girls night | Little Miss Sunshine State

Last night, I got the opportunity to attend the Applause for Paws and Laws event, a fund raiser sponsoring Securing Forever Homes for pets and their owners. I was invited by my dear friend and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go. It took place in a studio featuring the photographs of world-renown photographer Bunny Yeager who launched the career of pin-up girl Betty Page.

Here’s a picture of Bunny doing a shoot with Betty in her famous cheetah outfit.

One of her most famous shots of Betty Page on the beach:

Did you know how amazingly GORGEOUS she was herself, though?! Check out this photo of her posing next to her own self-portrait as well as this link from nydaily that gives more info:

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/model-pin-up-photog-back-spotlight-83-article-1.1383816

Well, I’ve never passed up an opportunity to get dolled up and be a girly-girl. Here are a few pics of me and my friends looking very “va-va-voom” ourselves at the event!: (just with a little more clothing)

: Outside of the event: classic cars and fake cheetahs (a wink and a nod to her famous cheetah photo shoot)

: Me inside the studio posing next to an antique camera.

: Being silly yet glamorous.

This salad is one of my favorites. I make it frequently for parties or get togethers because its usually a hit and always has that “wow-factor” because its so attractive. The traditional Italian version does not call for arugula (roquette lettuce) but, I LOVE arugula for its unique kick and sneak it into recipes whenever I can. Plus, it extends the salad a little bit so you get more bang for your buck 🙂 Here’s how I make it.

Ingredients:

2 ripe tomatoes (I use Big Boy or heirloom varieties)
log of fresh mozzarella
pack of fresh basil
arugula
olive oil
balsamic vinaigre
salt
pepper

Directions:

: 1. Place a layer of arugula on your serving dish.

: 2. Slice tomatoes and layer decoratively on top of the arugula

: 3. Slice fresh mozzarella same width as tomatoes and place between tomato slices

: 4. Wash and layer basil leaves like a deck of cards

: 5. Roll the stack into what looks like a “cigar”

: 6. Using a sharp knife, slice into fine strips.

: 7. Sprinkle the basil on top and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper

Here is another one I made for a recent girl’s night at my place

Ok, so now lets talk about the health benefits:

Tomatoes are insanely high in Vitamins A and C as well as lycopene and anti-oxidants.
Basil is rich in beta-carotenes and anti-oxidants.
Mozzarella is high in calcium and fat-soluble vitamins A, C and E.
Arugula is very rich in vitamin K, C and A
Olive oil is a non-saturated fat that has all kinds of health benefits.

So, eat up and enjoy! Its not only good, its good for you.

Little Miss Sunshine State

Exploring the natural beauty and abundance of our Sunshine State

Tag Archives: girls night

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