Have You Given Yet? Haiti Relief and Development

On January 12, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3 devastated Haiti. The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, and other partners to assist those affected by this disaster.

Your gift to the American Red Cross will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.

http://www.redcross.org/

Project Runway Episode 2: Burlap Sack

I loved the challenge in last night's Project Runway (episode 2). The designers were challenged to make a party outfit out of a potato sack. The main reason I watch Project Runway is to see the innovation of the designers and observe what they come up with.

The designers did great! They dyed. They shredded. They embellished.

The winning design was by Jay Nicolas, who shred the sack to create a tutu of burlap feathers. What a great LBD. He definitely did the most with the material given and came up with a dress that was fashion forward and figure flattering.


Another designer in the top 3 was Amy Sarabi, who kept the burlap in it's natural color and just dip-dyed the edges. I loved the organic feel of this dress and the whole style. Although, I'm not sure what party I would go to wearing this.

Not in the top, but another one of my favs was this red dress by Anna Lynett. This is a very marketable dress and would look very nice at a party.

The designer who said auf wiedersehen this week was Pamela Ptak. While her denim-colored burlap looked nice, her model's bottom looked huge. And the lace-up back (and front) not only looked like it was made 10 years ago, it made the model look trashy.

Great show this week!

Golden Globes Fashion Trend: Sparkle

Every year, the stars come out and glam up the red carpet with color, style, and shine. This year was no exception.

This year was all about the sparkle. Some of the best dressed ladies glittered in the photographers' flashes even while the rain was pouring down.

Who was the best dressed?

My number one pick was Olivia Wilde in this Gucci dress. The plunging deep v was oh-so-flattering and the gun metal color was on trend. Her jewels are from Tiffany and her clutch is Judith Leiber. On the runway she revealed, her dress was going to be auctioned off to benefit Haiti relief. Right on, Olivia.


Toni Collette was another women who sparkled on the red carpet. This flattering dress was made by Carolina Herrera and went beautifully with Toni's golden locks.


Another glistening lady was Jennifer Garner in Versace. The gorgeous dress show off her slim figure. She also wore Bulgari diamonds and Casadei heels.


Finally, while Penelope Cruz once again donned black, she look as sexy as ever in this Giorgio Armani Privé black lace gown. She accessorized with an umbrella (like most stars on Sunday), Chopard diamonds, and a Haiti-support ribbon.


Best dressed couple, in my opinion, was John and Emily. Emily Blunt wore a pink tulle and chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown, complimented by Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Ferragamo clutch, and John JohnKrasinski. Cute couple!



Now let's talk about the worst of the night!

The worst dressed couple was Patricia Arquette and Thomas Jane. Arquette is never a success on the red carpet and she proved again her terrible fashion sense. Not only was her hair cut and style a hot mess, but where did she find this wrapping silver animal print gown? Seriously? What designer would chose this fabric? And P.S. Thomas didn't do much better, see his feet wearing brown shoes.


Mickey Rourke took first place for worst dress male. His gator-skin lapel tux was definitely ugly, but his accessories were worse: a pocket watch chain, a cowboy hat, and a Russian mail-ordered date.

Nothing went right for Julianne Moore's black gown. It just looks sloppy and the furry or frilly over-the-shoulder necklace accent is beyond words. The vertical hem not only puckers, but opens to an unflattering slit to reveal inappropriate and ugly shoes.

Enter Mariah Carey. "Who needs to win, when I have two globes right here," said hubby Nick Cannon (just kidding). No surprise that Mariah wore a too-tight, ultra-revealing gown. Will she ever learn?

Worst dressed female award goes to Mary Poppins...er...Tina Fey! I would love to say it's the umbrella that makes her look like the famous nanny, but alas the lamp shade skirt has this funny lady being mocked from all angles. Till the next red carpet, Little Bow Peep.

Some of you may notice, I excluded the Glee Cast from this list (all would be in the worst dressed category). I thought I would be nice, since this is their first award show. But if they don't learn quick, I will be voicing my opinion about their fashion choices soon.

Monster Monday: How to Dress for an Interview on a Budget

Tips for Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
By Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster Contributing Writer 

Everyone knows you should look your best for an interview, but what if you can't afford -- or can’t fit into your old -- fancy work clothes? Not to worry. We’ve got some cost-conscious tips for pulling together stylish, interview-worthy outfits.

Access Accessories

The easiest way to look like an A-list candidate on a D-list budget is to accessorize wisely. The right accent piece shows you know how to dress for an interview, tastefully and inexpensively. Start by putting your best foot forward -- literally -- and invest in a really good pair of shoes.

“You don't need to go crazy and spend $500 on the latest Manolos,” cautions professional stylist Ruth Levy, who co-owns The Fashion Code with her sister, Sara Levy. “Just get a good pair of leather shoes in a neutral tone which suits your outfit. Keep in mind too, even if you’re paying double what you normally would spend, good shoes should last twice as long as cheap ones, so it all works out in the end.”

Other important accessories for women include scarves, simple but elegant earrings and necklaces, and a good handbag or briefcase. For men, a good-quality tie and belt are musts, as well as a nice pocket square and a good briefcase. If you really want to wow them, “an outstanding pair of cuff links should do the trick,” says fashion expert Amy Salinger.

Closet Couture

Before you buy any big-ticket items, check your closet. “We have found that most people -- regardless of their budget -- have exactly what they need to get started hanging right there at home,” says Levy.

“You might be thinking, ‘What? That old stuff?!’ But many times, all your clothing needs to look more stylish and updated are a few simple alterations to get it to sync with your body’s own unique proportions,” she continues. “Something as minor as changing a skirt hem or jacket length can magically transform an old suit into an elegant new suit.”

Designer Discount

If you have to shop for new interview clothes, shop smart. “Going to a discount designer store will save you money, and you can still purchase something that is great quality,” says Salinger. Outlet stores are a great option, too.

Courtney Greer, a Raleigh, North Carolina, fashionista on an educator’s budget, is the queen of the sale. She shops high-end stores during sales and in the off-season, when items are deeply discounted. Her best find? “A long cashmere coat that looks great over suits. It was an expensive piece that I purchased for under $100. It was a great deal and a timeless piece.”

And don’t forget “gently used” clothes. Consignment shops and vintage boutiques are great places to find designer interview clothes at low prices. Some larger cities even have suit rental services, too.

Versatile Vestments

Get the most bang for your buck by picking up two suits in basic colors like navy, black, grey or brown. “You can mix and match all week long,” Levy notes.

“If you buy a navy and a grey suit, you can mix the navy jacket with the grey slacks and the grey jacket with the navy skirt. By changing out your shirts and accessories and adding a new tie or scarf, you can have a whole new look every day, but with a minimal amount of clothing investment.”

Fine Fit

Whether you’re working with your existing wardrobe or a new one, fit is crucial. “I always say that a good tailor is like a good surgeon, you should have one readily available,” quips Salinger.

“If a sleeve is too long on you, the entire jacket will appear oversized and drown you," Salinger says. "Changing the buttons on any jacket will quickly vamp up the feel and quality of the suit.” And pay attention to skirt and pant hems. A good tailor will know where they should fall for you -- just remember to take your dress shoes along for the fitting. “These quick alterations will completely update your wardrobe and not cost you.”

Following these tips will help you dress for interview success. Says Greer: “You want to feel self-assured in the interview clothes you select. Once you know how to dress for an interview, that confidence will show in how you present yourself.”

Read the article here.

It's Back! Project Runway Season 7 Premiere

"Project Runway" Season 7 gets back to the show's roots in New York City starting tonight, Thursday, Jan. 14 at 10 pm, as judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia return for the entirety of Season 7 to weigh in on the best and worst of the runway.

For the first time, it is filmed in High-Def (although in the Erie, PA - Time Warner Cable market - Lifetime is not broadcast in HD. Curse you, Time Warner.).

And the show is hosted as always by supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum. The hit series provides budding designers with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion, under the watchful eye of mentor and Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn.

Tim's blog is back. I think you can read it here. Also last season's fan favorite Carol Hannah will be blogging for the show (with footnotes from Logan Neizel).

Another way to take part in the show is to pick your Fantasy Designer Team.

And Project Runway is all over the social media outlets: Facebook and Twitter.

Haiti's Presidential Palace

Nothing in Haiti was safe after yesterday's devastating earthquake of 7.3 magnitude and more than 30 aftershocks. That includes Haiti's Presidential Palace.

Here's a picture of the beautiful palace in the capital city of Haiti, Port-au-Prince:

Here's the picture of it leveled after the earthquake:

The president and first lady of Haiti were inside the palace at the time of the earthquake, but reports say they are safe.

Unfortunately, that is not the case with hundreds, if not thousands, of Haitians.

My thoughts are with all the citizens of Haiti and I hope we can get aid to them soon.

Lisa Edelstein v. Sasha Alexander

On House last night Sasha Alexander, previously Kate on NCIS, played Wilson's and House's new neighbor (who thought they were a gay couple).

But the entire time I was watching the show, I kept thinking she looks and sounds so much like Lisa Edelstein (Cuddy on House).

What do you think?

Lake Effect vs. Clipper

Have you heard? Erie has snowy winters.

It's apparently something that is easy to forget...because many people are sure talking about it recently.

I was at my parents' the other night and we were watching the weather on TV - Tom Atkins was calling for more snow. My mom says, "I love clippers!"

And this is why:

This is a close-up view of a snowflake. If you want to learn more about her and her photos, join her Facebook Page or check out her website's Lake Effect Lace page.

Khao Thai

Khao Thai is Erie newest (and only) Thai Restaurant.

Located at 36 North Park Row, it is open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for dine in and carry out.

This family-run restaurant has an extensive menu of delicious food. It is difficult to decide what to order from their homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients and no MSG. However, my mouth is watering remembering the yummy meal I ate and reading their menu now.

Here's a little sampling of what Khao Thai has to offer:

Appetizers:
Fried Calamari - $5.95
4 Fresh Rolls (with veggies, tofu, and noodles) $3.95
Thai Chicken Wings (marinated in a special sauce and served with a spicy, sweet dipping sauce and rice) $4.95

Soups (prices range depending on meat for small $3.95-4.95 and large $6.95-7.95):
Lemon Grass Soup - Tom Yum
Coconut Soup - Tom Kar

Salads:
Larb Kai - $6.95
(chicken tossed in a spicy lime dressing over lettuce)
Cellophane Noodles Salad $6.95
Thai Papaya Salad $6.95
(julienne green papaya, roasted peanuts, string bean, and tomatoes)

Curry:
Khao Thai has red, green, and panang curry. All of their curries have a lunch or dinner portion and are priced based on meat option. Lunch: chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian $6.95, shrimp or seafood $8.95. Dinner: chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian $8.95, shrimp or seafood $11.95.

I had the Red Curry; it was delicious!

Entrees (same meat options and same prices as the curry):
Stir-fried Ginger
Sweet and Sour
Bangkok Beef
Cashew Nuts

Noodles and Fried Rice (same meat opions and lunch/dinner prices):
Pad Thai
Drunken Noodles
Thai Spicey Rice

House's Special:
2 Soft Shell Crabs - $14.95
Crispy Duckling - $14.95
10 Wonder Shrimp - $14.95
(fried shrimp on steamed tomatoes, onion, pineapples, bell peppers, cucumber served with mango sauce)
Thai Rama - $12.95 (chix, beef, or pork) $15.95 (shrimp or seafood)
(sauteed with yellow curry with broccoli and baby corn, topped with red onion and peanut sauce)

Desserts:
Sticky Rice with Mango - $4.95

Homemade Coconut Ice Cream - $3.95

Banana in a Blanket - $3.95 With Coconut Ice Cream $5.95
Thai Custard - $3.95

This is just a FEW things from their menu of 54 items (more meal choices with all the meat options). There is also a kids menu with fried rice or honey beef or noodles.

I am seriously starving now after reading this menu. And if you are craving this food as much as me, you are going to want the number to order some take-out.

814-454-4096

Happy eating!

Monster Monday: Ten Career Resolutions

By Dan Miller, Monster Staff Writer 

Like the old saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," it's never a bad time to start moving your career in a better direction. Here are 10 New Year's resolutions to help.

Pay Attention in Class

Treat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something and use it to make yourself more productive. It doesn't have to relate to your skills set. It may be as simple as understanding how to work with specific peers or emotional intelligence. Take mental notes. Don't sleepwalk through the day.

Look for the Next Rung

You need to excel at your job. This is how you gain credibility. But understanding your next step is key to career happiness. Career pathing is critical to remaining engaged on the job. Schedule discussions with your manager to get clarity on the next challenge. If you don't get it on your team or in your company, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Understand Company Goals

Make sure you understand how your job contributes to your company's business objectives. Are you in a revenue-generating role? A brand-awareness role? Is your mission to delight the customer? Knowing how your job fits into the big picture will give you inspiration and a sense of accomplishment -- and will help you understand your job's impact.

Be Ethical

Bring integrity to your job. Whether you're running the company or cleaning its bathrooms, be honest in all you do. Don't call in sick just to get a day off -- that's stealing. Put in an honest day's work. Be accountable. If you're working remotely, be sure you are. Do what you say you're going to do. Honesty and reliability mean a lot to your manager.

Stay Fit

OK, this was probably on your last New Year's resolutions list, but that's because it's so important. Try to break a sweat for 20 minutes, three days a week. Go for a walk at lunch. Join a gym. Lift weights. A healthy body makes a healthy mind. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain and gives you ideas. You'll be more productive at work, and best of all, you'll feel better.

Stretch Your Role

Occasionally think how you can go above and beyond. Are there projects outside your defined role you could help with? Be proactive; ask to join. Come up with your own ideas, and work with your manager to implement them. If you're a hamster, step off the wheel and poke your head out of the cage. Stretch a little. This won't go unnoticed.

Manage Up

Make sure you and your manager are in firm agreement on what you're doing. Be proactive and get on his calendar to ensure you're meeting or exceeding expectations. Don't assume he's paying close attention. There are bad managers. If there's a disconnect between what you're doing and what your manager wants, you're partly to blame. Don't wait until review time.

Manage Across

Even if you work primarily alone, be sure to make time to understand your peers' roles and how they go about their jobs. Show an interest. Don't just choose a few friends and become part of a clique. High school is over. You never know when you may need people -- or be reporting to them.

Communicate

Don't leave people waiting for answers. If you're in an email environment, return emails promptly. Let people know what you're doing. If you're working on a project, always ask yourself who needs to know about it, then tell them. Talk to people; give them a heads up. And when someone helps you out, be sure to thank him. It's amazing this even needs to be on a list, but bad communicators abound. Don't be one of them.

Make Time for Play

Have fun. Work hard, but smile while you're doing it. No one likes a grump. Approach each day with a positive spirit and stay loose. Enjoy your family and friends as well. Make time for them -- and you. It's called work/life balance. All work and no play makes life a chore.

Here's the full article on Monster.com.