Washing Your Face Can Be Luxurious

Have you ever seen those commercials where the woman is washing her face in slow motion.  Her skin looks so amazing.  The water splashing seems so refreshing.  Then the camera cuts to the woman patting her face with a towel.  Clearly, she has on a face full of foundation and concealer.  Of course, they skip over that.

We may not look like the models in commercials, and; that's okay.  We can still find luxury in something as commonplace as washing our face.  If you are like me, however, you may take a bar of soap and; rub it up against your face in the shower while you're hosing off. 

Let's decide to delight in small things, and, take time for ourselves.  Carefully choose what you use on your skin.  Look at the ingredients carefully, and try to choose a regimen that you will stick to.  Remember darlings, time is marching on, and, it's marching all over your face.

The Artistry Of Femininity - Lesson 4

A lady let's others finish what they are saying, before she speaks. This lesson is really challenging for me.  

I'm always thinking about two sentences ahead of someone I'm speaking to.  Apparently, that's...bad.  If you want to be a lady, you have to actually listen to what others are saying.   Who knew?

Glass Sculpture

Recently, my kids were invited to a  sleepover.  Darlings, I rarely have moments of complete solitude.  In true mommy fashion, I share most of my time with my kids.
You would think I felt liberated, and, ready for a little "me" time. Actually, I didn't. I felt a little sad. 
However, rather than horking down a bag of Cheetos, and a pint of ice cream feeling sorry for myself; I spent that rainy afternoon wandering around the downtown museum. 
It was so nice, to be quiet; alone with my thoughts.  It felt great to take time for myself, without guilt.
This is one of my favorite glass sculptures. The artist is Dale Chihuly.  This piece was inaccessible the day I went, but, I still managed to get a shot of it from a distance. To see more from this artist, go to http://www.chihuly.com/, and enjoy!  Love you!

French In One Year!

I've decided that it's time I learned French.  I've haven't been to France yet, but, I've been a "francophile" ever since I had my first croissant in the sixth grade.  I studied French with Madame Bigard.  Her accent was spot-on, and, she instilled in us a love of all things French.

I've since learned Spanish, and, along the way; I've lost my French.  In fact, when I started learning Spanish, I spoke it with a French accent.  True story! 

I'm going to recapture a part of myself that I've lost.  I'm going to learn French in one year.  I'll chronicle my adventures in French with you as I immerse myself in the culture, music, and food!    Ah...la vie en rose!

Marcella's

I decided that I need to take myself out on a date.  I went to Marcella's down in the Short North arts district, and, ordered the pepperoni and cheese, gluten free pizza. 

I've tried the gluten free pizza at another restaurant, that will remain nameless.  It was like having someone smear pizza sauce onto a piece of cardboard, add a whisper of mozzarella, and call it pizza.  I had to form a search party to find the pepperoni.

Marcella's, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious.  I ordered the pizza with pepperoni, provolone, asiago, onion, and mozzerella.  The crust was perfect, and; there was a perfect cheese to pepperoni ratio.  I asked for white truffle oil on the side, and; it was like romance on a plate.

The only drawback to this restaurant for some, is, that it is hip and trendy read:  loud.  If you are into that scene, Marcella's is your spot. 

If you go to Marcella's, you won't have a quiet evening, but; it will be delicious!

Colors

This is one of the lamps I fell in love with, from a Lebanese restaurant I visited.  I love all the beautiful colors.  It looks like jewelry, cascading from the ceiling, lit from within.
It's amazing what you can experience, when you observe what's around you.  Being present opens you up to so much.  Take childlike pleasure in life. Once in a while, look up, you never know what beautiful things might be right above you.

Shabby chic

The Rules Of Femininity! Lesson 3

In today's installment of, The Artistry of Femininity, we learn, that a lady never reveals her age.  I'm not sure why we don't reveal it, but, apparently; I've been unladylike for a long time.  I have two friends, who will not reveal their true age; not even to me.

Being coy is not a strong suit of mine.  I guess it's time to practice.  A lady doesn't have to reveal things about herself that she doesn't wish eg:  Is that your hair?  Are those your real nails?  Is that your real eye color?  The nerve!

We live in an age that doesn't stand for discretion.  Being a lady means, having the courage to politely shut the interlopers down.  With a smile, of course!

Fresh Flowers Are Your Womanly Right

I remember the thrill I got, when my husband surprised me with flowers.  It is totally romantic, for a man to present a woman with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

After my husband died, I thought my days of wine and roses were over.  NOT TRUE!  It took a while, but, I finally realized that he did what he could; when he could.  Now, it was up to me, to make me happy. 

One of the things that I've observed, is that, many woman don't buy flowers for themselves.  Travesty!  Understand that fresh flowers are your right.  Every woman should enjoy the delight of freshly cut flowers. 

No, I don't mean enjoying the potted plants you have in your house.  Potted plants have their place, but, I'm talking about a bouquet.  Choose a bouquet that bursts with a riot of color, or whispers subtly to you.  Darling, pick whatever suits your personality, or your mood. 

A bouquet doesn't need to be expensive.  If you think you can't afford such frivolity, save a few calories, and forgo your Starbuck's latte a few times.  Romance yourself, and, indulge in a bouquet. 

Tea Is Life

Weekends are not supposed to be stressful.  This weekend was extremely oppressive, so, apparently; it didn't get the memo.

I once learned from a wise woman, that, when life is stressful; a woman has to learn to take time for herself.  Frankly, I never really believed that. 

I believed that you were supposed to be Supermom.  Women are supposed to work the heck out of their careers, come home and cook dinner every night, afterward; helping the kids with their calculus homework.  Therefore, if I come home, exhausted from my day, and lop over on the couch; I'm a loser.  That's insane.  But, every time I try to take time for myself, I feel so guilty; like I'm being naughty.

This does not feel good.  What's missing is balance.  Yes, woman can work hard, but; we also need to know when enough is enough.

Today, I'd had enough.  You see, we buried a dear friend yesterday.  In true mommy fashion, I didn't want to cry too much in front of the kids; no sense in upsetting them.  So, I stoically held it all in, and; put up a brave face.

However, today, I finally had time to process my feelings.  With a little time to myself, I cried and cried, till I was exhausted.  I got some rest, and I drank...tea.

I had a lovely cup of Earl Grey tea.  It must be the bergamot, that takes an ordinary tea, into a completely different stratosphere.  I love the bouquet, and, the taste; especially when I use that outrageously delicious Honey Love from Mockingbird Meadows.  http://www.mockingbirdmeadows.com/ 

Darlings, whatever tea you like, take the time to sip it slowly.  Decompress, and try to concentrate on anything but your stress.  I've found that focusing on my breathing,  quiets my stress.  Focus on each breath, and, your lovely cup of hot tea.  Now, whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, repeat that exercise, until it becomes second nature.  Tea is life, drink it in.

The Poetry Of It All

Have you ever met someone, who captivates you?  A person dripping with refinement, who can spout sonnets, and poetry like The Bard himself?  I haven't, but, I saw a guy like that in a movie once.

I would love to meet someone like that.  However, more than that, I would like to be that person.  Be the person you want to know.  If that person doesn't exist, create them.  It's never to late to be someone new and fabulous!

It's funny that I know all the lyrics to the Barney theme song, but I don't know any verses of poetry.  To live luxuriously darlings, we must be well rounded.  I intend to share the poetry I love with you.  Let me know what you think.  Ciao!

Go From Me - Sonnets From the Portuguese - Elizabeth Barrett Brown

Go from me. Yet I feel that I shall stand

Henceforward in thy shadow. Nevermore

Alone upon the threshold of my door

Of individual life, I shall command

The uses of my soul, nor lift my hand

Serenely in the sunshine as before,

Without the sense of that which I forbore, ..

Thy touch upon the palm. The widest land

Doom takes to part us, leaves thy heart in mine

With pulses that beat double. What I do

And what I dream include thee, as the wine

Must taste of its own grapes. And when I sue

God for myself, He hears that name of thine,

And sees within my eyes, the tears of two.

Crystal

What is it about crystal that's makes me love it so much?

I went to our Victorian Village neighborhood yard sale, and; found a perfect crystal coupe champagne glass.  There was only one, but I didn't care.  I saw, I grabbed, I paid; I conquered!

I carried the beautiful glass like a newborn baby, relieved when I reached my car; crystal in tact.

I'm determined to take the time to search out beautiful things.  You should do the same, and, don't worry; your lovely things don't always have to match.

Make sure that once you've found your beautiful treasures; you use them.  Darlings, don't forget, life is a celebration.  Live luxuriously!

The Rules Of Femininity! Lesson 2

Here's our next lesson on the artistry of femininity.  I found out that being ladylike, means not arriving late.  Ouch! I'm not sure about that one!  I always thought that arriving fashionably late, was a simply how things were done.  Apparently, I'm totally wrong.

Now instead of feeling harried, and, rushed; I can arrive a little early.  I will calmly sit down, cross my legs, and; feel smug as others are throwing out their excuses for intruding upon my time with their tardiness.  Love it!

I've also learned that when you are given a compliment, you don't downplay the compliment by pointing out your flaws.  Enjoy it. Take the compliment diva!
Love you madly darlings!

Gluten Free

I'm always on the lookout for amazing gluten free food.  Stay tuned for more on one of my new favorites, Patisserie Lallier. 

Visit them at the Franklin Park Farmers Market.  Be sure to try their delicious Pave aux Amandes - delicate, sweet almond cake! 

Xica Chic

I went for a visit to the home of my friends Anita and Reynaldo.  Anita is the editor-in-chief of Xica Magazine, and; I absolutely love her style.
Stepping into her house was like stepping into a Turkish bazaar.  Every gorgeous piece in her home has a story.  The vase picked up in Argentina, or, the ornate Moroccan punched lamp. 
I love that Anita's home is minimal, not fussy. She has just what she needs, and, the pieces she has; please her immensely.
Let's contrast with my home. It's a hodgepodge of things that are practical, but are in no way pleasing.  Ok, frankly my furniture is a psychotic mixup of stuff I've dragged from one home to the next.
I'm taking my queue from Anita.   I am now purging, whatever doesn't please me. I'm going to make my house mine. I'll keep you posted on my adventures in redecorating.  Ciao!

The rules of femininity! - Lesson 1

Darlings, to live luxuriously, we have to learn how to be feminine.   Lesson 1 - Always speak about others, as if they are present.  Never point out a friend's imperfections to others. 
Feli