Does Life Need Drama to Sell?

I made no secret of my heartbreak when I learned that of one of my childhood heartthrobs, Davy Jones, passed away a month ago today.
What has taken me by surprise is that there has been so little coverage in the media.  Davy and The Monkees made a huge contribution to music in the '60's and they all managed to stay friends and continue to keep their music alive all these years later.  We didn't hear of "dirt" in Davy's private life, no drug or alcohol abuse -- basically no major drama.  So, is that why fans like me have really been so disappointed that Davy's untimely and natural passing made only one magazine cover?  I think so and it is a huge commentary on the state of our society and what sells magazines and air time.
I for one am so thankful for having grown up in the innocence of the '60's where the passing of someone so special to so many would have been monumental news.
Davy genuinely loved what he did, loved music, loved his fans, loved his family and adored animals -- why no recognition for his wonderful life?
Again, rest in peace Davy Jones, you will never be forgotten.

Western Spaghetti

I have always had a love of art and anything that inspires the creative mind.  I guess I think with the side of the brain that doesn't use math and science because those were definitely not my favorites in school.  I came across this video and had to share it -- hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Virtual Online Learning and Me

Seasons change as well as the ways of doing business online.  As a member of VirtualOnlineLearning.com, I have learned and grown as an eBay business owner and plan to continue to do so under the guidance of Danna Crawford, founder of VOL.  It has been a wonderful experience working with her and the other members and as a result, I gained the "courage" to re-brand my business and am so pleased with the results.  Here's our new logo -- would love to hear your thoughts.

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, thought I'd share a recipe for a classic dish to celebrate the holiday, Corned Beef and Cabbage!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 10 small red potatoes
• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

Directions

1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
2. Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
3. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain.

SPRING TRAINING is Here!!

The weather is getting warmer and the SPRING TRAINING season has begun for baseball fans!!  What better way to usher in the season than with a baseball cap, a classic that is all the rage for this spring season!
Our eBay store, Caramia's Collection has a great selection of caps, hope you will stop by.

Click here to view our selection of caps

Happy Birthday Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli has always been one of my favorite entertainers, who was also briefly married to another favorite performer of mine, Peter Allen.  Today, March 12th is Ms. Minnelli's 66th birthday.
Liza is not only an amazing entertainer with a style all her own but someone who truly knows who she is when it comes to her "look" -- always unique, always pushing the envelope!  Liza was long time friends with the iconic designer Halston who had a big influence on her look.
Happy Birthday Liza With a Z"!!  You are still fabulous! 

Liza with Halston

Happy 100th Birthday OREO

The OREO cookie celebrates its 100th birthday today -- wish I had some right now.  Over the years people have discovered many ways of turning the Oreo into other delicious treats.  Here's a recipe for an Oreo Cookie Cake.  It that's not your thing, just celebrate by opening a package of Oreos -- do you twist the top off or eat it whole?

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix

4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1/4 cup butter

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

12 OREO Cookies, coarsely crushed

Method:

HEAT oven to 350ºF.
PREPARE cake batter and bake in 2 (9-inch) round pans as directed on package. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 min. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gently stir in COOL WHIP and crushed cookies.
PLACE 1 cake layer on plate, spread with cream cheese mixture. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top with chocolate glaze; let stand 10 min. or until firm. Keep refrigerated.

My Favorite Look at The Academy Awards

It may have been Shailene Woodley's first time walking the red carpet at the Oscars but I personally think she hit the ball out of the park with her unique choice, a stunning Valentino gown.  Yes, Shailene is young and could have picked something a little more "youthful" looking.  But this gown is classic with a fabulous retro vibe and she felt it "was her".  I give her credit for staying true to herself and wearing something she believed in, I thought she looked amazing.  How about you?