Mood:  vegas lucky

September is my favorite month out of the year for four reasons: 

1. It’s my birthday month.
2. School starts and the library becomes less of a loud hang out.
3. Fashion Week debuts the Spring’s hottest trends; and
4. The Television Season begins.

For the past seven years, I’ve slowly tuned out broadcast television as my prime source of television viewing pleasure. However, shows like The Office, Ugly Betty, 24, Scrubs, Heroes, and Dancing with the Stars have renewed my desire to watch broadcast TV again. One of the reasons has been broadcast TV’s adaptation of the two-season season—one in fall and one in spring like cable. Secondly, shows have gotten bit edgier and funnier and different.  

After sifting through TV Guide’s Fall Preview issue (September 10-16^th, 2007), I’ve come up with a list of four new shows that I will be DVRing and watching when my babies fall asleep.  

K-Ville is a new cop drama set in a post-Katrina New Orleans, and stars Cole Hauser (from the underrated campy Paparazzi) and Anthony Anderson (from The Shield) as two stress out cops patrolling a whole city suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. It will suffer in the ratings, no doubt, because it shares a timeslot with NBC’s sleeper hit Heroes. Heroes will have its old viewers and new viewers who want to see what the hoopla is about, so I’m not worried about them. I will support K-Ville because it is filmed on location and 80% of the show’s workforce live in New Orleans. Maybe the success of this show will turn the still suffering N.O. around. 

On Tuesday nights at 10 p.m., I will be turning into watch the sexy and talented Jimmy Smits head up a Hispanic cast in the business-family drama Cane. Set in Florida, it is about the infighting of a Cuban American clan who is in the rum and sugar business. Still hot after all these years is Rita Moreno playing the matriarch of the family. Think of Cane as a 21^st century and a browner version of Dynasty. I have two gems waiting for me on Wednesday night.

First off is CW’s adaptation of the trashy teen chick-lit series Gossip Girls into a series. Changing coasts but not economic class, The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz brings his talent to the show. An hour later on ABC is Dirty Sexy Money starring Six Feet Under alum Peter Krause and Donald Sutherland. This wicked family drama is about a reluctant lawyer taking over his dead father’s practice, which includes representing a rich troubled family a la the Kennedys meets Paris Hilton. Peter Krause has a hot, slacker vibe about him and I’m longing to see him all dressed up and corporate. This is what’s funny: wasn’t his character on Six… a guy who reluctantly goes into dead father’s line of work? I’m just asking.

Let's enjoy this new season, shall we? Tell me what you think will be this year's break out hit.

Mood:  celebratory

Many of you probably don't know this but red is my absolute favorite color of all time. I own red purses, shoes, lipstick, wallets, and a handmade 2-piece red pants suit. Even my living room is decorated in the powerful color of red--couch, rugs, and curtains. What does the color red mean?

Type this question in Google and you'll get hundreds of thousands of links. To me, the color red means power and domination. It means passion, excitement, protective energy, and sexuality.  According to an Asian friend of mine, the color red is very important during the Chinese New Year for it repels evil (and evil spirits). When I want to feel sexy I wear red. When I am scared and want to convey strength, I wear red. I'll wear red anywhere except to a funeral and to church, because I find that there is something slightly scandalous about wearing a red dress or hat to the house of the Lord. Red draws attention and attention shouldn't be drawn to me in church.

This fall, according to the September 2007 issue of Harper's Bazaar, is all about bright and bold colors. The issue features a story on the colors of fuchsia and purple. There is even a Kate Spate ad featuring rich-colored red, orange, and purple flats worn with red, fuchsia and yellow tights. Who says autumn has to be all about black, brown, and grey? I say embrace the strong and vibrant colors of the changing leaves--red, orange, and firey gold. I'm going red, red, red and even more red this fall because as a mom of a 2.5-year-old and a 6-month-old, I need all the sources of energy I can get.

These three pairs of red shoes from Payless Shoe Source are calling my name, and I was blessed enough to try them on in person during a rare afternoon by myself in the mall. (Unfortunately, I didn't really have the cash to purchase them but I'm nice enough to wish you well in wearing these stylish budget finds.)

These patent red leather kitten hell pumps stalled me in my tracks. They are sleek, shiny, comfortable, and have a low heel. They can be worn with jeans or dress up boring work slacks. I'd pair these with nude stockings or socks or with black depending on the color of your pants.

These casual suede Mary Jane sneaks are comfy as all get out. These are my favorite pair out of the trio of red shoes I tried on that afternoon. They are in line with my lifestyle. The styling will let me wear them all day at work and run around with the girls at the park. I can slip into them without much fuss and they can act both as a bright flourish or a neutral. These shoes will definitely being going on my birthday wish list. (BTW, my birthday is coming up during the month of September and I am willing to accept gifs at  my leisure. lol. )

Last but least are a pair of lace-up fashion sneakers. They have a techno feel and combine the bright color, patent and metallic trend. They would be fun if I were to go out dancing or want to dress up an otherwise boring outfit (which I've seemed to be confined too these days).

Let's remember those wonderful and magical shoes from the Wizard of Oz when outfitting our feet this fall. When the world is scary, slip on those red shoes, click your heels together and shout "There's no place like home!"

 (P.S.: Liven up your wardrobe with the versatile mock wrap dresses from Woman Within. Besides black and a black & white print, they now offer it in teal, purple and red. Who says that you can't be plus-sized and in style.)

On a Beauty Note, Allure siting the beauty trends seen at the Fall fashion shows, declared red lips for the Fall:

"For fall, makeup artists chose to abandon the nude and Barbie-pink lips of recent seasons for bold shades of crimson."

Important Note: Tim Gunn's new show, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style premiere's Thursday, September 6th! Let's watch together, okay? 

Mood:  irritated

It has been a long time since I’ve written. My life has been busy with my full-time job and my two little ones in diapers. Being a mother, a wife, an employee and a cat owner is hard work. It is hard on the wallet, hard on the spirit, and hard on energy levels. However, I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.

Today while visiting the Society, Science, and Technology division of my library, I came across a book called Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, and Their Families. It upset me beyond reason to see yet another book pushing mothers to be at odds. I am sick of the smug and self-satisfied attitudes of Stay-at-Home Moms (SAHM) as though mothers who work are somehow destroying their children and society. I am also sick of the smug and self-satisfied opinions of Working Moms who think that SAHM are lazy know-it-alls. At the core of it, we all are mothers doing what we believe best for our individual families and children. So, GET THE FUCK OVER YOURSELVES!!

Every time one of these books, blogs, television shows, or magazine articles comes out and pits the two groups of mothers against each other, I want to throw up and slap the women who fall for the okey-doke. It’s another distraction created to keep women from being united—Whores vs. Virgins; Working Moms vs. Stay-at-Home Moms; Party Girls vs. Intellectuals. Where and when will the division end? This so-called war is as important to our well-being and the well-being of our children as Paris Hilton’s blood alcohol level.

Personally, I cannot be a Stay-at-Home Mom for financial reasons. Personally, I do not want to be a Stay-at-Home Mom because some days my babies drive me batty. I’d rather have three to four quality hours before bedtime with my children. My favorite moment of the day is when I come home from work, and my two-year-old runs up to me, hugs my leg, and animatedly tells me about her day using both real and baby words. My second favorite moment is when my 5-month-old goes from gurgling and staring at her fingers to smiling at me with recognition. It totally helps me to forgetting that my older girl’s tantrums and whining, and my baby girl’s colic and choppy sleep schedule.

Mood:  happy

Today had the makings of a crappy day. My infant daughter woke up at 4:30 in the morning and refused to go back to sleep even after being changed, fed and read to. When I was trying to leave for work, my eldest daughter started to cry and then wrapped her strong little legs around my waist. Mommy wasn't going anywhere. To top it off, my stomach was upset and I have a stuffy & runny nose.

After scoring a pair of pink platform sandals for $6 at Payless (I had $5 remaining on a gift card I received for Mother's day), I decided to check out the neighborhood shoe store. It was Fabco Shoe Enterprises and it is located on 2101 Church Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. It is like the poor man's DSW--floor to ceiling trendy shoes (some name brand, some the house brand) for deeply discounted prices. It took me only 5 minutes to find a pair of shoes that I love.

As you recall, I've been scouring stores looking for a pair of comfortable and affordable flats. Well, Fabco had several pairs! One was a muted metallic, low-wedged flat with a generous peep toe that didn't rub the sides of my toes. (The pic below is a similar style without the D'orsay cut out.) The insole was well cushioned, especially at the ball of the foot, and the shoe had good arch support. The sytle also came in soft black leather, patent black leather, and in black suede. I also found a pair in rugged brown leather with subtle studding. *Sigh* To top it off, they were only $18.99 and Fabco was having a buy one get one 50% off. Unluckily (or luckily), I didn't have enough money in my wallet to buy even one pair and I used all my restraint not to pull out the plastic.

Well, payday is coming and I will be swinging by Fabco. Now, I just have to stock up on a couple pairs of straight leg pants to perfect the Rachel Zoe look.

Mood:  incredulous

I was a 9-year-old Brooklynite when Dreamgirls debuted on Broadway in 1981. I remember fondly the radio and television commercials, and bus advertisements for the Dreamgirls as well as for other popular shows at the time (Annie, Evita, A Chorus Line, etc...). I wanted to see every one of those shows, because that's what rich and sophisticated New Yorkers do--the see Broadway shows. When the marketing machine started pumping out the pre-release hype for the film adaptation, I began playing the original cast album over and over in preparation for the movie's Christmas '06 release. (I had to wait until it came out on DVD since I was home, pregnant and on bed rest.) Needless to say, I was extremely excited when the DVD arrived from Netflix. I hadn't had such high expectations for movie since I heard that the new James Bond (Daniel Craig) was sexy , violent and used his hands more than flashy technology. Although 30-minutes too long, Casino Royale lived up to my fantasies and Dreamgirls fell flat.

The story about a singing group who tries to make it big in a dirty record industry and loses their lead singer is a story as old as time itself. We've seen it in movies (The 5 Heartbeats, the campy Josie and the Pussycats), in real life (Van Halen, Destiny's Child, the Jackson 5, No Doubt, etc...) and on Vh1. There's nothing new that can be added to this story, and will only be fresh to those who have just started following popular music and its trends. Dreamgirls is terribly clichéd from the shady business manager to singling out of the beauty as the only bankable talent to one character's tragic death. In this regard, the movie comes off flat. It is so predictable that you're unable to be drawn into the fantasy. As a stage production, it was probably easy to not notice this because the viewer is hypnotized by the lights, the glitter, costumes, the dancing, and the presence of the stars. There's a disconnect with the audience once a Broadway show becomes a movie. (I had the similar reaction to Chicago.)

Dreamgirls is not a bad movie. It just lacks dimension. There is no character development or really no spoken or seen catalyst for their motivations, hence no chemistry between the characters. Jennifer Hudson's overweight big-voiced Effie White and Jamie Foxx's shady music manager/car salesman Curtis Taylor Jr. have a love affair that is ruined when Curtis' record sales ambitions and affection are focused on Deena (played by Beyonce Knowles). When the inevitable break up occurs, it lacks heart because the audience never sees any spark that proved they were even together.

Hudson plays Effie as the sassy, sexy, cocky, diva to the hilt--a complete opposite of her own humble personality. Eddie Murphy does an excellent job playing the outrageous Little Richard cum Marvin Gaye-esque James Early. When these two are own the screen, you can take your eyes or ears off of them. It is their sheer inner-brilliance that brings life to their otherwise one-note characters. Beyonce is does well as the superstar-in-training, Deena. She's unbelievable when she is playing the young innocent singer who frowns on premarital sex, but she does bring vulnerability to the older Deena whose inactions makes her as strong a betrayer as Curtis. Jamie Foxx, who is usually charismatic and charming on screen, is a dull as dishwater.

Deena's later/solo career costumes, hairstyles, and make-up is basically the look book for Diana Ross' Mahogany. There is a montage chronicling the rise of Curtis' record company, and the acts they feature are dead ringers for The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5. Later in his career, Eddie Murphy's James Early eschews his old sound for "message music," sports a rhinestone-decorated denim jacket, and crochet cap. If that isn't Marvin Gaye, I'm not an unpaid blogger but a writer for the

All in all, Dreamgirls is a beautiful disappointment. The acting is solid, the singing is terrific, the songs are catchy, and the costumes are eye candy. The Oscar nominations (and awards) it received were well deserved, and after seeing the movie, I can tell you the controversy about it not receiving a Best Picture nod was blown out of proportion. It wasn't an Oscar-worthy film.

• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
• Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
• Achievement in Art Direction
• Achievement in Costume Design
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
• Achievement in Sound Mixing

Mood:  spacey

My Top 5 Fashion and

Beauty Finds of Spring 2007

5. The 7-Minute Face: Whittling down my make-up collection to just four sets of eye shadow palettes, four eyeliners, four lip glosses, 4 lip liners, 7 lipsticks and 2 mascaras has made an incredible difference in how much time I spend getting my face ready for work. With two babies, you have to be quick. I had so many make-up options before that it took me 20 minutes to make a decision and apply my colors. I’ve also given up on applying foundation to my entire face. It has been a wonderful experience. Two complementary eye shadows, a swipe of mascara, a dusting of bronzing powder all over my face with a kabuki brush, and a softly applied lipstick gives me a well-made and simple face.

4. PF Flyers Hi Top Reissue canvas sneakers in Black: Okay, okay, they aren’t the stylish, inexpensive flats with great arch support that I’ve been looking for but they are a pair of comfy shoes with arch support that I can wear to work. They’re a great alternative to my “security officer oxfords” when I wear my slacks and blue jeans.

3. Short-Sleeve, mid-calf length, ribbed tee-shirt dress by Woman Within: These $12.99 dreams from Woman Within are a perfect summer time staple. They come in an array of colors from black to purple to gold to coral, and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on where you are heading. Pop one on with a pair of ballet flats and long necklace, and you’re an in-trend chick. Add a pair of high-heeled pump and a waist-cinching belt, and you’re ready for the office.

2. Olive Oil: Since having my baby, I’ve developed the driest hands because of over washing. None of the lotions I bought helped, so I dried some Olive Oil. Lo and behold! It worked wonders. My hands, elbows, and heels are as soft as they have been in months.

1. Gauchos: They’re a big-thighed woman’s hot weather savior. If your thighs rub together and you can’t bear the thought of wearing biking shorts under your skirt, try a cotton split-skirt or a pair of gauchos.  What’s great? The plus-size catalog Just My Size started selling them way before they became trendy.  What’s even better? You can wear them in the winter time with a great pair of tights and knee-high boots.

Mood:  flirty

Although it has been only week since I've finished maternity leave and returned to work at the library, I've already managed to check out a large number of books that I plan on reading. It doesn't matter that I have three books at home that I want to read. I decided to share my my current reading list for you. I'll post reviews later when I'm actually done reading them. So get your library card and get to borrowing!

1.The 5 Minute Face: The Quick and Easy Makeup Guide for Every Woman by Carmindy: TLC's What Not To Wear's makeup artist Carmindy shares her philosophy and tips on make-up application for women of all colors and complexions.

2. Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie: a 40-year-old divorcee finds romance with a hot 30-year-old doctor with the help of her sadsack of a dog, Fred.

3. The Makeover Book: Simple Ideas for Effortless Style by Jacqui Ripley: Fashion and Beauty writer Jacqui Ripley helps us to boost our style with simple and easy-to-follow directions.

4. Closet Smarts: Flatter Your Figure with the Clothes You Already Have by Emily Neill: Emily Neill uses real life female models to help readers to analyze their body shapes and dress them to their best.

5. What Shall We Do With The Boo Hoo Baby? Board Book (Board book) by Cressida Cowell: Any new mom, like myself, will enjoy the antics of a group of animals trying to stop a baby from crying.

The Three Books I Have At Home Waiting For Me Are:

Three Junes by Julia Glass

The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem

Sure of You (Tales from the City, v. 6) by Armistead Maupin-- in anticipation of reading the don't call it a sequel sequel, Michael Tolliver Lives.

Mood:  lazy

While returning from my trip to the dentist, I happened upon a boutique-sized store with Forever 21 prices. The store is Kara New York and it is located on 1052 6th Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets. It was filled from ceiling to floor with inexpensive accessories and the trendiest clothes of the season. They had everything from polka dotted tops, nautical striped tunics, skinny jeans, hobo faux leather bags, straw totes, and ballet-styled flats in all colors and materials (none with arch support unfortunate for me). The most expensive item there was $29.99. If it was payday and I was ten years younger, I would have spent a could amount of loot there. Actually, I may go back and still spendt a good amount of loot since the accessories topped out at only $7.99.

Kara had a wall filled with $6.99 watches. They had link band, leather band, chainmill, bangle band, and bracelet band watches in gold told and silver tone. I could have bought a costume watch for every day of the week and for every occassion from work to black tie events. Their collection of long, long necklaces were sweet. They had delicate goldtone, faux gemstone, and wooden disc necklaces to name the least. They also featured the accessory trend of the season, lucite. 

What really floored me, however, were the 1980s-esque plastic kitschy earrings. There were dangly star shaped earrings with red polka dot or navy blue polka dots. There were also anchor shaped earrings, big circle earrings decorate with red or blue polka dots, and also big circle earrings with red or blue navy stripes. The nautical theme was very heavy and very alluring to moi since it is one of my favorite fashion themes. Unfortunately, because of my age, it would have looked too costumey. Since I was a teenager when these styles first appeared, I wouldn't have looked retro but outdated. This doesn't mean I won't be back to buy the goldtone chain necklace with the navy blue open-circle pendant. 

Visit this store! You may also go around the corner to Layla Ladieswear at 20 East 40th street between 5th and Madison Avenues.

Mood:  a-ok

As much as I love fancy shoes, pretty frocks, and playful accessories, I don't shop for my clothes that way. Normally, I buy clothes based on the following criteria:

• It's very inexpensive ($50 or less per item);
• It fits (not necessarily flatters);
• and It's machine washable  (no ironing needed).
  

This means that I'm not the most stylish librarian in the stacks. Even worse, I buy my shoes based on the following criteria:

• They're comfy and have arch support (no heels);
• They're a neutral color (meaning black, brown or taupe);
• and they're inexpensive ($75 or less).
  

This also means that my feet are healthy but are horribly dressed. Fortunately, I've found an inexpensive, well-fitting, machine washable and fashionable piece of clothing from an unexpected source: the normally dull and practical plus-sized catalog king Lane Bryant Catalog (not to be associated with the retail chain Lane Bryant). 

I received my order for a matte jersey, mock-wrap, black & white print dress from Lane Bryant Catalog with little hope for fashionability but strict practicality. However, when I opened the package and tried on the dress, I was wonderfully surprised. (I haven't been this wonderfully surprised since I found the plus-size, short inseam, flat front, stretchy dress trouser from Old Navy.) This is the most perfect dress I've ever owned.

The deep V-neck can show off clevage if worn with a push up bra or beautiful necklaces if worn with a traditional bra. The three-quarter sleeves can hide flabby upper-arms and allow you to showcase bracelets and gorgeous watches. (Speaking of gorgeous watches, check out Joan Rivers' Fashion Color Bold Watches at QVC's website.) It creates a waist if you lack one and accentuates an hour glass figure. It skims without clinging, and can go from day to evening with the right accessories. Not to mention, you can wear a bold color shoe to punch up the fun factor, and it is easily a three season dress. I'm planning to buy another one in a solid black color.  If you wear a size 14 and up, I recommend that you give this $25 winner a try.

Mood:  rushed

First off, this is my first entry since giving birth to my youngest daughter nearly seven weeks ago. She's a cute, fat faced little peanut and her big sister, the Munchkin, loves her dearly. Well, almost too dearly. She's damn near made herself the second Mommy. On a beauty note, I will say that there is no amount of beauty products one can use to help them feel better after a C-section. Who knew something that would be so small in your arms to hold would cause so much pain coming out of a six inch incision? And any beauty product you use while taking care of a newborn and an energetic two-year-old better be a fast acting multitasker.

Speaking of mulitaskers, did you catch the pilot episode of TLC's Shut Up! It's Stacy London? on Friday, April 6th? The host of the new weekly fashion and style show is TLC's What Not to Wear co-host and fashion critic Stacy London. The show's title comes from London's trademark remark of surprise and glee, Shut up! 

Shut Up... will be a weekly night time talk show feautring shopping trips, interviews with beauty and fashion gurus, giveaways, and makeovers (of course!) airing on TLC beginning in the fall. (Why make us wait for so long?) Stacy's solo gig is terrific--like a fashion and beauty magazine come to life on television. My current goal in life is to be a studio audience member on that show. The gift bags she doled out were insane--make-up, jewels, bags...! Also, she gave certain audience members the jewels right off her body--a jeweled lucite bracelet and a broach. Okay, so they weren't personally hers, but damnit she was wearing them and giving them away.

Mood:  party time!

I just wanted to let you guys know about The Budget Fashionista's Second Annual Shopping Survey, which attempts to gather a non-biased view of the habits, budgets, etc. of shoppers and fashion lovers worldwide.

Survey Link:

http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB225YQDR4BA9

Mood:  caffeinated

What fun is fall and winter fashions if it is always too warm to wear them? (I’m not making this stuff up, read this report: http://www.cnbc.com/id/16224813) Patterned tights, knee-high leather boots, wool-cashmere blend coats, and faux fur mufflers will all be things of the past if we all don’t get on the ball to stop (or slow down considerably) global warming. If this warming trend continues at the rate it is going now, Manhattan (bye-bye Carrie Bradshaw-esque fashionistas), San Francisco (can’t get Bene Tint if Benefit disappears) and parts of Florida will be under water. Washed away. Gone. Never to return. Global warming will do worst than anything al-Qaeda or homegrown terrorists can do.

 
On January 6, 2007, New York City will achieve record temps in the low 70s. Hello? It’s January!!! Where is the cold? The blustery wind? Sleet? Snow? Or even a little black ice? December 2006 was the third warmest December on record ever in New York City. Reportedly, 20 out of the 31 days saw temps in the low- to mid-50s. Partisan politics aside, you can’t tell me that something isn’t terribly wrong. It’s either Global Warming or the biblical End Days. Even if it is the latter, we should still do something to help the environment.

 
Ten Things You Can Do:

1. Write your city, state, and federal representatives and demand that they come up with better (and enforce) laws to protect the environment. Remind the politicians that you are a registered voter.
• Find your state representatives: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml
• Find your state senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
• (Senator Joe Biden of Delaware is pro-reducing U.S.’s dependency on oil: http://biden.senate.gov/newsroom/details.cfm?id=263981&&)
2. Write big businesses, especially car manufacturers and factories. Tell them to make good faith efforts to reduce air pollution and create environmentally friendly automobiles. Remind them of your consumer demographics and all of your disposable income. Ceres.org can help.) 
3. Use the energy-efficient cycle on your washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. (If you don’t have these cycles, wash your clothes and dishes in warm to cool waters.) 
4. Lower your thermostat by 5-10 degrees, and then splurge on fancy window coverings to keep the heat in your home. (Improve your entire home’s energy efficiency: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index)
5. Unplug your chargers and turn off power strips when not in use. Go old school: if you’re not in a room, turn off the light. (Use energy-efficient light-bulbs! FYI: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls)
   
6. Walk, bike or use public transportation to go to work, go shopping or run errands.  If you must drive, use fuel-efficient cars or cars that run on alternative fuel sources. (For a list of alternative fuels, check out: http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/altfuels.html)
   
7. Help control the human population. There are now more people than the earth can sustain. Abstain from sex, use birth control, or adopt and love babies and children already here. Control the pet population by having your pets spayed or neutered. http://atlas.aaas.org/index.php?part=1
   
8. Use less water! (For tips on how: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/50-ways-to-save-water-805/index.htm)
9. Join StopGlobalWarming.org and rent the DVD An Inconvenient Truth
   
10. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! (http://www.earth911.org/master.asp)

• Choose recycled products.
• Choose products with recyclable packaging. 
• Reuse paper bags.
• Recycle paper, plastics, and metals.  
• Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper.

Mood:  irritated

Can you believe this? Talk about being overzealous. --Kiki

 NEW ORLEANS (Dec. 5, 2006) -- Saints defensive tackle Hollis Thomas was suspended for the final four games of the regular season for violating the league's steroid policy.

Thomas, backed by the team, appealed the suspension, which he said was caused by using asthma medication. He uses an inhaler daily and it apparently contained a banned steroid.

December 6, 2006

Roger Goodell

Commissioner of the NFL

280 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10017

 Dear Mr. Goodell:

 As a football fan and a lifelong asthmatic, I'm a deeply offended by the suspension of New Orleans Saints' tackle Hollis Thomas for steroid use. Any competent doctor will tell you that the best preventative treatment of an asthma attack is the use of oral or inhaled steroids. I trust that the doctors employed by NFL teams are some of the best in the country, and they would not deny this fact.

To suspend Mr. Thomas for perceived illegal or abusive steroid use is to reveal your gross ignorance and horrible lack of flexibility. A steroid used in the treatment of asthma does not give athletes or regular people an unfair advantage. It provides the fairness of being able to breathe normally like everyone else. Other asthmatics, in and out of the NFL, will agree. Please revise your steroid use policy and rescind Mr. Thomas' suspension.

Mood:  hungry

Beauty and Hygiene Products That Make

Being Pregnant and on Bed Rest More Bearable

As you probably gathered from my last couple of posts, being home preggers and on bed rest is not very much fun especially if you do not have the credit line to indulge the shopping urges that QVC and the Home Shopping Network inspire. Not to mention, pregnancy hormones do things to your body that make PMS feel like a walk along the beach. (The parks in Brooklyn, NY are not that pleasant to walk through, in my opinion.) You get extra hair in all possible places; develop the most delicate of stomachs; and develop a sense of smell that would put a bloodhound to shame. There’s also bouts of oily skin and  back-acne. However, I’ve put together a list of helpful beauty products that have made this wonderful change easier to get through.

The skin on my body from the breasts up have been a mess. I did not have such an acne and oil problem during puberty. Fortunately, I’ve found some great beauty products that have helped  until my hormone fluctuations evened out and my skin started to control my oil production on its own. Everyday, I wash my face and décolleté with Black Opal’s Blemish Control Complexion Bar, which controls oil production and helps fade any of the acne scars you may develop. I then wiped my face, neck, and behind my ears (especially important if you wear glasses!) three times a day with Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil Controlling Astringent. If the smell is too strong for you, I also recommend Witch Hazel.

And since I’m on the topic of my face, let me tell you about the excess hair that I’ve been growing out of my chin, jaw line and cheeks. It isn’t the cute soft lady peach fuzz. It’s is dark, thick, coarse hair, and too many to just pluck! When you’re on bed rest, you can’t just waste standing up time by taking 30-45 minutes to pull hair out of your face with your trusty Tweezerman. You have to get hardcore! That’s right, ladies, I’m talking about home waxing. Avon makes a wonderful no-heat waxing products: Avon Skin So Soft Hair Removal Wax Strips . It comes in large strips that you can customize with scissors to fit on your face. The wax job lasts about 10 days to two weeks depending on how fast your hormones pushes out hair. Since your pain threshold will probably be lower than usual, I wouldn’t recommend using this product on your legs, underarms, or on your stomach which will also be struck by an overproduction of hair.

 
I have to ask: how is it biologically possible for me to have a stuffy nose and be able to smell everything at the same time? The further into your pregnancy you go, the higher the likelihood that you will develop a stuffy nose. This will force you to breathe through your mouth, and your lips will suffer the consequences. They will become dry, and crave more moisture than you can consume through just drinking water. Let me suggest a long lasting, moisturizing, and non-goopy lip gloss by Victoria’s Secret. Their Beauty Rush Lip Gloss is wonderful. They come in wonderful scents and flavors. However, if your stomach is too disagreeable to handle the scents, try Rite Aid Honey Pure Spring Lip Gloss. It doesn’t last as long but it is as moisturizing. In a pinch, petroleum jelly will do.

~~to be continued

Next up: gentle body washes, unscented deordorant, and combating dry skin. 

Mood:  don't ask

Being home on bed rest while pregnant is starting to become a real pain in my ass both literally and figuratively. Not only am I nearly completely sidelined from my life, I’m starting to feel abandoned(well, that's really way too strong of a word) from my friends and family. While I'm stuck in dullsville, everyone is continuing to live their lives. I’m surprised how quickly the weekly phone calls and e-mails have disappeared. I would call them, but they’re all at work during the day. I like to spend time with my hubby and my darling daughter in the evening, before zonking out at 10 p.m. My anti-depressants keep me emotionally balanced and not depressed, but they don't necessarily cancel out any of my feelings of loneliness and helplessness. I try to convince myself that this is a life of luxury, but I think luxury living would allow me to leave my house to shop and go to the movies.

I'm not necessarily bored, because I do have video games, DVDs, daytime television, and gossip radio to keep me occupied and entertained. My favorite part of the day is when the mail comes, and one of my seven magazine subscriptions arrive. Or, when one of the samples I've ordered from www.startsampling.com comes. That's like a surprise birthday present since it usually takes 8-10 weeks to get a sample. Finally, I do spend a small amount of my day rubbing my belly and communicating with my baby telepathically.

I've reintroduced myself to two of my greatest pop culture loves while on bed rest. I have reacquainted myself with British pop music star Robbie Williams www.robbiewilliams.com, whom I discovered in 1999. (Let me recommend my favorite album of his, Sing When You're Winning, and the concert DVD What We Did Last Summer)  Although the crush has softened a bit, I'd still have sex with him (post-pregnancy) in a bathroom stall if he asked me nicely. Secondly, I've been rereading my collection of Peanuts (a.k.a Charlie Brown a.ka. Snoopy) comics and laughing out loud.

Enough of the complaining and self-pitying, it's time for this blogging baby carrier to hit the sack. My lower back is starting to stiffen from all this sitting up at the computer. Ta ta for now, and watch Ugly Betty!