File: Travel Tips
Bummer Avoidance, Part One

Going out of the country for vacation? A bit of preparation will ensure that all your adventures are happy ones! Here are the practices I've found most useful in my travels from the US to Europe
Before you leave:
First, If you don't have a  security code on your phone, add one now. The finger print thing on iPhone is actually not as annoying as I thought it would be
Next, take a picture of your passport (the page with your photo, ID#, etc) and store it in one of your photo albums.

Scan or photocopythe main page of your passport and make 2 paper copies. I also make a copy of any credit cards (front and back) I'm taking with me.  If anything happens to them (and it has, once), I have all the info I need right there.

I also recommend going through your wallet and removing all the stuff you won't need (membership cards, drivers license, Dept store credit cards, whatever).  Leave it at home, it'll just weigh you down. Trim one copy of the passport, fold and store it in your wallet. Oh, call your credit card companies and tell them your travel plans so they don't freak out and block your card just as you're trying to buy some fabulous thingie!

When you get to your destination (more about that shortly) and you've arrived at your hotel, immediately put the passport, one copy and all but one credit card (+ maybe an ATM card) in the safe.

Now, heaven forbid, if you lose your bag or wallet, you have your original passport and some resources safely at hand.

What else? If you don't speak the language, print out a copy of your hotel or apartment address so you can show it to the taxi driver.

Barcelona, street art

I love good street art, always have. Barcelona has some of the best I've ever enountered. We walked miles and miles every day, so I ran across some gems.

This one's my favorite, look away and look again- there's a lot going on here.

At the entrance to our street Sant Pere Mes Baix off of Via Laitana (SP?)

The Miro Foundation is in Barcelona, his influence shows up all over

                                         
Now let's expand our definition of street art just a bit:

A tribute to M.C. Escher:

Even Barca's street sweepers have great design on their side. This flexible rubber tote works as a dustpan, garbage tote, carries liquids,leaves, sharp stuff, etc.  it's just brilliant! I want one. I want us all to have one.

or four.

This one. Ach, the perfection of it. so simple, so graceful, perfect elegance.
One more detail would ruin it, every element used is thoughtful and emotional. As I remember, it was about 3 feet tall.

And finally, some unintentional street art (at least I hope it was unintentional, either way...):

Welcome to Spain! Madrid

We had the terrific luck to visit Spain recently. I took hundreds of shots and am sorting out which ones will translate well to blog o'sizing.  The whole trip was so beautiful, I could go on forever, but will try not to.   Here's a bit to start us off:

              Madrid Airport at 7 a.m. Sleepy and confused, I thought we'd gone through the looking glass.                         They put this much design into an airport?  Wow.

                                                                                                                                                               
Road work saw us dragging our bags the last block or so to the hotel (an 18th century palace, which could have meant anything) and found that our room was near the old chapel. Here's the hallway:  The chair on the right is upholstered in a mauve mohair velvet that just glows.

After a bite, we wandered the botanical gardens next to the Prado Museum.  Everyone was settling in for siesta, so we found a nice park bench and hubby napped while I watched the world go slowly by.

 He's half Spaniard himself and looks it, despite the Marcello Mastroianni vibe he has going here. I found myself thinking more often than usual "he's nice looking" about passersby and then realize "of course I think so, he looks like my beloved!" I enjoyed having that reaction and he, as you might imagine, enjoyed hearing about it!

This little boy clearly adored his father and emulated him as much as possible. Their sunglasses matched, he copied dad's walk, his posture, even looked at the same things. He seemed to be trying to see the world through his father's eyes. Dad had that easy going yet formal air, a natural elegance. My heart glowed, watching them meander through dappled light below the rustling trees.

Madrid was just a landing pad this time, we were soon on the high-speed train for Barcelona.

On the way, I snacked with Coke Light, ham flavored Ruffles and a Euro Kit Kat while trying to translate the Spanish daily papers, then giving up and asking for the English version.

Next: Ola, Barcelona!

A Thanksgiving Memory

As we approach the day of giving thanks, I think of all the little things that encourage creativity and make life a more interesting place. One of these even comes with it's own Thanksgiving memory: DeMert's Aerolak, "pure lacquer hairspray". Yes, my lovelies, just as the name implies, Aerosol Lacquer.

In fact, this weapons grade beauty product has been restricted since 2006, no longer being available in 15 states (most of New England plus California). Don't know whether that's due to the aerosol element or one of these intriguing, industrial sounding ingredients:

Legend has it that you can even waterproof clothing with this stuff.





Aero lak and I first met on a Wednesday, Thanksgiving eve in 19...well, let's keep some mystery and just say Many years ago. 
Picture, if you will: The basement of a downtown NYC nightclub, it's 10 p.m. and the place is buzzing with preparations for a late night fashion show. I am perched on a stool, trying not to crease the white leather straightjacket dress that I have been strapped into while a hairdresser teases my bleached, jaw length hair to glorious, spiky heights. I can't lift my arms, so she waves someone over to cover my makeup job (white skin, 2" of black eyeliner, orange lips, the usual) and then does something I'd never seen her do before- she puts out her cigarette. I hear "this is serious stuff" and for the next 30 seconds I'm enveloped in a cloud of aerosol and varnish. A flurry of fanning it dry and I was done.  I was a punk Phyllils Diller. It was Beautiful. Yes, with a capital B. There has to be a photo somewhere, I don't have it, but this one (same place, maybe a month before) will give you an idea. Subtle, huh?

Cut to 5 a.m., I am still looking downtown high fashion from the neck up. My hair is still perfect, the makeup still holds.  A taxi has tried to deliver me to my teeny rented room (seriously, a converted storage closet) on the Upper West Side, but Columbus Ave is blocked, so I'll walk the last stretch. People are milling about in the cold, pre-dawn air and spotlights are everywhere. What is this?
At the south end of the Natural History Museum on 77th Street, I see a giant creature, maybe 30 feet high and wide enough to occupy most of the street. It's huge, bulbous body is orange with black...lightning bolts? It's long neck stretches toward me, ending in a single, starburst eye. A cyclops space creature? Held to the ground with ropes and pulleys, it bobs and weaves a bit, reinforcing the impression that it's alive.  I feel like it's staring me down.
The hour, the cold, the strange, surreality of it all has me fascinated and I realize I'm stepping carefully as I creep around to view it from the side. That's when I realize that I've been spellbound by...ready?

Garfield's butt and tail.

Suddenly, the spell is broken, it's cold, it's late/early and we're all excited to be witnessing the inflation of balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade later that morning. A classic New York moment. That's when I become aware of people looking strangely at me in all of my demi-monde, avant garde grandeur (a child points, a tourist nervously gives me wide berth, the usual) and I know that, for them, Garfield is not the strangest thing on this street. I smile, take in the moment and go home to crash.

A helpful hint? Don't fall asleep in this stuff, it took three washings and a full bottle of conditioner to get it all out. 
There's another story about Aerolak, but maybe we'll save that for Christmas ;)
Here's wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving!
XO PS

Superhero Supplies, sold by real superheroes

If you could see my delighted self right now, giggling and doing the happy dance like the comic book geek that I am. Why? I have just learned that today's superhero has a reliable source for tools of the trade (and probably making new friends, if one hangs around a little).
Chaos in a bottle? Got it. Antimatter in a can? No problem. A new secret identity? Pick one!

Brooklyn Superhero Supply can even sell you a Mild Manner (one of their pricier items at $643.00). Of course they also stock guides for recognizing villains, invisibility and rear-view spectacles. Yes, Brooklyn Superhero Supply really exists, and it's run by superheroes...of the civic variety- the shop is part of a nationwide non-profit group called 826, with their profits going to support youth targeted creative and expository writing programs, tutoring and even help for teachers.
About Programs.  You can Shop online here or visit them at 372 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY. 11215

With 6 stores across the country, based on different themes such as the Pirate Store, the Boring Store, Time Travel Mart and the Robot Supply and Repair shop, I'm betting I can find entertaining gifts for everyone I know (a forcefield generator is waaayyy cooler than anything from the mall), while my purchase helps to fund their work. Creating some happiness and lending a hand, it's what the holidays are about, yes?

Myself, I'm considering a gallon of Immortality or an Aardvark Bros. Magnetism Supplement (hmm, do they mean "magnetism" literally? Well, half of being a superhero is experimenting on yourself, so...)

For info on all the different stores

In Los Angeles' Echo Park, you can find them under the guise of the Time Travel Mart. Their motto "Whenever you are, we're already then."
Here's a mission statement from the NYC chapter website "...dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around our belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind we provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our free programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice."

Flowers in the Showers

Springtime, rain, everything is blooming, flowers are popping. Did I mention rain?
Ok, so tell me...Can you spot the pedestrian in this picture? I almost didn't.
 Dark skies, shiny streets, wet windshield, the extra sounds of rainy weather, trying to make a left before the light changes- if you're a pedestrian wearing black, you may as well just lay down in the crosswalk and scream "c'mon, run me over!".

Much better! 

Now, I don't expect everybody to sport big yellow slickers (though I do think you'd look cute), but you can be rainy-day chic without the hazards of basic black.

Umbrella ideas: These all fold down to purse or pocket size!

Details:

I'm a sucker for a good novelty print. This calorie motif was very popular for hankies and dish towels in the 40s and 50s. Lulu Guiness has now done her part to keep it going.   Someday I'll figure out how to sew that reflective fabric in polka dots onto an umbrella and create my own little brolly empire... so far it's harder than I expected.

Get ready for the Coolest Rain Boots Ever!!!

My Ashanti booties from Brazilian company Melissa can whoop your Burberry/Chanel/Gucci muck boots All. Day. Long.
Completely made of rubber, no leaky seams, nice platforms inside for comfort and warmth, textured insides that don't rub, nice traction.

or, try the flocked oxfords

I wore these all over NYC in freezing December weather. They kept me warm and dry on a 20 block walk. About three times per block, someone would smile and say "great boots!", so I know they brightened other people's day too, which is half the fun.
So - next rainy day, get out there and be seen!

The Importance of Silly Shoes

Some days we need a pick-me-up before the day's even started. Whether feeling nervous about a social engagement with strangers or overcome with ennui at the prospect of an afternoon filled with routine errands, it is vital that we be able to find secret "superheroes" in our closet when we need them, items that will rescue us from potential dreariness, and lend us a bit of confidence, a dash of humor, a smidge of "It". Today's superhero: Silly Shoes.

Here, some favorites: Big white daisies with cheery yellow centers lighten the mood instantly, a reminder to keep things in perspective and recognize the bright side of every situation. We may have to look for it, but it's there.

Dr. Seuss famously said "I like nonsense, it wakes up the braincells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living...that enables you to laugh at life's realitites."

Personally, I can freeze when faced with business calls. It's hard to remain self-conscious and tongue-tied when I look down and see these:

Yes, they're little vegetables crafted of leather and raffia.  I became obsessed and called all over the country to locate these babies after seeing a teeny photo of them in a magazine. Their creative whimsy and careful attention to detail always bring me a smile, making them worth every long distance minute on hold!

Some other uplifting choices:

Cow-spotted Mice, Ruby Slippers

Bubble Gum Pink w/ silver, Miami Glitz w/ more glitz

After the luau, Excuse me miss, you have Lipstick on your toes.

 Need to lay down the law today? Best tongue-in-cheek shoe e.v.e.r, very Mapplethorpe. Helmut from '04, I pray I'll find a pair someday.

These examples may be a bit extreme for your style, but you'll find your own version. Maybe a pair of two-tone oxfords, some yellow flats, hot pink laces in your sneakers, a midnight run with the bedazzler on your Keds, whatever speaks to you and brings you a smile.

Those daisy shoes have helped save my day more times than I can possibly count, they are priceless. 

 I simply cannot be cranky with daisies on my toes.

**Addendum: Silly does not mean Ridiculous (deserving of ridicule). The examples below cannot be considered silly, happy, empowering shoes. They qualify as travesties, Frankenshoes, footwear that other shoes are embarrassed to be seen with. Please, please, avoid them at all costs! Thank you.

We hope we didn't frighten you...just a cautionary tale.

Style by Numbers

Seriously???   No, really, seriously, what were they thinking?

Ok, so I have some strong feelings about "personal style", as in "How to look your best and most beautiful in a way that expresses your individuality".  It doesn't come in a box, it's not instantaneous and I can gaurantee that you're not going to find it by imitating the Personal Style of any of the 25 chic-sters profiled in this magazine, they're not you and their style is not your style. 

The eternal optimist, I buy these issues every time hoping that, maybe this time, they'll deliver something. They never really do. That "What to Wear at Every Age" issue is even worse: in your 20s? Bright, short, sexy, edgy! 30s? Start toning it down with some professional wear and day-to-dinner looks. 40s and 50s? Stick with neutral colors, no more black, figure hiding cuts, shorten your hair, lower your heels, in other words: blend in and wait it out. 60s? Add some animal prints and hang on a little longer until...70+, now you can let it all out, wear purple, big jewelry and...

OK, enough crabbing! 

Want to find your personal style? Start by asking yourself these basic questions:

-What was your favorite outfit ever (yes, that yellow dress you wore to the first day of 3rd grade counts)

What did you love about it?

-Do you collect anything? What attracts you to that item? Color? Workmanship? Rarity?

-What makes you laugh? Are you a cartoon lover? 3 stooges? Nick & Nora Charles?

-Where are you happiest and most inspired?

-is there a particular era of fashion that attracts you? (even if you don't wear vintage)

What do you like about it?

-Describe your dream living room, then your dream bedroom

-Remember the basics like:

Your favorite color?

Your favorite feature or body part?

Least favorite?

What are your three favorite things that you already own and wear?

Do you have an outfit or item that always recieves compliments?

Personal Style is a matter of learning what works for you, what speaks to you.

These questions are the first step in finding your signature style.

I'd love to hear how it works out for you! 

If you get stuck, I'm happy to help.

Have fun! 

Lust, episode 12

Some perpetually stylish inspiration

or perhaps a bit of...

unless you're in the mood for...

and of course...

XX

A sugar rush of the educational variety

I've often wondered what it would be like to try to feed myself in a country where I don't speak the language, read the alphabet or even recognize many of the main ingredients.  A trip to Nijiya Japanese Market is a mild version of this experience, so I just enter with an open mind. Today, I turned the corner into their technicolor candy aisle and suddenly...What. Is. This?

It's a candy kit, something the maker, Popin' Cookin', refers to as "educational candy" as it requires following directions, mixing powders and water, and building your own treats.  Here's what the kit looks like:

All those little packets are filled with white powders that, when mixed with water, turn colors and change texture.  There's not a smidgen of English anywhere on the box and the drawings only tell you which color packet goes into which well.  I figured out to use the little plastic squirt/dropper thing to add water up to the embossed line, the tiny shovel for mixing and the dowel for rolling out that Tootsie Roll block.  Considering I was winging it, I think things went okay.  Here's a "during" shot:

That orange part on the left? Super cool. I mixed the orange powder and water in the lower well, then used the dropper to drop pearls of it into the blu-ish water mix above and, Voila, instant roe!  So pretty, and quite real looking- and they even burst when bitten.  After about 5 minutes of setting, the yellow and red firm up to a strong jelly and are embossed with egg and tuna patterns, respectively.  The taste? Varying intensities of Tutti Frutti. I'm definitely no sushi chef, but here are my assembled pieces:

My little maki roll on the left is a mess and my rice is a bit deformed, I will not be quitting  my day job- but...it's pretty sexy in close up!

  By the time I was done, my Mad Scientist was satisfied and I didn't really feel like eating it.  Hmm, educational and slimming! Oh, and I think I paid about $4.00, not bad for an hour's entertainment on this rainy day.