minced parsley.

USE ALL OF THE VEGETABLE

Cauliflower Leaves: Ask for untrimmed cauliflower. Save leaves nearest head. Trim off lower tough parts. Cook in boiling water to cover, 15 minutes. Drain. Season and butter. Or chop and add white sauce.

Outer Leaves of Lettuce: Use for Wilted Lettuce or in cooking peas.

Outer Stalks of Celery: Use for creamed or braised celery.

Celery Leaves: Use in green salads, in bread stuffings, in stews and soups, with roasts, and for garnish.

Carrot Tops: Use for garnish.

Urgent Prayer Request

PLEASE pray for my friend. She needs a healing touch from God. I can't go into details, but your prayers are very much appreciated.

A Memory Between Us and Quick Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A Memory Between Us, the second book in Sarah Sundin's Wings of Glory series, released on September 1st. YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I can't put it down, yet I'm trying to savor it. Her writing instantly transports you to 1943 — you can hear the planes flying overhead, feel the dampness of England. Her characters are so alive, it's like they've become friends of mine. And I must say, I'm rather smitten with Major Jack Novak. So if you're in the mood for a really wonderful WWII read, A Memory Between Us is what you're looking for! :)

Here is another recipe from the Betty Crocker Your Share cook book:

Quick Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Sift together 2 cups sifted Gold Medal flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder.

Stir in 1 egg, well beaten, 1 cup milk.

Add 4 tablespoons shortening, melted.

Spread in greased 8 inch square pan. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (mixed). Bake about 30 minutes in quick moderate oven (375 degrees). Serve warm as bread or dessert.

Monky-Faced Cookies from 1943

So sorry for neglecting my blog! I'll make it up to you in the next several posts — I recently bought the Betty Crocker "Your Share" cook book off of eBay. It is from 1943 and simply marvelous! It's a little paperback book with 52 menus, 226 recipes, and 369 hints. Chock full of rationing information — even tips for party menus and "wedding refreshments at war time". I'll be posting some of the recipes over the next few posts. If you try them, please let me know how they turned out! :)

Monkey-Faced Cookies

Cream 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening with 1 cup brown sugar.

Sift together 2 1/2 cups sifted Gold Medal flour, 1 teaspoon soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Add alternately with 1/2 cup molasses mixed with 1/2 cup rich sour milk. Blend in 1 teaspoon vinegar.

Drop by teaspoon on greased baking sheet. Place 3 raisins or bits of citron on each for eyes and mouth. Bake 10 to 15 minutes in moderate oven (350 degrees). Makes about 3 dozen.

V-J Day — The War is Over!

Today marks the 65th Anniversary of the end of WWII. Thanks to Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, today is the biggest nationwide observance since 1945. Events and activities are going on all across the country today. Since I have to go to work today, I won't be able to attend any of the ones in my area. However, I plan to "relive" the day through resources made available through the Spirit of '45 website: President Truman's broadcast to the Armed Forces, Times Square as reported by NBC, stories of the men and women who remember V-J Day.

Listening to the NBC broadcast really brings up emotion and makes you feel like you're in the center of Times Square. Can you imagine the excitement, the joy, the relief, the rush of emotions, the shock that these people felt when they heard that the war is over? It's over. The ever present cloud of fear that war brings is gone. Life will return to normal soon, but for many it never will because of the loss of a loved one. But their loved ones did not die in vain, because the war is over and America is still free.

To our men and women who fought for our freedoms then and are fighting now — THANK YOU!!

It's Coming!

Click here for more info

A Gem of a Website

Head over to Bijou Follies for a wonderful collection of articles, recipes, photos, and more from vintage movie magazines. The magazines are divided into sections from the 20's to the 60's. Discover Bette Davis's recipe for Boston Baked Beans, gossip columns, an article by Humphrey Bogart defending Lauren Bacall, audio clips, and so much more. It's a treasure chest of classic movie goodness!

July 4, 1942

Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and meaningful holiday. My mom and I hosted a farewell party for a young man at our church — he's leaving July 6th for basic training. I don't think there could have been a better day to honor his entering the army. It really reinforced the meaning of this holiday, and reminded me yet again of all the brave men and women who fight to keep our nation free.

While trying to come up with a post for today, I came across President Roosevelt's Address for July 4, 1942. I found it very powerful, and it still hits close to home. We aren't fighting WWII, but we still face so many threats to our freedoms. And we still have soldiers who are sacrificing their lives for "the assurance of the right to liberty under God--for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world."

July 4, 1942

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Address

For 166 years this Fourth Day of July has been a symbol to the people of our country of the democratic freedom which our citizens claim as their precious birthright. On this grim anniversary its meaning has spread over the entire globe--focusing the attention of the world upon the modern freedoms for which all the United Nations are now engaged in deadly war.

On the desert sands of Africa, along the thousands of miles of battle lines in Russia, in New Zealand and Australia, and the islands of the Pacific, in war-torn China and all over the seven seas, free men are fighting desperately--and dying--to preserve the liberties and the decencies of modern civilization. And in the overrun and occupied nations of the world, this day is filled with added significance, coming at a time when freedom and religion have been attacked and trampled upon by tyrannies unequaled in human history.

Never since it first was created in Philadelphia, has this anniversary come in times so dangerous to everything for which it stands. We celebrate it this year, not in the fireworks of make-believe but in the death-dealing reality of tanks and planes and guns and ships. We celebrate it also by running without interruption the assembly lines which turn out these weapons to be shipped to all the embattled points of the globe. Not to waste one hour, not to stop one shot, not to hold back one blow--that is the way to mark our great national holiday in this year of 1942.

To the weary, hungry, unequipped Army of the American Revolution, the Fourth of July was a tonic of hope and inspiration. So is it now. The tough, grim men who fight for freedom in this dark hour take heart in its message--the assurance of the right to liberty under God--for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world.

Source

Paulette Goddard

I always enjoy watching Paulette Goddard. Her characters always had this gutsy confidence — like a tough dame with class. Her performance in The Women is the first movie I saw her in. A few of my other favorites are Second Chorus, Pot o' Gold, and The Ghost Breakers. She received an Oscar Nomination for her performance in So Proudly We Hail — which is next on my movie watching list. :)

Speaking of So Proudly We Hail, click here to purchase Veronica Lake's skirt. (!!!!)

Big Weekend!

Tomorrow is our Memorial Day Picnic at church. There is much to do, but I am looking forward to it all. I'm going to be baking patriotic cupcakes and brownies to bring, getting my camera ready (I'm the "official" photographer. lol.), and preparing for my own Memorial Day celebration on Monday.

Our church picnic is always fun, but it doesn't really center around what Memorial Day is about. So this year, I'm planning to make Monday as patriotic as I can! My Mom was telling me how special patriotic holidays were when she was growing up — family get togethers, parades on Main Street, stores were closed. What has happened?! Now, Memorial Day is just a day off to go shopping at all the "MEMORIAL DAY SALE EVENTS". This year, I'm making a BIG deal over Memorial Day! We need to stop and remember all the men and women who sacrificed to keep America free. We need to thank God for our freedoms and for our country.

If I didn't have to work on Monday, I would be going to a Memorial Day service. Maybe next year. I am going to be making patriotic fans, star garlands, and other American decorations, as well as making other preparations for Monday with my family.

What is everyone else doing for Memorial Day?

Coty Face Powder

Last week I bought my first container of Coty Airspun Powder. It's been around since 1935 — one of the classic cosmetics still around. However, when I purchased my box of powder, I noticed that there were only a few cardboard containers left and the rest were plastic! Most of you have probably noticed this already, but for those of you who love the classic cardboard box and want to stock up — your purchase time is running out!

Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive!

I recently stumbled across the Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive! project on Melissa Marsh's The Best of WWII blog. What a WONDERFUL campaign!! This year will be the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII on August 14th. Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive! has organized a campaign to make August 14th "a permanent, annual day of remembrance to honor the legacy of the men and women of America's 'greatest generation'."

From the website: "The goal of this nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative to inspire a renewed sense of community and national unity in our country by establishing a day when America will stop to reflect on the achievements of the men and women who endured the Great Depression, preserved freedom and democracy in the most devastating war in history, and then went on to rebuild their shattered world. Their example of courage, self sacrifice, and commitment to community can inspire a renewed sense of national unity at a time when our country must once again come together to meet common challenges."

I am 100% in support of this!! You can get involved by urging you elected officials to issue proclamations and by writing them letters of support for the creation of a National Day of Remembrance that will be observed on the second Sunday of every August. (You can find contact info and sample letters here.) Other ways to be a part are to organize events in your community on Saturday, August 14, 2010, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the day that WWII ended. Also, by collecting stories of people who remember the day they learned the war was over, and then submitting the stories to the website to be shared with future generations "as a reminder of when America came together as a community''.

Check out the website for more info, to read the stories, to get involved, and to purchase Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive merchandise.

This is the first organization that I have ever come across that is striving to preserve the "unity" that America had during WWII. Please check it out and get involved.

Matthew's Pizza

Recently I went out to eat at a little hole-in-the-wall pizza place called Matthew's Pizza. Established in 1943, Matthew's has been voted "Baltimore's Best" 39 times. They make pizza the same way they did in 1943 — with the traditional "old world" recipe. The atmosphere is wonderful: you're dining in one of Baltimore's famous row houses with staff that make you feel as if you were eating a family dinner in someones kitchen.

The pizza is amazing! If you go, I suggest you try the Traditional Tomato Pie: tomatos and reggianito cheeses. After eating it, I now feel that all other pizzas are fake. The sauce is so savory, and the cheese is more crusty than

melty and gooey.

Matthew's is very affordable. Me and my Dad ordered 2 sodas, 1 small Traditional Tomato Pie, a house salad (which is enough for 2-3 people), and an order of spaghetti. Our total was $23.00 (not including tax and tip).

If you're ever in Baltimore be sure to check out Matthew's Pizza for wonderful food and an enjoyable time!

Matthew's Pizza

3131 Eastern Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21224

Last week I finished reading “A Distant Melody” by Sarah Sundin. “A Distant Melody” is one of the BEST novels I have ever read, and definitely one of the best and most detailed WWII novels I have ever read.

Miss Sundin’s characters draw you in — they are detailed and personal. It was as if I knew Allie and Walt and their friends, as if I was present at their parties and family dinners. When something rocked their world I felt it too, and when there was joy, I’d find myself smiling.

I’m not going to try and summarize the plot because I might give something away. You can read a synopsis here. But in addition to being a wonderful read, “A Distant Melody” is full of historical and accurate details. Miss Sundin covers everything: rationing, fashion, travel, music, scrap drives, and so much more. You’re sure to learn many things about the era. Did you know that pennies were made out of steel to conserve copper for wartime use? I found that out when Allie tried to pay with a penny instead of a dime. Should I even go into how she describes a B-17? You will feel like you’re there.

I’m probably rambling, but this book was SO GOOD. I’m very picky about books, especially one’s that take place during WWII. They can be overly dramatized or happy-go-lucky to the point of pure cheesiness, or they can be a slow, boring read without much detail or humor to lighten the weight of a war story. “A Distant Melody” had the perfect balance of everything. Please pick up a copy — you won’t be sorry!

Retro-inspired Finds

Saturday I went out shopping with my friend, Sara. We went to the Michael's craft store where I found these delightful things that have retro style — and all of them cost $1.00 each:

Aren't these sassy recipe cards fun?? There were about five other styles, each with a retro/pin-up gal. You can also buy matching recipe boxes, reusable shopping bags, and aprons.

Mary Engelbreit designed these charming notecards, journal, and notepad. The cherries and the polka dots are so classic, yet they are fun and playful.

I bought this little Coke at Target. It's quite tiny (8 oz.). I couldn't resist the classic glass bottle and petite size!

Inside Stuff — Cal York's Gossip of Hollywood (Part 5)

Inside Stuff

Cal York’s Gossip of Hollywood

Cal Observes: Bunny Waters is about a foot taller than her orchestra-leader husband Johnny Green.

Olivia de Havilland wears her hair the plainest of any girl in town — parted in the middle and drawn back with a wave or curl and held down with a velvet band. She looks beautiful.

The friendship between photographer Paul Hesse and Joan Fontaine has progressed to the point where Joan now accompanies him on his photographic assignments. Next thing she’ll be setting up the camera.

Orson Welles always seeks out Chester Morris at Romanoff’s or private parties to talk magic, Chester being the better performer of the two.

The Voice Accused: It was bound to happen, for even a nice guy like Frank Sinatra can get in a huff and a jam in Hollywood. Seems it all happened when Frank snubbed certain radio and newspaper columnists on the set of “Anchors Aweigh” by saying, “If you want to speak to me, get in touch with my agent.”

Now Frankie claims he had plenty of provocation and we believe him. Seems he had done a couple of favors for the writer and radio commentator, who later took a few verbal pokes at The Voice, which made Frankie sore.

Anyway after a blast on the air and in his column about Frankie’s growing bigheaded, the entire cast and crew down to the last carpenter, electrician, and prop boy — headed by such names as Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly and Rags Ragland — drew up a statement, had it typed and pasted on Frank’s dressing-room door.

Cal took a peek at it a few minutes after it had gone up and here’s what it says as nearly as we can remember:

“We, the undersigned and those who know him well, know Frank’s head size is normal and his hat will continue to fit.”

Then come all those names which is a swell testimonial for The Voice and a pretty good indication of how good friends in Hollywood rally round a guy they feel is unjustifiably wronged.

Swing Around Town: People are chuckling over the power of Hedy Lamarr’s beauty. Emerging from a night club recently, Hedy came upon two customers fighting it out on the sidewalk. “Break it up,” commanded Hedy and, after taking one look at the lovely one, they did . . . After that quarrel (and you shouldn’t ask us what quarrel) Pat Dane followed her husband Tommy Dorsey to the West Coast and so far all seems well. Understand Pat wants another go at movies . . .

Fans of Gene Krupa seem delighted that the famous drummer is going to have his own band again. How that boy can chop sticks . . .

Steve Crane, whose troubles with Lana Turner have made headlines, is somewhat consoled by that very good role he gets in Rita Hayworth’s new picture “Tonight And Every Night!” . . .

Ray Milland’s conversation completely nautical since he bought that fifty-six-foot yawl. Buying a boat is merely another milestone in every actor’s career. The next step is usually the yen to produce pictures `a la Bing Crosby, Jimmy Cagney, Gary Cooper, Charles Boyer, Don Ameche, Mary Pickford . . .

What do you think of John Wayne’s playing Will Rogers in a movie eulogizing the humorist? Hear tell he’s all signed up for it . . .

No two ways about it, that John Hodiak is the Clark Gable of 1945. Just to be seen with him is an event, according to the youngsters he beaus about . . .

And here’s something for you bobby sockers to boil about. Hear Warners are going to poke fun at your Frankie in a short “Swooner Crooner.” Going to stand for that, kids? . . .

It Can Happen Here: He was a lone soldier with a few hours’ time between trains. He’d never been to Hollywood before by from his pals he’d heard about the town’s famous Canteen and decided to pay it a visit. Believing the boy meant the picture “Hollywood Canteen” then in progress at Warner Brothers (the real Canteen is not opened until late afternoon) he was directed to the studio. A member of the publicity department who ran into the lad in an outer office heard his story and decided to play straight. Taking the boy through the labyrinth of hall and gates, he escorted him onto the sound stage where an exact duplicate of the Canteen had been built, and here he met Joan Crawford, Dane Clark, Bette Davis, John Garfield and so many others, all of whom exerted themselves to make him feel at home.

He left an hour later none the wiser.

So far as he was concerned he had attended the Hollywood Canteen and his heart was full of happiness.

In a way, you know, Hollywood can be an awfully kind place.

Inside the Gates: Andrea Leeds who has been off the screen being happy as Mrs. Bob Howard is coming back in “Lost Weekend.” We’d call it “Lost Four Years” only Andrea has apparently been so contented they couldn’t be lost. Confidentially, her Goldwyn contract has had time to expire, for which event she may have been waiting. That Sam really throws them!

The pretty blonde struggling with lines and situations with the amateur players at Bliss-Hayden theater caught the attention of a casting director who discovered, to his astonishment, the young lady learning to act the hard way was Jean Wallace, wife of Franchot Tone.

When eighty-four-year-old C. Aubrey Smith was notified he’d been knighted by King George VI, he puckered his brow and said, “Well I suppose I’ll have to drop that C. from my name now.” Congratulations, Sir Aubrey.

When Captain Bruce Cabot returned from overseas and landed in Hollywood he took one look around and remarked he didn’t think the present group of actors offered “too tough competition.” Maybe he didn’t take a good look at Gregory Peck, John Hodiak, Bill Eythe, Turhan Bey, Alexander Knox and several others.

It Happened In Hollywood: M-G-M is puzzled. Letters by the dozens have poured in to the studio protesting the fact Peter Lawford will be starred in “Flat-top.” Fans seem to think Peter will play the cartoon menace. Flat-top, the weary studio will have you know, is a place carrier.

Walter Winchell’s pretty daughter Wanda has changed her name to Tony Eden and has been signed to a Twentieth Century-Fox contract. What’s more, Daddy has to be a good sport and take her to Mocambo when he’s town.

Barbara Stanwyck’s adopted son Dion hates his name. Says the kids at school make sport of it. So Barbara now calls him by the name of his choice — Tony.

That little two-by-four art gallery opened by Vincent Price in Beverly Hills is the sensation of the town. The night Richard Whorf’s paintings were shown Cal glimpsed Spencer Tracy and that old maestro of art himself, Edward G. Robinson, prowling around.

Smart people are lunching at Romanoff’s and the swanky new LaRue, but at dinner time they all seem to rush to Romeo’s, a little Italian restaurant on Melrose Avenue. In one evening alone Cal glimpsed Al Jolson, artist John Dekker, Richard Arlen, Errol Flynn with his lovely Nora Eddington, Elia Kazan, the director of “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn,” Charles Russell, John Hodiak and John Garfield.

Findings and Musings

Well, this blog is a rather mish-mash of things. I'll get back to posting articles from the 1944 Photoplay magazine in the next post, but I had a few things I just wanted to share with you.

First, I am currently reading "A Distant Melody" by Sarah Sundin. It is one of the BEST WWII fiction books I have ever read and I cannot wait until I finish so I can post a review. That being said, I was reading it yesterday and came to the part in the story when sugar had just come into the grocery store. Allie bought what she could with her ration and used most of it to make

applesauce. Then I became inspired and decided to see if I had any applesauce making skills. It

turned out wonderfully — although I'm sure I would have used a good portion of my sugar

ration in that one batch! I used my Grandma's recipe and thought you might like to add it to you file:

Applesauce

1. Peel, core, remove seeds, and cut apples into quarters.

Place in kettle and add 1 cup water. Cook apples to mush. Stir often — can add water if needed.

2. Now, add sugar and cinnamon to taste.

3. On VERY LOW HEAT, reheat applesauce. Be careful not to scorch.

4. Have jars filled with hot water to keep heated.

5. Put apples in hot jars.

6. To seal — put rubber rings in hot water — will seal tighter.

Now, I didn't put my applesauce in jars as I didn't make a big batch. I used 5 medium apples. Also, after I cooked them "to mush", I used a potato masher to break up the large chunks of apple.

Second, me and my family took a day trip to Hanover, PA, on Wednesday. We stumbled across a little consignment shop called "Chestnut Consignments". Me and my mom LOVE thrifting, so we stopped in. I came out with this adorable clutch purse at the grand total of $3.50!

The strap on the back is what sold me. I remember seeing Ginger Roger's in a movie with a clutch that had a strap, and I had been hunting for one ever since!

Lastly, I've been digging around for WWII inspired goodies on etsy. Check out these fantastic invitations from April Ink! The telegram reply cards are just too cute!

These would definitely be my pick for wedding invitations! Now I just need the groom . . .

Easter

Easter should be easy for me to write about, but it isn't. It's not hard either, I just want to express myself in words that make sense.

I am . . . . beyond thankful for the love of Jesus Christ. Humbled and broken that He would die for my sins. He didn't have to. He's God. But He wanted to! He wanted to lay down His life so I could be made right with God, so I could have a relationship with Him! I believe it to my core, yet it's still hard for me to wrap my brain around that. The One who hung the stars, who holds the universe in His hand wanted to communicate with Courtney. But that could only happen if I paid the price for sin, which is death. He loved me so much that He gave His Son in my place — so I could live.

Praise You, Jesus! Thank You for loving me, for coming after me, and for not giving up on me when I repeatedly sin against You. Jesus, I don't have the ability to put it all into words! You are so good! Thank You!

If you're looking for answers, or more information click here.