Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Not Such A Secret
Victoria's Secret carries shoes. In addition to carrying brands like Steve Madden, Guess, Jessica Simpson and Sketchers they also offer economically priced shoes designed by Colin Stuart. The shoes reflect the current trends in footwear and range from $19.99 to $98 and the sales usually mean savings of 50% or more.See above pair of sandals I am currently lusting after. This knotted leather sandal was $78.00 and is now on sale for $38.99...sigh..they will be mine....
Snap Shot Inspiration
During my childhood my father was obsessed with his Polaroid Camera and none of us were safe from him or its lens. He had a number of them, each one an improvement on the previous one adored. The instant gratification a Polaroid offered far outweighed the professional prints he and his 35mm captured. I hadn't thought about my father's near obsession with his instant camera until last year when Polaroid announced that they were no longer going to make films for these camera.
Last week the NY Times ran an article about a small company in the Netherlands that is investing time and effort in hopes of reinventing films for the instant camera and asked readers to send in their best instant shots. In response they received more than 900 photos and the array of expression is amazing .
Be Inspired
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Gods of Luxury Smiled Down
On Tuesday I felt like shopping. I wanted a bit of luxury but I also needed to purchase a few things. I am trying to be diligent about budgeting so I only allowed my self $20 to "play" with before setting off on my journey - 
ABOVE
Needed #1 Found at Lunch Time- See the Jeans underneath the cup? They are the Gap's 1969 Dark Denim Flair Cut Stretch Jean. They were $7.99 at my favorite sell out place Lot-Less on Clinton Street. I had no intention of buying jeans though they were on my list of things to replace. Running across them while shopping was a happy coincidence. The obvious tags and labels were cut off in order to discount sell them but logos on the pocket, the sewn in care labels, the rivets and button clearly identify the brand of jeans.
ABOVE
Luxury #2 Found When I Got Home - Much to my surprise I received Vogue's 2009 Calendar in the mail that night. Granted it was a little late and unexpected but I had been considering buying a printed calendar to keep track of my appointments and major to-dos for the day. This free one is most welcomed and now each month I will be greeted with some of the amazing fashion photos that have graced the pages and covers of Vogue over the years.
ABOVENeeded #1 Found at Lunch Time- See the Jeans underneath the cup? They are the Gap's 1969 Dark Denim Flair Cut Stretch Jean. They were $7.99 at my favorite sell out place Lot-Less on Clinton Street. I had no intention of buying jeans though they were on my list of things to replace. Running across them while shopping was a happy coincidence. The obvious tags and labels were cut off in order to discount sell them but logos on the pocket, the sewn in care labels, the rivets and button clearly identify the brand of jeans.
I loved these jeans when they first came out because they were a tribute to the old Levi jeans I adore. Do I care that they are a Spring 07 issue or do I care that they make my ass look good, my legs look longer than they are and my wallet stay healthy?
ABOVE
Luxury #1 Found After Work - See this amazing new cup and saucer set? It was just the little bit of luxury I needed. I found it while dropping off two huge Ikea bags of donations to Housing Works on 17th Street. Each piece was marked $3, but at the register it only rang up for $1.00 plus tax. It seems HW was having a huge sale. I enjoyed the luxury of cup Lady Earl Grey tea while writing this post before adding the unique set to my Mad-Hatter Tea Party Cup and Saucer Collection.
ABOVE
Luxury #1 Found After Work - See this amazing new cup and saucer set? It was just the little bit of luxury I needed. I found it while dropping off two huge Ikea bags of donations to Housing Works on 17th Street. Each piece was marked $3, but at the register it only rang up for $1.00 plus tax. It seems HW was having a huge sale. I enjoyed the luxury of cup Lady Earl Grey tea while writing this post before adding the unique set to my Mad-Hatter Tea Party Cup and Saucer Collection.
ABOVELuxury #2 Found When I Got Home - Much to my surprise I received Vogue's 2009 Calendar in the mail that night. Granted it was a little late and unexpected but I had been considering buying a printed calendar to keep track of my appointments and major to-dos for the day. This free one is most welcomed and now each month I will be greeted with some of the amazing fashion photos that have graced the pages and covers of Vogue over the years.
ABOVE
Luxury/Needed Combo #1 Also Found In the Mail - I received a Free Panty plus $10 off any purchase coupon from Victoria's Secret. Funny I was just thinking that I am in need of some new undies, which are on sale at VS from May 21 through June 1, 10 pair for$25! 11 pairs here I come!
Luxury/Needed Combo #1 Also Found In the Mail - I received a Free Panty plus $10 off any purchase coupon from Victoria's Secret. Funny I was just thinking that I am in need of some new undies, which are on sale at VS from May 21 through June 1, 10 pair for$25! 11 pairs here I come!
The luxury Gods were truly smiling down upon me.
Think about what little luxuries/necessities you've been gifted with.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musing
I am learning to see what I want and need around me to make my life simple. Culling and holding up to the light those things I have gathered to my life has allowed me to do this. I make decisions. I make mistakes. I make choices I must live with and that I must learn to be OK with. It is a luxurious self indulgence I won't deny myself. I am still learning because like most I want what I want, how I want it and when I want it. It's hard and tiring and some days I want to forget my conscious effort and just be. Some days I do and I'm OK with that too.
You Know Summers On It's Way...
when the cocodecocoman(childhood nickname) appears on New York City street corners with his umbrella'd cart filled with island flavored creamy ices.For $0.75, $1.00 and $1.50 you can enjoy iced guava, pineapple, tamarind and of course cherry, chocolate and coconut...hmmmm soooooo worth the try!
(prices and flavors vary from stand to stand!)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Old School Music Video Break
While driving this weekend my 1 year old nephew couldn't stay still in his car seat when this song came on the radio..I couldn't stop laughing...I hope he gets some rhythm soon....
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hemming and Hawing...
Hem Tape is your best friend!
Embrace it and all it's 99 cents store availability in your hour of need.
You know which hours I type about, you forgot to hem those fabulous pants you bought 6 weeks ago and want to wear them dancing tonight, the hem of your favorite skirt is falling out and you have to be somewhere in one half hour, you think you may like those new curtains a few inches shorter but don't want to commit or you question your sewing capabilities and need a stable and set hem before you put needle to fabric.
This stuff is a life savior, even if you know how to hem or have a good tailor.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
1,000,000 Stories In this City We Call Home
By now Dear Reader you can tell I love a good story and everything we do in and with this life makes for a good story. The New York Times Video Features are but a glimpse into the lives of our fellow travelers....Enjoy! Guilty Pleasures - BBQing Indoors
I love the video section of the New York Times. Once a week I set aside 1/2 hour or so to watch all of the videos posted, including the style, arts and science sections. I especially like the video recipes since they are usually simple and fast. This week's post is of interest since we are welcoming the summer session this coming weekend. Click on Kitchen 4B-Smoked Ribs at Home
http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/style/dining-and-wine/1194820411913/index.html
Wondering if Tofu can be smoked like that???
http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/style/dining-and-wine/1194820411913/index.html
Wondering if Tofu can be smoked like that???
When's dinner?
Toto-Toto Where Are You?
I first experienced these buns as a child while visiting a Jamaican friend's family. I found the recipe a few years ago and find myself making the coconut ones more often. Their texture reminds me of the quick tea biscuits with raisens my Nana made. They go great with English tea
Coconut Rock Buns
(some people call them toto)
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
½ cup soft butter
½ cup brown sugar
4 Tbsps. raisins* optional
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tsps. milk
½ cup shredded sweet coconut
½ cup soft butter
½ cup brown sugar
4 Tbsps. raisins* optional
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tsps. milk
½ cup shredded sweet coconut
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven at 360°F / 190°C. Grease baking sheet.
2. Using the finger tips, rub fat into sifted flour until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add sugar, raisins, baking powder and coconut, mix in evenly.
4. Beat eggs and vanilla. Pour into flour mixture and combine then add milk slowly.
5. Combine mixture with the hands until a moist dough is formed.
6. With a spoon and a fork, divide dough into equal pieces and shape each piece into a “rocky cone” on the greased baking tray, sprinkle with coarse sugar'.
2. Using the finger tips, rub fat into sifted flour until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add sugar, raisins, baking powder and coconut, mix in evenly.
4. Beat eggs and vanilla. Pour into flour mixture and combine then add milk slowly.
5. Combine mixture with the hands until a moist dough is formed.
6. With a spoon and a fork, divide dough into equal pieces and shape each piece into a “rocky cone” on the greased baking tray, sprinkle with coarse sugar'.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until done.
recipe & photo from trinigourmet.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Planned Trend or Trend Planned?
Has anyone else noticed the shift in fashion trends to support or reflect Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange's HBO File Grey Gardens (released in April) - the story of infamous mother-daughter duo Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale? Or is it that the stylists have interjected aspects of the current trends that reflect that period?..hmmmm
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musing
Lately I find myself falling back into the practice of meditating at the end of the evening and in the morning just as I get up. Of course the evening meditation sessions begin and end the At-Home yoga session but I am surprised that the morning centering began without effort. I guess it helps that my matte and small altar space aren't too far from the bed.
A few months ago I posted about a book regarding Zen. It was a simplification of the concept and worth the read for those of us seeking a way to find it. Perhaps the influence of reading that book is at work, but this post isn't about that book, it is about the simplicity of centering just by breathing in and out and allowing thoughts that come up no power in that time and the space to evolve by not holding onto them.
Thoughts wait for our alone time to surface, especially those thoughts that cannot be addressed while we are struggling to move from points A to B to C during our day. Perhaps this is why most of us fill our time with things and people to do? It helps us avoid dealing with those that may be too hard or too painful to address otherwise. In the silent space of meditation they sense the freedom and rise to be seen and heard. Trust me, during my meditations all types of thoughts and visuals flash across my head. Most times it is a struggle not to hold onto them and examine them for their purpose and meaning. Sometimes it is a struggle not to fast forward them to others that are less troublesome. And no matter how much I try to draw a blank in the beginning of each session there are always visuals and thoughts that require the patience and practice to clear them away. Despite years of a semi consistent practice I am always learning how to acknowledge them without holding onto to any and to allow each one the freedom to move on to the next without me pushing them forward. For me it is all in the breathing. Usually on an inhale I allow my thoughts the space of the breath and then I release them in the space of the exhale. I try not to think on what I am letting go of, instead if the same thought surfaces again and again, and sometimes again, I repeat the inhale/exhale process until a new one takes its place or my mind moves onto the goal of "nothingness".
Sometimes in that silence and "nothingness" there is truly a "somethingness" that is immediately and firmly accessible. Sometimes it is just a grasp of light in the middle of a breath that dances away with each exhale. Regardless, allowing things I cannot control or own, such as memories, to flow always brings me home. When the thoughts and images are gone and I am in the middle of the space something magical happens. While in it there is a sense of peace and I find myself, usually afterwards, filled with gratitude and love that goes beyond our concept of attached love. It is then that the thoughts that hindered me during the day have no power. When I stop listening to the demands and desires of the outside world, including my own ego's expectations for me regarding those influences, and pause to hear the silence that is buried within I find peace and a sense of balance that with practice can be recalled in times of stress.
A few months ago I posted about a book regarding Zen. It was a simplification of the concept and worth the read for those of us seeking a way to find it. Perhaps the influence of reading that book is at work, but this post isn't about that book, it is about the simplicity of centering just by breathing in and out and allowing thoughts that come up no power in that time and the space to evolve by not holding onto them.
Thoughts wait for our alone time to surface, especially those thoughts that cannot be addressed while we are struggling to move from points A to B to C during our day. Perhaps this is why most of us fill our time with things and people to do? It helps us avoid dealing with those that may be too hard or too painful to address otherwise. In the silent space of meditation they sense the freedom and rise to be seen and heard. Trust me, during my meditations all types of thoughts and visuals flash across my head. Most times it is a struggle not to hold onto them and examine them for their purpose and meaning. Sometimes it is a struggle not to fast forward them to others that are less troublesome. And no matter how much I try to draw a blank in the beginning of each session there are always visuals and thoughts that require the patience and practice to clear them away. Despite years of a semi consistent practice I am always learning how to acknowledge them without holding onto to any and to allow each one the freedom to move on to the next without me pushing them forward. For me it is all in the breathing. Usually on an inhale I allow my thoughts the space of the breath and then I release them in the space of the exhale. I try not to think on what I am letting go of, instead if the same thought surfaces again and again, and sometimes again, I repeat the inhale/exhale process until a new one takes its place or my mind moves onto the goal of "nothingness".
Sometimes in that silence and "nothingness" there is truly a "somethingness" that is immediately and firmly accessible. Sometimes it is just a grasp of light in the middle of a breath that dances away with each exhale. Regardless, allowing things I cannot control or own, such as memories, to flow always brings me home. When the thoughts and images are gone and I am in the middle of the space something magical happens. While in it there is a sense of peace and I find myself, usually afterwards, filled with gratitude and love that goes beyond our concept of attached love. It is then that the thoughts that hindered me during the day have no power. When I stop listening to the demands and desires of the outside world, including my own ego's expectations for me regarding those influences, and pause to hear the silence that is buried within I find peace and a sense of balance that with practice can be recalled in times of stress.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Jonesing for South American Sushi...
Today at lunch time I made my way to the Clinton Street Supermarket (90-96 Clinton Street off Delancy) to buy fresh fish and all the ingredients to make Ceviche.
Tonight I will stop off and buy an amazing white wine to go with it.
I blame this craving on having my friend Greg's amazing Ceviche for dinner last night. This high protein dish leaves you dreaming of your next encounter.
Mine will be tonight.
I suspect most of you have experienced some form of Ceviche, a citrus marinated fish appetizer found in most South American countries. The citrus, lemons, limes and sometimes oranges depending on the recipe's origins, actually "cooks" the fish, shrimp and shell fish usually used and blends with the hot pepper, herbs and spices to make an addictive dish that lingers in your memory until you can have it again.
Following is the recipe from Mexico that I will use for tonight's fix -
Ingredients: Serves 6
1 pound of white fish diced into ½ inch cube
(I use flounder or tilapia)
4 large limes
2 small lemons
1 large diced fresh tomato
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ small green sweet pepper, chopped in cubes
½ jalapeño pepper, chopped in cubes
½ bunch of fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Diced avocado and tortilla chips
In a large bowl, gently mix the fish with the lime juice and lemon juice and refridge for 1 hour or fish is opaque and cooked.
In another bowl mix the tomato, onion, sweet pepper, jalapeño, cilantro/parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Mix all ingredients; cover the bowl and chill ceviche in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve the ceviche with *avocado slices and corn chips and don't forget the good white wine.
Tonight I will stop off and buy an amazing white wine to go with it.
I blame this craving on having my friend Greg's amazing Ceviche for dinner last night. This high protein dish leaves you dreaming of your next encounter.
Mine will be tonight.
I suspect most of you have experienced some form of Ceviche, a citrus marinated fish appetizer found in most South American countries. The citrus, lemons, limes and sometimes oranges depending on the recipe's origins, actually "cooks" the fish, shrimp and shell fish usually used and blends with the hot pepper, herbs and spices to make an addictive dish that lingers in your memory until you can have it again.
Following is the recipe from Mexico that I will use for tonight's fix -
Ingredients: Serves 6
1 pound of white fish diced into ½ inch cube
(I use flounder or tilapia)
4 large limes
2 small lemons
1 large diced fresh tomato
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ small green sweet pepper, chopped in cubes
½ jalapeño pepper, chopped in cubes
½ bunch of fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Diced avocado and tortilla chips
In a large bowl, gently mix the fish with the lime juice and lemon juice and refridge for 1 hour or fish is opaque and cooked.
In another bowl mix the tomato, onion, sweet pepper, jalapeño, cilantro/parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Mix all ingredients; cover the bowl and chill ceviche in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve the ceviche with *avocado slices and corn chips and don't forget the good white wine.
* Greg puts the avocado into the ceviche because everyone prefers it that way.
See added photo of tonight's efforts!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mini Made Luxury for the Senses
Sometimes the simplest things are a luxury. A cup of coffee in a great mug, taking a break to listen to one song in the middle of the day, closing your eyes for five minutes of alone time, enjoying a single chocolate kiss found tucked away in your purse, watching a child's face as they learn, wearing that fabulous silk antique robe on a Sunday morning while enjoying the quickest of breakfasts are all simple things that remind us that time, moments we have, are the true luxuries of life. Being in the moment and or stopping and acknowledging them are the key to being rich.
A Sunday morning luxury for me is as easy as warming small tortillas on a lightly buttered skillet and topping with chopped boiled eggs, diced, salted tomato, avocado, red onion and cilantro. Along with a rich cup of Cafe Au Lait (see my pic) it's easy, quick and a luxury for eyes, nose, hands and mouth.
Tortillas are a late addition to my eating habit. I know they are all over the place, but when you have had them handmade by a friend whose great-grandmother taught her how to make them you can't just pick up a bag of Mission fajita wraps and be happy. For years I avoided them like the plague. But recently I have actually made an effort to try a number of brands in my search to simplify meals and found that Buena Vista Tortilla, made in Brooklyn!, aren't that bad when heated. Though marketed tortillas can never compare to hot, fresh tortillas finding ones that come pretty darn close is another little luxury I don't take for granted.
A Sunday morning luxury for me is as easy as warming small tortillas on a lightly buttered skillet and topping with chopped boiled eggs, diced, salted tomato, avocado, red onion and cilantro. Along with a rich cup of Cafe Au Lait (see my pic) it's easy, quick and a luxury for eyes, nose, hands and mouth.
Tortillas are a late addition to my eating habit. I know they are all over the place, but when you have had them handmade by a friend whose great-grandmother taught her how to make them you can't just pick up a bag of Mission fajita wraps and be happy. For years I avoided them like the plague. But recently I have actually made an effort to try a number of brands in my search to simplify meals and found that Buena Vista Tortilla, made in Brooklyn!, aren't that bad when heated. Though marketed tortillas can never compare to hot, fresh tortillas finding ones that come pretty darn close is another little luxury I don't take for granted.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Almost Free
For those New Yorkers that need the routine of the gym to stay in shape or crave other physical activities but can't afford or justify the rates gyms and studios are asking I hope that you will consider joining the local New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Centers and Facilities in your area.Depending on the location and facitility options for between $10-$75 a year you can have the use of weightrooms, basketball & tennis courts, dance and work out studios and classes, boxing rings, game rooms, libraries, art studios and pools without the heavy gym or studio fees.
Worth the investigation -
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musing on a Friday
The universe has this annoying habit of sending me blatant and obvious "hits" from people I no longer want in my life. You know the people I type of, people whose drama made your life hell, whose need to control or be controlled never allowed for a balanced connection, people whose presence in your life deteriorated your efforts and direction, and people who you just wanted gone because it's time for them to go. Despite banishing them from my life and my thoughts, admittedly after taking the time to look at things from all angles and trying to understand what the purpose of that time lost, it seems that just when I am feeling "safe" I am jolted back a bit by running into them or being reminded of them by strange coincidental occurrences and sometimes even hearing directly from them.
There was a time when I allowed others to affect me in a way that it hindered my progress. I let people steal my joy, to borrow a phrase that has been kicked around a bit. More importantly I let them steal my thunder and found myself floundering by the affects of being involved with these crazy makers. Either the encounters left me perplexed and feeling somewhat depleted so I couldn't feel myself or see my goals. Or I found myself walled up and detached from myself and my direction in protective mood. Either way I realized that I was desperately trying to find some type of mechanism that would help me cope with the selfish people I had let into my life, people that have no idea that what they do and how they place themselves in the world affects others. At times I foolishly believed that just being me and working through it would change others and fix what was between me and that person. I wanted to make things right. I was being selfish because I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it and was trying to fix something that might not have been broken but rather should have never even been considered worth fixing. What I didn't understand was that in some cases all I could do was take my shoes off and swiftly walk away, but me being me I didn't. Instead I stood knee deep in it, sometimes going to the wall over and over again only to fall on my ass, until I knew there was nothing left to do but either destroy the house being built or run away.
The thing is I take my responsibility in it all. I know my desire to correct and fix, based on what I wanted or the other party projected they wanted, was a manipulation of what shouldn’t even been considered investing in, but sometimes circumstances and desires go against logic. I have learned that regardless of how balanced we are or how well we have insulated ourselves in this world with true and honest support and love we will always have encounters with those that only want you to support their illusion and have no intention of returning the favor in kind. And I don't like it! Not one bit!! But all I can I do is roll through it to get to the other side because lessons may make me stronger but I will be damned if the make me hard.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Going Bananas But Not Nuts...
I love banana muffins and breads but often find them too rubbery or thick for my tastes. I played with a number recipes before finally coming up with one I will keep. I will gladly share more than just the attached photo. Following is the "secret" recipe -
1/2 c. soften butter
1 c. sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. flour mix of half whole wheat/half white flours
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2-3 very ripe bananas mashed
3/4 c. plain yogurt
2-3 very ripe bananas mashed
3/4 c. plain yogurt
1/2 c. shredded sweet coconut
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter, sugar, and eggs.
Add flour, salt, baking soda to butter mixture. Blend well.
Add bananas, YOGURT and vanilla and coconut; stir well.
Pour into buttered muffin tin.
Bake 35-40 minutes - toothpick should come out dry.
Turn out onto a rack to cool.
Makes 12 good size muffins
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday Mental Musings
Last week a friend and I met for happy hour. I was approached by a tall and handsome man. He bought me a drink and we proceeded to have a conversation. There was a lot of flirting going on and the topic of relationships came up. His response to my question of whether or not he was involved was "it's complicated" and proceeded to ask me for my number. Unfortunately the complexity of his situation was too complex for me to consider extending my self beyond our drink and conversation. We parted with me wishing him luck with simplifying it.
This is not the first time I have seen or heard this phrase. At the risk of alienating some friends I have even seen it in the relationship areas on their profiles. Still "It's complicated" perplexes me each time I run across it because I see it as a way of avoiding confirmation of your commitment and remaining open to possibility that may or may not replace it.
Each time I read or hear the phrase I can't help but I wonder what is so complicated about it? Either you're in a relationship or not. Either you're married or not. Either your separated or not. Either you're dating or not. Either you're in an open relationship or not. The details of your status may be complex but as far as what it is and what your partner believes what is between the two of you isn't. What is so complex about that?
I have been in complex relationships and have had to work my way out (mostly because of my own attachments) but once again I refer to owning one's behavior and behaving honorably. Regardless of the perimeters of the relationship, I am in it and there is nothing complex about admitting my status. My commitment is my priority and sorting it out is between me and the man I am partnered to. This doesn't mean I don't have male friends, but it does mean that those friends and the man I am involved with know of my relationships and friendships which sets firm perimeters. Nothing complex about it.
My question to those that use the term "it's complicated" is do your partners know how complicated it is? Do your partners know that you are seeking other means of satisfaction outside of your agreement, even if the arrangements are open? And if yes, in my case as least, can you provide me with a signed affidavit and/or allow me to contact your partner for verbal confirmation as reassurance before I become involved in something too complex? (lol)
This is not the first time I have seen or heard this phrase. At the risk of alienating some friends I have even seen it in the relationship areas on their profiles. Still "It's complicated" perplexes me each time I run across it because I see it as a way of avoiding confirmation of your commitment and remaining open to possibility that may or may not replace it.
Each time I read or hear the phrase I can't help but I wonder what is so complicated about it? Either you're in a relationship or not. Either you're married or not. Either your separated or not. Either you're dating or not. Either you're in an open relationship or not. The details of your status may be complex but as far as what it is and what your partner believes what is between the two of you isn't. What is so complex about that?
I have been in complex relationships and have had to work my way out (mostly because of my own attachments) but once again I refer to owning one's behavior and behaving honorably. Regardless of the perimeters of the relationship, I am in it and there is nothing complex about admitting my status. My commitment is my priority and sorting it out is between me and the man I am partnered to. This doesn't mean I don't have male friends, but it does mean that those friends and the man I am involved with know of my relationships and friendships which sets firm perimeters. Nothing complex about it.
My question to those that use the term "it's complicated" is do your partners know how complicated it is? Do your partners know that you are seeking other means of satisfaction outside of your agreement, even if the arrangements are open? And if yes, in my case as least, can you provide me with a signed affidavit and/or allow me to contact your partner for verbal confirmation as reassurance before I become involved in something too complex? (lol)
Hair Torture & Torment
With a bob haircut the styling options are broad. Given the right products and tools you can do many things. Sometimes they are successful, sometimes they aren't - see new profile picture of curls gone wrong. I recently received the Revlon RV084C Professional Ceramic 3-Barrel Jumbo Waver and have to admit I was pretty intimidated by it though it claimed to be the perfect styling tool for waves and texture. The 3 jumbo ceramic coated barreled iron heats up in 60 seconds and it has 25 heat settings to assist in creating waves in all types of hair. Once I was over my fright I managed to impart waves and volume that lasted for most of the day. Still testing the hair benefits of its use.
Available at various drugstores and shopping centers for $23-$29.00.
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Shift In Season
With the weather warming I have decided to move posting to every other day. I will continue to post of the things that inspire, encourage and support finding a bit of luxury in the day to day and hope that in turn you are are inspired to find and share your own wonderful things. On the off days there will be pre-posted music video breaks to distract or entertain, depending on your taste -lol!
Thank You for Your Readership
Happy Spring!
Come On Summer!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fashion Comments
Recently I ran across a print ad in a few of the fashion magazines I prowl saying -
"Be A Knock-Out
"Not A Knock- Off'
It was a ad supported by the website - FakesAreNeverInFashion.com.
The site and group are dedicated to exposing the criminal activities involving creating, trafficking and selling designer knock offs including the offshoots or support sub-industries involving child labor, drug trafficking and even terrorism said to support and be supported by such activity. I applaud organizations that seek to expose counterfeit anything, especially if the money being made is supporting industries that further undermine human rights and conditions but I have a hard time totally blaming that sub-culture for the "knock-off" game. We are all part of the issue.
I am a fashion junkie, though not a victim or a whore. I am drawn to clothing and costume and pretty things and pour over magazines, peer into shop windows and hunt for all manner of clothing and accessory. Most times I just want to examine the item and see it. I can only image the debt and excess I would be swimming in if I actually bought all the things I am drawn to.
While hunting I am more than often appalled by the prices in comparison to the quality we are offerred, especially from some "name brands". I underestand that there are chains of people in connection between the manufacture and sale of these items, but the greed of corporations and businesses that produce these goods has pushed beyond the limits of acceptability. We are suppose to believe that luxury items are necessities. Magazines report and to a great degree create trends and doing so highlight the "artists" making them. The media then splashes these hot designers and their items without so much as a shock response to the fact that they are telling me to buy a pair of jeans that can feed a family of 4 for a month or more. Because of this type of hype we become bombarded with messages, conscious and subconscious, to buy, have, own way beyond our true means and the circumstances of our true lives. For most of us attempting to live this ideal life puts us in a cycle of financial pain of debt and loss and because of the "brainwahsing we often forget that it is our choice to buy and support such things
I am not one to pay a large price tag for an item because first of all I love beautiful things and know that beauty and quality come in all price ranges. Labels and names don't move me. Quality and design do. I prefer value for my dollar. I am not one to buy an intentional fake. I know that having and wearing trendy things will not improve my social status and I don't have the disposable income to spend money to keep up with the Jones. Maybe that knowledge comes with age. Most marketing is geared to a generation still trying to define themselves or a generation that is suppose to be financial secure enough to enjoy it before they go. Maybe I am betwixed and between right now.
There was a time when people were loyal to brands because of these two things not because of the celebraties wearing or using items made by that particular company. Considering the number of times I see many of the so called luxury items floating around the fashion world on sale for 100s of percent lower than the original price tag the true value of the item is clearly made evident by that mark down. Unfortunately in this day of option and excess we can be distracted from our true needs and end up purchasing quantity rather than anything we truly need or use and quality sometimes goes out the door.
I would applaud the industry more if they began to take true responsibility for the things they put out there in hopes of increasing their own profit. I would applaud the industry more if they could separate themselves from the idea that they can mass produce art to sell on a level most of us can afford and instead limit production and costs. I would applaud the industry if they stopped having "cause" parties and instead not just slap money like bandaids on issues of concern but actually send items and support, people, in answer to the needs. If the cause is one surrounding disease and research again translate the dollars to donate into the man hours and materials needed for the research instead of getting a company to donate a goody bag in hopes of some wealthy person passing a fat check that of course ends up as a tax write off anyway.
Happy Mother's Day Ladies
Today is mother's day. A day we celebrate those women that chose to give birth to us and those women that chose to nurture us. Sometimes they are not the same. Regardless of who mothered you, today is a day especially put aside to honor and remember them. Thank You.Happy Mother's Day
(My Great Grandmother Georgianna & 5 of her 9 children,including my Grandmother Dorothy. She nurtured us all.)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Affordable Jeans to Crow About
Bootheel Trading Co. by Sheryl Crow offers affordable Jeans, maximum approx $64, and Shirts, maximum approx $38, for those of us that want a little rock & roll style but know style is fickle and bound to change before we get enough wearings to justify $200 plus price tag for a pair of jeans that pretend to have a little wear and tear.
Available at Dillards
(attached "Missouri" jeans are now $19.20)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Artist In Me
I fall in lust with most make-up palettes I run across.
Despite this I rarely purchase any of them because I find myself only using one or two of the shades included or if the colors are selectable the line always seems to be discontinued before I can replace any of the make up.
It is rare that I fall in love with the whole package but NP Set by Napoleon Perdis in Denim is the exception. I adore ever usable enhancing color and at $29 for a kit that includes make up for eyes, lips and cheeks it's a steal.
Only available at Target.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hot, Spicy and Chewy
A few years ago I found this recipe on www.recipezaar.com and it has become a staple around the holidays. The other day I wanted something a little spicy, a little chewy and a little gooey and made them. I thought I would share the recipe.Moxie's Crystallized Ginger Cookies (36 cookies)
Ingredients
11 tablespoons room temperature butter
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup dark
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 ounces candied ginger, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
11 tablespoons room temperature butter
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup dark
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 ounces candied ginger, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
Directions - Preheat oven to 375°. Cream butter& sesame oil with molasses sugar and egg. Sift together dry ingredients (except candied ginger) and add to creamed mixture. Blend well. Fold in candied ginger. Chill for one hour. Form into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar. Put cookies about 2 inches apart from each other on a greased baking sheet (or one you have lined with parchment paper). Bake 8-10 minutes. And there they are!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
The other day I realized I had over 79 contacts on facebook, 43 represent an extremely small portion of my family and the other 36 are real time friends and work associates that have spilled over into this friendship area of my life.I acknowledge the fact that without this medium I would never have the opportunity to stay in touch with this number of people and doing so is a real responsibility. I am being extremely diligent about keeping these zones free of people who just collect others to fill their friends list with pictures and names of people who can and will be disgarded or forgotten when the next new shiney person comes along.
Unfortunately seeing faces on a daily basis often allows a friendship to become more intimate faster than it might be in real space and time where schedules, locations and other responsibilities take priority over say "staying in touch with your 2nd cousin removed on your mother's side" and because of this collection is so easy. I often feel overwhelmed by the fact that I have acrewed the list I have and I can't even imagine keeping track of 100s of contacts because as social as I can be I do not offer my friendship lightly.
I have never had the need to have a friends list of 100s to affirm that I am a likeable person, but this medium seems to allow one to have 100s of friends. When someone offers me their friendship in true sincerity I always feel honored and try to return in kind. I want to be able to communicate in a respectful and sincere way with those who honor me with their friendship and time. This is not to say that I want each of my contacts to be my "bestest" friend or that I can not exchange quips and jokes with strangers but I do like to invest in sincere intellectual and emotional affection with those who I call friends. I am also very aware of the fact that all friendships are based on the respectful perimeters set by the parties involved and it is up to me or the other party to accept or reject the friendship if it isn't what is wanted. Sometimes the friendship stays where it is or withers and dies, which is fine as long it we both agree that it is. Sometimes, with time, it grows and becomes better on all levels because of the 3 dimensionality of our connection.
The funny thing is after thinking and writing about this I went to my facebook list and tried to edit down the contacts but to be honest whether it's daily, weekly or monthly I connect with everyone who is on the list in a way that I believe is satisfactory to us all, at least I haven't heard any complaints.....
Fashioned by Avedon
Fom May 15th through September 6th New York's International Center of Photography
presents
"Avedon Fashion"
A retrospect of his career and the amazing images he created and shared while at Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, The New Yorker, and beyond.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sun Blocked
I am not a big "soaking up the sun" person. I always try to use sun protection with an 15SPF and above but I hate, hate, applying them. I started using Neutrogena Oil Free Sun Block Stick, SPF 30, a few years back. I love the glide on application because it leaves my hands sticky free. I even apply it to my face without fear of break out and it fits into almost every bag I carrry.Available at your local drugstore for around $8.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Grown Up Games..
I love childhood board games and am one of those people that avoid electronic computer games at all cost (OK I have still have a tetris addiction I am managing). A few weekends ago friends and family gathered around Hasbro' Electronic Catch Phrase Game and as two teams we passed the little disk between us taking timed turns at guessing the over 10,000 words and phrases from 11 catagories.We stumbled, bumbled and laughed at ourselves and each other and by the end we each wanted our own game! The next day I bought one off of Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Electronic-Catch-Phrase-Game/dp/B00005BY4I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1240782877&sr=1-6 ) and have been forcing unsuspecting friends to grab it, guess it and pass it along as quickly as possible ever since.
Loving it!
And they have a music edition I'm eying!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Model as Muse
From May 6th through August 9th
the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
will host
"Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion"
"The exhibition, organized by historical period from 1947 to 1997, will feature haute couture and ready-to-wear masterworks accompanied by fashion photography and video footage of models who epitomized their epochs."
Friday, May 1, 2009
Vintage Prints
If you have a need for vintage maps, advertisements and prints you should find your way to Style Devie's site. They have all manner of print art from cheese labels, fashion magazines to vintage match boxes. You will have to join and log in to sort purchases but the visual stimulation is worth trolling their site.
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