O is for Oscar

The Oscars are here! It's time for Hollywood to give us her most glamorous night, and for the stars to dazzle in their beautiful gowns and shining jewels.  Growing up, the Academy Awards were one of the few nights I was allowed to stay up late and watch television.  Mind you that this was long before the VCR or DVD players brought films right into our living rooms, and there were no "Hollywood News Shows" to keep us updated anything and everything in the movie biz.  Perhaps that's why it was such a special event--there was a bit of "peeking behind the curtain" back then and live television meant anything could happen.  

For a while, I used to try and see most of the films, and was quite competitive about picking the winners.  {Click Here for the 2011 Ballot.} This year I have seen a grand total of ZERO of the nominated films, but it won't keep me from tuning in for every moment.....

If you are in need of a tasty treat for an Oscar party, try these delicious (and easy) Artichoke Balls.  Clever Girl Lynn has made these for years, and they are a guaranteed hit!  Make plenty--they go fast...

Lynn's Artichoke Balls

2-Cloves Garlic, crushed

2 T. Olive Oil

1-14oz can Artichoke Hearts, drained and mashed

2 Eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 C. Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs

Saute garlic in oil.  Add artichokes and egg.  Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add cheese and 1/2 of the bread crumbs.  Roll into balls using 1 tsp. of the mixture for each ball.  Roll in remaining breadcrumbs.  Chill until firm.  Makes 2-3 dozen.  Everybody loves these!

One last thing: For even more terrific party food ideas, check out one of our best-selling cookbooks, The I Love Trader Joe's Party Cookbook.  We sell out of this one every time--makes a great hostess gift, too!

Waiting for Westminster

Take note all of you dog-loving Clever Girls!  The 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is February 14th & 15th.  Time to tune in and watch with your favorite four legged friends.  For the TV schedule {Click Here} And, to add to the excitement, there are six brand-new breeds that will debut this year including the Redbone Coonhound, Leonberger and the Boykin Spaniel.

The 2008 Best In Show winner "Uno" won my heart, and every Beagle aspires to follow in his footsteps.  {My Gracie could have been a contender, but I didn't want to push her into the spotlight.}  But who will walk away with the prize this year?  I hear the Terriers will take it this time, "Dodger" and "Adam" are the Las Vegas favorites.  {Click Here}  So whip up a big batch of popcorn, and cheer on your favorites...and may the best dog win.

Sweets for the Sweet...

Happy Valentine's Day!

{Don't forget your sweetie this Monday, the 14th}

Is there someone that you're a little "sweet" on this year?   Need something a little more than a Hallmark Card, but less than a diamond ring (Although, what's wrong with that?  Really?  Not a thing.)  Here's the solution: Our fabulous Toffee To Go.  

Cute packaging? Check.  Celebrity endorsement?  Check.  (If you count Oprah and Colin Cowie)  Super-duper tasty?  Check!  This is absolutely the best.  A darling pink box, tied with a satin ribbon contains this simply scrumptious treat.  Perfect for your sweetie, a friend or as a hostess gift...  A very happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Shopping Up A Storm

Winter in New York

As the snow falls and the winds howl through Chicago, your intrepid Clever Girl is in the Big Apple shopping up a bit of a storm herself.  There are oodles and oodles of amazing things that we can't wait to share with you--some of it's already on its way...  Many are brand new lines we've found--that will be exclusive to us--and you are going to love them!  Plus fabulous new things from our current favorites.  One example: We got a special sneak peek of the latest Nest candles, and the Spring Peony smells heavenly in a pale, soft pink, and will be a great compliment to the Bamboo, Orange Blossom and others that you already adore.

  

For now it's off to dinner at Rosie O'Grady's. {click here}  Tomorrow I hope to have time for at least a quick dash to The Whitney to see the Hopper exhibit. {click here}  So hunker down and stay tuned for updates and future posts on all the WONDERFUL things that we have coming soon to Clever Girl.