Everything's Not Lost

We had a laptop that had an unfortunate accident, resulting in it being inoperable. We were able to salvage the hard drive, which was...locked. We couldn't access it. I thought that more than a year's worth of pics were gone. But thanks to Danny, he was able to crack it - and now we have our pictures and memories in tact and backed up in our external drive. Whew!

I'm buying picture frames to put up my staircase...well, I just bought one (so far) to start with. I'm going to buy a few more and get my pictures printed out and framed. I'm just ecstatic that I didn't lose some of my best shots.

Inspiration!

Rain

The days have been so sunny, that I am thoroughly enjoying this rare gray day where everything is drenched by water...the cats sense it and have curled themselves up in tight warm balls. Nothing but the sound of rain and a faint snore of someone sleeping nearby.

Pelican

I saw him take off, and swoop overhead....I snapped and conquered....

The Age Game

The other night, we met some people visiting from France. They asked how old we were, and we made it a game. My friend Ruth was aged 3 years older, while Catherine was aged 1 year less then her age, and I was guessed to be 2 months older to be exact. :)

As they were going round, I contemplated what they might guestimate of me...because that night I was wearing false lashes and dark blue eyeshadow (yikes). I breathed a sigh of relief when my age was guessed correctly, but I really do want to shoot for a younger age. I think it's the makeup - the girls were more fresh faced...and although it's okay to have fun once in a while with falsies, I vow never to over do it.

I got through fazes just like every one else - there was a time I used to be very minimalist.

Swirl, Tap & Buff

I've been meaning to post about some of my beauty must-haves for a while now. I like to hear what products work for other people. I've been using Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals for about a year now and I love it. I used to use Studio Fix by Mac and I thought that was great, but after having a bit of problematic skin, I was tired of getting regular facials only to clog up my skin with makeup. Then I heard about Bare Minerals which used only natural minerals that did not clog pores. I went to a boutique and had a lady put it on. I was hooked. Not only was it great at covering up spots, it did not make me look like I was wearing a mask of makeup! It looked very natural, felt weightless and the starter kit included a color named "Warmth" which you'd sweep over cheekbones, forehead, chin, to give you a warm glow. My Mac powder makeup left me looking flat, so when I tried this, I was just thrilled with the luminosity. And the Mineral Veil is just luxurious. It's a silky, iridescent finishing powder that I can't go without. It doesn't take me long to do the steps either. I first conceal, buff the foundation on, sweep some warmth on, and finish off with the Mineral Veil. If anyone wants to try it, there is a Boutique in the Queens Center Mall & Roosevelt Field mall. As well as locations throughout the city. But I guarantee, you'll be hooked as well. Nothing beats natural makeup.

(Above) This eyelash curler, I cannot do without. It's by Sonia Kashuk and it's sold in Target Stores. This has to be the best curler I've ever had in my life! It's around $8.99 in stores and is well worth it. The Revlon one does NOT compare.

So there you have it, my two beauty must-haves. If I were stuck on an island somewhere...I'd be a happy camper if I had my Bare Minerals & my Sonia Kashuk Eyelash curler. Of course, having a mirror would be nice too! :)

Viva Italia!

I hope Johan doesn't mind me posting his pic on my blog. He sent me his pictures of Italy, and they looked like they had an awesome time...not only that, the scenery is fantabulous. Johan has a great eye for photography. His job helped him learn the camera inside out.

When I saw this pic, I think my mouth literally dropped open. I've been wanting to go to Italy for some time now, but after seeing his pictures, I'm obsessed! There are lots more breathtaking shots, so maybe one day he can share them with you.

Basket Case

This has to be one of my favorite childhood photos.

Biker Chick at heart.

For Steph...

Paul

I went here last night: Paul

From the moment I walked in, I could see that this bakery was a nice French bakery/cafe with an authentic feel. The decor is very warm & inviting. And it really did feel like I was in Europe - but for a moment.

I ordered a hot chocolate and a strawberry tart. I found, (much to my dismay) that the hot chocolate was comparable to a Swiss Miss packet with water, and the tart's crust was really hard. I found myself describing Marie Belle's hot, thick aztec chololate...ahh...nothing will ever compare.

The decor was lovely. After learning that there were 3 bakery/cafe's in the USA (only in FL), I could see how the decor was chain friendly. What do I mean by that? Well, the decor felt a little contrived. What could I expect, they want you to feel like you are in Europe and you do...sort of. But thinking back to Le Sans Souci's rustic French decor, I can't help but prefer that naturalness...the quality that you just can't duplicate.

I am willing to go back again, and give them another chance. Maybe try a quiche instead of a tart. (Jean Piero's mini fruit tarts were really good). Man, NY spoiled me! I feel like a snob. Anyway, if you come over, I'll take you there and you can make your own judgements!

Guys....

It's cold here. 51 degrees to be exact. My blood thinned really quickly as I call this weather freezing. Ha ha. My friend Ruth already broke out long sleeved blouses, tights & boots. I think I may do the same.

"Isabel"

Heavenly

I am painting my room this color! It's an ice blue that has the perfect balance of bright cheerful peacefulness that I need.

:)

Deja Blog

(I posted a picture at this very same spot a while back....)

AJ & Flora visited. We went to Juno Beach for a walk. The weather is really breezy and cool. If you're wondering why I look so short, it's because Flora's standing on a step.

Project!

I have a project to scan all my childhood photos - for a personal archive. Although I'm noticing, some of my pictures have been removed...Annoying!

You'll probably see a post or two of my childhood nostalgia in the process. I also set myself up for another project: finding a new album. After taking all these pictures out, it's going to be a pain to put it back in the old sticky page format. The album is falling apart anyway.

Thinking Outside The Box

I came home last night from a movie to find my boy cat Max has left me two presents. Two yellow puddles - one right in the center of the room when you first walk in the door, and one on the side of my washer. I was beyond annoyed. It was partially my fault, because the litter box wasn't exactly clean. But this dumb cat had to protest! And even with Pine Sol and a mop, I wasn't able to get that acidic nasty smell out completely. (I guess I have to mop again, sigh).

I guess he's being clean in his own way, but for goodness sake! Cat pee is putrid.

PJ'S

Why is staying in your pj's all day such a yucky feeling? Even if you've bathed? Even if it's the cutest pj set?

It's mental.

TV Or Not TV

That is the question. What's your take on having a TV in your bedroom? I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I'm leaning towards not. I think that your bedroom should be the most peaceful room in the house...where you can read, reflect and sleep. We have too much media in our lives and need more peace. There is a TV, literally 5 steps away from my bedroom door. Are we that lazy, to not just walk those 5 steps? I think there's even a study out there where having one in the bedroom is linked to being overweight. I think I've answered my own question. I do that a lot sometimes.

Tantrums & Self-Absorbness

Whenever I'm feeling emotional, why does it get construed as being self-absorbed? Yeah, it's true - we all have selfishness inside us, but why must we always be seen in a negative light? What ever happened to BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT? And I just LOVE when you tell someone what the problem is, and they look at you like that's not really the problem, but some BIGGER problem - like they don't believe you when you say, "No, I'm just feeling this way because of blah blah blah" then they say, NO, you were just throwing a tantrum because of___(insert selfish reason here)____. And you're like NOOOOO, that's not it! They get you wrong, and then you're like forget it! Only God knows what I'm really feeling inside--who cares if you don't believe me or not?!?

It's exhausting. Sorry for venting. Sometimes we are just looking for a little bit of sympathy and you expect someone to be sympathetic and you get the opposite. I should just stop myself and remember the "pathetic" in sympathetic.

Gloomy Day

Today is a gloomy day for Florida. It's quite welcome, since everyday it's sunny. But it makes time go by ever...so...slowly...

I used my Lush shampoo bar the other day. I'm so in love. I just love soaps and stuff. Its an addiction. I have to seriously go through my crap and start giving little away. It's bad to accumulate more than you can use. Sometimes I think I should have been one of those people who test products. I would love that job. (It's probably not as fun as I think it is). Maybe I should shove it all in the other bathroom and tell people to use them as amenities like in a hotel.

Trim Spa, Baby!

I have my own version of Trim Spa: The Stomach Virus! Thanks to the old but trusty sickness, I have lost 5lbs in just a few days. Record! Thanks for making me sick, stomach virus.
--
On a better note, I had a good weekend full of activity. Shopping, friends, food...but didn't touch my pile of clothes that is still on my floor. My closet is just screaming for somebody to fill it's shelves & hangers. But it can wait. I have mastered the art of procrastination.