My internet travels led me to writer Angela Sage Larsen. Angela is the author of the Petalwink book series.

Turns out we have something in common, we both grew up loving reruns of I Love Lucy, and we both wondered what it would be like living in the 1950’s.

Angela combined her interest in the 50’s, love for storytelling, and her great imagination to create a fun book series called the Fifties Chix.

Watch this video and find out what inspired Angela to write Fifties Chix and how she came up with some of the character names. Keep a look out for the cool retro pics.

Angela was kind enough to send me a copy of her first book in the series called “Travel to Tomorrow”. This series is most likely geared toward tween and teen aged girls, but I’m a kid at heart and thought it was a great read. First off, I love the idea of time travel and the 1950’s. You have no idea how many times I’ve watched the movie Back to the Future! Well, maybe some of you do.

The five main characters are sketched out beautifully with Angela’s words and illustrations.
Let’s meet two of the Fifties Chix characters:

Meet Judy:

Meet Beverly:

From sock hops and soda shops to 50 years later. How will the Fifties Chix get back and will they even want to?

If you have a teen or tween in your life that loves to read, point them in the direction of the Fifties Chix.

Visit author Angela Sage Larsen at http://www.angelasagelarsen.com

Stop by http://www.fiftieschix.com for all things Fifties Chix and join the Fifties Chix fan club.

Like the Official Fifties Chix page: http://www.facebook.com/FiftiesChix

Awhile back I was humming a little tune I remembered from a Chiquita Banana ad. Of course I went searching for it on YouTube. Here it is:

The voice of the tropical Chiquita banana is so inviting I had to find out who was behind it. Monica Lewis is an actress, singer and true Golden Age Siren. It just so happens that the collective pop-culture conscious was whispering to me again because Monica Lewis came out with her first book this May.

Her book is entitled Hollywood Through My Eyes: The Lives and Loves of a Golden Age Siren. I received a copy and had great fun not only reading about her lives and loves but seeing so many fabulous pictures. The book is hardcover, and reminds me of a coffee table book. Something you’ll want to keep out for display and not kept hidden on a shelf. The back cover is like a pop culture who’s who with images of famous actors, singers, producers & even a few politicians that have been part of Monica Lewis’s life.

“Monica’s book is filled with fun facts, and deep feelings. She hits all the right notes.”—Ginny Mancini, founder, Henry Mancini Institute and Society of Singers

Inside the pages we find pictures of her with Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Danny Kaye, Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, the list goes on. The stories take us from her childhood days where she says, “Music: We lived it, breathed it, spoke it”, to her radio broadcast days, her theatrical debuts, her talent as an advertising gem, her military camp shows and touring troupe days. We read and view the images of her lives and loves, without the usual Hollywood melodrama but instead a constant optimism.

Her marriage to producer Jennings Lang put her right in the middle of 70’s disaster films. She worked on blockbuster movies such as Earthquake with Ava Gardener, Airport 77 with Jack Lemmon, Olivia de Havilland & James Stewart, and Rollercoaster starring George Segal and Richard Widmark.

The term “lives” is a perfect fit because it’s surprising one person can pack so much into one life. Through her book, I learned not only a lot about Monica Lewis, but also a lot about Hollywood.

“I’m one of the millions who fell in love with Monica. After reading this book, I know why.”—Robert Wagner, veteran actor

Visit http://monicalewis.com and pick up your copy of her book Hollywood Through My Eyes: The Lives and Loves of a Golden Age Siren. Tell her Housewife in Hollywood sent you.

I waited to read any reviews of On Stranger Tides because I heard most were saying it was a bad movie. I saw some low numbers from critics and some high numbers from audiences. I decided to take the ride for a fourth time and decide for myself.

After watching the movie I went home and read as many reviews that I could until I realized most movie critics were saying the same things. Some say On Stranger Tides doesn’t work because Captain Jack has taken on more of a lead role in this movie and his quirkiness is old news on screen. As a Captain Jack Sparrow fan, I say I’m not savvy with that idea. I think Pirates of the Caribbean fans will watch and enjoy this movie because it’s another chance to take a ride with Captain Jack Sparrow.

I’m not a movie critic, I’m a blogging housewife. Most importantly for this review I need to remind you that I’m also a mom. The main reason I like this movie is because of the kiddo. She jumped at the movie’s surprise moments and together we laughed at Captain Jack’s antics. Depp’s familiar Captain Jack expressions, his rolling eyes, funny faces and familiar remarks are like that pair of comfy shoes you’d never think of getting rid of. Alright that’s corny but true. One word… housewife!

The kiddo loved the mermaids for being less like Ariel and more like the ones she’s read about in her mythology books. Much like the skeletons from The Curse of the Black Pearl, or the undersea mutant crew in Dead Man’s Chest, I thought the mermaids were intriguing.

Many critics say the plot isn’t well defined, the sword fights aren’t authentic enough and there is no spark between Depp and Cruz. I can understand these ideas but honestly I never thought of them while watching the movie. It was only after reading a few bad reviews that I looked back and thought, ehh I can sort of see what they’re saying.

The reason why audiences like the movie more than critics is because they are taking the ride without analyzing it. If you like mythological mermaids, Blackbeard the pirate, and Captain Jack antics, if you can take a movie less seriously, I say take the ride and decide for yourself. Savvy?

Take a look at the coolness that is actor Ian McShane as Blackbeard.

Author Brandie Knight sent me her book Hollywood Under the Covers and one word sums it up, YOWZA!

She says that much of what happens in the book is “loosely based on actual events”. Like I said, YOWZA!

It’s obvious while reading Hollywood Under the Covers that Brandie Knight  has been living life to the fullest following her dreams, working on interesting projects and finding adventure. She’s been involved in the entertainment industry for 20 years doing a variety of work. She’s a writer, producer, lyricist, publisher, entrepreneur, and at one time she was Tommy Chong’s publicist. I’m most intrigued by her work as co-producer of the award winning film, a.k.a. Tommy Chong.

After reading such a cool bio about author Brandie Knight I knew her book would be juicy and filled with celebrity inspired fiction. It’s juicy alright; in fact it’s seductively succulent! Everyone together now, YOWZA!

I have to admit I don’t usually read entertainment fiction and I haven’t picked up a romance or sexy novel since raiding my Great Aunt May’s bookshelves back in the 80’s. I was in for a surprise after reading the first page. Watch this video and note the disclaimer Brandie Knight gives the reader before venturing into the realm of Hollywood Under the Covers.

If you’re looking for a fictional story that is sure to titillate the… umm… senses and you’re curious about Hollywood behind the scenes and under the covers then grab a copy and enjoy!

Learn more about Hollywood Under the Covers author Brandie Knight by visiting these links:

Official site: http://www.brandieknight.com

Order Hollywood Under the Covers via Amazon by clicking here.

For the official site of a.k.a. Tommy Chong, the film Brandie Knight co-produced visit: http://www.akatommychong.com

Mr. HIH has been making Soul Taco’s for a couple decades now. His dad created the secret Soul Taco recipe. It’s so secret I’m not able to post it here. What I can do is share with you a hot kitchen item that makes taco baking at home easier.

Soul Taco’s are filled with secret ingredients covered with cheese and then baked. Mr. HIH used to place taco shells in the grooves of the oven shelf lined with tin foil. This worked out okay for years but when we bought a new oven with wider grooves it was impossible.

One night while we were breaking one too many taco shells I decided to search the words “taco rack” via the internet. Luckily I found the Taco Rack by La-Cook-a-Rack-a. The first time Mr. HIH prepared his secret tacos using the Taco Rack he said, “Why didn’t we get one of these years ago? This is awesome!”

Learn more about this nifty gadget from La-Cook-a-Rack-a:

For  tasty taco recipes and directions to making the perfect taco in just 4 easy steps, check out http://tacorack.com

The good folks at Celestial Seasonings  asked me to do a taste test on a few of their new Green Teas. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first because the only tea I usually gravitate towards is of the iced variety and loaded with sugar, also known as Sweet Tea.

I do like they’re Roastaroma tea as a coffee alternative and I’ve read about the benefits of green tea but in my own experience most leave an after taste reminiscent of brewed grass. Now some people can get used to that brewed grass taste but I’d bypass the benefits altogether and go back to my overly caffeinated Cup of Joe instead.

Celestial Seasonings isn’t new to Green Tea but they’ve infused Bai Mu Dan white tea to their green tea creating even smoother, more full-flavored blends.

Not only have they infused teas, they’ve combined their new green tea packaging with empowering traditional wisdom represented by nine symbolic Asian characters.

Take a look at these beautiful boxes:

Antioxidant Supplement Green Tea

Decaf Mandarin Orchard™ Green Tea

Raspberry Gardens® Green Tea

I enjoyed all three of these but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the Raspberry Gardens® Green Tea. It has a natural raspberry flavor that isn’t overpowering.

The Decaf Mandarin Orchard™ has the antioxidant benefits of green tea without any caffeine. I’d like to make this one into an iced green tea and drink it all day.

The Antioxidant Supplement Green Tea is great with a light citrus taste and they’ve added more Vitamins A, C and E. My hubby enjoyed this one which is surprising because he’s not much of a tea drinker, but this one might have changed his mind.

Try out any of these Celestial Seasonings Green Teas and let me know which one you like best. I’d like to try more from their collection. I think Decaf Mint Green Tea and Blueberry Breeze® Green Tea are next.

Visit http://celestialseasonings.com to find out more about their tasty Green Teas.

This is isn’t the first time I’ve talked about SpongeBob Squarepants. My interview with The Ghastly Ones talked a bit about the single they did for the SpongeBob “Scaredy Pants” episode.

http://housewifeinhollywood.com/the-ghastly-ones/

Then there was my interview with actor Maxie Santillan Jr., he played Gummy the Pirate in SpongeBob Squarepants the Movie.

http://housewifeinhollywood.com/my-conversation-with-maxie-santillan-jr/

How could I not mention Johnny Depp’s cameo as Jack Kahuna Laguna, a surf guru, on the episode,“SpongeBob vs. the Big One”?

http://housewifeinhollywood.com/spongebob-meets-depp-as-surf-guru/

This time around I’m talking about SpongeBob SquarePants: To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants, a DVD available now and loaded with 8 fun episodes.

Two of our favorite episodes on the DVD are:

To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants
SpongeBob’s shrunk his last pair of square pants, and no store has any others! Without his square pants, will anyone recognize him?

Slide Whistle Stooges
Patrick and SpongeBob use their new slide whistles to add sound effects to Squidward’s every move!

We love the special features Animation Art Gallery. It contains storyboard panels and character art. It’s always fun to go behind the scenes.

To purchase SpongeBob SquarePants: To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants click here.

Visit with SpongeBob at his official site: http://spongebob.nick.com/

What do you think, do SquarePants make the man? Or should I say sponge?

I’ve mentioned this amazing movement of peace through music before but I finally had a chance to review the Playing for Change CD/DVD and I can’t say enough about how enjoyable it is. It’s entertaining, uplifting and thought provoking.

Here is Grammy-winning music producer and engineer Mark Johnson talking about how Playing for Change started and why.

Playing For Change Explained from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

What I love about Mark Johnson’s project is his ability to put us in the moment so perfectly. In this next clip we see Roger Ridley performing on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. I’m sure many people passed this moment by because they had some place to go, something to do or someone to see. With this video, Mark keeps us right there dancing with the kids, swaying with the grown-ups and feeling Roger’s passion for the music.

Bring It On Home from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

The unique thing about this multimedia movement is seeing and hearing the collective consciousness, the human spirit through visuals and music around the world. Like I said I can’t say enough about this CD/DVD Playing for Change.

The good vibrations stick with you long after watching and listening to incredible music like this:

Playing For Change: Song Around the World “Don’t Worry” from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

Learn more about Playing for Change at www.playingforchange.com

To purchase Playing for Change/Songs Around the World click here.

“I was in a subway in New York on my way to work, and I heard these two monks playing music,” he recalls. “They were painted head to toe, all white, wearing robes. One was playing a nylon guitar, and the other was singing in a language I didn’t understand. There were about 200 people who stopped to watch, didn’t even get on the train. Some had tears in their eyes. And it occurred to me that here is a group of people that would normally run by each other, but instead they’re coming together. And it’s the music that brought them together.” —Mark Johnson

I love brownies. I’d rather have brownies than a birthday cake and I’d take brownies over a box of chocolates any day.

Rachael Ray featured some yummy brownies on her show in February this year called Laura’s Brownies and I was fortunate enough to have them as my own Snack of the Day. I must admit I’m not a frequent daytime television viewer unless I see a rerun of I Love Lucy, but I agree with Rachael on this one. Laura’s Brownies are delish!

Laura bakes her brownies using her own secret recipe. They can be delivered anywhere and packaged in gift boxes or tins. I think her party favors are a fun idea. She has lots of party favor packaging to fit any party theme.

Laura makes delicious brownies made with caramel and no nuts. If you can’t have gluten, no worries! She makes gluten-free brownies too. I think I’ll try her Marshmallow Brownies next time around or maybe her Laura’s Biscotti’s or Lemon Bars. Looking through her site I noticed she has Combination Tins. Order biscotti’s and brownie’s, oh my!

As most of you know I don’t give thumbs up, stars or points when I review movies. I give waffles! I do the same thing for product reviews. After tasting Laura’s Brownies, my kiddo said, “You should give her brownies infinity waffles! They taste so good!”

This housewife gives Laura’s Brownies 4 out of 4 waffles. 

They taste great, look great and can stay in the fridge for one month. What more could a girl want?

Visit http://www.laurasbrownies.com try them out for yourself and tell Laura the Housewife in Hollywood sent you.

WAKE starring Bijou Phillips

I went to the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, April 24th specifically to see the indie film WAKE. I read that Danny Masterson was in the film and being a fan of That 70’s Show I thought it might be fun to see him on the big screen.

While waiting outside before the doors opened I met WAKE director Ellie Kanner, producer Hal Schwartz, actors Danny Masterson, Bijou Phillips and Bijou’s mother Genevieve Waite.

For those of you that love fun music finds check this one out from Genevieve’s 1973 album, Romance Is on the Rise.

Before the screening I asked Danny Masterson a couple questions and took some video of Danny, Bijou Phillips, and director Ellie Kanner talking with the press.

Housewife in Hollywood at WAKE Film Screening from SuzanneHIH on Vimeo.

The film WAKE is a dark comedy about Carys, played by Bijou Phillips, desperate to experience emotion she attends funerals of strangers. She meets Tyler, played by Ian Somerhalder, who is mourning his fiancée. Meeting him is the catalyst that sparks her emotions again but she discovers she might not be the only one hiding dark secrets.

Danny Masterson plays her best friend Shane, a mortician, a perfect fit for someone like Carys who values local funeral information. Jayne Seymour plays the role of her estranged mother who thinks Carys is better off eating cookies rather than digging up the past. Lila, played by Marguerite Moreau, adds to the comic relief being the roommate Carys finds annoying and at times helpful.

Sometimes dark comedy can be so abstract I can’t relate to it but this film was funny and well done. Even though Carys is an offbeat character with a strange interest in funerals, watching her journey is comical and poignant. This housewife gives WAKE the movie 4 out of 4 waffles.

“The idea for WAKE came to me when I was in school. I loved the notion that sometimes it’s only in extreme circumstances that we engage and really recognize what’s important to us. A woman who goes to funerals to experience life made a certain sense to me. I wrote a draft of the script then, but wasn’t happy with it and moved on to other projects. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I realized I still loved the idea at the heart of the movie and decided to give it another shot.” —writer and one of the producers of WAKE, Lennox Wisely.

Find out more about WAKE by visiting http://www.wakemovie.com

Tell them Housewife in Hollywood sent you.