Monday Snooze

So, there's all this talk about The Bachelorette season finale last night (and when I say "all this talk" I mean on TMZ, Access Hollywood, and E!). It would seem that I would have a ton to say, since I usually do. But, sorry kids, I found it a bit of a bore. As always, I thought drippingly-sweet Emily had on great outfits and some fab accessories. Outside of that, Jef (with one F) is predictable, oh and in the closet. Yes, I still think he is a gay man. (And, someone call Morrissey. Jef (with one F) here stole his look. 20 years later.)

I did laugh, or more like guffaw, out loud, when I saw that Arie had taken his journal to North Carolina for Emily to read. Let me give you a tip: If you are on tv and the girl chooses someone else, hide your face, no matter how brokenhearted you are. Move on. Do not, I repeat, do not get on a plane, travel to her hometown, and leave your journal with her. And, for that matter, do guys really write in journals? I know that's very sexist of me. But, I've never written in a journal. If I did, though, I wouldn't be passing it to my ex.

In other thrilling news, Mariah Carey is joining the judges table of American Idol. She grosses me out and so does that show. (And, P.S., I hear she is no delight to work with so have fun with that, but, as seen below, she'll clearly be adding some class to Idol.)

Kelsey Grammer had another kid, a girl named Faith. Which, is ironic, since he has such a hard time remaining faithful. I bet you a dollar he'll be cheating on her pretty soon (Cheaters never prosper, folks). Michael Jackson's mom, who is the caretaker of his children, has been missing. They found her. At a spa. If I was married to Joe Jackson I don't think you'd find me at a spa. I think you'd find me at a bar.

What else is out there? Cybill Shepherd is engaged (most people probably don't even remember her); Kris and Bruce Jenner might be having marital issues (Is there anyone in Hollywood who isn't?); and Mel Gibson's step-mom wants him to pay for her divorce from Mel's father (I guess it's just easy to blame him for anything.). Go ahead and put your check in the mail for this humdinger of a post. Godspeed.

Hugs ...

I'm not sappy. Ever. But the shooting in Aurora, CO has me saying BIG prayers tonight. I am thankful. Thankful for every headache, stress attack, huge bill,  fever, broken air conditioning, and car wreck. At least I was able to have them. Tell the folks you love that you love them, folks. It's hard to imagine going to a movie, a 2 hour escape, and never returning. I can't imagine. Thankful. So thankful.

Embrace Your Inner Neon

As much as I hate to say this, summer ain't over yet, folks. I'm going to try my hardest to embrace what's left of it, however grueling and painful it might be (triple-digit temperatures ring a bell?).  With that, the fingers and toes are painted neon pink.




Normally, I'm an Essie Mademoiselle kind of gal, subtle and classic on the digits. But, I have decided that summer is meant to be fun and wild.

The Sinful Colors Summer collection

Don't waste a ton on a trendy nail color, like these neon beauties, especially since you'll only sport it temporarily. Check out these by SinfulColors. At $1.99 a pop, there's no reason not to. And, you don't have to visit Sephora or Ulta, pick them up at the grocery store or Walgreens. As for the dadgum heat, I can't do a thing about it. But, I can kick up your summer style a notch.

Check It Out: Dolan Geiman

I first discovered his work in Tennessee, when I was covering a story for Southern Living Magazine. I then caught up with him again in Alabama, where I lived for 10 years. When my husband I moved back to our hometown in Texas, I went and saw his work in Fort Worth and then again in Richardson. Am I a stalker? No. Well, not really. If I am, my husband is, too. His art covers our walls.

I'm no art aficionado, but I do know what I like. And one artist who consistently puts out creative and interesting works is Dolan Geiman. He's a super nice guy (only makes it easier because who wants to buy art from a jerk) who also happens to be beyond talented. And, I mean, beyond. Each piece he creates is a conversation piece - that's the best kind in my book.






So you need to check him out. And, even better, he's holding his eEtsy Christmas in July sale offering 25% off all paper prints, DG minis, select original mixed media, and select box print reproductions. Additional works are marked 50% off.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dolangeiman?section_id=6566642

There's also a Pinterest contest for all you pinning addicts.

http://dolangeiman.com/blog/2012/07/christmas-in-july-pinterest-contest/

And, as an aside, I got my Uncommon Goods catalog today. Yep. He's in it. And, he's slated to be in Anthropologie soon (if not already). You've heard of that one, right? In other words, snag this stuff ASAP. He's great and your walls will love you for it.

The Loveliest Lip

Listen up all you ladies (or fellas who appreciate a shiny lip): there's a new beauty line that's changed my life. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic (who, me?). But, I am pretty darn thrilled about it.

When I got the information about it, I sort of scoffed (rolled my eyes to be exact). It's all natural, which, to me usually means it smells like Patchouli and tastes like a mixture of dirt and grass. They even claim it's safe to eat. Ugh, annoying. Why would I want to eat my lip gloss? Fact is, you'll never see me buying lip gloss or any sort of makeup at Whole Foods or anyplace with the words "co-op" in the title. I buy some foods organic, mainly for the health of my family, but when it comes to makeup, oh, and diapers, I am no tree hugger. This natural product might have me reformed.

http://www.sephora.com/bite-beauty



Super-shiny and thick enough that one coat works without having to blot on a napkin (girls, you know what I mean), it's just the perfect consistency. And the 10 different colors are absolutely beautiful. I am ga-ga over the Beet and Raspberry hues. (Oh, Bite also does lipsticks, lip pencils, and even rouge, but it's the gloss I covet.) It's $20 a pop at Sephora. Try it. If you aren't sold, return it and write me a scalding note. I can take it. And, it's that good.