Double, Double Toil and Trouble

Double, Double Toil and Trouble by stylebydaisyrose on polyvore.com

Target:5' Glitter Spooky Tree - Black
Target:Jointed Scary Skeleton
Deluxe Black Witch Hat W/Marabou Trim | Hats, Wigs & Masks Children..., $15
Portachiavi GHOSTBUSTERS Ghost Logo per soli € 5,38 su..., €5,38

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Falling, Running, Crawling, and Rolling Down the Rabbit Hole

It's late October! That means Halloween, my second favorite holiday is around the corner, Spring 2012 registration is revving up (which means I get to schedule tutors for next semester soon - GAG), midterms are over, preparation for finals is gearing up, there have been some job interviews and possible opportunities/options to get our family under one roof again, it's time to start acting on all of the Christmas gift plans I've been concocting over the past few months and I'm starting preparations for NaNoWriMo! So, I am now working on character sketches, loose story lines, research, and wishful thinking that this year I will make it passed the blasted finish line!

In other words, I'm busy! I know my posting has been spotty the past week or two (or three :\), but my limited spare time of 20 minutes is now about 8 minutes. I have been doing a lot of playing around over on my Polyvore, so please check me out over there: http://www.stylebydaisyrose.polyvore.com/


Wish me luck in NaNoWriMo. Here's my last Polyvore set:

 

 

I first started this as a Halloween costume, but then I thought how fun would it be to wear this out to dinner. To walk in Helena Bonham Carter's crazy shoes, to not care what others think, to be quirky and sexy all at the same time, to be able to pull off being a clown, a witch, a vampire, a sex symbol, a model, passionate, intense, laid back, and cool all in one swoop!

Sweet Nightmares

I found these pictures from the Nightmares Fear Factory haunted house and I could not stop laughing. I wonder what makes us love being scared and scary movies. I don't particularly care for it, though Halloween is my second favorite holiday and I do believe it should be scary. Kids should go dressed as vampires, witches, and goblins, not Justin Bieber. Wait, that is kind of scary, never mind.  I did go to an amazing haunted house in Kissimmee, Florida called The Haunted Grimm House. It was a lot of fun and it's open year round. Plus there are some great restaurants and pubs nearby, I'd suggest eating after you go the haunted house.

Check out these pics from Nightmares Fear Factory. I wish I knew what was jumping out at them, my money is on some sort of demented clown.

Sweet Nightmares!

Friday Fashion Fantasy

I know that yesterday I slammed on the Olsen twins a bit, but seriously, who wouldn't. However, as I was checking out The Row and the absurdity that is the $39,000 dollar backpack, I saw these tasty items. Still priced way above my payscale, but that's why it is called a fantasy my friends. Have a wonderful weekend!

What Should I Drop My Paycheck on Today?

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have a line of luxury clothing called The Row. I admit, I watched the super cheesy show Full House when I was a kid, never fully grasping how absolutely obnoxious it was. I think it's pretty cool that the Olsen twins (I'm sure they hate being referred to as that, but I don't know them and they don't know me, so who cares) were able to avoid the curse of the child actors and create a very lucrative career for themselves. However, why do they make these "I'm so much richer and better than you piddly little minion" smirks on their face every time a camera appears? It makes me want to bang their heads together. Do they have bad teeth? Bad breath? No teeth? Can't they give a "I'm a kind person and it's nice of you to take an interest in me" smile. Is that so difficult? Seriously, try to find a smiling picture of them. This is the only one I found and they're probably just laughing at an inside joke about all of the "little people" buying their book.

But, I digress. Their fashion line, The Row, has apparently had their first item sell out and they report having a difficult time keeping up with the demand. What is this said gem? This...

This backpack retails between $35,000 and $39,000 dollars. (Yes, I know because I put the $ sign I don't technically have to write dollars at the end of the sentence, but it "sounds" funny if I don't. Yes, I also know I'm quirky. Carry on!) First and foremost, I'm not a fan of the backpack purse, it just reminds me of the 80s and middle school. Yet, to each their own. Secondly, who in the world can afford to drop that kind of cash or a backpack that will eventually find it's way to a public bathroom floor, a restaurant floor, or crammed in the trunk of a car. And Finally, isn't there something more productive you could spend that kind of money on? Even if I had that kind of cash flow I don't think I would spend it on a bag. Yes, I have expensive taste, but I know my budget allows for Target purchases, Express if I'm lucky. (Why did I go into Education?) Even if one day I find that I'm talented enough and lucky enough to be able write full time, sell some movie rights, and perhaps when a lottery jackpot, I still don't think I'd be able to bring myself to make such a purchase. This world is a crazy place indeed.   
p.s. Check out their site and you'll see another example of the Fugly Model trend. Igk.

JCP - Falling into Spring

I entered a contest on Polyvore, let me tell you there are some creative people out there! This is my entry and I love it, yes, I'm biased. But most of all....check out those fabulous thigh high boot/heel get-ups! Those are awesome, sure, there nearly 500 dollars, but a girl can dream can't she?

If you want to check out my other set, click here.

Robert Pattinson

Oh life can get so crazy and frustrating and annoying and hectic that you forget to breathe and then you allow yourself one quick breath and dive back in and keep working and keep pushing and keep fighting and smiling and laughing and taking every ounce of pleasure from every source to keep you fueled for the fight and then writing the longest sentence on a blog that hardly anyone reads but you keep adding to it because it's a fun little hobby to spend 20 minutes of your nonexistent lunch hour so that you can find a little peace in the office revolving door of whining students and incompetent co-workers and then you pause because you almost added a coma in said longest sentence but you really didn't want to do that see I did it again and almost again and then I almost ended it with an exclamation point because my English degree is kickin' in and my grammar bell is ringing like crazy but now I just want to continue so you can see an example of some of the papers I get to proof only mine is better because I have correct spelling and capitalization and I haven't used any annoying text message abbreviations at least mine's not for a grade at a university ranked in the top 80 in the nation nope mine's for a little unknown fun hobby blog so when I get like this and I think I'm just going to walk out of the office and keep walking until my shoes disintegrate from my feet which would be awhile because I tend to wear pretty high heels I look at the picture below and think "Yummy."



Click here for original image source.



Friday Fashion Fantasy

Today's Fashion Fantasy is Bedding. I've mentioned before that if I could afford it, I would change out bedding on a seasonal, if not monthly, basis. I love how something so simple can completely change the feel of a room. Too bad that also means (usually) that you end up having to change the lamps, curtains, sheets, and maybe wall color. Oh well, that's why it's called a fantasy.

                                                       

Angelica

Carlyle Bedding

Celia Bedding

Aberdeen Bedding

Croscill "Galleria" Bedding



Veratex "Alamosa" Bedding

                                                                         Simone



Styling the Stars: Keira Knightley

Over at Polyvore I've decided to do a mini-hobby project: Styling the Stars. I think it would be such fun to dress some of the "beautiful" people. Here is what I'd like to see Keira Knightly wear at her next movie preview. What do you think?

 

 

Dressing the Stars: Keira Knightley by stylebydaisyrose featuring layered necklaces

100 Years of Style

Can we please go back to hippie fashion??? Can we also just dance in the street in front of fun colored garages? I think this would make the world a better place. Here's the link. Here's the video:

Friday Fashion Fantasy

Today's Fashion Fantasy: Jason Wu

Breaking Dawn Teaser

YES!!!!!

9/11/01 - Never Forget, Never Forgive



Original Image Source: Honestly, WTF

I did not post on 9/11 and had not planned one. There's a dull fire in me that flares uncontrollably at any small thought or image of 9/11, it burns rage, it burns sadness, and it burns tears and I try to avoid the burn. Sunday I was on the road, driving home from visiting my husband (we live in two different states, sucks, but you gotta go where the work is I suppose). I managed to avoid the television and radio broadcasts and after giving my thoughts and pained heart throbs to those who died, but mainly those (especially the children) who still suffer through losing the people they loved most, I turned on BPM and danced with my son.

However, Monday morning I read THIS post by one of my favorite bloggers: The Bitchy Waiter. I loved it and felt that it was worth sharing.

Maximo Riera's Animal Creations

I found these unbelievable furniture designs by Maximo Riera. They make me want to create an absurdly rich "zoo" study with deep colors of red, purple, orange, and gold. Hang some crazy, elaborate chandeliers above a zebra print rug. Start a roaring fire in the oversized fireplace and jump on my ladder to scan through the endless books on the oak stained, floor to ceiling book shelves that venture around the entire room. It's like the room I'd envision for the top Doctor Doolittle, Rex Harrison.
Check out these amazing pieces of art:

Fashion Fantasy Friday

On Labor Day I went to the mall (I hate the mall). But, I had a coupon on top of a 30% off sale at Gymboree and MJ needs fall/winter clothes, so off I went. I swung by Macy's to take a look at their Dooney and Burke handbags, I have my eye on this one and I've been hoping to snag it on sale somewhere, but they didn't have it. However, while there, I discovered Michael Kors' handbags. LOVE them. The one I wanted was this one (in white), a mere 348 dollars. It was the softest leather of all time, I wanted to snuggle and pet it and take it home and name it Snuggins. It's still at the department store. So, my fantasy for this week is Michael Kors:

The Ever Beautiful, Emma Watson

I just discovered Emma Watson's new ad for Lancome's Tresor Midnight Rose Fragrance.

This two minute, mini-movie, is an enchanting work directed by fashion photographer Mario Testino. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was getting teary-eyed as I watched this. After all, who doesn't dream about the fantasy love tale? Matters of the heart, fate, chance, and plain old fashion luck are the foundation of life. Why do you think the most powerful relationships, songs, movies, and novels have a central love story or a love story deeply intertwined in the action?

As always, Ms. Watson is classy, sexy, and beautiful. (Though I do prefer the longer hair). Her professionalism, demeanor and maturity seem to channel the "classic" beauty of those such as Lana Turner, Veronica Lake, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly.

I hope you enjoy the ad as much as I do:

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Saturday I read My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares. First and foremost I'd like to point out that I read this book in one day. Do you know how long it has been since I was able to read an entire book in one glorious day!! Well, my son is almost three so it's been, at a minimum, three years! This involved a lot of strategy and luck. When my son would eat a snack, eat lunch, or get enthralled in a puzzle I'd sneak in a chapter. Thankfully the chapters are pretty short, so that was helpful, I hate stopping mid-chapter. Then, my son fell asleep and had the longest, most peaceful nap on record. He awoke with 10 pages left to read and mid-chapter! We headed over to my parents house to watch football and while the grandparents doted over their only grandchild, I inhaled the last ten pages of the book.

This is the first novel by Ann Brashares I have read. I have not read Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, nor have I seen the movie, while I have heard that it is very good, I simply was not attracted to the storyline. Here is the synopsis for My Name is Memory:

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. For all the times that he and Sophia have been connected throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart.
But just when Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally awakens to the secret of their shared past, the mysterious force that has always separated them reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

The story started off a bit slow to me, but the concept is so intriguing that I pushed through. It really didn't take long for it to start rolling and I found myself being pulled forward. It's funny now that I've started writing again how I think of the different paths I would have taken had I written the book. The middle of the novel is fascinating, I really am enthralled with her concept of reincarnation, time, and Daniel's undying (pardon the pun) love for his Sophia.

I felt that three quarters of the way through writing Ms. Brashares storyline veered from her original plan. I think it veered into a much more in-depth story and philosophy than she thought it would, which is good, but the end came abruptly and did not give her enough time to develop some ideas and characters or the reader enough time to soak it in. It's one of those endings that makes you grunt, "NO!!" This "give me more" reaction is great and what every writer wants from their reader, but damn!

I have seen rumors on the web that this is going to be a trilogy, but I have not found confirmation on Ann Brashares' website. I certainly hope it is, I hope there is at least one sequel to play out what is happening. Perhaps I'll dabble in a little fan-fiction and write my own sequel. Nah, I'll just try to concentrate on finishing mine - it's all written in my head, it's the getting it on paper that's the tough part. Well, finding the time to get it on paper. Yes, I could have done that instead of reading, but I find reading inspirational to my own writing and when I get in a rut it reignites my enthusiasm and I am off again...

Life's 100 Photographs that Changed the World

This weekend I read Life's 100 Photographs That Changed the World. What an amazing collection of work, it itself is a piece of art. The photos are inspiring, depressing, confusing, sickening, and most importantly, thought provoking.

I agree with the introduction, it's very difficult to pick a top 100, but the ones chosen do not fall short of their goal. If I still taught high school, I would develop not just a lesson plan, but an entire course section on this collection and concept. There are so many wonderful lessons that can be taught and learned from this book.

The "Society" section is what gripped me the most. Yes, these photos changed the world at the time of their publishing, but I do not think their purpose has come to an end. What affected me the most was the fact that all  of these photos, dating back to the 1700's still play a role in our society in many forms. I always thought the purpose of sitting through dreadfully boring, monotone history lectures (why can't teachers make it more like the History Channel?) was to learn from past mistakes, to continue to grow as people, as a deep thinking, caring, productive citizen of the human race. Many of these poignant photos demonstrate that we are not evolving. Our technology may be evolving, our means to an end may be evolving, but we continue to make the same mistakes again and again.

There are many beautiful aspects of people and humanity. People do possess the ability to care, to nurture, to be philosophical, and brilliant and creative and loving. Yet, they also have the ability to destroy others, to be cruel, arrogant, and evil. In fact, all the evils of society are the fault of the human race. I often feel the evil winning in society and find that I envy those who, no matter what is happening in their lives or the world, are permanently surrounded by sunshine. They must take amazing drugs.

I hope you find time in your busy schedule (who isn't busy these days?) to seek out this collection, find a quiet place where you can reflect on whatever emotion or thought you find provoked by these images and join me in contemplating how to make people see the the repetition of the evils of the past in our present.

Here are some of the photos.