My recommendation for your health

My friend, Timbri, has 5 daughters. I stopped by to visit with all of them for a few minutes this afternoon. Three out of the 5 kids were sick as was one of the kids she was babysitting. It seems like they are ALWAYS sick.

So my recommendation is this - OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT. Olive leaf extract is an herbal antibiotic. I personally prefer the liquid versus the capsules. The liquid seems to be more effective. You should be able to stop at just about any health food store to find it.

I have used olive leaf extract for many years. I have found that during cold & flu season, it cuts the duration of my illnesses from the normal 10 days to about 4 days.

One word of caution . . . Make sure to use a reputable health food store with knowledgeable staff. The adult dose for the one that I use is 20 drops. You will want to consult with the staff about using it in children.

The Audrey t-shirt

I frequently go to the Audrey Hepburn website (www.audreyhepburn.com). There is a "store" on the website where you can buy various items and all the proceeds go to her charity.

This Audrey t-shirt is one of the items that I have purchased. Every time I wear it (no, this isn't me in the pic), most everyone immediately recognizes her eyes.

So I was just wondering - why did Stevie Nicks go with "Bette Davis eyes" instead of "Audrey Hepburn eyes"?

My friend's hair

I have a girlfriend, whom I will refer to as Thumbellina. Thumbellina has really thick, long hair. She recently went to a dark chocolate color, which looks totally hot on her.

I was looking at a magazine, when I ran across a picture of Salma Hayek. All I could think was how hot Salma's hair would look on Thumbellina. It's time for an update, Girlfriend!

Another Patricia Field outfit

I absolutely fell in love with these items when I saw them. The skirt is so much fun and is very feminine. I love the shoes because they give the skirt a little bit of an edge. (Yes, the heels are actually a pair of brass knuckles - what an interesting detail for a shoe!)

If I were going to wear these, I would pair them with a standard white button-down, some black patterned tights and a onyx and silver chunky necklace. If I wanted to be a little fancier, I would replace the white button-down with a silky black button-down blouse, replace the patterned tights with sheer black hose and carry a small brightly-colored clutch.

If I were going to put these on Lady Gaga, I would pair them with a white lace long-sleeved turtleneck, white lace gloves, white lace tights and a white wide-rimmed Kentucky Derby-style hat.

If I were going to put these on Diane Keaton, I would pair them with a standard white button-down (buttoned all the way to the neck), an onyx and silver brooch with chain details at the neck, white opaque tights with black polka-dots and a pair of white gloves with a black bow at the wrist.

If I were going to put these on Sarah Jessica Parker, I would pair them with a simple white tanktop, black leather fingerless half-gloves and I would pile on the pearl necklaces - all different lengths but all white.

If I were going to put these on Rihanna, I would pair them with a black corset and a black jet beaded bib necklace that covered her neck and cascaded onto the upper chest. Bare legs, of course.

But if I were going to put these on a young lady for the prom, I would pair them with a simple white crew-neck t-shirt with cap sleeves, white lacy tights (but not too lacy), a big pearl necklace or choker with sparkly details, a faux-fur 3/4 sleeve bolero jacket probably in black or leopard print and a pair of hot pink or red or purple opera length gloves. I would probably also include a pearl bracelet that matches the necklace or choker over the gloves.

These items are so versatile, yet still fun, at any age!

I covet this bag

I want this Audreybag so bad. Unfortunately, it is way out of my budget. It goes for $725. I know the money goes to a good cause but who has that kind of money, even for charity?!



There are several other designs and images offered for the Audreybag. This just happened to be my favorite out of all of them.

But there are some options that they need to consider adding. First, pink trim should be one of the color options. In most of her movies, you notice that she wore alot of black, white and pink.

The second set of options that need to be available is different images from some of her more famous movies. For instance, just about any image from "Breakfast at Tiffany's", images from the dance sequence from "Funny Face" or even Audrey in her white hat & sunglasses from "How to Steal a Million".

The last set of options that I would add would be rhinestone or pearl trim. Since (in my opinion) her most famous movie is "Breakfast at Tiffany's", jewelry-related trim should be available. The pearl trim should be an option because she felt, in the movie, that diamonds would be too tacky on her.

If Sean Ferrer is actually reading this, feel free to use my ideas!

Another pair

Just wanted to throw out another picture of some of the crazy yet fabulous shoes from the Patricia Field website. I looked at these and all I could think about is how I would never be able to wear them anywhere because I'd be too afraid of losing some of the beads and things.

These shoes would NOT be safe to wear around small children - that's for sure! Two words - CHOKING HAZARD.

I am in soooooooo much trouble ! ! !

I have just returned from the Grand Opening of a new little vintage boutique called Hodge Podge and I am in soooooooo much trouble. I walked out of there, having only spent $40. on 3 items but I had alot more than that in my arms before I put some things back. I purchased an 18kt white gold diamond & ruby cocktail ring for $5, a pair of red patent flats w/buckles for $15 and a gorgeous pink & red flowered ruffly blouse for $20. They will be featured on my blog at a later date.

One thing that I love about vintage shopping is that everything you buy is going to be unique. I love items that express one's individuality.

Another thing that I love about vintage shopping is that alot of the items you buy are sized for "real" women instead of stick figures. Just an interesting little aside . . . Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14 and she was considered to be one of the sexiest, most desireable women who ever lived.

One more thing that I love about vintage shopping is the prices. Vintage clothing is usually very good quality (the items were made when things were made to last) and reasonably priced.

When you are going vintage shopping, make sure that you allow yourself enough time to check the items over thoroughly and to be patient on your hunt.

Shoes with mirrors

Did anyone else out there go to school with idiotic boys who would buy small mirrors and attach them to the toes of their shoes so that they could look up the girls' skirts? Anyone? No? Just me? Okay, then. Moving on . . .

These shoes are from the Patricia Field website. I just couldn't resist including them on my blog. They reminded me of those idiotic boys at school.

On the upside, they would come in rather handy when you needed a small mirror to reapply your lipstick/gloss after dinner. On the downside, where would you take them for repairs - a glass shop???

I would have to say that I would only wear these shoes with some sort of pant or legging. I wouldn't want to do any idiotic boys any favors!

If I could pick a stylist, it would be . . .

PATRICIA FIELD ! ! !
(Patricia Field is on the right in this picture, obviously)

Patricia Field is the costume designer for such movies as "Sex & the City", "Sex & the City 2", "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic". She is also the costume designer for such television shows as "Ugly Betty" and "Sex & the City" (the series).

When it comes to movies and television shows that have amazing style, all of the above are at the top of my list.

But Patricia Field also has her own designs. I just went to her website and checked it out. Some of her designs are way over the top but some things just have that extra something. (I LOVE clothing and accessories that have some sort of special detail that make them unique.)


This is just a little something that I threw together for my other older sister, La Hairdresser, from the Patricia Field website. I think she would look so amazing in this outfit.

The black diamond earrings elongate the neck. The one-shoulder jumpsuit is modern yet still sexy and sophisticated. The hot pink glittery pumps add just a pop of color. I think this would be a great date outfit for a smoky, sexy jazz club.

Stay tuned for other outfits that I have come up with, using Patricia Field designs!

Veteran's Day

Please take a moment to pray for those who are serving our country in the Armed Forces as well as those who have lost their lives while serving. Whether or not you believe in the fight, you have to believe in the men and women who put on that uniform every, single day so that you and your family members don't have to.

These shoes are incredible!

Aren't these shoes incredible?!?!?! I just love the boldness of them. I believe they belong to Leighton Meister from "Gossip Girl". I could be wrong. But I love them, regardless of who is wearing them.

I would wear them with a 40's-inspired tweed suit, maybe in gray or black. Or perhaps a dove grey short suit. Or a purple jersey wrap dress. And, of course, with jeans.

I actually have a pair that are shaped like these, but they're solid black patent. I got mine at Target. They're by Isaac Mizrahi for Target. I purchased them several years ago but I still wear them all the time. Believe it or not, they're not all that uncomfortable and they can go with almost anything.

Just imagine the possibilities!

This would look amazing on my sister too!

As I was browsing online a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across the top 10 haircuts of the decade (or something like that). Gwyneth Paltrow was on that list. Gwyneth's hair looks so healthy and full. This hair looks amazing on her and would look amazing on my sister, Wonder Woman.

Cheap update for your shoes

I wear these shoes alot. They're comfortable. They go with just about anything. And they recently got a cheap update.

I purchased the shoes several months ago at K-Mart on clearance for $5.00. A month or two ago, I was browsing through Target and stumbled across these shoe clips. The price? $4.00! The shoe clips are made from black and silver zippers so even though it's a flower, it's still edgy. You can buy several pairs of different shoe clips and take them on trips with you to change up your look. I also stumbled across a really fancy beaded pair that I've had for years that I can use to dress up these same shoes. Talk about packing light!

I found it!

I previously blogged about how much I loved Demi Moore's taupe nail polish. I was seeing the taupe nail trend in magazines and online. I absolutely fell in love with the color. I'm not exactly sure what my attraction is but it is a great neutral shade because it seems to pick up the undertones of your clothing.

So I went to my local Wal-Mart to scour the shelves for a great taupe polish that would compliment my skin tone and not look chalky. I looked at different brands and compared them side by side before I made my selection. I have a winner ! ! !


"Taupe Drawer" Pure Ice Nail Polish by Bari Cosmetics, purchased at Wal-Mart, $2.00
It is affordable and easy to find. It's got slightly more purple than gray or beige so it looks great on cooler medium skin tones. It's not too dark or too light. It doesn't attract too much attention so it would be great for the office.

Everyone should have one really great neutral polish that will work for anything and I have found mine.

I think I need rehab!

There are indeed 87 bottles of nail polish in this picture. It includes 20 bottles of clear polish - base coats, top coats, strengtheners and a smudge corrector. It also includes 4 of those little Bon Bon polishes that you can get at Wal-Mart. I actually have a large make-up case just for my nail polishes. It does not include any makeup. The case weighs about 12 - 15 pounds and also contains nail implements, cuticle oil & remover as well as french manicure guides.

I may need therapy for my nail polish addiction before my collection becomes worth more than my house ! ! !

Hairstyle makeover

I just returned from helping one of my friends surprise one of her friends with a little makeover. This friend of a friend had been wearing a wig while her hair grew back and she finally had some regrowth but didn't know what to do with it. My friend thinks that I'm the short-hair expert so she called me in. It was the easiest hairstyle second only to my own.

Her wavy hair is approximately an inch and a half long. I had her wet it down and then just threw one squirt of Sleek and Shine anti-frizz serum from Garnier Fructis. I worked this in with my hands then combed it into a style. She looked so sophisticated. Unfortunately she wouldn't let us take any pictures.

When you have curly or wavy short hair, you don't really want to use alot of gel and other products on it. I normally only put a serum on my hair and let it air dry. Curly/wavy hair will do what it wants to do. It's the cut that determines how it looks.

This would look amazing on my sister!

Everyone knows that I love me a good makeover. So when I saw Kiera Knightley's new do, I fell in love. (Not with Ms. Knightley of course) It makes a gorgeous frame for her face. It makes her look so incredibly sophisticated and chic. It makes her neck appear to be a pisquillion miles long. Her hair looks so thick and healthy. I'm also just guessing that the new cut makes her appear to be about a foot taller and about 20 pounds thinner since shorter hair draws the eye up and in.

I have a sister, who I will call Wonder Woman (she amazes me), who would look absolutely fantastic in this hairdo. Except with Wonder Woman, I wouldn't take her hair quite this dark. I would take her hair to a dark, rich caramel-y brown with some lighter caramel highlights. Wonder Woman currently has looooooong blond hair.

So if anyone is considering a makeover, GO FOR IT ! ! ! ! ! It's only hair . . . it will grow back.

Great makeup

I absolutely love this makeup look. The contrast of the navy blue, smoky eye to the peachy blush and lips really makes the eyes stand out. This look would probably work better for a date or for evening but could also be lightened slightly to work for day.

I think that I would lighten the blush just a little bit and perhaps use a slightly lighter blue or a medium gray on the eye to make it appropriate for the office. The lips may be a little bit too glossy so I would switch to a less shiny lipgloss or a tinted lip balm. I also probably wouldn't line under my eyes.

If you lighten the look, you can always add to it to take it into the evening.

Edith Head was a genius!

Edith Head may not have looked like she had much fashion sense herself but that woman was a genius! I would have to say that she was the best costume designer to ever live. I watch alot of old movies. I love them. I adore them. I especially like to watch any old movies with Audrey Hepburn or Doris Day. I always watch the opening credits (they're always at the beginning instead of the end on old movies) to see if Edith Head did the costumes. If she did, they will always be guaranteed to be amazing!

Grand Canyon Skywalk report

I DID IT!!!!! The Hot Tamale and my Baby Bro actually got me to go out on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. I even have a pink camo t-shirt to prove it. We had our pictures taken while we were out on it. The whole experience was pretty scary for some reason.

But the big surprise was when Baby Bro treated me and the Hot Tamale to a helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon. That was totally awesome! I thought I'd have a really hard time with the heli ride but I actually didn't. Once we were off the ground, the helicopter pilot banked a hard right and I was hooked. I totally recommend it!

If I had to choose between the skywalk and the helicopter ride, I would totally choose the helicopter ride. It wasn't long but it was so worth it.