SASSY SPACES: The Perfect Living Space

I loooooveee this space. It's my muse for my new condo. The colors are warm and inviting. ~E

Thanks Mr. Duke...

Jake, have a seat!

I'm from Atlanta and yes I support my team...but I am truly a Carolina Panther fan. and up until the end of last season, I was also a Jake Delhomme fan.

The Panthers took on the Eagles today. Well...kind of. It was more like a blow out.

And yes, I'm blaming the quarterback!

Today after one of the WORST performances ever, Jake was benched.

I was yelling, "It's about time," after more than 10 turnovers in the last two games (I won't even talk pre-season). Delhomme, threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in less than three quarters Sunday against Philadelphia.

Finally, John Fox pulled him for backup Josh McCown, who received a loud cheer from the crowd, after Delhomme's fourth pick.

I pulled the stats and Delhomme was 7 of 17 for 73 yards..AND his fumble was returned for a touchdown.

But wait, this has been going on for a minute. If you recall in January's playoff game against Arizona, Delhomme threw five interceptions and lost a fumble. Of course, they lost that game 33-13 .

But that's not what gets me... this guy is working off of a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension from April that included $20 million in guaranteed money.

Yeah. Guaranteed. Fumble or not.

A mess.

Have a seat Jake. I'm pissed.

Ladies Night: Lady Gaga and Beyonce get 9 VMA nominations

Photo Courtesy: Gossip Girl

Beyonce and Lady Gaga walked the red carpet of the VMAs with one thing in common: They both looked fab and BOTH received 9 nominations.------

Call me crazy but I absolutely loved Lady Gaga's red carpet arrival. It was different, bold and sexy. From the pin-curled pink and blond hair, masses of glittery black eye shadow, and half a Phantom of the Opera mask, topped off with a big ol' Victorian hat...to the corseted waist and feathers. She clearly loves to have fun with her image, and I applaud her willingness to experiment!

I'm sure that the fashion blogs of the world will have a ball with her tomorrow morning but let me be amongst the first to say: different is good!

While I wouldn't wear GaGa's outfit, Beyonce was a bit more of my style. Minus the color (I don't do red) and the shoes. Also, I'm not quite sure about the pooch thing in the front but overall it was a cute look.

Photo Courtesy: MTV

Your thoughts...

SASSY SPACES: The Modern Office

PHOTO COURTESY: BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

Janet to Open VMAs

So it's official..... MTV announced that Janet Jackson will open this Sunday's VMAs! The popular MTV award show will be the setting for a tribute by Ms. Jackson and a TON of dancers.
I wasn't planning to watch, but now I will definitely tune in, at least for the first 5 minutes.

The mega star (whom I love) will open and shut the show down at the same time! I am convinced. Janet is the epitome of an entertainer.

I should also mention that she is gracing the new Harper's Bazaar where she talks about her brother's untimely death and her recent breakup from producer Jermain Dupri.

FYI...The MTV VMAs air this Sunday, September 13 at 9et/8central.

Photo Courtesy: Harper's Bazaar

Wednesday Fashion Fix

One of the best things about fall is cardigans! Between cardigans and jeans, I don't know which is my favorite. Put the two together and you instantly get a polished weekend look.

In my opinion, cardigans are best when layered...especially when you are a curvy girl. So for this post, I decided to find something for my ladies with a little something extra.

This look is from Torrid which specializes in plus size fashions. Some of the items can look a little "girly" but from what I found today, they have some nice pieces.

At $44, this sweater is a great investment! The model paired it with dark denim which is the only way to go. However, if you need to wear it to work or church, you can substitute the jeans with black slacks or a black pencil skirt.

Oh, and you need a pop of color since the colors are muted. This model chose a yellow ring...GREAT! If not a ring or bracelet, a bright bag will do (yellow or green). Remember: big girl, big bag. ~Elise

www.torrid.com

9/9/09

Happy 9/9/09

I'm not into the whole numerology thing but for those of you who are..here is an interesting article I found on Fox5 Atlanta.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/dpgo_9909_special_day_lwf_090909_3394391

Polaroid Gets a Major Upgrade

I'm an 80s baby so I can somewhat remember the time when photos were instantly printed using the old-skool Polaroid camera.

It was big and loud. Once the picture printed, you had to blow it and fan it...in hopes of getting a good shot (cracking up just thinking about it).

Well if you still have one of those cameras, hold on to it, its value is going up. Meanwhile, for the rest of us who are searching for Polaroid to make a comeback in this 'digital age,' it seems like they are doing just that.

Take a look at this....

The PoGo instant digital camera works like your regular 5 megapixel digital camera – just point and shoot. It has all the bells and whistles: a 3″ LCD screen, an electronic timer, movie recording with sounds as well as minor photo editing functions. But the one thing this camera has that others don't....there is an opening on the side of the camera where the special Zink photo paper is printed.

It takes about 40 seconds to get a 2″x3″ photo. It has a sticky back making it easy to be used on scrap books or a bulletin board. The photos are smudge proof, water resistant, fade resistant, and tear proof.

I'm sold.


And get this, it's only $195 which is comparable to other digital cameras.


The downside is that it only lasts for about 20 photos before the lithium ion battery needs recharging. Well shoot! That won't work. I take 20 pictures in 20 seconds.


Plus, I can only imagine the headache that would come with trying to order a printer cartridge or more black sheets to print photos.


Oh, well...I guess my camera search continues. But for those of you are are interested:

http://www.geekiegadgets.com/store/?itemID=B001RIYUJQ&item_title=Polaroid+Pogo+5.0+MP+Instant+Digital+Camera

SASSY SPACES: A Single Girl's Bedroom

PHOTO COURTESY: VANITY FAIR

Since I'm a decorator at heart. You will see frequent posts of stylish room makeovers. Don't worry fellas, there will be something for you too. ~Elise

EVENT FAB: My Sordid Life

FOR MORE INFO OR TO BUY TICKETS.. http://www.projectcaregulfcoast.com/

The President's Back to School Message

Tuesday at noon, President Barack Obama will air what has become a controversial message aimed at the children of the United States.


Many conservatives have expressed a fear that the address would be used to push a partisan political agenda. I read the speech and President Obama avoids any mention of controversial political initiatives. He repeatedly urges students to work hard and stay in school.

"This isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country," said the president.

The text of the 18-minute speech was posted on the White House Web site so people can read it before its scheduled Internet broadcast to schoolchildren. I read it...then I read it again. There is no political agenda!

IT IS A MESSAGE TO OUR CHILDREN...FROM AN OBJECTIVE SOURCE...WHO HAPPENS TO BE THE PRESIDENT...THAT MANY CHILDREN ADORE!!


I'm surprised at all the hoop-lah and drama throughout our school systems. I have a close friend who teaches gifted children. And out of 34 students, so far, only 13 parents gave her permission to allow their children to participate.

I am floored. It seems as though our country has become so polarized that we believe that our president is an enemy and not our leader.

I will admit I did not agree with much of what Bush did during his years in office, but he was still the leader of my country.

On Sunday, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan said that parents who are threatening to keep their children home Tuesday to avoid Obama's speech were being "silly." Duncan says that the message of the speech is simply to encourage children to finish school.

FYI: President Obama IS NOT the first president to give a speech addressed to school children.

**President George H.W. Bush delivered a nationally televised speech to students from a Washington school in fall 1991, encouraging them to say no to drugs and work hard.

**In November 1988, President Reagan delivered more politically charged remarks that were made available to students nationwide.

There is nothing wrong with a president encouraging young people across America to take advantage of a good education.

I hope that you will allow your kids to watch the speech. I don't even have kids yet, but one day, they will be reading or watching this speech. ~Elise

For those of you who want a hard copy, here it is: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Let's Talk Fall

Labor Day is the unofficial start to fall. So break out the flirty long-sleeved blouses and and suede pumps. Don't you just love the fall!? You can mix pieces from the summer all while previewing the winter. Here are some of my fall must-haves:

All of these timeless pieces are from J.Crew Enjoy! ~Elise

Chocolate Beet Muffins: Surprisingly good!

Double Dark Chocolate Beet Muffins

• 1 C. whole wheat flour1 C. all-purpose flour
• 2 t. baking powder1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. salt1/2 C. Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 C. chopped pecans or walnuts
  1/4 C. butter
• 2/3 C. Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 C. packed brown sugar2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 C. beet puree*
• 2/3 C. buttermilk1 t. vanilla extract
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper cups; set aside
• In a large bowl, whisk together first 5 ingredients until well combined.
• Stir in the half cup chocolate chips and nuts; set aside.
• In a small saucepan, melt the other
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips and butter over very low heat.
• Stir to combine and set aside to cool until lukewarm.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, beet puree, buttermilk, vanilla and melted chocolate.
• Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
• Don’t over mix.
• Immediately spoon batter into 12 well-greased or paper-lined muffin cups.Batter should completely fill the cups.
• Place muffin pan in a preheated 375 oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Muffins are done when they spring back when touched lightly in the center (or when a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean).
• Don’t overbake!
• Cool muffins for 10 minutes in pan then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

*Canned beets may be used in this recipe but I strongly suggest using fresh ones if possible. To prepare beets: Cut off the greens leaving about one inch attached. Don’t cut anything off the root end. Gently scrub the beets being careful not to cut the skin. In a medium saucepan, cover beets with water, bring to a gentle boil and cook, covered, 30-45 minutes until tender. Drain and let sit until cool enough to handle. The tops should pull off easily or they can be cut off. The skins will slip right off. Puree beets with a little bit of the cooking liquid in a food processor until they are the consistency of applesauce.

It is what it is

There are things I used to do all the time which I’m glad to say I no longer do, if I can help it.

I know who I am and I make no apologies for it. Like it, or not.

Some are things I’ve always hated but felt I had to do, and others are impulses I’ve learned to curb through practice and years gone by. I haven't figured it all out yet...but I know one thing, I am wise beyond my years!

Here are just a few things I’m so over:

• Wearing control top pantyhose
• Wearing pantyhose, period..unless I'm interviewing
• Buying random gifts for people who can't afford to do the same
• Giving advice to people who've already made up their minds
• Downplaying my success
• Loaning money I REALLY do not have. NO ONE has "extra money"
• Spending time w/people out of obligation
• Flirting back to be polite
• Guessing what someone is trying to say
• Reading into what 'he' does say
• Teaching a man 'how to date'
• Pretending that I remember everyone’s names
• Wondering if someone liked me
• Wondering if he’ll call
• Wondering if I got the job
• Staying to the bitter end because I think I might miss something
• Eating too little so I’d be thinner
• Eating too much because I was starving
• Wearing too little and freeze my ass off
• Comparing my life to others
• Answering the phone when I’m busy
• Having a long drawn out convo by texting. CALL ME! Texts are 1-liners!
• Wondering for more than a minute if I’ve caused offense
• Saying yes when I really want to say no, and no when I want to say yes
• Second guessing myself
• Punishing myself for not going to the gym. WHATEVER, just do it tomorrow.
• Giving him a 3rd chance
• Explaining my decisions to those who are clearly clueless!
  

What are some of the habits and hangups you’re glad to have left behind? ~E

The Condo Search..

So the first stop on my condo search was fab. I was ready to sign almost immediately. Furniture included and everything. EXCEPT...I couldn't get over the fact that it one had 1 bdrm. SO, I had to pass. But I wanted to share the pics. I will post pics of the new condo very soon... ~E

No More Reading Rainbow:(

It was designed to encourage kids to read. Now after nearly 30 years, Reading Rainbow is going off the air.

I can still remember the theme song as a write this post. LeVar Burton, who is also known for his role on Star Trek, made reading cool. Every episode I looked forward to a new reading adventure.

While it's been years since I watched an episode, I can't imagine PBS without Reading Rainbow.

***singing: take a look, it's in a book, on reading rainbow....reading rainbow!***



And for you hip-hop heads....



So long Reading Rainbow....

New Drake and Trey Songz

I love this song (the edited version).

His Work

I'm convinced that God cracks up at me at least twice a day. From making plans for my life...to going down a different path than the one he specifically told me to travel. Life is amazing but I'm convinced it gets even better when you decide to make God a part of your life.

Don't get me wrong, I don't sing praises in the church choir ever Sunday morning and I don't read my bible every night. But I am a faithful servant who knows where my help comes from and I don't mind shouting it from the mountain top. I am always in prayer. And I always tell Him 'thank you.' I look to Him when things are good, I go to Him when things are bad. When there is confusion or discernment, I know He is my help.

I am preparing for the next journey in my career. I told God that I didn't want to do local TV news anymore but that I love to write and that I love being in front of the camera. I told Him of my concerns with quick deadlines, mergers, layoffs and money. I told Him that I wanted to be in position where I am seen by millions but still be close to home...and as usual He provided me with an answer.

Within the next couple of days, I am convinced that another door will be opened. I like to think that doors are never closed. They are always cracked so that we can get a glimpse of what's on the other side...you just have to push to get in.

I've been pushing and I've been praying....and it's almost time.

Stay tuned....~E