Saturday, August 30, 2008

My Life would be so much better with this




Williams Sonoma's Bialetti Mukka glass cappuccino maker. - watch the video!

separate sections for the espresso, water, and milk and then it blends it all together for you. brilliant $99.95

Mackin...it might put your girlies out of biz-nis!
read her story "wake up and smell the..." for a hilarious story on teaching your kids to making morning espresso's. It made me laugh out loud.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

3 second recount of the past two weeks



Dooce the other day mentioned that you can retell the past in three seconds. So here's what you've missed since I've been dark all these days. It feels like an eternity to me!

So here it is the three second recap of why you haven't heard from me:

The computer obviously went down a dark trail. I got it back Tuesday but then realized they forgot to give me my power cord on Wed night when I went to hook it up.

My Direct TV took a dump at the same time. I'm in the process of moving over to Fios. So instead of having the guy come fix it only to then cancel the service [they were going to charge me] So lord have mercy, I've also been without TV and a computer for over two weeks. It's nearly Little House On The Prairie around here. We missed the Olympics and whatever other fantastic trash has been on.

We moved the boyfriend to his new place an hour and a half away for his medical program. Did I mention it's in the desert? and the day we moved, the weather was kind, only about 105 degrees. I decided that day that the only reason to be in heat like that is to be walking to the pool with drink in hand. He starts his med program Sept 2. Two more years.

I slept on my neck wrong the night before we moved him and my back did not like that move, as expected. By tomorrow I will have spent over $200 putting humpty dumpty back together again. Not to mention the ungodly amount of pain killers I've consumed. My chiropracter cracked my neck so loud yesterday that even he looked at me alarmed. I asked him if my head will still attached to my body, it was, but barely. Thankfully he's moved my pain from a 10 down to a 3. I have a very high threshold for pain so you might imagine having approx 10 icepicks in your neck and shoulder and that might equal what it feels like. I would guess my 10 is someone elses 20, I have a good poker face though.

The 9-5 is hellish right now. I wish I could say more but I won't. I will say that this is about the time of the year that I think "the makeup counter at Nordstrom would be a great choice about now". I mention that fact openly with my coworkers. They laugh but know I'm partially serious.

That's about it. I just had my second massage in as many days and I shouldn't be on this thing making more problems for myself till my neck calms down. I couldn't be away from all of you one more day though. Lordie I'm addicted.

Have a great long weekend kids. I'll get it together next week.

imac dome via> flickr

Thursday, August 21, 2008

this is brilliant...

The Mac is still rolling over like a dead dog but quickly I couldn't pass up telling you all how brilliant this site is.

Roomorama

How would you like to rent a loft in NYC for $162 a night? If you've ever priced a hotel in NY you'll know that this is a swinging deal. Some places are available for cheaper as well.

I'm totally using it next time I go to NY

Monday, August 18, 2008

A very sad, sad mac

The Mac at home is very ill, I hope not dead...I'll be down probably this week until I get news back from tech-ville.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The last bit of summer



I'm painfully aware that it's nearly the end of summer and I'm savoring every last second. Two more weeks and my sweetheart moves an hour away and begins his medical program [Physician's Assistant/ P.A]. Two full years. Word has it that it's hard, really hard, as-in the woman he is replacing in a house full of these students, her hair was falling out in clumps because of stress -hard. As in, 15-18 hours a day hard.

Two more years. We've already done three of his pre-med work, but it seems like an eternity when you share someone with books and stress and sleep. If only he didn't need to sleep.

So here's to summer. We're off to a wedding this weekend and hopefully a yummy breakfast together on Sunday, maybe a lazy nap or two.

I miss him already.

Some Things Of Note From The fashion Scene Today...



#1
Fashion Week Daily is reporting about next month's Harper's Bazaar issue featuring notable eating disorder poster child and stylist to the stars Rachael Zoe, that the magazine "padded" from a size 0 to a size 8 to slum with the rest of us.

Apparently she liked it but I imagine not enough to actually eat. “As soon as I had curves, I was like, I want to stick my butt out, show my cleavage. I immediately felt sexy,” Zoe told the magazine.

The question FWD poses is ...she doesn't look like she beefed up much. HB's idea of a size 8 and the real deal is quite different.

via Fashionista > Fashion Week Daily

------
#2 Rent-a- Kelly



Because I know all of my readers are still on the list for your Hermes Kelly Bag. I don't want you to go with out. Bag Borrow or Steal, the brilliant site that you can rent the bag you can't afford, is offering, if you didn't know, the opportunity to rent a vintage croc Kelly at the measly price of $816.00 a week or if you might $2400.00 a month [member price] humm I wonder if they'll take a check?

In case you're wondering it's wait listed at BBoS as well, So get on that list too if you want to take it to your 20 year high school reunion.

I think the real deal has a wait list of 5+ years and a possibly a price tag exceeding 15k [10k for the Birkin right? Croc is so much more] so you could rent to "test it out" or fill in your wait time while you're at it.

------
#3 Fashonista's business comparison between Zara and the Gap is spot on

"Zara surpasses Gap as the largest retailer in the world. Posting 9% increase in sales while Gap fell behind 10% in the first quarter."



from the article:
Why did I buy my winter coat full price from Zara two weeks ago? Because I know it'll be gone by the end of the month, replaced with some other diluted Rick Owens interpretation. Meanwhile, Gap's overproduction means that if I like something, I can wait months with the guarantee that it will go on sale for a fraction of the price (good for me, bad for Gap) - but the bigger problem might be that I don't like anything.

Personally, I got all of three minutes to walk through Zara a couple of weeks ago during the dude's shopping spree. This place is rocking the house down, so many cute things. If I ever get three more minutes to go back I could do some damage. This article, over at Fashionista, outlining why they're doing well is a smart business analysis of why Patrick Robinson & Co should be taking note. I truly hope Patrick can pull them out of their hole [Banana seems to have gotten a little zing back] but they should re-evaluate the manufacturing plan as a whole if they're going to step it up.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

It's kinda like...


"It's kinda like walking in on your folks having sex. I mean it's great that they're still rockin' it but it's just not necessary to see AT ALL"

As described by the boyfriend about watching the folks rock out to the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack at a gathering with their friends.

Thumbs up on Sonia Kashuk at Target



I almost forgot to pass on this recommend to all of you!

I don't wear a lot of eye make up because with nearly black hair and fair skin I feel like I've already got a whole lotta somethin' going on. I tend to wear neutrals during the day and a little color at night.

I bought this on a total fluke at Target a few weeks ago$12.99 and it's close to the most perfect day eye shadow combo I've ever found. I expected the quality of it to be cheap, crease and all those things that go along with bad eye shadow [I was testing it for a project I have in mind]. To my surprise, the quality was great [better than my Mac stuff] and although all the colors looked metallic they weren't too glittery [just a tiny bit] for day wear.

It's hard to tell from the photo but there is a shadow base/concealer on the right which is awesome, next to it are 6 neutrals: 2 skin color [one medium tone, one light], a pale pink, a silvery gray, white and a taupe. Somehow I manage to put on about 4-5 of them each morning [white on the brow bone and corner of your eyes make everything brighten up!] and look like my most perfect "natural" self. We all know that "natural" takes some effort.



There is also one that ranges a little darker, browns and neutrals. I would say the lighter one would work with light to medium tones. Anything darker and I would go with this set.


I also bought a shadow brush that I've also been pleasantly surprised by. I'm really impressed with all of it really!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Skin Sergeant - Tom Kish




So I had this amazing facial a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't the normal "fluffy facial", I've nicknamed it the S&M facial because my skin sergeant Tom Kish was all business from the get-go. Now if you recall I worked in salons for 5 or so years so I've had my fill of some good skin care people.

My session with him was a gift from a friend that I helped out. She mentioned that he "worked on a few stars" a "couple of the girls from Desperate Housewives" hummm intrigued I drove to his Hollywood home to his studio. Before I did though I wanted to know more about this mystery man so I Googled him. Nothing. I became a little crazed...how does this person who has a skin care line not have anything come up about him? I still don't know, but for the record I'll mention Tom Kish's name a few times so that when anyone else would like to know about Tom Kish's Skin Care skills they can source this story.

Back to the story, straight out of the gate he looked at my skin and named 4-5 systemic issues I was having and then talked about my "rosacea acne" and told me that it wasn't it, it was this other thing. He explained that he had worked for many years with eastern medicine doctors developing his products because he couldn't find what he needed on the market. Bingo. love it already.

So the facial began: a head toss-wham, another head toss- wham, a micro dermabrasion, a steam, a mask, another mask applied with what felt like a wire brush, an intense massage unlike any I had ever had, another mask...2 hours later he applied a face oil and applied a piece of cheese cloth to my face [I have had a similar treatment done and was expecting that] instead he said "this is going to feel warm but it won't burn you it's perfectly heat regulated" on goes the hot paraffin wax! holy toledo, after all the scrubbing and what-not I thought I was going to be a piece of shredded hamburger. Instead what I discovered, once I got off the bed 2+ hours later, was perfect skin. The bumps that the doctor was calling "acne" were gone. My skin was softer than a babies bum!

In the end, I went with the "non-kish" product oregano oil to help keep the bumps at bay [it also helps if you feel like you're getting a cold and with yeast issues] who knew that oregano was a natural antibiotic?

When I left, I was in a little bit of shell shock because it wasn't the normal fluffy, happy, shiny facial that I'm use to but the reality is that It Worked like nothing else I've tried. He describes himself as a healer and someone who specializes in problem skin. [Another name dropping of "a cast member of Lost" came up in that conversation]. I called my girlfriend who gave me the gift certificate and said "thank you for the best ass-kicking ever"

So here's the deal, If you live in the Los Angeles Area and are up for getting the shit beat out of you but have your skin look absolutely the most amazing it has ever been I can recommend Tom Kish Skin Care. If you're a wimp, than I'll recommend a fluffy, nice little place for you as well. But....Man-up girls [or boys] it will be worth it. I promise.

$175 [minimum of 2 hours - sometimes it goes to 3]
By appointment only: Tom Kish Skincare 1.323.969.8031
Tell him Richele recommended the kick-ass facial

image>Los Angeles Magazine Article but I don't know when because, when I searched it - it would not bring up any results.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Target Rules

I can recommend this:



Khaki jacket .Although wear it with some dark jeans and a little heel not that lame skirt that it's show with. Don't button it up, wear a tank top underneath. Perhaps a chunky silver necklace too. $39.99



Richard Chai plaid trench super cute
$44.99 I didn't try this one on but the GO line usually runs junior-like in sizing


by the way I almost pee'd my pants today when I read this:
Alexander McQueen in talks with Target

and already set...how did I not hear about this?my favorite Accessory designer whom I cannot afford... Anya Hindmarch is set for Target Launch October Along with Sigerson Morrison Shoes. I still can't do Target shoes but yeah for great affordable design!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

dux dux goose


Headed back East to Duxbury, Ma with my guy to visit his family before his med school begins. I'll see you next week.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Si Scott



In case you've never seen this man's work I wanted you all to see this video because I didn't believe he created this stuff by hand until I saw it. Talk about a steady hand! Amazingly beautiful. The whole swirly thing that's so popular? His work with advertising clients...yes, indeed he started the trend.

The other reason I wanted to tell you to look at his stuff is that Threadless, the amazing T-shirt company commissioned him to do a t-shirt. and if Blogger wasn't being such a bitch right now I would have loaded the photo. But alas, you'll have to click over to see "True Love Will Find You In The End" Their Tees run small by the way - order up if you're in question.

For More of his amazing work: Si Scott Studio


Perez has been showing a few photos of Miss Thang lately that even made me say "What the hell happened to her face? -that's not just a bad camera angle they got" Well, apparently New York Magazine agrees.

scroll down on that first link to "what happened". Made me so sad for her. She was rocking it so well before.

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Mall Rage


The guy and I spent 6 hrs at an Orange County Mall over the weekend looking for some new "school clothes" before he starts med school. We were looking for a pair of casual boots [didn't find any] and the perfect khaki's. Which we found at the very last store---ever. We were also looking for a pair of jeans but that's a whole other story to go into. I haven't done a marathon shopping day like that since well, I was 22. And adding the fact that my guy isn't really a mall guy or a shopper well you do the math.

I first took him to "Nordstrom Rack" trying for a bargin - he walked in and immediately said "I don't think I can do this" I dragged him through anyway to see if there were any shoes. none. He looked like a frightened puppy so I agreed to leave.

Next over to the big side of the mall. Now Orange County, as you should know from the Real Housewives has a lot of money and South Coast Plaza has stores in it that Rodeo Drive doesn't even have. Neimans, Saks, Nordies, Macy's if you want to go slumming, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Louis, Prada...all of them. It's always crowded there. The economy slump, doesn't effect these people. These are the people who decide to pop into "Harry Winston" and come out with a 7 carat diamond ring, just because. Or if it's an off day maybe a $2500 handbag. They also travel with their ENTIRE FAMILIES and walk in a row covering any source of "get around them" space possible. They also stroll, they don't power shop, which is fine, if you're not taking up every inch of room to get around them.

6 hrs later and I was D-O-N-E. I should have got a coffee at about 4pm but I was trying to power through. Bad decision on my part. When I go down in a fiery blaze like that it gets ugly and I tend to get mean. I did manage to control myself thankfully. In the end, we got him some really nice things and he was pleased but I was tapped out [wrong shoes too btw that I wore for the shopping excursion -didn't help, not a bit].

When we came home in relative silence, I finally admitted that I had thought about doing bodily harm to at least a dozen people while I was there. He said, "oh my gawd, I thought it was just me!" no honey, those people were annoying the shit out of me every single second. Then we both said it at the same time, wow we totally have "mall rage" and laughed.

That's it folks..."Mall Rage" you heard it here first.

BTW:...we were totally slumming it at Banana Republic & Macy's Men's[ JCrew was the fancy store for us]. But I must say the Harry Winston window with the 7+ carat pear shaped diamond...stunning and crazy large. The Rolex store was packed by the way in case you were wondering.

image via>flickr

Friday, August 01, 2008

Shame can't survive when empathy is present

I read this article which is AMAZING. Then I clicked over to read this, which was equally as lovely...two good eggs if you ask me.

"The quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. We spend too much precious time and energy managing perception and creating carefully edited versions of ourselves to show to the world. As hard as we try, we can’t seem to turn off the tapes that fill our heads with messages like, Never good enough! and What will people think?

Why? What fuels this unattainable need to look like we always have it all together? At first glance we might think it’s because we admire perfection, but that’s not the case. We are actually the most attracted to people we consider to be authentic and down-to-earth. We love people who are real – we’re drawn to those who both embrace their imperfections and radiate self-acceptance.

There is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what and how we’re supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism and blame by seeking safety in pretending and perfection.

After spending seven years interviewing men and women about shame and resilience, I've learned that our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together.


Brene Brown

Perfection



Anya Hindmarch Perry Shoulder Bag



Bottega Veneta Asymmetric draped dress [I want to be a Bottega Veneta woman]




Mui Mui Buckle Biker Boots I think I could kick some serious bootie with these.