Thursday, June 30, 2022

Quirky Collections by Fashion Designers

 

We are quickly leaving the season called Pandemic Life behind us (God willing), so I thought a look back is appropriate. What memorable or quirky item(s) brought me joy during this uncertain time? I bought these dainty juice cups/tea glasses made in Romania for MacKenzie Childs. Gold rimmed. Hand-painted. Black & white. Red roses. They became sweet and pretty additions to our family's weekly Sunday Brunch table. They also double as tiny flower vases. Luv! ❤๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’ฎ❤

Fashion Designers Share the Quirky Home Objects Getting Them Through Quarantine 

Published May 20, 2020

Fashion designers, like the rest of us, have been stuck at home for some time now. With the fashion industry in flux — the Met Gala cancelled; fall fashion weeks up in the air — they are looking for inspiration and comfort right in their own living rooms. I talked to some of my favorite design friends, like Anna Sui, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, and Brandon Maxwell, to find out which household items they are cherishing in lockdown. Here, they give us a peek inside their homes and share the unexpected things — silly mugs, quirky clocks, sentimental pillows — that are bringing them joy now. 

Anna Sui, designer of Anna Sui, at home in New York

pc: Anna Sui

“These are some of my Gemma Taccogna papier-mรขchรฉ objects. I love her work; it always makes me happy when I look at it. The exuberance of her colors, that 60’s palette, the fact that they are hand-made — I love when you can see that someone has touched these and made them with their hands. I remember seeing these in 60s magazines and movies.” 

Erdem MoralฤฑoฤŸlu, designer of Erdem, at home in London

COURTESY OF ERDEM 
Painting is signed EINAR NERMAN, oil on canvas glued to panel, signed, dated -08.

“This is a painting that I bought just before lockdown, from an auction in Sweden. It gives me great joy. I’ve been addicted to auctions for a long time. I have flare ups: When I’m stressed, I often have several things on the go from auctions. I love my mustached friend and his pensive stare which keeps us company during lockdown. It’s nice to have a new guest in the house. There is something about him that reminds me of life before all of this.”

Irene Neuwirth, designer of Irene Neuwirth jewelry, at home in California

COURTESY OF IRENE NEUWIRTH

“This time has made me reflect on all, but feeling extra grateful for my business and team and friends and family. My home is filled with so many things I love that I have collected my entire life, so it’s hard to choose. My mom painted me the most glorious yellow and pink painting that is my absolute favorite. Oh, also: the pillow Pam Shamshiri gave me for my birthday of Teddy’s beautiful labradoodle face, felted.”

Read the full Domino article on quirky collections --->> H E R E






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Sunday, June 26, 2022

3 Year Old Ficus Lyrata or Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant ๐Ÿ’š

 

How much taller my Fiddle Leaf plant ๐Ÿ’š has grown! I am very happy ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ˜„

 I hope it continues to thrive.  If there's any "secret" it would be my parking it and leaving it in front of a large window which allows bright, but not hot, natural sunlight.  Plus fertilizer, of course.

A commonly tricky houseplant despite its popularity, the fiddle-leaf fig does not respond well to being moved, especially from a spot where it is thriving. Being a tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold temperatures well or survive prolonged freezes. Proper drainage, adequate sunlight (direct but not harsh), and misting with water will help keep your fiddle-leaf fig bright green with its signature glossy finish. -- wikipedia


...in the beginning (early Yr 2019):



pc: Amazon



end of December 2019


June 2022





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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Rich Strike: Otto Thorwarth Interviews Eric Reed and Sonny Leon

 This interview by Mr. Thorwarth occurred before the Belmont Stakes which American thoroughbred racehorse, Rich Strike lost, but who cares, right?  Rich Strike remains the Year 2022's phenomenal 80-to-1 winner of the most important horse race of the year -- the Kentucky Derby!!!






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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Rachel Cruze: Chic fil-A Hacks to Save Money $ at the Drive-thru

George Kamel, wikipedia
It's Summertime!  

Treat your kids at Chic fil-A once in a while and not feel so poor $$ afterward. 

Below are good, easy money-saving ideas from Dave Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Cruze, and Dave Ramsey co-host, George Kamel.  Watch their facebook video about this with the link below:

We went to Chick-fil-A to test some money-saving drive thru hacks! Try these hacks and let us know what you think! ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ”ด BLT: Just order a toasted bun with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. A great sandwich for about $2!

๐Ÿ”ด KID YOURSELF: Order a kids meal, and swap the toy for an Ice Dream in cup or cone. Food, drink, and dessert for under 6 dollars!

๐Ÿ”ด TWO SANDWICH HACK: Get two sandwiches on the cheap by getting an order of 4 count chicken strips and two buttered buns. Should save you about $2!

๐Ÿ“*exact prices will vary depending on your location

๐Ÿ ŠLink to Rachel Cruze's  Facebook video ๐Ÿ ˆ




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Sunday, June 19, 2022

Costco: Begonia Flower Plant Fail!

 

pc: Costco
I ordered these pre-planted Begonias from Costco's website in late April 2022. Beautiful! I also ordered Oriental Lillies. 

I had in mind the perfect spot for these Begonias by my front door. I was very hopeful after reading Costco's online description:

Put this planter outside after the last frost for summer color. The easiest way to create stunning natural displays in your outdoor spaces; no green thumb needed. These begonias produce overflowing double ruffled blooms in bright colors. Begonias are continuous bloomers meaning  you will enjoy their flowers until first frost. For the best results, remove spent blooms to promote new buds and fertilize monthly. Open the lid, add water and watch nature explode into a remarkable long lasting display of color.

Both plants arrived soon after placing my order.  I kept them indoors till the weather was warm enough, hoping to avoid frost. I set both plants outdoors on the same day.

Begonias ๐ŸŽ•

planted Begonia bulbs, watered, and set outside

May 30th:  No signs of๐Ÿฅ€ life ๐Ÿ˜•๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฆ๐Ÿ˜ฒ

But Costco's Oriental Lilies are blooming!!!






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Thursday, June 16, 2022

Pink Gel Nails

Mamie Eisenhower
In a week's time is National PINK Day

I love the color pink -- plain and simple.  I wore my pink outfits at junior high as often as I could. I like it so much that I even had my house painted in a shade of pink at one time.  Boy, oh boy, did we get in trouble with some neighbors, lol ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜€

Note: I have no intention of making a political statement, nor a politically-correct statement with this pink-themed post, period.  

Here are my nails in various shades of pink:







one of my favorites!



National Pink Day 2022



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Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Summer 2022: CJOY 30" Ceiling Fan

Amazon find by hubby!  The bedroom/office where we installed this small,lighted ceiling fan is 10 by 10-feet ... slightly bigger than the ideal 9 by 9-foot room CJOY recommends. 

I just want it to be quiet and sufficient to keep hubby cool while working at home; or our grandkids comfortable while asleep during their visit this summer, Lord willing.  The price was reasonable at $130. Made in China ๐Ÿ˜ 

BTW, my cuter choice -- but of a completely different style --would have cost us almost $900 thru Costco.

pc:  Amazon





pc: Costco (Maxim 6-speed fan)






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Sunday, June 12, 2022

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Black Fathers Matter

My own Dad was far, far, far from perfect (likewise ๐Ÿ˜); yet I am thankful for his presence in our home. 

 He did not abandon us, nor divorce my Mom.  If he had been absent by his choice, the hole in our emotional hearts would never have been reparable. Thanks, Dad ❤




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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

2022 Kentucky Derby Payout Breakdown $$$$

Place Prize Money 1 $1.86 million 2 $600,000 3 $300,000 4 $150,000 5 $90,000

pc: Yahoo

How the numbers work for the winner:
Winner gets $1,860,000 Jockey's team: 10% goes to jockey's team ($186,000) Jockey gets $130,200 (70% of team) Agent gets $46,500 (25% of team) Valet gets $9,300 (5% of team)
pc: twitter/nbc sports



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