Ok - Today we are going to learn about TIKI Culture, Boys and Girls......

OK....anybody who's anybody knows what it means when something is referred to as Tiki, RIGHT?

Well, I guess not....but it is one of the stylistic things I like from the past and still enjoy today. I thought I would just give a bit of the history behind Tiki make you cats fall further in love with it and appreciate it all the more. Ready?

"Tiki exotica was introduced with Martin Denny's Waikiki nightclub combo cum jungle noises cover of Baxter's Quiet Village. Tiki rode a wave of popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s marked by the entrance of Hawaii as the 50th state in 1959 and the introduction of Tiki hut bars and restaurants around the continental United States.

Soon came integration of the idea into music by artists like Les Baxter, Arthur Lyman, and Martin Denny, who blended the Tiki idea throughjazz augmented with Polynesian, Asian, and Latin instruments and "tropical" themes creating the Exotica genre. This music blended the elements of Afro-Cuban rhythms, unusual instrumentations, environmental sounds, and lush romantic themes from Hollywood movies, topped off with evocative titles like "Jaguar God", into a cultural hybrid native to nowhere.

Tiki exotica has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, and Tiki mugs and torches that once collected dust in thrift stores are now hot items, largely because of their camp value."

See, now that wasn't so bad! It's always fun to learn! HA!

And I apologize for it being a few days, I was visiting family out of town and couldn't get the time to myself to write. But now I am back.

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Make-Over Weekend A Comin'

SO -

I am visiting my baby sister this weekend and we are going to have a pow-wow make-over weekend, complete with manicures, pedicures, hair treatments, skin exfoliation and the works. We do this every time we see each other and have alone time so we can look extra hot for our significant others. And we have a lot of laughs and a few cocktails. It's great.

I am saying this early so if anyone wants to make plans by the weekend and have nothing going on, this may be something to do! It's lots of fun and very relaxing. And it's a great time especially with your siblings, mother, aunt, whatever.

By the way, me and my significant other have been watching Bewitched on DVD the last couple of days and it's fantastic. Talk about fantasy and fun. Remember that show? I used to watch re-runs of it on Channel 13 in L.A. when I was a kid at my grandmother's house. I used to even watch it with my great grandmother back then. She lived well into her nineties eating her See's Candies and drinking iced coffee, vodka, cream and ice cubes at every happy hour. Funny.

My fourth album is picking up steam and I am spending time finishing that in the next couple months and I shall be performing in Vegas. So I have to stay trim and fit and FOXY. Which I will, of course.

One of my tracks from my EP is on an EMI Europe Comp selling in Greece right now. Yikes!

Rambling now, gotta get some sleep. Happy Thursday, Everybody!!!

Cheers,

RCJ

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Be a Pin Up for the Day (if you're visiting Cupertino!)

I found a great place in the Bay Area for those gals located up there and I was impressed with this modern day photographer's style. If you are interested in being photographed by someone that seems to care a great deal about the art of pin up and the overall look, you may want to give her a call.

http://bayareapinups.blogspot.com/

kelisiao@gmail.com

408-329-2511

Or if in my Hometown, I like these folks:

http://www.iconicpinups.com/

Say cheese.......

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Vintage 1949 Exercise and Health Video. Very Interesting......

I was reading in several fashion magazines all of these ways to save money in today's economy. They listed several methods, as everyone across the board is affected. But one in particular when it came to the topic of exercise caught my attention.

In the book The $100 Diet, I illustrate exercise plans that WORK without the cost of monthly fees at the gym or expensive exercise equipment. Funny, I experimented with several exercise routines and wrote the book before the economy took it's dive, so it's ironic that doing it how the book says actually makes more sense now more than ever! Ha!

Anyhow, I thought I would share with you cool cats this vintage video make in 1949 I found on YouTube.

EXERCISE AND HEALTH VIDEO - 1949

PLUS a friend told me that she downloads for FREE exercise videos to her computer every day and watches them and works out this way. I think this is the site:

http://www.women-workout-routines.com/free-workout-routines.html

Enjoy enjoy enjoy and I am continuing my search for all things free and retro for my readers so if you know of any hot tips, drop me a line!

I am preparing for my big "Day Off" tomorrow....I think something old -fashioned with chicken sounds nice.

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Retro Food Recipe - circa 1968

As I am a HUGE fan of food and yes, I am living in a previous era, I thought I would share a recipe that falls within the diet, even on your "Days On".

******************

Avocados with Prawns Recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 Ripe Avocados 1 1/2 oz (45g) Small Cooked & Peeled Prawns or White Crab Meat Lemon Juice Salt & Pepper For the sauce: 1 tsp Lemon Juice 2 tbsp Olive Oil 1/4 tsp Dijon Mustard Pinch of Salt Pinch of Pepper

3 tbsp Red Tomato Chutney 1 tsp Tabasco Sauce

METHOD

Halve the Avocados and place on six individual serving plates. Squeeze a dash of Lemon Juice over each one and sprinkle with freshly grounded Salt & Pepper. Set aside.

For the sauce: Put the Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard and Salt into a bowl and beat together until the Salt has dissolved. Slowly pour in the Olive Oil, continually beating. Add the Pepper. Add the Red Tomato Chutney. Add the Tabasco Sauce. Beat a little more until thoroughly mixed.

To this mixture now add the Prawns or Crab. Combine well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Spoon a serving of this mixture into each Avocado.

Serves 6 as a Starter.

****************

Well, I say eat two on a bed of lettuce and that's no starter, that's dinner! Believe me, it will be very filling and the combination of avacado and seafood is devine!

For more oh-so-good-for-you recipes for your Days On or your Days Off, check out http://www.retrofoodrecipes.com/

Come and get it....

http://www.thepinupgirldiet.com

Hot Vintage Inspired Clothing Line by BERNIE DEXTER

Bernie Dexter is a very successful pin up and Cheesecake model who has had different clothing lines and believe you me, I have like them ALL. But she just came out with a few newer fashions that I quite like.

She has clothing lines, shoes, perfume and lingerie.....all are vintage inspired and great quality. Check out her site for more info at:

http://berniedexter.com

Bernie and her clothing lines are FABULOUS!

How to Do Pin Up Make Up ala Bettie Page

I was poking around online when I stumbled across this YouTube video. Some cool chick named Kandee Johnson, who is a make-up artist in my old hometown of Hollywood, has created many video tutorials on make up. What caught my attention was the lessons on how to apply it to emulate the old world pin up models of yesteryear. In my opinion, she does a really good job.

This video link that I am providing has to do with doing make up like Bettie Page or modern pin up model and burlesque performer Dita Von Teese (who is one of my favorites as she emulates vintage pin up models from the 1940's). She has other videos that teach you how to apply make up ala Marilyn Monroe as well.

Watch Kandee's Pin Up Girl Make Up Lesson - CLICK HERE

If you enjoyed that video, so see Kandee on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/kandeejohnson

Let's anty up and get GORGEOUS, Darlings!

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

WHAT?! You can make chocolate cake for ONE in THREE MINUTES?!?

Why, yes you can! I know that I already blogged today, but this is just for all of you guys and dolls that need something easy for your next "Day Off". I am big on cooking and will go all out to make some gourmet meal with all of the courses, but I know that not everyone is that way. In fact, I believe I am the only one out of my friends that will go hog-wild when it comes to meal planning. But in any event, this was sent to me today and I thought those that like things quick and easy would appreciate it.

Ok, so here it comes:

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE 4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) A small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe) Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). I tell ya, take at look at these pics to see the before and after. Hey, anyone that tries this one send me an email and tell me whether you liked it or not. I would love to hear your thoughts.... Have a Happy Day Off, even if that's not for a day or two....I know I will! http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Time to Get My Bod Camera Ready...

Well, I am going to be in a photo shoot early next week if not sooner I have found, so I just have to do a bit of maintenance.

The really awesome thing about "The $100 Diet - How Naughty Pin Up Girls Stay THIN" is that when you are in that kind of shape that I am suggesting, it doesn't take much for you to do the fast maintenance for that special event, wedding, photo shoot, dreaded re-unions and what not. You are already there. You just need that extra nudge to look PERFECT.

You do simple little things about two days before the event. That's it. And I reveal what those things are in the book as well. Really, it's not that hard!

I believe I will be shooting in a vintage blue/green Lincoln in a matching bikini against a very interesting building....

http://thepinupgirldiet.com

Drinks, anyone?

I had discovered this refreshing drink at a day spa where I went to get a massage at and it just popped into my head. Being an ex-Los Angeles now Las Vegas resident, I am bracing myself for the hot and intensely LONG summer ahead. So if you live in the high desert or any where where it is hot and dry, this is especially for you! But this also applies to us all in the upcoming months, and it will work for springtime too. It's just so damn refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cold water
• 2-3 slices fresh lemon
• 2-3 slices cucumbers

Directions

1. 1

   Place all the ingredients into a pitcher and serve!

2. 2

   For a stronger taste, let the water sit in your refrigerator for an hour prior to serving.

Isn't that amazing? And you know me, I also have an "adult beverage" twist to this recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cold SPARKLING water or Seltzer
• 2-3 slices fresh lemon
• 2-3 slices cucumbers
• Vodka (regular or lemon infused)

Directions

1. 1

   Place all ingredients in a pitcher EXCEPT the Vodka.

2. 2

   Chill in the fridge for about an hour. Then in each glass, put 1 shot of Vodka and fill the rest with the sparkling water concoction. Add ice and serve!

Now, haven't I proven that you can have fun on a diet and still get results? Ha!

Bottoms up......

http://thepinupgirldiet.com