Hooray Jeremy Piven!

FINALLY--J-Piv is getting the kudos he deserves. I love him, I have always loved him. I have blogged about him numerous times before. It is about time the rest of the world took notice!

He is looking beautiful on the cover of the Chicago Tribune Magazine this Sunday! What a smile!

I love him on Entourage and I cannot wait to see his movie-"Smokin' Aces".

Have a smokin day!!

HELP!

Hello Friends-

Against my will and better judgement, I changed over to the "New Blogger". UGH. Does anyone know why most of my comments from other people have gone to ANONYMOUS? Just a while earlier I had comments on my last post from VioletNoir, Aussie Beauty, and Greeneyes--now it just says "anonymous". How the hell am I supposed to know who my comments are from? How can I properly respond to comments if they all say anonymous??
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated as I am VERY FRUSTRATED!

Thanks and lovely day to all!

Reader Question: Big love for Kim Vo

I get lots of e-mails about my hair. Where do I get it done, what color I have on it etc. Sometimes when you are a redhead it becomes all about the hair. I am the only redhead in my family and quite often growing up, I was the only redhead of all my friends-hereby being known as The Redhead, Booger Red, Fuschia, Carrot Top, Copper Top etc etc etc.

One e-mail from Rose in Ann Arbor:

I really love your hair in your photos. Is it natural? What do you use on your hair for conditioner? Who is your stylist? Do you blowdry every day? Have you ever colored your own hair?
I travel to Chicago for work, so I could more than likely go to your stylist in Chicago at some point.
Thanks
Rose

Thank you for the e-mail Rose.
Yup, I am a natural redhead. Honestly, I do not usually get my hair done in Chicago. I have had my hair dyed a crazy eggplant color one too many times around these parts. I mean seriously, it might work on a 20 year old goth princess--but on me, not so much. I go in asking for RED and I come home looking dark and purple. My husband told me to never come home with purple hair again (he is afraid people will think I did it on purpose) , so if I want to have a home, then I must go to someone I can trust. Someone who will channel more Ann Margaret and less punk rock 80's band. Red hair is very hard to get right. So many "colorists" are used to only doing highlights, so they are lost on a real color.

My favorite colorist is KIM VO from B2V Salon in West Hollywood, CA. A long time ago my husband and I were watching Extreme Makeover (the plastic surgery reality show) and Kim was the featured hair guy. He was making over a mom and daughter. Kim dyed the daughter's hair a beautiful red, shiny, light catching color. My husband said "You need to go to him". I was like, "But he is in Hollywood".-to which my husband says --"Well flying you to Los Angeles is better than you going to Chicago and coming home with purple hair". So I flew to LA and I went to Kim Vo and I LOVED HIM. He is funny and nice and makes everyone he sees feel special. I have been to him a few times, but because of distance I cannot go to him as often as I would like. In Chicago I would recommend going to Maxine's on Rush. I get my hair cut there sometimes. Everyone at Maxines is amazing..

Ok--now comes the part where I am going to be honest. Honest to the point of tacky--so tacky in fact that some of you will gasp in disgust and or disbelief--but here goes.
Some of my best haircuts, I have given myself......after drinking wine and eating lots of carbs. I KNOW I KNOW. Disgraceful, but wine and carbs make me crazy. Mind you, they were not full on haircuts--just a little trim here and there. I have also been known to color my own hair. I rarely do this because to me it is just too messy, but the color I have used is Garnier Nutrisse #65 -Light Reddish Brown and I liked it -- it is a nice color.

As for conditioner, I love Kerastase and Redken Butter Treat. I do not blow dry every day because a lot of the time I just put it up wet and go to the gym or to run errands. For leave in conditioner I use Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Renee Futerer.

I am constantly looking for a good stylist/colorist close to me, or anywhere for that matter, as I travel a lot. Does anyone have a favorite stylist/colorist they would care to share?

Thanks for any and all information.

Have a beautiful day.

Tagged by Fabulista to list 5 things

I have been tagged by the fabulous FABULISTA at Beauty Blogging Junkie to list 5 things about myself that you probably did not know. I have been trying to post this for 2 days, but have been experiencing technical difficulties. I seem to have it under control now--so here goes:

1. I am not a good sleeper, in fact I kinda suck at it. I go through long periods where I wake up at 3:00 am and I am up for the rest of the day. I am worthless by like 4:00pm, but cannot go to sleep. I have NEVER been a nap taker unless I am sick. I think somewhere deep down, I feel like when I sleep I am missing something--strange, I know. It is so frustrating, but I have somewhat learned to deal with it. I have tried everything to get a full night sleep and nothing works. I am not a jealous person, but I am GREEN with envy of all the people who can sleep all day and night. That sounds like heaven to me.

2. I drink WAY too much Diet Pepsi--but not at night so I do not think it has anything to do with the sleeplessness. I love Diet Pepsi. I try not to eat a lot of sugar, so Diet Pepsi is like a treat for me. I crave it. When I am somewhere on vacation that does not have Diet Pepsi, I swear I go into withdrawl.

3. I have talked about this before, but I am OBSESSED with dental hygiene. I am constantly brushing and flossing. I have a collection of mouthwash and toothpaste. I get all puffed up when my dentist tells me I have beautiful teeth. It is like the ultimate compliment. I think a smile says so much about a person.

4. I feel whole when I travel. Sometimes I feel like I am missing out by living here in the 'burbs. I was born in Europe and lived there for a while, so I think I have it in my soul to want to be abroad. I will never feel truly educated until I have seen the world. On this note--I am obsessed with travel shows--Rick Steves, Samantha Brown, Thirsty Traveler, Globe Trekker, and my love , Anthony Bourdain. I also love to have friends who travel so we can talk all about it. I love to experience new things. Travel makes me feel alive.

5. I am an only child, and I suffer from all the quirky things that only another only child can understand. I also tend to have a soft spot for other only children, and I have many friends that are only children (shout out Emily, Melanie, Lina, Kristen,Gretchen, Sue, etc) . I am not really sad that I am an only child, but I am very aware that there are many things I do not understand because of this--like sharing. I am not a good sharer. I will give you your own, but no I will not share with you--HA!


OK-- I am tagging anyone who wants to play. Let me know in my comments if you post yours so I can be sure to read your 5 things

Thanks to Fabulista for thinking of me!

Have a beautiful day.

Longing for Spring and Loving Tory Burch

I want this dress. I want to wear it on Cote d'Azur while eating a gelato with the wind blowing through my hair...well not really, because chances are I would have my hair in a ponytail so the wind could not technically blow through it, but it is hard to make a pony tail sound all sexy in the wind on the French Riviera , but you know what I mean..I digress.

It is cold, gray and snowy and miserable in my neck of the woods today. This dress sings to me of sunshine and beaches and all warm and happy things. It is fun and flowy and beautiful. The dress is the Lila by Tory Burch, whom quite honestly I am falling in love with. Not with her personally, but with all things Tory. I love her shop in NYC, I love her clothes, and I LOVE that she is so awesome that Guerlain fashioned a bottle of their famed Vetiver just for her. Can you imagine?? Guerlain making you your own bottle design with one of their famous fragrances inside? That is so damn cool! Tory once said she only wears Guerlain Vetiver because that is what her father and brothers always wear.

I am loving her whole "pre spring" line. On the TORY BURCH WEBSITE she says that the line was inspired by a book called "A Place in the Sun" and by the famed artist Frida Kahlo. What an interesting mix of inspriration. Most of the line looks like a summer vacation to me. I want it all!

I am also loving the simple artistry of this top.

This is the Tory Burch Grace top. I am a sucker for a crisp white shirt and this one is interesting with the ruffles and the polka dots. Perfect for spring and summer. According to my 92 year old Grandma (Hazel)- Polka dots are really gonna be in this summer. You heard it first here folks. Hazel said so.

Next time you are in New York City, stop by and give Tory's store a look. It is located at

257 Elizabeth Street

New York, New York

There are many more wonderful things in the store that you cannot find on the website.

Have a beautiful day!

Australian Harper's Bazaar and Chanel Eclair

I have been lucky enough lately to receive some great Australian magazines. The folks at Australian Vogue and Conde Nast have been very kind to me.

Recently, I got the December issue of Australian Harper's Bazaar. I love it.

In the Beauty Buzz section they profile a Chanel nail polish called Eclair #227. Supposedly this is the next big thing for nails, and it is sold out everywhere in Europe and Asia. From what I have been reading, brownish golden colors are the next trend for nails.

I could not find any photos or information on Chanel Eclair anywhere--just that it is sold out all over Europe. I do not think I have seen it here in the United States.

It looks beautiful, and I cannot wait to find it.

Have any of you out there tried it? Is it as beautiful in person as it looks in the glossy?

I would love to know the buzz on the gorgeous polish!

Have a beautiful day!

Golden Globes

I missed a lot of the Globes and did not get to see what everyone was wearing, however Drew was my favorite look last night. She looked fresh and young and pretty--it was such a great departure from THIS: SKREEEEEEE! This was her look at the Globes last year. Great improvement Drew!

I also thought Jennifer Lopez looked beautiful. I loved the dress and how it opened on the side. I loved her hair, her makeup (she has the best nude lip glosses in the business) and just the whole package.On the other hand, Cameron looked like a cartoon. Me no likey the hair or the lipstick or the dress. She was NOT bringing sexy back.
Jennifer Love Hewitt just looked old for lack of better word. The look was just tired and blah. Jennifer Love Hewitt is such a fun, beautiful girl, ( My friend Felish and I saw her in person at Barneys New York one time and I was struck by how beautiful she really is) I do not know why she would come to an awards show looking so old.

My favorite Men of the evening were -- Dr. McDreamy -Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Fox (who has always been one of my faves) and Sasha Baron Cohen. I cannot get blogger to upload pictures of them--as I guess I am at my limit for pictures in this post (damn blogger). Sasha is my new Jeremy Piven. Sasha is gorgeous and tall and Jewish and he is a genius. I think I love him--but will have to fight my friend Barbara for him! HA.

I look forward to seeing what other people thought of the Globes.

Lovely day to all!

(photos from People.com)

Magazine Love

I LOVE magazines, I buy WAY too many magazines. All the shiny pictures make me pie-eyed and giddy --HA!My girl, Giada De Laurentiis is looking HOT on the cover of Town & Country this month. I know a lot of people do not love her. One friend in particular made fun of her for "being so excited about her food". Well, how else are you supposed to act on your own show about food? Morose and bored? When I was looking for this magazine cover on line, I also found a bunch of nasty stuff on the internet about her. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but she is just a pretty chef who got her own show, and she is always very happy and excited about her food. I like her and I think she is ever so cute! I want to shop with her and cook with her then go get a manicure with OPI Bubble Bath (the polish she wears) with her! Her photo layout inside the magazine is adorable too.
Lucky Magazine was rocking my socks this month too. First off, I love Rosario Dawson. She is like 'Kick Ass Chic" ( Chic pronounced SHEEK ). I thought she was awesome in RENT (the movie) as Mimi. She really surprised me, and I am a total RENT snob. One time my friend Lina (who is also a RENT snob) and I went to see RENT (on stage) in Chicago and guess who played Roger? Constantine Maroulis from American Idol that is who. It was before Constantine was on American Idol so we had no idea who he was--we just knew we were ticked off because he looked like Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump. Roger is supposed to be hot and smoldering and sexy, not like a tall, long haired Lt. Dan. Whatever.

Lucky also has a section this month about personal styles and some different fashion icons that embody the certain style. The COQUETTE style is inspired by Jane Birkin. I love Jane Birkin--her whole dramatic, earthy, bohemian, French thing really appeals to me in a big way. I do not think Jane Birkin gets the recognition she deserves (well at least not here on this side of the pond). She was so naughty and cutting edge during her time. She is the muse to the impossibly gorgeous and elusive Hermes Birkin Bag.

Another Inspiration featured is Catherine Deneuve for the CLASSIC FRENCH collection. Catherine has always been a fashion icon to me. I think I love her layout best in the magazine. There is a gorgeous Chanel Blush called Orchid Rose that looks peachy and shimmery and beautiful. There is also a very cute pair of shoes by CHIE MIHARA called "Ucrin". They are little white slingbacks and they look like total Parisian minx from the 60's kind of shoes. I really like them. Chie Mihara makes some very interesting footwear.

Also--if you happen to get the CHICAGO version of Lucky with the "Bonus Chicago Section" starting on page 143 then you will see a little write up about ANJENU. Anjenu is a paper and stationary store located at:

1747 W. Division Street
Chicago, Illinois

The phone number is :
773.469.2212

The store is owned by a friend of a friend, and I have heard it is awesome. The owner K, carries high end stationary and original etched cards . If you mention the LUCKY add you can save 20% on everything. Kudos to Anjenu for not even being a year old and getting a shout out in LUCKY--which I condsider my personal Bible. Awesome!

If you get the chance, get Lucky this month- it is really worth the look.

Have a lucky day.

Tagged!

I have been TAGGED by the beautiful and brilliant K at HER COOL BLOG to list some of my likes and history in fours. So here goes K:

FOUR jobs I have had:
1. Pharmacy Technician
2. Restaurant Ho-stess
3. Waitress
4. Errand Wench

FOUR movies I could watch over and over:
1. Waiting To Exhale
2. Shawshenk Redemption
3. Belle Du Juor
4. Little Manhattan

FOUR places I have lived apart from where I live now:
1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2. Germany
3. Moore, Oklahoma
4. Rockford, Illinois (my own version of HELL)

FOUR TV shows that I love:
1. Little People Big World (this borders on obsession)
2. Greys Anatomy
3. Saturday Night Live
4. Project Runway

FOUR places I have been on holiday:
1. Greece
2. Hawaii
3. Paris, France
4. Venice, Italy

FOUR websites I visit daily:
1. MSN News
2. Yahoo
3. Orbitz.com (always looking for some good travel rates)
4. ??? some days I do not visit any websites at all.

FOUR favorite foods:
1. Mexican Food
2. Indian Food
3. Homemade bread with unsalted butter (although this is a VERY rare treat)
4. Turtle Brownie

FOUR places I would rather be right now: (there are MANY place I would like to be)
1. In Paris shopping
2. hanging out with my Grandma
3. in Monte Carlo on the beach
4. at Cesar Milan's Dog Sancturary in Los Angeles( my idea of heaven)

FOUR people I am tagging:
1. Anyone
2. who wants
3 to
4 play

Thanks to K and beautiful day to all!

SHINE on New Orleans

While in New Orleans, I spoke to many shop and small business owners. Being a business owner myself, I was curious to know how business was and what they were doing since Katrina. One particular lady named Sandy who owns a spa and specialty store called SHINE and SPA ARIA was telling us that it is rough. The tourist dollars are just not there, one half of the population has moved away, and the government has done little to nothing to help the small business owners. Her store, SHINE is located in the historic French Quarter, where rent is quite high. If the unique and funky stores that make the French Quarter what it is cannot afford their rent, then big corporations will move in and take over. I am sorry, but The GAP and Banana Republic do not belong in the French Quarter. The quirky, lovely little shops give the French Quarter the charm that makes it like nowhere else.

Take SHINE for instance- It is a beautiful shop right on the Rue Conti in the French Quarter. It is a prime location,and a jewel box full of beauty products and original and fun gift items. They have over 150 top brand products. I was in heaven when I walked through the doors. It is a beauty product mecca!
They carry many beauty "Must Haves". Kiehl's, Mario Badescu, MD Skincare, Brave Soldier, Fresh, and Bumble and Bumble. SHINE also carries their own house brand of perfumes and body products --that you pick the fragrances. It is like a Fragrance Bar. They have scents like Pink Martini and China Rain, as well as many many others. They are all lovely. Personally I got the rich, decadent shea butter in the Pink Martini scent and it has quickly become one of my favorites.
This is my plea to you--if you usually order your Kiehl's or your Bumble and Bumble- or any of the other brands she carries (like I do because there are no retailers really close to me who carry those lines) then please consider ordering from SHINE. They would really appreciate the business and you will not find a nicer lady than Sandy -the owner.
Consider it shopping to help your fellow man (and women). You can also help keep the heart of SHINE beating by purchasing one of their stylish SOS (Save Our Spa) t-shirts by visiting the website http://www.shinedayspa.com/ or calling the phone number below. By purchasing the T-shirt you can help ensure SHINE's future and the future of the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS! The t-shirt can be seen on their website. The nice folks at SHINE also have a spa called SPA ARIA located at 214 Royal Street New Orleans, LA in the swank Hotel Monteleone. Call toll free- 1.866.549.ARIA.

SHINE is located at:

622 Rue Conti
New Orleans, LA 70130

Their phone number is:

1.888.581.4999

Their website is:

http://www.shinedayspa.com/

Shop there--it will make you shiny and happy!
(Hi Sandy)

Have a WICKED birthday Ms. P!

Happy Birthday to Ms. P!

I met Ms. P in an improv class full of a motley crew. We had Germalians, angry redheads, ex- nuns, feminine stunt men, young Benecio del Toro lovers, drunk nurses, Tom Cruise look alikes and the list goes on.
It made for some damn fine comedic material and some great friendships. I love each and every person from that class--well except the drunk nurse and the feminine stunt man--he sucks.

Ms. P loves the arts (especially plays and musicals), Sex in The City, sexy shoes, travel etc etc.

Most of all, Ms. P loves having a good time--as this last photo may indicate. I feel it is my civic duty to warn you though--if you see this woman out and about--PLEASE for the love of all things holy--HIDE YOUR VANILLA STOLI AND DIET PEPSI!

Happiest of birthdays Ms. P. I am damn glad to know ya!

(photos from Wikipedia, Broadway.net, neimanmarcus.com and monkeyposh llc)

New Orleans-New Year

This New Years Eve I was very lucky to get to ring in 2007 in the great city of New Orleans. I had never been to New Orleans, but had heard great things about it my whole life. For my Mother, New Orleans was one of her first "adult" vacations. She went with some girlfriends and she was about 22 years old. She always spoke fondly of the Drag Queens (maybe I get my drag queen love from my mother) and the whole deviant and delicious feel of New Orleans. The history, the culinary scene, the art, the music, and THE PEOPLE of New Orleans moved me.

I am Southern, so being in the DIRTY SOUTH was fun. I got to eat all the good stuff you just do not find in Chicago-- fried okra, chicken fried steak, grits, white gravy, etc- and MINT JULEPS-- Oh, I know they look pretty and all, but Mint Juleps (made the proper way) are some bad ass little minty bitches! My whole head hurt the next morning. Shout out to the Touche Club! Also the beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde are to die for!
The food and drink in New Orleans is amazing. We got to eat at NOLA one of Emeril's Restaurants and it was honestly one of the best meals I have ever had.
I met so many fabulous people in New Orleans. They are so friendly and so strong. Despite what their city has gone through, every single person I spoke to was happy and joyous and everyone said THANK YOU to my husband and me for visiting their city. They are proud of their city--and with good reason.
I spoke to many shop owners--and learned a lot about what they are going through. I will profile a couple of them in my next posts. Long story short is: the city of New Orleans would love to have you. Go there and shop, eat, drink and be merry. They need the tourist dollars. I was shocked to find out that their mall on Canal Street just opened back up in November. It was closed for over a year due to damage (natural and man made) and lack of customers/tourists.
On a sidenote I met Jennifer Coolidge at the MAC counter at Saks in New Orleans. I was thrilled because she is one of the TRULY hilarious female improv actresses in the business. She looks just the same in person as she does on TV.

As the clock hit midnight on New Years Eve, I was at a rooftop party at a swank hotel making tons of new drunk friends. One group of ladies I was chatting with were telling me all the things about New Orleans I had not heard on the news during Hurricane Katrina. As the "Gumbo Ball" dropped and fireworks lit up the sky over Jackson Square at the stroke of Midnight, the 3 ladies toasted the New Year then began to cry. It was very moving. They love their city, but proclaimed it "broken". They all gave me hugs and told me to please come back to New Orleans and to tell my friends to please to visit New Orleans. So I am telling all of you now, if you get the chance-visit New Orleans. It is a place with a history, a spirit, and a people like nowhere else in the world.

Have a great day!