It's 10:30pm and I am in PJs, face washed, contacts out, waiting to relax. I'm drinking Tension Tamer tea while sitting on my velour couch, looking around me, no bright light of the computer staring up at me (but there is now), no online crusades to concur, just life to live in my living room before going to bed in a relaxed state, as I think may be suggested by the book, This Book Will Save Your Life, by A.M. Holmes.
But I'm lonely because I finished the book! This is why I don't finish books. Because they end and there is no more of them, unless you read it again, but the fresh feeling of turning unknown pages is gone. But let me say this: it was a most unexpected action-packed self-help fiction book. And I actually laughed out loud. Twice. Holmes is quite funny. Almost in a Steve Martin sort of way in Shop Girl.
This Book Will Save Your Life was a surprise read that I bought purely because the title was so declarative. I was really checking out A.M. Holmes because I had vaguely heard about her, and this book was available. I don't think my life needs to be saved at the moment, but it did revive my desire to read fiction vs fantasy (Narnia, Potter) or non-fiction (Fast Food Nation, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire). It also made me very hungry for donuts and for healthy meals prepared by a nutritionist.
It made me want to see Malabo and listen to LA people say weird things like "I'm no-carb." In fact, it has revived my desire to move, and not just to a calm, "affordable" place, but to take the adventure and maybe live back in Charleston, SC on the beach. Lots of other people do it, and it's in the right time zone.
So if you're looking for a good fiction, read This Book Will Save Your Life. It made my life more pleasant, that's for sure. And I think it allowed me to buy myself some Jasmine Rose perfume from Fresh that I've been longing for for a year after they sent me a sample. I promised myself that "when I launch katie-james.com," I would treat myself. Then it became "when I have my first sale from katie-james.com." Then it became "Why spend the money? Put it back into the business! Oil of Olay is just fine."
Let's put it this way: it made the guilt-free allowance of spending money for happiness a lot easier. And not in a shop-a-holic kind of way. The main character of the story was a man. But you know, it's cool, because now I can add another book to my list of "Favorite Books" in different online profiles that I'm always so self-conscious about filling out.
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Blog Archive
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2007
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April
(18)
- This Book Will Save Your Life
- Laser Hair Removal :: 5.5th Appointment for Bikini
- Shop for the Missing Bees
- Shoes not in at Fluevog Online
- My First Fluevogs - Hopefully
- CareCredit for Laser Hair Treatment :: Be Alert!!
- Ode to Grandy :: List of My Favorite Things
- The Girlie Show :: Watch This Video
- Answers to Crafty Questions
- Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
- Just Launched :: ReelInvitations.com, a Katie Jame...
- Hi From Dinah and Oliver
- New Katie James Desktop Wallpaper
- Spring Goodies I Want Today
- Can You Feel the Love
- Doing My Nails and Garrison
- Cordless Phone/Fax Machine On the Way!
- Crazy Craigslist Scammers
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April
(18)
Laser Hair Removal :: 5.5th Appointment for Bikini
I always learn something at my laser hair removal appointments! This was a 5 1/2 appointment because I was so late to my other one, that the esthetician could "only" do my thighs, which take forever. Again - no pain for me. But then again, I think I finally see a purpose for my pale skin and dark leg hair - to have relatively pain-free laser hair removal!
Today I came with a few questions, and tried to absorb them all for you. It's not like I'm lying on my back, scribbling notes on a pad of paper. So, here were my questions:
The esthetician said that the cool ultrasound jelly stuff that acts as a conductor also leaves track marks, like lines in the sand. So she can see exactly where she's been.
I have one more appointment to go. Then I'll be in the 2-years zone of getting touchups for hair that has is on a weird growth cycle and missed the laser, or what. Meanwhile, I finally paid attention to my CreditCare bill for when I financed this expedition, and sure enough, it did remind me that if I did not pay the full amount by the time the year was up, I would have to pay the deferred APR amount, which is about $400-$550 when it's through! So I made a giant payment to complete it, but saw that I did miss 2 minimum payments. This also disqualifies me from the deferred payment plan!! Ack! So we will see if that deferred payment shows up on my bill come July. Geeze.
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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Today I came with a few questions, and tried to absorb them all for you. It's not like I'm lying on my back, scribbling notes on a pad of paper. So, here were my questions:
I've left my thigh - that has been through 5 appointments - unshaved. Can you compare it with my calf, which has had no appointments with the laser, and tell me if you can see or feel a difference?
The esthetician felt my thigh and calf to check for a difference. But most importantly, she said, she could see the difference in the hair follicles. She looks at follicles all day, so I'm taking her word for it. She said that if I were to let it grow out and skip a hair cycle (which is when the appointments are made), it would look batchy. I guess my thigh does look smoother, and it does feel smooth...Someone commented on my blog that she heard that American Laser Centers do not, in fact, use lasers. Is this true? Isn't that thing over there connected to an electrical box on wheels next to my head that you grab and shoot into my leg a laser?
The esthetician look stunned, and assured me that is in fact a laser. It is called an AmeriLite, the same laser that all American Laser Centers use. She says that she needs to spread the cold jelly on my skin to act as a "conductor" (meaning a conductor of laser electricity) for the laser beam. The laser head itself is about 1" long by .5" wide, and it is cold as well. I had never noticed that it was cold, but she put it on my arm without lasering me, and sure enough, it was very cold. She says it needs to be cold because the laser light is so hot, that it has to be cold.Are you sure you're getting everything? How do you know if you miss a spot? That little laser head is kind of small.
The esthetician said that the cool ultrasound jelly stuff that acts as a conductor also leaves track marks, like lines in the sand. So she can see exactly where she's been.
I have one more appointment to go. Then I'll be in the 2-years zone of getting touchups for hair that has is on a weird growth cycle and missed the laser, or what. Meanwhile, I finally paid attention to my CreditCare bill for when I financed this expedition, and sure enough, it did remind me that if I did not pay the full amount by the time the year was up, I would have to pay the deferred APR amount, which is about $400-$550 when it's through! So I made a giant payment to complete it, but saw that I did miss 2 minimum payments. This also disqualifies me from the deferred payment plan!! Ack! So we will see if that deferred payment shows up on my bill come July. Geeze.
Laser Progress Reports
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #6Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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laser hair removal
Shop for the Missing Bees
Shocking it is about these bees! I just read on a Christian website that maybe the culprit is cell phone waves. Which would make sense. Bees have antenna for a reason, don't they? And to think, I am contributing to their losing their way in all of these wireless waves by blogging about them! And then calling my mother about them on my cell phone!
In my guilt I went straight to Etsy.com to see what the designers in Etsy were whipping up, thinking I could Think Like Tink and send some BumbleBee love somewhere. So let's celebrate bees and help them find their way back home by seeing who's making cute bee things...
Buy on Etsy.com
Buy on Etsy.com
Buy on Etsy.com
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In my guilt I went straight to Etsy.com to see what the designers in Etsy were whipping up, thinking I could Think Like Tink and send some BumbleBee love somewhere. So let's celebrate bees and help them find their way back home by seeing who's making cute bee things...
Cricket Press BumbleBee Ring - $20
Buy on Etsy.com
Talula's Shop - Bee Necklace in Colored Stones - $28
Buy on Etsy.com
Hochrot's Shop - BumbleBees Ruffled Leather Bag - CUTE! - $180
Buy on Etsy.com
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Shoes not in at Fluevog Online
This is the second order I've placed on Flueog online. This is the second time that they have called me to tell me that the order is in fact not in stock. Since this happend to me once with the cutest pair of hot pink Mini Mouse heel shoes, you can imagine my attempts to avoid this place of severe shoe denial and dissapointment.
The first time this happened, it really bothered me because something of supreme cuteness was offered, checked out, and then denied to me. But secondly, I was unfamiliar with their billing system. They do not bill until the order ships. Amazon may do that as well, I think, but usually with Amazon, when you place an order, the thing you just bought is in stock. Otherwise, you get a message saying: "This item is no longer in stock from this shipper."
So, not knowing that, I had moved special shoe money into my checking account to cover the splurge, and what happened? I spent the money b/c I was being loosy goosey with my cash, and assumed the money had been credited. Mistas: always keep your eye on your online banking. This is why you really do need a Katie James checkbook cover, to just check off what you've spent, and when the store actually takes it.
When the store called today, and I got huffy. Unfortunately. The first time, they offered me nothing and suggested I come into the store for some big sale. No. I want the sale in my livingroom, thanks. I want the sale to be clickable so that I can go finish washing the dishes or something. This time my huffiness lasted so long, and went through two people because not only did I huff at the first guy who answered the phone, I got home and got a confirmation number for another pair of shoes to another girl, and got extra huffy. I was presented with a discount to numb my huff, and the salesgirl said all of the right understanding things. So now I guess I have to make the great treck down to the lower whatever side and delight myself in trying on shoes. Whew!
Moral of the story? When ordering Fluevog shoes online, call a store first. There are only 6 in the United States. Call the store and let them check around to see if they actually have the shoes, and make sure that some person has not only touched the shoe box, but opened the lid, picked up the shoe and checked to make sure it's your size.
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The first time this happened, it really bothered me because something of supreme cuteness was offered, checked out, and then denied to me. But secondly, I was unfamiliar with their billing system. They do not bill until the order ships. Amazon may do that as well, I think, but usually with Amazon, when you place an order, the thing you just bought is in stock. Otherwise, you get a message saying: "This item is no longer in stock from this shipper."
So, not knowing that, I had moved special shoe money into my checking account to cover the splurge, and what happened? I spent the money b/c I was being loosy goosey with my cash, and assumed the money had been credited. Mistas: always keep your eye on your online banking. This is why you really do need a Katie James checkbook cover, to just check off what you've spent, and when the store actually takes it.
When the store called today, and I got huffy. Unfortunately. The first time, they offered me nothing and suggested I come into the store for some big sale. No. I want the sale in my livingroom, thanks. I want the sale to be clickable so that I can go finish washing the dishes or something. This time my huffiness lasted so long, and went through two people because not only did I huff at the first guy who answered the phone, I got home and got a confirmation number for another pair of shoes to another girl, and got extra huffy. I was presented with a discount to numb my huff, and the salesgirl said all of the right understanding things. So now I guess I have to make the great treck down to the lower whatever side and delight myself in trying on shoes. Whew!
Moral of the story? When ordering Fluevog shoes online, call a store first. There are only 6 in the United States. Call the store and let them check around to see if they actually have the shoes, and make sure that some person has not only touched the shoe box, but opened the lid, picked up the shoe and checked to make sure it's your size.
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My First Fluevogs - Hopefully
It's sunny here today...and you know what that means. Spending money! I've committed to finally donating to my college, will donate to the Central Park Conservancy again, and just donated to my closet with some crisp white with black stitching Fluevogs, the Hepburn style. This is why signing up for these newsletters is so dangerous. I am prone to buying something when I open them. Last week, I bought David a magnetic golf dart board from Delight.com as a late birthday present (his actual present was very, ahem, expensive sushi dinner with friends, with jugs of sake larger than my head).
Back to the Fluevog shoes. The last time I tried to order shoes from Fluevog's website, that were enormously cute b/c they looked like Mini Mouse shoes, they turned out to be not in my size. But the website took my order. Although I don't think it processed. Needless to say, I don't trust their sizing availability. Also, the shipping takes forever. At least 2 weeks? So fingers crossed. Oh, and these were on sale. That's why I bought them. Although I think I've liked the Hepburn before...
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Back to the Fluevog shoes. The last time I tried to order shoes from Fluevog's website, that were enormously cute b/c they looked like Mini Mouse shoes, they turned out to be not in my size. But the website took my order. Although I don't think it processed. Needless to say, I don't trust their sizing availability. Also, the shipping takes forever. At least 2 weeks? So fingers crossed. Oh, and these were on sale. That's why I bought them. Although I think I've liked the Hepburn before...
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CareCredit for Laser Hair Treatment :: Be Alert!!
Mistas - You know that I signed up for the promotional CareCredit card through GEOnline when I got my laser hair removal package. It was the 0% APR for a year deal. If I paid the whole thing off within a year, I would not pay the APR fees. What I did NOT know, was that if I did NOT pay it in a year, the DEFERRED APR fees will be charged of me.
Yuck!
When it comes to savviness with credit cards, I am OK. I'm not super savvy, but I do make sure to make all payments on time, and I transfer my one large balance to new 0% APRs after the first year of the promotional date. However, I've never had the situation where I pay the deferred finance charge. When I got my cool glasses through a similar card through City Bank, who is the Devil, when I was paying a bill, I noticed the tiny fine print about a deferred finance charge. But the message was a little cryptic. Not trusting it, I transfered it right away to my big 0% APR card to get rid of any unexpected finance charge. This must have been what they were talking about.
Here's the message I've been getting on my CareCredit statements. Keep in mind, this is a "health" credit card, so they encourage you to use it for the vet, dentist maybe, healthy stuff. Luckily I kept it in my file of Unused Credit Cards Waiting to be Paid Off and never in my wallet.
"No Finance Charges will be incurred on the amount of a Deferred Interest promotional purchase if you pay the promotional purchase amount in full by the indicated Due Date and (as applicable) you pay at least any Minimum Payment Due on your Account each month when due. If a promotional purchase amount is not paid in full by the indicated Due Date, Finance Charges will (or if any Minimum Payment Due is not paid when due, may) be assessed on this amount from the transaction date (or, at creditors option, from the posting date)."
The total deferred finance charge is shown below this statement, but I always thought it was a way to show me what I saved. Duh. Wrong.
Don't know about you, but that's not exactly easy and clear for me to understand. CareCredit has since changed the design of their statement. It now says this, which has alerted me more clearly. It now says this:
"You will incur no Finance Charges on a Deferred Interest promotional purchase, provided the promotional purchase amount is paid in full by the indicated Due Date and you pay any applicable Minimum Payment Due on your Account by the Payment Due Date. If you do not pay the amount in full by the indicated Due Date, Finance Charges accrued from the date of purchase will (or if any Minimum Payment is not paid when due, may) be added to your account."
I'm still a little foggy on this, but even as I type it, I think I just understood a new meaning. Shoot. It says that not only will I have to pay the deferred finance charge if I don't pay it off by my year date, which so far for me is $309.47, if I missed any minimums, which I did once and maybe twice because I swear that their statements are sent on a longer than 30-day rotation period, I may also have to pay it. Ahh!
So Mistas - be super aware of these promotional deals. I of course paid way more than the minimum payment, and last month basically double paid my amount, which is 4x the minimum, so I'm finally under $1000 due. Yay. But this baby better get paid by me in two months, or you will be hearing a very unhappy FashionMista.
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Yuck!
When it comes to savviness with credit cards, I am OK. I'm not super savvy, but I do make sure to make all payments on time, and I transfer my one large balance to new 0% APRs after the first year of the promotional date. However, I've never had the situation where I pay the deferred finance charge. When I got my cool glasses through a similar card through City Bank, who is the Devil, when I was paying a bill, I noticed the tiny fine print about a deferred finance charge. But the message was a little cryptic. Not trusting it, I transfered it right away to my big 0% APR card to get rid of any unexpected finance charge. This must have been what they were talking about.
Here's the message I've been getting on my CareCredit statements. Keep in mind, this is a "health" credit card, so they encourage you to use it for the vet, dentist maybe, healthy stuff. Luckily I kept it in my file of Unused Credit Cards Waiting to be Paid Off and never in my wallet.
"No Finance Charges will be incurred on the amount of a Deferred Interest promotional purchase if you pay the promotional purchase amount in full by the indicated Due Date and (as applicable) you pay at least any Minimum Payment Due on your Account each month when due. If a promotional purchase amount is not paid in full by the indicated Due Date, Finance Charges will (or if any Minimum Payment Due is not paid when due, may) be assessed on this amount from the transaction date (or, at creditors option, from the posting date)."
The total deferred finance charge is shown below this statement, but I always thought it was a way to show me what I saved. Duh. Wrong.
Don't know about you, but that's not exactly easy and clear for me to understand. CareCredit has since changed the design of their statement. It now says this, which has alerted me more clearly. It now says this:
"You will incur no Finance Charges on a Deferred Interest promotional purchase, provided the promotional purchase amount is paid in full by the indicated Due Date and you pay any applicable Minimum Payment Due on your Account by the Payment Due Date. If you do not pay the amount in full by the indicated Due Date, Finance Charges accrued from the date of purchase will (or if any Minimum Payment is not paid when due, may) be added to your account."
I'm still a little foggy on this, but even as I type it, I think I just understood a new meaning. Shoot. It says that not only will I have to pay the deferred finance charge if I don't pay it off by my year date, which so far for me is $309.47, if I missed any minimums, which I did once and maybe twice because I swear that their statements are sent on a longer than 30-day rotation period, I may also have to pay it. Ahh!
So Mistas - be super aware of these promotional deals. I of course paid way more than the minimum payment, and last month basically double paid my amount, which is 4x the minimum, so I'm finally under $1000 due. Yay. But this baby better get paid by me in two months, or you will be hearing a very unhappy FashionMista.
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laser hair removal,
Money Stuff
Ode to Grandy :: List of My Favorite Things
The rough bit of news I received before my laser appointment was that my grandmother, Grandy, had passed peacefully in the night in her sleep, with her kitty Lucky keeping watch on her chest. We were expecting it, because she had Alzeihmer's and was undergoing several tough ailments. My mom kept me abreast of her condition the whole time, so it had come down to a matter of when. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease. I have decided to donate a portion of Katie James profits to a foundation that assists in Alzheimer's research. I am close to making a decision as to which organization that will be, and will finalize soon.
Originally I was not going to post anything about it, since it's so personal and why would you want to know, but after hearing that my sister is wearing a 50s style skirt to the funeral with strawberries stiched on, I decided that I did want to share my memories of Grandy, since the first that pops into my head are strawberries. She also had a news article written about her for her invovlement with the Cleveland Site Center, so I figure this could be my public and written contribution to her legacy.
The title of this piece of writing is the first clue to a favorite thing I can think of when I want to bring Grandy to my mind. The Sound of Music was one of her favorites, and in it, the song "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" is a perfect one to describe what I'll do now when I want to think of Grandy if I'm feeling sad or lonely, like they did in the movie during the scary thunderstorm. I've also developed a new game of putting Grandy into my pocket. It's called: "I'll buy this because it reminds me of Grandy." So here is a little list:
Strawberries. Strawberries on my birthday cake, and strawberries around my neck. Last summer at the Renegade Craft Fair, I bought a blown glass strawberry pendant and wear it around my neck when I want to think of Grandy.
Willamina. A knitted life-size-for-a-six-year-old doll made by the blind women at the Cleveland Site Center where Grandy volunteered at the craft sale to help put finishing touches on the crafts they made.
Hot fudge. My latest purchase to remember Grandy. Hot fudge in a glass jar, put into a pot of boiling water to heat perfectly for pouring over ice cream.
Homemade cinnamon apple sauce, especially when it is warm.
Chocolate chip cookies from Heinens.
Cream of wheat with lumps in it. Only Grandy could make perfect cream of wheat with delightful lumps in it that exploded with new cream of wheats that mixed perfectly with melted butter and lumps of brown sugar.
Chicken pox in Grandy's then new pale lime green bubbling jacuzzi. Everyone should have chicken pox in a bubbling jacuzzi, like I did when we kids stayed at Grandy and Grampa's when Mom and Dad went out of town. They didn't know we'd be getting the chicken pox that week, but I did because I rubbed arms with my 3rd grade best friend so that we'd get it together. And we did.
A baby brush to softly scratch the chicken pox. Only grandmothers have fine baby brushes around the house for scratching chicken poxes.
My finger nails. They are as hard as rocks, thanks to Grandy, who also had strong nails. When I want to think of Grandy, I can look at my finely curved finger nails and remember how she and me could flick our nails and not break them.
Stockings. A sliver of Christmas that is Grandy. We kids were lucky enough to have knitted green, red and white stockings made by Grandy that only expand with time.
Christmas. Christmas is its own piece of writing, but I will say gravy, creamy mashed potatoes that are impossible to recreate, and chocolates wrapped in clear plastic.
Mrs. Barlett's driveway with her bicycle built for two that was maybe candy striped red, or it is in my memory, that was from a different time but we didn't know when.
Mallards, geese and ponds. I may live in New York City, but there is this place called Central Park that I live next to, and in my part of Central Park, there is a pond, and in that pond are frogs, mallards, and geese. Around that pond are benches and willow trees to sit under. In a quiet moment while Gerdy (named after Grandy's mother, Grandma Stouffer), and I were walking one recent quiet evening (yes evening, we were among owl watchers), I sat on a wooden bench under a willow tree and went back to the place in my mind of playing on Grandy and Grampa's lake, in the canoe, paddling under the willow tree to uncover the sacred slab of stone that had hand prints of my mother and her brothers in it. After we touched the stone, we'd park the canoe and hunt for frogs and tadpoles with Grampa's metal net, or stick our feet in the gooky part of the lake just to feel its gookiness and sqirm away. We'd return at night to shine flashlights into the frogs eyes, to blind them and pick them up, although I don't think I ever picked one up. I did pick up a worm once, and scared some little boy with it, which Grandy would probably not have liked.
So now, when I hear the sound of distant frogs, or smell a flower that Grandy grew in her garden, or admire my nails, I can bring Grandy back to my own place when I need her.
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Originally I was not going to post anything about it, since it's so personal and why would you want to know, but after hearing that my sister is wearing a 50s style skirt to the funeral with strawberries stiched on, I decided that I did want to share my memories of Grandy, since the first that pops into my head are strawberries. She also had a news article written about her for her invovlement with the Cleveland Site Center, so I figure this could be my public and written contribution to her legacy.
The title of this piece of writing is the first clue to a favorite thing I can think of when I want to bring Grandy to my mind. The Sound of Music was one of her favorites, and in it, the song "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" is a perfect one to describe what I'll do now when I want to think of Grandy if I'm feeling sad or lonely, like they did in the movie during the scary thunderstorm. I've also developed a new game of putting Grandy into my pocket. It's called: "I'll buy this because it reminds me of Grandy." So here is a little list:
Strawberries. Strawberries on my birthday cake, and strawberries around my neck. Last summer at the Renegade Craft Fair, I bought a blown glass strawberry pendant and wear it around my neck when I want to think of Grandy.
Willamina. A knitted life-size-for-a-six-year-old doll made by the blind women at the Cleveland Site Center where Grandy volunteered at the craft sale to help put finishing touches on the crafts they made.
Hot fudge. My latest purchase to remember Grandy. Hot fudge in a glass jar, put into a pot of boiling water to heat perfectly for pouring over ice cream.
Homemade cinnamon apple sauce, especially when it is warm.
Chocolate chip cookies from Heinens.
Cream of wheat with lumps in it. Only Grandy could make perfect cream of wheat with delightful lumps in it that exploded with new cream of wheats that mixed perfectly with melted butter and lumps of brown sugar.
Chicken pox in Grandy's then new pale lime green bubbling jacuzzi. Everyone should have chicken pox in a bubbling jacuzzi, like I did when we kids stayed at Grandy and Grampa's when Mom and Dad went out of town. They didn't know we'd be getting the chicken pox that week, but I did because I rubbed arms with my 3rd grade best friend so that we'd get it together. And we did.
A baby brush to softly scratch the chicken pox. Only grandmothers have fine baby brushes around the house for scratching chicken poxes.
My finger nails. They are as hard as rocks, thanks to Grandy, who also had strong nails. When I want to think of Grandy, I can look at my finely curved finger nails and remember how she and me could flick our nails and not break them.
Stockings. A sliver of Christmas that is Grandy. We kids were lucky enough to have knitted green, red and white stockings made by Grandy that only expand with time.
Christmas. Christmas is its own piece of writing, but I will say gravy, creamy mashed potatoes that are impossible to recreate, and chocolates wrapped in clear plastic.
Mrs. Barlett's driveway with her bicycle built for two that was maybe candy striped red, or it is in my memory, that was from a different time but we didn't know when.
Mallards, geese and ponds. I may live in New York City, but there is this place called Central Park that I live next to, and in my part of Central Park, there is a pond, and in that pond are frogs, mallards, and geese. Around that pond are benches and willow trees to sit under. In a quiet moment while Gerdy (named after Grandy's mother, Grandma Stouffer), and I were walking one recent quiet evening (yes evening, we were among owl watchers), I sat on a wooden bench under a willow tree and went back to the place in my mind of playing on Grandy and Grampa's lake, in the canoe, paddling under the willow tree to uncover the sacred slab of stone that had hand prints of my mother and her brothers in it. After we touched the stone, we'd park the canoe and hunt for frogs and tadpoles with Grampa's metal net, or stick our feet in the gooky part of the lake just to feel its gookiness and sqirm away. We'd return at night to shine flashlights into the frogs eyes, to blind them and pick them up, although I don't think I ever picked one up. I did pick up a worm once, and scared some little boy with it, which Grandy would probably not have liked.
So now, when I hear the sound of distant frogs, or smell a flower that Grandy grew in her garden, or admire my nails, I can bring Grandy back to my own place when I need her.
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The Girlie Show :: Watch This Video
Just watched this YouTube video on (and possibly by) The Girlie Show - a really girly, pink, art show of really unique things made by artists and designers, started as a way to bring girls who maybe are ugly ducklings in the fine art world, to a place of swans, all swans!! Thanks to Kathy at Brooklyn Indie Designers Market for sharing!
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Answers to Crafty Questions
It's POURING here! My pants were so comfortable, but are soaked now that I came back from getting food for the animal family. But I don't want to take them off because the rest of them are so cumfy! So my calves are damp. It's Sunday, and I'm trying to focus on indulging in wandering all over the internet, an activity I don't do a lot, because I'm ruled by my to-do list, which is currently hiding behind my laptop monitor.
What started my internet wanderings? These crafty questions from Bonbon Oiseau that she sent out for her blog. So I answered them:
1. What were you like as a kid?
I was climbing trees and watching TV, until 6th grade when I bet my dad $1000 that I wouldn't watch it for a year, and then I discovered books. So then I was reading in trees.
2. What did you love to do?
Read, climb trees. I did go into our art supply closet from time to time, but mainly the glue was always stuck in the nozzle and I lost interest. I also loved cutting plastic placemats, hidden in the bathroom of course so that no one would know it was me.
3. How does who you were then come into your work now?
Because I didn't use the glue very much, and still don't really, I have a repressed desire to make things. So now I make glitter inspired Debt-O-Meters, glitter mats made from plastic covered lace that I found in a fabric shop, and I'm free to cut all of the fabric and plastic that I like because I live in my own house.
4. How do you keep the spirit of that enthusiasm working for you now?
I just do. Or I put a dash of glitter on my trash picked wooden bookshelf, thinking it a good idea for a light glittery purple spread to cover a part of the shelf, revealing mysterious purple sparkles that don't get all over everything.
5. What were your top kooky projects you tried as a wee one?
It wasn't that kooky, but it's the first one that comes to mind. Making an earring board with markers and cardboard and holes. The earrings could stick in the holes and be visible at all times. Since then, I've developed the Katie James jewelry bag with high visibility inside. Otherwise, I didn't really think I was that creative.
6. Did you love craft and art books as a kid as much as I did? Which ones?
Because I didn't consider myself an 'artist' like the other girls in my class who doodled Teddy Bear Land and things like that (made up world), the only craft books I remember reading were the ones on how to draw elephants, turtles, horses and other animals.
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What started my internet wanderings? These crafty questions from Bonbon Oiseau that she sent out for her blog. So I answered them:
1. What were you like as a kid?
I was climbing trees and watching TV, until 6th grade when I bet my dad $1000 that I wouldn't watch it for a year, and then I discovered books. So then I was reading in trees.
2. What did you love to do?
Read, climb trees. I did go into our art supply closet from time to time, but mainly the glue was always stuck in the nozzle and I lost interest. I also loved cutting plastic placemats, hidden in the bathroom of course so that no one would know it was me.
3. How does who you were then come into your work now?
Because I didn't use the glue very much, and still don't really, I have a repressed desire to make things. So now I make glitter inspired Debt-O-Meters, glitter mats made from plastic covered lace that I found in a fabric shop, and I'm free to cut all of the fabric and plastic that I like because I live in my own house.
4. How do you keep the spirit of that enthusiasm working for you now?
I just do. Or I put a dash of glitter on my trash picked wooden bookshelf, thinking it a good idea for a light glittery purple spread to cover a part of the shelf, revealing mysterious purple sparkles that don't get all over everything.
5. What were your top kooky projects you tried as a wee one?
It wasn't that kooky, but it's the first one that comes to mind. Making an earring board with markers and cardboard and holes. The earrings could stick in the holes and be visible at all times. Since then, I've developed the Katie James jewelry bag with high visibility inside. Otherwise, I didn't really think I was that creative.
6. Did you love craft and art books as a kid as much as I did? Which ones?
Because I didn't consider myself an 'artist' like the other girls in my class who doodled Teddy Bear Land and things like that (made up world), the only craft books I remember reading were the ones on how to draw elephants, turtles, horses and other animals.
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Miscellaneous
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Today's was an interesting appointment. I had a morning that involved some tough but expected news which involved tears. So whenever that happens, I'm pretty much in a non-caring mood, meaning, I pretty much deal with things in black and white instead of over-caring for someones feelings or the like. The same thing happens when I'm sick.
Needless to say I was late for this appointment with the laser, not that that is any surprise, because I am late to many things. Unfortunately, I did have to miss the bikini portion of the laser, since I cut into my appointment so much. The esthitian who I like so much (I like all of them, really, but she was my first, so we have a bond) did ask what I wanted to do, but in my black and white state, I just stated that I didn't care, and to do whatever she wanted. I was late after all.
Lying on the table, defensive about my own lateness, I huffily pointed out that I am still shaving. She saw a few thin leg hairs on my upper thigh and thought that's what all of my leg hairs look like (not so), and thought things were getting better. But, I pointed out that those little guys are always thin, so it was no different. Actually, I would have thought they'd be gone by now because they were so thin. So, she quickly shaved them away and squirted the jelly, which was actually warm this time because the room was so warm. What a difference! It felt almost nice! Normally that jelly for the laser is ice-cold and is the worst part of the lasering.
Remember people: when going to your laser appointment, shave everything, or suffer the razor burn. My top thighs where she had to shave basically feel like they have been sunburned, but it's a patchy red glob that will never turn tan. I've been applying the AmeriPure After Burn lotion on them, which American Laser Centers recommends right after they laser you, and is in fact applied by them after they laser an area. That should work. We will see.
Otherwise, my appointment was at 8am, which is nice for not talking, drinking Starbucks and reading a book. I just finished the Narnia Chronicles, and am on to This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M. Holmes. I don't think I need a life saving at the moment, since I'm making moves to save it every day, but I've heard that she is a great writer, and am enjoying it thoroughly.
When I "allowed" us to talk at the very end of the appointment while I was on my front so she could do the back legs, I asked about the 2 year ongoing appointments, because it appears as though I will need them. She says they are of course honored. I then asked about this new laser technology they are using, saying how a Mista asked about it and was disappointed to learn that the laser changed. The esthitian was surprised, because she knew there was money involved in changing the lasers, and I have to agree that the company would most likely not make a decision to install ineffective lasers. It would be bad for business, right? I'm trying to remember if this one hurt or not. To tell you the truth, in Appointment #4, it did hurt more than usual. And I think it was my first time on their new laser (I've had both since they switched). Well, with this better technology, maybe now I'll stop shaving...?
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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Needless to say I was late for this appointment with the laser, not that that is any surprise, because I am late to many things. Unfortunately, I did have to miss the bikini portion of the laser, since I cut into my appointment so much. The esthitian who I like so much (I like all of them, really, but she was my first, so we have a bond) did ask what I wanted to do, but in my black and white state, I just stated that I didn't care, and to do whatever she wanted. I was late after all.
Lying on the table, defensive about my own lateness, I huffily pointed out that I am still shaving. She saw a few thin leg hairs on my upper thigh and thought that's what all of my leg hairs look like (not so), and thought things were getting better. But, I pointed out that those little guys are always thin, so it was no different. Actually, I would have thought they'd be gone by now because they were so thin. So, she quickly shaved them away and squirted the jelly, which was actually warm this time because the room was so warm. What a difference! It felt almost nice! Normally that jelly for the laser is ice-cold and is the worst part of the lasering.
Remember people: when going to your laser appointment, shave everything, or suffer the razor burn. My top thighs where she had to shave basically feel like they have been sunburned, but it's a patchy red glob that will never turn tan. I've been applying the AmeriPure After Burn lotion on them, which American Laser Centers recommends right after they laser you, and is in fact applied by them after they laser an area. That should work. We will see.
Otherwise, my appointment was at 8am, which is nice for not talking, drinking Starbucks and reading a book. I just finished the Narnia Chronicles, and am on to This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M. Holmes. I don't think I need a life saving at the moment, since I'm making moves to save it every day, but I've heard that she is a great writer, and am enjoying it thoroughly.
When I "allowed" us to talk at the very end of the appointment while I was on my front so she could do the back legs, I asked about the 2 year ongoing appointments, because it appears as though I will need them. She says they are of course honored. I then asked about this new laser technology they are using, saying how a Mista asked about it and was disappointed to learn that the laser changed. The esthitian was surprised, because she knew there was money involved in changing the lasers, and I have to agree that the company would most likely not make a decision to install ineffective lasers. It would be bad for business, right? I'm trying to remember if this one hurt or not. To tell you the truth, in Appointment #4, it did hurt more than usual. And I think it was my first time on their new laser (I've had both since they switched). Well, with this better technology, maybe now I'll stop shaving...?
Laser Progress Reports
Laser Hair Reomval :: Appointment #6Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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laser hair removal
Just Launched :: ReelInvitations.com, a Katie James Website
Please welcome ReelInvitations.com into the world of websites! ReelInvitations.com was the first bold client of Katie James Websites, and was the inspiration for the latest Twitterpaited and Dogwood Bouquet desktop wallpapers available at Katie-James.com.
ReelInvitations.com is the ingenious idea of founder Judith George, who is consumed with hearing people's "How We Met" stories, so much so, that she sort of built this company around it. ReelInvitations produces DVD wedding invitations - yes, a DVD wedding invitation to send with or instead of your paper invitations. You get to look into the camera, bat those beautiful lashes that will soon become 2x larger on your wedding day, and gush to your guests about how you had love at first site, or how you couldn't have seen it coming if it has knocked you in the head. And your soon-to-be hubby gets to star along side you and tell about his side of the story.
And because Judith herself is a Mista, we'll call her ReelInvitations Mista, she has offered for one lucky Mista reader to get a FREE invitation. Typically, you've got to live in New York, but I don't think there are set boundaries here. To enter, visit her Contact Us page and fill out the form with: "MISTA" and your name and email, or however you would like to be contacted. Good luck! And Happy Weddings!
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ReelInvitations.com is the ingenious idea of founder Judith George, who is consumed with hearing people's "How We Met" stories, so much so, that she sort of built this company around it. ReelInvitations produces DVD wedding invitations - yes, a DVD wedding invitation to send with or instead of your paper invitations. You get to look into the camera, bat those beautiful lashes that will soon become 2x larger on your wedding day, and gush to your guests about how you had love at first site, or how you couldn't have seen it coming if it has knocked you in the head. And your soon-to-be hubby gets to star along side you and tell about his side of the story.
And because Judith herself is a Mista, we'll call her ReelInvitations Mista, she has offered for one lucky Mista reader to get a FREE invitation. Typically, you've got to live in New York, but I don't think there are set boundaries here. To enter, visit her Contact Us page and fill out the form with: "MISTA" and your name and email, or however you would like to be contacted. Good luck! And Happy Weddings!
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Katie James Websites
Hi From Dinah and Oliver
We haven't seen them in a while, so they requested to be put on the blog. Actually, I've been making little movies of Oliver with my digital camera for YouTube (trying to start an Oliver the Terrible series), but the movies are over 10mb and I don't know how to compress them with my Standard QuickTime and iMovie. If anyone has any suggestions, do share! The movies area awfully cute. Like how Oliver didn't know what do do about the new plastic liner in the kitty litter box.
Oliver in the bathroom on my shirt.
Oliver watching me hook up my new Panasonic fax machine w/ cordless phone at midnight, which I love.
Dinah stalking my Honey Nut Cheerios (I was completely influenced by the new Honey Nut Cheerio wedding commercial where they are all eating crispy honey nut cheerios all the time)
A quick 17 second clip of Oliver and Dinah in the sink:
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Oliver in the bathroom on my shirt.
Oliver watching me hook up my new Panasonic fax machine w/ cordless phone at midnight, which I love.
Dinah stalking my Honey Nut Cheerios (I was completely influenced by the new Honey Nut Cheerio wedding commercial where they are all eating crispy honey nut cheerios all the time)
A quick 17 second clip of Oliver and Dinah in the sink:
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New Katie James Desktop Wallpaper
Almost forgot! I sent to the Katie James newsletter subscribers, but I forgot about the Mistas!
You've seen this desktop wallpaper before, but I pinkified it for my Grandy who needs something bright and colorful to look at these days as she fights and lives with Alzheimer's. Download the wallpaper here.
This wallpaper is based on the fabric used for the Katie James burp cloths.Download the wallpaper here.
Enjoy!
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Twitterpaited
You've seen this desktop wallpaper before, but I pinkified it for my Grandy who needs something bright and colorful to look at these days as she fights and lives with Alzheimer's. Download the wallpaper here.
Wildflower Stencils
This wallpaper is based on the fabric used for the Katie James burp cloths.Download the wallpaper here.
Enjoy!
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Desktop Wallpaper
Spring Goodies I Want Today
I'm indulging my inner inbox shopper today, and here's what I'm looking at:
I want these Bubble Tubes (pink and gray maybe), but I also want their Bubble Minis which have little cap sleeves...And, I'd like the Bobbie hat. If you don't know this group, they recycle their fabric from good cotton and in the winter cashmere...yum.
They are only $19 for a set of 3. With all of these weddings going on around me, I should really not spend on stuff for me...but maybe my own house needs some shell charm. Don't you agree?
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Spring at Ekologic With Bubbles
I want these Bubble Tubes (pink and gray maybe), but I also want their Bubble Minis which have little cap sleeves...And, I'd like the Bobbie hat. If you don't know this group, they recycle their fabric from good cotton and in the winter cashmere...yum.
Hanging Shell Chimes from West Elm
They are only $19 for a set of 3. With all of these weddings going on around me, I should really not spend on stuff for me...but maybe my own house needs some shell charm. Don't you agree?
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shopping from my inbox
Can You Feel the Love
It's starting. The dream I had of space for developing the little ideas that pop into my head. That space is starting. I stayed home for Easter because the unpublicised kick off of Katie James Websites has placed me in the center of a flurry of launching websites, designing stationery, emails, more designs, invoices, bills, and piles of paper to file. David is working anyway on a top secret job, so it was best for him to stay as well.
As always when I listen to A Prairie Home Companion, as I did last night, my heart just opens up to new things. I've been exposed to two new things since:
1. After David and I left to go to Blades of Glory (v. funny), we jumped into a cab and had a very talkative cab driver. Having just read from the Alzheimer's Association's website about how to Maintain a Healthy Brain, I learned that being social is very important to maintaining a healthy brain. So we indulged him and answered all sorts of questions, including what religion we were. I hardly answer that question, because my answer is usually vague like "...spirits and nature..." Nature has always been a major influence in Katie James designs, but I remained quiet. We asked him what his religion is, and he quietly said: "Animism." We asked him what it was, and he basically said that it was a religion of nature. How curious!
Never heard of it before, but I have been reading the Chronicles of Narnia (link goes go Wikedpedia) for some time now, and am in the final book. Funny that I've been reading, and LOVING, Narnia and had never heard of Animism, but seems as though Animism is all over Narnia. Narnia is such a wonderful celebration of nature, and respect for nature and the creator, which is Aslan the Lion during his roar in The Magicians Nephew. It is just wonderful. I've always secretly wanted my wedding theme to be "Through the Wardrobe" or something like that. So, I'm going to learn more about this Animism. Funny how there can be an answer for just about any feeling you are having about yourself, and you think you're alone with it, but you're really not...
2. Sally Dworsky. Talk about chapters of life colliding. So I mentioned her in my last post, having heard her before on A Prairie Home Companion, and loving the piano accompaniment. So I Googled her after Animism (all the while listening to Blondie), and lo and behold, I've heard her, and loved her, before, in the Lion King! Back when the Lion King came out, it was kind my first movie to see by myself, because I had gone with my family and our neighbor's kids, but the theater was packed, so we got split up. I had to sit in an isle seat next to a ten year old boy. Well, when the Lion father dies, and Simba is all alone, tears were streaming down my face, of course. It was just me and this little boy, crying.
So I bought the soundtrack of course, and promptly lost it. But I loved it. Back to Sally Dworsky. The first thing I learned about her is that her brother was playing the piano accompaniment for her songs, and is the musical director for A Prairie Home. The next I learned was that she was part of a song on The Lion King - the love song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (she sings the love interest voice). So this puts me back to buying more albums on iTunes this Easter Sunday while I file. How fun. In case you're interested, here is Sally Dworsky's new album with her brother.
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As always when I listen to A Prairie Home Companion, as I did last night, my heart just opens up to new things. I've been exposed to two new things since:
1. After David and I left to go to Blades of Glory (v. funny), we jumped into a cab and had a very talkative cab driver. Having just read from the Alzheimer's Association's website about how to Maintain a Healthy Brain, I learned that being social is very important to maintaining a healthy brain. So we indulged him and answered all sorts of questions, including what religion we were. I hardly answer that question, because my answer is usually vague like "...spirits and nature..." Nature has always been a major influence in Katie James designs, but I remained quiet. We asked him what his religion is, and he quietly said: "Animism." We asked him what it was, and he basically said that it was a religion of nature. How curious!
Never heard of it before, but I have been reading the Chronicles of Narnia (link goes go Wikedpedia) for some time now, and am in the final book. Funny that I've been reading, and LOVING, Narnia and had never heard of Animism, but seems as though Animism is all over Narnia. Narnia is such a wonderful celebration of nature, and respect for nature and the creator, which is Aslan the Lion during his roar in The Magicians Nephew. It is just wonderful. I've always secretly wanted my wedding theme to be "Through the Wardrobe" or something like that. So, I'm going to learn more about this Animism. Funny how there can be an answer for just about any feeling you are having about yourself, and you think you're alone with it, but you're really not...
2. Sally Dworsky. Talk about chapters of life colliding. So I mentioned her in my last post, having heard her before on A Prairie Home Companion, and loving the piano accompaniment. So I Googled her after Animism (all the while listening to Blondie), and lo and behold, I've heard her, and loved her, before, in the Lion King! Back when the Lion King came out, it was kind my first movie to see by myself, because I had gone with my family and our neighbor's kids, but the theater was packed, so we got split up. I had to sit in an isle seat next to a ten year old boy. Well, when the Lion father dies, and Simba is all alone, tears were streaming down my face, of course. It was just me and this little boy, crying.
So I bought the soundtrack of course, and promptly lost it. But I loved it. Back to Sally Dworsky. The first thing I learned about her is that her brother was playing the piano accompaniment for her songs, and is the musical director for A Prairie Home. The next I learned was that she was part of a song on The Lion King - the love song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (she sings the love interest voice). So this puts me back to buying more albums on iTunes this Easter Sunday while I file. How fun. In case you're interested, here is Sally Dworsky's new album with her brother.
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Miscellaneous
Doing My Nails and Garrison
While blow-drying my nails after painting them a pale lavender for Easter, I felt compelled to blog about my red blotchy skin while listening to Garrison Keillor while they dried. Side-tracked, however, I am by the lovely voice reading a century old diary entries from a woman in Paris while she was on her trip with her family: Papa, Rachael, and Gertrude. Every now and then, she breaks into song, and sings the diary entries to a tinkling piano. It's beautiful, and with the background voices and car noises you feel as if you are really there in her diary entry, I can only think that this is the most perfect way to read a diary entry from a woman from 1900. And they have nothing to do with anything in particular, from visits to the Leuve, a rain storm, Papa's health, her own coff (is that how you spell 'coff'? like to choke or coff?), bomb explosions outside on the street from anarchists, waiting for dress makers, and the like. Then she sings about arriving at the train station, crossing a channel, and dealing with luggage and customs. Isn't this a funny thing to chose to entertain us with. Mrs. James Jayhill's Diary. That is whose diary it was.
Sorry - anytime there is a tinkling piano I just get distracted! And this show is a repeat, but that's ok because Garrison has on a band who I remember loving, and now the lead female from it is singing When the Red Red Robbin Comes Bop Bop Boppin Along. Before she sang a funny song about celebrating Spring in Minnesota by eating outdoors just because it's in the low 40s, and the whole song is sung to the In the Jungle tune. Sally Dorsky. That's who the singer is. Very pretty voice.
Ok, we're off to see Blades of Glory for our Easter weekend. We did not go out of town. David is "picking me up" for out "date" by coming to the bedroom door to ask me while I'm still sitting here.
Ok, now he has gone to the door (didn't hear him do this, but Gerdy is barking) and is ringing the bell. Now he's calling on my new cordless fax machine to pretend he is a nervous and polight boyfriend waiting at my door. Guess I getter go!
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Sorry - anytime there is a tinkling piano I just get distracted! And this show is a repeat, but that's ok because Garrison has on a band who I remember loving, and now the lead female from it is singing When the Red Red Robbin Comes Bop Bop Boppin Along. Before she sang a funny song about celebrating Spring in Minnesota by eating outdoors just because it's in the low 40s, and the whole song is sung to the In the Jungle tune. Sally Dorsky. That's who the singer is. Very pretty voice.
Ok, we're off to see Blades of Glory for our Easter weekend. We did not go out of town. David is "picking me up" for out "date" by coming to the bedroom door to ask me while I'm still sitting here.
Ok, now he has gone to the door (didn't hear him do this, but Gerdy is barking) and is ringing the bell. Now he's calling on my new cordless fax machine to pretend he is a nervous and polight boyfriend waiting at my door. Guess I getter go!
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Miscellaneous
Cordless Phone/Fax Machine On the Way!
Who knew I'd be so excited about a cordless fax machine? Ok, I was more excited for the hp laserjet 1300 printer (you could get one used, I did), but I'm pretty excited for my new Panasonic KX-FPG391 cordless fax machine because it means I don't have to walk any where to make a fax, and it's replacing David's wireless phone that does not have speaker on the handset. I did some research and found that Panasonic really makes the only cordless phone fax machine around. It does have speaker on the hand set so that I can lay the phone down when I'm on hold, or just talk really loudly into the speaker because it's fun. I was going to get another model that looked cooler because it was black and was cheaper (Panasonic KX-SG6550), but after reading online reviews, read that it was crappy. So I shelled out the extra $50.
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Here are the features I get on the cordless fax:
- speaker on handset
- plain paper feed (let's hope it doesn't jam)
- digital answering machine
- light up voice mail alert instead of the ear-piercing beep that is on David's old phone (my poor animals when they are home alone)
- headset jack? don't know what that is. we'll see.
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Entrepreneurial
Crazy Craigslist Scammers
Who falls for this?? I posted my Pottery Barn rug on craigslist today. Truth is, I'm getting rid of all rugs because they are all holding dust and making me allergic. And now that I work from home, I don't get to clear my lungs in all of those subway tunnels, so it's my own apartment air I have to breath. Three days of an inhaler, and I've had it. It's really not that bad, I just do want a change. It's a beautiful rug, and was expensive. But alas, David and I spent Sunday pulling the rug up (very hard feat) while watching a Biography on Frank Sinatra.
I listed it on craigslist today. Here's what I've gotten (I've of course marked them as Spam in my Gmail, but maybe going public with whatever contact information will have more effect). Keep in mind, I list my price in the ad.
From curtis_wright001@yahoo.com:
My name is Curtis located in Las Vegas, NV.
I saw your advert on your item at craigslist.com and Its exactly what I have been willing to purchase for long now. And I am extremely Interested in it.
Please let me know the final asking price and also If you are willing to sell for, I am giving you $100 extra for deleting the advert from craigslist before anything else.
Regards.
Curtis Wright.
8687 W Sahara Ste #108
Las Vegas, NV 89117
775-418-9488
Does Curtis seriously think I am going to A. Delete a posting EVER until it is out of my hands and cash has replaced it and B. Will he seriously pay for shipping from NY to NV? For an 8'x10' rug? No. And I love how he is "willing" to purchase something. Like I'm twisting his arm.
From t_miller01t@yahoo.ca:
Hello Seller
I am a legitimate business-man and I base in Canada ,i came across your advert on www.craigslist.org and i am highly,interested in buying the (Pottery Barn Rug ) which you offer for sale.Due to the fact that it's been a long that have been searching for it ,Kindly get back to me as soon as possible with the necessary answers to these questions that have in mind ,Are you the real owner? The present condition? And your final asking pric?,Furthermore I will like you to know that my form of payment is through a Money Order..
I await your urgent response so that we can proceed further....
Best Regards
Mr.Tony Miller...
My favorite part is how he is a "serious business-man." And maybe he taken a note from Steve Martin's Pure Drivel by refusing to use periods? At least I think that's how the sketch went...sooo funny.
And just for kicks, I got this spam email today with a link:
From blogger@teamblogs.com:
Please click here to view blog entry.
The blog entry would have been sent directly to your e-mail, but it just wouldn't do it justice.
Seeing it in html format via your internet browser allows for a more personable touch. =)
We like to keep our bloggers happy and eager for more.
-Team Blogger
Spam Liars! There is no Team Blogger! I hovered over the link to see where it was going. In Gmail I can do that because it's online. Don't click, just hover. It was going to this scary place (no, I did not activate it as a link):
http://www.outhouseprices.com/email.html" target="_blank
Then, once you clicked on it, it was going to record your email to include it on more spams.
Here is one of my favorite craigslist scams from when I was selling my little Nokia phone:
From smithwess_43@yahoo.com:
Scammer:
Hello Sir/Ma'am,
I want to know if this item is still avaliable for sale.contact me Asap with your firm price.
Me:
It is still available, and $50 is the price.
Scammer:
Hello FashionMista, Thanks for your prompt response to my inquiry for your item.I will get back to you later with my payment option. Thank you Smith.
Me:
Hi Smith, If by "option" you mean type of payment, I only accept cash at the time of the exchange of the item. Best,
Scammer:
hello fashionmista, Am not confortable with that,i have been robbed before in this type of exchange.I'm in wisconsin right now but I'll be leaving for london for a soccer coaching job in a week time.The ITEM is for my son's BIRTHDAY gift who travelled to spend sometime with his mum where she works in the US consulate in west africa.I'll have to add some extra for you to send it to him as soon as possible.I'll be paying you through Stormpay money order as soon as you make your decision i will pay you $95 for the item and shipment fee; it's secure and protects two parties in a transaction.Let me hear from You ASAP. Smith, Phone (915)-808-3485
Me:
Hi,
No offence, but this is a classic scam attempt. Please don't do it in Craig's List. It litters the site, which is filled with either honest people, or people connected to Africa in some way. Oddly, it is also filled with men looking to buy their sons electronic equipment. If you are truly in Wisconsin, and if your story is actually true, then you can pay online, like any other customer with an ecommerce transaction in an online store, and the item will be sent to you. I run a store online, and this is the way it works. If you are genuine, you may pay via paypal, the invoice of which I can send you. With payment, which would include shipping to wherever you need it, I can send the phone. If you are not interested, or if you are going to suggest some other means of payment for your own attempts, then do not reply to this email. If you do, I will report this email address as spam for your inconvenience.
That is all.
Of course, Smith never wrote back. He is also the second person I got seeking to buy their son a piece of electronic equipment. The first time it happened was when I was selling a little digital camera. Although I fell for that one, and thought it would be a "perfect gift." No more!
So, now you know. Don't click on links from emails, and don't do money orders ever to anyone.
UPDATE (9/2/07): Based on people searching for these scammers, I've started a new blog dedicated to exposing such scams, if they truly are scams. It's called Spammy Scammers and you can visit it here: www.spammyscammers.blogspot.com . See you over there!
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