Happy New Year!

I hope all of you have a wonderful--and safe--New Year's Eve.  We are heading away for the weekend and, after the wonderful chaos of Christmas, some fun (and sleep!) are very welcome.

I wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2010, filled to the brim with love, laughter, and luck!

I am always terrible with resolutions, yet I can't help but want to strive for what William Ellery Channing recommends:

"I will seek elegance rather than luxury, refinement rather than fashion.

I will seek to be worthy more than respectable, wealthy and not rich.

I will study hard, think quietly, talk gently, and act frankly.

I will listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with an open heart.

I will bear all things cheerfully, do all things bravely, await occasions and hurry never.

In a word I will let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common."

Happy New Year! Buon Anno!

I Like Your Style: Margherita Missoni

I think Margherita Missoni is gorgeous and always looks so great.

 

Photos:  InStyle, Style.Com, FabSugar

Alla Prossima

Rush Limbaugh Hospitalized

Conservative radio talk host Rush Limbaugh was rushed to a Honolulu hospital from the Kahala Hotel and Resort.

Limbaugh indicated chest pains, and paramedics arrived at 2:41 PM treated him and took him to Queen's Medical Center and he is listed as in serious condition.

He was seen golfing at Waialae Country Club earlier this week, next to the Kahala Hotel.

The radio host is spending his annual end of the year vacation in Hawaii.

Oddly, two of the nation's most powerful Democrats, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are also on the island. 100% coincidence, we're sure. His show is to be hosted on January 31 by Dr. Walter Williams.Our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Quiet New Years Eve For Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson will spend Tomorrow eating pizza and watching ‘The Twilight Zone’ on Syfy.

The 25-year-old actress – who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds – will see in 2010 with a take away, champagne and a marathon viewing session of the cult show because of work commitments.

She said: “We’re both working on New Year’s Day anyway. So, we won’t do much. You know, pizza would be nice, a little champagne. Maybe watch the ‘Twilight Zone’ marathon. That’s always a favourite for me.”

The screen beauty is “over” big celebratory parties and much prefers a quiet night in these days.

She laughed: “Going from one party to the next and surfing to find the right thing, and being in a taxicab when the clock strikes — I’m so over that stuff. At the ripe old age of 25. I have the most fun when I’m surrounded by people I love in one place that’s comfortable and we can hear each other. You can play card games, watch movies, I’m happy.”

Amy Adam's Non-New Year resolutions

Amy Adams doesn't make New Year’s resolutions. The ‘Doubt’ actress – who is expecting her first child with fiance Darren Le Gallo – says she won’t make any promises to herself when she welcomes in 2010.

She said: “I really haven’t set any. I think what I came up with was to have no regrets because usually I set a resolution and I don’t really follow through and then I have regrets. So this year, maybe no resolution. That’s my resolution – to roll with it. I think this will be my year of just rolling with it.”

Amy also admitted she is slightly nervous about becoming a first-time mother but is looking forward to meeting her new addition. She said: “I feel great. I’m feeling really good. Excited, nervous... but mostly excited.”

As to whether she was having a boy or a girl, she said: "I'm too impatient to wait for a surprise. We'll probably find out. I thought about waiting and I just don't think that's really my personality. It's not about planning a nursery, it's more about I just want to know. I want to be able to relate in that way. That's what works for me, but I totally believe in whatever works for the individual."

To be continued...

And The Awards Go To...

I can't thank Dawn at Alternative Bride enough for this amazing blogger award.  If you haven't visited her blog yet I suggest you do ASAP - she's all kinds of awesome!

Now I've been advised to answer the questions below with one word (harder than it might seem!) and pass this award on to six other fab bloggers (also harder than it might seem - there are so many great blogs out there!)  Thanks again Dawn!!

1. Where is your cell phone?  Desk

2. Your hair? Down

3. Your mother? Strong

4. Your father? Amazing

5. Your favorite food? Nutella

6. Your dream last night? None

7. Your favorite drink? Coffee

8. Your dream/goal? Happiness

9. What room are you in?  Office

10. Your hobby? Reading

11. Your fear? Snakes

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Nexttomyhusband

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something you aren't? Selfish

15. Muffins? Chocolate

16. Wish list item? Designerbag

17. Where did you grow up? Toronto

18. Last thing you did? Worked

19. What are you wearing? Grey

20. Your TV? Flat

21. Your pets? None :(

22. Your friends? Inspirational

23. Your life? Good

24. Your mood? Tired

25. Missing someone? Yes

26. Vehicle? Rav4

27. Something you're not wearing? Earrings

28. Your favorite store? Can'tpickjustone

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? Sunday

32. Your best friend? Husband (M)

33. One place that I go over and over? Parents'

34. One person who emails me regularly? L

35. Favorite place to eat? Mom's


And I'd like to pass on this award to...


A Life More Fabulous


Jaime @ Doxa Home


Journeys of Mangonett


Lauren @ Pure Style Home (who just became a mommy for the second time -- big congrats!!!)


Spanky* @ Spanky Luvs It* 


The Beauty File (she also has a great birthday giveaway going on right now, you should check it out!)

Brittany Murphy’s death certificate has been released

The ‘Clueless’ actress - who was married to screenwriter Simon Monjack - was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in Los Angeles when she passed away aged 32 on December 20. But the official document lists the cause of her death as “deferred” and the manner of death as “pending investigation”.

Her father Angelo Bertolotti, with whom she barely had a relationship, is also not listed on the certificate – instead it claims he is “unknown”.

The exact cause of death is expected to be confirmed when toxicology results are returned early February.

She actually recodrd an album in late 2009 and a music executive said: “People are definitely interested in Brittany and her story. Depending on what she may have recorded and what kind of quality it is, she could end up having a hit song or two” ala Aaliyah. It has been reported that tracks from the actress’ debut album may be released in 2010.

There has been a lot of speculation about Brittany's use of prescription drugs and weight issues. Ten different types of perscribed medication were confiscated from her bedroom after she was found collapsed in the shower by her mother.

Magical Silver

I figured with New Year's Eve upon us a post featuring glittering, lovely dresses would be appropriate.  Dreamy.

All runway photos from www.style.com
All other photos from www.weheartit.com

Alla Prossima

The Taylors Split

According to UsMagazine.com, after months of dating, even though both denied it, Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner have split.

A source close to Swift told UsMagazine, "It wasn't really developing into anything, and it wasn't going to, so they decided they were better as friends. There was no chemistry and it felt contrived."

According to a source of Lautner, "He liked her more than she liked him." Ouch! Looks like Taylor Swift has broken poster boy, Lautner's heart.

Gorgeous George

Over my little Christmas break I got the chance to see Jason Reitman's Up In The Air.  I wasn't sure what to expect, it seems that anything overhyped will invariably let you down and the reviews for this movie have been pretty great.  I wasn't disappointed.

Full disclosure:  I've been in love with George Clooney since, oh, about the age of 7, so I might be a tad biased.  Still, George love aside, I thought the movie was entertaining and certainly topical considering the current economy.  The film is funny and has a lot to say about the need for human connection.

I'm not exactly a movie buff, but I know what I like and I was entertained by this movie.  George's character Ryan Bingham spends most of his life on the road in his role as a corporate downsizing expert, doing the occasional speaking engagement where he urges others to unload their metaphorical life backpacks of the connections and responsibilities that they've accumulated.  I think it says something about Clooney that he can make such a character both relatable and pretty likable. I also thought that Anna Kendricks was really great as the uptight young efficiency expert who (lucky her!) gets to head into the open skies with Clooney.  

{I thought some gratuitous Clooney would be just the thing to brighten up a cold winter day}

Have you seen Up In The Air?  What are your thoughts?

Alla Prossima

Avenged Sevenfold Drummer Found Dead

Jimmy "the Rev" Sullivan drummer for rock band Avenged Sevenfold was found dead in his California home. The death appears to be from natural causes, however a coroners report is still pending and an autopsy will be performed.

The following message was posted on Avenged Sevenfold's official website:

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy `The Rev' Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

PCM's thoughts are with Sullivan's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time! Music has lost an extraordinary drummer and he will be greatly missed!

The Charlie Sheen Drama

More and more details are emerging everyday about Charlie Sheen's alleged attack on wife Brooke Mueller on Christmas Eve/Christmas morning. An Aspen police officer who responded to the 911 call placed by Brooke, claims in a sworn statement that Sheen had exhibited this type of behavior in the past, held her at knife point, and threatened to kill her if she told anyone what had occurred.

When interviewed by police Sheen admitted that the pair have been having marital problems and an argument over a song Sheen had shared with his daughter by another woman was the cause for the altercation. Sheen claims Mueller became jealous and threatened to divorce him and take the children. Sheen also claims Mueller was drunk at the time, and when officers arrived at the home Mueller's blood alcohol level was .13.

When interviewed by police Mueller shared a different story claiming Sheen became angered over her request for a divorce. He then grabbed her by the throat, and waved around a small switchblade knife.

Officers did discover a small switchblade knife in Sheen's belongs and he was placed under arrest after an officer did take note of red marks on the upper part of Muellers neck!

Story is still developing...

Poker Star Deals Out A Divorce

Professional poker player Phil Ivey has been granted a divorce from his wife Luciaetta. The pair wed in 2002, and the divorce petition was jointly filed on December 22nd. They have no children, however we're sure that Luciattea will be getting a nice settlement, as it seems Phil has made more than 12 millions dollars playing poker.

Beautiful Home

Carlo Mollino's home in Torino, as seen in Elle Decor France.

Esprit murano glass light fixture by Venini

Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen

Alla Prossima

Book of the Week: A Vintage Affair

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday!  My book this crazy week is A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff.

Phoebe Swift is a woman dealing with a career change (from vintage clothing expert at Sotheby’s to proprietor of her own vintage shop), recently divorced parents, a broken engagement, and guilt and sadness over her best friend’s death. To me this wasn't your usual formulaic chick lit book, because the novel is really about Phoebe moving on from an event in her life that has left her devastated and unable to want any real happiness for herself. And, yes, there is romance but its not the main focus of the story.

When Phoebe is contacted by an old woman looking to clean out her closets she meets Thérèse Bell and an interesting parallel storyline begins to develop. Thérèse is a woman nearing the end of her life who has also not fully dealt with the pain and guilt over losing a friend. Travelling back to World War II France with Thérèse helps Phoebe deal with her own demons and I think the older woman’s story adds a nice element to the tapestry of the novel.

"When you buy a piece of vintage clothing
you're not just buying fabric and thread --

you're buying a piece of someone's past."

- A Vintage Affair

I also loved how the vintage pieces were almost like characters of their own in the story. Like a series of “cupcake dresses” – bright American prom dresses from the 50s that Phoebe hangs on her shop walls like art – and the new women they are meant for.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Vintage Affair and taking the journey with Phoebe from death back to life.

4 out of 5

Alla Prossima

Top Pop Hits of 2009

DJ Earworm mashed up the top 25 hits of 2009. Enjoy!

The Tyra Show Comes To An End

Tyra Banks announced that the fifth season of The Tyra Show will be its last. Banks ended the show because she wants to focus on her production company, Bankable Productions. She stated, "I've been loving having fun, coming into your living rooms, bedrooms, hair salons for the past five years."

Tyra is following Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey in an attempt to bring more positive images of women on to the big screen. On her website, she indicated that she has several projects "cooking right now." America's Next Top Model and True Beauty will continue to air although The Tyra Show is ending.

Rudolph Christmas Misfit Doll Mystery Solved!(?)

She started out as a “Dolly for Sue,” and ended up as one of the great mysteries of Christmas in the late 20th century. Her first appearance in 1964’s ‘Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer’ lasted only a few seconds as a tertiary character on the Island of Misfit Toys, ruled by good King Moonracer, a flying lion.

Some of the misfit characters included a polka-dotted elephant, a Charlie-in-a-box, a cowboy who rides an ostrich, a grape-jelly gun, a plane that doesn’t fly… you get the point.

‘Useless toys’ in the traditional sense, but definitely fitting the ‘misfit’ label.

In the 1965 (and all future airings), the Misfit Toys had a bigger role; in the original airing, the Island of Misfit Toys were simply forgotten. The network got questions, even complaints, as children wondered what happened to these poor, unwanted toys. With the additional time to complete their part of the story, the toys were given more “on-air” time.

That extra attention has made many people ask what made that little doll such a misfit. I am reasonably confident that I have finally found the answer.

The original Misfit Toys were all for boys (this was 1964!). With the fleeting scene during the first airing, my theory is that they needed a ‘girl toy,’ so the “Doll for Sue” was created.

In 2007, on NPR’s “Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me,” Rudolph producer Arthur Rankin Jr., said that Dolly's problem was psychological, and was caused from being abandoned by her mistress (Sue?) and suffering depression from feeling unloved. Backing that up, when sold at CVS in 1998, her tag said ”I'm a little rag doll who just wants a friend. I think that will help my broken heart mend."

Many people accepted that answer, but putting 21st century psycho-babble into a stop-motion animatron created for a few seconds of air-time on a children’s television special from nearly fifty years ago just doesn’t make sense.

The reality: She was a last-minute add-on misfit toy so the young girls watching had a toy they could relate to.

What made her a misfit toy? It’s as plain as the nose (probably) on your face. More precisely, it’s the nose missing from her face.

Mystery solved.

Disagree? Let me know below…

Holiday Wishes

As my first month of blogging comes to a close I would like to thank you all for your help and kind comments.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,

everything is softer and more beautiful." - Normal Vincent Peale

weheartit.com

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Alla Prossima

Street Chic

I think this outfit is so great -- boots from Top Shop, dress from H&M and jacket from Zara.

And I'm in love with the vintage bag!

via Stockholm Street Style

Alla Prossima