Friday, July 31, 2009

I Find Peace

I watch the Food Network religiously. It's the first channel I turn to when I turn the television on. I love Giada and Ina and Bobby Flay the most but I can certainly watch and enjoy The Neelys and Guy's Big Bite without a problem. Who don't I like on the Food Network? What's the name of that heavy set girl who laughs at her own jokes with the wig on and extra wide load from the waist down? Ah, yes! Sonny! Blech! I have tried to watch and she just keeps laughing and talking to God knows who. Giada and Ina and Bobby--they speak to me. And they tell me how to prepare and cook the food and what extra utensils I should have. Not Sonny--she's speaking and I'm just not feeling her. What is it about her that just doesn't register with me? I apologize to all those who like her. I promise I've tried; I can't!

Now, like I was saying before Sonny took over my mind, I find peace and relaxation watching the Food Network. I dvr the episodes and can spend an entire afternoon watching episode after episode and feeling completely zen. I enjoy the beautiful colors of Giada's kitchen and I covet Ina's kitchen and home in the Hamptons. One day I say--One Day!

The Duchess




The costumes alone in this movie are to die for. Keira Knightley is amazing in this movie as usual. She seems to be made to play these roles. I've seen this movie twice and I can definitely say I will be watching it again if only for the beautiful clothing and the scenery. http://www.theduchessmovie.com/
P.S. I love the hair! And yes, I know they are wigs but they are absolutely gorgeous.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Have A Crush




A Tobias Funke Crush!

This Past Weekend






On Saturday we got up early and after a nice homemade breakfast we decided we'd take a ride into NYC and head on down to Washington Square Park. There were some street fairs within blocks of each other and I never pass up an opportunity to soak in all the wonderful things the vendors have to offer. From handmade soaps to freshly made lemonade and smoothies to those awesome $5 pashminas. The sites and the smell of the city are totally exhilirating to me. As we walked through the street fairs and headed towards the park, my children caught a glimpse of the fountain. There were children and adults splashing away; their clothes soaked and their bodies dripping. Our kids looked up at us as if to say, "Is it okay if we do that too?" My husband and I hesitated for a moment and then agreed in unison that it was ok. As quickly as we nodded they had taken off their shoes and socks and jumped in. It was really nice to see them so excited. We figured it was hot enough that day that their clothes would dry within hours before it was time for us to head back. I really do love NYC and I'm sure my kids do now too!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Arrested Development (The Chicken Dance)


Why was this show canceled? Why?

Dream Bathrooms




I love these bathrooms. We a have an old 1950's bathroom in our house and I can't wait to redo it. I have a love of white bathrooms more than any other color but that last blue one is calling out to me too. All images via http://www.housebeautiful.com/

The Lives We Leave Behind

I am an anxious person by nature. I try to keep a certain level of peace in my life at all times even though I know that isn't always possible . But for the most part I've been able to achieve that balance by abiding by a specific set of rules that I try not to deviate from. Several years ago I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I thought I would certainly lose my mind and in turn die from the lunacy that would take over my brain. The episode took a lot from me at the time and prevented me from finishing things that I had hoped would help me with my future plans. I am happy to say that I didn't lose my mind and, as you can see, I'm still alive. The factors that led to that awful time are no longer a part of my everyday life. Thankfully! But recently, certain things have brought back memories of that time and I know that if I don't do everything in my power to let that go I can be sure that those feelings will return. I can't go through that again. I won't go through that again! There are things that will happen in our lives that will test our strength, as well as, our sanity. I believe I've grown stronger due to some amazing support from my husband, some family and close friends. But what happens to those who aren't as lucky. I say that because there is plenty of evidence to support the fact that so many people have not had the good fortune of support to take them through tough times. I am currently reading a book called The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases From a State Hospital Attic . About a year ago, a friend and I had the good fortune of attending an exhibit at the New York Public Library that had displayed the main ten individuals portrayed in the book. It was both eye opening and heartbreaking. The book details the lives of people who didn't have a backup system or people to turn to and, in fact, some of those people shouldn't have even been there. I thank my lucky stars that I have people. It's seems so simple yet it means so much. My eyes are open just a little wider now.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Beautiful

I love this bag. Anthropologie always has the most beautiful and original bags.
image via www.anthropologie.com

Grey Gardens (HBO version) on DVD


I am a huge fan of the original documentary Grey Gardens. Since the first time I came upon it years ago I became obsessed with the characters. One in particular. I love "Little Edie Beale". Everything about her is just so amazing to me. She intrigues me. I would have loved to have met such an original individual. She claimed to be a "s-t-a-u-n-c-h" character and she wasn't kidding. Stronger than I could ever imagine and with the most original and daring style. I saw the new HBO version a couple of weeks back and saw that it is out on DVD now. To me there is nothing like the original and as much as I like Drew Barrymore there is no one quite like the real Edie. I told my husband that this year I just may dress up for Halloween (something I don't normally do) and indulge my inner Edie. He always nods his head in agreement without a word. I'll take that to signify fear on his part. (photo via www.ediebeale.com)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Day One

I am not a great writer nor do I ever expect to be. There are so many things I love and so, so many things that irk me and I need a place to vent. So this is it. We've all got things to say sometimes and not just to ourselves. So this will be my place to come to when I have ideas I want to put out there or just when I want to remember something for future use. This is officially day one of blogging for me. To be continued...