I hope those of you who celebrate it had a lovely and appropriately filling Thanksgiving yesterday!

Well, another day, another promotion. This weekend, from 12AM on Black Friday morning through 11:59PM on Cyber Monday evening, I will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders in my Etsy shop. Even family trees and lettering projects. Oh, but keep in mind: the deadline for holiday orders was yesterday. But any trees or lettering projects ordered now should be completed after the Christmas/New Year holiday (aka, once I’m sane again).

I also have a couple new items in my shop, which premiered this evening: two new sets of smaller gift tags, involving red and green paisleys (I love paisleys) and baker’s twine. And buttons if you like. Because apparently I’ve acquired a slight button obsession.

A couple pics:

Did I mention that the first set pictured above is only $1.50? And that there’s free shipping all weekend? What the freak are you waiting for?!

More images and info HERE.

I finally got time to go shopping again!  I guess it’s technically almost winter, but the weather outside says otherwise, which is okay by me!  I found some really cute stuff, below are my faves:

The holidays are coming up, which means a lot of parties and functions.  Here are a few party dress options:

Love the colors in this Max & Cleo tube dress from Sonny B. $150

Metallics are also a fun option from black for the holidays.  This Ya tube dress from Sole Searching is so cute! $49

Another option is this Max & Cleo Silver dress from Sonny B. $150

If you’re looking for a dress thats a little less flashy, but still fun, this Max & Cleo Fringe dress is perfect! Also from Sonny B., $157.50

I’m also loving this Max & Cleo classy purple houndstooth print dress from Sonny B. $110 This one can be dressed up or down!

Another fab look for the holidays is a great pantsuit, with a fun shirt.  Check out this outfit.  Grab the BCBGeneration Tuxedo jacket from Lula Balou $128….

Layer it over this BB Dakota sequin tank from Sonny B. $66

And finally finish it off with these BB Dakota skinny black pants also from Sonny B. $84

Right now Sole Searching has some fabulous necklaces that can dress up any outfit.  Looking for something edgy, yet refined? you need this gold & onyx necklace. $169

For a classier look try this impressive freshwater pearl necklace, $120, which has matching pearl hoop earrings 

or either of these Lenora Dame Pearl Necklaces $115, $120

And every lady needs a good cocktail ring.  Choose from any of these plus more at Sole Searching, $29-$39

During this time of year, I am always on the lookout for cute long-sleeved dress.  The buttons on the sleeves really do it for this Vfish dress from Sole Searching, $115

Another option to winter-ize your skimpier dresses are to layer long-sleeved shirts underneath.  The sleeves on this Mystree black shirt make it more dramatic.  From Lula Balou, $48

Turtlenecks can feel very restricting, but the cut-out lace shoulders of this XCVI shirt makes it a little more refreshing and super-cute to wear under a tube dress.  From Sole Searching, $99

Both of these shirts also play well with the trend this fall to emphasize shoulders.  Another trend that is big right now is draping.  Whether its used in more of a sporty style, like this Gado Gado skirt from Sole Searching, $69

or whether its incorporated into an every-day piece, like this Aryn K. navy blouse from Sonny B., $89, this look is always flattering.

Textures are also very happening during this time of year.  How fun is this Ya vest from Sole Searching? $49

Differnt textures and patterns are also good for outerwear, since this is the part of your outfit that people see the most when it gets chilly.  This 3 Sisters paisley coat from Lula Balou is guaranteed to be a head-turner, $248

This D.E.P.T tweed jacket reminds me of Chanel, and I love everything Chanel! Also from Lula Balou, $140

This Fumblin’ Foe military style brocade jacket is also a nice choice, from Lula Balou, $130

Another way to dress up your outerwear, is with fabulous shoes!! Boots & booties are a must!  These Seychelles black booties from Sole Searching kick booty! $115

Buckles are hot right now, especially on these Not Rated grey boots from Lula Balou, $75

These Matiko suede booties are cuties! From Lula Balou, $140

Looking for something taller and funky?  These two Irregular Choice boots are for you.  First pair from Lula Balou, $248, second from Sole Searching, $269

As far as bags go this season, faux-skin is in.  Love the utility of this Shiraleah handbag from Sonny B. $89

This Melie Bianco bag is super soft! From Sole Searching, $89

The bucket style handbag is also back.  This Melie Bianco bag has the option of using a longer strap, and I love the woven texture.  Also from Sole Searching $110.

What are some other pieces that I need this season you ask?  Well, for one, a hot mini skirt!  This  BCBGeneration body con skirt from Lula Balou is very slimming, and versitile.  Wear it with a cute top for going out, or a t-shirt to dress it down, $88

Another piece that I wear almost every day is a cardigan.  Even though I don’t ride horses, I tend to love everything equestrian, like this Charlotte cardigan from Lula Balou, with it’s horse and bridle print.  $118

And don’t forget to add a little bit of color to your winter wardrobe.  Its easy to wear all black, but its more fun to wear a color!  Try this Trinity multi-colored tank for literally a splash of color.  From Sonny B., $62.50

Well hopefully you will all leave a little bit inspired   Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels!

Congratulations to Frank who won the Film Society’s mascot: Oscar!

Frank and Oscar

We have been selling tickets for Oscar before the start of each film, and Frank was the lucky name to be pulled out of the hat at the end of our Hallowe’en screening of Let The Right One in.

Oscar has brought us lots of luck  but we are delighted he is going to a new home.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in our very own wee Oscar presentation!

I don’t know about you, but I’m picky when it comes to wedding invitations.  As a bride, you want something that represents YOU and your personal style.   But sometimes it’s difficult to find a quality invitation at a reasonable price.

Luckily AllMyInvites.com recently launched its wedding collection, inspired by actual brides from Los Angeles to New York, searching for the latest in modern, custom invitations at an affordable price point.

“You don’t have to spend a thousand dollars on quality wedding invitations,” says Roxy Diba, marketing director for All My Invites.  “We understand that planning a wedding can be taxing both emotionally and financially, which is why our website is designed to help you create wedding invites that express your style without sacrificing quality.”

Invitations are priced from $1.24 to $1.99, depending upon the size of the order, and discounts are available for larger quantities.   Once an order is placed, a designer personally sets each custom design to be printed and sends the client a proof for final review. Shipments are generally made within 48 hours of client approval providing a superlative turnaround. 

One of my favorite invites offered by AllMyInvites.com is the Peacock Paisley (shown above) because you can purchase matching bridal shower, save-the-date, direction, reception and even table place cards!  See for yourself at AllMyInvites.com.  I know you’ll love them!

My grandmother has resumed her decluttering with a vengeance. This week’s finds from the depths of the boxroom are three men’s paisley shirts (D kept the skinniest-fit, the other two went to boys in his band), and for re-homing, a rather nasty 1970s nylon baby-doll negligee and a selection of 1960s knitting patterns. Polly, any good for the craft classes and clothes-customising workshops?

The lovely Janice Forsyth welcomed Paisley Film Society to the airwaves yesterday, helping to quell the nerves before going live on her weekly Movie Cafe programme. 

We had been invited on to talk about the Film Society, and our hopes for a cinema within the town centre.  And so, with the rain and wind at the heels, it was off to Pacific Quay, and the new BBC headquarters.

The studio is a small affair, with an enormous amount of ’stuff’ in it.  Lighting rig, computer screens, mics (obviously), headphones, buttons galore and other broadcasting paraphanalia.  To the uninitated (i.e. me) it was another world.  Three large windows allowed people to see into the studio, and watch the show as it went out, which gave something of a goldfish effect to those inside.

Suddenly (all too suddenly) we were on air – live!  Janice and the team had welcomed me warmly, made sure I was comfortable and explained a wee bit about what was going to happen.  As the show progressed disconnected voices wafted through the earphones, counting down until the next section of the programme.

Then . . . it was the turn of the Film Society.  With so much to tell people about, 6 minutes didn’t seem nearly enough.  But hopefully it gave listeners a flavour for what we are doing, and who knows, perhaps they may even feel inspired to push for a cinema in their town or community?  Independant cinemas . . . it just makes sense . . .

It was a great experience, and I only hope listeners didn’t hear my knees knocking too loudly.  Many many thanks to Janice and the team.

If you missed it, or would like to hear it again click here and until Wednesday 2nd December it will be available via the BBC’s iplayer.

We previewed Etro Spring’s collection today. Several of the pieces derived from the runway stood out and will be in my clients’ closets soon: a button-up delicately touched with large florals topping classic bold pinstipes, a nipped tux jacket in shimmery gold and ivory basket weave. The show stopper was an almost tunic style Victorianesque top in ivory with an intricate lace waist and a skirtish bottom.

Etro consistently makes separates that pop a 9-5 business suit or dresses that liven up summer Saturday wedding (you’re the guest of course, not the bride.) Veronica Etro designs in the current currency, but  ”weaves in a sense of her family’s heritage in print and exotic fabric.” The look is very fresh and modern.

Two days in a row?

Why, as Malcolm Tucker might say; “Oh Mr Ambassador, with your baldy head you are really spoiling us”

Couple of incidents of interest today, first of all, you know that I like my geeky things so it wont surprise you to know Im on twitter. You can follow me here and here.

Anyhoos, I follow a lot of nonsense, I like to get a constant supply of Charlie Brooker rants as it keeps me in fresh chat (boohoo Shug, boohoo!!) and keep an eye on certain things. I noticed today that Little Boots was getting a bit upset about people calling her fat on the internet. Thats just harsh isn’t it?

The lassie is ever so ickle, if she was fat you’d really notice, shes been on the road for quite a while and give her a few weeks, she’ll be back to what some folk call normal…but she was on Never Mind The Buzzcocks last week and she was pretty decent! I don’t know, if you’re going to call folk fat, save it for the ones who genuinely are.

Like me!

Yes, it was back at the Paisley football tonight and Fatty McCourt was doing his best to stop his team from winning. The way the teams lined up, one side were predominantly packed with runners (not my team) so getting a draw out of the game was no small feat but we had chances to win it, so that was annoying. Need to keep on top of it, my passing is still there but everything else is hanging on for grim life. I’m still better than Heid and Hoof though.

That wasn’t the biggest thing of the Paisley trip though, the train journey there was quite eventful. For those in the know, its a ten minute trip from Central to Gilmour Street but in that time, not only was there a bloke smoking, there was a lassie throwing up over the seats.

I thought that was going to be the low point of the journey but it was trumped by a young romantic with the name Barryboy. Even though the lassie was clearly not comatose and a bit worse for wear, Barry was still firing in there, “gies your number hen, gonnae?” The girl, in quite a daze to be fair, got her phone out of her bag and proceeded to pass it on – haha, wait till the phone calls start coming tomorrow!

Barry saved the best for last though, “I was gonnae try and get you to gies a winch but you’ve puked up. Mind you, Ive got some chewing gum, do you want some.”

Classy….and I wonder why Im single, I just need to change my tactics – chewing gum and spewing girls, thats the plan….I’m meant to be going for a quiet pint in the West End on Friday…..may divert the boys up to Framptons at the end of the night!!

Okay, as I have been a bit negligent in my duties of late, I am going to leave you with not one but TWO videos.

The first track is ‘Cornerstone’ by the Arctic Monkeys, new single just out and its probably my favourite track on ‘Humbug’. I know its in the red shed but I’m looking forward to next weeks gig:

And as for the next video…don’t have a clue what’s going on but that’s not really a concern, enjoy:

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.

I am just finishing up a mash up of “Dueling Banjos” and Brad Paisley’s “Welcome to the future.” Will post audio soon. It sound awesome. Now I just need a singer as awesome as Brad to add vocals.

The CMT awards are tonight, and I cannot wait to find out who all of the winners are! It will be such a competition for every award, and each and every artist deserves to win!

Watch the awards tonight; November 11, 2009 at 8/7 central on ABC. Brad Paisley and Carrie Unerwood are the hosts, and I think it will be a great show!

Here are some of the nominees!!!

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:

Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Martina Mcbride

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Keith Urban

SOGN OF THE YEAR:

“Chicken Fried” Zac Brown BandWyatt Durette

“I Told You So” Randy Travis

“People Are Crazy”Bobby Braddock

“Then” Brad Paisley

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:

Eagles, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flats, Zac Brown Band

All of these nominations are great, and I think any way it turns out will be a good fit!

Who do you want/think to win?!

MojoTwanger.com: Howlin’ at the Moon (original)

This is a first take of this song, so as to not forget it. this is by no means a finished product…

MojoTwanger.com: More than This (Roxy Music Cover)

I always loved that song growing up, so I recently recorded a quick cover in my home studio. A blast from the past I suppose

I’ve been to a lot of great country shows: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, McBride, Trailer Choir, Keith Urban, Shania Twain and a WHOLE LOT MORE! I’ve been to a ton of shows at the Rodeo Club in San Jose, put on by local country station 95.3 KRTY.

But this year’s show with Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne has to rank up there near the top. I first saw Brad Paisley live at the KZLA Country Bash in Irvine, California, back in 2001 about a month after the terrorist attacks on America.

Back then, Paisley was still an up and coming talent. Today, he is one of the best in the industry.

The night started off with a short set by Jimmy Wayne. Too bad it was only 6 songs because I’m pretty sure that this guy is going to be huge. He has a stage presence that puts him at a much higher level than his billing and its shows as he plays the crowd during his entire set. After the show, I got the chance to meet him. He was really nice and took the time to sit and talk for a minute with each person during the meet and greet. The photo can be found below.

Jimmy Wayne and I

Here’s the set list:

Cowboys and Angels

Stay Gone

Kerosene Kid

Trespassin’

Smile Sara

Do You Believe Me Now

Next on the bill was one of my favorites, Dierks Bentley. For most concerts, Dierks Bentley would be a headliner and he proved it during his set which include most of my favorites (how could you leave off my all-time favorite “Tryin’ to Stop Your Leavin’”). There was so much about his set that I loved. “Sideways” is a great song to start with because it really gets the crowd going. Others such as “How Am I Doin’”, “What Was I Thinkin’” and “Feel That Fire” were crowd favorites.

Great music, great voice and, like Wayne, Bentley really played the audience. I love the way that he was able to mix in his standard party songs with his great ballads and he never lost touch with his emotion. This is clearly demonstrated in each song he performed during his one hour set.

I’ll admit, I would have loved a little longer set but you can’t complain when you get nine of his best! I think if he had been the headliner, the set list would have included a few additional songs. The crowd was really into the set but I really enjoyed when he took the time to slow down a bit for “My Last Name”. Very emotional and showed his softer side.

Dierks Bentley

Here’s the set list:

Sideways

Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do

How Am I Doin’

Settle For A Slowdown

Come a Little Closer

My Last Name

Feel That Fire

What Was I Thinkin’

Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)

About 9:20, it was time for the main event of the evening: Brad Paisley. Paisley is an entertainer at heart and really knows how to put on a show. Multiple times during the show, he thanked the audience for coming out to show, knowing that we are in difficult economic times and still paid to see the performers that night. Yes, the show’s are pretty expensive, but I’ll continue to pay to see my favorite artists live.

Paisley played all of his hits and the audience was eating out of his hands from the opening number “Start a Band” (minus Keith Urban of course). It was a great mix of old songs, and new. Ballads and rockers. And of course, lots of guitar solos. Paisley is an incredible guitarist who demonstrates his talent throughout.

Brad Paisley

I loved the videos that played on the screen in the background throughout the show. Good stuff! Loved the parodies and everything. It really made the songs come to life even more.

“Welcome to the Future”, Paisley’s latest hit was the opening song of a three song encore. This song has fast become my favorite song that Paisley has ever performed. Not only does it have a great beat and just makes you want to turn up the radio when it comes on, it has a great message of hope and making you realize that the future is here, now!

During the encore, Paisley brought Wayne and Bentley back out for a great rendition of “Alcohol” which capped the night! , a great cover of Don Henley’s classic “Boys of Summer” was the final song of the evening, but seeing these three talented musicians on stage together was a real thrill, and a perfect song!

If you ever get the chance to check out Brad Paisley (and Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne) live, I suggest you do! It’s definitely a 5 star show!

If I can get some video of the show up, I’ll be sure to do so! You can always check out my Facebook page which has the videos there.

Paisley and Bentley

Here’s the set list:

Start a Band

American Saturday Night 

Mud On The Tires

Wrapped Around

Celebrity

Waitin’ on a Woman

Water

Feel Like Makin’ Love (Bad Company Cover)

I’m Still a Guy

Catch All the Fish / I’m Gonna Miss Her

She’s Everything

The World

Letter to Me

When I Get Where I’m Going

Ticks

Online

Then

Encore:

Welcome to the Future

Alcohol 

Boys of Summer (Don Henley Cover)

Three Little Birds (Bob Marley Cover)

A song that never fails to put a smile on my face… which is why I enlisted my kids to sing it with me!

Fade to Black (Dire Straits Cover)

A song that sort of went unnoticed, but a great Mark Knopfler song that I had to cover. Not that I am a fan, or anything.

One of my favorite songs since the day I first heard it. Classic Mark Knopfler tones and licks.

Uploaded for the HC Virtual Open Mike as my 06/09 entry. Just got back into playing after several months of inability to play, so be kind

VOM1T – as in Virtual Open Mic 1st Take…

Crook S-type w/ Peter Florance Voodoo pickups, Swart AST amplifier.

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A cover of Vince Gill’s Little Brother… what can I say, I love that song

Gear:
Trussart Deluxe SteelCaster
Carr Mercury

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Crook S-type into Swart AST.

Even though I am a Tele guy, this S-type keeps calling my name. And plugged through the AST, there isn’t one bad tone to be found!

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Had a hankerin’ to make myself a bag

A cute, frou-frou one

So I made this bag….

I keep getting admiring comments about my cute new bag!

Some things I make never get comments

and some do…

Go figure that one out!

I lördags var jag på en fotbollsmatch med min pappa och Uncle Daivd. Det var St Mirren mot Hamilton. Det blev 2-0 till Hamilton. Jag hejade på St Mirren. Matchen var i Paisley som ligger i Skottland.

Albin

By Cara Sulieman

SCOTTISH hunk Gerard Butler is returning to his roots for the European premiere of his new film, Law Abiding Citizen.

He has said it will be a “thank you” to his hometown for the support he has received during his career.

But it has also been revealed that the heart-throb has turned away from a film about Rabbie Burns, sparking fears that the movie will be axed completely.

Butler revealed the Glasgow premiere in a recent online chat with fans.

“Get merry”

He wrote: “Maybe I will see some of you at the premiere of Law Abiding Citizen because we are having out European premiere in Glasgow.

“Get merry and drink. I wish I could but I don’t. I hope to see you all soon. Have a good time.”

And a spokesman for Momentum Pictures confirmed the plans.

He said: “It hasn’t been announced officially yet but the premiere will be on November 15 at Cineworld, Renfrew Street.

“It will be something different having him in his home town.”

But the news comes in the same week that it is revealed the Hollywood star has snubbed a film about Robert Burns that was due to be made this year.

“Huge blow”

And there are now worries that it won’t go ahead at all due to the big name lead dropping out.

A source close to the movie said: “Gerry was up for playing the part a couple of years back – but it’s not on his radar now.

“He has much bigger projects in the pipeline and has pulled out. It’s a huge blow. To be honest, there’s little chance of it being made at all without Butler involved. He was the key.”

A spokesman from Scottish Screen confirmed that the film, which was due to be co-produced by London-based Mob Films, had been postponed.

They added: “Burns will not be made this year. We haven’t heard from the production company for a while and there is no chance of Gerard Butler now becoming involved.”

It’s a blow for the Scottish film industry, which has had a number of high-profile films cancelled thanks to the credit crunch.

“Warmth”

Mary Queen of Scots – due to star Scarlett Johansson – was also given the chop earlier this year due to financial restrictions.

Butler is returning to his roots with the premiere and reminisced about his childhood days when he was chatting with fans.

He said: “I came from a family of larger-than-life characters who were a joy to be around.

“They were a lot of jokers and storytellers, a lot on warmth. But it was tough as well. There could be a serious amount of confrontation.

“My father was probably the craziest and most fun and outlandish of the lot.”

The heartthrob grew up in Paisley and was raised by his mum Margaret – not seeing his dad between the ages of two and 16.

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.