Monday, November 30, 2009
Black Friday Shopping Today
I almost forgot today is Black Friday on the net!
Check out cybermonday.com for retailers
Chico is the Man....
I worked with a woman whose wardrobe was exlusively from Chicos. She found it easier to buy from one line that presented easy, wearable interchangeable clothing. I am not a Chico's person but I do love their jewelry. Before you poo-poo me here are some of the pieces available from their site, even if it is for inspiration.
Benicia Necklace $128.00
Mallise Necklace $58.00
Abilene Necklace $68.00
Rose Necklace $138.00
Glynnda Bibb Necklace $88.00
Devonta Necklace $98.00
Buy 1, Get 1 Jewelry Item 25% Off (exclude sale)
Icons of the Desert
at The Grey Art Gallery through Dec 5th
http://www.ny.com/cgibin/frame.cgi?url=http://www.nyu.edu/greyart/&frame=/frame/museums.html
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Paper Cuts Not Included
From October 7, 2009 - April 4, 2010
The Museum of Arts and Design is hosting
SLASH: Paper Under the Knife.
The exhibition explores cut paper in contemporary art and will showcase 50 artists that explore this medium. In conjunction with the exhibition the museum is organizing demonstrations, workshops and lectures for children and families as well as video screenings of the arts at work.
For More information check
(Mis Pearlman - EDDY, 2008)
Leonardo DaVinci in Time Square
On the 20th of November Leonardo DaVinci and his notebooks arrives at the Discovery Times Square Exposition. The exhibition explores and brings to life many of the experiments and theories held in his notebooks.
For ticket details
For the NY Times' virtual tour
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
I firmly believe that in the end we are who we are and the length of this journey only determines who we are for and to others because if we have done it properly we have accepted ourselves from 1st breath and spent our time remembering who we have always been.
For The Abstract Lover
Kandinsky at the Guggenheim September 18, 2009–January 13, 2010
"In 1929, Solomon R. Guggenheim began collecting Kandinsky’s canvases under the advisement of artist Hilla Rebay. Ten years later, their enthusiasm for the artist’s paintings, among those of others exhibiting nonobjectivity—a style of abstraction with no ties to the observable world—led them to open the Museum of Non-Objective Painting in New York. Later, Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned in 1943 to design what has become one of the architect’s greatest masterpieces, which opened in 1959 as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Amended Note to Santa
I am soooooooooo wanting this toy!
The Fujifilm Instant Camera ( $85) is still pending release via amazon.com but I am hoping it arrives in time for the fat man to leave it under the tree.
What We Play Is Life
- Louis Armstrong
Satchmo: The Wonderful World and Art of Louis Armstrong (Abrams)
Steven Brower pulls together some of the 100s of collages Jazz great Louis Armstrong created by the 1950s into a book worth viewing. Brower uses his pages to draw the connection between Mr Armstrong's musical and artistic styling by comparing both to jazz improvisions or "rag" as the great musician called it.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Still On the Urban Outfitters Website
If the Shoe Fits
and looks good I will usually buy it!
The BDG Suede Pump from Urban Outfitters is a shoe I am wanting to try on these days.
It comes in a variety of colors and at $48 a pair is an economical splurge.
and check out the Deena & Ozzy Suede Over-The Knee Boot for $148!
F Train Blues
The F train has been a mess this week. Well it's been a mess for the last few years but with the MTA replacing tracks the past few weeks have not been fun. In addition to the filth and over-crowded conditions that have plagued the line since Brooklyn has burst with transplants the work being done have forced delays, re-routes, weekend shuttle bus travel and other mayhem. On Wednesday I looked up from my commuter stupor to find this message. It pretty much says it all for those of us that have to suffer the daily commute on the NYC subway system.
All Images © Simone Rene 2009
For Yoni Lover's
Georgia O'Keeffe: Abstraction
at the Whitney Museum of American Art
The exhibition includes more than 130 paintings, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures
September 17, 2009-January 17, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Santa Can You Hear Me.....
Because I have been a very good girl and all I want for Christmas this year is
SMASHBOX COSMETICS' Perfect Pallette ($59)
64 Eye Shadows
8 Cream Eye Liners
6 Brow Tech Powders
1 Brow Wax 8 Lip Glosses
2 Blushes
1 Complexion Brightener 1 Bronzer
1 Highlighter
4 Mini Brushes (Shadow, Liner, Brow & Lip)
And with every WISH purchase, $1 will be donated to Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit that grants the wish of life to millions of sick or injured kids by providing care and investing in life-saving research.
Frank Gehry and Tiffany
A few weeks ago Tiffany & Co launched 2 new collections of jewelry from Architect Frank Gehry, who is known more for his playfully space defying buildings than jewelry design.
His "Paper" and "Star" collections features bracelets, earrings and brooches in 18k gold that reflect the architects playful approach to translating architectural elements and design mediums into wearable art.
Check it all out on site
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
I often wonder what would happen if we all, each and every one of us exposed our individual greatness while pushing aside the definitions of greatness made by the societies we live in. I often wonder if we each ignored and set aside those definitions and comparison and instead concentrated on being all we could be based on our true desires and capabilities what the world would be like. What if we took pride in our jobs, our health and our appearance based on understandings of our selves? Would we be able to find contentment and in that contentment satisfaction that allows us to be the beautiful individuals we were all born to be?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Ginkgo Harvast
All Images © Simone Rene 2009
All over New York there are Ginkgo trees. Come this time of year you can locate them by the smell of the tree's fruit, ginkgo nuts, which fall aplenty. Most New Yorkers won't touch them because of their odor but I have seen them harvasted by the Chinese locals that know when the outter layer is peeled the nut's sweet, mild flavor, comparable to a chestnut or pistachio, is worth the effort, or so I have heard. I have never tried them. Trying a Durian fruit while in Malaysia was adventurous enough for this nose.
Gritty New York Captured
In 2010 Steidl Publishing, German, will publish a 3 volume set covering the life work of photographer Bruce Davidson.
Entitled Outside/Inside it will contain over 800 photographs hand printed by the photographer, including images from his most famous series, Brooklyn Gang, East 100th Street, Central Park and Subway and Civil Rights Movement as well as more recent work like those pictures he took in 1998 when he returned to 100th Street to document the changes that have taken place in the 30 years since he produced the earlier series of images.
For a tast of this great photographer's work have a look at the NY Time's slide show -
Hunting on Black Friday...
Despite having finished my holiday shopping I will be among the thousands hitting the stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving. My sister and I share this yearly ritual. We get to spend some time together and more often than not end up shopping for ourselves. This year we will be heading to Kohls with coupons and rebates in hand and I plan on hunting for the attached SIMPLY VERA cotton t-shirt.
It retails for $30 but I am sure on Friday with all the sales I will capture my prey for much less.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Jean of the Moment
I will never wear a skinny jean.
I am not, nor have I ever been, built that way.
I prefer a jean with a tapper boot cut leg that gives me length and ease and recently purchased a DKNY SOHO JEAN SHORT -30 which does the trick while giving the illusion of a "skinny" jean. The hem covers the toe of my shoe, lengthening my legs and the 2% spandex overs ease and movement.
At $48 it isn't a steal but it sure is a bargain
Bauhaus Moment At The MOMA
Bauhaus 1919–1933: Workshops for Modernity
November 8, 2009–January 25, 2010
The Joan and Preston Robert Tisch Exhibition Gallery, sixth floor
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Internet Black Friday
For those of us in the states the day after Thanksgiving is the official 1st day of shopping for the holidays. Almost everyone I know gets up pre dawn and heads to the malls and stores to partake in the Black Friday ritual of pushing, shoving and grasping things so drastically reduced in price they can't help but buy! ( I once saw a man buying 6 flat screen t.v. all under $200 each and a woman buying 20 bed pillows!)
This year the internet will be having it's own Black Friday.
On Monday, November 30th 500 Web Vendors will offer major discounts on all types of items. Visit cybermonday.com for retailers and details. I wonder how the internet traffic will be that day...
Cold Weather Comfort...Soup
This weather is perfect for an evening meal of soup.
Following is a recipe that I adopted from Gourmet. It is tweaked and should take no more than an hour to make. Enjoy it the same evening, but it gets better over night.
1/2 lb Kielbasa (I use turkey) cut into 1/2" slices * can be omitted
5-6 tbs Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
1 Large Onion Diced Small
5-6 Cloves Garlic Diced Small
1 1/2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
1 lb cleaned and chopped Kale (remove rib)
6-8 Cups Water*
Heat large soup pot or dutch and add 2 tbs olive oil before adding Kielbasa (if using)
Allow sausage to brown, stirring to cover all sizes.
With slotted spoon remove kielbasa to drain on plate.
If you are not using sausage, omit this step and reduce olive oil as follows.
In same pot add 2-3 more tbs of olive oil before adding onion and garlic.
Saute until onions are transparent and soft.
Add potatoes, liquid** and about 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper
Allow to cook until liquid comes to rolling boil.
Potatoes should be fork tender.
Remove a ladleful of potatoes and mash with fork.
Add back to soup pot - this will thicken soup a bit.
Add Kielbasa and turn down heat, allow to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Add Kale and allow to wilt in soup, about 2-3 minutes.
Just before serving taste and add more salt and/or pepper if needed.
Serve
**I have substituted 1/2 liquid with chicken stock and/or veggie stock when not using Kielbasa
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Quick..Hurry Hurry...
before the 20-70% Sale at the newly relocated
LEEKAN DESIGNS INC
4 Rivington Street, off Chrystie
ends on Nov 15th
The store houses a wide array of import ethnic art, jewelry and decorative items and new things are unpacked every day. If you can't make the sale check out their website
If you don't see it, just ask Annie if they carry it!
Tuesday's Mental Musings
Why do people forget their manners when using public transportation? Why do they forget the power of the words thank you and excuse me? Why do they shove pass people to get through that train door or upstairs without regard to the traffic flow created by the stream of passengers doing the sae? Why do they sit spread out with body and bags across more than one seat and not seem to care that their fellow travelers must stand? Why do they have attitudes when asked to shift over or remove handbag or briefcase from the empty seat they placed it in? Why do they expect you to hold the door for them yet offer no signs of gratitude when it is? Why do people keep their bags and backpacks on instead of removing and placing them between feet on along side of them to allow room for their fellow travelers? Why do they speak of personal and private matters on cell phones and then get annoyed with others are caught listenings? Why do they speak loudly to their travel partners and get annoyed with others ask them to tone it down? Why do people forget their manners when using public transportation?
Let There Be Light
I desparately need some lamps but have yet to invest any thought into looking for some that will fit my decor. This week I found this white ceramic lamp with polka dot lamp shade on the walmart site. It costs $40. The shape of the lamp and shade are perfect, unfortunately the color isn't right for the room that needs the lamp...still looking..
Monday, November 9, 2009
MUSIC VIDEO DAY BREAK CHANGE
The youtube music video address will no longer show.
Just click on the title area of a Music Video Day Break posting and you will be transported to the music.
Just click on the title area of a Music Video Day Break posting and you will be transported to the music.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Still Organizing...
Now that the shoe storage is sorted I have moved onto considering storage for all my purses and had a field day considering the various options available via organize.com
Below is the Hangbag Holder ($9). It holds and hangs 5 bags in a closet.
This boxed organizer ($30) can hold up to 10 purses and can sit on a shelf or be stacked on the floor.
Unfortunately neither solution worked for my mammoth handbag collection and I ended up returning to IKEA and purchasing the Antonius cart system for $33.99. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29862951
The pull out baskets organize while offering easy view and access to the purses. The system can be personalized. I bought fewer baskets so the larger bags are stored with ease.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Nose Knows
Kleenex Expressions Ovals come in a varity of patterned oval boxes that are too chic and their price a bit more hefty than a regular box of tissues not to be placed in obvious view.
Available at your local drugstore for about $3.00 per box
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good Food On A Budget
A few days ago while wandering around during lunch time I remembered that Vanessa's Dumpling House isn't too far from the new office so I allowed my feet to lead me there.
Vanessa's Dumpling House is located at 118A Eldridge Street between Grand and Broome Streets.
The cooking station and counter top take up about half of the space but considering the speed in which the women behind the counter need to work inorder to fulfill the constant stream of dumplings, soups and bun orders it's a good thing. There is seating but most patrons take their orders to go.
The hand made dumplings aren't extraordinary but at $1 for 4 large fried dumplings and $2.50 for 8 boiled ones you are guaranteed they are always fresh and filling. Vanessa's also offers soup made to order, a variety of buns, bubble teas and take home frozen goods at extremely economical prices. Nothing on the menu is over $5.00.
But don't go there for the dumplings. Go there for the Sesame Pancake Sandwiches. These adult sized sandwiches are made with a crisp sesame seed encrusted bread that is split in two so that its soft center can be packed with a variety of fillings - egg, veggies, shredded pork, beef or duck. The prices for this item range from $1.50 - $2.50 and are a nice change from the normal deli hero.
Movie of the Moment
On November 6th one of the most talked about movies this year, PRECIOUS, hits theatres.
Based on Sapphire's novel Push this movie follows Claireece Precious Jones as she endures unimaginable hardships and finds the words to tell her story.
"Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious"
Not In The Bag....
I am really liking the Kristin Tote Bag by Coach.
I am inspired by it's shape and size though the $698 price tag distances me from my desire.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
I know people who treat people badly. Doing so makes them feel powerful, even if it only for that moment in time.
I know people who find pleasure in watching others squirm and flush or worse yet let go of their temper and let it fly or as a southerner will say - lose their religion - in response to their treatment. I believe they consider it loving.
I know people whose relationships are built on the idea of conquering, controlling and defeat. They live a war like existance where survival and being King/Queen of the hill is most important. Oh, they have friends and lovers and more often than not committed partners but what they lack is the intimacy true vulnverability and trust brings.
I know people who watch others slip and fall and reach out to their loved ones for support while they, those watching, still can't figure out how not to bite the hands extended to them. Instead of stopping themselves from attacking those who would help they lean against glass walls erected around their vulnerability.
I know people whose history of meanness and emotional or verbal abuse of those that dared to befriend or even love them force them to survive on half smile "hellos" and "good days" and greeting sent from safe distances.
I know people that are really lonely and sad because they behave this way and have no idea how not to.
Do you know people?
I know people who find pleasure in watching others squirm and flush or worse yet let go of their temper and let it fly or as a southerner will say - lose their religion - in response to their treatment. I believe they consider it loving.
I know people whose relationships are built on the idea of conquering, controlling and defeat. They live a war like existance where survival and being King/Queen of the hill is most important. Oh, they have friends and lovers and more often than not committed partners but what they lack is the intimacy true vulnverability and trust brings.
I know people who watch others slip and fall and reach out to their loved ones for support while they, those watching, still can't figure out how not to bite the hands extended to them. Instead of stopping themselves from attacking those who would help they lean against glass walls erected around their vulnerability.
I know people whose history of meanness and emotional or verbal abuse of those that dared to befriend or even love them force them to survive on half smile "hellos" and "good days" and greeting sent from safe distances.
I know people that are really lonely and sad because they behave this way and have no idea how not to.
Do you know people?
Monday, November 2, 2009
A Needle, Thread and Other Odds & Ends
I always carry a bag of "just in case" and that includes a small travel sewing kit, see attached. I have gone through a number of them and found that this hard plastic shelled case version keeps everything I need for emergency repairs in a neat and organized fashion.
When a friend of mine admired it I did a bit of research and found that it is manufactured and distributed by Austin House, a supplier of travel sized goods and items. You can find retail stores that carry them via their website
Or you can make your way to Jack's World on 33rd Street and have your choice of various colors for just 99cents!
Preparing For the New Year
Every September I, like many adults, miss the preparations and purchasing the promise of a new school year brings. Those with children can live vicariously though them by buying fresh notebooks, pencils, pens and other goodies that promise organization and possibility. In reply to this programed September response I begin my search for the perfect "I will keep you organized" daily planner for the new year approaching.
January 2010 will find me using Moleskine's Color a Month Daily Planner.
This colorful 12 notebook set breaks down each month into an individual 3 1/2 x 5 1/2" 64 page planner. Each planner containers basic information pages, time zones, year calendar, travel information as well as a lined pages for each day that allows for simple to do lists and appointment keeping. All 12 notebooks are housed in a hard cover case that protects and perserves them.
I purchased mine at full price (darn it!!), $40, but amazon is offering it at $26.40
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