Present-ly Surprised

<div style="text-align: center;"><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;">February is Birthday Month, and (hopefully) that means that there will be exciting presents in store. There are 3 different types of presents: The gifts we spend the whole year wishing for, the gifts that we get in reality and finally, the gifts that we'd rather 'return to sender'. Still, you have to smile, say thanks and pretend you like it anyway, secretly wondering whether the tag is still on, so that you can return it to the store. I find that the simplest presents are always the best & most thoughtful, but there's no harm in making a Birthday Wish List, right?</span></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNl1Qc3hChWMWlELLL2BNgv5J-nNG8vL8mD0s9v_cCliJmurpZaJf0iw7gEyEYXWMJ2E8YvQYiTLaPC6BLZUN7ftODh16hI6toWjYY7dQVOCT7ahgXZAZ1q9gB4dJ7TaFQMuv24imnFs/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNl1Qc3hChWMWlELLL2BNgv5J-nNG8vL8mD0s9v_cCliJmurpZaJf0iw7gEyEYXWMJ2E8YvQYiTLaPC6BLZUN7ftODh16hI6toWjYY7dQVOCT7ahgXZAZ1q9gB4dJ7TaFQMuv24imnFs/s640/gifts.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">This is my Birthday Wish List for 2011</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">end</span> getaway to a luxury spa resort</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Louis Vuitton bag or 2</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A perfectly straight smile worthy of a <i>Colgate</i> advertisement</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The entire charming collection from beauty brand <i>Benefit</i></span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Ragdoll. It's actually a cat</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Carrie Bradshaw inspired walk-in closet</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A year's subscription to all local and international fashion magazines</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Now <i>that's </i>Wishful Thinking.</span></li><br /></ul><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><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">The Presents I Hope I Don't Receive</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Birthday cards. Besides not being sentimental, have you seen the price tag on some birthday cards? Instead of buying a R50 piece of cardboard, please donate the money to Save the Trees Foundation</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teddy bears or any stuffed toys. Do I really look 3 years old?</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anything made from exotic animal hide. I am a serious supporter of Animal Anti-Cruelty campaigns</span></span></span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Novelty gifts - that means anything from <i>Cardies. </i>Like weird balloons, boxes, badges, ornaments, frames and t-shirts with silly sayings on them.</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gold & Silver jewellery. Believe or not, I really dislike precious metal jewellery. I may be the only girl in the world who does.</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anything in polka dots. Serious phobia. Don't laugh</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crocs - Tractors for your feet. Enough said.</span></li><br /><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flowers. They barely last a week and look best in a garden.</span></li><br /></ul><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;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Happy Birthday to everyone also celebrating their birthday in February. </b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>May it be present-ly surprising!</b></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

Present-ly Surprised

February is Birthday Month, and (hopefully) that means that there will be exciting presents in store. There are 3 different types of present...

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Divas and Darlings - Screen Actors Guild Awards

<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;">Red Carpet Fashion</span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /><br /></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stars stepped out in style at the 17th Annual SAG Awards last night. Here are my favourite and least favourite looks of the evening.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Grecian Gowns</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSNNEbE2mzfRInL0qXQ4l-e5WeY2Z8ZWRWz8Th47kvkiXXFfHN2w1mmWKAGbPrRjiRSgjxB1iile7rqwMLIhOCnlRHwszmYGpOBS_FjSoAi-t76rKshmbCwnrLy6QRq48-zXCCmhGcW8/s640/SAG+awards-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eva Longoria wears a white pleated toga-dress with plunging neckline by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. Kim Kardashian is known for Grecian and asymmetrical gowns. Here she wears both trends in a plum chiffon number by Marchesa with embroidered detailing on the bodice. Hilary Swank looks statuesque in this blush tone dress by Versace, complemented by crystal beading and gold clutch bag. Lea Michele shimmers in this gorgeous beaded gown with metallic belt by Oscar de la Renta.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSNNEbE2mzfRInL0qXQ4l-e5WeY2Z8ZWRWz8Th47kvkiXXFfHN2w1mmWKAGbPrRjiRSgjxB1iile7rqwMLIhOCnlRHwszmYGpOBS_FjSoAi-t76rKshmbCwnrLy6QRq48-zXCCmhGcW8/s1600/SAG+awards-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Colourful Creations </b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGSxwfxSCAb8L95VnwnQeLwinZNh-J0Q-6xSA50tOIcSv0Fp549ZBqJIz9jcajSMxchgxzezLAhf6F0As4ybb2KjRm6M3FN5rUj4xVDvumsyhuF5mz3MqC91VaHimLmvR_BsHvQpcqSw/s640/SAG+Awards-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jennifer Lawrence wears an Oscar de la Renta dress in my two favourite colours, hot pink and black, but the strappy style and ballerina bun doesn't work too well. Mila Kunis is stunning in an abstract-print strapless gown from Alexander McQueen's Resort 2010 Collection. Sofia Vergara is regal in this royal blue wrap-waisted Roberto Cavalli gown. Tina Fey does vivid red by Oscar de la Renta, who seemed to be the designer of choice for the event. I like this whimsical Louis Vuitton silk dress worn by Claire Danes. The muted blue floral print is well contrasted with a black velvet belt.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">The Dazed and Confused</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOEVgzqSl38FI_zzs9g5Xte1_7HQSo_HdK2YjZQLMgI78cVEzITANXq_riWfgmn7b_G3odYI69pIOT05FcVLOj1HqVPi809ABstmHBOPatmqMk5jniCWfkK5EnN7yNHni5rFmtXEL5Iw/s1600/Sag+awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOEVgzqSl38FI_zzs9g5Xte1_7HQSo_HdK2YjZQLMgI78cVEzITANXq_riWfgmn7b_G3odYI69pIOT05FcVLOj1HqVPi809ABstmHBOPatmqMk5jniCWfkK5EnN7yNHni5rFmtXEL5Iw/s640/Sag+awards.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Mad Men </i>actress Christina Hendricks needs to return this L'Wren Scott dressing gown to Hugh Hefner's closet. Winona Ryder in Alberta Ferretti - Is it a wedding gown, prom dress or pieces of a white sheet glued together? Kate Mara wears a pasty and awkward Hervé Léger dress with too many tiered ruffles and constrictive ribbed bodice. TV actress Paz de la Huerta dons liquid brown long-sleeved goth gown with black lipstick. Did she know this is not a Vampire Convention? Angie Harmon's pink swan-inspired dress by Monique Lhuillier looks like a giant feather-duster.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table>

Divas and Darlings - Screen Actors Guild Awards

Red Carpet Fashion Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011 Stars stepped out in style at the 17th Annual SAG Awards last night. Here are my favourit...

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Spring Couture By Elie Saab

<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;">Couture Spring Collection 2011</span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">by Elie Saab</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to Haute Couture, there are few who can parallel the exceptional creativity of Lebanese designer Elie Saab. He showed off these breathtaking gowns at Paris Couture Fashion Week.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5JRLO6GFyYur1EO3rILiC0FRisxS2_ScyoHlm1FZTeBbY6M-9oWc29sMrGA5s5JNQBJemrO1vAwh-PyGh2GO8Ddz1-rpV0oHE1n9QjitwHx7o70ud0vJoJNIgOMlRj5zqstXSbk6eXU/s1600/Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5JRLO6GFyYur1EO3rILiC0FRisxS2_ScyoHlm1FZTeBbY6M-9oWc29sMrGA5s5JNQBJemrO1vAwh-PyGh2GO8Ddz1-rpV0oHE1n9QjitwHx7o70ud0vJoJNIgOMlRj5zqstXSbk6eXU/s640/Pictures.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Models swept the runway in romantic floor-length tea-rose toned evening gowns, made from vintage inspired fabrics, accented by soft ruffles and 3-D floral appliqués.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjsy2JP-jUChWSKxohnWa7VKKeBUXj49UmLbjtucRqDpZLdg-dAvOrjc3UhmxhXqZchXmk4o8mkuikwWHlthg0YTpShNBZ4etAT1GfKkq3gt6tIc3NqsZTKqGoQgICC5RgtsLIZyLvFM/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjsy2JP-jUChWSKxohnWa7VKKeBUXj49UmLbjtucRqDpZLdg-dAvOrjc3UhmxhXqZchXmk4o8mkuikwWHlthg0YTpShNBZ4etAT1GfKkq3gt6tIc3NqsZTKqGoQgICC5RgtsLIZyLvFM/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shades of Spring were shown in an unusual aniseed green, layered lavender and watercolour print dresses. The floaty and feminine floral dresses were striking with large fabric flowers on the shoulder. Clinched waistlines were a big trend.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY7R9zqA7HqJu3oTLZKBWT6Ng3QXsIeS-250-va7_HI2iCeR99Xwpt417MB40JQmAAJPpwldFsmSRgMdVyc_rYhyd9NBMUhVtqa8yUs-W_jjPExCp7VzMcN86kOaqknT-En6DNYLgzVU/s1600/Blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY7R9zqA7HqJu3oTLZKBWT6Ng3QXsIeS-250-va7_HI2iCeR99Xwpt417MB40JQmAAJPpwldFsmSRgMdVyc_rYhyd9NBMUhVtqa8yUs-W_jjPExCp7VzMcN86kOaqknT-En6DNYLgzVU/s640/Blog2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Classic black beaded gowns were reinvented with layers of sheer tulle, cap sleeves, embroidered black onyx and interesting necklines.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoU9A0lQC8F3QAZoKG9GrMdghrD6MAOK93hd3lRHySTYNRIjWeUyNXgeJmI0vw9dt8Iuc1WGupaBA0TROul6w3R3y7mwbf7MSfmy05WngXoFeA3_jXGGhrIJw-nT2jTA3N_XYzuSf18U/s1600/Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoU9A0lQC8F3QAZoKG9GrMdghrD6MAOK93hd3lRHySTYNRIjWeUyNXgeJmI0vw9dt8Iuc1WGupaBA0TROul6w3R3y7mwbf7MSfmy05WngXoFeA3_jXGGhrIJw-nT2jTA3N_XYzuSf18U/s640/Blog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ravishing red gowns with chiffon draped skirts made a splash of unexpected colour on the runway. Ethereal stone-gray gowns were embellished in exquisite hand-woven Chantilly lace and intricate beading.</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table>

Spring Couture By Elie Saab

Couture Spring Collection 2011 by Elie Saab When it comes to Haute Couture, there are few who can parallel the exceptional creativity of Leb...

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Friday Frills

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSi6pa79ynmX7nj80ePXn4741_1gEAKy_fErKemCeyRNUojBSlaHyIJEuz7UwvKPP9-esGLu_xC7LNh4nUvuTtBd9UcWwtjIEIsYNbcOZICLOIMwHSDwwjnS5SfpKJr2YvTScUiJ_C3U/s1600/beautiful.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSi6pa79ynmX7nj80ePXn4741_1gEAKy_fErKemCeyRNUojBSlaHyIJEuz7UwvKPP9-esGLu_xC7LNh4nUvuTtBd9UcWwtjIEIsYNbcOZICLOIMwHSDwwjnS5SfpKJr2YvTScUiJ_C3U/s1600/beautiful.png.jpg" /></a></div>

Friday Frills

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Dear Prank Caller

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE1k6zLvK_-36hxjK2DvJKDkaXQM8EeQws9auR8N-kKpYjcpz-sm1vQevrp2vQOK1Z-GBGIPHrQo42K_-57Fc3Kc-bSM8aTQ8243oZcvSv20JsLwaZXYRuIgVIQuDouyf-3KH1D872x0/s1600/pink+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE1k6zLvK_-36hxjK2DvJKDkaXQM8EeQws9auR8N-kKpYjcpz-sm1vQevrp2vQOK1Z-GBGIPHrQo42K_-57Fc3Kc-bSM8aTQ8243oZcvSv20JsLwaZXYRuIgVIQuDouyf-3KH1D872x0/s320/pink+phone.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure most of you have been prank called before. 90% of the time, you will never find out who is bored and creepy enough to call you up with no number at odd hours of the night. Occasionally, these practical jokers choose my friends and I as victims of their utter stupidity. You would think that<i> </i>these stalkers would have something better to do then spend their free valuable time and airtime making calls to innocent listeners. They call, we answer, they don't say a word, we get agitated and slam the phone down. After 5 minutes, the same thing happens again. This time there are curse-words involved. This doesnt seem to bother our dear prank caller at all. They have the safety and security of never being caught out, as they have activated the 'hidden identity' option on their phone. So sadly, you may never find out who woke you up from your sleep at 3 in the morning, ringing you up 55 times in a row, with nothing to say.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a 'good' stalker means that your identity should never be revealed. That's why people hide their phone numbers when making prank calls. However, there are some strange people out there that are really dim or just haven't moved with the technologically advancing times. They have somehow missed the memo from <i>Phone Stalkers Inc, </i>that every cellphone they call <i>will</i> display their Caller ID unless they hide it, and most landlines these days provide the same service. </span><br /><br /><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;">Last week, a number I didn't recognise called me. I answered, thinking it was the bank or the usual annoying phone salesperson. But even they're smart enough to call from a private number. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Hello"</span> No answer. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Hello....Hello?"</span> Still no reply, but I could hear shuffling in the background. Again I asked, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Hello? Is</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">there anybody there?"</span> Clearly there was, as I could hear muffled whispering. Tired of playing this prankster's game, I put the phone down. A few minutes later, as predicted, the same number called again. This time, I was prepared. I answered, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Hello"</span> No reply. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Hello? Hey, is there anybody there?"</span> Silence still. So I smugly said, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"By the way, I can see your phone number.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">You've forgotten to hide</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">it." </span>A voice from the other side of the line...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Uh OH!"</span> and Slam...engaged tone. I would have called the number back, but that would render me as bored and bizarre as they are. I have not had a prank call since :) </span>

Dear Prank Caller

I'm sure most of you have been prank called before. 90% of the time, you will never find out who is bored and creepy enough to call you ...

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Tuesday Thrills - Italian Handbags

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My very good friend Maya has a part-time job that many of us can only dream of. She travels to Italy to do personal shopping for individual fashion buyers in South Africa. All you have to do is give her an order of a specific bag, accessory, shoe or dress that you would like, and include details like size, colour, style and any other preferences that you may have. Advise her on the total budget you would like to spend and she will source it especially for you. Exploring Italy and shopping? Sounds heavenly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><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/AVvXsEjwZp2L-dM9ms7iXrHM6YPOII7l5YLSjD2R9A-vu5jy9ederbo3Nj2PR51jv3BISMQdQ_C_gE4XITIRaVa_FizNonW5yslM632XQTx9dM5xlNBSCYTbmOM4PP6jVP8W8SRcoyCJQoDXlJI/s1600/Italian+Handbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZp2L-dM9ms7iXrHM6YPOII7l5YLSjD2R9A-vu5jy9ederbo3Nj2PR51jv3BISMQdQ_C_gE4XITIRaVa_FizNonW5yslM632XQTx9dM5xlNBSCYTbmOM4PP6jVP8W8SRcoyCJQoDXlJI/s640/Italian+Handbags.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />These are two of the handbags Maya has brought from Italy on her most recent trip this month. All the handbags she imports are made from genuine Italian leather and are surprisingly affordable.<br /><br /><br /><br />On the left, is an Etro bag made of brown textured leather with floral and paisley prints in black, white and purple. This tote bag is worn on the arm or in-hand and is beautifully embellished with leather pop-up flowers in pink, green and yellow. It playfully features a pink and orange butterfly, green and yellow lizard and brown/beige turtle.<br /><br /><br /><br />This summer-inspired bag, which is made in Milan, will brighten any girl’s mood simply by looking at it. Since it has a splash of almost every colour, it blends well with anything you put on and is big enough to carry all your essentials and more. This is the ideal daily-use bag for girls who don’t have time to swap handbags to match both colour and style. It can be worn with jeans and summer dresses. It is also an attention-grabbing accessory that will lift and complete the simplest of outfits.<br /><br /><br /><br />The exotic Animal Print bag (pictured right) is made of cow hide. This patch bag has small squares of furry cow hide dyed into leopard and zebra prints which are then sewn into a stylish rectangular shape. The colour palette consists of brown, black, grey and beige hues.<br /><br /><br /><br />Animal prints are the in thing this winter in Europe and this trend will certainly hit our shores in a few months when stilettos to match will be a must-have item. This tote bag can be worn on the arm and also comes with a shoulder strap. It is beautifully accessorised with a matching bag charm: A gold, diamante and leopard-print boot dangling on a gold chain. This bag will be the focal point of any simple black, brown or beige ensemble.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><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 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>Buy your ideal Italian handbag on <a href="http://www.loveitalianfashion.co.za/">loveitalianfashion.co.za </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span></span>

Tuesday Thrills - Italian Handbags

My very good friend Maya has a part-time job that many of us can only dream of. She travels to Italy to do personal shopping for individual ...

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Essentiel Summer Fashion

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Essentiel</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Spring/Summer Collection 2011</span></i></b></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Kv91n7uqm_JNPBReb94rHKzD4SAbcl3TQK32Qiy9ksOmV2fLYwGPT5IzNg3Op7AO0W0Jj_mWa0nRDyOQfscTqDdtBmV0q0fACY95of4NgZ6Kx9z8lSEEJLIVcfnffL5qhCnmdKIr_g/s1600/essentiel+ss+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Kv91n7uqm_JNPBReb94rHKzD4SAbcl3TQK32Qiy9ksOmV2fLYwGPT5IzNg3Op7AO0W0Jj_mWa0nRDyOQfscTqDdtBmV0q0fACY95of4NgZ6Kx9z8lSEEJLIVcfnffL5qhCnmdKIr_g/s640/essentiel+ss+2011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have just discovered the brilliant Belgian design house, <i>Essentiel.</i> I am in awe of their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Their wide range of clothes include bold shades of blue, red and yellow, pretty prints and fluid fabrics. The collection features basic buys like cheery short skirts, skinny pants and cute cardi's, as well as trendy tunics and floral dresses. <i>Essentiel</i> also offers accessories like bows, belts, flowers, wedge heels and unique handbags. </span></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi880t7vp9HGsPy2nzw1IByJDJgBjly_o9ZFMmzQ8kPICCDVfUgv9GUtnoEBwIGrF4JKcvfKjWFHBp7FXXE-g34PtHdRK39PzPo4k59uRA9eWYpU6RGybY9TTesH_TZDCXKKPBRmRNqjuI/s1600/Essentiel+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi880t7vp9HGsPy2nzw1IByJDJgBjly_o9ZFMmzQ8kPICCDVfUgv9GUtnoEBwIGrF4JKcvfKjWFHBp7FXXE-g34PtHdRK39PzPo4k59uRA9eWYpU6RGybY9TTesH_TZDCXKKPBRmRNqjuI/s640/Essentiel+2011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's great about this collection is that items can be worn separately or you can combine prints and colours for a more bohemian look. <i>Essentiel</i> also has a range of trendy kids clothes and menswear. This fashion brand is a beautiful blend of relaxed sophistication, femininity and playfulness, which would stylishly suit any South African woman. For more information on this label, head to <a href="http://www.essentiel.be/">www.essentiel.be</a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /><br /></i></b></span>

Essentiel Summer Fashion

Essentiel Spring/Summer Collection 2011 I have just discovered the brilliant Belgian design house,  Essentiel.  I am in awe of their Spring/...

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