tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50109532918663156372024-03-14T01:23:17.620-07:00TALL Blonde Stories2011, 2012 Archive of Fashion,Food and Travel blog: TALL Blonde's Style.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-41282553302801023912020-01-29T23:32:00.005-08:002023-07-28T11:27:12.833-07:00Follow Me In Las Vegas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5AgHGM5lQI/T3-SEZNHT6I/AAAAAAAAExo/Eab2ljVIk7s/s1600/vegas.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5AgHGM5lQI/T3-SEZNHT6I/AAAAAAAAExo/Eab2ljVIk7s/s320/vegas.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">YUP, It's me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">April 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I visit Las Vegas two to three times a year, mainly because my husband has a friend he enjoys visiting there. I do not gamble - we go there for the great food and variety of shopping. So follow me around town during my typical three day weekend.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">San Jose Airport to McCarran takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to fly on Southwest Airlines. Always expect a bit of air turbulence just before landing after passing over the mountain ridge and sometimes there is no in-flight beverage service because of it.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">After checking into our hotel room usually at Paris, New York New York or Venetian we put on our comfy shoes and hit the ground running over to Bellagio for a gourmet double gelato downstairs nearest the street front <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o373cGtHBsA">dancing water show (VIDEO)</a>. One scoop each of Lemon and Dark Chocolate <span><a name='more'></a></span>to get the blood flowing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YNkUA7OJo/T3-RbNq5MdI/AAAAAAAAExc/Y2YG-U5iaUo/s1600/McCartney+Horse.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YNkUA7OJo/T3-RbNq5MdI/AAAAAAAAExc/Y2YG-U5iaUo/s320/McCartney+Horse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Linda McCartney's favorite horse</span></td></tr>
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Bellagio has great shopping: Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Armani, and Louis Vuitton to name a few. They usually have inventory in their boutiques I cannot find elsewhere. I am a terrific window shopper. Love to look, love to look. Near the strip is<a href="http://www.thefashionshow.com/directory"> the 'Fashion Show' (click)</a>, a traditional indoor shopping mall with hundreds of stores from<b> A</b>bercromie & Fitch to<b> Z</b>ara. Of course you can also find Dillard's, Macys', Neiman Marcus and on the weekends near Saks Fifth Avenue you can watch a runway fashion show. The shopping inside <a href="http://www.visitlasvegas.com/listing/crystals-at-citycenter/21213/?src=paidmedia_campaign=shopping_medium=search_source=google_content=shopping-malls_term=city-center-mall-las-vegas">Crystals at City Center (click)</a> a 500,000 square feet shopping and dining extravaganza also houses many haute couture boutiques such as Brunello Cucinelli, Tom Ford and Stella McCartney. If you are a Beatles fan visit the Stella McCartney boutique to view the hanging glass art display of Linda McCartney's favorite pet horse, it once hung in the family castle.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You must try the Roller Coaster at Hotel New York, New York It sits on their rooftop and instantly shoots out like a rocket. The ride footprint is so small its track is concentrated with corkscrews, loop-de-loops and spins to maximize the excitement!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There is amazing food at every turn. Our first dinner is always at<a href="http://www.parislasvegas.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/restaurants-dining/mon-ami-gabi-detail.html"> 'Mon Ami Gabi' (click),</a> an indoor/outdoor French bistro inside Paris casino. Love to meet our friend Bianca there. 'Serendipity' in the outdoor complex near Caesar's is good if you only order dessert.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SmQWM0OUA0/T3-ZjDgVgpI/AAAAAAAAEyU/6rS2lIZkGCI/s1600/Pata+Negra.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SmQWM0OUA0/T3-ZjDgVgpI/AAAAAAAAEyU/6rS2lIZkGCI/s320/Pata+Negra.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/julian-serrano.aspx">Julian Serrano inside Aria (click)</a> specializes in his native Spanish food. He even carries the prized Pata Negra Iberico Jamon de Bellota. In other words top of the line cured ham from the black foot pig fed on a strict diet of acorns.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I cannot leave Las Vegas until I have visited</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSwPh3n1k1A/T3-aWmgCvyI/AAAAAAAAEyo/sX7xOF05XF0/s1600/finished+it.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSwPh3n1k1A/T3-aWmgCvyI/AAAAAAAAEyo/sX7xOF05XF0/s320/finished+it.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Spicy Sweet Potato Hash-YUM!</span></td></tr>
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.mesagrill.com/las-vegas-restaurant/">Bobby Flay's 'Mesa Grill'(click)</a> for brunch inside Caesar's for his </span><a href="http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2012/03/chicken-hash-benedict.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Hash with Green Chili Hollandaise (click RECIPE)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> reservation recommended. It is like eggs benedict only add sweet, heat and smokiness; it is wonderfully unctuous! For a steakhouse we choose </span><a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/craftsteak-steak-house.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Craft Steak (click)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">' from Tom Colicchio inside the MGM Grand. For five star dining a mega treat may always be found at Picasso in Bellagio, not only for it's unique and beautiful food creations but you are surrounded by millions of dollars in Picasso paintings. Need to cool your wallet? I pick </span><a href="http://www.raos.com/raos-restaurant-las-vegas.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rao's Italian Restaurant (click)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> at Caesar's. Although they are known for baseball-sized meatballs get off the beaten path and find yourself a little something out of the ordinary, this is where their food really shines. I recommend the Beggar's Purse ravioli-like filled pasta with a plate of smoldering grilled vegetables. We always eat at the bar because the staff is so friendly, they remembered me four months later. By the way they are decorated for Christmas all year round, sans tree</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKYipuTCtxQ/T3-e3SkG3gI/AAAAAAAAEy8/d7HDcN1ppMA/s1600/cosmo+chand.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKYipuTCtxQ/T3-e3SkG3gI/AAAAAAAAEy8/d7HDcN1ppMA/s320/cosmo+chand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Chandelier Bar-Cosmopolitan</span></td></tr>
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> My favorite bar has to be the </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5aL8QKcGlw" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chandelier Bar (click video)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> upstairs inside the Cosmopolitan. Your are held captive inside a hanging sparkling chandelier. I always order the cocktail with blueberry preserves in it. They serve the definitive 'Girl Scout Cookie' cocktail too.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tObLV7d4AU/T3-SwaH3OpI/AAAAAAAAEx8/2EoqbNX6LgM/s1600/Lake+Mead.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tObLV7d4AU/T3-SwaH3OpI/AAAAAAAAEx8/2EoqbNX6LgM/s320/Lake+Mead.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Me 'n' Sean at Lake Mead</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For you outdoor types, take a desert drive to the one time largest man made project<a href="http://travelnevada.com/destinations/hoover-dam/"> Hoover Dam (click)</a>. It lies on the California/Nevada border. The size of the structure is breathtaking. You can stroll on it's massive promenade as well as take a tour below ground to see it in action. While you are out make a day of it and see the beautiful blue water of Lake Mead. Boating and water skiing are a must and a family can rent a houseboat for the weekend. I am not a water person and prefer instead long gun shooting. No animals were harmed during the writing of this article, or any time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKRdDTFC7Js/T3-YMhvhsnI/AAAAAAAAEyI/VFnn7MWHhXI/s1600/desert+hills.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKRdDTFC7Js/T3-YMhvhsnI/AAAAAAAAEyI/VFnn7MWHhXI/s320/desert+hills.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is <a href="http://www.adventuresport.co.uk/clay_shoot/clay_pigeon_shooting_basics.pdf">target shooting of clay pigeons (click)</a>, a 4.3 inch (110 mm) bright orange clay disk that is vaulted into the air for you to blast away using a 12 gauge shotgun. <a href="http://www.deserthillsshootingclub.com/">Desert Hills (click)</a> is your destination located in nearby Boulder City. If you are a video game enthusiast you might be surprised how good a shot you are the first time out. On the drive home we must stop at A&W for a Papa Burger and a root beer float. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is the desert so remember nights during the winter months are bitterly cold, I am talking down to the low 20-degree freeze.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I hope you bookmark this article and share it with your friends. I included many clickable links for you to plan your next (or first) Las Vegas trip. Or perhaps as you read through just pretend you have been briefly transported. It's not just for gamblers and peep shows.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Casino Announcement</b>:</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">San Jose, California is opening a brand new Las Vegas designed casino named <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CasinoM8trix">'CASINO M8TRIX (FB click)</a>' later this summer. Follow them on Facebook for updates.</span></span></div>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-43350572996097175142020-01-29T23:26:00.008-08:002021-04-23T14:53:56.434-07:00California Antique Auto Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGnVe350RNY/T6NmAzKBc2I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/YixaIT55d-w/s1600/ca%2Bmille%2Bfairmont.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGnVe350RNY/T6NmAzKBc2I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/YixaIT55d-w/s320/ca%2Bmille%2Bfairmont.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>The 30th Anniversary of the California Mille Miglia for 2020 will be held Sunday, April 26.</i></span><br /><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">May 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Mille Miglia (one thousand miles) auto endurance race was held only 24 times in Brescia, Italy from 1927 to 1957. Martin Swig, auto collector and racer also of the Fairmont Hotel Swig Family lineage, founded the <a href="http://www.californiamille.com/">California Mille (web link)</a> in 1990 after participating in the Mille Miglia beginning in 1982 and subsequent races with his good friend John Lamm<span><a name='more'></a></span>, Editor at Large, Road & Track.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I guess you can call me a motorhead for my love of unique and vintage automobiles. This all started because I grew up with a father who owned and operated a specialty auto repair garage in the bay area peninsula. In fact when he arrived from Switzerland in 1960 he was the only mechanic certified in the repair of Maserati and Ferrari cars in the region.</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In my own history of automobile ownership I had the fun of driving a 1968 MGB/GT, a 1975 Cadillac Seville and a 1976 Porsche 914 all before the age of 26. Although true car collectors will state the Porsche 914 does not count has a sports car. Why do I tell you all this?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkHWv67RxCY/T6NyckEOj6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/NuIzQICPQ_c/s1600/banner.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkHWv67RxCY/T6NyckEOj6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/NuIzQICPQ_c/s320/banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The California Mille has an extraordinary free car show on the last Sunday in April atop Nob Hill in San Francisco in the driveway of the historic Fairmont Hotel. Last Sunday, April 29th in very unusual 78-degree San Francisco weather my husband and I walked the red carpet to view the race participants. A traditional count of roughly 60 glorious pre-1958 racing cars were on public view: mostly Alfa Romeos, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar and Bentley gleaming in the sunlight, crowded by camera clicking collectors, enthusiasts and casual passers by. This year's 1000 kilometer race will tour California gold rush country from San Francisco to Incline Village, west to Colusa, southwest to the ocean shores of Bodega Bay and end in the natural hot springs of Calistoga.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">VIDEO: Here is my 5 min. 33 sec. video of this years' racing field:</span></span><br />
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A few interesting highlights of mouthwatering metal and rubber delights.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tu0reMAhAlM/T6NtR-JEaZI/AAAAAAAAE_o/bifgsHkwdEo/s1600/1958+Porsche+Carrera+GT.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tu0reMAhAlM/T6NtR-JEaZI/AAAAAAAAE_o/bifgsHkwdEo/s320/1958+Porsche+Carrera+GT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">1958 Porsche Carrera GT</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3l90ZDE0YI/T6Nti1M6CtI/AAAAAAAAE_w/0BeB23oBzkE/s1600/1956+Jaguar+MkVIIM.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3l90ZDE0YI/T6Nti1M6CtI/AAAAAAAAE_w/0BeB23oBzkE/s320/1956+Jaguar+MkVIIM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">1957 Jaguar MkVIIM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Some vintage cars actually used leather straps to keep the Bonnet tied down. (above)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h2b2HAiKY/T6NwXRk06nI/AAAAAAAAFAo/q2mnX7I-izs/s1600/1957+Ferrai+250GT+Spider.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h2b2HAiKY/T6NwXRk06nI/AAAAAAAAFAo/q2mnX7I-izs/s320/1957+Ferrai+250GT+Spider.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">1958 Ferrari 250GT Spider</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Remember that crushing moment this car was destroyed when driven into a ravine in the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"? (above)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSKNmpCjRSs/T6N1mQtE_dI/AAAAAAAAFBo/yGbzEV4BuPU/s1600/1957+Ferrari+Special+Coachbuilt.JPG2.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSKNmpCjRSs/T6N1mQtE_dI/AAAAAAAAFBo/yGbzEV4BuPU/s320/1957+Ferrari+Special+Coachbuilt.JPG2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">1957 Ferrari Special Coachbuilt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Hubba-Hubba-I am talking about the double bubble roof. (above)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASA_IGL6pXU/T6N44jwpMWI/AAAAAAAAFCA/9FVfdLJ6PN8/s1600/1957+AC+Ace-Bristol.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASA_IGL6pXU/T6N44jwpMWI/AAAAAAAAFCA/9FVfdLJ6PN8/s320/1957+AC+Ace-Bristol.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The AC Ace Bristol was the basis for the future AC Cobra also known as the Shelby Cobra built between 1961 to 1967. The AC Cobra used the AC Bristol body and installed a Ford V8 engine. (above)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23TzV_JhleQ/T6N7VAxOQ6I/AAAAAAAAFCc/LHxMwf1WOWs/s1600/1955+Mercedes+Benz+300SL+gullwing.JPG" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23TzV_JhleQ/T6N7VAxOQ6I/AAAAAAAAFCc/LHxMwf1WOWs/s320/1955+Mercedes+Benz+300SL+gullwing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL gullwing</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I saved the best for last,</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">no one can resist a Mercedes</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FOc2gMLvWg/T6N7VDVjoCI/AAAAAAAAFCY/8v-msbRLh60/s1600/gull+rear.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FOc2gMLvWg/T6N7VDVjoCI/AAAAAAAAFCY/8v-msbRLh60/s320/gull+rear.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Benz gullwing....it's so James Bond.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mark your calendar for the last Sunday in April at San Francisco's Nob Hill in front of the Fairmont Hotel for the 23rd California Mille gorgeous vintage car extravaganza. See you there!</span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-22127121886153146282020-01-29T23:21:00.006-08:002021-04-23T13:42:24.814-07:00You Might Be Missing These<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXCtZYa3lVA/UBNeEvdo9JI/AAAAAAAAFnY/KkoimzO04Dk/s1600/Alexis+Russell+diamond+stud.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXCtZYa3lVA/UBNeEvdo9JI/AAAAAAAAFnY/KkoimzO04Dk/s1600/Alexis+Russell+diamond+stud.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 2012:</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You may have been left behind at the gate early but there is still time left for you to </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">update your fashion accessories for 2012.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sunglasses have long been a fashion staple in varying degrees of popularity. Today even more so as a relatively affordable bit of luxury using your economy . So carefully wrap your classic Ray Ban Aviators </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and put them in a safe place to wear another day. How about Tom Ford’s ‘Daphne’ extreme cat eyes, or the Barton Perriera ‘Chanteuse’ flavor of the 90’s fade with a sprinkling of snake skin <span><a name='more'></a></span>design for today?</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXr57PHL8g4/UBNKLDJdA1I/AAAAAAAAFlc/7hGM_1r1NLk/s1600/Tom+Ford+Daphne.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXr57PHL8g4/UBNKLDJdA1I/AAAAAAAAFlc/7hGM_1r1NLk/s320/Tom+Ford+Daphne.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goG85McXYBA/UBNKLP6W3uI/AAAAAAAAFlY/CVv2gwgCFpE/s1600/Barton+Perreira.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goG85McXYBA/UBNKLP6W3uI/AAAAAAAAFlY/CVv2gwgCFpE/s320/Barton+Perreira.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This year when we talk about bags, size matters! We are going small this year </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">with the choice towards a clutch. I like these two selections because they behave as a clutch, but with an easier way to keep your fingers from going numb. The Lacoste has a handy strap seen here in green that is both decorative and functional in ensuring your clutch remains wrapped around your wrist even if your fingers take a snooze. Proenza Schouler may have it right. Their design is a tote with handgrip handles, the top softly folds over into a clutch for date night. And if your busy lifestyle dictates a backpack everyday my vote goes to Tory Burch for their dual purpose flirty fringe tote or stylish blowing-in-the-wind pack, see the shoulder straps?</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OY0zJlLJ6zk/UBNQGs4qOLI/AAAAAAAAFmE/QXTWNFRMv9Q/s1600/Lacoste.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OY0zJlLJ6zk/UBNQGs4qOLI/AAAAAAAAFmE/QXTWNFRMv9Q/s320/Lacoste.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nw_s-BXavk/UBNQGqrOm4I/AAAAAAAAFmI/qw-4UvTOex8/s1600/Proenza+Schouler.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nw_s-BXavk/UBNQGqrOm4I/AAAAAAAAFmI/qw-4UvTOex8/s320/Proenza+Schouler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQdvTFnkFZA/UBNXL-0Q0pI/AAAAAAAAFmw/z6ppVXDldDE/s1600/Tory+Burch.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQdvTFnkFZA/UBNXL-0Q0pI/AAAAAAAAFmw/z6ppVXDldDE/s320/Tory+Burch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">There are hundreds and hundreds and millions of belts. On rare occasion I will purchase a belt to dress up one outfit, and only one outfit. As a general rule however invest in two belts that are classic in design, long wearing in craftsmanship and in two colors: 1-black and 1-brown. Most people alternate between their go-to everyday black and brown kicks even if all you wear are UGGs. My two examples here are Ralph Lauren double buckle tooled black leather that may be worn both casually and dress up; Motif 56 has this smooth grain brown leather belt that would look great cinching a crisp white cotton tunic for summer or belt your favorite winter cardigan.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2TPLpnpwnw/UBNQG01RQ-I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/phKzLNw1Al8/s1600/ralph+lauren.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2TPLpnpwnw/UBNQG01RQ-I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/phKzLNw1Al8/s320/ralph+lauren.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGtaNE-54MQ/UBNQGl34apI/AAAAAAAAFmA/F5k7NLLlSEw/s1600/motif+56.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGtaNE-54MQ/UBNQGl34apI/AAAAAAAAFmA/F5k7NLLlSEw/s320/motif+56.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">If you like wearing fashion jewelry and want to stay up to date with the latest designs here are four ideas to inspire you. A little bling to grace your face, J Crew offers a colorful, sparkling rhinestone extended length choker. Chain link in non-traditional materials is really HOT with this tortoise inspired resin double layer link necklace also from J Crew.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gYwoOnWl5s/UBNeE5dghKI/AAAAAAAAFno/Kn0yp519f0E/s1600/brigh+dangling.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gYwoOnWl5s/UBNeE5dghKI/AAAAAAAAFno/Kn0yp519f0E/s320/brigh+dangling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhe1LeSO84/UBNeErNe_kI/AAAAAAAAFng/a4iksc93Aa0/s1600/Resin+link.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhe1LeSO84/UBNeErNe_kI/AAAAAAAAFng/a4iksc93Aa0/s320/Resin+link.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">C</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ocktail rings from the 1960’s have drifted out from the cold night air and into the day light. Therefore they are now called </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">statement</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> rings. Turquoise is back in the fashion spotlight not only as a natural stone to be worn as jewelry but also apparel color. Colleen Lopez of Home Shopping Network (HSN) fame has her design of a bold turquoise and black resin statement ring. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Remember the “Knuckle Ring”? </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Goth does not have to be Goth anymore. BCBG has their sparkly knuckle ring covered in rhinestones that I quite like. This one may be on my wish list-</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQsVkBg5Fs/UBNeEsbG-cI/AAAAAAAAFnc/DBoBFBd7PtU/s1600/Colleen+Lopez+Black+Onyx+and+Turquoise+Sterling+Silver+Bold+Ring.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQsVkBg5Fs/UBNeEsbG-cI/AAAAAAAAFnc/DBoBFBd7PtU/s320/Colleen+Lopez+Black+Onyx+and+Turquoise+Sterling+Silver+Bold+Ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPhg0XadPss/UBNeFHF8q7I/AAAAAAAAFnw/DECxgtWy8HE/s1600/bcbg+knuckle.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPhg0XadPss/UBNeFHF8q7I/AAAAAAAAFnw/DECxgtWy8HE/s320/bcbg+knuckle.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Honorable mention-</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">I saw a pair of diamond stud earrings posted on Pinterest.com that are absolutely killer. Diamond studs you say? Please don’t stop reading here. These are actual rough diamond stones mounted on precious metal for well under $200 bucks designed by Alexis Russell. (Pictured at top)</span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-36630609073901565482020-01-29T23:20:00.007-08:002021-04-23T14:20:42.372-07:00Accessories, Let's Play<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1RdoDDCw4ApC8FkO45mo0wjt-aybO691ghtMRgh7GGSDK7DBcEuaB92QbrHwUEI_oO5OoxZ5bfK8M-0jJA6rNpxUheb8b88g2Flg_tzyai7-JMLbL5YcuWdsieD4VhPVSGQ4v5NIsB4/s390/fashion-women-stylish-accessories-outfit-260nw-1532053424.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="390" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1RdoDDCw4ApC8FkO45mo0wjt-aybO691ghtMRgh7GGSDK7DBcEuaB92QbrHwUEI_oO5OoxZ5bfK8M-0jJA6rNpxUheb8b88g2Flg_tzyai7-JMLbL5YcuWdsieD4VhPVSGQ4v5NIsB4/w400-h265/fashion-women-stylish-accessories-outfit-260nw-1532053424.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">December 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fashion Accessories have the ability to change the flavor of any ensemble. Grab a handful of mismatched pearl strands, layer them over whatever you are wearing and you are now elegantly transformed into evening. I have several long strands that I purchased from <span><a name='more'></a></span><a href="http://www.abcstores.com/browse.cfm/4,254.html">ABC Stores (click), huge Hawaiian retailer.</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLrmsSsAC3k/Tuu07aL-FLI/AAAAAAAADos/VZaeiyd-uf4/s1600/DSC02261.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLrmsSsAC3k/Tuu07aL-FLI/AAAAAAAADos/VZaeiyd-uf4/s200/DSC02261.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Recently I was browsing the Tom Ford women's department with our friend Greg at Neiman Marcus and a ladies' blouse with French Cuffs jumped out at me as they used satin ribbon tied in a bow instead of traditional cuff links to finish the look. After pointing this out, Greg shared with me that he has used this same creative idea on his shirts for an evening affaire. I now began thinking what do I do with my accessories that are unique to me? Mostly by their position rather than invention. Here are just a few:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnBqlXgTroI/Tuu0xBS6mZI/AAAAAAAADm0/rn5ihlYw1uQ/s1600/DSC02257.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnBqlXgTroI/Tuu0xBS6mZI/AAAAAAAADm0/rn5ihlYw1uQ/s200/DSC02257.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtaAOUUstE/Tuu1Dnt9FiI/AAAAAAAADow/I8BkREXCEZ4/s1600/DSC02262.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbtaAOUUstE/Tuu1Dnt9FiI/AAAAAAAADow/I8BkREXCEZ4/s200/DSC02262.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7BiP4gVQlM/Tuu1PceHKVI/AAAAAAAADn4/0_SHxk1OpZo/s1600/DSC02265.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7BiP4gVQlM/Tuu1PceHKVI/AAAAAAAADn4/0_SHxk1OpZo/s200/DSC02265.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">I like to browse websites such as <a href="http://search.rubylane.com/search?db=&ss=brooch&sb=Go">Ruby Lane (click)</a> for vintage brooches and I now have a collection of 12 that I enjoy pinning in a non-traditional way. I will add a pin to one evening pump as an accent to an evening outfit. I have pins on my hats. I have a pin gathering up strands of pearls. My all time favorite is to wear a brooch as a cocktail ring...it kills the crowd every time and an easy conversation starter. Gumps in San Francisco has a line of velvet and brocade evening bags that show off your choice of decorative pin. Pins are not just for lapels any more.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8a2JLvINsFc/Tuu04mnkFNI/AAAAAAAADnA/DYjdJn8tX1o/s1600/DSC02260.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8a2JLvINsFc/Tuu04mnkFNI/AAAAAAAADnA/DYjdJn8tX1o/s200/DSC02260.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">At one time I desperately wished for a pair of large gold hoop earrings. Then I realized I could hang a thin gold bangle that I already own on a small gold hoop earring, also already in my collection and VOILA! I have my gold hoop earring I always wanted. I have also been known to hang one earring off another for a long drippy fabulous look.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kltyJWCxQvI/Tuu0wqhkWEI/AAAAAAAADog/GgqZvOC8IYc/s1600/DSC02256.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kltyJWCxQvI/Tuu0wqhkWEI/AAAAAAAADog/GgqZvOC8IYc/s200/DSC02256.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Small square scarves (handkerchief-sized) are affordable and may adorn your wrist as well as the ordinary knot around the neck. It is a much softer material to carry on your wrist rather a sometimes clunky jingling bangle. Have fun with color and patterns to dress up your look.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uEfmW1yIM/Tuu1SVmlthI/AAAAAAAADoI/ctK1q90XRSI/s1600/DSC02267.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uEfmW1yIM/Tuu1SVmlthI/AAAAAAAADoI/ctK1q90XRSI/s200/DSC02267.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Sweater dresses are back in fashion this winter. They are most often created in solid colors and the most common approach to adorn them is to "belt it". I will sometimes use 2 or 3 skinny <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=45856">colored belts (click)</a> and allow them to loosely rest on my hips or twist them to mimic a weave pattern.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWVMgeBesR4/Tuu1GKBVKWI/AAAAAAAADnk/Pb3E4JqevR0/s1600/DSC02263.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWVMgeBesR4/Tuu1GKBVKWI/AAAAAAAADnk/Pb3E4JqevR0/s200/DSC02263.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Finally, If you like wearing a blazer or fashion jacket for a more formal or professional look and feel limited in your jewelry selection; wear your long swinging necklace(s) on the OUTSIDE of your jacket. I hope you try any one of these accessory ideas and have fun making up your own.</span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-70931824509391928192020-01-29T23:17:00.007-08:002021-04-23T13:43:00.900-07:00Affordable Wedding Gowns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwRzPKW4VBk/Tkvha2LzX-I/AAAAAAAABGo/x48zRwatFGg/s1600/Cable+cars.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwRzPKW4VBk/Tkvha2LzX-I/AAAAAAAABGo/x48zRwatFGg/s320/Cable+cars.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">September 2011:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">$1,000.00, $5,000.00..<b>.$25.000.00</b>!!</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Can you believe the cost of one single dress that is available in one color, and one length? Forgive me for not being "au courant" (hip) in reality television where everything today must be over the top. Let's not even talk about the likes of programs such as <a href="http://media22.onsugar.com/files/2011/08/31/3/1852/18524036/c164db31a3b10fd1_beautiful_wedding_dresses_A.jpg">"Bridezillas" (click)</a>. In the world of wedding planning I sometimes scratch my<span><a name='more'></a></span> head. Don't get me wrong, I delight in all things beautiful, with imagination and originality. In fact my home page makes lists of these enterprises that create beauty at a certain minimum price. Weddings are no less magical because they may be restricted to a budget. Wedding rings until recently did not include precious stones until a major South African diamond mining company told the world this is what you must have to declare your love. We all delight in that moment where the happy couple takes their very first kiss as Mr. and Mrs., Mrs. and Mrs., or Mr and Mr. So filled with happy emotion are we that we break out into applause and uncontrollable shouts of good cheer. At last count I have personally attended 12 weddings in my lifetime and the most memorable were all about a lively guest list, a unique location, a non traditional theme and great dance music. These are all budget items and remember I said these were memorable weddings.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My co-worker Joanne married off her daughter three years ago and her wedding party took a ride on a San Francisco Cable Car in full dress, hair and make-up. They now cherish some really fun photos. (<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6cGOwmERy6M/Tl_hQJuaJpI/AAAAAAAABRY/4BeH95-PG4E/s288/2011-09-01_08-33-59_87.jpg">Congratulations Teresa and Brad (click)</a>)</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A young family member </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">held their wedding in a local museum of modern art. (Congratulations Megan and Tim)</span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We now have available to us clothing stores entering the Bridal market offering wedding dresses at an unbelievable price. Here are three shops that you may consider and compare to traditional bridal only retailers:</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>NOTE: Be sure to click on highlighted hyper-links in article.</i></span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp?SrcCode=360i%7CGG%7CBroad+Brand+Wedding%7Cjcrew+wedding&NoPopUp=True"><b>J CREW</b> </a>- $295.00 to $2,000.00+</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Variety of gown designs. Full service offerings for Him and entire bridal party along with accessories. Big selection for Bride's Maids.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/wedding-shop?origin=keywordpromo"><b>NORDSTROM</b></a> - $158.00.to $950.00</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Variety of gown designs. Full service offerings for Him and entire bridal party along with accessories. Love these prices.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=200&channel_id=1"><b>MACY'S</b></a> - $179.00 to $249.00</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Simpler designs. You could wear it again to an evening gala. Full service for Him and entire wedding party.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.michalnegrin.com/catalog_search.php?q=choker&p=&x=32&y=11"><b>MICHAL NEGRIN JEWELRY</b></a> - Unique bridal necklaces</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.cupecakegang.blogspot.com/"><b>CUP-E-CAKE GANG</b></a> - Amazing wedding cookie favors. <a href="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa450/cupecakegang/IMG_3371.jpg">Order in sets of Bride/Groom, Bride/Bride or Groom/Groom. (click)</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All of these shops offer free shipping with a minimum purchase suggesting you could order 2 different sizes to check for best fit. Read customer reviews on their website from previous buyers before you buy. One-stop-shop for entire bridal party and for most young men this is their first suit and a necessary item to begin building a wardrobe. You may be on a wedding budget but that does not mean you should not splurge on something special. Brides may acquire their first strand of pearls and the Groom a great pair of silver cufflinks so that each time you wear them you are reminded of that wonderful day. I know of one couple after a very simple wedding jointly purchased a gorgeous <a href="http://pq.b5z.net/i/u/10099903/i/dining%20room/fm7-22-9b_Hasting_dining_table.jpg">hand carved antique mahogany dining table (click)</a> as their wedding gift and still enjoy after 25 years together.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whqLPQTSYu8/TkvmAJ0WwZI/AAAAAAAABHk/u7wSWIjugdE/s1600/wedding_bands.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whqLPQTSYu8/TkvmAJ0WwZI/AAAAAAAABHk/u7wSWIjugdE/s200/wedding_bands.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Lets be frank- So many couples today are marrying at a very tender age and if children are in their immediate future, well-. I cannot comprehend going into deep debt at the very start of their new life.</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Be creative, have fun together celebrate the day with friends and family. It's really not just about the dress...</span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-9352214302466032252020-01-29T23:14:00.005-08:002021-04-23T13:43:21.589-07:00Fashion Culture CLASH<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RdNPNSGnn8/T2erqr13_dI/AAAAAAAAEb0/vP4CO68UoDY/s1600/Courtesy+Ronzaro.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RdNPNSGnn8/T2erqr13_dI/AAAAAAAAEb0/vP4CO68UoDY/s320/Courtesy+Ronzaro.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>London Runway-2012</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">March 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Have you heard, dressing all in black everyday is out.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Color is the way to represent fashion today. However bold color alone is still not enough to stand out and keep up to date. In a word "clash" is what you strive towards. Textures, colors and patterns which <span><a name='more'></a></span>is now termed as "mixing".</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyItlb5wZxk/T2eMmHGImvI/AAAAAAAAEak/AF9HpmFbR_U/s1600/mar15_etro_spring2011_seventies.png" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyItlb5wZxk/T2eMmHGImvI/AAAAAAAAEak/AF9HpmFbR_U/s320/mar15_etro_spring2011_seventies.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Etro S/S 2011</b></span><br />
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In women's wear Etro was ahead of the curve when I visited Paris last year. The mannequins in the boutique windows were stunning.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDa6vQ3Z8LI/T2eS1T7DOUI/AAAAAAAAEa4/gPcVKbOMWyo/s1600/London+Suit+fashion.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDa6vQ3Z8LI/T2eS1T7DOUI/AAAAAAAAEa4/gPcVKbOMWyo/s320/London+Suit+fashion.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a> </span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">LONDON-Glen Plaid/Preppy Vest/Striped Shirt</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is decidedly a very British look that developed from impromptu street wear. At a recent Neiman Marcus celebration of K<span style="color: red;">i</span>ton</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> I dined with Kevin P. who had just returned from London. Kevin is a dapper dresser in his own right with a great passion for men's fashion <i>au courant. </i>He shared with me his delight with the gentlemen's business suit attire in the heart of the city. Men were "mixing" elegant plaid, and colorful stripes and polka dots with great flair. All topped off with the resurrected Bowler hat.</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The passion in Kevin's voice was so enthusiastic I think he will have a renewed perspective assembling his next suit purchase. Kevin, I cannot wait to see what you are wearing the next time we meet.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWPZFTOgYbA/T2eMmPbebpI/AAAAAAAAEaY/Yk7obT_M_qw/s1600/Vivian+Westwood+RED.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWPZFTOgYbA/T2eMmPbebpI/AAAAAAAAEaY/Yk7obT_M_qw/s320/Vivian+Westwood+RED.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">'Vivienne Westwood'</b></span></td></tr>
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Street has met Chic and not just for women.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mixing is no joke. It is not done by entering your closet with eyes closed and blindly grabbing 1-top, 1-bottom, 1-jacket, 1-pair tights and crazy shoes. There are rules!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Hw9p6Fd690/T3Js462T-QI/AAAAAAAAEfc/HuS1m7qLvNE/s1600/1105-stripedweekend_fa.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Hw9p6Fd690/T3Js462T-QI/AAAAAAAAEfc/HuS1m7qLvNE/s320/1105-stripedweekend_fa.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stripes & Polka Dots</b></td></tr>
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Selecting patterned clothing pieces all from the same color group is a way to ease into your new look and experiment. Go ahead, I give you permission to jump back into your black wardrobe just this once. Be sure you are using patterns of black and white, black and red, or black and gray, etc. How about black/white floral tights with a black/white polka dot scarf and two-toned shoes?</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FttecO_Nao4/T3JzOiT0TeI/AAAAAAAAEfw/oN_fkIuj8nQ/s1600/mixed+sample.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FttecO_Nao4/T3JzOiT0TeI/AAAAAAAAEfw/oN_fkIuj8nQ/s320/mixed+sample.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Examples of mixing color</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If for example, if your main piece such as a jacket is a small pattern like chevron or very soft narrow stripe such as seersucker; or if from a distance the pattern is not </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">discerning, treat</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> this as your solid and add bolder patterns with complimentary colors. This time we will not use the same color family, we are creating a color grouping. Here are a few color themes: </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: Pastels, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Primary</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: Red/Yellow/Blue, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earth</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: Green/Brown/Blue, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warm</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: Purple/Pink/Orange/Red, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cool</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: Black/Gray/Blue/Metallic. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Shine with shine and matte with matte.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9za2EDOjos/T3J3xd7PHPI/AAAAAAAAEhM/1bXgTlGAJhA/s1600/oxxford.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9za2EDOjos/T3J3xd7PHPI/AAAAAAAAEhM/1bXgTlGAJhA/s320/oxxford.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Oxxford example of mixing</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Keep the size of the patterns within a similar confined symmetry. Take note of how much field or background color is exposed compared to the size of the design floating in it. Note the example from Oxxford of Chicago. If you like to cook, remember before you saute vegetables, dice your food all in the same size and thickness, same rule applies here. Keep the fabric weights also in a similar parameter. An eyelet blouse with a pleated wool skirt no matter how great the color scheme is the beginning of a Halloween costume. Do not be confused, mixing does not mean every article of clothing on your body has to include a pattern. Pairing a patterned jacket and skirt/slacks may be met with a neutral shirt. Your shoes or bag might be a third complimentary color.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Gentlemen, Neckties and pocket squares are no longer made from the same fabric. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Compliment with color using the same rules above.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">These pictures are from my personal wardrobe that I love:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkcKpqvbJ3Y/T3KJRUJfiAI/AAAAAAAAEgw/KXorc8_t9Tc/s1600/sho.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkcKpqvbJ3Y/T3KJRUJfiAI/AAAAAAAAEgw/KXorc8_t9Tc/s320/sho.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auL5Sp_JVcg/T3KJRreoQyI/AAAAAAAAEg0/GO60Ey-I80Q/s1600/skirt.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auL5Sp_JVcg/T3KJRreoQyI/AAAAAAAAEg0/GO60Ey-I80Q/s320/skirt.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">WINTER-'Moschino' chevron pattern gold and brown wool fabric pumps with a 'Bebe' wool tobacco colored tweed jacket with chocolate sweater sleeves. The skirt from 'Zelda' is not only animal pattern but long hairs with a nap that swirls in different directions and catches light similar to a cashmere beaver finish. (above)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOxrAwyu140/T3KPAyZ7YlI/AAAAAAAAEg8/BkXSYCOaIuY/s1600/pin.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOxrAwyu140/T3KPAyZ7YlI/AAAAAAAAEg8/BkXSYCOaIuY/s320/pin.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">SUMMER-'Esprit' cotton navy/white pinstripped peak lapel jacket, 'Esprit' sheer navy/white polka dot skirt. "A" pink rayon & nylon collegiate halter, neutral 'BCBG' spectator sandals finished with a watermelon 'Steve Madden' studded bag. (above) Since the bag has such pronounced yellow studs I do not recommend wearing silver jewelry.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As you can see I have applied these rules with both winter and summer examples and yet these outfits do not belong in the circus or Carnevale.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1x-IaRQfWG4/T2eePPKGxZI/AAAAAAAAEbg/d1hzI2Ix6eQ/s1600/Chanel-LYST.jpeg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1x-IaRQfWG4/T2eePPKGxZI/AAAAAAAAEbg/d1hzI2Ix6eQ/s320/Chanel-LYST.jpeg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stunning Chanel F/W 2012</b></td></tr>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-26888246920337836142020-01-29T23:11:00.007-08:002021-04-23T13:43:40.316-07:00Nail Art<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI59DTwDQXg/T4i8gSgi0XI/AAAAAAAAE1g/_YCbRGQemEQ/s1600/gold+nail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI59DTwDQXg/T4i8gSgi0XI/AAAAAAAAE1g/_YCbRGQemEQ/s320/gold+nail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>14 Karat Gold Press-On Nail</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">April 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Nails are exploding everywhere. The hottest and fastest growing fashion accessory is how to adorn one's finger and toe nails. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=819&bih=373&q=nail+art&gbv=2&oq=nail+art&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=img.3..0l10.971l2515l0l2715l8l8l0l2l2l0l93l431l6l6l0.frgbld.#hl=en&gbv=2&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=nail+art&oq=nail+art&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=img.12..0l10.33524l34148l6l36704l6l6l1l5l0l0l0l0ll0l0.frgbld.&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=8418b7cf66bc5381&biw=819&bih=373"><i>Google</i> "nail art" (click here)</a> on their images page and be prepared to lose your breath. My hairdresser Marla at KRUSH in Los Gatos has been pressing me to write <span><a name='more'></a></span>a fingernail article, so Marla this one's for you!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">While surfing around the internet getting inspired with pictures of fingernail art I recalled a nail trend from the early 1980's. Remember the 14 karat gold pinky press on fingernail which was born out of a method to deliver an illicit white powder to your nostrils? My manager at the time had ten 14k nails made to fit each finger with a floral engraving flourish, Charms pierced through the fingernail were also present during this same time period.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phD4y8c4xi8/T4i8gVWHMSI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/Bu_YSI1om90/s1600/nail+charm.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phD4y8c4xi8/T4i8gVWHMSI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/Bu_YSI1om90/s320/nail+charm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Fingernail Charms</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Today nail salons are as easy to find as a Starbucks coffee house or dog poop on the sidewalk. You have actress Tippy Hedron, mother to actress Melanie Griffith to thank for the overwhelming number of Vietnamese nail art artists in California. Ms. Hedron in an interview I watched several years back had her own nail artist in her employ. She was of Vietnamese decent. This woman told her employer there are many of these young women artists like her back home that would love to find work and share their talents. Ms. Hedron began a campaign in the late 1970's to import these talented ladies that ultimately lead to making beautiful manicures affordable. A service at one time was available only to a small segment of female society. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Nail art is now mainstreamed into large corporate divisions with creativity and invention in the forefront. They have the cash and they make the big splash.</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I have been painting my own nails for at least 30 years, various shades of red, pink and orange. I rarely purchase these colors anymore opting instead for a more contemporary gray, blue, green, purple or black; anything but red or pink.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0tDFiJZPjA/T4i94iO0F5I/AAAAAAAAE14/5g_mmsxy14o/s1600/sally+TOTAL.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0tDFiJZPjA/T4i94iO0F5I/AAAAAAAAE14/5g_mmsxy14o/s320/sally+TOTAL.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Sally Hansen Growing Nail Line</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Today we have nail "pens" that allows you to draw a personal design like a pencil drawing, stamping designs from a metal template to a rubber transfer, drip designs in which you drip alternating colors of traditional nail polish into a narrow well of water and drag your nail across its surface leaving a tie-dye or 1960's oil lamp pattern. I have painted red and black lady bugs, and pink and green strawberries on my own fingernails. Very cute and I receive many compliments from friends and strangers nearly every day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfV4PkVhteE/T4kLGL7QwnI/AAAAAAAAE3E/0nN0mkOnVMY/s1600/Chloe.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfV4PkVhteE/T4kLGL7QwnI/AAAAAAAAE3E/0nN0mkOnVMY/s320/Chloe.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Courtesy: chloesnails.blogspot.com</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My latest obsession is in the world of nail decals. They are very simple to apply, you can decorate your fingers and toes at home while watching mindless television or sunning yourself on the porch. They make no mess, nothing to spill and no fumes to inhale. Celebrities have inserted their names into the nail decal market of curating exclusive designs such as the one between Avril Lavigne and 'Sally Hansen" nails. They currently offer a limited edition of 10 designs. If you have followed the news this week, it has been widely reported some ingredients in liquid nail polish are carcinogenic, perhaps the decal method is the right choice for you.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">These are my favorite decal brands:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekzLTeCfWEU/TxEloo973YI/AAAAAAAADvE/2Oi-LTxvVH0/s1600/Butter+London+nail+skins.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekzLTeCfWEU/TxEloo973YI/AAAAAAAADvE/2Oi-LTxvVH0/s200/Butter+London+nail+skins.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">butterLONDON "Black"</span></td></tr>
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">butterLONDON "Black" is my #1 favorite design. The theme is </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">feminine</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">, detail crisp and delicate and each finger is unique.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6l4n024-X4/T4i8gjPuOfI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/_mlwX6m1mrM/s1600/sally+decals.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6l4n024-X4/T4i8gjPuOfI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/_mlwX6m1mrM/s200/sally+decals.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sally Hansen decals</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sally Hansen by COTY, has the deepest product lineup, their polishes require only one coat, and the decals are super simple to apply with dozens of designs for every occasion.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJlsgjlNcU0/T4jKinGLCDI/AAAAAAAAE2k/FmH_AwsEajI/s1600/Birth+of+Venus.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJlsgjlNcU0/T4jKinGLCDI/AAAAAAAAE2k/FmH_AwsEajI/s320/Birth+of+Venus.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">'Inspired Nails' Decal-Birth of Venus</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I saved the best for last--> Allow me to step on my soapbox and introduce the newest incarnation of fingernail decals. I found "<a href="http://www.inspirednails.com/">Inspired Nails" (click here)</a> on Etsy.com. The choices they made on what to offer in design is impeccable. Paintings by Monet, da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Degas' ballerinas; holiday celebrations, nature, retro patterns and the reason I pick this company as numero uno: <a href="http://www.inspirednails.com/custom.html?limit=all"> CUSTOM DESIGNS (click here)</a>. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Digitally upload a photo to your online order and make anything happen. A corporate logo may be used, picture of your newborn, a Bride's bouquet pictured on the fingertips of her Bridesmaids, Justin Bieber for you tweens and SF Giants pitcher Brian 'The Beard' Wilson for my friend Shirley. You can order decals that you apply yourself or select press-on nails with the same affixed design.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For you adventurous guys that dream of being a "Rocker", I recommend the solid all black decal.</span></span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-40997883858916868052020-01-29T15:25:00.006-08:002021-04-23T14:54:22.380-07:00Los Barriles, Mexico<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6xmDymvjQ0/UF03G6FYRII/AAAAAAAAGqM/vl2cxZ4dT9M/s320/marrionette.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">September 2012</span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">April 1999 gave us a family vacation to a little coastal fishing village named Los Barriles in the state of Baja Sur, Mexico. Thirteen in our group which included four kids ranging in age from a few months to age 11. We made the five hour flight from the San Francisco Bay area to what would turn out to be absolute Nirvana. For those of you who fish with a passion this little village<span><a name='more'></a></span> may be very familiar to you. It is a sports fisherman’s delight, so much so that I posted at the bottom of this article your guide to their fishing seasons which includes yellowfin tuna and marlin.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We landed in San Jose Del Cabo airport and had our hired driver pick us up in a van for the 40 minute trek along the dusty highway complete with a stubborn bull in the middle of the road. I thought I was in a “B” movie. As I was about to discover this one week respite would be truly the most mindless of rest and relaxation getaways I have ever known.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To begin there is only one television in the main bar, no telephones with spotty cellular</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">phone service and no locks on the hotel room doors at our hotel Playa Del Sol. The hotel kitchen serves three fresh home cooked meals every day. Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food, this was heaven. Located miles from any really big cities it is a very clean village. I drink the tap water every day with no uncomfortable or embarrassing issues. The natural desert beauty is all you need to just relax on the beach or take a walking tour. There is plenty of fish so rent a boat for the day and share your catch with the hotel kitchen. All-terrain vehicles are fun for all ages on the sand and the big wheel bikes on the water are available for some water fun out on the sea. Take a drive to the lands end point of Baja Sur and see the stunning work the earth has wrought carving an arch into a sand stone mountain known as El Arco.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If you are looking for a little more civilization, you are a 45 minute drive to Cabo San Lucas which is a bit touristy, and 90 minutes to the state capital La Paz. La Paz is a beautiful city with architecture in the classic Spanish colonial style. Plenty of restaurants, galleries and shopping to keep you busy. We enjoyed a great lunch along the marina while serenaded by a mariachi group of talented young boys and girls. The hotel can arrange your transportation. At the end of every day we would take to the sand at sunset and begin to build our evening bonfire watching the moon rise over the sea of Cortez and watch her shimmering light dance on the gentle waves. My YouTube video follows with some great pictures we took to remember and share fond memories of the little village by the sea.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tygrbrWddLc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tygrbrWddLc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mexico has unfortunately suffered a great deal in tourism safety. The US state department has strongly advised against it. But if you need to venture out into a Mexican vacation, Los Barriles needs further investigation and honest consideration. I can only imagine this is how all of Mexico appeared to tourists in the 1940s when airplane flight we came affordable for most and dirty crowded big city streets did not yet exist.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9mVgDv7644/UF0y4b_Jd5I/AAAAAAAAGpw/h-rBProVn7k/s320/east-cape-fishing-season.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Los Barriles Fishing Schedule</span></td></tr>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-8593010886968909982020-01-28T18:16:00.006-08:002023-02-01T12:10:37.826-08:00Make A Money Lei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANN8p9WO2Tk/T6c0dpA9AqI/AAAAAAAAFFg/Fjf0aRZYIuE/s1600/me+lei.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANN8p9WO2Tk/T6c0dpA9AqI/AAAAAAAAFFg/Fjf0aRZYIuE/s320/me+lei.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">May 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's graduation season and flower leis are popular celebratory attire to accompany cap and gown. Today the money lei made from real currency is on the rise. However, to be truthful the use of currency other than payment <span><a name='more'></a></span>for a transaction is technically illegal.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My co-worker was kind enough to show me last week how to make a money lei as she had just completed one for her graduate nephew and insisted I make one for my son graduating in two weeks.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Here is my step-by-step instruction guide as taught by friend, with photos and a 7-minute video on how to make a Money Lei necklace:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b55UWq5MOa8/T6coWOn8aYI/AAAAAAAAFDU/1OpVwRMARnw/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b55UWq5MOa8/T6coWOn8aYI/AAAAAAAAFDU/1OpVwRMARnw/s320/DSC00001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">SUPPLIES:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">50 Crisp dollar bills, so they hold their shape after folding</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2-60 inch lengths of string, not sewing thread</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">52 beads, with a hole that will fit width of both strings</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Glue stick, or hot glue gun</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Small supply of clips, approx 1 dozen</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1-spoon to aid in making a crisp edge</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e3NMsOZzDo/T6coViAJgUI/AAAAAAAAFDI/qaQGuJAmVUQ/s1600/DSC00002.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e3NMsOZzDo/T6coViAJgUI/AAAAAAAAFDI/qaQGuJAmVUQ/s320/DSC00002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fold bill in half to establish center line.</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Fold side edges from front to back of dollar bill</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> the width of the fold you want your finished money "flower" to appear. The first outside edge fold from front to back is important. This is where you will glue the facing edges together to create a flower.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYi7w1rikQ8/T6cotdetOOI/AAAAAAAAFDk/FWPHo1a0wZQ/s1600/DSC00004.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYi7w1rikQ8/T6cotdetOOI/AAAAAAAAFDk/FWPHo1a0wZQ/s320/DSC00004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fold accordion style from one side of the bill down to the center fold line. Use the back of a spoon to "iron" a sharp crease into the dollar paper as you fold.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAQAcbUQkMY/T6cpb0vIJRI/AAAAAAAAFEo/nZzzmJO4tw4/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAQAcbUQkMY/T6cpb0vIJRI/AAAAAAAAFEo/nZzzmJO4tw4/s320/DSC00012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Turn and fold from other side of the bill towards the center.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JieGT_Lxm5I/T6cpbkKJUEI/AAAAAAAAFEg/92vzlFRQ2rY/s1600/DSC00013.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JieGT_Lxm5I/T6cpbkKJUEI/AAAAAAAAFEg/92vzlFRQ2rY/s320/DSC00013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">After applying folds across the entire bill, fold your narrow matchstick size bill in half to establish center line.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w-V68SCGE4/T6cpwpCPg_I/AAAAAAAAFE0/Ti1ZBQSNjuw/s1600/DSC00014.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w-V68SCGE4/T6cpwpCPg_I/AAAAAAAAFE0/Ti1ZBQSNjuw/s320/DSC00014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">With glue stick or hot glue gun, glue together the outside edge to create a fan. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> IMPORTANT: </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not glue entire length of bill where connecting, an opening here is required to pull string through to make your necklace.</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Use a small binder clip to hold in place while glue sets.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcuDxQKBHsk/T6cpxQnbmoI/AAAAAAAAFFA/AC-L06dlpz0/s1600/DSC00015.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcuDxQKBHsk/T6cpxQnbmoI/AAAAAAAAFFA/AC-L06dlpz0/s320/DSC00015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Glue other side of bill to make a circular fan, or money flower. Remember, only apply glue down the top 1/3 of the seam.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Af4IUKB3WNE/T6cpxclHH7I/AAAAAAAAFE8/5n3E5NNbr5g/s1600/DSC00016.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Af4IUKB3WNE/T6cpxclHH7I/AAAAAAAAFE8/5n3E5NNbr5g/s320/DSC00016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Take one string and pull from the backside of your flower through small opening between where you glued bill together and center of flower. Take second string and pull through the back of your flower the small opening in the second seam between where you glued and the center of the flower.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8Jkzn6Obdk/T6cpFRZ-gHI/AAAAAAAAFEM/cR0c0RLN7AQ/s1600/DSC00009.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8Jkzn6Obdk/T6cpFRZ-gHI/AAAAAAAAFEM/cR0c0RLN7AQ/s320/DSC00009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As you string money flowers you will need to add beads in between each flower so they are neatly arranged as a necklace and not hang in one clump on your string. Pull both strings together through the bead hole.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As you continue to make flowers and string them, you will want to pay attention to the final look of your project.<i> As the lei is worn you should have all your flowers facing up for a uniform professional look.</i> This means string half the flowers from one side of the strings, always strung through the back of the flower and the second half of your flowers strung through the other side of the strings.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This entire project took me the length of one long movie. I hope you try to make a flower lei necklace of your own, and share with your friends. Send me your finished Money Lei necklace picture and I would like to post them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtDEyN_FEDo/T6hn_0YKf5I/AAAAAAAAFF0/DWQhjfz_sZ8/s1600/lei+completed.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtDEyN_FEDo/T6hn_0YKf5I/AAAAAAAAFF0/DWQhjfz_sZ8/s320/lei+completed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My You Tube "How To Make A Money Lei" video", link below:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">VIDEO: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDtUiWZUQro&list=HL1338701305&feature=mh_lolz">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDtUiWZUQro&list=HL1338701305&feature=mh_lolz</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aooV_Z53Og/T8_EZfMaBQI/AAAAAAAAFLw/tESPEpBp-Pg/s1600/grad+lei.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aooV_Z53Og/T8_EZfMaBQI/AAAAAAAAFLw/tESPEpBp-Pg/s320/grad+lei.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">QUINCEANERA: Como hacer un collarde dinero paso a paso</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Instrucciones en espanol:</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">VIDEO: <a href="https://youtu.be/1pydp1eQhb0" target="_blank">Como hacer un collar de deniro</a></span></div>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-22014851431672530622020-01-28T18:13:00.006-08:002021-04-23T15:46:14.941-07:00For Men Only<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sU8teifxZw/T2atbOOIR7I/AAAAAAAAEaA/F0DDDL9d9Fs/s1600/200px-David_von_Michelangelo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sU8teifxZw/T2atbOOIR7I/AAAAAAAAEaA/F0DDDL9d9Fs/s400/200px-David_von_Michelangelo.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Stripped Down Model</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">March 2012:</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Life-Style Me says calling all men "Let's start from the beginning."</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">K<span style="color: red;">i</span>ton Chinchilla Suit Fabric</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Have you discovered K<span style="color: red;">i</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">TON suits yet? Forget 'Mad Men', that look is so yesterday's newspaper. Today you need Style, Fit, Color and Balls. Their 1960's Italian inspired "CIPA" line is for every man today who wants an edge in the office and to be noticed on the dating scene, or to show your partner you care enough to look your very best. Luxury fabrics are all they do, there is even a Chinchilla hair fabric <span><a name='more'></a></span>that screams </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chic! </i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When you are wearing K<span style="color: red;">i</span>ton no one else in the room can top you. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You can shop </span><a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/blog/womens/kiton-pride-naples-part" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">K<span style="color: red;">i</span>TON at Neiman Marcus (click)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Massimo Demonstrates Tie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A great tie is a necessity to go with that amazing K<span style="color: red;">i</span>ton suit. Add to your shopping list a fabulous necktie from <a href="http://www.mbizzocchi.com/regal/index.htm">Massimo Bizzocchi (click)</a>. Massimo's REGAL Cravatta collection are all handmade in Italy. They use a patented "spine" technology that makes travel packing easy. Pull on the integrated tail and cinch up the tie so it gently puckers. This allows the woven threads to relax back in their original position giving your tie renewed freshness. Listen closely you will actually hear it say "ahhhhh". This method of cinching the tie has now evolved into the latest hip fashion statement. You will however need to share with your friends and collegues where you purchased it because everyone will want yours. Massimo also recommends wearing your tie with the two ends worn side-by-side instead of the the traditional over-under. His idea too. <wink></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">DATING-Try the online thing if you like. Here is how to present your electronic profile according to the research firm AnswerLab. Men's attention is piqued based on what they <i>see</i>...for women, it is based on what they <i>read</i>. Be sure to create the correct profile in the direction of which sex you wish to attract. However, LIFE-Style ME also says try a group lunch dating firm such as <a href="http://www.tableforsix.com/success.aspx">'Table For Six' (click)</a>, or<a href="http://www.itsjustlunch.com/locations/?r=1"> 'It's Just Lunch' (click)</a>. You must eat once a day anyway, go out and meet new people. This is much more personal and lively than a computer screen. Aside from making new friends some people have found this to be a resource to business network.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Blaze at The Roosevelt</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">I will defer to the professionals in the business:<a href="http://www.theartofshaving.com/article-fourelements/article-fourelements,default,pg.html"> 'The Art of Shaving' (click)</a>. Shaving is not merely a sharp razor and a bar of soap. They promote a 4-step process: Prepare, Lather Up, Shave, Moisturize. Not only do they sell shaving products in their boutique and online, give you step-by-step advice, have great titillating video stories to watch online but they also offer a professional shave in their shop. A great birthday or Father's Day gift idea. We took our 20-year old son to the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC for his first professional shave and he LOVED IT! If you have a monster tough beard my husband Sean strongly recommends <a href="http://www.kiehls.com/Close-Shavers-Shaving-Formula-31-O/629,default,pd.html?start=10&q=shave">KIEHL'S since 1851 "Close Shaver's" pre-shave formula (click)</a> to soften the hairs before shaving, $18.00 1.7 oz bottle.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Mr. Muscles-BEFORE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">HEALTH-Take care of your mind and body! Loved ones are depending on you to stick around for a long life. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If you are a man following this, or love a man, heed the following warnings. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The 5 most life threatening male diseases are: </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">...and I share this with love...</span></span></div>
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Cardiovascular disease</span></b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">This is number 1, so pay attention. Reduce cholesterol immediately, stop smoking immediately, exercise, eat more fruits, nuts and vegetables. <REPEAT> Stop eating crap, you are not a chimney, get off the computer/couch, eat the right stuff and you know what the right food is.</span></div>
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Lung Cancer</span></b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The most dangerous type of cancer that exists because it spreads quickly. You are not a chimney, you know what you have to give up. Second hand smoke is equally deadly to those around you.</span></div>
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Prostate cancer</span></b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">This is a disease of age and usually is slow growing at first. This is actually good news: Get your exam, (you know the one), catch it early and live a long healthy life.</span></div>
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Depression and suicide</span></b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Tell someone who loves you that you do not feel yourself, talk to a professional. Yes, the world will get better.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Call 1-800-273-TALK (8225)</span></div>
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Diabetes</span></b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">This one is the silent killer. Unchecked can lead to blindness, amputation, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. If you are frequently thirsty and any liquid you drink is unsatisfying, stop eating junk and call your doctor for a check up immediately.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">There is plenty of information to be found on this subject. My point is DO IT! If you join a gym, invest in a professional trainer, meet with them once or twice a week. You will achieve better results due to using the proper form and more importantly you will not hurt yourself. The favorite resource among my friends is 'Men's Health Magazine'. You will find much more than health and exercise tips here. Subscribe to LIFE-Style ME and the articles from Men's 'Health Magazine' are on permanent rotation.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Men's Health Magazine only</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.menshealth.com/" style="background-color: white;">http://www.menshealth.com/</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="2020 UPDATE For Men Only" target="_blank">2020 UPDATE: https://www.wsj.com/articles/mens-nail-polish-is-taking-offwhy-now-11603121566?fbclid=IwAR3aEBVtgLQVqd_XGVGIzEMHbYlzWZ2YoplDAziWqpuQmMmowNjHnvdA1CE</a></div>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-8411958382589335132020-01-28T18:12:00.003-08:002021-04-23T13:45:16.279-07:00For Women Only<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">January 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Now that the turkey, mashed potatoes with extra gravy, and every assortment of Grandma's pies is behind you there is one thing that remains...extra body weight. Last week I wrote about the ever classic January theme of new year's resolutions (NYR). It must have been somewhat compelling because Kelly in my office is now a week into her new exercise routine and my husband Sean made his very first NYR in the 23 years<span><a name='more'></a></span> I have known him. Excellent job Kelly, remember my typical follow through is less than 4 days.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Well back to more weighty items, extra pounds. Many NYR's involve some sort of personal exercise goals. Women struggle in 3 areas of what I term body shape control: Thighs, Belly and Upper Arms.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Here are some routines to help get you started:</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>SKINNY JEAN WORKOUT</b></i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Stand with you arms at your sides and squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Push back up to the starting position. Then take a giant step forward with your left foot and lower your body until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Push up onto your left leg and immediately curl your right heel toward your glutes. Return to start, that's one rep. Repeat, stepping forward with your right foot. Continue alternating the sequence for 20 reps.</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>BELLY BLAST</b></i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Grab a 5 to 10 pound weight (medicine ball or dumbell). Lying face up on a stability ball with your upper back and head pressed against the ball and your feet together on the floor, hold the weight against your chest. Brace your abs and crunch up until your shoulders are off the ball. Then extend your arms with the wight towards the ceiling. Lower it and return to the starting position. Do 12 to 15 reps.</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>ARM SCULPTING</b></i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Hold a dumbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides, palms in. With arms straight but not locked, raise the wights diagonally in front of you so that your arms form a 'V' shape, until your arms are parallel to the floor. Hold for one second, then return to the starting position. Do 12 to 15 reps.</i></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Thank you <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/benefits-of-15-minute-workouts">Women's Health Magazine for the 15 Minute Workouts. (click)</a>. Check it out if you are looking for details on exercises for women only.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>WARNINGS & CALORIES:</b></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>1.</b> No side-bend crunches, your waistline will match that of your little brother's. Thanks <a href="http://www.losgatosfitness.com/los_gatos_fitness_jerry_johnson.shtml">Jerry Johnson (Personal Trainer, Los Gatos Fitness, click link)</a> for this one. You may want to consider a personal trainer to ensure you do not injure yourself.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>2.</b> Use NO resistance training for thigh workouts, you know that word "thunder", as in thighs.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>3. </b>One hour on a level treadmill at a very fast walking pace (4mph) will burn 456 calories. One Starbucks Grande Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha is 440 calories, not even Venti-size. ONE WHOLE HOUR and you have not even had lunch yet.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To begin to lose a bit of weight you need to burn more than you eat, watch your food intake. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YwNi-usus/TitLRD8VD9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/5csT8P8_pIM/s1600/bra.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YwNi-usus/TitLRD8VD9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/5csT8P8_pIM/s320/bra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">PREVIOUS ARTICLE UPDATE</b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To my fellow women I promised you on my <a href="http://life-styleme.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html">LIFE-Style ME article published July 31, 2011 (click)</a> that I would be on the hunt for how to shop for the perfect fitting bra. I found this to be a comprehensive website on the subject. <a href="http://www.lindasonline.com/bra-school.html?gclid=CKr_way-ua0CFQlwhwodTA1Q5g">Linda Becker, "The Bra Lady" (click)</a> is a professional bra-fitter located in Brooklyn, New York. Not only can you read all about what you need to know before shopping, but also log-in and and chat online with an expert with your questions. When you find the perfect bra, BUY 9 of them, white, black, brown, nude to suit your skin tone.</span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ARTICLE UPDATE: Exercise Motivator-Get paid for going to the gym, charged when you don't: </span><a href="http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s2439253.shtml">http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s2439253.shtml</a></span><br />
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-43070887982100115522020-01-28T18:11:00.002-08:002021-04-23T13:45:31.724-07:00E A S Y Ice Box Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_EwD2bTqTM/TitPy7v0kPI/AAAAAAAAAqI/hjo9PhwCkBw/s1600/BX0405H_mocha-chocolate-icebox-cake_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_EwD2bTqTM/TitPy7v0kPI/AAAAAAAAAqI/hjo9PhwCkBw/s320/BX0405H_mocha-chocolate-icebox-cake_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Here is a wonderfully simple dessert idea from mid-century Americana. Icebox Cake traditionally made with multi-layered cookies and whipped cream and allowed to set 24 hours. I had heard about Icebox Cake from my childhood and being the offspring of immigrants I had no idea what it was. My first attempt was for Father's Day weekend and this recipe was perfect with one tiny exception<span><a name='more'></a></span>, the recipe calls for 8-inch springform cake pan and five layers. I used a 10-inch pan and built three layers. Thanks to Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, she revved up the flavor to give it a distinctly European flavor thanks to the coffee liquor. BTW-Day two after assembly is even better</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272727;">Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272727;">Ingredients</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">2 cups cold heavy cream</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">12 ounces Italian mascarpone cheese</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">1/2 cup sugar</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">1/4 cup coffee liqueur. I used coffee infused vodka</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">1 teaspoon instant espresso powder</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">3 (8-ounce) packages chocolate chip cookies</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #272727;">· </span><span style="color: #272727;">Shaved semisweet chocolate, for garnish (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272727;">Directions</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272727;">In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, coffee liqueur, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla. Mix on low speed to combine and then slowly raise the speed, until it forms firm peaks.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272727;">To assemble the cake, arrange chocolate chip cookies flat in an 8-inch spring form pan, covering the bottom as much as possible. (I break some cookies to fill in the spaces.) Spread a fifth of the mocha whipped cream evenly over the cookies. Place another layer of cookies on top, lying flat and touching, followed by another fifth of the cream. Continue layering cookies and cream until there are 5 layers of each, ending with a layer of cream. Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #272727;">Run a small sharp knife around the outside of the cake and remove the sides of the pan. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate, cut in wedges, and serve cold.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #272727;">Must allow to set for at least 24 hours, cover with plastic wrap after unmolding, keep refrigerated</span></span></div>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-86569646769451896682020-01-28T18:09:00.004-08:002021-04-23T13:45:55.030-07:00Best Fried Chicken<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkGlFcLBzbZLg86_rnG1qZ4jr8SaObiGliNiHKzyYUc7iW9AVUFFZJypP-tOe8ih3AIVSYaSlO7R1x1zRcqpYPX9WLyZsHk3S-W2yZUVhtJLfsKPGVkH6-BUZGzqBtT4Kylxy14WZg4M/s1600/bsk+fried+chicken.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkGlFcLBzbZLg86_rnG1qZ4jr8SaObiGliNiHKzyYUc7iW9AVUFFZJypP-tOe8ih3AIVSYaSlO7R1x1zRcqpYPX9WLyZsHk3S-W2yZUVhtJLfsKPGVkH6-BUZGzqBtT4Kylxy14WZg4M/s320/bsk+fried+chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'Brown Sugar Kitchen' Fried Chicken and Waffles</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">April 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Perhaps the quintessential American family dinner staple and fast-food destination meal and you might well agree is fried chicken or more correctly named "Southern Fried Chicken". But did you know its original roots are not American? We have the West Africans and the slave trade to recognize for bringing this wonderful <span><a name='more'></a></span>aromatic, crispy, mouth-watering treat to our southern shores.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Although frying food commonly termed fritters was a process used in Europe, especially among the Scottish who actually fried their chicken, it is commonly accepted that the American Slaves of the early 18th century had the greatest contribution to our diet today. As pig farming through breeding during this same time period made it possible to offer inexpensive and easy to provide meat to the family with many homes raising and slaughtering their own pigs; the West African slaves had to make do with the food ingredients that were considered inedible or dirty.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuDzFJ3IfRs/T5uZixU1hDI/AAAAAAAAE-E/ow1bK7SbkPE/s1600/lobster.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuDzFJ3IfRs/T5uZixU1hDI/AAAAAAAAE-E/ow1bK7SbkPE/s320/lobster.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Jumbo Rock Lobster Tails-Seattle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This was the history of the ocean Lobster. Lobster could be called original soul food because slaves were given permission by their employer (Master) to lobster trap as it was considered dirty or unhealthy grub.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In visiting our southern states and regions within the United States with a large population of African Americans one can always find a tradition of southern fried chicken restaurants. Many of these well known restaurants such as "Rosco's" in Los Angeles, "Sylvia's" in New York City's Harlem neighborhood or "Gus'" in Memphis have survived decades of ever changing economies and shifts in food palate. Southern Fried Chicken remains king!</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I have personally visited Sylvia's in NYC. To experience southern fried chicken with all the traditional southern <i>fixins</i> was a culinary climax. This is where I learned that Southern Fried Chicken should be paired with waffles and maple syrup and hot sauce. Chicken and waffles was born out of Wells Supper Club in Harlem during the Jazz Age of the 1930's. Musicians finishing their gigs during the very early morning hours ate their meal that was too late for dinner but too early for a full morning breakfast, so a compromise was born.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ihaSc7siY/T5ua-AfzpnI/AAAAAAAAE-U/ctdb62Vzgb0/s1600/Tanya+Holland.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ihaSc7siY/T5ua-AfzpnI/AAAAAAAAE-U/ctdb62Vzgb0/s320/Tanya+Holland.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Tanya Holland, Chicago Tribune</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My recipe I use at home comes from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdD-0x18od0">Tanya Holland of 'Brown Sugar Kitchen' (VIDEO click)</a> in Oakland, California. My absolute favorite, and when asked of our son Blaze what he would like for his first meal for his long awaited homecoming, this is his first choice. He calls it "Soul Chicken".</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 Chicken Fryer cut-up into 8 pieces</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1/4 tea. Cayenne Pepper</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1/2 Paprika</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 tea. Onion Powder</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 tea. Garlic Powder</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 1/2 tea. fresh or dried Tarragon</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 1/2 tea. fresh or dried Parsley</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 1/2 cups Buttermilk</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2 cups Flour</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 Tbl. Kosher Salt</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1/2 tea. freshly ground Black Pepper</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">4-6 cups Canola or Grape Seed Oil</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In a large bowl or baking dish, mix together spices and herbs. Add chicken pieces and coat and spice mixture. Cover with buttermilk and marinate for a least 4 hours, or overnight.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Pour oil into a heavy bottomed pot for frying. Add oil to reach about 2-inches. The diameter of the pot will determine the amount of oil to add. Heat oil over medium-high heat.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture and coat with flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Drop one piece of chicken into oil to test for heat. Oil should bubble at the surface, but not smoke.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Cool chicken for 15 minute in oil. Check internal temperature, chicken should be at least 165-degrees. The chicken can finish cooking in an oven set at 350-degrees. Place cooked chicken on a draining rack to remove excess oil. Great served with waffles and maple syrup for brunch.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Recipe courtesy Tanya Holland, "Brown Sugar Kitchen" Oakland, California</span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-4944715114317904642020-01-28T18:08:00.005-08:002021-04-23T13:46:14.430-07:00Pick A Place and Love It<div class="yiv1289259167MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUVAH55GlcM/TjBcEoBLH-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/lAKsIgbkhDw/s1600/packing+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUVAH55GlcM/TjBcEoBLH-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/lAKsIgbkhDw/s200/packing+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">August 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">American fashion designer <a href="http://supernaturalbotanicals.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/marc-jacobs.png">Marc Jacobs</a> once said the ultimate luxurious <b>LIFE-Style</b> is travelling with only a toothbrush...give that one some thought. On the flip-side I am one of those “kitchen sink” travelers when it comes to packing. Once on a trip to NYC visiting our son my husband and I shipped a box of <a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/worst-ice-breaker-4.jpg">12 pairs of shoes</a> to his apartment <span><a name='more'></a></span>to avoid luggage overage charge. Our flip-flop wearing son wears his suit on the plane to avoid packing it. Sticking to one clothing color scheme will also help minimize the number of items to bring along. Black and white is a common theme; use scarves, ties, tights and costume jewelry to add color. Below is my list of travelling essentials learned from past mistakes. I also recently found if you carry an umbrella everywhere, it won't rain. (Thanks Murphy's Law)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">NEVER LEAVE WITHOUT-</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Tickets/Boarding Pass</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Identification, current</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Passport, current-Canada now requires one</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Photocopies of travel documents/ID, kept separate</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">List of contact #’s in case of PDA /cell phone loss</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Chargers-cell phone/PDA/camera, etc.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Prescription medication</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Language translator guide</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Sunglasses, foldable hat</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Earplugs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Camera/film/batteries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Pen/paper</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Tourist guidebooks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Bandaids, waterproof</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Ziploc baggies for all toiletries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Mini umbrella</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Carry headache/tummy meds during flight</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">PACKING CLOTHES:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Start with largest clothes. Begin with pants folding them in half lengthwise. <a href="http://www.top-travel-tips.com/image-files/travel-tips-packing-luggage.jpg"> Lay upper half</a> (waist) in luggage bottom, leave lower half extended OUTSIDE of suitcase. Continue to fill with largest to smallest items using least number of folds. Long-sleeved shirts lay flat with arms extended OUTSIDE of suitcase. When all clothes are layered inside, fold back inside those extended sleeves and leg bottoms over the top like making a bundle. The video below on extreme packing with give you the right idea. (Thanks Chris)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">EXTREME PACKING:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_DzSHHc8Uc" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1311781982391342" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-style: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_DzSHHc8Uc</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b style="background-color: white;">PACKING A GENTLEMAN’S SUIT:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #234786; outline-style: none;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4_12Cqgj0" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1311781982391348" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-style: none;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4_12Cqgj</a> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I heard on the radio this week while brushing my pearly whites-ish, the results of a study on enjoying ones vacation. Around day 2 the vacation plummets to a low point due in part to unfamiliar surroundings. Enjoyment peaks towards the end, usually the day before leaving once mastering ones surroundings. Bottom line, get over yourself- IT’S A FREAKIN’ VACATION. Find something new and interesting each day, you just might learn something, see something, and participate in something you never expected. Have Fun!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccuntV5-BWM/TjBcxfQTdJI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8cfmgmQd70o/s1600/dog-teeth-cleaning.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccuntV5-BWM/TjBcxfQTdJI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8cfmgmQd70o/s200/dog-teeth-cleaning.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A final word on vacation travel. For those who have children too young to select a college or university, locate their future school where you wish to take a relaxing, sight-seeing trip. In my case I recommend <a href="http://www.chaminade.edu/about/images/chaminade-campus.jpg">Chaminade University, Honolulu</a> <a href="http://www.chaminade.edu/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-style: none;" target="_blank">http://www.chaminade.edu</a> (check out their new state of the art Nursing program) and <a href="http://www.teslasociety.com/pbust/col3.JPG">Columbia NYC</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> (anything) <i>Thanks Blaze-</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>NOTE: See my "<b>Essentials</b>" list for FAA-Airport Delays link. Might come in handy during your travels.</i></span></span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-41572767361719689432020-01-28T18:07:00.006-08:002021-04-23T13:46:31.968-07:00Father's Day Cool<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20m5s4i1ZMM/T9MO2sx6V0I/AAAAAAAAFOw/jyy2s3JtFBo/s1600/no+more+ties.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20m5s4i1ZMM/T9MO2sx6V0I/AAAAAAAAFOw/jyy2s3JtFBo/s320/no+more+ties.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No More Ties For Father's Day</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">June 2012:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Father's Day for 2012 is Sunday, June 19, and you still have time to shop.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If Dad's closet is cluttered with neckties, grooming accessories and household gadgets from Father's days gone by, you are likely to enjoy these <span><a name='more'></a></span>ideas.....you're welcome, no applause necessary.</span><br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrabcpY4lc/T9MBVmmT3RI/AAAAAAAAFNg/5fe3I2ct0VY/s1600/softjacket.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrabcpY4lc/T9MBVmmT3RI/AAAAAAAAFNg/5fe3I2ct0VY/s320/softjacket.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">John Varvatos Soft Jacket</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ROCK n ROLL Fashion:</b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If your dad thinks he is cool and hip but his idea of chill is a tie dye t-shirt and American flag head bandana, for his sake as well as everyone who lives with him advance him to the 21st century and give him some men's fashion from <a href="http://www.johnvarvatos.com/jvs-funhouse/collections/jv-collection/" target="_blank">John Varvatos (click)</a>. Heavy metal music is part of the John Varvatos genome, John's life is completely immersed with great music and great music friendships; he lives it, breathes it, marinates in it. Therefore his men's only fashions are hip, sophisticated, confident and easy wearing.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNscOwsKejw/T9MBVQqJ9hI/AAAAAAAAFNY/RksY1LbnSk8/s1600/Jimmy+Paige.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNscOwsKejw/T9MBVQqJ9hI/AAAAAAAAFNY/RksY1LbnSk8/s320/Jimmy+Paige.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jimmy Paige, Led Zeppelin-photo available for gift giving</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If clothes are still a hard sell for dad but still fancies himself a rock n roller, John Varvatos also has available for sale some </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">amazing</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> music </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">memorabilia</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. My friend Kate F. tells me she buys her dad John Varvatos every father's day and although he knows what is coming his way he is always thrilled with his thoughtful gift. There are nine boutique locations, but promise you will surf their online site and give dad a REAL surprise this year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BaKa01Nds/T9MBVgycEtI/AAAAAAAAFNc/Lr8I9kMs6wM/s1600/book.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BaKa01Nds/T9MBVgycEtI/AAAAAAAAFNc/Lr8I9kMs6wM/s320/book.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">'MATCH PRINTS'-Celebrity photos, 1950's to today</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCdbwLpzhI/T9MGWPJu-EI/AAAAAAAAFOA/vGXgIJ2nkZ4/s1600/lobster+club.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCdbwLpzhI/T9MGWPJu-EI/AAAAAAAAFOA/vGXgIJ2nkZ4/s320/lobster+club.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Lobster Net dinner club</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOBSTER:</b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Many dad's love to tinker not on their cars, but in the kitchen. This year instead of adding to his collection of BBQ tools, give him something wonderful to throw on the grill. How about a club membership, a Lobster Club. <a href="http://www.thelobsternet.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=69" target="_blank">The Lobster Net (click link)</a> has programs to deliver Maine lobster monthly right to his front door for 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. You can decide if two lobsters are enough for each delivery or go for dinner for four and you being an invited guest as the very thoughtful child he raised. Yeah, I thought you would like this idea! There are other preparations that are ready for shipping direct to dad from a simple Lobster Roll sandwich kit, or a Colossal Lobsterbake extravaganza with all the fixins'.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaQUAvkjmpg/T9MNiWxw5II/AAAAAAAAFOY/x8Nh3hfIdZE/s1600/yamazaki.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaQUAvkjmpg/T9MNiWxw5II/AAAAAAAAFOY/x8Nh3hfIdZE/s320/yamazaki.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yamazaki 12-Year Single Malt Whiskey</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>WHISKEY:</b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Japan is not just known for its Sake any more. The hottest bottle of casual sipping is now single malt whiskey from Japan. Made in the Suntory district near Osaka, Yamazaki whiskey is showing up in better bars in the United States. Yamazaki is a single malt whiskey preferred to a blend by whiskey connoisseurs. Their 12-year old whiskey has the following tasting notes:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Body: creamy</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Color: light amber</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Finish: Bittersweet, dry</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Nose: Leafy, forest floor</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Palate: Clean, lightly malty</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbm=shop&q=suntory+yamazaki+whiskey+purchase&oq=suntory+yamazaki+whiskey+purchase&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=products-cc.3...3757.21336.0.22031.43.6.5.32.37.0.148.683.1j5.6.0...0.0.SvPy6lBm_rQ" target="_blank">Available for about $45.00 for 750ml bottle (click to shop)</a>, there is also a Yamazaki 18 year old single malt whiskey for about $125.00. Dad's office mates and buddies will be jealous of him when he shares on monday morning the great father's day gift he received and impressed by your sophisticated taste.</span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-5802266163881819792020-01-28T18:06:00.004-08:002021-04-23T13:46:52.539-07:00Another Halloween...and Bloody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWA6xOZB8Og/Tmez56PzmII/AAAAAAAABVU/hGNbv9xxRws/s1600/James+Dean+1955+Porsche.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWA6xOZB8Og/Tmez56PzmII/AAAAAAAABVU/hGNbv9xxRws/s320/James+Dean+1955+Porsche.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">October 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Legendary actor James Dean was killed in his brand new 1955 Porsche Spyder on a country road in California, and it was not only the actor that was legendary. Here is the folklore that surrounds the Porsche that lives on. After Dean's death, car enthusiast George Burris bought the car remains and<span><a name='more'></a></span> as the car was being removed from the truck it slipped and broke the mechanic's leg. Burris sold the engine to an amateur racer who installed it in his car. During a race the car went out of control and killed its owner. Another race driver from the same race was injured when the car crashed while using the drive shaft from Dean's Porsche. The original wreckage went on display in a travelling road safety campaign. In Sacramento it fell off its mount and broke the hip of a nearby viewer. The trailer transporting the cursed Porsche was hit from the rear by another car. The driver of the car was thrown, run over and killed under the curse of this Porsche. Another race driver almost died when using 2 tires from Dean's Porsche and they blew out and skidded off the road in a crash. In Oregon the truck transporting the touring wreckage lost their brakes and crashed into a storefront. The sports car and Dean's accompanying curse disappeared while being shipped back to Los Angeles by train-</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmjEpxgRoqA/Tmez54pmATI/AAAAAAAABVQ/ecztw99AYnk/s1600/James+Dean+wreckage.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmjEpxgRoqA/Tmez54pmATI/AAAAAAAABVQ/ecztw99AYnk/s200/James+Dean+wreckage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>SPOOKY Stories </b>- Audio Clips</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'Bloody Mary' (click link)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.americanfolklore.net/mp3/bloodymary.mp3">http://www.americanfolklore.net/mp3/bloodymary.mp3</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'Amber and the Ouji Board' (click link)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/amber.mp3">http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/amber.mp3</a></span><br />
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'<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Heartbeat' (click link)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/heartbeat.mp3">http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/heartbeat.mp3</a></span><br />
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'<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Jack - O - Lantern' (click link)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/jackolantern-long.mp3">http://americanfolklore.net/mp3/jackolantern-long.mp3</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pzfLBuy8gY/TmfE5DuXN-I/AAAAAAAABVo/hwxWgs9Q_QI/s1600/kitty+litter.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pzfLBuy8gY/TmfE5DuXN-I/AAAAAAAABVo/hwxWgs9Q_QI/s320/kitty+litter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">KITTY LITTER CAKE RECIPE</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Gross out your guests at your Halloween party</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 pkg. Spice or German Chocolate cake mix</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 pkg White cake mix</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> ----Oil, Eggs, Water, Milk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 pkg white sandwich cookies, 12 oz.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 pkg vanilla instant pudding, 3.5 oz</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 pkg small Tootsie Rolls, 12 oz.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Green food coloring</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 new kitty litter box</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 new kitty litter box liner</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 new Pooper-Scooper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Prepare the cake mixes and instant pudding according to their packages. Crumble cookies in a food processor in small batches, set aside 1/4 cup adding a few drops of green food coloring and mix. Crumble cooled cakes into a large bowl, toss with 1/2 half remaining cookie crumbs and chilled pudding. Pour cake mixture into lined kitty litter box. Microwave half unwrapped Tootsie Rolls for a few seconds until softened and shape then ends so the are no longer blunt. Bury Tootsie Rolls randomly in cake and sprinkle with half again cookie crumbs leaving some remaining crumbs to finish. Sprinkle some green cookie crumbs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Heat 3 or 4 Tootsie Rolls rolling the ends and randomly laying on top of cake with remaining white cookie crumbs. Heat remaining Tootsie Rolls and drape over edges of litter box with remaining green crumbs sprinkled over exposed Toosie Rolls.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Serve with your Pooper-Scooper spatula. YUMMO.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JewJnlXIiyw/TmfLwila8zI/AAAAAAAABV8/cra4MIaZZfs/s1600/Taz.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JewJnlXIiyw/TmfLwila8zI/AAAAAAAABV8/cra4MIaZZfs/s200/Taz.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">! HAPPY HALLOWEEN !<br /><br /><i><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The witches fly<br />Across the sky,<br />The owls go, "Who? Who? Who?<br />The black cats yowl<br />And green ghosts howl,<br />"Scary Halloween to You!"</span></i></span></td></tr>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-25143380985602215022020-01-28T18:03:00.007-08:002021-04-23T14:47:12.352-07:00Fashion Spring/Summer 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EEbWQYVjg0/USOtOKbCqaI/AAAAAAAAIGM/gI9gkFCQhM8/s1600/braids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /><img border="0" height="269" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EEbWQYVjg0/USOtOKbCqaI/AAAAAAAAIGM/gI9gkFCQhM8/w400-h269/braids.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">February 2013:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It is almost the budding of Spring and another fashion season. Here are the the main highlights of what you should be wearing this season, or at very least an education enough to be conversational.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b><b>Hairstyles</b>-</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Braids for warmer months is an obvious choice, this season roll them up to create a textured bun, or weave back and forth like a southern garden <span><a name='more'></a></span>trellis, add a few fresh flowers and voila a Garden of Eden and very youth making.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttLQLHUMGpM/USQ5Hz8dnLI/AAAAAAAAIJM/tjtVl1T9hiI/s1600/collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttLQLHUMGpM/USQ5Hz8dnLI/AAAAAAAAIJM/tjtVl1T9hiI/w400-h232/collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Shoes</b>-</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Wedges have been coming up through the ranks that past two seasons and this season they are practically a requirement. Wedges are no longer limited to hemp braided espadrilles anymore, a world of designs and interpretations are represented as closed clog, traditional English tassels, open toe sandals, ankle straps, funky and heel-less. Super-Pointy pumps with a metal toe caps have also been seen kicking it up..don't get her mad, you could really get injured.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iAogoJm7M8/USQ_JrgKTjI/AAAAAAAAILg/A225llFXPxg/s1600/sleeveless-blazers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iAogoJm7M8/USQ_JrgKTjI/AAAAAAAAILg/A225llFXPxg/w400-h400/sleeveless-blazers.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Apparel-</span></b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If you do not yet own a sleeveless jacket; run-don't walk to you favorite clothing shop. You know what a sleeveless jacket is? They used to know be known as a Vest-OH! You can belt your vest and create a stunning slimming look; ever think about a vest over a sleeved jacket, use similar weight fabrics in complementary colors. a sleeveless jacket will add structure to any casual look. There are even soft drapey designs such as the one from 'TopShop" pictured above if you are not comfortable with a conventional military look. Three more words on this subject: 'Stripes' 'Polka Dots'.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNhH5pDu0Tw/USReWjk6KYI/AAAAAAAAIMs/OmEWWV2HbF8/s1600/orange+navy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNhH5pDu0Tw/USReWjk6KYI/AAAAAAAAIMs/OmEWWV2HbF8/w300-h400/orange+navy.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Colors-</span></b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A mix of pastel and neon colors, as well as floral patterns are what is required this S/S 2013 season. Hot Pink, Day-Glo Orange and Lizard Lime for the heat in your wardrobe, and complimentary pastels to cool the flame.I have read that green is still "in" but I disagree. green was all over winter scene. Every store window I have browsed recently has a mannequin paired in bright orange and always with navy blue.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zin6tQrTEnE/USRlNjNiT1I/AAAAAAAAIN4/lD8H27xQ2hs/s1600/flip+side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zin6tQrTEnE/USRlNjNiT1I/AAAAAAAAIN4/lD8H27xQ2hs/w300-h400/flip+side.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.44px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br />Flip Side reversible jeans at Target Stores</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sequin and beading is in full glory and metal studs are showing up in the mix. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Subscribers of my</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TALLblondesstyle" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> TALL blonde's style Facebook (click here)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> page were recently tipped off to the fabulous sequin tank tops in solids and stripes from Old Navy in dozens of colors for $19.99. My Facebook followers also received my fashion update to</span><a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=reversible+jeans&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> Target Stores' reversible jeans (click here)</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> They are super cute when you roll up the hem to reveal a contrasting cuff. They have all the usual pockets on both sides, yet slimming and available in a handful of colors. Remember the word CHAMBRAY. Denim-friendly Chambray is showing up everywhere, not just from Ralph Lauren anymore. Dark, light, <i>pinstripe, polka dots</i>, even tiny hearts from K<span style="color: red;">i</span>ton are on the shelves. This is my number one shopping recommendation this week as it is a year round closet staple.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Spring/Summer 2013 is colorful, playful and fun, experiment a little and try one of this season's best mentioned here. <a href="mailto:lifestylemeblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> your fashion questions and I look forward to making you look more fabulous than you already are. "Living In Luxury, Using Economy.", Miriam Kali-rai</span></span></span>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-9543240266085158302020-01-28T18:02:00.003-08:002021-04-23T13:47:28.468-07:00Vintage Fashion Expo<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkTte7qFRGY/TjdviFXsxKI/AAAAAAAAA3U/YPQvoUizVZs/s1600/peek+a+boo+tie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkTte7qFRGY/TjdviFXsxKI/AAAAAAAAA3U/YPQvoUizVZs/s320/peek+a+boo+tie.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">September 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">MARK YOUR CALENDAR</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.sfvenues.com/concourse/overview.html">Concourse Exhibition Center, SF</a></span><br />
<i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For 2012, the expo runs September 22 and 23</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.vintageexpo.com/">Vintage Fashion Expo (click)</a> is back in San Francisco-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Looking for unique treasures for your body? No doubt you will find whatever your heart desires for men and women. Vintage Fashion Expo was born in 1980 when there was only one show in the country<span><a name='more'></a></span> located in Massachusetts. One year later SF Vintage Fashion Expo became the largest vintage clothing and accessories fair in the country and continues to hold this title. You will find clothes, furs, shoes, hats, handbags, jewelry, eyeglasses and many other trinkets from the most recent 125 years of fashion. That goes back to the <a href="http://www.yourfantasycostume.com/sites/yourfantasycostume.com/files/images/ghost_victorian_green.jpg">Victorian era (click)</a>. 75 to 100 vendors are on hand during the two-day show so give yourself a couple hours of worthwhile "digging".Vendors and some patrons attend in period clothing making the event even more festive. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sign up for their newsletter and receive a $2.00 off coupon towards admission.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://annebobroffhajal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FashionistaRyazan.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://annebobroffhajal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FashionistaRyazan.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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<span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is not a flea market. You will find all major designers such as<a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons2/272/2727634/46_2009/e817f6871c74b945_chanel-bags-skyblue-1115.jpg"> Chanel</a>, <a href="http://nowwearthis.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/halston_sellingoutselfridges.jpg">Halston</a>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/images/blogs/themoment/posts/090123_mens.jpg">YSL</a>, <a href="http://static4.avelleassets.com/productimages/Handbag/Gucci/Gucci-Joy-Large-Shoulder-Handbag_14318_front_zoom.jpg">Gucci</a>, <a href="http://www.shoppingblog.com/pics/versace_spring_2010_platforms2.jpg">Versace</a> and other names such as <a href="http://www.foxvalleyviews.com/images/D/0RB2132__901-01.jpg">Ray-Ban</a>. I have purchased from past visits a great pair of cat's-eye sunglasses from Kristi Alvarez of <a href="http://vintagebluemoon.com/">Vintage Blue Moon (click)</a>, some fur collars for my coats and sweaters and varioius pieces of costume jewelry. But one of my favorite merchants is <a href="http://vintageexpo.com/images/gallery/59.jpg">The Tie Merchant (click)</a> from Ketrin Earwood. I have found a <a href="http://mrcuit.typepad.com/.a/6a0148c66a279d970c01538ee18fdc970b-500wi">mink bow tie (click)</a> for my husband and a little known men's item from the 1950's and 1960's...the Peek-A-Boo Tie. A Peek-A-Boo Tie is an ordinary everyday cravatte with a portrait of a bikini clad beauty or a <a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.192412773.jpg">gorgeous nudie (click)</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. They make great birthday gifts. The better ones were actually hand painted. You have to ask Ketrin to pull them out of the back but she loves to show them-</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://th02.deviantart.net/fs45/300W/i/2009/105/6/f/Art_Nouveau_Padme_by_hriviel.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://th02.deviantart.net/fs45/300W/i/2009/105/6/f/Art_Nouveau_Padme_by_hriviel.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">If you find that two whole days is not enough, my friend Janet recommends La Rosa Vintage on Haight in San Francisco. Been there, love it, visit them often, brought my friend Kate there too-</span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-54032618519329567322020-01-28T18:00:00.006-08:002021-04-23T13:47:50.125-07:00Sunday Morning, Time For Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2H4cD6faY4/TitbB2TJlHI/AAAAAAAAAqw/oKHb7s_rfSk/s1600/Thibaud+donuts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2H4cD6faY4/TitbB2TJlHI/AAAAAAAAAqw/oKHb7s_rfSk/s320/Thibaud+donuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The world is round, and it tastes great-</span><br />
<span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Okay I admit it, I am using food to address the travel section of my blog this week, but don't we all seek interesting food wherever we travel? While having drinks with Kyle and Chelsea last week it occurred to me I have deliberately traveled to several US cities just to try their donuts. Donuts are donuts are donuts you may say<span><a name='more'></a></span> <yawn>........no they are not. Maybe the air or water was different, maybe the hotel bed was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">particularly comfortable, or perhaps I was just starving because too many cocktails took the place of dinner the night before but here is my list of great donuts; and one cupcake mention to seek while on your travels.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGBOOR8xHoU/TitLOBZTMrI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/a4hA7IdJqt0/s1600/alien.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGBOOR8xHoU/TitLOBZTMrI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/a4hA7IdJqt0/s200/alien.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>San Francisco</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/GXu3PD4IPsxIHpo011aydg?select=yU0rGR40tTkOX51dIiBqzA">Bob's Donuts</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. They are open 24-hours. Remember those midnight runs to Winchell's? But these are not Winchell's, no Sir. <a href="http://s3-media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/FuuGUQnWNWZoYLemMQ2EJA/l.jpg">Every donut combination</a>: raised, glazed, sprinkles, jelly and a wide assortment of gorgeous pastries are served here. They are fresh and free of that nasty old fried oil flavor left sour in your mouth. Thumbs up to their apple fritter, or you could order their one pound raised donut. Actually I don't know if it is one pound but to take it home it will only fit in a cake-sized pastry box! Occasional celebrity sightings too.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Seattle</b>-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/daily-dozen-doughnut-company-seattle">Daily Dozen Doughnut Company</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. Located a Pike's Place Market, smell the warm sweet air of fried dough. Mini donuts sold in a brown paper sack by the dozen is a simple pleasure. Powdered, Cinnamon, Fancy, even the Plain are good. They melt in your mouth. OOO...HOT...HOT. Take some care popping them past your lips as they are fresh out of the fryer <ouch> See I told ya. A steamy cup of joe is also sold to complete the meal. I call that <a href="http://s3-media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/yqlBZrKSGdftT9MMSXR1JQ/l.jpg">a hot breakfast</a>, cause your momma always said, "Start your day..." However <i>their</i> motto is: "Resistance is futile, eat more donuts."</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><b>NYC</b>-<a href="http://www.doughnutplant.com/">Doughnut Plant</a>. Yes, they have been featured on the FoodNetwork many times....and this is the reason why! Ingenious, Flavorful. Fresh. Creative, even ROMANTIC. It is always a challenge to select a flavor. You must try them all: Lavender, White Peach, Creme Brulee, and their Tres Leches sells out by 10am daily. I have yet to get there early enough to try one while rubbing the sleep out of my eyes For you jelly donut lovers their jellies are square so you get a mouthful of jelly in every bite. Now that's Ingenious. On Valentine's Day <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49OcMQWH7ns">Mark Israel</a> makes a Rose Petal glazed donut, complete with floating rose petals. Romantic, right? ( and they're pink) He uses only fresh fruit and flora for his glazes. That's why they taste so damn good!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><b>HONOLULU-</b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cup-e-Cake-Gang/254406590854">Cup-e-Cake Gang</a>. My son's friend Cassandra has a cupcake business she is developing in her spare time and quite successfully. You really must "LIKE" her Facebook site to see the photos of the most amazing cupcake creations. There are green aliens, bunnies for Easter, melting snowmen, and one for Tiffany shoppers. Hey guys, it would be fun to hide the ring inside. Er, maybe not if she is really hungry. My favorite is the garden grown from seed to full fruit. This site can both inspire your own home baking creativity and perhaps win one of Cassandra's many give away contests.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><b>LOS ANGELES-</b><a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=randy%27s+donuts&hl=en&sa=N&biw=853&bih=540&gbv=2&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=NdUlTqvkJI_4swOLzZ3_CA&ved=0CEoQsAQ">Randy's Donuts</a>. Honorable mention 'cause you can see it from your airplane seat when flying into Los Angeles International Airport and a registered landmark.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>CHICAGO</b>-When I am in Chicago, I opt for the <a href="http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp896%3Enu%3D3233%3E3%3A8%3E292%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3A85358%3A533%3Anu0mrj">savory stuff</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. It's all about "dogs".</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Wanna know who consumes the most donuts? United States has the largest overall annual consumption estimated at 2 billion. However, if you break it down by per-capita Canada consumes 1 billion donuts per year. With a population size of only slightly over one-tenth the US, my feeling is Canadians need to go on a serious diet-</span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-15227920062521354532020-01-28T17:59:00.008-08:002023-01-18T14:31:14.876-08:00Life's Better In A Great Hat with 2023 UPDATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://plaidout.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/oh-006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://plaidout.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/oh-006.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><b><< 2023 UPDATE >></b></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Graham Thompson, the owner of Optimo Hats in Chicago, IL has written a glossy, picture filled and history packed book "The History of the Hatmaker". As a customer of Optimo, his team creates some of the best classic hats you will ever wear, custom-made for the right fit and you get to pick the style, color and accessories. </b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><b>LINK FOR Thompson's First Edition Book: <a href="https://optimo.com/products/the-art-of-the-hatmaker?mc_cid=dbba6c7c35&mc_eid=f1bc1bddea" target="_blank">"The Art Of The Hatmaker" First Edition</a></b><br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">August 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Life <i>IS</i> better in a great hat. Take a fashion tip from <a href="http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=888&bih=467&q=johnny+depp+hat+collection&gbv=2&oq=johnny+depp+hat&aq=2&aqi=g3g-m1&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=2047l6481l0l10484l17l17l1l5l5l0l193l1135l6.5l11">Johnny Depp</a> who is frequently pictured wearing a custom hat from his own personal collection made by our friend <a href="http://www.chicagomag.com/images/2009/April%202009/F0409_Hats_01.jpg">Graham Thompson</a> in Chicago. He opened <a href="http://www.optimohats.com/">OPTIMO</a> in 1995 after college at the age of 22. Graham purchased traditional gentleman's hatmaking machinery from his old friend Johnny Tyus and studied age old methods<span><a name='more'></a></span> of quality hatmaking; a personal passion Graham held since he was a boy. By the way, Graham taught me never, ever, EVER hold a hat by its crown like in the movies, you will destroy a beautiful handmade piece, handle by the brim only. Graham continues to travel the world purchasing equipment and learning old world techniques that are evident in OPTIMO's wide collection. Hands down and hats off OPTIMO is the best hat maker in the world today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.optimohats.com/#/history/">Graham's biography in his own words, click PLAY VIDEO on page</a></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Click on this link for the full article written by Chicago Magazine Spring 2009</span>. </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Fashion/Spring-2009/Head-for-Business/" target="_blank">"Head For Business", 2009</a></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/images/2009/April%202009/F0409_Hats_01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://www.chicagomag.com/images/2009/April%202009/F0409_Hats_01.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">How to measure your head for the proper hat size: Hold one end of a tape measure at the center of your forehead and wrap around just above your ears, where you wish the hat to rest. Conversion chart:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><img alt="Image result for hat size conversion chart" height="320" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" 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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Thank you Graham, Sean and I still wear our fabulous Fedoras made by you; most recently worn to 'Bourbon and Branch'', an original San Francisco Speak-easy along with our friends Ian, Kevin, Carissa and Erin.</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCJD5rrEjF4/TjMbz5xXLqI/AAAAAAAAA1w/Q4G9pe1BfY8/s1600/DSC01956.JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCJD5rrEjF4/TjMbz5xXLqI/AAAAAAAAA1w/Q4G9pe1BfY8/s200/DSC01956.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">POST SCRIPT- In honor of the '<a href="http://www.windycitycaptains.com/chicago.jpg">Windy City</a>', here are the ingredients to make a classic <a href="http://lexiluwho.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/chicago-hot-dogs.jpg">Chicago Hot Dog</a>: Beef dog, <a href="http://www.americanspice.com/product_images/d/161/51305-puckered-pickle-super-green-pickle-relish-neon__66093_zoom.jpg">neon green relish</a>, <a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922195/27_2009/7cc99185434ad1da_IMG_2444.preview.JPG">classic yellow mustard</a>, pickle spear,white onion-chopped, tomato wedges, <a href="http://thepauperedchef.com/images/2009/07/500/chicago-hot-dog-6.jpg">sport peppers</a>, <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/~/media/Images/Products/Product%20Details/Herbs%20and%20Spices/Spices%20A%20to%20Z/celery%20salt.ashx?w=225">celery salt-MUST HAVE</a>, all stuffed in a <a href="http://photograzing.seriouseats.com/assets_c/2011/06/hot_dog_buns_3-thumb-245x245-163392.jpg">poppy seed bun.</a></span></span></div>
</div></div>.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-50650611565059535402020-01-28T17:53:00.006-08:002021-04-23T13:48:35.734-07:00Why Old Navy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Slwl2XSFoNM/TitLcu_9wXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/83ulY3T5aTA/s1600/jean.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Slwl2XSFoNM/TitLcu_9wXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/83ulY3T5aTA/s200/jean.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 2011:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Can a <a href="http://static4.avelleassets.com/productimages/Handbag/Louis-Vuitton/Louis-Vuitton-Speedy-35-Monogramouflage-Handbag_14348_front_zoom.jpg">Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage bag</a> and a Diva-styled pair of jeans from Old Navy co-exist happily without incident in your closet?<i> </i>Excluding additional consultation from a <a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnziqdRzGW1qdok3qo1_250.png">psych-therapist</a> I must officially say yes they can. I reference my very first article "Haute Couture is nice, in doses"; which states: "Don't drip in labels". Even a second grader knows jeans are all about proper fit, and <span><a name='more'></a></span>fashion is a very close second. If the hottest jean of the minute fits you like a 1940's <a href="http://www.sos.wa.gov/legacyproject/oralhistories/lillianwalker/images/Bremerton-shipyard-workers.jpg">shipyard worker</a> with a saggy butt and you must wear a belt to hold them up, what's the point? Alterations are very expensive, get a pair that fits. Well fitting jeans are as difficult to find as the perfect brazier. Hopefully the next paragraph will respond to your quest for the perfect jean. Still trying to conquer that second mystery. Will update when I find the answer-</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YwNi-usus/TitLRD8VD9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/5csT8P8_pIM/s1600/bra.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YwNi-usus/TitLRD8VD9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/5csT8P8_pIM/s320/bra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Old Navy offers <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=5459">seven leg types</a>, and 5 inseam lengths: petite, short, regular, long and tall which comes in at 36 inches. Always something to suit your shape, however you may be shopping online for some of these sizes. My co-workers and friends know I like my pants to fully drape over my shoes AND THEY HAVE THEM. Guess which length I buy? As for price, I can purchase 2 pairs of jeans and easily begin saving for that special handbag I have my eye on. To a house party I wore black Old Navy jeans, black velvet halter top that is older than my adult son, faux pearl necklace and a <a href="http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&nord=1&biw=888&bih=467&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=givenchy+bags&oq=givency+bags&aq=0s&aqi=g-s1g-sx1&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=3657l8497l0l10632l26l16l0l1l1l0l188l1528l3.9l13">Givenchy leather bag</a> I picked up at 90% off and had great fun dancing all night. Interesting thing is...the jeans do not have a visible Old Navy label on the pocket. Who'd know? HINT: Match a scarf to that new bag, 'cause you chose that bag to coordinate with your outfit, right? r-i-g-h-t ? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Camisoles at Old Navy are my next favorite item. Every sweater I own has a <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=68131&vid=1&pid=647736&scid=647736012">color match cami</a> on the same hanger in my closet. (saves excessive hanger space) Great if you are like me and get dressed in the dark. There are many colors from which to choose, they extend the life of your sweater, and you have a thin comfortable cotton second layer, warm baby warm. My co-worker Griselda knows this layering trick all too well. Even better you don't have to completely strip down to your <a href="http://www.unexpectedpages.com/files/humanbody/goose-bumps/goosebumps.jpg">goosebumps</a> when forced to use a "community" fitting room. Of course camis are great summer wear. Flash your spaghetti straps when you layer and expose your shoulders in colors to coordinate the rest of your outfit. HINT: Coordinate the cami to a great colored belt. Just remember, Louis V and ON co-exist very well together-</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Every summer they hold a one day $1 sale on all solid colored <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=66197&vid=1&pid=522173&scid=522173542">flip-flops</a>. Stay tu</span></span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-88126496511504170262020-01-28T17:52:00.005-08:002021-04-23T13:57:11.528-07:00Christmas Facts and Myths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsK0Dgtpjj7JgVHfKwaRVcETMxBVaUr_C8U44W6TVptRC0Mdc_hTBxX37BcsFsxZ4aR-Wt6UXvFwLViDpUW1tk7Kj-ClCaB7hWtPLIumO_5J34gBdzbolKwmXjQU31pditZ35UuBLYmM/s1600/Christmas-Tree-Fireplace-1024-127315.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsK0Dgtpjj7JgVHfKwaRVcETMxBVaUr_C8U44W6TVptRC0Mdc_hTBxX37BcsFsxZ4aR-Wt6UXvFwLViDpUW1tk7Kj-ClCaB7hWtPLIumO_5J34gBdzbolKwmXjQU31pditZ35UuBLYmM/s400/Christmas-Tree-Fireplace-1024-127315.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">December 2012:</span></h6>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was troubled because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major difficulty to overcome -- funding the project. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As he contemplated the issue, he recollected his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" into which passers-by tossed<span><a name='more'></a></span> a coin or two to help the poor. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.</span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Jesus was actually born in 6, 7 or 8 BCE (Before Common Era) based on census statistics taken every 14 years., most likely during the end of summer.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">First Christmas celebration was mentioned in the year 380, and came from Roman events. </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The Dutch who settled in New Amsterdam, now New York brought their tradition of Sinter Klaus which has become our Santa Claus.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">In the middle ages, Santa Claus was a magician who would know if you were naughty or nice and reward with candy or punish with bad gifts.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The Nativity Creche continues to add more characters. In the Philippines elephants are pictured in the Nativity scene. There are no elephants in Judea.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">End of 19th century some bans were in place to disallow tree cutting as Christmas trees due to deforestation and tree topping. Tree farming of Christmas trees then began in New Jersey in 1901. A German company also then created artificial Christmas trees made with goose feathers, but would not hold the weight of the ornaments. The Addis brothers known for brush toilet bowl brushes made Christmas trees fro their brushes that would sturdy enough to hold ornaments. The 1950's gave us the silver tree with a rotating color wheel at the base of the tree.</span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mistletoe was symbol of peace and goodwill during Roman times.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Holly branches replaced mistletoe with the sharp leaves to represent thorny branches on the head of Christ and the red berries representing his blood.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Queen Victoria kept a Christmas tree for each child in the family every Christmas and placed small gifts and candy under the tree.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">An Indiana candy maker in 1880 used one white candy stick with three red stripes representing purity and the Trinity to be a Christmas cane. The Candy stick included a turned end to represent the staff of a Shepard, and turned upside down is a letter "J" for Jesus.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">A German company made round spheres of glass and silver. In 1880 F.W. Woolworth and Co. decided to import these glass spheres and displayed them on a Christmas Tree as a new ornament. Candles used to be used, fruit and garland.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Tinsel was actual silver put around the base of a decorated Christmas Tree.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Jesus was not born in a barn, born in a house. It was unthinkable in the day to turn away a pregnant woman.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21px;">Xmas” is an Attempt to Take “Christ” out of “Christmas”.</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> Every year people send around angry letters, petitions, emails, articles, blogs, and candy-grams about how angry they are at where The Christmas Season is going. People decry anger at those who are “taking ‘Christ’ out of ‘Christmas’” and attempting to completely do away with the religious aspects of Christmas Day. People accuse others of “X-ing out” Christ from His own holiday. In actuality, using an “X” in the term “Xmas” is not a new thing being used by non-Christians as a means to disrespect the religious holiday. The truth is that the term “Xmas” dates back as far as Christianity. The “X” comes from the Roman alphabet symbol for the Greek letter “Chi”, which was used, of course, in the word “Christ”. In fact, for centuries, people have written “Xian” when referring to Christians, Xmas is used neither out of disrespect nor to take any religious aspects of Christmas out of the word or holiday. The word is usually used simply as an abbreviation. With text messaging more popular ever, it’s a word that’s likely to stick around for a bit, just like Christmas itself.</span></span></span></span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-13094305314857992572020-01-28T17:50:00.011-08:002021-04-23T14:00:17.999-07:00Do It, I Double Dare You<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsPa5AlYmTkWwN38lByGNarm05-VXXjKbcGV8oFoGwAop6JcFeiRQnuKTO3miSTNeHah_-PAn3A-H0-G3IO_kOGrtKe86XQSgVpxuAcnQ7Ekc1AENIyk0slgoV3guHhfjvvCwohS7hzU/s1600/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="225" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsPa5AlYmTkWwN38lByGNarm05-VXXjKbcGV8oFoGwAop6JcFeiRQnuKTO3miSTNeHah_-PAn3A-H0-G3IO_kOGrtKe86XQSgVpxuAcnQ7Ekc1AENIyk0slgoV3guHhfjvvCwohS7hzU/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-style-span">August 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Will you dare...to wear white after Labor Day?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">What do you mean "Will you wear white after Labor Day?" Convention dictates one should only wear white between <a href="http://www.valmg.com/images/HappyEasterPoohFriends.jpg">Easter </a>and Labor Day. Okay, convention. Why? I never knew why just like I was also told as a child never reveal your bare shoulders in church, black is only <span><a name='more'></a></span>to be worn to funerals, and cleavage belongs with evening attire. For me this is easy. I rarely enter a church, black for funerals seems appropriate and mine are still "growing in". There are several theories on the subject of summer whites but none arrive to a concrete conclusion. The handful of stories on this subject involve themes of seasonal climate, class separation, vacationing and the military. Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September marking both the opening of a new school year and the unofficial end of summer. What follows are some of those reasons in brief, you decide:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">White reflects light and therefore the summer heat.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>Cities are dirty and grimy. The affluent escape to the country during the summer heat and dawn their light color clothing as a nice change of pace. Also underscoring a separation of class.</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>High fashion was set in the northern cities where their seasons are more defined and the extremes of fall and winter weather are not suitable for light colored clothes and shoes.</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>It is the time of year the Navy switches their uniform from summer whites to winter navy blues. </span> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkpIllnYdnI/TjjVcG9XIfI/AAAAAAAAA5s/N7tWcsoK02o/s1600/sailors.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkpIllnYdnI/TjjVcG9XIfI/AAAAAAAAA5s/N7tWcsoK02o/s200/sailors.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">What I do not comprehend is the existence of the color "winter white"? When do I wear this, is it just enough confusion to mess with my head? Why wear winter in summer if I cannot wear white in winter...WHA- I am making a guess on a grand scale the likes of <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qgQjhuNJmT8/TpMg220Ru2I/AAAAAAAABhU/6-MXtERvt8M/s512/moby-dick.jpg">Moby Dick </a> that this was an invention from a prestigious fashion house tantamount to "getting away with it"; and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was happily along for the ride. (<u><i><b>March</b></i></u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1962 below) Got that date? </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGnX2sLoyIM/Tji-deKuR0I/AAAAAAAAA4o/sRKUFn4SyxA/s240/Jacqueline%252520white%252520coat.March%2525201962.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGnX2sLoyIM/Tji-deKuR0I/AAAAAAAAA4o/sRKUFn4SyxA/s240/Jacqueline%252520white%252520coat.March%2525201962.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: times;">I plan to continue to wear white after Labor Day, my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUar52RyUM5WUXFlYkzc7GiFqq22w5YhpWHdl3idza9VT5QeKYTzgVzzMXY-gqQvkrsrVlJDIHzrAuUPfVzmZXr7mskZFQmYbyK1xP0VQ8SPGxwBE2TeoKzg7v4D5fczOwlaSbK_-qgo/s320/47330_1.jpg">three-inch spectators</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>on dry days and sneer at convention and double dare you to do the same. I follow my own wisdom when creating a look only to be mindful of fabric weight and texture. Texture not only means touch but also <span><!--more--></span>pattern. I find this to be a more practical and successful guide than color. Skinny, strappy, backless sandals striped tank top and tweed trousers all wrapped in a wide suede belt, That's summer and winter wrapped in one package. NOPE!</span></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-31665137869686314242020-01-28T17:50:00.009-08:002021-04-23T13:49:30.786-07:00Luxury Watches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwdLZ5DqEA0/TitLonNAB6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/RAIr1cjrSHI/s1600/panerai.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwdLZ5DqEA0/TitLonNAB6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/RAIr1cjrSHI/s320/panerai.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Luxury watch in my future? I was at a party a few weeks ago and met a gal sporting a wristwatch that I could not take away my eyes. It was chunky, it was gold, it was HOT. I had to have it. Large-faced watches have been in season for years and here to stay but where to make my purchase, and what to buy? Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel? A well established jeweler is a great place <span><a name='more'></a></span>to start, but I also wanted to see if I could save some $$. I considered looking at auctions; good ones, reputable ones. I contacted a friend of mine Katharine in NYC. She works in the watch department at Sotheby's and she explained to me that many wristwatches they receive are not only vintage leftovers from someone's late grandfather; some are new and almost new. They have been examined by experts for authenticity and condition and frequently sell for a very palatable price. Even with some commission fees the final Hammer Price may still provide enough of a savings to beat retail prices. Some difficult to locate pieces may also be available.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For now I will faithfully wear my Officine Panerai with the collection of colored leather straps that I change every night as I lay out my outfit for the next day. I will also begin browsing well publicized auction houses such as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.sothebys.com/en/catalogues/ecatalogue.html/2011/fine-watches-l11053#/r=/en/ecat.fhtml.L11053.html+r.m=/en/ecat.grid.L11053.html/0/15/lotnum/asc/">Sotheby's</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> to locate a watch similar to the one I saw on Margret's wrist at the party. In full disclosure I do own a pink gold watch from the 1920's that my husband purchased for me from our local antique shop specializing in vintage jewelry. It came with a name engraved on the caseback and surprisingly I located through Google a biography, a college scholarship fund and portrait of this woman that once owned my watch; er, her watch. Now I have a lovely wristwatch and a fun conversation piece. This is a memento I could never have treasured with the purchase of a brand new watch. It's called "provenance" and what a wonderful word to have in any collection. Go out and explore auctions-</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4vGbmBFO6w/TitL1lwXliI/AAAAAAAAAow/3W3rMjLCi6o/s1600/vintage+watch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4vGbmBFO6w/TitL1lwXliI/AAAAAAAAAow/3W3rMjLCi6o/s200/vintage+watch.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04010491581021925682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010953291866315637.post-75848232734744938472020-01-28T17:47:00.006-08:002021-04-23T13:50:26.824-07:00Wine, Beer and Sake Too<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv3vaz7zMjQ/TmcPxXqG_2I/AAAAAAAABUU/7TFvL-PvFFA/s1600/bottles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv3vaz7zMjQ/TmcPxXqG_2I/AAAAAAAABUU/7TFvL-PvFFA/s320/bottles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Artisan Wine Depot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">October 2011:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"Drink quality, and pay less" is the motto of Artisan Wine Depot. At the conclusion of this article you will be compelled to immediately start planning your holiday 2011 beverage purchases and gift-giving while supplies are ample. Artisan Wine Depot is a San Francisco Bay Area local secret and connoisseurs' gem located in Mountain View. The nearby High-Tech global companies such as <span><a name='more'></a></span>Google and LinkedIn are regular corporate clients. <a href="http://media29.onsugar.com/files/2011/03/10/3/889/8893777/f4111d8ef45a6a84_Artisan_Wine_Depot_low_4_.preview.jpg">This is no ordinary wine shop (click)</a>. First of all the storefront is a roll-top door next to a body shop in an industrial neighborhood in downtown Mountain View. It opened in spring of 2009 and offer not only excellent domestic and international wines from boutique wineries and notable large vineyards, Champagne and sparkling wines; but they also carry a wide range of craft beers and Sakes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Christine Tran and her brother James work with you to learn your palate and make personalized recommendations. This is absolutely the secret to their grand success. Their following of paying customers now number in the thousands. They can also assist you with proper food pairings to make your romantic dinner for two or party of 50 a complete success.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.metroactive.com/metro/10.21.09/gifs/WINE_christinetran.jpg">Christine Tran (click)</a> is a certified Sommelier. She has professional experience in corporate beverage purchases, wine development for small wineries, strategic beverage development for restaurants such as "Straits Restaurant". She conducts wine and food classes for both professionals and the general public and to stock her shop she has tasted everything she sells. Christine is studying for her Master Sommelier designation of which in 2009 there exist 150 in the world and only 14 are women.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkqWPdVFipY/TmcSy3s6tbI/AAAAAAAABU8/3xoZqfTts00/s1600/prisoner.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkqWPdVFipY/TmcSy3s6tbI/AAAAAAAABU8/3xoZqfTts00/s200/prisoner.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Papillon - Orin.Swift</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Artisan Wine Depot offers weekly tastings on Fridays and Saturdays from their repertoire hosted by guest vineyards and craft brewers. No need to spend half a day driving for a single taste elsewhere. They will also cater private parties and are available online to answer your questions on their website <a href="http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/">www.artisanwinedepot.com (click)</a> under "Ask The Sommelier" section. Their complete inventory matches the online listing to browse and make your selections. This shop is stacked to the gills so ladies a word of warning , if you please. Leave the over-sized handbag hidden away in the trunk of the car, chances are good a bottle will accidentally be rocked and shattered on to the floor. As a customer you can track your history of purchases in your private account, refer to each bottles' individual tasting notes and history. They will ship anywhere to you or your friends in the United States. Wines are currently priced from $3.99 for a 375 ml split up to $3,999.99 for the most rare. Pricing alone is not indicative of quality. Christine does her homework. She and and James are on the pulse of industry leaders and cottage wineries. They travel all over the world to source wines from vineyards before they become widely known household names with an increased price to match. Artisan Wine Depot carries collectible First Growth wines and has been known to sell the much storied Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon. Artisan Wine Depot is happy to chill you purchases before pick-up so you are off to your party ready to pop the cork and enjoy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Full disclosure-Our family has been a client of Artisan Wine Depot since April 2009, our customer number is in the 2-digit range and extremely satisfied due mainly in part to their excellence in matching their recommendations to our taste interests. James and Christine really have a great set up, you do not need to be, or pretend to be a wine "snob". Start out with a couple of bottles and learn what you like. The friendly and knowlegable staff is eager to help you with your selections and develop a new personal passion. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5010953291866315637" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">During the holiday season they offer a few select gift packs that are truly unique. Last year we purchased some Veuve Cliquot Champagne accompanied by two champagne flutes encased in a floating maritime carrier and had them shipped long distance to some very happy friends. <hic></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I attended a Champagne tasting this week from the House of Henriot, one of the last remaining family-owned Champagne houses in France. We were lucky that on this night Hector (chef extrodiaire) was on hand with rock-my-world food pairings: smoked salmon toast points, cauliflower panna cotta and oysters in a mignonette sauce.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Promise me to get started now by browsing their online inventory, enter your <a href="http://www.artisanwinedepot.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=310">email address for tasting event announcements (click)</a> allowing you to also taste before you buy.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><u>UPDATE: Second location opening in November so you can sip away in glamorous surroundings.</u></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"Drink Quality, Pay Less"</i></span></span><br />
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