Durangela

For those of you waiting in airports this holiday season...

2009-11-28T06:45:00.003-05:00

I saw this featured on the Today show a few weeks ago. Very cool. Check it out!

Now Why Didn't I Think of This?

2009-11-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

My life would've been much easier with this...

For the Card-Sending Challenged...or If you're just plain forgetful!

2009-11-05T08:36:00.003-05:00

If you're anything like me, I will buy greeting cards, bring them home, stamp and address them but put them aside. And forget to send them.

Check out this website, Jack Cards. You can order cards and they'll stamp and address them for you!

Finally...Turn your own handwriting into a font!

2009-11-05T08:32:00.003-05:00

Very cool! Check it out!

Get Organized!

2009-08-20T08:19:00.003-04:00

This looks pretty cool. I know my DH will love this!!

Send An Email to Yourself Now--It Will Be Sent to You Years From Now!

2009-08-20T08:16:00.003-04:00

Check it out!

This Will Probably Be One of the Top Halloween Items This Year!

2009-08-15T21:11:00.004-04:00

I almost fell off my chair when I came upon this!!!

Yes, you can be Kate Gosselin for Halloween with the "Eight is Too Much" wig. They totally got it right!

Buycostume.com is taking pre-orders now! Apparently they already have orders for 1,100 wigs!! Get yours now!

Durangela Celebrates Its First Birthday!!!

2009-07-30T22:29:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone for a great first year! I haven't been blogging much lately, but I promise to get back on track. But since it's summer, it's time for me to take a breather...see you soon!

Make Your Own Polaroid

2009-04-27T16:13:00.002-04:00

Now that you can't purchase Polaroid instant film anymore, this is the next best thing. Download the application from their website and drag & drop your digital photos. Voila, a Polaroid!

I Want This!

2009-04-27T10:41:00.002-04:00

Sushi Pillows!!!! Check them out here!

Deconet...Cool Furnishings

2009-04-27T10:22:00.002-04:00

Check out Deconet.

Oops.STOP.I've.STOP.Been.STOP.Busy!STOP.

2009-04-27T09:40:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone and Happy Spring!!

I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel (read: last day of school!), so I am finally trying to catch up on things, including blogging.

Check out this cool website! What a neat way to send a telegram the old-fashioned way and keep it forever (until you decide to recycle it!).

A Cool Sitcom Map

2009-03-23T13:11:00.002-04:00

Another gem that my husband found!

Periodic Table of Fonts

2009-03-17T08:58:00.001-04:00

My husband found this. How cool!!

Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne

2009-03-02T09:18:00.004-05:00

As I was flipping through the nice and heavy March issue of Vogue, I came across a fabulous magazine spread for the Spring 2009 Liz Claiborne collection, designed by Isaac Mizrahi, who until last year, designed a line for Target. With Tim Gunn at the helm, Liz Claiborne wooed Mizrahi away from Target.

It was love at first sight. I cannot wait to go to Macy's and check out the new collection. In the meantime, you view a preview here (and actually buy some outfits!). Some pieces are selling out, so run, don't walk!

Very cool

2009-02-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

Can you see what's in this picture?

McDonald's Fries Eyetrick - by ηιккι (ταкιη яεqυεѕτѕ) on Polyvore.com

The Jeans to Get...

2009-02-26T10:10:00.002-05:00

Check out these Super Slouchy Skinny jeans from Current/Elliott.

Check out A.C. Newman's cover of a-ha's "Take On Me"

2009-02-23T15:48:00.007-05:00

Take a listen and see...

Hope he doesn't try and recreate the video though...

Your Favorite Movie Candies Get a Makeover!

2009-01-28T07:02:00.004-05:00

Movie theater favorites Goobers, Sno Caps and Oh Henry are getting a makeover. Visit the Nestle website to vote on your favorite design.

I've Been Busy...

2009-01-28T06:58:00.004-05:00

Apologies for not posting in the last few weeks...real life takes precedence!

I'll be back on shortly!!

Thanks for your patience...

Is Your Favorite Magazine Folding Soon?

2009-01-05T17:30:00.007-05:00

Cottage Living bites the dust! Its last issue was the November/December 2008 issue. Here's how I found out: I received a postcard from Time Inc. telling me that my subscription to Cottage Living would now be replaced by a subscription to Real Simple.

Too bad. It was a great magazine and it won many awards. It also had a strong following. Oh well, in this economy, what can you do?

Here's a great website that I found that keeps track of what magazines are folding and what magazines look like they are folding.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T17:27:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year from durangela!

Sorry this is 5 days late...I was under the weather with vertigo of all things! Feeling much better now!

Tonight! The Hills' Whitney Port Gets Her Own Show with The City!

2008-12-29T06:30:00.004-05:00

Whitney Port, who has been on The Hills alongside pal Lauren Conrad, debuts in her spin-off show tonight--The City--on MTV at 10pm (check local listings). Whitney lands a dream job doing PR with fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg in NYC. Follow Whitney as she starts her new job, meets new friends and sees if there is love between her and Aussie singer Jay Lyons.

You can view the trailer here:

MTV Shows

Happy Holidays from Durangela!!!

2008-12-26T06:41:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

2008-12-22T16:20:00.003-05:00

The NY Times' Buzzwords of 2008 list is here!

Recessionista is my personal favorite.

Enjoy.

Tonight on NBC...A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

2008-12-17T09:35:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I was never into the Muppets. I think it goes back to me thinking that Kermit somehow betrayed his pals on Sesame Street and moved on to the Muppet family. Yeah, I've got issues...

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Term of Day: Fauxne Call

2008-12-11T06:58:00.005-05:00

Fauxne Call: To pretend your are calling someone on the phone when you really are not (faux meaning fake). As in "I placed a fauxne call to Santa last night in front of the kids when they were misbehaving."

There is a term called Faux Call, but I kinda like my combo of faux and phone.

Santa picture courtesy of Squidoo.com.

Chile's Highway Hero Dog...So Moving!

2008-12-10T05:02:00.003-05:00

Have you seen this?

This was from March, but it has recently sparked worldwide attention. This took place in Chile and officials have officially called off the search for the dog, stating that too much time has passed. God bless both of these dogs!!!

Sunny von Bulow Passes Away

2008-12-08T20:25:00.005-05:00

Heiress Sunny von Bulow, who was in a coma for almost 28 years, passed away in Manhattan on Saturday. She was 76. There are plenty of obituaries online, but here is the one from the NY Times.

I've been following her story since I was a teenager.

Photo courtesy of NYTimes.com.

Must-Read: 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die by Tom Moon

2008-12-04T08:57:00.005-05:00

Check out this awesome book by music critic Tom Moon!! Read more about it here.

Wal-Mart Employee Dies in Black Friday Stampede

2008-12-01T13:53:00.004-05:00

I just came across this article today in the NY Times. I still don't get how tragedies like this happen. I mean, why didn't anyone stop? Were the bargains that important?

Condolences to Jdimytai Damour's family.

Three Year-Old Girl Solves Rubik's Cube in 114 Seconds?

2008-11-30T19:27:00.004-05:00

Check this out!!!

I read about it in this NY Times article.

Heidi and Spencer Elope?

2008-11-25T08:30:00.003-05:00

I just heard that Heidi and Spencer eloped in Mexico. Congrats, whatever...golf claps...

The Era of Conspicuous Consumption Has Come to a Close...

2008-11-20T11:06:00.004-05:00

Check out this interesting article from last Sunday's NY Times. It's called "In Hard Times, No More Fancy Pants," and how in today's recession, everyone is making do with less and that it's not in good taste to be flaunting your wealth.

Some excerpt lines from the article that caught my attention:

"Today's bejeweled fashionistas are pegged as tone-deaf Marie Antoinettes."

"It's now chic to cut back. If you ask people if they are going away for the holidays, they say, "No, we're spending a very quiet holiday with family"--instead of "We're going to Anguilla for Thanksgiving."

Photo courtesy of the NY Times.com.

Review: Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey

2008-11-19T10:05:00.004-05:00

I just finished Breakfast at Sally's, after reading this NY Times article. I thought it was a good read. You can also visit the book's website for more information.

Count your blessings during this holiday season!

So Cute: Toddler Rallies the Crowd at the Phillies Parade

2008-11-14T11:57:00.001-05:00

This is so funny...

27 Multi-Tasking Beauty Products from TotalBeauty.com

2008-11-14T07:28:00.004-05:00

Check out these 27 Multi-Tasking Beauty Products. Anything that saves you time and money is a winner in my book!

MTV...Didn't They Used to Play Videos?

2008-11-14T06:36:00.002-05:00

Finally...MTV launches an all-video site at MTVMusic.com.

Type in an artist or title and you'll get your video on-demand!!

I want my MTV again!

Shuella...Protect Your Feet from the Rain!

2008-11-14T06:29:00.004-05:00

Check out Shuella...an umbrella for your feet!

Oops I'm Sorry

2008-11-14T06:01:00.002-05:00

Check out this site where you can apologize and demand an apology!

Now You Can Finally Learn to Play the Guitar (or Bass, Drum, Piano)!

2008-11-13T08:30:00.003-05:00

Check out Now Play It. With their online tutorials, you can teach yourself to play that instrument you always wanted to play!

Helping Hands Chick-fil-A FUNdraiser: Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 4-8pm (Across from the Cherry Hill Mall)

2008-11-10T16:51:00.005-05:00

Be a part of Helping Hands' first event! All you have to do is eat at Chick-fil-A on Haddonfield Road by the Cherry Hill Mall. On Tuesday, November 11th from 4-8 pm, Chick-fil-A will donate 20% of all proceeds to Helping Hands.

For those of you who can eat in, they'll have face painting and a craft; if you can't eat in, but can drive-through, just make sure to tell them you are supporting "Help Women and Children Now."

They'll also have cards that should be brought to the register when you make your purchase, so if you think you can make it, let them know when you come in and they'll make sure to get a card to you.

Help Women and Children Now is a non-profit organization committed to helping families in need across South Jersey. Thanks to Lea Jacovini for this information.

A Day at the Beach

2008-11-04T19:51:00.001-05:00

I took this lovely photo of my daughter in Ocean City, NJ yesterday.

Wireframe Escalator to Nowhere...

2008-10-30T19:39:00.005-04:00

Not to detract from the Phillie Phever that we are all Pheeling, but I happened upon the above artwork, from an artist named Fritz Panzer (really) at a gallery in Vienna. I think it is brilliant. Link. Now back to Phabulous Phillie Phestivities - we will be at the parade on Broad Street tomorrow!

Phillies Phever: Phreaky!

2008-10-30T12:09:00.006-04:00

Check this out:

The Phillies last won the World Series in 1980 ('80). They won again in 2008 ('08).

Tug McGraw's number was 45. Brad Lidge's number is 54.

Photo courtesy of the Phillies official website.

Phillies Phever: Phinally!!!!!!

2008-10-29T23:03:00.004-04:00

It's about time...I was in Fourth Grade when the Phillies won in 1980!! What a great game. That last inning was a nail-biter. I can imagine what it was like at the game.

I'm sure I'll be getting photos from my friends in Philly.

Congrats, Phillies!!!

Photo courtesy of FOXNews.com.

Another Reason to Visit IKEA!

2008-10-29T08:59:00.005-04:00

I love IKEA. I was there at the grand opening of their first US store in Plymouth Meeting, PA in July 1985! I love their furniture and I love their food. This past weekend, I was buying some Swedish meatballs at their market when I came across their Mandeltarta (Almond cake). For $4.99, you get this awesome 12 oz. cake that goes well with coffee, tea or milk (my preference). It's also gluten-free!

Phils Beat the Rays 10-2; Lead series 3-1!

2008-10-27T14:21:00.006-04:00

I have to admit that I was changing channels and watching my usual Sunday ABC lineup. But I have to say that everytime I flipped back to Fox, the Phillies would hit a home run! It was great!

Ryan Howard hit not one home run, but two! Photo courtesy of Philly.com.

Phillies Sting the Rays 5-4; Lead Series 2-1

2008-10-26T07:10:00.005-04:00

I did not stay up to finish Game 3! Did you know that the 10pm start was the latest in World Series history? The rain delay paid off though.

Photo courtesy of Philly.com.

New LEGO Store: King of Prussia (PA) Mall

2008-10-24T11:33:00.002-04:00

Finally a LEGO store lands in the Philadelphia area! It opened earlier this month. It's at the King of Prussia Mall (Plaza).

Game 1: Phillies Beat the Rays 3-2

2008-10-23T00:37:00.008-04:00

Well here we are again, staying up late again to watch the World Series, just like the Olympics!

Chase Utley hits a home run in the first inning!

Utley photo courtesy of the AP.

Does Anyone Watch TV on TV Anymore?

2008-10-22T14:52:00.004-04:00

Check out Fancast. Watch online full TV shows and movies! FREE!

Has Anyone Shopped at Aldi?

2008-10-22T14:11:00.010-04:00

I've always driven by Aldi and was curious as to what kind of grocery store it was. This NY Times article answered my questions and now I want to go see it.

Aldi is short for "Albrecht Discounts." German billionaires Theo and Karl Albrecht founded Aldi. Aldi only offers about 1,300 items to ensure regular turnover. Credit cards and checks aren't accepted and shoppers must bag their own groceries with their own bags (like BJ's Wholesale Club). You also have to pay to use the shopping cart (you're more likely to return it). I find Aldi's whole concept BRILLIANT. BTW, did you know that Aldi owns the Trader Joe's chain?

Sanrio's First US Album Release: Hello Kitty Hello World!

2008-10-22T10:42:00.004-04:00

From Sanrio:

We are super-excited to announce the release of HELLO WORLD, the first-ever full-length Sanrio album available in the USA! HELLO WORLD offers 10 superfun original tracks inspired by Hello Kitty (and 1 by Chococat!).

The first single "Come On, Come On", by actress, singer and Hello Kitty fan Keke Palmer has already hit the airwaves. Click here to request it on Radio Disney - you can find it on the "NEW SONG" tab!

HELLO WORLD is currently available on iTunes and exclusively at Wal*Mart stores from October 7th. The album will be widely available, including Sanrio.com and Sanrio Boutiques, in January 2009.

Check back soon with Sanrio.com for more exciting and exclusive HELLO WORLD surprises that we'll have waiting for you. Check out the special HELLO WORLD page on MySpace for more information!

You can also hear and share the poptastic tunes right here! Click the buttons next to each song to listen.

Katie Holmes Guest Stars on Eli Stone Tonight on ABC 10/21 at 10pm

2008-10-21T08:54:00.006-04:00

Katie Holmes long-awaited guest appearance on ABC's Eli Stone is tonight. Read this Chicago Tribune article for more info.

You can pretty much catch the whole thing by clicking on the ABC preview below.

The Ting Tings on Yo Gabba Gabba!!

2008-10-21T06:48:00.007-04:00

We've been watching Yo Gabba Gabba for the past year and this show has definitely caught my attention with its groovy music. I detect a little new wave/80s influence and sure enough, the creators grew up in the 70s and 80s. You can see the references are aimed at us parents.

Last month, fab British duo The Ting Tings were on for Brobee's birthday and performed a great cover of Scottish band Altered Images' 80s hit "Happy Birthday" (see above). I love it! Singer Katie White is channeling Berlin's Terri Nunn with the two-toned haircut. When I heard it, I started singing along as visions of Smash Hits and cassettes danced in my head. Who can forget such a catchy song?

Here's Altered Images on Top of the Pops in 1981 singing the same song. Gotta love lead singer Clare Grogan's outfit!

Trick or Treat?

2008-10-21T06:38:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Sandy for sending me this!

Finally, How to Find the Perfect Gift for Her (or Yourself)

2008-10-20T16:43:00.011-04:00

Check out GiftGirl!

I came across this cool website in the summer but am just getting around to posting it (hey, the holidays are coming up anyway!)

Simply choose:

What TheGift is for.

Who TheGirl is.

Subscription rates:

$20 Annual Subscription
Custom profile builders ensure relevant gift recommendations.
Always the latest and greatest gift ideas, available 24/7/365.
Create multiple wishlists, for ALL the ladies.
Help ALL mankind. Share your favorite girls profiles with everyone who gives her something special.

$200:

Custom Consult
Personal email or phone consultation direct with Jean Vouté Pratt, GiftGirl co-founder, style consultant and revered personal shopping expert. Includes $20 Annual Subscription.

You can also do a test drive of the site before you join.

Blue Aster Grand Opening

2008-10-17T06:48:00.002-04:00

If you are in Haddonfield this weekend, please be sure to visit Blue Aster. They have fabulous handcrafted accessories! Check out the additions of local area artists....Gail Walden Designs, FromJunk2Funk, Just C, Hopsacks, Not Just Another Candy Bouquet .....and more!!

Congrats to the Phillies for Winning the NL Pennant!

2008-10-16T10:20:00.006-04:00

Congrats to the Phillies! I think we're all tired from staying up late to watch the game.

I just wanted to share some photos taken on Broad Street in South Philadelphia right after their victory, taken by my friend Sandy. As you can see, the t-shirts were done and all ready to go.

Remember Mix Tapes? They're Back!!

2008-10-15T12:49:00.004-04:00

Nothing brings back more memories than finding an old mix tape you made or finding one that someone made for you way back when.

Now you can send someone a mix tape by visiting Mixwit. In three easy steps, you can create and share your mix tapes!!

Lórien - Live at The Fire in Philadelphia

2008-10-06T20:44:00.008-04:00

Lórien - a Nashville based indie band, known for a a unique blend of a poetic and thought provoking songs is playing The Fire - one of Philadelphia's premier indie music venues.

With five members who joined together in 2005, they have been building a following with "breathy vocals, classical piano, progressive rhythm, and melodic guitar work." - From their My Space band page

Friends who know the band say they are definitely worth seeing! One night only 10/7 (Tuesday) The Fire - 412 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123 Cost: $7

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-06T10:53:00.003-04:00

The Love/Avon Army of Women offers women the opportunity to partner with the scientists who are conducting research that will end this disease--once and for all. Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that stops breast cancer once and for all by figuring out what causes this disease and how to prevent it! Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week. This is YOUR chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer. It takes a just a minute to join. But the impact we will have will last a lifetime. Please Join Me in Being One in a Million!

Thanks to Lori P. for sharing this with me.

Can't Remember Your Lock Combo? Try this!

2008-10-06T10:12:00.002-04:00

If you can't seem to remember the numerical combination for your lock, check out these WordLock Luggage locks.

Cool Water Bottle

2008-10-06T08:25:00.002-04:00

Check out this new water bottle from KOR ONE. If you're concerned about BPA, etc., you will like this bottle.

"Rio" Named 'Greatest Video Ever' by MTV Viewers

2008-10-03T09:06:00.006-04:00

Congrats to Duran Duran!

This was taken from their website:

Pop legends DURAN DURAN have been awarded the ultimate music video accolade by MTV viewers who voted the band's legendary clip for their hit single "RIO" "The Greatest Video Of All Time". This is the latest honour for the members of DURAN DURAN who have long been acknowledged as pioneers in this field and are widely recognized for having turned music video-making into an art form.

In what was a landslide victory vote, DURAN DURAN beat off stiff competition from the likes of Michael Jackson's "Thriller", Madonna's "Like A Prayer" Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Fatboy Slim's "Praise You", Notorious B.I.G's "Sky's The Limit" and Rage Against The Machine's "Sleep Now In The Fire" to claim the top slot.

Lead singer Simon Le Bon said of the award: "We were all extremely honoured to hear that 'Rio' had been named the 'Greatest Video Of All Time', particularly because it was the MTV viewers who had voted for it. Our relationship with MTV has always been a very special one to us – as we started out together and their support over the years was definitely instrumental in our success.

"We enjoy the process of making videos and 'Rio' is still one of our favourites. It was shot on location at a time when very few artists had ventured out of the studio to film their videos. Russell (Mulcahy) did an amazing job – and should share this with us."

Fusing music, art and fashion to an unprecedented degree, DURAN DURAN transformed videos from what had previously been a simple marketing tool into one of the music industry's most valuable assets. With exotic locations, beautiful girls and stunning visuals, DURAN DURAN set a whole new standard, breaking the mould and defined an era.

Having sold over 70 million records, and consistently topping the charts around the world, DURAN DURAN are widely recognized as one of the most successful pop groups of the past three decades.

Since reforming in 2002, the band have been honoured with no less than five of the music industry's most prestigious awards including MTV's "Lifetime Achievement Award", Q Magazine's "Lifetime Achievement Award", the British Phonographic Industry's "Outstanding Contribution to Music Award", a Spanish Onda "Lifetime Achievement Award" and the coveted Ivor Novello "Outstanding Contribution To British Music Award".

DURAN DURAN are currently preparing for the last leg of their 'Red Carpet Massacre World Tour' which is set to kick off in early November in Lima, Peru. This final run will see the band undertaking one of their most ambitious Latin American tours to date, in support of the release of their 12th studio album, 'Red Carpet Massacre', followed by two weeks of dates in the US.

What Were the Folks at ER Thinking?

2008-09-28T14:49:00.004-04:00

I watched the premiere of the final season of ER the other day and was very disappointed that they (spoiler alert!) killed off Dr. Pratt. . Move your mouse over to highlight the words. What were they thinking? Why did they do that? I'm not elaborating in case someone hasn't seen it yet.

Josh Groban on the Emmys

2008-09-23T06:56:00.003-04:00

I thought it was bizarre. But he is a good performer. Props to him for standing up in front of an audience to sing this.

Sept. 28: A Night of Season Premieres

2008-09-21T17:49:00.003-04:00

My TiVo is ready.

The Amazing Race 13 starts at 8pm on CBS.

Desperate Housewives starts at 9pm on ABC followed by Brothers & Sisters. DH should be interesting, as the storyline fast-forwards five years. On B&S, will Justin and Rebecca get together?

Watch the Premiere of Lipstick Jungle's Season Two NOW!

2008-09-21T09:19:00.005-04:00

You can view it online at NBC.com or using Verizon FIOS On Demand (go to Browse/Broadcast Primetime/NBC/Fall Preview/Lipstick Jungle S2Ep1). It premieres on NBC this Wednesday, 9/24 at 10/9c.

Free Shipping Website

2008-09-21T07:47:00.003-04:00

Check out this website!

I'm sure there are minimums for purchase...

Nordstrom Rack's Fall Checklist

2008-09-16T07:18:00.004-04:00

Ladies, click on the image above for your Fall Fashion shopping list!

Buh-Bye, TRL

2008-09-16T07:11:00.002-04:00

After ten years on the air, MTV is finally retiring TRL (Total Request Live) in November. Lemme guess? Hmmm...cos you don't play videos anymore???

A two-hour finale will air.

TRL debuted in September 1998. For some reason, it feels like it was on longer.

Wall Street...in trouble again?

2008-09-15T10:32:00.004-04:00

Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while Bank of America bought Merrill Lynch for $50 billion (all-stock transaction).

Read article for more information.

Article courtesy of KYW1060, Philadelphia.

Remember the Sindy doll?

2008-09-13T20:14:00.004-04:00

I had the Sindy doll. I had Active Sindy. She was a British doll. I liked her more than Barbie.

To this day, I still find myself singing the Sindy doll commercial song. I was excited to find the commercial on YouTube! And I was not going crazy...it was actress Susan Olsen ("Cindy Brady") who was in the commercial. Kinda cool...Cindy with Sindy.

Video courtesy of retrojunk.com and YouTube user mrmoore1970.

Sindy photo courtesy of sindy-dolls.com.

Birth Order of Children

2008-09-13T19:26:00.004-04:00

Someone sent this to me a few years back and it is so true, especially since we have three kids now!

Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.

The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress-a whimper, a frown, you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Swallowing Coins:
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays. 2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!!

Best of Sephora

2008-09-13T18:59:00.002-04:00

Here is the list of this year's Best of Sephora winners!

N-U-T-S! What's that spell? Crazy!

2008-09-13T10:40:00.003-04:00

Click here to read the AP article about the Green Bay, WI mom who posed as her daughter to attend high school and become a cheerleader, because "she didn't have a childhood and wanted to regain a part of her life that she'd missed."

Photo courtesy of the AP.

Hipster Bingo

2008-09-12T10:35:00.003-04:00

Click on the picture...it says it all.

If we were playing hipster bingo, I would never win.

Thanks to Tom for this!

Free Promo

2008-09-11T08:34:00.001-04:00

OMG! She's Married to the Ricker!

2008-09-10T13:23:00.003-04:00

The second season of Top Design started last week. Looks good so far. India Hicks (she was a bridesmaid at her godfather Prince Charles' wedding to Lady Diana in 1981) is the host. Todd Oldham is still on, but he has more of a mentor role. He doles out advice to the contestants.

As soon as I saw Andrea Schroder, one of the contestants, I knew she had to be married to actor Rick Schroder. And sure enough...she is. Most of us knew Rick as "The Ricker" from his days on Silver Spoons in the early 80s.

Stay tuned.

Top Design follows Project Runway tonight on Bravo TV.

Photo of Andrea courtesy of bravotv.com.

A Little Pool Music

2008-09-08T09:12:00.004-04:00

So at our pool, we usually hear on the speakers what's playing on the radio. That means classic rock half the time. But to my surprise, on the last day of pool season, I was walking by the speaker when I heard: "I've seen you on the beach/and I've seen you on TV..." It was RIO!!! I was so happy as I walked into the snack bar. I was bursting to share my glee with someone. But it was only a bunch of tweens who probably have no idea who Duran Duran is. Sigh. So as soon as I got back to our table, I said to Tom, "Do you know what's on? Listen!!"

Ah, what a great way to end the summer.

Just Call Me Angela the Football Widow

2008-09-06T09:39:00.002-04:00

Today is the official start of the University of Notre Dame football season. They play San Diego State at Notre Dame Stadium at 3:43pm. It will be on NBC (or as Tom calls it, "Notre Dame Broadcasting Company.")

The last time the Fighting Irish won the National Championship was back in 1988 when Tom was there. He still hopes that they'll win again someday. We'll see.

College football doesn't phase me. We didn't have a football team at Vassar!

Charlie's Fight Night (Against Cystic Fibrosis)

2008-09-05T07:00:00.007-04:00

Charlie Clarke is a Haddonfield sixth grader who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2003. Round 5 of Charlie's Fight Night will take place TONIGHT from 7pm to midnight at Citizens Bank Park/Diamond Club in Philadelphia.

Join us for a night of cocktails, dinner and dancing plus a fantastic silent auction and raffle. Come meet some Philadelphia Sport Celebrities! All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Among the auction items are golf outings, vacations, electronic gadgets, autographed sports paraphernalia and a Flyers Fantasy Package, which allows the winning bidder and a guest to fly with the team to an away game. The Flyers' Mike Knuble will be among the sports celebrities who are attending.

Tickets are $100. You can pay at the door! For ticket information, please contact (610) 325-6001. Visit us at http://www.charlieclarke.com/.

Check out this article in the Courier-Post about tonight's event. Thanks to Charlie, Lisa and Robin for helping me make this article happen. Thanks to Lavinia DeCastro for writing it.

The photo posted above is the billboard for Charlie's Fight Night. The billboard is located near the intersection of Routes 38 and 70 in Pennsauken. It is on your right as you go up the ramp to the Admiral Wilson Boulevard. Thanks to Diann and John McShane for making this billboard happen!

90210

2008-09-04T10:37:00.010-04:00

So I tuned in Tuesday night after the kids went to bed to watch the 2-hour premiere of 90210. Yeah, I'm way past the show's viewer demographic, but who cares? I loved it.

The show takes place again at West Beverly High School. Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth reprise their roles as Brenda (drama teacher) and Kelly (guidance counselor), respectively. Shannen looks like she's aged but Jennie looks great!

Did you catch the references to its predecessor Beverly Hills, 90210? Hannah Zuckerman-Vasquez (Andrea and Jessie's daughter) goes to school there as well as Silver (aka Erin), Kelly and David's sister. So how does the Wilson family fit into this? Harry Wilson, the new principal, played by Rob Estes, was apparently Kelly's neighbor back in the day. His mother was an actress (played by Jessica Walter). Lori Loughlin plays Debbie, Harry's wife.

Harry and Debbie's kids, daughter Annie (played by Shenae Grimes--great casting, she looks like Lori) and son Dixon (who's adopted and played by Tristan Wilds) are the Brenda and Brandon of the bunch.

I read an interesting article in the NY Times last Sunday about the making of 90210. Check it out!

But here's what I really want to know...who's the father of Kelly's son?

Encore airs tonight at 8pm on the CW.

Graphic courtesy of CWTV.com.

"Do You Know How Hard It Is to Find a Good Fake Boyfriend on Short Notice?"

2008-09-02T16:14:00.009-04:00

Ah, the return of Gossip Girl. The season premiere was on last night and it did not disappoint. The episode was entitled "Summer, Kind of Wonderful" and was set mostly in the Hamptons.

I was actually rooting for Jenny. Maybe she'll get her second chance this season to redeem herself.

Jay McInerney guest starred as a writer that Dan interns for, Tinsley Mortimer makes a cameo and Madchen Amick stars as "the older woman."

Blair's fake boyfriend turns out to be a British Lord! (Spoiler alert: highlight your mouse over the words to see the rest.)

Photo courtesy of CWTV.com.

Excerpt from ex-Duran Duran Guitarist Andy Taylor's New Book

2008-09-01T22:23:00.003-04:00

Click here to read an excerpt from Andy's new book titled, "Wild Boy: My Life In Duran Duran," out this month from Grand Central Publishing (Hachette).

West End Girls!

2008-09-01T00:23:00.007-04:00

While I was watching the documentary "Pet Shop Boys: A Life in Pop," I discovered another Swedish teenage tribute band called West End Girls. Comprised of just two teenaged girls, they only cover Pet Shop Boys songs. I love it! If I could have done this when I was younger, I would have!

In the documentary, it was cute how they argued about who got to be Neil Tennant and who got to be Chris Lowe!

Anyway, check out their songs on YouTube, especially "West End Girls," and "Domino Dancing."

I have to say I also like their cover of "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" with fellow Swedish singer Magnus Carlsson ("as" the late Dusty Springfield).

The other Swedish tribute band that I discovered (in the late 90s) was A*Teens, who covered Abba songs. Check out "Super Trouper" and "Dancing Queen." The video for "Dancing Queen" was a tribute to the John Hughes 80s movie "The Breakfast Club" and starred the late Paul Gleason, who reprised his role as the principal in the video.

Industrial Design - From U of Art & Design Lausanne

2008-08-29T19:01:00.004-04:00

I really love it when some clever inventor looks at a thing that has been in use for generations, and thinks of a way to make it better. This tray is a great example. It lowers the center of gravity while allowing the server to get a grip on the tray. Plus it stacks. Link goes to the site at the University of Art and Design in Lausanne.

Go Green! Stop Your Phone Book Delivery

2008-08-28T08:26:00.008-04:00

OK, who still uses a phone book? Now you can find everything you're looking for online.

Sign up with this service and they will contact the phone directory folks and ask them to stop sending you the White Pages and/or Yellow Pages.

Thanks to Daily Candy for this.

The Spectrum is Finally Being Torn Down

2008-08-27T16:00:00.007-04:00

For those of you who grew up here in the Philadelphia area, you probably have some fond memories of being at the Spectrum!

In January of this year, we had heard that they were going to tear it down in favor of a bigger entertainment complex. Thanks to my friend Sandy who sent me this link:
http://www.rememberthespectrum.com/pressbox/archive/3.asp
You can post your favorite memories there.

Here are some of the shows that I saw there:
1982...Francis Albert Sinatra
March 11, 1985...Hall & Oates with a 'til tuesday
August 21, 1985...Power Station with OMD
December, 15.1985...The Thompson Twins with OMD...6th row!
July 10, 1986...The Cure
1987...Duran Duran with Erasure
1988... Debbie Gibson (this is where I coined the term "Giblets" for 12 & under fans)
May 27, 1988...Depeche Mode with OMD...loved it! I think 12 of us went from school
Fall 1988...UB40
Summer 1989...Club MTV (1st) Tour: Paula Abdul, Milli Vanilli, Tone-Loc, Was Not Was, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Information Society--now that's a conversation starter!
January 1989...Duran Duran
June 1990...Depeche Mode
June 1990... Madonna
1992...U2 with the Pixies (backstage to see Joey (Santiago))
April 2005...Duran Duran
Sixers & Wings games

Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Will Finally Be Completed!

2008-08-26T16:32:00.003-04:00

La Sagrada Familia, that cool unfinished church in Barcelona, will finally get its roof! Started in 1883 by Antonio Gaudi, they are saying that it should have its roof by 2010. According to the NY Times, "the current prediction for overall completion is 2025, once the central tower, or Tower of Jesus, has been finished."

La Sagrada Familia is a must-see. I have been lucky enough to see it twice.

Photo courtesy of Gaudidesigner.com

Review: The Hills, Episode 402: "Drama Follows Them"

2008-08-26T13:04:00.017-04:00

Wow!!! I was half-asleep while I was watching last night's episode of The Hills. By the time the episode ended, I was wide awake!

Yeah, it was Stephanie's birthday party...yeah, Lo and Audrina are still sparring...BUT the best part was about Jessica, the publicist at People's Revolution, where Whitney and Lauren work.

I'm not to give away any information, but you have to see the After Show on MTV.com! I love the After Show hosts Jessi and Dan (son of Eugene Levy). I love how the show's produced in Canada of all places.

Read this interesting piece about Jessica Trent, from last season: http://www.styledash.com/2008/06/02/peoples-revolution-employee-angry-about-portrayal-on-the-hills/

I also just read one great piece of gossip about Whitney and her job at People's Revolution! One to know about it? Let me know...leave me a comment.

Other sites to see AFTER you've watched the episode:

Kelly Cutrone http://www.observer.com/2008/dark-angel-hills

Jessica Trent's blog http://asteelmagnolia.blogspot.com/ (has not been updated in three weeks). I know, I know. Why am I watching this show about a bunch of 22 year-olds? It's been 15 years since I've partied at an LA club at the young age of 22, but it's just so much fun to watch The Hills and relive those days.

'100 Things to Do Before You Die' Co-Author Dies

2008-08-26T12:21:00.005-04:00

Dave Freeman, who co-wrote '100 Things to Do Before You Die,' has died at age 47 after falling and hitting his head at his home in Venice, CA.

Read the AP article here.

This is just like Richard Carlson, who wrote 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.' He died of cardiac arrest at the age of 45 in December 2006 during a flight from San Francisco to New York.

So sad.

Stop Apostrophe Abuse!

2008-08-23T15:46:00.004-04:00

One of my pet peeves is apostrophe misuse. Check out these websites!

Apostrophe Abuse

The Abuse of Apostrophes

The next cool bag brand...

2008-08-23T14:04:00.004-04:00

While traveling this week, I was behind a guy on the Jetway, and he had a cool messenger bag from Manhattan Portage.

Originally, it was the snappy skyline logo that caught my eye, and I made a mental note to look their site up when I got home. They actually have a great line of bags from briefcases to messenger bags and even a kids' backpack. Quality is supposedly high, and their no hassle return policy rivals that of Briggs & Riley (my other favorite luggage).

PassiveAggressiveNotes.com

2008-08-23T12:40:00.001-04:00

This site is hysterical!

Mendtal Case

2008-08-23T11:54:00.009-04:00

Wow, I just listened to former CBS3 news anchor Larry Mendte's statement on KYW Newsradio after he pled guilty to hacking former colleague Alycia Lane's email accounts.

So it sounds like the rumors about their turbulent working relationship were mostly true. It will be interesting to see what other stuff comes to light when Alycia sues Larry.

Back in December, we purchased a "Free Alycia" bumper sticker from Cafe Press after she was arrested in NYC for allegedly hitting a police officer (she was later fired by CBS3). Sadly, no one got the joke, so we took it off our car's rear window.

Can You Name the 100 Most Common English Words?

2008-08-21T08:04:00.003-04:00

Try this quiz, it's harder than you think!

I could not...

Thanks to Daily Candy for referring this to me.

Another Touching Story

2008-08-21T07:34:00.001-04:00

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyID=2012

A gorilla at a zoo in the German city of Muenster is refusing to let go of her dead baby's body several days after it died of unknown causes.

Shows how similar gorillas are to humans.