We’ve put together a great guide for adding value to your home by combing a list compiled by the home improvement experts at Better Homes & Gardens and our best sources here in Charlotte.

1. Replace your windows :: East Coast Window & Door
2. Install new lighting :: Lighting & Bulbs Unlimited
3. Upgrade kitchen countertops :: Stone Stystems of North Carolina
4. Change the backsplash in your kitchen :: Crossville Tile & Stone
5. Upgrade bath fixtures :: The Majestic Bath

Al Forum della Società Civile apertosi oggi a Napoli, il co-presidente del Basic Income Earth Network ha sottolineato l’impossibilità di affrontare il problema della povertà senza impegnarsi per una redistribuzione del prodotto

La classe emergente oggi nel mondo è quella dei precari, ha affermato Guy Standing intervenendo al Forum della Società Civile riunitosi a Napoli oggi e che continuerà i propri lavori domani per introdurre l’anno europeo della lotta alla povertà (il 2010). E’ un gruppo povero, anche solo di identità e storia in senso classico, e in seno a questo gruppo monta la rabbia.

“Ma è impossibile promuovere responsabilità sociale e combattere la povertà se non si affronta la grave crescita della disuguaglianza, è impossibile fare quello di cui c’è bisogno, cioè trovare nuove forme di partecipazione” ha detto Standing che è docente di Sicurezza Economica all’Università di Bath e che con il Basic Income Earth Network spinge perchè si arrivi a forme di reddito garantito nel mondo di oggi.

Al Forum stanno partecipando sia amministratori regionali come Rosa Russo Iervolino, sindaco di Napoli, Antonio Bassolino presidente della Campania, Giulio Riccio, assessore alle Politiche Sociali del Comune, che rappresentanti europei come i vicepresidenti Gianni Pittella ed Antonio Tajani. Oggi, nel corso dell’incontro svoltosi al Maschio Angioino, è arrivata per agenzia la notizia che Tajani è diventato Commissario Ue all’Industria.

E’ intevenuto anche Ludo Horemans, Presidente dell’European Anti Poverty Network, mentre nel seguito della giornata si sono svolti dei dibattiti separati, quattro tavoli dedicati rispettivamente all’Immigrazione e Integrazione, all’Agenda Sociale Europea 2010-2020, a Cittadinanza, diritti sociali ed Inclusione ed a Povertà e Globalizzazione.

Sui temi specifici del dibattito, centrale oggi in Europa, troverete nei prossimi giorni e nelle prossime settimane approfondimenti, a fianco al proseguimento degli altri due temi che nel quadro europeo il sito sta proponendo (rapporti tra qualità della democrazia e partecipazione femminile ;  prospettive dell’ Artico ed impegno dei paesi dell’area nord).

Nell’evento europeo che si sta svolgendo a Napoli oggi e domani stanno emergendo infatti spunti interessanti anche riguardo alle opportunità di iniziativa sociale e riformista offerte dall’entrata in vigore del Trattato di Lisbona.

Aldo Ciummo

David loves his rubber ducks.  They’re the tastiest thing ever!

making beauty and throwing it away and making more.

windy today and i feel less than brilliant. driving over the hill from work there are the dark parts on the road, when you pass through clumps of wood and the bright spots where you have a view of the ocean but that doesn’t make the road an allegory. i watch the trees, tossing in what certainly looks like sexual arousal. everything looks frail, the sky is grey blue and tells me that it all wont stop unfolding. a bit of air sneaks past a window and into my hair. last night i dreamed again. like a stain on my subconscious sheets that i’ve scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed but never got out. what i thought was an end turned out to be a middle what i thought was a brick wall turned out to be a tunnel what i always think i know is just a color in the sky, but i sat in the park the other day and watched natures wastefulness. its been doing that all week, making beauty and throwing it away …and making more.

Hmm…

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

SYDNEY GARDEN is situated at the extremity of Great Pulteney-street. Groves, vistas, lawns, serpentine-walks, shady-bowers, waterfalls, alcoves, bowling. greens, Merlin swings, grottoes, and labyrinths, are all crowded into this fairy realm.

From: A Guide to all the Watering and Sea-Bathing Places (1803) by John Feltham.

When Jane Austen left Steventon in Hampshire to accompany her parents to live in Bath upon Mr. Austen’s retirement in 1801, she was clearly going to miss being able to walk in the open countryside. Her letters of the time that survive reveal that she hoped to find solace by living near to and walking in the Sydney garden:

My mother hankers after The Square dreadfully and it is but natural to suppose my Uncle will take her part. It would be very pleasant to be near Sidney Gardens-we might go into the Labrinth every day…

(Letter to Cassandra Austen,dated 21^st January 1801)

Luckily for her, her wish came true and from 1801-4 the Austens lived at number 4 Sydney Place.

The gardens still exist,-the only surviving “Vauxhall” in England. These pleasure gardens were collectively called Vauxhalls after the famous garden in South London. And though it is closed at the  moment  it houses the stunning Holborn Museum collection in what used to be the main building of the garden.

The gardens opened to the public in May 1795.

This picture is a plan of the gardens as they were at that time, as depicted in Charles Harcourt Masters’ Plan of Bath(issued 1st January 1810- do note that the canal which dissects the gardens was not in situ when the gardens first opened). You can click on this plan-and indeed all the other plans and pictures in this post- to enlarge them.

This is a contemporary plan of the garden in colour , from which it might be easier to discern the individual parts of the garden.

The Sydney Tavern, the main building, was not at this time a place where you could say as guests overnight. Most pleasure gardens in 18^th/early 19th century England possessed a “long room” where you could dance country dances in long ” sets”, and where  you could promenade in wet weather, not an inconsiderable point to consider in England…..The Sydney Tavern was no exception, but it differed from most such buildings as its ” long room” or ballroom, was situated on the first not the ground floor, which was the more usual plan adopted in this country.

The first tenant of the building, John Gale and his family, lived on the top floors, which also housed the staff of both the kitchen and the garden.

It was not until well after Jane Austen’s time in Bath, in 1836, that it became a hotel in the modern sense of the word, but from 1813 the building was increasingly referred to as the Sydney Hotel, so some rooms may have been available for hire to paying guests from that time . There were private dining rooms and meeting rooms (where learned societies gave talks) available for hire in the house as well as the Ballroom. To the right of the Tavern on the plan you can just make out the two ” arms” of dining cubicles enclosing a wide circular area, which was where the main activities of meeting friends, promenading about in fine clothes and taking meals took place. Remember, as ever in this era, the thing to do was to be “seen” to be indulging in the most fashionable activities

There was also a moveable ” orchestra” which was a platform made in sections, which could be wheeled out of the way if space was at a premium, and the crowd of people was too great.

The Main Walk then rose up a slope to terminate in the Loggia, the small curved building at the far end. The Main walk was very wide but you will note that there were much narrower paths leading off from the Walk. The New Bath Guide of 1801 describes them as:

Serpentine walks which at every turn meet with sweet shady bowers furnished with handsome seats some canopied by Nature others by Art

There was also a Bowling Green, some waterfalls and pavilions.

The Labyrinth, where Jane Austen hoped to walk every day was a type of maze ( a fashionable 18th century garden conceit).It was, as the Bath Guide of 1801, states:

twice as large as Hampton Court’s

Note that in the centre of the Labyrinth there was what for sometime has been a little mystery for me…The Merlin Swing.

Information on this aspect of the gardens has been hard to finds. However, the answer is that it was not some Fragonard inspired decorative swing for lovers. No, it was a form of exercise machine invented by The Igenious Mechanick, John Jospeh Merlin,seen here painted by his great friend, Thomas Gainsborough.

Merlin was the sort of interesting man the 18th century produced, and it is hard to categories him. He invented/improved musical instruments, watches, roller skates, Bath Chairs and countless other items.

With regard to the swing, he was very interested on the effects of gravity on health and it is now supposed that his swing(sadly there is no illustration surviving of the famous item) was not decorative but something like the contraptions we now see which invert you so that stresses on the body can be relieved whie you hang upside down: it has been thought that it took the form of a revolving wheel.(See speculations in John Joseph Merlin: The Ingenious Mechanick by John Jacob et al). It was accessed through a moss covered Grotto, from which an underground passage led to the centre of the Labyrinth.

The Ruined Castle( Alert John Thorpe!) was at the top right hand corner of the plan(you can see it in the picture of the Labyrinth, above). It came complete with moat.

The Ride, which is shown on the extreme outside edge of the gardens, encircles what was then a border of rough pasture, not a manicured lawn.

The Garden, needless to say, was walled off from the general non-paying public and there was only one entrance at the Great Pultney Street end.

The garden was the scene of firework displays concerts and public breakfasts: all of which Jane Austen  took part in while she lived in Bath. I’ll write a little more on those in future posts.

This post will be aded to a new page, Jane Austen and Bath, which will be another on- going project for this site .

Last year I made Prince Ropork for the King Bladud’d Pig project in Bath. This year the project are running a Lion project with similar aims. Full size lion sculptures will be displayed in the summer of 2010. Many will be painted some will be mosaiced. I have my name on the list of artists and now waiting for a sponsor. If you want to sponsor me (or know of someone who might want to) get in touch with the organisers and let them know. All the information is on www.lionsofbath.com

My idea is to make either a golden lion using gold, copper and orange tiles or a white lion of silvers, whites and creams.

This is Prince Ropork hanging around  at the Circus from last years pig parade. The sculptures (over 100 of them) were made by Alan Dunn, who is also making the lions.

 To mosaic Prince I used gold, copper, mirror, pink ,terracotta,nuggets and  blue roundels.

(I love this picture – the man with the ladder was just in the right place at the right time !)

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving- a holiday which we’re told was initially celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Indians to give thanks for bountiful harvests.  Today, Thanksgiving is typically a celebration with friends and family where we stuff ourselves full of turkey and other delicious food till we’re in a food coma.  Damn that tryptophan.  Those still awake watch football or plan where they’re going for the Black Friday deals.

Over the last few days, I’ve been contemplating and reflecting over the things that I am thankful for this year.  Some times sarcasm creeps– what can you be thankful for when your world is turned upside down and you’ve lived through the darkest, loneliest, saddest times you’ve ever been through.  I’ve then given myself a mental pep talk.  After several days of  thinking, I’ve found some light in the darkness.

Basically 2009 has just plain sucked since February.  Life was so good before February- I had a husband whom I loved dearly and we were such a happy family with our new son.  Everybody was healthy.  Life was good.

Then along came February and the stage IV diagnosis, followed by our fight and culminating in our lost battle.

But through it all there are things to be thankful for.

Nathaniel.  I have a wonderful easy going delightful son.  He is a pleasure to be around and his growth and development is nothing short of amazing to witness.

John got to be a father and he was a great one.  Some men never have the opportunity to become fathers.  Of the ones that do, not all of them are great.  John enjoyed fatherhood as much as he physically could through his illness.  Mentally it gave him a reason to fight and a reason to live that stretched beyond self.  John loved his boy so much.  He told me that Nathaniel’s laughter was his most favorite sound.

I had a great marriage and was married to a wonderful man.  I’ve been able to experience true love.  There are lots of people who can’t say that.  I have enough wonderful memories to hopefully last a lifetime.

John’s illness has taught me to stand up for what is right and to fight for those you love and to pick up the pieces and carry on.  The Mary of years past, wouldn’t have stood up to the well known and credentialed doctor and told him that we weren’t done fighting and if he was, then he could be forever referred to by name as “the doctor that gave up on daddy and the doctor who let daddy die.”  The doctors and nurses have other patients and rooms to visit.  The patient has one life.  Sometimes you have to stand up for those you love and insist on the best treatment for your loved one.  In the end maybe the outcome isn’t the most important thing, but rather how you life the life you have and the memories that you leave.  We’ve all been born and we’ll all die… really it’s the parts in the middle that we need to really make count!

John’s death has left me with a hole in my heart- grief, heartache, and loneliness like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.  But, I’m getting through it… not over it, but through it.  Some days are like walking through a nice grassy meadow with the sun warmly shining.  Others are like fighting my way through thick mud and slipping, sliding, falling, and getting up and pushing on.  The sun rises.  The sun sets.  Life goes on.  If I choose to live life or not, it still continues- better to enjoy it while I can.  Nathaniel, the horses, and the cats have kept me going.  They all need me and they all love me.  I’m working or re-building my life.  It won’t ever be the same or the happy home and strong fortress that it was with the three of us, but we’re making it.  It’s not always easy, it’s not always pretty, and it certainly isn’t always clean, but we’re making it…. one day at a time.  Life goes on.  We never know how short or long our life will be.  To me it only makes sense to enjoy it to it’s fullest and be happy as best you can.

For some reason, John’s death has chilled me out more and I don’t usually get upset over the little stuff.  In the end, the little things don’t matter.  It’s the big picture.  I just want to relax and enjoy simple pleasures- hug my kid, ride my horses, take a walk, pet the critters, and just enjoy life.  I’m very fortunate that I can do all of those things without even leaving Leaky Creek!  I love my farm, my house, my horses, my cats, and my son.  I truly feel like there is something else out there beyond our realm.  I do think that John has given me signs.  It’s reassuring and gives me an inner peace that I need.  Attending church has been helpful.  I used to fear dying terribly.  After I held John’s hand as he died, my fear left.  Someday, I’m sure we’ll be together again… as long as he doesn’t hook up with some hot angel in the meantime…

Annapolis Fire Department.  They were absolutely amazing during John’s illness and they (along with Community Fire Company of Rising Sun) made his funeral a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and amazing firefighter.  AFD did so many wonderful things that I know I can’t mention all of them.  They covered John’s shifts, so he received full pay.  They allowed him to retire on disability.  They came to visit him in the hospital and were there for his 2nd round of IL2 treatments at 6 AM & 10 PM.  They transformed our half bath into full bath with a shower that John could use.  Sometimes when you’re sick… the ability to get clean just means so much.  Sadly, John was only able to use his shower a few times, but it was very much appreciated!    AFD built a ramp, so we could get the wheelchair in and out easily.  They mowed our grass and did assorted maintenance jobs.  They went with us to many doctor’s visits so I didn’t have to worry about driving on little sleep or in unpredictable traffic.  They sent meals.  They held a fundraiser in Annapolis.  They participated in Team Smitty for the LiveStrong Challenge.  In, short, they took care of their brother.  John truly worked for a topnotch organization.  He loved working there and they loved him, too.  I miss them.

I’m thankful to the wonderful medical personnel that we encountered… from the friendly, familiar faces on the ambulance, to the caring hospital nurses, to our beloved home health nurses, and every smiling caring face in between.

I am thankful to the friends and family who have supported us and were there for John, Nathaniel, and myself.  During times of crisis, you find out who your true friends are.  Sometimes they are who you think they are… sometimes they’re different people.  I  have been very fortunate that no matter how alone I feel, I am not without friends to support me.  Some friendships have strengthened and I’ve even found new friends.  A simple phone call can make all the difference in the world.  Many people have also helped me out with everything from mowing grass, to checking car brakes, to babysitting, to installing ceiling fans, to watching Nathaniel while I got some equine therapy… and just being there when I needed to talk, needed a hug, or needed a shoulder to cry on.  This Thanksgiving, I’ve received so many invitations- thanks to everybody who thought about my boy and me and knew that we might not have a place to go.

I also have the world’s best babysitter.  I can’t tell you how amazing she has been with my son and how much I enjoy and value her friendship.  We’ve known each other since elementary school, but had lost touch through the years.  Facebook re-united us and I consider her to be one of my best friends, now.  We share conversations, hugs, and tears.  There is nothing like having the piece of mind that my son is being cared for as if her were part of her family.  Nathaniel helped carve his first pumpkin and made his first art project with them.  Her daughter is like a sister to him.  Nathaniel adores her husband and I think it is important for Nathaniel to  have a good male role model in his life.  I can go to work and have no concerns and no worries… to quote the credit card commercials.. “Peace of mind– priceless.”   I know John would approve.

I also hope that I can do some things in memory of John to help fight melanoma and fight cancer.  I don’t want his death to be in vain.  Skin cancer can kill.  We need more melanoma awareness and much, much more research.  I’d love to do a memorial bike ride, since he loved to cycle.

So, even in what has been the worst year in my 34 year life, there are things to be thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  Hug your spouse.  Hug your kid(s).  Pet the critters.  Eat up and watch some football.  And if you get a chance before the food coma sets in take at least a brief moment to remember what you’re thankful for.

SAVE $12.51 – Pittsburgh Steelers Toothbrush – NFL Football Fan Shop Sports Team Merchandise $7.49

Price: $20.00 Now: $7.49 You save: $12.51

A great way to show off your Steelers team spirit! Our NFL Licensed toothbrushes have opposing angled bristles to reach between teeth with each forward and backward stroke. The extended tip accesses hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. A nice gift for your More info »

Last updated: November 26, 2009, 12:15 am

Shop Now »»

Permalink: dealnay.com/125093

• Budget: Up to $20 off weekend rentals on Orbitz! (Exp 12-31-09) (Orbitz)
• Earn Reward Points Every Time You Talk with Pulse Telecom (Pulse Telecom)
• Huge American Airlines SALE on CheapTickets! (Book by 12-15-09) (CheapTickets)

I’m kind of a hypochondriac, but only when it comes to things that don’t matter, like headaches and heartburn. When I have real symptoms I pretend it’s nothing and then it hits me when I’m least expecting it. Sneak attack.

Like right now: I’m sick. Legitimately, three doctors visits and three $15 co-pays kind of sick. I even got the H1N1 shot because my immune system sucks.

It started last Saturday when I discovered that my skin was rather irritated. It developed into a full-blown infection causing swollen glands and a skin irritation working its course through my body. Balls. It’s not mono, and it’s not strep, but it’s something so Doctor #1 gave me some amoxicillin. Thank God. Sickness is a weight-loss plan I can only stomach for a couple days.

The throat cleared up beautifully, but I’m still a leper. Not attractive. To counter the inflammation, I took my first bath since 8th grade. The water was green (due to some oatmeal-like stuff) but my apartment bathroom is the shit. Candles, steamy water, and a huge tub. Ahhh.

Oh, and by the way, boobs float. Sure I’ve been in a pool, lake, or ocean within the last year, but tubs are totally different. I’ve grown a bit (lot) since my last bath, and by golly that was just funny.

Friday morning I am off on a very brief holiday to the ‘West Country‘.

My intinery:

• 1 day in Torquay
• 1 day at the Eden Project
• 1 day at Bath for the Christmas markets on the way back

And the best thing about it?

I’m going by coach

A coach full of old people

Yep this is a bone fide Old Person Holiday.  I’m accompanying my Aunt on this trip – she isn’t a pensioner by the way, she just thought this holiday was a bargain (and indeed it is – £130 inc travel, 2 nights bed breakfast & dinner in a hotel plus admission to Eden Project!).

I’ve never been away on a genuine old person holiday before, with a pile of old folk, and I don’t really know what to expect.   (Debauchery?  Decadence? Dominos?)

Anyway, I’m really looking forward to this trip – it’ll be great to have a break, and the bonus of travelling with a whole pile of elderly folk: there is no chance of us running out of travel sweets on the journey down…

I hate to break it to you people but…. It’s winter! I don’t know about you but all i want to do when i’ve been out in the cold is go home and have a hot bubble bath which feels great but, baths can actually dry your skin out in the winter months but here to our rescue is this wonderful product.

This is a double function deluxe formula bubbling bath soak. With a built-in body lotion and a moisture magnetising skin conditioner you’ll be smoothed while your soothed. The smell is amazing too, apparently it’s bergamot, strawberries, and mandarin, with mid notes of musk, amber and warm vanilla. To be honest, i would never have been able to sniff out all of those ingredients, i just know thats it’s smells yum.

I had run out and changed to another bubble bath during the summer but you just can’t beat getting into a bath of this on a cold winter night, so that’s why i have just bought another bottle! Also i do think £4.99 is a bit pricey for a bubble bath but it’s a big 500ml bottle and you only use a few capfuls because a little goes a long way, and you will definitely appreciate this in your life

Plus it’s currently on 3 for 2 at boots

Tim Vyner: World Games / Bankside Gallery, 25–29 November 2009

Last night I went to the opening of Tim Vyner’s new show of paintings at the Bankside Gallery in London. Tim was my illustration tutor for 3 years at Bath and a massive influence during my time there. His talent as an artist is exceptional and his latest show is nothing short of stunning.

The painting shown above is actually from a few years ago and not in the current exhibition, but shows Tim’s wonderfully naive & charming style and his real eye for colour. The show on in Bankside for the next few days is the result of his trip to the Beijing Olympic games and features some truly beautiful artworks. There’s also some paintings of London that document how the city is already changing in preparation for 2012. I love his treatment of street scenes and store-front typography, all rendered with a subtle and exquisite touch. Definitely one to check out.

See more of Tim’s work here.

There’s an unfinished story sitting on the nightstand of my brain; it’s threatening to crawl out of its margins and stain the wood it lays on. It’s a story about an incomplete girl and a summer spent dipping strands of hair into cups of tea….a girl who has nothing to say but is dying to say it.
She’s tired of all the sighing and breath-holding yet she’s not sure what would really happen if her nearly invisible life was actually seen by someone.
She cries dirty tears that draw the future lines on her face and cradle baskets under her eyes that accumulate looks and judgments, whispers, unholy cries for help and shameless acts.
She lives in a world outside the kissing and far away from the embraces that demolish knees leaving them buckled. Disconnected from the way a pair of hands can carve into a back and shake debris from someone’s being and leave them to face the world helpless and kissed.
And so she writes. She writes because the words are heavy. Because she can’t help but scribble a few clumsy verses here and there even if she just tosses them into an old shoe box deciding that its a shitty pointless day for writing…  Everyday is pointless when it comes to writing, that’s why she likes it.
She writes about the storms that take place in the far left corner of her bedroom, about paper hearts and how rain makes apple sauce. She writes about the smell of the dirt in the garden and the way warm water feels running over her hands and about fucking and the things that most people don’t notice.

She writes and she shrugs and she misses him and she eats cereal and she has a bath and she paints and she smiles and she writes and she soaks up some more tears with tissues that lay around her house reminding her that she gets better all the time…and so she writes.

and so she writes...

I’m glad you asked. I’ll be glad to tell you. First and foremost, I am thankful to God and all the blessings He has given to my family. I’m thankful the things that we sometimes too often don’t think enough about…health, wonderful family and friends, our jobs, our house.

But today, at this exact moment, I am thinking just how thankful I am for Justin and Isabella. It really hit me when I was going through some pictures. Trust me, when you see the pictures below you’ll understand why. They made me think about just how lucky I am to have the both of them in my life.

Justin is an amazing husband to me and the best daddy to Isabella. He truly is our provider and protector in many ways. He is a rock to me. And I don’t know what I would do without him.

Then I’ve got Isabella. It’s true when you hear people say nothing can prepare you for having a child. It has made me experience many emotions to the most extreme. I’ve never been so worried, scared, frustrated, elated, happy, excited, proud in my life. Honestly, sometimes I feel like my heart is going to burst from all of the love I have for her. She is truly a blessing that Justin and I have been given. And I look forward to many, many more years experiencing life with the both of them.

and i have no business doing this…no business at all…but its just that from time to time i feel like i’m dying a little bit and then those words…all those lovely words reminding me of what i meant to say… or that i meant to say something….

My name is Paula Owens, and I am an Avon Independent Sales Representative. If you’re interested in Avon products, check out my online store at: www.youravon.com/paulaowens. Avon always has great deals on all products, and there are products for both women and men. Some of Avon’s products include Makeup, Bath and Body, Fragrance, Jewelry, Skincare, Foot Works, and much more. If you would like to take a quick preview of some of Avon’s products and prices, take a look:

(please note, I am not authorized to post photos of Avon products, so to see actual photos, please go to my website at www.youravon.com/paulaowens)

Avon Makeup:

GLAZEWEAR Dimensions Lipstick

Ultra-reflective pearls light up your color and magnify lips with more dazzle, dimension and drama than ever before. Shades come in varieties of: Bombshell Brown, Nude Gold, Shiny Bronze, and Shiny Rouge

special price: $4.99*

regular price: $8.00

you save 37%!

12-IN-1 Eye Palette

Comes in versatile powders from dark to light, neutral to bright, and matte to shimmer. Endless possibilities for you to choose from!

special price: $12.99*

regular price: $20.00

you save 35%!

NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel

Advanced formula with acrylic for strong nails. No formaldehyde, toluene or phthalates. Comes in a variety of shades: Blue Flare, Coral Bikini, Golden Rose, Golden Twilight, Golden Wine, Nocturnal, Nude Gold, Peach Passion, Textured Teal, Tropical Print Pink, Tropical Punch, Bare Necessity, Cherry Jubilee, Clear, Cotton Candy, Classic Fit, Fuschia, French Tip White, Lagoon, Mulberry, Midnight Plum, Real Red, Rave, Retro Rose, Ruby Slipper, Sheer French Pink, Sunshine, Tangtastic, Tweed, Venus, and Viva Pink.

special price: $2.99*

regular price: $5.00

you save 40%!

BEYOND COLOR Line Softening Mousse Foundation

This line softening mousse foundation is as light as air, soft as silk, and is enriched with 15% moisturizers and vitamins A,C and E, and provides a moist, matte finish, so skin looks smooth and flawless. The proof: 79% of women saw diminished lines and wrinkles. Comes in shades of: Nude, Ivory, Bisque, Warmest Beige, Porcelain, Honey, Almond, Cream, Buff, Toffee, Beautiful Bronze, and Mahogany.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $12.00

you save 16%!

Avon Skincare:

Clearskin® Professional Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub

Contains our exclusive Oil Control System. Exfoliates pores; leaves skin feeling cool, clean and healthier-looking.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $12.oo

you save 16%!

Solutions Plus+ Maximum Moisture Eye Cream

New & improved solutions a.m./p.m. This nourishing treatment helps smooth rough texture around the delicate eye area. Instantly hydrates to leave skin feeling smoother, softer and more supple. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist-tested. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist-tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes.

special price: $7.99*

regular price: $12.50

you save 36%!

Nurtura Replenishing Cream

Nourish at night so your skin can drink it in. Created for undernourished dry skin.

special price: $3.89*

regular price: $8.00

you save 51%!

ANEW LUMINOSITY ULTRA Advanced Skin Brightener SPF15 UVA/UVB AM

This super-charged, state-of-the-art formula attacks the multiple causes of skin discoloration which can be due to aging, sun or environmental damage, and hormonal changes. Advanced brightening action corrects and now even prevents discolorations. See faster results than ever before. Now formulated for and tested on all skin types and tones. Use daily.

special price: $16.99*

regular price: $22.00

you save 22%!

Clearskin® Immediate Response Cleanser

this cleanser significantly improves acne size, redness and swelling after just one use, and has 2% salicylic acid.

special price: $2.65*

regular price: $5.29

you save 49%!

Avon Bath and Body:

AVON BASICS Care Deeply with Cocoa Butter Body Lotion

This lotion moisturizes with Cocoa Butter plus glycerin.

special price: $3.49*

regular price: $5.29

you save 34%!

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Hand Cream

this moisture therapy intensive hand cream continuously moisturizes, even through washing!

special price: $1.49*

regular price: $3.99

you save 62%!

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Simple Skin Cleanser

This non-drying fomula helps retain skin’s natural moisture after every bath or shower. Mild and noncomedogenic. Allergy tested. Dermatologist tested. Fragrance-free, dye-free.

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $7.99

you save 50%!

Concentrated Bubble Bath

1 capful is a tubful! New concentrated formula packs 15 bubble baths into our 8 oz. size! Get more bubbles for less! Smaller cap makes it easy to measure out. Softly scents your skin; won’t leave a bathtub ring. Dermatologically tested. Mild and gentle. Choose from all your classic favorites: French Liliac, Peach, Soft Pink, and Vanilla Cream. Also for kids and anyone with sensitive skin. 

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $6.99

you save 42%!

Foot Works Super Softening Ointment

Power relief for the roughest of soles in just 7 days! Highly effective treatment helps minimize calluses and rough skin buildup so feet look and feel soft and smooth.

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $4.99

you save 20%!

Avon Fragrance:

Christan Lacroix Absynthe Eau de Parfum Spray

Only at Avon.
A mysterious potion of sexy florals and rich woods inspired by the magic of absynthe.

special price: $24.00*

regular price: $32.00

you save 25%!

ALWAYS Eau de Parfum Spray

Inspired by love, it’s a romantic bouquet of yellow tulip, sparkling star fruit, and everlasting flower.

special price: $22.50*

regular price: $30.00

you save 25%!

TODAY Eau De Parfum Spray

A precious floral blend that blooms and evolves into a signature as inspiring and personal as love.

special price: $22.50*

regular price: $30.00

you save 25%!

TOMORROW for Her Eau de Parfum Spray

A whispering oriental that embraces you with warmth and sensuality.

special price: $22.50*

regular price: $30.00

you save 25%!

Derek Jeter Driven WARM CEDARWOOD Eau de Toilette Spray (for him)

A passionate play of rich, warm woods teamed with masculine spices.

special price: $12.99*

regular price: $20.00

you save 35%!

Derek Jeter Driven AROMATIC SPICES Eau de Toilette Spray (for him)

A bold play of zesty citrus spiced with rich, exotic woods.

special price: $12.99*

regular price: $20.00

you save 35%!

Derek Jeter Driven FRESH CITRUS Eau de Toilette Spray (for him)

a confident play of energizing citrus, aquatic bamboo and woody musk.

special price: $12.99*

regular price: $20.00

you save 35%!

Avon Hair Care:

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Hair Spray

Our firm hold pump hair spray performs in even the most humid conditions holding hair in place for up to 15 hours with shine and without stickiness.

special price: $2.99*

regular price: $3.99

you save 25%!

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Moisture Sleek Smoothing Serum

Apply a quarter-sized dollop into palms and distribute evenly throughout hair.

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $4.99

you save 20%!

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Intense Repair Overnight Elixir

Unique new formula replenishes, softens and repairs while you sleep. Works all night to strengthen and fortify hair. Damaged hair looks & feels deeply nourished and renewed overnight. Leaves no residue on pillow.

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $4.99

you save 20%!

Avon Wellness:

liiv botanicals Rejuvenating Body Wash

Reconditions for skin that’s soft to the touch.

With active plant extracts and hyper-oxygenated water to help detoxify impurities.

Formulated with rich, natural botanicals, this in-shower cleanser leaves skin hydrated, moisturized and completely refreshed. Detoxifies skin of impurities.

special price: $4.25*

regular price: $8.50

you save 50%!

liiv botanicals Revitalizing Facial Scrub

bamboo powder is a natural exfoliant that gives skin a polished, radiant and glowing look after just one use.

Improve texture and even tone while smoothing away roughness. Unclogs pores and lifts oil. Gives skin a more radiant and glowing look.

Softens the appearance of age spots and discoloration after 8 weeks of use.

special price: $3.75*

regular price: $7.50

you save 50%!

Chakra Gem Bracelet

Enrich your personal energy with semiprecious chakra stones. Each of the 7 chakras represents a physical, emotional or mental state, helping to enrich one’s spirit and well-being.

Aventurine(green) – personal power
Clear Quartz (clear) – restores balance
Tiger’s Eye (brown) – physical energy
Carnelian (red) – creativity
Sodalite (blue) – higher intuition
Turquoise – communication
Rose Quartz – compassion

special price: $12.99*

regular price: $14.99

you save 13%!

Chakra Gem Set

Enrich your personal energy with semiprecious chakra stones. Each of the 7 chakras represents a physical, emotional or mental state, helping to enrich one’s spirit and well-being.

special price: $16.99*

regular price: $19.99

you save 15%!

Curves® Trimming Waist Support

Now with adjustable zipper closures! Sauna-action shaper belt retains warmth and helps you shed excess water as you exercise. Zipper closures adjust to 3 different sizes. Supports lower back. Neoprene.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $12.99

you save 23%!

Avon Fashion:

Sterling Silver Birthstone Necklaces

Sterling Silver with genuine gemstones in a unique setting. CZ accents on most. Rhodium-plated for anti-tarnish protection. 19″ chain.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $49.99

you save 60%!

Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Cross Necklace in Velvet Box

Openwork cross pendant with genuine diamond accent. Rhodium-plated for long-wearing anti-tarnish protection. 19″ chain.

special price: $14.99*

regular price: $49.99

you save 70%!

Sterling Silver Vintage Band CZ Ring

Antiqued marcasite-look setting with oval-shape CZ.

special price: $14.99*

regular price: $24.99

you save 40%!

Daisy-Jane 5-Day Earring Set

5 pairs of silvertone pierced stud earrings: blue glass rectangles, faux pearls in lavender and cream, round glass and pink glass hearts.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $14.99

you save 33%!

Bold Chandelier Earrings

Crystal drops. 3″ L.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $14.99

you save 33%!

Floral Bloom Pearlesque Bracelet

Three strands of faux pearls with silvertone and rhinestone floral detail. 7″ L stretch bracelet fits most.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $19.99

you save 50%!

Mickey Mouse 80th Anniversary Collector’s Watch

Only at Avon!
Collector’s edition timepiece features two-tone dial with full-color Mickey Mouse and tone-on-tone sketches. Silvertone case. Brown man-made strap with leather lining and raised Walt Disney signature, 9 1/2″ L. Comes in mouse ear-shaped tin.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $34.99

you save 42%!

Vintage Disney Princess Watch

Vintage, silvertone, 9″ L leather-look strap. Adult size only. Comes in Cinderella and Snow White.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $29.99

you save 33%!

Twist Front Knit Top in Womens

Available in Grey only. Long raglan sleeves. Polyester/spandex.

special price: $14.99*

regular price: $29.99

you save 50%!

Cable Flip Top Glove

Great for easy access to dialing and text messaging! Mitten top folds back and buttons to glove to reveal fingers. 100% anti-pill acrylic.

special price: $9.99*

regular price: $14.99

you save 33%!

Denim Belted Jacket

Faux horn buttons at front and on cuffs. Back pleat. Two pockets on front. 100% cotton denim.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $34.99

you save 42%!

Croco Embossed Suede Cushion Walk® Wedge

Genuine suede with embossed leather-look trim. Massaging footbed. 1 1/2″ wedge heel. Skid-resistant sole.

special price: $24.99*

regular price: $34.99

you save 28%!

Avon For Men:

Christian Lacroix NOIR for Him After Shave Conditioner

Soothing alcohol-free formula enriched with aloe and moisturizers.

special price: $7.00*

regular price: $9.50

you save 26%!

Perceive for Men Hair and Body Wash

Lather from head to toe with the masculine scent of Perceive that lasts throughout the day and into the night.

special price: $3.99*

regular price: $6.00

you save 33%!

Men’s Casual Leather Watch

Luminescent hands. Brown genuine leather strap, 9 1/2″ L.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $29.99

you save 33%!

Men’s Silvertone Watch

Faux chronograph dial. 8 1/2″ silvertone bracelet.

special price: $19.99*

regular price: $29.99

you save 33%!

*special pricing only lasts for a limited time, so be sure to set up a free account, and place your order online anytime at: www.youravon.com/paulaowens 

Thanks for looking! That’s all the previews I have for now, to see more Avon products and to check out their special deals, go to www.youravon.com/paulaowens. Have a great day.

There are lots of fine visitor destinations in the UK and none are far more praised than the city of Bath England. The hot springs established the city as a trendy place to be for the well to do, keen to cure their ailments with the spa waters. The Romans had built their baths and church to exploit the springs. Today, visitors can see the baths and learn about them in the museum.

From the time of Elizabeth I, tourism came to Bath England and actually took hold in the 18th century. The city is noted for its Georgian architecture with its most notable example being the Royal Crescent, a residential road that sweeps gracefully with its classy houses. The crescent is close to Royal Victoria Park, where hot air balloons are launched each summer, filling the sky with a blaze of color. The park contains a botanical garden, children’s play area, crazy golfing course, bowling green and lawn tennis courts.

The inventive life of the town is thriving with five theatres of international reputation. The Bath global Music holiday is well respected and presents traditional and up to date classical music, jazz concerts and world music. The 17 day event includes some outside performances with free admission. The Bath Literature festival is another favourite on the Bath England yearly events calendar. It has attracted top selling writers, for example Terry Pratchett, Joanna Trollope and Margaret Atwood.

Museums are abundant and varied and include the Bath Postal Museum, on the site of the Post Office that operated from 1822 – 1854. It tells the story of the post office and the British post box. There are displays about the famous Penny Black stamp and there is a replica post office from the Victorian time. The Museum of Costume presents exhibitions and has an enduring collection of costumes, going back to the 18th century. The museum is within the historic Assembly Rooms, where the city’s society gathered for balls and conferences. The building contains provoking works of art and a stunning set of nine candelabrums.

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy honors the work of William Herschel, who discovered the planet Uranus and was a resident of the city. Bath’s most noted resident however , is author Jane Austin and she is recollected at the Jane Austen Centre and by an Austin themed town walk. Bath England provoked the author to draft 2 of her novels, including scenes from the town in them.

Ever wonder about the most famous places in the world? Visit famouswonders.com to see the most popular places in the world and also take a look at English places.

De Remote Controlled Bath Duck is een op afstand bestuurbaar bad eendje.
Je hebt wel eens gespeelt in bad of misschien doe je dat wel nogsteeds met een rubber bad eendje mocht je hier verveeld van raken of gewoon nog een leuke badeend aan je verzameling wilt toevoegen dan is de Remote Controlled Bath Duck echt iets voor jou.
De Remote Controlled Bath Duck wordt bestuurd door een gele  afstandsbediening met 2 knoppen waarmee je naar links of naar rechts kan gaan.
Je kan er in elk wateroppervlak mee varen of het nu in bad is of in de vijver het maakt helemaal niks uit zolang als hij maar in het water is natuurlijk.
Nadat de energie op is moet je hem aan de lader opladen als je hem 5 minuten oplaadt kun je er ongeveer 15 minuten lang mee rondvaren.

De Remote Controlled Bath Duck is geel heeft een snavel en is klaar om in jouw bad rond te dobberen bestel hem nu want op = op! klik hier om te gaan bestellen

Boring post for the day: Featuring decay and water. Hurrah for the grim realities under the bath!

Water gets where mice won’t. It gets into your walls and moves around like a mineral wraith. It can’t be reasoned with or electrocuted.

I am made mostly of water so why do I care?

Because I am a fan of paint, and plaster, is why. CM

 According to legend, Puru Maharshi did meditation at the hill, where the temple of Shiva now stands. It was a dense forest in those days; hence its name Puruvanam, which became peruvanam. The rishi brought the image of Shiva, the Lingam, a half cylinder, to be installed on top of the hill. Afterwards, the upper half of the hill, leaving the small area where the Lingam was placed, was razed down to its present size, making a vast plane, with the central high ground standing tall (MADATHILAPPAN) which is protected by massive walls on all sides, with twin temples of Eratteppan and Madathilappan, the latter standing tall, with a number of granite steps leading to the sanctum, from where, you get a sky view of the surrounding landscape. I am never tired of watching it, from childhood days, as my mother’s home was near the southern Gopuram (gate).

There were several venerable, old trees in the compound, including peepal tree and one perillamaram (meaning- tree without name, as it was a stranger there), all looking very old and about to die. New trees have replaced them.

 The big koothampalam, where chakyar koothu was a regular ritual in those days, is rare in the other temples.

The koothu is a sort of mono act and Ramayanam is the theme. The Chakyar will make fun of any body among the audience, however high his status!

Once, the chakyar came very near to the man, a VIP who had just entered the hall, stood there  for a few seconds, and commented: a real monkey, only the tail is missing!

 One is supposed to suffer and grin, never retort.

Every year, for one month or so, there is thevaruseva, when there will be feasting, both times in the day, only for Brahmins. The dining hall is very long, some four feet in height, cut into three segments to allow devotees to pass through. As children we had difficulty in jumping up on to the dining place.

Throughout the year, there is simple food served to brahmins which we avoided as something below our status. Tamil Brahmins made use of this facility. My maternal grandfather’s brother lived at the western gopuram, eating the free food.

The circular sanctum of Eratteppan ( there is one big lingam and one small lingam by its side, hence this name) is very spacious, with a circular covered veranda, allowing the poojary to go from Shiva in the west to Parvathy in the back of the sanctum. In Keralam, Shiva is alone; in rare cases, where she is allowed inside, she is at the back of the temple.

The eastern entrance, where the gopuram was destroyed by the soldiers of Tippu Sultan, leads to the broad sloping arena, where seven elephants can stand side by side, during pooram festival. Farther down is the spacious temple pond. All the villagers take bath in this waterhole, with steps to climb down and a pucca shed on one side, where the poojary takes bath before entering the temple.The pond will not dry up even in summer, in rainy season it will be full.

Mekavil Bhagavathy is near the western gopuram. Oorakath Ammathiruvady, Thiruvullakavu Sasthavu, and several other temples are in the vicinity.

The location of the temple is twelve KM from Trichur, on the road to Triprayar temple of Lord Ram.