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