Boo from Malibu of the North

I'm a lucky girl. I'm in Huntsville for Halloween! Maybe I'll run into Goldie Hawn!

Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon

“A Room With Tea and Wit”, opens in the newly revamped Ghirardelli Square in the heart of old San Francisco. A destination tearoom known for top-quality food and excellent libations, all with the style and charm that one finds in modern day Britain. Crown & Crumpet infuses tradition with a large dose of panache and humor.There will be no ‘Granny’s front parlor’ look for Crown & Crumpet. Renowned English architect and designer Roland Courtenay Bishop has created an architecturally inviting space with a creative interior décor designed by owners Christopher and Amy Dean. I received an email this morning from them announcing that their new website was up and running....and it is delicious! Who wants to meet in SF for Grand Tea? Sip.

Photo Credit: The Yum Diary

The Lion, The Switch and The Wardrobe

The Lion: Today I won't be slaying any lions. I'll be doing something far more exciting. I'm going to see my younger daughter's ultrasound! The baby is due Dec 22 or 24th. (those are the 2 dates she has to choose from) I hope to sneak a peak at the 'you know what' to see if I can tell if it's a boy or a girl, then I 'll report back to you with my guess. This is the daughter with Type 1 Diabetes (and insulin pump) so it's a high-risk pregnancy. Anyway, should be a wonderful day.

The Switch: In the meantime, my good friend in Texas, Joni - has a gorgeous feature post on Michael S. Smith that is sure to 'edutain' you. Impressive.

The Wardrobe: Sporty Casual in browns and creams. Scarf. Big faux tortoise sunglasses. Neutral lips and brown eye liner.

Nelli Roono, Liberty, Love, Olmstead and Pie

This is how people find (stumble upon) this blog. Here are the top 5 word searches that will lead them to me:

1. nelli roono (the girl with gigantic boobs - a.k.a. - big (milk) jugs)

(I dare you to search google images to see them. They are udderly monstrous!)
2. liberty post (duh)
3. sex and the city 'love' painting (it is spectacular)
4. marla olmstead
5. thanksgiving 2008 pie (people are planning their menu)

It strikes me funny, because I work very hard to make my blog 'buffet-like' - a bit of this and a touch of that...and still every week - week after week, the most hits come from sexy ideas in peoples' heads. Gee.

Snow squalls will continue today.

This is a warning that snowsqualls are imminent or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions. Listen for updated statements. And with this warning comes good news about toasty warm ski chalets and as promised for all you PhD Snow candidates, more snow lessons.

Definition: Snow is a type of precipitation in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. The process of precipitation is called snowfall.

Ice, snow and climate change are closely linked. The Global Outlook for Ice and Snow investigates those linkages. It also presents information on the trends in ice and snow, the outlook for this century and beyond and the consequences to ecosystems and human well-being of these changes. It covers all parts of the cryosphere (the world of ice): snow, land ice, sea ice, river and lake ice, and frozen ground. The Global Outlook for Ice and Snow was written by more than 70 scientists from around the world.

Signing off for today from the Capitol of The Cryosphere. (the world of ice)

If Mom says I can't say this word on my blog, well then I'll let them say it for me

Sometimes it's the only word to properly convey a moment. Don't you agree? It's 'just' a word after all. Note: This post is meant to make you laugh, not offend, so I am apologizing in advance for any of you that get uneasy.

Tracy Porter Tabletop

Full of fun and whimsy; dancing with colour, these classic decorative tabletop pieces are a touch of playful eye candy for your settings. I'm a Tracy Porter fan. You too can discover her design and style here.

Finding Nemo and Courage

I've found the perfect new car for my Cairo girl. Plus, I'm going to make a homemade 'Medal of Bravery' and send it to Egypt. The Red Sea is one of the top dive destinations in the world but relatively unknown to the diving market. Jacques Cousteau called the Red Sea “a corridor of marvels” referring to the Red Sea’s “gin” clear water and pristine reefs. The underwater jewels of the Red Sea lie just off the shores of Egypt. Proud Mama brags about this. (although I felt strangely out of breath as I read it)

Side Note: I also found this great website about living in Egypt.

Nemo fish photo credit.

Daddy?

Can I paint my room pink in our new house? Can we have fish and cats and dogs? Can my friends come over to play? Where will we eat? Is Mommy going to drive us to school? Can you come on school trips with us? Will I have my own computer? Do they let kids watch TV there? How loud can we play our music? Are we allowed to dance and laugh loud and get a drink whenever we want? Is there junk food? Will we be happy? Will you be safe?

I May Throw Up

If I hear 'Joe The Plumber' and 'My Friends' one more time.

That One

Produced by them and them.

We Are Running the Last Lap

With small babies in my life and 1 more coming soon, this song, this song, this song has powerful words. Oh so powerful.

Body Language

At its finest. Very telling. See the other few photos here. Thanks for sending this post idea my way Joni! Big Hug (with fantastic body language)

Bespoke

Just poking fun at Pia. (read #3)

Bespoke is employed in a variety of applications to mean an item custom-made to the buyer's specification. The term historically was only applied to tailored clothing, shirts and other parts of men's apparel involving measurement and fitting, and where the buyer is given total control over the fabric used, the features of the garment, and the way the garment should be made.

Bespoke is also a very groovy sounding lyrical word. Now tell me dear readers, do you like the word 'bespoke' or not?

A 'Very' Happy Meal

Yes, I'm eating late. Enjoying my home made macaroni and cheese with hot french fries. (ya, I know, too many carbs.) Have I given you that recipe yet? Remind me next week. It is comfort food time!

Life is so giggle good right now. I cuddled with Liberty today for about an hour. She is 2 weeks old now. My son got a hat trick and two assists tonight at his hockey game. A 'very' happy win. I watched the Dog Whisperer today for the first time and cried. Oh how I love puppers.

On to the 'very' HAPPY meal I'm having....it's not my cooking. Oh no, it's this!

Q: Wouldn't every woman love to get this toy with a happy meal?
A: Yes! That's what makes it a 'very'.

5 centuries after Gutenberg, the Biggest Revolution is Kindle

"Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.

We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.

We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.

With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand.

And because we know you can't judge a book by its cover, Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial.

Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, we hope you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read.

We're very proud to introduce Amazon Kindle and we hope you like it as much as we do." - The Amazon Kindle Team

"Toot"

It got to me. It really got to me. The footage of Barack walking, slinking, flowing down the sidewalk towards his grandmother's home. He moved full of love and concern, oblivious at that moment of his future role in the world. That's why it got me. Because he didn't seem to be affected by this. His only thoughts were on Toot. I wondered too if he felt like having a few puffs on a strong cigarette; his human side edging inside or if he thought a strong drink and a card game with some of his buddies would fulfill some respite from his recent duties. In this scene; one that would become, no doubt, one of his last 'normal' experiences, did his eyes swell with tears of sadness or joy or pride or anticipation? As his jeans scuffed the cement it occurred to me that he, Barack Obama, will be the one who will change the world. God speed Toot. Thank You. And Toot, please stay until Election Day.

Photo Time

Wrong London, Right Performance

Hello my dear friends. I am writing to you this morning with great excitement in my heart. First I want to clarify that I am 'not' in London, England, rather my business trip was to London, Ontario. Not quite as international and regal, but still a very nice university town in Canada and one that holds many dear, dear friends.

The new beginning that I have been talking about (dreaming) since June 2007 has come true. I may now step out onto the stage of my true desires, purpose and calling to give the world my creations; a little piece of the authentic me.

More to come as the days roll by, but I wanted to share this with you. I am now liberated to the fullest extent. Now we must wait to see if I am 'booed' at or given a standing ovation.

Photo: Grand Theatre, London, Ontario, Canada

Rocks

This is my all time favorite movie scene.

Guess Who?

My darlings. I must go to London on business. While I'm gone (just a few days), guess who the photographer is and guess who the client is. Have a sensual day....x

Fortnum & Mason

Newly refurbished for its 300th birthday in 2007, Fortnum & Mason (known as The Queen's Grocer) is one store I would love to visit (and have tea). The all white counter is actually an in-store ice cream parlour! Some lively history here. I doubt I'll get there to have my photo taken in the horse carriage this holiday season, but if you could be so kind as to send me one of their famous hampers, that would do just find. Upwards to a jolly 25,000 pounds. ($$$). Ha! I know. Send me 'The Snow Queen' hamper. That's just perfect for this PhD in Snow student.

Kate Spade's Ribbon Supplier

The White House calls on Raffit Ribbons year after year to design ribbons for their annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House South Lawn. With personal approval from the First Lady, the ribbons are selected to be tied on hundreds of Easter baskets for the celebration.

Raffit Ribbons can be purchased at finer stationery & gift stores throughout the United States. In addition to many local & regional stores, national customers include Neiman Marcus, Estee Lauder, Crate & Barrel and The Container Store. Internationally, their ribbons can be found at distinctive shops including Fortnum & Mason in London, Caspari in Paris and Paul Smith in Milan.

The distinctive list of fashion designers who create with these ribbons includes: Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Eileen Fisher, Isabella Fiore and Stephen Dweck.

I also found out about this nostalgic Bordeaux Baker's Twine from Pam Garrison, this lovely Etsy shop and Ornamentea. More twine design ideas here.