At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.
-Thomas Tusser
The Christmas spirit is everywhere and with only 11 days until Christmas, it grows with each passing day. If you are not welcoming the spirit of Christmas into your heart, it's about time you had! Put away the troubles of the day and the negativity that surrounds our daily lives. Be of good cheer and embrace this season of love, warmth, and miracles.
Love,
Neah B
A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song
Proverbs 15:15
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear"
- Buddy, Elf (2003)
A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Proverbs 17:22
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
-J.R.R Tolkien
And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace. All the brothers and sisters here say hello.
2 Corinthinthians 13:11
" No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy today, mix good cheer with friends today enjoy it and bless God."
It doesn't have to be a special occasion for me to make a quiche. They are fun to make and simple enough for everyday. One of the best parts of making a quiche is creating my own recipes. This one in particular is inspired by my husband. My husband not only loves when I make quiche, but also loves smoked salmon! The both of us can literally go through one package without bagels or crackers; IT'S THAT GOOD! It's even better in this melt-in-your-mouth quiche. This will certainly be a hit at your Christmas brunch....and many brunches to come.
Love,
Neah B
serves 4-6
Pie Crust
(adapted From Farm Journal's Complete Pie Cookbook, 1965)
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup plus 1 tbs. shortening or lard
* I use butter ;)
2-2 1/2 tbs cold water
1) Combine flour and salt in mixing bowl.Cut in shortening with pastry blender or with two knives until mixture is the consistency of coarse cornmeal or tiny peas.
2) Sprinkle on cold water, 1tbs, at a time, tossing mixture lightly and stirring with fork. Add water each time to the driest part of mixture.The dough should be moist enough to hold together when pressed gently with a fork;not sticky.
3) Shape dough into ball and roll out onto a lightly floured surface. When dough is spread out, place into greased pie dish and form crust.
2)Prepare pie crust and place into greased pie dish.
*If pressed for time you can always but them already prepared
3) Saute spinach with olive oil over medium heat for about a 2 minutes.
4)Blend eggs,cream, and dill weed. Add cheese and blend.
5)With poultry shears, cut salmon into strips and place into egg mixture and blend once more.
6) Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 30-35 minutes (or until middle is set). When quiche is finished, let cool for 8-10 minutes. Slice and dig in.
It's Christmas Eve, 1944 and the world is still at war, but that doesn't stop Captain Bob Wallace(Bing Crosby) from entertaining and lifting the spirits of his fellow troops. He and the rest of the outfit are also paying tribute and saying goodbye to their dear leader, General Waverly (Dean Jagger) who unfortunately is being replaced as the troops are moving up.
Immediately after their "slambang" finish for the general, sudden combat breaks out. Amid the chaos, Captain Wallace is almost killed by a falling brick wall until Private Phil Davis saves his life (which he constantly uses to his advantage). Expressing his gratitude, Bob says if there's anything Phil needs, just tell him. Phil's request is that when war is over,that he and Bob form a song-and-dance team. Bob reluctanly accepts and the team of Wallace and Davis is born.
In the years to follow, Wallace and Davis become a huge act and even start producing their own shows. At the close of their show in Florida (and before Christmas vacation), they are invited to the Club Novello to see a perfomance by the up-and-coming Haynes Sisters; Judy (Vera- Ellen) and Betty (Rosemary Clooney). Bob and Phil's original plan was to travel up to New York right after the show but after meeting Judy and Betty (and Phil's desperate attempts to find Bob a wife), they end up heading out to where the girls are booked; The Columbia Inn in Pinetree, Vermont.
Hoping for snow and relaxation, they find 68 degree weather and that it hasn't snowed since Thanksgiving. The 2nd suprise is the owner of the inn...General Waverly himself! He informs them that business hasn't been good. In turn Wallace and Davis,and the Haynes sisters, decide to bring their act to the inn to help the General. Everything goes well until a misunderstanding almost destroys thier Christmas miracle...and romance.
I absolutely love this movie and try my best not to watch it outside of the holiday season...but it's so good. I first saw it during my 1st December in my own apartment. I had no cable and was searching for something to watch and White Christmas was on. From then on, I've been enchanted with this film. It's such a beautiful movie; not only storywise, but quality even by today's standards. It's filmed in technicolor. It's also Paramount's first film in Vistavision; their version of Cinemascope,Todd-A-O, Cinerama,what have you. You can see this wonderful quality of work particularly in the numbers, "Mandy", "Choreography" and "Love You Didn't Do Right By Me". And for my 50's fashion fan's, the wardrobe/costumes for this movie are too fabulous! You can thank the legendary Edith Head for that!
As far as Irving Berlin's classic tune's, it's so hard to pick a favorite. But my favorite Christmas moments (besides the finale) is "Snow" and "Count Your Blessings" That scene by the fireplace is so cozy and comforting...and sexy;).
"Count Your Blessings"
White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney
"May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white"
The holiday season is a time for decorating, food, family and festivities.It's also time for parties and gatherings which means it's time for you, like the tree, to shine. Here are some inspirations for your ensamble to look merry and bright.
This recipe was inspired by an episode of Sandra Lee's Money Saving Meals in which she made Mini Apple Spiced Glazed Doughnuts. I thought that using the refrigerated biscuit dough was genius and its simplicity blew me away. Instead of the apple glaze, I made a simpler powdered version. They're light and crisp; almost reminiscent of the little sugar doughnuts at the Chinese restaurants. Once you learn how to make these, you won't stop.
Enjoy,
Neah B
Makes 4-5 servings
( recipe can be doubled by buying more cans of dough)
* vegetable or canola oil (about 2 1/2- 3 cups)
*refrigerated biscuit dough( 1 can or however many doughnuts you'd like to make)
**Don't get flaky GRANDS biscuits. You won't get the same effect. Even the cheapest brand will be just as yummy.**
*sugar (1/4 cup)
*powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
*cinnamon or nutmeg (1 tsp)
* salt (1 tsp)
1) Heat vegetable/canola oil in a frying pan.
2) Place the biscuits on a cookie sheet. With a small circular cookie cutter (or shot glass),pierce the biscuits in the center, pull out the center pieces and set aside.
*You can make doughnut holes with them later*
3)When oil is ready, place about 4 at a time in the pan. Fry each side until golden brown (which will take less than a minute so keep your eye on them!)
4) When they are done, place on cooling rack or napkin lined cookie sheet to absorb oil.
5) Mix together sugar, powdered sugar,cinnamon/nutmeg and salt. Powder both sides of your doughnuts and place on your favorite serving plate. Enjoy!
I truly enjoy a nice stack of pancakes (and their many variations) anytime of the year, but even more so on a cozy Winter Saturday. I found this recipe in The Great Breakfast Book from Nordicware. The title alone was enough for me to try it and it was definitely worth it. Once you smell the aroma of those sweet onions and bacon, you'll be ready to try this savory stack too.
Enjoy,
Neah B
Serves 2 (can be doubled)
prep time: 15 min
cooking time:28
(If potatoes aren't already prepared, it'll take a little longer)
5 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 large onion,chopped,divided
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Salt, to taste
3 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1) In a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat,cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon and set aside.
2) Heat the bacon fat with 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chopped onion, reserving 2 tablespoons, and the caraway seeds. Season with salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl, cover and keep warm.
3) Mix potatoes,egg, remaining onions and crumbled bacon in a bowl until well-combined. Sprinkle flour on wax paper. Form six pancakes with the potato mixture. Lightly coat both sides with flour.
4) Melt remaining butter in skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pancakes for about 4 minutes per side, until pancakes are lightly browned.
5) Set pancakes on paper towels to wick away excess oil. Transfer to a serving platter. Serve with the cooked onion topping.
Don't let the title throw you... this is a Christmas movie. In fact it is MGM's beautifully, technicolored musical remake of the 1940 classic,The Shop Around The Corner. The stage is set in turn-of- the century Chicago involving head sales clerk, Andy Larkin (Van Johnson). His bachelor life is a simple one including work at Mr. Oberkugen's (S.Z."Cuddles"Sakall) Music Store and hanging with his buddy, Hickey (played by legendary silent film star, Buster Keaton). Andy's weekly highlight,however, is receiving romantic letters from his female pen-pal.
All is well, until the pretty and driven Veronica Fisher (Judy Garland) waltzes in seeking employment. Though Andy tries to dissuade her, Veronica proves herself by selling an awkward, high-priced harp and lands the job. Now she is outselling him and stealing his thunder, but he looks past that as he will soon be meeting his lovely correspondent soon. Unfortunately, he discovers that the woman he has been eager to meet, is none other than Ms.Veronica Fisher herself! Not sure what to make of his revelation, he withholds this secret to himself . As time goes by, he continues to fall in love with face behind the letters.
This wonderful Holiday Romance includes a wonderful cast and songs "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey", " I Don't Care" and of course "In the Good Old Summertime". This, unfortunately, is one of the last few films Judy made with MGM, but this film will always play on In the Good Old Summertime.
This is the story of Matuscheck and Company-of Mr.Matuscheck and the people who work for him. It is just around the corner Andrassy Street.On Balta Street, in Budapest Hungary.
-The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Way before You Got Mail, there was MGM's The Shop Around the Corner. It's the story of Alfred Kralik (James Stewart); a head sales clerk at Mr. Matusceck's (Frank Morgan)leather goods shop. Alfred is "at the point in his life where he wants to improve " himself and learn about the world outside of Balta street. He can't afford the new encyclopedia that he wants, but he does however stumble across an ad that reads...
"Modern girl wishes to correspond on cultural subjects anonymously with intelligent, sympathetic young man. Address "Dear Friend." Post office 15, Box 237."
The letters from this unordinary lady with "such ideals" inspire him throughout his normal daily routine. His thoughts and normal work-life,however, are soon interrupted by Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan); a bright and fiery young lady seeking employment ( which is the last thing Alfred or Mr. Matushceck want). But, when she sells that hard-to-sell musical cigarette box, she's hired on the spot! She and Alfred are now quarreling co-workers. This doesn't discourage him however, because he still has hope for a raise and the chance to meet his mystery girl. When the opportunity for meeting his pen-pal comes, it comes as a shock because he finds out that it is Ms. Klara Novak herself!
This is a wonderful holiday love story. You will be sure to enjoy:
* The way Mr. Matuscheck's employees support their boss when he finds out that his wife has been having an affair.
* Pepe (William Tracy-You may recognize him from Strike up the Band, 1940) and his comedic timing and wise cracks. The scenes that are given to him alone are hilarious!
I would loooove to have snow this Holiday Season as we did last year, however with this flip-flop 6o degree weather, I'm not sure. Meanwhile, I can dream............
Snowfully Yours,
Neah B
White Cristmas (1954) finale
The Peanuts gang explain their preference in snowflakes in A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
"Purple Snowflakes" by Marvin Gaye (1964)
One of my favorite numbers from White Christmas(1954), "Snow"
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm/Jing-A-Ling by Les Brown's Orchestra and The Starlighters
(Jing-A-Ling at 2:45)
Snow Miser from Rankin/Bass's The Year Without a Santa Claus(1974)
Early stop-motion production of Suzy Snowflake (1953)
Whether you have been decking your halls, trimming your tree, perusing for presents or simply kicking back with a cup of cocoa and a classic Christmas movie, I hope this season full of miracles and memories has gotten off to a wonderful start for you!
This month at Virtuously Vintage Vixen, I will be sharing yummy holiday recipes for Christmas breakfast/brunch and dinner as well as simple, sophisticated appetizers for New Year's Eve onTasty Tuesday's Tips and Treats. On Retro Reels weekend, I will be reviewing my Favorite Festive Films that include White Christmas, Love Finds Andy Hardy, and It's a Wonderful Life. Thursday's Thoughts and Theories on Classic Beauty, I will be discussing classically chic and simple holiday party looks. Be inspired with peace, cheer, and the review of Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of Christmas Prayer on Wednesday Wisdom.
In the meantime, enjoy the festivities, spend time with the one's you love, and fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas. Never forget the reason for the season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
I wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas,
Love,
Neah B
For a child is born to us a son is given to us.The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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