Saturday, July 26, 2008

Squid Angels and Victoria Secret angel wannabes

Calling all you Squid Angels and Victoria Secret angel wannabes! Yes, you too can dress like an angel this Halloween with Heavenly Feathered Angel Wings that are assembled of real feathers. Would you believe that old-time Hollywood costume design techniques were used to produce these angelic wings?
Fly fly my little angel!

If you're a Squidoo Squid Angel, you probably would want one of these! If you're a Victoria Secret angel wannabe, well these might be just the thing. Or, how about surprising your sweetie as a special anytime present?

A few leggings in your wardrobe

You simply must have a few leggings in your wardrobe! I've been wearing leggings on and off for the past several years and am happy to report that they have caught on again as a fashion trend. What's that they say about fashion repeating itself; that is, if you hang on to something long enough that it will once more be in vogue?

i love leggings - jaguarjulie
Ah, my closet has lots of those type of clothing items awaiting the next fashion revival. Thankfully, leggings are here again as a necessary fashion staple that can transition from that yoga or pilates class to the office and out on the town.

When I spotted Laura Dahl's classy leggings, I was immediately smitten. You know, she designs the absolute classiest of chic apparel in the softest of cotton blends with just enough lycra for stretch and comfort.

I've got my eye on two of her leggings in particular -- the Tiny Dancers and the Fancy Dancers. I like these because of the rhinestone embellishments!

Find your best asset in a pair of Sexy Leggings from Amazon!

P.S. Call me the maven of sexy leggings -- yes indeed!

GYMS Pacific Bags

GYMS Pacific Bags -- It is Poppy Flower Power and More! Back to school never looked this good! It's the GYMS Pac laptop sleeves and bags from GYMS Pacific. I've always been a fan of accessories that are made of neoprene. You get the water-resistance along with the capability to wash your bags. That's a must have in our household. The artwork decorating these bags are beautiful and hip -- particularly, there's the poppy that harkens to Georgia O'Keefe.

GYMS Pacific Laptop Bags with Poppy Flower

This GYMS Pac MacBook Pro Poppy 17" Sleeve measures 15.5 x 10.5 x 1 inches and comes in the most delicious colors.

Interested in something a little different? Not to worry as you can experience some scenic designs such as the Sukie laptop bags from GYMS Pacific:
GYMS Pacific - Sukie Laptop Bags

The GYMS Pac MacBook Pro Sukie 15.4" Sleeve measures 14 x 9.5 x 1 inches.

GYMS Pacific CD Case - Poppy Flower
Last, but certainly not the least is the cutest poppy CD case I think I've ever seen! This definitely reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe's poppy flower -- one of the posters that hung in my chic studio apartment in Atlanta a number of years ago!

This poppy CD case holds up to 24 CDs or DVDs and measures 6.25 x 6.25 x 1.25 inches. Gosh, I sure wish I could find a little clutch bag like this -- maybe I can make this into a clutch bag? I'll have to try and let you know.

P.S. It's 2019 and I am revisiting this article on a very cool line of bags. I've actually still got a laptop bag along with the poppy flower CD case in my collection and NEVER used them. Oh man.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Zoppini Corset jewelry

Corset jewelry is slightly naughty, but oh so nice! I am a big fan of the Zoppini Zo-Dark - Corset Lacing Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet. It's definitely sensual, yet quite feminine as a cuff bracelet that is made of polished stainless steel.

Zoppini Zo-Dark Corset Cuff Bracelet
The slightly naughty part is the black corset lacing that graces the front of the bracelet.

As this piece of corset jewelry is made in Italy, you can count on a bit of extravagance along with a stylish accent. Made in Italy.

You'd expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for such a unique jewelry item, but you can get it for $106.00 from Forzieri.

It might be difficult to locate this corset cuff bracelet; however, you can find some pretty amazing cuff bracelets on Amazon!

Check out the Zoppini Charms at Amazon.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Party in a little black dress

What's a party without a little black dress? If you've got a special event, party, or just plain want to have fun and celebrate, you simply MUST have a little black dress. If you look in my closet, you'll find several.

I'm a style fashionista who has been promoting the little black dress well before it became known simply as LBD or even gained the popularity of having it's own nickname -- the 'little black dress.' Black is one color that populates my wardrobe a bit more than my hubby perhaps would like. "You're always wearing black!" he's heard to declare on one too many occasions. "I like black -- it's my color." I tell him. "Lay off!"

When I first started writing online about little black dresses, it seemed there were just a few designers designing an LBD that was really hot and stylish. Nowadays, you can probably find one or two or more such dresses that are worthy of purchasing from the many different fashion designers. Of note, Betsey Johnson gets my vote for the most fun and flirty! She must surely know how much I am a fan of ruffles. Ella Moss makes it on my list because I so love embroidery and apparel that incorporates the embroidered look. LaROK essentially rocks when it comes to uniqueness and the attention to detail.

Betsey Johnson Ruffle Dress in Black: Betsey Johnson is a staple in the fashion industry, in which she is known for her unique and original designs that are usually known for being over the top.

The Ruffled Dress in Black is no exception with its swoop neckline, and puffed sleeves with two inch ruffle hemline. The chiffon minis comfortable fit, that will hug your body in all the right places, has a five inch ruffled bottom hemline. Darted seems on the bust adds a more flattering fit to this sexy little black dress. Fabric Content: shell 100% silk, lining 100% polyester.

Ella Moss Ivy Embroidered Dress in Black: Radiating effortless style, Ella Moss is casual, comfortable and fashionable. The Ivy Embroidered Dress is a classic sleeveless round neck dress. Along the front there is flower embroidery which is accented by yellow, and tan details. There is also a 5 1/2 banded hem along the bottom which adds sophistication. Fabric Content: 100% Rayon.

LaROK Sweetie Dress in Black: LaROKs elegant creations use luxurious fabrics and exquisite attention to detail. The Sweetie Dress in Black has a sassy cut-out below the neckline on the front and back. The dress features a silk square neckline and sexy stretch material throughout the body which makes it hug your every curve. Fabric Content: shell: 94% micro modal, 6% spandex, combo: 100% silk.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Jordi Labanda Bags

Jordi Labanda has designed some of the hippest bags on the market! His line is fun, funky, trendy, stylish, sophisticated and all that jazz! If you are 'young at heart' or know someone who is, I've found a great selection of his cute bags along with some of the best backpacks for back to school.

I've been a bag enthusiast for quite a few years. Not only have I written about the best bags ever and the best backpacks for work and school, but I have been a seller of handbags and accessories.

Best Bags Ever for Back to School, Work, Travel : You Name It! I have my discriminating eye set on the best designers around!
  • Best Backpacks for Work and School 
  • Neoprene Lunch Totes 

KitchenAid Artisan Mixers Colorize Your Kitchens

KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : How to Colorize Your Kitchens. The colorful line of KitchenAid Artisan Mixers are a great way to add a little color to your kitchens! What is my favorite kitchen appliance? Why that is easy to answer -- it's the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer! Why? Well, certainly the brand name strength and reliability of KitchenAid and Whirlpool appliances would be utmost in my opinion ... KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : A Popular and Colorful Line of Mixers.

Check out the fabulous features of the KitchenAid Artisan Mixers:
  • 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds
  • 5-quart stainless steel bowl
  • Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
  • 1 piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
  • Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
  • Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches
  • 1-year warranty
I bet you can't pick just one of these! I know I can't!

You will love Go Pink and Cook for the Cure with KitchenAid Pink Appliances and Gadgets * Cook for the Cure. I've been supporting the Susan G. Komen charity for a number of years. My college social fraternity of Zeta Tau Alpha has long earmarked this charity for their charitable work.

In the Kitchen, think KitchenAid for beautifully colorful Artisan Mixers with colors that defy the rainbow!

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Think Pink

Cook for the Cure : Think Pink in Your Kitchen. Have you seen KitchenAid's wonderful line of pink kitchen appliances and gadgets? Yes, KitchenAid has the coolest line of pink Cook for the Cure kitchen appliances and gadgets in support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

I have been a supporter of Susan G. Komen's charity for a number of years -- it is the official charity of my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Well, even if it wasn't the ZTA charity, I would still be a supporter as cancer claimed the life of my grandmother, Julia Nagy.

Pink is such a pretty, soothing, feminine color for your kitchen. What a better way to colorize than with a pink KitchenAid Artisan Mixer. With your purchase, a portion of the price is donated to this great charity!

You too can show your support for this wonderful charity and also be in the pink, stylizing your kitchen with KitchenAid Pink Appliances and Gadgets * Cook for the Cure.

Be sure to check out a rainbow of colors for your kitchen with KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : A Popular and Colorful Line of Mixers.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Where did that saying originate

So, did you ever wonder where that saying originated? Ah, another day at the office and we are 'all' working hard ... some of us more than others perhaps. Don't you just love those coworkers of yours who always seem to be on the email list for getting the 'forward this to 12 of your friends' or you will be cursed with bad fortune?

Oh, and don't forget to send it back to me when you send it to those dozen or so friends! Yeah ... well, this time, when I got such an email it was from dear old hubby! You see, yes--he's a typical guy and he golfs too! So, I didn't delete this long-winded email, but opted to take time out to read it. Turns out, it's pretty interesting and worthy of posting in my blog today. Sssh, don't tell anyone I'm working though!

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb.'
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden' ... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska.

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ... now get this ...

The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%.

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400.

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000.

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David; Hearts - Charlemagne; Clubs -Alexander, the Great; Diamonds - Julius Caesar.

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 [very cool!]

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace

Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession

Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand

Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women!

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey

Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase 'goodnight, sleep tight.'

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.' It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's!'

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some ser vice. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 when...

1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Now ... wasn't this worthy of a read? Oh -- just as soon as I find the culprit, I mean source, I will add that credit in this blog post as I don't want to take credit for someone else's words!

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Julia Nagy My Superhero Grandmother

Julia Nagy -- My Grandmother, My Namesake, My Superhero! If you are a follower of this blog or have possibly been following the Superhero Project at Squidoo, you've undoubtedly seen my lens celebrating the greatness of my own grandmother Julia Nagy.

julieannbrady and grandma julia nagy


This was my very first Superhero lens as in my life, there has been no greater influence that my grandmother. Grandparents have that knack for being able to contribute so much to their grandchildren that seems to surpass that of our parents. At least I know it was the case for me. Mind you, there is no less love for my mother and absolutely no less respect for her. But, there is just SOMETHING about a person's grandmother!



Imagine my pleasant surprise today when I checked on my grandmother's lens to find that it had broken through into the much-coveted lensrank of Top 100, to hit #98 amongst all Squidoo lenses. To me, this means an additional honor to my grandmother of "Queen for a Day!" To get to that particular Top 100 lensranking doesn't just happen! There are a lot of special forces behind the scenes making some magic happen. Great readers and visitors plus some special squid angels bestowing their blessings help lenses to rise in lensrank. Thank you to each and every one of you. Some how, I believe that my grandmother is aware of this special honor. I thank you for her.
Seth Godin wrote Superheroes don't have a look, but they definitely have an attitude. They're restless and impatient, but, here's the cool paradox, they're also calm and patient. Patient because they realize that change takes a while. Patient because they understand that if it's worth doing, it's worth getting through the Dip. Impatient and restless, though, because they refuse to accept the status quo.

My grandmother faced ‘the Dip’ more than once in her rather short-lived life – she only lived to her early 70s, preceded by the death of my grandfather at the age of 67. She faced her first ‘Dip’ early in life at the age of 10 when she was already working to help support her mother and family. Later, and recently married, the Great Depression hit in 1929 – the very year my mother was born. Two years later, along came a second child – My uncle. I’ve heard stories from my mother that my grandmother suffered a nervous breakdown at 28 at which time her hair turned completely platinum-gray. Yet, my grandmother NEVER gave up.

I was in ninth grade when my mother and the 4 kids moved into my grandparent’s 2-bedroom bungalow on Cleveland’s Westside. We all got to know our grandparents MUCH better during that one-year of up-close-and-personal living. Unfortunately, the ‘stress’ of 4 spirited kids probably contributed to my grandfather’s last stroke and ultimate death one year later. Through it all, my grandmother was my superhero. I somehow knew about how hard it was for her to lose her partner, my grandfather. I knew that there were times when she would go down her basement to scream and cry – lamenting her loss.

Years after my grandmother’s passing, my mother and I made a trip to Lily Dale where I had my first spiritual reading. That particular reading gave me some sort of feeling that of the two ‘spiritual’ presences seen on either side of me, my grandmother Julia Nagy was surely one! Ah, the thought to think that she may still be ‘with’ me today. If I had but one wish, oh that my grandmother [and my grandfather] were alive and well today.

My grandmother was a remarkable woman and total inspiration to me. From her, I learned my drive and sense of determination to persevere. She was my namesake and my superhero.