Latest Obsession: Black Nail Polish

Black nail polish, it's been popular for ages but I've never worn it before that is until now. I just got an amazing manicure and instead of going for my usual color I decided to go with something different. At first it was a little weird to see such a bold color on my hands but now it makes me wonder what took so long for me to try this.

Has Cooking Become Too Complicated (and competitive)?

I know it's definitely more creative but why does it seem like you have to be a Master Chef to even figure out some recipes. The other day, I watched a cooking segment from the talk show Steven and Chris. It featured the self proclaimed Messy Baker Charmian Christie who feels that food or cooking doesn't have to be perfect to enjoy it. She says it's okay to make a mess in the kitchen or to have a slightly lopsided cake. It's all about having fun while you cook.

I think it's cool that cooking and food has become this huge thing especially with social media but I just wish it wasn't so complex and competitive. Now it seems like simple meals = boring compared to what's currently out there. With foodies fueling this food explosion, restaurants (including food trucks) are nearly competing with each other to be the best there is.

Even some of the dinner parties I have attended feels like the host is trying to out do what someone else has done. Why? Isn't the whole point to invite friends or your guests over to have fun and enjoy the meal.

Is anyone else tired of seeing all of those competition cooking shows? For a while there, it seems that was the only type of program that The Food Network was showing. It makes me wonder if they finally started to listen to all of those viewer complaints. Just look at their line-up there are more cooking shows instead of competitive shows.

As a foodie, I love to eat but also enjoy cooking even though I'm still a novice. This is a great time to be a foodie but I'm not going to get too caught up in it.

The Ancient Acropolis Is Crumbling, Experts Warn

I have always wanted to go and see the Parthenon but with the Acropolis in need of repair I wonder how long before (money is found for repairs) will it be before the Parthenon is in danger?
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by Sky News

The stark advisory follows a report by a team of engineers who determined this week that a part of the flat-topped rock on which the ancient Parthenon sits, is starting to give way, threatening the stability of the landmark monument, the state news agency ANA reported.

The 2,500-year-old Parthenon, built at the height of Athens' ancient glory, is a marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city.

It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and revered as an enduring symbol of democracy and Western civilization.

News of the Acropolis' decay and the threat it poses to the Parthenon has sent shock waves across the country.

It also underscores how vulnerable the country's national treasures have become throughout four years of brutal budget cuts during Greece's fiscal crisis.

On Wednesday, after an urgent meeting of the Central Archaeological Council, experts determined "instability over quite a wide area", following a landslide in early January.

The boulder "of considerable size" tumbled from the south side, rolling down to the entrance of the most visited site in the Greek capital.

Senior culture ministry officials say they are working to control the decaying side although they have refused to comment on whether urgent funding will be available to prevent any further decay.
"Much of the decay has been caused by drainage pipes stemming from the old Acropolis museum, situated on the rock also," said the culture ministry's Lena Mendoni.

"We have already begun studying the damage to ring fence and repair it," she told local media.
The landmark archaeological site remains open at present with hundreds of tourists daily visiting the monument.

I'm Back to Posting Again.

After taking a break for a while I realized I still wanted to write from this blog. So, I updated the site and now I'm back.

Since I have my other site which is mostly about books, I figured I needed somewhere else to post some of the other multitude of things I think about.

Expect a new post really soon.

Bye for now.

Nesting: Retro Furniture

 

Wicker Disk Chair $320.00 (sale) PBteen



 

I love watching old TV shows like Green Acres, The Patty Duke Show, Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman etc, not just because they're funny and the ladies have amazing clothes but because the retro furniture is just so chic. In the background I can see circle chairs, glamorous vanities and tufted sofa. The furnishings on those old shows are just as important as the actors at least to me. 

 

Press Release: PEOPLE StyleWatch: September 2012 Issue

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2012 -- It's the September issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch and it's our biggest issue ever! Gracing the cover is the fresh and stylish, Emma Stone. Dressed up or down, the star of The Amazing Spider-Man is always in fashion.

Her stylist Petra Flannery dishes on some of Stone's top outfits. "Emma likes to try unexpected pieces," says Flannery of the star's red carpet style. "Confidence is the key to pulling them off." As for Stone's street style, Flannery tells StyleWatch, "Emma says she's most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt." For much more on Stone's different looks and where you kind find similar looks, for less, check out the September issue!

10 Fall Must-Haves! Get ready to wow in the hottest trends of the season – sparkle in brocade, glossy patent leather and so much more.

1. Hunter Green: This rich color makes a statement on clothing, shoes and bags.

2. Ankle-Strap Heels: Updated with pointy toes, this leg-lengthening style is having a major moment. 

3. Military Details: Embossed buttons, epaulets and sharp tailoring are everywhere.

4. Trumpet Hems: The flouncy shape is a fun twist on spring's peplum trend.

5. Dome Bags: Rounded top-handle carryalls are sophisticated and functional.

6. Brocade: This ornate fabric is perfect for dressing up, but on more casual pieces or paired with jeans and flats, it's chic and unexpected.

7. Jeweled Necklaces: These dramatic styles punch up any outfit, day or night.

8. Shift Dresses: In graphic patterns, bright colors and more, this loose silhouette is both stylish and easy to wear.

9. Voluminous Coats: Wear these trendy styles anytime – opt for fitted clothes to create a cool contrast.

10. Patent Leather: Try just a hint on pumps or a shirt collar, or go all out in a head-turning piece of clothing.  
                                                                                    
5 Fall Beauty Trends: These of-the-moment looks are both fresh and dramatic! StyleWatch shows you how to make them work.

1. Rosy Cheeks: Flirty colors are incredibly feminine and wake up every skin tone.

2. Wine-Red Lips: A dark tone is an edgy yet sophisticated way to wear red.

3. Earthy Eye Shadows: Tan, brown and bronze are super versatile – subtle enough for day, dramatic for a night out.

4. Bold Eyeliner: Black liner instantly glams up eyes – plus, it's practically goof-proof.

5. Dark Blue Nails: Chic shades of sapphire and navy modernize your manicure.

PLUS 4 More We Love! Blue Eye Makeup; Burgundy Nails; Bright-Red Lipstick; Radiant Skin.  

Shop YOUR Style: Whether your look is cool, classic or glam, we have the perfect new trend for you to try.

1. Leather & Lace (Cool): Tough but romantic, this mix is totally modern. Combine sleek dresses, delicate tops, bold accessories and more for an edgy-pretty contrast.

2. Equestrian (Classic): This relaxed yet polished look is everywhere for fall. Go for timeless dresses, silky shirts, riding boots and more in a neutral palette with rich details.

3. Embellishment (Glam): Sparkly, oversize adornments feel bold and fashion-forward. Choose a single standout piece, from an eye-catching top to a glitzy skirt, and wear it day or night. 

People StyleWatch is dedicated to making fashion and beauty trends accessible, affordable and fun. First launched as a special newsstand extension of PEOPLE in 2002.

People StyleWatch is published 11 times a year, with a guaranteed circulation of 800,000 and reaches 5.6 million readers each month. PeopleStyleWatch.com is the #1 style magazine website reaching 3 million unique visitors and averaging 150 million pageviews each month with content that is refreshed throughout the day. Every day on PeopleStyleWatch.com you'll see the latest looks from the red carpet and get the latest scoop on trends, as well as tips on fashion, beauty and shopping.

Every Girl Needs...A Great Tote Bag

Aiden Bag $ 79.50 Banana Republic

How can you not love a tote bag? I love that you can carry your stuff without looking frumpy. You can use it for practically everything - from work to school, shopping to hanging out on the beach and more. I love carry my tote when I go shopping I don't have to worry about those plastic bags.