I Know, Shut Up...

My New Hobby for 2011!

2011-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=b09b45b5-db9e-42a4-9299-4c5e0926142d" target="_new" title="">Paddling from Calif. to Texas</a>

Spring Trend I'm Most Excited About...

2011-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Look Forward To:S/S 11 Trends

So according to this post, the Springs trends are:

Wide leg pants: check. Would love them in a white linen. Have them in a blue cotton.
Relaxed minimalism: cute. comfy. What's not to like?
Skinny belts: you have to have something to tie together that "relaxed" look.
Disco: 70's soft silhouettes are great, but disco? No thanks.
Downtown lady: I knew the sophistication of last season wouldn't last...
Rainbow brights/neon makeup: We are a couple seasons in now, so take it or leave it.
Tiny pleats: Yay! i love me a pleated skirt!
Flatforms: OMG! SOOO excited! I love a shoe that can give you height without killing your feet...I do have a problem with the closed-toed ones, though. They should be sandals and the straps have to be just right. I love the Chanel!

OhLife.com is pretty cool

2011-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

I just discovered OhLife.com where you keep a little journal of everyday events via email. They send out the emails, you fill it out and send back. Then at night you get what you wrote from the past. It's a good way to track things, maybe even make a few notes like what movie you would like to see and it will remind you later. I just put in my overall mood for the day and anything that stood out. Like right now I'm thinking about Girl Scout Cookies, taxes and the fact that Jesse James is getting married to Kat Von D...ew. I hope they don't flaunt that gross-ness around Austin. Why can't they just move to LA?

BTW, it's cold!!! And windy!

NEW for the NEW YEAR!

2011-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

So I'm trying the organic food delivery service Greenling. I got the first delivery today and I must say, I'm impressed! I ordered the regular produce that I usually get from the grocery store--and all of it is local, organic or both! Bananas (which don't have to be organic, by the way), onion, romaine, celery, avocado, red potatoes, plus a Farmstead Box full of surprises such as fresh baked rolls, pesto, little British sweet treats, a probiotic drink, whole wheat tortillas...all delivered to my front door at 11am in a huge green box.

So far, so good! Just something new for the NEW YEAR!

I'm on a sugar fast until February 3rd, so we'll see how it goes. No major cravings for sugar yet, just cheese and peanut butter (the good kind--no hydrogenated oils!) Goat cheese from the FM is delicious, y'all!

Somewhere new...

2011-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, friends, as most of you may know, I made the move and am happily settled.

Sooo much to say about life at this point, so stay tuned. I plan on giving more thoughts in '11 than I did in '10. I guess 2010 was the year of an introspective look at life.

Here are a few reasons I'm glad I left AZ:

-the politicians in that state are CRAZY!
-the middle school my son would've have fed into is going to close...actually, he wouldn't've went there anyway.
-the sales tax is how much is Tempe, and they're STILL closing schools?
-the unrelenting heat
-not much to do, cities lack character
-the raid on Chandler mall--scary!
-the people--with a few exceptions, I don't really think people in the Valley are that nice or cool or special or intelligent or neighborly...mostly either snobby or scummy...go figure?

Enough of my rant...just positive talk from now on!

Your Best Places

2010-01-19T16:39:00.001-08:00

Your Best Places

Posted using ShareThis

The 3 places that I am possibly moving to are in the top 20 of this list...

Can you guess where?

Quote for the New Year/New Decade

2009-12-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

If you have not consciously made the decision to be rich, excellent, and healthy then you have unconsciously made the decision to be poor, mediocre and unhealthy." – Wallace D. Wattles

Need an Alarm?

2009-12-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Or know someone who does? Brinks security is now Broadview, and yours truly is now a proud authorized dealer for the company. We officially launch and are able to do business on December 11th, so please let me know if you need a security system! The installation and equipment is free, and the monitoring is relatively inexpensive when compared with other companies. Your homeowners insurance will also go down, usually around 20%.

You can email me at infinitesecurity480@gmail.com

The Muppets do Queen, hilarity ensues

2009-11-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

As a child of the 80's and lover of the Muppets and Sesame Street, I felt compelled to show you this.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bruno is out on DVD, watch it with loved ones

2009-11-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the most offensive, pornographic, out-of-control movie I've ever seen is finally out on DVD! I saw it in the theater, where I was asked for ID twice (once at the ticket window and again entering the theater) to verify that I am old enough to see this movie. It is rated R, but I'm not sure how it dodged an NC-17 rating?

It is hysterically funny, and is some of the most brilliant comedy ever written or performed. I don't understand how he (Sacha Baron Cohen) manages to stay in character and not bust out laughing. In some instances, I wonder how he makes it out alive (there is a trip to the Middle East that is almost unbelievable).

Anyway, if you're ready to be shocked and appalled but also want to laugh until your side aches, you should see this movie!

PS
I liked it way better than Borat, but then again, my sense of humor is a little twisted.

Of course Johnny Depp is the Sexiest Man Alive

2009-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Finally! A "Sexiest Man Alive" that I can get behind!

People has named Johnny Depp their "Sexiest Man Alive." I am usually so annoyed with their picks that I never bother to pick up the issue, but I am not missing out this year.

Considering Brad Pitt has been "sexiest" twice, I think Johnny Depp is owed this honor again and then some, having being the mag's pick in 2003. The past 5 years have been duds for me (duds, not to be confused with studs) and included Jude Law (although he is plagued with British charm, I would not call him sexy), Matthew McConaughy (where has this guy's career gone? Remember the promise he showed in A Time to Kill?), George Clooney (he may be dapper, but how old is he again?), Matt Damon (he does seem more grounded than the rest, but more talented than sexy, I'd say) and Hugh Jackman (I kind of get this one, but I still wouldn't rush out to buy a mag with good ole Hugh on the cover). Also, considering that Harry Hamlin was the "sexiest" in 1987, I'd say their picks can leave much to be desired.

The "sexiest" man should be uber-talented, have a heart of gold, charming, modest and pulse-pounding, heart-stopping'ly gorgeous...fits Johnny to a "T" I'd say.

Oh, and it wouldn't kill People to put some less-than-obvious dudes on the cover who may not rake in 20 million or more a movie, but still has talent and looks to boot. Has anyone heard of Robert Pattinson, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, James McAvoy, or even Heath Ledger (RIP) when he was around? Let's not miss out. There are plenty of others to choose from! But overall, good job on the most deserving Johnny Depp!

If you want to write for examiner.com, just tell 'em Tiff sent ya!

2009-11-10T21:42:00.001-08:00

There is a referral program at examiner.com, so if you get the urge to be the next Phoenix Cow Farmer Examiner (or what have you), just follow the directions below so I can reap the benefits of having a super-smart and awesome friend!

Here’s how it works:

For each new Examiner brought on board as a result of your referral you will earn $50. All referrals will go through the same screening process that you experienced as an applicant, and must meet the same guidelines as any Examiner candidate.

You know what it takes to be an Examiner. We believe that enlisting your help will allow us to find better Examiners and give you another way to earn money.

A few other specifics about the program:

o We have set up a page for you to send your referrals: www.examiner.com/refer

o Only Examiners who are active and in good standing on the site are eligible to participate in the referral incentive program

o Referral payments will be made separately from your regular Examiner payments

o Being referred doesn’t guarantee the candidate will become an Examiner

o Only one Examiner may be credited for a referral, so be sure your friend mentions you

o Your referral earnings will be processed at the same time as your normal payments - meaning you will be paid on the 20th of the month following the month in which your payment was earned. So, payments earned in Feb. will be sent out March 20th and payments earned in March will go out April 20th, etc.

o Examiner.com makes the final decision on all referrals and payments issued for those qualified

Make sure you tell anyone you refer to include your name and ID code in their application in the Referral Details . Applicants must click on “Find your Examiner” at the bottom of the application and search for you by name, title or your unique Examiner ID code. Your ID code can be found in your Examiner URL. It’s the number that appears after the x- in the URL. For example, www.examiner.com/x-123-Denver_Boat_Examiner. The ID code here is 123. Examiners do not qualify for credit for applicants who mention an Examiner elsewhere in the application.

I'm writing for examiner.com!

2009-11-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

I got a little side gig writing for examiner.com. My official title is "Tempe Fashion Examiner" but my goal is to bring some good info on anything fashion/style/retail related.

Unlike my totally awesome blog that you readers lovingly devour each day, writing for examiner.com is more fact-driven rather than opinion-driven. It will be hard to keep my opinions to myself at times, I imagine, but the goal is to be as objective as possible.

Please, please, please visit my page as much as humanly possible! I DO GET PAID FOR HOW MANY HITS AND/OR SUBSCRIBERS I GET EACH DAY! You can set it as your home page so you don't even have to think about going to it each day, it just automatically does it for you! The rest of the Website is pretty cool and even provides local news and weather, so ch-ch-ch check it out!

Also leave comments if you feel strongly about something, just keep it clean...

Here's the link:

http://www.examiner.com/x-29238-Tempe-Fashion-Examiner

Is There Anyone That Is Not Getting Married or Pregnant?

2009-11-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Because I would like to know who you are!

It has dawned on me that I have done things ass-backwards. I've known this subconsciously, but recent events have made it more obvious. This time next year most of my friends will be married, having kids or at least engaged. But most of them are preparing now, as we speak. Meanwhile, I am a divorcee with an 8 year old. I am absolutely done having kids and marriage is definitely not on the horizon for me, and all the recent revelations of birth, marriage and the "beginnings" of life has made it painfully clear that my life has gone a little bit fast. I guess that's life in the fast lane, as they say, but instead of sex, drugs and rock n roll, it was sex, pregnancy and marriage, in that order.

I am not saying that I have any regrets; I did enough partying in my teens to last a lifetime, not to mention all the partying my mom has done in my presence since I was 2. Witnessing that lifestyle and having briefly lived it as a teen has made me realize the down side to getting drunk every weekend, or worse, everyday. There's not enough wrinkle cream in the world that's going to remove that haggard look.

On the bright side, I feel like a mature, grounded twenty-something that has some great life experience under my belt, what some would call "street smarts." You live and learn, and boy, have I lived it.

My son will be an adult when I am not even out of my 30's. It's weird to think that I will once again be looking at college campuses just a little over a decade after graduating myself. But at I least I will have some perspective, and not send my son to the #1 party school in the nation (ASU is down to #3 this year). I'll be "in the know."

And all my friends will be calling me for advice...I can hear it now. "What are the symptoms of an ear infection?" "How old is too old to still be potty training?" "How did you pick a good school?" "Hubby has been out a lot on the weekends with his good for nothing brother. Should I be worried?"

So here's to life--new beginnings, welcoming change and preparing for what's next. I may have done it a little differently, but I wouldn't change a note!

This Is Out Of Control, But Still Pretty Funny...

2009-11-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Swine Flu paranoia at an all-time high!

ATTENTION TRADER JOE'S Shoppers!

2009-11-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

This is the meat that is being recalled for the e.coli outbreak that has killed 2 and 28 other cases have been reported:

Trader Joe's

1-pound packages of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 85/15."
1-pound packages of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 80/20." NOTE: The sell-by dates for the above two products may be October 6 or 7, 2009.

1-pound trays of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 96/4 EXTRA LEAN."
1-pound trays of "TRADER JOE'S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85/1

I love Trader Joe's and shop there almost exclusively but I have not bought hamburger there lately!

You can look on the USDA Website at the other stores that also carry this same brand of meat from Fairbanks Farms: www.fsis.usda.gov

Yikes!

This Project is Over a Year in the Making...

2009-10-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY putting the finishing touches on this Safety Packet that I started ages ago. There has been may hold-ups, misplacement of files, budget approvals and other red tape that has caused the delay, but I am proud to say that it will be printed and in the hands of parents very soon.

This came about when I learned that schools do not have right, by law, to inform parents of known sex offenders living in the immediate area of the school. As you will see, I have added a few more sections based on what I, as well as other parents, view as pertient information for the safety of the kids and school. At the very least I hope it opens a dialogue for discussion on these topics, and serves as a reminder how much we as parents need to take an active role in protecting our kids. Things just ain't what they used be, as they say.

So for your pure reading pleasure, I give you the PTA Safety Resource Guide, 2009-2010 edition.

Topics Include:
Sex offender Website Information for Parents
H1N1 Flu Virus Information for Parents
Crime Prevention Tips for Kids
Health and Wellness
Emergency Preparedness

Did You Know?

By law, a school and/or district cannot distribute information on known sex offenders living in the immediate area of the school. It is up to parents to check this information regularly at
www.azsexoffender.org for specific information on individuals living in the area.

Please know your neighborhood and always remember to report any suspicious behavior.

You can check sex offender facts and characteristics, search for offenders in specific areas, and much more at www.azsexoffender.org

Remember to check this information on a regular basis (i.e. once per month) as this information can change quickly!

H1N1 2009-2010: What Parents Need to Know

There is a wealth of information on www.flu.org and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ so please visit those sites if you have any more questions. Here, we want to provide a brief overview of the symptoms, who’s at risk, vaccination info and what the schools are doing to protect children and prevent outbreaks.

According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of H1N1 flu virus Include:

Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Priority Groups Recommended to Receive the H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, recommends several groups receive the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available:
Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 (Swine) flu in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 (Swine) flu in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

CDC: Recommended school responses to H1N1 2009-2010 school year

Under conditions with similar severity as in spring 2009
Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. (For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.)
Separate ill students and staff: Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home. CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
Routine cleaning: School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. CDC does not believe any additional disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond the recommended routine cleaning is required.
Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.
Consideration of selective school dismissal: Although there are not many schools where all or most students are at high risk (for example, schools for medically fragile children or for pregnant students) a community might decide to dismiss such a school to better protect these high-risk students.

Under conditions of increased severity compared with spring 2009
CDC may recommend additional measures to help protect students and staff if assessments indicate that influenza is causing more severe disease. CDC wants communities to have tools to use that may be the right measures for their community and circumstances.
Active screening: Schools should check students and staff for fever and other symptoms of flu when they get to school in the morning, separate those who are ill, and send them home as soon as possible. Throughout the day, staff should be vigilant in identifying students and other staff who appear ill.
High-risk students and staff members stay home: People at high-risk of flu complications should talk to their doctor about staying home from school when a lot of flu is circulating in the community. Schools should plan now for ways to continue educating students who stay home through instructional phone calls, homework packets, internet lessons, and other approaches.
Students with ill household members stay home: Students who have an ill household member should stay home for five days from the day the first household member got sick. This is the time period they are most likely to get sick themselves.
Increase distance between people at schools: CDC encourages schools to try innovative ways of separating students. These can be as simple as moving desks farther apart or canceling classes that bring together children from different classrooms.
Extend the period for ill persons to stay home: If influenza severity increases, people with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they have no more symptoms. If people are still sick, they should stay home until 24 hours after they have no symptoms.
School dismissals: School and health officials should work closely to balance the risks of flu in their community with the disruption dismissals will cause in both education and the wider community. The length of time schools should be dismissed will vary depending on the type of dismissal as well as the severity and extent of illness. Schools that dismiss students should do so for five to seven calendar days and should reassess whether or not to resume classes after that period.

Crime Prevention Tips from Police Department: Safety Awareness for Kids

Would Your Child Know What to Do If:
He/she got lost at a shopping mall?
A nice-looking, friendly person offered her/him a ride home?
A friend dared him/her to drink some beer, smoke or take drugs?
A babysitter or neighbor wanted to play a secret game?

A great thing about kids is their natural trust in people, especially adults. It’s sometimes hard for parents to teach children to balance this trust with caution. But kids today need to know common-sense rules that can help keep them safe – and build the self-confidence they need to handle emergencies.

1. Start with the Basics
Make sure your children know their full name, address (city and state), and phone number with area code.
Be sure your kids know to call 911 in emergencies and how to use a public phone. Practice making emergency calls with a make-believe phone.
Tell them never to go anywhere with anyone for any reason at any time or to accept gifts from someone, unless they check first with the person who is in charge. If they can’t check, the answer is NO.
Teach children if they are separated from you in a store, stay where they are. FREEZE your feet and YELL your mom’s or dad’s first and last name. They could ask a clerk to go for help, but stand still in that spot.
If anyone tries to move or hurt your children, tell them to be sure to scream, kick, fight & yell, "You’re not my dad (or mom)".
Set a good example with your own safety precautions – lock doors and windows and see who’s there before opening the door.
Take time to listen carefully to your children’s fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them feel uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts.
Please talk with your children about drugs. Be honest about the consequences and terrible effects the drug has on the body. Tell them that you do not approve of drug usage. Remind your children that drug use is illegal and can lead to high fines and jail time. Make sure that your children know that if they become involved with drugs you will be there to assist them in getting back to a drug free life.

2. At School or Play:
Encourage your children to walk and play with friends, not alone. Tell them to avoid places that could be dangerous – vacant buildings, alleys, playgrounds or parks with broken equipment and litter.
Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists, and to walk away when others are arguing. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.
Make sure your children are taking the safest routes to and from school, stores, and friends’ houses. Walk the routes together and point out places they could go for help.
If anyone stops near your children, teach them to take two giant steps back away from the car. Even if they know the person, they do not need to go close to the car. Tell them to look for details: color of car, license plate, what the person looks like.
Encourage kids to be alert in the neighborhood, and tell an adult (you, a teacher, a neighbor, a police officer) about anything they see that doesn’t seem quite right.
Check out the school’s policies on absent children. Are parents called when a child is absent?
Check out daycare and after-school programs. Look at certifications, staff qualifications, rules on parent permission for field trips, reputation in the community, parent participation, and policies on parent visits.

3. On the Web:
Inform your child that some people on the web are not what they seem to be. They are very good at using the Internet, and can find out your child’s name and address.
Explore the Internet with your child. Be sure they ask permission from you before signing on alone and they know which sites are allowed.
Teach your child to let you know right away if he or she finds something scary on the Internet.
Your child should tell you right away, and never respond to a message that doesn’t seem OK.
Tell your child to never send a picture of himself or herself to anyone without your permission; and to never give out his or her name, address, phone number, password, school name, parent’s name, or any other personal information.
He or she should never agree to meet face to face with someone, and always tell you or another trusted adult if someone online asks to meet.

4. At Home Alone:
Leave a phone number where you can be reached. Post it by the phone, along with instructions to call 911.
Have your child check in with you or a neighbor when he or she gets home. Agree on rules for having friends over and going to a friend’s house when no adult is home.
Make sure your child knows how to use the window and door locks.
Tell your child not to let anyone into the home without your permission, and never to let a caller at the door or on the phone know there’s no adult home. Kids can always say their parents are busy and take a message.
Work out an escape plan in case of fire or other emergencies. Rehearse with your children.

5. Protecting Your Child Against Sexual Abuse:
Let your child know that he or she can tell you anything, and that you’ll be supportive.
Teach your child that he or she is in charge of his body, that no one – not even a teacher or a close relative – has the right to touch him or her in a way that feels uncomfortable. It does not matter if you know the person or not. Your child must say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult (Especially if he or she is told to keep it a secret.)
Don’t force kids to kiss or hug or sit on a grown-up’s lap if they don’t want to. This gives them control and teaches them that they have the right to refuse.
Always know where your child is and who he or she is with.
Tell your child to stay away from persons who hang around playgrounds, public restrooms, and schools.
Be alert for changes in your child’s behavior that could signal sexual abuse:
- Sudden secretiveness
- Withdrawal from activities
- Refusal to go to school
- Unexplained hostility toward a
favorite babysitter or relative
- Increased anxiety
Some physical signs of abuse include bedwetting, loss of appetite, venereal disease, nightmares, and complaints of pain or irritation around the genitals.

6. Lend a Hand:

Work with schools and recreation centers to offer study time, activities, tutoring, and recreation before and after school.
Start a school callback program. When a student (elementary, middle or high school age) doesn’t arrive as scheduled, volunteers at the school call the parents to make sure the absence is excused.
Check babysitter references.

Safety Resources for Parents

Crime Prevention Tips from:

National Crime Prevention Council
Washington, D.C. 20006-3817

Safety Kids, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

For a List of Key Topics for Children and Families, along with resources from the Child and Family Protection Division at the Arizona Office of the Attorney General, visit:
www.azag.gov/children_family/

For more information on Internet Safety for Children, visit:
www.wiredsafety.org
www.stopcyberbullying.org

Health and Wellness

From the article “12 Germiest Places in America” on Webmd.com:

#4 on the list is public drinking fountains, and “other school hot spots” such as cafeteria trays, sink handles, desk tops, and computer keyboards. Dr. Robert Donofrio, director of microbiology for NSF International, suggests sending kids to school with their own beverages and teaching them the importance of washing their hands frequently during the day. Sending hand sanitizer to school to be left in the classroom is also a good idea.

#8 on the list of the “Germiest Places” is the playground. In a recent study, a sampled playground came up with blood, mucus, saliva, and urine, just some more reasons to teach kids to wash their hands and keep the hand sanitizer stocked up in the classroom!

Essential Items for School Days

1. Sunscreen:

It is important to use SPF 30 or higher with our desert locale, and remember to reapply if needed! A broad spectrum (shields from both UVA and UVB rays) is best. You do not necessarily need to send the sunscreen with your kids to school, just make sure to apply in the morning at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

2. Water bottles:

As we all know, it is hot outside! Sending your kids with a re-usable water bottle is a great way to be sure they stay hydrated, and a way for parents to keep track of how much water their child is taking in during the day. Just remember to wash the bottle out daily!

3. Hand sanitizer:

A little bottle in the backpack or a big bottle for the class to use is great either way. It does not replace washing hands, but it can help prevent germs when kids are not able to get to a sink. Sending in antibacterial surface wipes to your child’s teacher is also a great way to prevent germs from spreading, especially during Cold and Flu season!

Emergency Preparedness

Many city and/or state governments provide Emergency Preparedness Guides to their residents. The federal government has also launched a campaign for Emergency Preparedness called Ready America. They all have a common goal: “Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed” in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other emergency. The most important thing that parents can do is to have a Family Emergency Plan. Please visit the Website, Ready.gov, for more information.

Here is advice from Ready America on Schools and Daycares:

Schools and Daycare
If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled adult, make sure schools and daycare providers have emergency response plans.
Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.
Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.
Find out if they are prepared to "shelter-in-place" if need be, and where they plan to go if they must get away.

Parent Resources for Emergency Preparedness

For more information on developing emergency preparedness plans for schools, please visit the U.S. Department of Education at
www.ed.gov/emergencyplan

To get a copy of the Family Emergency Plan and other downloads, visit:
www.ready.gov

For more information on Emergency Preparedness in Arizona, visit:
www.az211.gov

To get worksheets, videos and information on how to teach your child about Emergency Preparedness in both English and Spanish, visit:
www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives/emotion/ready
Or
www.ready.gov/kids/home.html

THIS is so funny!

2009-10-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Andy Samberg - I Threw it On The Ground - watch more funny videos

A Word About Swine Flu Vaccines.

2009-10-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have been going back and forth with this whole swine flu vaccine debate, and have decided that I am definitely not getting the shot because (a) I am not in the critical group of people that really, really needs to get one, according to the CDC, and (b) I have never ever had a flu shot so why start now? But I do have an 8-year old that sits in a disease incubator almost everyday, a.k.a public school, so I have been agonizing over to immunize or not to immunize for the swine flu. I have even chatted with his pediatrician who doesn't seem to view H1N1 any different than any other mutated strain of influenza that comes around every year. I trust him dearly and he is probably pushing his 90's and has seen everything from polio to smallpox, so who I am to question his authority on the subject?
But for some reason I would still feel like a negligent orphanage warden if for some reason my son ends up with the swine flu and I didn't get him vaccinated. Well, until I read a little piece by Dr. Frank Lipman stating why he is NOT recommending the vaccine to his patients. The first two reasons I already understood and took to be true, so I really did not need convincing that 1. At this stage, for the most part the swine flu seems benign and 2. We don’t know if the vaccine will be effective. That is why I don't get the regular flu shot in the first place. But let me list #3 and #4 verbatim so you can understand why I would rather take my chances:

3. We don’t know if the vaccine is safe.

The FDA has authorized an expedited approval process for the swine flu vaccine, but we don’t know yet if it is safe. Even GlaxoSmithKline, one of the vaccine manufacturers has said, “The total population studied in clinical trials will be limited, due to the need to provide the vaccine to governments as quickly as possible. Additional studies will therefore be required and conducted after the vaccine is made available.”

In other words, the only thing that is safe, is to say that no one knows. Since it’s never been used before and they have not had time to conduct any sufficient human testing, by getting vaccinated you are being a human guinea pig.

4. Vaccine manufacturers have been insulated from liability by the government.

The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius has granted legal immunity not only to the makers of the two drugs being used to treat swine flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, but also to the swine flu vaccine makers, for damages due to their use against swine flu. By effectively manipulating the legal system, the Pharmaceutical Industry through their powerful lobbyists have acquired almost complete and total insulation from any liability for their vaccines and adjuvants, which are additives added to generate a stronger immune response. It is believed that it is these adjuvants which often cause the problems. The last time the government embarked on a major vaccine campaign against a new swine flu was in 1976. Thousands filed claims for side effects such as paralysis caused by the vaccine and a number of people died. I am sure that the researchers know more now than they did last time and no one can say for certain that bad things will happen again or that you will suffer dire consequences if you get vaccinated. But this time you have no legal recourse even though this vaccine involves new factors, which makes it therefore experimental and unpredictable.

By shielding the manufacturers from any responsibility for any harm caused, the pharmaceutical firms have no financial incentive to make the safest product. In fact, they have a negative incentive to test it for safety, because if they are aware of problems, then they could potentially be held liable for willful misconduct.

Instead I advise my patients to build up and strengthen their immune systems to prevent viral infections.

Indeed...Green tea, orange juice, multi-vitamins, B vitamins, shark liver oil, cod liver oil, onions, apples, tomatoes, chicken broth, acai, hell ANYTHING that I can ingest to strengthen my immune system rather than get shot up with some man made garbage that was carelessly made in a lab somewhere in the Midwest while the goddam lab technician handling the substance was probably naked and drunk blaring Led Zeppelin on full blast with a glass of scotch in one hand and a ham sandwich in the other. Screw it! We don't want to know if it's harmful anyway!

I'll pass, thanks.

"All my Exes/Live in Texas"--George Strait

2009-10-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

That's right. I went to Texas to visit my paternal grandparents for Fall break. Excuse me, I went to SOUTH Texas. There is a distinction, to my understanding. And in case you forget, the Confederate flag is around, in abundance, to remind you where you are. Along with Whataburgers, Wal-Marts and oil refineries that makeup the landscape of the area. Seriously, there were more Whataburgers than McDonald's and Starbucks combined.

But I'm not trying to be totally pessimistic about Texas. I knew it would be a lot different from my everyday life and that's a good thing. What's the use of going through a life of monotony and never having any experiences that take you out of your comfort zone? And there are lot of other places to visit that are way worse to endure (Iowa, anyone?). I kid, I kid.

The last time I was in Texas, I was probably 9 or 10 years old and visiting my mother's boyfriend's (at the time) family. I remember being in San Antonio and some of the smaller towns, but don't have much memory of the culture, so to speak. So I wanted to make sure I was paying attention to how the locals live in this area of the country...

Something great about Texas that I admire is their blatant disregard for the way the rest of the world works and the "this is us so if you don't like it why don't you just get the hell out of Texas" attitude. Even their tourism slogan is "It's Like a Whole Other Country." If I woke tomorrow and turned on CNN to the announcement that Texas has decided to form its own separate sovereign from the United States and revert back to the Republic of Texas, that would be the least shocking news I would ever hear. But hey, they don't apologize for it. And why should they? This is Bush country, goddammit!

Having never been to the Gulf Coast, I was pleasantly surprised when we visited a beach at Port Arnasas. Even though it's October, it is still very hot and sticky (I am a desert dweller so the humidity KILLS me, not to mention my hair) even at the beach. But the water was a perfect 85 degrees and the beach was virtually empty since it is no longer high tourism season, so it was a nice little Fall seaside getaway. The water was clear and clean; I had been a little apprehensive because of the abundance of oil rig ships, and found it odd that they often had some sort of fishing or shrimping boat close behind. There was also concern for rattlesnakes, which we have here in the desert, but it was a little peculiar to worry about them at the beach. They don't go down to the water, but they lurk in the grasses in the dunes just behind the shore. We actually got to go boogie-boarding without worrying about running over fellow beach-goers, and just relax on a virtually empty beach.

The thing to love about Texas is the BBQ. It's like nothing else I have ever tasted. Super-tender beef brisket (see pic above) cooked to perfection covered in a tangy/spicy sauce with cornbread, peaches and salad...yeah, that was my actual lunch. You just can't get BBQ like that anywhere but there. It must be the way they raise the beef, or something, but it's just delicious. I could become a vegetarian tomorrow but the second I would step foot in that state I would devour a plate of BBQ.

One small problem while in Texas was finding a Starbucks to fill my soy latte void that creeps up on me every few days. I did not see one in the immediate area that I was in, although there was a Wal-Mart, Whataburger, Sonic, numerous gas stations, Good-N-Crisp chicken, innurmerable churches, a high school and strip malls galore. Interestingly, I found a little espresso/gelato bar conveniently located in a tiny strip mall by my grandparents' townhouse. When I walked in on my last day of the trip, I immediately thought I had found the Holy Grail and was even secretly congratulating myself that I had found the only hip coffee shop within miles, and not given in to the familiar corporate outfit known as Starbucks that has so many times fed my caffeine habit. I mean, this place is exactly the kind of establishment I would frequent in my own town: clean, contemporary atmosphere with flat screens on the wall, lacquered concrete floors and chalk board menus listing all the espressos, lattes, coffees, teas and soda-pops that one's heart could ever desire. My fellow patrons were even using their laptops with free Wi-Fi, to boot. There was a dessert case with a chocolate mousse and pyramid-shaped cheesecake that I would have loved to try, if had not been 9 o'clock in the morning. I approached the counter to order my tall, hot soy latte, when something compelled me by the look on the girl's face that I should ask if they even have soy milk. I immediately regretted this decision when she turned around to shuffle through the refrigerator, and turned back around to tell me there was no more. Soy milk is a special order, she explained, as "hardly anyone" ever orders it, so it takes a while to get some back in once it's gone. Indeed it does. How silly of me to think that I could waltz right in a coffee shop in cattle country, U.S.A and order a goddam soy latte. So I mumbled something about a pomegranate green tea, paid the lady, and took my soy milk drinkin', city-slickin', Starbucks-patronzin' ass right to the airport (where I saw at least 3 Starbucks in my terminal alone).

But before the caffeine withdrawal could set in, I got the experience of attending a Methodist church service a few days previous to the soy latte incident. Now let's examine this scene for a moment: I am a divorced mother from a big city, a casual non-denominational church-goer and seldom read the Bible, and have a huge problem with any type of establishment telling you how to live your life, especially small town Jesus freaks who would sooner spit in your face than lend you a Christian brotherly-hand. I went to the Sunday service on the insistence of my grandma who didn't even bother to ask if I was a Christian, let alone a Methodist. I could have converted to Judaism in '99, and she would not have known, or cared, so therefore I was going. She had already let everyone know that we were coming, so by God, we were. I got the distinct feeling that my grandparents were uber-involved with their church, and the visit verified this suspicion. They knew everyone, intimately, from health issues, money problems, births, deaths, marriages, divorces and every other life event of the church attendees. After meeting most everyone (they all had name tags so at least I didn't have to remember names) we sat down for the service. I had a feeling this would be a traditional service, and the program indicated that not only is the 11AM time slot the traditional service, but the theme would be Identifying Our Values . My memory was trying to recall anything that I could remember from Religion 101 class about the Methodist denomination, but I could not come up with anything. I just decided to sit quietly and to not get sucked in by the "our way is the only way to get to Heaven" kind of church-speak that some Christians have been known to spew. But thankfully, when the Reverend began his portion of the Sermon, I was pleasantly surprised. He was talking about unconditional love, or Grace-filled love. The message from the Bible was from Luke 6:32-36,

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Ok, so I've heard this verse before in Sermons, so what made it so different this time, you ask? They used movie clips to illustrate their point, which appeals to the movie buff in me, but what's more are the movies and scenes they chose to use. The first was Gandhi, the 1982 film starring Sir Ben Kingsley based on the biography of Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian symbol for peaceful protest against British rule in India and racism/religious division in India as well as abroad. The scene they chose to illustrate Grace-filled love happens when a Hindu man comes to Gandhi and tells him he is going to hell for killing a Muslim boy during the religious conflict that Gandhi is protesting by fasting, to which Gandhi replies:

"I know a way out of Hell. Find a child, a child whose mother and father have been killed and raise him as your own. Only be sure that he is a Muslim and that you raise him as one."

I was astounded that they chose that scene, and how many times the Reverend repeated it to reiterate the concept of loving those who may not be like you, but are deserving of love anyway. The other movie scene they showed was from the 1956 film Giant starring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean, and judging by the theme and setting of this movie, is probably a little more relatable considering the audience. It's about the King family, the idolized Texas cattle ranchers and their rise to the top of the Texas ranch heap. Again, I was stunned when they chose to address racism when the scene was set by an ignorant diner owner that would not let the "Mexican help" eat at the counter or in the restaurant at all, and then a 3-minute fist fight ensues followed by a speech by Elizabeth Taylor's character summarizing the qualities of her diner-fighter hero. I was impressed with the message of the service and the medium they chose to impose that message. I came away with a different view of things, and the feeling that I like to have when I leave church, as opposed to guilt or superiority or hypocrisy. It was a great service, even if I still don't have a clue as to how Methodists really approach this whole Christianity thing.

Well, I must say it was an experience. Other highlights included a short drive-by tour of Texas A&M, an old-school candy store with a live rattle snake in the back, a cute boutique in town where I satisfied my consumer cravings that I get now and again, an aquarium with the best dolphin show I have ever seen, and some good old fashioned bonding time with family that I had not been able to visit for over 13 years. It may be a while before I go back, but I do have some more family to visit in the Austin area, so stay tuned! I will be returning to Texas...Because if you don't know where you're coming from, you're never going to get to where you're going.

Guess Who's Back?

2009-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posts, but Fall has kicked into high gear and my calendar is as full as a belly on Thanksgiving! Although currently unemployed, I have been filling my time volunteering, writing, exercising, watching movies, reading and even managed to take a trip to Texas to visit family (more on that later). I can say that at this point I am feeling better than I have in almost a year, though the whole "money thing" is still a worry, but it always has been, come to think of it.

Oh, well. Life's a bitch then you die, as they say.

At least I can think like a half-way normal human being again and leisurely wake up in the morning to take my son to school, drink some green tea and enjoy the morning. It was the late, great Hunter S. Thompson that had a theory about a leisurely breakfast that I feel compelled to list here:

"I like to eat breakfast alone, and almost never before noon; anybody with a terminally jangled lifestyle needs at least one psychic anchor every 24 hours, and mine is breakfast. In Hong Kong, Dallas or at home--and regardless of whether or not I have been to bed--breakfast is a personal ritual that can only be properly observed alone, and in a spirit of genuine excess. The food factor should always be massive: four Bloody Marys, two grapefruits, a pot of coffee, Rangoon crepes, a half-pound of either sausage, bacon or corned-beef hash with diced chilies, a Spanish omelet or eggs Benedict, a quart of milk, a chopped lemon for random seasoning, and something like a slice of key lime pie, two margaritas and six lines of the best cocaine for dessert...Right, and there should also be two or three newspapers, all mail and messages, a telephone, a notebook for planning the next 24 hours, and at least one source of good music...All of which should be dealt with outside, in the warmth of a hot sun, and preferably stone naked."

While I don't partake in this exact ritual of the morning, I do try and capture the spirit of it. Having time to yourself is a commodity, and I for one, being the introvert that I am, revel in the opportunity to have my alone time by focusing my thoughts and plans for the day. It helps me with mindfulness, which is an important skill for me to be able to gauge my emotions at this stage in life. So you can find me in my unemployed mornings engaging in a similar morning ritual as above, only with less cocaine and more yoga, and probably not naked. Well, actually it is just me with toast, green tea, CNN, the Sun Salutation, Downward Facing Dog and the Dance Pose in that order, and fully clothed. But my "psychic anchor" is fully intact.

Sure beats waking up and running around the house like the Flash in order to get out of the house on-time and off to a job where you sell shit all day that people don't really need for a company that could care less whether you even live or die as long as you make their unrealistic sales goals for the day, like all those poor slobs I left back in retail...

Why? Why? Why? Why? and Why?

2009-10-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

There are how many unemployed (yet talented) people in this country, yet Lindsay Lohan is now an "artistic adviser" at Ungaro and showing at Paris Fashion Week?!?

Words cannot describe how infuriating it is to see a talentless, could-have-been-but-that-chance-has-clearly-passed work on a legitimate collection that was actually shown at Paris Fashion Week, the creme-de-la-creme, or Super Bowl, if there are any men reading this, of fashion.

Looks more like Scottsdale Fashion Week to me...

This show did not go unnoticed, however, and went down in flames with scathing reviews. Women's Wear Daily called it "cheesy and dated" and that the collection and the show as a whole was a downright "embarrassment."

Who exactly was it that gave every brainless, witless wonder that graces the cover of UsWeekly a shot at being involved in the fashion industry outside of being a human hanger, strutting their starvation diet body down the runway for all the world to see? Well let me just say, you suck at life! What kind of sick, demented person do you have to be to expose the public to this kind of foul, stinking garbage? It's a mockery, I tell you--of talented people, of the fashion industry, of fashion fanatics. My God, what would Tim Gunn say?

I am assuming the point of the spectacle was to draw attention to a brand that struggles creatively and does not seem to be at all marketable. But Lindsay Lohan? Really? Was Paris Hilton busy? I would have liked to seen a Project Runway reject or FIDM student or even one of the damn Olsen twins if they weren't so busy with their own (successful) lines but Lindsay Lohan?

And with all the designers complaining about C- and D- listers lining the front rows at their shows, but go ahead and let one RUN your show?...good job, fashion industry. It goes to show how out of touch you really are!

Told Ya!

2009-10-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little late, considering the Daytime Emmys were a few weeks ago BUT I had to say it...

Remember when I said those gorgeous J.Mendel dresses that I posted from NY Fashion Week would be on the red carpet? Well low-and-behold! Kate Walsh wore one to the Emmy awards, and I am sure we will be seeing more on award show red carpets to come!

Perfection, Kate.

On the bad side:

Mila Kunis, what were you thinking?

Blake Lively, stop trying so hard.

See some pics at http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=1493#45334

Government Contact Info

2009-09-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

I felt compelled to post this link, it gives you contact info for EVERY elected official, from President and Congress to Governor and State Legislator, pertinent to you when you enter your ZIP on the right side...pretty useful when you've got some things to say...

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/

THIS is Why the Current Healthcare System Does Not Work.....

2009-09-28T13:33:00.001-07:00

My goal is to not get too political or pitch too many rants on this blog, but I just can't ignore this. I am sick of pill-abusing, right wing conservative assholes like Rush Limbaugh perpetuating lies on t.v. everyday by saying "most Americans are satisfied" with the healthcare they recieve. Really? Well go ahead and pop a few more, Rush, and tell me what kind of country, and not just any country, but the richest in the world lets thousands and thousands of people go uninsured or pay the inflated, ridiculous prices for medications all in the name of profit for drug companies? My premium just went up again with a $5000 deductible and pretty much non-existent prescription coverage. By next year, I may not be able to afford coverage any longer, and I am on one of the most basic plans. But my issues are none compared with what I recieved in my email box today about a friend of an aquaintance:

Please send love and good energy to my husband Rich Zandlo.

He’s battling a condition called Cystic Fibrosis. Currently he is surviving on only 19 percent of his lungs and is in the hospital. He’s survived many things and is the strongest person I know. The past year has been a difficult one though. He’s lost his (and mine and our babies… our 3 dogs) home that we had much pride in…. do to foreclosure (couldn’t afford the medical bills and pay a $1600 mortgage), he’s lost his business (a successful car lot he ran for 10yrs), he’s lost 3 good friends to cancer and CF, and now unfortunately he’s fighting for his life. I’m doing my best to stay strong. I work very hard at what I do. I’ve been known to stick to a plan and never back down. I fight for what I think is right and never complain about my challenges for it can only make me stronger. My show, my family and friends are also what keeps me going. I also thank Rich every day for the strength he’s given me. I still remain strong and will continue to fight this battle.

Rich and I have been very good at keeping this to ourselves; not wanting to be a charity case; and realize most people have their battles too; however now I feel I need to be a voice, a voice for Rich. Currently he is not listed for a lung transplant. The reason why is because of Medicare. Medicare will not cover his transplant if he does it at St. Josephs Hospital, Phoenix AZ (which has an amazing crew of surgeons, doctors and equipment for lung transplants) do to the fact that they’ve only been doing transplants for 2yrs (however the surgeons have been doing the transplants several years… they’re from UCLA). Medicare was suppose to evaluate St. Josephs by August 31st and today is September 1st, and still no evaluation. Meanwhile Rich and I have been going back and fourth to UCLA in California (spending $1000’s on gas, lodging and more); after all the traveling and evaluations at UCLA Medicare said they’d cover it, however the secondary insurance denied him being enlisted because “its out of state”. Now we are trying Tucson. Unfortunately, Medicare is dragging their feet and telling us he has to go through all the evaluations all over again. And because of this he cannot be seen in Tucson until the end of September. And it will take till the end of October to find out if he approves and will in turn get “enlisted”. Meanwhile things are taking a turn for the worst. Rich was submitted into the hospital yesterday (August 31st) because he was having a hard time walking around the small condo we now live in. He can’t even walk down the hallway without stopping. He’s also on 3 liters of oxygen 24/7. The doctors told me to send a letter to our congressmen. Which I have done. We’ve called him too. I’m asking everyone to think of Rich during this difficult time and if you have a minute or two, please copy and paste this letter and send it to someone you think may be a good help. Or send it to our congressman Jeff Flake.

Here is his contact info….

District Office
1640 South Stapley
Suite 215
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 833-0092 – phone
(480) 833-6314 – fax
http://flake.house.gov/Contact/

Thank you for reading this…
My Best,
“Pyra”. http://www.facebook.com/pyrasutra

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”- Ghandi
Help Rich Zandalo in his fight for his life!

PLEASE donate if you can: http://helprichzandlo.com/

Love, Loss and What I Wore Contest at ELLE.com

2009-09-24T15:27:00.001-07:00

I am entering this writing contest for Elle Magazine based on the book Love, Loss and What I Wore. I really just want to go to New York in December and absorb all the creativity, as they now perform the pieces Vagina Monologues-style. But I just saw that the rule for submission is 500 words...well, I already had over 1,300 in my rough draft. I have now edited it down to 877, but that is still a bit lengthy. But I CANNOT for the life of me remove anything else without detracting from the overall story/mood/voice, so what should I do? I will feel most proud of the piece if I submitted it now as is, but I don't want to be disqualified for it being too long. It's very personal and the first time I have written on this particular moment in my life, so subtracting anymore from it just makes it feel like I am demeaning the moment itself...

Well, I'll just sleep on it, as the collective "they" have been known to say.

Use the link below to check out the deets...

Love, Loss and What I Wore Contest at ELLE.com- Contest for Love, Loss and What I Wore

Posted using ShareThis

"What's that you've got on/Vivienne Westwood/Can't go wrong"--Gwen Stefani

2009-09-23T14:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, please!

One of my all-time favorite designers, Vivenne Westwood, making a statement with her Spring 2010 show in London. Having carried the Anglomania line in my boutique, I have to say that she has some of the most original, fun, creative and out-there looks no matter which line she designed them for. I mean, we are talking about the same woman that designed all the Sex Pistols stage outfits in the 70's, so what else would you expect? A little bit punk, a dash of Brit street style with a pinch of feminine.

I still covet those boots that Sienna Miller pranced around in all last Fall and will make it my mission to find them on E-bay one day and cherish them for the rest of my life!

But for now, a few of the looks from her Red Label...

Flinstones, Meet the Flinstones...

2009-09-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

I never said that London Fashion Week was boring...designer Jeremy Scott reminisces upon the days of the neanderthal, when fashion was but protecting oneself from the elements. Then came Wilma and Betty and brought the look to a whole new level, a la Jackie Kennedy.

Everything old is new again!

And yes, I would wear these pieces, just style them to make them a bit more wearable. First, I would lose the cave girl crimped hair and bone-in shoes. With the yellow frock, I would add a black leather waist belt, black leggings and my Michael Kors flats. As for the green jacket, I don't really think I could pull that off but the skirt is to die for, so I would just throw on a white ribbed James Perse tank and call it a day. As for the pink number, just give me a pair of black Havaianas and my lovely See by Chloe bag would compliment it quite nicely.

Cave girl chic!

It's Breet-ish!

2009-09-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

For anyone that knows me well, I am a bit obsessed with the Brits. They are a lovely people and I should think that when I get to visit London one day, I will probably not ever want to leave. I mean, the land that gave us Kiera Knightly and Kate Winslet, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Shakespeare and Jane Austen, tea and crumpets, fish and chips, and so on and so on, is now giving us one of the most exciting Fashion Weeks in recent memory.

For the few shows I have looked at so far, none has left me anywhere near the stupor I was in looking at some of the NY shows. Fearless, these Brits. They're not only supplying the fun but also looks that I would actually wear, like, right now. And not just for a special occasion or some fantasy that involves limousines, champagne and Johnny Depp. No friends, they are giving the goods the way that I would wear them shlepping around in my own everyday life: to the local coffee shop, a stop by the library, a pa-rooze through the video store, and on weekends, to the movie theater, Trader Joes/fave book store plaza, the local coffee shop (again) and maybe brunch with some friends. Yes, these clothes would fit in just fine with day-to-day happenings in my life, and I would rock the hell out of 'em, most ardently!

pics above: Burberry, Spring 2010

Fade to Black, NY Fashion Week

2009-09-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

The New York Spring shows are over, so in summation, it was ho-hum. I was happy with a select few, and disappointed with my "regulars" to whom I know, love and wear.

I couldn't conclude without showing you a few pieces from one of those know, love and wear labels, Nanette Lepore. I always cringe with regret when I look at photos from her shows, having once carried her line in my boutique, I once had access as buyer to attend her shows in New York. But say la vie, I will look at the photos on the good ole 'Net, and know that no matter how much I love her stuff, I will probably never bring myself to pay full retail...

Honorable mentions (loved the entire show or at least enough pieces that I wasn't falling asleep while pa-roozing the slideshow): Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Reem Acra, Temperley London

On to London!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crazy for Kids Movies

2009-09-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've seen a lot of kids movies over the years, mainly because I have an elementary-age child and I was once a kid myself who enjoyed many magnificent movies of the 80's and 90's. As an adult and mother, I now have a different point-of-view and can see the glaringly adult themes that I was oblivious to as a child. And it doesn't necessarily just apply to kids movies, but films that are intended for a younger audience, but still not entirely appropriate. For example, the movie Clueless, one of my all-time favorite films of the 90's, is all about the main character, Cher, losing her virginity. Add some cute clothes and some decade-defining catch phrases (As if!) and you have every 13-year old girl flocking to a movie that is a tad on the inappropriate side for that age group. To be fair, Clueless is loosely based on the Jane Austen classic, Emma. There are far worse movies that are aimed at younger audiences, so at least this one had a little substance to it, even if that just means loosely adapting a beloved author to fit the social mores of the current times and making $$$ off it....

I saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs over the weekend with my son, and let me start by saying I thought it was hilarious. The main characters were voiced by Bill Hader (Superbad, Hot Rod) and Anna Farris (House Bunny, Scary Movie). It was adapted from a short kids story that my son had read in class last year, and he, as was I , very excited to see it. While some kids' movies can bore me to death (Doogal, Veggie Tales), make me uncomfortable with the theme or message (Igor) or just plain irritate me (I refuse to see that Disney atrocity about the James Bond hamsters that came out this summer. I mean, if I'm that annoyed with the trailer, I can't imagine sitting through the entire 2 hour feature presentation). But Cloudy, I'm happy to say, was thoroughly entertaining, funny and at times, endearing. They even managed to make the kissing scenes humorous, which let's face it, if there's the need to have kissing in a kid's movie, and it's not based on a fairy tale, then humorous is the way to go. I'm not saying that it compared to Up, my new gold standard for the genre, but it wasn't a bad way to spend a few hours. I liked the little insiders' moments they threw in just for the parents (For example, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy playing as the background music for a viral video, featuring a cat as a DJ was too funny, but I could not fight the image of Rosie Perez dancing at the beginning of Do the Right Thing). I definitely had fun at this one and will most likely buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Here's a list of the Best Kids' Movies, just for kicks:

1. Monsters, Inc.

This will never change from the #1 spot, as it was the first movie my son really loved when he was around 1.5 years old, so it's sentimental. I have literally seen it HUNDREDS of times and could probably recite every line verbatim, but only at gun point. Plus, it's Disney/Pixar animation, starring Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi and John Goodman, with a score by Randy Newman. What's not to love?

2. The Emperor's New Groove

One of the funniest, and somehow slept-on, kids' movies of all time. It's David Spade at his sarcastic best, and the voice of the character Kronk, played by Patrick Warburton, will go down as one of the best voices for this generation's animated movies. He got his start on Seinfeld and has also voiced as the annoyed boyfriend in Bee Movie, also doing the digital sound intro trailers as that character. Remember the line?: "Got anymore of those cupcakes? They were sick."

3. Alice in Wonderland

This one is more about my childhood, but still one of the best, Disney or no. I am not hugely fond of singing in movies, the songs have to be exceptionally catchy and it has to make the movie rather than detract from it. But I cannot even imagine the characters without the music to go along with it. I tried reading "The Walrus and the Carpenter" aloud to my son without the melody from the Disney version, but could not do it. It is forever ingrained in my consciousness. I can't even say the words who-are-you without imagining big puffs of hookah smoke coming from my mouth forming odd shapes in the air. Lewis Carroll and Disney? Brilliant. Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton? We'll have to (excitedly) wait and see.

4. Up

I know, this one is already in my top 5, and it just came out last May. This animated gem just snuck up on me and hit me over the head. I cried 3 different times during this movie. I didn't really know what it was about when we went to see it. I had only seen the trailer of the house taking off with the balloons attached and just figured it would be some feel-good kids silliness. The balance of sadness with silliness is what makes this movie brilliant, along with stunning animation and very imaginative story line. This will undoubtedly be added to my DVD collection, and I may even watch it alone, whenever I need a good cry.

5. Ice Age

Ok, another one that I have seen over and over again, and another one that I was happy to watch repeatedly. I love the characters and the music featured in the film, and although they haven't captured the magic of the first in the last two installments, this is a great kids' film to be able to revisit again. And again. And again. And again.

6. Shrek

Mike Myers? Eddie Murphy? Cameron Diaz? This movie could have been about anything when you name those 3 actors, but they came together for a hysterically funny movie that managed to bring fairy tales and hilarity together all at once. I don't know if there has been a kid's movie that has brought together the movie-going audience together so flawlessly: parents, kids, young, old, boys, girls as the Shrek movies. I like them all, but the first was the originator, so that's where the credit is due.

7. Ratatouille

Another newer movie, and again, Disney/Pixar. I am just in love with the originality of this movie. A rat as a gourmet chef, really? But leave it to the geniuses at Disney to make it work. I mean, the whole damn company is based on a talking mouse that can do just about anything, so a cooking rat should be no prob. Why not?

8. The Little Mermaid

Again, more about my childhood than my son's. Although, he has seen it, I have the DVD. The score, like Alice, makes the movie and you cannot get the the songs out of your head for days, maybe weeks. It made me wish I had a Jamaican talking crab as my nanny. The party would never end!

9. Aladdin

Robin Williams absolutely completes this classic tale with a huge dose of hilarity that could only come from his energy and talent. The equal mix of comedy and score make this one a must-have in the DVD collection.

10. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

I am a child of the 80's, so Pee-Wee will forever live in my heart as the guy with the red bow tie making me laugh my butt off every Saturday on Pee-Wee's Playhouse, then this movie came out, and I have never been the same. I could have gone just fine through life without the "movie house" scandal and the awful pictures that followed, because Pee-Wee will always be the guy that just wants his bike back. Hilarity ensues.

Or, if we are just talking about animated movies, then #10 is:

Flushed Away

I'm a bit obsessed with the Brits, so obviously I'm going to love a kid's movie whose lead character is voiced by one of my all-time favorite actresses, who happens to be British, Kate Winslet. Add London as the back drop (although in a sewer), Hugh Jackman as the co-star and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have the uber-cool, ultra-funny Flushed Away. What other kid's film do you know opens with a Billy Idol track? Didn't think so.

I Wish I Would Have Wrote That!

2009-09-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

....when I was 8. My son had an assigment to come up with a short story using spelling words, and this is what he wrote:

It felt like it's been a long time. But it was only 3 minutes. I saw a hawk outside the window. He was eating sausage. I wondered if it liked mustard? And that was the last time I saw him in the cafeteria.

Best in Show, Sequins...Phillip Lim!

2009-09-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Fashion Week is drawing to a close, so just bear with me.

Being one my personal favorites to come on to the fashion scene in a big way during the past 5 years or so, I'm always excited to see what this Phillip Lim has to offer. I liked the collection overall, but hands down, the sequined pieces were the best I've seen during this fashion week. He had a small group, but what a group it was! An entire blazer that was actually styled as a dress was all sequins, along with a bronze jumper styled with red ankle boots (Bronze and red? My new color combo). Sequins made a come-back in a major way during the Fall 07 season, and have been loitering season after season since. But it just takes a genius mind to think of a menswear piece such as a blazer and make the entire thing from sequins, and what's more, style it as a dress.

The dress above is my coveted New Years Eve dress this year. Even though this collection is Spring and that dress will probably be around $500 at retail come March, I will still keep it in mind as I look for that perfect News Years outfit. Nothing will compare to it, so I will probably just hate everything else that I see and wear something that I already own...oh, well. At least a girl can dream.

Kid Quotes, or Funny Stuff My Kid Says

2009-09-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

"I bet God makes really good meatballs."

Hmmm, something to think about....

I Heart Marc...

2009-09-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Jacobs, that is. One of my all-time faves, he is constantly pushing the envelope yet staying true to his originality. Known in the fashion world for making the grunge look of the early 90's trendy by putting plaid prints and combat boots on the runway, he has become one of the most versatile designers, dare I say, ever. He not only designs for his high-end label Marc Jacobs and his contemporary love-child, Marc by Marc Jacobs, but he is also creative director at Louis Vuitton.

As a frequent shopper of the Marc by Marc store on super-trendy Melrose in L.A., I have witnessed first hand his genius at being mastermind of the mix. The store itself is ultra-cool with an always over-the-top window display, right down to the staffers themselves, who formerly included the likes of Rumer Willis, Demi and Bruce's eldest daughter. Stores of that kind can be a bit intimidating, but when you start to walk around you realize that there is something for everyone. The store is comprised of both men's and women's clothing, accessories and shoes. The Marc by Marc line ranges from about $200-$500, so I was pleasantly surprised to find affordable accessories among the $365 dresses and $450 coats. Over the past few years, I have accumulated a $19 quilted gold wallet (which I still carry and get tons of compliments on. And I NEVER tell anyone how much I paid for it, only that I got it at the Melrose store and watch eyes widen with envy), $5 bangle bracelets in various colors, a $10 navy blue canvas bag that was in every fashion magazine's "must have for summer" editorial, and a $17 black leather bracelet which I lost and am still quite upset about.

So is it any wonder that his Spring 2010 collection is so damn cool that you just want jump in the car, take off to L.A. and head straight to the Marc by Marc store, just to say you bought something there? It didn't matter how much you paid for it, it's that fact you bought it on Melrose and somewhere along the way Marc Jacobs himself put his stamp of approval on it and goddamit, he's the coolest designer EVER so that must mean you are the coolest person EVER for just having been in that store! Maybe this time I'll even save up a few extra bucks and buy that $365 dress at full retail. Gasp!

But so much for all that. I just know that this collection makes me feel cool just looking at it--the flawless way he mixes the prints, the use of color, the I'm-a-tough-girl-even-with-a-bow-on-my-head look speaks to the inner hipster in me. Oh, Marc. How do you do it? I've been trying to perfect this mixed print look all year, and here he comes with the definitive manual on the subject, in the form of a human hanger strutting down the runway as if to say, "Here, I know you've had a tough time with this, so I am going to give you the tools you need to get it right this time." Fine. That's just fine. Maybe I'll see you on Melrose...

If Edward Scissorhands Were a Stylist...

2009-09-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

I know that I already went on my rant about Fashion Week and it's polarization between the completely dull and the concept-driven that would not work for the real world in any way, shape or form. I have either been so bored with the shows that my eyes glaze over and I start to drool on myself (and not in a good way) or have been very confused trying to visualize the customer that the designer had in mind (a cyborg flight attendant?). As a lover of fashion and any and all things aesthetically pleasing, I have been disappointed by the lack of either creativity, wear-ability or both, especially from my favorite designers.

And then they lay this one on me...the Spring 2010 collection from Rodarte (pronounced Row-dar-tay). I am in awe, I am inspired, I am...eating my words. You see, this collection is not boring or dull or monotonous, but at the same time, it is very concept driven, yet somehow wearable! Take this photo above, for instance. Take away the zombie make-up and the arm-art styling and add a pair of fuchsia or red platform pumps, and I would wear this outfit in a flash! The details on both the blouse and the pants are staggering, from the cut-outs below the knee to the zippers on the thighs to the slashed-up look of the top, this is perfection! The entire collection rides the Edward Scissorhands-meets-80's-rocker chick theme, and despite being a Spring collection, there is not a wispy bow, pastel color or safari print in sight! So I just want to say thank you, girls of Rodarte, for making me believe once more in the fun, creativity and excitement of Fashion Week! This collection took guts and vision, and I salute you. I've never been happier to place my foot in my mouth!

Stretchy Pants, It's Just for Fun!

2009-09-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Cue the heavy Mexican accent as perfected by Jack Black when saying the title of this post, and you have summed up (most accurately) the leggings that I want to rock this Fall! Stretchy, ruched leggings that I have already seen at retail courtesy of Sass and Bide and ella moss. Sometimes Veruca (my evil Gemini twin) rears her ugly head and demands "I want it now!" and this is an example of that very moment. But alas, I have found them in the Tracy Reese Spring 2010 collection in a splendid pink shade that shows off the ruching details in all of its glory! Woe is me! Do I get them in black for Fall and satisfy Veruca's testy demands or wait until Spring for the colorful, detailed, easier-to-wear-in-the-heat version to make its way into my wardrobe?

Have a look, and decide what YOU would do...

I'm Thinking Oscar-Worthy, Here

2009-09-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have never claimed to be a psychic, although I do have an uncanny knack for predicting what will be the next big "thing" will be. I started wearing Tommy Hilfiger a full year and half before anyone else at my middle school, and consequently stopped wearing it a full year and half before the entire logo trend blew out the window. I was on to bigger and better things. What were those things, you ask? Sundresses with combat boots, baby-tees with baggy jeans, and anything by DKNY, Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren. Yes, I was a child of the 90's, but ahead of the times and always on to the next trend before anyone else.

Be warned: you are about to preview what I think will be the "it" dresses for the awards shows next year. The dresses above are some of my favorites from the J. Mendel Spring 2010 collection. You will see at least one of these gowns come awards season, be it the Golden Globes, Emmy's, SAG or even the Holy Grail of Hollywood, the Academy Awards. Who can you picture them on? Look deep into your mind's eye....Nicole Kidman? Diane Kruger? Anne Hathaway? Cameron Diaz? Picture whomever you choose, but know that you are not having a deja vu when you see one of them on the Best Dressed list. You saw it here first!

On a side note, my all-time favorite Academy Award look was the mango-orange Vera Wang number that Michelle Williams wore a few years back (R.I.P Heath Ledger). Sniff. Pure perfection in every way!

More Fashion Week Fun!

2009-09-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Yes! Yes! YES!

Finally, a few collections that got my heart pumping! I've been feeling like Night of the Living Dead looking at photo after photo, my eyes glazing over with the mind-numbing monotony of some of the shows. Why are they doing this to me? I started to take it personally. Maybe it's just me, I must be missing something? How could I not have seen "it" yet? Where's the collection that sends my blood pressure into an uproar?

When I see clothes that I not only want to wear but plan my entire life around just so I could have the pleasure of wearing said garment, it actually causes a physical reaction. It is similar to when you're on a roller coaster. The moment you take the steep plunge down, your stomach flutters, your heart skips a beat and your brain goes temporarily blank and all you can do is scream! It feels exactly like that, except I can usually contain the screaming. Unless I'm watching the Oscars, aka the Female Super Bowl, and sometimes I shout when I see something so amazing that it makes me want to scurry off to Hollywood and crash the ceremony just so I can see it up-close-and-personal. Never mind what I would do to actually wear it. That kind of thing is better left unsaid, so as to avoid ever incriminating myself in a court of law ("well her blog said that she would kill for the dress, Your Honor! We must not deny the evidence! Guilty as charged!" Gavel falls). Oh, no. Not today, anyway.

I want to point out a few of my favorites from this years' events, as my scream-worthy selections are not coming from the usual suspects. Something is different this time around. The shows are polarized. It's as if the designers are so intimidated by the economy and its effect on how well the collection will sell that they are doing more of the same (read: boring, predictable) or trying too hard to get that "special piece" that everyone will want to invest in (read: overly expensive at retail, only really works for the runway). I don't see the edgy, creative, knock-my-socks-off kind of looks that I have come to expect. We may have to look to London or Paris this year for that, or at least let's hope. However, what I did find are some feminine, flowing, stunning (yet wearable) pieces from Donna Karan, the queen of American fashion, and awe-inspiring, goddess-like and I daresay, Oscar-worthy gowns from J. Mendel.

So feast your eyes on the gorgeous-ness of some of my faves from Fashion Week! It's not over though, so hopefully we will still get to scream a little more...

Photos above from Donna Karan Spring 2010. see more at http://www.style.com/

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is here!

2009-09-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Otherwise known as New York Fashion Week, the event that defines what we will be wearing next year has finally approached! Let me just say that while I do follow the trends, I don't necessarily love them all. I am actually quite underwhelmed with what I've seen so far, although there are still some promising designers such as Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Phillip Lim, and Nanette Lepore whose collections never leave much to be desired, that we have yet to see. Having owned a clothing store it was once my job as buyer to follow the highs and lows of fashion, so obviously I haven't shook the habit. But you have to admit that it's exciting to see what the new silhouettes, colors and textures will be "it" next Spring. It's like looking into a crystal ball!

I've provided a picture of one of my favorite looks so far that comes from Elie Tahari Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear. It's a pant suit designed with heat in mind, perfect for a desert climate. However, I would wear this with a bright shirt (neon orange or fuchsia pink) but I love the polish of the metallic shoes and bag. This suit is the perfect mix of casual yet put-together, I'm-not-trying-too-hard look! Because nobody, and I mean NOBODY, likes to look like they're trying too hard! That is never a good look!

Why Is It So Hot, Again? Oh, Yeah My A/C Went Out!

2009-09-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's true. The A/C went out in my car yesterday as I was picking my son up from school. No biggie, except for the fact that it went out while I was sitting in the hellishly long line of cars that form outside my son's school, and it was 3:30 in the afternoon and a sunny 105 degrees. Why do I still live in this, to use the words of my son, "rust-bucket" of a town? I just can't take the heat anymore, so it's just a matter of getting out of the proverbial kitchen.

The cost to fix this little issue of a busted A/C compressor? A super-affordable $1000 big ones. There goes the NYC Fall break vacay that I've been fantasizing about for the past 3 months. But thankfully I called the repair shop and they were able to get it in today. As far as having the $1000 by tomorrow? Well again, thankfully, I was able to call on a family member to front the repair guy the full amount. Paying back the loan with no interest in this stifling economy? Priceless.

So by tomorrow I should be wheeling around town, the cold A/C blowing in my face, The Beatles Anthology cranking in the CD player (I have to practice my notes for Rockband), and a swift sense of relief that for the next 80,ooo miles or so, I won't have to worry about the goddamn air compressor! Long live the Soccer Mom Mobile!

Beatles Rockband!

2009-09-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

I am a recent Guitar Hero convert, having played it with the fam almost all of last weekend. My sudden urge to own this game came last Friday when I announced that I was going to buy the entire set (drums, guitar, mic) but Iwasn't sure if I was going to get Rockband or Guitar Hero. After some investigative research (i.e. chatting it up with the Blockbuster people), I decided that I would pursue Guitar Hero. The word from the Game Stop people is that Guitar Hero hardware is compatibale with Rockband software, but not vice versa. Plus, the GH set-up only costs $100 at most retailers, down from $170, and it comes with the World Tour game! So I could get the entire set, plus have the World Tour game, and then buy GH 5 seperately, which is exactly what I did. I finally tracked it down at a Best Buy 20 minutes away from my house (the only store for miles that had it at the lower price for the Xbox360), but there was a yummy Mexican food restaurant on the way, so it all worked out. Mmmmmmm, chile rellenos!

To make a long story short, I friggin love this game! I rocked at vocals on Nirvana's "Lithium" scoring a 99% on hard! I started to learn the guitar and have come pretty close to perfecting Coldplay's "In My Place,"although on easy mode. But I am ecstatic about Beatles:Rockband and am vowing to play it on Story mode instead of just breezing through on Quickplay. I really haven't been this excited about video games since Wii Fit came out. So ok, I guess it's only been a year, but whatev. My son loves playing and it's way funner than those stupid Halo Wars games (yeah, I said it) so we are going to rock on!

And if you're wondering, I am just as excited about DJ Hero coming out next month!