A Reluctant Bride Gives Thanks!

"vintage button bouquets in action" by lilfishstudios

I am totally blown away by the responses I have received in response to my last post about the bridal role - who knew so many eloquent, sympathetic lasses read my blog! Your personal stories and comments mean the world to me, and it's incredibly good to know I (we) are not alone in feeling awkward in this unique cultural position.

Seeing as there seems to be so much interest in this subject, I am going to make an effort to be more forthcoming about the upcoming wedding, and my experiences and lessons regarding it.

Thanks again - you guys are fantastic!

Cyn~

A Reluctant Bride

"The Bride" by Olga Vasilkova

It occurred to me recently that I am just a few months shy of getting married, yet no one reading this blog would have any way of knowing it. Truth be told, I have been very reticent about posting regarding my upcoming nuptials, and lately I've been picking my brain as to why that is.

Thinking about it, I suppose there are several reasons. One being that I tend to be less personal and more expository in my blogging habits; something I consider neither a good nor bad thing, just a personal preference - I created this blog to show others the things that inspire me, not to dwell too much on who I am exactly. But I suppose the brunt of the reason I have been quiet in this area is that I am a reluctant bride. No, that does not mean that Fiance Kaboom! is hauling me down the aisle, kicking and screaming, with a great gnashing of teeth. I am extremely happy about our marriage - I think it's an important step in our relationship, and an important marker in both of our lives.

So it's not the marrying that has me disconcerted, but the fact that between the time of engagement and marriage, I have been put into this position where I am expected to play the role of the, "Bride To Be." This is something I had not foresee, and frankly am not very comfortable with.

I know there are many, many girls out there that have fantasized about planning their wedding since they could tie their shoelaces, but I have never been one of them. My childhood dreams were always centered around becoming a runaway, starting a rock band, becoming the next great American painter and kazoo player. And if and when I wondered about my future romantic counterpart, I was much too obsessed worrying about the intricacies implied in the idea of ever being able to meet a soul mate than what exactly I would be wearing when me and this rare bird would tie the knot (IF we tied the knot). I never possessed any bridal fantasies - it always just seemed like so much stuff and nonsense in a world full of excitement and adventure.

Now that I find myself in the role of the betrothed, I have discovered our society projects a very clear image of what a woman about to get married should act like and be concerned with, and frankly that list of things deeply concerns me. I watch women on bridal television programs pouring 3-month salaries into dresses they will only wear once, going into near hysterics over the tonal values of hydrangea in their floral arrangements, and frankly, I feel a little queasy. the I think our society puts too much importance on the event of a wedding, and that often all the pomp and circumstance can take away from the true meaning of the day, the personal pledge between two people to be the other's physical and emotional partner for the rest of their lives.

This feeling has not been helped with the matter both me and Fiance Kaboom! have had to proceed in regarding the wedding itself. My family is first generation Italian immigrants, and have very firmly set ideas of what they expect in a wedding. Due to my reticence to make a big deal of anything involving the wedding, I have acquiesced in their wishes to have a much more traditional wedding than I may have chosen for myself. So I find myself filling bridal shoes I never quite anticipated for myself, and predictably chafing.

I know I am alone in my reactionary feelings toward traditional bridal roles - countless websites and articles about couples breaking away from the typical wedding protocol being thrust upon them confirm this fact. But I also wonder how many girls are in the same position I am - basically, trying to fill the traditional bride role, but being a little disillusioned and uncomfortable with it at the same time. That is a side you don't really read much about in the wedding magazines (magazines which I refuse to go near with the aversion of a vampire to garlic).

So this is how I have been feeling, and it bothers me that my natural reaction has been to turn away from writing about it, rather than dealing with it in the online forum available to me where my input could help someone sharing my same concerns, or even help me deal with some of these issues about being a reluctant bride.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw it out there. What are your thoughts about the bride role? Are you comfortable with it? If not, how did you deal with it, or how do you intend to deal with it in the future?

Pelvis Presley

Just a few close-ups of that wonderful Laura Burnham necklace I have been sporting like mad. Laura told me she made the cast from the pelvis bone of some unidentified animal.



I know some might find it a little odd to go around wearing a pelvis around your neck, but I consider it a homage to nature, and the art found therein. It's this truly marvelous, mysterious and lovely artifact.



Also, if you are as enamored of her work as I am, here's a little news:

If you are in the New York area, there's a sample sale today at
Tucker by Gaby Basora, 13 Essex St (between Hester and Canal), from 9am to 7pm. Laura works there, and tells me the clothing is beautiful and there will be some really good deals. Best part: Lauren will be selling some jewelry there as well!

If you make it out, tell them CMYKaboom sent ya. ;)

Kaboom! Auction 2

My little foray into selling went pretty well last week, so I thought I'd try it again! Particularly because I just made some pretty big shoe purchases recently, and we are now getting dangerously close to avalanche country at the Kaboom! residence.

Frederick's Collection Vintage Vegan Oxford Pumps 7.5




Aerosoles Samantha Vintage-Inspired Leather Wedges 6.5




Rare Harry Potter Japanese Hogwarts Photo Scrapbook




David Mack Rare Marvel Kabuki Comic Book Statue LE NIB



Bidding ends next Wednesday! Good Luck!

Kaboom Auction: Get 'Em While They're Hot!

With spring in the air, I have been struck by the mood to empty out my closets a bit. It seems such a shame that I have so many pieces of fly stuff that spend most of their time collecting dust, just because I have found other fly stuff that has caught my fancy.

What does this mean? It means that I am currently selling some pretty sweet items, and that YOU may be the lucky recipient.

Here's what's currently on the auction block:

Prada Combat Boots



I LOVEEEE these. So much. There is only one reason and one reason only I am selling them: they are too big for me. It makes me want to cry. I hope they find a home with some awesome lass whose feet are slightly larger than mine.


David Mack's Kabuki Limited Edition Statue



Again, I own too many nice things, and this gem just isn't getting the love she deserves. Kabuki is one of my favorite comic book characters, and if you haven't read the stunning comics created by David Mack, I highly, highly recommend you take a peek, even if you aren't a comic book person. They are simply visually stunning.

Poetic License Burgundy Wedges



These were a tough one to let go. In fact, a part of me wouldn't cry if they don't sell. But the honest to goodness truth is they are not really in the color palette I wear, as utterly beautiful as they are. They are soooo comfy, and sure to make someone very, very happy.

That's it for now! Auctions end Friday! Happy Bidding!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's CMYKaboom! on Twitter!

"Batman Joins Twitter" by canofpopdotcom

Have you heard of this thing called Twitter? Apparently it's all the rage with the young hooligans, so I thought I would give it a whirl. And now I am extremely addicted.

Over the last week, I have been twittering like mad. Here are my assessments of this new technology:

It's weird to me that famous people like twittering. People Like Shaq and Trent Reznor. It's completely awesome, yet still is a little weird. Just goes to show that no one is too famous to waste time on the Internet.

I spend a rather embarrassing amount of my time looking for famous people on Twitter.

Kate Bush is sadly not on Twitter. :(

It's really tricky compartmentalizing thoughts into 140 characters. It's a mixture of haiku and sudoku. Also, it takes a monumental force of will to preserve the integrity of the English language in this format.

Those who do not exert the force of will to preserve the integrity of the language in a tweet should be beaten to death with their own computer keyboards. I'm sorry, but "PLZ DRM 2 need ovaltn 4 @MarkyMark!" means NOTHING to me, and nothing is important enough for me to waste time puzzling it out.

I am saving heaps of time and disappointment that I formerly experienced visiting my favorite blogs, only to discover they have not been updated since my last visit. Now, a sweet little tweet lets me stay up to date with all the new blog/news dirt.

The New York Times is much more palatable in 140 characters.

If you care to follow CMYKaboom! on Twitter, simply click here. And find out up-to-the-minute whether I have any food stuck in my teeth.

Emergency Brake, And I

"Inside of PATH train" by erametta

In which our intrepid explorer does that thing you've always been dying to do, and survives to tell the tale!

So last night, I am getting off the PATH like I normally do. For those of you who don't normally ride the PATH - homeward bound, Journal Square is the final stop on the train - they make an announcement the train is out of service, and make sure everyone gets off.

After several lost bags and accessories, I have learned to always check behind me as I am leaving a train. As I walk off, I am searching for my hat. I cast a glance back, see my hat on the floor, as I hear the bell for the door closing.

I realize that if those doors close, I will never see my hat again, so I lurch back through, and grab my hat, then spin as the doors shut in my face. I am now on the train, and everyone on the platform is staring at me. And then the train starts leaving.

I have no freaking clue where this train is going. I have no freaking clue if they do another passenger check after they take the train to wherever they are taking it to. For all I know, they could hit the lights, grab a sandwich, and call it a night. Maybe this train won't be used again for A WEEK. Maybe they will decommission it. Twenty years from now, some historical train enthusiast will open it up, and find my withered skeleton, clutching a white crocheted beret and a copy of "Life of Pi".

I look left. I see the red brake hanging there, tempting me. I bite my lip, ask myself, "Does this qualify as an emergency?" I answer, "O HELLS YES," and yank that sucker.

I can't believe how quickly the train stopped (Fiance Kaboom! later explained to me that cord drops an anchor immediately from the car I am in). One second we were gaining speed, the next we have stopped. Everyone on the platform is now gaping at me. I sheepishly tap on the doors and mouth "HALP."

An older passenger walks over to the doors, and starts trying to talk to me. However, at this point the brake has started squealing inside the car, and consequently I can't make out a word he is saying. I shrug a few times, and gesticulate "I CAN'T HEAR YOU," and proceed to wait, assuming someone is going to come see what the trouble is.

After about 3 minutes, no one has come. It occurs to me that there has to be a conductor on this train, and he has to be in the front of the train. Though I am leery of the brake (it is still squealing, and somewhere in my mind I have the crazy notion it might explode), I duck past it, and start making my way to the front of the train.

Sure enough, I encounter the conductor about a car away from the front, and he is making his way back. I brace myself for yelling - I am sure pulling the e-brake is no laughing matter, am preparing to defend myself against his onslaught of questions as to what I was doing on an out-of-service train in the first place. However, he doesn't say a thing to me - just barely acknowledges my presence, as I listen to a woman on his radio instruct "The brake was pulled on the back car!" (In hindsight, it occurs to me that this may be because he was actually at fault in the situation. Normally, the conductor passes through all cars before they leave the platform, which didn't happen in this case).

He nods at me as I quickly mumble something about my hat, and lets me out. I gratefully step onto the platform. A heavyset woman sitting on a bench is laughing. "Girl fell asleep on the train!" she points out to a friend (not true!). As I head up the stairs, another passenger sees me, and asks if I pulled the e-brake. I tell him I did, and give him a short explanation. I notice there is a look of pure awe on his face.

It is at this point I realize what I have just done. I got to pull the e-brake. EVERYONE wants to pull the e-brake. I confirm to myself that it was kind of awesome, though I do start to feel a little bad for the 20 minute delay I most surely caused in the process.

But yeah. Emergency brake. I pulled it.

In Memoriam: Rich Mansfield

The Muttscomics.com Team, Left to Right: Elena Nazarro, Allyson Murphy, Richard Mansfield, Karen O'Connell, Me

I received news today that my former boss and friend, Richard Mansfield, passed away this weekend. Rich was just an amazing guy - the kind of person who you could just tell really tried to live each day to the fullest. I first met Rich over five years ago: I was a kid fresh out of design school, and he decided to take a chance on me and hired me as a designer. My time working with Rich and everyone at PRI/Muttscomics.com was by far the greatest experience someone starting in the field could hope for: an exciting, fun environment to work in, full of amazing people; and Rich the hub of that wheel. He was an honest, funny, kind man, who would go out of his way for others, who had enormous love for his family, friends and peers. I feel honored to have been able to know him.

You can read Rich's articles here.

So long, Rich. I hope you are hanging out somewhere listening to Bob Dylan, with Jerry Garcia and Babe Ruth, watching a gorgeous sunrise.

Recession Impression

X by Cherie™

This darn economic downturn has been kicking all of our rear ends, huh? If it hasn't affected you then count yourself among the lucky, as I have met very few people who have been completely unaffected at this point. Speaking for myself, I have been paying much closer attention to saving money and curbing spending as much as I can. It's bag lunches and home brewed tea for this dame.

Also, have any of you heard this term "recessionista"? I don't like it, don't like it at all. Makes me think of Marie Antoinette, oblivious and seeing this as an opportunity to "bum it." Though I do love the magazines that are starting to get the hint: Elle this month had a great article on how to get designer looks on the cheap, and even tested the looks against designer ones to see which the public thought were couture.

Anyway, this all this scrimping has put me in a bit of a fashion funk. Mainly because every vendor on the planet is taking this opportunity to lure me back into their shops by having ridiculous sales every other day. This seems to me the equivalent of offering someone on a diet discounted doughnuts - hardly the most scrupulous behavior, but I can understand their desperation though they are TORTURING ME. Also, MB Fashion Week is around the corner, which is a sure fire trigger to shop. It seems that I can validate any object by telling myself "I NEED it for Fashion Week." Right. Like fashion week is going to be called off because I don't have a new pair of sunglasses.

However, I have allowed myself some small amenities, and by that I mean eBay. Rather than grabbing up the brand name objet de l'heure, I have been trawling eBay for their equivalent. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with eBay. I used to be an avid member back in the early days, when you could throw stuff up and snatch things off of it for a penny, but those days are long gone. eBay has become a much more pricey place to do business, but recently I have been giving it a second chance, with pretty positive results. Below are just a few of my most recent acquisitions:





Now, instead of sitting around, grumbling that I can't afford anything, I am bubbling with anticipation for my new junk. My crotch will be low, says I! And my shoes odd! Recession be damned!

What fresh new junk do you have?

Some Thoughts...

Yigel Azrouel's SS09 Clog (that I want to lick)

In my previous post about Yigel Azrouel, I forgot to post this rad illustration of his clog that I am obsessing over/positive I cannot walk in. I believe it would be a fine job indeed to be able to draw concepts for new shoes all day.

Kid Robot apparel is selling at Nordstrom. Maybe I am old fashioned, but this surprised me. Also, I can't believe there isn't a Nordstrom in all of New York City. That's...just...weird...

You got to feel like a real douche right now if you wrote something like this. Oops. Some of the comments are amazing, though:

Finally! A book that proves the existence of an alternate universe. Obviously, a rip in the space/time continuum between this universe and the other universe where Bush is presiding over a 'boom economy opened up and this book fell through. Can there be ANY other explanation?

I really, really want a Flip Video. Someone please buy me one.

Have a nice weekend, folks!

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.