Techno Kids

Last night, I learned just how technologically-saavy my kids are. As I was reading my Kindle after an episode of "The Office" (love preppy-man Andy Bernard), my 4-year old son came in the room, as he often does when he doesn't want to go to bed. He pointed and asked, "Is that an iPad?"

I didn't even KNOW he KNEW about iPads. With kids, I guess it's osmosis when it comes to technology and trends. Both my 4 and 6-year old can whip me in Angry Birds, so I shouldn't be surprised.

And, speaking of hand-held technology, there's been a lot of buzz about the Kindle Fire of late. In fact, the technology reporter on NPR said that some features of the Fire could make it more appealing than the iPad to consumers. The fact that it costs $200, compared to a $500 iPad could be a huge decision-maker. Hmm, in this economy, what would you choose?

I have the iPhone and Starbucks coffee. The iPad would complete the scene, don't ya think?

The Kindle Fire will be available Nov. 15. Maybe I should consider one for Hubby, even though he REALLY wants an iPad. We'll see. (And, no, this post is not an avertisement for Amazon or Apple. But, I'm more than happy to test your products, should any representatives from those companies read this.)

What's on your weekend agenda? Cooler temps are settling into the region, which means jeans and sweaters, and evenings by the fire in our backyard. Welcome October!
Images from techradar and jaslene.tumblr.com

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Now that fall is here, so are the many wonderful fall accessories. What jewelry, scarves and shoes are you sporting this season?

Here are some items recently featured in the New York Times and Vogue, considered the “things to have” this season.

 

Ralph Lauren sunglasses. I sooo want a pair of these bad boys.

 

 This choker from Yves Saint Laurent is a great item for fall. Although, I think this would look better as a bracelet, but who am I to argue with the house of YSL?

 

Clutch from Dries van Noten (and I’ll take the gold ring as well).

  

How about this clutch from Burberry? As Jack from “Will and Grace” would have said in a sing-song voice, “FABULOUS!!!”

And this beauty from Louis Vuitton.

Which brings me to my Louis Vuitton story. Many years ago, my college boyfriend brought me back an LV bag from Italy, where he studied for a semester (I’m sure his parents helped with the purchase). It was a gorgeous bucket bag – huge and wonderful. So, because he became an ex-boyfriend after college, I never used it and it’s been sitting in my closet for about 17 or 18 years. I just felt weird about carrying it around because of who gave it to me, as if it was an affront to my husband (hardly). When I shared this concern with some girlfriends recently, one of them said,“Oh, you just need to get over that.” The other said, “You have a vintage Louis Vuitton sitting in your closet? Use it!”

So, I got over it, broke out the LV at the start of fall and have been sporting it around ever since. What do you think?

Then I remembered one of the reasons I stopped carrying it, because it's so darn heavy. My shoulder aches after lugging it around all day. Oh, well. The price we pay for vanity.

So, do you have a favorite piece of clothing or an accessory that is your go-to piece every year?

Images from the New York Times, Vogue and property of JMW - A Place to Dwell.blogspot

Fall Wardrobe and Racing Season

I am loving this cooler weather! It was about 52 degrees when we left the house this morning, so I was sure to break out the tweed and suede. And, I was happy to see that I can still fit into my 4 petite skirt, even though I bought it before having kids. Of course, as Tim Gunn would be quick to point out, it could be “vanity sizing.” As my mom always says, if you pay enough, anyone can be a size 2 or 4.

Anyhoo, back to the discussion about the fall wardrobe. What are some of your must-haves for the fall season? I, for one, would love a fabulous pair of brown crocodile boots. If only I could afford them. (Yeah, PETA, I said it.)

Although, I would settle for faux.

And, while I’m very traditional when it comes to barn jackets -- because, you know, we all want to look like we’ve been striding across the horse farm, checking out the colts – I do like some of Barbour's new models, a variation on the barn jacket.

Like the Dorset jacket:

Or the Devon jacket (below), although this looks like you should be riding a motorbike, rather than a thoroughbred.

So, all this talk about wardrobe and horses, can you guess what I’m gearing up for here in the Bluegrass? Yep, the fall meet at Keeneland Racecourse, which runs Oct. 7 - 29. If you can make it to Lexington for the fall racing season, do so. Keeneland is celebrating its 75 anniversary, so there will be plenty to see and do over the next few weeks.

So, kids, what are your must-haves for the fall season? Do tell!
Images from Keeneland.com, Barbour of England, Tory Burch

Google+ is Looking Better and Better

Not sure, but I'm thinking Mark Zuckerberg may be My Space-ing Facebook right into the hands of Google+ with this new overhaul.

In case you haven't heard the full details, here's a recent article about the upcoming updates, or as I've tagged it, REVOLUTION OF CHANGE, afoot at Facebook.

I'm on Facebook, but the constant changes to try to "enhance" the user experience or make a more "robust" social networking site are wearing on me. Maybe it's time to step back from FB and find out more about Google+. (For one reason, Google was created by my fellow Gen Xers. Take that, Zuckerberg.)

What are your thoughts on the latest changes with Facebook? Have you tried Google+? What do you think?

TGIF, friends. This week was, well, let's not even go there. I'm just ready to enjoy the time with family and friends this weekend.

Cheers!

Image from sommecards.com

Presenting the Elephant in His Habitat...

For those of you who tuned in yesterday, here is my darling daughter's diorama, featuring an elephant in its natural habitat.

So much better than the zoo version, wouldn't you say? She was very excited to carry this to school today and I'm so proud of the hard work she put into it (with a some help from Daddy, although most of it was her creation).

Do you have a favorite project that your child created? What is it?

Friends, we're getting closer to the weekend. Thank you, God!
Photo property of A Place to Dwell blog

Where the Elephant Lives

This week at school, Miss E. can earn bonus points if she creates a diorama of an animal habitat. She has chosen the home of an elephant. When I asked her how she would decorate the diorama, a.k.a., shoe box, she said "I'll use some hay for the bottom and bars for the fence."

Sigh. This is why I have such mixed emotions about the zoo.

You'll be glad to know, though, that after some discussion and "research" of a true elephant habitat, Babar will have an African savanna-type homestead, rather than that of the Louisville Zoological Gardens.

This reminded me of the old commercial advertising Fisher-Price's "See and Say," the toy where you pull the string, it lands on a photo of a certain animal, then mimics that animal's sound. The commercial urged parents of city kids to buy the toy, panning to a little boy at an urban park petting zoo waving to a sheep and saying, "Hi, doggie!"

I still laugh thinking about it.
Image from The New York Times

A Touch of Tory Red

Dear Hubby,

I know you've been thinking day and night about what to get me for our 12th anniversary in a few weeks. I'm sure you've lost much sleep over it. So, here's a suggestion to ease your stress. These Tory Burch penny loafers are an option. And, the accessories accompanied with said red shoes are great, too.

Just sayin'.
Images from the Atlantic Pacific blog

Back-from-Campus Report

I'm back from an overnight in Lexington after watching my beloved Wildcats turn in a horrible performance against Louisville. Not sure what happened, but I think one of the local high school teams could have whipped their butts last night.

Overall, though, it was a fun weekend with friends and that made the loss much easier to take. After checking into our hotel, we headed to campus to enjoy an alumni get-together at the Faculty Club. Let me tell you, there's nothing like tailgating in style at the Faculty Club on campus. We enjoyed delicious food in a gorgeous setting.

The library lounge at the Hilary J. Boone Faculty Club

Had the weather not been so gosh-darn beautiful, I could have propped my feet up on a cushy sofa at the club with a cocktail in hand and watched the game there. But, we couldn't pass up a sunny, 72 degree day, so after dining in the courtyard at Boone (below), we went back to the cars to tailgate a bit. Oh, and when we got out there, we saw that some little punk had stolen one of our UK car flags. Really? Damn college students.

We then made our way over to the stadium to meet up with more friends. Along the way, we saw the serious tailgaters with their elaborate set-ups. Everything from flat screen TVs, enormous tents, giant RVs, to beautifully set buffet tables with candleabras, mums and nice silver and china in which to serve the hot dogs, hamburgers and burgoo. Let me tell you, the Southeastern Conference fans know how to do it right.

This isn't one of the big tailgate set-ups, but this gives you just a glimpse of  how people set up for their pre-game activities.

At the top of the 4th quarter when we knew things weren't going to turn around, we left early to beat the crowd, heading to Dudley's for drinks. If you ever make it to Lexington, go downtown to Dudley's. Great atmosphere and vibe. We then went back to the hotel because we're old and can't manage to stay out past 11 p.m. anymore.

So, that was my weekend and it was such fun. What did you do this weekend? Hope you had a good one. Take it easy so you're well rested heading into Monday. Ugh. I'll try not to think about Monday too much.
Images from kentucky.com, Hilary J. Boone Faculity Club, UK alumni facebook page and kentucky tailgating

Bridge to Nowhere

Warning: The following is a rant. But, it's followed by happier words. :)

This week has been beyond crazy. Not only have I been up to my eyeballs in deadlines and putting out fires at work, but the commute in and around town has been insane, to say the least.

See, a bridge in our community that crosses the Ohio River was closed last weekend because a crack was found in the structure. This is a bridge that generally carries about 50,000 cars to and from Louisville each day. The decision to close the bridge was the right one, especially in light of the catastrophic collapse of a bridge in Minneapolis a few years ago that killed many people. We certainly don't want that.

But, the discussion about building additional bridges - one in the east end of town and another downtown - has been going on for YEARS and no one has acted upon it. Now, we're in dire straights, down to only two bridges to carry HUGE numbers of commuters each day. And, unfortunately, the intersection where this all comes together downtown surrounds my office building and parking garage, therefore creating mass chaos at the end of each work day. City planners say it's going to be three weeks just to EVALUATE the damage. What the what???

So, each day I curse our local politicans who have not moved forward on this, as well as the well-to-do members of an environmental group who filed lawsuits against building an east end bridge. They claim it's to preserve the land, but it's really to preserve their property value. Do I sound bitter? Well, it's because I am. And don't even get my parents started on the issue. They live on the other side of the bridge and have to leave at 6 o'too-damn-early in the morning to get to work or appointments.

Sorry for the rant, it's just been a tough week. Anyone else deal with this nonsense where you live? Or do you live in a more progressive city/town?

In other news, I do have something to be really excited about this weekend: University of Kentucky football! The Cats take on little brother "rival" the University of Louisville this weekend. Shouldn't be much of a match up - Louisville's not all that. But, it will be fun to be back on campus, tailgating and cheering on the home team. And, the weather is going to be ideal - sunny and 75 degrees. After this terrible week, God is rewarding us with a very nice weekend. Thank you, Lord!

Happy Friday, friends! Enjoy the weekend!
Image from Kentucky Ville and The Courier-Journal Facebook page 

Designer Show House: Stonecote Estate

Another show house fundraiser is upon us in my neck of the woods, and this particular one is a must-see.

The Bellarmine University Women’s Council is hosting it's 38th Annual Designers' Show House, which, in my humble opion, is the best among the different tours/showcases of homes held throughout the year. This year’s feature home is the Stonecote estate and from the photos I’ve seen in our local paper, I may have to buy my tickets today. (For my family and friends from this area, it's near Cherokee and Seneca Parks, so you have an idea of where this sits - on five acres, no less.)

While I’m not crazy about every room, given that several designers work on the house and are assigned different rooms, for the most part, it’s fabulous. Here is a taste of Stonecote. Judge for yourself.

This is a bedroom in the pool house, and below is a den and kitchenette, also in the pool house. Seriously.

I've heard the house is for sale, but not sure if that's just rumor or fact. If it is for sale and you're in the market for a newly refurbished home - and can afford to drop a few million - consider Stonecote. My family and I would love to visit you and hang out by the pool. :)

Have a great week, kids. Hope you are enjoying beautiful weather like we are here. It's good for the soul.

Images from Bellamine University and The Courier-Journal

Never Forget

While I’m always ready for a couple of days off, I’m bracing myself for the flood of emotions that are starting to surge as we head into the weekend. It’s been ten years since the Sept. 11 attacks, and families and friends of the victims, as well as so many of us who watched the horror unveil before our eyes, will commemorate the anniversary on Sunday.

Memorials will not only take place in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but throughout the world as we honor those who were lost, grieve with their loved ones and look for hope in the future generations to follow.

The memorial at Ground Zero in New York City

I saw this photo today of a young ROTC member keeping guard over a memorial at my alma mater, the University of Kentucky. I’m sure there are so many similar scenes throughout the country today.

Shew, it’s going to be a tough one, folks. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as we share in this remembrance.

I look forward to returning to much lighter blogging topics next week. I'll be gearing up for a trip down to Lexington next Saturday for a UK football game. I'll have plenty to post about tailgating food, drinks and activities, and will be seeking your expertise as well!
Images from Kentucky.com and the New York Times

It's Been Crazy, Kids

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I've had crazy deadlines and fires to put out at work this week. Then the REAL work starts when I pick up the kids and head home at the end of the day. Shew!

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods, friends. Fingers crossed that things calm down soon and I can return to my regularly scheduled blogging. I've missed checking in with everyone!
Image from Shine at Yahoo 

Farewell Summer, Make Way for Fall

Well, folks, the summer season is coming to an end. Of course, in these parts, the summer weather is still alive and kicking. It was 100 degrees yesterday, today and will be tomorrow. But, fingers crossed, next week the dog-days of summer are supposed to subside. We’ll see.

So, in a farewell to summer, I bid adieu to such things as:

Seersucker

 

Wedge espadrilles

White Lilly Pulitzer dresses; heck, your entire Lilly spring/summer wardrobe, for that matter.

Lazy days by the pool

But, with the arrival of fall, comes many wonderful things as well: 

Kentucky football, SEC football and all things football

Fall outerware, so I can carry a bucket to the barn in style.

Sitting by the firepit in the backyard

A pot of chili on a cool, autumn day

Keenelands' fall meet...

...and Breeders' Cup at Churchill

What will you miss about summer and what are you looking forward to this fall?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Relax and enjoy time with family and friends and soak in a few more rays by the pool. Talk to you after the holiday!
Images from Slim Arons, billchus, Lilly Pulitzer, Tory Burch, Brooks Brothers, This Old House, Country Living, Keeneland and Breeders Cup.