Katie of The Neo-Traditionalist recently posted about illustrator, Virginia Johnson. Many recognize her work from the Kate Spade books. These are some images I pulled from her portfolio:
The first is my favorite. I want to live in it.
Did you read my interview with Laura Bennett on The Big Piece of Cake yesterday?
She was a finalist on Project Runway a few years ago, and a NYC mom of six. AND she has some strong convictions of personal style and sense of self. Check out the interview – I promise that I didn’t ask anything about potty or sleep training.
ALSO – I’m doing a giveaway for her fantastic book, Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday?
Come see me at As Good As Cake to enter!
I found this Etsy shop on Beachbungalow8 the other day:
I’ve never considered myself to be a neck ruff gal…but this one on ArtLab is so lovely:
So are these:
And how about this jacket:
And this shirt:
Gorgeous.
I have to be honest, I don’t love science.
I have fond memories of drawing pretty pictures of bacteria slides and plant cuttings in my 5th grade science notebook. But quizzes on genus, species, blobbedy, goobeldy gook, etc. etc. etc.? Not so much. Dissecting a fetal pig? Not number one on my list of most awesome activities ever.
BUT – I really wanted to participate in the Team Why Mommy Virtual Science Fair.
Maybe it’s because my own mother had/has cancer, but I feel an affinity for any mother who hears terrifying news, undergoes treatments ranging from uncomfortable to unbearable, and still finds it in herself to look her children in the eye and say, “don’t worry, don’t be scared – I’ll be fine.”
I don’t know Susan from Toddler Planet personally, but we both write for DC Metro Moms, and we both shared a treasured friend in Jean from Stimeyland.
So when Stimey (Jean) sent out the e-mail about supporting Why Mommy (Susan) on the day of her surgery with posts about two of the most important things in her life, children and science, I thought I could come up with something that would be fun for my kids and not too painful for me.
Previously, this is about as close to science as we had ever been:
In light of this, I wasn’t going to jump right into anything involving beakers and chemistry. I figured Earth Science was a better bet.
So this morning we set out on a bug finding mission.
I live in Reston, VA which is literally “the sticks.” It’s 20 minutes outside of DC (without traffic) and I’m not kidding when I say that the woods are right outside our door. We are surrounded by forest. So of course, we are surrounded by bugs.
I grew up in downtown DC, I went to college in the Bronx and I never planned on living anywhere but a city. So of course I now live in the woods. It’s Murphy’s Law. Or something like that… Either way, I’m not exactly a nature person, but I do appreciate the walking paths in my own backyard and the lovely little piece of nature that would have once made me wrinkle my nose in distaste. Dirt is so…dirty…
Anyway – it’s been unseasonably hot and I couldn’t face an hour walk through the woods, so I figured we’d just hit the closest playground and crawl around looking at yucky insects.
Here are some pictures of what we did:
No – you didn’t miss anything. There was very little bug seeking when swings and good climbing trees were right in front of us.
BUT there was a spider web in one of the trees:
What – you can’t see that? You are blind. Whatever – that was totally Earth Science right there. Spider webs are an example of the perfection to be found in nature.
And my sensory boy Oliver got very hands on with the clumps of pollen covering his beloved mulch.
But I didn’t want to fail our mission. So I got serious. I told the kids that on the way home, we were looking for bugs – no ifs, ands or buts. And everyone got on board.
We left no stone unturned:
But after three years of battling armies of ants in my house, watching screaming children run from the bees buzzing around my front door, and bathing my family in insect repellent every time we leave our home from April to October, I can honestly say that we didn’t find ONE FUCKING BUG.
Please excuse the expletive – but that’s how I feel about the Reston bugs right now. Fair weather friends indeed! When it’s all about scavenging fallen grains of rice and scaring children and sucking human blood, they’re EVERYWHERE. But the minute I want to snap some photos they turn all shy celebrity, hiding from the paparazzi.
Not cool, bugs…not cool at all.
But we did FINALLY have one brief moment of success on our way home:
That’s a worm!
Worms are gross. And totally Earth Science, thank you very much.
All in all – it was fun in spite of the general failure. And I took a few pictures of my kind of nature:
Now THAT’S more like it.
This was a lighthearted post about children delighting in the world around them and – well, yes – the science of it. But the reason for this post is far from light. I could never do it justice with my own words, so I’ll conclude with the end of Susan’s last post before her surgery. About how she will make her contribution to the future lives of women…people…all over the world:
We need the research.
I will do my part. Tomorrow, as the six tumors are removed from my body, they will be flash frozen in vials designed to keep them usable by scientists and medical researchers. The doctors will use what they need for me, and then the rest will be sent to the IBC Biobank for future research or out for the Target Now Complete testing, one of the first to look at molecular markers that may indicate additional options for my treatment. I’m trying to make the latter work out, but if not, I’ll send it to the Biobank in hopes that it will help someone else.
I’ve checked ClinicalTrials.gov for inflammatory breast cancer trials, and signed up for Avon’s Army of Women to be notified when a researcher is looking for people to participate in studies of new treatments, complementary medicine, or information dissemination, online or in my area. It’s important, this research, and the Army of Women is gathering 1 million women together who are willing to participate, locally in person or online, with and without cancer, so that the scientists can study what causes, and what cures, cancer. If you can, please join the Army with me — and say yes to just one study this year if the opportunity arrives in your in-box.
We need the research. And we need it now.
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ELSEWHERE:
On Wishing True…
ArtLab ruffles
On As Good As Cake…
Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? giveaway!
NOTE: See below for a link to the giveaway!
Did you see my review of Laura Bennett’s book, Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday?…um, yesterday? Well here is the follow up interview I promised.
If you want to know more about the book and Laura’s life, please read the review. Better yet – read the book. It’s hilarious, insightful and even a little controversial for those of you hoping to hate her – and it doesn’t disappoint.
For the interview, Laura was gracious enough to agree to answer some questions via e-mail. In honor of her jealousy that my name translates well into “vanity plate” – I am “K8.” And because I can’t come up with anything better (sorry Laura), she’s “LB.” Actually – I was going to use initals for my blog, but “TBPOC” is a bit awkward.
Now that we have all of that cleared up…on to the Q&A:
K8: You’ve described your NYC home as “a two bedroom loft.” But the real question Laura, is how many bathrooms? With potty training twins and a five year old who tends to leave his personal business until the eleventh hour, we need all three of ours to avoid complete potty chaos. How many bathrooms do you need for five boys, two parents and all of the other people who are in and out of your home all day?
LB: I’m not sure how many bathrooms I need for this crew; I only know what I have. Our apartment has one full bath, and one half bath. It’s funny because as many times as I’ve thought this apartment needs more closet space, or more shoe shelves, it never occurred to me that I needed more bathrooms. Thanks for pointing that out.
K8: As a stylish mother of six, you must have the hospital go bag down to a science. Many of my readers are either pregnant now or will be soon, Even after baby number one or two, many of us still make rookie mistakes when packing the bag that will be our lifeline for the two or three post-labor days at the hospital. Any suggestions for some “musts” that will make moms feel and look their best while they recover and pose for those endless pictures?
LB: Here I am, obviously having just finished labor and I am wearing lipstick and false eyelashes.
If I wasn’t me, I would so make fun of me. I think we should start a facebook fan page for women who wear lashes in labor. So It looks like my answer would be bring lashes (Andrea Brown #33) and long-wear lipstick (Maybelline superstay).
K8: You briefly explained that with reality TV, the footage is obviously selected for entertainment value. But that in the end – true personalities do shine through. Did you feel like this was true of yourself on Project Runway? Feel free to be candid about anyone else as well (I’m fairly certain that Jeffrey doesn’t read my blog).
LB: I think what you are really asking me here is if I still think Jeffrey cheated. I think he cheated. Even if he sewed every stitch of every garment, he still cheated. He was over budget, he didn’t have receipts, and he didn’t follow the production rules. He cheated, and then he won. It happens a lot in life. Maybe it doesn’t bother me because I wouldn’t have won anyway, Uli should have been the winner. For me it was enough that I called him out.
[Actually – that wasn’t what I was asking. But this was far more interesting than what I had in mind.]
K8: Living in Manhattan, do you ever run into the Project Runway judges socially? And if so – is it weird, having once been on the receiving end of their critical eye for an intense few weeks? If the answer is no – were there any that you particularly liked and could imagine having as a friend if the opportunity presented? (again you can probably say anything here – I’m skeptical that Nina will ever happen upon this interview…)
LB: You mean like I’m at Rite Aid buying a jumbo box of super absorbent tampons and I look up and see Michael Kors? Never happened. I have guest judged an episode, and I don’t feel awkward around them at all. My husband thinks Nina was hard on me, but I think most of the comments the judges made were right.
K8: Okay – so the accessories wall. Did you always find everything you could possibly need there? I don’t see how that’s possible…
LB: I don’t even remember the accessory wall. I was so tired, I have no idea how I did any of that. We go to sleep at 3 am and they wake us to start the next day at 6 am. After five weeks, I didn’t even know my own name. The only thing I remember about the accessory wall is the pair of sunglasses that I stole. I still wear them.
K8: I really love your philosophy on personal style. Not everyone has it in them (or has the legs) to wear an LBD and stilettos to Target. BUT they can still look chic with some strategic closet planning. And it’s genius to choose a cinematic style icon and plan your wardrobe using them for inspiration. I’m guessing that many of my readers would say that they have avoided the spiral into crocs and sweats, but do find that they fall back on jeans with boots or flats. Do you have any style icons to suggest? And what basic pieces should be the foundation of that look?
LB: A simple dress and heels work for me, but I certainly don’t expect that to be everyone’s uniform. Jeans and flats still run a gamut of styles. You can be rocker chic, ingénue, or cowgirl. Here are some cinema examples of comfortable done fabulous. (I can not recommend leaving the house wearing a holster with or without a pistol, please replace with a belt.)
AND OF COURSE!
K8: Who do you think will make it to Fashion Week this season of Project Runway?
LB: My picks for the current season are Emilio, Seth Aaron, and Jay as finalists, and Jay to take the win.
[Although Laura did see the collections at Fashion Week this Fall, 10 are shown so that no one knows who the final three actually are. But this does tell us that Jay’s collection must have been amazing – wonder if stopped making the model’s butts look big…]
Don’t forget! I’m giving away copies of Laura’s book, Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? HERE.
And for those of you in the NYC area, she’s making a book signing appearance at Borders Columbus Circle in New York City today at 7:00 p.m. AND she’ll also be signing books at BlogHer this summer in NYC. Can’t wait to meet this lady in person.
Thanks again for everything Laura. It’s been a pleasure.
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ELSEWHERE:
On Wishing True…
Fifi Flowers – blue shutters
Vinyl boxes via Draw Flowers
On As Good As Cake…
Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? giveaway!
One thing I love about Fifi Flowers is that the site is so much more than just a showcase for the work. The lovely, whimsical illustrations are still the focal point, but I find just as many wonderful design photos that make their way into my file.
I was particularly taken with the series of turquoise shutters in France featured in a recent post:
Then of course, we’re treated to some Fifi interiors inspired by the photography:
Love it!
I’ve officially changed my mind. At least when it comes to these vinyl wallpaper boxes at Draw Flowers:
They also make great lunch bags (expect a standing ovation in the break room)…
…lamp shades (there are many styles – but I’m seeing these in very girly bedrooms)…
…and many styles for the slim clutch bag (I even included the picture of what it fits – because honestly, it looks like an envelope!):
And pretty reasonably priced I may add…
See more on the website (LOVE this image):
Come see me at As Good As Cake today for a book review of all things. I have to say – this is a good one. Laura Bennett of Project Runway fame was one of my favorites and by far one of the most successful post-show.
She’s also a mother of six in Manhattan and her take on parenting and staying true to yourself is as insightful as it is irreverent. Click HERE for the review.
Come see me at As Good As Cake today for a book review of all things. I have to say – this is a good one. Laura Bennett of Project Runway fame was one of my favorites and by far one of the most successful post-show.
She’s also a mother of six in Manhattan and her take on parenting and staying true to yourself is as insightful as it is irreverent. Click HERE for the review.
Tomorrow, I’ll be posting an interview with Laura here AND a giveaway on As Good As Cake. don’t miss it!
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ELSEWHERE:
On Wishing True…
I love Lonny – but more please!
I’ve never done a book review before and I’m having a little trouble with the intro. Everything I write sounds very formal and stuffy and I immediately delete it – because if there is one thing that Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? is NOT, it’s formal and stuffy.
So I think I’ll just dive right in and say that I really, really like Laura Bennett (of Project Runway fame). The title of her book immediately made me smile because that is exactly how I feel about meal time around here.
Based on an inside joke between her and one of her sons, “didn’t I feed you yesterday?” truly captures my shoulder sagging, sigh inducing exasperation upon noticing that another three hours have passed and it’s yet again time for me to prepare a meal for children who either don’t like anything or only like ONE thing. A thankless task in my book. I can’t count how many times I’ve looked at the clock in the evening, only to start with the realization, “oh crap – I forgot to feed the kids.”
But I’m not a bad mother. In fact, some might even say that I’m pretty good at this. Not the cooking of course – but the caring, nurturing, laughing, encouraging, not sweating the small stuff side of parenting? THAT I can do. And I do it well.
And this is really what Laura’s book communicates. Part humor book, part memoir, part manual for keeping a sense of self in mommy land – Laura encourages other mothers to parent their own way. To find what works best for them and their own family and ignore what “how to” books and gurus out there profess to be the best and only way to mother. And do it with style. Preferably in great shoes.
I won’t give away too much of the story, but here are some highlights.
First – it really does read like a story, and this definitely appealed to me. One of the reasons that I started reading blogs is that I love to hear personal stories. All of my friends are interesting people with excellent story telling talent. If I lived in NYC and met Laura, I would absolutely try to make her my new best friend (lucky you Laura – those few driving hours that separate us will save you from my attentions).
And a woman who is in the process of raising five wild boys in a two bedroom loft in Manhattan is bound to have some good stories. In this book they begin with Laura as a single mom with a five year old daughter arriving in New York as a grad student, working two jobs to pay the bills. It continues with her introduction to a man literally destined to become her husband and then spirals into a whirlwind of babies and boys and the various and sundry characters picked up along the way to help keep track of the chaos. I can’t imagine that there is ever a boring moment in Laura Bennett’s world.
One of my favorite chapters of course was Laura’s Got a Gunn, recounting her adventures on Project Runway. I won’t write anything about this since I won’t be able to help myself and might end up giving away the whole thing. BUT tomorrow I’ll post an interview with her on The Big Piece of Cake, and she does answer a few of my PR-related questions.
And all of you Project Runway fans will remember Laura’s exceptional style. She didn’t just dress up for runway day – she wore her stilettos in the workroom. Her meticulously self-sewn plunging necklines were worn with pride from morning to evening, without any discernible shifting or wrinkling. Laura has effortless style down to a science and her Fabulously Glamorous chapter details just how easy it can be. A must read for any mom who feels more frumpy than fabulous – this chapter provides a simple wardrobe formula that anyone can master.
One surprising part of Laura’s story (at least for me) was that she has a special needs child – one with speech and communication challenges. She writes about Larson with such humor and appreciation for his own talents and individuality that you barely perceive his delays as being problematic as much as they’re just “Larson.” As another mother of a special needs boy with speech and communication issues, I recognized so much of myself in that. Sure I want Oliver to “catch up” – or at least enough to participate with his peers – but I love him for exactly who he is right now, sensory-seeking mess and mischief included. When I wrote Special Needs, this was exactly the point I wanted to make: that we should love our children for who they are – not in spite of it.
Disagree if you will with Laura’s choice of footwear or her choice to hire a few brave souls to help raise her battalion of boys…she delights in her family and each one of their separate personalities. She knows what’s really important in raising children who feel cherished – and she embraces that daily.
Many people would criticize a mother for prioritizing her career, her appearance and her footwear. But in my opinion, Laura has achieved balance in life that most alpha moms will never enjoy as the result of their own perfect house, perfect children, perfectly cut carrot sticks priorities. This stiletto wearing mom enjoys herself. She enjoys her kids. She enjoys her life. And in the end, that’s really what it’s all about.
So now that you know what I loved about this book, I suggest you get your own copy. OR better yet – win one! I’ll be posting an interview with Laura and a Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? giveaway tomorrow, so don’t miss those.
In the meantime, you can find out more about Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? on the book’s website AND read more of Laura’s writing on The Daily Beast.
