Archive for ‘Keighley’

September 8th, 2010

To My Boji, Boobie, Joanna, Jomanna

 

Dear Joanna,

      Happy Birthday! In class today I learned that Sept. 8th is not only your day of birth but has two very significant historical events.

1) Today in 70 CE  Titus (Emperor of Rome)besieged  and conquered Jerusalem, destroying the Temple!

2) In 1504 Michelangelo unveiled the famous Statue of David in Florence.

Didn’t your birthday just get so much cooler?  I’m going to research my birthday now so we can compare events…Anyways, I just wanted to give you a Bella Life shout-out because you are my boo and I love you! We have had ups and downs, some serious cries and laughs, and eaten a lot of food together at 12:30 am. Thank you for being my secret keeper and sharing my love for anything ancient. I wouldn’t want to talk about the Vikings, Celtic languages, and Roman literature with anyone else.  You forced our friendship down my throat with your quick wit and generous heart and I am so glad my pride finally crumbled ;) Cheers to 25 more years of friendship.

xoxoxo

Keighley

Post Script: Remember how I was horribly rude to you on campus 2 weeks ago? Forgive me… I was a total biotch. My only excuse being I was stressed and standing outside in 115 degree whether. (wow, my excuse is so lame. sorry.)

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September 8th, 2010

shopping with the girls: Moth House Etsy

I am a little flustered right now. I just stumbled upon Moth House Shop on Etsy and I am completely head over heels for this jewelry! Not only do I love the jewelry but the artist is adorable and obviously has such a great personality. Check it out!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Sharina. I’m 24 years old and I live in sunny Jacksonville, Florida with my boyfriend Alexander and our adorable Old English sheepdog, Clementine.

I am enamored with all things vintage. I blame this condition on my grandparents’ old farmhouse in Iowa. I spent countless summers there rummaging through drawers, reading old cards, and trying on the fur capelets and floor-length dresses still hanging in the closets. The name Moth House comes from this idea of exploration and history. I often daydream about one of my pieces being found years from now and being loved all over again.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Even when I’m not creating, my mind is never far from conjuring up new designs. That being said, the bills still have to get paid. Unfortunately, this is not a “Quit your Day Job” interview so I work two part-time jobs besides Etsy. Although balancing three jobs can be hectic at times, the thought of working 8-5 every day makes me cringe. I like having the freedom to travel and take afternoon naps. Naps are very important to me.

Please describe your creative process.

As fashionable as I may be in my mind, the reality is you can usually find me in a grey t-shirt and jeans. So that’s where I start. I love the idea that one piece of jewelry can completely transform an outfit from grungy to chic. It is the best feeling to know that people are buying something you made to express their personal style.

I work with as many vintage materials as possible, so the most exciting part of beginning a new collection is the treasure hunt. Once I have collected all my new goodies, I sit and stare at them. Sometimes the answer is obvious and a piece will just kind of make itself. Other times, it takes me weeks to realize that the chain I bought to use as a bracelet really wants to be pulled apart and made into a pair of earrings.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I would love to have my own studio where I can work and hang out with my pup all day. I’d like the rest to be a surprise.

I love gold and I heart Sharina. Check out Moth House

xoxo

 

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September 7th, 2010

Celebrating Blog Week with…drumroll…. Decor8 Blog!

Tomorrow, we officially finish our week (and a day) celebration of International Blog Day. When we originally discussed the possibility of celebrating International Blog Day we planned to only spotlight a handful of our favorite blogs on August 31st. We quickly realized that we loved TOO MANY blogs and it would be nearly impossibly to narrow down our favorites to fill only 1 day. So version two of International Blog Dayquickly took shape and we concluded that if we  highlighted two blogs each day  for an entire week we would be able to get a good amount of content up from some of our favorite reads. It was only a matter of hours however that option 2 quickly went kaput due to an overwhelming amount of responses from some of our favorite bloggers! Not only were we flattered they responded to “little ol’ us” so quickly, but we were honored that these amazing Blog-ettes trusted us to use parts of their original content. {This may not make sense to some of you, but in the blogging world using someone else’s blog content is a big “No, No” without written approval.}

Anyways, one of the bloggers we where most anxious to hear back from but also resigned to not getting a response from was decor8 blog. Decor8 blog, (to us) started the home decor blogging revolution and when you are that important,  a lot of people tend to want your time and attention . We didn’t think getting a response was even possible since (most likely) there are hundreds and thousands of emails flooding her inbox on a weekly basis. Boy, were we wrong. As we sat in our office one bright and dreadfully hot Arizona day, I opened our email account to see that we had a response from the one and only Mrs. Holly Becker! (The Founder & Editor of decor8) I think I may have fallen off of my chair when I saw her name pop up in our inbox. and then I proceeded to faint when I read that she thought I was “cute”.  Got chills? Me too.

Emailing back and forth with Holly was like a blogging dream come true. It is no secret that we brag to anyone who will listen that WE have been following decor8 blog from some of her earliest posts…. I’m talking 2006 people! It feels like only yesterday that I stumbled upon decor8while sitting at my mothers kitchen table with my boobie Joanna. Since then, decor 8 has been apart of my life and I have loved every minute of it. Wow, I digress. Although it is near impossible to sum up the awesomeness of decor8 blog  in one post, I will attempt to highlight some of the best aspects- in my personal and professional opinion *wink.

 

 

Meet Holly Becker, an American writer and design consultant who splits her time between her offices in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Hannover, Germany.  Through extensive travel throughout North America and Europe, along with working for major magazines and interacting with talented artists and designers worldwide, Holly’s catalog of daily finds keeps her closely tied into the field.  Plus, it allows her to work as a design consultant & writer (while keeping her style fresh and creative).

In addition to decor8 and her design practice, Holly is a weekly columnist at Real Simple magazine online and she maintains a second blog, Haus Maus, where she documents her life as an expat. {Sidenote: Haus Maus is Holly’s little diary for documenting how an american sets up house in Germany. Haus Maus is also the nickname her husband Thorsten calls her.}

Holly also founded Blogging Your Way in February 2009, a series of online workshops that she instructs virtually for 200 students about creative blogging, writing from the heart, and making a blog and personal reflection of your own style and taste.

That’s not all folks! Holly has also worked for a number of top magazines, newspaper and television networks. Some of her most recent work includes: working as a columnist for Domino magazine online (2006-2009), Cookie magazine online (2008-2009), and as a bi-weekly columnist for the Boston Globe (in their Style & Arts section reporting on design trends). In addition to this, she has worked on assignments for HGTV, HGTV Ideas magazine as a Style Editor, Boston magazine, Adorn and LUXX magazine in Singapore.

Phew.  Let me take a moment to catch my breath.

Now do you understand why we were NOT expecting a reply?!  Although Holly has all that on her plate she still makes time to: email back bloggers in the making like us, be active with friends and family, travel, be a wife, and get this……. remodel and move into a new place in Germany!

 

 

This is one of the rooms in her new place. It’s all so dreamy. You must Go HERE to check out more! Oh, the floors.

Another aspect of decor8 that I absolutely love, is seeing Holly’s own personal style. Yes, she highlights amazing artist, designers, and products, but there is something about seeing her own purchases that makes my heart pitter patter. For example, Holly bought a 1940′s Jugendstil Style Vintage Buffet and these Wood and Wool Stools for her home! Seriously, how can you not love her after seeing her incredible purchases. It is obvious that she puts a lot of thought into her own purchases and I am completely inspired by it. (I tend to grab the cheapest thing around to fill the space in my home… totally backfires! Within a week I am completely over it.)

 

 

Holly also knows the value of “the Martha”. Her post Martha, Where Art Thou? made me appreciate the access I have here in America to “the Martha”. I often shake my fists at “the Martha” but, in all reality, I think she is an absolute genius. (even if she has thousands of Martha minions working for her and coming up with ideas.)

Like I mentioned earlier, decor8 highlights some of the best products and designers around. What makes decor8 posts so unique is her global perspective.  One of my absolute favorite products EVER is Sandra Monat’s (from Herzensart) collection of viking plates. I have posted about these amazing plates before, however they deserve another shout out!

 

Sandra is a German artist/designer and without decor8 I would never have stumbled upon these. That is why Holly’s perspective is so inspirational for readers. You will always find unique at decor8.

 

Lastly, decor8 is more than just a blog highlighting home decor trends and products. Holly makes it a point to get in touch with her readers and their personal lives. She often does “Real Talk”  posts, where she makes an observation or poses a questions in which readers are asked to give a “real” response.  My personal favorite is  Talk It Out: Half Empty, Half Full.  She writes, “I will call this space the “Half Empty, Half Full” corner today. It’s where you can literally dump what makes your life, or job, or anything “half empty” but make sure that before you end your post you include your “half full” feelings, too.”

I encourage you to go read her readers responses.

In conclusion, we adore decor 8 and you will too!

 

www.decor8blog.com

Haus Maus

decor8 Twitter

Facebook

decor8 Amazon Store

 

 Holly,

Thanks again for your kind email response.  You made our day year!

xoxo,

The Bella Girls 

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September 7th, 2010

Taking Timeout Through Music

It’s back to work! Take a timeout and listen to these two version of the song Parachute. Which do you like better?

Original artist, Cheryl Tweedy! She super sexy but the question is… does her voice give the song  justice? I heart this video.

Post Script: Can I be Cheryl? She is seriously gorgeous and is an awesome dancer. sigh.

This is Ingrid Michaelson covering Parachute. Pure bliss, but definitely misses the sexy Cheryl Tweedy element!


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September 7th, 2010

Quote of the Day

The end of labor is to gain leisure. ~Aristotle

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September 6th, 2010

Chocolate & Hazelnut Meringue Cake by Tartelette

 

Since you have all been so good I am rewarding you with another recipe (with pictures) from the talented Tartelette! Enjoy.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Meringue Cake, adapted from Martha Stewart.

That cake is sublime! A flourless, creamy, complex and yet not so rich that you have to stop after one bite – more like control yourself from not wanting it for dessert at every meal.

Makes one 9-inch cake

Prep Notes:
- Now is not the time to use the cheap-o chocolate! Get the best quality bittersweet chocolate you can find as it is the star of the recipe. (Guittard, Callebaut, Valrhona, El Rey, Scharffen Berger, etc…)
- To toast the hazelnuts, preheat oven to 350F and spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- To skin the nuts without driving yourself crazy, place them in a mesh bag (like a recycled orange or lemon bag) and rub the nuts between your hand over the sink. The skins will fall and only the “naked” nuts will remain in your bag.
- The cake at room temperature is excellent but served really cold, it becomes even fudgier and the meringue gives slightly under your tooth like a soft pavlova. Brilliant!

 
For the cake:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
6 large whole eggs, separated
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso (or vanilla)
1 1/2 tablespoons rum (optional)(not with us!)
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the meringue:
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped (1 cup)
1 cup hazelnuts (about 4 ounces), toasted and skinned (see notes)and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar


 

 

Prepare the cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-3-inch springform pan. Line bottom with parchment paper. Butter parchment and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter and brown sugar until pale and smooth at medium speed, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the bottom and sides of your bowl if necessary. Add the melted chocolate, espresso (or vanilla), rum, if using, and salt. Beat until combined. Transfer to a clean bowl and wash your mixing bowl thoroughly.
In a clean mixer bowl fitted the whisk attachment, beat the 6 egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold one-third of the egg whites into chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining egg whites and pour batter into prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes.

Prepare the meringue:
Combine the chopped chocolate, nuts and cornstarch in a small bowl, and set aside. Place remaining 4 egg whites in a clean mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until frothy. With the mixer running, slowly add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Fold in hazelnut mixture.

Assembly and Finish:
Remove cake from oven. Using a large offset spatula, spread meringue mixture on top of cake using as little strokes as possible not to deflate the meringue, and return to oven. Bake until meringue is lightly browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let stand 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen, and release sides of pan. Let cool, about 30 minutes, before slicing and serving.

 

All images approved by My Tartelette

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September 6th, 2010

24 hours

It’s been a fabulous weekend so far! We will be back full force tomorrow with our last Celebrating BLOG WEEK (and a day) Highlight-ee! I would say we have saved best for last however everyone that’s joined us in celebration has been pretty incredible. For now I leave you with pictures. These are a few pictures highlighting mine and Onions 24 hour road trip to the “Cottage”.  We decided a road trip was necessary when we found ourselves staring at each other Saturday afternoon bored to tears. It truly was a fabulous time until hour 23 when Onion and I started arguing about Elin and Tiger Woods child custody agreement. I have no idea why this topic even came up (Neither of us know  much about it) but I almost dragon scratched Onions face off! He liked to think our discussion was a intellectual debate, I thought it was completely LAME! Anyways, cheers to the previous 22 hours.

The cottage!

Yes, the colors were that vibrant.

Onion is super bugged I made him pose like this and am now posting it. I just want to make it clear… Onion would never lean against a fire escape and smile so prettily without major incentive.

This picture leaves me speechless. I look so BoHo chic with my scarf tied around my head, greasy hair, and my makeup free face! HA. Im not going to even mention the fact I had been eating Wendy’s, Reese’s and taffy.  Anyways, this was the final moments of bliss before the Elin/Tiger discussion and I feel it is only fitting I post this picture.  ALSO I wanted my girl Chanel to get mad at me for lack of blush… again.

Taffy #’s 126, 127, 128!

Keighley

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August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Week With ME OH MY!

Me Oh My is the blog of a wife, mother and student named Nicole! {sounds busy} I happen to come across her blog randomly about a month ago and it has become one of my favorite blogs to visit. Not only does Nicole have amazing style, but her pictures are flawless and her life in California makes me want to say Me Oh MY! (I think my desert dwelling days are numbered people…) Anyways, we wanted to highlight Me Oh My because Nicole is obviously knowledgeable about home decor, has some incredible DIY projects and you need to see her KITCHEN TABLE! Oh Vey, her kitchen table is ridiculous. Ridiculous = Amazing.

So please feast your eyes on some of Nicole’s (Me Oh MY) DIY projects.

#1

Me Oh My loved this garden planter above from Anthropologie for a while however she wasn’t wanting to  want to fork out $40! Makes sense to us!

Then one day she saw this at Homegoods-$9.99 are you out of your mind?

So she bought a can of cream textured spray paint, and gave the planters a good first coat.

Me Oh My then sprayed the planter with white spray paint (she always has cans of white laying around) After the white spray paint she again went back over it a few more times with the texture spray. This time concentrating on where she wanted thicker texture- at the base and at some of the angles on top.

She writes, “Of course the Anthropolgie one is much prettier, but there pass the test- especially mixed in with the other plants!”

Personally, I think these went beyond passing the test. They look AMAZING!

#2

This Garland seems complicated by the steps, but it is so simple! You must try it. I made them a while back, and found the tutorial here.

I wasn’t sure which fabrics to use, so I bought a few different kinds.

The silkier fabrics create a softer floppy flower, and the stiffer fabrics created a more of a structured flower. I preferred the sturdier fabrics. I got about a yard of each color of fabric I wanted to use. I then folded it a few times and cut it at about 3-4″ wide.  (Each cut varied.)

Unfold your fabric and thread your needle. Fold the fabric back and forth to make your stitch. This was the fastest way to get through all the fabric.

Once all of your fabric is thread, pull to gather the fabric down the thread to create your flower.

Knot the thread a few times to keep the middle of the flower tight.

After you finish all your flowers, glue onto selected trim. I went with a thicker more substantial trim, which I think really helped with the weight of the flowers.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT!

This post has inspired my Halloween Decor for 2010. Thank You!

Lastly, here are a few pictures of Nicole’s home…. look at the table.

 

We love Me OH My

For more information:

www.meohmymama.blogspot.com

meohmyblog@gmail.com

 

All images courtesy of Me Oh MY

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August 30th, 2010

Celebrating Blog Week With Brittany Barnes {aka Live Your Life}

When us Bella Girls were sitting around discussing who we wanted to highlight for Blog Week a name came up in our discussion…  after a few minutes of talking and blog stalking it was clear a post about this particular person was a MUST. Brittany Barnes the face behind Live Your Life, blogs solely to document her life. Although her blog is mostly about herself, her honey, and her hobbies it is a blog filled with inspirations! Another element to Live Your Life that we just adore is Brittany’s ability to blend  something classy and unique into every post. Not only does Brittany have an Etsy Shop and Wardrobe Styling Service BUT she is an amazing thrifter. {Hello… how can you not love a thrifter?} Even though there are a number of posts we would love to highlight today we are specifically highlighting Brittany’s style advice, personal style and of course some of her amazing Thrift Store Finds!

Its Just In Our Blood

so i decided to do a little showing off. unfortunately most of our favorites from thrift stores, yard sales and antique shops are locked in a storage unit miles away. we have lots of finds from home decor, clothes for both of us and even things for our future children. i only included stuff for me in this post, all things found in utah. it is funny how feminine these all are, i used to be very very feminine. floral prints everywhere and anything sparkly. there is a lot of that still inside me, however i feel my style has headed more into a classier and simple direction. when wearing or using any of these items, i try to balance the femininity with more masculine styles (darker colors, sharper angles and stiffer fabrics). mixing things up is the best part.


austrian earrings from the 1940′s. the woman i bought these from has a yard sale every summer in orem. she has an english accent and knows a lot about her things. the minute these sparkled before my eyes… i had to have them. they are more gorgeous in real life and i’m excited to pass them down.

i just love vintage suitcases. i found the one on the left at a vintage shop in salt lake.  the one on the right is from deseret industries in provo, utah. i paid $2.00 for it. on our cruise in february i used it for all my bathroom products and i’m not gonna lie, i felt like the cutest thing carrying it everywhere.

oh the butterfly dress. the best part about this dress is that it fits perfectly and i didn’t have to get it tailored. i feel very happy when i wear it. don’t remember where i bought it but i do remember that it was $17.

don’t remember the price on this. from “decades” in salt lake. i love the birds and the gold chain.

i love belts. i rarely pay full price for a belt. belts can be ridiculously expensive. i have a lot of belts in lots of colors (except for these three brown), i like to get different textures to add visual interest to my outfits.

one thing i know about treasure hunting is that you shouldn’t buy unless you absolutely love it. and if you ever see something that just tugs at your heart, you better grab it.

Lastly, I asked Brittany to send me her Do’s and Don’t of fashion. Read closely because this girl knows how to look classy/HOTT without appearing like she spent 5 hours getting ready. That my friends is talent!

DO’s

1.) To feel your best, you want to project your best self. Taking time to appear your prettiest helps your self esteem, motivation and happiness.

2.) Choose clothing that reinforces who you are. We are all smart enough to determine whether someone is comfortable or not. In times where you feel down on your looks (we all do occasionally), try to focus on what makes you different and let that be the theme of your shopping trips.

3.) Always wear clothing that is appropriate for the occasion. Pajamas are for bed time. Work-out clothing is for exercising.

4.) Do have an imagination. For me, I like to pretend as though I’m playing dress up. I pick out whatever I’m in the mood for (whether it be a princess or a smart librarian nerd) and remind myself that choosing what to wear should be easy and fun. Never Stressful. We can all wear whatever we want! Isn’t that cool?

5.) Be happy for other and their style or creativity. Love other for their uniqueness and learn to appreciate it.

DONT’s

1.) Don’t become a slave to what blogs, windows displays or fashion magazines tell you is in style. The people that dress cookie cutter to the latest trends appear the most clueless about who they are.

2.) Don’t buy clothing that does not fit. This is where people loose their credibility the fastest. Just remember when your clothing pulls horizontally in your widest areas… it’s too tight. When it falls with vertical lines (gaping) it’s too loose.

3.) We’ve all read a million times in this last year that “matching is overrated”. If you take it too far… you are just going to look like an idiot. Always look for things that have something in common. Have a focal point. Think of having a dominant actress and two supporting actresses in your outfits. If there is too much going on, people will focus on your clothing instead of you.

4.) For heaven’s sake before you leave the house… look at what you’re wearing from all angles! Check to see lines and make sure nothing interesting is poking out where it shouldn’t be. See through clothing is most of the time going to appear white trash, wear the right bras. And about bras, armpit hole in blouses that are so wide that we can see your bra? Not so good either.

5.) Don’t stress too much! Have fun. That is the most important thing. If you love fur and you also love silk, find a balanced way to put it together and pull it off. And once you do… don’t worry about what other’s will think and just own it.

To check out more about Live Your Life aka Brittany

Blog: www.grantandbritt.blogspot.com

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettyvisage

Wardrobe Styling Services: http://grantandbritt.blogspot.com/2009/10/wardrobe-styling-services.html

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August 27th, 2010

Company C

Company C is having a SALE! {selected items}

To check out what rugs are available, stop by the Company C Website. However if you stop by The Bella Life Blog on Monday you can check out what rugs and what prices Bella Fine’ Design can get you… don’t freak out BUT they are even cheaper!

I heart Company C.

Check Back To See What I Can Get You!

xoxo Keighley xoxo

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August 27th, 2010

Picture Perfect

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August 26th, 2010

WARNING: Be offended at your own risk!

 

Readers? Are you out there? 

Wait. Yes… Yes, you are. 

How do I know this? Google Analytics my friends.  You better believe that us “Bella Girls” stay up until 12:01 am, just so we can sneak a peek at the prior day’s website traffic.  We’re kind of OCD like that (Thanks Debs!). 

With that said, this leads me to the following question…

 

Why do we never get comments?

 

98% of the time.  We {Keighley, Kiersten, Jamie and I} have to comment on each other’s blog posts just so we can reassure one another that:

 

{Queue teeny bopper talk} “OMG! Your post was hilar! Where do you come up with this stuff.”

or

{Queue Southern twang} “Girl, I am seriously having thrift store envy right now. You snag them ‘finds’.”

and

“You are my inspiration, truly. You’re my reason for living, for being. {Now, this is where you come in with a strong KC and JOJO singing voice} You are close to me like my mother, close to my like my father, close to me like my sister, close to me like my brother. You are the only one my everything and for you this song I sing.  All my life, I pray for someone like you….”

 

Are you catching my drift yet? Would you like more examples, or shall I go on?

Let’s proceed.

Today, we sat around pondering the lack of comments we receive.

 

 

And… we pondered. {Please note the packaging still on the legs of our office chair.  We’re kind of classy like that.}

 

 

Here’s what we came up with:

  1. We aren’t personable enough.
  2. It’s because the majority of us haven’t been with child.
  3. You’ve heard about our disdain for cap sleeve shade shirts.
  4. Maybe we’re overbearing?
  5. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! (I threw that one in there to make sure you are listening)
  6. You don’t know how to comment? (At the bottom of the post, click on the “Comments” link)

 

Please. Help us. Help you. 

What could we do to get you to comment?

 

—Camberley—

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August 26th, 2010

Natural Products For Your Teeth

Being Tooth Fairy Week I thought it was fitting to do a post on natural toothpaste products. It’s time we throw out the sugar and chemical infused pastes for the Natural! Who’s with me?
 
 
 
 
Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste

Pack of six, 6-ounce per tube for $19.02 @ Amazon!
Natural Calcium base cleans teeth thoroughly and effectively right down to the gum line.
100% fluoride free
Features hydrated silica purified from the earth for whitening and stain removal

Nathan Vegilo writes, “I really like this toothpaste. Tastes like it’s actually something good for you, not like some of the “candy” toothpastes you see on store shelves lately. Have had good results from using it with good checkups from the dentists. And my teeth look great!! I was a bit skeptical about switching from so many years of getting bombarded with ads telling me how good this brand or that brand is. Never have seen an ad for Tom’s, just had recommendations from friends. Finally gave it a show and am glad I did.”
 
 
 
 
 
Jason’s Healthy Mouth – All Natural Tea Tree and Aloe CoQ10 Tooth Gel -
$23.92 @ Amazon
Freshen up your smile with Healthy Mouth all-natural Tea Tree & Aloe tooth gel.
Get whiter, brighter teeth without chemicals or harsh abrasives.
CoQ10 helps heal and protect gums
*Tea Tree, clove and Cinnamon Oils freshen breath to blast halitosis away
*With fluoride for cavity protection
*CoQ10 helps to heal and strengthen gums.
Nomom writes, “I love this toothpaste. It’s easy on the mouth unlike many brands I have used. I like that it has teatree oil. Makes my teeth feel very clean. It has a bit of an aftertaste which I don’t find unpleasant and a splash of mouthwash takes care of it. Over all a great product, highly recommended. “

 

Desert ESSENCE Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
$5.11 @ Amazon
The ingredients in this product are:
Purified Water
Glycerin
Polysorbate 80
Organic Tea Tree Oil
Aloe Vera Gel
Witch Hazel Distillate
Ascorbic Acid
Calcium Ascorbate
Citric Acid
Essential Oil of Spearmint
Savannah writes, “I have tried so many natural toothpastes over the past two years and have never finished a tube due to the fact I have a hard time getting past the taste. I finally have found one with a mild, minty taste that cleans my teeth well, and leaves no bitter aftertaste- and I’m sticking with it! This paste is so mild and fresh that I have converted my husband and two daughters over to it- something that would have never happened with previous pastes I have tried. I love how fresh and clean my mouth feels after brushing with this- we have a winner!”
My only objection is that the boxes look really drab. Oh well.

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August 26th, 2010

Kate Ridder

When I see Katie Ridder’s work it makes me want to buy a house so bad! Every room is going to have a different wallpaper by Ridder. Ok, not every room but at LEAST one. These prints are stunning.

Check her out HERE

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August 25th, 2010

Everything Right

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August 25th, 2010

Fall Fashion Trends

 

We are predicting that these jumbo hoop earrings are going to be one of the biggest trends of Fall 2010. Doesn’t she look stunning? So delicious.

Diva Kier

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August 25th, 2010

Off My Chest

Everyone… something just happened. It just happened- like in 3 minutes ago and I have to post about it before I go to bed because Onion isn’t home and I have no one else to talk to! I am feeling nauseous.

So 10 minutes ago I walked into my bathroom planning on taking a quick bath. I was needing to soak my sore muscles and have a few calming minutes to myself. As I happily walked towards my tub with a glass of ice water in hand,  I was horrified to see there was a cricket sitting in my tub. A CRICKET WAS IN MY PRECIOUS TUB! I hate crickets and seeing one in my tub about sent me over the edge. I did the only thing I could do, I threw my ice water on it in and attempt to send it on it’s merry way- down the drain of course.  Well obviously I wasn’t thinking clearly because that little cricket started jumping all around the tub. The water did not phase it. In a total panic I turned on the tub faucet then ran to the sink faucet where I proceed to fill up my now empty glass! I kept running back and forth, back and forth, filling my cup with water and then aiming my throws at the cricket. (It took me about 30 seconds to realize the bath water was running and I could just use that to fill up my cup.) Anyways, things just got outta hand so fast. I was trying to get this cricket (which I should mention was a little older than a baby… I personally feel the age of the cricket is making me feel worse about this.) down the drain and it was just jumping and swimming and jumping and swimming and jumping and swimming. It was trying SO hard to live and I just wanted it to go down the drain. It just wouldn’t stop trying. I swear on Onions head that the toddler cricket was trying to hop on the very top of the drain plug (because the very top of the plug sticks out of the water) so it could get a breath so it could keep fighting!

After 5 minutes of me screaming and throwing water and the cricket trying to jump and cling and breath I started getting sick inside. I could see the cricket slowing down yet trying so hard to keep going. Toddler cricket being exhausted switched his game plan and started swimming with the water current. I broke. Literally I was on my knees pleading with the cricket to “just give up” and apologizing! I’ll claim psycho right now… I was honest to goodness begged the cricket. Seeing the toddler crickets antennas floating askew and its legs kicking as hard as they could made me feel even worse. It was no longer trying to get a cricket down the drain it was WATCHING myself commit murder. I started slowing the water pressure down so the tub would drain faster BUT heaven forbid the cricket couldn’t just float away! Toddler cricket sensed whenever the water was draining and would again start fighting ferociously.

Then my brain starting thinking about killing animals and automatically turned to thoughts of someone harming Piper… and again I felt even worse.

7 minutes into it and I was still begging toddler cricket to “JUST GO!”. I felt like the damage had already been done and I had to finish what I had started. Could I have stopped it all and gotten a cup, scooped him out and released him? YES! I didn’t do it though. I just kept looking away or closing my eyes because I SWEAR I couldn’t stand seeing those little legs kick anymore. Finally after an eternity, toddler cricket turned over onto his back and started floating towards the drain. I solemnly turned off the bath faucet and watched him float… and float… and float…. Right before he reached the drain abyss though he gave three or four really hard kicks in an attempt to fight the pulling water one last time. No joke, he fought until the very end.

Disgusted with myself I slammed the plug down (because toddler cricket would try to crawl back out),sprayed the tub out with Comet, and walked away. I feel horrible and disgusted with myself! I should have just waited for Onion to get home so he could release toddler cricket into the wild. I am so nauseous…

The blood of toddler cricket covers my hands.

I’m going to go take a shower and try to sleep.

Keighley

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August 24th, 2010

Picture Perfect

Hint: Blow it up to get the best picture

keighley

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August 24th, 2010

Carebear

It is no secret Carrie is my BFF and today I am reminded how much I luvvv her. This song brought tears to my eyes today… cheesy right? Anyways, I’ve posted this song before but had to share this live performance because her dress is so dreamy. I wish I could wear it around my house.

Also, her teeth are amazing and any Tooth Fairy would have molar envy.

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August 23rd, 2010

On Campus With Keighley

 

It is my last semester at ASU. Ever. (well until a Masters Program…. Debs stop shaking your head)

I thought it would be only fitting that I document these last few precious months via my cell phone and post it for all the Internet to see.

August 23 Campus Happenings

 

Currently sitting in the Language Lit building reading Utopia- well trying to read Utopia. This is the book I bought out in California and I have to say it is gorgeous. It almost makes everything Thomas More is writing make sense. Almost.

 

I am also itching my legs like CRAZY! My mosquito bites are driving me mad. This picture only shows 3 out of the 10.

Dear Jamie,

 I want to write this short blog letter to express my sympathy. I am SO sorry you have 30 + insect bites on your legs and are pregnant and have two cute monsters to chase around all day and have weird bruises and have to do it all in this weather.

Love, Keighley

I just got last semesters final paper back and my professor wrote LOL as a remark. (laugh out loud) I don’t know whether to be mortified or proud. On the back page she left this remark:

“interesting approach and very unique”

 

 

Finally, I am contemplating. I am contemplating whether I want to get myself an unhealthy snack from the vending machine or punch the annoying girl on the phone in the face. She is driving me mad. Honestly she is worse than my mosquito bites! I had no idea you could have a 15 minutes phone conversation in baby-talk.

For now I am trying to stay calm and breath….

 

 

Keighley

 

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