I usually shy away from matching too many elements in an outfit.  But for this outfit, it just felt right.  Every other color of purse I tried felt out of place, and this was perfect.  There’s no such thing as hard and fast style rules in my book.

The theme at my school for this day was “Fall Colors”  However, most fall colors don’t really look good on me (at least when they’re all together).  I chose to make it simple and wear brown and brick red, with denim and black to keep the ensemble from being too warm in tone.

Oh and of course, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  And Happy Thursday to those not in the States!

Tank: Ann Taylor (garage sale)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Express
Boots: Born Biddy
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Pearls: Garage Sale
Earrings: Efy Tal

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.

William Albert “Billy” Burke (born November 25, 1966) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Charlie Swan in the 2008 film Twilight and as Gary Matheson in the second season of 24.

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Burke was born in Bellingham, Washington. His television credits include roles in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (in the episode “Second Skin”), Party of Five, Gilmore Girls, Karen Sisco, Fringe, Monk and The Closer (Season 4, episode 13, “Power of Attorney” playing the attorney Phillip Stroh). He also plays Detective Eric Box in the movie Untraceable.

His motion picture credits include Jane Austen’s Mafia!, Along Came a Spider, Final Jeopardy, Flashpoint and Ladder 49. His upcoming film credits include The Fallen, Forfeit, Fracture and Retirement. He also appeared in Feast of Love (2007), co-starring Selma Blair and Morgan Freeman. In 2008, Burke appeared in Twilight, based on the best-selling novel by Stephenie Meyer, playing the role of Charlie Swan.  He also plays Bobby’s brother Jack on the show My Boys. Burke reprised his role as Charlie Swan in Twilight’s sequel, New Moon.

Burke is one of the “famous faces” on the online poker website Hollywood Poker, which is run in conjunction with Ongame Network.

“The Lord said, ‘I will hasten my work in its time’ (D&C 88:73). Surely anyone observing the recent growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is keenly aware of that hastening process. This should make us humbly grateful for the Lord’s omnipotent hand. Obstacles that seemed insurmountable have proven to be merely challenges for the faithful, for ‘with God nothing shall be impossible’ (Luke 1:37). “Inspiration has prepared the way from the beginning, when the Lord impressed the Prophet Joseph Smith to compose the twelfth article of faith: ‘We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.’ This inspired statement was surely written for our day. The Prophet knew that the gospel was ultimately to be taken to all nations regardless of their governmental differences. He knew that the ordinances of salvation and exaltation could bless the lives of people regardless of their politics. And he knew that people who were taught correct principles and who were loyal to their civil leaders and observing of their local laws would be most able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Our entire family has been waiting for this little peanut to be born!! It is Steve’s cousin who had this precious little baby boy–and we are thrilled!  The last I saw him he was inside his mom’s belly waiting to come out into the world back in May.  We were calling the baby Thor for months and at one point the name actually grew on me and wonderered since they were having a boy if the name would actually be Thor.  but alas that is not the name of this adorable baby. shucks! Meet baby boy Koen…aka Thor   His birthday is actually our dating anniversary which makes it just that much easier to remember his birthday.  I can’t wait to get my hands on this little munchkin and for your 1 month birthday Koen I hope you are giving mommy some sleep and much needed rest.  Now that we have a wedding anniversary to celebrate our dating anniversary isn’t a crazy big deal anymore so now it is wonderful to have something new to celebrate on that special day. 

Happy Birthday and many more…

xoxoxoxo

Normally I prefer to always take my pictures in natural sunlight.  Sometimes though, the day gets away from me, and I have to settle for porch-light.  One of these days, I’ll get my broken flash fixed, but this works for now.

The unfortunate effect of this lighting is that the color gets very washed out.  This tunic is actually a dusty-purple, but you can’t really see it here.  I bought it when I was at a garage sale in California, but it took me awhile to decide if I wanted to keep it.  In fact, I took it to the clothing swap last week, but it didn’t work for anyone else, and everyone encouraged me to five it another try.  I’m glad they did.

I absolutely love my new Born Sokals.  They have a decidedly sweet, Audrey Hepburn vibe to them.  However, I learned the hard way that they need lots of breaking in.  My heels had horrible blisters when I took these photos.  I’m going to stick to wearing them at home in the evenings for awhile before I wear them for another eight hour day at work again.

Tunic: Kensie (garage sale)
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Leggings: Target
Shoes: Born Sokal
Belt: Old Baltimore Vintage
Scarf: Target
Necklace: Local Boutique
Purse: Easy Spirit

Buy Cheap Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-time Eater

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The New York Times restaurant critic’s heartbreaking and hilarious account of how he learned to love food just enough after decades of wrestling with his weight

Frank Bruni was born round. Round as in stout, chubby, and hungry, always and endlessly hungry. He grew up in a big, loud Italian family in White Plains, New York, where meals were epic, outsize affairs. At those meals, he demonstrated one of his foremost qualifications for his future career: an epic, outsize appetite for food. But his relationship with eating was tricky, and his difficulties with managing it began early.

When he was named the restaurant critic for the New York Times in 2004, he knew enough to be nervous. He would be performing one of the most closely watched tasks in the epicurean universe; a bumpy ride was inevitable, especially for someone whose writing beforehand had focused on politics, presidential campaigns, and the Pope.

But as he tackled his new role as one of the most loved and hated tastemakers in the New York restaurant world, he also had to make sense of a decades-long love-hate affair with food, which had been his enemy as well as his friend. Now he’d have to face down this enemy at meal after indulgent meal. His Italian grandmother had often said, “Born round, you don’t die square.” Would he fall back into his worst old habits? Or had he established a truce with the food on his plate?

In tracing the highly unusual path Bruni traveled to become a restaurant critic, Born Round tells the captivating story of an unpredictable journalistic odyssey and provides an unflinching account of one person’s tumultuous, often painful lifelong struggle with his weight. How does a committed eater embrace food without being undone by it? Born Round will speak to every hungry hedonist who has ever had to rein in an appetite to avoid letting out a waistband, and it will delight anyone interested in matters of family, matters of the heart, and the big role food plays in both.

…….
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 “Born round and born to write” 2009-11-20
By G. C. Drummond (Tucson, AZ)
Frank Bruni’s childhood and many of his adult years were dominated by an obsession with food and a paranoia about body image.

He glides through these years with humour, wit and a page-turning style that not only shed light on the delicate issues of overeating and self-love/loathing, but lift the lid on what it’s like to work on one of America’s top newspapers, the New York Times. (Ironically, he ended up being their restaurant critic.)

There’s nothing new in how he learned to eat sensibly, but his journey is fascinating.

A clever, funny and very very touching read.

 “A “sweet and delicious” read” 2009-11-16
By groupworker (Midwest United States)
I know it’s a special book when I am convinced that the author would want to have dinner with me to learn why I enjoyed his book! Was he imagining a conversation with each reader as he wrote these words? Can we talk about eating a 1/2 gallon of ice cream and then spending 45 minutes on the eliptical? Or whether to take out the skinny jeans or fat jeans? Or…(you get the idea).

Frank’s memoir was engaging and touching. While obviously obsessive and self-indulgent, perhaps those were the exact parts that best helped the reader relate to Frank’s challenges with food, family, work, relationships and issues of self-esteem.

While he takes his work, family and friends seriously, Frank never takes himself too seriously and that’s what keeps the reader engaged. He adds humor to both the sad & touching parts as well as to the memories that seem somewhat crazy in retrospect.

Perhaps the book felt more like several lengthy magazine articles, rather than a flowing memoir. However, it was a “juicy” read. I will definitely encourage a few other food obsessed friends to read Frank’s honest journey – and hope that will also be inspired by his path to self-understanding.

 “A great read, a wonderful writer” 2009-11-14
By Kathleen A. Baxter (Minneapolis, MN USA)
I loved his insights and his ultimate understanding of how he is wired. It is inspirational, laugh-out-loud funny and a great read.

 “A top pick for health and culinary libraries alike” 2009-11-13
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
Author Frank Bruni was working as a bureau chief for the New York Times in Rome when he was called upon to become a restaurant critic – job that challenged him to not become fat again. This story of his struggle with food and weight (and with a new job that required him to taste food as a profession) makes for a fine memoir and is a top pick for health and culinary libraries alike.

 “A delightful book in many ways . . .” 2009-11-06
By David Zampino (Delavan, Wisconsin)
. . . with some flaws which may disappoint some.

First, let me state up front: Frank Bruni is two things. First, he’s a very funny person. Second, he’s quite the story teller.

Second, let me also state up front: For those readers hoping for “inside tips” on being a dining critic — you’re likely to be disappointed. Mr. Bruni’s career as the New York Times restaurant critic really takes up only a small part of the book.

Most of this book is a biographical sketch of Mr. Bruni’s life, as he states it, “Born Round”. Here’s a guy who loves to eat — and always has, and thus, has continuously had to deal with the “battle of the bulge”. Having an Italian background myself, I honestly found myself laughing out loud at the antics of his mom (and other relatives) as they planned major family feasts with an eye to detail that would have impressed Rommel in the desert! It is obvious to this reviewer that not only does Mr. Bruni love food; he dearly loves his family as well — and cannot separate the two. (And this is NOT a criticism!)

Two mild criticisms: 1) At various points in his life, in order to attempt to control his weight, Mr. Bruni engaged in behaviors which ranged from the illegal (use of amphetamines) to downright dangerous, even self destructive (what appears to be borderline bulimia). While I certainly understand his struggles (I, myself, am, shall we say, round in the ol’ tum!) his behaviors certainly should not be emulated. 2) Mr. Bruni spent far too much time in the book discussing his successful and (mostly) unsuccessful personal relationships. To me, this added nothing to the book (ranging from the “I really don’t care” to “Way too much information”.) The book would certainly been just as successful with this element.

But overall, a truly warm and delightful book. I wish all restaurant critics had his sense of humor and his storytelling abilities.

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8th November 2009, we reached hospital at around 08:30PM. Doctor had called my wife to admit her. Everybody was very anxious. We were not able to think if my wife should be induced pain and wait for normal delivery or go for a cesarean. She was already 3 days past the delivery date and doctor had scared us of many complications that could arise because of an overdue baby. Moreover doctor was not sure if inducing pain would really work, and also she had almost given clear indication that she would prefer cesarean for my wife over normal delivery option to avoid any risk. We were also of the view that, if in any case doctor would operate at the end, then why my wife should bear labour pain. My wife also shared the same view. After contemplating for 2 long hours, we decided to go for a cesarean.

Then it popped up another worry to create a tensed environment. You must agree that how important, our elders feel, the dates and timings are, for the birth of a child. We were told by some Pandits that good time was between 05:00 AM to 06:00 AM on 9th November 2009. After that there was no good time for next 2-3 days. Now that it was almost sure that doctors would do a cesarean anyhow even if my wife underwent induced pain, my parents thought, then why not baby to be born during that auspicious time. So if the surgery was early morning, we had to give our confirmation to doctors immediately so that they could arrange for a surgery panel and medicines. Although on such a short notice doctor’s panel would become available early morning, but they might not have taken full sleep and that could be risky for patient. This was another worry we were facing. We shared our apprehension with the main doctor who was attending Pooja. After she assured us that such things were normal for doctors, we gave our nod in agreement for surgery to be at 05:30 AM early morning next day, i.e. 9th November.

By then it was already 11:30 PM, I asked my parents and other family members to go back to home and come early morning during surgery. I stayed back with my wife. I very well knew how difficult it was for her to decide cesarean delivery. She was put on drip though the entire night. She was lying in her bed staring at the ceiling trying to sleep but just could not. There was no sleep in her eyes. I sat close to her and put my hand above her head trying to calm her down. I cannot say how successful I was in doing so as I was more scared than her. So many good and bad thoughts were coming in my mind. We remained awoke entire night. We remembered all good times from our college days when we were together till that day. We could not realize when the day dawned and nurse entered our room to get my wife ready to be transported to operation theatre.

Jamie Lee Curtis (born November 22, 1958) is an American actress. Although she was initially known as a “scream queen” because of her starring roles in many horror films early in her career such as Halloween, The Fog, Prom Night and Terror Train, Curtis has since compiled a body of work that covers many genres. Her 1998 book, Today I Feel Silly, and Other Moods That Make My Day, made the best-seller list in The New York Times. She is married to actor Christopher Guest (Lord Haden-Guest) and, as the wife of a lord, is titled Lady Haden-Guest, but she chooses not to use the title when in the United States. She is currently the spokeswoman for Activia. She is also a blogger for The Huffington Post online newspaper.

Trivia:

During the 1980s she was engaged to Hollywood production designer J. Michael Riva, the grandson of screen legend Marlene Dietrich. Her godfather was MCA-Universal CEO Lew Wasserman.

Saw her future husband Christopher Guest in the issue of Rolling Stone magazine with Cyndi Lauper on the cover. Guest appeared in a promotional photo for the film This Is Spinal Tap (1984) in full costume and makeup as a rock star. She fell in love at first sight of the photo and gave her telephone number to his agent.

Adopted two children with Christopher Guest: Annie Guest (b. December 1986) and Thomas (b. March 1996).

Daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

Became formally known as Baroness Haden-Guest of Saling in the County of Essex (or, less formally, Lady Haden-Guest), when her husband, Christopher, inherited the barony in 1996 on the death of his father.

Graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall private school in 1976.

It was on her suggestion that Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) was made.

Her deleted scene from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) is included on the MGM Special Edition DVD, 2001, as the “Alternate Opening”.

Was asked to cameo in Scream 3 (2000), but declined.

Won a 2003 Grammy nomination in the Best Spoken Album for Children category for her recording of the children’s books she has written.

Measurements: 34C-22-32 (wardrobe on Forever Young (1992)) (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Attended University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

When making reservations in exclusive London restaurants at short notice, she gives her name as Lady Haden-Guest, which apparently works better than Jamie Lee Curtis.

She told a German magazine that she will retire from making movies and that Christmas with the Kranks (2004) will be her last work as an actress. (November 2004)

Said in an interview on Good Entertainment, with Michael Medved (2001) (TV) that, ironically, horror films terrify her and she prefers not to watch them.

Member of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992

Was one of the guests at Sandra Bullock’s and Jesse James’ wedding.

Godmother of Jake Gyllenhaal.

Two of her earliest roles make reference to roles played by her father. She appeared in the television series “Operation Petticoat” (1977), based on the movie that had starred her father, Tony Curtis. While on hiatus from that show, she was cast in Halloween (1978), in which the detective “Sam Loomis” was named after a character from Psycho (1960), which had starred her mother, Janet Leigh. Also, her father imitated Cary Grant’s voice for his role in Some Like It Hot (1959), and worked with Grant himself in Operation Petticoat (1959). Grant’s birth name, Archie Leach, was used as the name for John Cleese’s character in A Fish Called Wanda (1988).

Once said that Dan Aykroyd was the best on-screen kisser she ever worked with.

John Cleese found it amusing that her father, Tony Curtis’s real name was Bernard Schwartz. To tease her about this, during the production of A Fish Called Wanda (1988), he had the call sheets refer to her as “Jamie Lee Schwartz.”.

Around the time True Lies (1994) was released, Jamie appeared in a series of commercials for L’Eggs Pantyhose. The company also took out an insurance policy for her legs.

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“THE STREET IS DANGEROUSLY CREATIVE”                                                                                             -Christian Lacroix 

         While others prefer the high-profile title of “Fashion Cities” such as Milan, Paris and London. Le Look keeps their eyes on the plazas, alleys and bars of Barcelona’s 5 different barrios which make up the mix and match fabric of the city’s  street fashion scene. LE LOOK’s cameras capture hunt down real people- nonconformists that happily mix H&M with Dior and can rock Alexander McQueen with the same ease of toting a 2 euro purse from one of the many vintage stores on Calle Carme. 

 This past Thursday Le Look invaded Vintage Bar in the Borne, and turned the space into it’s very own urban fashion incubator.  The venue which is a great space for parties is divided into several rooms and gives the feeling of stepping into a posh living room rather than a cramped Barcelona bar. Hosted by LELOOK and the folks at Fashionfreax  this event was the launch party for the latest collection of fashion designer and muse  ANNA K.   Normally a party like this would be filled with pretentious fashionistas but the party was incredibly laid back with more people talking face to face rather than into their cell phones.** Special Thanks to our man Martin Hesbert, for  documenting  the night’s vibe.

  DJ Mustache had the sounds in check while VJ Sacha provided the eye candy in the background.However, the cameras were turned on the crowds at this particular party- the dress code on the invite was in bold. The simple instructions printed in 24 font EXTRAVA K.

LE LOOK staffers  mingled around the room, picking out the most interesting looks and inviting the guests to strike a pose in front of their impromptu photo studio in the bars foyer.  At midnight, those looks that had managed to raise eyebrows (I am talking about you bearded man in a blue dress)  were invited to hit the catwalk and strut their lelook for cava sipping crowds.  

Barcelona’s  cool hunters, fashion editors, and stylist were out supporting LE LOOK  in full force. 

LE LOOK’s last event back in April made headlines and this seasons party was no different.  Michael Mueller from Barcelona’s MINIGUIDE* , summed it up best… ” It’s nice to see Barcelona finally coming into its own and setting trends rather than following them ”. 

For a  complete look at the parties most fashion forward looks click here 

Last weekend, I hit up a bunch of local garage sales.  I found some awesome stuff, but ending up getting a lot of duds also.  That seems to be how it goes with garage sales.  I’ve only taken photos of the items I’m keeping, but I counted the total money spent against my ban.

My favorite things to find at garage sales are costume jewelry and fun accessories.  I found quite the batch.  I think the purse may be vintage.  There’s a tag inside that says the brand is Heiress.  I’ve already worn the pearls once.  According to the person I bought it from, that heart charm necklace is real silver.  Awesome deals all around.

Blue Long Sleeve Tee: Gap
White Long Sleeve Tee: Banana Republic
Gray Cashmere Blend Turtle-Neck: Ralph Lauren

These might not be as exciting as the accessories, but the fact is that my winter wardrobe is pretty slim.  I’m sure I’ll be grateful for these layering tees when the temps start to drop.  The turtle neck is gorgeously soft and it has beautiful flecks of blue and purple in it.  Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll get to wear it more than a few days a year, unless I travel out of state.  It rarely drops below 40 here.

I also went to a clothing swap party last weekend.  A few people asked what it was.  While it varies from one to another, at the swap party I went to, everyone brought clothes that they no longer wear.  We organized them on tables, and then “shopped” for new items from what everyone else bought.  I didn’t really find a lot, but what I did get I like.

So I got a very itchy but very warm Gap lambswool sweater – I think it will be good for layering on those rare cold days.  Some Bandolino heels that are gorgeous though uncomfortable.  I really don’t have any sexy, strappy dress shoes, so I figured getting a free pair wouldn’t hurt.  A funky red beaded necklace and some bohoemian chic earrings.  And a purple and black sarong, which I’ll be grateful for next beach season.

Born Sokal Flats: $50 on Ebay

You may remember that when I first started my ban, I decided that I could only buy three pairs of shoes under $100, one of which would be a pair of ballet flats.  Last week, I finally found what I was looking for.  I’d been eyeing a couple different styles of Born flats on Ebay for months now, but nothing came up at the right price.  I actually bought a pair of Born flats at a local Dillard’s recently, but had to return them because they were painfully tight.  Finally, I managed to catch these for a mere $50, which is significantly less than what they sell for new.  And I absolutely love them.  They provide decent support for a flat, have a delightful Audrey look to them, and are in a gorgeous patent.  A word of warning though – they take breaking in.  I wore them for an eight hour work day this week, and my feet are yelling at me now.

So all in all, how did I do?    I had $24 of ban money available and $7.50 in free money.  I spent $20 total at garage sales, and the swap was free, so that leaves me with $4 for next week, plus the $7.50.  The shoe money is in a different category, and doesn’t count against ban money.

http://flickr.com/gp/42349729@N07/Yj11Z1

Produced by Greg Kurstin with Nick Valensi from The Strokes on guitar, here is a new track from her new album entitled “We Are Born” (Spring ‘10).

Can’t wait for the whole thing.

SiA – You’ve Changed

Heard it on some tele ad today, thought it made sense.

btw, this was edited as Ben spotted a spelling mistake.
Thanks man.

My friend called me today to ask my opinion on finding an essential fall shoe – fashionable yet comfortable, lays well underneath pants, small non-stiletto heel and good for winter/can be worn with socks. She thought her solution was the Dansko clog. I agree to a certain extent especially in the area of comfort and can be worn with socks, but there are definitely better items out there to choose from. My immediate thought was the ankle boot, both rugged and more stylish. I need a pair myself, here is what I found.

Bernardo Sahara, $169, Piperlime

Sam Edelman Joss, $179, Zappos

Ariat Spat 2, $139, Zappos

Frye Sam Boot, $204, Zappos

Born Jarrah, $90, Zappos

Embroidered Star Booties, $348, Anthropologie

To-And-Fro Booties, $248, Anthropologie

Camper, $155, Yoox

Loewe, $335, Yoox

King, $128, Yoox

This post contains a few quotes from the Prophet Joseph Smith. I invite you to read them with a honest and humble heart. Then afterwords ask yourself how did you feel when reading them? Pray about what is being said. These are words direct from the first modern day Prophet. I humbly ask that you treat them with respect.

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 2007, 45-50).

“We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force of which we believe ought to be duly considered by every individual, that all men are created equal, and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience. Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we the power, to deprive any one of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 2007, 344-345).

“God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by His power, was to make Himself visible,—I say, if you were to see Him today, you would see Him like a man in form—like yourselves in all the person, image, and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction from, and walked, talked and conversed with Him, as one man talks and communes with another” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 2007, 40).

“We take the sacred writings into our hands, and admit that they were given by direct inspiration for the good of man. We believe that God condescended to speak from the heavens and declare His will concerning the human family, to give them just and holy laws, to regulate their conduct, and guide them in a direct way, that in due time He might take them to Himself, and make them joint heirs with His Son” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 2007, 66).

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon see Christ and testify that He lives:

“And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness;…

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:20,22–24).

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Book of Mormon, Introduction).

“Tra feste e notti pazze,

amori e scandali,

nasceva la leggenda

della dolce vita.”

(Paolo Binacci)

Gerard Butler

Gerard James Butler (born November 13 1969) is a Scottish actor known for his portrayal of King Leonidas in 300, The Phantom in the 2004 film version of The Phantom of the Opera, Gerry Kennedy in P.S. I Love You, One Two in RocknRolla, Mike Chadway in The Ugly Truth and Clyde Shelton in Law Abiding Citizen. He is now filming The Bounty Hunter, a romantic comedy with Jennifer Aniston.

Trivia:

Born in Glasgow but raised primarily in Paisley, Scotland. He considers Paisley as his hometown.

He is Scottish, but is of partial Irish ancestry. He has also mentioned that, because of this, his family does not have a tartan.

First stage role was in Coriolanus. Poked in the eye with a wooden stake during rehearsals for the play.

On the first day of shooting his film debut in _Mrs. Brown (1997)_ he had to run naked into a freezing sea and, as a result, developed hypothermia. Later during the filming, he saved a young boy from drowning in the river Tay and received a Certificate Of Bravery from The Royal Humane Society.

Graduated from Glasgow University with a law degree

Did not see his father from the age of 2 until he turned 16.

His eyes are grey/green in color but often appear blue on screen.

Was one rumored to be the next James Bond (after Pierce Brosnan). [April 2001]

Was confirmed for a role in Mindhunters (2004), but chose to drop out of it because of his prior commitment to Timeline (2003). The filming schedules of the two films overlapped. Jonny Lee Miller with whom Butler co-starred in Dracula 2000 (2000) stepped in to take his Mindhunter role.

Was a presenter at the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards with fellow Scotsman Billy Boyd.

Was at one time the lead singer for a Scottish rock band named Speed, although music eventually became his second love after acting.

Has done five films in which his character’s name is in the title: Dracula 2000 (2000), Attila (2001/I) (TV), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Beowulf & Grendel (2005), and _Burns (2006)_.

Cried while talking about the Phantom’s loneliness to The Phantom of the Opera (2004) director Joel Schumacher.

Had the rock-and-roll voice that Andrew Lloyd Webber always wanted to hear as the Phantom.

Jokes about preferring the mask side of his face to the regular side of his face.

Sang in a rock band whilst training to be a lawyer.

He has quickly gained a reputation as one of the nicest actors around, as he always takes time to socialize with fans and hangs out with crew members as much as co-stars on film sets.

When he auditioned for the role of Aslan the Lion in the Walden Media/Disney production of ‘Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, The (2001)_ he asked, “This isn’t going to be like the BBC puppet Aslan, right? Because if so I’m leaving right now.”.

He has a legal degree from Glasgow University, but gave up on that career after being fired from a law firm just one week before he was qualified to practice law.

Was chosen as the most attractive man of 2005 by Hello! Magazine

Prefers to be called Gerry. He does this because he notices that many people (especially Americans) struggle with pronouncing “Gerard”.

Divides his time between London, New York and Los Angeles.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#10). [2007].

His favorite actor is Christian Bale.

He has a tiny pug your could fit in your palm named Lolitta he fell in love with while walking by a pet shop.

Cari fan di Torchwood vi annunciamo che il 10 novembre 2009 è nata Matilda, figlia di Eve Myles e del compagno Bradley Freegard.

Congratulazioni alla coppia da tutto il TorchWho!