Posted in Uncategorized

Brookdale News: A New Fashion Boutique is Coming to Town…

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Okay guys, we are back with this week’s installment on the Summer of Lizzie tour. Are you following along here and on Paws and Print? Check out all of the Summer of Lizzie posts to collect secret words and become entrenched in Lizzie’s world. 

Brookdale News
Interview with Dashing Creations Owner Lula Draper 

 

By: Ellen Carpenter

ImageNew businesses are springing up all over town as more people move from the big city to smaller towns. Many have told me that they have come here to escape the rising crime rate (I do hope no one tells them about our recent rash of murders).

Luna Draper is the owner of Dashing Creations, a new women’s boutique that is opening next door to the Curl and Dye Beauty Parlor. I had a chance to sit down with her for a few minutes to ask about the new store and herself.

BN: So what brings you to our small town? I’m sure there are bigger places you could have opened your store.

LD: Every woman, regardless of where they live, should be able to find nice, affordable clothes.

BN: Will you be offering only name brand clothing to your clients?

LD: Absolutely not! Dashing Creations are custom made for each woman. Over the years, I have found that most women would like to have things that fit them specifically, but they just cannot afford the tailoring prices. My store will have samples of various types of clothing, like blouses, shorts, pants and dresses. We’ll help them find the outfit that works best for them, regardless of their shape or size. It makes them feel more confident and will bring out that hidden inner beauty that they normally don’t let others see.

BN: Wow! That sounds like a lot to ask from a blouse or a pair of pants.

LD: (laughs) It does, doesn’t it? But you would be amazed the change in a woman’s attitude and demeanor with just a scarf. It makes them see themselves differently. Sometimes the smallest thing makes all the difference in the world.

BN: Tell me about yourself. Are you a native Texan?

LD: What’s the saying: “I wasn’t born here, but I moved here as fast as I could”. I was actually born in Colorado and adopted when I was just a week old. My parents moved to Amarillo when I was three.

BN: Any siblings?

LD: An older brother and a younger sister. I was a major tomboy when I was growing up. My brother and I would play football and basketball with the neighborhood boys, and in the evenings, my sister and I would play with our dolls.

BN: How did you get interested in fashion?

LD: I didn’t like some of the outfits we had for the dolls, so I started to make my own. After a while, I made a few things for myself, and my friends asked me to make some for them, too. My parents noticed my natural talent, and they sent me to a fashion school in New York City.

BN: You worked for a rather big label in back east. Why did you give all that up to come to a small town in Texas?

LD: Personal reasons. I’m looking for an old friend, someone I haven’t seen in many years.

BN: Sounds intriguing! Any juicy details you’d like to share? I know a lot of people in this area. I’m sure I can help you out.

LD: That’s very kind of you, but there are some things I’m just not ready to share just yet. I don’t want to say anything without my friend’s permission. I’m sure you understand.

We talked for a few more minutes before Ms. Draper was called away to deal with a new shipment. After getting a sneak preview of her work, I can safely say that the women of Brookdale and the surrounding towns are in for a treat. I’ll definitely be buying something from this wonderful new boutique, Dashing Creations, and finding out more about the lovely Luna Draper.

secret word: mysterious

Posted in Life, Writing

Summer of Lizzie Tour: What’s Cookin’ at Eat it Or Starve

Detective Any true Lizzie fan knows that her favorite place to grab a bite is at the Eat It or Starve Cafe.  Lizzie secretly loves Maddie’s no nonsense attitude and trusts that Maddie knows exactly what dish Lizzie needs that day.

So, let’s check in with Brookdale’s resident chef to find out what she is cooking up today….

Bowl of nuts

Well, it looks like we just got in a whole mess of pecans. That means it’s time to whip up some fresh pecan pie. Don’t like it? Well too bad…

I always make my pies using my mother’s time-tested recipe. It surely is the best around. I must be feeling extra generous today because I am going to share the recipes for both our 8-inch and 9-inch pie.

Pecan Pie from Eat it or Starve: 

8 inch version:

3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup Karo syrup

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup pecans, chopped
Mix together all ingredients and bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. To test doneness, best to cook about 50 to 55 minutes
9 inch version:
The 9 inch version is nearly the same, just a little bit bigger.
4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup Karo syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup melted butter

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Mix together all ingredients and bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. To test doneness, best to cook about 50 to 55 minutes