"LIVIN' LOVE ON A HIGH NOTE....SWEET!"

We've all heard of the phrase 'three's a crowd'? Well, this is an exception. 'Three' is a welcomed addition to any relationship that is anything but intrusive....'lyrically' speaking of course. Whether friends, lovers or (as ol' Blue Eyes put it), strangers in the night, music has always been there like a trusted long lost friend we reacquaint ourselves with from time to time. It's amazing really. For every emotion there's a song that captures the exact mood and the very essence of each soul whose lives have been intertwined for one reason or another.

Hot tunes like Joe Cocker's, 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' or Chris Isaak's,'Wicked Game' can have your pulse racing into some serious overdrive faster than Helio Castroneves taking the Indy 500. Vrrrrooommmm....Now that's a heck of a wild ride!

While others like Chris De Burgh's, 'The Lady In Red' and Foreigner's, 'I Want To Know What Love Is' take a more back to basics approach on surrendering your heart to that special someone. All in all they expresses how we feel inside without ever having to utter a single word.

Instrumental music has also had a way of taking hold of the heartstrings and not letting go. Take for instance performers like 'Kenny G' whose soothing clarinet is perfect for those cozy nights curled up with your sweetie by the fire. It'll keep your embers burning long after the music's stopped.

With such a varied contrast from the mainstream, how about giving New Age music a try with 'Patrick O'Hearn's, 'Desire' or 'Cloudland'? If I close my eyes while these are playing on my I-Pod this instantly comes to mind. Try to envision yourself, gazing up to the heavens while clouds swirl around in the sky like cotton candy at the country fair. *deeply sighing*....Ahhhhh such a sweet scenario!

I've compiled some of my own personal fav's (they work like a charm!) of songs (in no particular order) that have always manage to instantly transport me to some memorable places that have held a special place in my heart that I'll never forget. See if any of your own fav's are on the list. Enjoy!

1. Lee Ann Rimes - How Do I Live
2. Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me
3. Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is
4. Savage Garden - Truly, Madly, Deeply
5. Chris De Burgh - Lady In Red
6. Berlin - Take My Breath Away
7. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
8. Belinda Carlisle - Mad About You
9. Vanessa Williams - Save The Best For Last
10. Nat King Cole (Natalie Cole) - Unforgettable
11. Celine Dion - The Power Of Love
12. Shania Twain - You're Still The One
13. Etta James - At Last
14. Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe
15. Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On
16. Foreigner - Waiting For A Girl Like You
17. Madonna - Crazy For You
18. Bryan Adams - Everything I Do (I Do It For You)
19. Aerosmith - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
20. Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
21. Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong
22. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On
23. Shania Twain - Forever and For Always
24. Chris Isaak - Wicked Game
25. Duran Duran - Come Undone

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"MY FABULICIOUS FLAPJACKS"

With the Victoria day long weekend upon us it's time for 'The Decadent Diva' to shed those winter blues and let the fireworks fly. In the kitchen that is! Yes, folks why not commemorate the official start to the summer with this great (and simple) pancake recipe from my personal collection of favourite recipes I like to call my 'Fabulicious Flapjacks'.This tasty treat is perfect for any time of year so you just can't go wrong. Try mixing a cup of fresh blueberries in the batter (for the blueberry aficionado in your life) or top off with some strawberries or whip cream. Oh and of course don't forget the 100% pure Maple syrup. Truly Canadian! Mmmmmm...yummy! Happy eating everybody!

"FABULICIOUS FLAPJACKS"

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
3/4 cup of milk
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Directions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in bowl. Batter should not be stiff nor should it be runny. It should have an easy to pour consistency. Heat non-stick pan on low heat. Take ladle and pour batter in pan (the more batter the larger the pancake). When pancake starts to form bubbles carefully flip. Remove from pan when both sides turn golden colour. Stack and serve. Makes 5 medium sized pancakes.

*Double the ingredients to make more batter (ex. 2 eggs, 2 cups of flour, etc.)* Read more on this article...

"MAY DIVASCOPES"

The official opening of summer is right around the corner with the long weekend upon us, and what better way to start the season right than watching a stunning fireworks display over the lake snuggling under a warm blanket with your sweetie. Perhaps, a garden BBQ get together with friends (or some new friends) is your thing or a lively restaurant patio with music and great conversation all around. Whatever your idea of love and romance is this May 2-4 weekend get out there and start the summer right. Here are your May 'Divascopes'!

ARIES (March 21-April 19)
After April's showers May's flowers have arrived and their fully in bloom this month. Take in a nice leisurely stroll and don't forget to take your camera. You might happen to bump into an attractive stranger who finds the beauty in nature this time of year as intriguing as you do. Say cheese!
Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 24, 28, 30, 36

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Lately you feel the whole worlds turned against you but really it hasn't. You've gotten yourself in a rut and can't (or won't) seem to get out of it. What you need is to dust yourself off, get out there and turn that frown upside down. You never know who might be waiting in the wings to help you. Chin up!
Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, 25, 27, 39, 42

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
Being that you are a 'twin' means you'll have double the fun this long weekend. A chance meeting on a patio with another sexy single could have you tripping the light fantastic. Get out there and enjoy yourself. Those mozzarella sticks look real good!
Lucky Numbers: 21, 22, 23, 38, 40, 44

CANCER (June 22-July 22)
A friends wedding invitation has got you feeling a little nervous. You're not seeing anyone at the moment (or anyone that isn't worthy of making a good first impression) and you start making every excuse in the book not to go. Big mistake! Get yourself dolled up, hold your head up high and make a entrance that will blow the bride/groom out of the water (and it's their day!). Friends of the 'other side' will be seated at your table and you may just hit if off with another guest there. You'll dance the night away. Is that the chicken dance I hear?
Lucky Numbers: 10, 16, 24, 30, 35, 41

LEO (July 23-August 22)
You've got a real green thumb the last few years and it shows. Your garden is bursting with colour with a variety of flowers that you've planted yourself. The landscaping has even attracted the man/woman you've had your eye on from across the street. You've always waved to each other from afar but this time he/she will make a point of bringing you a nice tall glass of lemonade to quench your thirst and discuss the joys of gardening with you. Sweeeeet!
Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 8, 14, 18, 20

VIRGO (August 23-September 22)
You want to have a romantic evening with your honey under the stars but want to take it a step further. A soak in the hot tub for two is just the perfect thing to relax, unwind and get your motors running. The bubbling water under a starlit sky is just what you both need to get the party started. Turn up the jets!
Lucky Numbers: 15, 25, 27, 36, 37, 38

LIBRA (September 23-October 22)
A long drive in the country has always been a favourite get away for you and your honey. Why not take out that picnic basket and make a day/night of it. This way you can start the fireworks early and you won't even need a match. Woohoo!
Lucky Numbers: 22, 23, 29, 34, 39, 44

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)
In the mood for a nice burger on the grill lately? Make an event out of it and invite some friends over and enjoy a nice relaxing evening on the patio. A friend of a friend decides to bring some other interesting people to the gathering that just might peek your interest. Kick back and have fun. Make mine well-done please!
Lucky Numbers: 18, 19, 22, 27, 41, 42

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)
The birdbath you have in the yard has gotten some brightly coloured visitors. The cardinals have finally arrived and you enjoy watching them splash around and frolic in the shallow water. It's then that you notice your new neighbour mowing the lawn (he/she's quite a looker). Take this opportunity to bring them a nice cold drink to quench their thirst. You never know where the conversation will take you. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 20, 28, 30, 40

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)
This long weekend is one of your favourites. The beginning of summer sparks a new season of love and romance in the air. Take in a lovely fireworks display by the lake with your honey. You'll both enjoy being outdoors under a blanket cuddling together. Count on there being more sizzling sparks under the covers than in the skies. Kaboom!
Lucky Numbers: 8, 24, 27, 29, 34, 46

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)
You haven't had success in the dating department for a while now but your luck is about to change. A beautiful stranger may cross your path at the company picnic that you would have otherwise never met on your own. He/she is a sibling of colleague you work with that's also had enough of the dating scene. If all goes well this could be a possible love connection you've both been waiting for. I'll have a hot dog with all the works please!
Lucky Numbers: 11, 17, 21, 26, 31, 38

PISCES (February 19-March 20)
Time to get out there and be one with nature. A camping get away under the stars is just what the doctor ordered with your mate. This is a prime opportunity to leave the rat race of the city at home and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. It's also a great way to get creative in a sleeping bag. Let's have some smores!
Lucky Numbers: 4, 19, 25, 37, 39, 42

Happy Victoria Day!

SEE YOU IN JUNE!

*For entertainment purposes only* Read more on this article...

"TANTALIZING PUMPKIN SWIRL CHEESECAKE"

The 'Decadent Diva' is feeling a little 'nutty' by getting into the holiday spirit with this rich cheesecake for that very special pumpkin aficionado in your life! The recipe can also be found on the 'Kraft' website but since my good friend 'Melissa' was kind enough to share this little with us I thought we'd appropriately name it 'Melissa's Tantalizing Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake'! Bonn appetite and enjoy!

"MELISSA'S TANTALIZING PUMPKIN SWIRL CHEESECAKE"

Ingredients:
25 NABISCO Ginger Snaps, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/2 cup finely chopped PLANTERS Pecans
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325°F if using a silver 9-inch springform pan (or to 300°F if using a dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan). Mix ginger snap crumbs, pecans and butter; press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of pan. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Prepare cheesecake as directed.

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Remove 1-1/2 cups of the batter; place in small bowl. Stir remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon half of the pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of half of the reserved plain batter. Repeat layers. Cut through batters with knife several times for marble effect.

BAKE 55 min. to 1 hour 5 min. or until center is almost set. (Test doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the cheesecake is done, it will be set except for an approximately 2-1/2-inch area in the center that will be soft and jiggly.) Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Read more on this article...