The Greatest Show on Earth!

Oh my goodness! Did you tune in tonight to the greatest show on earth? Yes, that's right, I'm referring to the season premier of American Idol! It's the 21st century version of the circus and it is delightful in every way. Come one, come all! There's something for each of you!
Many of you have inquired about my American Idol Reviews for the upcoming season and I have to say, thank you - I'm so flattered that you are looking forward to reading my humble observations. This season, I will be publishing my reviews exclusively here on Domestic Glam so be sure to make yourself a 'reader' at the bottom of this page and tune in frequently. Once we reach the Top 12, reviews will be published weekly on the evening of the performances. Until that point, I will post a review whenever I can. So, tonight, Phoenix...ahhh, where to begin?
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Mr. Twan Nguyen with the massive afro and the tap shoes. May I just say, Wham's Careless Whisper has never been so poignant. Please, don't ever dance again my afro'd friend. Guilty feet have got no rhythm. Though it's easy to pretend, I know you're not a fool.
And on to the fully sleeved Cyndi Lauper wanna be who, quite frankly, gave me the chills when she sang. Rock on, Rainbow Brite. I'm excited to hear what you can do. Who else? The oil rig daddy with two little ones at home; the two adorable 16-year old girls who actually looked 16 and not 28; the strange young man who taught himself to sing like James Ingram in a mold-infested closet and should now spend a little more time singing in front of the mirror...unless he's going for the Bill the Cat-look; and, finally, the sight-impaired musical prodigy whose story and audition brought tears to my eyes. Didn't I tell you there was something for everyone on American Idol? Just wait, it's only going to get better.
Finally, one last observation on the glue that holds this circus of freaks together: the judges. I like the new judge, Kara DioGuardi. She seems balanced, and not inebriated in any way. You may have noticed that tonight our dear Ms. Paula also seemed coherent and alert. I'll let you in on a little secret: this may be one of my favorite parts of AI...watching the slow, yet steady decline of Paula into wackiness. There's something comforting about it, knowing that the crazy is out there, lurking, just waiting to show itself. Ahhhh...it's a freakshow, and I love it.

Welcome 2009!

Happy New Year, everyone! I sincerely hope that your holidays were magical and that the first 48 hours of 2009 have brought you peace and happiness. What can I say, Christmas here was a magical blur of decorating, gift exchanging, cuddles from my children, and a lot of snow. It was everything I hoped for and more. My children experienced their first White Christmas, as we received nearly two feet of snow over the course of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As it turns out, I overhead my four-year old explaining to his younger brother that this is what God and Santa want to happen on Christmas Day, so really it was not that big of a deal. Ahh, youth! Once they get another five years or so of Pacific Northwest Christmases under their belts, I'll remind them of that innocent, hopeful observation.
I've been thinking a great deal about new beginnings and resolutions for the new year. I don't typically make a New Year's Resolution...something about a well-acknowledged willpower issue, hmm. Last year however, around February first, I announced to my closest girlfriends that I had, in fact, resolved to be more "fierce." As I reflect back on 2008, I wonder if, in fact, I honored that commitment to myself?
I think that by "fierce" I meant to take greater, unconditional enjoyment in my life and my experiences...to emerge from my mousy shadow - confident and comfortable with the woman that I've become; to share my thoughts and ideas with greater conviction - out loud, not just in my own mind; to be my own best advocate and my childrens' as well. Did I accomplish these things? I think I've made a good start. So, while I don't plan to officially make a New Year's Resolution, I will commit to keep moving forward in my commitment to myself. And a newly acquired pair of fabulous tiger print peep-toe heels, can only aid in my journey!

Archive 1.2.08 - Delicious Drink of the Week

*Archived Recipe*
Candy Cane Martini

A slight change from previous Delicious Dish of the Week recipes, this one is for a holiday martini. Fabulous, yet powerful...please enjoy very responsibly.

Step 1: Crush a few candy canes to fine powder consistency in your food processor. Pour crushed canes onto a plate. Lightly rub the entire rim of your most fabulous martini glass with simple syrup and then gently press into candy cane powder. Set glass aside.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. white creme de cocoa, and 1/4 oz. Rumplemintz. Add ice and shake vigorously.
Step 3: Pour delicious libation into already prepared martini glass and make a toast to your friends and loved ones for a glorious holiday season. Enjoy slowly, this one's powerful.
Happy Holidays!