In my former job as a buyer, I would travel to New York City every spring to do the buying for my shops. Besides traveling to Paris for the same thing, this was the best part of my job. I've always loved New York. I don't know if I would want to live there full time, but I love to visit. Whether I've travelled alone, taken one of the kids, gone with the whole family, or gone with a friend, each trip has always been fun.
On my fantasy trip, I stay at the Carlyle hotel. It is old-fashioned elegance with updated cool. Unfortunately, I've only had tea with friends there, since the $800/night price (and that was 2 years ago) was never allowed on my expense account (or my personal account for that matter). These days, you can get a room there for around $425, but that eats up a lot of shopping money.
For work, I usually stayed at the Sheraton near Fifth Avenue or the Mariott. Both are fine...nothing spectacular, but not terrible. You can get in there now for $185, which is amazing when you consider that 2 years ago, the worst room was $300.
Once you've got your hotel, you have to plan your itinerary. I always check out the Broadway show listings before I leave home. If there is one I am dying to see, I go ahead and get tickets on line. If my nights are flexible and there are several I wouldn't mind seeing, I wait and get them at the discount ticket booth in the City. They are deeply discounted, but again, you have to be flexible. I like to dress up for the shows. These days you see everything from jeans to formal gowns, but I use it as a reason to put on a great outfit. (Finding reasons to wear great outfits is kind of a theme with me...)
Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue are my favorite window shopping streets. During the holidays, it is absolutely amazing to see the windows. Saks is my favorite. Their merchandisers are amazing. They put together the most creative windows you've ever seen. I always use to take pictures of them so I could come back home and try to copy them in my shops After taking pictures of the windows, I actually go in Saks. I start on the first floor and work my way slowly up to the top floor where there is the cutest cafe with a great view of the city. I like to eat there if I am alone. The prices are reasonable and the food is good.
The cosmetic counters in Saks are dangerous. I took my daughter Rachel with me on a trip one year and we ended up at the Chanel counter for two hours. When we left, we looked pretty good, but I was stunned at how much I had been talked into spending. I've never let that happen again, but we both used those products so slowly that we probably had them past their expiration dates.
The floors are divided into different designers. There is one floor where you find Narcisco Rodriguez, Dolce and Gabanna, basically every designer that you see in Vogue but can't afford...it is fun to look even if it is a bit intimidating. Which reminds me...you have to dress up before you shop in Saks or the sales help will stare you out of the store. In fact, many of the stores along Madison or Fifth have the little "bouncer" guy (for lack of a better word) standing at the door with an ear piece in his ear. You have to learn the "Don't even look at me, I shop here all of the time" look to give him, or you won't be able to make it pass them. You can get very paranoid when you walk in and hear them saying something into their little microphone. I think I figured out after awhile that they are just commenting on everyone's outfit as they come in. Maybe they are tipping off the sales help if they think you look like a potential buyer....or maybe I am hugely insecure and paranoid. All possibilities...
Next stop is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even if you aren't an art lover, this is a must. Go first to the Impressionist Gallery where you will see some familiar paintings (Monet, etc.)...this will inspire you. Then you can stroll through the rest on your way to the cafe...which again is reasonably priced and good. (Again, a running theme with me are the cafes)
On a serious note, you have to make the sad journey down to the 9/11 Twin Towers site. If you have not been there in person, be prepared for a lot of emotion. There is no way to see the notes and names and memories there without taking a few minutes out for prayer. If you spend some time there, a good next stop is St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown. Not only can you go in and say a prayer, but it is so lovely that it will lift your spirits.
Ok, so today we have found our hotel, seen a play, shopped and prayed...not even half a day in NYC. ..
So until tomorrow, when we will eat, tour and of course, do some more shopping...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Angelina, the Stop and Shop, and What Goes in the Cart
When I turned on my computer at the crack of dawn today, the first story that popped up was about Brad and Angie. (Ok, maybe it was just the first story I looked at...hard to be too serious at 6:30) It was detailing their adventures in Long Island while Angelina is there to film a movie. There seems to be a lot of shock because they showed up at Dunkin Doughnuts, Stop and Shop and CVS. You have to admire these two in a way. I mean, six children all under the age of 7. I know they probably have nannies, but they don't put off that vibe, do they? Every picture of them that isn't at some swanky event is with their kids, doing normal stuff. The big news at the Stop and Shop was what was in their grocery cart. (Can you imagine having people take pictures of what you have in your cart? What about those days when the sugar cravings get the best of you? What about those pharmacy needs that should be private? What about when you pick the store brand to save money?...these are not things you want to share with the world. I even hate it when the person behind me stares at my stuff...and the worst is when the cashier picks up an item and looks at it...ok, I digress...) They had tuna, nuts, watermelon...and toys. I loved the toys thing. Is there a mom alive who has not been forced to buy a toy for some outrageous price at the Stop and Shop to keep the peace? At least it shows some human-ness. As far as the items, Angie is obviously following the low-carb diet, and that would explain how she keeps her svelte body. She is just one gorgeous person. I don't care how many stylists, trainers or make-up artists she has, nobody can look that good consistently in every photograph without being naturally beautiful. If only I could throw on leggings and dark glasses and look that cool. And by the way, she has never had a bad hair day in her life. Those magazine layouts she does for St. John's are my favorites...I always rip them out and save them because they are so aesthetically beautiful. (Then I look up the clothes on line and remember why they look so great...)
The next article was about Sarah Jessica Parker. She and Matthew Broderick are having twins. They are using a surrogate (I guess due to her age....did anyone know she was 47?) and they are having girls! Now this really pleases me because I have long worried about who would get her beautiful clothes. Her little boy is adorable, but she just needed some girls to dress and advise on fashion.
And lastly, I heard over the weekend that two people named Spencer and Heidi from The Hills got married. I congratulated myself on not knowing who they are because I truly believe that that show and similar ones are the down-fall of society. So imagine how far I had to come off my high-horse when I popped onto Facebook for a moment and saw daughter Rachel dissecting the show with her friends who will remain nameless...I have obviously failed in so many ways...
So until tomorrow, when I think we will plan a 3 day trip to NYC before going to Paris...A girl needs her dreams...
The next article was about Sarah Jessica Parker. She and Matthew Broderick are having twins. They are using a surrogate (I guess due to her age....did anyone know she was 47?) and they are having girls! Now this really pleases me because I have long worried about who would get her beautiful clothes. Her little boy is adorable, but she just needed some girls to dress and advise on fashion.
And lastly, I heard over the weekend that two people named Spencer and Heidi from The Hills got married. I congratulated myself on not knowing who they are because I truly believe that that show and similar ones are the down-fall of society. So imagine how far I had to come off my high-horse when I popped onto Facebook for a moment and saw daughter Rachel dissecting the show with her friends who will remain nameless...I have obviously failed in so many ways...
So until tomorrow, when I think we will plan a 3 day trip to NYC before going to Paris...A girl needs her dreams...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
15 Minutes of Fame
Off to a late start today. I was back at the hair salon again for the quarterly highlights. No good ease-dropping to report on today. The lady in the next chair quietly read her Good Housekeeping and had nothing to offer. The stylist in the next chair (whose name is Robin, so I am constantly looking up when people call her name) did validate one of the items on "the List" when she pulled out her Lysol-to-Go can and sprayed the area after a client walked out the door. (I was also wondering if they did that after I left) She swore that it helps keep her from getting sick. I nodded in quiet agreement, remembering how many times I used it last weekend at the baseball park.
My darling stylist was floating on air because her childhood crush, the drummer from No Doubt (Adrian something) had come into the shop last week and she had cut his hair. Now this was no small feat because he sports a mohawk that is multi-colored, so she trimmed it and re-bleached it, and tinted the ends in pink. All this while acting casually non-chalant about it...until she finished and asked if she could take phone pictures of him and get him to autograph several items with personalized comments. In her words, "maybe the dorkiest moment of my life". The upside is, he gave her backstage tickets to their concert in June where she will also get to meet Gwen Stephani. Very cool. Of course, I had to ask her why she wasn't using this to more of a marketing advantage...there should be pictures of the two of them hanging around her station and there should have been a write up in the local paper...This got her thinking, and when I left, she was discussing the whole thing with the boss...and it got me thinking that I should be the one writing the article for the paper...
So we will wrap up quickly and early today in order to become a "celebrity reporter"..
Until tomorrow, when I may have become too famous to write this blog anymore...
My darling stylist was floating on air because her childhood crush, the drummer from No Doubt (Adrian something) had come into the shop last week and she had cut his hair. Now this was no small feat because he sports a mohawk that is multi-colored, so she trimmed it and re-bleached it, and tinted the ends in pink. All this while acting casually non-chalant about it...until she finished and asked if she could take phone pictures of him and get him to autograph several items with personalized comments. In her words, "maybe the dorkiest moment of my life". The upside is, he gave her backstage tickets to their concert in June where she will also get to meet Gwen Stephani. Very cool. Of course, I had to ask her why she wasn't using this to more of a marketing advantage...there should be pictures of the two of them hanging around her station and there should have been a write up in the local paper...This got her thinking, and when I left, she was discussing the whole thing with the boss...and it got me thinking that I should be the one writing the article for the paper...
So we will wrap up quickly and early today in order to become a "celebrity reporter"..
Until tomorrow, when I may have become too famous to write this blog anymore...
Monday, April 27, 2009
The List Goes On
So on with "The List" today, which is going to include people, places and things...
1) Just returned from a travel baseball weekend in the lovely town of Aiken, South Carolina. If you live anywhere near there, I can't stress enough what a great place this is to visit for the weekend. We were there on a business weekend several months ago, and were so pleased when we found out that our baseball game would take us back there. The city-center is a pretty street lined with unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It has the feel of a French town which is probably why I like it. It is a big horse town too, so there are always a lot of Equestrian events going on. We stayed both trips at a bed and breakfast called the Wilcox. Let me use the word one more time...it is lovely. An huge old house with a wrap-around front porch lined with white rocking chairs where you can sit and pass the time. The rooms aren't fancy, but well-appointed and clean. The bathrooms are spotless and well -equipped ...Cozy terry cloth robes, hair dryer, room spray, plenty of towels....and my favorite....products from Molton Brown. I LOVE this line. Many nice European hotels also carry this line for their amenities. I can also tell you as a former buyer that this is a splurge and a real attempt to please your customers.
The other great thing about the hotel was the bedding. Dad and boy are coach and player, so they got the king size bed. Little one and mommy shared the single roll out (this was the only type of room left) and let me tell you...that roll away was as comfortable as my own bed. High thread count sheets, down comforters, turn-down service that included home-baked cookies and lemon water....I could go on and on. The staff is amazing, ready and willing to do anything. and last but not least, the breakfast that comes with the room is wonderful. Homemade everything from french toast to grits to quiche, and the best coffee you've ever had. Ok...so now you know,...if you are ever in Aiken...by the way, the standard room is $185...not as cheap as the Fairfield at $102...but not the Ritz Carlton at $350 either.
2) Another random favorite...New York City...Dylan's Candy Bar...Owned and run by Ralph Lauren's beautiful daughter Dylan, this is one of the funnest places to go in NY with your kids(or without). It is well-designed, colorful...eye candy...pun intended...with every kind of candy known to man available, plus the cutest accessories. I still have my 8 year old mug from there that is my favorite. It is also a great online store if you have to send a gift. They are unique and fun and the prices are surprisingly reasonable...
3) A few weeks ago, I talked about a Longchamps purse and Hobo wallet I bought from Nordstroms. I stressed over the prices (purse $120 and wallet $90), but since I had the $80 in coupons, that brought my purchase price down to $130 for both. Let me just state that those were the best purchases I have made in a long time. The purse is incredibly wearable...meaning I can carry it to ballgames, school functions, church...anywhere, and it is still cute. Every time I think it is going to get filthy and show wear...it never does. It still looks new. I love the lime green, but I would have loved any color. As for the Hobo wallet...LOVE it. I have had so many compliments on it. It looks expensive. It is the prettiest pink...not a cloying too pink...but just enough to look springy and pretty. It has that magnetic closure which I worried might be annoying, but it isn't. I am so glad that Rachel talked me into both of these.
4) Jillian Michael, the trainer on the Biggest Loser TV show has a new book out called Master Your Metabolism. I don't watch the show, but I had seen her on some interviews and I could tell she knew her "stuff". This isn't really a diet book, but more a lesson on metabolism and balance. I think I was drawn to it because she looks so fabulous, but I learned a lot from the book...and there are some terrific menus and recipes, which is always a plus.
5) I love Musk. I have tried so many different versions. I have the Kiehl's musk scent, but it was a little off, and not cheap. The Best Musk is White Musk from the Body Shop...if you like musk, this is perfect...get the perfume body oil...not expensive and just heavenly.
6) Armani Fluid Sheer. Ok, this was an In Style pick for best beauty product and I was skeptical. but I have never tried a beauty product from Armani that I haven't liked, so I gave it a try...and I love it. You mix a little with your foundation and it gives you a slight bronzey glow. It is different than a bronzer, but I don't know how to describe the difference. Let me just say that I take very few cosmetics on a baseball weekend because my entire beauty routine has to take 3 minutes...but I brought this along. The cost is $58...ouch I know...but again, it is really good stuff.
7) Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil. A no-brainer if your legs are dry like mine. After using your Flirty Mango and shaving, put a coat of this on and your legs shine...and smell fresh. And the $8 price tag is also refreshing.
8) After the oil, put on a coat of Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful legs...it dries in a few seconds and gives a soft subtle color. Just be sure to wash your hands. You use it everyday until you get the color you want. At $10, it is affordable and it lasts.
9) The next line I want to try is the Jurlique line from Australia. I have read about the founders, and I like their organic take on everything. I keep seeing the "Balancing Mist" on every beauty favorites list, so I will probably try it soon. It is $21, so the prices definitely aren't drugstore line, but they aren't crazy high either. You can order this brand online, but they are also found at some Spas and specialty stores.
10) J. Crew fanatics can get excited that there were some "new arrivals" this week. Even if you aren't in "buy" mode, the ombre skirts and sun dresses are adorable. And if only I could go back and buy one of their wedding gowns for my wedding...they are just so....sorry for the over-used-but ever-applicable word...lovely!
That's it for today...it's Monday and there is work to be done...
So until tomorrow, Terrific Tuesday, when the "List" goes on...
1) Just returned from a travel baseball weekend in the lovely town of Aiken, South Carolina. If you live anywhere near there, I can't stress enough what a great place this is to visit for the weekend. We were there on a business weekend several months ago, and were so pleased when we found out that our baseball game would take us back there. The city-center is a pretty street lined with unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It has the feel of a French town which is probably why I like it. It is a big horse town too, so there are always a lot of Equestrian events going on. We stayed both trips at a bed and breakfast called the Wilcox. Let me use the word one more time...it is lovely. An huge old house with a wrap-around front porch lined with white rocking chairs where you can sit and pass the time. The rooms aren't fancy, but well-appointed and clean. The bathrooms are spotless and well -equipped ...Cozy terry cloth robes, hair dryer, room spray, plenty of towels....and my favorite....products from Molton Brown. I LOVE this line. Many nice European hotels also carry this line for their amenities. I can also tell you as a former buyer that this is a splurge and a real attempt to please your customers.
The other great thing about the hotel was the bedding. Dad and boy are coach and player, so they got the king size bed. Little one and mommy shared the single roll out (this was the only type of room left) and let me tell you...that roll away was as comfortable as my own bed. High thread count sheets, down comforters, turn-down service that included home-baked cookies and lemon water....I could go on and on. The staff is amazing, ready and willing to do anything. and last but not least, the breakfast that comes with the room is wonderful. Homemade everything from french toast to grits to quiche, and the best coffee you've ever had. Ok...so now you know,...if you are ever in Aiken...by the way, the standard room is $185...not as cheap as the Fairfield at $102...but not the Ritz Carlton at $350 either.
2) Another random favorite...New York City...Dylan's Candy Bar...Owned and run by Ralph Lauren's beautiful daughter Dylan, this is one of the funnest places to go in NY with your kids(or without). It is well-designed, colorful...eye candy...pun intended...with every kind of candy known to man available, plus the cutest accessories. I still have my 8 year old mug from there that is my favorite. It is also a great online store if you have to send a gift. They are unique and fun and the prices are surprisingly reasonable...
3) A few weeks ago, I talked about a Longchamps purse and Hobo wallet I bought from Nordstroms. I stressed over the prices (purse $120 and wallet $90), but since I had the $80 in coupons, that brought my purchase price down to $130 for both. Let me just state that those were the best purchases I have made in a long time. The purse is incredibly wearable...meaning I can carry it to ballgames, school functions, church...anywhere, and it is still cute. Every time I think it is going to get filthy and show wear...it never does. It still looks new. I love the lime green, but I would have loved any color. As for the Hobo wallet...LOVE it. I have had so many compliments on it. It looks expensive. It is the prettiest pink...not a cloying too pink...but just enough to look springy and pretty. It has that magnetic closure which I worried might be annoying, but it isn't. I am so glad that Rachel talked me into both of these.
4) Jillian Michael, the trainer on the Biggest Loser TV show has a new book out called Master Your Metabolism. I don't watch the show, but I had seen her on some interviews and I could tell she knew her "stuff". This isn't really a diet book, but more a lesson on metabolism and balance. I think I was drawn to it because she looks so fabulous, but I learned a lot from the book...and there are some terrific menus and recipes, which is always a plus.
5) I love Musk. I have tried so many different versions. I have the Kiehl's musk scent, but it was a little off, and not cheap. The Best Musk is White Musk from the Body Shop...if you like musk, this is perfect...get the perfume body oil...not expensive and just heavenly.
6) Armani Fluid Sheer. Ok, this was an In Style pick for best beauty product and I was skeptical. but I have never tried a beauty product from Armani that I haven't liked, so I gave it a try...and I love it. You mix a little with your foundation and it gives you a slight bronzey glow. It is different than a bronzer, but I don't know how to describe the difference. Let me just say that I take very few cosmetics on a baseball weekend because my entire beauty routine has to take 3 minutes...but I brought this along. The cost is $58...ouch I know...but again, it is really good stuff.
7) Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil. A no-brainer if your legs are dry like mine. After using your Flirty Mango and shaving, put a coat of this on and your legs shine...and smell fresh. And the $8 price tag is also refreshing.
8) After the oil, put on a coat of Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful legs...it dries in a few seconds and gives a soft subtle color. Just be sure to wash your hands. You use it everyday until you get the color you want. At $10, it is affordable and it lasts.
9) The next line I want to try is the Jurlique line from Australia. I have read about the founders, and I like their organic take on everything. I keep seeing the "Balancing Mist" on every beauty favorites list, so I will probably try it soon. It is $21, so the prices definitely aren't drugstore line, but they aren't crazy high either. You can order this brand online, but they are also found at some Spas and specialty stores.
10) J. Crew fanatics can get excited that there were some "new arrivals" this week. Even if you aren't in "buy" mode, the ombre skirts and sun dresses are adorable. And if only I could go back and buy one of their wedding gowns for my wedding...they are just so....sorry for the over-used-but ever-applicable word...lovely!
That's it for today...it's Monday and there is work to be done...
So until tomorrow, Terrific Tuesday, when the "List" goes on...
Friday, April 24, 2009
We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Program...
Today was suppose to be Fun Friday. I was going to give my additions to "the List". But unfortunately, I went through the check out line at the grocery store last night, and the subject had to change.
I've kept quiet politically the last few weeks. I held my tongue when the President told his French audience that Americans were arrogant. I didn't respond when he bowed to the Saudi Arabian King (and then said that he was only "picking up a penny") I didn't scream when he decided that "terrorists" would now be referred to as "enemy combatants" (although my heart went out to all of those victims and their families from 9/11 who had to hear that). I tried to remain calm when he said he was closing Guantanamo Bay without knowing where the prisoners would go.
But his past week has pushed me overboard. Would somebody please explain to me how you can mug it up with dictators like Hugo Chavez and the Castro brothers, yet talk about how water-boarding the guys who participated in the 9/11 attacks was immoral? Does anyone besides me see the hypocrisy here? Our journalist, Danny Pearl, was beheaded for being Jewish, and nobody apologizes to us, but we use some tactics (with doctors present, mind you) to get information out of KNOWN bad guys, and our President feels the need to go around the world on some sort of "I Apologize For America" tour.
As I stood in the grocery line last night, 8 out of 10 magazines had some sort of picture of Obama on the front. This ridiculous hero-worship thing has gotten out of hand. Can someone please tell our President to PUT A SHIRT ON. I have no desire to see my President running on the beach without his shirt. Another magazine tells us "How Barrack and Michelle Keep their Love Alive" .....STOP!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to know! Too much information. Listen, I'm happy they seem to have a good marriage. So did Ronald and Nancy, Jimmy and Rosalind, George and Barbara...the list goes on and on. Why is this news?
In a town hall meeting in Los Angeles, the President made a reference about the show "Gossip Girls". Does this not bother anyone but me? The fact that he has even heard about that show weirds me out. His girls are too young to know about it. It sure doesn't seem like Michelle's genre...so how the heck does he know about it? And another thing...I don't want to see him up on any stage hugging Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas! It's just all too "Mr. Hollywood comes to Washington". Is anybody worried like me that instead of monitoring the blunders of his Secretary of Homeland Security (who just this week ticked off our friends and neighbors in Canada by falsely claiming that participants in the 9/11 attacks came through the Canadian borders), he and Michelle are sitting in bed with a copy of US magazine at night reading articles about themselves and giggling?
Last week he listened to Daniel Ortega, the dictator that Reagan worked so hard to have ousted from his Nicaraguan regime, give a blistering thesis on the United States...only to respond by joking about being glad that "Ortega didn't blame me for things that happened when I was three").
In my view, this apologist stuff has gone far enough. He's not speaking for me anymore...and I think millions of Americans feel the same way. I'm all for trying to get along in the world, but not at the cost of sacrificing the values of our country. And I find his arrogance to be a little scary. The view that somehow HE is going to lead the world to peace is not only naive...but seriously misleading. He has said he will sit down with Iranian president Ahmadinejad, you know, the guy who claims the Holocaust didn't happen and called Israel a country of racists? He's going to sit down with him and discuss the fact that they have ramped up their WMD program...and I guess he's thinks he's going to talk him out of it...you know...use his "I'm Barrack Obama, I'm a nice guy" charm...and Ahmadinejad will immediately disarm and agree to "behave".
I've tried to keep quiet. I've chastised Limbaugh, Hannity and all of the other extreme right-wingers for not shutting up and giving him a chance. But my patience is running out. I am the kind of person who apologizes easily when I feel I'm wrong. The words "I'm Sorry" come out of my mouth everyday. But I do not like the concept of apologizing when I did nothing wrong...or apologizing to be magnanimous...or even worse, someone making apologies for me when I didn't ask them to....
So until next week, when the subjects will be lighter, the "List" will grow longer, and we'll go to Paris for a few days....I promise.
I've kept quiet politically the last few weeks. I held my tongue when the President told his French audience that Americans were arrogant. I didn't respond when he bowed to the Saudi Arabian King (and then said that he was only "picking up a penny") I didn't scream when he decided that "terrorists" would now be referred to as "enemy combatants" (although my heart went out to all of those victims and their families from 9/11 who had to hear that). I tried to remain calm when he said he was closing Guantanamo Bay without knowing where the prisoners would go.
But his past week has pushed me overboard. Would somebody please explain to me how you can mug it up with dictators like Hugo Chavez and the Castro brothers, yet talk about how water-boarding the guys who participated in the 9/11 attacks was immoral? Does anyone besides me see the hypocrisy here? Our journalist, Danny Pearl, was beheaded for being Jewish, and nobody apologizes to us, but we use some tactics (with doctors present, mind you) to get information out of KNOWN bad guys, and our President feels the need to go around the world on some sort of "I Apologize For America" tour.
As I stood in the grocery line last night, 8 out of 10 magazines had some sort of picture of Obama on the front. This ridiculous hero-worship thing has gotten out of hand. Can someone please tell our President to PUT A SHIRT ON. I have no desire to see my President running on the beach without his shirt. Another magazine tells us "How Barrack and Michelle Keep their Love Alive" .....STOP!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to know! Too much information. Listen, I'm happy they seem to have a good marriage. So did Ronald and Nancy, Jimmy and Rosalind, George and Barbara...the list goes on and on. Why is this news?
In a town hall meeting in Los Angeles, the President made a reference about the show "Gossip Girls". Does this not bother anyone but me? The fact that he has even heard about that show weirds me out. His girls are too young to know about it. It sure doesn't seem like Michelle's genre...so how the heck does he know about it? And another thing...I don't want to see him up on any stage hugging Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas! It's just all too "Mr. Hollywood comes to Washington". Is anybody worried like me that instead of monitoring the blunders of his Secretary of Homeland Security (who just this week ticked off our friends and neighbors in Canada by falsely claiming that participants in the 9/11 attacks came through the Canadian borders), he and Michelle are sitting in bed with a copy of US magazine at night reading articles about themselves and giggling?
Last week he listened to Daniel Ortega, the dictator that Reagan worked so hard to have ousted from his Nicaraguan regime, give a blistering thesis on the United States...only to respond by joking about being glad that "Ortega didn't blame me for things that happened when I was three").
In my view, this apologist stuff has gone far enough. He's not speaking for me anymore...and I think millions of Americans feel the same way. I'm all for trying to get along in the world, but not at the cost of sacrificing the values of our country. And I find his arrogance to be a little scary. The view that somehow HE is going to lead the world to peace is not only naive...but seriously misleading. He has said he will sit down with Iranian president Ahmadinejad, you know, the guy who claims the Holocaust didn't happen and called Israel a country of racists? He's going to sit down with him and discuss the fact that they have ramped up their WMD program...and I guess he's thinks he's going to talk him out of it...you know...use his "I'm Barrack Obama, I'm a nice guy" charm...and Ahmadinejad will immediately disarm and agree to "behave".
I've tried to keep quiet. I've chastised Limbaugh, Hannity and all of the other extreme right-wingers for not shutting up and giving him a chance. But my patience is running out. I am the kind of person who apologizes easily when I feel I'm wrong. The words "I'm Sorry" come out of my mouth everyday. But I do not like the concept of apologizing when I did nothing wrong...or apologizing to be magnanimous...or even worse, someone making apologies for me when I didn't ask them to....
So until next week, when the subjects will be lighter, the "List" will grow longer, and we'll go to Paris for a few days....I promise.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Random Reader Response
Today will be a "this and that" day. I've collected several reader comments over the last couple of weeks that need responses. So here we go:
1) Last weekend a reader asked me to list the websites I refer to frequently because she hadn't heard of some of them. I appreciate her pointing this out, as there is nothing worse than having someone make oblique references. The following are my go-to sites listed in no particular order:
http://www.bluefly.com/ This is a great site where you can find discounted designer clothing and home items. They add to the mix every day, and they send out daily specials. Now they carry very high-end designers, so even at 40-50-% off, the prices are still crazy high (like the Hermes enamel bangle which is currently marked down 10% to $450) but you can find some really great bargains if you search. This is a great place to shop if you have an "event" to go to and need something different and special. It is also an easy site to navigate. I always have about 4 items in my "cart", but I only actually buy about once a year.
http://www.jcrew.com/ My favorite...they send out (especially lately) weekly sale "coupons" where you can type in certain words at check out and get your discount. They also update the site frequently which makes it fun to shop.
http://www.vivre.com/ I've never bought anything from this site, but it is very cleverly designed and they carry "cool" items. Again, the prices keep me from buying, but I like to look.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/ I bought something on here a long time ago and it comes beautifully packaged and all that. Another fun site to peruse, but very expensive.
http://www.goop.com/ Gwenyth Paltrow's weekly blog. I love this cute site where she writes little diatribes about food, fashion and life. The entries are short and sweet and interesting. If the choice is between her blog or mine...go for hers, because it is so well-designed and she has so much more interesting information to disperse.
http://www.iqvc.com/ No, I'm not buying porcelain dolls or anything, but you'll be surprised at the cosmetic lines and the jewelry lines they carry...and the daily specials are always worth glancing at....
www.shopbop.com- This site is really too young for me, but if you are in your 20's, it is a good one.
www.katespade.com - Again, a very well-designed site that is just fun to shop, and they do have a sale section which I have bought from before. Their items also come packaged very nicely.
That's enough for today. I'll try to add to these from time to time.
2) Another reader suggested that I come up with a new word for "lovely" because I use it too much. Listen, I agree with this...I do use it a lot. But I just really like the word. Nothing else describes something like "lovely". It isn't "pretty", which is too generic. It isn't "beautiful", which seems to imply perfection....It just implies subtle, flawed beauty/sweetness. I use this word like Carrie Bradshaw used "fabulous". It is my go-to word and my apologies, because I am likely to keep doing it. (But thanks for pointing it out)
3)Everyone has been sending in comments on the items from the "List". The "favorite" seems to be the Root Awakening Shampoo by John Frieda, followed closely by the Flirty Mango shaving cream. As a side bar, the new Self magazine also had Root Awakening on their "best" list. Please note that my list came out days before the magazine hit the stands. Now I won't accuse them of copying me, but let's just admit that I got there first....
Also, in an attempt to constantly educate my readers on the newest products, when I ran out of Flirty Mango last week, I decided to try something different. I bought the lemon Body Wash from the Boots line at Target. As previously stated, I like that line, I love lemon and the packaging is so cute. But big disappointment. The lemon smell is too artificial and it doesn't lather. Because I absolutely hate to waste anything, I'll finish it out (or maybe put it in the little one's bathroom!), but then it is back to the beloved Flirty Mango.
The WSJ had another article today about how Mommy blogs are under attack because the moms are endorsing products that they have been sent or paid to "push". Let me just say that I WISH someone would pay me to try their products!......(The husband has already pointed out that my beauty products budget has recently risen and he suspects I will soon be attributing it to my blog...it is a good excuse though, isn't it?)
Anyway, I was going to make some additions to the "List" but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Another reader suggested that I take a day and describe my "perfect 3 days in Paris". I don't know how useful this information will be to the average reader, but just the thought of it gave me so much joy that I have already begun planning next weeks blog on the subject...
So until tomorrow, when I add a few things to"The List" and wrap things up for the week...
1) Last weekend a reader asked me to list the websites I refer to frequently because she hadn't heard of some of them. I appreciate her pointing this out, as there is nothing worse than having someone make oblique references. The following are my go-to sites listed in no particular order:
http://www.bluefly.com/ This is a great site where you can find discounted designer clothing and home items. They add to the mix every day, and they send out daily specials. Now they carry very high-end designers, so even at 40-50-% off, the prices are still crazy high (like the Hermes enamel bangle which is currently marked down 10% to $450) but you can find some really great bargains if you search. This is a great place to shop if you have an "event" to go to and need something different and special. It is also an easy site to navigate. I always have about 4 items in my "cart", but I only actually buy about once a year.
http://www.jcrew.com/ My favorite...they send out (especially lately) weekly sale "coupons" where you can type in certain words at check out and get your discount. They also update the site frequently which makes it fun to shop.
http://www.vivre.com/ I've never bought anything from this site, but it is very cleverly designed and they carry "cool" items. Again, the prices keep me from buying, but I like to look.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/ I bought something on here a long time ago and it comes beautifully packaged and all that. Another fun site to peruse, but very expensive.
http://www.goop.com/ Gwenyth Paltrow's weekly blog. I love this cute site where she writes little diatribes about food, fashion and life. The entries are short and sweet and interesting. If the choice is between her blog or mine...go for hers, because it is so well-designed and she has so much more interesting information to disperse.
http://www.iqvc.com/ No, I'm not buying porcelain dolls or anything, but you'll be surprised at the cosmetic lines and the jewelry lines they carry...and the daily specials are always worth glancing at....
www.shopbop.com- This site is really too young for me, but if you are in your 20's, it is a good one.
www.katespade.com - Again, a very well-designed site that is just fun to shop, and they do have a sale section which I have bought from before. Their items also come packaged very nicely.
That's enough for today. I'll try to add to these from time to time.
2) Another reader suggested that I come up with a new word for "lovely" because I use it too much. Listen, I agree with this...I do use it a lot. But I just really like the word. Nothing else describes something like "lovely". It isn't "pretty", which is too generic. It isn't "beautiful", which seems to imply perfection....It just implies subtle, flawed beauty/sweetness. I use this word like Carrie Bradshaw used "fabulous". It is my go-to word and my apologies, because I am likely to keep doing it. (But thanks for pointing it out)
3)Everyone has been sending in comments on the items from the "List". The "favorite" seems to be the Root Awakening Shampoo by John Frieda, followed closely by the Flirty Mango shaving cream. As a side bar, the new Self magazine also had Root Awakening on their "best" list. Please note that my list came out days before the magazine hit the stands. Now I won't accuse them of copying me, but let's just admit that I got there first....
Also, in an attempt to constantly educate my readers on the newest products, when I ran out of Flirty Mango last week, I decided to try something different. I bought the lemon Body Wash from the Boots line at Target. As previously stated, I like that line, I love lemon and the packaging is so cute. But big disappointment. The lemon smell is too artificial and it doesn't lather. Because I absolutely hate to waste anything, I'll finish it out (or maybe put it in the little one's bathroom!), but then it is back to the beloved Flirty Mango.
The WSJ had another article today about how Mommy blogs are under attack because the moms are endorsing products that they have been sent or paid to "push". Let me just say that I WISH someone would pay me to try their products!......(The husband has already pointed out that my beauty products budget has recently risen and he suspects I will soon be attributing it to my blog...it is a good excuse though, isn't it?)
Anyway, I was going to make some additions to the "List" but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Another reader suggested that I take a day and describe my "perfect 3 days in Paris". I don't know how useful this information will be to the average reader, but just the thought of it gave me so much joy that I have already begun planning next weeks blog on the subject...
So until tomorrow, when I add a few things to"The List" and wrap things up for the week...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Theory of Relativity
Lynn Yaeger is a freelance writer who until recently was employed by the Village Voice in New York as a writer and editor. If you love good writing and fashion, then you would love her work. After reading her article in the current issue of Vogue, I went back and pulled some of her pieces to read. One article was a description of the first day that H&M in New York brought in the lower line of Comme des Garcons. As I talked about in yesterday's blog, H&M brings in high-end designers to do low-priced lines. Comme des Garcons is a very edgy French line that appeals to people with a very "out there" sense of style. Anyway, Yaeger details how she practically raced to the store on opening morning and raced through the aisles pulling out what she wanted. It is funny and well-written. Another piece details her attempt to take a headphones tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which is narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker. Suffice it to say that the highlight of her tour is ending up in the gift shop and deciding what to buy. Again, very funny.
Anyway, her article in Vogue describes how she has been laid off from the Voice because of deep budget cuts. Though shocked by her dismissal since she had been working there her entire adult life, her biggest disappointment seems to be that she has to return a vintage diamond ring that she has recently bought. She also has to return a Lanvin purse (over $1,000), and she is bummed that she can't return the Comme des Garcons skirt she just bought from Saks because she wore it once.
The article goes on to detail how being laid off affects her shopaholic habits. Her income must now come from freelancing (but hey, if you are freelancing for Vogue, I'm not crying for you), and that means that she has to "budget". She figures that after everything is paid for...all bills and fixed expenses (cable and blackberry are non-expendable), she has $50 a day left to spend. Now in her world, this is depressing. She is no longer able to afford the $900 she normally pays for a sweater. The $118 blouse from Anthopolgie is a steal, but not as good as the $1,ooo Junya that she really wanted. Lunch is the $7.95 chicken-cutlet special. Despite all of the "sacrifices", she maintains a cheerful demeanor, and at the end of the article, she is met with the good news that a book editor wants to talk to her, she gets the freelance article from Vogue...and she gets to buy her diamond ring back.
It's all relative, isn't it? We all live according to our different inner recording of what is required and what is needed. My idea of expensive and your idea of what is expensive may be miles apart, but so may be the things that we are willing to sacrifice. I happen to love the Anthropolgie store, but to me $118 for a blouse is kind of high...and I would have to pace the floor for awhile before making the purchase. While I might realize that the blouse is a "knock-off" of the designer original, it would never occur to me to pay over $1,000 for the "real" blouse. I always wonder at what salary point one becomes able to justify this kind of spending...and I don't mean that in a judgemental way. Yaeger is a single, successful woman who probably made a substantial income. She infers that she needs to earn $92,000 a year to maintain a decent lifestyle...and this is a cut back. Since her occupation is based on her shopping exploits (how great!), it makes even more sense that she considers it necessary to "buy and try".
The flip side of this is more of a reality check. Yesterday I made a trip to TJ Maxx to buy writing notebooks. I fill up several of these a month with random ideas, quotes and words. If I buy them at the stationary store, they become a major expense, but at TJ maxx, I can even pick the pretty ones. As I walked into the store, I was drawn by that inexplicable force that always pushes me to the handbag section. I try to avoid it, but it's like a gravitational pull. As I perused the bags, nothing really caught my eye and I thought I was safe...until I spotted it. There it was, all alone, just ONE...a Lodis laptop case/tote in the most beautiful mohagany leather. I was really thrown. I stood and stared and then looked around to see if anyone else saw it. The coast was clear. Now the question was, would I look at the price? The thing is, I didn't come in looking for it, but I needed it. Not in the "necessities of life" sense of the word, but in the "I want to look professional" sense of the word. A few months back, at this same store, I had purchased a $7.99 faux-croc laptop holder. I use it, but I quickly realized that the fact that it does not stand alone or hold anything else is very limiting. This Lodis was not only gorgeous, but it was practical and useful. So I took the plunge...I looked at the price. $129, marked down from $275...now I had to pace. Was it too good to pass up? I thought yes, but I had to think. So I carried it with me all over the store. I found my cheap notebooks, picked up some clearance pillow cases, checked out the little girls clothes...all the while toting my tote.
Finally, when the decision could be put off no longer, I walked back to the purse area and set it down. I started to walk away, but then I saw another woman glance at it. That did it. I couldn't bear to actually SEE someone else get it. So I grabbed it and ran to the cashier. And that's when I heard the words that we all love to hear....the cute little cashier said..."Oh you got it!!! We just put this out and we only had one. Isn't it great?"....Well, yes it is, and of course, now I felt vindicated. I mean, if the cashier was complimenting me on my purchase, it had to be good.
Upon returning home, I quickly filled up my new purchase with computer, pens, cheap notebooks, etc...it was perfect. And even more so when I went to the Lodis website and saw that it was actually $295 and not even on sale.
So in the end, it all comes down to priorities. Lynn Yaeger needs her vintage diamond ring and I needed my Lodis tote. Everyone has their tipping point.
There is some good economic news today. The biggest British retail store, Tesco, says that it sees signs of life returning to the market place. So do Target, Macy's and even Amazon. They aren't saying that recovery will be quick, but they seem to think think the recession has bottomed out. I suppose time will tell will tell. And meantime, I can feel good about contributing to the recovery...right?
So until tomorrow, when I need to take a day to respond to reader comments...and also make some additions to "the List" ...
Anyway, her article in Vogue describes how she has been laid off from the Voice because of deep budget cuts. Though shocked by her dismissal since she had been working there her entire adult life, her biggest disappointment seems to be that she has to return a vintage diamond ring that she has recently bought. She also has to return a Lanvin purse (over $1,000), and she is bummed that she can't return the Comme des Garcons skirt she just bought from Saks because she wore it once.
The article goes on to detail how being laid off affects her shopaholic habits. Her income must now come from freelancing (but hey, if you are freelancing for Vogue, I'm not crying for you), and that means that she has to "budget". She figures that after everything is paid for...all bills and fixed expenses (cable and blackberry are non-expendable), she has $50 a day left to spend. Now in her world, this is depressing. She is no longer able to afford the $900 she normally pays for a sweater. The $118 blouse from Anthopolgie is a steal, but not as good as the $1,ooo Junya that she really wanted. Lunch is the $7.95 chicken-cutlet special. Despite all of the "sacrifices", she maintains a cheerful demeanor, and at the end of the article, she is met with the good news that a book editor wants to talk to her, she gets the freelance article from Vogue...and she gets to buy her diamond ring back.
It's all relative, isn't it? We all live according to our different inner recording of what is required and what is needed. My idea of expensive and your idea of what is expensive may be miles apart, but so may be the things that we are willing to sacrifice. I happen to love the Anthropolgie store, but to me $118 for a blouse is kind of high...and I would have to pace the floor for awhile before making the purchase. While I might realize that the blouse is a "knock-off" of the designer original, it would never occur to me to pay over $1,000 for the "real" blouse. I always wonder at what salary point one becomes able to justify this kind of spending...and I don't mean that in a judgemental way. Yaeger is a single, successful woman who probably made a substantial income. She infers that she needs to earn $92,000 a year to maintain a decent lifestyle...and this is a cut back. Since her occupation is based on her shopping exploits (how great!), it makes even more sense that she considers it necessary to "buy and try".
The flip side of this is more of a reality check. Yesterday I made a trip to TJ Maxx to buy writing notebooks. I fill up several of these a month with random ideas, quotes and words. If I buy them at the stationary store, they become a major expense, but at TJ maxx, I can even pick the pretty ones. As I walked into the store, I was drawn by that inexplicable force that always pushes me to the handbag section. I try to avoid it, but it's like a gravitational pull. As I perused the bags, nothing really caught my eye and I thought I was safe...until I spotted it. There it was, all alone, just ONE...a Lodis laptop case/tote in the most beautiful mohagany leather. I was really thrown. I stood and stared and then looked around to see if anyone else saw it. The coast was clear. Now the question was, would I look at the price? The thing is, I didn't come in looking for it, but I needed it. Not in the "necessities of life" sense of the word, but in the "I want to look professional" sense of the word. A few months back, at this same store, I had purchased a $7.99 faux-croc laptop holder. I use it, but I quickly realized that the fact that it does not stand alone or hold anything else is very limiting. This Lodis was not only gorgeous, but it was practical and useful. So I took the plunge...I looked at the price. $129, marked down from $275...now I had to pace. Was it too good to pass up? I thought yes, but I had to think. So I carried it with me all over the store. I found my cheap notebooks, picked up some clearance pillow cases, checked out the little girls clothes...all the while toting my tote.
Finally, when the decision could be put off no longer, I walked back to the purse area and set it down. I started to walk away, but then I saw another woman glance at it. That did it. I couldn't bear to actually SEE someone else get it. So I grabbed it and ran to the cashier. And that's when I heard the words that we all love to hear....the cute little cashier said..."Oh you got it!!! We just put this out and we only had one. Isn't it great?"....Well, yes it is, and of course, now I felt vindicated. I mean, if the cashier was complimenting me on my purchase, it had to be good.
Upon returning home, I quickly filled up my new purchase with computer, pens, cheap notebooks, etc...it was perfect. And even more so when I went to the Lodis website and saw that it was actually $295 and not even on sale.
So in the end, it all comes down to priorities. Lynn Yaeger needs her vintage diamond ring and I needed my Lodis tote. Everyone has their tipping point.
There is some good economic news today. The biggest British retail store, Tesco, says that it sees signs of life returning to the market place. So do Target, Macy's and even Amazon. They aren't saying that recovery will be quick, but they seem to think think the recession has bottomed out. I suppose time will tell will tell. And meantime, I can feel good about contributing to the recovery...right?
So until tomorrow, when I need to take a day to respond to reader comments...and also make some additions to "the List" ...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Is it Better if it Costs More?
There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today about the price and perceived value of "designer clothes". Over the last few years, stores like Target, H&M and Wal-Mart have brought in designers, some well-known and some new and edgy, to design and sell a lower-priced line exclusively for their store. I mentioned the other day that I was looking forward to the line this spring at Target by Tracey Feith. I see his clothes in Vogue and Bazaar all of the time. I've never bought anything by him, but I like the "look "of his clothes. Target probably started this trend years back when they brought in Isaac Mizrahi to do a lower-priced line. The irony was that his high-end line was suffering at the time, and his line at Target kind of revived him. To his credit, his line for Target was well-designed. I could never wear it because of fit, but I know a lot people who could and were very pleased to be able to buy a skirt, jacket and blouse for under a $100 that was cut well and looked modern.
After Mizrahi, Target began to bring in a new designer each season. In my opinion, some have been good and some have not. Behnaz Sarafpour was able to translate her high-priced, beautifully-designed clothes into a very lovely lower-priced collection. I didn't think Patrick Robinson succeeded as well. I tried on a few of his pieces and was really disappointed.
H&M is another entity all together. Their flagship store in New York (brought over from London) stays packed. They incorporate lower priced lines from people like Kate Moss and Stella McCartney with their own brand. People literally pile baskets full of clothing and run for the dressing rooms. Their own brand is full of trendy, low-priced items that will quench a fashionista's desire for something she has seen on the runway, but cannot afford.
The WSJ article had two "experts", a New York designer and a Dean of Fashion at Parson's School of Design, try and pick from a mixed group of high-priced designer clothing and the knock-off lines from Target and H&M. They were to indicate which were the "real McCoys". To make a long story short, they pretty much just guessed, and were about 50/50. A Thakoon dress regularly priced at $1,145 was deemed too normal to be the high-end pick, although it was described as high quality and very detailed. A $44.99 flowered raincoat was chosen as the high end pick because of the material and the lining. The "moral of the story" was that it is not always easy to tell the difference between the $1,000 dress and the $10 dress.
The premise of the article is fun, but in reality, I'd rather buy at Saks and Nordstrom's than Target or Wal-Mart. For one thing, the fabric is usually the give away. A talented designer can cut something well and make it look expensive. But the flip side of this answers the question of why items from Target only last a short period of time....the material. In most cases, they are mass-produced from cheaper materials, so unless you are going to hand wash every time, chances are, they won't last.
Having said this, I still shop and buy from Target. There is just no way for me to justify the high end purchases 100% of the time. I'll write more about this tomorrow because I just read an article in my new Vogue about how some people are "cutting back" in this economy, and it made me laugh out loud. I guess we all "cut back" in different ways. Tune in tomorrow.
For today though, I learned that Norma Kamali has a low-end line at Wal-Mart. I'll be checking that one out. My first ever "designer" dress was a Norma Kamali dress. I bought it back in college off of the sale rack. I still remember that it was originally $350, which at the time seemed like the price of a house. It was on sale for $65, which was still a stretch for me, but I took the plunge and was glad I did. It was cut beautifully and fit like a glove. I probably wore it 100 times over the next few years...thus lowering the price-per-wear to less than $1.
At the end of the day, I guess my closet break down is kind of like my diet break down. I try and go 40%carbs, 30%protein and 30%fats. The closet break down is similar. 40% Target, 30% J.Crew, and 30% high-end-stuff-hopefully-found-on-sale. It's all a matter of moderation, isn't it?
So until tomorrow, when we will discuss whether or not having to decide against buying a $2,ooo ring is really "cutting back"...
After Mizrahi, Target began to bring in a new designer each season. In my opinion, some have been good and some have not. Behnaz Sarafpour was able to translate her high-priced, beautifully-designed clothes into a very lovely lower-priced collection. I didn't think Patrick Robinson succeeded as well. I tried on a few of his pieces and was really disappointed.
H&M is another entity all together. Their flagship store in New York (brought over from London) stays packed. They incorporate lower priced lines from people like Kate Moss and Stella McCartney with their own brand. People literally pile baskets full of clothing and run for the dressing rooms. Their own brand is full of trendy, low-priced items that will quench a fashionista's desire for something she has seen on the runway, but cannot afford.
The WSJ article had two "experts", a New York designer and a Dean of Fashion at Parson's School of Design, try and pick from a mixed group of high-priced designer clothing and the knock-off lines from Target and H&M. They were to indicate which were the "real McCoys". To make a long story short, they pretty much just guessed, and were about 50/50. A Thakoon dress regularly priced at $1,145 was deemed too normal to be the high-end pick, although it was described as high quality and very detailed. A $44.99 flowered raincoat was chosen as the high end pick because of the material and the lining. The "moral of the story" was that it is not always easy to tell the difference between the $1,000 dress and the $10 dress.
The premise of the article is fun, but in reality, I'd rather buy at Saks and Nordstrom's than Target or Wal-Mart. For one thing, the fabric is usually the give away. A talented designer can cut something well and make it look expensive. But the flip side of this answers the question of why items from Target only last a short period of time....the material. In most cases, they are mass-produced from cheaper materials, so unless you are going to hand wash every time, chances are, they won't last.
Having said this, I still shop and buy from Target. There is just no way for me to justify the high end purchases 100% of the time. I'll write more about this tomorrow because I just read an article in my new Vogue about how some people are "cutting back" in this economy, and it made me laugh out loud. I guess we all "cut back" in different ways. Tune in tomorrow.
For today though, I learned that Norma Kamali has a low-end line at Wal-Mart. I'll be checking that one out. My first ever "designer" dress was a Norma Kamali dress. I bought it back in college off of the sale rack. I still remember that it was originally $350, which at the time seemed like the price of a house. It was on sale for $65, which was still a stretch for me, but I took the plunge and was glad I did. It was cut beautifully and fit like a glove. I probably wore it 100 times over the next few years...thus lowering the price-per-wear to less than $1.
At the end of the day, I guess my closet break down is kind of like my diet break down. I try and go 40%carbs, 30%protein and 30%fats. The closet break down is similar. 40% Target, 30% J.Crew, and 30% high-end-stuff-hopefully-found-on-sale. It's all a matter of moderation, isn't it?
So until tomorrow, when we will discuss whether or not having to decide against buying a $2,ooo ring is really "cutting back"...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"Once You Make A Decision, the Universe Conspires to Make it Happen"...Emerson
So I'm back...As I signed off on Friday, I was fairly sure I was finished. But as the day went by , I received so many messages urging me to "stay" that I continued to mull it over. Some reminded me that it was not a big time commitment, so why not? Some said they read it every day with their morning coffee...and actually looked forward to it. This got me thinking because I know how it feels to look forward to the little pleasures every morning. On the day of the week when the Wall Street Journal has it's Fashion and Style section, I am filled with so much joy, and I savor every word. Many told me that they loved the fashion discussions. some liked the politics, and some just said "Stay".
Still, Saturday came and went, and I hadn't made up my mind. Sunday afternoon I picked up a book I have been reading entitled "10-10-10, A Life Transforming Idea" by Suzy Welch . She is the lovely former editor of the Harvard Business Review who was in a sort of scandalous affair with retired CEO of GE, Jack Welch, several years ago. They are now happily married, and she has written a very insightful book detailing the way in which she learned to make decisions in her life. When faced with decisions big or small, she asks herself 3 questions. What will be the result of my decision in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years? The answer to those 3 questions seems to bring clarity most of the time. Throughout the book, she interviews people from all over the world who have begun to use this process and she explains how it has worked for them. I highly recommend reading it, because in the last few days, after using the method, I find that decisions are easier and bring more peace. But I digress...
As I was reading the book Sunday, I came to this paragraph: "If you use 10-10-10, the next thing you know, you'll be applying the process to a 'Do I stay or do I go?' kind of dilema." I read the line again. Then I put the book down and thought for a minute. Was this a sign? I mean, all weekend that old song by "The Clash" kept going through my mind..."Should I Stay or Should I Go?" I hate that song, but over and over my mind kept playing it, almost taunting me. So I closed my book and performed the 10-10-10 on the decision. If I stop the blog, what would the results be in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years? Well, in 10 minutes...ambivalent feelings. There would be a little pressure relief, because as my friend Kelly so intuitively wrote to me on Friday, "Every day I think 'Does the blog just feel like one more thing to do during her busy day?'" Well, sometimes yes. But that leads me to the other feeling...a sort of pride at the fact that I have kept it going even when I haven't felt like it. That is where the satisfaction comes in. And let me be honest...I enjoy the feedback. Even when it is occasionally negative, because either way, someone is reading. And when I get a response that says someone really enjoyed it, I feel inspired.
Next comes the 10 months test..this one isn't as stirring...In 10 months, I would likely have moved on to something else. Pre-blog, I did yoga during that time period a few days a week. On the other days, I started working on other writing a little earlier. Either way, the impact would be minor.
Lastly would be the 10 year out test. Surprisingly, this is the one that mattered the most to me. Lately, I have been reading a great book by one of my favorite authors, Alice Steinbach. This book was her first, before her Pulitzer Prize. It is an accumulation of essays on her every day life. Some are poignant and some are funny...and they are all on the fears, hopes and worries that made up her every day life. I started thinking about how in 10 years, I might look back at this blog as a similar kind of writing. Maybe I would want to publish some of them. At the very least, it would be a snapshot of my life for an older self or for my family to read and remember. This was the closing argument for me. My decision was made and I felt pretty good about it.
So today we move on, but not without a sincere thanks to all of the readers who took the time to send me a sweet note or a quick post. I would be lying if I said that those didn't count in my decision. Like everyone else, I am not immune to compliments and praise. But beyond that, I come back today with more focus and more inspiration. I thrive on routine and organization...and I feel a new sense of both. Instead of searching for diverse subjects, I am more inclined to just write about the things I love...fashion, politics, books or whatever is happening in the world that catches my attention.
So until tomorrow, with a renewed spirit...and no particular subject in mind, except that every day is a good day to discuss fashion...
Still, Saturday came and went, and I hadn't made up my mind. Sunday afternoon I picked up a book I have been reading entitled "10-10-10, A Life Transforming Idea" by Suzy Welch . She is the lovely former editor of the Harvard Business Review who was in a sort of scandalous affair with retired CEO of GE, Jack Welch, several years ago. They are now happily married, and she has written a very insightful book detailing the way in which she learned to make decisions in her life. When faced with decisions big or small, she asks herself 3 questions. What will be the result of my decision in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years? The answer to those 3 questions seems to bring clarity most of the time. Throughout the book, she interviews people from all over the world who have begun to use this process and she explains how it has worked for them. I highly recommend reading it, because in the last few days, after using the method, I find that decisions are easier and bring more peace. But I digress...
As I was reading the book Sunday, I came to this paragraph: "If you use 10-10-10, the next thing you know, you'll be applying the process to a 'Do I stay or do I go?' kind of dilema." I read the line again. Then I put the book down and thought for a minute. Was this a sign? I mean, all weekend that old song by "The Clash" kept going through my mind..."Should I Stay or Should I Go?" I hate that song, but over and over my mind kept playing it, almost taunting me. So I closed my book and performed the 10-10-10 on the decision. If I stop the blog, what would the results be in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years? Well, in 10 minutes...ambivalent feelings. There would be a little pressure relief, because as my friend Kelly so intuitively wrote to me on Friday, "Every day I think 'Does the blog just feel like one more thing to do during her busy day?'" Well, sometimes yes. But that leads me to the other feeling...a sort of pride at the fact that I have kept it going even when I haven't felt like it. That is where the satisfaction comes in. And let me be honest...I enjoy the feedback. Even when it is occasionally negative, because either way, someone is reading. And when I get a response that says someone really enjoyed it, I feel inspired.
Next comes the 10 months test..this one isn't as stirring...In 10 months, I would likely have moved on to something else. Pre-blog, I did yoga during that time period a few days a week. On the other days, I started working on other writing a little earlier. Either way, the impact would be minor.
Lastly would be the 10 year out test. Surprisingly, this is the one that mattered the most to me. Lately, I have been reading a great book by one of my favorite authors, Alice Steinbach. This book was her first, before her Pulitzer Prize. It is an accumulation of essays on her every day life. Some are poignant and some are funny...and they are all on the fears, hopes and worries that made up her every day life. I started thinking about how in 10 years, I might look back at this blog as a similar kind of writing. Maybe I would want to publish some of them. At the very least, it would be a snapshot of my life for an older self or for my family to read and remember. This was the closing argument for me. My decision was made and I felt pretty good about it.
So today we move on, but not without a sincere thanks to all of the readers who took the time to send me a sweet note or a quick post. I would be lying if I said that those didn't count in my decision. Like everyone else, I am not immune to compliments and praise. But beyond that, I come back today with more focus and more inspiration. I thrive on routine and organization...and I feel a new sense of both. Instead of searching for diverse subjects, I am more inclined to just write about the things I love...fashion, politics, books or whatever is happening in the world that catches my attention.
So until tomorrow, with a renewed spirit...and no particular subject in mind, except that every day is a good day to discuss fashion...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Before I get to the subject of the day, I need to give a quick heads up...a sort of addendum to yesterday's List. At 6:58 this morning Bluefly.com sent out their daily advertisement for the specials of the day. Today is "Pink Trend" day and I have to say that they have accumulated some of the cutest items on the site for this sale. Now as you know if you ever go to this site. "on sale" is a very precarious term because they carry Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu and Prada, to name a few, so "on sale" can easily be over a thousand dollars. So today, if you actually put those Christian Laboutin pink stilletos or the pink Prada bag in your shopping cart, do not even let me know. The sale price is still too much to allow me to put them in my "cart", even for fun. However, there were some very reasonably priced items, from the Diane Von Furstenburg palm tree scarf, to the Nanette Lapore crocheted skirt, so it's worth taking a look at just for fun.
Today's subject is...(pause dramatically)...about ending the blog. It's been a lot of fun writing this every morning, but it has been pointed out by the husband that I have bored people for long enough...and without financial gain to boot...so maybe it is time to concentrate efforts elsewhere.
He also feels that my "blog personality" is not representative of my true personality, and I guess I probably agree. As previously stated, I am much braver on paper. In person, I am shy and reserved and heavily edited. A lot of thought goes into what I say. But in the blog, because I am writing so quickly, I am much less edited and much more open. There is no one standing in front of me, so I am more likely to write things I might not say. Don't know if this is good or bad.
When I began, my goal was 3 months or 1000 hits. I haven't reached the 3 months, but I am close to the 1000 hits (thanks readers), so I am re-evaluating. I don't want to be Carrie Bradshaw writing about organizing my sock drawer, and it does get harder to come up with something every day. I could take a break and then come back and be more political, which would please my brother-in-law Thomas, who enjoys those editorials. Or I could morph into a sort of "Fashion/Beauty" column, which would please my niece, who made my day by validating my "list picks" from the previous few days. Or I could write about my daughter Rachel and her exploits, which would please my daughter Rachel.
I could also decide to use the 32 minutes in the morning to focus on writing things that might actually bring financial return. But there is always the rest of the day for that kind of writing.
In the end I am torn, so I am throwing the question out into the universe and hoping that my reader(s) will give me some feedback. If you enjoy the blog and your life would be negatively impacted if you didn't get to read this daily, please find a way of letting me know. You can post something on my facebook page, or you can leave a comment on my blog site, or even send me an e-mail.
There is a great line in "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan's character says that so much of her life is about what she reads in books, and she questions whether or not it should be the other way around. I think that is kind of what I am feeling. Is there a sort of avoidance in this? I do not know.
I'll mull it over during the weekend, and come Monday, I'll either be here...or I'll just post "Gone Fishin'".
So until Monday, when we either move ahead or say "so long."...
Today's subject is...(pause dramatically)...about ending the blog. It's been a lot of fun writing this every morning, but it has been pointed out by the husband that I have bored people for long enough...and without financial gain to boot...so maybe it is time to concentrate efforts elsewhere.
He also feels that my "blog personality" is not representative of my true personality, and I guess I probably agree. As previously stated, I am much braver on paper. In person, I am shy and reserved and heavily edited. A lot of thought goes into what I say. But in the blog, because I am writing so quickly, I am much less edited and much more open. There is no one standing in front of me, so I am more likely to write things I might not say. Don't know if this is good or bad.
When I began, my goal was 3 months or 1000 hits. I haven't reached the 3 months, but I am close to the 1000 hits (thanks readers), so I am re-evaluating. I don't want to be Carrie Bradshaw writing about organizing my sock drawer, and it does get harder to come up with something every day. I could take a break and then come back and be more political, which would please my brother-in-law Thomas, who enjoys those editorials. Or I could morph into a sort of "Fashion/Beauty" column, which would please my niece, who made my day by validating my "list picks" from the previous few days. Or I could write about my daughter Rachel and her exploits, which would please my daughter Rachel.
I could also decide to use the 32 minutes in the morning to focus on writing things that might actually bring financial return. But there is always the rest of the day for that kind of writing.
In the end I am torn, so I am throwing the question out into the universe and hoping that my reader(s) will give me some feedback. If you enjoy the blog and your life would be negatively impacted if you didn't get to read this daily, please find a way of letting me know. You can post something on my facebook page, or you can leave a comment on my blog site, or even send me an e-mail.
There is a great line in "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan's character says that so much of her life is about what she reads in books, and she questions whether or not it should be the other way around. I think that is kind of what I am feeling. Is there a sort of avoidance in this? I do not know.
I'll mull it over during the weekend, and come Monday, I'll either be here...or I'll just post "Gone Fishin'".
So until Monday, when we either move ahead or say "so long."...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Last of the List
One of the best things about writing the blog is the feedback. Thanks to the reader who let me know that one of my "lusts" from my "list" yesterday was on sale. The Frenchi slicker from J.Crew was just marked down from $165 to $69.99.....the little catch was that it was only the khaki and not the pretty papaya. Same for the 120's suit jacket, marked down from $230 to $180...but again, only the navy and not the black. They are now both in my online shopping cart...for the time being.
I read an interesting article this morning in the Wall Street Journal that discussed how designers are complaining about the deep discounts that department stores are giving even new merchandise. The gist of the discussion was that stores like Saks and Neimans are giving deep discounts on designer clothing in order to secure sales. This in turn is making it tough on the designers who count on the department store sales for up to 80% of their sales. These designers are literally begging the stores to at least stick with "scalpel markdowns", which are markdowns based on sales. A slow-selling item gets marked down immediately, while a strong seller remains at full price. This at least gets the designer or brand a portion of sales at regular price. Many designers are envious of Louis Vuitton, who literally rents space in the stores and has total control over their sales and pricing. Their sales rose 10% in the fourth quarter...and their goods were not discounted.
This is happening across the board. Every morning, I am deluged with advertisements of sales from the stores and products I use. Just this morning, in the 30 minutes I have been writing, J Crew, Cole Haan, Saks, Bloomingdales and The Body Shop have sent out messages touting daily discounts. (But wouldn't you know that Cole Haan refuses to discount those London T-straps...)
As a consumer, the irony is that although these sales are attractive...and would usually spur you to buy....it is just not incentive enough at this point.
Anyway, on with the today's subject, which is a wrap up/ summary of the Fashion/Beauty products list from the last few days, with a few other things thrown in for good measure:
1) One of the disappointing fall outs of this economy are the closing of many newspapers and magazines. One in particular that really made me sad was the closing of Domino Magazine. This was a fabulous publication that literally could have been entitled "Stuff Robyn Loves". It was well-edited and beautifully layed out. Each month was chalked full of very cool home decor which was moderately priced, yet interesting. There were pages devoted to new products, including home, fashion and beauty. One of my favorite sections was where they would show a model in an outfit...and then show a room decorated based on the outfit. The purpose was to show that people often dress like they decorate. It was always inspiring. The final issue is still on stands right now and well worth buying. Ines de la Fressange is on the cover, which was personally ironic to me since she has always been one of my favorites. She was a famous model and the Chanel "muse" for years. She had her own boutique shop in Paris that was full of the coolest clothes, shoes and jewelry you've ever seen. I still have a pair of pink suede ankle booties that I bought there 15 years ago, and they still look like new despite constant wear. She is now a shoe designer for Roger Vivier, a french shoe brand (that is priced equivalent to Manolo Blahnik). Anyway, if you have a chance to pick up the issue, grab it. I think these will be collector's items one day.
2) Orla Kiely's retro patterned mugs at Target...if these don't cheer you up in the morning, nothing will...(and especially at $2.49)
3) Perfume...This is always such a personal pick, but my top picks are Secret Obsession (Calvin Klein), Notorious (Ralph Lauren), Kelly Caleche (Hermes) ....the Obsession and Notorious were gifts, so I can't comment on price, but the Caleche I bought myself, and it was really reasonable considering it was Hermes...
4) Lysol- on -the- go Spray...strange pick, but my life is full of ballgames at baseball parks right now, so this should be self-explanatory...
5) Shaving Bar...this is the coolest item ever from smallflower.com. It is $10 and called Valobra. It suds up with water and makes shaving a breeze.
6) "Cool Jewels" ice tray from spoonsisters.com (a neat site)...this is a great party item for summer. The ice looks like little diamonds.
7) Le Pere Pelletier "Antiquite"..french lavender soap in a lovely tin "house"...$18 at frenchsoaps.com
8) petite fig tree from napastyle.com....so cute and you can get figs from it.
9) Personalized matchbooks at foryourparty.com...printed with cute little sentiments (some in french for the francophiles)
10) L'Occitane lavender body lotion...organic, creamy ....$24...I love this french brand...l'occitane.com
11) Oh gosh...the spring lipstick from Coach..it is so precious in the striped case..too much at $28, but if you want to look good putting on your lipstick, this is for you!
12) light blue pencils from seejanework.com......they will make you want to write...
Ok that's it for the list...and by the way....if you live under a rock and have not seen the You Tube of Susan Boyle singing on the British edition of Idol..please view it immediately...You will get chills and cry and feel all the wonderful feelings that make you happy!
So until tomorrow, when sadly, all good things must come to an end...
I read an interesting article this morning in the Wall Street Journal that discussed how designers are complaining about the deep discounts that department stores are giving even new merchandise. The gist of the discussion was that stores like Saks and Neimans are giving deep discounts on designer clothing in order to secure sales. This in turn is making it tough on the designers who count on the department store sales for up to 80% of their sales. These designers are literally begging the stores to at least stick with "scalpel markdowns", which are markdowns based on sales. A slow-selling item gets marked down immediately, while a strong seller remains at full price. This at least gets the designer or brand a portion of sales at regular price. Many designers are envious of Louis Vuitton, who literally rents space in the stores and has total control over their sales and pricing. Their sales rose 10% in the fourth quarter...and their goods were not discounted.
This is happening across the board. Every morning, I am deluged with advertisements of sales from the stores and products I use. Just this morning, in the 30 minutes I have been writing, J Crew, Cole Haan, Saks, Bloomingdales and The Body Shop have sent out messages touting daily discounts. (But wouldn't you know that Cole Haan refuses to discount those London T-straps...)
As a consumer, the irony is that although these sales are attractive...and would usually spur you to buy....it is just not incentive enough at this point.
Anyway, on with the today's subject, which is a wrap up/ summary of the Fashion/Beauty products list from the last few days, with a few other things thrown in for good measure:
1) One of the disappointing fall outs of this economy are the closing of many newspapers and magazines. One in particular that really made me sad was the closing of Domino Magazine. This was a fabulous publication that literally could have been entitled "Stuff Robyn Loves". It was well-edited and beautifully layed out. Each month was chalked full of very cool home decor which was moderately priced, yet interesting. There were pages devoted to new products, including home, fashion and beauty. One of my favorite sections was where they would show a model in an outfit...and then show a room decorated based on the outfit. The purpose was to show that people often dress like they decorate. It was always inspiring. The final issue is still on stands right now and well worth buying. Ines de la Fressange is on the cover, which was personally ironic to me since she has always been one of my favorites. She was a famous model and the Chanel "muse" for years. She had her own boutique shop in Paris that was full of the coolest clothes, shoes and jewelry you've ever seen. I still have a pair of pink suede ankle booties that I bought there 15 years ago, and they still look like new despite constant wear. She is now a shoe designer for Roger Vivier, a french shoe brand (that is priced equivalent to Manolo Blahnik). Anyway, if you have a chance to pick up the issue, grab it. I think these will be collector's items one day.
2) Orla Kiely's retro patterned mugs at Target...if these don't cheer you up in the morning, nothing will...(and especially at $2.49)
3) Perfume...This is always such a personal pick, but my top picks are Secret Obsession (Calvin Klein), Notorious (Ralph Lauren), Kelly Caleche (Hermes) ....the Obsession and Notorious were gifts, so I can't comment on price, but the Caleche I bought myself, and it was really reasonable considering it was Hermes...
4) Lysol- on -the- go Spray...strange pick, but my life is full of ballgames at baseball parks right now, so this should be self-explanatory...
5) Shaving Bar...this is the coolest item ever from smallflower.com. It is $10 and called Valobra. It suds up with water and makes shaving a breeze.
6) "Cool Jewels" ice tray from spoonsisters.com (a neat site)...this is a great party item for summer. The ice looks like little diamonds.
7) Le Pere Pelletier "Antiquite"..french lavender soap in a lovely tin "house"...$18 at frenchsoaps.com
8) petite fig tree from napastyle.com....so cute and you can get figs from it.
9) Personalized matchbooks at foryourparty.com...printed with cute little sentiments (some in french for the francophiles)
10) L'Occitane lavender body lotion...organic, creamy ....$24...I love this french brand...l'occitane.com
11) Oh gosh...the spring lipstick from Coach..it is so precious in the striped case..too much at $28, but if you want to look good putting on your lipstick, this is for you!
12) light blue pencils from seejanework.com......they will make you want to write...
Ok that's it for the list...and by the way....if you live under a rock and have not seen the You Tube of Susan Boyle singing on the British edition of Idol..please view it immediately...You will get chills and cry and feel all the wonderful feelings that make you happy!
So until tomorrow, when sadly, all good things must come to an end...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!"
Yesterday we had storms all morning. As I wrote the blog, my computer was thrown off at least 5 times. Combining this frustration with the fact that I had an appointment an hour away at noon, I was ready to give up for the day. As I left for my appointment, I crossed my fingers and hoped that what I had completed would still be there when I returned. Better late than never and all that. When I got home several hours later, it was still there. And so were the barrage of e-mails asking where was today's blog? I decided to go ahead and post even though I didn't really complete my list or do my quick edit. So unfortunately, I felt as if yesterday's was sub-par. (This shows some arrogance on my part I know, because it assumes that I think that other days are above par). Anyway, instead of going back to cosmetics or products today, I am going to move on to clothes and shoes. I'll go back and complete yesterday's list tomorrow when I do miscellaneous.
I'm not going to group these according to price today. Many of these (most, in fact) are lust-after items that I just love, but will never own. Therefore, I won't try to do the "justify" thing, because your allowed to love something no matter what the price. So here we go, with no particular rhyme or reason:
1) Have you seen the Tod's advertisement with Gwyneth Paltrow? The one where she is wearing jeans, a striped shirt, and brown 4 -sandals? I want the whole outfit. The cool jeans with the leather pieces, the fitted striped shirt, the huge bag...but most of all...those shoes. I LOVE those shoes. I actually went to the website, even though I know Tod's is Way above my afford range...but of course, they give no prices on this site....and this of course, is how I know I can't afford it.
2) I love pencil skirts. I have been wearing them for years, so the last few seasons have been great for me since they are suddenly in style. I already have a pretty good selection in my closet, but the new Marni with the optical pattern (white background with taupe and red round spots) is just the cutest thing. At $630, I'll never own it, but if I did, I would wear it anywhere and everywhere.
3) Target is carrying a line by Tray Feith this spring. This is the guy whose Boho Chic designs have become more popular because Michelle Obama wore one of his dresses to a church service the day after the Inauguration. I loved the dress...but his is an acquired taste. You have to kind of like that Hippie/Bohemian look. Anyway, the line isn't in yet, but the new Bazaar shows a few pieces that cost around $14.99, and I can tell I will be picking a few up.
4) We'll move to J.Crew...my "go to" store for almost everything. Spring catalogue shows a slub-cotton t-shirt with a ruffled scoopneck which I love. At $39.50, my only decision will be which color?...the orange, navy or slate. These J.Crew t-shirts are great quality and look good with skirts dressed up, or with jeans dressed down. Next, there is the Frenchi-slicker in Papaya at $165.00 I will probably stare at this for a month, put it in my online shopping cart...and then wait for it to go on clearance. It is perfect for cool evenings. I also have my eye on the 2 -Button Australian wool 120's suit jacket in black. This is one of those items that I know I would wear out and keep for 10 years. It is traditional, but the sleeves are modern. I could wear it over pencil skirts, or dress up my jeans with boots. It isn't a steal at $230, but it is probably something I will eventually justify.
5) Still J. Crew, but a whole different category. This is one from the "collection" which is the small group of limited edition items that they put out every season. I have purchased a few of these pieces over the last few years and I have never been disappointed. This season, I am dying for the Dulce Sequined Silk Organza pencil skirt. Why?, I have no idea. It has no place in my wardrobe and I have no place to wear it. But I love it and continue to stare at it. At $450, no way. But again, it doesn't cost anything to love it.
6) I have to be careful here because husband does not like me to mention anything personal or any body parts. So I will hint and tiptoe around this one. There are new tank/camis at Target right now from Mossimo. They are longer than usual and they they have a slight v-neck. I bought a white one a few weeks ago, and I don't think I have taken it off yet. I'm going back to buy one in every color. I like it because...and careful here...if you generally wear a small due to shoulders and hips, but you need a medium for other reasons....this still works!! It isn't tight, and it doesn't show off too much cleavage, which means you can wear it alone or under anything. you can also sleep in it, which is always a plus.
7) I have mentioned these before, but they are worth another mention. Cole Haan London Air T-Straps in Black patent and leather. I originally wanted the gray, but as long as I am only wishing, I think the black are sexier. I look at these almost everyday and hope that they are reduced from the $298 price. Still holding out clearance -hope for these. They are very similar to some Prada sandals from this season, but at half the price.
8) I like this catalogue called Peruvian Connection. I have ordered from it over the last few years several times, and I always love what I get. They carry items from peruvian pima cotton or baby alpaca, and they are really one-of-a kind...but reasonably priced. I've ordered sweater, dresses...even a nightgown...and they are so pretty and well-made. Their website is really good and interesting, too. Right now, I am eyeing the Artisan Cote d'Azur Pima Cotton Tank dress. It's a vintage french brocade in a kind of turquoise, cream. It's $198, so I may wait for the sale, which they have pretty often. Their clothes are the kind you will wear for years. Not trendy, but still modern.
9) Total lust...Hermes enamel bangles. at $445 a piece...no way. But gosh, they are so pretty...
10) Another lust item...Max Mara T-Shirt dress in satin grey...$470 and just so perfect. March issue of Town and Country...I would wear it forever....
11) Back down to earth...Gap cardigan in navy and with white tie-dye..$49 and really cute with jeans or white pants.
12) Last item for the day...Kate Spade clutch in orange or hot pink...$175 and looks like an envelope...I love it. I am a real Kate Spade fan, but ever since they handed over the reigns of the company to someone else, I haven't really lusted after anything...until this came along...
Ok , that's it for the day. One can only spend so much time oohing and aahhing...
So until tomorrow, when we will move on to miscellaneous which includes just about anything...
I'm not going to group these according to price today. Many of these (most, in fact) are lust-after items that I just love, but will never own. Therefore, I won't try to do the "justify" thing, because your allowed to love something no matter what the price. So here we go, with no particular rhyme or reason:
1) Have you seen the Tod's advertisement with Gwyneth Paltrow? The one where she is wearing jeans, a striped shirt, and brown 4 -sandals? I want the whole outfit. The cool jeans with the leather pieces, the fitted striped shirt, the huge bag...but most of all...those shoes. I LOVE those shoes. I actually went to the website, even though I know Tod's is Way above my afford range...but of course, they give no prices on this site....and this of course, is how I know I can't afford it.
2) I love pencil skirts. I have been wearing them for years, so the last few seasons have been great for me since they are suddenly in style. I already have a pretty good selection in my closet, but the new Marni with the optical pattern (white background with taupe and red round spots) is just the cutest thing. At $630, I'll never own it, but if I did, I would wear it anywhere and everywhere.
3) Target is carrying a line by Tray Feith this spring. This is the guy whose Boho Chic designs have become more popular because Michelle Obama wore one of his dresses to a church service the day after the Inauguration. I loved the dress...but his is an acquired taste. You have to kind of like that Hippie/Bohemian look. Anyway, the line isn't in yet, but the new Bazaar shows a few pieces that cost around $14.99, and I can tell I will be picking a few up.
4) We'll move to J.Crew...my "go to" store for almost everything. Spring catalogue shows a slub-cotton t-shirt with a ruffled scoopneck which I love. At $39.50, my only decision will be which color?...the orange, navy or slate. These J.Crew t-shirts are great quality and look good with skirts dressed up, or with jeans dressed down. Next, there is the Frenchi-slicker in Papaya at $165.00 I will probably stare at this for a month, put it in my online shopping cart...and then wait for it to go on clearance. It is perfect for cool evenings. I also have my eye on the 2 -Button Australian wool 120's suit jacket in black. This is one of those items that I know I would wear out and keep for 10 years. It is traditional, but the sleeves are modern. I could wear it over pencil skirts, or dress up my jeans with boots. It isn't a steal at $230, but it is probably something I will eventually justify.
5) Still J. Crew, but a whole different category. This is one from the "collection" which is the small group of limited edition items that they put out every season. I have purchased a few of these pieces over the last few years and I have never been disappointed. This season, I am dying for the Dulce Sequined Silk Organza pencil skirt. Why?, I have no idea. It has no place in my wardrobe and I have no place to wear it. But I love it and continue to stare at it. At $450, no way. But again, it doesn't cost anything to love it.
6) I have to be careful here because husband does not like me to mention anything personal or any body parts. So I will hint and tiptoe around this one. There are new tank/camis at Target right now from Mossimo. They are longer than usual and they they have a slight v-neck. I bought a white one a few weeks ago, and I don't think I have taken it off yet. I'm going back to buy one in every color. I like it because...and careful here...if you generally wear a small due to shoulders and hips, but you need a medium for other reasons....this still works!! It isn't tight, and it doesn't show off too much cleavage, which means you can wear it alone or under anything. you can also sleep in it, which is always a plus.
7) I have mentioned these before, but they are worth another mention. Cole Haan London Air T-Straps in Black patent and leather. I originally wanted the gray, but as long as I am only wishing, I think the black are sexier. I look at these almost everyday and hope that they are reduced from the $298 price. Still holding out clearance -hope for these. They are very similar to some Prada sandals from this season, but at half the price.
8) I like this catalogue called Peruvian Connection. I have ordered from it over the last few years several times, and I always love what I get. They carry items from peruvian pima cotton or baby alpaca, and they are really one-of-a kind...but reasonably priced. I've ordered sweater, dresses...even a nightgown...and they are so pretty and well-made. Their website is really good and interesting, too. Right now, I am eyeing the Artisan Cote d'Azur Pima Cotton Tank dress. It's a vintage french brocade in a kind of turquoise, cream. It's $198, so I may wait for the sale, which they have pretty often. Their clothes are the kind you will wear for years. Not trendy, but still modern.
9) Total lust...Hermes enamel bangles. at $445 a piece...no way. But gosh, they are so pretty...
10) Another lust item...Max Mara T-Shirt dress in satin grey...$470 and just so perfect. March issue of Town and Country...I would wear it forever....
11) Back down to earth...Gap cardigan in navy and with white tie-dye..$49 and really cute with jeans or white pants.
12) Last item for the day...Kate Spade clutch in orange or hot pink...$175 and looks like an envelope...I love it. I am a real Kate Spade fan, but ever since they handed over the reigns of the company to someone else, I haven't really lusted after anything...until this came along...
Ok , that's it for the day. One can only spend so much time oohing and aahhing...
So until tomorrow, when we will move on to miscellaneous which includes just about anything...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Beauty is Ten, Nine of Which is Dressing
The husband suggested I give some woodworking tips in the blog. This is code for "too much girl stuff'". Whenever I get into too much fashion talk, he "didn't get a chance to finish the whole thing". But my niece e-mailed me this morning and said she was looking forward to "The List". And niece trumps husband, so the next three days will be devoted to Spring Beauty and Fashion Favorites. Sounds like an article on the cover of my Vogue. I accumulate all of these from either trial and error, friend recommendation or wish list. I scour all of the spring issues of Vogue, Bazaar, Self, Town and Country, Shape and even Paris Vogue. I justify the ridiculous price of the Paris Vogue by telling myself that I need to practice my french, but the real reason is that I like the advertisements for all of the french brands.
I'll divide the next three days into three sections: Today will be beauty products/cosmetics. Wednesday will be clothes and shoes, and Thursday is miscellaneous. I'll also sub-divide into price category. The ratings will be like restaurant ratings. $$$$ for crazy-expensive, $$$ for luxury, $$ for moderate, and $ for affordable.
(Just as a sidebar, I saw a segment on the morning news where they said that "mommy blogs" are going to be monitored because of their product recommendations by the FCC. The story went on to say that this was probably backed by the trial attorneys who would support this for obvious reasons. I would therefore like to say that the following are merely OPINIONS ...my opinions, which are just suggestions and in no way endorsements.) So here we go:
$
1) Crest Vivid White Tooth paste- I am not one to spend a lot of time on those whitening trays or strips. First of all, they are expensive. Secondly, the minute you put the strips on, somebody calls and you end up lisping through the whole conversation, but too embarrassed to say why. This tooth paste is not a miracle-worker, but you will be able to tell a difference after a few days.
2)Boots "Quick Thinking" 4-in-one cleaning wipes. I love these things. I keep them stashed everywhere. Not only are they quick and easy, but they take off every bit of make up and mascara with 2 swipes. I use to buy that Bi-facil blue stuff from Lancome to take off my eye make up. It was the only thing that worked. But this stuff is cheap and easy...and better. I'll also add that you can buy this line at Target. It is cheap, and any product I've ever tried from the line is good. Plus, if you're like me and you are a marketer's dream....the packaging is really cute which means it looks good on your counter.
3)Skintastic Shaving Gel in "Flirty Mango". Another cheap addiction. It smells good (real, not artificial) and it works, meaning it leaves your legs smooth and shiny after shaving.
4)Body Shop Vanilla Spice Lip Balm. I hate to be a broken record, but this stuff is addictive too. If my 9 year old sees me take it out, she has to have some too. It's healing for chapped lips, but it smells like heaven...and again...great packaging.
5)John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo. If you have fine hair that has a tendency to be a little flat, this stuff is amazing. If I wash my hair with this before I go to bed and sleep on it, when I wake up, I cannot believe the amount of volume my hair has. But just a warning...if you don't want a lot of volume, this isn't for you.
6) Maybelline Lash Blast. This is the one in the fat orange tube. For years, my cheap mascara buy is the one in the pink and green tube...old faithful. These are impulse buys that go in your purse makeup bag. For my daily mascara, I would always lean toward Chanel or Lancome. But this Lash Blast is good enough for daily wear. The brush is short and reaches all of your lashes, and coats them thickly. If I can get a coat of this on with some lip balm, I am good to go.
$$
7)Bobbi Brown Eye Gel Liner. I think the Bobbie Brown line is the most affordable upscale line out there. I find myself going back again and again to her products. They are always quality and they work. They are also very subtle, which is how I like my makeup. This eye liner is a little bit of a pain compared to pencils. You have to put it on with a special brush. But once you get into the routine, you won't go back. You can put it on lightly for a minimalist look, or you can do the thick rim for a more dramatic look. It doesn't smear and it stays on all day. I use the plum color because it is more subtle. But the "Ink" is great if you are going for a sexy night-time look.
8) Mac Lip Liner in Spice. This is an oldie, but goody. I have tried every other competing line in a similar color, and nothing compares. I don't wear lip liner during the day, but when you are going for that Pam Andersen night time heavy make up look, this liner is the best.
9) Joan Rivers Nail Polish. This is a weird pick, I know. I would usually just pick out some OPI on the rare occasion that I get a pedicure. But she sells a set on QVC which are just so pretty. In particular, there is a bronzey color that looks great winter or summer. I actually bring it with me when I get my toes done. It is that pretty.
$$$
10) Dr. Denese Mini-Peel Pads. Ok, she is a dermatologist who has a shop on Madison Avenue. Her whole line is very skin oriented, but these pads are amazing. If you are over 30, or if your skin looks tired and needs a boost, these pads will give it to you. They are a little strong, so beware of some redness, but your skin will adjust. I am never without these. You can catch them occasionally on QVC as the daily value and save a lot of money. Again, not cheap, but they work.
11)Giorgio Armani Silk Illuminating Foundation. This is $58, which just makes me cringe when you look at what you can buy foundation for in the drugstore. But once you try it, it is hard to go back. I just use a drop or two, so it lasts forever, but it gives your complexion a real glow, yet a bit of coverage. It is also UV 20 which is a real plus.
12)Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. If you hate foundation and do not need a lot of coverage, this is terrific. It is sheer and light, but it gives a little color and coverage. For summertime, it is all I use.
13) Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Body Creme. When I have this, I love to just smell it. It is just heavenly. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly...and the smell is amazing. It is pricey for body cream, but a real treat.
14) Clarins Younger Longer. I love this line and this stuff. If I could justify it, I would be happy to use every product in this line. It is high quality and it all works. But you have to catch it on special on the website, or it is just too much. The Younger Longer Balm is the first thing I put on in the morning, and I reapply it during the day if my skin feels dry. I don't know what it is, but it just feels so good and makes my skin look good. I put this on with some mascara and gloss in the morning, and I am fine to go anywhere.
$$$$
15) La Prairie Eye Cream with Caviar Extract. I have talked about this before. They give you samples of this in first-class on overseas flights, so my husband brings it to me. The price is too high to even speak of, but this is a miracle cream. If you look tired or have fine lines around your eyes, put a little of this on at night, and in the morning, your eyes look great. the fine lines are gone (or hidden). Again, I can't bring myself to buy it, but I am always happy to get it.
Ok, that's it for today. I didn't get to everything, but I have to finish up.
So until tomorrow..."to be continued"....
I'll divide the next three days into three sections: Today will be beauty products/cosmetics. Wednesday will be clothes and shoes, and Thursday is miscellaneous. I'll also sub-divide into price category. The ratings will be like restaurant ratings. $$$$ for crazy-expensive, $$$ for luxury, $$ for moderate, and $ for affordable.
(Just as a sidebar, I saw a segment on the morning news where they said that "mommy blogs" are going to be monitored because of their product recommendations by the FCC. The story went on to say that this was probably backed by the trial attorneys who would support this for obvious reasons. I would therefore like to say that the following are merely OPINIONS ...my opinions, which are just suggestions and in no way endorsements.) So here we go:
$
1) Crest Vivid White Tooth paste- I am not one to spend a lot of time on those whitening trays or strips. First of all, they are expensive. Secondly, the minute you put the strips on, somebody calls and you end up lisping through the whole conversation, but too embarrassed to say why. This tooth paste is not a miracle-worker, but you will be able to tell a difference after a few days.
2)Boots "Quick Thinking" 4-in-one cleaning wipes. I love these things. I keep them stashed everywhere. Not only are they quick and easy, but they take off every bit of make up and mascara with 2 swipes. I use to buy that Bi-facil blue stuff from Lancome to take off my eye make up. It was the only thing that worked. But this stuff is cheap and easy...and better. I'll also add that you can buy this line at Target. It is cheap, and any product I've ever tried from the line is good. Plus, if you're like me and you are a marketer's dream....the packaging is really cute which means it looks good on your counter.
3)Skintastic Shaving Gel in "Flirty Mango". Another cheap addiction. It smells good (real, not artificial) and it works, meaning it leaves your legs smooth and shiny after shaving.
4)Body Shop Vanilla Spice Lip Balm. I hate to be a broken record, but this stuff is addictive too. If my 9 year old sees me take it out, she has to have some too. It's healing for chapped lips, but it smells like heaven...and again...great packaging.
5)John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo. If you have fine hair that has a tendency to be a little flat, this stuff is amazing. If I wash my hair with this before I go to bed and sleep on it, when I wake up, I cannot believe the amount of volume my hair has. But just a warning...if you don't want a lot of volume, this isn't for you.
6) Maybelline Lash Blast. This is the one in the fat orange tube. For years, my cheap mascara buy is the one in the pink and green tube...old faithful. These are impulse buys that go in your purse makeup bag. For my daily mascara, I would always lean toward Chanel or Lancome. But this Lash Blast is good enough for daily wear. The brush is short and reaches all of your lashes, and coats them thickly. If I can get a coat of this on with some lip balm, I am good to go.
$$
7)Bobbi Brown Eye Gel Liner. I think the Bobbie Brown line is the most affordable upscale line out there. I find myself going back again and again to her products. They are always quality and they work. They are also very subtle, which is how I like my makeup. This eye liner is a little bit of a pain compared to pencils. You have to put it on with a special brush. But once you get into the routine, you won't go back. You can put it on lightly for a minimalist look, or you can do the thick rim for a more dramatic look. It doesn't smear and it stays on all day. I use the plum color because it is more subtle. But the "Ink" is great if you are going for a sexy night-time look.
8) Mac Lip Liner in Spice. This is an oldie, but goody. I have tried every other competing line in a similar color, and nothing compares. I don't wear lip liner during the day, but when you are going for that Pam Andersen night time heavy make up look, this liner is the best.
9) Joan Rivers Nail Polish. This is a weird pick, I know. I would usually just pick out some OPI on the rare occasion that I get a pedicure. But she sells a set on QVC which are just so pretty. In particular, there is a bronzey color that looks great winter or summer. I actually bring it with me when I get my toes done. It is that pretty.
$$$
10) Dr. Denese Mini-Peel Pads. Ok, she is a dermatologist who has a shop on Madison Avenue. Her whole line is very skin oriented, but these pads are amazing. If you are over 30, or if your skin looks tired and needs a boost, these pads will give it to you. They are a little strong, so beware of some redness, but your skin will adjust. I am never without these. You can catch them occasionally on QVC as the daily value and save a lot of money. Again, not cheap, but they work.
11)Giorgio Armani Silk Illuminating Foundation. This is $58, which just makes me cringe when you look at what you can buy foundation for in the drugstore. But once you try it, it is hard to go back. I just use a drop or two, so it lasts forever, but it gives your complexion a real glow, yet a bit of coverage. It is also UV 20 which is a real plus.
12)Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. If you hate foundation and do not need a lot of coverage, this is terrific. It is sheer and light, but it gives a little color and coverage. For summertime, it is all I use.
13) Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Body Creme. When I have this, I love to just smell it. It is just heavenly. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly...and the smell is amazing. It is pricey for body cream, but a real treat.
14) Clarins Younger Longer. I love this line and this stuff. If I could justify it, I would be happy to use every product in this line. It is high quality and it all works. But you have to catch it on special on the website, or it is just too much. The Younger Longer Balm is the first thing I put on in the morning, and I reapply it during the day if my skin feels dry. I don't know what it is, but it just feels so good and makes my skin look good. I put this on with some mascara and gloss in the morning, and I am fine to go anywhere.
$$$$
15) La Prairie Eye Cream with Caviar Extract. I have talked about this before. They give you samples of this in first-class on overseas flights, so my husband brings it to me. The price is too high to even speak of, but this is a miracle cream. If you look tired or have fine lines around your eyes, put a little of this on at night, and in the morning, your eyes look great. the fine lines are gone (or hidden). Again, I can't bring myself to buy it, but I am always happy to get it.
Ok, that's it for today. I didn't get to everything, but I have to finish up.
So until tomorrow..."to be continued"....
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Weekend Update, Hannah Montanna, and Tiger Woods
It was a good Easter weekend. Good enough to do a quick recap. Friday, I took the little one and her best friend to see the Hannah Montanna movie. It was opening day an I was actually dreading it a little bit. I assumed it would be packed and loud. I have seen almost every episode of the TV show. Gabrielle watches it every night while I cook dinner. I don't like it or not like it. Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I roll my eyes and say "Could we turn it?" But she had been asking for weeks to see it, so we went. We went an hour early expecting huge crowds...but no. Only 2 other families there waiting for the box office to open. They were sitting on benches. I told the 2 girls to play and I plopped down in front of the window in case the expected crowd appeared at any minute. The little girl who had been waiting on the bench with her dad came over and stood by me as if to stake her claim. I said to her, "You were first. I'll save your place if you want to sit with your dad." She nodded and smiled, but continued to stand by me for 47 minutes. It was like a show-down. After 20 minutes, a line did begin to form. When the office opened at 12, I stepped aside for her to go, and she nodded again. Truce.
The movie was adorable. I laughed, I cried, and I'll probably buy the CD "for Gabby" and borrow it. It was sweet and innocent and everything I like for my 9 year old to see. When we left, she and best friend agreed it was the "best movie ever".
Best friend spent the night and Saturday I took them to the church Easter egg hunt. They were close to being the "elders" of the hunt at age 9, but they approached it like an Olympic game. My daughter is the most competitive person on the face of the earth. She never met a competition she didn't like or need to win. I tried explaining on the way to the hunt that this was just a fun hunt, not a race or a game. But those words mean nothing to the little one. When they said "Go", she literally took off like she was coming off the starting block. She abandoned best friend momentarily, but in a moment of conscience, she rejoined her. There was one group of older boys who were a little aggressive. They were grabbing eggs left and right. I saw the look on Gabby's face as they ran by. I could tell she was considering sticking out a foot to trip them, but thankfully, she glanced over at me and thought better of it. In the end, they collected lots of eggs and had a blast. They went on to win the egg toss competition and the spoon carry race. All in all, a successful afternoon.
Saturday night was busy with coloring eggs and planning the Easter menu. The boy reminded me that even though he knew the truth about the Easter Bunny, he still hoped for a basket. Little one hinted that she hoped that her basket would include more than candy.(This is code for stuffed animals) Thankfully, I had them both covered.
Sunday morning was lovely. A perfect day. Little one woke up filled with joy at the sight of her fluffy-dog-stuffed-animal basket that held a bunny. The boy gave me a bear hug after discovering some money in a few eggs. He even put on a nice shirt for church. Dad wore his lavender button-down that I love, and Gab put on her black velvet dress that she wears for every occasion. I hinted that something pastel might be more fitting, but she insisted and she looked so pretty that I agreed. She did, however, go with the heart necklace and fancy ankle bracelet. I made a last minute change to my pre-planned outfit, deciding to go with the pink and brown t-shirt with the faux-pearl necklace collar and the brown tweed skirt. This way, I could wear my beloved BCBG pink stilettos that I rarely get to put on. I added the lovely pink tourmaline ring that mom gave me last year, the pink drop earrings Rose gave me, and the lovely pearl bracelet I gave myself. Final addition was the old pink clutch from Banana Republic, and I was ready. The service was simple and short, making the kids happy, and we headed home for a delicious lunch of steak, mash potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, broccoli, and chocolate cake for dessert.
The afternoon was spent watching the Braves, practicing at the ball park with the kids, and then watching the Masters. I held out hope that Tiger would fight his way back to the top, but it was not to be. He is an amazing athlete (in fact, he is the only one out there that LOOKS like an athlete). But it was not his day. When he finished the 18th hole and the announcer said he was not in the running, Gabrielle stormed out and refused to watch anymore. My feelings exactly. Of course, we turned it back on a few minutes later to watch the 3-way play off. Just had to make a point. Sports at its best.
Another beautiful Easter weekend winds down and the work week begins...
So until tomorrow, when I will open up the pages of my Vogue and Bazaar and give my list of the best of spring "stuff" (Kind of like Oprah's Favorites List)...
The movie was adorable. I laughed, I cried, and I'll probably buy the CD "for Gabby" and borrow it. It was sweet and innocent and everything I like for my 9 year old to see. When we left, she and best friend agreed it was the "best movie ever".
Best friend spent the night and Saturday I took them to the church Easter egg hunt. They were close to being the "elders" of the hunt at age 9, but they approached it like an Olympic game. My daughter is the most competitive person on the face of the earth. She never met a competition she didn't like or need to win. I tried explaining on the way to the hunt that this was just a fun hunt, not a race or a game. But those words mean nothing to the little one. When they said "Go", she literally took off like she was coming off the starting block. She abandoned best friend momentarily, but in a moment of conscience, she rejoined her. There was one group of older boys who were a little aggressive. They were grabbing eggs left and right. I saw the look on Gabby's face as they ran by. I could tell she was considering sticking out a foot to trip them, but thankfully, she glanced over at me and thought better of it. In the end, they collected lots of eggs and had a blast. They went on to win the egg toss competition and the spoon carry race. All in all, a successful afternoon.
Saturday night was busy with coloring eggs and planning the Easter menu. The boy reminded me that even though he knew the truth about the Easter Bunny, he still hoped for a basket. Little one hinted that she hoped that her basket would include more than candy.(This is code for stuffed animals) Thankfully, I had them both covered.
Sunday morning was lovely. A perfect day. Little one woke up filled with joy at the sight of her fluffy-dog-stuffed-animal basket that held a bunny. The boy gave me a bear hug after discovering some money in a few eggs. He even put on a nice shirt for church. Dad wore his lavender button-down that I love, and Gab put on her black velvet dress that she wears for every occasion. I hinted that something pastel might be more fitting, but she insisted and she looked so pretty that I agreed. She did, however, go with the heart necklace and fancy ankle bracelet. I made a last minute change to my pre-planned outfit, deciding to go with the pink and brown t-shirt with the faux-pearl necklace collar and the brown tweed skirt. This way, I could wear my beloved BCBG pink stilettos that I rarely get to put on. I added the lovely pink tourmaline ring that mom gave me last year, the pink drop earrings Rose gave me, and the lovely pearl bracelet I gave myself. Final addition was the old pink clutch from Banana Republic, and I was ready. The service was simple and short, making the kids happy, and we headed home for a delicious lunch of steak, mash potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, broccoli, and chocolate cake for dessert.
The afternoon was spent watching the Braves, practicing at the ball park with the kids, and then watching the Masters. I held out hope that Tiger would fight his way back to the top, but it was not to be. He is an amazing athlete (in fact, he is the only one out there that LOOKS like an athlete). But it was not his day. When he finished the 18th hole and the announcer said he was not in the running, Gabrielle stormed out and refused to watch anymore. My feelings exactly. Of course, we turned it back on a few minutes later to watch the 3-way play off. Just had to make a point. Sports at its best.
Another beautiful Easter weekend winds down and the work week begins...
So until tomorrow, when I will open up the pages of my Vogue and Bazaar and give my list of the best of spring "stuff" (Kind of like Oprah's Favorites List)...
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and Men Often Go Awry
I drug the boy to the Holy Week service at church last night. He's going through confirmation class which requires attendance at Sunday afternoon classes. Unfortunately, his travel ball games have conflicted with these classes for several weeks ("Mom, the guys are counting on me"), so I volunteered him to help with last night's service as a kind of "make up" offering. We first had to go through negotiations on what he would wear. I asked for khaki pants and a polo shirt with his topsiders. He countered back with shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. I gave up on the long pants, insisted on picking the t-shirt, and decided the tennis shoes were no big deal. We were good to go.
His job was to light the candles and serve the bread for Communion. I felt ok about this because there didn't seem like much that could go wrong. I was relieved he wasn't serving the grape juice because that opened up some scary possibilities. After each prayer, he was to extinguish a candle with that thing that lights and extinguishes candles. So after the first prayer, he rambles over and tries to stick it down into the candle jar. It won't fit. He tries again. Still won't fit. He looks around and grins. I begin to squirm in my seat. The assistant pastor is mouthing something to him. He can't understand her, so he keeps saying "What?" Finally she yells "Just blow it out!" He shrugs his shoulders, laughs a little, and blows it out. Crisis averted.
Next he is to help pass the bread around at the Communion table. This should be seamless because it's pretty self-explanatory...or one would think. When the first group arrives at the table, he joins in and takes Communion and then passes the bread. Perfect. The second time, he does the same thing. I'm wondering if they told him that he only needs to take it once. Third time...he takes it again and passes the bread. This goes on 7 times. 7 times he takes Communion. He dips his bread in the grape juice like he is eating chips and dip. By the 5th time, I had tears rolling down my face, Such a goof ball. After the service is over, he asks me "How did I do mom? Did you see that me blow out the candles? Oh, you don't need to get me anything to eat...I'm full." Yep. Too much bread and grape juice. How many people can actually say they filled up on the Communion meal? That's my boy.
Little sister had a 2 hour softball practice. She dreaded it all day and then called me on the way home to discuss how well she did. Her best friend/quasi-sister was spending the night with us as she does most weekends, so I had planned on putting them in front of a movie and getting some writing done. Dad and boy were into some baseball game, so the potential for quiet time was there. But the girls had other plans. They are considering going to summer camp for a week this summer, and tonight was the night they felt the need to discuss the pros and cons with me...Ok. The pros were: bunk beds, archery, campfires and riflery. The cons were : mom might die while I'm gone, the dog might die while I'm gone, rifles can be dangerous. These were the worries that needed to be discussed and debated for 2 hours. At the end of the discussion, no decisions were made, except that we would discuss it more today.
Today is a day off for everyone. Dad is working from home. Boy has a 2 hour baseball practice that he doesn't know about yet. Little sister and best friend have coerced me into taking them to the opening day of the new Hannah Montanna movie. There will also need to be some plans made about an Easter egg hunt which is tricky because even though everyone now knows there is no Easter Bunny, it has been decided that we will still pretend that we believe.
So on with the day. I will scribble down the terrific writing ideas that came to me in the middle of the night and hope that they still seem as interesting on Monday morning. And I will try to remember that even though I thought I wanted to write this morning, there will come a day when I will look back and wish that I needed to go see Hannah Montanna and hide Easter eggs...
So until next week, when the focus will be off of the kids and back onto the shallow, material things that we girls see in magazines this time of year...
His job was to light the candles and serve the bread for Communion. I felt ok about this because there didn't seem like much that could go wrong. I was relieved he wasn't serving the grape juice because that opened up some scary possibilities. After each prayer, he was to extinguish a candle with that thing that lights and extinguishes candles. So after the first prayer, he rambles over and tries to stick it down into the candle jar. It won't fit. He tries again. Still won't fit. He looks around and grins. I begin to squirm in my seat. The assistant pastor is mouthing something to him. He can't understand her, so he keeps saying "What?" Finally she yells "Just blow it out!" He shrugs his shoulders, laughs a little, and blows it out. Crisis averted.
Next he is to help pass the bread around at the Communion table. This should be seamless because it's pretty self-explanatory...or one would think. When the first group arrives at the table, he joins in and takes Communion and then passes the bread. Perfect. The second time, he does the same thing. I'm wondering if they told him that he only needs to take it once. Third time...he takes it again and passes the bread. This goes on 7 times. 7 times he takes Communion. He dips his bread in the grape juice like he is eating chips and dip. By the 5th time, I had tears rolling down my face, Such a goof ball. After the service is over, he asks me "How did I do mom? Did you see that me blow out the candles? Oh, you don't need to get me anything to eat...I'm full." Yep. Too much bread and grape juice. How many people can actually say they filled up on the Communion meal? That's my boy.
Little sister had a 2 hour softball practice. She dreaded it all day and then called me on the way home to discuss how well she did. Her best friend/quasi-sister was spending the night with us as she does most weekends, so I had planned on putting them in front of a movie and getting some writing done. Dad and boy were into some baseball game, so the potential for quiet time was there. But the girls had other plans. They are considering going to summer camp for a week this summer, and tonight was the night they felt the need to discuss the pros and cons with me...Ok. The pros were: bunk beds, archery, campfires and riflery. The cons were : mom might die while I'm gone, the dog might die while I'm gone, rifles can be dangerous. These were the worries that needed to be discussed and debated for 2 hours. At the end of the discussion, no decisions were made, except that we would discuss it more today.
Today is a day off for everyone. Dad is working from home. Boy has a 2 hour baseball practice that he doesn't know about yet. Little sister and best friend have coerced me into taking them to the opening day of the new Hannah Montanna movie. There will also need to be some plans made about an Easter egg hunt which is tricky because even though everyone now knows there is no Easter Bunny, it has been decided that we will still pretend that we believe.
So on with the day. I will scribble down the terrific writing ideas that came to me in the middle of the night and hope that they still seem as interesting on Monday morning. And I will try to remember that even though I thought I wanted to write this morning, there will come a day when I will look back and wish that I needed to go see Hannah Montanna and hide Easter eggs...
So until next week, when the focus will be off of the kids and back onto the shallow, material things that we girls see in magazines this time of year...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
They're Playing My Song (I Wish)
I heard some really disappointing news this morning on the radio. The last few years, American Idol has held a songwriting competition. Near the end of every season, song writers are invited to submit songs that will be considered for the finale. You know the song, the one that the winner sings after he or she wins. This is the first song that they actually get to record. Last year, for David Cook, it was "The Time of My Life". I don't remember many of the others. Kelly Clarkson's was "A Moment Like This", but I only remember that because I still listen to that CD while I run. Taylor Hicks's song was "Do I Make You Proud?" which was not a submission, but written for him by professional writers. I actually liked the song, but most people didn't, especially after Weird Al Yankovich fashioned a rip-off copy entitled "Do I Creep You Out?"
Anyway, this year, they have decided to let the new judge Kara DioGuardi write the song. Now don't get me wrong, she is a really good songwriter and she has written hit songs for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Ashley Simpson to Faith Hill. But I had already written half my song! I was determined to win this year. Two years ago, I wrote and recorded a pretty decent song called "The Journey is the Prize". I sang and played the piano and recorded it on my computer. (This says a lot about the quality of the recording, doesn't it?) Factor that in with the kids running in and out yelling, and the dog barking in the background, and..well, you get the picture.
But honestly, and I am embarrassed to admit this...I actually thought I had a shot. The lyrics were compelling, the melody was catchy...all in all, deep down, I thought I could be the winner. There were to be 10 finalists, and then America would listen to all of them and vote. Ryan Seacrest said that there were almost 25,000 submissions, but even this didn't detour me. Now if you follow this blog, you know I am prone to overly-optimistic, sometimes bordering- on-fantasy daydreams. But even my cynical husband kept saying I had a chance. I remember we went out to dinner with some friends and he told them I had submitted a song. Of course, I was mortified! I didn't know them well, and here he was telling them that I had entered a song in the American Idol songwriting contest. All I could think of was that if I possibly lost, they would be in front of their TV laughing and saying "Remember the girl that actually sent in a song?...What a loser!" But actually, they were very nice and encouraging and seemed to appreciate the fact that I had even tried.
The day the top 10 were announced, my heart was beating wildly as I logged on to view the list. When my name wasn't there, I sort of cried. I called my husband, and I still remember he said "I'll bet yours was the 11th song..." Well , that's what husbands are for, right?
So this year, I started on my song early. I will even go so far to say that I pre-wrote my morning blog a couple of mornings so I could dedicate more time to my songwriting. (Sorry, I know that is cheating...but I only give myself so much creative free time...) Since I am betting that the final 4 on Idol will be Adam, Allison, Chris and Danny, I made sure that I could "hear" them all singing the song...Oh well. I won't give away the title, because who knows, maybe they will have another competition next year. Meantime, maybe I will submit the song to Keith Urban or Carrie Underwood or....well, you get the idea. In my optimistic daydream, they pay me a fortune for my song and insist that I appear with them on some award show to sing it. This also leads to the daydream where I get a famous designer to design a fabulous dress for the occasion...black halter with a deep dip in the back...but I have now gone down the crazy road, and need to get to work...
So until tomorrow, when I promise not to pre-write the blog...
Anyway, this year, they have decided to let the new judge Kara DioGuardi write the song. Now don't get me wrong, she is a really good songwriter and she has written hit songs for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Ashley Simpson to Faith Hill. But I had already written half my song! I was determined to win this year. Two years ago, I wrote and recorded a pretty decent song called "The Journey is the Prize". I sang and played the piano and recorded it on my computer. (This says a lot about the quality of the recording, doesn't it?) Factor that in with the kids running in and out yelling, and the dog barking in the background, and..well, you get the picture.
But honestly, and I am embarrassed to admit this...I actually thought I had a shot. The lyrics were compelling, the melody was catchy...all in all, deep down, I thought I could be the winner. There were to be 10 finalists, and then America would listen to all of them and vote. Ryan Seacrest said that there were almost 25,000 submissions, but even this didn't detour me. Now if you follow this blog, you know I am prone to overly-optimistic, sometimes bordering- on-fantasy daydreams. But even my cynical husband kept saying I had a chance. I remember we went out to dinner with some friends and he told them I had submitted a song. Of course, I was mortified! I didn't know them well, and here he was telling them that I had entered a song in the American Idol songwriting contest. All I could think of was that if I possibly lost, they would be in front of their TV laughing and saying "Remember the girl that actually sent in a song?...What a loser!" But actually, they were very nice and encouraging and seemed to appreciate the fact that I had even tried.
The day the top 10 were announced, my heart was beating wildly as I logged on to view the list. When my name wasn't there, I sort of cried. I called my husband, and I still remember he said "I'll bet yours was the 11th song..." Well , that's what husbands are for, right?
So this year, I started on my song early. I will even go so far to say that I pre-wrote my morning blog a couple of mornings so I could dedicate more time to my songwriting. (Sorry, I know that is cheating...but I only give myself so much creative free time...) Since I am betting that the final 4 on Idol will be Adam, Allison, Chris and Danny, I made sure that I could "hear" them all singing the song...Oh well. I won't give away the title, because who knows, maybe they will have another competition next year. Meantime, maybe I will submit the song to Keith Urban or Carrie Underwood or....well, you get the idea. In my optimistic daydream, they pay me a fortune for my song and insist that I appear with them on some award show to sing it. This also leads to the daydream where I get a famous designer to design a fabulous dress for the occasion...black halter with a deep dip in the back...but I have now gone down the crazy road, and need to get to work...
So until tomorrow, when I promise not to pre-write the blog...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Funeral Blues W.H. Auden
It's one of my favorite poems. In fact, over the last few years, I'm sure it is my favorite. Having attended the funerals of my dad, my mom and my mother-in-law over the last 4 years, the words have run through my mind over and over again. They are so poignant that they bear repeating:
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the piano and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffins, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the whites of public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South My East, my West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods,
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
I first heard that poem in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. I love that movie because it is hilarious and heart-breaking at the same time. I think that is how funerals are for me, too.
A friend of mine told me last weekend that she had attended the funeral of a step parent-in-law with her children. On her way there, she was nervous because it was only the second funeral that she had ever attended. When she arrived inside, she wasn't sure what to do. "I started to ask what side I should sit on, and then I remembered that was what you ask at a wedding." For some reason, this struck the two of us so funny that we literally laughed until we had tears coming down our cheeks. "I guess I could have asked 'Living or dead side?', but I just plopped down anywhere " she added.
Funerals are strange customs. You are forced to publicly display some feelings that are very private. If the deceased (I hate that word...it sounds like disease) was close to you, then you have to make some very odd yet important decisions while at the same time trying to process your grief. What kind of casket do you want? Which flowers are best? What hymns should be sung? And all the time the words running through your mind are "I'll never see this person again."
When both of my parents died, I was asked to write the obituary for the newspaper. Not only was it heart-wrenching, but it was also a very pressured-filled task for me because it meant I had to sum up my parent's life in a few paragraphs. This is what many people would remember about my mom or dad, so it felt extremely important to me to "get it right". Thank goodness I have three brothers who were prepared to add and edit. This made it easier knowing that it would be a group memory of their life and hopefully a fuller picture.
At my dad's funeral, the pastor was in the middle of his eulogy when he looked over and said how happy he was that my brothers and I were there. He referred to all of my brothers by name, and then he thanked "Kim" for being there too. Now my name isn't Kim, so for a moment I was confused. Then it dawned on me that he had gotten my name wrong. For some reason, this struck me as unbelievably funny and I was forced to hide my face so that nobody could see that I was laughing. I didn't dare look up for fear that I would see one of my brothers, because I knew without a doubt that they were also laughing. To this day, my nickname is Lil' Kim. Even my mother in all of her grief had a good laugh about that.
When my mom died a few months ago, the whole process felt sadly familiar. The flowers, the music, the obituary...I had been through it twice the past few years, and one would think that would make it easier. But the difference was, I did not have my mom there to cry to and talk with. I was alone, which in the end, is how we all are. Faith gives us hope and peace. Our family gives us strength and love. But as the poem says, "I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong."
Of course I believe that love lasts forever in a "see you some day" spiritual kind of way, but the day to day kind where you pick up the phone and say hello is the one that you miss.
And so today, I am going to welcome my son home with a big hug, smile at my family, call some friends, make some wrongs right, say I'm sorry where I need to...and be happy that there are no funerals to attend...
So until tomorrow, when the anniversary of so many sad days are past and I can talk about something a bit more uplifting...
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the piano and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffins, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the whites of public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South My East, my West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods,
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
I first heard that poem in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. I love that movie because it is hilarious and heart-breaking at the same time. I think that is how funerals are for me, too.
A friend of mine told me last weekend that she had attended the funeral of a step parent-in-law with her children. On her way there, she was nervous because it was only the second funeral that she had ever attended. When she arrived inside, she wasn't sure what to do. "I started to ask what side I should sit on, and then I remembered that was what you ask at a wedding." For some reason, this struck the two of us so funny that we literally laughed until we had tears coming down our cheeks. "I guess I could have asked 'Living or dead side?', but I just plopped down anywhere " she added.
Funerals are strange customs. You are forced to publicly display some feelings that are very private. If the deceased (I hate that word...it sounds like disease) was close to you, then you have to make some very odd yet important decisions while at the same time trying to process your grief. What kind of casket do you want? Which flowers are best? What hymns should be sung? And all the time the words running through your mind are "I'll never see this person again."
When both of my parents died, I was asked to write the obituary for the newspaper. Not only was it heart-wrenching, but it was also a very pressured-filled task for me because it meant I had to sum up my parent's life in a few paragraphs. This is what many people would remember about my mom or dad, so it felt extremely important to me to "get it right". Thank goodness I have three brothers who were prepared to add and edit. This made it easier knowing that it would be a group memory of their life and hopefully a fuller picture.
At my dad's funeral, the pastor was in the middle of his eulogy when he looked over and said how happy he was that my brothers and I were there. He referred to all of my brothers by name, and then he thanked "Kim" for being there too. Now my name isn't Kim, so for a moment I was confused. Then it dawned on me that he had gotten my name wrong. For some reason, this struck me as unbelievably funny and I was forced to hide my face so that nobody could see that I was laughing. I didn't dare look up for fear that I would see one of my brothers, because I knew without a doubt that they were also laughing. To this day, my nickname is Lil' Kim. Even my mother in all of her grief had a good laugh about that.
When my mom died a few months ago, the whole process felt sadly familiar. The flowers, the music, the obituary...I had been through it twice the past few years, and one would think that would make it easier. But the difference was, I did not have my mom there to cry to and talk with. I was alone, which in the end, is how we all are. Faith gives us hope and peace. Our family gives us strength and love. But as the poem says, "I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong."
Of course I believe that love lasts forever in a "see you some day" spiritual kind of way, but the day to day kind where you pick up the phone and say hello is the one that you miss.
And so today, I am going to welcome my son home with a big hug, smile at my family, call some friends, make some wrongs right, say I'm sorry where I need to...and be happy that there are no funerals to attend...
So until tomorrow, when the anniversary of so many sad days are past and I can talk about something a bit more uplifting...
Success is Getting What You Want, Happiness is Wanting What You Get
I watched North Carolina beat Michigan last night in the NCAA championship. I guess beat is really not the right word to describe it. It was really never a game. I was busy writing the first few minutes , and when I finally looked up, North Carolina was up by almost 15 points. It wasn't that they were doing anything out of the ordinary (although the 3 point shots were all falling). They are just a remarkable team. They played just as hard when they were up by 2o as they did at the beginning of the game. Everyone had a job to do and they did it.
I've been thinking a lot about that lately. Someone made a comment to me yesterday about work that goes unnoticed. The counter on my blog page was broken, so instead of being able to track how many readers I've had the last few days, I've just had to write freely and without purpose. As I've said before, viewing the "hits" each day is a bit of an ego boost, but if I pay too much attention to it, then I lose the real intent of the writing. Do I write because I have something to say or only because I want someone to read it? (Kind of like the old adage "If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound if nobody is there to hear it?")
When I write an article for a magazine or paper, the motivation is more complicated. Obviously there is the hope of being compensated. A lot of time and research goes into the articles, and even when I am pleased with the results, it is hard to feel successful unless I get published. It's not that the article is somehow better if someone accepts it, but like anything else, payment, acceptance...or even winning are prime motivators.
Last year during the Presidential campaign, I wrote a short novel entitled "Being Sarah Palin". It followed the life of Sarah Palin from the day she was chosen as a candidate to the day after the election. It was based on exhaustive research. Each day I collected every newspaper or magazine article I could find that wrote about her, and I intertwined the facts with what I imagined to be her reaction to all of it. I wrote for hours every day, and when I finally finished it, I was more proud of it than almost anything I'd ever written. I debated whether to submit it for publication or just go ahead and self-publish it myself ,because I felt like with her rock star status at the time, I was assured of sales. But in the end, I decided to wait. I had written it as a sort of homage to her. I had admired many of her qualities, and I had been appalled at the way the press had treated her. All in all, it was a positive portrayal, but I was also forced to be truthful. I decided to send it to her and hope for some sort of response. Along with the manuscript, I sent a letter asking for her approval to publish. I didn't ask for backing or reference. I just felt that enough had been written at her expense, and from a moral standpoint, I needed a nod of approval.
Needless to say, I heard nothing. I knew there was a good chance that I wouldn't hear anything. I read that her office received over 80,000 pieces of mail following the campaign.. But my naivete allowed me to hope that since I had sent it in by registered mail that I might get a response. I heard recently that she was offered several million dollars to write about her experiences. I knew then that even if she had read it and liked it, chances are that she would not support anything that would compete with her own book.
So I go back to my initial question about work that goes unnoticed. Does it make something better or more important if it gets recognition? Van Gogh didn't sell a painting until after his death. Are his paintings somehow better now than they were the day he painted them? I don't know the answer to that, and I am certainly not comparing myself to van Gogh.
These are obviously the questions of a non-famous writer...the rich, famous and published don't need to ask these existential questions, do they?...
So until tomorrow, when I hope my blog counter will be working again...and hats off to North Carolina, because the key to being a great team is playing hard every game whether you win or lose...
I've been thinking a lot about that lately. Someone made a comment to me yesterday about work that goes unnoticed. The counter on my blog page was broken, so instead of being able to track how many readers I've had the last few days, I've just had to write freely and without purpose. As I've said before, viewing the "hits" each day is a bit of an ego boost, but if I pay too much attention to it, then I lose the real intent of the writing. Do I write because I have something to say or only because I want someone to read it? (Kind of like the old adage "If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound if nobody is there to hear it?")
When I write an article for a magazine or paper, the motivation is more complicated. Obviously there is the hope of being compensated. A lot of time and research goes into the articles, and even when I am pleased with the results, it is hard to feel successful unless I get published. It's not that the article is somehow better if someone accepts it, but like anything else, payment, acceptance...or even winning are prime motivators.
Last year during the Presidential campaign, I wrote a short novel entitled "Being Sarah Palin". It followed the life of Sarah Palin from the day she was chosen as a candidate to the day after the election. It was based on exhaustive research. Each day I collected every newspaper or magazine article I could find that wrote about her, and I intertwined the facts with what I imagined to be her reaction to all of it. I wrote for hours every day, and when I finally finished it, I was more proud of it than almost anything I'd ever written. I debated whether to submit it for publication or just go ahead and self-publish it myself ,because I felt like with her rock star status at the time, I was assured of sales. But in the end, I decided to wait. I had written it as a sort of homage to her. I had admired many of her qualities, and I had been appalled at the way the press had treated her. All in all, it was a positive portrayal, but I was also forced to be truthful. I decided to send it to her and hope for some sort of response. Along with the manuscript, I sent a letter asking for her approval to publish. I didn't ask for backing or reference. I just felt that enough had been written at her expense, and from a moral standpoint, I needed a nod of approval.
Needless to say, I heard nothing. I knew there was a good chance that I wouldn't hear anything. I read that her office received over 80,000 pieces of mail following the campaign.. But my naivete allowed me to hope that since I had sent it in by registered mail that I might get a response. I heard recently that she was offered several million dollars to write about her experiences. I knew then that even if she had read it and liked it, chances are that she would not support anything that would compete with her own book.
So I go back to my initial question about work that goes unnoticed. Does it make something better or more important if it gets recognition? Van Gogh didn't sell a painting until after his death. Are his paintings somehow better now than they were the day he painted them? I don't know the answer to that, and I am certainly not comparing myself to van Gogh.
These are obviously the questions of a non-famous writer...the rich, famous and published don't need to ask these existential questions, do they?...
So until tomorrow, when I hope my blog counter will be working again...and hats off to North Carolina, because the key to being a great team is playing hard every game whether you win or lose...
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saying Good Bye and Celebrity Apprentice
This morning was drop off for the sixth grade field trip to Savannah. Two luxury buses with restrooms and TVs were loaded with backpacks, lunches and snacks. About 40 sleepy boys and girls climbed on and sat down and tried to pretend not to look for mom or dad. Once spotted, there was a quick, nonchalant wave. I was instructed on the quiet drive to school "don't do anything embarrassing." I wasn't sure what that meant, so I asked "Can I get out of the car?" He answered, "If you want, yes." Ok, I went a little further. "Can I hug you and say 'I love you'?" He nodded quietly, "Sure." Ok. "What might be embarrassing?" "Well, no more talking after that." Ok. I understood.
So I helped him find his bus and pack his lunch and bag. I didn't say anything to him, just smiled. He leaned over and gave me a bear hug and said "I love you." I bit my tongue so I wouldn't cry and nodded. "Me too." He climbed on the bus and took a seat by his friends. I stood a few more minutes and watched him get settled. As I walked back to the car, I glanced over one more time to makes sure he was ok. He was watching me and gave a quick wave. I waved back and ducked back into my car just in time for the tears to come. I figure I did ok. Nothing too embarrassing. I didn't talk and I didn't wait around until the bus pulled away. (I don't get too much credit for that...I had to get home to pick up Gabrielle and bring her back to school.) I have a lump in my throat that refuses to go away. I don't expect it to go away until Wednesday at 4:00 when the bus pulls back into the parking lot. With movies, tours, riverboat cruises, square dances, and sharing a hotel room with buddies, I'm thinking he will be fine...but I need a distraction. So on to something mind-numbing and silly...
Another thrilling episode of Celebrity Apprentice last night. Last week, we watched former NBA player and all-around strange guy Dennis Rodman get fired. Rodman had kind of stayed under the radar for a few weeks, not doing anything impressive, but not being derisive either. The challenge last week was to be the concierge desk for a luxury hotel. This included handling cleaning and room service too. Rodman was picked as team leader and at first, it looked like that even though he is not the brightest of the group, he might be able to pull it off. But unfortunately, due to his drinking problem and laziness, he tanked. The highlight of the episode was Jesse James. When I first tuned in, I knew he was the monster truck guy who was married to Sandra Bullock, and quite honestly, I wondered what she saw in him. But after a few weeks, he has become my favorite. What a nice guy. He was the only one with the guts to address Rodman's drinking problem. Everyone else beat around the bush, but he spoke compassionately and kindly. I think he has been a diamond in the rough the whole time.
Last night, Clint Black and Melissa Rivers were team leaders. They had to produce an internet commercial for All Dishwashing Detergent. Suffice it to say, they were both terrible and ridiculous. But the standout part of the episode was what a controlling, arrogant jerk that Clint Black is. I think there is a good chance that he tanked any career he had after that one. His commercial was not only cheesy and offensive, but it bordered on the ridiculous. If I were his wife (and even the thought of that is scary), I wouldn't speak to him for a month. The other team was not much better, so neither team was a winner last night. Trump said he was going to fire two people, but I had to get Matt packed, so I only saw him fire Tionne Watkins from Melissa's team. She made the tactical error of offering to go back into the boardroom with Melissa "just to support her." She should have known that Trump would view that as weakness. It was kind of a shame because she won as her team's leader last week. But in the end, I don't think she would have won anyway.
I'm hoping Clint Black was the other one to go. If he didn't, the whole thing is a joke.(Ok, I know, it is anyway...). But he literally would not let anyone give an opinion or do anything. I thought Joan Rivers was going to strangle him. She is such a loose cannon, but hey, anyone in their 70's who can still get it done like that, then more power to them.
Anyway, regardless of who stayed or went, we are left with a pretty sorry group on both teams. Herschel Walker and Joan Rivers are probably the front-runners, along with that annoying wrestling lady, Claudia something or other who I would have had to kill by now. And then there is Jesse James, who I am personally rooting for, but is probably too nice to win.
So on with the week. Snow in the forecast, North Carolina vs Michigan state in the NCAA finals...
and until tomorrow, when I will hopefully get rid of this lump in my throat...
So I helped him find his bus and pack his lunch and bag. I didn't say anything to him, just smiled. He leaned over and gave me a bear hug and said "I love you." I bit my tongue so I wouldn't cry and nodded. "Me too." He climbed on the bus and took a seat by his friends. I stood a few more minutes and watched him get settled. As I walked back to the car, I glanced over one more time to makes sure he was ok. He was watching me and gave a quick wave. I waved back and ducked back into my car just in time for the tears to come. I figure I did ok. Nothing too embarrassing. I didn't talk and I didn't wait around until the bus pulled away. (I don't get too much credit for that...I had to get home to pick up Gabrielle and bring her back to school.) I have a lump in my throat that refuses to go away. I don't expect it to go away until Wednesday at 4:00 when the bus pulls back into the parking lot. With movies, tours, riverboat cruises, square dances, and sharing a hotel room with buddies, I'm thinking he will be fine...but I need a distraction. So on to something mind-numbing and silly...
Another thrilling episode of Celebrity Apprentice last night. Last week, we watched former NBA player and all-around strange guy Dennis Rodman get fired. Rodman had kind of stayed under the radar for a few weeks, not doing anything impressive, but not being derisive either. The challenge last week was to be the concierge desk for a luxury hotel. This included handling cleaning and room service too. Rodman was picked as team leader and at first, it looked like that even though he is not the brightest of the group, he might be able to pull it off. But unfortunately, due to his drinking problem and laziness, he tanked. The highlight of the episode was Jesse James. When I first tuned in, I knew he was the monster truck guy who was married to Sandra Bullock, and quite honestly, I wondered what she saw in him. But after a few weeks, he has become my favorite. What a nice guy. He was the only one with the guts to address Rodman's drinking problem. Everyone else beat around the bush, but he spoke compassionately and kindly. I think he has been a diamond in the rough the whole time.
Last night, Clint Black and Melissa Rivers were team leaders. They had to produce an internet commercial for All Dishwashing Detergent. Suffice it to say, they were both terrible and ridiculous. But the standout part of the episode was what a controlling, arrogant jerk that Clint Black is. I think there is a good chance that he tanked any career he had after that one. His commercial was not only cheesy and offensive, but it bordered on the ridiculous. If I were his wife (and even the thought of that is scary), I wouldn't speak to him for a month. The other team was not much better, so neither team was a winner last night. Trump said he was going to fire two people, but I had to get Matt packed, so I only saw him fire Tionne Watkins from Melissa's team. She made the tactical error of offering to go back into the boardroom with Melissa "just to support her." She should have known that Trump would view that as weakness. It was kind of a shame because she won as her team's leader last week. But in the end, I don't think she would have won anyway.
I'm hoping Clint Black was the other one to go. If he didn't, the whole thing is a joke.(Ok, I know, it is anyway...). But he literally would not let anyone give an opinion or do anything. I thought Joan Rivers was going to strangle him. She is such a loose cannon, but hey, anyone in their 70's who can still get it done like that, then more power to them.
Anyway, regardless of who stayed or went, we are left with a pretty sorry group on both teams. Herschel Walker and Joan Rivers are probably the front-runners, along with that annoying wrestling lady, Claudia something or other who I would have had to kill by now. And then there is Jesse James, who I am personally rooting for, but is probably too nice to win.
So on with the week. Snow in the forecast, North Carolina vs Michigan state in the NCAA finals...
and until tomorrow, when I will hopefully get rid of this lump in my throat...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Carla Bruni, Michelle Obama, and Where is My Guitar?
I'm watching our President speak in Strasbourg, France. He's finishing up at the G20 summit after having met with European leaders during the week. He and Michelle have been schmoozing the last few days with Gordon Brown, the English Prime Minister, the Queen at Buckingham Palace and Nicholas and Carla Bruni Sarkozy, the President of France and his very cool model/singer wife.
I am going to say something that I rarely say. I am kind of proud of him this morning. Let me preface (so that all of my conservative friends don't stop reading right now and send me angry e-mails) by saying that I still disagree with much of what he stands for. But we have become so accustomed to being disliked around the world that it is almost shocking to see our leader treated like a rock star. When he and Michelle took the stage this morning, the skeptical, disdainful French audience went crazy. I was too young to remember the reaction that President Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy received in Europe when he was President, but from all I have read, it was very similar. I don't think it has much to do with his political views, although they responded very positively to some of his opinions. But it seems to be more to do with his willingness to listen and not dictate. He makes it very clear that he wants to work with the European leaders. But I also like the fact that he is not taking the blame for everything. He actually chastised them for disliking Americans after all the good we have done in the world.
Amazing...he is actually taking questions from the audience. This is really brave in a mostly French audience. I am also happy to see him not depending on a tele-prompter.
Michelle has looked lovely the entire trip. I loved her little coat dress ensemble that she wore when she met the Queen. Very proper and appropriate, but also very fashionable. The Queen actually gave her a hug...very un-Queenlike. The she wore a a teal blue Jason Wu dress that looked just stunning on her. This morning she has on a deep Magenta tailored dress that is also lovely. She has lunch today with Carla Bruni, the French President's wife. She is one of the few women who rivals Michelle in her ability to wow. I have to side-bar here and say that I love Bruni. I loved her back when she was a famous super-model. In my past life, I had a brief modeling career. I absolutely hated it, but I did try to model myself after Bruni. Besides the fact that she is stunningly beautiful, she knows how to walk a runway. She also knows how to dress with the perfect mixture of wow and cool. She took up a singing/songwriting career a few years back (before she married Sarkozy) and she is really talented. (Her CD "Quelqu'un m'a dit" is so good, too.) I have to admit that she is the reason I tuned in today. I wanted to see what she would be wearing. But she isn't there yet, so it will have to wait.
Well, I don't know. I think the United States needs to lead. I think we have to take the tough stances that many countries aren't willing to take. But you know what?...it's ok to be liked too. If for some reason our new President colors us in a new light to the rest of the world, I guess that is ok as long as we remain true to who we are.
I'm going to allow myself a few minutes today to enjoy the fact that the Europeans seem to like us a bit right now. I'm thinking this is good news for my friend Kelly who is headed to Paris this next week. It will be interesting to hear if she gets friendlier treatment.
So until next week, when I will be digging out my old guitar so I can be like Carla Bruni...
I am going to say something that I rarely say. I am kind of proud of him this morning. Let me preface (so that all of my conservative friends don't stop reading right now and send me angry e-mails) by saying that I still disagree with much of what he stands for. But we have become so accustomed to being disliked around the world that it is almost shocking to see our leader treated like a rock star. When he and Michelle took the stage this morning, the skeptical, disdainful French audience went crazy. I was too young to remember the reaction that President Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy received in Europe when he was President, but from all I have read, it was very similar. I don't think it has much to do with his political views, although they responded very positively to some of his opinions. But it seems to be more to do with his willingness to listen and not dictate. He makes it very clear that he wants to work with the European leaders. But I also like the fact that he is not taking the blame for everything. He actually chastised them for disliking Americans after all the good we have done in the world.
Amazing...he is actually taking questions from the audience. This is really brave in a mostly French audience. I am also happy to see him not depending on a tele-prompter.
Michelle has looked lovely the entire trip. I loved her little coat dress ensemble that she wore when she met the Queen. Very proper and appropriate, but also very fashionable. The Queen actually gave her a hug...very un-Queenlike. The she wore a a teal blue Jason Wu dress that looked just stunning on her. This morning she has on a deep Magenta tailored dress that is also lovely. She has lunch today with Carla Bruni, the French President's wife. She is one of the few women who rivals Michelle in her ability to wow. I have to side-bar here and say that I love Bruni. I loved her back when she was a famous super-model. In my past life, I had a brief modeling career. I absolutely hated it, but I did try to model myself after Bruni. Besides the fact that she is stunningly beautiful, she knows how to walk a runway. She also knows how to dress with the perfect mixture of wow and cool. She took up a singing/songwriting career a few years back (before she married Sarkozy) and she is really talented. (Her CD "Quelqu'un m'a dit" is so good, too.) I have to admit that she is the reason I tuned in today. I wanted to see what she would be wearing. But she isn't there yet, so it will have to wait.
Well, I don't know. I think the United States needs to lead. I think we have to take the tough stances that many countries aren't willing to take. But you know what?...it's ok to be liked too. If for some reason our new President colors us in a new light to the rest of the world, I guess that is ok as long as we remain true to who we are.
I'm going to allow myself a few minutes today to enjoy the fact that the Europeans seem to like us a bit right now. I'm thinking this is good news for my friend Kelly who is headed to Paris this next week. It will be interesting to hear if she gets friendlier treatment.
So until next week, when I will be digging out my old guitar so I can be like Carla Bruni...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thunderstorms, April Fool's and Baseball
It rained and hailed here all night. There is nothing better than sleeping during a thunderstorm like that. Well, the only thing better is waking up and thinking it is time to get up and then realizing that it is only 3:15. Nothing gives me more joy. On the flip side, there is nothing worse than waking up at 6:28 (when you have to get up at 6:30) and feeling like it is 3:15...
My daughter had been discussing April Fool's Day for several days. She kept asking what day it was and telling me that she had a great plan. (Hasn't yet grasped the whole concept, has she?) So yesterday afternoon while I am cooking dinner, she literally creeps into the kitchen with a silly look on her face. She goes into the refrigerator and pulls out the ketchup. She then goes into the laundry room and closes the door. I began to suspect that this was The Big Plan. Suddenly, she opens the door and comes out with a glob of ketchup running down her leg and said "Mom, I've cut my leg really bad. It hurts." Well, I had to play along, so I cringed and said "Oh no! We need to get to the hospital! You need stitches!." Of course instead of protesting, she grinned and said "Ok." Now at this point, my son, who was sprawled in a chair watching TV looks over and says, "Come on Gab. I think we all know that you have ketchup running down your leg. Either lick it off or be quiet." But he could not quell her fun. "I fooled you didn't I mom?" I wish I could hear how this little tidbit will be re-told at school today.
My son said his teacher played a joke on his science class. Instead of the normal multiple choice questions on Thursday's test, they would be required to write 3 page essays. Matt did not see the humor in this one. "I only studied for multiple choice questions." Now what this means, I do not even want to know.
This weekend my son has another travel ball tournament. These are always a lot of fun. We are playing in a little town about 30 minutes from here. Last tournament, Gabrielle and I had to drive up separately because she had softball practice. Now I have an absolutely non-existent sense of direction, so even though Tony had printed out directions for me, I knew that it would be a challenge. I took 2 wrong turns along the way and had to call him twice to get straightened out. When I finally made it to the little town, (which is made up of about 4 streets) I still couldn't find it. Somehow, we ended up in what could best be described as the "rough" part of town. By now, it was minutes away from game time and I was feeling frustrated . I spotted a group of young men huddled in the middle of the road. They looked a bit menacing, but I held my breath and rolled down my window. "Excuse me..," I began. They turned around and looked at me and started towards the car. "Yo Mamma..you be looking fine today...whatcha need from me?..." Well at his point, I quickly rolled up the window and waved a very friendly "thanks but I've got it figured out" wave. Gabrielle began to laugh out loud and said "Yo what?" Thankfully, an older man who had witnessed the whole thing ran over and told me to follow him. He lead me straight to the park (which was about 30 yards away) and we made it in time for the start.
I'll be riding with Tony and Matt this weekend, so no worries about directions. Of course, I won't get the compliments either. My friend Lisa has decided to get lost on purpose so she can experience the little ego boost too. Best of luck to her.
So until tomorrow, when I'll be looking forward to the big weekend...
My daughter had been discussing April Fool's Day for several days. She kept asking what day it was and telling me that she had a great plan. (Hasn't yet grasped the whole concept, has she?) So yesterday afternoon while I am cooking dinner, she literally creeps into the kitchen with a silly look on her face. She goes into the refrigerator and pulls out the ketchup. She then goes into the laundry room and closes the door. I began to suspect that this was The Big Plan. Suddenly, she opens the door and comes out with a glob of ketchup running down her leg and said "Mom, I've cut my leg really bad. It hurts." Well, I had to play along, so I cringed and said "Oh no! We need to get to the hospital! You need stitches!." Of course instead of protesting, she grinned and said "Ok." Now at this point, my son, who was sprawled in a chair watching TV looks over and says, "Come on Gab. I think we all know that you have ketchup running down your leg. Either lick it off or be quiet." But he could not quell her fun. "I fooled you didn't I mom?" I wish I could hear how this little tidbit will be re-told at school today.
My son said his teacher played a joke on his science class. Instead of the normal multiple choice questions on Thursday's test, they would be required to write 3 page essays. Matt did not see the humor in this one. "I only studied for multiple choice questions." Now what this means, I do not even want to know.
This weekend my son has another travel ball tournament. These are always a lot of fun. We are playing in a little town about 30 minutes from here. Last tournament, Gabrielle and I had to drive up separately because she had softball practice. Now I have an absolutely non-existent sense of direction, so even though Tony had printed out directions for me, I knew that it would be a challenge. I took 2 wrong turns along the way and had to call him twice to get straightened out. When I finally made it to the little town, (which is made up of about 4 streets) I still couldn't find it. Somehow, we ended up in what could best be described as the "rough" part of town. By now, it was minutes away from game time and I was feeling frustrated . I spotted a group of young men huddled in the middle of the road. They looked a bit menacing, but I held my breath and rolled down my window. "Excuse me..," I began. They turned around and looked at me and started towards the car. "Yo Mamma..you be looking fine today...whatcha need from me?..." Well at his point, I quickly rolled up the window and waved a very friendly "thanks but I've got it figured out" wave. Gabrielle began to laugh out loud and said "Yo what?" Thankfully, an older man who had witnessed the whole thing ran over and told me to follow him. He lead me straight to the park (which was about 30 yards away) and we made it in time for the start.
I'll be riding with Tony and Matt this weekend, so no worries about directions. Of course, I won't get the compliments either. My friend Lisa has decided to get lost on purpose so she can experience the little ego boost too. Best of luck to her.
So until tomorrow, when I'll be looking forward to the big weekend...
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