wire flowers

d13/32 - silver daisy chain, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Over the last 24 hours I have made almost 30 of these delicate little flowers.
Tomorrow I will spend wiring them onto chain or making them into earrings.

..... and then I want to do something completely different!

The Art of Packing- London, Winter 2009

I am leaving shortly for my month long trip to England and I am so excited! (Even though I just checked the weather report and there is no end in sight to the rain… oh well…)

In the past when I have traveled I’ve explored the art of packing and this trip is no different. Being away for an entire month in a very wintry climate poses some challenges to someone who likes to pack in a streamlined and minimalistic fashion (sweaters, boots and outerwear can be so bulky!)- But I think I managed to accomplish this task and packed the right items.

I actually started to pack my suitcase last week. I like to do this when I'm going on a long trip so that I have an entire week to evaluate what can go and what can stay. So, for one month I have packed…

1 black wool trench coat
1 black velvet blazer
4 cashmere sweaters (one v-neck, two crewnecks and one cardigan)
2 cashmere t-shirts
2 pairs of jeans (one black, one dark denim)
1 pair of black slacks
10 lightweight t-shirts and tank tops in neutral colors for layering
1 black wool skirt
2 dresses
4 silk blouses (to pair with skirt or slacks for dressier occasions)
1 scarf
1 pair black knee high flat boots
1 pair black suede high-heeled ankle boots
2 pairs ballet flats (both in patent leather)
1 pair heels

I am not including dresses for Christmas and New Years Eve as I think I'll have more fun purchasing those abroad...

Above I've pictured the smaller of my two bags. This one will be full of Christmas presents for everyone in England (and will come in handy as an extra empty case on the way back)...

If you find yourself traveling this holiday season... may your luggage be merry and light! xx

My Top Ten Films of the Decade- #5 Y Tu Mamá También

My fifth favorite movie of the decade is 2001's Y Tu Mamá También (And Your Mother Too) directed by Alfonso Cuarón. It takes place in Mexico in the year 1999 and explores the coming of age of two teenage boys: Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna).

The boys find themselves bored one summer after their girlfriends leave for an Italian vacation and decide to go on a road trip with Luisa (Maribel Verdú), a mysterious older woman that they meet at a wedding. The three go in search of a secluded beach called la boca del cielo (heaven’s mouth). Class issues, sexuality, mortality and loyalty are the themes explored in this explosive (and I'm talking explosive), seductive tale that ultimately is a celebration of life and all of the passion that goes along with it.

This film will have you measuring your mortality and sizing up the amount of passion in your life... two things that are probably good to do every now and then don't you think?

I hope you'll stay tuned for my #4 pick...

blackstone and sterling cufflinks

blackstone and sterling cufflinks, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Making more of these today - it's been a while since I tackled some new cufflinks but I'm finding the wire wrapping strangely satisfying after spending so long on crocheting with it.
Even the sawing of chain links is going well enough.

Anyways, all you local ebb and flo fans - see you at Dunbar Community Centre this Saturday for the bumper craft fair (see links on left for details).

wordless wednesday

yawns or chuckles?, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

i am the mediator of my own happiness
... but sometimes it sneaks up on me unannounced
:)

YSL Parisienne- A Perfume Review

It has been a while since I have fallen in love with a scent. As some of you know the two scents I wear the most are Stella and Narciso Rodriguez For Her. This past summer I purchased Stella Sheer- the limited edition summer version of the original Stella and fell in love with that (and almost cried when I couldn’t get another bottle… it’s long gone- I should have bought two!).

So I am over the moon that Yves Saint Laurent’s new fragrance, Parisienne has hit the shelves because I have sampled it twice now and have literally fallen in love with it! Parisienne is a very feminine scent- and a mysterious one at that. Its main notes are composed of blackberry, damask rose and sandalwood.

At first spray Parisienne is delightful with a heavy sandalwood note but the dry down is where it holds all of its mystery. The blackberry note is much stronger in the dry down and I think I detected notes of… dare I say… Dr. Pepper? I know, I have probably lost the plot but there you have it. I detect Dr. Pepper in the dry down and I am not ashamed to admit that I love it! (It’s a sensual Dr. Pepper... if there can be such a thing).

The commercial for the scent stars Kate Moss writhing in a bed of silk sheets and damask roses with the Eifel tower in the background- and yes that pretty much sums it up. YSL’s Parisienne is a sensual, naughty fragrance. One that I am delighted to have found. I plan on purchasing my very own bottle next week at duty free!

I would love to know what perfume or cologne you’ve fallen in love with recently…

life as a bubble

self portrait and macro photograph, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

a bubble of craftivity right now.

check out the craft fair list to the left and come see me at Dunbar Community Centre on Saturday. There are lots of new ebbandflo goodies available!

minimalism monday

a new thing, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

a new direction for me - drilling seaglass

surprisingly easy!
sterling silver bail, handforged by me (yup, got the blow torch out of mothballs)
genuine scottish sea glass, gathered on my last holiday

Neighbors- Comme les Français

So I can’t believe I haven’t written about this yet but a French family has recently moved in next door to me in my Santa Monica town home! Our neighbors have rented out their home for one year and in moved a family from France.

You can imagine my delight upon learning this news as I have been able to observe how true French people live Comme les Français in Santa Monica! I shall call this family Famille Sportif as they are the most active family I have ever witnessed in my entire life. And by saying that, I am not exaggerating.

Famille Sportif is composed of a mother, father and two young sons. They are constantly lugging surf boards and skate boards, boogie boards and bikes out of their house (I see and hear everything) They seem to really like Santa Monica- its close proximity to the beach, the beautiful weather, the plethora of outdoor activities to take part in…

Observing Famille Sportif is great fun but the downside to it all is their sportiness makes me feel incredibly lazy. I can’t remember the last time I went to the beach! (Actually, I can. It was on my birthday in July and before that I hadn’t been in over a year). And yet every weekend I see the entire family of four coming back, suntanned and sanded- looking completely content.

I suppose it is a very French thing to take advantage of one’s environment and all of the pleasures it has to offer. There is an expression in French- profiter de la vie- which means simply to enjoy life or to ‘profit’ from it. I do realize that I live in a beautiful city- an active person’s dream, really. Famille Sportif has gently reminded me of this in their own very French way.

I think I’m going to start riding my bike more…

My Dinner Party

I have recently been regaling you with tales of the dinner parties I attended while living in Paris. Those magical occasions were my favorite part about my time there and through my lamentations of remembrance you wonderful readers gently reminded me that I can in fact throw my own dinner party comme les Français in Santa Monica. Why this never really occurred to me? Je ne sais pas.

So throw one I did! I invited two of my favorite girlfriends J and R(ones that would love me no matter how overcooked the chicken was) and decided to recreate a fête worthy of the city of light.

The Menu:

Caramelized Onion and Feta Cheese Tartlets (purchased at Trader Joe’s but don’t tell anyone)

Roast Chicken with jus
Potatoes au Gratin
Haricot Verts
Sweet Corn

Molten Chocolate Baby Cakes with Raspberry Sauce (brought by J… so delicious!)

Peach Blinis, Argentinean Malbec and Port

We had a wonderful time- eating, laughing, playing the piano, listening to good music (which got more obscure as the night went on… It went from John Legend, to French Dinner Party, to Carla Bruni, to Opera to Amélie les Crayons!)

We also took pictures. Note the rather blurry Renoir quality they have- this is all the better as I believe we look more mysterious and you cannot see the absolute mess that was my kitchen!







I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am planning on doing another when when I return from England. Thank you for instilling the courage in me to throw my very own soiree comme les Français...

Have you thrown any good dinner parties lately?


PS- J (who made the delicious molten chocolate baby cakes) has a wonderful blog called Dining on Deals where she searches for high end deals in Los Angeles and beyond. Check it out by clicking here.

My Top Ten Films of the Decade- #6 Lost in Translation

A film of quiet beauty, Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation (2003) is my sixth favorite film of the decade. Lost in Translation stars Bill Murray as aged movie star Bob Harris. Harris is in Tokyo to film a lucrative commercial for Suntory whiskey. There he meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), the lonely wife of a busy celebrity photographer.

Bob and Charlotte create an unlikely friendship as they explore the wonderfully foreign landscape of Tokyo together. Sofia Coppola masterfully explores the fine nuance of yearning, of longing and of loneliness. Lost in Translation is experienced more as an existential slice of life- one that is not full of the usual thrills that one would expect from a love story- but one that is equally as satisfying...

Hats off to Sofia Coppola for making her second appearance on my Top Ten Films of the Decade- she is a director with a fresh vision and perspective and I so look forward to what she will bring us in the decade to come!

Won’t you stay tuned for my #5 pick?

The Lost Symbol- a Review

I would love to claim that I am the type of person to only read important literature- rich in philosophical and heart wrenching prose- (and I do read those books every now and then) but sometimes there is something very satisfying about reading a good old fashioned guilty pleasure...

Dan Brown, bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, has recently released his latest book, The Lost Symbol. As in Da Vinci Code and Demons, The Lost Symbol follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon through yet another intricate thriller- rich with history, symbology, twists and turns.

This time Langdon finds himself in Washington D.C. at the mercy of a maniacal lunatic that wants the answers to some of the world’s most ancient mysteries- ironically stored in our relatively new capitol.

Dan Brown is really a master of the page turner, and while this formula is nothing new for him, the familiarity of his prose is well received like a comfortable pair of old slippers. I like the pace of Brown's writing- the short chapters (that leave you thinking at 2am… well, go on then, I’ll just read one more chapter…) and the wealth of knowledge incurred from these interesting little books.

This book is rich with information on secret societies and symbols but my favorite aspect involved the delving into of Noetic Science, or science that measures the power of the human mind. I am a great believer in the power of thinking and manifestation. It is a topic that has always interested me as it touches on both mysticism and realism. How on earth Dan Brown can make an obscure mental science both interesting and suspenseful is a mystery to me. But does it, he does.

This book does not have any exotic European locals like its two predecessors and is therefore not as glamorous but I found it to be equally thrilling and informative. If you liked any of Dan Brown's previous books, you might like this one as well... I recommend it.

Are You Suffering From Dry Eye Syndrome?

I think I have something In My Eye

Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition where our eyes don't produce as many tears as they should and it can become increasingly pronounced as we get older. Small areas on the eye surface become exposed as the composition of the tears deteriorates leaving them exposed to dryness and irritants. It also can mimic symptoms of having poked, scratched or retained something in the eye....only after an hour of having someone look into your eye, they can't see anything.

I have been suffering from this since my late 30's, and it gets worse during the winter months.


Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Burning
  
• Stinging
  
• Foreign Object Sensation
  
• Gritty Feeling
• Excessive Tearing
  
• Blurred Vision
  
• Sensitivity To Light
• Itchiness

Causes Of Dry Eye

Tears are made up of more than just water. They're a complex mixture of water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes, bacteria-fighting substances and growth factors that regulate various cell processes. This mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear. Without tears, good vision is impossible.

For some people, the cause of dry eyes is an imbalance in the composition of their tears. Other people don't produce enough tears to keep their eyes comfortably lubricated. Eyelid problems, medications and other causes, such as environmental factors, also can lead to dry eyes.

Although dry eyes can affect both men and women at any age, the condition is more common among women, especially after menopause. (that would be me) This may be due in part to hormonal changes. Dry eyes are also associated with some medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome and vitamin A deficiency.

Certain Medications can also cause symptoms of dry eye.

• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
  
• Birth Control Pills
• Some Antidepressants
  
• Sleeping Pills

Other apparent causes are exposure to many environmental conditions that have a drying effect, such as sun, wind, high altitude, a dry climate, hot blowing air and the dry air that commonly occurs in the cabins of commercial airplanes.

Most of those pretty much describe my situation, Cold, windy, dry air, forced heat in my home, higher altitude..... I live a little above 3000 ft.

Also don't forget tasks that require intense visual concentration, such as working at a computer, driving or reading tend to decrease your blink rate, thereby increasing tear evaporation.

Only Your Doctor Knows For Sure

I didn't try to self treat for very long since my eyes are very important to me and out of concern of something more serious, I sought medical advice sooner rather than later.

Although dry eyes don't usually cause permanent damage, diminished vision may prompt you to seek medical treatment.

See your doctor if you've had prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eyes, including red, irritated, tired or painful eyes. Your doctor can take steps to determine what's bothering your eyes or refer you to a specialist.

Contradiction To Dry Eye

Some may experience excessive tearing as I do....dealing with the endless stream of tears flowing out of the corner of the eye, requiring me to carry a Kleenex with me everywhere.....dab, dab, wipe. Then by the time I am done soaking up the tears the corners of my eyes are raw and stinging.

This continued tearing of the eye is due to the eye reaching a level of irritation and dryness beyond the normal range, whereby the tear glands overproduce reflex tears to compensate. However, as my doctor explained to me, these are not quality tears, since they do not contain the lubricating fatty oils or mucus designed to lubricate the eye. This is more of a flushing of the eye, as if you poked it or stood facing into the wind. Lubricating the eye will actually stop the excessive tearing.

Treatments For Dry Eyes

For the most part, you can treat dry eye with lubricating drops located at your local pharmacy. I have been fortunate to be able to maintain a healthy eye simply by using these without resorting to a stronger prescription.

The one I use was recommended by my eye doctor and they are preservative free and are in single sterile vials for several uses. They can be resealed with a tiny cap and carried in your pocket or purse for a fast treatment when out and about.

Warning: One thing to know is, don't use Visine or other Eye Drops that are designed to remove redness or infuse antihistamine into the eyes for allergy sufferers. These will actually make dry eyes far worse.

Celluvisc and Refresh P.M.

These great eye treatments have worked wonders for me keeping my eyes in good condition. I apply them in the morning before I put on my eye makeup and this prevents any eye tearing during the application....after all who wants runny eyes when trying to put on that eye liner or mascara.

Refresh Celluvisc is the extra strength formula and are super lubricating giving instant relief since the Refresh drops in Plus or Classic weren't sustainable for me.

At night time I switch to the Refresh P.M. since this is an actual eye ointment and heavy lubricant designed to keep the surface of the eye from drying out all night.

Be aware this ointment will blur vision so using at bedtime is ideal. Also the reason for the switch to ointment at night is due to Celluvisc forming a protective layer that will begin to dry out while you sleep and can cause your eyelashes to stick together and make it difficult to get your eyes open. This formula is better for day use where you can continue to blink while it works keeping the surface of the eye well lubricated.

Visit the Refresh Products Website

Doctors Opinion On Restasis

This is a cyclosporine opthalmic emulsion and one that the FDA approves for use in the eye for increasing your natural tear function. This has some side effects that I am not crazy about, plus use of an immunosuppressant long term, especially in my eyes gives me great concern. Click on Restasis Label for more info.

My doctor also described some of the side effects such as burning, stinging, blurred vision and foreign body sensation in the eye....and I'm thinking, "where is the benefit?" Sounds like dry eye symptoms to me and why would I want more of the same?

My doctor whom is quite conservative and believes in naturopathic approach combined with smart medicine also informed me of how it really works. She told me it will take up to 4-6 weeks before there are any signs of improvement of my eyes doing what comes naturally....producing their own tears. So she advised to use the eye drops I have reviewed here since the benefits are immediate and she has found they really have done an exceptional job at maintaining eye health.

Just realize that if you are suffering from a very dry eye, Refresh products will also cause some brief stinging or burning along with some blurring, but it stops almost instantaneously after you blink several times. This is only your eyes readjusting to some of that precious moisture they needed.

Home Care For Eye Dryness Prevention

Take these simple steps to help slow evaporation:

• Avoid air blowing in your eyes. Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. Ceiling Fans really bother me if I am sitting beneath them.
  
• Wear glasses on windy days and goggles while swimming. The wraparound style of glasses may help reduce the effects of the wind.
  
• Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can only irritate them further and possibly scratch the surface of the eye.
  
• Take preventive steps. Use eye drops before, rather than after, your eyes become irritated as a result of visually demanding activities. Try to avoid activities that might worsen the problem.
  
• Remember to blink! Consciously blinking repeatedly helps spread your own tears more evenly. When performing tasks that require intense visual concentration, take occasional breaks, adding up to about five minutes each hour and rest your eyes by closing your lids for several seconds. Follow this by consciously increasing your blink rate.
  
• Allow the steam from your household showers to remain in your home in winter. Due to the forced air heat in a home exhausting the humidity out of the bathroom is not necessary and will help maintain a higher level of comfort.
  
• Avoid smoke. Smoke, whether yours or someone else's, can contribute to dry eyes.

I always keep an individual vial of Celluvisc at my desk when on my computer for long hours which is almost everyday. I am guilty of forgetting to blink so Celluvisc supplements my tears and keeps things from getting bad such as the foreign object feeling in my eye....or the sensation someone is poking my eye, like right now.

Time to go....need to rest my eyes now....hope this helps any of those that currently suffer from this malady and seek a doctors assistance to make sure you are not dealing with something more severe. Self help is great, but self diagnosis isn't always wise.

I won't be publishing an article next week due to holiday so.....Enjoy your weekend and watch out for Black Friday so you don't get trampled!

We are also closing early on Wednesday, Nov 25th, at 12 pm to enjoy a long holiday weekend. All orders placed during the holiday weekend will be processed the following week.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and peace and joy this coming Holiday Season!

Bon Appetit!

Special Announcement From Sterling Minerals Cosmetics

Good News

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to announce that we have finally gotten in our new mineral makeup jars and we have decided to stay with our trademark satin silver lids.

As it turns out, our vendor guaranteed me the issue with the bad lids that were squeaking and sticking, has been resolved. I was a little apprehensive since we have had ongoing issues with these jars and I no longer wanted to deal with the problem or have my customers deal with the problem. And as it turns out...sure enough I heard from a customer yesterday that told me her jar was stuck shut...wouldn't you know, the very last round of old jars went out this week and we had the last ....Gotcha!

Low and behold, the new ones are working beautifully! The lids fit to perfection, they can be open and closed with 2 fingers with a light touch. They don't squeak or stick.... they even are shaped better for proper fit......Whoo Hoo!

Even Bigger News!!!

Body Cream Is Ready For Purchase!

We eeked it out just in the nick of time for Christmas. Treat yourself or treat a friend for a Christmas pleasure. The new Body Cream in our ONATI Skin Care is available for sale as of Today. Product photography to come at a later date since I felt it was more important to make it ready to my customers ASAP.

The cream is luscious and whipped to a perfect consistency. It is highly concentrated and available in your favorite scent....and be careful, it is almost good enough to eat.

And now for the unveiling of the name....Are you ready? Drum Roll Please....

Grecian Secret Body Souffle ~follow link to purchase yours today.

Samples are still available for free under the purchasing guidelines located Here.

I have also decided to offer samples for sale in the body souffle for those that may not be ready for full size products, but only wish to sample this terrific body cream....

Click on Sample for your direct purchase.

Well that's it for now and we are still working on the new eye shadows for release after the Holidays.

Take Care and thanks to everyone who took advantage of our sampling to assist us with scent choices and feedback on product quality....and so far....perfection with zero complaints...and my local Esthetician tested the formula on her clients and similar results with positive feedback for use on the face for perfect moisturizing.... she let me know it also worked great on her clients with oily skin and acne. I love it for night time moisturizing for an intensive facial treatment...the winter and my home make my poor skin so dry.

Glad this was my formula of choice...my body and face knows what it likes and it likes Grecian Secret Body Souffle...Whoo Hoo!

Cheers!

On Mystery- Part Deux

I recently wrote a post entitled Mystery- Comme les Français where I discussed the unfortunate effects of TMI (too much information) syndrome in our society. Based on the overwhelming response I received from you in the comment section of that post I take it that we are mostly on the same page… and being mysterious is decidedly better than not being mysterious.

So I decided to do a little research… I looked up on the internet (highly scientific, I know) the phrase, “how to be mysterious”. And the answers I received were, to put it lightly, hilarious.

There were suggestions of developing a signature coy laugh, of excusing yourself from a room whenever you receive a phone call and then returning back to said room with a salacious smile and (my favorite one) disappearing for days on end and not telling anyone.

I believe these tips, while humorous, completely miss the entire point of being mysterious. Being mysterious is not about changing who you are and playing childish games. Being mysterious is about being wholly who you are - realizing that you are special and guarding that specialness carefully.

If you think highly of yourself (as I think everyone should) and regard yourself as being special- you are less likely to relinquish your life story to the old lady at the bus stop. You are also less likely to gossip relentlessly, apologize for yourself or be shrill (I hate it when I’m shrill- shrillness is so not mysterious).

Now the next time a new acquaintance asks me a question- am I guaranteed to not reveal too much information about myself? Who knows… but I am intent on having a good time trying…

How has your mysteriousness (or lack thereof) been lately?


The mysterious subject of David Stoupakis' The Day the Frogs Rain Down is pictured above.

And the Winner is…

Actually before I tell you who the winner of the L’Occitane en Provence Giveaway is, I want to tell you how thoroughly impressed I am with your creative and varied answers to my question What is your current favorite little luxury?

Your answers were so passionate and inspiring- they made me look at little luxuries in a whole new light. Your little luxuries ranged from beauty items, to fine food, to activities to daily rituals … and this got me thinking… what if we treated everything in our lives like a little luxury? Even the most mundane and hated of tasks (such as emptying the dishwasher, or paying bills)?

I believe if we get to the point where we can treat every delectable moment in our life as a little luxury we are truly living well indeed…

Okay, enough with my luxurious rant. The winner of the Relaxing Lavender Hand and Foot Cream from L’Occitane en Provence is…

♥ REBECCA ♥

Congratulations! Rebecca please email me your mailing address details and I will be thrilled to send you your prize.

I really enjoyed my very first giveaway and plan on doing many more in the future so please keep an eye out for them… and, once again, thank you for your readership on my blog- you keep me inspired…

Jennifer xx

Gatsby is pictured above, modeling the prize.

volunteerism - at home and away

the evening after the dinner before, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Like many stay-at-home mums, my life was completely different pre-child. For one thing, I had a career which delivered a regular salary cheque into my bank account. I was thus financially independent of my spouse and, once the joint responsibilities were taken care of, could do whatever I wanted to with My money.

Not so these days. Although the joint account is technically Our money there is still the emotional hurdle that it is my husband who is earning the dosh which lands every two weeks or so. And since I'm the one in charge of the household budget I know exactly how good or bad our finances are doing at any one time.

In life pre-child my interaction with my community could be summarised by "open wallet, put cash in the collecting tin". Not so these days as our family 'runs' on a single income and has to be budgeted tightly. But I still like to contribute to the community, and this translates into volunteering my time.

Time is very precious to me these days. As a mother and housewife personal time is generally in short supply. I'm also trying to run a modest home business in, around and in spite of my family. My personal time gets carved up and squeezed into odd moments throughout the day (and into the night).

So this is what faced me when i walked in from my meeting one evening.

I volunteer on a local non-profit board of directors. Tuesdays are a "leetle beet" rushed since the wee guy has piano lessons late afternoon. I had scurried to prepare a nutritious meal for my family and then sped out of the door to my meeting. I was gone for about two hours. When i got back all the detritus from the meal and prep was still cluttering up the sink and counter with my husband calmly getting on with some 'real work' on his laptop.

Gee, thanks for helping me volunteer in the community.
file under: selflessness, respect (lack of)

My Top Ten Films of the Decade- #7 Marie Antoinette

2006’s Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola is my number seven favorite film of the decade. Yes, I will admit that I have a lifelong obsession with all things Marie Antoinette- I’ve read her biography by Antonia Fraser (highly recommended, btw), I’ve read the biography of her perfumer, I have books on her palaces and the court gardens. I have, naturally, been to Versailles where I spent an afternoon pretending I was Marie Antoinette (I can’t believe I’m admitting this).

So when Sofia Coppola’s film came out I was determined to like it for better or for worse. Luckily liking this film was not a stretch for me. I loved everything about it- from the quirky casting (Jason Schwartzman as Louis XVI!), to the indie soundtrack, to the amazing scenery (which was actually filmed in the Palace of Versailles) to the incredible costumes. I also thought Kirsten Dunst was lovely in the title role…

This film got mixed reviews from the critics but as far as I’m concerned, it was as delectable as one of Marie Antoinette’s little cakes… a true delight...

Won’t you stay tuned for my number 6 pick?


Kirsten Dunst is pictured in a scene from Marie Antoinette above.

Freeze 24 7 and Youthology Serum Anti-Aging Infomercials Report

Oh The Drama Of It All

We have all been there...watching that infomerical or shopping channel, and with remote in one hand and phone in the other, we are ready to be one of those umpteen women who are determined to grab the latest fad or doodad before they are sold out. We don't care what it costs or if it really works, with eyes glazed over, we are running on pure adrenalin of that shopping high....and with any luck we'll be one of the callers they interview for that seduction of hearing ourselves on tv....whoo hoo...can't you just feel the rush?

Freeze 24 7 was suppose to actually relax the facial muscles, similar to Botox, whereby the wrinkles wouldn't appear anymore when you showed expression.

Youthology 90 Second Eye Serum was suppose to give the eye area an instant mini lift making wrinkles disappear without surgery.

I actually took pause at these latest skincare infomercials, offering what seemed to be something remarkably different in the cosmetic industry....trying to hold onto reality here...."don't be sucked in...don't be sucked in" I chanted my infomercial mantra.

I watched intently following along as the camera seems to remain on their faces the entire time during the demonstration.

I have to admit, I was pretty amazed by what I was witnessing and thought to myself, "could these companies actually have found something that really works to remove fine lines and wrinkles?" I also wondered what was up with the crabby faces...not one of the women smiled the entire time they were modeling.

Even though I also sell skincare, I was ready to whip out my credit card and order one of these miracle potions and test for myself. Then I checked myself followed by hanging my head in shame with a smack to my forehead as I exclaimed, "what was I thinking?"...This is something I refrain from doing until I have more information but shopping can be like a drug. After simmering down, I began my usual investigation by perusing the internet to see what information I could locate first on these amazing products...at least on the surface.

What I found

Well needless to say the internet was littered with angry consumers who feel duped by yet another company making outlandish claims and Youthology in particular was being dubbed the "scam" company.

Now this wasn't good so I searched high and low for the ingredients and more information on both and found Freeze to be forthcoming on their ingredients and had split reviews love versus hate, and Youthologys' list was nonexistent and had really poor reviews overall. I scoured the internet during my free time and finally located a partial list located of all places, HSN website. Kudos to them for keeping it real where ingredients are concerned. However they discontinued carrying this product...hmmm wonder why....perhaps many returns occurred based on the apparent disdain for this product!

Products in Review

Freeze 24 / 7

Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Sesame Seed Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, PEG-150 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Extract, Aminobutryic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Eugenol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Orchis Maculata, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163).

Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Extract ~ Now as we all know Tea, whether in this form or Green Tea are loaded with antioxidants and are soothing to the skin. They also offer anti-inflammatory benefit.

Aminobutryic Acid (GABA)~ is a relaxing agent typically taken orally for stomach conditions or injected subcutaneously for controlling spasms also known as a faux tox. This is how it is claimed to work on relaxing facial muscles, however no research or data has shown that applied topically, will do what this product claims. Perhaps it may give a pseudo effect to the surface of the face but all in all the data research does not support how this is being used and surface treatments are not designed to penetrate through the skin to the muscles...that is why it requires injection similar to Botox.

Ethoxydiglycol ~ Solvent to increase viscosity and contains ether which has been linked to cancer.

Eugenol ~ found in clove, cinnamon, nutmeg essential oils. Used in dentistry to create temporary fillings when mixed with zinc oxide. It is also noted for being a mild antiseptic, analgesic. It is known for its' propensity to cause a contact dermatitis on the skin. May provide a numbing or tingling effect to the skin but doubtful it will relax anything since it is the muscles on the face that support our skin creating the wrinkles through repetitive movements.

A few fancy sounding ingredients with some great uses as they are intended but in a skin cream for what they claim, it is doubtful and customers agree overwhelmingly, there was no significant improvement. All other ingredients can be found in just about every commercial skincare product on the market today, but this cannot be considered a moisturizer. I also see that they use Bismuth Oxychloride for giving soft focus. It was also described by consumers as leaving the skin very matte looking and overly dry. Also not recommended for aging skin.

Youthology 90 Second Eye Serum

After I located their partial ingredient list, I called the toll free number to find out what's up...they claimed the rest of the list was proprietary containing the patented Rejuvatin formulation. This is allowed under FDA Regulations if they applied for it, but of this I wasn't sure. But this was the least of my concern in regard to this serum.

However, based on what I have found and customers complaints, I think this partial list will suffice based on what this product actually does for the face, and I feel the proprietary blend is the least of it. This is also a great way to hide preservatives shrouding them under the proprietary veil.

It should be noted that the rest of their products clearly label silicone oils, all temporary fillers for soft focus, and preservative system made of parabens, so more than likely these too are in this formula. Another problem with proprietary blends, they do not give pertinent information to those that require it in case of severe allergy or reaction, whereby the customer becomes the guinea pig only learning the hard way of any adverse conditions. For me this is unacceptable for any consumer product.

Serum Partial Ingredients
Water, Sodium Silicate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Propylene Glycol, Echinacea Angustifolia (Coneflower) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Cellulose Gum, Iron Oxide Proprietary Blend Of Herbal Extracts, Rejuvatin.

Sodium Silicate ~ a glue used to bond skin together and is used in the medical field for quick wound repair and minimizing scarring. This is the firming agent you feel as it dries on the skin pulling it tighter..Egg whites will do the same thing in a mask and actually assist with toning the face. Test it for yourself when you have time...Albumin is used in many mask treatments and you can literally see your skin drawing and pulling up as it dries especially if you lay on your back.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate ~ this is a filler and dessicant, which means it fills in fine lines temporarily and has a whitish film to it. It also removes moisture from products so this assists with keeping the area under the eye dry, smooth and perfect looking until you move or smile, then it cracks out!

Well this certainly explains the cold stone faces on the women...they must sit perfectly still and literally don't move a muscle until it dries...also note that he only applies to the eye area since it is obvious the mouth area would be difficult to maintain due to a person talking or smiling would crack this potion out of the lines in a split second.

Here is a link from HSN website "before and after" of this product and in some of the pictures, if you look closely, you can see the filler in the lines as it begins to crack out..it appears whitish. However, some argued they had put too much on...no I don't think so....first smile, first squint in the sun...and these lines will look like highlighted runways to your eyes.

Also consumers complained about both face products leaving a residue that rolled up into little balls of gunk and they could not apply their moisturizer or makeup over the top of both products.

So despite our wish of doing it the cheapo way compared to cosmetic surgery, injectable Botox is going to be the closest you can come to freezing your facial muscles. But this gal says "H.E.double hockey sticks NO." Keep those needles away from me...I get nauseous when my blood is drawn. (giggle) Just had a flash...what if her face froze that way?

Complaints were far spread about no refunds in regard to Youthology, when they offer a money back guarantee. In reading their directions, it is clear why this product will not work as claimed. They tell you not to move a muscle until product dries and if you get a pinched look, moisten it with a wet q-tip and blend out with finger, hence my point on egg whites...same principal. They also state that the moisturizer of your choice cannot contain oils of any kind and must be water based, an example that this product will not hold up to its' claims since oil will leave the skin too moist and will dissolve the glue basically and not allow it to set up. This clearly only works on a drier skin until your first smile, something I can ill afford at my age or allow due to where I live, especially in the winter time. Plus, I personally don't have the patience to strike my Vogue pose until it dries.

Another woman remarked that the lines around her eyes are far worse than before she applied these products as it begins to crack out of the lines....and instead of looking younger, she actually looked older and her skin looked like it was not healthy or smooth at all. This seemed to be the overall consensus with this product.

As a whole, you are paying outrageous amounts of money for products that don't even contain any of the proven anti-aging ingredients found in good wrinkle creams such as....

Vitamin C....Niacinimide....Alpha Lipoic Acid....DMAE....CoEnzyme Q10....Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)....Sodium Hyaluronate.

These two products are for immediate results supposedly and though they notate the results will vary and are temporary, this gives little comfort when you are shelling out $95.00 an ounce for Freeze 24/7 and $150 a half ounce for Youthology. These prices give the illusion of some incredible benefits which will ultimately leave the customer feeling cheated. Price does not guarantee truth, integrity or performance of a product.

Also, Youthology requires you sign up for auto ship to receive your introductory price and then your credit card will be charged the regular price each month. From many consumers complaints, it is a fight to halt this auto ship and are still fighting to have charges removed for product they no longer wish to receive.

I also caution that the absolute raves on this product could be shills since many of them seem to be in response to the review above or below them since they address their complaint directly and in most cases, the other reviewer claims the one doing the complaining is simply applying it incorrectly.

Best to keep the wallet closed on these ones ladies and seek skincare products that actually give value by utilizing proven ingredients throughout the cosmetic industry that keep skin healthy, moisturized and protected from free radical damage the safe way.


It's All In The Face

Personally, I love to look younger too, but you know what, wrinkles, fine lines and all, in my opinion, are beautiful on a mature woman.. it shows wisdom, grace and wealth of life's lessons ready to be tapped....use a touch of your mineral makeup to enhance your beauty and create soft focus, and shine with natural beauty everyday.

Take care and have a great weekend!

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday- A Review

I actually finished this book about three weeks ago (I devour these books, I tell you) and am just now getting around to reviewing it. Merci for being patient.

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith is the fifth installment in the Isabel Dalhousie series. This time around Isabel finds herself solving a medical mystery, watching over her niece's deli, and dealing with a tiny bout of jealousy involving a mysterious American composer.

Sound intriguing? It was. Alexander McCall Smith weaves another marvelously intricate tale of love, mystery and philosophy in Scotland.

Once again, the philosophical quandaries in this book are both humorous and thought provoking. Isabel ponders such things as: when one is at the symphony and hears a song that has a strange or unresolved ending, should the clapping from the audience be equally unresolved? Or... How much does chance play in determining the course of our lives?

Such is a glimpse into the way Isabel Dalhousie thinks... and I cannot wait to delve once more into her mind in the 6th installment, The Lost Art of Gratitude...

For more information on Alexander McCall Smith's books and the order in which to read them, click here.


The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday can be purchased at www.amazon.com or in most major bookstores worldwide.

The Daily Connoisseur's Very First Giveaway!

Dear Readers,

This year I will be spending Christmas (and the entire month of December, really) in England and I wanted to do a holiday giveaway before I jet off! This giveaway is to thank you, my cherished readers, for your readership and continuous support on The Daily Connoisseur...

So, for my first giveaway, I wanted to offer something luxurious and special- a little luxury in the form of Relaxing Lavender Foot and Hand Cream from L'Occitane En Provence...

I encourage everyone to enter the giveaway (you do not have to live in the United States to enter).

To be eligible for the giveaway:

- You must either be a follower or verified email subscriber of The Daily Connoisseur. (If you have any questions on either of these things, please do let me know).

and

- You must leave a comment on this post describing your current favorite little luxury in life...

I will pick the winner out of a hat this Sunday... (drawing the winner out of a hat is so old fashioned and romantic- don't you think?) and the winner will be announced on Monday, November 16th...

Best of luck!


Bisous,

Jennifer xx


For more information on L'Occitane products, please visit: www.loccitane.com

as a reward ....

skookumchuk main, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Today I delivered my goodies to two christmas boutiques (details in the left sidebar on this blog) at Port Moody Arts Centre and Place des Arts in Coquitlam.

Phew! Now that those deadlines have been completed I have a small breathing space to package up gifts for overseas then reward myself with a special crafty project or two.

Hmmm? Think I'll crochet some bases for some more mini art brooches for my scarves and try a bit of needlefelting.

Musings on An Education

This weekend I saw the film An Education by director Lone Scherfig (thank you Rose for the recommendation!). This film really moved me. I loved it and highly recommend it- but this is not a review, as I don’t wish to give anything away about the film (just go see it!). What I want to do, however, is discuss the key question that encapsulates the movie- which, for me, is:

What constitutes an education?

Is it schooling, textbooks and exams? The gathering of information in one’s mind with the wistful hope that one day you will put that information and knowledge to good use?

Or is the ultimate education gained through experiences? Meeting people, leading an exciting life, traveling… living.

I suppose, for me, it was a combination of the two. Even though I am no longer at university, I still believe that my education continues. Yes, I studied English literature, Latin and French- Science and Math (not so good at the last two) and for the most part enjoyed my ‘classroom education’. But it has largely been through my travels and meeting interesting people that I have gained the biggest education- about myself- about life.

Living in Paris, of course, played a massive part in this. The culture, the fashion, the people the champagne (!) the lack of inhibition… That experience and those feelings are carried with me every single day of my life.

And yet while I appreciate all of the cosmopolitan moments in my life- past, present and (hopefully) future, I don’t think I could appreciate them fully without the levelheadedness that I learned in the classroom setting (after all, without dark, how can one appreciate the light?)

Yes, for me it has very much so been a delicate balance of the two…


So… I would love to know... what has constituted as an education in your life?


Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard are pictured above in a scene from An Education.

solitude part 2

solitude part 2, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

RIP Miss Kitty
thanks for a lovely summer
xxx

My Top Ten Films of the Decade- #8 La Vie en Rose

Marion Cotillard won the Oscar for best actress for her portrayal of French chanteuse, Edith Piaf in the 2007 film, and my number 8 pick, La Vie en Rose, directed by Olivier Dahan.

Edith Piaf’s life was painful- it was a life lived in extremes- from the utter poverty and desolation of her youth to her later life basking in the luxury of fame. Along the way she suffered tragedies, love affairs, drug addictions and still, through this all, she had ‘no regrets’.

Piaf’s life was so dramatic it was only natural that it would make a good film subject. And while the film itself is good standalone biopic- Marion Cotillard’s brilliant performance as Piaf is what transcends this film and brings it over the edge.

Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that Cotillard’s performance as Piaf was “the most astonishing immersion of one performer into the body and soul of another I’ve ever encountered in a film”… and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

To this day, Cotillard's performance is the most powerful and heart-wrenching I have ever seen…

Won’t you stay tuned for my number 7 pick?


Marion Cotillard is pictured above in a scene from La Vie en Rose

Sterling Minerals Company News and Updates!

Brrr...I am feeling the frigid air rolling in here as we head toward the holidays and winter. I have a feeling it is going to be unseasonably cold this year. I am already feeling the effects on my skin, my eyes, my nose and my hair.

I have a love / hate relationship with winter...I love it for the snowfalls and holidays, the crisp fresh air, the smell of Christmas Trees and glow of Christmas Lights reflecting off the snow, and the way fresh fallen snow feels under my feet with its crunch and squeaks, and how sound is completely muffled when our streets are transformed by a blanket of white after a snowstorm. This is truly my favorite time of year.

But then it just turns nasty, everything remains frozen, the garden is dead and flat, the poor trees hang in for the spring thaw, and it seems to plod along day after day after January to what seems to be endless cold dark days. This will pretty much be my life over those last 3 months....I don't do well in this cold climate anymore...So this woman's face pretty much tells the story. Yep...I am pretty much hatin' winter from about January on.

Tip For Keeping Your Home Comfortable

If you live in a cold climate and are running forced air heat as I do...whip out those humidifiers and put one in your bedroom and run it at night...this will reduce dryness, help you to sleep better by providing "white noise" and will help make it easier to breathe while you sleep.

My new body cream being added to my ONATI Skin Care couldn't be better timed...loving it for every part of my body, and believe it or not, it is working great on my face at night time too....helps to stave off the dryness from the dry air in my home. And no breakouts either....in fact an esthetician has been working with this cream on her clients and she has seen only positive results with it. She also loves it as a massage treatment....note to self....go get a massage!

Having Some Fun

Below is my latest video on a hair serum I use to prevent dry, brittle, fuzzy fly away hair and it works great. Due to being so busy working on getting the new body cream out, it was a bit of a delay getting this done.....Sorry!




If you can't see this here due to emails and RSS feeds please click on Sterling Minerals Media Zone to view the latest review.

Body Cream Update

The feedback has been great and so far no negative comments....all is good....texture, creaminess, the way it feels on the skin and how the skin feels after use, aromatherapy scents are divine and the preference on the aromas are split.

I am also taking a poll in the sidebar of my Skin Care Guide on scent preferences for those who haven't participated in the trial to get some idea of a scenting guide and they are also split there...plus I included a scent and I have decided to offer 4 scents instead of only 3.

Labels are done and are at the printers so I am really pushing to have this released for the holidays since this item will make a great gift. Personally, I can't get enough of all the aromas and bathing my senses each day in their essence is such a great mood elevator. Below are the names of each scent you will be able to purchase and how they are scented for an aromatherapy indulgence.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends

The last scent is the new one that has not been sampled yet and is now available to try.

Unscented

Fresh Citrus ~ Fresh, Clean, Sweet, Tangy with notes of Floral. Invigorating, Uplifting yet Calming. Great way to start the day, Mood Elevator.

Exotic Ambiance ~ Fresh, Warm, Delicate Exotic Spice with notes of Sweet Floral and Citrus. Refreshing, Balancing and Calming for the ultimate relaxing sensation.

Garden Essence ~ Light Powdery, Delicate Intoxicating Lavender with notes of Rose and Dry Citrus. Relaxing, Balancing, Aphrodisiac and Restorative to the Mind, Body and Soul.

So when you write to us for your sample to have us enclose it in your pending order, you can now use these names to refer to your preference of essential oil blend. The name of the body cream has also been created, yet it is a Secret until such time as the unveiling....have to have a bit of mystery surrounding it, don't you know!

Below is the full Ingredient List on Unscented and then just the Essential Oils listed to be combined into this luxurious cream.

Unscented ~ Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Olea Europaea (Organic Olive) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Olea Europaea (Olive) Butter, Palm Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Mannan, Salix Nigra (Organic Black Willowbark) Extract, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid



Fresh Citrus ~ Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefuit) Essential Oil, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Essential Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Essential Oil, Litsea Cubeba (Litsea) Essential Oil, Citrus Deliciosa (Red Mandarin) Essential Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil

Exotic Ambiance ~ Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Essential Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Essential Oil, Cananga Odorata Genuina (Ylang Ylang) Essential Oil

Garden Essence ~ Lavandula Officinalus (Lavender) Essential Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Essential Oil, Aniba Roseodora (Rosewood) Essential Oil, Cananga Odorata Genuina (Ylang Ylang) Essential Oil

Having Fun With Eye Shadow

Also in the coming weeks I am adding 5 new eye shadows to our Rose Bloom Eye Colors.

These are going to be beautiful and are arriving due to special requests from those wanting to have some more diversity in their favorite shades.

Your requests have been heard and I am finally getting this done. Hope to also have these launched before Christmas, but it will depend on how the holidays go and getting out the new cream in a timely manner.

Product photography always seems to be what essentially causes these delays since I don't believe in offering a product without an image displayed.

Well that's the latest news and updates and I will have the website updated under "What's New" and "Specials" with the new product testing information.

Have a great weekend and stay warm for those who live where it is freezing, and for those that are south of us or abroad who are just now getting their summer, send your warm air our way.

Cheers!

Dinner Parties- Comme les Français- Madame Bohemienne

You’ve already read about the formal occasions that were Madame Chic’s dinner parties here. Now I will delve into the passionate soirees that took place chez Madame Bohemienne…

Madame Bohemienne loved to throw dinner parties (and like Madame Chic, threw them regularly). But with Madame Bohemienne’s parties there was less formality and more spontaneity. Her varied guests were (naturally) more of the Bohemian variety- artists, writers, philosophers… These were guests who sang for their supper in the form of providing witty conversation and entertainment.

We would always gather before dinner in her bright yellow living room for nibbles and aperitifs. Madame Bohemienne’s signature aperitif was a champagne cocktail that included: champagne, Grand Marnier, lime juice and simple syrup. It was a delightfully sweet concoction that did the trick- whetting the appetite and causing general giddiness all around.

Madame B’s dinner parties were sometimes a little too giddy, however. We would often find ourselves sitting down to dine after 10pm (very late for this Californian!). The dinner parties would start with the most formal of intentions… aperitifs at 8pm, for example, but somehow the laughing, debating and general merrymaking would distract our fabulous host and we wouldn’t sit down to eat for hours afterwards. Madame B would completely forget about the dinner on the stove and would have to be gently reminded…My stomach would grumble tirelessly during these times and I would usually quell my hunger by one too many champagne cocktails (but when in Paris…).

When we did finally make it to the table, however, it was worth the wait. Her fearlessness in serving course after course after course was truly admirable. That woman turned out more Boeuf Bourguignons and Coq au Vins than I could count. She never used a cookbook (come to think of it neither did Madame Chic… hmmm) and was very animated when cooking- when serving and when eating. Madame Bohemienne was someone who operated on all levels- sense wise. She would close her eyes when she ate, she would smell her wine before the first goût , she would savor the last bite of chocolate tart (and her chocolate tart was beyond divine)... She ate in the moment and completely surrendered to her senses.

In fact, she was my ultimate role model for passionate eating- for eating Comme les Français. I suppose the multitasking, clock worshipping American in me learned a few things from this marvelous woman who got carried away with conversation, laughter and champagne cocktails. In the end, dinner was always served (even if it was practically midnight!) and our bellies were full of the joy that inevitably comes with good food, good company and passion...


Cafe by Tsuguharu Foujita is pictured above.

On Alexander McCall Smith

So many of you have expressed interest in the Alexander McCall Smith books that I review (and am obsessed with) on The Daily Connoisseur. Many of you asked me which book to start with (there are so many!) So below, I shall describe each series that I've read and list them in order. Here we go...

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

This is my favorite of the McCall Smith series. Taking place in Africa, these warm little gems follow Precious Ramotswe as she solves crime and leads a charming life in Botswana. I swoon over every book in this delightful series.

The order is as follows:

1- The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
2- Tears of the Giraffe
3- Morality for Beautiful Girls
4- The Kalahari Typing School for Men
5- The Full Cupboard of Life
6- In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
7- Blue Shoes and Happiness
8- The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
9- The Miracle at Speedy Motors
10-Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
11-The Double Comfort Safari Club (not yet released)

The 44 Scotland Street series.

This wonderful series of books is written in the episodic manner and humorously follows the lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Street. I devour these books as well- they are humorous and life affirming. Highly recommended…

The order is as follows:

1- 44 Scotland Street
2- Espresso Tales
3- Love Over Scotland
4- The World According to Bertie
5- The Unbearable Lightness of Scones (not yet released)

The Isabel Dalhousie Series

I have recently reviewed The Careful Use of Compliments (and will post my review for The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday shortly). This is a delightful series. I adore Isabel and her life- following her philosophies and sleuthing through the beautiful streets of Scotland.

The order is as follows:

1- The Sunday Philosophy Club
2- Friends, Lovers, Chocolate
3- The Right Attitude to Rain
4- The Careful Use of Compliments
5- The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday
6- The Lost Art of Gratitude

There you have it. If you pick up one of Alexander McCall Smith’s books, I hope they bring you as much joy as they bring me…

Happy reading!


The picture above depicts a portion of my cherished book collection by Alexander McCall Smith…

A.W.O.L

christmas snowflakes, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Not blogging much cos I'm getting into a fug about prepping inventory for Christmas (which means I shouldn't really be blogging right now). The red mist of panic is descending and somehow my diary seems chock full this week. Delivery deadlines for the two christmas boutiques is this weekend!

Ooops! I need some motivational propjects to calm my mind - perhaps these Christmas snowflakes might be the thing?