tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58148117478160408982024-03-05T10:07:35.213-06:00The Purse Envy BlogFreda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-21197360497995649102011-10-01T18:20:00.049-05:002011-10-01T22:14:16.037-05:00Hats off to you!!!<p></p><br /><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658702247072314338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAqqCc-T9FrsXrDdF435LsO3FxDkqRkKevFwDLjnoSPtJrWIbkPba_cQXi9itHpT59aw8EQq5MlV5s006dooh7FSjZwfl4UAMX_qsqTpztcPlxjmJb8ShyOwC6Tyac6YYT0FaTIiDaDdu/s320/floppy.jpg" /><span style="color:#330033;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330033;">In my opinion one of this fall/winter season's most fun trends is hats. The past 2 weeks I have worn floppy wool 1970's inspired hats and even a 1920's inspired cloche hat. I was excited to find my hats were not only an expression of style but also shields from the sun and cold. Imagine a trend with a practical use - oh the wonderful chapeau!</span></span></span><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658700533397557698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LX_Yg9TgabbCw1CM9VZTQsxH_7ZozjJ33lUfTks0Oaz-99tvylWMtXDp94MULOx0e7pkpWv16FYd7edHi6sJXm7hX_0XDFFb3kYIoDM5DIh41sId1kq61XgRimA_vBXAIjEL3gr1q05m/s320/cloche.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330033;">An important thing came up I didn't think of when I purchased my fashion forward accessories - hat etiquette. Yesterday I found myself at a funeral dressed in a chiffon navy peacock feathers print blouse with short puffed sleeves, navy pencil skirt, gray tights, patent blueberry Mary Jane high heels and...(trumpet sound) a royal blue cloche hat adorned with a small bow. I made a few stops on the way to the event and received compliments on my ensemble. I was feeling confident and pleased with my outfit choice. However, after I walked into the church and slid into the pew my mind started racing. I frantically whirred through the Rolodex in my head trying to find hat etiquette. It was missing! I thought, "Do I take my hat off? Am I being disrespectful? Oh Lord - help!" Men always take their hats off in buildings - what about women? I sweated it out and kept my hat on - vowing to find women's "hat-iquette".</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330033;">After doing some research and asking a few questions I found there are quite a few rules on women wearing hats. I will list the ones I think noteworthy:</span></span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330033;">1. Women's hats are accessories therefore considered part of an outfit - and do not need to be taken off.</span> </div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330033;">2. Women may wear hats at church, formal teas, luncheons and weddings</span><span style="color:#330033;">.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#330033;">3. <span style="font-family:georgia;">Women do not remove fashion hats during the National Anthem, but they must remove baseball styled hats.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#330033;">4. <span style="font-family:georgia;">Women should not take off hats that go with dinner suits or dinner dresses throughout the evening.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#330033;">5. <span style="font-family:georgia;">When at a theater or performance women should remove large hats as a common courtesy to people around them.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#330033;">6. W</span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330033;">omen are to remove their hats at work in an office.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330033;">Hat rules do not apply to women wearing hats to disguise hair loss due to illness, hair loss due to age, or to women wearing head covers for religious reasons.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Apparently women and men do not have equal rights with hat wearing. Women have more rights to hats...I mean more rights with hats. When you receive an invitation next year to a Kentucky Derby event don't fret. Now we've had this tete a tete you've learned enough hat etiquette to make it through. Now go forth and accessorize!!</span> </span></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-76626179129257951892011-09-08T12:02:00.014-05:002011-09-08T13:14:41.353-05:00Sock it to me???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfOyeTLrV7vSjNzcpcytHubcDMCDVHsSIW7wNPKflPzFKWHqJHpxOJ9An1YSVAmhFv9bBiSdVQ4UbHYFjfELft2Wry94JW6HtwNoT6y-lg52A08tf4x-uLAQ6Gd4I2F1Mfne4BWlZQDoj/s1600/socks+heels.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650040611199556082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfOyeTLrV7vSjNzcpcytHubcDMCDVHsSIW7wNPKflPzFKWHqJHpxOJ9An1YSVAmhFv9bBiSdVQ4UbHYFjfELft2Wry94JW6HtwNoT6y-lg52A08tf4x-uLAQ6Gd4I2F1Mfne4BWlZQDoj/s320/socks+heels.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">It's that wonderful, cozy time of the year. Football, warm soups, baked goodies, a chill in the air - all these things indicate fall is here. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;">According to fashion magazines this season, when the temperatures drop we have the choice to pull up our socks. </span><span style="color:#330033;">Yes - socks worn with heels are in style. Actually the socks on the scene appear to be "falling" or short and sweet. I have to admit the trend is a little quirky but I actually think with the right shoes and outfit it looks stylish. Designers have turned the clock back this fall by borrowing from decades past closets. This particular trend brings back flashes to me from the 80's.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I conducted a small poll on Facebook to see what other women thought of the trend. Not one person responded yes they would try it. In fact, I have to admit, I am a little sad some said they don't wear heels. I wonder if that's never? On a funny note - a few girls responded they would have to buy bigger shoes!<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Living in the Midwest I'll most likely stick to the ongoing tights trend for the warmth factor. However, if I lived in the warmer parts of this country I would definitely try and rock socks.</span>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-62796348111097917642010-04-12T21:20:00.019-05:002010-04-12T21:47:59.416-05:00The Age Limit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFmg7yHRXu_RvxWvg1wnpqk-mXw3c9f6NP8cEz2WZJs2DOclL6N4lbUva9xRWbbIEVojeTehTluxtVbKbOFMqaSaZsOiTrpdwvQcyNQI-aVQjXnxMq0om3oL_TG2MTE0DrKabWJCgZsiN/s1600/tiara.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459448252129200082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFmg7yHRXu_RvxWvg1wnpqk-mXw3c9f6NP8cEz2WZJs2DOclL6N4lbUva9xRWbbIEVojeTehTluxtVbKbOFMqaSaZsOiTrpdwvQcyNQI-aVQjXnxMq0om3oL_TG2MTE0DrKabWJCgZsiN/s200/tiara.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">I sit in front of my laptop wearing a crystal tiara hoping it will act as a receptor for a little divine inspiration. I hear a voice in my head. It is not God or an angel – it is my mother in law. She is 6 foot tall with the build and voice of a Viking goddess. Those of you who know her can see her in a helmet with horns belting out opera. In fact she does belt out opera minus the headdress. My recollection is of her asking curtly “When are you going to start dressing your age?”<br /><br />What is the age limit, am I driving it? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk6M5ElT113MzD5GOYs7BubCcEK8Y-mYX6RYc2vksz9VPXUECba5Py1L47W1uZGv-Ncj1iWAPO5REtTdcBpQORhhDYDBudDIbG1gVWLqIwtsrONrpPHIlgkVaXpjD9jPBeanS_JWWcskn/s1600/viking+helmet.jpg"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuM8H_pDBnPQ9D2X6Hj0Kox_7twIlOR2ctE4Bs8XJlM3_BRmD9IWxh9kjP9oShb-zpiLtAXETz9_-vOFdl4kwxVmjVVrHwiau85AMgsr3WqlNSrk9SVVWk5uODptpvxgimUPVG35nGj4w/s1600/forty.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459445132961062162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuM8H_pDBnPQ9D2X6Hj0Kox_7twIlOR2ctE4Bs8XJlM3_BRmD9IWxh9kjP9oShb-zpiLtAXETz9_-vOFdl4kwxVmjVVrHwiau85AMgsr3WqlNSrk9SVVWk5uODptpvxgimUPVG35nGj4w/s200/forty.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First of all I consider the source. My mother in law doesn’t have time for trends. Sh</span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">e considers fashion silly – and sticks to basics. Then the questions start rolling. Will I be the granny in gold spandex pants and drippy skinned arms adorned with rhinestone cuffs? When is trendy tasteless?<br /><br />Let me clarify I have never owned, or will ever own a pair of gold spandex pants. I’ll leave</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduNafDy4gJcJGcOMQNnwmILtZ5ZyNaTz_UdlluU1UyfX8Mm0_gIYLx7ZNa6HA6pbqft3BEgg6GRl6pbqTeycLXPkYUO4t_5cfzP6cdUc_91zgQmng5EYQ76zly5Kyach3930DsZPOUghz/s1600/gold+spandex.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#330033;"> that look to the lady I saw at the fresh market last week with bleached blonde hair, teased bangs, fake nails, leathered skin and 80’s clothes. It’s better to be sporting the trends of the season than the bad ones from the past.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZbHDxAl3_C15vRoE6KUqDYgv7kj6zmf6rKqPxjFt_kDKWDrFMyZfMH3_NTdDmxO-yLi0DXqZYOONpkzVl-CYCOoxpIMOmwaavD_jV4mmdy4mlK6JBAsnyR9kh3Zyp4IPUiWAQdxUbYR-/s1600/gold+spandex.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459443242704617154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZbHDxAl3_C15vRoE6KUqDYgv7kj6zmf6rKqPxjFt_kDKWDrFMyZfMH3_NTdDmxO-yLi0DXqZYOONpkzVl-CYCOoxpIMOmwaavD_jV4mmdy4mlK6JBAsnyR9kh3Zyp4IPUiWAQdxUbYR-/s200/gold+spandex.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br />Trendy or tasteless – who is the judge? Here lies the problem. What looks good is subjective and style is relative. Someone may find the trend of jeans at a semiformal event tacky – yet current trend dictates nice jeans paired with a flowing blouse, statement jewelry and high heels dressy. </span><span style="color:#330033;"><br /><br />Personal style does not have an age limit. Fashion allows people to express themselves - bohemian, preppy, retro, sporty, Jersey, city girl, cow girl, school marm... The possibilities are endless.<br /><br />If you care to take the time and don’t take yourself too seriously….the real question is when are you going to stop being stylish? </span></span>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-67370272558950400802010-03-19T15:14:00.031-05:002010-04-12T21:30:08.970-05:00Bloomin' Crazy<div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000099;">In the Midwest if you look around signs of spring are everywhere. The sun is shining, it’s alm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46XPMhFoctlw4xdyE-eON_J49Vk0lIrKs-qEY2kl4QoB0qQvOiPyJ5L_lV4gbhAEDYFTo3rCozGnnFcmbz1ycXc7rONMOWgxWh0fshD0qhhZ_fdQFvpcwmY5Dk2ygmeYfGeiTWxrytPc7/s1600-h/KSrosette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450451336470895234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46XPMhFoctlw4xdyE-eON_J49Vk0lIrKs-qEY2kl4QoB0qQvOiPyJ5L_lV4gbhAEDYFTo3rCozGnnFcmbz1ycXc7rONMOWgxWh0fshD0qhhZ_fdQFvpcwmY5Dk2ygmeYfGeiTWxrytPc7/s200/KSrosette.jpg" border="0" /></a>ost 70 degrees, days are getting longer and the birds are chirping. Melted snow reveals mud, brown grass and residual dog do irresponsible citizens left behind. I dream of tulips, crocus and daffodils. I make a run to the fresh market’s floral department and grab a bouquet of hot pink tulips. I need to brighten my world and erase the mucky canvas from my mind.<br /><br />Standing at the check out line I eye the latest issue of In Style magazine on the news stand. The word <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">"color"</span></strong> pops out at me alongside Gwen Stefani’s fabulous royal blue garb – anything but drab. I grab a copy and throw it on the conveyer belt.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nvbtKqLcWd-7F6hKTY2TLMdOL1I8OkBN9kDsy01uN3ZgOTq83xBAnYeYiskJodOwapKPe43bhTm-srohH9RzsyGKFvT99gpi3VTB37ZgNjk2QERsj9wcEocUdgRxX1MeYZVRCYt0R7p6/s1600-h/Madison-Floral-Audrey+-+Coach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450447840377761922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nvbtKqLcWd-7F6hKTY2TLMdOL1I8OkBN9kDsy01uN3ZgOTq83xBAnYeYiskJodOwapKPe43bhTm-srohH9RzsyGKFvT99gpi3VTB37ZgNjk2QERsj9wcEocUdgRxX1MeYZVRCYt0R7p6/s200/Madison-Floral-Audrey+-+Coach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Later in the afternoon I find some time before my spring fevered children arrive home from school to sit on my front porch and enjoy the sun. With a ginger ale in one hand and my In Style magazine in the other I’m ready to peruse the newest trends. If only my college anthropology teacher could see my study habits now.<br /><br />I open the magazine and after turning a few pages I am mentally clapping my hands. Spring 2010 is a good year to be a girly girl. Splashed throughout the fashion bible are clothes and accessories in brilliant colors and flirty prints adorned with ruffles, bows and rosettes. How fun! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh8iP_VmlGP8dIFRUms0nKD0522rN6xl6CBgbLQgCJsyi-99mrrT5fiiZZDfwmw0-z9kgs-M815NRGsgVXQKKlwMZALscC4DgrkzA7SfuUhtqflW7QxMXb106TVPMTyEol9qMgtY0g7q_/s1600-h/SM+rossette.jpg"></a><br /><br />I go into the house, and return outside with my laptop. Technology is wonderful! I hit the Internet full speed. I love the Coach <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_feature_madison-10551-10051-5000000000000049554-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=5000000000000049554&tier=2">Madison Floral Audrey</a> b<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PS3f94EIO-Cxu0sP07uOuw1ZUq5AtkcJ10Gqv3I2i4yEtZrh4Ak9yZtgUxB3Q2Pvg88WaB6sgPARq4LCkctA7HqDvn1q_OPen5Kjl635hqTHSXhHNIYdg3gJZgPvyasdmoUtHQ8XEAOG/s1600-h/SM+rossette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450456865430588946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PS3f94EIO-Cxu0sP07uOuw1ZUq5AtkcJ10Gqv3I2i4yEtZrh4Ak9yZtgUxB3Q2Pvg88WaB6sgPARq4LCkctA7HqDvn1q_OPen5Kjl635hqTHSXhHNIYdg3gJZgPvyasdmoUtHQ8XEAOG/s200/SM+rossette.jpg" border="0" /></a>ag, Kate Spade’s Cross My Heart <a href="http://www.katespade.com/sm-cross-my-heart-rosette-sweater-tank--pi-3979464.html">Rosette Sweater Tank</a>, H&M’s Garden Collection dress (eco friendly, made from recycled fabric), and the piece de resistance Steve Madden’s Ven <a href="http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?productRef=SEARCH&category=&prodId=199812">Rosette Platform Wedge</a>.<br /><br />My 1990’s flower child devil is speaking to me on one shoulder whispering, "You need to shop, shop, shop!" M<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtOWlV5lunL7CwK6tcX0Q9EbZfs8WwfRAS3CMoANA31iWk8HMbJ6twBOH6qE2Tt0FPZX7HPHesxd-bpf2OIEkd1xpzda3ZvL1R_ZdP_P7dWTJTCBS95MeggTinpGVTqlBTkNErCaPqClR/s1600-h/HMfloral.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450448560509328946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtOWlV5lunL7CwK6tcX0Q9EbZfs8WwfRAS3CMoANA31iWk8HMbJ6twBOH6qE2Tt0FPZX7HPHesxd-bpf2OIEkd1xpzda3ZvL1R_ZdP_P7dWTJTCBS95MeggTinpGVTqlBTkNErCaPqClR/s200/HMfloral.jpg" border="0" /></a>y 2010 angel, with the face of <a href="http://www.suzeorman.com/">Suze Orman</a>, says clearly with nothing to hide – "You have spring fever. Wait." I grudgingly swipe 1990’s flower child devil from my shoulder and chalk up the strong urge to shop as temporary sun induced insanity. After all, being a Midwesterner, I should know better – the sun is teasing me today. Snow is in the forecast this weekend. I file away my spring wish list to the back of mind for another day…in May. </span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-92038259462371338482010-02-06T19:47:00.015-06:002010-04-12T21:59:00.877-05:00Beauty & the Beast<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435316303932426274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSCf0cu80Vv_ZB2B5yvkRPsofl1qSLjYD9H6WUiLN3bEmJjjwFZ0vlSUionNikxz2W_WRFOqQ8RuXbZGQvjbPSPK2esr5Q_9Wd2I9CjQZg0FYInxDd7KiniFtnKUK9n966JghT7v-k6Qt/s200/Courtney.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#990000;">Fifty is the new thirty & it’s looking like it these days. People are taking better care of themselves. Centenarians are popping up in the news as often as inside traders. Diets are better, exercise is in. </span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#990000;"><div><br />This brings to mind self preservation & maintenance – or as a gorgeous relative of mine has named it rejuvenation therapy. She is fifty & fabulous, but always mistaken for a much younger age. Followers of rejuvenation therapy include Courtney Cox, Madonna, Lisa Rinna, & Meg Ryan. Who knows, maybe even the 1st Lady? Gasp!<br /><br />Botox, Restylane, & Juvederm are popular chemical forms of rejuvenation therapy. Breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reductions, & tummy tucks are popular forms of surgical rejuvenation therapy. These procedures are common & not exorbitantly priced. The question is if they are so com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbU0wy3DVzloi8wXHEBFUYsIbhutMSYydIS4XiF0bVELlc5nZh1QzuuK3QE59_DmWIQi91PAAO48xWGNONs-KNdTw2l7Nr-m_Sz8vvP_JniJ_HoZGrTySX3HfHwU3mFqXmNG2YBauSryt/s1600-h/Courtney.jpg"></a>mon why are they still considered somewhat taboo?<br /><br />Let me paint a scenario. A group of women are gathered in a restaurant for a night out – each woman has a glass of her favorite poison.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4lXifMGcnaRJUNdgHyYoa3tfN0QXYErycJxo9LzZ4Y78V6i_AHP3QDfG6tRl7t0U7Naeg2X4dqRYR-JgUdKN5ggbZAOK8nAJLFLxRQDE8xRkbca4c6xvY-UEpTiRXf8WMP6_aTaXAlrq/s1600-h/madonna.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435316595109832770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4lXifMGcnaRJUNdgHyYoa3tfN0QXYErycJxo9LzZ4Y78V6i_AHP3QDfG6tRl7t0U7Naeg2X4dqRYR-JgUdKN5ggbZAOK8nAJLFLxRQDE8xRkbca4c6xvY-UEpTiRXf8WMP6_aTaXAlrq/s200/madonna.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />One woman begins: “Did you see Sara? She got a boob job.”<br /><br />“No!” Intakes of breath are heard.<br /><br />“I think she looks great. In fact I’m thinking of getting a tummy tuck,” Nancy bravely announces.<br /><br />“You are so pretty. Your husband adores you. If he thinks you’re sexy you don’t need to get that done.” “God made you the way you are.” “Everyone has extra skin from having babies. It’s a badge of honor.” “We’re all getting older. It’s natural.” “Come with me to my Absolute Abs class. Hans is fantastic.” Her friends all chime in. She is silenced & the topic changes. Anne is salivating over a $500 mirror from Ethan Allen.<br /><br />Whoa! What just happened? When did buying a pricey decoration over ride the support of a friend’s personal body choice?<br /><br />Nancy’s husband may think she’s incredibly desirable, but she doesn’t feel that way. God did make Nancy the way she is. He also created talented surgeons. As for extra skin being a badge of honor – it’s not one many want to wear. We are all getting older, and why not better? Yes – going to Absolute Abs is great for abdominal muscles but it’s not going to tighten stretched skin. Nancy isn’t harming anyone, why aren’t her friends raising their glasses and toasting her decision? </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmeqLzZ6esf51D-k3evq4CaKI_KYxgCY5J4iIclNe0SRiWRTSqDSIcVx5FsxWlAZYUCNw2HR-C-xl7IoZMdBMNA4GNxD8JqAb_cpD8n6IMFucq_C2MSE5h2GvIc1-ZW9UyABh_DzGAR1i/s1600-h/donatella.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435317034897370850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmeqLzZ6esf51D-k3evq4CaKI_KYxgCY5J4iIclNe0SRiWRTSqDSIcVx5FsxWlAZYUCNw2HR-C-xl7IoZMdBMNA4GNxD8JqAb_cpD8n6IMFucq_C2MSE5h2GvIc1-ZW9UyABh_DzGAR1i/s200/donatella.jpg" border="0" /></a>As I get ready for bed each night & apply preventative eye wrinkle cream I wonder how much longer it will work. I notice faint lines on my forehead and a few lines trying to etch themselves around my eyes. I entertain the idea of Botox & then shudder a little envisioning some crazy allergic reaction I’ll have to it. My vanity may win, and I might find myself in a cold dermatologist’s office with sweaty hands for a consult someday. If the time comes I want to hear a few comforting words, or even have a friend to sit with in the waiting room. Maybe we can laugh about the idea of me coming out looking like Donatella Versace? If you disapprove please do so quietly, and I won’t say anything about your ugly mirror.</span></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-22946879452271386512009-08-07T11:31:00.052-05:002009-08-07T17:09:56.358-05:00<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#330000;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#663366;">Ready to wear?</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouECAPxapHC2R4Yl0RuG2bfP8I7w9PmvKZuuN6_2ybCbrGB0P1by6xO1bW8vHUsiXue5wgCVKXNcg0WCjzjZ61XoEiyCpRYYL6WBSykDxPOVtfE3Fjj2AFaKzSewgifoKfm-mo9EoZx0T/s1600-h/orange.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367328898021513330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouECAPxapHC2R4Yl0RuG2bfP8I7w9PmvKZuuN6_2ybCbrGB0P1by6xO1bW8vHUsiXue5wgCVKXNcg0WCjzjZ61XoEiyCpRYYL6WBSykDxPOVtfE3Fjj2AFaKzSewgifoKfm-mo9EoZx0T/s200/orange.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#003300;"><span style="color:#000066;">There is no escaping, cooler weather will be here before we know it. The sun is vanishing earlier every day, making the days shorter. In the Midwest we can live in denial for at least a month longer – but the fashion industry is always ready.</span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq8T2Nq26DZrSBp6b_2KnME4hK_kP6yhD-MCpWGiirOG9o0sjcK_baYdjw6dt_BzIijUL11v5-Ps1wWktnAOiodaLqYxY46TOfp4pFRLrFpIv-QLtqJMeAI-K_vgxhTKIu00aV67fWg0Y/s1600-h/teal.jpg"></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;">On par Fall Fashion Week takes place every spr</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgmczjW23SJ-N2GyHsyyWGJY0H9xCR91VL3zYAhjhQSeoY6Os3A2_CiftOUZ5hYnDzkQ2DAh4j5faHaFjKcLOh-Hf6HNL-2uylkFm-WpzEZc72ie4OZCBH70qipuppnVfr3FAdGEp0DLx/s1600-h/teal.jpg"><span style="color:#000066;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367315674284883218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgmczjW23SJ-N2GyHsyyWGJY0H9xCR91VL3zYAhjhQSeoY6Os3A2_CiftOUZ5hYnDzkQ2DAh4j5faHaFjKcLOh-Hf6HNL-2uylkFm-WpzEZc72ie4OZCBH70qipuppnVfr3FAdGEp0DLx/s200/teal.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000066;">ing. Clothing, accessories and make up styles have been waiting months to appear in stores. It’s no shock mid July to see cool weather clothes magically replace the isles of swimwear and sundresses you need for that garden party or last summer beach vacation.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HeMX7kL35-D1TCiY-LvZNVlqAKZnr9vcX4LzJUOpZws1PVLSkxjkQB7w0EfAOdwLGWb6pvTl-W2tq-LVMiu7_6UD77T1gVX_o7h6X_q_VlZBehLksyO7OXBBelWw7OLkoNwZ-nhkwSW7/s1600-h/amethyst.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367328088579587602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HeMX7kL35-D1TCiY-LvZNVlqAKZnr9vcX4LzJUOpZws1PVLSkxjkQB7w0EfAOdwLGWb6pvTl-W2tq-LVMiu7_6UD77T1gVX_o7h6X_q_VlZBehLksyO7OXBBelWw7OLkoNwZ-nhkwSW7/s200/amethyst.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Fall/winter 2009-10 is shifting summer’s tropical colors to darker jewel tones. I for one am thrilled with the <span style="color:#336666;"><strong>blue green</strong></span>, <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>warm orange</strong></span> and <span style="color:#663366;"><strong>purple</strong></span> fashions.</span> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#000066;">Makeup and clothing once again seem to be taking on an 80’s nuance. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasty_(TV_series)"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Dynasty</span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyO4VDLuIMLWF1ELtiyCgM5ng_Io6f-fQ79FSae5P3VBabwVZDz5yJdz17-akjUEkOiWf_5b4o3O640b1gKbJ3g0zEKipBzYRY9om5oi0FDhqwGP0zRh9h6dVMzs6ZaVjKps8a-BnMhqi/s1600-h/80s.jpg"><span style="color:#000066;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367320378793687682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyO4VDLuIMLWF1ELtiyCgM5ng_Io6f-fQ79FSae5P3VBabwVZDz5yJdz17-akjUEkOiWf_5b4o3O640b1gKbJ3g0zEKipBzYRY9om5oi0FDhqwGP0zRh9h6dVMzs6ZaVjKps8a-BnMhqi/s200/80s.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000066;">inspired makeup application minus heavy foundation, black eyeliner, bright lips and winged eye shadow are some trends borrowed from the past we will be seeing. Fall’s nail polish color is magenta. The darker your skin the darker your polish should be.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000066;">Office wear is tailored with emphasis on strong shoulder designs. Poof sleeves and balloon skirts are here again – only wear one or the other. You don’t want to run the risk of looking like a crème puff. Fitted, military styled jackets were seen on the runways too. On the other end of the spectrum we have 1940's inspired attire.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEroBSMLxrkuG4vqHg1Sq7ir3EzizjA8nsBa9PpS5chiKvgs_qO9EWZVdSAk9rvFBWBMAl6EPUdXBhBX0-GiD3Rd2gSyU-F-sgBpRTzkp5XFRA2nsv5mH7PxxoMaF1io1AK0ByplyPo7m0/s1600-h/ripped.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367317324719886898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEroBSMLxrkuG4vqHg1Sq7ir3EzizjA8nsBa9PpS5chiKvgs_qO9EWZVdSAk9rvFBWBMAl6EPUdXBhBX0-GiD3Rd2gSyU-F-sgBpRTzkp5XFRA2nsv5mH7PxxoMaF1io1AK0ByplyPo7m0/s320/ripped.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000066;">Skinny jeans are still here – predominantly in dark washes. </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=breakfast+club"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Breakfast Club </span></a><span style="color:#000066;">babies – look out - distressed jeans are here again, actually a 90’s flashback. Hang onto scarves – they are surviving another season. Biker chic was also an influence on the runway. The cropped biker jacket is a must have topper. If you dare, experiment with plaids.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;">As for shoes – one of the biggest trends seen on the runway – was over the knee boots. Pretty Woman I am not – but I won’t knock your fashion choice. They look fantastic on the models and Rihanna. Stilettos, heels, platforms, and flats alike can be found studded, jeweled, animal printed, and exotic skinned. Pair new foot candy with textured and/or colored tights and look fashionable while battling cold winter temperatures.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Ornate cuff bracelets, elaborate belts and multi-strand statement necklaces are jewelry trends to be seen this fall/winter. </span></span><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chains are revisiting us adorned on purses and their straps. Purses will also be found in rich colors and textured skins. </span><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dfoma3WoL_v7SyAt5DiM7rriz6sYvWjH4Gb5iU5k8mA5o7yEEU-h80NT6dnw8af6pQ3rRgXBq611U_iATdBgskf1A82gwxJ29EdbbShqr7MFIzUEZ_McEmzVAJHaIF8g8RwdaNIsrYFN/s1600-h/chainbag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367315370917692274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dfoma3WoL_v7SyAt5DiM7rriz6sYvWjH4Gb5iU5k8mA5o7yEEU-h80NT6dnw8af6pQ3rRgXBq611U_iATdBgskf1A82gwxJ29EdbbShqr7MFIzUEZ_McEmzVAJHaIF8g8RwdaNIsrYFN/s200/chainbag.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367315918300681730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTXjiI-vUq35mg-2TwaiTunEbzOFAQC4hYEmQH-7XV6ExeIK0Xi0Hwh7j84i-K12D8XAW-ieOhQiP2O94zvKiC8cco2IotECp3vNh4WwoUPwUgZ4f3ikrwsnikiwi5Ppl1FHPnEIc0UTj/s200/multineck.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#000066;">There is a reason not everything makes the transition from runway to everyday. Make this season’s trend choices according to your tastes, events, lifestyle, and comfort. You can still be stylish and yourself</span>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-37118889970396928462009-07-26T20:44:00.027-05:002009-07-26T22:00:22.525-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;">So</span><span style="font-size:180%;">mething Old Something New</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Eventually fashion trends come back in style, right? We hang onto those outmoded oldies. I have a fitted Shania Twain inspired shiny snakeskin print sleeveless mock turtleneck hanging in the back of my closet. I even have a pair of black jeans splashed with a rather large red and yellow flower print. Oh – and I can’t forget the black leather pants! I have no idea why I am holding onto these items. Actually the leather pants I paid too much for. I am keeping those on principle</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">. </span></span><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956475786096658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRs7K7sY9KG7pLduNxscCNafOjooPZ0o9397ri8v2MHr3JOF_Er_u5B_NBr6Vwk7O0tj-s6jzqbLcPf7TIHHX28cAlj2Dh_5Z1bV5dCCSQmyEuRHpHmU7lKJF-UYT2f3gf5aTTRU6DpRO/s320/CCtrouve.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">It makes more sense to keep jewelry. Jewelry takes up less space, and is easy to make fresh again with a “now” outfit. What about grandma’s hand me down costume jewelry, reminiscent of a time everyday women wore dresses, men wore suits, and ice cream was a nickel? What do we do with the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Bakelite</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> necklace with the broken clasp, or the rhinestone earrings without a match?</span><br /></span></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362954185375292274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs_Rtlf_-bVU2yQhmsV87G3nrAEkr0GBU5zD5xFg0y4XJ8INjc3dOpT9tL3hVmyzl7gEFETHGCulqVkCKz2jSVV8KqGmr7Znbk7UCrhJ6d4F3UqQzYbKXQ2jUiLoxJ4XQwe2a8qP0fsmQ/s320/CC1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Cece Vintage Trouve</em> takes old baubles and turns them into your newest treasure. Jewelry artist, Nicole Quigley, applies today’s go green mantra – reduce, reuse, recycle to her designs. Earrings are made into rings, typewriter keys into bracelets…Nicole’s creations are many. Custom orders are welcome – great for bridal shower gifts, wedding jewelry, or just for you.<br /></span></span></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362954177671163762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHZnxpxNdRr7DccbORPb-7LxDfQA3qNEB7LLomJMXyQfiJ8ciL5cVzeQ4hCtCb2PfRfI14HE-GlaJL_Npku9MR0GbNnYFJz2jTHeYrEnf68aQUmdLMdht1kPxiXoV9HdqtS-nyXU_GCnL/s320/CCcolor.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Contact Nicole at </span><a href="mailto:nmpquigley@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">nmpquigley@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"> for something worth keeping!</span><br /></span></span></span><br /><br /></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-37200303981024806842009-07-12T18:28:00.023-05:002009-07-14T15:54:47.718-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;color:#003300;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#003300;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#330000;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The Great Outdoors? Help!</span><br /></span></span><br /></span><span style="color:#003300;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Forever striving to earn the perfect wife and mother award, I say this tongue-in-cheek, I came up with the idea to plan a family trip once a month this summer. One month my husband will choose an activity, the next month I will choose an activity. These activities I thought would be somewhere along the lines of a day hike, the beach or a zoo trip. It is a lovely thought – in theory I’m finding out.<br /><br />My husband however – like he always does – takes things to a whole new level. His trip consists of being gone for days. My husband loves the outdoors – and so do I – from a certain distance with the right ensemble. I’m all for enjoying nature, hiking, crossing a stream, doing a little fishing, and watching wildlife I don’t normally see from the city limits I live in. However, at the end of the day I want to take a shower and crawl into a nice comfy bed. Is that so wrong?<br /></span><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#003300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358417458161511666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRmZBeR4iNau6Ps30RrTW_ucAZ4GbdhetSgXcidwPAJwPDJDXXLBeBRyLwaxmclxvdVLLu2U9SjmZQa88Y2ZPi6tI7x2hMS0iM88HsnNceIzJFjcZH2Y-iwTdTDBxVujobD-G5zQNOv8D/s320/WR.jpeg" border="0" /><br />The camping trips I have been on have always consisted of bugs, dirt, messy cooking, inconvenient cleaning centers, dirty toilets, and uncomfortable sleeping. What about the midnight call to use the bathroom – and then the 20 minute walk to get there - not to mention watching out for small bears and large cats? Ack! According to my husband this is all part of the “experience.” How can I not love this, even sporting the newest shade of </span><a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/makeup/lipcolor/labsolu-rouge.htm"><span style="color:#009900;">Lancome SPF 12 lipstick</span></a><span style="color:#003300;">?<br /><br />I am stubbornly acquiescing to this trip – mentally dragging my feet the whole way just to avoid “making this trip all about me.” I will not apologize for being a girl who doesn’t like to rough it that appreciates comfortable amenities.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358417234488493714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5eDI65Hl6A_MjOR-WX7fLxWUl7lgYZ8ppRJhRqV0PJ9-pad6kk2ChnUle0yfj2qAk6Jpw3ivXRNwNdgj96EOJy8rjIklkEH3GeJxm6xmQ1WTalATXhKkjdKBYbLN7Z5dX_ZlGIPpMZtb/s320/LHike.jpg" border="0" /> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#003300;">I will lace up my leopard Timberland hiking boots, sit in the car for a 12 hour drive to Mountain Home, Arkansas located near </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flippin,_Arkansas"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Flippin</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#003300;"> (no joke a town named Flippin, Arkansas) – where the average July temperature is 90 degrees with 90% humidity. I will pray this is the trip that changes my negative perspective on camping. Meditations of a beautiful riverside resort/spa will get me through..Om…<br /></span><p></p><p></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-81552418756184952262009-07-06T11:50:00.026-05:002009-07-08T22:57:27.250-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330033;">Goodbye to you - goodbye to my shoes...</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMUfaUFL_m_EtlGQ24kwfBgpfI-HO2I-YghiztaAjP7hv06ODLhRPbHozDE3974TUmBCqMs1ANmafM15nsOBu3q0cdIq4_mysGfRPr0IThdcsUM3B45fEpzaW-RdlHyu0oUqW2JasY-50/s1600-h/SH4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355411513205132658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMUfaUFL_m_EtlGQ24kwfBgpfI-HO2I-YghiztaAjP7hv06ODLhRPbHozDE3974TUmBCqMs1ANmafM15nsOBu3q0cdIq4_mysGfRPr0IThdcsUM3B45fEpzaW-RdlHyu0oUqW2JasY-50/s320/SH4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This morning I woke to see the sun streaming in through my closet window shining on my array of shoes. Let me rephrase that - the sun was beaming on my piles of shoes. I live in a 100 year old home and the closets have windows for natural light. Due to refurbishing, my closet door is missing - which I found I actually like. Walking by my closet and seeing pretty things peek out at me makes me happy. Hey - to each their own!<br /><br />Awakening to this obvious sign - clean your shoes out - I immediately set to work. When was the last time I did this, maybe a year ago? My husband always jokes about how many pairs of shoes I own. I can boil it down to a few reasons - deprivation to only 2 pairs growing up or maybe it's my Filipina roots (I could be related to Imelda Marcos).<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355411954015640770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqArYhOqerDXACvnHWr9YKhvengBlIC4lcFXgZjYPCvrhJDCmDXlmXqJlEcNFAnzJ-TDTPftXNotMF9u2B3TdiA92EvhKxCXX5BHHutPXKgAsEJRYAiBIvVTrd9wVcA1ve18zCUN5YHmvG/s200/SH3.JPG" border="0" /><br />I rifled through sandals, boots, flats, pumps and sorted: out of style, worn out, this will come back, classic, etc. I sadly held my favorite Franco Sarto ankle boots for the last time - one of the decorative buckles was broken. These were the hardest to part with.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75VCc0gzUy1LhDTHmEgyNW_zL5yu1iCeF7pnXNqIJip90LbPU1FEyjxmdlctVK1W8hU_A_BgGFfPYAGfwvdMV5O6bHkuE3QxH6K8w006yRzMZDTlPt7ee7xqUuxQKXhn6CX5ioBGHt9Y/s1600-h/SH1+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355411506364217890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75VCc0gzUy1LhDTHmEgyNW_zL5yu1iCeF7pnXNqIJip90LbPU1FEyjxmdlctVK1W8hU_A_BgGFfPYAGfwvdMV5O6bHkuE3QxH6K8w006yRzMZDTlPt7ee7xqUuxQKXhn6CX5ioBGHt9Y/s320/SH1+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>After all was said and done I discarded 9 pair of shoes. They will go to <a href="http://www.love-inc.net/"><span style="color:#993399;">Love, Inc</span></a>. Burlington, WI's community outreach center. I counted every pair of shoes in my closet - 55 pair. Not too bad. Compared to <a href="http://www.hbo.com/city/cast/character/carrie_bradshaw.shtml"><span style="color:#993399;">Carrie Bradshaw's</span> </a>100 pairs and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imelda_Marcos"><span style="color:#993399;">Imelda Marcos'</span> </a>1060 pairs my shoe collection is conservative.Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-87840877187536287222009-06-28T15:40:00.042-05:002009-07-06T13:40:05.312-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">Summer Surmising</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Remember the lazy days of summer? To me the memory seems forever ago. I’m sad to say I don’t know if they exist anymore? Dog days is more like it! </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">I have yet to sit down and enjoy the sun with a drink in my hand and a book on my lap. The pace I’m going is dizzying. I am running from one activity to another. When I'm not taxi driver I am trying to cram in work and everyday home responsibilities. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Spur of the moment, which is all I seem to have these days, I decided to make a summer pact with myself. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6600;">I will:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6600;">1. spend one day at some form of water, beach or pool, not stressing.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6600;">2. try a new summer drink.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6600;">3. read something wicked fun.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6600;">4. have a grown up, girls only, getaway weekend.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">5. of course splurge on a new summer outfit!</span><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">With a short list how can I not accomplish 90% of my goals? At least my toenails are painted. Pssstt….OPI Shootout at the OK Coral. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;">Take time out for yourself – enjoy a few idle summer days</span>. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">Goal #2 – Try a New Summer Drink</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Pineapple Upside Down Martini</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavTmcsBmCh2Sa9Q6DRlo4S9hlDuHuyGSeTxt4TzpBD3H4OoaU3WrKGNOdocwW6jaQ1IIzM82J8B3DYH9QEQ6N60_WWTTZaHKsnR44O3A1Q0f9Eal_TACuD7ck2pvMVpG7bgJDyp56mGsu/s1600-h/pinapple-martini.jpg"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352495559478263794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavTmcsBmCh2Sa9Q6DRlo4S9hlDuHuyGSeTxt4TzpBD3H4OoaU3WrKGNOdocwW6jaQ1IIzM82J8B3DYH9QEQ6N60_WWTTZaHKsnR44O3A1Q0f9Eal_TACuD7ck2pvMVpG7bgJDyp56mGsu/s200/pinapple-martini.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">2/3 cup pineapple juice, chilled</span><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">1/3 cup vanilla vodka<br />1 oz. white cranberry juice<br />1 dash grenadine syrup<br />Pineapple wedges<br />Maraschino cherries</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Pour juices, vodka and grenadine into a shaker full of ice. Shake, and pour into two fabulous martini glasses accessorized with <a href="http://www.purse-envy.com/item_37/Flip-Flop-Sandal-Wine-Charms.htm"><span style="color:#000099;">flip flop wine charms</span></a>. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple skewer. For an extra shot of sweetness rim your glass with cocktail sugar. Pomegranate or vanilla cocktail sugar goes well with this martini.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cheers!</span><br /></span><p></p><p></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-17071126516167519132009-05-26T22:28:00.012-05:002009-06-29T23:42:31.696-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkKVzDtzRC_gtM6PLjL49GjxyNDglctMjVCtTypiAYLL-sD-UgJmL_ksBlmu6fn5DDti59NjTOVBCaxKU-BMF-bRlWfYh_j4Nmpr28FEzGxLIp3gciPs85yHHaq35YHe-7Zqwk4f5Tuc3/s1600-h/choccitySign2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352597010853396066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkKVzDtzRC_gtM6PLjL49GjxyNDglctMjVCtTypiAYLL-sD-UgJmL_ksBlmu6fn5DDti59NjTOVBCaxKU-BMF-bRlWfYh_j4Nmpr28FEzGxLIp3gciPs85yHHaq35YHe-7Zqwk4f5Tuc3/s400/choccitySign2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330000;">Chocolate City USA</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Sleepy little Burlington, WI has a few claims to fame. One of them is the Nestle chocolate factory. At least once a week you can smell the scent of chocolate in the air - much like brownies. After a battle with Hershey, Pennsylvania Burlington, WI won the right to be called Chocolate City, USA.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">Every year to commemorate its title Burlington, WI hosts <a href="http://www.chocolatefest.com/"><span style="color:#993399;">Chocolate Fest</span> </a>- during Memorial Day week. Each year there is a different theme. The festivities include chocolate tasting, fair, parade, art shows, chocolate geocache, beauty pageant, concerts, chocolate carving contests, boat races, etc.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352594634390114802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN0dgoPXv270-LzrbcL1cfoo5GOu9RUQvTVKe-Zga_hAXuUMk1lIfyIa-6SO0TZWLm90WKM0Ewzg1q70bMfu2D-QGvg8h1TXfgZG-pa1vsA8UMnQLD2PvmQ5mup0B9BK9QrksGwopiTso/s400/CF2009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#330000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330000;">This year I was ecstatic to be asked to judge the second year of Project Yum-Way - similar to Project Runway. Instead of fabric the contestants had to design fashions with Nestle candy wrappers. It was soo fun - and I hope they ask me next year. We have some talent here!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352601088382597266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wNbqHdUb64V2RD_I2_5RXZO1M_Vpno38eL-Xfd_8h4OIuY1UIbrrY1HyojP0_PUoZIleKGdgBUB05KwoUnbWag-VcAsvovir4eCJu-ONqceMlBPL1SVzv1H8KQD2_iUo0ylrzAzRbs_F/s320/chocolatefest2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">I also helped serve Grounded Coffee Shop coffee in the Chocolate Experience tent for Chocolate Indulgence Wine & Chocolate tasting. Of course we wore <a href="http://www.purse-envy.com/category_16/Aprons.htm"><span style="color:#993399;">Creations by Willy</span> </a>aprons, "Can-can Couture" - my tribute to Paris. I also discovered <a href="http://www.cleverimports.com/Chocovine%20page.htm"><span style="color:#993399;">Europa Chocovine</span></a> chocolate wine and Cholive <a href="http://thecholive.com/shop.html"><span style="color:#993399;">Chruffles</span></a>. Delicious!</span> </p><br /><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352600472887572402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvZD2Pb-YNkn6rV7bMyryvorDyqSb8ODPnQf9E3TYLY9fL7tA3g-iUMgv-HR54bYktDmhgpRue0xgY_QhrwmrHpptxjX59uB5-fOYLFCQQU3-DJB2hUydimQ4ZYjGOXDUlrKQ-Lgy6un2/s400/CanGallery.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">If you are ever in this area of the Midwest during our Festival please stop and smell the chocolate.</span> </p><br /><p></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-25650899183343780712009-04-19T17:00:00.024-05:002009-06-28T18:07:12.522-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdE5ZundpaJtBDYBwuyVpO7FgFw411gBik2JaDGx6dUPDXCXgppBcOr2vJ5-wI9QsGvJJ-Kw_Og67lOuA3RhSnZrbIK2JdCLE68814rrVMwAEQeKSdV_tWisMfCjt3liRFB7L0oJPfGZo/s1600-h/twinkle+lights.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdE5ZundpaJtBDYBwuyVpO7FgFw411gBik2JaDGx6dUPDXCXgppBcOr2vJ5-wI9QsGvJJ-Kw_Og67lOuA3RhSnZrbIK2JdCLE68814rrVMwAEQeKSdV_tWisMfCjt3liRFB7L0oJPfGZo/s1600-h/twinkle+lights.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352515469974753586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdE5ZundpaJtBDYBwuyVpO7FgFw411gBik2JaDGx6dUPDXCXgppBcOr2vJ5-wI9QsGvJJ-Kw_Og67lOuA3RhSnZrbIK2JdCLE68814rrVMwAEQeKSdV_tWisMfCjt3liRFB7L0oJPfGZo/s200/twinkle+lights.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330033;">Vive la France!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Springtime in Paris - it is all that they say. I went on a whirlwind 9 day vacation - my first visit to France.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352511587070651858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttfh5owuKLruG3RhcbTTnEma7LnjZSPkO2am1-l_80jpbfDUhz-ibbbn43ZYO1iOX7UvFus2Uhgqh-7SPYia7jFoXHiRRh9o2e6pJjg8JseUspm8Dw02-3E9cQ9ZOuZF646cBiSH1y3g5/s200/hands.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I was lucky enough to stay in beautiful Versailles at the Trianon Palace. I commuted 30 minutes to Paris whenever I pleased, which I did often.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352511578976911826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGw2IdzCTAoABix2h33OebT3PkYbpMAdyUuA06xvLa3ncxYrD8NiBqO49pTVGLuG2tQePGi4nHzcaEDqOu7sHt17jRXzEeytNWFFqHpqjBycriuk3YbQxtUiz2tRyI2DyWFYW3uLi8a-p/s200/trianon.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Paris the city of light - also of fashion, food, fun, history and romance. Ooh la, la!</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352515638631274802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURuZP63GfuaLAf2q0fORaY5dr6SdPf3bdBF-EPyp-4HqRGT8ZAhZM5nsy8VMfSHxYtkVjU_l2Cqy9wqfY4zEBKa4JcV76UQ7uhDYBQoW1mC0QFHuOhhNSjgDL6eOloshr8xQyYnaucRAX/s200/chanel.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Everyone, especially women of the "girly girl" variety, should go at least once in their lifetime. </span><span style="color:#000099;">I loved hearing "bon jou</span><span style="color:#000099;">r mademoiselle", "bon soir." </span><span style="color:#000099;">As Fancy Nancy would say everything sounds fancier in French. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Je retournerai - I will be back!</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span></p><p> </p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-230204032183425152009-03-21T20:29:00.085-05:002009-03-21T22:32:02.437-05:00<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#660000;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#660000;">Summer shoe shopping share</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Four is the new three…</span> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Being a petite gal of 5’2 I am no stranger to heels. Forever waiting for my growth spurt to occur – I always need a little help to be average height. I love shoes, not only for their uplifting ways but because of the many choices they come in. Variety is the spice of life after all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Last week I forayed several stores shoe racks. I was surprised to see that indeed the new 3 inch heel was 4 inches. I read about this phenomenon – but to actually see it – to actually try it on was another story. The highest heels I’ve worn, quite comfortably, are 3.5 inch heels. Most days I wear a 3 inch heel.</span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315843644858611394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1ILdLj1a9a-8vDbzfV1MC8_y02DxtW0oOEwi65pd9E_LqOxJWO0L8vappsJdJtqdLJSAUt_anpfJNH1xFu5bwtlKl9171MjVxHCSX0cUO1ghjc_Ag3bwi99cCUXDcwXoRLk0z3NCl2Ij/s200/Report+Barrett.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Scanning the shelves I chose a cute</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9w3bvwsea4FsijITQBTB39HxqrsthsX7TKmYjKxYl7hTmrm7zfmi5vpA_XSpVAhdBhm7GxQXONDOkrTpC1fxnyYxL4Oz6CqZWVqEuzzrtw5nB9HTlAFBKzSccITkn3K2fsbtxDySAjzw/s1600-h/Christin+Michaels+Sara.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> pair of t-strap heels in patent green – the heel was thin and I felt wobbly in them. Next I tried a similar pair in red with a more substantial heel – the difference was night and day. I had my stability back. I did a mirror check – very cute but there was so much more to see. Why limit myself?</span></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315835780378225330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzxbmDXwDDF_b9GPdTSpgqlf5yMrAunLe6EegoArOIgCG6zNZSLO0Ct_VvG-JKfHY62zb_Rw0EzK_8rG2PLcxUy7y8RLbzop5QmPK6ueuSGH7PTmcL8-tsU5SVdU4GlKNgQit58Fp_hEC/s200/Christin+Michaels+Sara.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;">2009 we go to battle...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the shoe trends seen on the spring runways was the gladiator style – strongly designed with Egyptian and Greek influences. I saw these in one store after another created with crocodile, snake, patent leather, pebbled leather, nylon, embellished with straps, studs, zippers, fringe, flowers, and jewels. The colors they came in were numerous - nude, black, bronze, yellow, green, orange, and fuchsia. Every style heel was plastered on these goddess or slave like shoes – whichever mood strikes you. </span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315834958083754690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlfWSM-yhP3yfbg1SUUv7u1_H1xbRXIfiZRg8HI6s6VVT1EjKlmbEHlYy8t4RQpzm5bzf1uXVxRs7hYAR4hPJnKos44sfs_7IrBTtiOjmEU1EZ5qSQ2hVrMhjvhT-yCBJjwPIjWQi-Clq/s200/enzo+angiolini+Tells.jpg" border="0" /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I grabbed a pair of basic black – but not so basic gladiator platform sandals by Nine West. I slipped them on. The hallelujah choir sounded and I felt transformed into Xena Warrior Princess. I towered over my sister – and could almost look my 5’9 daughter in the eye. With these shoes I could conquer the economic slump – especially for the price, under $100. Maybe</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> this is what the designers had in mind? The shoe to make us stronger – ready to battle recession!</span> </span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315836233555308450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubZHU6RymhdDViCkCkQN36aktJA-lMzTU1w73Z8v8HeCn5c3VgUpRzMDGZFuxnMsjw-WanAslclO9GOpMb6TAkwCovQE6kw3C80ClkgomXEriQc0gzPZVGZN5KV1hPik-GVP_uN8qULc_/s200/nine+west+balboa.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-71225329402489537652009-03-12T11:59:00.017-05:002009-06-29T00:30:36.535-05:00<span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Hostess in a hurry!</span><br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">It’s 4:30 in the afternoon on a weekday. I am relieved the day is over, and look at the disarray my home is. Nothing is on the calendar. It will be nice to have a low key dinner and play some games with the children afterwards. The cleaning can wait.<br /><br />My husband’s James Bond ring tone sounds from my cell phone in my purse. I frantically dig and find it buried at the very bottom. He quickly lets me know he is bringing a co-worker home. Ack! My dreams of a relaxing night have flown out the window in a 3 minute conversation.<br /><br />Okay – breathe – "Om." Pick up, vacuum, clean the downstairs bathroom, and make a quick appetizer. With only 2 hours to spare I put on my mental Wonder Woman costume and get to work. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">An hour and a half later the only thing left to tackle is my no fail appetizer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313461198487442546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRMmOv88THXZG5bHKor0lZOkG78iMDAMZOspvHnxFKHbEaJkC0kyJvM2LGUtokVzo63AZ__j1fv8hyz7T0nUsZuNixpxjbj97Uf1PH3HSEmptuacT1k_olMKVZXUJ8GQaUo0uhxBkrRi-/s320/HHurry.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Bree’s Bruschetta</span></strong><br /><br />Put on your apron & preheat oven to 350.<br /><br />1 loaf French bread sliced 1 inch thick<br />1 10 oz jar Classico Traditional Basil Pesto<br />4 Roma or 2 regular tomatoes diced<br />1 8oz Mozzarella cheese grated<br /><br />Place sliced bread on a cookie sheet. Spread 1 tablespoon pesto on each slice. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella and top with diced tomatoes. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden on the edges. Wallah! </span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313462104133143698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYmDozf2ddHcxLMMJ7-5VkiOx0GEaYXvT_hxp5qFju9ymRB9cRkr8JGj5g7lhNIgezIU3roEh2SHvljHPwEXpZT8J79tmi1k_DE0rgt7ZgJgXeWDGy0jSYy-L5C6-XWyCoSJZuj7IGxH5/s320/hostess+in+a+hurry.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;">For all you Desperate Housewives fans the Bree I’m referring to in my recipe's name is Bree Van de Kamp of Wisteria Lane. Only looking like it has been made by Bree – someone as domestically challenged in the kitchen as Susan Mayer can make this. Serve with a nice red wine, of course adorning your glasses with <a href="http://www.purse-envy.com/item_36/Jewel-Wine-Charms.htm"><span style="color:#cc0000;">wine charms</span> </a>and </span><span style="font-family:arial;">you are ready – no super powers needed!</span></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-73042491740247841082009-03-03T10:18:00.012-06:002009-03-21T22:15:06.960-05:00<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#663366;"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#000066;"><strong></strong></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#663366;"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#000066;"><strong>Getting the Max</strong></span><br /></span></span><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#993399;">Now that I am older...let me rephrase that – now that I am savvy I want more. Yes – I want more for my money, more for my time, more for my efforts. This applies to my wardrobe these days as well. The economy, for one, is cramping my style. Forever a clothes horse I am ashamed to say I have tossed 3 month trends out the door with only a nanosecond of thought. I justify this by reminding myself most of them were sale items.<br /><br />Spring is peeking around the corner and my closet is calling for new additions. I am forced to think what key pieces I will narrow my shopping down to. Fifteen years ago I wouldn’t have given a second thought to paying big bucks for a teeny bikini or micro mini. For that matter, I wouldn’t have given a thought to limiting my shopping. Today give me the maxi – the maxi dress that is. </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#993399;"></span><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308999594600388402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwfCGSn34GHB1JjjybBPpPmEk_4aoWPjEmNxI86Su3hxlqRrMioNmmhKRuBdcgUNPnXGYvagURVKNoKreyOdg8WUD5zPMGFM6czdeUB1H3FxNzeAC_G_iHq4Q6WKoyDihxyVt3NYmCDFj/s320/black+maxi.jpg" border="0" /><br />It’s perfect. The maxi dress can be dressed down with sandals for day. For evening pair a maxi dress with strappy heels and key jewelry pieces for effortless elegance. Maximum coverage – I love those two words. No dieting is involved, pesky veins can be hidden, and the maxi comes in so many styles. You actually will pay for the amount of fabric you get – not the amount of fabric that isn’t there. Anyone can wear a maxi dress. The key is finding a style that suits your frame. Get the most for your summer and try a maxi dress on for size. </span>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-48430918555245004442009-02-25T21:17:00.024-06:002009-06-29T00:32:57.135-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;">Are you a nice girl?</span><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><span style="color:#003333;">It can be a problem. There are times in my life I have daydreamed about being the girl who can’t hold her tongue. I wish this on days a friend was catty, a boss was snippy or my mother in law spouted one too many opinions.<br /></span><span style="color:#003333;"><br />Tuesday I had friends of mine over for a luncheon (so Fancy Nancy of me). We were expounding on our children – good and not so good things. lol One of my friends pulled a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to me: </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306943967361873218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCOe0mkycC-UazKN4FXSCyxTR81R8p2cXEb9b8ktIlm26SyBmB1ef4fikDBIsc7ksIiirlTCyM4xoxGiU5U_sY-ntEo4SE7_LG_8ON3EGNW9SoxDCoxTbPA8IzHM_0uOfqDiP_WbUyCF2/s200/DB+002.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#003333;">I had to laugh. It was the perfect sentiment – but so wrong. It was a pa</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUhLF4FqTk8AKlAFkFSZUhgfBKAuNphX608IefDTXF3FrypXTU7NTkZ8-5bmVSbjbH_4u6KBq91GllFJvD804SLdQcX4PDZIu-9T5WDBdE8-f7KHoHHctcfqnZ_zuVMxb0sGJC_wq5UPx/s1600-h/daily+bitch+calendar+large.jpg"></a><span style="color:#003333;">ge from a daily boxed calendar. What a fun gift for the girlfriends. I wanted one!! She leaned over and whispered “I keep it in my closet so the kids can’t read them.”<br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306944347851151602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn7U-22KIJw6BJNnE7qh8NPW_34HP_qLIBEE3Xw1i4RE73biV7KoS1a-NQkJlbqoCC4dkOIPmYU128wp0YbfHGwLXXCG9eC_TGNI2CCDhzIbzKUeDXttHdxRZHfbcsI2zfI2vaMWWvpZk/s320/daily+bitch+calendar+large.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="color:#003333;">It may not be a politically correct calendar but it is a riot. There are things you may only imagine saying or things to file away for that Scarlett O’Hara moment. Display it where you wish – or where you can. Forget Emily Post, The Daily Bitch may become one of your bes</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg90IWttH0icpkS-qqdfcp_TV8EbUmfkaoeqR_8_ipKIBCpeJ32kE53EEmzAwAZjdlgPzgXDV9PG_35kYabLQw2NFaktlJO1FU7JO5r6U6Vv-dQIKbA2shMQ58rgH64hvqnrqOm9IK-muA/s1600-h/daily+bitch+inside.jpg"></a><span style="color:#003333;">t learning tools yet!</span></div></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-25968277952160343112009-02-24T09:50:00.024-06:002009-06-29T00:32:23.789-05:00<span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">The only thing hotter than you in the kitchen is </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">the oven!! </span><br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Over the past few days I have engaged in a Facebook conversation revolving around how 1950's a woman is if she is cooking dinner for her tired, hungry husband, on his way home from work, in her high heels with an apron on.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306399056916976946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DtBIZs8wOPRyjjqwEMMbuoQ50T_fkQYkOXLVjwJmVGIzHkoTBnHgKGdnF6AnbGpW_6n_Y42cwueusfD5l-EL0BXyHAgC95fOTx0Wqk4skrp3XYjpRAgM_VOpw_B5tDr8X0qhanUfKfzp/s320/Apron+%26+House+pics+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Well - why the heck not? First of all - if you look great you will be motivated to cook meals just for the fun of it. Second of all - cooking with a fabulous apron and the perfect shoes make the task feel effortless. Lastly - but definitely not the least - your husband will think it is the best dinner he's ever eaten - as you sashay past in your apron and heels looking over your shoulder with a wink.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306392472685631154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvtppBeZjviC8z7uQYKnOQdI-KjpTs5POYIf7oL-T6IKdmUbZZUNYkrrnpH-cn5LJs4Dk-moLn8tkB00SpKRC9pyvf1p0W4AfUyc-ayfnBWnZFJKVvpchwvoJ-MM4LUPEzvprSg4Pa86S/s320/Apron+%26+House+pics+016.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">So - recreate the glamour of the 1950's without the stereotypical machismo, cigarettes, and "How to be a Good Housewife" chapter in the home economics textbook (yes it did exist!). Cook up your own role - in and out of the kitchen;)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Order this apron: </span><a href="http://www.purse-envy.com/item_99/Biker-Betties-Apron-Mini.htm"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Biker Betties</span></a>.<span style="color:#000000;"> Have fun cooking!!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#000000;">Thank you Bridget:)</span></p>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814811747816040898.post-6870637349634893072009-02-23T12:57:00.022-06:002009-06-29T00:32:38.681-05:00<span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Where, oh where is the sunshine???</span></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><div><div><div><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#996633;">If you live in the Midwest - a land of seemingly endless winter you know what I am talking about. The first sprinkle of snow after Thanksgiving promises the white Christmas we so anticipate. However, after 4 months of gray skies - the winter wonderland loses it's luster. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#663300;">This Midwest girl's answer to staving off the winter blues is buying herself some happiness in a bottle. No - I'm not talking about 10 Cane Rum. I'm talking about adding a little bit of sunshine to my bountiful collection of nail polish. </span></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306181028442361058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixix8tuRY0O4Q99GHhKvqv3zDUkbDAmHJOoGBKaE8cRVdJschTWcN5T_W7SBEvAwpCi-HF02FtlJmPvJ9bCVuKgqP7zZRBaSW5Ii9N3HOGp_HJdGargvmsV4zeNkOGsv80IJToeOvpSIZI/s320/conga+nails.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">The color of choice is <span style="color:#ff6600;">OPI Conga-Line Coral</span> from OPI's Spring 2009 South Beach line. According to In-Style Magazine coral is one of the <span style="color:#ff0000;">hot</span> co</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xn_WftT-Xw_I8Jotud5Yym76VTOQJTIJjOFGqWNwZ9UUS0wykzOmMHZUE3GZy74YCFc1i_m9pt12x3VnOOMk7THxvUCTbNYLDK5trBDC73xpr0_MVLk_E-hRNcznx_J4IG6XdxcAi7tc/s1600-h/conga.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">lors to</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#996633;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#996633;"> watch for this summer</span>. </span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#996633;">When I look down at the splash of color on my nails - it gets me through the day knowing summer is coming, and so is the sun, sun, sun!!</span></span></p></div></div></div>Freda Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07040913704886075308noreply@blogger.com1