Thursday, September 29, 2011
Daisy vs. Cement Patio
Daisy, my yellow lab mix, tries and tries to pick up her frisbee off the patio. If only she had thumbs! She certainly is a diligent dog.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Ghosts Afloat
One of the scariest haunted "house" experiences I remember as a child is back...
Guys and ghouls are invited to a night of fright aboard Erie’s Flagship Niagaraaaaaaah!
Ghosts Afloat will transform Erie’s treasure into a haunted ship when ghosts from the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie revisit their old stomping grounds. Be prepared to meet a crazed ship surgeon, a deranged cook, a phantasmic captain and more during an experience that—try as you may—you won’t soon forget!
Ghosts Afloat is a family-friendly event that is appropriate for children age 7 or older. It will also feature seasonal shore-side activities and autumnal treats.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They must be purchased in advance online or at the Erie Maritime Museum gift shop. All proceeds benefit the Flagship Niagara League.
Schedule: Each session will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on:
Saturday, October 15
Sunday, October 16
Saturday, October 22
Sunday, October 23
Saturday, October 29
Sunday, October 30
Due to limited capacity on the ship, they must be purchased in advance
for a specific session.
For more information, call (814) 452-2744, ext. 223.
Who wants to go with me???
Guys and ghouls are invited to a night of fright aboard Erie’s Flagship Niagaraaaaaaah!
Ghosts Afloat will transform Erie’s treasure into a haunted ship when ghosts from the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie revisit their old stomping grounds. Be prepared to meet a crazed ship surgeon, a deranged cook, a phantasmic captain and more during an experience that—try as you may—you won’t soon forget!
Ghosts Afloat is a family-friendly event that is appropriate for children age 7 or older. It will also feature seasonal shore-side activities and autumnal treats.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They must be purchased in advance online or at the Erie Maritime Museum gift shop. All proceeds benefit the Flagship Niagara League.
Schedule: Each session will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on:
Saturday, October 15
Sunday, October 16
Saturday, October 22
Sunday, October 23
Saturday, October 29
Sunday, October 30
Due to limited capacity on the ship, they must be purchased in advance
for a specific session.
For more information, call (814) 452-2744, ext. 223.
Who wants to go with me???
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Case of Mondays: Fashion Edition
Apparently, I have a case of the Mondays. I saw this posted to Facebook earlier by Marshalls and I just got irritated. So I felt the need to blog away my sarcasm.
Begin sarcasm.
Need to transition to fall? Marshalls posted some helpful photos. Because, 1) you have never lived through a season change before and 2) you stand in front of your mirror in your summer dress thinking, "I really want to keep wearing this, but how? If only someone could teach me."
Phew, it's a good thing Marshalls showed me the ways....
Albeit, all I need to do is put on a sweater and booties and POOF! I'm ready for fall.
(Forget the fact I am still wearing a godawful dress that I should have never bought in the first place. And forget the fact my legs remain exposed to the cooler temps.)
How did I ever make it through a season change without this knowledge?
End sarcasm.
Begin sarcasm.
Need to transition to fall? Marshalls posted some helpful photos. Because, 1) you have never lived through a season change before and 2) you stand in front of your mirror in your summer dress thinking, "I really want to keep wearing this, but how? If only someone could teach me."
Albeit, all I need to do is put on a sweater and booties and POOF! I'm ready for fall.
(Forget the fact I am still wearing a godawful dress that I should have never bought in the first place. And forget the fact my legs remain exposed to the cooler temps.)
How did I ever make it through a season change without this knowledge?
End sarcasm.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Foto Friday: Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is carnivorous, and an opportunistic feeder. Its diet is mainly small mammals, but it also includes birds and reptiles. Prey varies with regional and seasonal availability, but usually centers on rodents, comprising up to 85% of a hawk's diet. Most commonly reported prey types include mice, voles, chipmunks, ground squirrels, tree squirrels and woodchucks.
Birds have evolved to adapt to different temperature ranges. On particularly hot days, birds, just like dogs, will open their bills and pant to help dissipate heat (as seen in the above photo).
Camera Stuff:
Camera: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
F-stop: f/7.1
Exposure time: 1/400 sec.
ISO Speed: ISO-800
Exposure bias: +1 step
Focal length: 260 mm
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Emmy's 2011
I watch a lot of television for a single woman who should be hitting the town and meeting men. But whatever. Don't judge. I like to unwind after a long workday by drinking wine, hanging with my dog, and snuggling under a blanket. It's my thing and I know I can't be alone (... well, not alone in my infatuation with TV. I'm obviously alone watching the tube).
Here's a little fashion recap from the 2011 Emmy's hosted by Jane Lynch on FOX.
As a wise woman once told me, "We all need some sparkle." My personal favorites were all about the sparkle, shine, and glimmer Sunday night (oops, was it really on Sunday, I've lost a couple days of my life).
I tried searching online to find out what designer Faris was wearing. Okay, I didn't search too hard, but I didn't find out. I love this gown. I love the bling and I love the geometry. She also accessorized smartly with minimal jewelry. This dress doesn't need more bling; it is the bling.
Danes' black-and-blue patterned, embellished strapless Oscar de la Renta column dress does not leave me bruised. This gown was my favorite of the night. Sparkle and pattern and blues -- What's not to love? Also Danes wears Barbara Bui shoes and Irit Design jewels. (Eye make-up is a bit heavy.)
Blunt wore a midnight blue, plunging, tulle-embellished Elie Saab gown, Lorraine Schwartz jewels, Kelly Locke clutch, and Brian Atwood shoes. Pretty.
Elie Saab had two winners for the night (not Emmy's). This black sequin gown with cap sleeves and train was stunning on this actress... who I don't know. Wood also wore Fred Leighton jewels, Judith Leiber clutch, and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.
A winner for her role on Modern Family, and also for this shimmering, plunging patterned Oscar de la Renta gown, Judith Leiber bag, and Neil Lane jewels. Score two for de la Renta!
Moss wore the wrong color (yet again) in this Marchesa gown with illusion embroidery. But the gown is gorgeous. The blush color just washes Moss out, however on the right person, this gown would be wonderful. (Not to mention, her hair is horrible!) Moss also wore Christian Louboutin shoes and Lorraine Schwartz gems.
The color red was very on trend for the 2011 Emmy's as well. But my two favorite red gowns on the red carpet were...
I like Glee, but I'm not a fan of Rachel Berry or Lea Michele, but I gotta give her props when props are due. Michele kept it simple all over except with the body-skimming Marchesa gown with a striking bare back and Lorraine Schwartz gems. Snaps, but don't get cocky. Oh. Too late.
Nina who? I watch a lot of TV, hun (call back from the top of this blog) and I've never heard of ya. The Vampire Diaries star dresses for men and women in her blood-red Donna Karan gown, Brian Atwood peep-toes, and Neil Lane jewels.
Now... on to the worst....
I regret to have to put both Carolina Herrara and Munn in the worst dressed category (as I'm sure they will be sadden I did so). But this dress is UGLY. It is worse than a bridesmaid dress. It's worse than a night gown. And it looks like it has been slept in or pitty screwed in the wedding reception's bathroom. Or both.
Keep it simple, stupid (aka Katie Holmes for this KISS lecture). Forget to change out of your beach cover-up and just throw your hair up into a messy bun after your day relaxing in the sand and sun. No one will notice as long as you belt the cover-up and put some make-up on.
Paltrow has a do-no-wrong attitude (she acts, she sings, she dances, she cooks, she marries a rock star). Ugh. Over it. This dress is wrong in just one area. If the midriff wasn't bared, and the dress was one-piece, this could be a best dressed. The embroidery and the beading have great interest. It is not just another black gown on the red carpet. I just can't get past the cropped top. Come on!
Eek! My eyes! This is hideous! Mays really doesn't know how to dress. She NEVER picks the right look. There's so much wrong: the color, the tulle, the skirt tiers, the dyed-to-match clutch, the illusion neckline, and the "pink satin sash(es)." Just no.
And finally.... one look that was so heinous, it didn't even walk the red carpet...
Burlap sack, meets mockneck, meets fuzzy mini-skirt, meets sheer overlay, meets pleats. Hello, UG-LEY!
Here's a little fashion recap from the 2011 Emmy's hosted by Jane Lynch on FOX.
As a wise woman once told me, "We all need some sparkle." My personal favorites were all about the sparkle, shine, and glimmer Sunday night (oops, was it really on Sunday, I've lost a couple days of my life).
Anna Faris in ???
Claire Danes in Oscar de la Renta
Emily Blunt in Elie Saab
Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab
Julie Bowen in Oscar de la Renta
Elisabeth Moss in Marchesa
The color red was very on trend for the 2011 Emmy's as well. But my two favorite red gowns on the red carpet were...
Lea Michele in Marchesa
Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan
Now... on to the worst....
Olivia Munn in Carolina Herrera
Katie Holmes in Calvin Klien
Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci
Jayma Mays in Zuhair Murad
And finally.... one look that was so heinous, it didn't even walk the red carpet...
Drew Barrymore in Givenchy
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Green Your Workspace
You spend most of your time at work, so help make sure your office is green by following these tips from Sierra Club.
Tip #1: Be bright about light.
Artificial lighting accounts for nearly half of the electricity use in office buildings, so make sure lights are turned off whenever no one's in a room — and invite in natural light wherever possible. Make it a policy, too, to buy Energy Star-rated lightbulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.
Tip #2: Shut down that PC.
Computers in the business sector waste $1 billion worth of electricity per year, so make it a habit to turn off your computer — and the power strip it's plugged into — when you leave work for the day. Otherwise you'll still be burning energy even if you're not burning the midnight oil. During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep during short breaks can cut energy use 70%. Remember, screen savers don't save energy.
Tip #3: Print smarter (or not at all).
The average U.S. office worker can use 10,000 pieces of copy paper per year. To reduce your number, print double-sided whenever possible. Avoid color printing (hues are more likely to be toxic) and consider downloading Ecofont to save ink. Better yet, really think about whether you need that information down on sheets of dead trees, or whether having it on your computer is good enough.
Tip #4: Rethink office lunches
Much of your munching happens at the office, so keep your own mug, dishware, and flatware at your desk. This will fend off the temptation to use the paper and plastic disposables that are easy to grab in the lunchroom. If you're a workplace manager, provide reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses. Switch to eco-friendly coffees and teas, and buy organic and local food for parties and other events. And remember: Water fountains are always better than bottled water.
Tip #1: Be bright about light.
Artificial lighting accounts for nearly half of the electricity use in office buildings, so make sure lights are turned off whenever no one's in a room — and invite in natural light wherever possible. Make it a policy, too, to buy Energy Star-rated lightbulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.
Tip #2: Shut down that PC.
Computers in the business sector waste $1 billion worth of electricity per year, so make it a habit to turn off your computer — and the power strip it's plugged into — when you leave work for the day. Otherwise you'll still be burning energy even if you're not burning the midnight oil. During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep during short breaks can cut energy use 70%. Remember, screen savers don't save energy.
Tip #3: Print smarter (or not at all).
The average U.S. office worker can use 10,000 pieces of copy paper per year. To reduce your number, print double-sided whenever possible. Avoid color printing (hues are more likely to be toxic) and consider downloading Ecofont to save ink. Better yet, really think about whether you need that information down on sheets of dead trees, or whether having it on your computer is good enough.
Tip #4: Rethink office lunches
Much of your munching happens at the office, so keep your own mug, dishware, and flatware at your desk. This will fend off the temptation to use the paper and plastic disposables that are easy to grab in the lunchroom. If you're a workplace manager, provide reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses. Switch to eco-friendly coffees and teas, and buy organic and local food for parties and other events. And remember: Water fountains are always better than bottled water.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Foto Friday: Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a widespread bird of prey. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and moustache. The Peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching more than 202 mph during its characteristic hunting stoop, making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom.
While its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds (doves, pigeons, songbirds), the Peregrine will occasionally hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures.
The Peregrine Falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of pesticides, especially DDT. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild
Camera stuff (Note: I didn't have the settings adjusted properly, but I wanted to include them anyway.)
Camera: Canon ESO Digital Rebel
F-stop: f/6.3
Exposure: 1/200 sec
ISO: ISO-800
Focal Length: 135 mm
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
YouTube-sday: Was it Worth It?
Was it worth it? But that chihuahua/dachshund mix was certainly determined to get that toy!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Handbags and Jewelry and Shoes... Oh My!
Announced on Thursday, Lifetime will be creating a spin-off show from Project Runway... Project Accessory (Blogger's Note: They didn't strain too many braincells coming up with that name, did they?)
The devil’s in the details! The multi-billion dollar accessories business is brought into the spotlight with Lifetime’s new competition series, Project Accessory, hosted by actress and model Molly Sims.
With the help of lifestyle expert Eva Lorenzotti (Bloggers Note: I hope she will wear the Tim Gunn uniform of pinstripe suits.) as their mentor, 12 enterprising artists will be put to the test to create the newest and hottest trends in accessories as they compete to dazzle Sims and judges designer Kenneth Cole and InStyle Editor, Ariel Foxman. Project Accessory will premiere later this year on Lifetime, following Project Runway All Stars.
Project Accessory will feature 12 designers who will compete and showcase their unique vision for accessories and show audiences how to transform any outfit. Throughout the intense competition, their ingenuity will be pushed to the edge in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, headpieces and other wares as they showcase their talents and ability to revolutionize the accessories business.
Lifetime has ordered eight 60-minute episodes of Project Accessory.
Project Runway fans, any interest in watching?
Non-Project Runway viewers, any interest in tuning in?
The devil’s in the details! The multi-billion dollar accessories business is brought into the spotlight with Lifetime’s new competition series, Project Accessory, hosted by actress and model Molly Sims.
With the help of lifestyle expert Eva Lorenzotti (Bloggers Note: I hope she will wear the Tim Gunn uniform of pinstripe suits.) as their mentor, 12 enterprising artists will be put to the test to create the newest and hottest trends in accessories as they compete to dazzle Sims and judges designer Kenneth Cole and InStyle Editor, Ariel Foxman. Project Accessory will premiere later this year on Lifetime, following Project Runway All Stars.
Project Accessory will feature 12 designers who will compete and showcase their unique vision for accessories and show audiences how to transform any outfit. Throughout the intense competition, their ingenuity will be pushed to the edge in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, headpieces and other wares as they showcase their talents and ability to revolutionize the accessories business.
Lifetime has ordered eight 60-minute episodes of Project Accessory.
Project Runway fans, any interest in watching?
Non-Project Runway viewers, any interest in tuning in?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Schweddy Balls
Ben & Jerry's announced Wednesday that "Schweddy Balls" ice cream is on its way to store shelves across the country.
"In case you don't get the reference, the skit is a hilarious commentary on NPR's uniquely soothing sound. Alec Baldwin plays Pete Schweddy, a guest on a fake NPR show called Delicious Dish. Pete makes holiday treats like cheese balls, popcorn balls, rum balls, and his famous Schweddy balls. The skit is an exercise in double entendres," according to NPR.
The flavor is made up of vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and is loaded with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls. (Blogger's Note: Bleck! I hate malt balls.)
It'll be available for a limited time in about 30 percent of stores that carry Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
"In case you don't get the reference, the skit is a hilarious commentary on NPR's uniquely soothing sound. Alec Baldwin plays Pete Schweddy, a guest on a fake NPR show called Delicious Dish. Pete makes holiday treats like cheese balls, popcorn balls, rum balls, and his famous Schweddy balls. The skit is an exercise in double entendres," according to NPR.
The flavor is made up of vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and is loaded with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls. (Blogger's Note: Bleck! I hate malt balls.)
It'll be available for a limited time in about 30 percent of stores that carry Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Five in Five: B
Five things I love that start with the letter B...
1) Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, afterall. I feel like I could eat breakfast for any meal of the day. What's not to love?! I love eggs. I love yogurt. I love fruit. I love waffles. I love muffins. I love omelettes. I love smoothies. I (especially) love coffee.
2) Birds. Birds of prey fascinate me. Hummingbirds intrige me. Scavenger birds gross me out. Crows annoy me. I should get a bird feeder - but I would forget to fill it (just like I forget to water my plants). Daisy likes to chase birds.
3) Blankets. Wow, it got chilly outside (and inside) immediately on the unofficial end of summer! I have been laying under blankets since then. And thank goodness! My core body temperature does not like the cold, but certainly has not adjusted to the chilly temps yet. Hopefully we will have one more blast of warmth before I am forced to put my electric blanket on my bed.
4) Bedtime. (Apparently, I'm either tired or I want to go back to bed while typing this post.) Since graduation from college, I've basically adhered to a pretty regular bedtime (except on weekend). But it wasn't until I moved into my house that I was able to fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Before, thoughts would be stirring keeping me up making my to-do list or noises outside or inside would keep me alert. Maybe work has gotten a little more relaxed (knock on wood) - I know I have at least gotten a better handle on things (knock on wood again). Maybe life has gotten less hectic. I'm not sure. But I definitely enjoy going to bed at a regular time and getting my sleep.
5) Brains. As I age, I really feel the effects of my brain slowing down. I often tell my mom we will be in the home at the same time, because I will be too looney to take care of her. I am forgetful. It worries me. But once I forget to worry is when I should really be concerned. I just need to be thankful for the brains I have now and hope it lasts long enough for me to pay off my home, before I forget where I live.
1) Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, afterall. I feel like I could eat breakfast for any meal of the day. What's not to love?! I love eggs. I love yogurt. I love fruit. I love waffles. I love muffins. I love omelettes. I love smoothies. I (especially) love coffee.
2) Birds. Birds of prey fascinate me. Hummingbirds intrige me. Scavenger birds gross me out. Crows annoy me. I should get a bird feeder - but I would forget to fill it (just like I forget to water my plants). Daisy likes to chase birds.
3) Blankets. Wow, it got chilly outside (and inside) immediately on the unofficial end of summer! I have been laying under blankets since then. And thank goodness! My core body temperature does not like the cold, but certainly has not adjusted to the chilly temps yet. Hopefully we will have one more blast of warmth before I am forced to put my electric blanket on my bed.
4) Bedtime. (Apparently, I'm either tired or I want to go back to bed while typing this post.) Since graduation from college, I've basically adhered to a pretty regular bedtime (except on weekend). But it wasn't until I moved into my house that I was able to fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Before, thoughts would be stirring keeping me up making my to-do list or noises outside or inside would keep me alert. Maybe work has gotten a little more relaxed (knock on wood) - I know I have at least gotten a better handle on things (knock on wood again). Maybe life has gotten less hectic. I'm not sure. But I definitely enjoy going to bed at a regular time and getting my sleep.
5) Brains. As I age, I really feel the effects of my brain slowing down. I often tell my mom we will be in the home at the same time, because I will be too looney to take care of her. I am forgetful. It worries me. But once I forget to worry is when I should really be concerned. I just need to be thankful for the brains I have now and hope it lasts long enough for me to pay off my home, before I forget where I live.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Season Premiers
Mark Your Calendars for the new season of my favorite television shows.
Monday, September 19 at 8/7c: How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Tuesday, September 20 at 8/7c: NCIS (CBS)
Tuesday, September 20 at 8/7c: Glee (FOX)
Wednesday, September 21 at 9/8c: Modern Family (ABC)
Wednesday, September 21 at 10/9c: Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Thursday, September 22 at 9/8c (2 hours): Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Thursday, September 22 at 8/7c: Community (NBC)
Saturday, September 24 at 11:30: Saturday Night Live - 37th season with host Alec Baldwin (NBC)
Sunday, September 25 at 9/8c: Desperate Housewives - final season (ABC)
Monday, October 3 at 9/8c: House (FOX)
Interestingly, the networks with my favorite show are pretty even. Unfortunately, some are broadcast at the same time. What TV shows do you love from my list? What TV shows don't you care for? And what TV shows would you recommend?
Monday, September 19 at 8/7c: How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Tuesday, September 20 at 8/7c: NCIS (CBS)
Tuesday, September 20 at 8/7c: Glee (FOX)
Wednesday, September 21 at 9/8c: Modern Family (ABC)
Wednesday, September 21 at 10/9c: Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Thursday, September 22 at 9/8c (2 hours): Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Thursday, September 22 at 8/7c: Community (NBC)
Saturday, September 24 at 11:30: Saturday Night Live - 37th season with host Alec Baldwin (NBC)
Sunday, September 25 at 9/8c: Desperate Housewives - final season (ABC)
Monday, October 3 at 9/8c: House (FOX)
Interestingly, the networks with my favorite show are pretty even. Unfortunately, some are broadcast at the same time. What TV shows do you love from my list? What TV shows don't you care for? And what TV shows would you recommend?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
YouTube-sday: You Otter Play
I don't know if it is safe to let your puppy play with a wild animal, but I love how the otter keeps coming back for more. What a tease!
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