A Eulogy of sorts

We are gathered here today to remember Cottage Living. Some of you knew Cottage Living quite well and others of you only perused her on occasion but either way she touched each and every one of your lives. Whether you were curious where one would find an antique farmhouse sink for you kitchen renovation, what to plant in your own garden window box, how best to decorate your rehabbed barn for the holidays, or where the most charming and isolated vacation spots are located, Cottage Living was there for you. And in this tumultuous time of grieving our dearly soon-to-be-departed friend, it is most important to remember the joy and inspiration she has provided us. When the battle with this present economic state has ended and the casualties have been tallied she will weigh heavily on the minds of us all. Her lifespan may have been short but her message lives on. Wherever there is a gcwok looking for a place to retire, she'll be there. Wherever there is a stay-at-home mom planning to start a genuine English garden, she'll be there. And wherever there is a fabric design major searching out inspiration for her next project, she will be there. So, in remembrance of our good and true friend Cottage Living, let me say in closing that she was a beautiful creation and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace dear friend, rest in adorable, cozy, quaint, cottagey peace.

*Cottage living is survived by her sisters Coastal Living, Cooking Light, and Southern Accents. And also by her mother Southern Living. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gift subscriptions should be sent to all your known relatives.

Does anyone else have anything to add to this most humble of eulogies to our dearly soon-to-be-departed friend?

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Lauren's Movie Quote Quiz

Ok, so here are my 20 favorite movies and memorable quotes from them. So they may not be my favorite quotes, but they're really good ones. Glynnis is right, this is addicting:

1. Those giraffes you sold me, they won't mate. They just walk around, eating, and not mating. You sold me... queer giraffes. I want my money back.

2. You'll become one of those hunchbacked, lonely old men, sitting in the corner of a crowded cafe, mumbling to yourself, "My ass is twitching. You people make my ass twitch."

3. Oh. Where you going?... Oh, you men are all alike. Seven or eight quick ones and then you're out with the boys to boast and brag. YOU BETTER KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. Oh... I think I love him.

4. One: because it is a *vile* drink that turns even the most respectable men into complete scoundrels. Two: that signal is over a thousand feet high. The entire royal navy is out looking for me, do you think there is even the slightest chance they wont see it?
-- But why is the rum gone?

5. Tempt not a desperate man!

6. Mock. Yeah! Ing. Yeah! Bird. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

7. You will be king of Egypt and I will be your footstool! -- The man stupid enough to use you as a footstool would not be wise enough to rule Egypt.

8. Ditto? What the hell is ditto? Ditto! Ditto!

9. Forget the fat lady. You're Obsessed with fat lady. Just get us out of here!

10. Uh, uh not cool.

11. Places! Places!

12. Asante sana Squash banana, Wiwi nugu Mi mi apana!

13. The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

14. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff.

15. She amuses herself with silly questions about the world below, such as "How many people are having an orgasm right now?" -- Fifteen

16. There's something wrong with this yogurt.
-- Ah, that's not yogurt, that's mayonnaise...
--Ah, right-o then

17. Huh? What? I didn't do anything. I didn't... Somebody's throwin' stuff. You gonna build a fire or what?

18. He says no one's gonna fancy a girl with thighs the size of big tree trunks. Not a nice guy, actually, in the end.
--Ah. You know, um, being Prime Minister, I could just have him murdered.

19. We're navigators, we're aviators, we're eating taters, masturbating alligators. Bombadiers, we got no fears, won't shed no tears. We're pushing the frontiers of transcendental perception.

20. Make it blue!

Plus two...

21. Listen. Don't listen to ME, listen. You can find the others if you are brave. They passed down all the roads long ago, and the Red Bull ran close behind them and covered their footprints. Listen! Listen, listen QUICKLY!

22. 'Allo.
--Did you say... hello?
--No, I said "'allo," but that's close enough.


Type rest of the post here
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fun with movies! yeah!

Alright- I thought this was a fun thing- and I posted this on facebook, but realized it needs to be spread throughout the masses...DO THIS!

I thought this sounded kinda fun, although I'm sure if you know me these quotes will be ridiculously easy...BUT then again maybe not! The rules are to pick 20 favorite movies and a quote from each via IMDB (or my mind, lol) -- your job will be to guess which movie the quote is from! AND don't cheat! That's just silly!
You can do this too, I'm just in my post-finals-I've-Got-Free-

Time again phase!

1. God! Look at that thing! You would've gone straight to the bottom.

2. Thank you for curing me of my ridiculous obsession with love.

3. I'm sorry I had a fight in the middle of your Black Panther party.

4. Fine! Then go ahead and starve! If she doesn't eat with me, she doesn't eat at all!

5. And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.

6. Yes, I shall go down in history as the man who opened a door!

7. When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about. And that was the beginning of fairies.

8. But I don't know nothin' bout birthin babies!

9. Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

10. Happy- smile. Sad- frown. Use the corresponding face for the corresponding emotion.

11. Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd, and off at 59th, where, I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are.

12.Hello, snotface. Yuck what happened to you? You're all older, you're even uglier! Look, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to be sick all over you, immediately. Lie down.

13. Four for you, Glen Coco. You go, Glen Coco!

14. That's not an angel...that's the shadow of a monster.

15. Brothers don't shake hands! Brothers gotta hug!

16. Wow, you're fast. I'm glad I caught up to you. I waited 5 hours for you. Why is your coat so big? So, good news - I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?...

17. You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.

18. Wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet black tresses?

19. Believe me, Marianne, had I not been bound to silence I could have provided proof enough of a broken heart, even for you.

20. You'll have your looks, your pretty face- and don't underestimate the importance of...BODY LANGUAGE.

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Xmas Break Challenge!

I am heretofore extending an official challenge to all you saloners.

Mission: create a video of us lip-synching to The Flight of the Conchords Hiphopoppotomous (sp?) vs. Rhymnocerous (sp??).

To be completed: over the Christmas break

Directive: WIN

I KNOW we have the creativity and where-with-all to f**king pwn this mission. Now it's just a matter of deciding what to do. For more information etc, visit here.

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Who doesn't love a good wiener dog puppy dressed as a hotdog?

Adorable!!


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It's Going to Be a Thing - Lifestyle Edition.

So I don't know if you guys are as annoyed by huge, energy-consumptive houses as I am, but if you are, you will be very interested in what I have to show you all today. So I found this website (again from the blog A Continuous Lean, I swear I won't continue stealing posts from there), and it is just about the coolest thing I've seen in awhile. Now I think I had heard about it before but not really registered it, so maybe this will just be old hat for the rest of you. But if it's not....

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. It's awesome! I think that someday, most likely a whiles away in the future, the housing pendulum will swing from the wasteful, greed-induced, monstrosities that we see being built today, towards smaller, compartmentalized, environmentally thoughtful houses like those that are featured by this company.

Now maybe the houses of the future won't be AS tiny as some of these, but you get the idea. So now for your viewing pleasure - check out the inside of the tiniest house they have - as shown by the creator of the company (who is honestly kind of cute - not that that has influenced me liking these houses). (B T Dubs, my favorite tiny houses are the Enesti and the Z Glass house. So cute!)

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The Big Day

I have to admit that right now I am watching Oprah. I never watch that woman because of reasons I won't get into here, but I decided-- what the hey-- and watched her election special. Well, it turns out that she's featuring election parties from around the country. And I have to say, none of them have animal crackers. Ok, ok, that's not the point. I really just wanted to express my excitement about this election day. It seems like everyone is voting. I feel like everyone on campus has voted, though I know that's probably not the case. Oh well, so here's a big cheer for all of us who voted to make a difference. Read More......

A Call to Arms!

Forgive me book club for I have sinned. It has been two months since I've read a book for the book club. I officially suck. I haven't even been able to finish Scoop yet, which I had hoped to do in the past two months! Sigh.... So I am deciding right here and now that I am not going to worry about reading Brideshead Revisited. I am still going to try and read it, but I won't feel bad if I don't get to it. I am just going to concentrate on finishing Scoop and being good from here on out! I think it will be easy for me to do that because this month is style month!!!

I am very very excited about this months books. Cary Grant my love - lead me back to the straight and narrow! King of kings, troubadour of sartorial elegance, sexy beast. I wish I could go back in time and be your first, second, third, fourth, or even your fifth wife. But sadly, I will have to content myself just with reading about you. And I have to come clean here - I was SO excited about this book that when I bought it early last month, I couldn't help but start reading it. But I was able to stop myself after the first couple chapters!



And Marie Antoinette, you're pretty cool too. But honestly I don't wish I could go back in time and be you. So really I'm happy to just be reading about you this month.

So let's all get excited about this month of style and hope that it rejuvinates the book club! In fact, I hope you all took the time to read to the end of this post, because here, in these last few sentences, I am going to propose a Salon event in which we celebrate this awesome month and watch Marie Antionette, and one or more Cary Grant movies. I have the feeling we'll want to anyway after reading these books, and then we will be able to discuss their style in an educated fashion. So let's do it! Viva la salon! Read More......

It's Going to Be a Thing

Woohoo y'all - Hold on to your butts! (see motto of the moment). It's time for the October edition of It's Going To Be a Thing!

So this month, I've been inspired by what is supposed to be the burgeoning cold season and all of the pleasures that go along with that. Come on a little mind vacation with me for a moment (just indulge me). So I have this picture in my workspace at the studio, and I like to look at it and just pretend that I'm there. We are walking down a forest path. All of the trees around us are yellow - we are in a veritable golden fantasy land. There is a briskness to the weather, and a clear, clean quality of air that you only experience in the Autumn. You can hear the leaves rustling around you, perhaps some alpine critters in the brush farther away from the trail, some birds singing. There are a few places all around you where the sun penetrates through the thick layer of leaves above. This little vacation of the mind usually continues with me owning a mountain house nearby and walking my dogs around, but I'll leave that out I guess. So what is the only thing that really completes this little fantasy of mine? I'll tell you! ...After the cut :)


So I don't know about you all, but no good daydream is complete for me unless I decide exactly what I'm wearing in it. So in this daydream, I am totally wearing flannel. And you guys - I'm calling it right now. Flannel is going to be big this winter.

I'm going to show you all some images - and Allison - you can bite it!

This first image is from LL Bean (you all can thank Allison for convincing me to spare you all the "It's Going to Be a Thing: LL Bean Edition"). It is inspired from their original 1927 Chamois (aka flannel) button up. So the fact that it's vintage inspired also makes it cool. And I don't care WHAT you say Allison - I am going to get this shirt!



Also from LL Bean - you all can look forward to THESE flannel pieces of goodness gracing my bed this winter. (All I have to do now is decide if I want to go all out and get the comforter too......) AND! Added Bonus! - they're buffalo check! Another one of my all-time favorite things.



Last but not least - here is a really great flannel purse made by Michael Kors. Note - also plaid. The 90's knew what they were doing when they paired flannel and plaid together.



So yeah - join me or not, but I am SO looking forward to making my flannel wearing, mountain tripping daydream a reality this fall. Now if only it would get cool enough for me to wear some.....
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Suddenly a very active weekend on the blog.

One of my favorite blogs A Continuous Lean just did a post with these videos, and it was such a good idea that I just straight up am going to jack it right now and post it here too.

So seriously - just watch this, and think about how badass this is. It's the goddam BEATLES and they did a concert on top of a roof! Who of their fame level would do that today?! Number one - not possible, because NO ONE is of their fame level. Number two - NO ONE is cool enough to do this anymore (I will amend this statement if anyone - not someone lame though - does indeed stage an illegal rooftop concert.) P.S. part two of the concert is after the cut.





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We've reached the Home Stretch!!!!!

On this 12th day of October in the Two thousand and Eighth year of our Lord, we have FINALLY reached a milestone that I have been waiting for with bated breath for many, many... MANY years now (eight to be specific).

It is now officially 99 days until Bush is out of office FOR GOOD. OUT OF POWER. UNABLE TO SUBJECT OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD TO THE RESULTS OF HIS MISGUIDED LEADERSHIP. NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN (last one may just be my wish). It felt like it would take forever for my Bush Countdown widgit to break the 100 day mark, but that day has finally come, and I can't tell you how happy it makes me.

So for all of your enjoyment (or maybe just mine), here is our own little clock downloaded from the Backwards Bush website.


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An Age Old Experiment

Do blondes have more fun? Or do brunettes? what about red heads? Well, it's time to find out for sure. And who will be my unsuspecting subject for this experiment? Myself of course. Over the course of however long it takes for me to complete this, I will attempt to answer this age old query. I have, in fact, already begun. For most of my life I have been a brunette. The shade has varied but the identification with the other brunette babes of the world remained the same. Now, however, all that has changed. I have, in my opinion, segued out of the brunette world and now hover in strawberry blonde land. My intention is to spend some time here and then move lighter into solidly blonde domain. Now, if the saying is true, I should experience increased levels of funness. This being a fairly objective measurement, you'll just have to trust me. I promise to report any spikes in fun levels truthfully and as objectively as possible. If at the end I determine that indeed, blondes do have more fun then I will remain as such. If they do not in fact have more fun than I will switch back to my old faithful- brunette. Only time can tell.

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Shout Out to Chicago!

In honor of my currently being in Chicago, I thought I'd highlight some famous faces from the area in a little special I'm going to call:

Shout Out to... Chicago!

So here are some Chicagoans that you ought to appreciate:

Ray Bradbury: Made anti-book-burning-propaganda by writing about burning books.

Philip K. Dick: practically unknown writer who inspired a few pretty well known sci-fi movies. Blade Runner, anyone?

Michael Crichton: The reason I still have nightmares about velociraptors.

Carl Sandburg: His poem "Fog" is second only to "Red Wheelbarrow" in succint awesomeness.

Shel Silverstein: The giving tree. Where the sidewalk ends. Falling Up. A light in the Attic...Runny Babbitt!!! He is a poet who is second to none.

Frank Lloyd Wright: the only architect who's name I'll ever remember.

Ernest Hemingway: man's man, ladies man, ruffian.

Al Capone: Wall art for many a local pizza joint, and Italian restaurant.

Robert Zemeckis: Directed Wilson and Roger Rabbit in their most trying roles.

Oprah Winfrey: Owner of famous Tom-Cruise-trampoline couch

Robin Williams: Ms. Euphagenia Doubtfire

Billy Zane: Zoolander guest star

Mr. T: Bling-Blingiest Fool-Pitier

Bill Murray: Ghostbuster extraordinaire. If we could have a surrogate father, World, it would have to be Bill Murray. He'd never put up with those monsters under the bed... or wiley groundhogs.

John Malkovich: John Malkovich

Hugh Hefner: Bunny Farmer

Walt Disney: Mouseketeer farmer

Stephen Colbert: America

Steve Carrell: #1 Boss! and Scranton, PA paper salesman.

John Belushi: Taught frat boys how to be frat boys.

Michael Ian Black: Historian of the recent past

Horatio Sanz: The man who made Jimmy Fallon laugh

Pat Sajak: The one that tells Vana White which letters to turn.

R. Kelly: Created the classic hit "Trapped in a Closet" and was a South Park character.

Kanye West: Is not saying she's a gold digger, but...

Scottie Pippen: The one who wasn't Michael Jordan, or Dennis Rodman

And finally, while he may not have been born in Chicago, he is Illinois' senator so...

Barack Obama: Superman

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Book Review: Dana Thomas's "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster"

This book probably should have been reviewed by now since it was supposed to be read for August's Non-fiction month. BUT I just finished it a couple of days ago (and Casey was slacking?? :)) so it has unjustly gone unreviewed. Until now.




I really enjoyed this book. It was fully engrossing, and was very easy to read, which isn't always the perception of non-fictions. I suppose it helped that the subject matter is something that I'm very interested in - hence why the book was chosen in the first place. But yeah.

This book was great because it gave you information on ALL aspects of the Luxury industry - it's history, business structure, how the products are designed and made - you even get to learn about fake luxury goods. (Btw - I am NEVER buying another fake again in my life.) Even the aspects that wouldn't normally be as interesting to me - mostly the business stuff - were well written and presented so that it was still very interesting. There was nary a yawn-inducing chapter in this book.

So yeah - it was a very good read. But besides that - what did I think about what it had to say about the Luxury companies losing their luster? Is Luxury really dead?

I think that Dana Thomas had a very good case for the Luxury companies having lost their true sense of Luxury. Basically her point was that when Luxury companies went global and started focusing on making money rather than creating quality, specialized pieces for an elite group of customers, they lost their luxurious souls. In some aspects I agree with what Thomas says, but really you can only accept her arguments if you intrinsically agree with her concept of what Luxury is.

When it comes down to it, Dana Thomas basically thinks that Luxury is the experience. She talked about decreasing manufacturing quality, but the fact of the matter to me is that the luxury companies still produce clothes that are light-years better (in fabric choices, construction, fit, etc) than lower-end clothing choices. To me, it seemed that what Dana Thomas was really mourning is the loss of the EXPERIENCE of luxury. That is to say - the idea of going to this haute couturier where only the truly upper crust can afford to go, and the designers know you personally, and tailor everything exactly for you, and know your clothing preferences, etc, etc. Now, fashion has been democratized - the same looks are mass produced, there is no more one-of-a-kind clothing, there are no personal relationships with the couturiers. Luxury is officially dead.

I see what she's saying, but I don't totally agree. Luxury is still alive and well! It just may not exist where it used to. Yes, we've lost the experience of luxury as it used to be. But honestly - who was privy to that luxury before? I certainly wouldn't have been - nor would most of the population for that matter. So really, luxury is only lost for that upper crust who could afford it in the first place - and seriously, I think they've probably found other avenues. I don't mourn that loss for them at all. All that's happened is that the illusion of that luxury, in a diluted, mass-produced form has been made available to the rest of. No, we shouldn't delude ourselves into thinking that we're now one of the upper crust too because we can buy from the same brands that they do, because we're not. But now we do have these higher quality clothes to aspire to. What's wrong with that? I don't think there is anything wrong with it. The only thing that I think could be an issue for me is people thinking that these brands are better just because their name is well known. That for me is not true. Don't let the man decide what you like! If you find something that you love love love at Target - then that can be luxurious for you! It doesn't need to have the price tag, or the brand name to be luxurious. If you really love it, and it fits you well and makes you feel good, then it is luxurious.

All-in-all I think that book was great at making me question what is "Luxury" to me. I know that I've decided that "luxury" is a personal experience. My own personal luxury will be very different from any one else's personal luxury. The Luxury goods industry may have lost its soul to the corporate world, but true luxury will find its way out in other forms.

So what does luxury mean to you guys? It's something to think about for sure.
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Fashion Don'ts and Grievances (click the read more to see all of it)

Lately, I find myself having issues with articles of clothing I see all around me. I'm not certain if this is due to the proximity I live to Atlanta- the city where, seemingly, anything you wear goes...BUT I have GOT to say my piece on these...pieces. I can't keep quite about them any longer! Today I had my window down and was on the phone and actually said- loud enough to be heard- "Your dress is terrible!" Oops...but, in my defense, her dress WAS terrible. I will now display some of the fashion faux pas I've seen. Otherwise I'm going to throw down on someone.


Article A. The Fanny Pack/Manny Pack
I have a lot of built up frustration towards Fanny Packs after working at the capital of them. Oh, that's right people- we had games where we counted the number you would see during the course of a day. And the elusive Manny Pack (a fanny pack toted by the husband or man) was worth more points... Yes, I realize fanny packs serve the purpose of freeing up those hands for things like a churro and a coke that you simply MUST carry with you. I understand that you need to put your wallet and cell phone into a pack instead of just carrying, let's say...a purse or a bookbag or even *gasp* just putting said items into the pockets. I don't know what's worse, though...the articles of clothing fanny packs tend to be paired with or the horrible general fashion sense of the people (victims?) wearing them. To fanny packs, I say, BE GONE.

Article B. Sequined Items

Yes. I agree that sequined dresses and shirts can serve a purpose- let's say you're going out to that hot new club downtown for the weekend and you want to wear an outfit that says, "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! EVERYONE NOTICE ME!" then sequins are great. You'll definitely grab a lot of attention as every spotlight shines on you and you instantaneously blind all the people surrounding you. Which, come to think of it, sort of goes against the point of said attention-whore outfit. Yet, this is not my main problem with sequined outfits. My main issue is the crunching sound they make. I hate it! It grates on my nerves like nails scratching down a chalkboard, a knife scraping on a plate, or a dentist spit sucker that makes that weird "quuuuuuuooooo" sound...yuck! I'm going to put the rule out there: if your clothes make a sound, you probably shouldn't be wearing them. (Exception of tasteful corduroy)Article C. Tennis Shoes with Dresses

I know, I know what you're thinking. No! No one actually wears tennis shoes and socks with dresses anymore! Especially not with a suitdress! But, alas, dear readers- I have seen this trend more than once in the past week. It was startling. I felt for a moment that I had stepped back into time; or perhaps was on the set of a movie set in the 80s. One about a working girl and she has to walk to lunch and she doesn't want to wear those blasted and painful heels so she takes them off and puts on her much more comfortable tennis shoes- with protective socks- over her pantyhose and walks to that Deli down the road, the whole time thinking, "Screw Corporate America! Feminism, yeah!" but...sadly, I looked around...I saw no camera crew. And the time-space continuum seems to be in good condition so I can safely assume that I did not actually step back in time. Yes, tennis shoes, socks, and dresses do not belong together unless you are from the past or a little girl- and let's face it- those socks better be white and frilly, or with super sweet fuzzy dangly ball things on them (huh...that's weird to write out, but I don't know what they're called).
Also, I am aghast to see the tennis shoe with dress thing is even being used by certain "carefree" and "athletic" brides who just want to be "comfortable" on their big day. Ugh. Put on some heels or cute flats and suck it up...


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Parfume de Heaven?

Yesterday in shopping, Amy and I decided to try on some fragrances. I tried on the new perfume of Gwen Stefani's. These are modeled after her Harajuku Girls- you know, the ones who dance behind her and sing things such as B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Anyway, I tried on the scent titled "Love" and at first it struck me as "this is nice, but I wouldn't actually buy it" YET as the day continued it just kept getting better and better. It is a delightful scent! It also provoked some sort of memory with Amy and I which I have yet to completely place.I normally don't approve of celebrity fragrances at all- I mean, honestly, I don't think every celebrity needs to have one. (Sarah Jessica, Mariah, Britney, BECKHAMS- that message is for you). But I think that Gwen Stefani really nailed this one- the perfume bottles are featured above and modeled after each member of the Harajuku Girls. How cute!

I recommend going out and at least trying one. The large bottles go for $45 dollars and the smaller bottles are $25. I'm probably going to invest in one myself.

Here are the descriptions of each scent, in case you're curious.

• Love — a floral with notes of bergamot, pomelo (citrus, a little like grapefruit), peach, rose, jasmine, orchid and musk
• Lil’ Angel — a fruity floral with with notes of different berries (raspberry, cranberry, blackberry), pineapple, rose and amber
• Music — a floral with notes of clementine, pear, jasmine, sweet pea, honeysuckle, vanilla and musk
• Baby — a powder musk with freesia, bergamot, rose, jasmine, musk, heliotrope, vanilla and violet
• G — a food lover’s fragrance with mandarin, coconut, apple, freesia and sandalwood

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Totally Awesome Store Alert!

So I dropped a load of cash at Lennox yesterday, which was very enjoyable in itself. But what made it even MORE enjoyable, was that I was able to drop a goodly portion of said load at a new store in the Lennox mall, and this new store was totally awesome (hence the title of this blog post).

So the store is called Madewell 1937.


Here's a link to their website: http://www.madewell1937.com/JUL08/index.html
You should go check it out.

Basically this store had a lot of great American classics - jeans, t-shirts, wearable tops, coats, and some seriously amazing boots. It was definitely on the more expensive side (for a students salary), but I think their products are so classic and wearable, that you would definitely get your moneys worth out of whatever you purchased. They have a lot of great investment pieces that would be easy to build a wardrobe around with cheaper pieces. Also, they have a pretty good sales section which helped me out yesterday.

Seriously though, you all should try to make it out to this store. They have some boots that I SERIOUSLY covet, a jacket that Glynnis SERIOUSLY covets, and I'm pretty sure you would find something to covet too. SO go at your own risk really. Read More......

Waxing: An Inside Scoop

Hello, dear readers. I am here to avail you of another experience I underwent so you would not have to. There have been many questions about waxing- and I'm not talking about waxing a surfboard, heh heh. Okay. No more of those types of jokes. There have been many questions asked about waxing over time, and I've heard a lot of them from fellow females in the teen to twenties age. I've heard some opinions on waxing from some males and read a fair share of articles about the act, the different types and styles, and all the brouhaha associated. We as buyers are pummeled with adds for waxing or hair removal constantly and it seems our society is one that believes in less hair. Less hair, I think, almost being associated with a certain level of cleanliness and hygiene- even though this isn't necessarily the case. We see ads for Nads (which claims to be painless and natural...I'm doubtful), Nair(painless and less natural...the smell is otherworldly), and myriad of examples which escape me at the moment. Below the cut you will find...my story....



I have entertained the idea of getting my legs and bikini area (and such) waxed for quite some time. I just never had the money or the willpower to allow the hair to grow out. I like not having hairy legs so that was honestly one of my largest dilemmas. Plus, the pain factor. Now if you are like me you have seen movies and television shows which depict the pain of waxing. It seems to be absolutely excruciating. There are horror stories I've read of people who did at-home hot wax and burned themselves terribly. Waxing was a big, scary unknown. How painful was it going to be? Am I going to break out in a rash? Will it even work? These were all questions I had on a loop in my mind. On top of, how embarrassing is this going to be? And what different styles of bikini wax are there?



Here are the answers to some of these ever-important questions.
Was it painful?
Waxing was not that painful, and I got some fairly intimate areas waxed. I did take two tylenol with pain relievers in them prior to going- I anticipated the pain and wasn't going to stand for it. I've seen this recommended before. Go ahead and take preventative measures, just like you would if you were anticipating cramps.

Am I going to break out in a rash?
This is different for each person. Slight red bumps and skin irritation can occur but normally fades after a few hours or at the most a day after waxing occurs. Hair bumps can also happen when the hair is growing back in--similar to when you get an ingrown hair. I didn't break out at all and there was no redness.

Will it work? And for how long?
My waxing experience definitely worked. I had my upper legs and bikini area waxed on August 4th and the hair only just began growing back this past week. So, I got a good month of hair-free upper-legs and such. It was completely worth the money and I would repeat the experience in a heartbeat. The hair grows back softer, lighter, and more sparsely than it does when you shave.

How embarrassing is it to be pants-less in front of a stranger?
Now, this depends on the level of comfort you have with yourself. I went to a spa/salon. It was very nice, very calming. I spoke with Jennifer- the waxer- before she proceeded to wax. She left me in the room to disrobe- pants and undies off (depending on what you're getting waxed- if you're only getting your legs waxed, this isn't going to be procedure for you). I disrobed- kept on my top and got under a towel on a table. She came in and we discussed exactly what I wanted done- she explained the differences. She was more than willing to work with me, saying that if I felt the pain was too extreme we could stop. So, for me, this wasn't too embarrassing besides the whole being naked and at times in strange positions in front of another person who I'm not having sex with...I'm just saying. One of the positions was very down-dog-esque, again this won't be used for all wax sessions. Basically, Jennifer was a complete professional and nothing shocked her and there was no aghast reaction or comments like "wow, you are hairy!" So it felt very natural and normal. Plus, we kept conversation going the whole time- this really helped.

What are the different styles and types of waxings?
As you may know, there are many different styles of waxing (and different types of waxes used).
It seems that practically any body part can be waxed- arms, armpits, legs, eyebrows, unwanted facial hair, upper-lip, vagina, and chest...apparently some men even get their pleasure area waxed. So, the whole body is pretty much fair game. I believe most types are self-explanatory, most questions arise from the different styles of waxing used in the va-jay-jay area.

American or Classic Bikini Wax- This wax refers to the removal of the hair of the top of the thighs and the hair below the naval area. Classical V shape is the end result.

French Wax or Partial Brazillian- leaves a vertical strip of hair the width of two or three fingers on the vulva. Hair of the labia and peri-anal area can also be waxed in this style, but are not necessarily.

Brazillian Wax, Hollywood Wax, Sphinx- Almost all pubic hair is removed with the exception of a thin strip of hair on the pubis. The anus, perineum, and vulva are all waxed in this process.


For me, waxing wasn't a bad experience at all. I went to a salon, it was entirely professional. I found it funny that it was always portrayed as being entirely painful, but it just wasn't that excruciating. I've also really enjoyed the results and the fact that I haven't had to shave for almost a month. I would highly recommend waxing instead of shaving or creams anyday.

I give waxing a 10/10 for being an effective product and good experience.
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Horoscopes: Week of September 11, 2008

I failed at my self-designated job of copy/pasting the Creative Loafing horoscope the past two weeks. What have you done? How did you know what to look forward to? I'm sorry for failing you, readers. Here, in resplendent glory, are your horoscopes of the week...



-Virgo-
Surprise! You're not as fragile as you imagine. Now and then -- like the phase you're going through this September, for instance -- your health thrives if you push and stretch and test yourself harder than usual. So for the time being, Virgo, I urge you to proceed on the assumption that the most likely way to feel your best is to try things you've previously considered to be beyond your capacity.

Libra
On his Bad News Hughes blog, Patrick Hughes warned his readers never to use a mini-vacuum cleaner to suck up the contents of an ashtray. Speaking from experience, he said the rapid intake of air could reignite waning embers and create a fiery mess. I suggest you make that your metaphor of the week, Libra. It's a good time to clean the hell out of everything in your life and throw away all the stuff that's dead to you. But make sure that whatever you dispose of doesn't contain some smoldering remains that could blow up in your face. (P.S. I'm not predicting things will blow up, but rather advising you what to do so that they don't blow up.)

Scorpio
It's Let It Go Week, Scorpio -- also known as Just Drop It Week. This is a fertile moment in your astrological cycle, a time when you'll be rewarded with a creative influx if you surrender your tight grip, give up your obsessive hold, and stop clinging to your hardened expectations. So I urge you to summon your most brazen vigor and get yourself as completely unstuck as you dare. And please keep in mind that this should be relaxing fun, not a worrisome ordeal.

Sagittarius
Once a year I hike into the hills above San Anselmo, CA and perform a concert for the trees, birds, insects, and sun. If clouds happen to show up that day, I include them as part of my audience. The show typically consists of 80-minutes' worth of a cappella songs and ecstatic poems, along with my "Dionysian sermons" and "primordial gossip." None of my listeners ever express anything resembling applause, but that's fine. For me, it's an exercise in giving without strings attached. I provide the gift simply because it makes me feel good to be generous, not because I have expectations about how the gift will be used. I recommend that you find an equivalent approach to bestowing blessings in the coming week.

Capricorn
Writing in the magazine sub-TERRAIN, John More makes the following declaration: "Captains of industry, great generals, artists of genius, even politicians, are often just people who have discovered that alcohol can enable them to make economic, tactical, creative, or political decisions whose implications would paralyze a sober individual." Your assignment, Capricorn, is to find an alcohol-free way to make such a decision. It's time for you to summon visionary courage from your soul, not from a bottle, as you catalyze complex blessings that will ripple through your future for a long time.

Aquarius
To get a read on how democracy and human rights are faring on the planet, check out the research of an organization called Freedom House (freedomhouse.org). In its most-recent annual report, it declared that 90 countries are free. They represent 47 percent of the world's population. Fifty-eight countries, accounting for another 30 percent of the human swarm, are "partly free." Then there are the "not free" nations: 45 of them, with 23 percent of the Earth's inhabitants. (Half of the "not free" people are in China.) It so happens that your personal degree of freedom, Aquarius, almost matches the world's. You're 46 percent completely free, 35 percent partly free, and 19 percent not free. The good news is that the coming weeks will be an excellent time to reduce that 19 percent.

Pisces
Your funny bone isn't a bone at all; it's actually your ulnar nerve. A firefly is a beetle, not a fly. A lead pencil has graphite in it, but no lead. A cucumber is technically a fruit, not a vegetable. Is there anything in your life that might be mislabeled like these things? Anything that's different from what it's alleged to be? Now is an excellent time to penetrate to the truth below the prevailing assumptions.

Aries
Some people would like the world better if it didn't have oddballs, freaks, black sheep, misfits, and crackpots. Personally, I'm very much in favor of these types, and celebrate the entertaining diversity they add to the world. I hope you share my attitude, Aries, because you're going to have to be in intimate relationship with your own inner weirdo in the coming week. If you're prejudiced against people who don't act normal, you'll have trouble dealing with the unusual urges and needs that will be welling up in you. But if you've developed an appreciation for anomalous behavior, you'll be able to love yourself just right.

Taurus
After studying the astrological omens, I had a psychic vision of you jumping up and down, screaming with joy as if you'd won the lottery. That doesn't necessarily mean you will actually win the lottery, though. My visions are usually symbolic, not literal. So what does it mean? It could prophesy the imminent arrival of a good surprise. It may signify that your physical vitality will be exceptional, or maybe you will be visited by an exhilarating revelation about the future. To get yourself in the proper spirit, why not jump up and down and scream for joy right now? Then keep doing it at least twice a day until the breakthrough actually occurs.

Gemini
After my psychic reading in Santa Rosa, I waited in the parking lot for a friend to pick me up. To entertain myself, I watched a robin as it pecked at a small patch of grass nearby. I applauded when it snagged a fat worm for its meal. Minutes later, I cheered and whistled as it found a second worm. When the bird subsequently plucked up yet another reddish-brown wriggler, I yelled "Bravo! Bravo!" Still it continued to hunt. My mood turned. "Aren't you getting greedy?" I said to the robin. It rummaged around fruitlessly for a while, no longer in tune (or so I imagined) with the grace of the cosmos. The moral of the story, in accordance with your current astrological omens: Be alert for the unexpected abundance packed into a seemingly modest space or situation, but don't try to keep milking that bounty beyond what you need.

Cancer
There's more help available to you right now than you realize. You may have to cure yourself of an illusion in order to connect with it, however. What's the illusion? I suspect it's a misguided belief that you never have enough help! Here's another mini-shocker, Cancerian: You've been making a certain process more difficult than it has to be. If and when you cure yourself of an illusion, everything could very well snap into place and the process will unfold with relative ease. What's the illusion? I suspect it's your (unconscious?) belief that success is more valuable if it's hard and complicated.

Leo
It's a perfect moment for you to try the kind of money mojo that worked for one of my readers, Tamara L. of Las Vegas. Here's her testimony: "I never believed in any of this mystic mumbo-jumbo before. But I was desperate. I was paying the price after indulging in the sick pleasure of telling my boss to go to hell. I couldn't pay my bills. What did I have to lose? I took Rob Brezsny's advice and did a financial ritual. I wrote 'I hereby purify my money karma' on a dollar bill, then burned it in the flame of a green candle while wearing a hat made out of the Wall Street Journal and chanting the magic spell 'Money is my servant, not my god.' Within days, I won big at the casino."
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Polite Applause

As some of you know I'm taking a new media class. That means that I attend lecture after lecture cataloguing the upcoming and popularly-used forms of media. This does include blogs. Of course, I have never been exactly a fan of the quotidient. However, I do have some comments about this blog in particular after having smapled quite a few varieties...

I am SO impressed with this blog. It has really grown from some comments about books or fashion to a really interesting read. I love the "It's going to be a thing" addition and all the inspiration posts. Sometimes you just need a little help with good ideas, writing wise and such. Seriously ladies, you've pushed this blog to greatness. I salute you with a polite golf clap.
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Trial & Error: Tonsillectomy

As many of you know last Friday, August 29, 2008 was a day to be marked in the calendars. I, Glynnis Holt, your ever giving and caring Trial and Error aficionado had my tonsils removed. All for your sake- so you, kind reader, could know what this seemingly deemed "easy" surgery is really like. I went behind the scenes and under the knife for you.


So, how does the possibility of this surgery even occur? If one has a constant sore throat- and an apparent inability to scour the infection from the body, combined with swollen lymph glands and swollen tonsils this surgery will be an option. There are other types of tonsil infections that happen, I've been told that many get their tonsils removed after one too many strep infections. The main point is- tonsillectomies are a constant and current surgery. They are performed often- considered a common surgery. As my doctor said though, tonsillectomies are "easy for the surgeon, hard for the patient." Now, this goes against the general perception of the public that you get your tonsils out and it's all the ice cream you can eat for a few days and then you feel hunky dory and life returns back to its normal hectic pace. No, in my preparation for surgery I learned that there can be many painful side-affects, including but not limited to bleeding, sore throat (duh), voice change, ear ache, and weight loss.

I thought, this doesn't sound too too shabby. Weight loss I can cope with. Limited intake of foods and a soft diet, no big deal. Lots of liquids, well- I thought, I like drinking water all the time anyway. Ear aches, oh well...I mean, that makes sense. The bleeding idea frightened me especially paired with the words "scabs"...ew. Scabs should never be INSIDE your body, at least that's my viewpoint. I didn't think the recovery would be too bad though, honestly. Yet, for me, it has been a nightmare. Let me share my events with you, reader.

I went in on Friday August 29 at 6:30 am for my surgery. It was to be performed at 7:30 am. They prepped me with papers and put in an IV...I won't go into details, only that the phrase "she's a bleeder" was used. Actually, this phrase has been repeated many a time during the process. I almost passed out. I don't enjoy...anything needle-y. Anyway, that was done and they took me into the operating room- I was wearing a delightful hospital gown- and I assume they put something directly into the IV because one minute I was lying on the bed in the operating room and the next they were telling me it was over and waking me up. This is when I tried to talk and noticed that- oh, ouch...that's uncomfortable. This is also when I started feeling queasy and the first signs of the nausea that would become my common company started rearing their head. After a bit, I was awake enough to know I wanted to go home-so, we went to the car and Mom drove home. I got really sick feeling in the car on the way home...the motion did not agree with me. We made it home and I took my first dose of liquid pain medicine and antibiotics. I also attempted to eat something- I don't remember- because it was forced on me. Gross.

That day is a haze of pain medicine, nausea medicine and movies. I didn't feel too bad, and I didn't have any events happen. I actually thought- if this is how this is going to feel the whole time, it won't be that bad.

Sadly, that first day I still had anesthesia in my system which was definitely limiting the pain. On Saturday, around 3 or so I go really nauseous. We thought it was because of the foods I had tried to eat- yogurt, yoohoo, water...sugary stuff, so we assumed that was it. But I started throwing up and couldn't stop- won't go into details there- we ended up in the ER and I felt the worst I've ever felt in my whole life. They couldn't get the nausea to stop, they couldn't get me to stop dry heaving. I was throwing up stomach bile and the sensation had me crying but I couldn't even talk or think straight- all I knew was I felt absolutely terrible. They set up an IV and did two bags of fluid because I was so dehydrated. They also tried several different anti-nausea medicines including one which is normally used on Chemo patients and they didn't work. At I started having a reaction to one of them that made me get flush all over...truly terrible. Finally, they found a medicine that worked- and calmed me down- apparently, it normally puts you to sleep, but it didn't do that. I was just relieved to not feel so sick. They sent me home, which both my doctor and my mother have expressed concerns about- both believe I should've been kept overnight and watched. Oh well. That's in the past.

The rest of the days past in a constant source of nausea/dry heaving at times. I could barely eat- can barely eat still, and we're 11 days after now-but I could drink water. And every now and then I would eat applesauce or something like that. On day 7, I did have the terrible bleeding occur. Apparently one of the scabs came off early- that was extremely gross and a totally unenjoyable sensation, but we got it stopped with ice cold water and ice packs applied directly to the throat. Luckily, I didn't end up in the hospital again. I'm thankful about that.

I'm on day 11 of recovery now and I feel much better- the throat feels awkward. I can't eat really. Food doesn't taste right, mostly. Things that I normally like taste bland and gross. I can only eat a few bites of most things and I've found that food seems to get caught in the back of my throat- or at least, there's the sensation that it's there- and that' s not pleasant. So I'm sticking to mainly soft foods still. But, I'm on the mend. I'm starting to get some of my energy back. The nausea is mostly gone, so that's been great. And I'm not popping tylenol every three hours. All in all, things are looking up.
So, my rating on tonsillectomy- if it's ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY get it. Otherwise, NO NO NOOOOOO.

I give tonsillectomies a 3/10 for experiences. The 3 is only because I assume when all this is done I'll feel much better- but all the pain and stuff was not worth making it more.
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A Creative Construction

Hello again everyone. I know I just posted a creative construction post not too too long ago but I came up with a very intriguing one today. Possibly this would not be an easy one to respond to on the blog but if I can inspire someone to write my idea into reality then it'll be worth it. So my idea was . . .

a person's biography told by fortune cookie fortunes. I was just looking at some fortunes I'd collected over the years and thought to meself what if someone wrote a book about a person who can define the major events that occured in their life by different fortunes they recieved (via cookie). Like if I were to write the book the chapter headings would be the fortune and then it would tell how that fortune came to be true in real life.

For Example: If the fortune was for instance [Happy life is just in front of you.] (this was a particularly good fortune I got from Doc Chey's just yesterday) then the chapter would say when the person recieved the fortune. Then it would describe how the girl worked at an office with cubicles at that time and ended up being in a relationship with the guy in the cubicle across from her. Or something like that. So you see what I mean.

Also, as an interesting sub-idea. Has anyone had a fortune that later turned out to be true? Any good fortune cookie stories out there? Do tell.

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It's Going to Be a Thing - Update

So I know that I just did a real It's Going to Be a Thing post, but I wanted to also do an update on one of my previous It's Going to Be a Thing posts. Specifically I am speaking about my June "It's Going to Be a Thing: Japan Edition" post. This was the post where I said that I could see girls wearing men's jeans becoming a thing. I've discussed this with Allison and she is doubtful of my evidence (which probably rightfully so), but I am going to stubbornly stand firm here and say that this could very well be the beginning of the girls wearing mens jeans trend becoming a widespread thing.

Recently around Twinkle Town (or New York City?) we have seen Miss Katie Holmes (of the "Mrs. Kate Cruise" fame) wearing decidedly masculine jeans (Tom's maybe?). - Ok, I would just like to openly state here that I realize I used a lot of paranthetical statements in that last sentence. Sorry about that, I know that can get confusing - I always got marks taken off for not writing clearly in High School (sorry Dr. Tilley!). I just have too many thoughts going on and I apparently can't get them out in a way that's not confusing to other people! But anywho! My questionable writing skills aside -


Pegged or not, these jeans have been a widely debated and oft criticized (even by Tim Gunn!) choice.

I recognize that just because they are being worn by a celebrity means nothing about their actual state of trend-ness. Also, the fact that they are more often than not criticized negatively could just strengthen the "They're not actually a trend" state of thinking. But I don't know - any press is good press maybe? People are being exposed to this idea and I'm thinking that it has a possibility of catching on! Also, I would like to say that in a way my original post on this subject has already been validated, because in looking at what I actually said - my main prediction was that "we would be seeing some for realz mens jeans on some ladies at some point in the near future". And in semantics alone, I have already been proven right - just with only one person who happens to be a celebrity ha ha.

So everyone be on the lookout - I predict that this will be something you will be seeing more and more of in the months to come. Read More......

It's Going to Be a Thing

It's time for the September edition of It's Going to Be A Thing!

So I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath to see what is the next biggest trend. I'm here to oh-so-humbly tell you. :) ...After the cut.


So I've been throwing this thought around for a few months now. I have full faith in it, but I'm not sure I could tell you how widespread it will get. Well, how about first I tell you what the trend will be, and then I'll explain my reservations.

So - I think that sometime in the future Cat Eye Glasses are going to be a trend!


So, for my reservations. I am not totally sure if this will be a trend that will be basically reserved to, say, the "artsy" crowd, or if this will actually make itself outside of that elitist crowd and trickle down to the general masses. Also - I feel that I must address reading glasses vs. sunglasses. So my feeling here is that this trend will start with the reading glasses and make its way to sunglasses. Also - I will predict that when, or if, this trend makes it to sunglasses is when it will be picked up by the "general populous". Then maybe there will be an interesting trickle up effect where when the general masses start wearing the cat eye sunglasses they will take it back up to reading glasses. I don't know - this seems like a pretty complicated trend to me with a lot of layers. But then, I guess most trends are.

Ooh, wouldn't that be interesting to scientifically study trends? I think I'm onto something here! :)

But yeah - Cat Eye Glasses - it's going to be a thing!
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Dear Blog...

I miss you blog. It seems I never have time for you anymore.

What's my excuse? Well... there's school, and work. Just a general lack of time and energy. Etc. etc.

In fact, I think I ought to make an iTunes playlist that reinforces my apology.

We'll call it "Excuses Excuses"

Take the theme, interpret it as you will, and run with it (If you ever manage to get around to it.)

:)

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Horoscopes of the Week!

Well, I figured since the school year is back upon us and I'm downtown and in ready access to good ol' Creative Loafing I would post the Freewill Astrology of the week. You're welcome, already, guys. They're just delightful.
A sidebar: I plan on posting with the experience of having tonsils removed. I will not hold back. It will be gruesome and knarly. It will not be for the feint of heart. I'm doing this as a favor as the How-To and Trial-and-Error person of the group, it only felt right to have this surgery performed for the sake of others.


Horoscopes for your pleasure...


Virgo (August 23-September 22)
"I have dreamed in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas," wrote Emily Bronte in Wuthering Heights. "They have gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind." One of your main assignments in the coming week, Virgo, is to identify a dream that can work that kind of magic on you. If there is no such dream currently seeded in your imagination, find a new one to plant there.

Libra (September 23-October 22)
The apocalypse won't be all that bad," Bible scholar Parker Creaston told the Weekly World News. There'll be a "brief period of mild to moderate disorder," after which will come an extended period of "worldwide peace and harmony." Similarly, Libra, your fear of impending chaos in your personal sphere will turn out to be overblown. Yes, you may suffer temporary shortages and inconveniences, as well as what we might call a metaphorical "traffic jam." But you can forget about mountains of fire, seas of blood, and hordes of locusts from the bottomless pit. They will definitely not be showing up.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
You've reached a phase in your astrological cycle when you have special power to expand, deepen, and enhance your web of allies. My advice? Don't just schmooze and party, but rather schmooze and party with an evangelical sense of purpose, taking advantage of the fact that people are more likely than usual to see you as attractive, be sympathetic to your cause, and lend you their support. The connections you forge and the synergetic collaborations you ignite in the next three weeks could be major factors in your success in 2009.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
According to the Guinness website, the world record for opera singers receiving curtain calls is Luciano Pavarotti, who got 165 after his 1988 show at the Deutsche Opera in Berlin. If that mark is ever broken, it may soon be accomplished by a Sagittarian performer. That's because you people will be at the peak of your potential to garner acknowledgement, recognition, and rewards in your chosen field. Here's a secret about how you can take maximum advantage of that potential: Imagine that there is a higher, finer level of excellence that's beyond what you've understood as excellence up until now. Then figure out what you'd have to do to rise to that higher, finer level.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)
Thanks for the entertainment you've provided so far in 2008, Aquarius. Since last January, you have sent a nagging demon packing and corrected a kink in your integrity. You've paid off a load of karmic debt left over from the old days and have even begun to dissolve an outdated psychosexual imprint. Before I announce your reward for all this good work, though, I'd like you to make more progress on tempering your obsessive side. See what you can do to convert it from a part-time liability into a full-time asset.
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Great Marketing Keds!!

So Keds has like the coolest thing ever going on. They have now made it so where you can customize your own pair of Keds at their website: http://www.zazzle.com/kedsstudio

Here are the Keds I made and I SERIOUSLY want them.



It is way fun to design your own Keds. I'm serious. I'm not even being paid for this even though I sound like a horribly fake placed promotion! Read More......

Greek Yoghurt: A Tribute

Ah Yogurt. You fill the refrigerated dairy section almost as much as you fill me with guilt. I know how good you are for me, especially since I'm a woman and yogurt is especially important for women to eat. WebMD says that Yogurt is full of probiotics, may help prevent osteoporosis, reduce the risk of high blood pressure, "helps the gut", helps you feel fuller, and may discourage vaginal infections. So yogurt helps prevent a lot of seriously disgusting things, but despite all of that, I have never been able to force myself to like it. Honestly here, I'm pretty much an ace at making myself like foods, but that has just not been so with yogurt. It doesn't matter what brand I get, or what flavor, or what shtick they're pulling this time, yogurt is just always disgusting to me. But that all changed when I found greek yoghurt.


What is greek yogurt? you might wonder. Well, as far as I can tell it's made a different way (involving muslin somehow which is intriguing enough in itself from a fabric design point of view), and is creamier and tarter. Also apparently if you have a recipe that calls for greek yoghurt - don't you DARE substitute with regular yogurt - you will regret it. But when it gets down to it, I don't really care what the difference is, it is just delicious. Especially when you get it with honey in it or on the side, which seems to be a common option in the greek yoghurt arena. The best brands I have found so far are FAGE Total, and Oikos (which is made by Stonyfield Farm and is organic - it's delicious). Seriously you must go try some - I don't care if you don't get the honey kind, but I'm just sayin, it is really good. I just finished a cup of the Oikos honey yoghurt, and enjoyed it so much that I felt the need to make a salon post about it, and to write a little haiku in honor of it. So here goes.

Yogurt, once so gross
now greek and honey, num nums
"help my gut" today Read More......

This is to be another creative writing opportunity. So take a good look at the picture above, roll it around in your noggin and come up with something truly original. That's right. Pressure is on. Not really. I just loved this picture and wanted to do something with it so there you go.

The question prompt is- Who lives in this house? Read More......

Book Review: Stephenie Meyer's "Breaking Dawn": The Final Book of the Saga

So as you all know, I started reading the Twilight series and found myself becoming increasingly obsessed with them. They're just so readable! Also as many of you may know, I went to the midnight release of the fourth and final book in the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn.


Here are my thoughts on the final book.


First of all, I would like to note that I have ALWAYS said that while these books are a very addictive read, they are NO Harry Potter, as some people persist in claiming. This fact was reaffirmed by the midnight release. There were hardly as many people here as there were at Harry Potter. I was number 463 or something, and I got my book about 20 minutes after midnight, at the very latest. Harry Potter took hours and hours, and even then we still had to go to the Kroger to get it. Also - not as many nut jobs at this release as at Harry Potter. Far fewer people where dressed up or chanting at this occasion.

Second of all, I didn't review the 2nd and 3rd books of this series, but I don't really think that's an issue. I got the first one, and now I'm getting the last one. Just be content in knowing that 2 and 3 are pretty much par for the course. If you like the first one, you'll like the rest of them.

So onto the book.

I would like to say first off that while Edward really bothered me in the first book, and Bella not quite as much, there seemed to be some interesting inverse relationship that went on with the rest of the books. With each book, Edward annoyed me a little less, and Bella more. Finally in this last book, Edward hardly bothers me (still though - I would NEVER want to be in a relationship with him at all - Team Jacob! - except no Jacob for Bella, she doesn't deserve him), and Bella seriously just annoyed the crap out of me. I am happy to say however, that Bella reached her pinnacle of annoyingness in book 3. In this final book (due mostly to special circumstances that I will not relay so as not to spoil anything) Bella really let go of a lot of her annoyingness. But not really until the last third of the book.

Speaking of the thirds of the book - I take issue with the first third of the book. After finishing the book, I don't have a real problem with this books chosen plotline, but when things were getting put into place in that first third I SERIOUSLY thought that Stephenie Meyer had just taken it way too far. Not only did the plot seem like just a little too much for me, it made me quite uncomfortable. I'll tell you what - there were a couple of really awkward hours of reading in the beginning. But I got over it... reluctantly.

The second third of the book was better than the first but seemed extremely long and stretched out. I think Stephenie Meyer and her editors really could have made this section more concise. I get that she was trying to make us feel the same kind of tension and expectation that the characters were feeling from really stretching it out, but it could have been done just as successfully with a couple hundred less pages it seems. It put me in mind of the part in Harry Potter 7 when they're out in the forest and have no contact with anyone but eachother and you're just like, "Ok J.K. - I see what you're doing here, and you're still a genius, but I have GOT to get out of this forest!"

The last third of the book is where things really got good. Of course suspense ensues - will our characters live through ANOTHER intense vampire fight?! I won't give anything away concerning that though, I'll just say that it was a pretty edge of your seat scene. Exciting reading.

Overall the final book was just as enjoyable as the other Twilight books. Breaking Dawn was very fun to read suspenseful page-turner, and had even more great insight into the fantasy world that Stephenie Meyer has created. The book may have been extremely predictable, but I really just didn't care all that much. I think this book, as with all of the Twilight series, was a great escapist read. It's pretty easy for me to see why these books have gotten such a large following. Because I'm not going to lie - I wouldn't hate being a vampire if I could be like the kinds in these books. I just want to know what I would look like and if I would have any special powers! I've actually been musing on that alot - if I did have a special power as a vampire, what would it be?? I guarantee that you will be wondering the same thing if you read this.
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Book Review: "The Story-Teller" by SAKI

I know what you're thinking: 'Saki? Is that like sake? C'mon, Casey, how does rice wine write a book?' Well, all I can say to that is (a) That sounds like a bad popsicle joke, and (b) don't be ridiculous. It doesn't.
Hector Hugh Munro, however, (best known by his pen name 'Saki') can most certainly write a book, and he does it well to boot. No joke.

"The Story-Teller" is a collection of thirteen short stories, all but one of which use children as the central characters. Yes, children. Turned-off? Not keen on the bubble-gum, Disney-pop-morality and charm that typically accompany youths in literature? Don't be fooled. Burmese-born Saki uses juveniles to fuel daringly dark comedy vignettes that range from the self-proclaimed 'improper story' in the book's title tale "The Story-Tellers"  to the downright sinister "Sredni Vashtar."

Saki, a.k.a. Hector Hugh Munro

                                              

For a small taste of Saki's style check out one of the included stories, "The Toys of Peace," on iTunes under the Weekly Short Stories from Librivox podcast (keyword Librivox). You can also check out other stories in the public domain at the Librivox website at http://librivox.org/

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Event Update: Lawn Sport Olympics

Quick update on the lawn sport olympics:
I was unfortunetly unable to find a croquet set (because I waited too long and now don't think it'll arrive in time). So, that event is scrapped until next years Lawn Sport Olympics (because unlike the lame Olympics we will have ours annually). So now the events are Bocce Ball, Badminton, and Horseshoes. Still sounds totally awesome, I know. Hope everyone is getting geered up and is putting some quality thought into their outfit (don't forget there will be wardrobe awards as well). See everyone soon! Read More......

The month of August Books.

So if anyone is interested Casey and I went and bought our books for August. August is Non-fiction month. We had planned on reading two of the "Very Short Introduction" books, but there weren't any at the Borders we went to so we just got some other ones instead. They seem like very interesting reads and if anyone wants to join us, please do!

First of all, we bought three books. But there is only one that is the Official Salon Book of August. The other two can be read at your leisure, or not at all if you really don't want to. (Although I definitely plan on reading all three as soon as possible). So the official non-fiction book of August is: Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas.


The other two books are : Nonviolence: The History of a Dangerous Idea by Mark Kurlansky and This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin



So hopefully someone is intrigued enough by one or all of these titles to feel compelled to join us. Happy reading in the month of August! Read More......

Teeth Whitening: Update

As you may know, I had embarked on a quest toward whiter teeth a week ago or so. I wanted to give an update on the situation- the results have been delayed due to illness. I have been unable to use my teeth whitening strips because of pain in my lower tooth- they did seem to be working, and I personally think my teeth look quite nice.

I will continue the treatment after I have may a full recovery from being ill- and THEN I will update. I only hope I haven't ruined the validity of the experiment by not completing it all at once- although, I feel I have. Read More......

State of the Blog Address

I just wanted to congratulate the contributers of this blog for really stepping up our efforts for the month of July. So far, not including this entry, we already have Nineteen! entries. I just think that that much input into the blog is wonderful. That's more entries than ever for one month and July is not yet even over. So keep it up everybody. And here's a great big pat on the back for all of us. Read More......

It's Going to Be a Thing : Back to School

Becky and I have been on a school uniform kick recently. Lately we've seen all of the school uniform clothes out and about, and it really got us thinking. Maybe we really missed out by not having to wear a uniform back when we were in middle and high school. Uniforms are just so sharp and well put together. I think it's pretty hard to look bad in a school uniform, although I'm sure it's possible. Maybe even having to wear school uniforms would have lessened the awkwardness of of those embarassing awkward years. We obviously didn't know how to choose flattering clothes, so maybe we would have looked better if we weren't left to our own devices. And if not, then at least we all would have looked like crap on the same level. So I started saying as a joke that I should have just worn a school uniform to school anyway even though we didn't have to. Would that have just made me super weird if I had done that? Probably. But then it stopped being a joke and I started seriously thinking - I could still do it if I really wanted to! So not only is this a "It's Going to Be a Thing" entry, this is a call to arms! Let's bring the school uniform to college! The new Urban Outfitters clothes are really inspiring to me in the "school uniform" respect, so for uniformity's (haha- I'm hilarious) sake, all of my inspirational pictures will be from them. (except for the one of the kids - obviously).




For any school uniform there is a list of basics that are absolutely required to put together any sort of respectable looking outfit. Here's my Top Ten (plus One for good measure) list of what you would need to have the most kick-"a" school uniform in college.

1. Cardigan



2. Blazer



3. Skirt



4. Suspendered Skirt and/or Jumper


5. Button Up Shirt


6. Khaki Shorts


7. Oxfords or Loafers



8. Backpack



9. Glasses for the more Studious Crowd



10. Belts


11. Hat


Looking a little deeper into the look - Steven Alan has designed this really great line called Lark and Wolff that is being sold at Urban Outfitters. I am seriously into his stuff right now and alot of his pieces would work perfectly with this look. Here is a link to a video interview that Urban Outfitters did with him. It's a really interesting video and you should totally go look if you're interested.
http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/projects/lark_and_wolff/

Now there is so much more that could go on here. I didn't even get into sweaters, vests, ties, tights/socks, or watches. There are so many great pieces that go into a really good uniform. And keep in mind that plaids, knits, twills, navy blue, burgundy, and khaki are the key ingredients to the school uniform look. Really the key here is looking classic and put together. But of course, with any REALLY great school uniform, you have to try and break the rules a little bit and make it your own. So who's going to join me in bringing back the school uniform to the collegiate crowd?
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