Movies in Bed: Labyrinth

Posted on July 10, 2015 by charlesprogers

MV5BMTczNTkyOTIzN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjY3MjQxMDE@._V1_SX640_SY720_Post by Mark T. Locker.

Pardon me while I pull myself together. I just went to see what year Labyrinth was released, which gave me palpitations. Next year, the iconic movie, starring David Bowie and a bunch of Muppet-esque creatures, turns THIRTY YEARS OLD. Ouch.

Well, let’s just put that aside until next year.

I don’t know about where you live, but in Portland, summer marks another Movies in the Park series, with a different city park hosting a viewing of a movie. They range from new blockbusters to classics such as Wizard of Oz and everything in between. I’m pretty sure that Labyrinth is on the docket every year.

Starring David Bowie as the Goblin King Jareth, and Jennifer Connelly as discontented 15-year-old Sarah, the rest of the cast is made up of dozens of whimsical, weird, and sometimes creepy creatures from mind of Jim Henson, who pretty much single-handedly created my childhood. When Sarah has to watch her half-brother Toby, she is deeply resentful. So much so that she takes a page from the play she is studying a part for, Labyrinth. She tells the Goblin King to come and take him away. And he does.

Suddenly remorseful (who would have thought it would actually WORK?) Sarah now must find her way through an insane Muppet-laden labyrinth to get to Toby, in the goblin city at the center. On the way she meets friends, strange strangers, and a few who are out to get her.

If you haven’t seen this 80’s classic, or haven’t seen it in a while, it’s great movie to watch on a picnic blanket with a spread of snacks, or in bed with a bowl of popcorn.

Happy watching!

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Classic Goes A Long Way: Bedrooms with Animal Prints

Posted on July 9, 2015 by charlesprogers

Post by Tracy Kaler.

It’s not uncommon to find Leopard, Zebra, and Cheetah prints in traditional and contemporary rooms. In fact, animal prints are often considered classic –– a pair of pillows, a throw, or an area rug can swiftly add punch or personality to any interior.

Animal prints can make a room feel less serious or more luxurious; they’re versatile and adaptable. With the above in mind, it’s easy to understand why these bold, earthy patterns never go out of style. Let’s explore how we can successfully use animal prints in bedrooms.

Ralph Lauren zebra pillows create a soft backing against a wooden headboard in this London home. The elephant art above the bed ties all of the elements together. I like the style of the bedside lamps, but I would’ve selected a different pattern or a plain finish rather than more zebra, allowing the print on the bed to be the star.

Pairing pink with animal prints isn’t the most obvious choice, but the duo creates a dynamic interior in this Connecticut bedroom. Beyond the artwork, the animal print bed and pillows are the only pattern in the space. The Roman shades help soften the windows and allow light to filter in.

Burberry and leopard complement each other nicely in his Little Rock bedroom by Tobi Fairley Interior Design. This room is a fantastic example of how to combine patterns with ease.

A cowhide adds a whim of sophistication to this child’s bedroom. With a few small changes, the space can easily transition to an adult bedroom in the future, if desired.

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Breakfast in Bed – Fig n’Feta Toast

Posted on July 8, 2015 by charlesprogers

Fig n'Feta Toast 8

Post by: Alison Hein

Here’s another wondrous idea from my friend Iva – Fig n’Feta Toast. Who knew the flavors of fig and feta go together like peanut butter and jelly, like salt and pepper, like prosciutto and melon? It’s a perfect pairing, a delicate secret, an idea I wish I’d thought of. 😉

Fig n'Feta Toast 1

In Iva’s native Albania, breakfast can be as easy as toasting a thick slice of crusty bread, then schmearing with a swipe of butter, a dollop of fig marmalade, and a generous hunk of creamy feta cheese. It’s warm and toasty, sweet and salty. I gobbled mine up in seconds.

I was able to purchase a good fig spread in a local specialty grocery, but if you can’t find any, try ordering online. Dalmatia Imports makes a very nice fig spread (as well as other interesting fruit condiments and tapenades) which can be ordered from igourmet.com. There is hardly any sweetener added, so the spread has a rich, natural fruit flavor. Try it, and you will soon find yourself experimenting – fig spread adds sweetness and dimension to sandwiches, pastries, cheese dips, even ice cream!

Fig n'Feta Toast 2

But for now let’s stick with breakfast. Iva recommends a tall glass of steamed milk to go with the Fig n’Feta Toast. “No coffee. Just steamed milk,” she says. “I know it’s not a common drink in this country, but it perfectly complements the sweet and salty, fruity and cheesy toast.”

What have you got to lose? Try Iva’s perfect pairing of fig n’feta for a wondrous breakfast in bed!

Ingredients

4 slices thick bread

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons fig marmalade, jam, or spread

4 slices feta cheese

Fig n'Feta Toast 4

Preparation

Toast bread to a light golden brown. Spread butter evenly on toast slices. Top with fig spread and a slice of feta cheese. Serve while still warm, accompanied by fruit and a glass of steamed milk.

Makes 2 servings.

Fig n'Feta Toast 9

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Movies in Bed: Men in Black

Posted on July 3, 2015 by charlesprogers

Men_in_Black_PosterPost by Mark T. Locker.

It was a moment of great excitement when I realized that my kid was old enough to appreciate the 1997 alien comedy, Men in Black. If you haven’t seen this movie, I’m surprised. But, there are worse ways to spend a blistering hot summer evening.

With what one could call an all-star cast of Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Vincent D’Onofrio, Tony Shalhoub, and more, it’s a funny take on the 90s comic book series.

Jay is a streetwise NY cop who has an encounter with an unusual individual. He comes to learn this individual was an alien, which leads Jay down a path to discovering the Men in Black, a secret semi-governmental organization dedicated to keeping a quiet peace between earth and its otherworldly visitors. Kay, who intervened in his investigation, invites him to join. And so Will Smith becomes the young cheeky counterpart to Jones’s clipped, no-nonsense philosophy. Together they set out to determine why aliens are fleeing and where a hidden galaxy is so they can get to it before the bug in human skin (D’Onofrio) can get to it.

It’s a fun, silly, action-filled movie. There is some strongish language, but nothing too terrible. Good movie for a lazy Sunday in bed.

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Keep Your Money Under Your Mattress: Charles P. Rogers Introduces New ‘Storage Bed’

Posted on July 2, 2015 by charlesprogers

storage bed

Post by Tracy Kaler.

You can never have too much storage. With the latest creation from Charles P. Rogers, you can store your valuables (or everyday items) and keep your bedroom virtually clutter-free. Launched in June 2015, this clever yet lovely bed includes an optional digital safe drawer –– a practical and almost hidden place to store your most prized possessions.

CPR Storage Bed1506STOR_PR-DET2

Handmade in the Charles P. Rogers workroom in New York City, the bed features dovetail joinery with full extension, soft-closing drawer slides. What’s more, the company’s signature upholstered and padded decks provide outstanding support as well as a non-skid surface.

Built-in and multi-purpose furniture remain a solid choice for bedrooms of all styles and sizes, and even more so in compact spaces, which often benefit from space-saving designs. Plus, adding drawers to a bed increases storage space beyond the traditional dresser.

Offered in a sleek platform style or with a variety of headboard options, the Storage Bed comes in a microsuede upholstery if you prefer a softer look, or a mahogany finish if you fancy a more masculine aesthetic.

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Constructed from sustainably-produced materials such as plantation-grown mahogany, recycled steel, and marine plywood, the Platform Bed is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. I might add that you’ll never have to worry about vacuuming those dust bunnies under your bed again. Less cleaning? That’s a bonus.

For more info about the latest from Charles P. Rogers, visit the website.

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