Matrimony Matters:Foxfire(1956)

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Amanda Lawrence (Jane Russell), the smart and sassy heiress of The New York Daily Record, is vacationing with her mother in Arizona's La Paz Ranch Resort.When stranded with the resort vehicle, she is rescued by miner Johnathan "Dart"Dartland (Jeff Chandler) and friend, Doctor Hugh Slater(Dan Duryea) who work at the Tyson copper Mine. Both men have their sights set on Amanda but Amanda only sees Johnathan.They fall so deep in love, that they fall into marriage the next day.
Although in love, Jeff is concerned it won't work because he's half Apache Indian. Along with that, Hugh tries to move in on Amanda , Dart's inability to express or receive love and Amanda's inability to understand her man become major roadblocks for them.Despite these trials, Amanda becomes pivotal in her husband's dream in reviving the old Foxfire gold mine.
Love, Love, Love this movie! For one, I Love Jane Russell! She holds her own during this film and looks fabulous doing it. Every outfit simple, yet sexy. Jeff Chandler,who plays Dart,wrote the lyrics and sang the movie's theme!The story itself is also very engaging from beginning to end. Though their romance started off as a superficial one,it grows deeper. Amanda learns to understand Dart as Dart learns to open up and really love , despite his cultural upbringing(the scene with Amanda and his mother is a very deep and important one). This diamond in the rough is very hard to find on DVD, so check it out on Netflix!
Roll Film,
Neah B

Matrimony Matters: Forever Darling(1956)

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Susan and Lorenzo "Larry" Vega (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) have been happily married for 5 five year. However between Larry's increasing work creating insecticide #383 at his chemical company and Susan's rich busybody cousin Mille, they begin to drift apart.

Larry gets the opportunity to do a field mission with the new chemical and wants to take Susan along hoping it will create a new spark in their marriage. But susan doesn't want to leave her lifestyle or cousin behind. This causes a major blowout for the Vegas.

Soon after, Susan is encountered by her guardian angel who looks exactly like James Mason (and is played by James Mason). She is the only one who can see him and thus makes her feel like she's nuts. After her initial disbelief wanes, she is able to recieve him and his instructions on how to save her marriage. Now that Susan is willing to try, she agrees to go on the trip with her husband and support him. There are many comedicand difficult blunders during this camping trip that test their marriage even further. Her guardian angel didn't mention anything about it being easy, but it sure proved to be a success in the end.

If you are a Lucy and Desi fan, be sure to add this to your collection. Forever Darling does not top

The Long Long Trailer(1953), but it is just as enjoyable.You enjoy seeing future TV stars Natalie Schafer (Gilligans Island) and Nancy Kulp (Beverly Hillbillies). I also loved that Desi had some good comeback lines in this one.

EX: Millie: "I could just die!"

Larry: "That's funny! You keep saying that, but you never get around to doing it!"

My only complaint is that they spent too much time on Lucy's fear of the angel, but I loved James Mason's speech on marriage and what she must do to save it.

Matrimony Matters: Let's Make It Legal (1951)

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Due to Hugh's(Macdonald Carey) obsession with gambling, and Miriam's (Claudette Colbert) impatience for it, the Halsworths are divorced. Until Miriam adapts to single life, their daughter Barbara (Barbara Bates), son-in-law Jerry (a very young Robert Wagner), and granddaughter Annabelle are residing with her.

Still a young couple, Jerry feels it best for him, Barbara, and Annabelle to move into their own place and establish the Denham family.Unfortunately, Barbara won't hear of it because she feels mother needs their "moral support".She also believes that her parents still have a chance at their marriage. However Hugh and Miriam have high doubts about that idea.

Jerry is not only Hugh's son-in-law but his assistant as Head of Publicity at the Hotel Mirimar. The following day at work, Hugh introduces Jerry to international financial expert (and most eligible bachelor) Victor McFarland (Zachery Scott). Mr. McFarland is also an old friend (and rival). He and Hugh were both in love with Miriam, but the lucky man to wed her ended up being Hugh. When Victor hears about their divorce, he feels he has another shot at claiming Miriam. With Victor in picture, Jerry sees his dream home closer in view. But in Hugh's view, his wife gets farther away.

With that, the race is on to make it legal.

This rare 20th Century Fox fast-paced comedy is thoroughly enjoyable. It features some very clever one-liners, and a cameo of a barely known Marilyn Monroe. I enjoyed Hugh's subtle persistence on getting his wife back amid all the craziness coming his way. I also thought that the ending,involving loaded dice, was a very clever and sweet way too end the movie. Watch this classic instantly on Netflix.

Enjoy,

Neah B

Matrimony Matters: Never Say Goodbye (1946)

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Due to dating his work and his mother-in-law's snide comments, Phillip Gayley (Errol Flynn) and his wife Ellen (Eleanor Parker) have been divorced for 1 year. As all divorces do, their separation has affected their 7- year- old daughter Phillippa,a.k.a "Flip"(Patti Brady).Although bright and mature beyond her years, flip-flopping between her parents every 6 months is not her idea of recess. In the meantime, she takes comfort in her acting with her father and being a pen pal to a Marine named Fenwick (Forrest Tucker).

On the 1st anniversary of their divorce, and bi-annual trade of Flip, Phillip decides to ask Ellen out to dinner (as they are both still wildly in love).Their date goes beautifully until run into his latest "muse" Nancy Graham (Peggy Knudsen).After that disaster, Ellen feels that reconciliation with Phillip may be to good to be true. Unfortunately that date is only one of many roadblocks of them getting back together.Ellen's mother attempts to hook her up with Rex; the attorney who filed their divorce! Nancy is still trying to win the title of "Mrs.Gayley". The real mayhem begins when Fenwick, Flip's Marine, comes to visit.This would be great if he knew who wrote those letters of longing, but he assumes that it's Ellen and is highly smitten with her! Using this as an opportunity to make her husband jealous,she is successful. This triumph is only short lived and causes Phil to give up. Now it's up to Flip (with the help of a few friends) to reunite her parents.

There are many reason's to enjoy this sweet love story.The storyline isn't a masterpiece,but definitely enjoyable (If you can't tell, I'm a sucker for marriage/relationship reconciliation stories). I think what makes it for me, is the cast. Errol Flynn,usually cast as a hero in many other films, shows his natural knack for comedy in the "Santa Clause" and "Tough Guy/ Humphrey Bogart" scene. (According to IMDb,the voice over was actually done by Humphrey Bogart!) I enjoyed his scenes with Eleanor Parker but loved the scenes with him and Patti "Flip" Brady.They play off of each other so well, especially during the "Luncheon scene" at Luigi's. Supporting cast does an awesome job including Hattie McDaniel (Cozy)and the ever lovable S.Z "Cuddles" Sakall as Luigi. Hope you enjoy this Warner Brothers classic.

Roll Film,

Neah B

Matrimony Matters: More Thoughts on Marriage

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Although we are closing out this month of love, remember to always love your spouse as you would yourself . Here are some more thoughts on marriage and remember ...matrimony matters.

Love,

Neah B

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.

-Audrey Hepburn

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Mark 10: 7-9 (NIV)

A successful marriage requires falling in love  many times, always with the same person.

-Migno McLaughlin, The Second Neurotics Notebook (1966)

May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

Proverbs 5:18-19 (NIV)

Once a woman has forgivin her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast.

-Marlene Dietrich

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

Neah B's Creamed Spinach

Okay.So creamed spinach may not be authentically Italian but, with elements such as ricotta cheese and spinach, it might as well be. Be sure to try this creamy and cheesy spin on spinach.

CAUTION: IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR SPINACH, YOU WILL NOW!

Enjoy,

Neah B

serves 4-6

spinach (2 12 oz bags frozen)

butter (2 tbs)

olive oil (1 TBS)

shallots (2, minced)

garlic (2 cloves, minced)

heavy cream/half and half (1/4 cup)

provolone cheese (about 6 slices)

ricotta cheese (1 cup)

salt (1 tsp; to taste)

nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)

1) In a large pot, steam spinach (in little to no water) for 10-12 minutes on medium- high; covered and stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium.

2) In a small skillet, melt butter and olive oil. Place minced shallots and garlic into the skillet and saute on medium for 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.

3) Make sure spinach is drained and returned to pot. Stir shallots, garlic, oil and butter mixture into spinach.

4) Next stir in cream, ricotta, provalone, nutmeg and salt. Let simmer on medium low for 8 more minutes frequently stirring. Plate and serve.

Old-Fashioned Love Song part 2

As we close out this month of love, I'd like to share a few more of my favorite classic love songs. Hope you enjoy!

Love,

Neah B

Judy Garland singing "Embraceable You"

See her perform this number in the film Girl Crazy(1943)

Jo Stafford singing "Too Marvelous For Words"

Barbara Streisand singing one of my favorite's from Funny Girl(1967), "I'd Rather Be Blue".

"They Can't Take That Away From Me" beautifully don by the masters, Louie and Ella.

 Harry Connick Jr. with simple instuctions; "Just Kiss Me"

Frank Sinatra with "The Way You Look Tonight"

From the the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,"Ain't There Anyone Here For Love?" by the incomprable Jane Russell.

The ultimate love song,"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole

They always say "go with what you know", and I know this is my favorite version of this song(from one of my favorite movies). Harry Connick Jr. singing "It Had To Be You."

"Two Sleepy People" by Sammy Davis Jr. and Carmen Mc Rae.

Neah B's Seafood Manicotti with Homemade Alfredo Sauce

My mother Leah had very big influence in the making of this recipe. I had in mind to do a shrimp manicotti but she suggested shrimp... and scallops and topped with Alfredo. Genius! You will certainly enjoy this rich and filling pasta dish.

Enjoy,

Neah B 

Serves 4-5

shrimp (2 lbs, thawed,peeled, de-vained, and tail-off)

scallops (1 12oz. package,thawed)

olive oil (2 tbs divided)

manicotti noodles (1 box)

ricotta (1 16oz container)
egg (1)

salt (2 1/2 tsp divided)

pepper (1/2 tsp)

oregano (1 tbs)

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Do necessary prep/drain shrimp and scallops; Set aside.

3) Grease casserole dish and set aside.

4) In a large pot, boil 6 cups of water, 1 tbs olive oil, dash of salt. When water is boiling, add noodles and cook according to package time. Drain and place noodles in grease casserole.

5) In large pan, steam shrimp and scallops for 5-6 minutes covered on medium stirring occasionally. Salt lightly and remove from heat.

6)  In a mixing bowl, add ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well. Stir in shrimp and scallops.
7) Stuff ricotta mixture into manicotti tubes. When all noodles are stuffed, bake for 25 minutes.
8) Pair with a salad and enjoy while hot!

Matrimony Matters:Thoughts on Marriage

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I believe that marriage is one of the most beatiful things that anyone can enter into. Sharing your life  and growing older with the one you love. When you have been with that person for years and you still get the butterflies when you're around them is somethin' special! Don't get me wrong; trails, dissagreements,and struggles will come. But in hindsight, it makes your bond even stronger.Through it all, good times are up head if you just hold on! Despite our hardships, I would certainly marry my husband all over again. Too much joy has been born into our marriage that I wouldn't trade it for anything. To my Hubby JB, I Love You. To my VVV readers, enjoy!

Love,

Neah B

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.

-Barnett R. Brickner

More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes before the worse.

-Doug Larson

Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.

-James C. Dobson

Three-Color Salad

If you're looking for a simple yet refreshing salad, you will certainly enjoy this recipe from

Frame> by>Frame Italian(2010)-pgs.34-35 from the LOVE FOOD series.Three-Color salad is easy to make, beautiful when plated and a nice break from your normal salad.

Enjoy,

Neah B

Serves 4

10 oz mozerella cheese, drained

 8 plum tomatoes

20 basil leaves

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

1) Cut the mozerella into thin slices.

2) Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.

3) Arrange the cheese and tomato slices on 4 individual serving plates and season to taste with salt. Set aside in a cool place for 30 minutes.

4) Sprinkle the basil leaves over the salad, then drizzle with the oil and season with pepper to taste.

5) Serve immediately.

The Meaning of Love

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  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

(NIV)

                                                               

Love is much bigger than what can be defined in any dictionary. Love is the respect and affection we long to recieve as much as we give. Love influences the choices we make. No matter what is said or done, true love will understand and forgive. Love is more than a mere feeling but a choice. When attraction wavers and storms blow into your relationship, love will be left standing. Here are some other thoughts I that I feel express the true meaning of love.
Love,
Neah B

You never lose by loving.You always lose by holding back.
-Barbara DeAngelis

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw anyone out.
-Audrey Hepburn

And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover a multitude of sins
1 Peter 4:8-9

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get...only with what you are expecting to give...which is everything!
-Katherine Hepburn

For God so loved the the world, that he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
-John 3:16

Cartoon Cassanovas

As we continue this month of love, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite cartoons that deal with love. Hope you enjoy these clips of animated amore!

Love,

Neah B

 One of my favorite Disney movies  from my childhood is Fun and Fancy Free(1947). This film features the stories of "Micky and the Beanstalk" and my personal favorite, "Bongo Bear". Here is

 "Too Good To Be True" and "A Bear Loves To Say It With a Slap" sung by Dinah Shore.

Tom tries being smooth out west in "Texas Tom"(1950)

Tom trying to impress his girlfriend 40's style in "Zoot Cat"(1944)

One of the best Tex Avery cartoons ever! Enjoy watching Francois Flea win FiFi's heart in

Flea Circus(1952).

Classic Jestons(1962) featuring Jet Screamer with "Eep Opp Ork Ah Ah"...and that means I Love You!

The grooviest love song ever."Sugar,Sugar" by The Archies(1969)

Toasted Pound Cake with Mascarpone and Amaretto

This simple Italian dessert comes to you from Everyday Italian by Giada de Laurentiis(2005)-pg 246.

It is equally tasty as it is easy to make. My favorite part is the pairing of the pound cake and cheese as well as the apricot and amaretto combo.

{ Note: The amaretto and almonds give a slight cherry undertone,so if you aren't a big fan,drizzle only a little of the apricot and amaretto mixture over your cake so that you can still enjoy the dessert.}

Enjoy,

Neah B

6 servings

1/4 cup sliced almonds

3/4 cup apricot preserves

3 tablespoons amaretto  liqueur

1 (10.75) pound cake, cut crosswise into 12 slices

2/3 cup mascarpone cheese

{Note:If you can't find mascarpone, don't worry! Use ricotta cheese and mix in about

2 TBS of sugar and a little salt}

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the almonds on a large, heavy baking sheet, and toast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are fragrant and light golden brown, about 7 minutes. Let cool completely.

2) In a small bowl, stir the apricot preserves and amaretto to blend. Working in batches, toast the pound cake slices in a toaster until golden.

3) Place 1 cake slice atop each of six plates, and spoon the mascarpone cheese atop the cake slices. Arrange the remaining cake slices offset atop the bottom cake slices. Spoon the apricot mixture over. Sprinkle with the almonds and serve immediately. 

Neah B's Lemon-Thyme Orzo with Portobello Mushrooms

Along with couscous, I thoroughly enjoy Orzo pasta. It cooks quickly and satisfies the desire for both rice and pasta.This Lemon-Thyme Orzo is a sophisticated yet simple side dish filled with bright  and savory flavors.To transform this side dish to main dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp.

Enjoy,

Neah B

Serves 4-5

 

water (2 cups)

orzo pasta (1/2 a bag)

olive oil (3 Tbs)

fresh thyme ( about 20 sprigs)

lemon zest (of 1 lemon)

portobello mushrooms (1 8oz. package)

salt

1) In a mediun saucepan, boil water. Pour in orzo.

2) Boil orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then reduce to medium and cook 6 more minutes stirring occasionally. Fluff with fork.

 Cover and remove from heat.

3) In a pan, heat oil on low.

4)In a small mixing bowl, slide thyme leaves off of sprigs. Then zest lemon into mixing bowl.
5) Pour lemon zest and thyme into pan with oil and let simmer for 2 minutes,stirring frequently.
6) Slice mushrooms and saute on medium for 3 minutes on each side in the lemon-thyme infused oil.
7) Fold oil and mushrooms into the pot with the orzo and mix well. Serve and Enjoy!

Matrimony Matters: Married and In Love(1940)

(photo courtesy of moma.com)

From RKO pictures, comes Married and In Love. Although the film is only an hour long, it is a powerful one indeed. It boldly approaches a touchy subject that often surfaces in many marriages (and relationships); "The Old Flame".

As the story begins, Leslie Yates(Alan Marshall),M.D, is enjoying one of his many days off since launching his successful diet book, The Sensible Guide For Sensible People. Suddenly, he's encountered by his former college girlfriend, and almost fiance, Doris Wilding(Helen Vinton).In catching up on the past 10 years, they discuss their marriages,writing careers, and gracefully part ways.

However, after that meeting in the park, Doris desperately attempts to gather what embers are left to re-kindle her fire with Leslie.Her selfish ambition shows her great inconsideration for her husband Paul Wilding (Patrick Knowles) and Leslie's sweet,but not stupid,wife Helen Yates (wonderfully played by Barbara Reed). Although Leslie tries to counteract her feelings, he falls prey to her advances.

When Paul finds out about the affair, he is determined to ease his pain by informing Helen about her husband. However, Helen already knows and has the time to concoct a brilliant scheme to save her marriage. In the end, Helen not only gracefully wins her husband back but proves to Doris that the strength of marital love can put out any old flame.

If you've never seen this film you will enjoy the very different and interesting storyline and turn of events. My favorite part of this film is Helen's brilliant plan; It was executed with boldness and quiet strength and not some outrageous catfight. You will also get a kick out of Hildegarde (Hattie Noel), the cook, and shameless honesty. I hope that you enjoy and remember that matrimony does matter.

Love,

Neah B

Old Fashion Love Songs part 1

In this month of vintage love, it just wouldn't be right to not share with you my favorite classic love songs from the masters themselves. I hope you enjoy.

Love,

Neah B

Lena Horne singing "Love" from Zeigfield Follies(1946).

Legendary Ella Fitzgerald singing Cole Porter's, "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love."

Although recorded by many, this version of "I've Got You Under my Skin" by Frank Sinatra is still my favorite.

Don't get me wrong, I love Frank Sintra's version but I think Fred Astaire's version

of "Night and Day" is a bit more romantic.

"You're Awful" may not sound like the title of a love song, but you'll enjoy this sweet yet comical tune of romance. This song is from an all-time favorite of mine,On The Town (1949)featuring Frank Sinatra and Betty Comden.  

Gene Kelly serenading the glamourous Lucille Ball in the 1943 classic Du Barry Was A Lady.

Here's "Do I Love You Do I?"

A Month of Vintage Love

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Hello Guys and Dolls!

 Welcome to a month of vintage love here at Virtuously Vintage Vixen! On Monday Music and Misc., I will be sharing some of my favorite classic love songs by vintage veterans such as Lena Horne, Nat King Cole and many, many more along with album reviews to help you set the mood for your very vintage Valentine's. Tuesday's Tasty Tips and Treats will be bringing you recipes from the home of  "The City of Eternal Love"; Italy! Be ready to serve more amore with these Italian dishes!

Both Wednesday Wisdom and Retro Reels will deal with the topic of Matrimony Matters. I will be sharing intriguing thoughts on love and the art of being married as well as some of my favorite classic films that deal with the topic of marriage; Such as My Favorite Wife, Married and In Love, and Forever Darling starring everyone's favorite mid-20th century couple, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

I hope that you are ready to:

1) have fun

2) eat lots of chocolate and...

3) unselfishly spread and express love to your spouse, sweetheart, family and those who cross your path daily (even those who aren't so easy to love).

With all my love,

Neah B