The Movie Collection: The Grand Canyon

For the first time in my life I visited the Grand Canyon, and it was everything I thought it would be and more. I arrived to the Grand Canyon by helicopter, so I was able to take these amazing aerial shots. I was constantly in awe of my surroundings, and cherry on top was descending into the bottom of the Canyon. Even when visiting this Natural Wonder, it’s hard to truly comprehend its size. While at the Grand Canyon, I couldn’t help but think of all the movies filmed here (or scenes that were made to look like they were filmed here).

Below I have compiled a list of movies with scenes that take place at the Grand Canyon. The only movie I’ve seen in this list is Thelma & Louise, even though those scenes (and for those of you who’ve seen the movie, you know which ones I’m talking about) weren’t actually filmed at the Grand Canyon; they were actually filmed at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. I’m adding the rest of the films to my list because even though I had the opportunity to visit, I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to visit again (both in real life and on-screen).

For movies filmed at the Grand Canyon, read more…

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That’s a Wrap!

I’m back! That hiatus was a little longer than expected, but completely necessary. In that time, I’ve enjoyed a lot of good food and watched many movies, and I can’t wait to share! For example: how great is this plate of succulents, which are actually candies in disguise. They’re small, intricate, and really quite beautiful. I love discovering fun food creations; they are often found in random places and are great sources of inspiration. Now, let’s wrap up the week with a recap…

* Daily discussions of food from National Geographic.

* In-depth behind-the-scenes footage for the new movie Lucy.

* Juicy secrets from Mean Girls.

* How menus at restaurants trick you into spending more money.

* Celebrities and dinner parties. Take a listen.

* An amazing and seriously gorgeous magazine.

* This ombre donut layer cake is a cute idea.

* An ice cream that changes colors when you lick it? Cool!

* Rest in peace, Elaine Stritch. A true talent.

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Photo by Lauren}

7 Favorite Kitchen Backsplashes

When it comes to kitchens, the details are the most fun part. One of these details includes backsplashes. When done right, they are practical and beautiful. These are my favorite kitchen blacksplashes:

1. This honeycomb-shaped gray mottled marble backsplash is eye-catching and unusual. I like how it climbs the wall but doesn’t go all the way. This honeycomb pattern blends well with the kitchen, and gives a simple kitchen character.

2. Use chalkboard to make your backsplash even more functional. Write down recipes, ingredients you need from the store, doodles, and inspiring quotes!

3. It is typical for backsplashes to be tile or marble, but I love this idea of having windows as a backsplash. You can look outside while you do cook or do the dishes!

4. Having a backsplash that pops out against dark hard wood floors is such a beautiful idea. These lime green tiles stand out, but not annoyingly so. Such great contrast of light and dark.

5. Backsplashes can maintain a clean and simple look, like this gorgeous off-white color. However, what keeps the look interesting is the design of the tiles. Create stunning shapes in a neutral color to keep your kitchen minimalist and unique.

6. A counter-to-ceiling backsplash, especially in this light blue color, is captivating. The tiles do have different shades of color throughout, giving the kitchen a nice dimension.

7. Go bold or go home! These big colorful tiles are such a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. They also match the floor!

What types of backsplashes do you love most?

Flavor of the Month: Corn

1. Sweet Corn and Squash Soup with Crispy Pancetta | 2. Zucchini Corn Cakes with Tarragon Remoulade | 3. Grilled Corn with Za’atar Garlic Butter | 4. Grilled Corn and Chipotle Pesto Pizza | 5. Smoked Salmon Corn Chowder

Earlier this month when I was visiting Nebraska, I found myself driving past miles and miles of cornfields. I had never seen so much corn in my entire life. Since I couldn’t escape the cornfields, I started daydreaming about all of the different ways to use corn in recipes. September’s Flavor of the Month is inspired by those daydreams. The Smoked Salmon Corn Chowder and Grilled Corn with Za’atar Garlic Butter are at the top of my list.

{Top photo by Lauren, corn}

Currently Craving: Charlotte Olympia

If there is one shoe designer that comes to mind when I think flawless, it is Charlotte Olympia. Not only are her shoes insanely creative and unique, but they are also very comfortable, which I find rare in shoes that aren’t designed for running or lounging around the house. Charlotte Olympia’s 2013 Pre Fall line consists of amazing shoes and clutches that were inspired by Hollywood. Called ‘Hollywoodland,’ I am obviously craving this gorgeous collection and loving how the different aspects of Hollywood appear throughout her designs.

Whether you are gazing at the iconic Hollywood sign, working behind the scenes, indulging in Old Hollywood black-and-white films, or enjoying a night out to the theater, this British shoe designer has you covered. While her shoes and accessories are insanely expensive, they are the best kind of eye candy. These are some of my favorites…

1. Box Office Pandora Clutch
2. Girls on Film Heels
3. Hollywood Wedges
4. Movie Night Bag
5. Take Pandora Clutch
6. Liz Pump

{All photos via Charlotte Olympia}

A Dash of March

In lieu of the typical Friday That’s a Wrap! post, I thought it would be the perfect time to launch my A Dash of March Food and Film Campaign given that it is the 1st day of March! Every morning I will tweet a plan of action to help get us through the last leg of winter and into spring. I’ll be using the hashtag #ADashofMarch, so follow me on Twitter for your daily dose of all things food and film. Along the way I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Of course, I’ll still be blogging three days a week – this is just a fun way to engage and bring delicious food and entertaining films back into our lives. Check my Twitter later today to find out the first daily dose of inspiration!

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Gifts for Any Occasion

 1. World’s Largest Gummy Worm / 2. Kissing Beagle Salt and Pepper Shakers
3. Donut Pool Float  / 4. Custom Jones Soda Label / 5. Customized M&M’s

 Sometimes when I am looking for gifts for friends, family, or for a host/hostess, I cannot for the life of me figure out what to get them. Unless I find a gift far in advance that is perfect for someone, it takes me a lot of brainstorming to come up with something special. Though there aren’t as many gift-giving holidays in the summer as there are during the winter, there are always birthdays, graduations, BBQs, just because, and thank you gifts that are waiting to be given. I laughed out loud when I saw the 3 pound gummy worm…I am a major fan of all things gummy (and sour), but this is just too much! The pool float is also hilarious. I saw it in person at a random store last weekend and it is even better in person – it’s also perfect for these hot summer days. Customized gifts can be pricey, but if the situation calls for it, I think it can be really meaningful with limitless opportunities to include inside jokes.

Eat & Watch: Apple Crisps & Snow White and the Huntsman

In just a few days, Snow White and the Huntsman will be released in theaters. While I am not really a Kristen Stewart fan (Team Theron all the way), this movie has admittedly caught my attention. I was not planning on seeing this movie in theaters, but as the release date nears, I may have to make a trip to see it after all. The cast seems to have great chemistry and I am interested in how this classic story is retold. In honor of Snow White and the Huntsman, I thought apple crisps would be a fun snack to pair the movie with since there is a poisonous apple included in the original fairy tale. However, unlike the fruit in the story, this snack will pose no danger to your health. The only downside: it takes a couple of hours until the apples become dry and crispy, so have patience!

Ingredients

· 2 apples
· 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
· 3/4 cup sugar
· Aluminum foil or parchment paper
· Paper Towels

Pre-heat the oven to 210 degrees F. Wash your apples and core them. If you don’t have an apple corer, take a tall, thin knife and carefully cut around the core of the apple until and use your thumb to push the core through.

Slice the apples using a mandolin or a knife. Try to make your slices as thin as possible.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Rub each apple slice (on both sides) in this mixture until coated in the sweet sugar and cinnamon combination.

Place the slices on aluminum foil or parchment paper and blot the slices with paper towels until they are dry. Heat in the oven for about 2-3 hours, flipping the apple slices every hour. Don’t turn up the heat in the oven – allow the slices to slowly crisp.

{food photos by a dash of cinema} {snow white via}

Pinterest: A Dash of Cinema

I’ve created a board on Pinterest for my blog pictures! When I have a bit of free time I like to spend some of it pinning funny/pretty/random pictures and finding inspiration. Do you pin?

The Food Group

1 | Vanilla Mascarpone Coeur a la Creme with Edible Flowers
2 | Spring Cupcakes with Sugared Flowers
3 | Grilled Scallops with Ginger and Orange Sauce (recipe in French)
4 | Prosecco with Hibiscus Flowers
5 | Carnival Flowers (recipe in Spanish)

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and as we transition into April, flowers are one of the beautiful things we have to look forward to. We just have to get through the rain first.

When May’s flowers are in bloom, there are multiple ways to make use of them in lieu of a colorful bouquet. For one, some flowers are edible and make for excellent dessert and dish toppers. Here is a chart I found for you to reference, just to be safe. Certain flowers, such as hibiscus and rose, complement bubbly drinks or ice cream. Whether you choose to eat the flowers or not, they are a lovely spring dish, dessert, and drink addition that contribute a little something extra to your meal.