Dec2

The Surprising Divide Between Those Who Knit and Those Who Crochet

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The Surprising Divide Between Those Who Knit and Those Who Crochet

Every few years knitted, or crocheted clothing and accessories resurface as in style.  And over the years I have owned and worn many a knitted sweater, or scarf. However, what I did not know about this textile is that is has not only withstood the test of time but it has both opponents and fans in each corner.

Recently, I was looking for a craft to take up that I could make good use of, something that I might be able to donate. I found a slew of information regarding knitting and crocheting things like blankets, sweaters, scarves and caps for people in need. Once I knew that I would be learning something that would make use of my idle hands during down time, and be of use to someone else I thought I was ready to collect some supplies. But this is where I came to learn the differences between the two activities. This took me on a lengthy investigation of which is easier, pricier, more attractive and while on that search I also learned that some knitters believe their craft is elevated in status to those who crochet. Apparently, to the best of what I could dig up, this has something to do with the elite members of society having learned to knit, as a hobby, and the help having to master crocheting to bring in extra money back in the day. In conclusion, I decided to learn which ever there was available at in the hobby shop down in town.  But, I bet I never look at these handiworks in quite the same way again.

Nov8

The Search For Life Changing Trips Brings Clarity

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The Search For Life Changing Trips Brings Clarity

Ok, so this might not be the most inspired tale, but this is how it happened to me nonetheless. While I was just an intsy bit tempted to make up something more glamorous, I decided to stick with the real thing. Last week I was in a dentist’s office waiting room with only the all too common past their prime magazines. Of the batch, I felt an ounce of relief when I found a Travel and Leisure beneath the gossip rags.

Next thing I noticed was that it was an edition from 2009, but it did advertise on the cover that inside they would reveal 15 of what they believed were life changing trips. And I took a moment and thought, well if they could have such an impact just three years ago, surely they must still hold standing. Of course if these destinations had not been impacted by natural disasters, or political strife.

Unfortunately, I did encounter quite a few places that I knew were not to be, such as Japan and Mexico, which led me to think about how lucky I have been to have already explored so many amazing places, places that were on this very list. Most grounding was that Instead of travellers being changed by the places on that list, those places had been changed by a brief period of time. Though I did not find my next excursion within those pages, I did find a reason to be even more thankful on a daily basis.

Oct13

A Fall Vegetable Dish to Add to Your Favourites

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A Fall Vegetable Dish to Add to Your Favourites

I was searching for a new roasted vegetable recipe for the fall and came across one that not only looked like a comfort dish, but also had me branching out. You see, aside from hummus, and as an occasional additive in a salad, I do not use chickpeas. I have nothing against them, in fact I even have two containers of them in my cupboard normally. But, it is rare for me to collect a recipe that has them down as an ingredient.

The recipe for this roasted vegetable dish only takes thirty minutes in total to prepare, so I was more than interested upon first reading that tidbit. More impressive was the fact that I actually like all of the veg involved…translation I do not care for squash.

Ingredients

One pound of carrots

One pound sweet potatoes

One large red onion

One pound red or russet potatoes

Six loves garlic

One 16 ounce can chickpeas

Two tablespoons olive oil

One teaspoon dried rosemary

One teaspoon packed brown sugar

One half teaspoon salt

One half teaspoon ground black pepper

Mix the non vegetable ingredients together to create a sauce, and pour over the chopped veg in a roasting pan. Cook in a preheated oven (425 F) for 45 min. Shake container every fifteen minutes.

Sep22

Playing the Online Fashion Game

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Playing the Online Fashion Game

The latest and greatest thing is the online stylist template, which is also a game. With these you  can generate an entire outfit, from top to bottom,  simply by dragging and dropping articles into the allocated space for the ensemble you are creating. It is interactive, so you learn whether you have selected the best of the bunch to enhance the overall look, or if you chose poorly in the opinion of designers. However, it does not leave you hanging, should you make a less than stellar combo, it will tell you why another piece works better.

By the time you are done you will have mastered several styles. For example, the first look I tried was the “Girl Meets Boy” one. It had everything put together, like a classic boy blazer, floral print silk button down, tweed shorts, and tan leather accessories. The question being which shoes go best. The options are a black leather flat, a strappy gladiator heel in tan, or an emerald green suede platform.

Wonder what the answer is? Green suede platform wins out. And the game told me exactly why – This outfit was begging for a pop of colour along with a scoop of texture. I had a lot of fun playing, and was pretty impressed with my final score, so I can recommend it.

Aug8

The Beloved Shoe That Transcends Trends With Ease

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The Beloved Shoe That Transcends Trends With Ease

There is a very good reason why the term “ballet flats” is one of the most popular searches in online magazines. For it is not a shoe known for elongating the leg, making women look sexy, or even taller, and yet it is adored by the masses. You name a designer and chances are they have fashioned a ballet flat or two into their collection. Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Manolo Blahnik,  Jill Sander and  numerous others have all gotten in on this bandwagon. And then on top of it all, there seems to be a favourite style for every designer, or fashion editor, and these are often broadcast. Perhaps it is the fact that this flat shoe is capable of portraying so many things without being anything other than itself.

If you are a classically inspired fashionista then tortoise shell might be your embellishment of choice on a pair of ballet flats, or if you like to jazz things up you may have them in covered in metallic sequins. But aside from this shoe being one that seems to transcend trends and avoids being classified as being associated with a particular era, it is one that also sidesteps a truth that seems to haunt other shoes. That is you can spend a little or a lot and find a beautiful pair to suit your personal style.  Bravo ballet slippers!

Jul28

Get a Head Start on the Makeup Trends For Winter 2011

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Get a Head Start on the Makeup Trends For Winter 2011

 

Wondering what is going to be on trend in the makeup world this winter? Just take a gander at the models that graced the catwalk and you will have your answer. Take a deep breath, and rev yourself up to use greens, reds and oranges as your go to eye shadow colours of choice for winter 2011. To fun things up, get those eye-popping shades in metallic versions.

We can’t recommend enough that you look at some of the makeup lesson videos online to get things right. For, this is a look that will make you belle of the ball front and centre, and not a wallflower. It will be hard to get noticed with this trend, and nobody wants to get noticed for getting it wrong. This is especially true where two colours are being used.

In addition, one of the other trends is bold eyeliner, and I think you can see where I am going with this. Trying to combine the coloured eyeshadow with bold eyeliner without a good understanding of how to do so could be terrifying, to both those you encounter and your reputation. So, do your homework, get it spot on, and look fab for it.

Jun5

How to Get Jeans That Go the Distance

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How to Get Jeans That Go the Distance

Jeans, we all know them, have them and wear them. They fall into the enduring style category big time, but this only true if you pick the right ones. Now, if you go off on some trend tangent, then you should know better than to expect them to last you years. Or let me rephrase that; don’t expect that you will want to wear them for years to come.  Shop right now, and you could be reaping the benefits of your buyer’s wisdom for a good long while. Smart and stylish, what a winning combo!

A pair of  favourite jeans can go the distance in a person’s wardrobe, but only if they meet some requirements, or better yet you avoid some pitfalls. For example, choose wisely for your body type. If you are small and short in stature then you want darker jeans to elongate your legs (deep blues/ blacks).  Stay clear of fly by night styles, such as strategically placed tears or fading, these will loose their interests before you know it, and both can make legs look shorter and bums look bigger. Please do not even get me started on bejeweled, patterned or otherwise “enhanced” jeans, because I will talk your ear off.  Summary: Purchase jeans with good clean lines, in sensible colours for your shape and not only will you reach for them frequently, you will not cringe at pictures of yourself because you were one of the few that actually  paid for  a fad that lasted the length of a movie.

May13

Great Gatsby Brings Great Style in 2012

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Great Gatsby Brings Great Style in 2012

By now you have probably heard that a remake of the film The Great Gatsby is underway. More exciting than the promise of an updated version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fantastic book, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire taking the helm is the promise of a return to that wonderful style of attire from the Jazz Age.

Above the fashion for women during this era, I hold that of the men. There was such an air of refinement, and a crispness that has long since been lost on current generations. A flashback to pointed lapels of suit jackets, collar pins and canes will be much applauded. Plus an eagerly anticipated wink at hats, ah men in hats fantastique. Imagine the resurgence of the straw Panama hat, the British driving cap and felt fedoras. Some of these will undoubtedly make waves in modern day attire.

But to get the ball rolling, I intend to host a Roaring 20’s theme party.  No one will be admitted without an ascot, spats, or other period inspired get up.  Along with finger waves, and arrow straight parts of course. I can barely stand the anticipation, and from what I’ve read the new film is still quite a ways off.

Guess I could rewatch the original to get into the mood. Or, start to perfect my knowledge of jazz music. Just hope this excitement, and interest lasts till the anticipated release of the movie on Christmas Day 2012.

Apr27

The Coolest Boat Shoe Around

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The Coolest Boat Shoe Around

Nothing says summer like boating, and to go boating you need boat shoes. Since the classic boat shoe has been around for longer than any of us can remember, they have crossed over to being a bit of a “dad’s shoe.” Yet, as we said previously, to boat you really do need boat shoes. Should you show up for a sail on a friends boat and you have on black-soled shoes, you are almost certain to be invited again. Plus, you may be asked to travel in socks until you once again dock up.

Seem like a conundrum, nah not a bit. The makers of boat shoes have not ignored the need for some changes in their supply range. The latest and greatest in this vein is the high-top boat shoe. Here you have a very modern take on a traditional shoe. They still have attractive moccasin stitching, and a leather heel pull, but these are in one word, cool. Just one look at these and you will be hankering to head out into the great blue expanse for days on end, to live the life of a captain or even a mate. But, considering the cost of some of these high-tops we are thinking more of a captain.

These are definitely alpha male shoes. So, if you are unfamiliar with boating, you may want to get some lesser shoes till you have boned up. Otherwise you might look like a fish out of water….sorry couldn’t resist.

Mar2

What Men Should Never Wear

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What Men Should Never Wear

A friend of mine sent me a link to a men’s fashion site that had done an article on accessories men should positively avoid. I expected to agree upon at least the majority of what was listed, but in actuality found that I think fewer things should be banned altogether. However, I do see a point to identifying which of those I confirm are, as there is merit behind the isolation of these.

First of all DO NOT WEAR SOCKS WITH SANDALS. Really and truly, all you have to do is look at someone who has socks on with sandals to know it looks attrocious. And no, there are not exceptions, like the fact that the socks match the shoes, or the outfit perfectly. No, no, no, no, no!

Next, and this is going to receive some resistance from some, but slacks, trousers, jeans, whatever you are wearing on your bottom half should not rest below your bum. Over the back bump boys, we are never going to believe your front one is capable of holding up what your booty failed to.

While some of the others named included not wearing earrings, belt buckles with words or sayings, nor pinky rings, I can’t rule them all out. None of these cause a physical guttural reaction like the two above do, so have at it if you must.