Hey I Resemble That Remark!

Oscars....It Does a Diva Good!!

It was Oscar night last night, which is one of my favorite shows.  I love the fashions, the slip ups, and, most of all, who wins the awards!  Last night was no different.  With the exception of his humorous movie at the beginning of the show, Billy Crystal's jokes fell flat. The fashion as always was fabulous, including the faux pas J. Lo made.....it's hard to see here, but I think you could see her nipples coming out of her dress.  Yikes!  Where's a stylist when you need one??!!  I was proud of myself this year as I did not shed one tear during the In Memoriam section.....Elizabeth Taylor, Farley Granger, Jane Russell....I mean, this normally tears me up!

Another Oscars over; however, I'm looking forward to tonight's episode of Fashion Police on Style, where they will recap the fashion. 

Uh oh....watch out J. Lo!!

Of All Stars and Allergies

As always, my weekend was much too short!  Friday found me traveling to Gresham to spend time with my new guy, where I was introduced to the basketball games of the All Stars.  We watched the dunking, the free throws, and the other antics of basketball players while we ate Chinese food.  Saturday found us cruising around Portland so he could show me where he grew up and attended school, then climaxed with dinner at Olive Garden. 

The weekend would have been perfect had I not decided to be a little adventurous.  After arriving home on Sunday, I drove Sam's friend Victor to his house to pick up a few things.  As I sat in the car, waiting, Sam's buddy Garrett came out to share a bag of Mexican staples - chicarrones.  Interesting and kind of tasty, I ended up eating two or three.  Uh oh, big problem.

Beware the Chicarrone!!

Apparently I'm allergic to the Mexican chicarrones.  Within minutes my neck began itching and turning red with hives;  my bottom lip then began itching and swelling, like a Real Housewives lip enlargement gone wrong.  I was scratching my sweaty, red neck as I continued to form words through my new puffer fish persona.  Not good.

Of course we had to stop at the store on the way home so I was forced to browse the grocery aisles all the while looking as if I had an an advanced case of sunburned psoriasis.  Jordan went with me; I kept my eyes on the floor as I didn't want to run into someone I knew.  I hadn't taken a shower, my hair was up, no makeup, and my body was glowing with a red aura of itchy allergy - it was not a good day to run into a high school classmate!!!

Once I made it home, I popped two Benydryl to get the hiving under control.  I promptly changed clothes into a cotton tee shirt and shorts to get comfy while awaiting the itchy to depart.  It only took three or four hours for the allergic reaction to be gone but I did learn one lesson - never touch a Mexican chicarrone again!! 

Finally It's Friday!!!

Have a wonderful weekend Divas!!!!

I wish!

Rockin the Shaved Head

Here's my "third son" Victor along with Sam and Jordan striking a pose last night.  Victor is the resident hair shaver; Jordan finally took the plunge and let Victor shave his head last night.  Aren't they handsome (and a little goofy)?!!

Victor, Sam and Jordy

Big Kiss Shoes

Aren't these cute??  I want them!  The only problem....they are only in little girl's sizes!!  Damn!!

Shoes of the Week

These shoes of the week come courtesy of Diva Christina from work - aren't they to die for?!!!  She's also working a tiger-striped pedicure, which will be my painting of choice the next time my toes are done!

Overalls Are Never Over!!

Sister Luna sent me the following regarding the newest fashion trend....overalls!  Since I was a kid I just love me a good pair of overalls; I only have one very oversized pair right now, which I use for painting.  They are usually a fashion faux pas, but overalls will always have a soft spot in my heart!

During Pamela Love‘s New York presentation, at least three editors commented on the Carharrt overalls the models wore underneath their jewels. “They’re perfect! I have to go buy them right now,” said one particular street style star. Yesterday, in London, two brands showed very different iterations of overalls. Acne used denim—it’s their specialty, after all—for a mini dress with thick black straps and a working pocket in front. At Topshop’s Unique show, they came in both pants—velvet—and dresses—in white printed silk and black leather. With a significant slit up the middle, they suddenly turned sexy, a true feat when it comes to classic American workwear.

Why Bother With the Shirt?

Here is one of the latest looks from Fashion Week 2012.  Um, I think I will pass!!!

Degen's fall 2012 collection

Gray and Red Come to Mama!!!

I LOVE this look!  Dark gray monotone skirt and hose with red Mary Jane heels.  I'm going to be on the lookout for this during my next shopping trip!!

Donna Karan 2012 

Weekend in a Sea of Bargains

As always, the weekend ended too quickly!  Woodburn Outlet Mall was packed - I couldn't figure out why it was so busy until I realized it was a President's Day holiday weekend and there were sales extraordinaire.  Duh! 

Both Nike and Adidas were having 50% off clearance-priced items, including shoes.  It was a madhouse at Nike....overcrowded with people pushing and shoving, searching for the best deal.  And the strollers.....arrggg!!   I began to envy the people with strollers because they were using them as a tool to part the red sea of shoppers in order to snatch up the elusive pair of Nike's.  I noticed that people were rather rude as well....lacking in "excuse me" or "sorry" when they shoved past us, both in the store and on the crowded walkways.  It's as if there is a correlation between the higher percent of discount and the lack of kindness in strangers.  Twenty percent off means people are still friendly, all smiles and joyfulness.  But once you hit 50% and above discount, all niceties go out the window....the base, guttural human instinct to save money takes over and rudeness enter the building!  You won't believe it but I walked out of Woodburn Mall with absolutely nothing! I shopped, I searched, but there just wasn't anything that called my name.

One of the humorous occurrences that happened over the weekend was when we stopped to get gas.  I was using my local credit union debit card and the gas station attendant said "do you live in Kelso?"  I replied "yes" then asked him if he lived there.  He said he did and that he actually attended the same high school as my boys.  When I asked him if he knew my boys, he said "Oh Sam, he's the one that draws Batman."  Oh geez, the kid has a reputation even as far as Gresham, Oregon! 

In addition, I discovered that my new guy's apartment is located within walking distance to.....hold on for it.....wait.....an Ulta store!!  Yes, one of my favorite stores filled with makeup and hair products and it's within walking distance!  I about died and went to heaven when I saw that!!

We also hit the Troutdale Outlet Mall, including a stop at the Adidas store.  I ended up purchasing four pairs of tennis shoes - one for each of the boys and two pairs for me - at 50% off the marked price.  My shoes ended up being $15 each and the boys were $25 - steals for Adidas!!

On the way home, I swung by Vancouver Mall to pick up a Robin t-shirt for Sam (yes, as in Batman and Robin.)  I cruised through JC Penny and discovered some fantastic deals, including my find of the month......a black Nicole Miller single-sleeved top for $2.  Yep - two bucks!!!

It's now Monday again and my wonderful weekend has ended.    Here's to outstanding bargains for you during this week, Divas!!!

Technical Difficulties - Please Stand By

Technical issues regarding electronic equipment drive me crazy!!  Remember the garage door fiasco?  Well my latest dip into technology...the big screen TV...has now taken the garage door's place as the thorn in my side. 

Our new television has HDTV capability; in order to view this, Comcast charges more money for an HDTV digital box (of course.)   Last week the new digital box arrived in the mail.  Being the smart cookie that I am, I turned to my closet high tech wizards to install this system - my boys.  Figuring this would be a piece of cake for them, I asked them on Wednesday to set up the digital box. This resulted in....nothing.  No cable picture coming through.  I then proceeded to troubleshoot the system...nothing.  Arrrg.  I was forced to contact Comcast last night for some troubleshooting help. 

Unfortunately, the available "technician" (this term being used loosely) was obviously from another country.  She (let's call her Suzie) referred to me as Mz. Alicia throughout the call, asked me several questions, then requested the serial number from the back of the box.  This was the biggest test of all as the print on the tiny sticker behind the dark box was impossible to read, even with my cheaters.  Suzie then proceeded to bombard me with various steps and instructions (as if reading from a manual, which I'm sure she was) in order to get the digital box to perform.  Mind you, this was Friday evening after a long week at work and my grumpy meter was beginning to kick in; poor Suzie didn't know what she was in for if she pushed Mz. Alicia too far.

Finally, I was forced to tell Suzie to just stop and schedule a technician to come in and fix the problem.  Cost was not a factor - if I had to deal with the various cables, connections, and serial numbers I was going to lose my mind!  When she questioned me as to if this is what I truly wanted, I believe she felt the wrath in my voice and quickly scheduled the appointment for Saturday morning.

This morning I woke up bright and early to greet my day.  Was this mood due to the cable guy visiting today?  Nope.....I'm going shopping with my new guy to Woodburn Outlet Mall.  As you know, shopping always puts a smile on this Diva's face.  In fact, I'm so concerned that the cable guy is going to interfere with my shopping trip that I rescheduled his visit to Monday.  What's another few days without HDTV?  Perhaps I can talk the cable guy into taking a look at my garage door!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Happy 17th birthday to my baby baby Sam today!  Wow....time sure flies although I don't feel any older than when I first gave birth to him.  Enjoy your day Sambo!!!!  Mama loves you!!!

TGIF Divas!!!

Deep Fried Pickle

Behold, the deep fried dill pickle!!  Yep, Diva Andrea ordered these today at lunch so I had to try them.  They actually weren't too bad; I could see eating these about 1am in the morning following a night of tying one on!  Actually, I think this is how Andrea tried them in the first place!!

Please Bag the Bag!

I renewed my Glamour magazine recently, which was offering a free tote bag along with the yearly subscription.  Oh, look at J. Lo next to those cute bags, which was sure to be fashionable.

Uh, not really.  I received it in the mail yesterday and it was just plain ugly.  A red nylon sad sack with canvas straps.  And oh so not Glamorous!

Anybody need a free tote?  Call me!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day Divas!!! 

May you all be blessed with roses so red, chocolates so sweet, and love overflowing!!!

Monday Again???

Why Are You Single?

Why are you single?  Hmmm...I've received that question a few times lately but I'm not really sure how to answer it.  Usually it's asked in the context of how could such an independent, financially sound, respectful, and diva-minded fashionista with such a fabulous personality not be married?  (Okay, you can grab the barf bucket here.)  A friend asked me "are you single by choice or by circumstance?"  I'd never thought of it that way.  My last divorce happened by circumstance, although it was a very big blessing in disguise.   

Perhaps I answered that question with my first adjective - independent. And for right now I'm single by choice, although the circumstances may change.  But it will be a choice that I make and I won't choose to give up my singledom unless the rewards are greater to me by choosing to be part of a couple.

This still doesn't give me a good sound bite to answer that question.  The following is a list of top ten reasons why people may be single.  I think my answer would be "because I like it that way!"

Why are you still single? (10 reasons why people might be single)

1. You are single because you know what you want: You might be still single because you are looking for the best and you don’t want to settle for average or even above average choices.
2. You are still single because you are confident: Some people are still single because their expectations of themselves is so high and so they believe they deserve someone who is at least, as elite as them, and those people are rare (according to their own point of view)
3. You might have fans even though you are still single: You might have caught the attention of many but few or almost no one caught your attention and that's the reason why you are still single.
4. You believe you are too good for marriage: The reason you might still be single at 30 or even 40 is that you believe that you are too good for marriage.
5. You are still single because your criteria is tight: You might be still single because your criteria is so tight and you might be looking for non existent potential partners.
6. You are still single because you are not desperate: The reason you might be single is that you never chase anybody even if you like him and this might make the other person believe that you don’t want him.
7. You are still single because of over confidence: The reason you might be still single in that whenever you meet someone who is really good you think that you can do can do better.
8. You are still single because its hard to impress you: Another reason you might be still single is that you have seen so much that it became really hard to impress you.
9. You are single because you want a real challenge: The reason you might be still single at the age of 30 or beyond is that you don't want those who fall for you easily but you want a real challenge that satisfies your ego because you are really confident.
10. You are still single because you are really strong: You might be still single at your 30s or 40s because you don’t care at all about people's opinion and about those who wonder why are you still single as you disregard the opinion of others.

Rest in Peace Diva

Doodle Up the Kanoodle

Whenever I'm in a meeting or on the phone, I typically doodle.  Here's an example of my doodling:

The other morning my Sam was doodling before he left for school.  Here's an example of his "doodling":

Yeah, the kid just whipped these out like nothing!  Oh to have so much talent!!

TGIF Divas!!!

No Lights But Plenty of Shoes!!

The maintenance men, although both fairly attractive, didn't spend very much time with me today.  Mr. Cable was in and out within 20 minutes; Mr. Electrician (who appeared to be tsk-tsking under his judgmental breath regarding the reasons why I had placed 100 watt bulbs into 65 watt only sockets.....uh, because no one told me it couldn't be done) was also only in the house about 30 minutes.  After checking all the canister lights, he pronounced them dead and in need of new wiring, which could only be done at a second appointment.  And at a cost of $600 to $700 bucks, which I unfortunately expected.  After he again reiterated to me to only use 65 watt or less bulbs (okay, okay I got it Mr. Electricity, who's good looks were beginning to deteriorate based upon his superiority complex) we agreed I would set up an appointment next week for him to come in and work his magic on my lights.


Jordan possessed by the
Domo Snuggie

All of this was over by 9:15 am.....so not the full day I had planned.  Which meant I had the whole day to myself!  I decided I needed to take the new car for a cruise so where else but Vancouver - specifically Vancouver Mall?!!   I drove to Vancouver and spent part of the day browsing the deals and picking up a few things for the boys, including a Domo Snuggie for Jordan (yeah, he's loving it) along with a Batman hat for Sam.  I then headed over to Goodwill, where I just love digging through the bargains in search of a treasure.

It was one of those rare days where every shoe I found was in my size!  Normally the cute ones are a 10 or a 5 but today the angels sang then presented me with a large variety of size 8.  I picked up the following three pairs of shoes - lace-up black slingbacks, melon wedges, and Fergielicious-labeled T-straps.  We be stylin!

Bargain heels

After Goodwill, I stopped off on my way home at Woodland Walmart to pick up groceries before heading home.  I ended up being too preoccupied to make the trek to Fred Meyer to see Ann Rule....oh well.  Accomplished a lot - perhaps not what I had in mind - and I'm ready to return to work tomorrow which is, by the way, Friday!!

Maybe Not Put a Ring On It?

In happier times

Well whattaya know....the lesbian couple whose legal struggle helped pave the way for gay marriage in California is getting divorced.  I foresee this trend as helping to rake in additional court money along with increasing the divorce rate in America to 80-90%.  I'm happy to share the divorce trend with same sex couples - why should us heterosexuals be the only ones that are miserable?

Of Maintenance Men and Murder

Is that your drill or are you
just happy to see me?

This morning there will be two strapping men in my house performing tasks to my liking!  To clarify, I've taken today off from work in order to have an electrician fix some  overhead lights in my kitchen and family room.  They haven't been working forever and we've been lighting the room by using a hanging garage light, which is neither practical or aesthetically pleasing.  It will be oh so nice to be able to use the light switches again!  (As an aside, I asked the company if they knew how to fix garage doors, the current bane of my existence.  Unfortunately, the answer was no, but that may not stop me from hinting around to get the dude to at least take a look at what is preventing my garage door from opening!) 

Handyman number two this morning will be a technician to fix our digital cable box in the living room.  Last weekend I finally broke down and purchased a new large screen, HDTV, 3D capable plasma screen television; unfortunately, the digital box isn't working so the new TV has simply sat in the living room serving as an object d'art!  I'm confident today we will have both working lights along with an awesome TV so both Top Chef and Fashion Police can be viewed in style!

Ann Rule

I also noticed in this morning's paper that an exciting event will be happening today that I simply must attend.  Ann Rule, true crime author, along with her daughter will be appearing at 3pm in the local Fred Meyer's to sign books.  I'm so there!!    Sister Jube and myself simply love the way Ann Rule writes, although I haven't read one of her books in quite awhile.  But today is the day to buy a new one and have it signed by the author herself!!  Jube, I just know you are jealous!!!!

Hump Day Ephiphany

I had an epiphany today.  It came about after I was reflecting on my car purchase last night when I spoke up and told the car dealer what I expected and what I wanted and how vocalizing my needs felt so very good.  I began replaying the choices I've made in the past and you know what?  Many of the choices and decisions I have made have been to make other people feel better, to satisfy their wants, to make their life easier all the while being detrimental to myself.  

Every time a man asked me to marry them, I said yes.  Every time someone came to me and wanted a favor I said yes.  I said yes to make them feel good, to make their life easier, to give them their way, and to increase their own comforts all the while decreasing my own satisfaction and self-worth.  I have frequently forgone my own best-interests in order that a friend, a lover, a boyfriend, or a husband could feel better or have an easier life.  Why?  Why are my interests and priorities not at the top of my list?  And why has it been acceptable for me to take a backseat just so others can "feel better"?  Why have I placed myself at the bottom of the list?  And why does the notion of being first made me feel guilty, as if I was being selfish by wanting to first satisfy my own needs and pleasures?

Obviously while performing this soul searching, I've realized that for some reason it has been ingrained in my psyche that I must take second place, that my needs are not number one, and I should only accept scraps and left-overs as my own.  I've come to the realization that I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!

Without meaning to sound self-centered, right now it's all about me.  Yes - ME!  It's not selfish to outline what I want in this world, what I want from a relationship, and what I need in order to make me feel good.  Throughout my life no one else has considered it selfish to put their needs first and foremost so putting my needs first should not incur the wrath of personal guilt.

Of course, Rome isn't built in a day so it will take an active, concerted effort on my part to retrain my thinking and actions in order to put my needs at the top of my list.  I've decided to work on the following goals:

From now on, I

• Will not make decisions based solely upon how the decision will affect the well-being or emotional health of another person (unless of course it involves my children).  I am not responsible for the choices others make or their emotional happiness - only they themselves are responsible for their choices;
• Will vocalize what I need from others in order that my expectations are outlined and understood;
• Will not accept behaviors that discount my needs or in some way manipulate my emotions in order that I feel "bad" for someone;
• Will stop performing in a caretaker role to others and begin taking care of myself first and foremost, understanding this is necessary not selfish behavior;
• Will not say "Yes" just because it's easy and because I'm afraid of hurting someone's feelings;
• Will say "No" when it doesn't feel right to me, doesn't make sense, or jeopardizes my emotional well-being;
• Will take a deep breath, focus and think before I answer anyone's personal request of me so as to ensure the decision I make is the right one for me;
• Won't put up with bullshit;
• Will not be afraid.

Whew!  That's a lot of heavy self-examination for a Wednesday night. 

Diva Be Cruisin in Style!

After a few weeks of window shopping on line, I finally got down to brass tacks today and picked myself up a new rig.  I toyed with the idea of a red car, a convertible, or two-seater; however, I ended up going for Downtown Detroit and Divalicious with a capital D - a nice silver with black leather interior 2010 Chrysler 300.

I saw it on line then sent a note to the dealership asking if it would be available for a test drive.  The salesman who responded, Derek, was actually a close friend and neighbor of my brother and my BFF and someone whom I've met several times since he was a kid.  It was as if the signs were pointing to making the purchase of this car easy for me!

After work I cruised on over for a test drive.  It was so much more relaxing having the salesman be someone I knew rather than a random slick Willy who was out for every nickel.  The car looked sharp and drove as smooth as a shot glass full of butterscotch liqueur. Yum! 

My mind made up, we went back into the dealership to work on the necessary papers.  This was the very first time I had ever purchased a car from a dealership on my own - with no husband to guide me.  I used to always take a backseat when it was time to negotiate the purchase of a car - it was exhausting so I usually let the man in my life take the lead.  However, this time I was in the driver's seat (pun intended) and it was liberating! 

The finance guy came out to haggle over my trade-in; I wasn't too happy with their offer so I pushed back to receive a higher amount and guess what?  It worked!  I swear I grew a pair of cojones at that very moment!!  I have to admit the dealership made the transaction very easy plus they gave me a killer interest rate for the small amount I ended up financing.  And between test driving the car and walking out with the keys in my hand, it only took about two hours. I actually had the forethought to clean the old car out before going to the dealership so I didn't have to deal with that headache.  It was also a plus to know my money was going in the pocket of someone whom I'd actually known since he was a kid! 

The boys were absolutely thrilled when I pulled into the garage tonight.  They were stoked that we would be "pimping it out" in this new, somewhat gangsta mobile.  New car, happy boys, and personal satisfaction in knowing that I was able to accomplish this purchase on my own!!   Life is good!!

Diva's new rig!

Feelin the fabulousity

Shoe of the Week

Philip Simon 2012

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

I've noticed this new nail polish trend lately on several people - a different color on the ring finger only.  This looks kind of cool and, being the trendy gal I am, you know I will try it.  However, to me this hearkens back to the 70's and 80's when the only time you saw a different colored nail on a ring finger was when you were talking to a coke addict!

And No Hangover to Boot!

The girl's weekend was a rounding success!!  We met up at Westfield Mall in Olympia to break bread and sip specialty drinks at the Olive Garden.  Following that, Adriana and I hit the mall in earnest to score on multiple deals, including a buy one, get one free boot special.  Macy's was having a red letter day with an additional 20% off sale items, which resulted in my bargain purchase of a cool black jacket, regularly $99, that I brought home for about $22.  I love those kinds of steals!!

After wearing out our tootsies, we all met up then cruised over to the hotel for check in.  We then primped, drank, dressed, drank, laughed, drank, and all that entails before getting ready to head out for the evening.  All three of us girls were wearing boots - including our newly purchased flats because it would be an evening of walking.  I so wanted to wear my new spiked wedge boots because they are kick ass, but comfort had to be key when an night of cruising by foot was involved. 

Our first stop was also a first for me - Jake's, a gay bar.  Apparently gay bars are not just for gays anymore; it seemed to be the hot spot for everyone.  After that we  moseyed through the downtown streets of Olympia, experiencing different taverns and clubs before returning later in the evening back to Jake's, where we ran into an absolute ton of our co-workers.  It almost felt like a company party and was a nice finale to our evening of fun.

After indulging our appetite with a hot dog from an incredibly popular, late night vendor, we stumbled our way home and hit the hay.  We survived, perhaps a little worse for the wear, but it was a funfilled and very needed adventure!

Ready to party!

Next Up - Flannel PJ's with Garter Straps?

Not sure what to tempt your mate with on Valentine's Day?  Well, Diva Luna sent me a link from WhoWhatWear Daily- Ask A Stylist With Nicole Chavez, who outlines sexy but not cheesy lingerie options.

Yeah, right.  Chavez outlined the simply fabulous menswear-inspired option of an oversized garter tank.  WTF?  It's a big tank with stocking clips attached at the bottom.  And this is supposed to be sexy?  I guess the thought is if you throw stocking clips on to anything it becomes sexified. 

I couldn't hold back and had to view the site - Kiki de Montparnasse, which also includes 360 degree angles of its lingerie.  Nothing helped here for this garter tank as from all angles it was lame.  I also stumbled upon some really sexy extra large tees that you can wear to bed - all at a discount for only $125.  Huh?  I can mirror that same look by spending $10 on a five pack of Hanes tees.

Ready to Rock It!!

The angels have smiled upon me and I feel fabulous!  Breathing easy, cough is gone, and the drugs have kicked in to restore my health!  My mojo is back and I'm ready to enjoy it!

I woke up this morning at 5am and kicked it into high gear by cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathroom, and everything else in between.  It's finally back to my standards after two months of so-so; I mean, a woman can only expect so much from well-intentioned but domestically-challenged sons.  All of this activity is gearing up for my reward - an evening in Olympia!

Yep, me and my two gal pals from work will be meeting up in Oly to do a little shopping, a little lunch, then we'll check into a downtown hotel and spend the evening hitting the local clubs.  I'm so looking forward to kicking back and painting the town red with good friends!

Andrea, Adriana, and Alicia Ready to Party!

Friday I Love You!! TGIF!!!

Time to Color Roots Already?

My gray is popping out along my hairline, which leads to one thing - time for a hair coloring, which will be on my to-do list this weekend!