One Gold Dress To Rule Them All

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Balmain Fall 2010 Dress<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The movie<i> Lord of the Rings</i><i> </i>centers around a precious gold ring that all in Middle Earth were besotted with. The One ring allowed it's wearer to rule over all others. Everyone wanted a part of it's magic. This gold <i>Balmain</i> dress is a lot like that. It has a magnetic appeal that has enthralled fashion editors the world over, covering more than 10 magazines. The sparkly and sexy dress caught my eye today when I bought my copy of <i>Cleo</i> magazine, with Lea Michele glittering on the cover.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it about this 'It' dress that is so intoxicating? It has a wrap over design with deep v-neck and exaggerated shoulders. The gold beaded brocade draws you in with it's luminous charm and shimmering texture. It also photographs radiantly, the colour looking so different in each picture.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF4K42MY-bAOoz3PEmU8vSKOVeJFRF7luCAyW74uNp0X5NxESZmS1UkCQRmrFl1teZG-Su8CbH4t_WodsIwQ8cttFZcUFhwMw26YHgq1UtS-Xyd-L0YSp3O2fs2rNf3g2CLOhftiMEUc/s1600/balmain+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF4K42MY-bAOoz3PEmU8vSKOVeJFRF7luCAyW74uNp0X5NxESZmS1UkCQRmrFl1teZG-Su8CbH4t_WodsIwQ8cttFZcUFhwMw26YHgq1UtS-Xyd-L0YSp3O2fs2rNf3g2CLOhftiMEUc/s640/balmain+dress.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Top Row</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Claudia Schiffer adorns the cover of Germany's <i>Zeit</i> Magazine. She was chosen for their 40th Anniversary issue. She wore the dress with a metallic gold belt and blonde waves.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aussie model Abbey Lee Kershaw wore the dress for <i>Vogue</i> Germany's August 2010 issue. The picture has a darker tone to it and leopard print font.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cindy Crawford looks as good as any 20-year-old model in the dress. She wore it on the cover of <i>Vogue</i> India in October 2010, with several gold necklaces.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Middle Row</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dress made an appearance on <i>Vogue España</i> in November 2010. German model Toni Garrn wore it for a group picture.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span>Romanian magazine, </span>The One</i>, featured Dana Budeanu on their November 2010 cover. The dress is shown against a clear, white background. The dress seems slightly big for her. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span>Harper's Bazaar</i> UK chose Natalia Vodianova to close the year on their December 2010 cover. The lighting places emphasis on the shine of the dress. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Bottom Row</b></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anne Hathaway is yet another star that sparkles in the dress. She wore it on the cover UK <i>Elle</i> December 2010.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Vogue</i> Russia began January 2011 with the gilded dress on the cover, worn by Alina Kabaeva. It was styled without the plunging neckline.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dress finally made it to a South African cover, with Lea Michele gracing <i>Cleo </i>July 2011. She wears it with a fresh, youthful appeal.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU__Jlw7RuDiCNDIFDqoK8e6KlCFbLoLe6QpAdTPjqUcPhxKq5kRTZ6A-6hvEUKAsYlCxV5WPhtveX-K99enO5uAORvnKu9SElB3Ds3XWuhYSTEZ36l2nliY5svo6I202SaM1pEOPq00/s1600/balmain+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU__Jlw7RuDiCNDIFDqoK8e6KlCFbLoLe6QpAdTPjqUcPhxKq5kRTZ6A-6hvEUKAsYlCxV5WPhtveX-K99enO5uAORvnKu9SElB3Ds3XWuhYSTEZ36l2nliY5svo6I202SaM1pEOPq00/s640/balmain+fall.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The famed dress worn on the runway by Anja Rubik</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you captivated by this little gold treasure as yet? Then don't let the price dissuade you. The dress costs $31 000, which in South African terms is about R213 930. Let's see...buy a new car or a gold Balmain dress? Such a tough choice! ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div>

One Gold Dress To Rule Them All

Balmain Fall 2010 Dress The movie  Lord of the Rings   centers around a precious gold ring that all in Middle Earth were besotted with. The ...

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At The Car Wash

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><br />One of the best ways to keep cool<br />and busy when its hot out!!<br /><br />{not to mention my car needed a good clean!}<br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZKoRT35P5HcDZpYye4pZfJ7SViCwBLi5f_vlGvciMvXf5A_7BrOraPILZfDs0HOTu0ELLqEkoZMIb3Dh8KaCwPuU7wDRyjfiRlxCVtVTy0uJorslMV4s4iu3-C4KYPk98kih78Sv95k/s1600/boy+clean+car.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622951481596257634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZKoRT35P5HcDZpYye4pZfJ7SViCwBLi5f_vlGvciMvXf5A_7BrOraPILZfDs0HOTu0ELLqEkoZMIb3Dh8KaCwPuU7wDRyjfiRlxCVtVTy0uJorslMV4s4iu3-C4KYPk98kih78Sv95k/s400/boy+clean+car.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">The boys LOVED cleaning the car.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYTRGZjnmLMCW3AGYipeZ2aiAKDdZPijDmFB9aXGDf25xs6r4Dx06sZbSsYg4er3oiNZq70NAVHl-b_ULa_NQo37aFVdr-tpsq9HSSizXFUMhYSI3w8SMYpWP2h18_sxq9l1Dua7Rd1k/s1600/casey+cleans+car.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622951472393545842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYTRGZjnmLMCW3AGYipeZ2aiAKDdZPijDmFB9aXGDf25xs6r4Dx06sZbSsYg4er3oiNZq70NAVHl-b_ULa_NQo37aFVdr-tpsq9HSSizXFUMhYSI3w8SMYpWP2h18_sxq9l1Dua7Rd1k/s400/casey+cleans+car.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">The got so in to it.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrHJRuQe7SFeSZRK82rfLYUiexD25VOEf0VCYBNPGchBtTyNhyphenhyphenol0o225DVZXmVFOarZaMJ6oyGfvUdAdphpFxYDQXZXm88A2NMLmy1xvFy8XUzkxfsV0oQaAU_9iXope2Dx0pMo8L4/s1600/coop+cleaning+car2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622951463106931458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrHJRuQe7SFeSZRK82rfLYUiexD25VOEf0VCYBNPGchBtTyNhyphenhyphenol0o225DVZXmVFOarZaMJ6oyGfvUdAdphpFxYDQXZXm88A2NMLmy1xvFy8XUzkxfsV0oQaAU_9iXope2Dx0pMo8L4/s400/coop+cleaning+car2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">This guy is super serious about his work.<br /><br />The expression on his face is priceless!!<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFP1XlyBzLkmiOaYeLTBJiMpj5i4ZWtLEcRCi6FJHaRP0msOUucXHYhB0ae-LjhWDfIwrxTSKqf1XKAFzIrKlHCd8tDjXNtVrI-DPmdJZlV5FfOIyKrdK5rnwzcovW8eAVNnU1mLiDuc/s1600/coop+cleaning+car.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622951484405623570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFP1XlyBzLkmiOaYeLTBJiMpj5i4ZWtLEcRCi6FJHaRP0msOUucXHYhB0ae-LjhWDfIwrxTSKqf1XKAFzIrKlHCd8tDjXNtVrI-DPmdJZlV5FfOIyKrdK5rnwzcovW8eAVNnU1mLiDuc/s400/coop+cleaning+car.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Have a super day!<br /></span></div>

At The Car Wash

One of the best ways to keep cool and busy when its hot out!! {not to mention my car needed a good clean!} The boys LOVED cleaning the car. ...

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Tuesday Thrills - French Sole Shoes

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">French Sole</span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Ballet Flats<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My recent experiences with heels have not been good ones. I wear them only for formal occasions and after the first ten minutes, I'm limping and dragging my feet, wishing I had worn flats instead. Ideally, a pretty pair by <i>French Sole.</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Founded 22 years ago by British shoe designer, Jane Winkworth, <i>French Sole</i> specializes in making and selling only ballerina style shoes. These shoe gems are manufactured in Spain, making use of the best Italian and Spanish materials. Jane's designs are cute, functional and most importantly, comfortable. They cater for half sizes as well as special sizes for broader or narrower feet. Super, is there anything more we could ask for? Oh yes, <i>French Soles</i> are affordable too.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0EWuBXNNquMT2oPh0zGoJTE5EuCaZWKFYAEOPB2RXtaJQPHDcrYfWlGJceDHKMH1P5ytmplny5e6d3Jkv6EKLeKiV88Gaose_PDcwa2w4rlGKUiMwQVlVR0imjfT79S2OqM5tkUO4Ps/s1600/french+soles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0EWuBXNNquMT2oPh0zGoJTE5EuCaZWKFYAEOPB2RXtaJQPHDcrYfWlGJceDHKMH1P5ytmplny5e6d3Jkv6EKLeKiV88Gaose_PDcwa2w4rlGKUiMwQVlVR0imjfT79S2OqM5tkUO4Ps/s640/french+soles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1. <i>Simple</i> in metallic. I like the graphite colour of this shoe, it's versatile and will match well with anything. It has a chocolate coloured trim. $87 or R600.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <i>Sturdy</i> in black and white. This classic quilted pair is reminiscent of <i>Chanel's </i>two-tone flats. An elegant addition to any outfit. $92 or R632.90</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <i>Annie</i> in red and black. This tweed pair is my favourite, with it's houndstooth fabric, simple style with a punk rock edge. Also available in black & white and burgundy & olive. $131 or R904.</span><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <i>Simple</i> in lime. This unique piece is a vibrant mix of lime green with black and brown leopard print and hot pink edging. Adorable and eye catching. This style is also available in bright blue and red. $90 or R621.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <i>Harriet</i> in red. These quilted flats add a red spark to a neutral coloured outfit. It has a beige trim, and will look great with denims. Available in many colours, including navy, lime, beige, grey and black. $108 or R745</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <i>Camilla</i> in silver. A favourite of Kate Moss, this swanky pair features a metallic silver tip, black leather bow and is covered in black and white lace. I'm already throwing out my silver stilettos for a pair of these. $131 or R904.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <i>Paris Wedge</i> in baby blue and black. Slip into a pair of these chic French inspired shoes. It has a patent leather tip and quilted frame. It also comes in black and beige and black and lilac. $169 or R1166.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <i>Henrietta</i> in zebra print. Black and white zebra print was a trend seen on SA's catwalks earlier this year. The pink trim adds a little something extra. $101 or R697.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <i>Mariposa</i> in black. Elegant ballet flats that be worn up or down. It comes in black or nude patent leather, with a decorative girly bow. $159 or R1097.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Vogue</i> named <i>French Sole </i>shoes as 'the prettiest ballet flats around', while <i>Glamour </i>magazine voted them 'The Best Ballet Flats'. With dozens of colours, finishes and styles to chose from, it's so easy to fall head over heels for <i>French Sole </i>shoes. Buy them at <a href="http://www.frenchsole.com/">www.frenchsole.com</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Happy Shopping!</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div>

Tuesday Thrills - French Sole Shoes

French Sole Ballet Flats My recent experiences with heels have not been good ones. I wear them only for formal occasions and after the first...

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Homemade Play Dough

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Trying to find things to<br />keep us busy until Summer Camp starts.<br /><br />So, I promised the boys that every morning we would do<br />something crafty together.<br /><br />Today was play dough.<br />They got to pick the color.<br /><br />I like homemade play dough better than the store stuff.<br />It seems less messy, if that makes sense?<br />It is softer and less crumbly.<br /><br />Anyhow here is the result:<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDoFhbWaH7qT8WwR-dfG6kgyuHdw1oEYgAqNsnGUeBt55xpJVJ8nCVaasw-zh1PBwY2Hvz8Zok4IudAsQioPEICcg-6KA57ANLY5OmfDwL7p-J6G1EoC-ZfrpGK3sTP-aLOX1xvcnqp0/s1600/play+dough.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622948062249281810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDoFhbWaH7qT8WwR-dfG6kgyuHdw1oEYgAqNsnGUeBt55xpJVJ8nCVaasw-zh1PBwY2Hvz8Zok4IudAsQioPEICcg-6KA57ANLY5OmfDwL7p-J6G1EoC-ZfrpGK3sTP-aLOX1xvcnqp0/s400/play+dough.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">I used this for color:</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKRKtj-tFgUvRSr6qTN5aK2581b10qUK2ojPhlq6w-UkOcOTlzmNJoGRppVOSbZEqCMX8rGcHCYdQOYQdsdOY5HMVJFAXppvmEIaQdg23D2UxeUtAHXtG31MTewaHgS6_dvyyWMKESr4/s1600/dye.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622948054132802690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKRKtj-tFgUvRSr6qTN5aK2581b10qUK2ojPhlq6w-UkOcOTlzmNJoGRppVOSbZEqCMX8rGcHCYdQOYQdsdOY5HMVJFAXppvmEIaQdg23D2UxeUtAHXtG31MTewaHgS6_dvyyWMKESr4/s400/dye.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">The boys seemed to have fun playing<br />with it.<br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IRmaHAglOJd0XUyZ3AM393TsIMNSp6I2djGFdltF6bDb2uJNhZCisEKa5qstrin-Hb_6XhqhvAlKGLRlUrDp8aeMB1N295Tjd0vjlV9Y-k9nEZdaksA-LPOdzXp_LvFyUVg4oPRKNXs/s1600/cj+play+dough.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622948050230318370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IRmaHAglOJd0XUyZ3AM393TsIMNSp6I2djGFdltF6bDb2uJNhZCisEKa5qstrin-Hb_6XhqhvAlKGLRlUrDp8aeMB1N295Tjd0vjlV9Y-k9nEZdaksA-LPOdzXp_LvFyUVg4oPRKNXs/s400/cj+play+dough.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Coop loved it.<br />I took out some tiny cookie cutters and<br />they had a blast.<br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVrDELSm3bEUoDNBmmXQs-iePqAjiyxVtpy6kM5A-C2-I442hqEWRD4EE413zPbAktNNXugIBHrdgqM6wWn4oQNDa4wtlq0vdYvEJA2_1XGD1XzF_T-VyI72yDAt9x0j_Lo-ZM6BRKKc/s1600/coop+dough.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622948472938843762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVrDELSm3bEUoDNBmmXQs-iePqAjiyxVtpy6kM5A-C2-I442hqEWRD4EE413zPbAktNNXugIBHrdgqM6wWn4oQNDa4wtlq0vdYvEJA2_1XGD1XzF_T-VyI72yDAt9x0j_Lo-ZM6BRKKc/s400/coop+dough.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><br />Those tiny hands are growing way too fast!!<br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHMUhitYW_p-KEnOcNyVtvk1masyf4d4hyphenhyphenqhwDVuIx-nCU8lAPGLAvapHlUhAx0Xjz2BcFbRXJF5rR0THDzGvaauJovons8UEgkNy-MBZJ33qrXIXM92h_QcqHrnLSEmuJNlzsv8B9YQ/s1600/coop2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622948044418317746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHMUhitYW_p-KEnOcNyVtvk1masyf4d4hyphenhyphenqhwDVuIx-nCU8lAPGLAvapHlUhAx0Xjz2BcFbRXJF5rR0THDzGvaauJovons8UEgkNy-MBZJ33qrXIXM92h_QcqHrnLSEmuJNlzsv8B9YQ/s400/coop2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Here is the recipe I used:<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><br />Makes approx. 2.5 cups<br /><br />1.5 cups of flour<br />3/4 cups salt<br />1/5 cups of water<br />1 TB vegetable oil<br />1 tsp cream of tarter<br />food coloring - I used the kind shown above<br /><br />Mix all ingredients in saucepan. Once its all mixed add the food coloring.<br /><br />Make sure you keep your stove on med. to low heat, it starts to clump<br />pretty quickly. Once you actually have something that looks like cookie dough take it off the heat. Lay out a cookie sheet and line it with wax paper. Scoop out dough onto wax paper and start to knead dough as soon as it is cool enough to handle {it should still be warm though}. Knead it to a nice smooth texture.<br />Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or zip lock bag.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /></span><span style="font-family: courier new;"></span></div></div>

Homemade Play Dough

Trying to find things to keep us busy until Summer Camp starts. So, I promised the boys that every morning we would do something crafty toge...

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Monique Lhuillier Resort 2012

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monique Lhuillier brings forth glamour and gorgeous gowns for her Resort 2012 Collection. The Filipino born designer chose a vast palette of colours for her new range, starting with pristine white, moving into summer pinks and oranges, to darker shades of blue. She remains steadfast in her feminine design aesthetic, there is no shortage of ruffles here. These are some of the pieces from the collection.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVcxL3vQx2zBsixOnzVl8v9FVxreML4Uc_QHhTDZvnVxF3-G2gkZA1wPIHpm-jvVbDtk_y0iOKJYtmOB5IPouh-qUSXnE1huooWdohXcM8uz7DNbhvVDge0y3LiBh-jDf7stbrwhR5ME/s1600/monique1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVcxL3vQx2zBsixOnzVl8v9FVxreML4Uc_QHhTDZvnVxF3-G2gkZA1wPIHpm-jvVbDtk_y0iOKJYtmOB5IPouh-qUSXnE1huooWdohXcM8uz7DNbhvVDge0y3LiBh-jDf7stbrwhR5ME/s640/monique1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Navy blue and white usually remind me of nurses uniforms, but Monique manages to capture an elegant side to these two colours. There's the white ruffle wrap-over dress and navy ruffled collar mini. Shades of blue replace the typical animal print colours.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLWM2UMx9sKHyVvhDRkkI17D0IrNwuMFt7tm1SPP56O2lb2LLtrixOIYJnN6JJIL9YBVC3IFjStRgm0JugsqFfYKNusUcXiSsz8zfcZMI64X7QWRgKDmetvZ9LSbf4oDDn9xhGnWw_W8/s1600/monique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLWM2UMx9sKHyVvhDRkkI17D0IrNwuMFt7tm1SPP56O2lb2LLtrixOIYJnN6JJIL9YBVC3IFjStRgm0JugsqFfYKNusUcXiSsz8zfcZMI64X7QWRgKDmetvZ9LSbf4oDDn9xhGnWw_W8/s640/monique2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tropical coloured taffeta gowns make a splash with textured mini ruffles and ballgown silhouettes. Coral sets the scene for printed dresses, which are dusted with a bit of lavender. I see these styles being Matric farewell favourites. I love the lavender chiffon gown, which has a tulle skirt covered in floral appliqués (pictured bottom right).</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB84tkV3mUUX97DEiTLIKfHlVDAxWMfggPaQXL4ToSzQKHK5oajbU2UvL5pGfM8d_0Qb4bSZDb7GGvwUS30jFZdx0E3Y1ZSfk1jxhLH6g0_e0TYcOBSGZmIoq9AjIIphvmHx2lc7rhVvQ/s1600/monique3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB84tkV3mUUX97DEiTLIKfHlVDAxWMfggPaQXL4ToSzQKHK5oajbU2UvL5pGfM8d_0Qb4bSZDb7GGvwUS30jFZdx0E3Y1ZSfk1jxhLH6g0_e0TYcOBSGZmIoq9AjIIphvmHx2lc7rhVvQ/s640/monique3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Embellished tulle princess gowns complete the outstanding collection.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2012

Monique Lhuillier brings forth glamour and gorgeous gowns for her Resort 2012 Collection. The Filipino born designer chose a vast palette of...

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He's Just Not That Into You

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Advice from The Friendship Files<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've seen the movie, read the book and had lengthy discussions about it with our friends. So on this edition of the 'Friendship Files', I asked my galpals to share their experiences and advice on how to tell when that guy is just <i>not</i> that into you. This is what they came up with.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OHzTksMosXdBlE73IXoq_zwJB2pu1TzWV5qsHF6L-FsRiCuxS3WurzzPmiIOflsFdPn1RMSFXrvIRcRewERhyphenhyphenDPZs1C7Urq2kwuke-8xvhIrw5mVxhyi9UK0NDKCIetDeDtAuU9KLCI/s1600/img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OHzTksMosXdBlE73IXoq_zwJB2pu1TzWV5qsHF6L-FsRiCuxS3WurzzPmiIOflsFdPn1RMSFXrvIRcRewERhyphenhyphenDPZs1C7Urq2kwuke-8xvhIrw5mVxhyi9UK0NDKCIetDeDtAuU9KLCI/s1600/img.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Signs That He's Just Not That Into You</span></span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />*He finds every excuse as to why he can't attend that party/wedding/dinner with you. And you haven't even mentioned the date yet.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*When he still makes you pay for your share at dinner even though he can totally afford to foot the full bill.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He never introduces you to anyone he knows.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He only calls you at the last minute to invite you out - which means you are his 'back-up' plan when his initial plans didn't work out.<br /><br />*When he stops doing the 'normal' things with you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He doesn't take your calls if he sees your number on his screen...however he answers seconds later when you call from private number.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*You catch him checking out the waitress at the restaurant when you're on a date together.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He always shows up late. If a guy is into you, he won't want to lose a single precious minute with you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*When he doesn't ask you to be his date at work-related functions.<br /><br />*You're together for four years and you still don't have a ring around your finger. If he can't commit after <i>that</i> long, will he ever?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He takes you out to far out and obscure places on dates and constantly looks around nervously to see if there's anyone that he knows.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He doesn't make longterm plans with you.<br /><br />*When spending time with his boys takes preference over spending time with you.<br /><br />*When he introduces you to his friends by your name only - not staking his claim and labeling you as his lady.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*When he buys you socks for your birthday.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He never leaves his phone unattended and never lets you browse through it.<br /><br />*When his behaviour makes you start questioning him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He changes his email/Facebook password when he finds out you've figured it out.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*When he makes every excuse in the book as to why he can't meet your parents.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He always takes his calls in the next room and claims it's 'work'.<br /><br />*When he names his pet female dog after you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He says that he's somewhere that he isn't.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He cancels his plans with you at the last minute.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He sends out 100 BBM's per minute while he's on a date with you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*If you're always the one asking to meet up or calling.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He pretends not to see you at the mall then turns and walks the other away as fast as he can.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He waits three days after a date to call you. If a guy is really into you, he <i>will</i> call you immediately to let you know what a great a time he had.<br /><br />*When he is not prepared to be faithful to you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He says he's out on a business lunch, at 8 in the evening, on a Sunday, on Valentines Day.<br /><br />*He doesn't call when he says he will.<br /><br />*He stands you up on your first date<br /><br />*If he doesn't answer his phone, reply your messages or is always too busy to meet up, well then...he just doesn't want to.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to all my lovely galpals for contributing. Hope this list helps girls out there read in between the lines and jump out before their ship sinks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div>

He's Just Not That Into You

Advice from The Friendship Files We've seen the movie, read the book and had lengthy discussions about it with our friends. So on this e...

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Stylista of the Week - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Stylish Star</span></span></span></b><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Rosie Huntington-Whiteley<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></i></span></b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is currently circling the globe, to promote her new movie 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'. The British actress replaces Megan Fox as the eye candy of the popular movie franchise. The former model looked stunning at all events, she really knows how to glam things up.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfs7TBoEYbZXolHUWlU361b2m8keK8oBiGfjjPiv97xgOVHiQH7gcl3T3VIrqUtQaT_0Al7WWPx4f051i-BdD5l3J5lJwWyhAazsFeYDzVsB9qkQIPxgxvQ-lxD6uazuRSpB7cHlTmHY/s1600/rosie+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfs7TBoEYbZXolHUWlU361b2m8keK8oBiGfjjPiv97xgOVHiQH7gcl3T3VIrqUtQaT_0Al7WWPx4f051i-BdD5l3J5lJwWyhAazsFeYDzVsB9qkQIPxgxvQ-lxD6uazuRSpB7cHlTmHY/s640/rosie+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Brazil, Rosie wore a sleeveless black chiffon dress with sheer slitted skirt by Michael Kors. She paired it with a leather buckled belt and ankle strap sandals, both by the same designer.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Moscow, the actress was pretty in a slinky pink dress, again by Michael Kors. The striking colour, silky fabric, straight neckline and simple draping are a great match for her tall and slender silhouette. Pointy toe pumps complete her look.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later in Moscow, Rosie was bewitching in Gucci. I love the intriguing olive green asymmetrical top, layered with tiny frills and topped off with a large floral posy. The dress fell in a sheer black skirt.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rosie shimmered in Germany, wearing a fully sequined silver gown by Naeem Khan. I like the cap-sleeves with the mermaid skirt. She looks amazing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the London premiere, Rosie opted for a custom made gown by Burberry. The silky midnight blue gown has a plunging halter neckline and embellished back straps. I can't wait to see what she will wear next.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span>

Stylista of the Week - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Stylish Star Rosie Huntington-Whiteley The beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is currently circling the globe, to promote her new movie ...

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