Please Do Not Adjust Your Computer Screen.....

I tried to take pictures of recent Flea Market purchases. it was cloudy today, and my phone has been really sensitive lately. It doesn't want to focus right (or it could just be the photographer....) I purchased these beauties from a box of junk. I love the one that looks like a golden sun with the blue stone in the center. it reminds me of Italian jewelry my Mother-in-Law had. The gold semi-circle looks like a Scottish Kilt Pin, and the one I took two shots of is a scarf ring that mimics the Cartier "Love" nailheads. I like that too!

The Earrings are small coins I found. I punched holes in them and hung the labradorite beads on the bottom. I am not a fan of french hook earrings I always replace them with neverending hoops that are supposed to be piercing earrings I find at Sally Beauty. I like the finished product! it looks very Temple St. Claire to me. Ialso got a gold french franc that has the number 5 on it. I want to make a cool necklace with that.

all told, I spent like $6.00 for everything I bought. Usually when I go to the Flea Market I'm disappointed, but I love the stuff they had there this time. I want to go back this week and spend more time rooting through all those boxes of "junk".

The picture of the "rose' is a scarf I found at the dollar store . It looks a lot like an Hermes pleated scarf to me. I liked the way it drapes around the neck. ( and the scarf clip looks great on it too!)

Whaaaa.........

I am just a big baby today....
Went to the dentist this morning and was there for 2 hours getting my temporary crown put on. Got like 10 shots of Novocaine (seriously...) and it started wearing off about 3/4 of the way through. The dentist asked me if I wanted more, and I declined. I hate that stuff, and I'm one of these people who anesthesia wears off on. When I had my c-section I woke up during surgery. That is how I found out I was someone who needs a bigger dosage. While I was growing up our family dentist never used novocaine, and I was married before I ever had a single dose of the stuff.
Since I've been back from the dentist my tooth and gums feel like they've been beaten severely. Even my cheek has a bruised sensation to it. I came home and slept for a couple of hours. It hurts to chew. It hurts to speak.
So, today is the day when people decided to call me!...
Two calls from my friend Cindy, and a call from Donna.
Didn't feel like going to church tonight. Didn't feel like going to dinner tonight.
I do feel a bit better right now, but it still hurts.
Enough of that.... I do love jessica Simpson's newest perfume, FANCY. It reminds me of her Dessert Line fragrance that was called Delicious. That was my favorite one. I always wished it lasted longer once it was spritzed on. This just may be a better version! I sprayed it all over myself ant the department store, and I like it! the bottle is supposed to look like "Jess' favorite vintage perfume bottles" I don't think that bottle looks vintage at all. It looks a bit simple and cheap, but it's the juice that counts, right?

I picked up a copy of this book. It is called the Gentle Art of Domesticity by British blogger Jane Brockett. The pictures alone are worth it! the colors are so vibrant.
It is sort of written in blog-style. Each page or two is devoted to a different subject that the author is keen on. Knitting, Baking, Plants, Quilting, Family life, whatever... I find it fascinating. She has a great sense of mixing colors and she talks a lot about inspirations and where she gets her ideas for different projects. I drew inspiration from it.
Also, I have been logging plenty of time on RAVELRY. It is a site for all knitters and yarn lovers. there are so many free patterns, and pattern /yarn information.
what I love are looking at all the pictures people post of their finished projects. I like to see how people put things together. I suppose I am a frustrated stylist, after all....

Moonlight Tundra Beret

Yesterday I found this yarn at BIG LOTS. I loved the silver thread mixed with the mohair strand, and it is this wonderful grey marl.

I think it made a cute chunky beret!

I even have enough yarn left to make wrist warmers, which I have become obsessed with, because my hands are always cold when the weather changes from summer to fall.

I have been having fun making berets lately...quick satisfaction, I suppose...

Oh, and why the name Moonlight Tundra? The yarn is Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair, and the color is Tundra.

No real plans for this weekend.....(except for the dentist tomorrow :( )

Pixi Love

I picked this up at Target a while back, and I have to say, I am loving this set! Usually, when I buy a palette, I'm attracted to a couple of the colors, and I figure I will end up loving the rest, but never do. I like this brand, PIXI for the eyeshadows. they are great quality, with excellent payoff and staying power. this kit, called Stockholm, was the one that favored my coloring the best. the top level has 4 shadows: a deep amethyst, pearly mauve, a golden nude and an almost matte bone color. All are great!

the second level has a cream blush in a rosey mauve, and a powder shadow in a coral mauve.

I didn't think these wold impress me as much as they have... the cream blush is everything I wanted the NARS multiples to be. I have even used it on my lips and eyes for a monochomatic face, and it rocks! the lowest level contains two lip colors. One is a sheer deep orchid-burgundy, and the other sort of reminds me of NARS Orgasm for some reason. It has that shimmery profile to it. On the lips these two colors are very light and natural, but have really great staying power. I have even blended them together, and it came out like a nice rosy color.

the big bonus to this? It is mineral makeup, which works well on my sensitive skin.

Got a phone call this morning from the Dentist......when I was there a couple of weeks ago, I told him about a tooth that has been sort of sensitive lately. he took x-rays and said if there was a cavity between the teeth he would call in a couple of days. No call ever came.....until today.

the receptionist at his office called and said I was approved by the insurance company to go ahead with my CROWN.(duh-- duh --dah....) Oh jeeze. I thanked her and told her "thank you for ruining my day" to which she laughed. So now I have to go to the dentist on saturday morning......

You just don't mess with Tim!

I think Kenley Collins has a death-wish. What on earth would posess her to get all upiddy with Tim Gunn???? I think she is trying to go home!

Honestly, I don't think she sees herself as others do. I think she is just one of those people who have no filtering system. She says what she thinks the moment it comes to her, she laughs at any given inappropriate situation, and is very defensive if someone disagrees with her sense of what is right and wrong. She thinks everyone is out to cut her down. I see her as a huge bundle of insecurity with plenty of youthful stupidity thrown in.

So, this week she gets sarcastic with Tim, and next week, she snaps at Heidi, and cries. I see Madame Garcia is having none of Kenley's tear-fest. I love the look on her face as she shakes her head in disgust.

I see there will be plenty of waterworks next week. I bet they ask each one why they deserve to go to Bryant Park.

I looked at the runway show from Bryant Park, and I have to (reluctantly) say that my first instinct as to what is best is Kenley's collection! For some reason, that one stood out to me.

I watched the first episode of Lipstick Jungle tonight. a few new plot twists, and some tying up of loose ends.... I love watching how old Andrew McCarthy(Blaine!) and Brooke Shields are now.

There was one scene tonight where AM's character looks at the Lindsay Price's character, Victory. it was just a look, but it was so much like a look he gave in the movie St. Elmo's Fire !!!!Sort of of crinkley-eyed smile. I have this thing about Andrew McCarthy in movies. He has certain things he does/ moves he makes that are signature to him. When he's kissing someone, he always puts his hands on the side of the woman's face, and then slowly runs his hand down her back. he has very crooked fingers and his knuckles always stand out. He also is the master of the open-mouthed wide-eyed stare in reaction to hearing something bad.

I could go on and on, but you get the point...

A little Park Lovin Monday......

Took Harley to the Park yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day here. I don't understand why that picture came out so dark....
As you can see, Harley was very excited to go, and was tugging at the leash most of the way. I don't normally let her do this, and she is usually in a heeling position while we walk, but she was just so darned happy to be there, I couldn't deny her!!!!:)
Last night while she was laying down in the evening, I swear she had a little contented smile on her face.
I went and picked apples today. Empires and Cortlands are my favorites. I probably got around 15 lbs, the same amount I got the last time. Now, I have to figure out what to use them in!
I just found a reicipe for an apple cake that has thinly sliced apples on the bottom like and upside-down cake. I also want to try a crock pot recipe I have for apple pie. It uses Bisquick and cooks in the crock pot . that's my type of recipe!
I also went to Walgreen's today because I haven't been there in FOREVER! I had to buy a new blow dryer because my current one is not blowing hot air like it used to. I also need to get a hair cut because it is starting to take me 20 minutes to dry my hair and even then, it's still not dry!
I started stocking up on fall/winter supplies. Aquaphor in mass quantities (for everywhere)
and newer, heavy-duty face cream. I got some OLAY Total Effects 7 signs. Hopefully, it won't break me out. I tired the Definity, and got a face full of blemishes. This one said for sensitive skin, so we'll see. I've noticed lately that my skin is looking a bit slack. This cream is supposed to take care of everything.....

Sexy Trash......

Are some people just too trendy to put their trash in regular garbage bags??? Where on earth do people find this stuff? I can't imagine they sell these at the LV store.....

this is so "un-green" to me. I would be embarrased to put this out in front of my house. It seems so pretentous, but I guess that's the whole point.

Project runway was OK last night. I'm glad Joe got the boot. I loved the winning outfit and girl it was on. After Jerell got through with her she looked like Ines de la Fressange! Very hip and cute. Kinley started laughing at the negative comments from Michael Kors and Nina Garcia again. I think she's just nervous, but it comes off as very bratty.

My favorite part of the show was the scenes for next week. Tim Gunn is going to rip Kinley a new one!!!!!! I have never seen this side of Tim, and I cannot wait!!!!:)

The Women

I went to the movies alone today. I don't usually do that, but I desperately wanted to see THE WOMEN. I am a fan ofthe first movie from 1939, and was curious to see what they did to change it for today.

Let me first say, that Annette Benning was fantastic, and she had the biggest part in the movie. They should have just called the movie, Sylvie afer her character's name. She was in almost every scene and her story line seemed like it was the central plot!I have been a huge annette Benning fan forever. I think she is one of the best actresses around today. her character was a bit Mimi-Rodger-ish. Sort of scary and together. After watching the movie, I shopped around the mall a bit and happened upon this really nice lip gloss. It is glossy, but not sticky, and this is the color I got. when you hold it up to the light it is like clear pearlescent golden pink. On, it looks so natural and shiny. The guy at the makeup counter introduced himself to me because he wanted to look at my ring. It's a black plastic heart with a bunch of rhinestones around the edge. I bought it because it looked like something from Betsey Johnson.

I guess that's what he was thinking as well. then he told me he used to work as an assistant for Betsey Johnson back in the 80's. (he seemed like the type.....*winks*) He was shaking my hand and introduced himself as David, and gave me his card, gave me hhis schedule there, etc.... I almost started laughing he was so cute... he looked like Carrie's friend, Stanford on SATC.

I hennaed my hair last night. It looks nice now. It didn't really change the color, but it now has a lot of reddish highlights, and the greys are blended in. I wanted to do this because henna coats the hair shaft and now it will be less prone to those hateful fly-aways caused by static in the cold weather. I forgot how much I love the smell of henna....like muddy tea.... I forgot to put on gloves, and my hands are a mess. my palms are sort of yellow, and it wrecked my nail polish.

I found a new magazine to love. GOTHAM. It's another New York magazine. I was just saying to Jerry last night that there are so many great magazines out of New York. that just reminded me of a magazine I used to subscribe to called PLATINUM. It was around for a couple of years, then it started having problems. I spoke to the editor, Nash, towards the end, and she was pretty fed up with things. It was different than the VOGUES

There are a couple of good US magazines , but most of the time they cater to the younger reader.

I just looked at the time.....it's after 8:00PM! OOPS...gotta go!

Windy Night

Last night was a windy night. It was gusting up to 50 mph and Harley was very nervous. She wouldn't come up on the bed so I had to go out in the living room and sleep on the couch to stop her from barking.

As you can see in the pictures, a lot of pinecones flew off the tree and are scattered all over the yard. The picture isn't a good representation of just how many are there. It's literally hundreds!

Our nieghbors had some branches down, and the people across the street had their stockade fence panel fall over, taking with it their neighbor's wooden fence that it is connected to.

I could hear buzz saws in the neighborhood, but I didn't really see that much damage.

One of these pictures is of the awnings of our favorite French restaurant, L'Adour. During the Italian festival, they cover their awnings with red and green to get into the Italian spirit.

I think that's so nice.

Yesterday, we went to Ithaca to see what their Farmer's Market is all about. People rave about this market. So, we traveled and hour and a half there, and let me say I was underwhelmed. There were a few nice things there, but it wasn't enough to justify the trip. the organic food looked good, but way overpriced to me..... (that is the top picture)

We ate at a local restaurant downtown, and had a nice brunch, then we rode around Cornell's campus (WOW...HUGE!!!)

I finally made Pistou, which is so yummy, and I made cupcakes from the Magnolia bakery recipe.

Saturday

I saw Lauren Ezersky on TV this morning, and she has gone all grey. Where the heck have I been?

I don't like it....she looks like an old woman, and every picture I googled of her with all grey hair is a hot mess. She should at least comb it!

I still think she's quite beautiful, and I love the accent, even though she does ask some lame-ass questions sometimes.... She looks pretty in this picture.

We went to the Italian Festval in Syracuse today.

Jerry's friend, Anthony is in charge of this event, so we always try to go.

The food was good. Jerry had Pasta Fagole and a sausage sandwich, and I had Eggplant "fries" and Gianduja gelato.

We them proceeded to Samir's for cheese and olives. this place is a local Middle-eastern-type Bodega. It looks like stuff is just heaved onto the shelves, but there is always a line at the register. This place is a goldmine.

I found some red henna, and I think I'm going to put it on my hair . I love the smell of henna...It smells like a rich mud/tea. I also found some chinese gunpowder tea, apricot paste, feta, provolone, and of course, some of those great sesame candies.

We then went to the 2008 Parade of Homes. there were 10 houses on display and they were so beautiful.
Tomorrow we are going to Ithaca for some mysterious reason. Jerry says it's a surprise....
all I think when I hear those words is UH- OH........ I'm not the biggest fan of surprises.
Mike is gone this weekend to his old roomate's new apartment. It's a reunion of all the suite-mates weekend or something.

I ended up getting one of the Harajuku Lovers perfumes. I got the tiny one of BABY. it smells like baby powder, which I really like, but it doesn't last very long. I thought I would like the one called G after reading the ingredients (pineapple, coconut, vanilla, etc) but it was pure pineapple.

The one called MUSIC is nice, but I probably will just wait until it gets to TJMAXX or Marshalls.(which won't be long...)

I smelled the new Gaultier perfume, MaDame, and I like it, but it is soooo strong. That's a maybe right now.

I'm just saying........

C,mon.....we were all duped! We thought Madonna was an original! This is a picture of Joan Crawford back in the 20's or 30's...... I wonder where Madonna got her inspiration??????

Even the scarf is the same. All Joan needs is a pair of RayBans.

it's also kind of funny that Joans initials are JC.

JC and Madonna....... Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me!!!!

Recent projects

Here are pictures of the NORO beret I made. Sadly, it is raining out today, so the pictures are not as vibrant as they really are, but you get the picture.....

here is a picture of the latest marsupial bag....

(minus the smaller bag, which I haven't decided if I will make yet...)

Again, the colors arent really showing as vibrant as I would like. Plus, the bag looks sort of fuzzy on film, which it isn't when you look at it. It just looks like a thick piece of felt. In person the bottom section is a wonderful chartreuse and the top is a purplish-pink. I think it came out really nice!

I was just kidding with Mike that I should be a food stylist, because this last picture is of my dinner the other night. When I got it on the plate, it looked so good, I took a picture of it. It was so yummy.... Tequila Lime Turkey with fettucine, topped with tomatoes, cilantro and parmesan, sprinkled with cilantro.

The limes on top really gave it some zing when I squeezed them onto the pasta.

I can't believe it's FRIDAY already!!! I didn't accomplish very much this week, and I always feel bad when that happens. I can never just be happy with what I have done....

I want to start Christmas shopping. I say that every year, but I think it would be really great to have December roll around, have every present bought and wrapped, every card addressed so all I would have to do is just bake. That would be heavenly. I think I would enjoy the holidays a lot more.

I hear Harley upstairs pushing on the doors to the TV stand with her nose and barking. She does this so the doors open . It is her way of drawing attention to the fact that I am putting my attention elswhere. She cannot stand it if I am on the computer, phone, etc.. It's her little tyrany.

9/11/08

I knew this day was coming up this week, but when I got up today I didn't see a huge amount of coverage. In fact, the Today Show was doing something pretty insignificant....

I remember that day. I had walked a couple of miles in the morning and ended up at WalMart. As I was shopping around I heard TVs playing what I thought was a mock-news report, or something from a movie that was saying that the Twin Towers were hit by planes. People weren't really reacting, so I didn't pay much attention. I remeber thinking what a beautiful day it was. On the way home I saw a bunch of Monarch butterflies which was so wonderful. You don't usually see so many together, and that fascinated me.

I turned the TV on when I got home and found out what had just happened. From that moment on I was fixated on the screen. I worried about my sister who travels a lot. We found out she was OK, but lost co-workers . So sad.

I cannot believe it has been 7 years now.

Ahhh...Project Runway:

Last night 2 designers got "auf'd".

I'm not surprised that Blaine was cut. His dress WAS "pooping fabric" just as Michael Kors said. It was a hot mess up in the back for sure!

I was somewhat surprised that Terri was sent packing. Yes, she did get defensive but the judges used to RAVE about her designs. Remember how Mickael Kors said that when her model turned the corner they could see that she was "someone you wanted to know"?????

She is a better designer than (in third-person) SUEDE! I don't see Suede getting to Bryant Park.

I could see Terri getting there.....I guess they just didn't like her attitude.

Speaking of attitude......Heidi definitely doesn't like Kenley. Her being mean reminded me of her hatred for that blond girl , Allison Kelly from season 3. Michael Kors LOVED Allison, but Heidi didn't. Heidi made sure she disappeared......

This isn't the actual picture, but it's very, very similar.....

I made a little trip to the yarn store yesterday, and found some cool Japanese yarn from NORO. the stripes are similar, but the color of the yarn I got was an ugly-pretty mix of blacks, greys, greens,acid green, peach, pink and a touch of white.

I will eventually take a picture of that, and the next Marsupial tote I am making now.

I love this beret pattern. Every picture I've see of it made up is flattering to its wearer.

I chose the wierd color yarn because it reminded me of those wierd Japanese comic-book type anime colors. Like a Lichtenstein poster.

I'm trying to get away from my normal blacks and charcoals and expand my color horizon.

Lately I've been drawn to greens for some reason. I usually go for fuchsia and pinks.

Before I forget.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROZANNE!!!!!I promise to check in on your baby in the next week or so. Perhaps we can take him out for breakfast.....

Busy, Busy, Busy

These past few days have just flown by. first, I finished the Marsupial tote, and felted it in the sunshine. I have been using it during the day and I like how it came out. The small pouch fits my phone perfectly.

The blurry picture is of how I spent my Saturday. We went to the casino for the San Gennaro Festival. One of the chefs from the Food Network was there, Guy Fieri who does Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. the place was so mobbed we had to sit in the balcony, which was ok by me. We got to see everything pretty good. Plus, they had a big screen showing all the detailed stuff. The show lasted about an hour and a half, and we then proceeded to eat samples of Italian food.

We also ran into a couple of people we knew which is so unusual. We go there and never see anyone we know. I also "donated " a bit more money to the casino playing PENNY slots. I tell you.....I just cannot win lately!

Yesterday I ended up cleaning and doing laundry, and using up some more of the apples I picked last week. I made some applesauce for supper, and I must say it was so delicious! I just felt like eating pork chops, scalloped potatoes and applesauce. I feel fall coming on. I want to make soup this week. I'm thinking Pistou again. Whenever I eat that my body just seems to absorb it. I feel that way about Tabbouleh also. There are just certain foods or flavor profiles that my body either craves or takes to. When I eat these foods, my body almost shudders or sighs...I don't really know how to describe it. Wait....after re-reading that , it sounds like and orgasm! LOL!!! I guess my eyes do roll back up in my head!!!!

Lately all I want is mediterranian- type foods...French, Greek, Italian with Indian and Thai thrown in.

I've also been to Target....I got a couple pieces of Napoleon Perdis's makeup collection, and I have to say I really am impressed. I also got any eye shadow collection from the Pixi line which is wonderful as well.

the other picture is of Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone from Absolutely Fabulous. This picture makes me laugh. AbFab is one of my favorite shows EVER.

I need to get the whole collection on DVD sometime.

Cheers, Thanks a lot!

DVF on Project Runway!!!!

I was so happy to see Diane von Furstenberg on Project Runway last night. I have always admired her sense of style. She has the whole package, and I was a huge fan of her first makeup line back in the late70's/early 80's. I ran around buying up all I could find before it was totally gone forever. There was one makeup palette that was spectacular. It had everything in it and was so slim and sturdy. I had a couple of them. There was also an aubergine-taupe shadow that was to-die-for that I found on- the- cheap in Toronto. I wore it so sparingly.

It was definitely HG stuff for me.

I tried using her newer makeup, but it's not even close .

I was a HUGE (read "ma-jah") fan of TATIANA, the perfume and it is still in my summer rotation. There was another fragrance , Volcan d'Amour which was smokier and deeper. I also loved that, and wore it until I couldn't get it anymore.

SOOOO>>>>>> Project runway last night was interesting....Kinley was so intimidated by designing for DVF she couldn't stop crying. I found this picture of a DVF dress which is so similar to Koto's , dress. Hmmm.....I wonder if it is a coincidence? Koto must've done her homework!

Plus, I was a bit taken aback when DVF was critiquing Joe's top, and she said that she wasn't a fan of the open-backed garment, but on the Rachel Zoe Project last night they showed Rachel going to DVF's show and looking at a backless keyhole type dress! WHAT'sUPWITHTHAT?????

So Stella, maker of fine Leth-ah-goods got the boot, and said she had way too much ego to be in the competition. She reminded me of Cher. I think she was funny.