coveting with every bone in my little self

Available from Target for only $22.99. These are an ok knockoff of the Christian Louboutin slingbacks that are currently so popular. Actually, to clarify, I'd have to see them in person before I can tell you wether or not I want them. In the picture they look a little plastic-y (even though they have leather uppers) and, while I may wear inexpensive shoes, I refuse to wear cheap ones.

the trivial and the amazing

First off, the trivial: an impassioned defense of Kate Moss as the victim of misogyny. She ignores the massive outpouring of support from the fashion world and focuses on the people who don't like her, who are sick of her rather strange lifestyle choices. She ignores the fact that, like it or not, Kate is a role model for thousands of young women who, not blessed with her bone structure and otherworldly metabolism, are starving themselves to try to achieve that chic, skinny look. Parents, already concerned about their daughters' choice of life-examples (as well they should be--would you want your daughter dating this?), are downright worried when the real key to her svelte figure emerges--illegal drugs that she carries around the globe. The fact that she then blithely carries on without apparent concern or apparent consequences will only add to that concern. Yes, I would expect some sort of backlash to emerge. That's just what happens when you live in the public eye.

Ok, to get the taste of that woman out of our heads (although for a good laugh you might want to read , check out the 2005 World Press Photos. Simply amazing. Wow. I wish I were half that good.

reading: Where Women Create

By Jo Packham. Published by Sterling Publishing Company
If you're looking for organization ideas, love light-soaked rooms filled with beautiful things, or just want to pretend that your messes are creative and not actually messy, this book is worth a look. Filled with the workspaces of such creatives as Jessie Walker, Sara Toliver, and Andrea Grossman, each page is filled with color, and the sort of crowded, beautifully cluttered rooms that make me wish I were more creative and could deal with "pretty messiness." (Don't feel bad if you don't recognize the names right off; I didn't until I googled them, and then realized I knew their products, although I had never heard of those people before.)
I suggest flipping through the book for inspiration on your next creative project; the rooms are just that cool. They remind me of those collage-y things that you see over at ohjoy or dees. Definitely worth checkout from the library.

hats

All pictures from flickr.com. Click images for more information.

just to add to the randomness of your wardrobe

Honestly, everyone needs a little punk sometimes, right?

At Wet Seal, now $9.99.


How to add a little something to your workout wardrobe. At Wet Seal, now $9.99. Check out the back; it's awesome.

cheap trick

Sometimes you need an easy way to impress people. You need to knock their socks off with your awesome, casual all-together-ness. Sometimes you're having people over and you need to throw something together to feed them. Sometimes you need something you can scarf down in the middle of the night while rewatching "An Affair to Remember" and trying to forget your own. Sometimes you just need a dish to take to a potluck. Whatever the need, this cheesecake will fill it. It's the dish upon which my entire (undeserved) reputation as a "good cook" is based. Well, this and my apple dumplings. But that's another story for another day.

Heat oven to 350.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt a golf-ball-sized glob of shortening. Or half a stick of butter. Whichever works. Add about 1 cup of crumbs (I've used graham crackers, gingersnaps, and vanilla wafers. I got the most compliments when I used Honey Bunches of Oats. Yes. The cereal. People loved it.), a tablespoon of sugar, and a shake of cinnamon. Stir until combined, then press into the bottom of a ten-inch springform pan. Or the sides and bottom of a pie pan, if you must. Pop into the oven for about ten minutes.
Now, cream together your cream cheese and sugar until they're smooth. Use four or five blocks, depending on how much cheesecake you want (less if you're using a pie pan). For sugar, I usually use a cup for five blocks of cream cheese, and it results in a not-too-sweet cheesecake. Reduce that a little for less cream cheese.
Add the eggs one at a time. You want one less egg than you have blocks of cream cheese. Mix in completely, then add some vanilla. A couple of teaspoons or a tablespoon, whatever. Vanilla is good.
Pour the whole thing into the now-cooling crust, and smooth out the top. Pop into the oven for an hour or so--until the middle is "set." Then pull out and let it cool. But don't turn off the oven just yet! Turn it UP to 400.
Now, this part is important because if your cheesecake cracks (and sometimes they will) it covers it up. Mix together 1 cup of sour cream (NOT light. It won't set correctly.), 1/4 cup sugar, and some more vanilla. Taste it, make sure it's sweet-but-tangy, and then spread on the cooled top of the cheesecake. Put back into the oven for ten more minutes.
Let the whole thing cool for a couple of hours (one hour in the freezer will do it) and serve.

See? Way too easy to be considered impressive. The best part is, once you understand the ratios, you can do it from memory. Serve with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate, or just plain, but always with a cup of strong coffee. Instant glamour.

weekly recap #1

wearing: black and white striped top and yellow silk scarf with black and white daisies (yay! two of spring's big trends!)
watching: Maria full of Grace (very good)
listening: Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins (they've finally de-synthesized some of his best stuff!)
reading: Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich (very interesting look at white-collar unemployment)

latest addiction

Sorry about the lack of updates; my life has been too hectic to go shopping, much less surf for the latest trends online! However, I have run across stylediary, and I can't seem to get enough. For ideas on the latest trends, awesome outfit ideas, or suggestions on how to get a particular look on a budget, this is the place to go. Check it out.

shoes

All images from Flickr; click on the picture to see full-size.

things I like today

N.E.E.T. magazine is the brainchild of a indy designer that wanted to create a place where those like her could gain exposure. And what exposure! Part independent 'zine, part glamourous layout, it's wholly gorgeous, filled with amazing photos, charming sketches, and the occaisional article.
Paperchase is an English company that makes cards, stationery, journals, and other lovelies. I ran across the journals at Borders today, but since I can't find them for sale on the Borders site, I'll just post pictures of my favorites instead.

coveting this hair

Thanks to relookage for the original article.