Wedding Dress Dreams

My heart and prayers goes out to all who suffered from the effects of Hurricane Irene, truly a devastating hurricane in many areas on the east coast.  Luckily, my neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, although listed by FEMA as a flood zone "B," did not receive any flooding or electric power outages during the storm as did many other areas.  There were downed tree limbs and tress, and other storm related damage, but we were very fortunate not to have any damage.
I was actually away during the hurricane, as I flew to Colorado to go wedding dress shopping with my daughter a few days before the hurricane arrived. Although my daughter will have her wedding ceremony and reception in Brooklyn next spring, she wanted to buy her dress in Denver, Colorado, so that she would be able to do alterations during the months before the wedding.

Our first stop was a bridal boutique called Anna Be, located at 1575 Boulder Street, Denver, Colorado. This shop offers dresses by all the top wedding designers, as well as new and upcoming designers. My daughter-in-law's sister bought her dress here a couple years ago, and she and her Mom highly recommended the Anna Be boutique's selection of wedding dresses and their service.

When we entered the boutique we were offered champagne by the staff  -- what a fun way to celebrate shopping for a very special dress!

There were many beautiful dresses to admire and my daughter began gathering quite a few to try on. She had a good idea of the style she wanted and about how she dreamed of looking in a wedding dress. What young woman does not dream about choosing her wedding dress ?  I was so happy to be able to share this experience with her!

Believe it or not, she actually found the dress of her dreams among the first few dresses she tried on! My daughter-in-law was with us, and she and I both gasped at how beautiful my daughter looked when she tried on "THE DRESS"!  It was an Australian designer, Martina Liana, design.  My daughter looked absolutely beautiful in the dress she selected.  Of course I can't show the dress here, as it will have to remain top secret until her wedding day, but it was on one of the racks in the photos above!

Afterward, we went out for tea to celebrate! My daughter-in-law is on the left and my daughter is on the right. Just look at those happy faces!  We had such a memorable day together.

Of course I was also able to do a lot of grandson snuggling while I was in Colorado! My 5 month old baby "M" is cuter than pie and very expressive. He got lots of hugs and kisses from his "Nonna."

My grandson "L" was recently potty trained -- a big event in all two year old's life -- so I brought him the same gift his Daddy received when he was potty trained many years ago, at the same age, which I had saved in my attic over the years.  This heirloom Fisher Price Medical Kit was a big hit! He took my blood pressure and listened to my heart and Winnie the Pooh's heart many times. Notice "L's" dinosaur slippers -- a favorite recent wardrobe addition from his visit to the Dinosaur Journey Museum.  He has so many wonderful interests now and is quite a smart little boy.  It was so good to visit with my family and I already miss them all so much!

 

Vj Anusha Hot Stills

Cute Anusha Smile

Hot Anusha Pose

Cool Anusha Looks

Anushka in Sandalwood

She made people re-think their glam doll image-AL when Vijay 'Deiva Thirumagal theaters affected. Many challenging roles Post 'Thirumagal Deiva "are finding their way into the table Anushka also some of the best production houses in the South.

There are now reports that could Anushka foray into Kannada films. Sources of sandalwood reveal that the actress could be tied into play the female lead opposite Darshan in a film called Bulbul. Although nothing seems to be confirmed yet, sources close to the "Bulbul" team reveal that they are in talks with the actress.

The shooting of this film will begin once the actor Darshan complete his current project, and as the female lead has an important role to carry out the production team of this film is keen to rope in for the role Anushka .

Meanwhile, sources close to the actress when he was asked about Anushka Shetty spreading their wings to Kannada, the feigned ignorance, while some also reveal that the actress is asking for a pay package of rewards for playing the female lead in the film. But if producers are willing to pay the amount required then 'Bulbul' will become the first Kannada film to catapult sandalwood Anushka!



Anushka has also revealed that it will continue making films in Tamil, so, thanks to all your movies Kollywood who have won a good reputation and fan base of the actress in Tamil Nadu.

Anushka Sharma Hot Gossips

Ranveer Singh is just an old movie industry and never shies away from talking with all his heart, which finally broke the silence on the speculation surrounding his relationship with Anushka Sharma said in an interview to a newspaper: "I miss Anna very much" .

Ranveer Singh added: "Anna is the kind of girl who always miss, especially if she has been a part of your life and suddenly it is not. It feels a void."

So Ranveer Singh Anushka Sharma love? This is what he had to say: "I was very attracted to her. I do not know if I've ever been in love. I do not know what love means. I felt strong and deep emotions for people who are not related to me by blood. I do not know if that's love, but I have felt attraction and affection for Anna. "

Now that is an emotional statement! No? Anyway, Ranveer also said Anushka Sharma and have been separated now! And he cites the fact of not being able to see each other as they used to shoot, while the band Baaj Baaraat as the main cause behind it! He even said that Anushka has forged his own path and has now signed a lot of movies and the two do not even know at all!

Hot Anuya Stills

Hot Anuya Pose

Cute Anuya Smile

Archana Gupta Hot Stills

Cute Archana Smile

Cool Archana Looks

Archana Hot Stils

Cool Archana Looks

Hot Archana Looks

Aarti Agarwal Hot Stills

Cute Aarti Agarwal Looks

Cute Aarti Agarwal Smile

Cool Aarti Agarwal Looks

Asin with Neil Nitin Mukesh

Although there have been plenty of bad blood between the actors Asin and Neil Nitin Mukesh, both of them do not intend to stop talking to each other, say his friends in common.

Asin and was rumored that Neil was having an affair, and soon reported that Asin again Neil recommended a few producers. Strong rumors obviously had an effect on the friendship and the couple soon separated as good friends.

"The silly rumors that were circulated by his detractors, of course, had its effect. It took a toll on a perfectly good friendship. But I do not think it was able to completely ruin," says a mutual friend.

Sources say Asin is still very cordial Neil and every text message sent to your question, get an answer.

"We never stopped talking and is not a wise decision to end a friendship with a note like this. They remain friends and both feel they could have done without the publicity overdrive around them. At the end of the world realized that only could have done without it. When you have a good friendship, it is best to nurture it and do not expose to the world for everyone to examine. Relationships are fragile anyway in Bollywood and both Neil and Asin are not happy things have gone, "the mutual friend.



So what will happen between them? Friends reveal that both provided only a period of repentance and now both are willing to forget what happened and move forward in their lives again.

Aswathy Menon Hot Stills

Cute Aswathy Menon Smile

Cool Aswathy Menon Looks

Ayesha Takia's Missing Mystery

Ayesha Takia was recently shooting for a film in Switzerland but the lady suddenly disappeared from the sets and came back to Mumbai. This step by the actress has cost the producers quite a hefty amount. Now the producers are planning to file a suit against Ayesha for such unprofessionalism.

Apparently, while leaving Switzerland, Ayesha did not even care to inform anyone else from the unit that she is leaving. And could not be contacted back despite of several attempts. Now this has definitely irked the makers.

But, we are sure there might be a reason why Ayesha chose to behave in an unexpected manner which is yet to be known and we should not jump on conclusions without knowing her part of the story. Over to you Ms. Takia.

Baked Gnocchi with Two Cheeses and Walnuts and a Give Away!

If there is one food my husband loves it is gnocchi -- a small dense Italian pasta dumpling traditionally made with either potato, ricotta, or semolina. Gnocchi have been a traditional Italian pasta of probably Middle Eastern origin since early Roman times, although the use of potato is a relatively recent innovation, occurring after the introduction of the potato to Europe in the 16th century.

When Bertolli asked me if I'd like to try one of their special sauces to prepare their recipe of baked Gnocchi with Two Cheese and Walnuts I was more than happy to oblige! They sent me a kit which included a cavatelli maker, and gnocchi board, a coupon for their Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce and a La Creuset Au Gratin dish, and this recipe. No other compensation was provided and my opinion about this recipe is my own.  As you can see from my photo of the completed dish, the results were fantastic!

BAKED GNOCCHI WITH TWO CHEESES AND WALNUTS

Serves 4
prep time: 10 minute(s)
cook time: 20 minute(s)

Ingredients:

1 jar Bertolli Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce
1 lb. fresh or frozen gnocchi, prepared according to package directions
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz.)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 Tbsp. Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

Directions:
•Preheat oven to 425°.
•Combine Sauce, cooked gnocchi, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon basil in 2-quart casserole. Top with remaining cheeses, walnuts and bread crumbs.
•Bake uncovered 12 minutes or until bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining basil.

I made fresh potato gnocchi using this recipe:

6 cups flour
2 tablespoons shortening or oil
3 boiled potatoes
1 egg (optional)

In a bowl mash boiled potatoes or rice with a potato ricer. Add melted shortening or oil and egg.
On a board or mat sift the flour.  Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the mashed potato mixture.  Slowly mix the potato mixture and flour with your hands until well blended and it forms a ball.  Flour the surface and begin to knead until the dough begins to become soft and smooth. Cut dough in half and allow to "rest" under a damp towel for about 10 minutes.

If using a cavatelli machine roll out each half of the dough to a thickness of about 3/8 inches and cut into strips about 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide. Flour each strip and insert one end into wooden rollers of the catavelli maker and turn the handle.

Gnocchi are traditionally made by hand by rolling the dough into ropes which are then cut into "pillows" and then each pillow is rolled onto board to make ridges. You can see how I do this by clicking here to see my Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi recipe

As you can see from the photo above this recipe makes a large amount of cavatelli -- enough for three servings!  I was able to freeze two servings for another time by spreading the cavatelli on a baking sheet and freezing them until hard and then placing the frozen cavatelli in freezer bags.

The baked gnocchi were absolutely delicious! The sauce was flavorful and had just enough garlic to blend well with the two cheeses and fresh basil to make this dish very aromatic. I never thought to incorporate walnuts in a baked pasta dish, and I found them to add a wonderful crunch, along with the bread crumb topping.  My husband gave this two thumbs up and we were very happy to eat the leftovers the next day!



Bertolli recommends that this dish is accompanied by a rich Barbera wine, as you can see in the film clip above from their special event about pasta and wine pairing.

Now for the give away!  Bertolli has graciously offered to give the same set that they sent to me to a USA resident, to be shipped from their offices. The set will include a coupon for a free sauce product, a cavatelli maker, a cheese grater, and gnocchi board and a La Crueset Gratin Dish. All you have to do leave a comment and make sure you leave a way to contact you if you do not have a blog. Sorry, but this is for USA residents only.  If you would like to become a follower of my blog (not required) I would be thrilled to have your interest and friendship!  If you are a facebook user, please check out the Bertolli  Tastes of Italy map and add a tip, story recipe or photo from your favorite region of Italy, and join in all the fun!  The winner of the give away will be chosen by me through the use of Random.org on Monday, September 5th, 2011.  Good luck!

I'm linking to Foodie Friday on the Designs by Gollum blog and Mosaic Monday on the Little Red House blog. Thank you to both wonderful blog hosts--please visit them and see all the wonderful entries!

Edited 8/28/12:  Thankfully my house and neighborhood survived Hurricane Irene!  Thank you for you concern, and prayers.  I am thinking and praying for all those who were affected by this severe storm.

edited 9/5/11 9PM EST:  Comments now closed --winner chosen, and to be announced soon!  Thank you to all who entered the give away.  I enjoyed reading all your comments!

Banu Hot Stills

Hot Banu Pose

Cute Banu Smile

Bhagyashree Hot Stills

Cool Bhagyashree in Saree

Cute Bhagyashree Smile

Bhavana in a mentally challenged role

Juggling between Chennai and Bangalore, the actress Bhavana Rao seems to be the best time of your life now. With two films in Tamil and one in Kannada, actor Gaalipatta happy with the way his career is taking shape. What else? She is glad she had the opportunity to experiment with different types of roles as well.

The actress, who is currently shooting in Chennai for Sollu Kathai Parthu Padam says: "I just made a couple of movies in Kannada and Tamil. However, I think my career has just started out. I am more than happy to be experimenting with different roles at this time. "Parthu Padam ... is in its final production stage and can see a sale next month. The film, directed by Prabhu Benjamin is an action movie-cum-romantic. Bhavana plays the role of a bubbly tourism photographer, while Tarun plays his love interest. The actor says his next film will Odi is what is presented in a different light. "I'm playing a role quite seriously in the film for the first time in my career. The film traces the journey of a child and the trauma she has to deal with right through. I play the protagonist, and had a difficult time for shoot the emotional sequences. Initially, to mourn, I used a lot of glycerin. However, during the days, the tears just come automatically during the filming of scenes. So much so that even entered depression, "says the actress.

However, these are the kinds of roles she wants to experience, says Bhavana. "These papers will help me push my limits and prove myself as an actor. Challenging role is what I experience." The actor is also excited about her upcoming movie Kannada, Attahasa Veerapen that is being directed by AMR Ramesh. "The role I'm trying is inspired by a female gangster in real life, which was a help near the infamous Veerapen. I heard that now lives in Bangalore. I have really wanted to know, well, that would be great if I get the opportunity to speak with her, "goodbye.

Bhumika Chawla Hot Gossips

Bhoomika Chawla, could not have made it big in Bollywood, but in the south, which is a familiar face and known for his considerable acting skills. Did we mention all of southern India? Well, Bhoomika has won three of the four woods south of the Vindhyas sandalwood is the exception.

Now, all that will change as Bhoomika has reportedly been signed to play the lady love Sudeep

Varadanayaka new film - a remake of Telugu hit Lakshyam. The included original Gopichand, Anushka Shetty Babu and Jagapathy. The Kannada remake Chiranjeevi Sarja see and test the roles played by Sudeep and Gopi Patel Nikesh Jagapathy while will be one of the two female leads.

Our sources tell us that Priyamani was the original choice for the role of Sudeep's wife, but the player refused citing date problems. Manufacturers searching for a replacement ended at the gates of Bhoomika, who was reportedly eager to assume the role since she had never done a Kannada film to date. Better late than never!