autumn diva...taking the scenic route

autumn fragrance

2011-12-14T12:50:00.007-06:00

Perfume recommendations from a blog that's wonderful...olfactorialist.com

Montale: Blue AmberAn overwhelmingly warm and powdery amber scent with vanilla and patchouli. My absolute autumn darling amber. Stunning!

Nez à Nez: Marron ChicA wonderfully powdery iris perfume that gravitates into the direction of a gourmand scent but instead morphs into something leathery. Adorable and very close to the skin. It’s like a calm winter Infusion d’Iris. Iris roots covered with cocoa powder – chic, not too sweet, brilliant!

Dior: Dior HommeJustice… an iris scent for the boys, because iris on men’s skin is so gorgeous! For me Dior Homme is one of the best men’s perfumes you can find beyond niche perfumery. Sparkling bergamot, powdery iris and a woody base, love it. Simple and chic. You haven’t seen the short movie Un rendez-vous with Jude Law for Dior Homme? You should!

Technique Indiscrète: Délivre MoiDélivre Moi (Rescue me) is a beguiling, musky honey scent with a calming aura, a suede note and a very cool vintage twist. It feels like being covered with warm beeswax – delish. No wonder, that singer Mika bought the entire stock of Délivre Moi at the Jovoy boutique in Paris last week. Relax, there will be fresh supply for you!
April Aromatics: Bohemian Spice

Bohemian Spice, which was part of the Summer of Patchouli Love 2011 contest, is like a cat, cuddling with you. The warm, woody and earthy formula with a special vanilla chord and soft benzoin is better than a cashmere blanket. The fact that it is all-natural makes it even better. Nathan Branch described it as “a layer cake of citrus, incense and spice accords slathered in a thick patchouli cream.“ That’s it.

Comme des Garçons: Kyoto
Because you need at least one incense scent for the cold season and Kyoto is the one. A very moderate incense with a wonderful cedar note. Sophisticated and simply amazing. I love this stuff, it’s my favorite incense perfume for men. Intoxicating.
Atelier Cologne: Vanille Incensée

Incense bathing in creamy vanilla. The drydown is powdery and very sensual. I found this very alluring. Impressed.
L’Artisan Parfumeur: Tea for TwoIf it’s not vanilla for you, maybe you like some chai tea flavor? Tea for Two is a dry, leathery, spicy and warm companion for the dark season. It smells a little bit like Dzing!

A lesson on the box marked "throw away"

2011-08-11T08:18:00.018-05:00

There should be no argument that clutter can become a regular problem with calendar days. It's torture thinking about the guilt of losing or accidentally tossing a valued item in the madness of cleaning. It's not a gentle subject. That' why sorting and removing with care pays. Don't head straight for the dumpster or recycle bin. Keep...review, then toss at least one week after your elimination process ...only if they're desirable in some way.

Being that I'm a big believer in not residing with something that's not functional or in the least extremely delightful to live with, is the reason why I use care in selection. Yet having parted with some desirables, my experience says to be cautious. Being organized, that kind of organized that you can write home about comes with a price tag. I find myself throwing things out that are perfectly functional but doesn't make me happy in one way or another. I slightly regret some partings, OK... I'm heartbroken...but with good cause. It pains me to remember[scream] putting a few desirable things in a large bag and immediately throwing them in the trash to prevent myself from changing my mind. I wanted to pare down my space. So I looked at them one last time, looking bright as years ago- I turned and walked away.
In the hopes of being completely organized I did it, this was a small sacrifice to make, looking at it beforehand-of course. My absolute worst parting was my little pink radio. It was from an old boyfriend that I needed to forget as well. I was wrong about my decision to throw it away but it didn't hit me until 2 weeks later. I tried to reason with myself saying that wasn't collectible; yet it didn't make it better. The fact that I'd owned it for over twenty years and it was really cute and lovable made it irreplaceable. After the lost, the fact that it was pink, plastic and didn't match anything else I owned was overshadowed. I have often daydreamed that it would show up one day but then the factual image of it at the bottom of the trash made it unrepairable.

For those personal things that are special, no matter how out of style they may be; find a small storage box to put at the bottom of your closet. a little hidden treasure that you can lay out to play with from time to time. You won't regret it.

xoxo

Garden Flowers | my day In

2011-07-02T17:09:00.014-05:00

Where do you go when you want some snapshots for your diary?

Let me help you--your garden.

Summer Delights

2011-05-15T17:06:00.006-05:00

A sleek sandal with leather soles and a little bling does the job with dressy pants if you want to keep things casual. The sun is out!

Yolanda

Hello Friends

2011-05-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

Photo of Miley

Great capture of Miley posed with mountain.

Have a nice day!

Yolanda

The Royal Wedding on Autumn Diva

2011-05-01T20:37:00.029-05:00

The wedding was absolutely beautiful the carriage ride almost surreal in it's historical value, the horses and service men's uniforms were icing on the cake. But what captured my heart were the 12 foot tall trees inside the church.

Prince Harry & Prince William
Kate & Pippa

Solitude + Silence...and the Stuff in Boxes

2011-04-19T10:38:00.004-05:00

Oneness with your own thoughts is often minimally accessible. Your oneness is evident in quiet places that are away from ordinary schedules. What's good for me is an environment usually surrounded by nature. This space is acquired by voluntary or unfortunately involuntary circumstances, but you'll realize that your thinking is pure, without the baggage of fear and complacency.
It's necessary to say that it's difficult to achieve uninterrupted focus when others are present. Such as, but not limited to, the co-worker with relationship issues, a friend who doesn't listen very well or a distracted boyfriend. Yet it's essential to achieve this focus for significant progress. Where do you go? And do you think it's wrong to listen to your own voice?

Being alone in the comfort of your own space, takes you away from life's clutter, it creates distance between you and the noisy scene of other's territory. A place to sense your own heart beat allowing your truth to take possession. If you don't visit this place regularly the patterns of others will take hold of your life, blurring your vision. It's important to realize that your mission is important, it establishes an existence that is meaningful to you.

It's how the things in boxes get sorted, one item after another finds it's proper place in your life. This box of things that follow you day after day waiting for recognition, the books, letters, old greeting cards sit waiting. Imagine them sitting in time-out unmoved, unused, unable to assist or deter thoughts. Like a tree branch that has fallen to the ground waiting for someone to pick it up and decide its fate. When something has your inner voice trapped you can't interact with destiny. It's deemed untouchable. So now I ask, where can you find this place of solitude?

I find it in ink and paper, my true friend, undiluted by others, a place that I sort out my boxes. With only my personal content to fill it's volume. It allows my thoughts a chance to get out into the open where I can challenge them: thus removing the barriers that seem to separate me from progress.

xoxo

Letters to William and Kate

2011-04-03T14:41:00.011-05:00

The weeks ahead of you will be busy- at times you'll be sorting through many details but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a few fun moments, purchase an instant camera take some photos of your own. Find ways to make your shots creative and personal; you can stage a photo shoot, to capture moments that are sometimes overlooked.

Letters to William and Kate

2011-04-02T10:26:00.006-05:00

And the count down begins. A mere 28 days from now you'll be in the mist of your wedding: photos, dancing, parades and fireworks, all in your honor. These events will become lovely memories that should be appreciated but don't miss your wedding in spirit, trying to be the perfect prince & princess, just be, any other concerns can be handled with prayer.

2011-04-01T07:09:00.009-05:00

Hello out there.

I'm writing this post because my blog needs to breathe,

it seems that without posting everything stays stagnate.

It feels like an empty park on an early Sunday morning;

without new words, the quietness is all to apparent.

Enjoy your day!

xoxo

A Late Story...

2011-03-02T13:45:00.001-06:00

Priority is something that I always thought unfair because it makes other obligations seem unimportant. Like finding the perfect thing to wear in the morning and who gets more face time.

Jewels

2011-02-21T19:21:00.001-06:00

When you're a young girl the smallest

things mean so much. I received this jewelry

box from my father when I was around 8 or 9 years old.

A new box with a

ballerina inside, everything

shined when I removed it from its packaging.

xoxo

Yolanda

Why Autumn?

2011-02-11T20:55:00.002-06:00

I little more about Autumn diva. The more I investigate why I chose the title, for the most part it was something that attracted me to the term Autumn. It doesn't get lost in the clutter of used words. It sits peacefully in the text causing little stir other than it is fabulously comfortable.

Yolanda

All White Canvas

2011-01-29T19:23:00.001-06:00

Artist: Jean Michel Basquait

A blank canvas is a scary thing, the thought of changing it to an unknown is a difficult action to contemplate, especially when you're not sure what you want to accomplish.

Solitude + Silence...and the Stuff in Boxes

2011-01-15T10:01:00.012-06:00

Oneness with your own thoughts is minimally assessible, it happens in quiet places consumed by a larger natural presence. It's difficult to do when there are others around. The co-worker with relationship issues, a friend who doesn't like pasta or the distracted wedding party. Are you wrong to listen to your own voice?

Being alone in the comfort of your own space, takes you away from life's clutter, it creates distance between you and the noisy scene of other's territory. A place to sense your own heart beat letting your truth take possession. If you don't visit this place regularly the patterns of others will develop your life and mission, they will conquer your existence.

Silence broadens your focal area. You're not afraid to relax and let thoughts become formed. It gives you space for dealing with long unanswered questions. It's how the things in boxes get sorted, one item after another finds it's proper place in your life. This box of things that follow you day after day waiting for recognition, the books, letters, old greeting cards sit waiting. Imagine them sitting in time-out unmoved, unused, uable to assist or deter thoughts. Like a tree branch that has fallen to the ground waiting on someone to move it someplace. When something has your inner voice trapped you can't interact with this space. It's deemed untouchable for the moment. So where can you find this place of solitude?

In ink and paper, a true friend, undiluted by others, a place to sort out your boxes. Finding your larger container with only your personal content to fill it's volume. It allows thoughts a chance to get out into the open where you can challenge them: a chance to speak into silence, removing the barriers that seem to separate you from progress.

xoxo

Autumn Diva & 2011

2011-01-05T10:57:00.000-06:00

Photo: The start of my dad's vegan homemade cornbread recipe.

Hope everyone is having a great time!

My new year began with a meal with my family, because my dad is vegan he did his version of greens, black eyed peas and cornbread for our first good luck meal.

I wanted to post a review of 2010 but, will say, if you want to see what I've been up to in the past year just review my previous post. "Autumn Diva's," first year. I've had a lot of fun; seeing my posts come to life. It was fabulous. My favorite post for 2010 was about Tasha Tudor. She was a great reminder for me, that you can do more than just one thing.

What are my thoughts on 2011? They are pleasantly optimistic. Because I've been getting things in order lately, I have a better grasp on what I want my life to represent. I'm comfortable with the decisions that I make. Not easy for me. I don't fear making wrong choices because I have a plan, it's easier to see my style. I no longer accept the, "happen as it does mantra," but how can I make things happen, is what a strive for now. Entering into this new year has been a blessing. It's also very exciting, because it will start a new chapter in my life. I've decided to make some changes because I want different results. So, it's official I'm growing out of the old me into a person that lives to take challenges instead of shying away from them.

I will continue to blog after I take a short break returning in February. Stay tuned for new posts on Autumn Diva's Blog! Have fun blogging this year!

Yolanda

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T01:58:00.001-06:00

The New Year is here!

I have never officially made a resolution. Just something that sounded good. But I guess I'll give it a try:

Better sleep
Try new recipes
Reading time daily
Time management

I'll do some editing during the week to officially set these practices into my schedule.

Happy New Year!!

Have a nice weekend.

Yolanda

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T18:49:00.000-06:00

With this year being full of downturns it's nice to enjoy the beauty of the, "night before Christmas." Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

~Yolanda

Christmas morning

2010-12-19T01:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas decorations are always more beautiful on Christmas morning.

We would quietly tip toe up to the tree, with its glow on our faces. Looking at the presents underneath in amazement. Waking up from the night we hoped would be over. With our dancing eyes full of delight we searched for gift tags in the morning light. Toy soldiers, dolls and candy canes with the music of Christmas carols that sang in our heads. One after another we played with our new toys it was a wonderful time to see my family enjoy.

~Yolanda

Dashing through the holidays...

2010-12-16T18:25:00.001-06:00

I haven't really participated in the frenzy of Christmas in a while, I decided to experience what it's like without celebrating. No going around attempting to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Not attending any parties or planning to wear anything festive. I would only observe the spiritual side of Christmas. I tried to stick to my mission by not spending any money unnecessarily on a seasonal retail splurge. I thought I would be okay... I went shopping on Black Friday so that ended my tirade. But I must say that I really missed the planning. I simply didn't want to admit that the joy of sharing was a big part of Christmas. I decided to bring a little cheer back with a snow flake.

xoxo

Are you planning a big Christmas?

Sunday drive @ photos

2010-12-12T09:48:00.000-06:00

Saw these horses while out on my Sunday drive. They didn't move around a lot but I thought they were worth some camera time. They grazed on a small area of land near downtown. On Sunday evenings I sometimes drive downtown for a look at the river and surrounding areas.

The sun is just about to go down and the atmosphere is peaceful. There are not a lot of people out this weekend. Iron Chef one of my favorite cooking shows comes on tonight.

xoxo my other sunday photos

Are you prepared for the week ahead?

The virtual make-over...

2010-12-04T15:32:00.000-06:00

;">
Photoshop makeovers I'm eager to mention stirs up latent motivation. We live in a virtual world, with cyber attacks and wiki leaks, and there's no way to avoid the eventual showing of a bad photo on facebook. So we all can use a boost to get ahead on this game. Because, no one is immune to this huge, "one room globe," we must all dance to the music." And Photoshop has an answer. With your own eyes you see a makeover happen in nano steps, no long drawn out tutorial or celebrity showcase. Just the facts. It made me pause...and head for the mirror. Yet with a few reservations I post this, because I don't want to seem too preoccupied with looks, knowing that visual beauty is only skin deep. But in today's world the playing field is wider, it's not just who's looking at you but what's looking at you as well, those gently earned character marks are for anyone to see, and a bit closer... that's technology. With a touch of a mouse we can see most things zoomed out. So doing touch-ups have become part of the culture, and no doubt carries its rewards. It means that you have the option to make things close-up ready. Tailoring things a bit to show your better side. I say with affection, that the world shouldn't have the privilege to see the real you unless you want it that way. And why does anyone care if you have crows feet? But for now that debate is overlooked online, your photo can be posted and altered without your permission. So for the benefit natural progression the old you has a new friend ~ Photoshop. Another widget that loves beauty. So for me, I don't focus the negative, life is just too short. But I have to admit when you see in small steps what can be done to look better it makes it desirable, you want to see those changes happen in the mirror. The changes that you create. Nothing major, but upgrading small things, using concealer, the right eye pencil and a different lipstick does wonders. I enjoyed watching the video, it also made me visit my mirror.

enjoy! A U T U M N D I V A
~Yolanda

I found an awesome tree...

2010-12-01T13:17:00.000-06:00

A few holiday finds I wanted to share with my blog friends. Hope you enjoy!

This tree has awesome written all over it. Here, color takes a front seat with a simple two toned tree ,and texture defines the style. It's a frosty modern take on the Christmas tree.

Tree ornaments say a lot about a family's growth-with each new ornament. An eclectic tree gets kudos when they are built year after year.
A snowy Christmas is so special

Nat King Cole's Christmas song

Cute dogs say Christmas in their own way. Just cuteness.

How nice and easy. Brilliant.

I'm expecting 3 people for Christmas this year so I don't have to cook much, but I want it to be nice. I plan to do a table scape the night before.

I must look great as well, a flashy necklace and scarf will do the trick.

love ya, xoxo

A Prince, a ring, a rose...a wedding

2010-11-23T13:24:00.000-06:00

The Prince has found his bride.

The date is set, the ring is on her finger, now the world awaits history to take place again. The ceremony or landmark of Prince William's step into a new era will be a grand event April 2011. A legacy shared with the world, just as we viewed him in the safety of his mother's arms as a lad. We watched the prince develop into a graceful young man, attending school, a soldier and pilot, and now we watch as he makes another addition to his life with marriage. He has demonstrated a unique courage, a trait that's the allure of Kings; he has loved, lost and is now showing what it means to be a man. We will witness him striding down the aisle, giving hope to eager princesses all over the world. His participation in this tradition will say volumes of what the vow of marriage testifes, that it will happen, it's history, a story told again and again to generations far into the future. A testament of what love and tradition can create. What the goal of marriage should be if viewed with pure eyes. An act of love that's spoken in trust, commitment, and fearless sacrifices. I will be watching in April, to see the beautiful details that make a royal wedding an event for world attention. I'm eager to know who will make the dress, who will decorate the church, what kind of flowers will they have? And happy to see a white flowing gown cover the aisle to meet a future king. Any girl's fairytale.

Day or night I will be watching.

How do you define your style?

2010-11-08T23:08:00.000-06:00

How do we achieve the perfect wardrobe, mascara, hair color without first knowing ourselves? We look to magazines, great examples of styles are posted everywhere, our eyes feast upon the pages looking into the eyes of strangers for signature identities. Glossy ads and tailored mannequins in storefront windows taunt us. But does that tell us anything about our own true style. Style is earned it's not something that you can get lucky and make the right choices time after time. It's about a personal journey and a discovery of what you know best. Can finding the right hair color put you in a better mood? I would say, yes.

2010-10-15T17:37:00.000-05:00

Been sitting on a log; resting. But I will be posting soon. Love ya.

Chelsea Clinton Wedding Pictures: Wedding Dress Revealed! (PHOTOS)

2010-08-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Chelsea Clinton Wedding Pictures: Wedding Dress Revealed! (PHOTOS)

Home Is Where The Heart Is...You Can Have More Than One

2010-08-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

A beautifully designed room is a way to physically experience art. The canvas extends beyond the wall taking the form of chairs, tables and cushions.

Today is my birthday!!!!!!!!

2010-07-31T09:07:00.001-05:00

Will post soon.

xoxo

2010-07-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

Photo: We heart it

The Outdoor Room

Enjoy your weekend

xoxo

Will post soon.

Food for thought...

2010-07-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

Tiny food indulgences will keep your body healthier in the long run.

Have a nice day.

xoxo

Will post again soon.

2010-07-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

Fresh vegetables from my sister's garden.

Squash & green beans were combined to make this wholesome dish.

A good habit is better than cupcakes...

2010-07-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

Taming the paper habit. I don't want to admit it but I'm not comfortable with throwing away incoming paper unless I've read every word. Even the coupons have an extended life; because who knows- one day I might need it. They sit in a stack, until the right moment appears, usually far too late. Managing paper is hard because if you're not in the mood to deal with filing, you wait until it piles up. Don't. Make a weekly date with your file cabinet.

Have a nice day

xoxo

2010-07-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

Cars.

I love to drive on an open highway;

with the wind blowing through my hair; the radio playing my favorite song on the air.

I go where ever I want to go, whenever I want, even in the snow.

And miles away from another town my car keeps me safe and my feet on the ground.

xoxo

Cabinet Cleaning Tips

2010-07-07T13:26:00.000-05:00

Cleaning cabinets? Well, I have a great trick to help you freshen things up. It's easy! Remove contents from your cabinet. Now, take a a piece of sand paper and sand bottom surface. You can achieve new cabinets in only minutes. Take a few years off of the wood by sanding lightly until you get the desired results. If you need more power use a heavier piece of sand paper and finish with a lower grit. Be careful not to sand paint finish at the opening of the cabinet. Easy. Then you can organize, organize, organize.

xoxo

2010-07-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

Flag by Jasper Johns

Have a happy and safe fourth of July!

xoxo

A dancer's heart

2010-06-26T17:32:00.000-05:00

As early as the beginning of time we have used dance to express our inner emotions. Dance speaks every language. You take on a new spirit that sweeps you away.

The lyrics of the song become your own.

It makes you beautiful and daring, even on a dimly lit- abandoned street.

A dance is another way of communicating your: love, playful heart, and courage. It gives you a stage to flash a smile in a room filled with happiness.

Moments to treasure.

Metaphors of love in movement, in an arm that's holding you tight.

Dance into the night.

What's in your wallet?

2010-06-25T10:28:00.001-05:00

In attempting to find a better way to keep receipts in order, I resorted to an unconventional location in my wallet. I didn't mind folding my receipts and keeping them in the money holder but it quickly got out of order and I don't like unfolding receipts to file them, so I tossed one of my receipts into my check insert one day. Since putting it there, I noticed the receipt was easy to find and not wrinkled. So I put my other receipts in the same place, just flatly in the opening of the wallet. I was amazed that the receipts were organized; unlike in the coin holder. Coin holders are a bad place for receipts. This wallet was found at nordstrom.com.

Interior Love | Home sweet Haven

2010-06-22T19:25:00.000-05:00

Creating a space that can inspire and refresh the soul is worth the time and effort.

Picture yourself here.

Photos: we heart it

Warm your fingers in a place called home.

Organizing Life

2010-06-19T06:45:00.003-05:00

I want to be up front and tell you that I'm no poster child for organization. I really admire it though. Having perfectly organized boxes full of cute things does interest me a great deal. I will expand on these interests here in "Organizing Life."

Love your paper, but handle it as few times as possible. I recommend reading it, and then speeding it to its place.

Photo: We heart it

In a magazine that I was reading had an article that pictured some of the most expertly filed paperwork. The file folders where a lovely pink and categories labeled with this gorgeous handwriting. I was instantly intrigued with the absolute brilliance of this process. I immediately wanted to learn this method of filing. To me, I had found another passion. The thought of learning to file this way was really intimidating, to me it looked more like art. I can admit to loving men who keep everything in its place. They never sweat when things are out of control. An example of this spirit for me was Jimmy Carter. He maintained a since of coolness that could only be maintained through a strong sense of order.

I took as much from the photo as I could and tried to find a book that taught this method. This sent me on an organization search that continues until this day because I don't have a natural affinity for handling piles of paperwork. It is from bits and pieces of information that I found a way to design a file cabinet that I could be proud. Here are some of the problem that I encountered and tips that I've learned to eventually correct them.

Determining how you would best categorize your paperwork (monthly, subject, names, number) however your paperwork comes in, is where you should start. ( Do this before purchasing filing materials).

Problem with this system is that there is almost always papers that come in (that you must keep) that don't fall into the system. Example: A random insurance paper, certificates, receipts, miscellaneous purchases, etc.

If you have a wide variety of subjects it must be done yearly with folders for different subjects on a monthly basis. This system should have the number cabinets for the subjects that you handle. Example: personal file, business, education.

If you don't have many subjects you can use color hanging files & folders and use a different color for the subject that you handle in the same file cabinet. Example: Blue filing folders & hangers for personal, red folders for business, etc.

Photo: We heart it

It took me months to really get organized. Color coding helped with subjects outside of regularly filed papers, labels as well.

2010-06-19T05:23:00.000-05:00

These tiny flowers are a reminder that we have small miracles appearing everywhere, beyond our control . If we are grateful for small miracles life and nature gives us many gifts to nurture our hearts.

xoxo

Running my life...again

2010-06-18T18:19:00.000-05:00

I started my morning run at a slow pace, through a tunnel of shade provided by a grove of Crape Myrtles, I gained enough momentum to make it up a hill and on to running my mile. I finished in about 9 or 10 minutes, I could have finished a fast paced walk in under 15. The pace is a huge improvement from the start of this project. I knew that around the last 400 meters I would be fighting to get to the end of the course. I prefer to run in the neighborhood because it's not repetitive like being on a track but because I'm out of shape I chose a park trail with fewer surprises. You get a little more of a natural feel on a trail also.
Sometimes you get so distracted by looking at nature you can forget that you're running. And another perk is that you have a little more control over where the high pace running will take place. On the road, the hills and valleys determine the pace. I remember seeing this documentary about people who ran for miles and miles daily across sand. They didn't stop, until they reached their desired locations. They had this mild style of running never picking their feet up high, just enough to graze the sand, to keep their feet from going down too far. They were runners with a purpose. Getting to their next destination without taking for ever, made this practice viable. I guess they wanted alternatives to using a camel. In my situation, to be honest, I wouldn't consider myself' jogging yet, I run at a pace that is a little more than walking. Very little leg stress. I pick up my speed only to make it up elevations, but the pace stays comfortable.

Running makes me feel great. When I return home from running I feel a deep sense of relaxation. It's easier to do stretches and floor exercises because of the relief that I feel. I train for about 15 minutes. It's great to do a little exercise, a low impact to stay motivated.
I thought it would be a good idea to start blogging about it. Here's my commitment in writing. I want to make an official commitment to post at least weekly on positive activities.

The activities can include:
relaxing exercises
running
eating healthy or doing something that relieves stress

Consider this my first post, I would like to invite anyone that would like to share in this commitment to join me. I will post your blog on my site so others can view your posts as well.

Have a fulfilling day!

xoxo

2010-06-17T06:44:00.000-05:00

Hope to see you soon on Autumn Diva!

Sunny Whites

2010-06-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

Chic or antique decors are never overshadowed by a floors' new attitude.

The crispness of white is always welcome. The revival of a room can start from the ground up.

Busy as a bee

2010-06-14T07:19:00.001-05:00

These color coded tabs are really cute. I love Etsy as well.

photo: we heart it.

Little white boxes

2010-06-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

White boxes almost feel like unwrapped presents. You don't know what's inside but whatever it is must be special. The white storage cabinet and boxes are adorable. Love, the gray rug with the central embellishment. Sweet.

Photo: we heart it.

A way to love pink

2010-06-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

Pink has an appeal that gets black to speak another language.

The black floor is simple and easy to do.

Goose bumps & memos

2010-06-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

When you enter this realm of organization there's very little that can't be accomplished. I love this space for its light and muted color palette. You can see soft textures and patterns more vividly without any demanding elements.

2010-06-05T11:00:00.001-05:00

I would like to share a fun website called Crackle. There's something undeniably special about old movies; I love the nostalgia and uncomplicated plots. The pace of an long day can be soothed away in no time. The movies listed on the site range from funny to romantic. When you go to the site just click on the browse movie section; there's no need to sign-up you can just view the movies. [Select full length versions]. Crackle can be a little title challenged but you gain an appreciation for the good old days and Hollywood's catalog. The period landscapes and issues are interesting to watch after a few years have passed. You might find a great classic that you've missed. They update new video selections periodically.

Have a great day!

xoxo

Photo we heart it.

Famous Quotes

2010-05-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.

Sir Winston Churchill

Famous quotes

2010-05-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

You can ignore reality but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.

Ayn Rand the author of Atlas Shrugged

Micheal Chricton| Artists and Designers Series

2010-05-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

Author of Jurassic Park

Micheal Crichton died of cancer in 2008.

His famous art collection will be sold at Christies Auction House May 11-12, 2010 New York. The collection is estimated to sell in the range of 100 million dollars. He purchased one of his paintings from a close friend, artist Jasper Johns, titled, "Flag,"(1960-1966). This painting held special significance to Crichton and was displayed above his fireplace mantle. Other paintings by Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Picasso are among the collection to be sold. Visit christie's for more information.

Jasper Johns "Flag" (1960-1966)

Jasper Johns, Jr. (born May 15, 1930) is an American contemporary artist who works primarily in painting and printmaking.

Jasper Johns "False Start" (1959) Sold for 80 million 67 1/4 x 54 in.
Oil on Canvas (Not included in sale).

Dining in Purple| Interior Design

2010-05-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

It says luxury...

Here the artistic use of purple as the wall color provides a bold statement for the room; using richer hues can be considered fancy but not too fancy to live in. It's appropriately paired with a height accentuating ceiling in white, adding needed reflective space for the light fixture. It's just the right combination of color and texture.

The final touches of off-white used for the table, chairs and accessories give the room an air of luxury. The wood floor is stunning in its simplicity.

I could be happy with this room.

xoxo

2010-05-06T07:13:00.001-05:00

Hope to see you soon on Autumn Diva!

Off the beating path...

2010-04-30T00:21:00.000-05:00

I like finding tranquility in unexpected places. This calming piece of land is facing a group of stores off a Mississippi Highway. I used a sephia tint, to pick-up the mood of the place...the sun was setting by the time I got there.

Hope you enjoyed!

xoxo

Pablo Picasso|Artists and Designers Series

2010-04-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

Pablo Picasso (25 October 1881 – 8 April 1973) was a Spanish painter, draughtsman, and sculptor. He is best known for co-founding the Cubist movement and for the wide variety of styles embodied in his work.

Information Wikipedia

He grasped the importance of showing truth in his work.

Love
autumn diva

Artists and Designers Series| Paul Jackson Pollock

2010-04-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

Paul Jackson Pollock (January 28, 1912 – August 11, 1956) was an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement.

Pollock accomplishes depth with the courageous use of simple colors; graduating to punctuated strokes of the brush or layering color into his unrestrained weave of paint. The colors moved into place and then the magic of art happened, something appeared out of nowhere, it was accentuated and left to dry; the following days reveal a masterpiece.

Vincent van Gogh | Artists and Designers Series

2010-04-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

Whenever I see a cypress tree, I think of Van Gogh's famous painting Starry Night.

As an artist I can appreciate any body of work.. even works hundreds of years old.

Vincent Willem van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th Century Art for its vivid colors and emotional impact. He died largely unknown, at the age of 37, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Claude Monet| Artists and Designers Series

2010-04-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

Claude Monet was born on 14 November 1840 on the 5th floor of 45 rue Laffitte, in the ninth arrondissement of Paris. He was the second son of Claude Adolphe Monet and Louise Justine His father wanted him to go into the family grocery business, but Monet wanted to become an artist. His mother was a singer.
On the first of April 1851, Monet entered Le Havre secondary school of the arts. Locals knew him well for his charcoal caricatures, which he would sell for ten to twenty francs. On 28 January 1857, his mother died. At the age of sixteen, he left school and went to live with his widowed childless aunt, Marie-Jeanne Lecadre.
Paris

When Monet traveled to Paris to visit the Louvre, he witnessed painters copying from the old masters. Having brought his paints and other tools with him, he would instead go and sit by a window and paint what he saw. Monet was in Paris for several years and met other young painters who would become friends and fellow impressionists.

Information Wikipedia

Upon my many visits to the museum I viewed one of his famous paintings, "Water Lilies."

Are you following me yet?

2010-04-19T06:55:00.000-05:00

Hope to see you soon on Autumn Diva!

More home things

2010-04-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Wall decals are absolutely wonderful for pulling together a room in any home. They don't seem to interfere with the overall concept or style of a room.

You can seriously purchase any kind of book case and it makes a room look more organized. They're just fabulous! Here the books are somewhat color-coded but the use of general simplicity creates a nice space organizer.

Photos we heart it.

Dogs in the family

2010-04-14T06:54:00.000-05:00

This is my sister's dog Pie.

He watches television, plays with the kids, gets very quiet sometimes, (I guess that's when he's thinking), loves to cuddle.

His first name is George. Very lovable.

A Neat Little Show...

2010-04-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

I think I will make this a series.

Let's find out if it's quantity, color,or placement that creates the perfect organized layout.

It can be more than one thing,

follow me---

Multi-colored order is wonderful. (Notice the desk is free of clutter).

The blue wall color is soothing.

What seems to be present in most orderly places is shelves.

So if you don't have any this may be your stopping block.

A mixture of large accessories and a white rug. Leaves very little room for clutter.

(The rug screams keep me clean).

This file box looks great. (Used as a seasonal seed organizer).

How neat.

I wish I had this hobby a long time ago...

Ha Ha. Have a nice day friends.

Photos we heart it.
xoxo

My Art Series| Waters Edge

2010-04-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

Medium: Mixed Media
Artist: Yolanda T.
Title: Waters Edge

New Landscapes

2010-04-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

Using maybe 5 to 13 different plants they manage to achieve outdoor greatness. From the standard stately English garden to rivaling contemporary masterpieces. New designers have taken on regular landscapes and turned them into must have home accessories.

In a musician's yard in Malibu, Calif. designed by Mia Lehrer of Los Angeles.

Photo: Wall street Journal

I love this lawn. I favor a more traditional lawn but this is no less fabulous. It's making an equally stylish statement to the home it surrounds. It makes a delightful difference to the curb appeal.

...Away

2010-03-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

Photo: we heart it/

A nice place to visit when things get overwhelming.

One small joy to remember.

Cleopatra Camellia

2010-03-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

I purchased my first plant simply to cover the lonely bare soil of a side yard flower bed but it turned out to be the start of my own little garden. Being that the dirt there was in need of company, having no top soil or mulch to hide its open weakness, I went to the garden center with no real plan just wanting something appealing,nothing too difficult though. The plant of choice; mondo grass. Plant selections stayed pretty uncomplicated in the beginning. The grass has since made a mound of green, for needed texture, to start something interesting. Not knowing that you could pull up plants that you didn't like or redesign your entire landscape if you wanted, caused me to wait for much to long, I could have had a few good trees developed by now. Then I was too busy avoiding yard work. Something my mom did with abandon on weekends, entering the house late in the evening covered in dirt. Her affection for her tulips and rose bushes added very little excitement to our conversations at the time... she tried.

I lived with what I thought was permanent to my little property, bland trees and bushes with a few irises that bordered the back entrance. That is until, I developed an eye for blooms. The last bush that I installed was a Camellia, they have juicy blooms and leaves, that dance on its branches. It's an evergreen with thick generous flowering throughout late autumn. This bush has the elegance wanted in any English garden. Large pure blooms that have an austere quality, great for uplifting the beauty of surrounding plants.

My yard lacked, shall I say, personally before I started gardening. It had a few notable foundation hedges and a tiny front yard, but somehow I knew I had to make it better. There I was, a newbie in the garden department, thinking how hard can this be. That was before one of my rose bushes died because it was on the wrong side of the house. I think, I agonized over plants for days before I landed at the check-out register with another must have garden addition. It wasn't long before I was spending a lot of time in the garden department or in the pages of garden magazines, my favorite Cottage Living. It's my past time. I now find pleasure in craving sculptural trees and English boxwoods.

Camellia sasanqua 'Cleopatra' (Fall Blooming Camellia)part sun/shade height: 15.0 ft width: 8.0 ft water: average zones 7-9 well drained soils Semidouble to peony form, rose pink flowers. Good for use as a hedge. Early season.

The sasanqua is great as a base planting around the home and great for background screens. Under ideal growing conditions, it is not uncommon for a sasanqua to reach almost 15 feet high.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T08:44:00.005-05:00

Lucky no...

When I was younger in the afternoons after school, I would say to myself, today is the day...I will find a four leaf clover. Sometimes, I would search all day at random times without finding one. I still cannot claim ownership of one found four leaf clover. A good friend found them all the time.

I'm really concerned about this.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

xoxo

Photo: we heart it

Added thought: Tasha Tudor was great at finding clovers, a prized find of a five leaf clover was framed and hung on the wall at her home in Vermont.

In Spring

2010-03-15T05:11:00.000-05:00

The sun is especially bright in the morning. Warm sunshine has never felt so good. I can see the beautiful days of spring on the horizon.

Things to do during spring:

* Start a great book
* Buy seeds for the garden
* Organize clutter
* Do some outdoor activities

My Art Series| My daddy in the beginning

2010-03-14T08:07:00.000-05:00

My Daddy in the Beginning

Oil on Canvas

artist: Yolanda T.

A depiction of the red soil of an old southern town, green grass, expansive crops and denim.

Tasha Tudor| Creating fairytales

2010-02-26T09:20:00.001-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse...
Another story to add to my, "Artists & Designers Series". Why I want to share a story about a woman that enjoyed living on a farm and from her cozy kitchen illustrated some of the world's most famous children's books; mainly...because she was successful. Tudor was a lady famous for creating fairy tales. And Somehow I feel that she can help anyone embrace their creative side. One of the many books that she illustrated was, "The Night Before Christmas." Her name was Tasha Tudor born in 1915 to Starling Burgess and Rosamond Tudor. The always busy Tudor was extremely proficient in her life, illustrating over 100 books before her death in 2008. Her whimsical personally lead her to live in a way preferred by the English; she also often stated that she would have liked to live during the 1830's. As she later proved this by living without the conveniences of the early 1900's modern life; choosing a home with no running water or electricity; even making her clothes by spinning flax into material. She passed away in Marlboro leaving her 4 children, with a Last Will and Testament, that regrettably severely separated their already distant relationships, with looming disagreements over a 2 million dollar estate. I thought to myself, how can someone with her sensibilities for family life not be close to her own family.

Although there is a troubling end to her story, her life also displays images of creativity, talent and an enticing paradigm of Tudor's fortitude to live a life that was to her deepest satisfaction, no matter how she was viewed for it. This is why it is a wonderful inspiring story. So join me.

To glimpse into the world of Tasha Tudor means you must imagine being driven by a need to survive as a child without the constant attention of your parents. Tudor was separated from her parents after their divorce, separated by different interests and clearly by her mother's choice to send her to stay with people that lived on a farm instead of allowing the allure of a big city to influence her.

This is where Tudor made her early convictions about living, deciding to live quite differently from others, eager to take on a harder rural life; over the trends of main stream. She dreamed of having a farm with chickens, cows and a favorite pet the corgi dog. She worked diligently to hone her skills in: cooking, cleaning, gardening,and sewing; anything that helped make a home beautiful.

Her father a naval architect, W. Starling Burgess nicknamed Tudor, Natasha, (originally named for her father), calling her this because of his fondness for a character in the book War and Peace. The name was shortened to Tasha after she was re-christened. She attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts around 8 or 9 years old. But credits her mother, a portrait artist, with teaching her to paint. She chose to follow in her mother's footsteps by becoming an artist, using watercolor as her medium. Tudor created the art for her books, pictures often bordered by details such as flowers, birds or other charming objects. She also created thousands of original works of art which appear on Christmas cards, Valentine's cards and posters.

Her mother after the divorce from Tudor's father Burgess relocated to Greenwich Village. It was then that Tudor was sent to live with a couple in Connecticut so she wouldn't be influenced by the jazz age. Living with this couple exposed her to theatre; the couple wrote plays including Tudor as a character, dressing up in period clothes and learning the lifestyle of past days on stage. This is how Tasha became fond of dressing in old styled clothes and theatrical themes. She started teaching nursery school and at the age of 15 with her earnings purchased a cow. It was her start to natural living. The dream of living in a English farmhouse and living with an early 1900's flair was beginning to take shape. She was able live her dream after she married Thomas McCready 1938, eventually having 4 children. When they were first married she wrote and illustrated a book for his niece as a gift, and named it, "Pumpkin Moonshine," as the book was written about the young girl's story of selecting a pumpkin from her grandmother's garden. This would be her first published book. Her husband McCready recommended that she should try to get it published. She was turned down by numerous publishers before she was accepted by Oxford University Press. The book, Pumpkin Moonshine, was published in 1938. It's seems spectacular that she developed this fine art of watercolor and only completed the 8Th grade. The royalties from her work on a 1944 version of Mother Goose helped her purchase the rural home that she always dreamed of, which was in need of renovation, the farm house had 17 rooms and 450 acres. Tudor painted in the kitchen between baking bread and feeding her children. She played games with the kids and had tea parties, and played dress up. She became famous for her children's books. After her divorce from McCready Tudor changed her last name to Tudor, changing her children's names as well. This act alone tells of her rare independence. Other books and watercolors followed, highlighted by some lovely contributions outside of her normal niche of children's books; to a few books about gardening with friends, one done with friend Margaret Hensel, "English Cottage Gardening".

Tudor did small things with style, something as simple as making homemade ice cream or planting a pretty flower; she was able to use in her writing or painting to share through her books in some way.

She had a home built in Marlboro,Vermont near her son Seth, which he built from the ground up to replicate, a friend's home in New Hampshire. Though it was a newly constructed home it had a worn look about it, to satisfy Tudor's liking, right down to the uneven floor boards. Tudor died in 2008.

Then she walked slowly through the high grass
written by Efner Tudor Holmes/Painting Tasha Tudor

Her simple way of life was inspiring because it's something that can be accomplished by anyone willing to embrace simple things and find a way to share them. As a painter, I know having beautiful unspoiled views of nature can be great for developing your eye for color and beauty; and can be easily shared with others on canvas.

Planting a garden in the South: The Peony flower

2010-02-25T18:33:00.000-06:00

Photo A & D Nursery

The peony is named after Paeon or Paean, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower.

Upon my many visits to garden stores, I walked the isles looking for flowers that I hoped to plant in my garden. I select them mainly because I wanted to see them again and they're not common to the area. I was intrigued by the bloom of the peony flower on one of my visits. The peony has a large flower with a center that creates a shadow inside. That day, I passed up this beautiful bloom because the leaves seemed to be less durable than the other flowers that I have selected, so I didn't buy it that day. Yet the peony fragrance has remained one of my favorites for a garden. I try to plant flowers that have fragrance but with textural leaves that stand out against other flowers in the garden. After much contemplation I have decided to add the peony bloom to my garden this year.

Here the blooms are protected by a parasole (Picture by Paeonyflora)

Garden Styles

2010-02-25T09:57:00.000-06:00

Cottage Gardens

If my garden was this large I could see it being rather vintage cottage style like this one. Yet this style would be harder to manage in my opinion. A garden like this should only be grown in year round warmer climates, because the landscape would fall into an unattractive overgrowth during winter months. I could be wrong but that's the way I see it. What kind of garden do you favor?

Check out the green walkway. Beautiful.

Photo by we heart it

GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY...

2010-02-24T10:11:00.000-06:00

It will make you
famous ~

Been thinking lately, about how I missed all this...the blog
world I mean.

I heard a few things
said about it
but never really investigated until I
read
a story written about Tavi, a blogger,
"Style
Rookie."
She writes a really clever blog
about fashion.
And only 14 years old.
I know I'm the last person to find
out
about her

After reading,I was hooked.
I think I started that day looking for blogs.

I still pour over magazines to
stay current; seeking pointers on fashion
and news worthy information.
(Particurly W magazine and Oprah's, "O").

But the Blogging world for me is a treasure hunt, with new personalities logging on everyday.

Invited by new blogs
onto their pages
for personal updates,
I think it's outstanding.

I've found that my love for interior design
has grown. Being able to look at blog pages by
designers and home makers alike; sharing stories
and pictures on a full screen.

It's incredibly nice.

xoxo

My room color concept

2010-02-23T09:26:00.000-06:00

Room Color & Design

...It's not easy but looking at everything from an artistic standpoint has a value to it.

Nothing is as simple as before, even purchasing hand towels becomes a lesson in texture and color.

While viewing interior design pages I've noticed a reoccuring theme, that colors create pause in a room and black seems to frame everything.

Black can be used as the color for a chair, picture frames or a pillow on a couch, when placed anywhere stops the eye.

Photos by we heart it.

(Black is hidden in this dining room; in the light fixture and window frame).

(Here the deepest color is found on the stained floor).

My Art Series/ A bowl of Cherries

2010-02-18T21:20:00.001-06:00

Oil on canvas
Artist: Yolanda T.

I painted this picture about 7 years ago.
At the time I didn't have as much
patience with art as I do now, I couldn't
wait to finish my canvases so I would rush
until my name was signed.
I still consider doing more touch-ups today.

Simple interiors with a splash of modern art

2010-02-15T14:06:00.000-06:00

Lovely arrangement by Design Interiors.
The use of a simple formula creates a stunning room.
Add a highly texturized rug to a modern canvas and
surround it with traditional furniture
and you've got total pleasure.

Designing a room with your specific tastes
is not as easy as it looks.
Many people get it right
the first try,
but sometimes finding
that special piece of furniture
takes longer. I managed
to figure out a few things
about my furniture selections.
I only buy very traditional pieces
as my first investments and collect
a few contemporary things to
bring out the personality of
my space.

xoxo

Laquan Smith, A young talent that didn't play sports, but fashion designing...he answered

2010-02-14T14:03:00.000-06:00

His grandfather gave him a football to play with when he was younger...it, he put aside for some quality time with a needle and thread.

LaQuan Smith, stitches up his latest designs in his grandmother's house. But that small detail won't stop him from showing his wears in New York City during fashion week. His method of show; similar to Chanel's fashion launches, afternoon shows in her apartment with models lined up walking down from her staircase bearing numbered cards. The place New York of course. To a few eager onlookers this is the potion of choice, a newly minted talent without a client list or a bank account. It's little stories like this that keep my creative engines churning. The humble beginnings... better yet a closer look into, behind the scenes.

This tale starts out with the promise of the tiniest of seeds. Without formal training other than his grandmother's lessons and a standard sewing machine. Mr. Smith lays out his fabrics, not on a fancy cutting table, but on the bedroom floor of his room at his grandmother's house to begin work on a new garment. The window above his bed casts light around a tattered mannequin providing light for the smallest of spaces including some shine for his grandmother's old sewing machine. His newly constructed clothes hang on a clothing rack only inches from his patch quilt covered bed. He creates his own patterns, opting not to use store bought patterns because they didn't have the range that he wanted, to achieve his final products. Ooh,just a little something that could be worn by Rihanna in her latest video.

His title of newcomer has nothing to do with his opening acts on the fashion stage.
Because he's not shy when it comes to going out on the town. To say that he was on a mission is an understatement. Spotted in 3 inch heels and sequins Laquan made eyes stare in his direction for more than a fashion thrill. Gaining the attention of the likes of fashions' in crowd with every courageous smile. He was taking orders.
Ok, this is not my taste but you have to give him credit for his effort.
He sews what appears to be stage wear, something that gets you noticed, a garment that most celebrities would have interest. He has some tamier pieces but will those really get any attention,on let's say...the Red Carpet. I know what he was thinking, 'who has time for tamed pieces, when I have New York City to conquer before I turn 22 years old.' With names like Rihanna and Lady Gaga already wearing his clothes, it's certain that he will be on his way to higher ground. His grandmother taught him to sew when he was only thirteen; he got the hang of holding a straight pen between his teeth and pinning fabric, in no time. With this skill under his belt, he made his fashion sketches drawn in his earlier days, come to life. He noted that opening up the seams of previously made garments helped him to understand sewing better. When asked how he was able to complete such pieces, quoted, "I just do it."

He has a personality of steel, because he had to put behind him the fact that he was rejected by the Fashion Institute of Technology, a school for designers. Upon viewing his sketches they said, "who is your girl." Because his designs didn't fit into a particular category, (his variety can range from layered jackets, with sea shell influences, to lace layered tees made with scuba fabric), they wanted to know who his girl would be, in commercial terms, his client. His answer was anyone...though stated politely. I found him quite inspiring.

Visit his website to view his collection at www.laquansmith.com

Photos New York Times

The last days of my old camera

2010-02-12T18:34:00.002-06:00

These photos were taken on a Sunday in a little rural town not far from my house. I'm using a point and shoot Kodak AF 3x Optical Aspheric Lens. This camera did OK for years and then out of the blue when I put some new batteries in one day... nothing, switched batteries again nothing. I am still upset. What I liked about this camera besides the fact that it was very reasonable it has 7.1 mega pixels something you apreciate when trying to photograph details. The pictures were always pretty clear. The first photo is of what seems to be an old barn/commercial livestock facility. Thought I would do some peaceful shots for city dwellers.

I love lonely shots; nothing but trees and train tracks leading west. I put my purse down in the rocks to take this shot. The tracks were so abandoned looking I wanted to wait to see if a train would come. It didn't for quite a while. Really peaceful.

Endless grass fields that only whisper in gusts of wind, you can hear a pen drop from a block away. Or it could have been Sunday silence.

Hope you enjoyed.

xoxo

Princes/ Hermes

2010-02-11T09:12:00.001-06:00

Stitched baseball mit 8,500.00 at Hermes.

The princes having a casual moment. Love this photo. Nice day.

Pictures that inspire

2010-02-10T07:19:00.000-06:00

You need a great sandwich every once in a while. Lovely bananas. ♥

Check out wichserstudio for her free giveaway she also has a lovely Etsy store. There will be 3 winners! Click here http://www.wichserstudio.blogspot.com/ for more details.

Favorites

2010-02-07T12:02:00.000-06:00

Chris Martin the lead singer of Coldplay is adorable,happy and hilarious if given the audience. Love.

W Magazine... an escape.

Morgan Freeman I can watch all day loooong.

xoxo

The morning paper

2010-02-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

Outside there are cars passing by and the sun's soft light on the horizon makes my curtains come to life again. The city is awake and moving. My day is just beginning. Many things must be done before my head hits the pillow again tonight. The weekend is here with a couple of to-dos left on my, "you must do list." It's often quoted that there's is 24 hours in a day yet the real truth is there is only twelve, the remaining twelve you spend getting ready for bed, sleeping or counting sheep. The night should always be reserved for you; a little personal time, if you will. Where it's OK to get lost in a great movie, load clothes in and out of the dryer, talk on the phone with relatives or look for something that you've misplaced. Whatever you want to do. So it's reasonable to say that when you schedule a 12 hour day, it's a good idea to schedule it a few days in advance or it can be gone like a dream with nothing being done other than simple chores. Leaving those same to-dos until tomorrow or worse next week.

I've found a new appreciation for being on time and in style. A good friend of mine purchased a nice Coach watch for me; just because. It's has a simple pearl face, gold hour marks with a stainless steel band that's modestly embellished. I have been wearing it now for 10 years and the look has remained simple but classic. I never looked at watches before the way I do now. Because now I look at time differently, I see a watch as a tool.

I'm not perfect but this is how I manage to get some things done during the day...err and night.
My day is broken up into minuscule activities. I schedule every project into 15 minute intervals. For instant I will say that it will take me 30 minutes to get to my destination, I block out two lines for the drive 15/15 (minutes). Now maybe there's a little time between stop lights to fill out forms or call a client but my foot is off the break as soon as the light turns green.

My twelve hours begin when I wake in the morning to fix breakfast around 5:30 am. This leaves some computer time and few minutes to look in the closet to find something to wear. Around 7:30 I do a yoga class on the fit channel. I don't know how I existed without a little yoga in the morning. At 8:00 a.m. I get dressed, this takes me about an hour. At 9:00a.m. I start my to-d0 list, making calls, computer work and setting up showings. Then it's off to a meeting, I schedule my first appointment around 10:00-10:15 a.m. At 12 p.m. I take a small break and figure my next meeting time and the reminder of the day. My next appointment is about 1:45 p.m. At 2:45 p.m. I take notes, make any calls that I need to make and before making the next showing if I have one scheduled around 4:00pm. At 5:00 p.m. I'm wrapping things up and doing any last minute projects like going to the bank, library, bookstore. It's never boring. My twelve hours have a different set-up everyday with a lot of unstructured spaces between showings and meeting clients, random must-do projects and unexpected calls that take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. A day can easily get lost if I'm not on a 15minute scheduling log.

xoxo

A Spoonful of Etiquette

2010-02-02T13:09:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share a new awakening I experienced during lunch the other day. I had this fabulous soup and I wanted to start eating right away but I'm notorious for burning my tongue no matter how careful I am. It's just me, but I don't think it looks good to cool your soup in public. So, before this I would suffer through the awkwardness of waiting until my soup cooled enough to eat, which would take forever, or resort to burning my tongue. So, I decided at lunch the other day to deliberately take a bite of my bread first; then I dipped my spoon in the soup letting it rest over the bowl until I finished chewing my bread. When I put the spoon to my mouth the soup it was cool enough to eat. This was revolutionary for me. I found this wonderful rhythm for eating soup that I never really realized before. It seems like I have to learn everything over about eating because I grew up completely vegetarian with really no eating challenges.

Sometimes I find eating difficult or hot foods can cause you to lose yourself in the dining process. I'm thinking of this lady that said her mother would tie her neck to the back of her chair at the dinner table leaving only a small space to move so she wouldn't lean forward to eat. Breaking a cardinal rule of fine dining. She made this revelation to a dinner guest to answer the question of how she learned to eat so beautifully. She really didn't sound unhappy about her meal time drama so I guess it all worked out. This story is a little drastic I know, but I like knowing the little nuisances of good habits. Have you been enlightened by a difficult meal at the dinner table?

New Lounge in New York/ Out with the New in with the Old...

2010-02-02T09:11:00.001-06:00

Some pictures of the new [I'm sure soon to be hot spot] lounge opening in New York City called; Polar. It's located below Gramercy's Marcel Hotel. Due to open on Feb 9Th right before fashion week. The interior design firm Goodman Charlton stayed true to the iconic name Polar, in that the seating looks very much like the color of a polar bear; the designer used faux fur as a warming counter presence against the cooler hard surfaces. It allows you to experience the landscape of the North Pole through a thoughtful selection of furnishings and color palettes. The crystal chandelier and glass tables stand in for solid ice providing a cold wow factor. With lighting that cools the atmosphere in a way that gently ages the interior; casting the illusion of dusk right before nightfall. Very romantic.
Visit: http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/02/polar_lounge.html

Pants, the loose factor, and the pump

2010-01-31T10:55:00.000-06:00

Having your pants fit properly, takes a bit of shopping to get it right. Another grossly important element is the type of shoe that you wear. If you wear a high heel the front of your pants tilt forward a bit and adds some length to the leg. A flat shoe does the same by removing the top area of the shoe, if they're not to long, the pants can sit nicely on top of your bare skin. Or the skinny legged pant eliminates any modification of the hem, it's only leg, leg, leg. Or that fabulous combination of fab sneaker and blazer. Visit http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jsp#home to design your own pair.

Morning tea/thoughts

2010-01-30T06:34:00.000-06:00

This morning I served myself some tea. It wasn't the afternoon tea that keeps you awake, it was chamomile tea which does the opposite.

I don't know if tea has transformative powers but you get a chance to slow down and think a little. Clearly, this is what I need at the moment. I got out the old china, washed the cup and saucer carefully, because it only takes me a small accident to ruin anything. Poured my tea and took a seat. I like the nostalgic quality of drinking from china. Taking sips; putting the cup down gently.

Here's what's on my mind. I been thinking of late about doing some more paintings, I ran across an art gallery manager that I did a painting for and she asked me to do some new things. This is a really fancy gallery that is operating inside a furniture store; not your average furniture but lets say a couch may put you back about 10 grand. I love the store. My problem is I don't know how to even begin painting I'm so rusty, I think the last painting I did was in 2008. I finished the painting in about two weeks, cleaned my brushes and put them away, they haven't seen the light of day since. I have done paintings that has taken me eight months to do. As to my fear of commitment. But, I was quickly put at ease when I learned of other artists taking three to five years to complete a canvas.

Running/my life

2010-01-28T06:22:00.000-06:00

Random rumblings, about running, staying stylish while doing so and picking up the
pieces after you finish running and you're out of shape. lol

It will be nice out today, so I might try running this
evening. I started last year again after quitting several years back.
You get sort of addicted to running because
if you run daily you can improve quite
quickly and you're always intent on beating your
longest distance or run time. I was up
to five miles a day and then had to go down to two
because of time factors...boy was I proud
of myself. Now, I'm afraid I will be
starting over from scratch digging in deep
to complete a half mile. This is not good!

Have a wonderful day.
See you soon.

xoxo

Around the neighborhood

2010-01-26T07:09:00.000-06:00

Some photos of the neighborhood. It's a little different from most neighborhoods in that you get all types of people. It's not unusual to see a Bentley driving down the street or a person on skates. It has about 20 restaurants. At night people just walk from place to place trying this restaurant or that one looking into the windows of shops. Viewing art. Listening to music. It's just a little village.

It took me some time to realize what a real neighborhood is all about. It's about sharing resources, a joint place to buy groceries, local pharmacy, bookstores, restaurants; to become a regular with the clerks. What it also should be is a safe haven for your biggest investment. I was told of the times that you could leave your door open at night and never worry about someone harming you. I know that many neighborhoods are not based on this premise but wow, it would be nice to feel that way again. What I like about this neighborhood is that it's small with a big vision. The property owners love their homes and display their love in the front lawns. The landscapes mostly have an English flair none that could complete with Prince Charles's lavish estate but wonderful in their creativity. There are highly groomed colonials to the cottage styled all over the place eclectic gardens. In my spare time I treasure hunt for beautiful gardens; driving through the neighborhood looking for blooming flowers and pretty green foliage.

Taking your photos to the next level

2010-01-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of interesting elements in this picture. The bold blocks of color at play; the light blue sky, the tan building on the left and the dense green landscape to the right. From the surrounding landscape you get a lot of texture as well. Another interesting aspect to this image is the pavement of the street, main subject is left central of the photo showing a small amount of foreground in front of subject with stationery cars. I assume it was done during a red traffic light, you gain an excellent textural feature to a photo. Make sure not to hold up traffic trying to get a good shot. It would be ideal to have three people assisting with this shot. The flowing pink cape depicts the wind conditions on that day telling somewhat of the story by visualizing the moment. Adding as many details into the photo as possible helps the viewer retain content. Take shots with and without a flash to find the best results, get a few shots while walking and being still.

This could very well be a lucky shot or someone aiming to choose just the right sunlight the perfect background and being able to adjust the camera to the right settings; it's totally fun. Don't buy your camera to misuse it. Show your photos some attention.

This is a lovely photo with the sun setting through the trees and the partial silhouette of a small puppy and the use of her yellow and black scarf is an example of what can happen when you look for a good shot. The scarf adds another color in the frame that offsets the browns and neutrals. The person taking this photo was at eye level with the subject and possibly in luck being able to capture the rays of the sun.

How to design a photo like a pro

2010-01-20T07:32:00.000-06:00

I'm always attracted to off-center photos, the sofa in this photo is being used as the central subject. The two models, the co-stars of the photo are posed in the right half of the picture in a way to provide interest and balance; by using the colors in their clothing unique shapes can be formed to strengthen visual quality and to influence focal depth. Here it gives the red shoes a dual role of being a part of the outfit
and to act as part of the foreground to accentuate the dark hues in the sofa.
The composition used here is beautiful.

Fun soft fabrics are making a hard come back. What I like about this texture is that you can easily play down the dressiness by pairing with a cropped denim jacket and mini boots.
It's not uncommon to see them in lengths as long as prom dresses. It's a good look.

Vuitton/ the museum and Leibowitz

2009-11-16T09:55:00.000-06:00

I use to love going into the local museum during lunch on free day, I was able to get really familiar with the resident paintings on the wall...but the real treats were visiting paintings by famous artist to the museum. They made their trips from many corners of the earth to hang on the walls of museums for weeks to enjoy. Anyhow, I was struck by a collection of photographs taken by a famous Photographer Leibowitz, she photographs celebrities and others that have the cash to get her camera pointed in their direction. A picture that you could almost walk into was of 'Mos Def,' an actor and singer.
For longest time, I waited to see if he would blink or something because the picture seemed so alive to me; I even became a fan of his because of his beautiful face. I went to work finding a movie that he was casted to see him in action. It doesn't all end here though; back to Lebonwitz, she worked with Louis Vuitton for promotion material for a new collection, she was able to take an amazing image-that I have seen of late; it is of some of the first astronants posed around this old pick-up truck in the center of the desert-looking at the mid-night blue sky and the stars seemingly racing to their next conquest, it is brilliant. The lady on the hood has a Louis Vitton handbag laying beside her. To me, and my marketing instincts it is saying three things at once that Louis Vuitton [it's hard to look away from this photo] is setting a high bar in the fashion world and that the old pick-up (I'm not a truck expert but I know that it's American made and fabulous) belongs with the stellar heights of Louis Vuitton and the space crew. All seemingly unrelated juxtaposed into a fashionable traveling motif. It almost seems unfair to other fashion houses. Anne Leibowitz genius really spoke this time. Click world of Louis Vuitton: http://www.louisvuitton.com/en/flash/index.jsp?direct1=home_entry_gb0

A little story about the founder Vuitton. He was born in Jura France in 1821.

In 1835 moved to Paris France making his trip there by foot;

can you image Louis Vuitton having to walk down a dirt road someplace.

I love stories like this.

On the way he picked up odd jobs to finance himself.

Becoming an apprentice to French royality he learned

what a good traveling case should be. He then began to

design his own luggage. Before his introduction, common traveling cases

were rounded at the top to promote water run-off.

Vuitton, created the first flat-top trunks for ease of stacking.