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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Double Take on a Google Ad on Squidoo Lens

It was a double-take this morning when I saw that google ad about how to cure yellow teeth as seen on Rachael Ray! I was editing and lensrolling the lens, Jaguar Julie Lensography when I saw the ad, "I Cured My Yellow Teeth!"

Jaguar Julie Lensography -- I cured my yellow teeth Take a look at the picture above! Wouldn't you too do a double-take on that google ad?

It made me think about the topicability of those google ads on Squidoo lenses. I've heard plenty of lensmasters commenting about the wrong type of ads appearing on their lenses; how they don't seem to relate or be topical. Well, I'm happy to say that this fine morning, I found this particular google ad to be spot on!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Search Me You or Them on Searchme

Have your heard of Searchme, Inc.? Honestly, I've only heard of this site recently when I heard they were checking out this blog! Please note: "In July 2009, the company lost funding and the search engine went offline."

Searchme results for Jaguar Julie
Curious, I accessed their site and did a search on Jaguar Julie. What a pleasant surprise to see that they had found my websites, blogs, and Squidoo lenses. And, more of a surprise was the cool presentation of the search results -- in screen captures that are like a carousel or stack that you can page through rather like an open book. I like this very much! You could also try the searchme lite version to view your results in a page.
Searchme lets you see what you’re searching for. As you start typing, categories appear that relate to your query. Choose a category, and you’ll see pictures of web pages that answer your search. You can review these pages quickly to find just the information you’re looking for, before you click through.
P.S. We really liked Searchme and hope they come back in the future!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Thinking Green for St Patricks Day

Amazon search for greenWell, we all know what today is! It's St. Patricks Day -- this is a day celebrated worldwide by the those of Irish descent. More and more non-Irish people worldwide have joined in the celebration of this day. Celebrations are well-known to be themed around all things and everything Irish. Of course, that includes the color green.

I did a quickie search over at Amazon to see how many green items I might find! What a surprise -- too many to list in this blog post.

I've been thinking green today! Some definitely green-themed pages:

Think green today with this cool eco-friendly green item.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Beverly Feldman - Love Her Style

Beverly Feldman ValarieBeverly Feldman is a lady that has so much style! You can see her style expressed in her beautiful footwear, handbags and other accessories. I've been a huge fan of hers for quite some time. You see, I get her mantra of "Too Much is not Enough!" When my hubby sees what I've written about Beverly Feldman, he's been heard to remark, "Oh, that is so you!"

I've done a tribute page on Beverly Feldman -- showcasing a good selection of her Fashion Footwear, Handbags and Accessories. In my closet, you'll find several of her designer items including her Tigress handbag and some leopard and velvet flats. Recently, I had the opportunity to kind of shop in Beverly Feldman's designer closet and acquired a Pen and Alex Animal Print Belt Bag direct from Spain! As we are planning a trip to Costa del Sol, Southern Spain and will be staying in Marbella, this felt like a right purchase!

The beautiful shoes shown above are now on sale for $64.99. This is Valarie, a whimsical mid heal wedge with beaded embellishment at vamp. It is available in four different colors. Like it? Do not wait, or it may be gone! Get it from Beverly Feldman's site.

Oh, and I too had a pair of Beverly Feldman's shoes for sale. They were Beverly Feldman Leopard Animal Print Velvet Bow Ballet Flats which are like new in a size 9.5M.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Identifying Birds of North America

Last night on our way to dinner at the SchnitzelHaus, we stopped at Borders to pick up a Southern Spain travel book, Insight Guides Southern Spain: Costa Del Sol, Andalucia. Well, we bought the travel book, but stopped at the bargain books display. Hubby began browsing Smithsonian Birds of North America: Life Histories of More Than 930 Species by Fred J. Alsop. I picked up another copy of the five pound, 1000+ page book and began paging through the woodpeckers.

We've been trying to identify a particular bird that has been arriving in pairs to eat the berries at the very tops of the trees out back. Usually this bird will arrive before, after, or sometimes with the pileated woodpeckers. It was thought the bird might be the Downy Woodpecker, but hubby is now convinced that he saw a Northern Flicker, which apparently is a common bird! According to the information online, this bird likes to eat ants. Hmmm, the ones we see like to eat berries -- so can this be the same bird?

This comprehensive reference includes full-page profiles of more than 930 species - all the birds known to breed in the United States or Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to the continent. Birds of North America provides essential identification tips on each species, together with fascinating information on feeding and behavior, breeding, and nesting habits.

The author, Frederick Joseph Alsop, III Ph.D. is an ornithologist and a professor of biological sciences at East Tennessee State University. He received his doctorate in zoology from the University of Tennessee, and specializes in the ecology, distribution, life history, and taxonomy of birds. An avid field biologist and birder, he has identified more than 3,200 species of birds worldwide.
I love bird-watching and have had the opportunity to photograph many a species of birds not only in the United States, but in Costa Rica and Europe. Several years ago, my duck photograph took first prize in a FujiFilm photo competition. I have that picture framed and hanging in my office at work. A couple of fun birds that I have written about are the Puffin -- A Seabird Clown, the Blue-footed Booby -- A Seabird Clown, and lastly, the Turkey Vulture -- A Buzzard which happens to be one bird that doesn't get enough love!

The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly in the Plain

You're probably familiar with that famous lyric, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain!" from My Fair Lady.
According to The Disciple and His Devil, the biography of Gabriel Pascal by his wife Valerie, it was Gabriel Pascal who introduced the famous phonetic exercises "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain" and "In Hertford, Hereford, and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen" into Pygmalion in 1938, the first of which wound up leading to the song in My Fair Lady.

About the Author: Hungarian film star Valerie Hidvegy (Pascal), now the widow of George Delacorte, famed New York philanthropist and publisher, cut through the Iron Curtain to marry Gabriel Pascal, producer of Bernard Shaw’s films, for a life of struggle, unhappiness, and all-conquering love. Finally, Pascal’s idea to make Pygmalion into a musical became My Fair Lady, but by then he was dead. --Amazon, The Disciple and His Devil.

Why Spain? Simple. We are planning for our trip to Southern Spain in a couple of weeks. The timeshare exchanges were favorable there -- I really wanted to travel to the Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, or Ukraine -- but for some strange reason -- NONE of those destinations interested my hubby!

Friday night, we stopped at our local Border's and picked up Insight Guides Southern Spain: Costa Del Sol, Andalucia. Tonight we'll be meeting up with friends of ours who spent a couple of years in Spain, stationed there when the mister was a Navy pilot. We hope to pick up some pointers for our trip to Southern Spain. Hopefully, the rain in Spain will be staying mainly in the plain!

P.S. Incredible Coincidences -- I recently heard from a fellow lensmaster that he and his companion will also be vacationing in Southern Spain. We tried to arrange for a meet-up, but would you believe that we will 'miss' each other by 3 days? Now that is one of many incredible coincidences -- ah, chalk this one up to The World's Greatest Mysteries perhaps?

Friday, March 13, 2009

Built NY Has the Coolest Neoprene Totes

<br />Built NY French Bull Gourmet Getaway neoprene toteI was first introduced to the Built NY Gourmet Getaway neoprene lunch totes in 2004 or 2005. That's quite a while ago. It was one of those, love at first sight kind of deals. The amazing use of colors and patterns along with the interest style of the Built NY line drew me in. I liked the French Bull pattern as seen here and purchased this one.

Have you seen the Built NY two-bottle totes? They are appropriately sized to carry 2 bottles of wine, and are made of insulating neoprene that is lightweight and durable. Bottles stay cold for up to 4 hours. Best part of the neoprene is that it is stain-resistant and machine-washable. Not only are they also available in some of the coolest colors and patterns, but they are reasonably priced.

P.S. I've done a page on the cool Built NY neoprene lunch totes that are great for back to school, for work, or just plain having fun!

The Great Old Wizard Tickety Boo - A Book by Scott Morton

Why this blog post today? Well, interestingly enough, the other day I was working on my Squidoo lenses but was having difficulty with getting my pages to load. So, it gave me the opportunity to drop into the friendly SquidU Forum to chat with fellow lensmasters. When I asked if Squidoo was Down, another lensmaster mentioned reading that the servers were working 'tickety boo.'

Tickety boo? I've been wondering for a LONG time what tickety boo means and where that expression originated. So, this morning I decided to investigate this on Google. Wow! What an interesting answer to this perplexing question posted by Jay Young in the Urban Dictionary:
1. Going smoothly, doing all right. Copacetic.
2. Proceeding quickly.

The Great Old Wizard Tickety Boo -- a book by Scott Morton This expression may have originated in Scotland, where it's the title of a popular children's song. A song called "Everything Is Tickety-Boo" was recorded by Danny Kaye as part of the film "Merry Andrew". This expression is heard more often in Canada nowadays. May have originated in the British military. Possibly related to the Hindi expression "tickee babu", meaning "everything's alright, sir". Some people spell it "diggity boo" or "tiggity boo".

Searching further on Google, I found an incredibly cool sounding book, The Great Old Wizard Tickety Boo by Scott Morton. After looking for this book on Amazon, I found that you can order the book direct from the author for just £11.99 (P&P in the UK FREE).

Amazon says that this book is Out of Print--Limited Availability.

P.S. March 15, 2009, I have received an email from the author of this book. How very cool is that? Scott Morton is looking for a North American agent -- perhaps we can put find Scott an agent? I hope so!
Thank you for showing interest in my Book, I am a self published Author / Illustrator from Sheffield, England and am looking for an Agent to represent me in the American market place, Do you have any contacts in the Childrens book market that would be able to help me ? Cheers Scott" --Scott Morton morton.s@talktalk.net

Thursday, March 12, 2009

You're Getting Sleepy - Romantic Beds to Please

I've written several lenses on a series of romantic beds that are sure to please the most discriminating of tastes. Personally, if I could afford it, I'd pick from each of these styles and feature them in separate bedrooms. I'd furnish the patio with the Barlow Tyrie Teak woven day bed and put the Cappellini daybed by Jasper Morrison in my sitting area. Then, the Zanotta canopy bed would be in my master bedroom. Or, maybe I'd pick the North River Pencil Post Canopy Bed. It's just so difficult these days when there are so many cool beds available.
North River Pencil Post Canopy Bed You know that I love Martha Stewart, right? When her newsletter hit my in-box this morning, I went investigating to learn more about the nutty cookie recipe! One thing led to another, and I was onto shopping with Martha! Hey, pretty cool -- I'd love to shop with Martha.

I stopped dead-in-my-tracks when I saw the bed featured above. It is the North River Pencil Post Bed from Martha Stewart Furniture With Bernhardt. It has a suggested retail of $1,738 for the queen size. Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Living.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Celebrity Style Proenza Schouler for Designer Apparel

Proenza Schouler Bustier Corset Runway DressThe designer brand of Proenza Schouler has caught the eye of a number of well-known stylish celebrities the likes of Victoria Beckham, Kate Bosworth, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Demi Moore, Julianne Moore, and Chloƫ Sevigny.

This brand originated in 2002 -- just 7 years ago -- by Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. Incredibly, they met in 1999 as students at the prestigious Parsons School of Design, and then won the CFDA's Perry Ellis Award for new talent just one year later!

I've been following this brand for a couple of years and am thrilled to see the availability online of more of their designer fashion. You can now find quite a nice array of runway fashion including dresses, tops, skirts, boots, pumps, sandals and even designer sunglasses.

The corset dress, and bustier dress, has been a popular fashion item for the past couple of years. It's great to see a number of form-fitting tops and dresses in the Proenza Schouler label.

Proenza Schouler Ankle BootsYou've probably also noticed over the past several years that the ankle boot or bootie has been a fashion accessory fixture. The ankle boot is a great transitional item to have in your footwear portfolio. I'm particularly digging the one pictured here. These boots are made of calf leather and tie up the front. They've got a retro or vintage look that take you back to the age of granny boots -- but don't expect to see your grandmother wearing these -- well, unless she is hip and into fashion!

Here is a Proenza Schouler scoop neckline dress with black straps which attractively crisscross in the back. This dress has an inset waistband, long kick pleat, back zipper, and is lined in silk fabric. It is made in Italy!

Check out Proenza Schouler designer shoes on Amazon.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Artificial Nails Present the Opportunity for Some Cool OPI Nail Colors

About every 5 weeks I will get my hair trimmed. However, getting a fill every couple of weeks for my artificial nails IS the ONLY luxury that I allow myself these days. With the state of the economy, I will often stretch getting that fill to maybe every 3 or 3-1/2 weeks. Honestly, I am not a high-maintenance blonde, but I do like my artificial acrylic nails!

Since my very first set of artificial nails many a year ago, I was introduced to OPI nail polish. I've used OPI nail polish probably since it was invented. If I wasn't a blogger or lensmaster, I think I'd want to work in the marketing and product development department for OPI. Have you ever noticed just how clever the nail polish names are?

artificial nails For example, in the Russian Collection you will find St Petersburgundy, Boris & Natasha, Siberian Nights, Russian Navy, An Affair in Red Square, A Ruble for Your Thoughts, Vodka & Caviar, Catherine the Grape, Cosmo Not Tonight Honey, Midnight in Moscow, Suzi Says Da, and Kreme de la kremlin. I recently tried the Russian Navy which looks quite dark -- almost black. When the light hits it, there is a hint of deep purple; however, when you take off the color, it looks deep blue or navy!

Pick Your Own Cool OPI Nail Colors!

Color Club Nail Polish

So, I discovered a new brand of nail polish that I think is really hot in its cool colors. It is Color Club and it comes in a little square bottle. The line of colors that I love are poptastic neon colors.

My #1 Pick:  Pucci-licious Color Club Nail Polish
My #2 Pick:  Mrs. Robinson Color Club Nail Polish

I Love Shoes With Bows Especially Crocs Audrey

I love shoes that are comfortable and stylish, but I also love shoes with bows! Have you seen Crocs Audrey? OMG, these are adorably feminine with bows at the toes. The interesting two tone colors, in six combinations, makes these cuties little fashion statements with a feminine personality.

Crocs Audrey -- shoes with bows As you expect from the Crocs line, these slides have the 'circulation nubs' in the footbed that aid in promoting blood flow. They are made with the croslite™ material and are washable! The Crocs Audrey sell for an affordable $29.99. The last time I checked the Crocs site, Audrey had sold out. You might find Audrey on Amazon. You may also opt to search for Shoes with Bows on Amazon to satisfy your need for these type of stylish shoes.

I was offering three different pairs of shoes with bows!
  • Beverly Feldman Leopard Animal Print Velvet Bow Ballet Flats Like New 9.5M
  • Gianni Bini Black Leather Bow Heels Pumps Like New Womens 8.5M
  • OKAb Oka-Bee Yellow Madison Bow Rubber Flat Sandals Like New ML Womens 8.5-9.5

P.S. I love YOU by Crocs!

Saturday, March 07, 2009

A Passion for Understanding Hungarian History

Are you fascinated by history as much as I am? Right after I began reading Nancy Drew mystery books in grade school, I started reading an assortment of books particularly about Hungarian history. In addition to having a keen interest in genealogy, I've done a lot of reading about the Austro-Hungarian Empire. My interest in this type of history can be seen through many of my Hungarian-flavored lenses. In particular, I took great pride in researching for hours information to add to my Made in Hungary -- Not JUST Goulash! article.

Would you believe that this lens was one of my first lenses -- it was created on March 30, 2006, just 9 days after I joined Squidoo. There was a time that if you did a search on Squidoo for Hungarian, that all results were links to my lenses. Today, there are some 167 lenses that reference something Hungarian.

Well, if you are the least bit interested in some of the most captivating history, may I suggest one of the following books for your reading pleasure. Trust me; you won't be disappointed.

It was pretty interesting recently to submit my saliva for an AncestryDNA test. They are constantly refining the ancestry profiles to interpret the Eastern European heritage.

julieannbrady ancestrydna eastern european ancestry map

I always knew I was pretty much Eastern European, focusing on Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. And, I think that explains my fascination with understanding Hungarian history!! It's in my DNA. It's in my bones. It's in my heart.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Heart Paperweights Gifts From the Heart

What better gift to give than a gift from the heart -- a heart-shaped, art glass paperweight. You don't need to wait for Valentine's Day to gift these either as these are perfect as heartfelt gifts year around. Give them as shower gifts, for a beloved's birthday, or just to say I love you and appreciate you!

julieannbrady hand holding robert held confetti heart paperweight


I personally own the Robert Held Confetti heart-shaped paperweight which I acquired from Gumps San Francisco about three years ago. There it is in that photo above.

Recently, I purchased a Waterford crystal heart paperweight to add to my heart collection. Did you know that Robert Held art glass is handblown in Canada and available in a variety of designs other than the heart paperweights. I am a big fan of hearts and heart imprints -- but I'll bet you already figured that out!

Here are just a couple of beautiful heart-shaped paperweights that would make lovely heartfelt gifts!

Ah, Decorating With Orange, Yellow and Green Like My Grandmother!

Julia Nagy crochet afghanCrochet designs, especially crocheted afghans, were originally popularized by grandmothers. I remember many years ago growing up and sitting by the side of my grandma, Julia Nagy. She taught me how to crochet, and also gave me an appreciation for embroidery and lace designs. Grandma has been gone from us for a number of years, but I'm happy to say that I've kept her crochet afghan. I consider this item to be an heirloom item.

The other day, I began searching on Etsy to find a comparable ripple, scallop, or zigzag crochet afghan. I must admit that I was thrilled to see all the beautiful handcrafted afghans that are available. In addition, a number of Etsy handcrafters offer custom orders. Next, I took a look at what might be available through eBay. While there is quite a number of crochet afghans there, I wasn't as impressed. I kept finding MANY crochet afghans patterns and even found one that said it was "Marilyn Monroe Sitting." That seems odd to me!

Searching further on eBay, I was a bit "saddened" to actually find vintage or not new crochet afghans for sale. Speaking from experience, might I share a bit of my wisdom -- Please do NOT sell grandma's crochet afghan! Let me repeat myself, Please do NOT sell grandma's crochet afghan! If you no longer want it, please either put it in the attic or in storage or give it to another family member. This is an heirloom item that should stay in the family and be passed down!

P.S. I'm still looking for another ripple crochet afghan or two! Perhaps one that is black, green and gold and another that has complimentary colors to mine with more yellows! Got one? Well, leave me a comment and tell me about it. Can crochet one -- oh, better yet! A custom order. I like those.

Check out the Orange Yellow and Green in the Kitchen!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Ah, Decorating With Blues and Greens Like Martha Stewart

Today's issue of Martha Stewart's newsletter captivated my interest when I saw the segment on Color Palettes. I'm all about color -- from bold and vivid jewel tones to black and white to interesting pairings of color to achieve a desired effect. I've always appreciated blues and greens as two soothing and appealing colors that complement each other. Looking at this beautiful picture from Martha's Home and Garden Decorating with Blue and Green Painted Pots makes me want to actually go out and buy some flower pots that I can paint blue!
Martha Stewart blue and green potted plants
I love this decorating tip; and the picture is worthy of framing as an art print! Martha's decorators have out-done themselves with this beautiful scene. What do you think? Do you love it or not -- take a moment to leave me a comment and let me know if you would try this decorating tip!

P.S. Well, I haven't exactly done a lens on blues and greens, so I can't really say that Martha Stewart read THAT lens. But, I still do think Martha Stewart is Reading MY Lenses!

Hey! Check out the Blues and Greens in the Kitchen!

Researching Slovak Genealogy through Pittsburgh

I've been researching my family's genealogy for a number of years. Today, I happened upon an interesting book at Amazon, Slovak Pittsburgh PA (Images of America) by Lisa A. Alzo. The family of my grandmother, Julia Kovach Nagy, came to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area from Eastern Europe.
No other city in the United States is home to more Slovaks than Pittsburgh. It is estimated that close to 100,000 Slovak immigrants came to the area in the 1890s looking for work and the chance for a better life. The hills and valleys of this new land reminded newcomers of the farms, forests, and mountains they left behind. They lived in neighborhoods close to their work, forming numerous cluster communities in such places as Braddock, Duquesne, Homestead, Munhall, the North Side, Rankin, and Swissvale.

Once settled, Slovak immigrants founded their own churches, schools, fraternal benefit societies, and social clubs. Many of these organizations still enjoy an active presence in Pittsburgh today, serving to pass on the customs and traditions of the Slovak people. Through nearly 200 photographs, Slovak Pittsburgh celebrates the lives of those Slovaks who settled in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, and the rich heritage that is their legacy.

Lisa A. Alzo is the author of this interesting book, having written much about immigrant history. Not only is she a native of Pittsburgh, but she is a freelance writer, instructor, and lecturer.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

April showers demand a stylish umbrella

I've been a fan of Radley London Accessories for quite a few years. Their adorable Scotty terrier adorned handbags are so whimsical and fun. I've actually written a lens about my love for the Radley bags -- it's entitled I LOVE Radley Bags as I do, I really do!
Radley London Accessories Margate Walker Umbrella in turquoise Now, I'm thrilled to see that Radley London has a stylish umbrella -- it's the Margate walker umbrella. Who would have thought that an umbrella could be eco-friendly? Well this one is. The umbrella fabric is made entirely of recycled materials. Wow, how did they do that? This beautifully styled umbrella is reasonably priced at $50 and comes in three colors -- brown, grey and turquoise. I'm picking the turquoise as it looks like a light teal color.

Interested in an umbrella from Radley? Check out the Radley Website. And, be sure to check out Marchesato Italian Luxury Umbrellas on Amazon -- if you can find them!