Unless I Live in a Bottle and Fight Lions.....

Harem Pants, really? I have a problem with women's clothing that is part of a uniform or costume being sold as an attractive trend.  NO MORE!! 

Harem pants are part of a belly dancing costume and the only reason they are considered attractive during a performance is because the audience is distracted by all the swishing and the very small top that is bound to have a wardrobe malfunction.  

Look at this picture and how skinny the model is.  She has the body of an emaciated 8 year old boy and despite this "ideal" the pants are still unattractive. (Even the mannequin in the gray pair of pants is embarrassed.) These pants aren't the worse that I have seen.  There are "nicer" options that are shimmery and much droopier in the rear.  We all know that what every woman wants are cropped pants with  excess fabric around the hips and butt.  These would be a dream come true if my wish was to buy a pair of pants that will sway in the wind, make my butt look wider and flatter, make passersby question whether or not I have full control of my bodily functions or are these pants a creative solution to hiding my adult diapers and as a bonus make my legs look 12 inches long.

My other fashion irritation are gladiator sandals.  Unless you are an actual gladiator or will play one in a movie they should be avoided at all times. (They were only attractive on Russell Crowe in the movie, "Gladiator".)  All the straps going to and fro across the foot then tying at the ankle isn't flattering.  According to "What Not to Wear" ankle straps shorten and widen the leg. (one more wish granted)  If it is necessary to have shoes that securely strapped to your feet just wear tennis shoes.  Being flat soled you get the bonus of your feet appearing much larger than they really are. 

Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder

My boobs are, what is the word, enormous.  I don't have horrible back pain but my posture isn't what it should be.  I don't want to let it go too far and end up being an old lady that has a hunch.  I think these may be the solution that I am looking for.  Not sexy to be sure but if they work my husband, the baby rhino, will reap the benefits in the future.  They should be looked at as an investment.  I think the black O.S.B.H. will help pull my shoulders back more than the white contraption.  The white O.S.B.H. seems as though it would be better at pulling in all the excess, very victorian. If only there was a way to merge the two into one ideal O.S.B.H. 

Old Time Bitterness and Sarcasm

I love Mark Twain.  "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", that I was required to read in middle school, aren't my most favorite books.  They are certainly very good books but his short stories and satirical works are more my speed. Sadly, I think most Americans think that he only wrote two books before he went off to sit on his porch, drink bourbon and yell at passersby.  (Sadly, his political and charitable works aren't widely acknowledged either.)  

His guide to living, & Bible commentary are worth more than a glance. In addition to his crazy hair, he regularly cusses and uses the word "ain't" in his writing - that's just fun.  There are websites dedicated to him along with a whole world of quotes that can be emailed daily (my junk mailbox isn't nearly full enough).  

Here are a few gems: 

"Do not put off till tomorrow what can be put off till the day after tomorrow just as well." (My life's core philosophy.)

"It is better to give than receive - especially advice."

"Noise proves nothing.  Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she has laid an asteroid." (Don't we all have hens in our lives?)

"Suppose you were an idiot.  And suppose you were a member of Congress.  But I repeat myself. " (Apparently some things don't change.)

There is a Center for Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College, I admittedly don't know if a center whose purpose is to research Mark Twain is really necessary.  However, the college has his study cottage, where he wrote portions of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer and other numerous works, on their campus.   It is about the cutest little building ever.  I think that we all need a study with a comfy chair and all the things that we love inside.  To truly be a relaxing environment and keep the pests out, a coded entry and retinal scan should be required for entry. (You know the "pests" that I am talking about.)

I think that I will Netflix the Ken Burn's documentary about him (or maybe buy it and donate it to our school) and have my kids read some of his works this summer.  They will grumble at first but his humor will suck them in. 

photo source

4th of July BBQ Outfit

This is the perfect outfit to wear to my friend's 4th of July bbq.  I should clarify, it would be the perfect outfit if I didn't have anemic/pasty colored, potato picking legs or was willing to wear heels on grass for at least four hours.  This outfit requires that I vigorously exercise within the next month or apply a self-tanning lotion but in all likelihood both will be required. 

The complete outfit is from Banana Republic. I think what makes the outfit is the blouse.  The shorts are pretty basic and I am sure something similar could be found for a cheaper price than what Banana Republic is asking for.  Banana Republic has pretty good sales so maybe.........

 

The biggest decision is deciding whether to exercise or find another outfit for the bbq.

Magic Balls

There are a few minor issues have come with the help of other people (who shall not be named) doing the laundry.  Don't get me wrong they are helpful and with the help of these magic balls the issues should go away.  They are good for the environment, my pocket book and my household's peace (fewer of my rants to ignore). 

The "EcoBalls" (the flying saucers - $60) take the place of laundry detergent.  There is some sort of ionic magic that is powerful up to 1,000 washes.  These would be most helpful with the elimination of the gooey, gummy residue that is left behind by the liquid detergent's cap and I won't have to lug (or buy) a big $18 jug of detergent into our house every month.

The "Dryer Balls" (blue balls with nubs - $18) are supposed to eliminate the need for dryer sheets.  Every time "the others" do the laundry, my living room looks like a ticker tape parade just went by.  The sheets are everywhere.  Where are the street sweepers that are supposed to follow the parade and gather up all the sheets and maybe the random sock?  

But you know, I can only complain so much until I lose all my help.  

What I Need To Do

I wish that I could be a vegetarian and have been for a few months at a time over the last few years.  The only problem is I like hamburgers, Granville's Bacon Blue   (no bacon and no blue, to be specific) and chicken.  Other than those two things it wouldn't be a problem.  When I am a vegetarian I feel better, my skin doesn't act up and my mind is much clearer.  

One week about 2 years ago I decided that I needed to train for a triathlon.  I bought a racing bathing suit, hand paddles and training fins.  I put all of it on (with my nose clip, swimmer's cap and goggles) and lap swam at my local park.  (If the pool was good enough for the high school swim team, I thought it would be a satisfactory place to start my Ironman career.)  I road my bike with my ipod's energy playlist pumping in my ears and trotted around the park in my nifty and cute jogging outfit.  That episode lasted about three days.  I didn't like the effect of the pool water on my hair, to sweat or being hot.  I discovered that I am allergic to exercise.  If there were anything other activity that regularly caused perspiration it would be called an allergic reaction and I would be advised not to continue.  Yet exercise isn't reviewed in the same light.

Despite my cat-like agility, I am getting older and need to pay attention to what I am doing (or not doing).  I need to do yoga for flexibility, meditate, strength train, weight bearing cardiovascular exercise, be a vegetarian (ayurvedic dosha specific), eat organic, monitor all the environmental toxins and keep up with my supplements. (Please hold while I have a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.)

I wonder if I tabulate the amount of time that I would spend exercising and subtract it from the amount of time that the length of my life would increase by, would I break even?  Essentially making exercise a waste of time.  I suppose the quality of my later years is the real issue.  I need to get it together.  (Roll my eyes.)  

I think what will ultimately motivate me is vanity.  I just put on shorts today, I have been putting this event off as log as possible, and caught a glimpse of my short, stout, potato picking legs.  That vision, coupled with a few candid photos that were able to catch the most flattering angle of my 2nd and what will soon become my 3rd chin is the cherry on the sundae. (Maybe I should have a sundae before I really get going?)  

Something must be done.  Too bad I can't delegate these responsibilities. 

It's A Whole New World

My daughter is preparing to enter high school this fall and this time is stressful to say the least.  I am not overwhelmed by what seems to be a rapid evolution from childhood to young adulthood.  Every year seems to pass more quickly than the last and I am sure that we will be at her high school graduation in what will seem like only a few months from now. 

She (and her brother) must go to college, I don't really care what they study but I think they need a degree as a safety net and the time they spend in college is a valuable opportunity for them to explore the world, different ideas, cultures, etc.  I believe and hope that being well rounded, well read, intellectually curious and socially capable people will help them be successful and happy adults.  That is my goal for them at least.  

In the meantime, I purchase every college application and ranking guide that is published and have discussed their interests and how those interests can be translated in to a profession with them.  Our lives are filled with other things but I am raising adults not (perpetual) children. Childhood should be enjoyed but it such a short span of their lives and is the foundation that the rest of their lives are built upon.  

There are a couple of things that I came across that have given me pause in what I have told them.  The world seems to be positioned on quicksand and is changing in nuanced but substantial ways.  I guess I can only do my best and leave the rest for them to work out with their therapists (that they will undoubtably need to make sense of my help).

Sources of Disturbance:

The May 25, 2009 edition of Time Magazine's cover story titled "The Future of Work" ("Throw away the briefcase: you're not going to the office. You can kiss your benefits goodbye too.  And your new boss won't look much like your old one. There's no longer a ladder, and you may never get to retire, but there's a world of opportunity if you figure out a new path.")  Whew!  After reading the title I thought I might need to move into a tent city that has free wi-fi.  The article is somewhat comforting and offers suggestions on how to maneuver through.........everything.

"Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives" by John Palfrey discusses the significant divide between baby boomers and those born in 1980 and after (the digital natives).  The greatness of the divide isn't only attributed to normal generational differences but to pervasive use of technology and all that it has brought with it for the younger generation.  

L.A. Island Getaway

Santa Catalina Island was the first choice for my wedding location.  My plan was to go with "Baby Rhino" and get married at sunset while overlooking the ocean.  We didn't have a lot of money so guests, a wedding party, a catered event and a honeymoon weren't options.  My best friend and her husband-to-be were going to go with us and get married on the same day.  (This option would have also help me remember how many years I have been married, my BF would keep track of it.  She is in charge of anything that involves numbers and/or requires a sense of direction.)

Anyhow, I ended up in Vegas having a lovely garden wedding. (i.e. -in a plastic flower covered gazebo, 10 ft. from the strip, by an officiant who drank so much the night before that a blood vessel burst in his right eye)  I still want to go to Catalina.  I found condos that all face the ocean, come with a golf cart for transportation around the island and have a private beach that is reserved for the complex.  My friend ended up getting married and stayed at these condos.   The pictures are really lovely, just her and her husband with the ocean as a backdrop.  (I was able to see our wedding gazebo two weeks after the ceremony.  While watching t.v. show "Cops" I noticed our wedding site in the background when police officers made an arrest at the strip club across the street.)

I am not a beach person, beaches are too sunny and sandy, but I gave birth to two sea lions.  They love the beach and can boogie board or roll around in the surf for hours.  They tan nicely while I get a sunburn through sunscreen and clothing.  I think that taking them to Catalina would be fun.  They can boogie board while I watch them from my perch in the shade, on the balcony.  We'll see.

Sunset Magazine : Catalina Island Getaway

Hamilton Cove Vacation Rentals

Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce

Wanted: Smooth, Strapless Architectural Wonder

This outfit seems to break two rules for my body type but I may be willing to take the risk.  The top (anthropologie, $98) is really cute, a bit alluring and silk but it is also strapless which can be a problem for person who is excessively inflated "up top".  I am beyond the point (in both size and age) where I can go to Target and get an adequate bra let alone a strapless bra.  The strapless bras that are able to help me defy the laws of gravity are corsets. When the 30+ back hooks and metal reinforced seams are combined it becomes nearly unbearable and I look like a tavern wench at a renaissance fair.  

The pants (anthropologie, $78) pose another problem.  The cut works for my body type but they are cropped, which aren't advisable for a hobbit with potato picker calves.  My first inclination would be to wear this outfit with thin-strap sandals but unless they are heels I will look like a hobbit with bound flippers.  There may be too many variables to make this outfit a success on my body and is better off staying in the store where it can wait for a tall, long-bodied girl to give it a good home.

This Outfit Could be a Possibility (if I could stick to being a vegetarian)

This is a truly cute outfit. Light. Airy and feminine but not too cutesy.  Young and carefree but not too young and carefree.  (I feel like an old lady for thinking that this dress would definitely need a slip.)  The cut looks like it would be forgiving and an option for a stretchy pants day.  Peach is supposed to be a color that looks good on everyone, even on my yellow, jaundice skin. (JCrew $59.50)  It does have the potential to look like an outfit that has a missing pair of pants but I am not so very tall so it might be ok.  I could wear a pair of skinny jeans underneath which would solve the slip and missing pants issue.

I love, love, love the sandals even though they are $98 (also JCrew).  But I would be able to wear them for years to come, right?  Maybe they will go on sale soon? What if they are out of my size or they sell out because they are so cute?   Maybe I can't wait.  Time is of the essence. 

Note: My daughter has let me know that I could wear this dress now but I should probably start walking again and most importantly shave my legs. (I should also add that I would need a few applications of self tanner, as well.)

Reading is Cool, Watching TV about Reading is Awesome.

People who really know me know that I regularly watch BookTV on CSpan2.  "Top Non-Fiction Authors every weekend from Saturday at 8 a.m. - Monday at 8 a.m."  I love it.  With BookTV I can hear about books from the author; there have been times that I thought I would really be interested in purchasing a book but changed my mind based on the author's presentation. 

Not all of the featured books are politically based, today there was a segment with the author Jean M. Twenge, PhD. who discussed her new book "The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement".  In part this book is about how modern children are raised with the goal of them knowing they are special and having boundless amounts of self-esteem.  Ultimately, the end result is a generation made up of unhappy and dissatisfied adults. (Question: How can everyone be special? If everyone is special wouldn't that make them average?)  

I repeatedly buy books that I hope to read one day.  The few that I have begun to read have been good/great or I decide that I know enough in the first 100 pages and stop there or the book isn't what I expected and I can't get past the first chapter.  (I am not one of those people who will finish a book not matter what.) BookTV seems to help with what I choose to purchase and I have fooled myself into believing that watching ultimately to save money.

At the minimum BookTV is good weekend background noise while I do chores or read.

New Hybrids, Why Not?

I currently drive a VW Golf which is an acceptable car for a really lucky high school or college student.  Although I am usually carting around my two children in the back seat, I have turned down more than a few street race challenges.  I could afford a larger and fancier car but I really don't need more and overall I like my car.  It is much roomier than it would seem from the outside, almost like a Narnia armoire.  

But, I need start shopping for a new car.  I would love to get a hybrid but they are so expensive. It does come down to simple affordability at some point.  Gas isn't going to get cheaper and CA's license fees and taxes are out of control.   I also want a car with some personality and hybrids are so "blah!" to look at, my only other option would be an SUV - both options aren't acceptable.  

I would love a Mini Cooper but my daughter is 14 and my son is 10 (in addition to being the offspring of my husband who is a baby giant).  Mini Coopers have great front seat leg room but only have room for two torsos in the in back, legs aren't allowed.  I don't want a mini van and I believe I need turbo.  I don't think that my need for speed should be ignored any longer.  

VW has a turbo diesel that is a clean burning vehicle and according to VW is easier on the environment than hybrids.  The only model that I would be interested in is the Jetta Wagon - a boring and least attractive model.  Why don't some of the American Automotive manufacturers bring back some of the cute personality styled cars, not just muscle cars?  Make those into hybrids?  

My suggested starting point would be the Nash Metropolitan.  I love it.  It is itty bitty but I am sure that advances in technology and our understanding of space and time would make it possible to maximize leg room. It could be the American version of the Mini Cooper or VW Beetle.  Just a thought.

Ewe Know What?

When I have a lot on my mind I barely sleep.  I am up until the early morning hours making lists, emailing, doing minor chores as quietly as possible and contemplating what I need to do later on that day.  When I have finally worn myself out and am ready to close my eyes I am still unable to sleep.  This fabulous pillow-top mattress that we paid $1800 is horrible.  Prior to this purchase we bought generic mattresses without any special features and those were fine.  Sadly, my husband gets older and older each year (where time has stood still for me) and has a bad back, so when we had the money to upgrade our mattress, we did.  It was a complete waste of money and I refuse to spend that much on a mattress again. Refuse! (I am yelling with my fist shaking in the air.) 

I don't know if it is common knowledge but Big Lots sells Serta mattresses (brand new in the plastic bag).  They even carry fancy pillow top mattresses.  I don't know when Big Lots (formerly Pic-N-Save) got so fancy but yippee! Unfortunately, it seems that I cannot have the mattress delivered and will have to trek down to a Big Lots.   I suppose it is wise to check out the mattress in person and prior to purchase first.  But, I can't see that my laying on a display mattress, in the middle of a discount store with little screaming children running around me as though I am to be sacrificed to the sun god will really allow me to relax enough to know if I should have an extra firm mattress or pillow top.  But for the price it is worth a try.

(Illustration is Insomniac Sheep by Rob Scotton)

The Art of Manliness

I love boys, men to be specific, my husband to be very specific.  I love when men are well groomed but don't get too carried away, if you know what I mean.  I don't want to compete for bathroom time in the morning.  I don't want to be the boss of everything and I like some of the traditional gender roles.  I don't feel oppressed or downtrodden, I think traditional roles can simplify the breakdown of duties and responsibilities in a household.  I believe it all comes down to balance, mutual respect and both people in the relationship being nice, caring and considerate.  

Anyhow, I came across this great blog for grown-up men (not large boys that need a surrogate mother). 

The Art of Manliness has some really interesting posts. Here are a few:

7 Lessons in Manliness from the Greatest Generation  

100 Must-Read Book: The Essential Man's Library

Talk Like Frank Sinatra

There are some interesting sections, as well:

The Virtuous Life

Lessons in Manliness

Manly Skills

Maggie Taylor

Although I hate the word "surreal" Maggie Taylor's work seems surreal and victorian.  I love it.  I don't know what I would do with it if I had it.  I just love to look at it.  It is somewhat disturbing and familiar at once.  Her work looks like old pictures of my grandparents that Tim Burton got a hold of.  Her "Almost Alice" series is especially....special.

Grilled Cheese Magic

I missed the 1st 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Exhibition a few weeks ago and have been riddled with guilt and regret ever since.  I must make it next year.  I must!!  

The guilt coupled with my hunger (I haven't had breakfast yet) has sent me on a search through the Food Network site.  I don't like eggs or sausage so that pretty much rules out breakfast food.  Then I saw this picture and accompanying recipe, the clouds opened and angels were singing.  This is too good to pass up, a grilled cheese sandwich with brie, goat cheese, green tomatoes and bacon.  Anything with two different cheeses and bacon can't be bad.  In all likelihood this is a food that is either really good or really bad, there is only one way to find out.  I am off to the store now or to work which will pay for the cheese and bacon.

A New Wing Recipe

Yet another case of hungry eyes, Bobby Flay's Throwdown and wings.  The wings look delicious and Bobby's recipe is highly rated on the Food Network website.  With Memorial Day coming up I think I might have to give it a go.  

I usually make my own concoction which I have named  "Smokin' Hot Wings" which involves a dry rub of chili powder, brown sugar and other unnamed ingredients and smoking instead of frying.  I may make both but I have a feeling it will come down to how hot it is and if I want to cook outside, inside or both. I am sure my family, upon reading this and finding out there are other options, will insist on having both. Pushy monsters!

Tyson Documentary

I am not a fan of boxing but I heard an interview with, James Toback, the documentarian of the film"Tyson" and I think that I need to see it.  It was released last Friday and I know it's days are numbered before I will have to wait until it's dvd release.  A friend has seen it and said that it reveals a whole new side of Tyson and  his narration of the film adds a lot of depth.

(Hand)Made in the U.S. Purses

My latest etsy.com finds are both are made by "Audrey in Paris" a designer based in New York. I like the idea of the cloth sling ($45) for summer, it looks like it would be easy to wear and wash.  The leather bag ($249) appeals to my huge purse addiction.  Everyone mocks my Santa Claus sized bags but I always have everything I need.  (and anything they need, as well) 

Clean Up Your Room Day

I don't think it is coincidence that today is Clean Up Your Room Day and Mother's Day.  This additional holiday isn't my idea and I don't yet know who to thank and request better marketing for CUYR Day. Perhaps notices can be sent home with children on the Friday prior to Mother's Day.  I never saw the sense in allowing children to maintain their rooms to their liking and as long as the door was shut everything was fine.  

However, I do avoid looking directly into my children's room.  It is more of a safety precaution for them.  I don't feel like the battle or a discussion.  My daughter and I are at an impasse as far as her room is concerned, today she asked why I keep asking her to clean her room and why won't I give up.  Well,  I keep asking because it isn't getting done the way I want and I won't give up because it is my house.  How about that sister?  

I predict in the next two weeks the cycle will begin again.  There will be some reason I will have to go in to her room, then I will have a mini conniption fit and move everything that is on her floor or out of it's proper place onto the top of her bed.  This is a monthly occurrence.  Then she will come home and won't be able to go to bed until everything is put away. It is the circle of life. But if this new holiday took off and there were t-shirts made that all the kids would love to wear; peer pressure would take over and all the kids would love nothing better than to clean there rooms.  Yes, that's the answer.  I am sure it will work.  I am off to find the founders of CUYR Day, surely they have a website and see what promotions are in the future.  

Vacations with Purpose and Fun?

I heard about these vacations a while ago and thought they were interesting.  Basically, you book a vacation to a place to test out a trade or job.  Maybe your dream job is to be a brew master,voiceover artist, organic farmer or who knows.  You can test out quite a few different options through www.vocationvacations.com.    I always thought that being a voice over artist would be fun but after hearing myself on my voicemail I have decided that a twelve year old nasally voice wouldn't be in high demand.  That is what all the Disney kids are for.  But there are others that would be interesting to try out.  Pastry chef, flyfishing outfitter, jewelry designer,  I obviously need to give this more thought.  Maybe when I get a better idea of what direction I want to move in I will give it a go.  

Weekend Pulling

I have come across a new show, "Pulling" on the Sundance Channel that isn't so much a must watch on the day that it originally airs but part of the weekend queue. Keep in mind this is a British dramatic comedy so what is acceptable dialogue and activity in the U.K. wouldn't fly on network television here - children beware.  

My friend and I rate shows by what activities you can perform while watching shows.  There are shows that you sit down and look directly at the t.v. to watch, there are shows that you open mail to, iron to, wash dishes to, etc.  I would say that this is a show you can casually read a magazine to or after 10 p.m. watch without an accompanied activity.  (But not a minute before 10 p.m.)

There are a few things this show has illuminated for me:

-British women are overly adventurous with hair color

-It doesn't rain all the time in England.

-Apparently it is acceptable to smoke while cooking (you don' t see that on t.v. here) without out fear of a ash clump dropping into the soup pot.

-British men are overly adventurous with their haircuts

-That putting together mis-matched outfits in the dark is seen as stylish and avant garde (although not as bad as Sex in the City).

Bottom line is, I like it and have a season pass to record all the episodes. 

summer festival outfit

I think this outfit would be great for a festival or a road trip.  The shirt and jeans are from Anthropologie and the necklace is from an etsy.com seller (under $40).  

The clothes that seem to appeal to me lately are simple clothes that are a bit on the nostalgic side. Feminine but not showy. 

The shirt is $78 and the jeans are $178.  Both are above what I am willing to spend but are good inspiration points for a more reasonably priced outfit.

What to do now?

I have heard over and over again that the poor state of the economy is an opportunity for reinvention and new possibilities.  I believe it but where do you start? Another favorite statement is that we are all supposed to live with passion.  Ugh, the pressure! Passionate reinvention that will pay the bills? It is all so overwhelming. All the while, we are supposed to "brand" ourselves and google research our names and become our own P.R. agent to get a job where everything is possible.  So I am branding myself as who, to whom and to do what?  The thought alone makes me want to become a passionate sleeper.

The Industrial Revolution gave us many things but these decisions were easier when you were a farmer if your father was a farmer or a blacksmith if your father was a blacksmith.  Now, we live in cities and suburbs, buy more and more stuff, drive cars that have the power of 95 horses under the hood (instead of 2 horses that pull the family wagon), go to supermarkets to buy organic food (instead of growing or raising it), live in houses that are hundreds of square feet more than we use (especially since we are hardly at home - we are out finding our purpose and joy), etc.  (The argument can be made that indoor plumbing makes all the "advancements" worthwhile.)  Now we hear daily updates about layoffs, threats of layoffs, banks doing what they do and politicians doing what they do.

Where do I go from here?  Where is this magical, fulfilling, purposeful and passionate place that we are supposed to live in?  Oz?  Wonderland?  My money is on Candyland, isn't there a chocolate waterfall?

one of the cutest websites in the whole wide world

I came across this site a while ago and periodically visit to get a fresh dose of cuteness.  It's a french site and is about the cutest adult site (not that kind of adult site) around.  In closing...this site is really....what is the word...cute.  Take a look - tse-tse.

airbrush in a bottle

Can it be?  Age spots, wrinkles and discoloration gone?  My skin will glow like a toddler's who hasn't ever been exposed to direct sunlight? With only four bottles?  I have used Aveda before and loved it but this costs $177.  Uhmmm, news flash we are in a recession.  What can I get from the Aveda Enbrightenment Brightening Kit for a cool $50?  Don't get me wrong (and those who know me will agree) I don't have a problem spending money.  Some things you can get a deal on and everything is great, but sometimes with cosmetics and skin care you get what you pay for.  My skin is sensitive and by the time I work my way through the higher end of the aisle at the drugstore I might as well have bought the more expensive option. At this time my skin is behaving so I am working through the stockpile on my bathroom counter.  But, I may have to give this a try pretty soon.....

cute hoop earrings

I think these earrings are really cute and sexy.  They are 14k gold filled over sterling silver. (Does this mean that they are gold plated?)  They can be purchased from the W Hotel website store for $80.   I don't like overly ornate or plain earrings but these are simple and classic enough in style for me to wear for a really long time. 

Easy Virtue

I saw the trailer for this movie that is scheduled to be released to theaters May 22.  Easy Virtue is the title and it is, of course, a British period piece (my nerdy favorite).  It seems interesting enough that I might be willing to sit next to people I don't know while they much on popcorn like malnourished rodents.

Out to Lunch in the Wild

Part of the fun of going out to eat is watching the show that goes on around the restaurant.  Yesterday's lunch at Chili's wasn't an exception.  Jane Goodall would be astounded at the very slight advances in evolution that I was able to witness.

1. Just about the grossest thing to watch is somebody dipping their toast, sausage or other breakfast item into sunny-side up eggs.  Usually a torn piece of toast is shoved around the yellowish snot like yolk, a fair sized dollop is scooped up and "the eater" leans forward with their mouth wide open and tongue slightly outstretched (like a wide mouth bass with a cow tongue).  This lovely sight is often amplified by the "eater" hunching over the side of the table with their neck outstretched like a vulture spotting a freshly run over squirrel.  Lovely.  (The only people who think that this is acceptable behavior are other SSU egg eaters.)

2.  A really attractive older woman, about 60 years old, that was very well put together sat at a table across the aisle from me.  She arrived to her table first and her date arrived a few minutes later.  They ordered an appetizer of chips and salsa, which prompted this seemingly mature woman to whip out her napkin and tuck it into her collar.  A bib for a grown woman.  One word. Sexy.  Take your chances with the salsa, lady.

3.  Children don't know how to properly hold eating utensils because they only eat chicken strips, cheeseburgers, french fries and pizza.  All are delicious choices but we are basically raising a generation of Gymboree clothed cavemen.  If they should ever use a fork, they vigorously stab at their food like they are going in for the kill.  A spoon causes them to hunch over their food, place their lips three inches away from the bowl and shovel the food from the lip of the bowl to the lips on their face.  No knives, they aren't necessary, everything must be served in bite sized portions. Just delightful to watch.  Never mind that napkins should be placed on their laps and aren't optional bib replacements (Note: This rule applies to everyone between the ages of 6 and 60 year old).