The Blonde Effect

I recently decided that I needed to be a blonde.  I call it my "one third-life crisis" hair.  One woman I know, said, that when she went blonde; she seemed more approachable to others. 

I was hesistant to believe that until today.  I am getting more genuinely, pleasant smiles, and hello's than ever.  So let me get this straight.  I have missed out on the effect of blonde all my life?!  I'm wringing my hands with delight in my new found powers. 

I will try to use these blonde powers for good and not evil.  But, who knows?

Who needs men, when you can have chocolate!

I love chocolate!  I don't care if it's cake, pie, ice cream, or lozenges.  I once found a little chocolate shop that had chocolate covered bacon!  All that delicious, artery clogging bacon, was enrobed in a dark, velvety chocolate.  It sounds weird.  It tastes amazing.  The salty smokiness of the bacon is a perfect foil for the slight bitterness of the dark chocolate. 

Now, darlings, when I say I love chocolate; I do not mean Hershey!  No offense intended, but when I need a chocolate rush; I go for the good stuff.  I love to go to Godiva and get a little ballotin of chocolates.  Godiva is so rich, I only need one, or two; which is great for my thighs!

Sometimes, I'll go get my favorite frozen treat in the world; frozen custard from Culvers.  If you go get something that is delicious, and sinfully decadent; you don't need alot.  Rule number #8782379: Don't settle, with men, or; with chocolate.  Love ya!

Whew - that was close!

On the way to a wedding reception, some family members, and a dear friend, were involved in a very serious car accident.  They are bumped, and bruised, but; they are all okay. 

Moments like these, help us to realign our thinking.  This is why, it is important to live beautifully.  Surround yourself with new experiences, old friends, new friends, and love.  I'm not talking about romantic love.  Romance may come or not.  I'm talking about having the courage to love yourself, in spite of your flaws, in spite of your past; in spite of everyone who says you don't deserve it. 

Remove the veil from your life, and be brave.  Tap into your courage and don't settle for an ordinary life.  That doesn't mean go bungee jumping, or cave diving.  It means having the courage to squeeze the juice out of life. 

Erma Bombeck said that if she had her life to live all over again, she would do a few things differently, she states: 

• "I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life. 
• When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
• There would have been more "I love you's and more I'm sorry's."
• But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it...and never give it back."

Darlings, don't arrive at the end of your life with regret.  Make the precious moments of your life count. 

Hot day? Get a pretty fan.

Are you one of those women, that uses scraps of paper to fan themselves, when it's hot outside?  I am!  I confess, that in the past, I have been known to grab junk mail, a magazine; or even a paper plate.  I don't do heat! 

However, I'm sure that no self respecting diva would be caught dead, sweating like a horse, her makeup running, and waving a dixie paper plate.  Darlings, it's is simply not done. 

This summer, I am bringing back the hand fan.  Fans were like the sun glasses of old, because, you could use them to hide from the paparazzi, as you were getting in an out of your carriage.

Fans were also, an elegant way of discreetly getting your point across.  Whether you were feeling shy, or flirtatious, you could let the world know; without a word.

My reasons are little more practical.  I want to be cute, while staving off the heat.  Back away from the paper plates, and get yourself a grown-up girl fan.

Get that gorgeous fan by clicking here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/IndigoDaisyWeddings?section_id=6542361

Pho

This is something you've got to try.  Pho is a Vietnamese soup of rice noodles in a light, subtle broth.  My pho had pork, with green onions, and mushrooms.  When you get your bowl of soup, you add bean sprouts, basil leaves, sriracha sauce, soy sauce and a squeeze of lime.

Since you may not be getting over to Vietnam anytime soon, take a culinary vacation instead!

Hot Sauce

I absolutely love farmer's markets; they make summertime so festive.  Last week, I met Mr. Taylor of, Taylor's Original Hott (yes two t's) Pepper Sauce, and his grandsons; Emanuel and Devon.  I looked at the table, full of jars of their sauce; and wondered how good it was.  Emanuel and Devon's sweet, innocent smiles, gave no indication about how insidiously hot their sauce is. 

It is actually more of a chutney, made with habenero peppers.  It starts with a delightful, slightly sweet taste, and has a nice warm afterburn on the finish. 

Ok, so now I'm hooked.  I am now putting this product, on all my food.  If you want some bottled Trinidadian fire in a jar, contact Mr. Taylor here:  http://www.taylorspeppersauce.com/index.html

Beautify your bed

Everytime I look at this picture, I feel calm.  It reminds me of a beautiful song - Concert Grand Satie by Erik Satie.  

I think beds should be beautifully made, with soft, comfortable linens.  The sheets should smell soothing like lavender, or bright and sunny like lemongrass. 

I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking that you can't remember how long it's been since you bought new sheets, or, heaven forbid; since you last changed them.

Go to a store like TJMaxx or Marshalls, and find some beautiful, inexpensive bed linens. Single ply sheets are the softest. 

Darlings, if you haven't changed your sheets in a while, you might get your diva card revoked.  So get right on that - Au revoir!

Feli's Makeup Kit - MAC LiquidLast Eyeliner

I love being a girl!  I've always loved putting on makeup.  I wasn't allowed to officially start wearing makeup outside of the house, until I was 16.  Boy, did I wear it: three different eye shadow colors (simultaneously), foundation, blush, lip liner, eye liner, mascara, brow gel, the works.  That was just my daytime look.  I was fierce, or; so I thought. 

Now, I have no time for complicated beauty routines.   Isn't that weird.  When you're young, you go through all that fuss; slathering on tons of product.  Then, when you get older, and you need a little extra product, you don't want to bother.  Oh, well!

I love products that I can apply in the morning, and, not think about all day.  I always forget to reapply, and end up looking crazy by the end of the day. 

Darlings, you've got to get Liquidlast by MAC, it's amazing!  You can pick some up at the MAC counter for $18.50.  Okay, I can hear the collective gasp, but; this product is worth every penny. 

Why?  Because this eyeliner is like a tattoo.  It wears all day!    Why spend $7 on an eyeliner that smudges, melts, or flakes off; when you can spend $18.50 for a product that you need a sandblaster to remove.  Granted, you will want to make sure you pick up eye make up remover, (no tugging at the eyes allowed).  MAC has a great remover for $10. 

Get products that work as hard as you do, so you can flip your hair, and look luscious all day!

One on One

I love mornings.  Early morning has a dewy magic that I rarely experience.  Why? Because I'm usually obstinately unconscious, trying to eek out the last bit of precious sleep I can. 

Some days, however, it's nice to wake up early.  I like to steal away to my favorite morning spot, and, have a cafe au lait and pastry with one of my daughters.

It's always a challenge when there is one parent, with two kids.  Because the single parent may be out numbered, my solution; is to have one on one time with each child. 

During our "date time", as we like to call it, we have the most amazing conversations.  My children appreciate, that, what they say is in confidence, and out of earshot of their curious (read nosey) sibling.  Sometimes, we don't have to talk at all; it's just nice to have quiet time together.  It all goes too fast, so don't forget to slow life down.

Grown-up Parties

I went to a wine and cheese at my bud Adam's house, and; I had a wonderful time.  It was just the kind of party that kids hate.  My kids call it an, "Old People's Party", with adults just standing around talking; and laughing.  Of course, when you're twelve, everyone is "Old People".  At this party, there were no jeans, party games, or technicolor cakes.  Just an opportunity to not be, rushed, harried, hassled, or cajoled.    

Don't get me wrong, I love kid things.  I just went to a great party, complete with glow sticks and face cake!  But sometimes, a grown up needs an Old People's Party, to make it all better.  Long Live the Old People! Literally.

Sunday Morning with Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Ok, so one Sunday morning, I'm looking in the fridge for some preserves to add to my gluten free toast, when; I spot an unfamiliar jar of jam from Sweet Thing Gourmet http://sweetthinggourmet.com/.  I figured my mother, the foodie; must have bought this.  The flavor is Apricot and Hibiscus Bellini.  Hibiscus Bellini, wow, are you kidding?!!! 

"Mom, what the heck is this?" I asked excitedly.  "Try it", she said dryly.  I did.  I had never tasted jam like this, and; I was in hibiscus heaven!  You know how in those cheesy romantic movies, the lovers are running towards each other in slow motion through a field of flowers; yeah, it was like that.  Except, in my scenario, it was me running by myself, with my toast.

This jam, changed my whole paradigm about local food artisans.  I had no idea that many of our local producers are so gifted. 

Now, I command you to go to the Sweet Thing Gourmet Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Thing-Gourmet/188356477866895?ref=ts. 

Find out when they are coming to a farmer's market or store near you, then find your own field of flowers; and have at it!

Fake Jewelry is not Luxurious

Let's face it, what woman wouldn't want a gorgeous man to present her with beautiful jewels, to bedeck her hands and neck.  As lovely as that sounds, face it, it may not happen.  Darlings, let's be clear, fake jewelry that turns colors after a few wears; is not a good look.

If you want to live a luxurious life, you can't sit around, expecting a man to give it to you.  Give yourself the life you want.  Yes, my love that includes diamonds! 

Of course, most of us are working women, who, will buy their kids new clothes before themselves; sound familiar?  I love that about us!  However, there comes a time when a woman has got to do, what a woman has got to do.  Buy yourself the diamonds you want him to buy for you.  Never connect yourself to someone, who cannot keep you in the life to which you've worked to become accustomed. 

I've found some adorable pieces of jewelry that are pretty, not pricey.  So go ahead and unabashedly buy yourself some diamonds.  Diva, you've earned it!

Click here:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.J151170.desc.Affinity-Diamond-Sterling-14-ct-tw-Cultured-Mabe-Pearl-Ring

Click here:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.J157388.desc.Affinity-Diamond-13cttw740cts-Blue-Topaz-Earrings

Click here:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.CM_SCID.coll.item.J267866.desc.Affinity-Diamond-13-ct-tw-Drop-Earrings-Sterling

Single Mothers - Relax

Single motherhood is a tough job, but it's rewarding if you figure out how to raise yourself, while you are raising your kids.  Take a breath.  To relax, put on some Brazilian bossa nova.  I'm listening to Tanto Tiempo by Bebel Gilberto.  Ok, you don't have to listen to bossa nova, but you should; it's amazing!

Here's your prescription:

- Put on whatever music moves, and quiets you.
- Pour yourself a cup of tea.
- Close your eyes...and just be.

Okay, I know it's hard to just be; but you have got to learn.  When you close your eyes, focus on your breathing, otherwise; you'll start daydreaming about the laundry, or those weird hair bunnies you have to clean up in the bathroom. 

Relaxing is luxurious but it shouldn't be a luxury.  I Love you, now love yourself!

Mockingbird Meadows Artisan Honey

I paid a visit to the Bexley Farmers Market. I love getting to know the people there selling goods they have grown, cultivated, or created themselves. It makes me feel connected to them when, the items they've made with their families; can help me nourish mine. I love it!

I met the most incredible woman. Her name is Dawn and she owns Mockingbird Meadows Honey and Herb Farm.  She has the most amazing honey ever!  I sampled the lavender honey (good for tummies), coffee honey (fruity with floral notes), and one called Honey Love (with vanilla, rose petals and damiana).

I took home the Honey Love. The flavors are wonderfully complex.  I used it in my chai tea, and; it was one of the best cups of tea I ever had! 
Dawn is my new best friend, and, when I visit the Bexley Farmers Market again; I'm going back to her for more. http://www.mockingbirdmeadows.com/

Kate Middleton's favorite shoes from LK Bennett

First of all, why are we still calling her Kate Middleton?  Anyway, she has this fabulous pair of shoes from LK Bennett.  The color is perfect, you can wear them with anything; she certainly does.

In fact, she's gotten some flack for wearing these shoes too much.  Hello, she's thrifty!  Then again, is $280 a pair considered thrifty?  Well, who cares what the critics say, these shoes are flying off the shelves, and; she looks amazing.  If you want your own pair, viens ici:  http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/CCSLEDGE214PATENT

Ah Mouton!

I saw Mouton out of the corner of my eye as I drove down High Street, going who know's where.  I knew I had to stop in when I got the chance; I'm so glad I did.  The owner was sitting at a booth enjoying a drink.  His personal style, and that of his establishment, was contemporary; yet, warm and inviting. 

When you go to Mouton, try a chef's board of La Quercia Prosciutto Rossa with a delicious Humboldt Fog cheese and a drizzle of sweet tomato jam.  Top it off with a refreshing cocktail.  La dolce vita!

Purple Patent Leather Coach Bag

I saw a beautiful purple patent leather coach bag this morning on my way to work.  I was salivating, when I saw; that the woman had stuffed her ugly work heels into that gorgeous purse.  Definite defilement of the Coach.  Sacrilege!

Chocolate love

Is there anything better than dark chocolate covered strawberries?  Not hardly!

I'm Feli -

This blog is an experiment.  I'm a widow, a single mom, and; for a long time, that's all I was.  I'm ready to be present, and to learn how to enjoy life.  It's taken eight years since my husband died for me to be really ready.  This blog is therapy, and I've decided, to blog about things that interest me.  Whatever I love, will end up here.  If you're ready to get back into life too, drop me a line.  Let's have fun together!