A Book Signing: James Mauro's Twilight at the World of Tomorrow

Last night at Tulsa's iconic Philbrook Museum of Art, Book Smart Tulsa held yet another fascinating and successful event. The star of the evening was James Mauro, author of Twilight at the World of Tomorrow: Genius, Madness, Murder and the 1939 World's Fair on the Brink of War. In typical Book Smart Tulsa fashion, this was not just a book signing- this was an experience. Entering the museum, you were greeted by the sounds of a local musician echoing off the walls of the rotunda and offered sticker replicas of buttons worn at the 1939 World's Fair. Before grabbing a seat, many made their way to the bar where you could grab a zombie- the unofficial...

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Travel Lust: Kent, England

It's the day of the royal wedding so, of course, I am thinking about princesses, castles, and tiaras. Enjoy these photographs of the picturesque county of Kent. Scotney Castle  Leeds Castle  The White Cliffs of Dover Rochester Cathedral, England's second oldest cathedral Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn Groombridge Place, recognize it from Pride and Prejudice? Ingtham Mote Hope everyone enjoyed watching the fairytale wedding this morning. I know I did! Images from: citypictures.org, home2.btconnect.com, farminguk....

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Cherry Street Farmers' Market

What do you do with your Saturday mornings? If you haven't been to the Cherry Street Farmers' Market- set your alarm next weekend! This is well worth the early rise! This was my first time to visit the farmers' market- I know, I know. But before entering the working world, I'm not sure I saw Saturdays before noon. Now, I am sure to make it a weekly habit! I recall the market in years past being located in a parking lot but now it has taken over Cherry Street itself. Blocking of through traffic every Saturday from 7-11am, the market now stretches multiple blocks. Way to go, Tulsa! My expectations were far exceeded when I realized you could purchase...

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Travel Lust: Las Vegas, Nevada

This week's travel lust is neither picturesque nor exotic. The Disney World for grown-ups- this is every adult's playground: Las Vegas. I can't help but long for the neon lights and cheesy, themed hotels. I don't know what's come over me- maybe I just need to let my hair down... ...or spend some time relaxing. Regardless, I am hell bent on going to Vegas this summer. And I have my eyes set on The Palazzo... The Palazzo has everything I'm looking for in Vegas accommodations: Strip location, beautiful bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, and multiple pools with a casino and shopping under one roof. And of course I'll have to catch a show- whether it's...

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Foreign Food: Cardamom Simple Syrup

Last month while I was visiting Colorado, I had the privilege of dining at restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail. Focusing on seasonal American cuisine, this Top Chef season 7 contender wowed our taste buds with a delicious palate of flavors from tender roasted vegetables and sweetbreads to rabbit and potato-crusted trout. The table was constantly passing around its plates so that everyone could try each dish. Everything at Kelly Liken was spectacular, but there was one course that blew my mind- and it was the palate cleanser! One bite of the juicy grapefruit granita topped with cardamom foam and my taste buds erupted into a standing ovation. So simple...

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Travel Lust: Washington, D.C.

I no longer have to lust after visiting this local- I was there at the beginning of the month just in time for the cherry blossoms to be out! Check out some of the photos from my trip! The first stop on my trip was to the National Museum of American History- I had to see Julia Child's kitchen as soon as possible! Click here to check it out! I also stopped by to see Dorothy's ruby slippers and a great exhibit of beautiful gowns worn by the First Lady throughout history. Here is Martha Washington's gown in the forefront: Another must see was the Star-Spangled Banner, now in a large, protective case away from harmful light with the lyrics to out...

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Bon Appétit: Inside Julia Child's Kitchen

Before my recent trip to Washington, D.C., I began planning what sights I wanted to see. Besides the obvious landmarks and cherry blossoms, I wasn't sure what museums the city had to offer. And then it hit me- Julia Child's kitchen is in D.C.! I immediately started jumping up and down and telling anyone who would listen. I would be seeing my gastronomic idol's workspace- the place where Julie Powell made her pilgrimage after working her way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking in Julie and Julia and left her offering of butter. Julia's kitchen from her Cambridge, Massachusetts home- along with plenty of pots, pans and kitchen gadgets-...

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