Put a Sock in it

Where were these socks when I was in grade school? We always had to put tennis balls on our chair legs, but these chair socks are a very cool and simple idea for this common problem. They come in Argyle, Tube, Striped. Argyle is my favorite one out of the set. How classy? As much as I like them, I may have to file this under "If I ever win Powerball and have paid everything else off, then I will buy these for myself." Chair Personality Socks $20

Mama Wants a Brand New Bag

I love NYC and one of my favorite things to do in the city is hitting the speakeasies of Chinatown in search of the perfect handbag. It's not that I'm all girlie girl about purses, but I like the thrill of finding that classic handbag in some downtown alley. Every time I go to the city, I stock up on purses. Usually, I buy about four bags a trip. Judging by my current bag, I say I'm due for another trip and another purse. Who's with me?

Some know about the Chinatown story while on my honeymoon trip with my husband in NYC. He loves to retell it, but the short of it I did put us in some comprising situations that could only be found on humorous in a Jackie Chan movie. He holds it over my head to this day, but if the truth be told I would do it all over again. Maybe, next time I would make sure one of us had a handgun or at least a Swiss Army Knife for protection. However, I did manage to make it home with five bags and one piece of luggage and all of my body parts relying on my wit and my husband's death glare.

I saw this piece in the L.A. Times online. It's a list of the top 50 Signature Handbags - Cachet and Carry. Many of these bags would go nicely with anything in my closet, but most cost more than my SUV. I guess my Target $12 purse will have to do for now, but if anyone wanted to get me a belated birthday gift... I would take the Hermes Birkin black crocodile or one in plain leather (buyer's note: I'm not picky on material or color for that matter, just no pink - sorry Kassie).

Color My Childhood

How awesome are these cardboard houses by Javier Mariscal? It would be so much fun to play with these little houses and color in all of parts. (cue grandpa voice) "In my day..." we took old appliance boxes and made fort houses. One time, we made our on little city. Well, if I had a kid and an extra $275 lying around, I would really be tempted to buy this house for he or she. Maybe I will buy this for me with our tax return. We could always claim it as my home office, right?

Books: I want. I like. I bought.

I love book covers. I will buy a book based on the cover (insert joke here). I have lots of books... that I haven't read yet. I start them, but I stop because my life gets busy and I can't multi-task while reading. Eventually, they wind up on some nice espresso bookshelf where I can view them while working on some project. One day I will read them, maybe when I'm older and have more time. For now, they will be a part of my room design and inspire me to read... some day.



















I WANT. Usually, I'm attracted to book coverlets. However, these deluxe classic hardbacks are on my most wanted list. The Great Expectations & Sense and Sensibility covers are my favorite covers. I love how the designer picks a signifier that invokes a feeling within the context of the classic story. So, coming soon to espresso bookshelf near me these two clothbound series from Penguin Books Senior Cover Designer Coralie Bickford-Smith.

I LIKE. I have no idea what these are about, but at first glance I like the concept and design. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a clever cover.

I BOUGHT. Well, Kris did for one of my birthday presents. I love old books and especially color-coordinated ones. This is the 1965 Volume set of My Book House. I organize my books by color, of course. These are not pictures of my library, but what I aspire to have one day.

He's got the whole world.

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Roger Clemens' hands is worth $475 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.

A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Andre Agassi's hands is worth millions.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A slingshot in my hands is a kid's toy.
A slingshot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will
Produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.

As you see now, it depends whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because...
It depends whose hands it's in.

And, my winners are....

Type A...Arial

I love fonts. Okay, I am a font nerd. So it was interesting to see what font I would be by using this website... I happen to be Baskerville Italic. I'm Rational, Understated, Traditional, and Relaxed. Interesting that is what it came up with. I also did my color on this website and came up Lavender Mist Pantone 16-3307. I'm a writer, creative, and emotional. Don't know about writer, but I love being creative and I definitely got the emotional gene. It went on to say that I tend to be emotionally complex, well aren't we all.

Probably the line that fits me the most is that I can grasp ideas and concepts that most people can't wrap their minds around. I have always thought my mind works differently than most, not in a better way just a different way. Well, that was my fun the other day... now for the Super Bowl, my Super Bowl (aka The Academy Awards) that is. Rolling out The Red Carpet now.

Red, White, Pink

It's Valentine's Day or so the calendar says... I haven't blogged in over 2 months (sorry Kassie). We have been so busy with our move, new business venture, another surgery, and all that comes with day-to-day life. However, I am finding my grove and adjusting to the new schedule. When I think about holidays, I think of them in terms of colors. Maybe it's my kindergarten brain, but you know Christmas (Red, Green), Thanksgiving (Yellow, Orange, Brown), Halloween (Orange, Black), and alas Valentine's Day (Red, White, Pink). So in honor of my blogging return... I bring you my Red, White, Pink thoughts.

Red - Ketchup. I love it. I put it on many common food products, but I think it's a common fix to any dinner mishap. Just add Ketchup and it all tastes good. For years, I have had to endure many fast food lunches/dinners without my favorite condiment because of those pain-in-the-neck packets. You know the ones that Sonic gives you too much of, even if you just order ice cream from them. So due to this messy dilemma, I just avoid it all costs. However, the Australians have found the solution to our sticky problem. Their new design is something all food chains should strive for, you can Squeeze AND Dip. I hope they adopt this new design before I order my next Happy Meal!

White - I'm heading to Mexico soon. Well, visiting my grandparents who live right by the border and I will be crossing over to the Land of the Nachos. So, I had to renew my expired passport. I went to Walgreen's and took the 2X2 picture. I knew it would take a bit, so I went through the aisles and picked up a few items for the house. I heard over the store intercom, "Doss, please return to the photo lab desk." Just thinking the picture was ready for me, I continued with my shopping and went down another aisle. Then, the Walgreen's woman sought me out in the store and said, "I need you at the desk!" I shrugged her off and said that I would finish my shopping and would be up there shortly. I finished and approached the desk. The woman informed me that I had to retake my picture. Really? Why? I saw it on the screen and it was fine. Reason: there wasn't enough of a contrast between me and the WHITE background. It didn't meet Federal standards. Seriously, now the government is telling me that I'm too white. Geez!

P!nk - I get a little obsessive when it comes to film and music. I get stuck on something and play it to its death. Lately, I have been on non-stop replay of P!nk's Funhouse album. I had it pre-Grammy's, but in all the day-to-day life I didn't give it the attention it deserved. I have always thought Pink has an amazing voice and songwriting abilities, but I love how you can connect with an artist on a certain level. Like you can feel the song lyrics... I think Oprah said it was like being "wrapped in the song" when P!nk sang "Glitter in the Air" at the Grammy's. It was a great moment that I have watched over and over. I love how she got everyone wet, but more importantly - she didn't lip-sync her song even while swinging from silks in mid-air. Amazing! However, when she sang "I Don't Believe You" on Oprah, I held my breath and could feel the heartache in those words. Check it out and check her after the interview with Oprah when she dissects her Grammy performance. It's worth the viewing. My Valentine present is the Funhouse Tour DVD. I'm guessing my obsession will burn out just in time for American Idol top 10 performances.

bag these ideas

Snail Mail Google

I'm working on my Christmas Cards. If you know me, I make my cards by hand every year. I enjoy this time of year. Kris shrugs a "why-bother" when I start the card-making process, but I love it. We should celebrate and take time to share with others, even if it is through a simple piece of mail. However, this year we are moving during the holidays. So, when I saw this link from Google I have to admit I did give it all a second thought, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't do my cards. 

be cool. b flat.

Outsiders: Perspective

It's all a matter of perspective, so I have heard. Here are some of my latest Outsiders:

Christoph Niemann shows art in leaves. Fall into his illustrations.

 I knew cats were evil. This is a great time-waster. Cats that look like Hitler! It's a Kitler!

Famous Failures

Reality Shows: I Will Survive

I am fan of some Reality TV, probably more than most people. I freely admit it. I watch Project Runway, Top Chef, Amazing Race, Survivor, Big Brother, America's Next Top Model and Bachelor (guilty pleasures) etc. I got back into Survivor last season and got hooked on it again. This season delivered the best episode of the series this past week. Amy Kauffman put it the best for me, "I'm not sure if this week's episode of "Survivor" could have been any more fulfilling. Everything I've been waiting for finally came to fruition, and I couldn't stop grinning throughout the entire hour." Russell, as a player, has been playing this game better than even the original Survivor Richard Hatch. When he found the Immunity Idol for 3rd time without a clue - I seriously laughed out loud! The tie-breaker/blind side vote was great, but what was even better was watching the voted out contestants (Galu tribe members who were also blind-sided) laughing and commenting throughout the tribal council. It was great TV! I can't wait for Russell to pull out the idol again. I really hope he keeps is mouth shut long enough to truly upset the remaining Galu tribal members. 

In other Reality TV news, we have winners for two other shows. One winner will continue to work and the other will go back home after her 15 seconds are over. I'm talking about Project Runway's winner Irina Shabayeva, aka Mean-A-Irina and America's Next Top Model's winner Nicole Fox respectively. I really wanted to see Carol Hannah win, but I will admit Irina delivered luxurious clothes each challenge. The Bryant Park show was okay, but it lacked the fierceness of Christian Siriano's season. ANTM bucked tradition this cycle in picking the semi-talented model over the storyline model. Typically, they pick someone who can in Tyra's mind push her own agenda onto the public. However, 5'7" Nicole beat out Laura Kirkpatrick, who had the Cinderella storyline going. She's a little country bumpkin who's grandmother makes all of her clothes and has dyslexia (in case you haven't heard) who was transformed by Tyra's fairy dust and now has the confidence to pose and deliver a horrible Cover Girl commercial, and smize from H2T. I think the only reason why I watch ANTM to see what else and who else they can offend by their challenges. I wish I could chat with Michael Slezak about these winners. If you are an American Idol or just Reality TV Show follower in general, his sarcastic commentaries are a must watch. I watched Idolatry for a while and now his new show Realite. Note: if you check them out - watch them in order. Next up: Top Chef, start placing your bets now.

Ride the Swell... this Season

The Swell Season (or as I call them - my best buds) have released another album called Strict Joy. Kris and I bought the Deluxe Edition, of course. They are so passionate about love and the journey that we all call "Life." Their songs will strike a chord with anyone. We have seen them in concert once together in Louisville, KY with his sister Sarah. Then, we were planning to see them for our 2nd anniversary last year, but Kris unexpectedly had to go on a business trip. So, my sister filled in for Kris and enjoyed the show at the Ryman. They were AMAZING! We actually met them after the show. They are very down-to-earth and generous with their fans. I shouldn't be surprised by how many people are discovering and recognizing their talents (they did win the Oscar in case you forgot for Once). I have been listening to them and The Frames, while driving back and forth to Jackson. Good times!


I am in awe of Glen's voice. He is the most emotional singer I have ever heard. I love his stories and humor. If your heart doesn't hurt when you hear him sing "This Low," then you aren't alive. Another song that gets me every time is "Say It To Me Now." Markéta Irglová's voice is very soothing and pure as well. When she takes the lead on "All the Way Down, she puts me in the most solemn and happy mood. Glen sings it well too. I love that even my American Idol Kris Allen sang "Falling Slowly" on Idol this past season bringing Swell Season to a whole new audience. (Sidenote: this is also my Kris' ringtone on my phone) I wanted to share some videos of my best buds, Glen and Markéta. Yeah, we are best buds since I met them in Nashville... Enjoy!


The Swell Season holds a private performance in The Room Live. Special introduction by Matthew Perry.



HIMYM's Jason Segel crashes L.A. Swell Season concert, offers himself up for a date.
315-329-6673, call it if you need me...



"Low Rising" - Beautiful new video from The Swell Season

The Swell Season - New Music - More Music Videos

Man in the...Scan?

If you have a million dollars lying around (let's face it, who doesn't it), then I have the deal for you. You can be the proud owner of the Michael Jackson 3D Scan Data Avatar from 1996. I don't question the price because let's be real Michael himself would have bought it at that price, but what would you do with a 3D scan of the King of Pop. {daydream with me for a moment}

Hmm, I could use it on my upcoming Christmas cards, who wouldn't like to see the King of Pop's face while celebrating the King of Kings' birthday. I could have a wax figurine made, so I could throw the cops off me while driving in the HOV lane in Nashville. If stopped by the police, I would totally get out of a ticket because he's so life-like since the 3D was made from Michael in 1996. I could finally have a cool morph scene when I'm remaking The Secret World of Alex Mack. Can you imagine the all of the fun that could be had with a 3D Michael doll? I could put him in overalls and have a new My Buddy doll... "My Buddy, My Buddy... My Buddy and meeee!"

I guess I will save my first million dollar purchase to buy something more reasonable, maybe a website domain. There just happens to be one for sale. I think it's a diamond in the rough.

Pattycake, Pattycake

I'm not a chef or even a cook for that matter. However, I do love to BAKE. Baking combines two of my favorite things: creativity AND sugar! I think I could rock a cake decorating class some day. I have so many cake ideas... but the thing about cake decorating is that you always end up with lots and lots of cake. We definitely do not need any extra cake lying around mocking me until I consume it all. So for now, I will have to observe cake from a distance. I window-shop websites and watch Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, and Amazing Wedding Cakes to get my sugary fix.

The other day my mom made a red velvet cake for the Lambuth girls' basketball team. She let me frost the cake. Of course, I wanted to pipe something out. We started laughing about our techniques and then while spreading the frosting a cake divot popped up. Mom so graciously took over (not really, but she kept making me move over) to show me how a PRO does it. Then, vindication - she smoothed a section of the cake and it looked like the 4th of July. An explosion of RED crumbs everywhere. I guess we both will have to enroll into that decorating class. Here are some cool cake creations from Bakerella. I have been enjoying her blog for about a year now. I bet she knows how to spread cream cheese icing.

photo credit: bakerella

The Outsiders: Body Art

I'm no stranger to the Internets. I surf it all of the time and {if you listen to my parents} - way too much. I think I am quickly moving up Google's index food chain though. However, I still from time to time get surprised by what people put out there on the web. So, I'm going to start an occasional blog posting named "The Outsiders" devoted to all those souls who stepped outside of the proverbial acceptable box and followed the beat of a different drum. Here's to you crazy souls, who afford me a chuckle at your expense.

For all of the tatted Chi Omegas and/or bird of prey lovers:

owltattoos.blogspot.com 

For the ladies who love to get their nails did:

daily-nail.blogspot.com




Disclaimer: Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is not coincidental. I found you on the Internet and reserve the right to make a punch-line of your user content. If you don't like it, then don't publish it for the entire world to see.

Do you eat fish?

One of the funniest flowcharts I have seen in recent years. It is an easy guide to figuring out what should you eat. My favorite question is "Do you eat fish?" That question was designed for me and we all know the answer to that question is a BIG N-O! Well, I guess I need to figure out what mom and I are going to eat tonight. Her name isn't Jared... She has more than $3...

(click on photo to enlarge)






















photo credit: eating the road

Brown Bag (Packaging) Special