Posts in Simplicity
What I Learned from Hollywood Legends About Happiness

Doing research for this blog is kind of addictive. I'm currently reading various biographies from the Classic Hollywood era. And looking back at the important moments in their lives gets me thinking about my own... 

I began with Carole Lombard, a woman who overcame some severe stumbling blocks, including a car accident that visibly scarred her face. 

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Classic Hollywood Recipes to Keep You Warm

I am a tremendous fan of Jean Harlow -- not just her work, but the woman behind the silver screen. Her life was plagued by scandal and, in the end, tragedy. But before that, she was the kind of film star who, if she happened to meet you on the street, might invite you to that evening's barbecue. She truly wanted to make her guests feel welcome, and was known as more of a tomboy than a glamour girl to those who knew her best -- more at home in pants than in sequined dresses.

Which is perhaps why I had to try out one of her recipes, in preparation for the upcoming colder months. 

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9 Classic Breakup Movies to Help You Survive the End of a Relationship

The agony of a breakup is undeniable. You read inspiring pick-me-up articles that suggest you exercise, drown yourself in chocolate, and hang out with your gal pals. “Enjoy your independence!” they say.

Meanwhile, you are thinking of all the things you would rather experience than your present heartache. You would rather fall into a river infested with bloodthirsty pirhanas. Get an unexpected phone call from the IRS. Live through a fiery armageddon.

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7 Dresses Under $35 that Mimic Classic Hollywood Dresses

There are trends in just about every area of life, from fashion, to music, to interior design, to cosmetics. From Instagram influencers to famous housewives, we are inundated with inspiration. But I think we can all agree that at times, it gets overwhelming. And just because fashion editors are talking about a trend, doesn’t mean the average person is wearing it. Because let’s be honest, we don’t all have budgets to match the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

I love Hollywood.

But have you ever wondered what everyday women are actually buying? I do. And I have found a hack that I rather like.

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Who was Marilyn Monroe? A Bit of a Prankster, Apparently

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Here in LA the brisk weather is finally starting to set in. Compared to my home stomping grounds of Salt Lake City that isn't saying much (tonight SLC is at a brisk 27 degrees while DTLA is closer to 60) but considering the almost blistering heat in recent weeks, it is still a drastic departure. And just in time, because street vendors are beginning to pull out their hot ciders and hot chocolates, which doesn't really make sense if it is 80 degrees out.

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Recipes from the Golden Age of Cinema: Jean Harlow's Cottage Meat Pie

I am a tremendous fan of Jean Harlow -- not just her work, but the woman behind the silver screen. Her life was plagued by scandal and, in the end, tragedy. But before that, she was the kind of film star who, if she happened to meet you on the street, might invite you to that evening's barbecue. She truly wanted to make her guests feel welcome, and was known as more of a tomboy than a glamour girl to those who knew her best -- more at home in pants than in sequined dresses.

Which is perhaps why I had to try out one of her recipes, in preparation for the upcoming colder months. 

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Audrey Hepburn's Favorite Food: Spaghetti Pomodoro

She is one of the few to be on the coveted EGOT list... which means, she has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony...

But most people know her for a little 'ole film known as Breakfast at Tiffany's

That's right, today's recipe comes from none other than Audrey Hepburn. And based on this recipe, I think that she could add to her long list of accomplishments that she was a good cook!

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The Golden Age of Cinema, From Photoplay to... Photoshop???

When it comes to old films, I have some favorites, and Pillow Talk is one of them. Starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson, it may not be fodder for an Academy Award but who cares? It's hilarious!  

Doris Day plays a non-nonsense woman who falls in love with a complete womanizer (think Sam on Cheers! or Will Smith's Hitch). He even has his own jingle to charm his lady-friends. "You are my inspiration... Eileeeeeeen..." he croons. All he has to do is switch out the name of his targeted female at the end of the line. It's brilliant. More men should do it just to get a laugh.

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