Happy Holidays

"Lights" by Cherry Blossom Girl

CMYKaboom will be closed for business until January 5. Me and Fiance Kaboom! will be traveling to Vermont to stay in a cabin for several days with friends, and then heading off to Philadelphia to celebrate the New Year with our great pals, Mary Beth and Ben.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy happy holiday, and a very festive New Year!

My Own "Overheard in New York"

"Listen, I am Shabby" by Camilla Engman

Ah, New York, the town of infinite possibilities - and weirdos. Inevitably, when you have that many eccentric people in one place, you are going to hear some weird stuff on passing. So much so, that there is an entire site dedicated to it.

I am a long standing collector of these little gems of listening, and figure that it is about time I start sharing my collection with you, my fine readers. The two scenes below are BY FAR my two favorite moments of listening in in recent memory. Enjoy...

SCENE 1: Duane Reade Pharmacy, 28th and Park Ave.

I am in line (and notice I said "IN" not "ON" - there is no line that I am standing upon, you strange, strange, northerners), waiting to pick up a prescription. There is a young woman in front of me. I hear her ask the cashier for Plan B (for those of you who live under a rock, Plan B is the name for emergency birth control). Cashier goes and gets the product. Let's Listen...

Cashier: That'll be $45.68

Customer: ...What? How much?

Cashier: $45.68

Customer: Hmmm (reflects).....you know what, I'm gonna wait. (Turns and leaves)


SCENE 2: Liquor Store in the Flatiron District

Again, I am in line. There is a old man in front of me, dressed rather jauntily in a black trench coat and black fedora, with a feather in the brim. He is not at all homeless.

Fedora Guy: Do you have any Tanqueray?

Cashier: Yes. (Goes and fetches two bottles) Which size do you want?

Fedora Guy: (Stares pensively at the bottles) Hmmm...what day is it?

Cashier: (Looking puzzled) Um...Thursday?

Fedora Guy: Ok (nods). I'll take the big one.


SCENE 3: Former rather loud coworker, on the phone with a potential client.

Sadly, we only have one half of this conversation. But as you will see, maybe that is all WE NEED...

Coworker: You did NOT do that to a little girl scout!?

......

Coworker: Is her dad gonna punch you?

< -- END SCENE -- >

What's the best thing you ever overheard?

Thoughts in the Weeds

By carli kirstin

Still no camera - but maybe it's for the best as everything in these parts is a nightmare of clutter and boxes as we move stuff into the new house. Haiku is utterly alarmed and confused, keeps on wandering to his favorite spots only to find them occupied by cardboard or plastic bags. He keeps looking up and whining at us, like, "WHAT THE CRAP." I keep trying to tell him it will be over soon, that soon he will have an enormous house to romp around in, but he does not seem appeased.

Between wedding deposits, first month and security deposits, money is a very scarce thing in Kaboomtown this month. I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be very, very hard on everyone - I almost wish we could all make a mutual agreement to just give one another handmade treasures and not expect anything exorbitant, but we shall see.

I am also working on some big things for CMYKaboom, but with all the madness of moving, work and holidays on the horizon, I can sometimes feel pretty pessimistic about getting anything done. There's a restaurant term that always comes to mind when I feel like this: "In the weeds." "In the weeds" is how you describe being swamped when you are serving - food to bring out, orders to take, not a single moment to spare. It's the way you let the other servers know that you are overwhelmed and might need a little help. It's used strictly in the restaurant business, but I actually think it's very applicable in real life. Wouldn't it be nice if you could tell your boss who is trying to get you to stay late at work, "I'm sorry, but I'm in the weeds." Or the next time your bills come into the box, just to be able to mail them back with the note, "In the weeds - will pay next week!" O well, a gal can dream.

I think all of us have moments when we feel we are never going to get out of the weeds. It's times like these when the little courtesies you give yourself and others mean so much more: a moment of relaxation, a lent hand, a small, kind gesture can have such a large impact on our perspective, serve as a reminder that the world can be a generous, easy place if we let it be. Maybe if all of us lived like everyone was in the weeds indefinitely, we would be a heck of a lot nicer to one another all around.

So today, reach out. Do that nice thing, no matter how small land insignificant you consider it. It might make all the difference to someone trapped in those weeds, and help them remember there is some dry, fertile plain on the horizon. We all need reminding, from time to time.


I think all I want is a little house and a few people.
Maybe next to the Atlantic, with cygnets and swans.
And nobody hurts anybody by meaning to or not meaning to.
And we eat sugared almonds and drink warm-milk.
And maybe ride some reindeer on a Sunday.
And nobody hurts anybody.

-www.theunicorndiaries.com

Vote!!!

My stomach is somewhere up near my throat due to the general election today. I have never had a candidate whom I supported ever actually win. My friend Kevin put it best when he said, "Politics are like sports, except my team always loses." It really has not been a good run for my generation politically. I think Gala has summed up my feelings quite well today: "I Am Exhilarated & Terrified At The Same Time."

Regardless of past disappointments, I can't help caring a great deal about the politics of my country, and hoping that we can change and correct the many mistakes of the recent past. This year, I support the democratic candidate more than I ever have before, which makes me all the more anxious and worried about the outcome. Which is why I am not allowing myself an iota of hope until the numbers are in - I simply can't bear it emotionally. I am actually leaving shortly to go volunteer for my main man, Obama. I am going to try very hard not to start hyperventilating, and I am going to make myself busy for the cause so I can feel like I have helped in some small way.

Everyone, I urge you to go vote today. Your vote matters, and in order for our government to function properly, we all must do our part. Let's make those founding fathers proud.

Find your nearest voting location here.

Week in Wardrobe: 9/12 - 9/17

Friday, 9/12:Sweater: Thrifted, Vest: Thrifted, Skirt: Gap, Shoes: Target, Watch: Bulova

Well, it finally happened - I am dressing for fall. I have to say, it's been pretty great. The weather in New York has been wonderful - full of cool breezes and a slight, refreshing chill in the air on gray and yellow mornings. I have been having a world of fun rummaging through my closet, digging out all my favorite sweaters and tights and cozy things.


Saturday, 9/14:Top: Victoria's Secret, Shorts: H&M, Shoes: Wholesale shop in NYC, Belt: Thrifted, Scarf: Joyce Leslie, Watch: Bulova

On Saturday, I hopped over to Gala and Nubby's Birthday Party in Central Park, and enjoyed cupcakes, warm weather, and wonderful conversation with awesome girls. It was quite a warm day, so I stuck to shorts and high hair. Fiance Kaboom! said I looked like a Bond villain, which simply delighted me. It's always a pleasure to meet with fellow writers and artists whose work I respect. Of course, I am a complete dunderhead, and was so wrapped up in enjoying myself and didn't take too many pics. Still, I'll be posting some shortly. Between Fashion Week and all the trimmings, I am still up to my ears in reviews and articles to entertain you with, my fine readers.


Monday, 9/15:Dress: Boutique in Harajuku, Vest: Thrifted, Necklace: Street Vendor, Cuff: James the Leather man, Watch: Bulova, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Bag: Micheal Kors

On the way back from the party, I took a detour over to Target's Bullseye Bodega. I had some slight reservations about going, as I had heard mixed reviews about the goods and the crowds, but I guess I got lucky, as when I went their really weren't too many visitor's, and still some pretty rad stuff available.


Tuesday, 9/16:Cardigan: Love Yaya, Tunic: Zara (Buffalo Exchange), Pants: Converse for Target, Shoes: Sigerson Morrison for Target, Watch: Bulova

I ended up getting three things: a Jonathan Saunders skirt decked out in his signature colorful splatters, a pair of tuxedo trousers made by Converse, and super cute suede Sigerson Morrison booties (I am wearing the trousers and booties in the pick above). I wore the shoes on Tuesday, and was shocked by how comfortable they were for heels - it felt like I was running about in sneakers all day. Definitely going to wear these out.


Wednesday, 9/17:Cardigan: Love Yaya, Shirt: Thrifted J.Crew, Cami: J.Crew, Skirt: Thrifted, Boots: Thrifted, Necklace: Erica Weiner, Belt: Vintage Shop in Harajuku

The cool weather has also allowed me to finally start wearing the AMAZING long cardigan I snatched up at the Yaya Aflalo sample sale I went to a month or so ago (worn above). I can't tell you how much I love this thing: I is incredibly cozy and comfy, and I felt very lucky to have it when everyone started complaining the office was getting chilly (my office may as well have no walls, it is so affected by the weather). I am a bit of a dwarf height-wise - so it's nice that the cardigan is long, but doesn't look overwhelming. I am going to be wearing this ALOT this season!

Also, this Wednesday I went to the Green Gallery Eco Press Showcase, which spotlighted designers who create fashion from environmentally sustainable materials. I was really blown away by much of the stuff there, and the inventiveness and talent of the designers to create remarkable things from bamboo, tires, old billboards and beer bottles, just to name a few.

As I said before, I have looooads of interesting posts coming up about fashion shows, events, and amazing designers, so stick around, it should be pretty interesting around here!

Birthday Haul and Amazing News

I am still reeling from all the wonderful presents I received for my birthday!

Here's the list:

- a giant assortment of Japanese magazines, cosmetic bags, sweets & stationery
- a floral blouse
- my own yukata!
- 2 pairs of shiny silver shoes from Aerosoles
- Betty Boop slippers
- "Sweet Needle Felts" book on felting (along with a ton of felt, not pictured)
- complete works of Hans Christian Anderson
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney for Nintendo DS
- Gift Certificates to Barnes & Noble and Victoria's Secret (not shown)
- Twin Peaks: The Definitive Gold Box Edition (not shown)
- moneys

Thank you so much to everyone who got me something, or helped me celebrate, or wished me birthday wishes. You are all so awesome.

In other news, I got some amazing news this weekend: I am going to MB Fashion Week! Look forward in the upcoming weeks to fresh photos, news and runway fun.

Now, if you'll excuse me - I need to tear asunder my closet, and figure out what on Earth I am going to wear...

Winning the Motherload: Jami Rodriguez Jewelry

Recently, the fashion community Stylehive.com held a contest to write about your favorite "Style Hiver" - who they were, what you liked about them, and why. The prize they were offering was too good to pass up - $500 worth of jewelry from the amazing designer Jami Rodriguez. So, I grabbed my keyboard and set to work. I decided to write about a member named BusyBee, who has remarkably great taste and a superb collection of items she showcases on the site.

Lo and behold, I just found out I won! In a few short days time, this amazing hoard of gorgeous jewelry will be making its way to yours truly. Talk about an amazing birthday gift!!


Jami Rodriguez Jewelry Collection

I can't tell you how delighted I am. I am very particular when it comes to jewelry, but Rodriquez's line feels like it was made for me - the pieces are so unique, dramatic, with a sophisticated sense of whimsy. I can barely wait to start wearing these bad boys!

StyleHive has a great interview with Jami Rodriguez, which you can read here.
To view Rodriguez's complete jewelry line, click here.

Full review of the pieces and pics coming soon!

Birthday Wish List

It's that time again! My birthday is only a few weeks away, on August 20. I am an enormous fan of birthdays - I think all of us need more days to celebrate being the awesome people we are.

I am especially looking forward to this birthday for an extra-special reason - my sister Linda is returning home from Japan! This is like the best birthday gift ever, as she has been away for the past 2 years, and I miss her oodles. We plan to have some extra special fun to celebrate her homecoming and my anniversary of being born. Of course, no birthday would be complete without a wish list. Here are some things that would make the day for me extra special...


Tickets to Cirque de Soleil
I've dreamed of going to see Cirque de Soliel FOREVER. I love circuses and ballets, and to me the Cirque is a combination of both. The costumes, the performers, the bendiness...I could just swoon!



Amazon Gift Cards so I can buy the new Canon Powershot
I have a Canon Rebel XTI, which I love to tears, but it is an incredibly cumbersome piece of equipment. I have desperately desired a teensy-tiny camera I could chuck in my purse. Not only is this camera great, but it comes in gold! My camera shall bling, I decree it!



Gift Cards to Victoria's Secret
One of many shopping addictions is Victoria's Secret apparel. The funny thing is, I almost never buy any undergarments or lingerie from them. They have some great sweaters and swim suits, and with the cooler months just on the horizon, nothing makes me happier than stocking up on cozy, comfy knits.



Twin Peaks - The Definitive Gold Box Edition
I love love love Twin Peaks. I nearly hit the ceiling when I found out they were releasing this new edition of the dvds. With these in my possession, I can proceed in having a Twin Peaks marathon with good, hot black coffee, doughnuts and red, red lipstick.

What's on your wish list?

Weekend Buys

Had a really nice weekend - went and saw Sex in the City with Gala, Gilda and friends, followed up by a rather awesome roof party hosted by my pal Brian. Saturday and Sunday I stayed mainly in the house, apart from a brief excursion with Boyfriend Kaboom to Barnes and Noble where I picked up some awesome goodies.



I snatched up the Martin Millar's new book "Lonely Werewolf Girl" (which I am super excited to read even though I hate the cover), a new leather-bound edition of the complete works of the Brothers Grimm, a pack of Moleskine cahier books, and a set of lovely glittery notecards.

I am most excited by the collection of Grimm's tales. I already had a copy of these, but I took one look at this book and knew I needed to replace it immediately.



The book is wrapped in forest green leather, and embossed in silver and gold. The pages are gold leafed and it has a ribbon bookmark.





The end pages are covered with gorgeous forest scenes (even Haiku liked them). I am so in love with this book - I can't imagine a more perfect way to house such wonderful stories.



Haiku is such a ham.