Simple Super Bowl Ice Cream

I know, we use the kitchen for storage and to make that simple morning cup of coffee or herbal tea before jetting out at noontime to have lunch with an interesting guy who you might have to watch the Super Bowl with on Sunday. Personally, instead of someone bringing food to the viewing party, I would prefer this little trinket from Chanel, as this is the closest thing to food that I would want during the Super Bowl:

But, joking aside, I know you want a snack but don't want to make a fuss, here is a simple homemade ice cream recipe I heard on a commercial aired on an old time radio program from the 1940's. It is simple, yet impressive, and it works, as I tried it in my own designer kitchen, you know, where I store the Gucci bags and Hermes scarves:

Tea For Two

If you are a tea drinker, and if you're not, I would advise taking it up and trading it for some of the other stuff you are used to drinking like sodas or fruit drinks. But don't just reach for the nearest cheap stuff in the grocery store which is filled with caffeine and tastes like ground dirt that requires mountains of sugar. Reach for the nearest herbal teas, and yes, they are great hot or stored in the refrigerator for iced herbal tea adding a few fresh lemon or orange slices after pouring it into your favorite tall clear crystal glass.

Think about all the varieties on the shelf that not only taste good naturally [no sweeteners or milk need be added] but actually benefit your body and promote healthy skin and digestive system. Don't be tempted to immediately reach for the over-the-counter drugs for that allergy or cold, reach for the herbal teas and enjoy. Select what you prefer to try, tea bags or loose tea steeped on the stove top in purified boiling water brought down to a gentle simmer. Herbal teas can be easily found in the grocery store or a local chain like, "Whole Foods". Be careful of solely, stand alone health stores. Unless you have a tried, true and trusted source, I have found their products to be as old and dusty as the shelves they sit on.

Redhead Report

I must address the ladies out there who have red hair, if it is natural, then do your best to keep it shiny. Do not use a lot of products that will dull the color, and I hate to say it, but as you age, red hair is not your friend. It is probably the most difficult color to wear as you age. And I know some like the wild fuchsia or fire engine red, but that is a matter of preference and I don't mean by L'Oreal. Personally, I don't like it, but that's just me and I think it gets tiresome and it looks like you are desperate for attention. It's okay if you are starring in a cult classic film or if you are a comedian. But for most of us commoners, you need to think about how you look and the attention you are getting. Just because people are staring doesn't mean they aren't laughing behind your back. 

Oh, well, here are some examples of great red hair and you need really good skin, because the red will highlight your skin and that may not be a good thing. As with blonde hair, it will take a lot of time, a color specialist, and is a major commitment to keep it looking good. Is it worth it? Maybe, especially if you were born with it, but if it's faked, then I wish you all the luck of the Irish.

Blonde Bulletin

It's time all you people out there desperate to be popular by going blonde to read this important bulletin. Agreed, brunettes have it easier in the color department and can use over-the-counter products. However, if you choose the life path of being blonde, your road will not be easy, you will need to face facts, it will cost more to be blonde than brunette. For some people, they believe the investment is worth it, but don't go cheap. There is nothing uglier and more damaging to your mane than one flat color blonde. Normally, women try for that blonde bombshell look, which only looks like dried out frizzy white/no color or one color hair that is awful. To prove this important and vital point I am making, here are a few photos of the right way to be blonde. Trust me, you will attract attention for being YOU, not because your hair is giant and yellow and people are staring in shock at how awful your hair looks and men might think you come as cheap as that store bought bleach you are using. I am only looking out for your interest as I sit here frantically typing away hoping I can reach at least one woman and save her from a life of misery and hair that breaks off at the ends splitting itself into oblivion.

Go to a hair color specialist, strive for shine, contrast, depth, and subtle color variance:

Collecting: You Are Never Too Old

Don't think just because you are past the age of announcing your age, that you have to start throwing things in the garbage or giving them away to ungrateful relatives, family, friends, co-workers, or retired persons.

Case in point, posted below are a few photos to learn from because we can feel comfortable in what some perceive as clutter. But arranging the items correctly, with a few basic colors grouped together is the key. 

Surrounding yourself with things you have collected over the years makes you feel secure in your environment and makes you happy to be home. Don't be pressured to pare down:

The famous Iris Barrel Apfel's New York apartment. Notice the basic colors at the bottom of the photo. You can use a neutral tone as a base, layer color on top. You can block out your own color scheme the same way, choose your favorite colors, then arrange your furniture, rugs, lamps, and treasures accordingly.

Notice the color blocks at the bottom of the photo, so you can see the colors and how they are used in the room. Have too many books? Just stack them as part of the decor using pretty side tables and a pretty focal point. Don't think of it as clutter, it is your personal design and it looks good and is interesting to the eye.

Don't be afraid to put furniture in front of the fireplace, especially if you have limited space. Again, notice the neutral base with color on top, notice the books to the left stacked neatly on a low seating area. This room is pleasant and contains small treasures that bring interest to the room.

Don't be trapped by a fireplace, use it, use the area in front and around it. This area shows a pretty black and white design with colorful flowers and objects on the mantel. The area looks like it is used, not just a display area, it is functional.

Unplugged: 2014

Yes, girls and boys, go unplugged for 2014. There is nothing uglier than a woman or man constantly chattering away on a phone, whether at work, play, home, sitting, standing, my gosh, start being exclusive for awhile, stop being so available to all the little people in your life. Why is this important? You are making money for other people by constantly using your communications device of your choice, aside from admitting to everyone you have nothing to do and lead an empty life. 

Isn't e-mail and texting enough already? Yes it is, you have a life, it doesn't belong to every idiot trying to bug you every two minutes. Try spending quality time shopping, doing yoga, searching for the perfect shoe, the perfect cut of a jacket, or thinking about what valuable trinket to purchase for yourself, you know, the real thing. No, it doesn't take tons of money, but stop throwing it away on fake stuff, and fake communication. Buy a little gem that will make you smile as you tap away on the keyboard of life and see that little sparkle on your pinky finger. It will brighten your spirit.

Hang up the phone. It is never urgent.

Steal more time for your pets; not with people trying to steal your time.

All you need is that little gem sparkling around your little finger to give you a bit of confidence and style; no words needed.

Brunette is Better

As you transition into 2014, rethink your hair color options. Not every girl has to be, or should be, blonde. Especially think about those constant black roots, and some poor girls resort to going with the skunk look, where they only highlight chunks of their hair blonde and the rest is black or brown/red. Don't let this be your decision. Darker hair adds color to your skin and highlights your eyes. 

Sometimes, brunette is better:

New Year's Resolution: Say no to accessories

Yes, I am here to guide you through 2014 to help you to stop looking like an overloaded circus pony parading around with tons of accessories desperate to hide the fact you have no wardrobe or brains.

I have never been a fan of a lot of accessories, but I am a fan of whatever is real. However, leave the plastic, wood, bamboo, or iron to your furniture, and not on you. Stick with me folks so you get attention for being you, and not for your accessories.

Do you need a visual? Okay, fine, I will try and help you because that is my only joy in life, other than a good Colin Farrell movie [have you seen "Triage"?].

Here we go:

If you own a pretty set, show them off, and no, I am not just talking about those gorgeous rocks around Barbra's neck.

Notice what the experts show off. Don't obsess about your age or size, this dress is great and notice what is highlighted, the beautiful neckline.

Notice no accessories, only a gorgeous neckline, spectacular earrings and a pretty smile.

Do you own a great jacket? Then wear it. Don't be afraid to repeat great items from your wardrobe. You may not have the budget to constantly wear something different or don't need to prove you do; a great piece needs no accessories.

All you need is a nice pair of earrings. They will add sparkle to your face and there is no need for anything else.

Examples of a great scoop-necked shirts that flatter everyone. Don't forget to apply a firming cream first and finish up with a LIGHT dusting of a colorful powder, peach, rose, amber to highlight your skin tone [e.g., Kett or Ulta pressed or loose powder brands]. Remember to finish up all your makeup first, get dressed last, because makeup is messy.

Never wear this.

#nicolekidman   #stylesheet
#fashion    #beauty

Say It Really Loud: "2014"

Embrace it, yell it all at once, then let's not forget that everyone will be a year older in 2014, not just you. Remember what I said about being the original? Yes, I can't say it enough, yet nobody is perfect, even as we begin a new year, everybody must reach into the past and copy from someone to learn what works and what doesn't.

Case in point, at first glance, I thought this was a young Bo Derek:

Nope, it is a photo of the original, Sharon Tate. She was the first beach beauty, the object of one man's obsession, that leads to disillusionment, when he finds out she is a bit shallow, with no real personality, self-involved...like the movie character Bo Derek portrayed in "10". But Sharon did it first...in a little movie called "Don't Make Waves" [1967]. Remember that when you need to pick and choose from the past, the so-called goddesses of the silver screen only copied what worked in the past...everything is circular, except you. Move forward with style in 2014.

More of the spectacular Sharon Tate. Who knows what she could have accomplished further in her career, we know Bo Derek was stuck in pornography, where you are only known for your looks, and are shelved by the time you are 30. No I am not rude or a prude, but the copycat rarely makes it that big in show business and must resort to the D-List circuit. Sharon was on her way to being a wonderful screen personality, not only known for her good looks. 

Sharon Tate even had a Barbie created from her character "Malibu" from the movie "Don't Make Waves", yes, Malibu Barbie was Sharon Tate. How many actresses can claim that? Probably no one but Sharon, the original beach beauty.

Yes, you can have both, style and brains, if you take this blogger's advise, but, hey, who cares, right? Another year older, another year wiser? Who said that anyway?