So I braved the mall today! I wouldn't have gone, except i have a friend coming in and needed to buy new sheets and a new blanket! I must admit, second to a new lipstick, there is nothing like buying really soft sheets and a great blanket! And then i started to stroll, just for the hell of it!
Honestly, I have never seen so many people! Not in the stores, because they seemed empty but roaming the halls and standing in line to take pics with Santa! What struck me on my walk was just how many jean stores and beauty stores were there!
Kiehls, bath and body works, lush, origins, l'occitaine, fruits & passion, crabtree & evelyn, the body shop, aveda, sephora, mac and bare escentials! How much creme, soap and makeup can one buy?
Next up was denim stores, 7 for all mankind, AG Adriano Goldschmied, True Religion, not to mention, lucky brand, abercrombie & Fitch, then just the run of the mill, Gap, American Eagle, and 3 department stores loaded with denim!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Bahumbug!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Just You Wait!
Here at B.Dazzled, i am done with holiday gifts. I'm a forward thinking girl and am hard at work getting ready to bring you great new stuff for 2009!
So, keep your cash in your wallet and some room on your credit card because I am about to bring you great new gifts and jewels to start the year off right!
xoxo
b.dazzled girl!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Escorts and Economics
Last night i went to pick up food for dinner and in front of me was a very pretty young woman, who i am certain was an"Escort", she had lots of cash in her wallet, lots of shopping bags on her arm and a lot of bling! It got me to wondering, in this economic climate, are the prostitutes, dancers and Escorts, feeling the crunch as well? Most of us have cut back, fewer dinners at fancy restaurants, longer periods of time between facials and haircuts, less trips, less new shoes!
But what about the sex industry, have men cut back or are those girls still doing well?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tis the Season!
Bah Humbug! Ever since college i've had a mantra, i'd like to be rip van winkle and go to sleep the day before thanksgiving and wake up the day after valentines day! I hate to be so cynical, but sitting around and stuffing your face with turkey and staring at relatives just isn't fun! Shopping on the day after thanksgiving is a fate worse than death, parking lots, parking accidents, fighting for goods, leftover goods at that! I mean really, its not like it used to be where you got good bargains the day after thanksgiving, in fact this year, Saks had the sale before thanksgiving and going to the store now is just down right depressing!
Then the lead up to christmas, the parties, the gifts the food, the way i see it, is the money on clothes, the calories and the gifts for people you probably don't even really like! And for the people you do like, finding the perfect gift is really hard, i mean truth be told, we all shop better for ourselves than we do for others! And in this economy, what can we truly buy, even for ourselves!
Ah, New Years Eve! the pressure to be at a hip party or at a great restaurant! In reality, the restaurant is charging an arm and a leg for food that is never as good as it would be on a normal night, the service sucks and who wants to be out on the road driving with all the drunken idiots! Talk about playing russian roulette!
Then the follow up, Valentines day! The pressure to have a boyfriend or have your husband actually remember and either send you flowers or take you somewhere.
See, you agree, its easier to sleep through it all!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I'm officially old!
I never feel old, in fact there are some days that i feel exactly the same as I did in high school or college. What finally kicked in the reality that i'm old, wasn't a birthday or a trip to the Dr.
I found a few strands of GREY HAIR!
I'm frantic, that's the telltale sign that i'm old. Now don't be mistaken, i've been highlighting, coloring, cellophaning my hair for years, to get that perfect shade of brown, honey, chestnut or whatever color du jour is on my mind! BUT NEVER, have i had to color to hide grey!
It happened in the car. I was looking in the mirror on my sunshield and i noticed light strands near my hairline. Odd, since my hair is a deep chestnut red at this point. I sped to the salon and ran right to my hairdresser so he could inspect! He confirmed my worst nightmare, i do in fact have grey hair!
Its all downhill from here!
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Fall TV interviews!
Every fall there is a tradition in my house, I interview all the new shows to determine if they will make my TV lineup! I should note that I only watch 1 hour shows, with the exception of The Hills, Entourage and Californication!
I thought I'd had fall all lined up, I'd added, The Ex-List, The Starter Wife, Raising the Bar and 90210! I'm proud to say i don't really watch reality tv. Never seen American Idol, Dancing with Stars, etc.
BUT, i found a delicious frivolous show the other night and i'm hooked! The Real Housewives of Atlanta! Now here we have 4 exquisite afro-american women, and one blonde bombshell who spend, spend spend and live in CRAZY homes! They don't know from recession! Two are married to professional sports players, one in the process of a divorce from a sports player and the Double DD blonde has a sugardaddy named BIG POPPA!
Oh you must watch this show!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Chasing It!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Trying to Balance the Budget! But seeing GREEN!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Paris Hilton
Monday, September 15, 2008
TV Time!
This is my time of year! Fall television is back with a vengenance. Now the networks don't know it, but for many years I have interviewed almost everyone of their new shows each fall to determine if it will make it into my tivo repetoire! I love when People magazine publishes its issue describing all the new shows, with glossy photo's and descriptions! When TV Guide comes out I keep the colorful chart that divides everything so neatly, day of the week, network, time, (ah, if only i could divide my complicated life into such a great chart! Of course that's a story for another post)
So, let me tell you, the networks have also thrown me tidbits over the summer, likely because the movies this summer totally SUCKED! I mean what is a summer without good movies!
So let me first say that there are some new little networks that have some great shows
TNT and USA and AMC came out with some surprises,
In Plain Sight about the Witness protection program is pretty good, although the plotline isn't that feasbile since every witness gets moved to Albuquerque, hey wait a minute, maybe those are the only people who want to live there, next season the show will be based in Wasilla, Alaska! Oh wait, this post isn't about that weasel Sarah Palin!
Mad Men about advertising men in the 1960's, although slow moving is superbly written and has great costumes!
Raising the Bar- great show about Young public defenders and prosecutors. I'm probably the only one who watches this show, and it'll be off the air soon, but I love it!
HBO has finally brought back Entourage and i'm still hoping that Jeremy Piven finally meets my friend Missy, because i am certain they were meant to marry each other! They also have a new show True Blood and while i'm not into science fiction, werewolves and blood sucking vampire shows, this one is pretty damn tasty! (no pun intended)
xoxo blogger girl!
p.s. i'm off to go watch gossip girl for those of you who missed the hint!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My commentary!
For those of you that know me, i mean really know me, you've seen that i've been quite the political pundit on facebook of late! I don't normally pay too much attention to politics, i much prefer to talk about shoes, tv, movies and sex when i'm out to dinner, but the 2008 election campaign has me in a TIZZY!
First, let me say i'm a registered independent, i've voted for republicans, i've voted for democrats, and on the whole i'd say while I have liberal beliefs on some issues, I have very conservative beliefs on other issues. I'm pretty well balanced in that respect.
Let me also say, I completely understand that there are people out there who vote party lines no matter what, who are big business and stand to pay tons in taxes and so they vote republican, and there are people who are out in the trenches everyday fighting for the little guy and they vote democrat!
What i don't understand and can not even begin to comprehend is the people out there who aren't evangelical regligious fanatics who are going to tell me that Sarah Palin is a remarkable woman! What is remarkable about her is that she has chosen for forego the privacy of her pregnant teenage daughter and her teenage boyfriend turned fiancee so that she can be the vice presidential nominee. Additionally, it is remarkable that this "self proclaimed friend and advocate for special needs children" isn't spending the formidable months caring for her newborn child who has the bad fortune of having downs syndrome. The ultimate remarkable trait is the belief system she follows- pro-life, anti-gay rights, no ban on assault weapsons, and she loudly proclaims that her decisions are not only based in her faith but that our being in Iraq is a task from G-d! In August the leader of Jews for Jesus, was invited to speak to the faithful at the Wasilla Bible Church, Sarah Palin's fundamentalist congregation.
In his talk at Wasilla on August 17, 2008, with Palin in the audience, Brickner described terrorist attacks on Israelis as God's "judgment of unbelief" on Jews who have not converted to Christianity.
I'm also tired of hearing about her executive experience. From what i've read, she left Wasilla $22 million in debt, she never had a passport until 2007, she's under investigation in at least 2 seperate misconduct investigations in Alaska and she milked Alaska for 312 days of per diem expenses when she was in actuality at home on her sofa!
So if you want to vote republican, be my guest, but don't tell me its because Sarah Palin is remarkable or that she has any ability to lead a country if need be!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It's Makeup Time!
I am a makeup whore! I love makeup, the smell and texture of it! I love the packaging and the crispness of a new compact! I will also admit, while i have bought and thrown away more makeup than any gal could need in a lifetime, I rarely wear makeup! I love the idea of it, a finished face, the perfect nude lipstick, eyes that pop! In reality, i never look that together! I have good intentions every season to be the lady who leaves her house perfectly made up everyday, even if wearing jeans and a wifebeater, but i'm not her!
I have had relationships with them all, I've gone out With Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Vincent Luongo. Hell, i've even had relationships with the women, Bobbi Brown, Sue DeVitt, Trish McEvoy. I've broken up with all of them!
Today was my day to pick a new mate, and recently I had been seduced by Laura Mercier, I have been trying to avoid meeting up with her, but I lost today, despite my best intentions.
What i've realized is that the minute you walk into a store, you get sucked in. Ever noticed that every makeup artist tells you the following: you have the most perfect shaped lips and eyes, your skin is beautiful, your eyebrows are perfect and your lashes are so long! LIES! They all lie to you! They tell you a foundation looks amazing, but when you point out that every single PORE is showing, they immeadiately wipe it away and say, no that wasn't right for you!
The perfect store would have a makeup artist that walks over to you and honestly tells you, don't use this skin cream, your foundation is a shade too dark, that you really can't pull off smoky eyes!
So for now, i'm believing that Laura Mercier and I will be a perfect couple at least for a few months!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
How it is supposed to feel!
After many hours of delays due to weather and a small diversion to the remote runway at Dulles i have made it up to NJ, for a day or two of relaxation prior to the NY Gift Show. Its the kind of summer I miss in Florida, the days are long and lazy, the temp peaks at 80 without a touch of humidity, families stop at Magic Fountain to get a late afternoon ice cream and you can sleep with the windows open! The hint of fall can be felt at night when you take in the cooling air.
I heard it was 95 and humid in Miami yesterday, with Tropical Storm Fay chugging along!
Sorry i'm not in Miami sharing it with you!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Avoid all Stores!
I know, you can't believe your eyes! I'm telling you to avoid the mall, avoid Target, just stay away! It's that time of year, BACK TO SCHOOL. The amount of people in the stores buying supplies and school clothes have made it unbearable to shop!
The other day I stopped into Sports Authority, that was a mistake! First of all, what a disorganized store, a big dark warehouse of a space with virtually no sales help and no discernable floor plan. Next stop, the mall. There is an interesting phenomenon in South Florida, the mall is always full of tourists wheeling HUGE suitcases around. It is almost impossible to walk around without having your foot run over!
Target, need toiletpaper, soap, soda, not this week! Getting in the parking lot is even a feat!
Time to shop online!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Fall Fashion is coming your way!
Iknow its been a long hot summer! Your mind is thinking about getting the kids back to school, about getting to the repairs and renovations that you need around your house! Your summer trips to the Mountains were amazing, you've posted all the pictures onto your facebook page. That leaves one last thing for you to do. . . plan for all your fabulous fall wardrobe! Here's the top ten list!
10. It's all about The Color Purple!
9. Leather bags in warm colors, think, gold, teal, fuscia
8. Embelishments adorn the neckline of tops
7. Leather cuff bracelets
6. Layering with long cami's
5. Slate is the new black!
4. Long necklaces are still the way to go
3. short dresses for nightime are glam!
2. Lots of great solid color tops
1. The Maxi dress is here to stay!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Back in the Groove
I've been out of the groove. I was out of the gym groove, out of the great sex groove and out of the blogging groove. I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Loving the equinox gym and have decided i'm going to post more for all of you that have started to tune in. But i'm going to do it with less of a censor, maybe more sex, more clothes, more my interpretation of why humans are all crazy! So i bet you are wondering if i'm back int he sex groove!!!!!!!!!!
For those of you that are married to a great guy, one you met in high school, or the guy you met when you had the most fabulous job in the world, i'm sure your in your groove! I have yet to find the man who can keep me in the groove. I find that if the sex is mindblowing with shooting stars, he can't hold a converstaion and thinks The Economist is a minor league baseball team. If the sex is decent, he's funny and smart but he can't keep my eye from wandering. And of course if he's handsome with a quick wit and keeps me on my toes, he can't find my G-spot! I'm trying to find him, so i'd say my groove is currently like I-95 during rush hour, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
When it rains it pours
They say bad things happen in threes. Although they also say that sneezes come in threes, so i have no idea if its true or not, but i've had my three.
THE FIRST BAD THING:
The last month has been full of wisdom teeth and root canal issues. I must say, i am a pain wimp, except of course for the strong slap accross the tush by my current "friend with benefits", but it wasn't bad at all on the mouth. Hurt the wallet and the pre-pain was excrutiating.
THE SECOND BAD THING:
I have a jewelry designer out of LA that makes great stuff. I put a few of her necklaces online and lo and behold the bulldogs for Van Cleef are after me. I didn't advertise it as Van Cleef, didn't use the word alhambra, which I might add was a word long before Van Cleef began thinking they were the only people in the world who could make a clover. So i went to an older version of my current friend with benefits to represent me, all i can tell you is i'm not eager to being sued in Federal Court.
THE THIRD BAD THING:
Today, i was going through my morning computer ritual, email on yahoo, email on aol, facebook, Stephanie Klein Blog and then my online banking (i know, odd order). To my surprise, my accounts appeared overdrawn and when i went to the details, i noted that there were charges for over $2,700 for 2 home depots and a glass company. PANIC! I call customer service and get a pakistani, ARGGGGHHHH, (i'll save that for another post). I hang up and run to the bank, where they proceed to deactivate my debit cards and smile and tell me I now need to call the fraud department, "and thank you for banking at WAMU" ARGGGGGHHHHH.
Fraud Department tells me that the transactions are pending and until they go through there is no claim that can be initiated.
Tell me good things come in SIXES!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Old Magazine Pet Peeve
Its funny how when you aren't looking for an inspiration, one pops up. I'd been thinking about what i wanted to blog about and nothing came into my very busy brain. So, i stopped thinking about all of you bloggers out there and went about my daily business. My daily business, unfortunately has taken me to the Oral Surgeon and the Doctor in the last few days. And there, in the waiting room of both offices my next post was born.
I don't know about you, but i'm a major stressball when i go to any doctor or dentist, and while i'm sitting in the waiting room, I like to occupy my mind by flipping through magazines. The problem is, the magazines are ALWAYS a year old. Why would i want to read People or US Weekly from a year ago? And that's assuming that those magazines are even at the office. Usually i have to pick through Boating Magazines, Parenting Magazines or Cooking Magazines. The Cooking magazines really push by blood pressure up, they have big halloween cupcakes on the front cover and Memorial Day was last week.
For G-d sakes, get some new magazines, that are timely! At this rate, i'll be going to my annual gyno appointment in February and there i'll find TIME magazine announcing that Barack Obama won the democratic nomination.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Paper Whore
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
I'm a New Englander, through and through. Circumstance and reality landed me in Florida and so I blog with knowledge of both worlds. As a New Englander, summer is a big deal. We celebrate Memorial Day with parades and barbeques and dreams of what a glorious summer we will have. We mark the mid-point of summer with July 4th celebrations, swim contests, watermelon, lemon meringue pie and corn on the cob. August ends with a bittersweet labor day, sweatshirts, campfires, s'mores and school looming. NEW ENGLAND knows summer holidays.
Here in Florida, we have summer all year round. And so, it is with sadness and nostalgia that Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day really fall into 2 categories; backyard beer fests or sale days at the mall.
Don't get me wrong, i love Florida in the winter when my friends are stuck with an icepick trying to defrost their windows and they are bundled up and freezing, but I MISS THE REAL SUMMER HOLIDAYS!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
I love paper
So, i finally went alone to the National Stationery Show. I was certain that I would spend many more hours at the show than when i'm there with a friend. Friends rush me, they don't get the allure of notepads, and stationery and clipboards and post it notes. They don't indulge in the packaging and the crispness of a new paper.
So much to see, adorable desk accessories, great inexpensive just thinking of you gifts. Cool innovations for your office and organizers for your junk. I picked up so many great catalogs and am enjoying being at home on my sofa, under my magic blankee reviewing all the great options I have for products for www.bdazzledjewels.com
Oh yes, even alone the show only took me 3.5 hours! But worth its weight in every envelope and sticker!
The last laugh in Weather
So, i'm back from NYC. Great trip, i highly reccomend The Empire Hotel, if your travels take you to the West side. Its actually right accross from lincoln center, has a starbucks and a duane reade right outside the front door and has an amazing rooftop patio where you can enjoy the fresh air, grab a drink and for the ludicrous price of 150.00 enjoy a cabana with 2 towels, flip flops and a flat screen t.v., you get to use the cabana from either 9:00 a.m.- 4:oo p.m. or 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., what a bargain! Only in NY!
Now onto the weather. After stressing over having nothing to wear that would be NY appropriate in May, i arrived to a sunny day, with temps in the high 50's. By 5:00 p.m, it was windy, somewhat gray in and in the low 50's. Day 2 brought rain and wind and cold weather. And then it hit me, New Yorkers are so happy there is no snow and that the temp has climbed out of the 30's and 40's that they think May is beatiful. Oddly enough, they wear their trousers and jackets with flip flops and still have on moderately heavy winter coats.
NEWSFLASH- May in NY is not summer and really not even spring! IT'S DAMN COLD!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
It never fails in May
Every May i head up to NY and as i'm about to get ready to pack a few things, i open the closet doors and feel like i might cry. NY in may sucks, its not quite summer, and its not really warm and yet you don't want to whip out the same sweaters you wore up to NY i the winter. It involves days in the 60's which feels so good when you come from florida, where it was 95 out today, and yet nighttime is in the 50's. Jacket? Sweater? Closed toe shoes? Tee Shirt? How to not look like a tourist!
argggghhhhh!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What a lot of nerve!
My almost four-year-old, while totally cute and absolutely delicious most of the time, is VERY strong willed. Any time that things are not going his way, he starts completely freaking out, screaming, crying, etc. Moms, you know what I am talking about.
One day last week, we are out having lunch in a kid-friendly (of course) place. He starts freaking out because I tell him he can't sit next to me in the booth and he needs to stay where he is on the other side of the table. Every parent knows that the way to stop tantrums is to absolutely NEVER give in to them. So I begin to tell him he needs to calm down or we are going to have to leave, which only makes him cry louder and harder. I keep repeating, "You really need to calm down and stop crying." Eventually he does, and we have a fine lunch.......until:
The mom who was sitting at the booth that backed up to ours decides to tell me what a horrible mother I am! First, I want to point out that she had her back to us. During my son's tantrum, I could see her glancing over her shoulder at us. When she gets up to leave, we make eye contact. I give her the mom-solidarity smile, which she sort of returns. Then, she gets right in my face and says something along these lines:
"I have something that I really want you to consider. I live with a man whose spirit was broken as a child by his mother, and it is really hard. Don't break his spirit." I was sitting there speechless. Then she continued: "You need to work on your anger." And with that, she turned and left.
I suppose in her house the children get to do whatever they want, she doesn't care and no one ever raises their voices, but at my house IN THE REAL WORLD, things are different. I don't know, maybe she thought I beat him in the bathroom or something. I am still in shock that someone would be that bold AND so off base.
For the record, when I repeated this story to my family, my nine-year-old daughter was ready to go hunt this woman down and punch her for suggesting that I was a bad mom. "You are a great mom," she told me, which, of course, is really the only opinion that matters. But to that mom out there who just couldn't mind her own business: Thanks for your input, but you don't have any idea what kind of mom I am...my kids think I am pretty great!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Old Friends
There is nothing like your old friends. How many of us are lucky enough to still be friends with someone we grew up with? I am! My best friend from growing up is still near and dear to my heart. While we live far away and have vastly different lives, we still treasure our friendship. She's the one you did silly childhood things with, sang to Madonna, flirted with older boys, shared your dreams and your fears, used your fake id with. Unfortunately, life get the best of all of us; work, kids, errands, family, bills, stress, spouses, boyfriends, the list is endless. But when you finally connect, none of that seems to matter and everything is simple and clear. So the lesson is, don't wait so long to call or email, because nothing fixes the blues or boredom like connecting with your best friend!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The war close to home
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Baby G
For those of you who know me, at this point you know I have a passion for cats! Unfortunately, while allergic to some extent, my family has had cats since I was 7. My current cat, Glamour Girl Molan was saved from a rescue center at Petsmart. She was a beautiful silver tabby sitting in her cage, head tilted, but when you want to talk to her or put your finger in the cage, she would swat at you like crazy. The volunteers tried to persuade me not to take her, at that point her name was Nirah. They told me she was strong willed, not socialized and mean. But what i saw was spunk and attitude, not unlike myself. As you can see, Glamour Girl, or Baby G as we call her, has taken over my home and my heart. She's a love bug when she wants, although she gets very fussy if you try to capture her and hold her.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Comfy
Monday, March 24, 2008
Facebook frenzy
I have a new obsession, FACEBOOK. My friend Missy invited me to be her friend and ever since then, i can't get enough. Now, i'm not that enthralled with the applications and games and music type features. What truly reals me in is the 6 degrees of seperation aspect of it. So far i have 82 friends. Some are people I haven't seen since elementary school or high school and others are neighbors and business accquainances. What's most amazing is how somehow someone I know can be linked to someone I once knew and poof with the click of an invite key i'm re-connected.
I also sometimes feel like a cyber stalker, looking at profiles of people i know and then at their list of friends and so on and so on, kinda like the old shampoo commercial, she told a friend who told 2 friends and so on and so on. I can also watch and see who my current fling is friends with and when he signed on.
The largest group i've connected with is people from college, in fact, some people i only knew in passing in college but somehow here in cyberspace we've become connected and friends. I also am mesmerized by the adoption of a beautiful little girl from China, by a high school classmate!
It all just boils down to another site for me to check every morning before work, and another reason i'm always running late!
Everything on Easter
On Saturday night I realized almost everything would be closed on Easter, even the grocery store would be closed so the usual sunday trip had to be pushed up. Great, sunday would be a sleep in day, with no errands to run and time just for me. Well, as murphy's law would have it, i awoke at 8:15 am and couldn't fall back to sleep. By 11:00 i was desperate for some activity and headed to walgreens. Let me tell you, Walgreens looked like Bloomingdales on the day after thanksgiving, it was PACKED! We never realize how used to modern life we are, the ability to run to the mall, the grocery store, the cleaners, the deli etc., whenever we want.
Easter is a bummer of a holiday for the Jews, because unlike Christmas when we head to the movies and eat chinese food, we don't have much to do on easter. And to top it off, here in sunny south florida it rained all day!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Its enough to never take medicine
So i hate to tell you, i'm stuck this week with a UTI. Never had one before, which when i told the Dr., and the Nurse, they were amazed that this curse had never befallen me before. In any event, i'm a total hypochondriac. So after i picked up my prescription at Walgreens, i decided to see how much money i'd saved with insurance. Yes, i'm a geek, i enjoy always tearing off the facesheet and reading how much money i saved on medication (makes me believe i can go spend it on shoes). But, after i read about the savings, i turn to the side effects. Now, i have to tell you, i'm a pretty smart chick, but. . . when you read the side effects, my g-d you stop and think, should i ever take medicine again? Shortness of breath, rash, fever, sore throat, blackening of the stool, diahrea, abdominal cramping, fatigue. . . Shoud I continue or are you getting the picture? Basically if you take medication you will get a whole new host of symptoms and illnesses. Do they want to scare us to death? So you go home, you take the medication and wait, do i feel my pulse racing? is my throat scratchy? is that a rash on my stomach?
ARGGGHHHH!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
All things Baby!
I went to visit my friend Lisa yesterday, and her new son. Adam was beautiful and tiny and so peaceful while he slept! I don't hold babies until they are 9 months old, EVER! Its a hard and fast rule of mine, i'm afraid i'll drop the tiny perfect creatures, who weigh less than my cat. 9 months seems like a time when they will have a little weight on them and have the ability to look you in the eye, smile, coo or scream but at least give you some indication that everything you are doing is ok.
In any event, a true shopper, can find shopping love in everything. And being a true shopper, instead of looking at shoes and shirts on this visit to my friends' apartment, we admired all things baby. Beautiful frames, ralph lauren onesies, trumpette socks http://www.trumpettesocks.com/
framed art work and magnificent burpie clothes. Of course, Lisa sent me home with a list of websites that i spent all night scouring, amazed at everything. Now if i just had more friends having babies!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Its Not My Hour
Several years ago at a function I attended, a Rabbi spoke about Lashan Horah (evil tongues). Of course speaking evil of others is something we should avoid, however, the Rabbi said we should start with just an hour where we not only speak no evil but think no evil. Among my friends, we preface any gossip with the phrase, "its' not my hour", that absolves us from any sin!
So, let me start by saying, not only is it not my hour, its not my day! Did you ever know someone that was pure evil, the person was really insecure and horrible but the way they presented themself was so over confident? I have a work association with a woman like that. Outwardly she portrays herself as wealthy, happy, smart, always dressed in fashion trends (even though she could use makeup and a good hairdo), however she can't be happy unless she is vicously complaining about other people, how they are stupid, lazy, incompetent and not as perfect as her, in fact it seems that she has all day to sit at her computer writring emails about people just to tear them apart. I might add this woman has broken up three marriages by having affairs with men considerably older than her (Freud would love her!)
All of this brings me to the question, they always say, what goes around comes around, but when? when does that happen?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Blackout!
Welcome to Miami's blackout of 2-26-08. On normal days, especially in hurricane season the power goes out and no one in Miami freaks out. Today, almost all of Miami lost its power! And unfortunately in the post 9/11 world, when the power goes out everywhere in your world simultaneously, its hard not to think, WHAT IF!
And then you start to think, maybe its not so far removed, with a city, actually one of the largest counties without power, what could happen. CNN actually reported that the power outages ran from Jacksonville to Miami and even impacted the west coast of Florida in Tampa, there were some 6.6 million people without power.
They evactuated my office building, men with flashlights came and told us we had to leave and they would assist us down the interior stairwells. The traffic lights weren't working, and the streets were full of honking cars, and gridlock prevailed.
It makes you realize, that we used to live such insulated lives, where we never ever contemplated that there was someone or something out there that would ever dream of threatening the good ole USA. And maybe we're paranoid, but when you realize they used Commercial Airplanes as bombs and flew them into the World Trade Center, its not hard to conceive that cities could be crippled with massive power outages and then who knows!
I for one, don't mind being a bit paranoid if it makes me more aware of my surroundings and a bit more cautious!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Catching up!
Wow, i've been slacking with the blog, so i'm going to catch up! First, congrats to Lisa and David on the birth of their first son, Adam Logan! Couldn't be happier for them! i've finally settled on a baby gift, but if you are ever looking for a great baby present check out http://www.babybunch.com/.
Now on to my fashion news- i've already given you the news that yellow is the big color for spring. Having walked every square foot of the tradeshows in Vegas i have a few more fashion tidbits, so get your pens ready. First, eyelet is a very important part of your spring and summer wardrobe! Second, be sure to stock up on burn-out and dip dye tees! I found some great new jewelry lines while I was in Vegas and can't wait to sell them on http://www.bdazzledjewels.com/.
The brazilian- so lately i've been fascinated by the topic of brazilian waxing. I've spoken to so many women who have given me their prospective, from painful to a piece of cake, and some who had tips like, bring a tube of neosporin, take a tranquilizer! What intrigues me most is, actually the waxer herself. Now, i don't know what the proper term is, wax lady, aestitican, hmmmmmmmmm. In any event, who would want the job of waxing ladies privates all day long? Is that a calling? Do they compare notes with their co-waxers? UGGGGHHHHH, the price of being a woman!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Some fun things to buy
So i'm back from the NY show and even i can't believe i'm off again to Vegas for MAGIC to buy for fall. While in NY i found some really great stuff, that while i may not carry at http://www.bdazzledjewels.com/ i just might have to have.
First, on the bus in the city i was enthralled with the conversation of three very waspy looking girls, think, Buffy, Paige and friend. They were dressed in skirts and baubles and heels and jewels. I hate to admit it but as much as i'd like to look super chic at tradeshows, i was wearing jeans and an old navy tee. In any event they gave me the card for their store, http://www.juliska.com/ so if you don't live in Stamford and can't make it to the store check it out!
Next, i fell in love with a line that is decoupaged frames, plates, paperweights etc that can be customized http://www.marye-kelley.com/ everyone needs one of these frames for their fancy beach house!
Baby and pet stuff up the yazoo at the show. Found a few keepers http://www.babybunch.com/ and http://www.babyjar.com/. For pets i loved the cleopetra line of charms for dog tags, check it out at http://www.trixieandpeanut.com/ under accessories and jewelry. I might just bling out my cat Glamour Girl!
I loved http://www.copperewe.com/ they had twig letters that come boxed with any saying you want!
and an old favorite with great personalized items is http://www.lexingtonstudios.com/
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
About that airplane and the NY Gift Show!
I know you've been waiting to hear about my trip, just dying to know if HE did in fact sit next to me. First let me tell you, there were so many chances because before i actually made it to NY, i sat on three different planes due to bad weather, mechanical delays and such. The answer is NO! He wasn't there! Not on any flight and to make my odds even better, i was stuck in the middle seat!
The good news is, although exhausted from my trip, i found some great new stuff at the NY Gift show! More news to follow!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Hoping tonight my life will be that movie
Ok, i'm off tonight on flight 1700 from Ft. Lauderdale to Newark. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You know all those movies and t.v. shows where the girl gets on the plane and the person who gets on the plane to sit next to her is cute, friendly and ends up marrying her. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE!!! Or maybe it does, and I just have no luck. I don't even need him to be cute! I just want to one day get on a plane and have a guy who is smart and not a senior citizen sit next to me, chat about life, politicis, movies, music and maybe just maybe ask for my phone number. So far, i've gotten, foreign nationals, ladies with young babies on their laps who are constantly touching me, people with really loud iPods or smelly food.
So keep your fingers crossed that maybe tonight will be my lucky flight!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sing Along all day long!
I am the internet queen. You want to know about someone or something, i'm your go to girl. I can find property records, divorce decrees, criminal infractions and obscure clothing lines. Every once in awhile my friends surprise me and come up with something i myself just didn't find. I am grateful to those friends, because they keep me grounded.
So i'd like to acknowledge my friend Barbara from http://www.shopbarbara.com/ for 2 great sites.
First, for those of you who love music, try out http://www.pandora.com/ you can create your own music stations, genres etc., and play them all day long. I have hooked everyone in my office, and move from office to office listening to everyone's favorite picks. Sometimes i even sing along,
Second, for the shoppers out there, this is a goodie. http://www.retaildish.com/ wow, talk about down and dirty, you can search by state and find out which of your local stores don't pay for their goods and aren't responsible in their buying! OUCHHHHHHHHHH! No worries, B.Dazzled is not on those bad boy lists!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Etsy!
My whole world has changed, with just 1 click of my computer. First let me say, i have not a creative bone in my body. in kindergarden, my stick figures had 3 legs and my clouds and trees were never right. I have always envied those who could whip up an invitation, create a scrap-book, sew, (although does anyone sew anymore?). Then it happened! The other day the solution to my problem of having not one ounce of creativity appeared in a flash. I was wondering the web and came across http://www.etsy.com/. Now at first, i admit i stumbled upon it, the way you keep clicking through one link to another and had no idea the magnitude of my find. And then a day later there it was a whole world of creative people who could cut, paste, sew, bead, decoupage, string and were willing to sell me these pre-made goods! I've placed a few orders already, (i'm a bit compulsive when I find something I like)
try it you'll love it!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Its going to be a bright bright sunny spring!
Back from the spring trade shows in NYC. And here's what i can tell you about what you'll be shopping for this spring. Lots and lots of yellow. From simple cotton tee shirts to Silk dresses and going out tops, Yellow is the color of spring. Follow that purchase with eyelet. Not just white eyelet dresses, but shirts and pants and shorts, Eyelet in bold colors, even eyelet in madras print. Burn-out is back and your choices are plenty for tanks, tops, dresses in every color of the rainbow.
For jewels, you'll be seeing lots and lots of enamel bangle bracelets and bright colored stones.
Engraved disc necklaces are going to be popular too!
I'm happy to report that the weather was like spring this past week, so for a girl like me who lives in Florida, it was no jacket required. But what i quickly realized is, that in order to be a city girl, you must own knee high black boots! Doesn't matter if they are black patenet or suede or leather, stilletto heal or wedge, but the black boot MUST be worn to be considered New York chic!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Third Avenue haunts and fashions predicitions
So i'm off to NYC on Monday for spring tradeshows. Flying up with the "vice-president" (otherwise known as Mom, or Nadene to those of you who know her). This is the first trip i've taken on spirit airlines http://www.spiritair.com/ . The flight was so cheap, we are hoping there are seats in the plane! We are also staying at Ian Schraeger's Paramount Hotel in NYC, http://www.nycparamount.com/ what a bargain, we got a winter rate of 139.00 a night. Hopefully there are beds in the room and a bathroom. My mom loves to stay in Times Square, not me, i'm an east side girl, through and through. What beats the Third Avenue staying near Bloomies, the original Scoop http://www.scoopnyc.com/ and Citarella http://www.citarella.com/ and gracious home http://www.gracioushome.com/ and kate's paperie http://www.katespaperie.com/ and of course dylan's candy bar wwwdylanscandybar.com ? With such great hotels as The Dylan, The Benjamin, The San Carlos, The Alex and The Sofitel.
But i digress, i won't make it to any of those locations on my quick trip, so here are my fashion predictions for spring. Still going strong on bangle bracelets, but this time in enamel. One of my favorite designers, Rachel Leigh http://www.rachelleighny.com/ is breaking out some fortune cookie necklaces, and i for 1 can't wait to see them. Color, hmmmm they always seem to show yellow for clothes for spring and while it looks fabulous and fresh, i never see it translate to stores when i'm actually shopping in the spring.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Pizza, games, bargains!
We are in the final days of winter break, and I just knew I had to get out of the house with the kids today for everyone's safety and sanity. Chuck E. Cheese seemed the perfect option. The kids were excited enough, and I was looking forward to having the older one act as the perfect big sister chaperon while I chilled at the table with the book I have been trying to read since October. I am happy to report that everything worked out exactly how I had planned. Imagine that! It must have been my lucky day.
The icing on this cake of a day were the free tokens offers I discovered at the Chuck E. Cheese web site. I absolutely never go to Chuck E. Cheese without a coupon in hand (you shouldn't either!), and I had gone online to print one out. Not only did I find the coupons I was looking for, but I also learned that you can redeem good report cards for tokens! Better still, they have these downloadable "rewards calendars" covering everything from potty training and ending thumb sucking to using good manners and doing homework. Totally genius. Check them out before your next visit to the house of the rat: www.chuckecheese.com/promotions/rewards-calendars.php
