Big Shot Artist in the Spotlight

Buga-booooo!

2011-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Heartbroken. We missed the Bugaboo sample sale last weekend. Well sort of. We attended, but showed up just before 1pm (sale began at 10am), and they were sold out. Actually, they sold out like - two people ahead of us in line.

No big deal, I'm sure they'll go on sale in another couple of years.

The scene when we arrived.

We WOULD have been on time had it not been for HOLLYWOOD!!! Hollywood ruins everything. Tafty had to work in the AM, thus our tardiness and thus my broken heart. I don't know what movie it was, but I'm sure it was stupid.

eFilm officially owes me a bugaboo.

It was kinda like this

2011-09-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music

When I announced my pregnancy on Facebook. It's true. Everyone went wild.

Beyonce may have broken twitter records, but my Klout score is off the hook. Peaking at almost 70 after my announcement. Highest in the agency. Klout = babies. Fact.

It'll be nice for Beyonce and me to have kids around the same age. Our little destiny children.

The Most Perfect Maternity Jean To Date In The Whole Universe

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ta da!!!

The Love Story Maternity, J Brand

Why this jean is the most perfect maternity jean to date in the whole universe:

1) I'm a size 26 in these jeans. As my friend Rosie would say, "Bag it up." I don't care that this is a maternity size 26 or a maternity with stretch size 26, or if J Brand is just on crack and has decided to adopt The Gap's sizing model, I'll buy anything right now that is labeled a skinny size. Anything.

2) Inseam is 36. Actually I think the standard inseam is 34, but I found them on Shopbop (they have free 3 day shipping and I think returns?) in a 36, which means I can wear any heel in my closet with these jeans. In fact, I need to get them hemmed ever so slightly. I'm a 32 boot cut inseam in flats (I like a little puddling) and with my shoes, a 34 boot cut results in this:

Totes in approps. Get that hem to the floor.

3) Below the belly cut. I cannot stand (at least for now) the belly panels.

It feels like granny underwear. Or what I think granny underwear would feel like. UNSEXY.

* * * *

The tide is turning.

Until We Meet Again

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

My civilian clothes were a distraction and taking up valuable real estate. Plus, I don't need to be confronted daily with what use to fit. How I use to be skinny. The other day, I tried on a pair of jeans, unsuccessfully, and thought to myself "Well, see you next year!"

No - ya gotta go.

The Purge

* * * * *

The ghost town that currently is my closet

* * * * *

Finally found a use for space bags. 20% off - Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon.

* * * * *

:( Like the corners of my mind.....

Off Reg

2011-08-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Babies'R'Us and Giggle don't carry the Rosie Pope Diaper Clutch, but they should. Babies'R'Us who am I kidding. Giggle, figure this one out (although, your last email was kind of snippy).

I find Rosie Pope for the most part over rated and over priced, however, this is fabulous.

Description from site

It’s designed to fit the essentials: two diapers, one 8-ounce bottle, a box of wipes, our signature changing pad and (of course) your Blackberry and lip-gloss.

Gilt had this on sale a week or two ago, but from the pic it looked like it had the silver hardware, not gold. No good. I sent them a tweet to clarify, but zero response and the sale ended. #TypicalGilt #Fail

I will be victorious!

2011-08-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Came across this quote on a mommy blog and it's 100% - "Trendy maternity clothes are kind of like the Lost City of Atlantis. Everyone swears they exist, but no one knows where to look for them"

100%

Nicotine withdrawals + hormones + weight gain has made me a bit emotional lately, specifically when it comes to dressing. I pretty much have burst into tears on the regular in search of pants (there's been a Bloomingdale incident). I need pants and pant options. I need them to be comfortable, and I need them to not make me look fat. Oh, and I need to wear heels with them.

Apparently pregnant women only wear two kinds of pants = Designer jeans and black leggings. These options make up about 90% of those avail.

$2,000 in returned merchandize later, I've ALMOST cracked the denim situation. For this trimester at least. I'm so close, I can see the finish line. To be updated.

You're on my list, Pump Station

2011-08-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of 2008, 71% of the female workforce have children under 18 years old. Approx 4 out of 5. Significant.

According to the Census Bureau ala 2010, stay at home mothers (defined as married w/children under 15) account for 23% of the subset. Approx 1 out of 5.

So...basically, stay at home = niche minority. Working = status quo.

Apparently, the The Pump Station never got this memo. It's okay, Pump Station. You're not the only one. In fact, it's becoming more and more evident that no one in the baby business got this memo. That or they don't care. Actually, I think they did get the memo and then crumbled it up and was like "Bah, too much work to accommodate all those millions of women with professional aspirations. Let's continue to hold shop 10AM-3PM. Mondays and every third Wednesday only. Bah." And then they ate a donut.

Net net, Pump Station (which is apart of "the system") holds majority of its classes during the work day which makes them completely out of range for the 77% of women who hold a J-O-B. 73% of their classes to be exact. Not only that, the classes offered at night for the working mother, don't even compare to the stay at home mom classes! They are totally boring and not fun at all. I.e. New Grandma's Wine & Wisdom and Maximize Your Maternity Leave. Stay at home mommies get to learn baby sign language and infant massage. Oh, and how to make organic baby food. It's so not fair.

Lets recap this -

Discriminatory.

Actually Stay At Home should be @ 100% for Pump Station Classes Avail, but I've made my point.

What even makes me crazier, is that the fundamental classes - the real classes like infant CPR and Lamaze, etc - those are totally available on the weekends. Almost exclusively. Shockingly accommodating a legitimate work schedule. Why so? Got to make sure those dads can make it to class.

It's so madonna whore it's not even funny.

How My Husband is Ruining Thanksgiving for Charity

2010-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's for No Shave November, also known as Brovember, also known as Movember (as in Mustache November). Men across America are growing facial hair, particularly mustaches, to raise awareness and funds for cancers that affect men.

Note, I am behind this thing. As much as I hate facial hair, I hate cancer more. Fact.

Currently Tafty has raised $176. Not a bad start, but we're entering week 3 - need to pick it up. If you're not a fan of cancer (like myself and those who have donated), you yourself can donate by clicking on this hypertext. If you are a fan of cancer, then don't worry yourself. In fact, will understand all non-donations as omissions of cancer fandom.

Did I mention Thanksgiving is ruined this year?

Tis The Season

2010-11-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

A while back - in fact, I might have even blogged about this before - a while back, Tafty and I decided our xmas cards would be bad. It just seemed hilarious to us at the time to find a badly taken photo (the Facebook untag kind) and send it to our family and friends without an explanation. The idea came about around 2003 when Kodak Gallery and the Shutterflies of the world had made it incredibly easy, automated and affordable to produce the such. And such, the holiday couple card became a relationship milestone. Sort of like the Halloween couple costume. Fridges across America would forever be buried under photo paper.

Our other xmas idea that never came to fruition was to do a fake newsletter and write horrible and inappropriate lies for the year in review. Topics included but not limited to: unplanned pregnancies, incarceration and infidelity. While equally if not MORE hilarious, we decided it best not - for no other reason than the fact that our family has yet to comment on the poor choice of photos we've submitted over the years. Just a testament that not everyone is getting our jokes.

Anyways.....it started with a simple table shot of the two of us with my eyes closed. Only my close friends were confused - knowing my eagle eye would never let something like that go to press. Now......it's an expectation. So much though that I got some criticism last year. Apparently, accordingly to my BFF Court and her husband, last year's photo was not "bad enough" of Tafty. Me? Oh perfectly bad. Completely on-par. Tafty? Eh - they thought we could have done better.

This year I have TWO great contenders; taken from our travels abroad. Auds took these b/c that's what she does. Insert photo cred here. Problem is, I can't choose b/t the two. Who will win??????

Or........

Decisions, decisions.

What I Ate in Europe

2010-09-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly enough, I didn't gain. I've figured out the perfect way to eat what you want and maintain....walk ten miles a day. That's all. That's all you have to do to eat everything and anything and not have to worry about the scale.
I don't generally consider myself a foodie. I'd rather spend my money on clothes rather than cuisine. However, there's nothing that's ever been wrong with my taste. So restaurants are no exception. Top restaurant recos below, courtesy of friends, mates, comrades and misc hip and trendy travel guides.

London Town

Hawksmoor
Top reco from BBFF Katy. Different than anyother legitimate steakhouse (Ruth Chris need not apply) I've ever been to, which impressed me. You order steaks by the gram, which of course was completely Greek to both Chris and me. Damn metric system. I know what a 4, 6, 8, 10 and even a 12 ounce steak looks like. 650 grams? No idea. We asked our waitress to translate, which of course resulted in us over ordering, but eh? At least it was good. The night we were there, they had approx 5 different cuts from select farms. All listed on a chalkboard w/available gram weight. Once they run out of a particular cut and size, the item is crossed out on the chalkboard. It's like a marketplace. Which was suiting considering it was completely filled with bankers.

Chalkboard Of Steaks
Originally uploaded by MykReeve

I had a cut of steak I don't remember ever having before in the states: Chateaubriand. Delish. It tasted like a fatty filet mignon. Respectively that is. How could you go wrong?

BKB
Gracious host Kim made a lunch resi here and reco-ed the burger. Yum. We were able to sit outside and watch London's SoHo world go by. Our waiter was impeccably gay, Irish and fab.

Rivington Grill Shoreditch
Gracious host #2 Annie sent us here for a proper English fry. I was a bit too hungover to stomach the blood pudding, but did try it, and it wasn't bad. Unfortunately, my stomach was too queasy to separate the mental picture of what it was from the taste. Should probably try again with a clear mind and heart. Also enjoyed the free wifi. Password: R1v1ngt0nGr1ll.

* * * *

Paris

We mostly stayed close to St Germain for our meals since that's where our AMAZING & LOVELY hotel (more on that later) was situated. We used Access Paris exclusively for our recos, and they did not disappoint. Highly reco that travel book as well.

Le Telegraphe
This was our first good meal in Paris, and well received. We were just so excited to be eating well....finally. We were able to sit in the courtyard, and the staff was surprisingly accommodating even though we showed up about 10 minutes before lunch was over.

My quail eggs in a nest of carrots

Leeks and scallops

Can you see the flame? Creme Brulee.

I don't really remember what this dessert was other than delicious. Think it was a deconstructed tiramisu.

Le Petit Vatel

I failed in the picture department here. This was by far the best meal I had in Paris. A tiny, tiny little restaurant w/only 16 settings, La Petit Vatel is run by two people. A cook and a waitress, who I believe is the owner. She was so sweet to us. Even though the place is as big as my living room, the menu extensive. Written on a chalk board that changes daily, our lovely waitress/the owner so graciously translated everything...EVERYTHING. We're talking about 20-25 items at least.

I ordered the lamb (among other things). I typically don't prefer lamb. I find it game-y. But I figured, if I'm going to order lamb anywhere, it should be France. Turns out....when lamb is prepared correctly, it's not game-y. It's absolutely delicious. Auds ordered the veal, which they stuffed with some cheese, and again - not a huge veal fan, but this...this was amazing. Regardless of what the link above says, reservations are accepted, and if Michelin wasn't so stuffy with their ambiance and white glove requirements, this restaurant would surely make the cut.

Au St-Severin
This is just a wine bar, but they get big ups b/c they served us the best cheese in France, which in turn......is the best cheese in the World! We had the waiter write it down for us. Will have to get the Santa Monica Whole Foods to start carrying this (if they don't already).

Roma!
Without a concierge in our rental apt, we almost exclusively used Lonely Planet's iphone app. Reco.

Roma Sparita
Bourdain's famous "Restaurant X", and Roma's best Cacio e Pepe. Tony didn't want to ruin the restaurant with tourists by revealing the name on his show, but his producers so conveniently listed the name and address on the Travel Channel's website. Bourdain also failed. Every American in there was a referral from the show. Regardless, the staff was amazing. In fact, it sounded as if they appreciated the show's buzz. Not that I think they had a problem filling tables before. The waiter told us that on a Saturday night, they go through 200-300 orders of the Cacio e Pepe. Everything else? 60.

The famous cacio e pepe with fried parmesan bowl.

Don't remember what this was. A breaded olive w/some sort of meat. Regardless, it tasted like a corn dog, and I heart it.

Yum, yum, yum.

Carpaccio was pretty much ordered everywhere in Italy.

Don't remember what this was, but our waiter told us it was the "cacio e pepe" of desserts. And he was correct.

Babette
A Lonely Planet "around me" find. So good we came here twice. The second time b/c the Praline di risotto alla crema di formaggio, erbe aromatiche e cuore di bufala (Croquettes of cream-cheese risotto with aromatic herbs and a heart of buffalo mozzarella) wasn't avail the first time we came. On Sunday the markets are closed so they weren't able to get the right kind of cheese for the dish. Again, staff was amazing. So sweet, and so nice to us. I'm missing pictures of the two best apps on the menu (we know b/c over the course of two dinners, we pretty much ordered them all): Flan di Carciofi su Fonduta di Parmigiano (Artichokes flan on a parmisan cheese fondue) & the Sfoglie di Soufflé con Crema di Asparagi su Fonduta di Parmigiano (Soufflé sheets with an asparagus cream on a parmisan-cheese fondue).

The famous risotto croquettes

A treat from the chef. You could smell the summer truffles in it.

This was described to us a mix b/t cheesecake and creme brulee. Um, yes, we'll take two of these.

Cacio E Pepe
Around me find, Lonely Planet. No pics. However....the best Spaghetti alla Carbonara - ever. You know when you taste something you've tasted a million times before, and it dawns on you - oh...THIS is how it's suppose to taste? Carbonara! Will be chasing this one for awhile. Was never a big fan of the dish, always felt it was too heavy with mayonnaise, but ordered it b/c it was the house favorite, and it changed my life.

Praga!
Surprisingly, didn't have a bad meal in Prague. Wasn't sure if I was going to be able to stomach down home Czech cooking, but everything was delish.

Restaurant Le Papillon
The restaurant was located in our hotel, a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Food, usual gourmet suspects. Didn't order the chicken, but both Tafty and Davey remarked it was the *best* chicken they ever had. Which is a lot to say about chicken. What was most notable was the sommelier. I've.....never had a better one. And I'm a Michelin chaser. His decantering was a pure education. Literally, we all stopped our conversation and just watched, taking copious mental notes. And the product? A full body explosion. Even Tafty was impressed, and he's a bit of snob when it comes to wine (which I of course heart).

My tartar stack

The best chicken

Misc Prague Meals
A slideshow, b/c I'm tired and lazy right now, of everything else we ate in Prague. Enjoy.

Things that should be on my resume

2010-06-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Or at least my Linked'in profile. Cause you know, who looks at that? List of titles I currently possess and specifically demonstrate how influential I am, regardless of my Klout score (which is flawed due to its silo-ed nature. A real snap shot would incorporate all social profiles, Klout. Not just twitter).

Anyways.............

1) Purple Lab "Multi-Tasking Maven". After my infamous BrickFish entry, that caused so much buzz I won Most Viral (scored in the top ten), I was awarded this title and a year's worth of access to pre-launch products. So far from what I've sampled, Luvah in Mama's Boy is my personal fave (besides the Hoodia laced Huge Lips, Skinny Hips gloss). Believe I have this title through the year? Don't pretend you're not jealous.

2) Rue La La Member Council Member. Not sure about the selection vetting process, however, I will guess that my innovative Britney Spears rating system and the several hundred dollars on my credit card had something to do with it. HAND selected, I serve on the council completely incentive free (which is what I like to see as an advertiser) and provide my unbiased Rue La La feedback. I've already suggested they hold merchandise similar to HauteLook and Gilt and get rid of the access gate. Get a cookie.

3) Team One Twitterati. After a rigorous "Twitter Try Out", proud to say I am apart of the elite that producers my agency's twitter feed. Yep, Top 10%. More like 5-7% to be exact. Good for me they didn't ask for my Klout score and can recognize raw talent.

Carry-On Challenge, Part 2

2010-06-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I achieved a remarkable feat. I traveled for two weeks abroad, on my honeymoon no less, through Western Europe with only a carry-on in tow. It was a tour de force. I have yet however, and to the much dismay of my husband, carried-on since...........with the exception of a recent weekend in Seattle that ended in catastrophe (forgot my hairbrushes and mistakenly brought fat clothes -you know, the clothes that look thin in the comfort of your own home, but unbeknowingly make you look fat when you travel?). It was kinda drama.

..........How.......ever, the challenge has resurfaced with another multi-country visit on the books for this September. Logistics call for swift movement, country to country. Train hopping. Jet setting. Navigating crowded narrow streets full of fiercely gesturing Europeans.

Game On.

Yet, fabulousity cannot and will not (on my watch) be constrained by the dimensions of 45 linear inches and/or the 3-1-1 rule. Creativity a necessity. Efficiency of style, the true test.

What I really need is a stylist to just come to my house and pack for me. Seeing that is likely not going to happen.....or will it?.............going to rely on my own wits.......which, should not be discounted. While California still gets the better of my day to day, I still can rock an event.......and Europe.....is an event.

The 3-1-1 rule is my first terrain to conquer. Recently acquired these TSA compliant badboys
.

Considering I actually have two of these bags at my disposal since I'm commandeering Tafty's allowance, strategy is as follows:

Bag No. 1: HAIR. Bag No. 1 to be filled to the brim with anything and everything haircare. A two week supply of travel sized shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioning masks, straightening balms, shine glosses and whatever else will tame this mane. Since our first two hotels, the Hoxton and Villa Madame stock Aveda and Hermes toiletries, Tafty is covered off in this department. He has the luxury of undiscriminating wash and go.

Bag No. 2: FACE & BODY. Skincare (specifically face lotion), limited makeup (most of my make-up will be dry. Thank you youth and bare minerals) and various amenities (i.e. eye drops, shaving cream, antibacterial gel, toothpaste, etc).

I can see it all coming together.

Best Stuff on Rue La La Today

2010-04-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Or best stuff that was on Rue La La, today.

Laundry by Shelli Segal Black Checkered Dres, $79 (markdown from $197)

Sold Out
Laundry by Shelli Segal Heather Tiered Dress, $89 (markdown from $195). Heart the shoes w/the this. I'd prob do a boot, same color.

* * * * *

That was it. Not a big day for Rue La La. Couldn't tell if the Laundry sale was disappointing, or if Shelli is just making gross clothes these days. To be honest, can't remember the last time I seriously considered anything of hers. The Carolle jewelery skewed older, like my mother. Tango handbags, not so much.

This is happening

2010-03-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Bam.

Just ordered today. For whatever reason, Amazon Prime doesn't apply to my skate. It applies to Tafty's skate (see below), but not mine :(

Hoping they arrive this week for the weekend!! Spent last Saturday pouting b/c no decent rollerblade shops exist in L.A. anymore. Fact.

Should have bought @ Fritz when we had the chance. Fact.

Rollerblading is going to change our summers. Fact.

This would look awesome w/my blades. Fact.

Spring Break Tank

If online shopping was a sport...

2010-02-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

I could medal in it. Fo sho. This is a Wednesday.

I heart CB2. It's just overpriced enough to still be within my price range. This is the shelf below (minus the overpriced picture frames).

Metal Wall Shelf, 48" (Four feet.........four feet of ledged bliss)

* * * *

I am not, however, a shopaholic (though debatable by Tafty) and/or potential A&E casting prospect. I'm just very busy and important and can't get out all the time to make the world go round. Causality of the American post feminism movement. (BTW, how did France end up with government nannies, and we didn't? I want a government nanny.) Besides, half of what gets shipped my way, gets shipped back. I'm not a serial returner or anything (so gross), but at the end of the day, you're still ordering from a picture, and pictures lie. Exhibit A.

I would return that.

* * * *

I'm super into the online (semi) private sales right now. There are a few drawbacks.

1) No returns. All sales final.

2) Shipping. For whatever reason, it takes a year (approx 2-4 weeks) to receive

3) Limited inventory, and the good stuff goes fast.

However, with all of these drawbacks, the sales are legit. I mean, they're not f'in around. And not just the trendy pieces. Billion Dollar Babes had a Hobo International sale recently, and it included the Lauren clutch. Half off! I've never seen Hobo go on sale more than 15%. Maybe 20......and that's boutique.

I'm implementing a new rating system, arbitrary and subject to change, based on Britney Spear's VMA past performances (except for 2007. 2007 never happened). See below.

* * * *

Big Shot's Tranny Rating System Based on VMA Past Performances of Britney Spears '99-'03

I will be using this rating system to grade the following online (semi) private sales (in no particular order)

* * * *

One Kings Lane

'About Us' Site Description: At One Kings Lane, we believe that living (and giving) well is more than just a fantasy. That’s why we bring the world's best designer décor and home essentials, entertaining and travel needs, fantastic gift selections and more to our members – at up to 70% off retail.

Big Shot Rating:

I think I fall asleep every time I open these emails. Most of this stuff is so over-priced in the first place, that even at 70% off, you're still kind of insulted. Like this pillow makes me angry.

* * * *

Haute Look

'About Us' Site Description: HauteLook brings the thrill back to shopping through exclusive, limited-time, online sale events. Each day, HauteLook partners with premium fashion and lifestyle brands to create private, upscale sale events at savings of up to 75% off retail prices. HauteLook is free to join and everyone is welcome.

Big Shot Rating:

I bought this Big Buddha (see below.........now imagine it in tan) on 2/16 for half off and received it 2/24. One week? That's not so bad. It's perfect. It's giant. I'm gonna put my whole life in it.

Plus....they're not going around charging $100 a pillow.

Bravo HauteLook! You, Hot Tranny Mess!

* * * *

Rue La La

'About Us' Site Description: Rue La La is an exciting new division of Retail Convergence, Inc., a portfolio of e-commerce companies leveraging a common technology platform, customer database, and management team to revolutionize online shopping.

Big Shot Rating:

Honestly, the boutique isn't its strongest asset. Yet. But the blog on the site makes up for it and more. It's written by a bunch of editors and ex-editors of various fashion magazines. Elle, maybe? Pubs along those lines. Plus, it's French themed, and when I sign in, the header reads "Oo La La Amanda". Fierce Hot Tranny Mess.

Anyone can join, but use my referral ----> here

* * * *

Gilt Group

'About Us' Site Description: Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

Big Shot Rating:

The selection is well enough, but I'm pretty sure customer service is non-existent. Someone gave me a gift card for Gilt, and when I followed the site path printed on back of the card, I got an error message. I emailed Gilt about the matter and never got a response. Still yet to use the gift card. You're a Tranny Mess, Gilt.

* * * *

Jet Setter

'About Us' Site Description: Jetsetter provides exclusive access to insider travel deals by invitation only to our membership. Sales are limited time offers while availability lasts. Properties don't pay to be listed in our sales they are hand-selected by our team of curators and our globetrotting correspondents.

Big Shot Rating:

Jetsetter is owned and operated by Gilt. I'm not sold on the hotel selection. For Miami, they had The Standard, and after checking around, found out The Standard in Miami is just a made over Holiday Inn. Plus, right now, they're featuring Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles, and I know for a fact that's a made over Holiday Inn. The jury is still out on this mess.

* * * *

Billion Dollar Babes

'About Us' Site Description: Welcome to Billion Dollar Babes, a cutting-edge fashion club that’s been around since 2001. We serve up top designers on a silver platter to a lucky few – at ridiculously discounted prices. At billiondollarbabes.com, we hold three high-end designer sales per week, each lasting 48 hours and featuring discounts of up to 85%.

Big Shot Rating:

I have been going to the Billion Dollar Babes sample sales in Los Angeles 5+ years now. Here's a shot I snapped back in November at their most recent sale.

My kind of chaos. Just this week they had a Chanel vintage handbag sale....online. Impressed much. Fierce Hot Tranny Mess.

What is up Flickr?

2010-02-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

I take like maybe a month off from Big Shot, and Flickr decides to delete my photos? Ew. That's it. I'm back to using Photobucket. Should have known not to trust a Yahoo product. Over-promising, under-delivering Yahoo.

I'm not saying, I'm just saying.

* * * *

Moving on ----------------------> to incorrectly quote or at least bastardize the context of Chesterton, "A thing worth doing at all, is worth doing badly".......I'm back to the blog.

I originally started this thing three years ago to organize everything and anything wedding. Effective and with the direction of "wedding", I do believe it was really quite well written. Now, no wedding, no interest in wedding.....and? No idea. Just what randomly interests me at the moment I suppose.

Thought about starting another blog with maybe a theme?? A fresh start! Having 1+ blogs is soooo very in right now. Can't decide on a theme though. What's a theme where people just send me things I want? Like presents? I want that theme.

Oh, and a theme where I make a bunch of money, soooo much...........I quit my day job and get to work from home.

Yeah, I like that theme.

* * * *

Until that theme makes itself known (universe, get conspiring), I'm back to the blog. Back to doing a thing badly. Back to Big Shot.

To rededicate myself, I even Macgyvered myself a sign for work, so I can write during lunch and avoid being disturbed.

I'll have you know that's Raulph Lauren ribbon.

Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH Offiically Over

2009-12-31T07:35:00.000-08:00

Final ranking.........#12!! Out of 3,891 entries! What is that? The 99th percentile? Sounds about right. That's where I usually fall into in life.

Thank you, thank you, thank you very much Miss Sarah Rice, my cousin Elisa, my mom, Mr. Tim Dennis and everyone else who supported this entry.

Finalists to be announced January 29th, 2010. Mr. Madden, it's a pleasure to introduce myself.

Un Chat Nage

2009-12-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've begun my french lessons! With one entire hour devoted to Rosetta Stone's Level 1 French (a gift from Tafty LAST Christmas), I am well on my way to becoming a linguist savant! Learning French is not a New Year's resolution (I'm taking a break from those this year), but a 30 goal. Approximately ten days marks my 29th birthday; the last year of my twenties. I was supposed to be rich by now. The momentous occasion has sparked all kinds of reevaluations, specifically as they relate to my accomplishments and my future. If I were to turn 30 tomorrow, my resume for my twenties would read something like this: Highest Level of Education Received: M.A.; Martial Status: Happy; Number of Countries Traveled To: Five; Number of Fashion Shows Attended: One.

.....Oh, and there would probably be a small blurb about what I do for a living.

Admittedly, not bad. However......... I was suppose to be rich by now.

Anyways, the deadline to learn French is actually much sooner than my 30th. Tafty and I are planning to get back to Paris this fall, and I want more than anything to be fluent. Or at least, speak very good French.

In addition to Rosetta Stone, I've also

RSVP'd to attend Alliance Francaise de Los Angeles' open house, January 6th. Who knows, I might sign up for their French Light beginner's class. It's only an hour and a half a week.

Downloaded the greatest hits of Charles Trenet and Edith Pist. I feel so glamorous as it plays in the background while I fuss about the house. Oh yeah, I fuss.

Subscribed to a French for Beginners daily podcast. Figured it could give me something constructive to do sitting in traffic. Thank you iTunes, and thank you Los Angeles.

Right now, I'm reading Julia Child's My Life in France.

NOT because of Julie and Julia, NO.

I'm reading it because it was apart of a recommendation from Parisian writer, Joanna Goddard, in a post for YSL's Experience Parisienne microsite: How to Pack Like a French Woman.

So, back off me.

I'm loving the book though. There are a lot of similarities between me and Julia Child. The whole passion for cooking part omitted of course. Another day, another post.

What I am really enjoying is Julia's enthusiasm for Paris and everything French. It only makes me want to learn the language that much more. After Julia, A Moveable Feast is in the que to keep up the momentum. Stamped from Shakespeare & Co. and everything (from our first trip), I've only read about the first 30 pages.

Au Voir!

Breakfast is Served!

2009-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Since I'm home this week (PAID and all.....almost makes working in advertising worth it), I thought I'd make a very grown up breakfast this a.m. It was intended to be an egg white omelet, but quickly became a half egg/half egg white scramble. Check out my hot prep cup!! I need a whistle.

Magic Bullet courtesy of Santa

* * * *

Yeah, I'm not really sure what happened here.

* * * *

* * * *

And scene....

* * * *

Items featured in this post can be found here. Enjoy.

Tag, I'm It

2009-12-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm really hoping this whole barcode thing takes off in the states, because I'm having too much fun with it.

Download the iPhone app "Microsoft Tag", launch and aim it above.

I know, gross, Microsoft. But what can you do? Apple, where's you tag? No seriously, apple, this tag is horrendous. It looks like it should be sold at Urban Outfitters.

Come up with something better.

* * * *

Make your very own tag here: microsoft.com/tag

Big Ups to Brooklyn

2009-12-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

I know. I've been off the grid for way too long. Back all of ten days and I've been inundated with Christmas (soo stressful) and this annoying little thing called my day job (boooooo).

However, I must MUST MUST take time out right now and give it up to my dear long time friend, Miss Sarah Rice

who.........in my global absence, has taken on promoting my "Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com" entry. Oh yeah, she's redicks. She's this little, mini, tattooed, burlesque, one-stop PR driving machine. Just yesterday, I went from ranking #45 overall to #18. God, I love her fans. Mr. Madden here I come.

* * * *

Check out Sarah's very well written blog: renew.refresh.feather(your) nest -------->She knows some things about some things.

BrickFish is doing the most

2009-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

In a good way. Guess who's featured on their Fashion Homepage??

Yep! They sent a very nice email alerting me to my HP presence which was a follow up from their previous email apologizing for the Bernini mix up. Brickfish is back in my good graces.

FYI, you can vote everyday. In case, you know, you are devoted to me winning this competition as such me. I'm ranked 29 with a viral meter of warm...I would like that viral meter to be HOT. Like my shoe design. Feel free to share. Real free.

Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com

Sponsored by Zappos.com - Steve Madden

Oh, and FYI "Guest 137587183_ 87488048" who left the feedback "ive seen the same shoe everywhere" - um, NO. You have NEVER seen that shoe anywhere. It's a Taft Empire Couture original.

I think I might be going to NYC to meet Mr. Madden himself......

Update: Brickfish Fail Turned Success

2009-11-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm in business! Game on!

Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com

Sponsored by Zappos.com - Steve Madden

Vote for me, and vote for me often. You can vote once a day!

Brickfish Fail

2009-11-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

So, right now Zappos is co-sponsoring this Steve Madden promo hosted by Brickfish - "Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com." That pretty much sums it up.

Much like the Purple Lab submission that I participated in (and WON...sort of), Brickfish users submit their designs, promote it, the community votes, and the top 250 entries get chosen by editors as various winners. Grand prize is a trip to Las Vegas and New York, and the chance to pitch your design to Mr. Steve Madden himself.

Pretty cool, right? I'll take part that in. Wrong.

Instead of using the gawky "Entry Editor" available for the promotion, I submitted my Baroque shoe design assignment from my Fashion 9A sketch class last year. Remember it?

Certainly original, and plus - I don't have to sketch another.

Anyways.......I submit my sketch, title it "If it Ain't Baroque" and in the description box, write "Bernini inspired D'Orsay".

Done.

Nope!

Not even ten minutes go by, I get the following email in my inbox from the Brickfish Team:

* * * *

Dear Amanda,

We value your contributions and want to thank you for being an active member of Brickfish®.

We wanted to let you know that we have recently removed your entry "If it Ain't Baroque" from "Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com" for the following reason:

Does not fit requirements (Entrant must not make reference to any other competitive shoe brand or Web site.)

* * * *

Competitive shoe brand or web site? What? It took me ANOTHER ten minutes to realize, they think I'm referring to Bernini the brand..not the famous BAROQUE Italian sculptor. FAIL BRICKFISH.

FAIL.

You should be embarrassed. There was a pun and everything! And to top it all off, even in natural search.........Gian Lorenzo Bernini comes up first. First natural search result, Brickfish. First!

Currently trying to sort this out. Update to follow.

Moxi Drama for Yo Mama

2009-10-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know what a Moxi is, allow me to introduce itself....it's name is Mox-ohhh, M to the oxi.

The World's Best HD DVR…, no joke. Anyone who's ever had a Moxi, knows exactly what I'm talking about.

* * * *

My husband and I were first introduced to Moxi way back when Adelphia use to service West LA. Time Warner, the crushing media mogul that it is, bought out Adelphia, and although our service provider changed, our DVR did not. That is until one day, our beloved Moxi died :(

When TWC came to replace it, they gave us something made by Motorola. Like everything Motorola makes, it failed miserably. First and foremost, the interface doesn't even compare. See below. It says COX in the corner, but it's the same box, same interface.

I mean, scroll back up and compare the two. Doesn't, right? We went from cruising down the street in our '64 to riding the carpool lane in a Ford Fusion (i.e. no longer super-fly).

Second of all, there's too often a response delay from the remote to the DVR. If I hit the "menu" button, it could take up to 5-10 seconds for the DVR to process this signal. Sometimes it doesn't even process the signal at all. We've accidentally deleted shows we were watching because the DVR will pick and choose what remote signals it wants to accept that day. GRRR mediocre technology.

Third, and leading off of second, the DVR has the ability to become possessed. I'm not even joking. Check out this video below. It says Comcast, but it's made by Motorola. How did Motorola snag all these contracts? Oh I know, by producing super cheap boxes and passing that savings off to the cable companies. This Motorola box would regularly freak out and turn to the religious channel for no reason at all.

Our Moxi never fell to the temptations of the devil.

* * * *

Anyways...after a month, maybe, of putting up with this inferior box, we called TWC, and we're like, give us back our Moxi. They said they couldn't. This will be TWC's theme for the rest of this post.

They said they had discontinued their contract with Moxi (which I'm not sure they even had one in the first place), and the only way to get a Moxi was to purchase one on our own (which you know, run about $800) or try to get our hands on a refurbished one, which was highly unlikely. Apparently, they get snatched up pretty quick. You know, because they rule and all. Okay....we accepted our fate. That was until...

We went over to my bff's Court's house (aka Downtown Brown), and she and her husband (Bri Bri) HAD a Moxi. Let me recount the dialogue as I remember.

Me: "You guys have a Moxi?!"
Bri Bri: "Yeah, so awesome"
Me: "They [TWC] told us you couldn't get a Moxi anymore."
Bri Bri: "That's a lie. They have them."

* * * *

A lie?!?! So about a week or two ago, I was inspired by frustration to call TWC again and level with the customer service agent. If we don't get a Moxi, we're going to DirecTV. This was not an empty threat. My husband unfortunately is a Browns fan, and he covets Direct's NFL package. We never get Cleveland games on the West Coast. You know, unless they're going to get beaten by a really popular team or something.

* * * *

First the rep tells me, while he could send a technician to my house to replace the box, the technician probably won't have a Moxi on him.

Um...then what's the point?

Then he explains, the best way to get a Moxi is to bring my old box into THEIR offices, and see if they have one in stock.

Really? The best way to get you, my service provider, to replace my DVR with a Moxi....is for me to come to you. That's the laziest customer service ever. Even lazier than the model Ikea has set up. I mean, who pays who around here?

However, they make promises that they will try their best to show up with a Moxi.

* * * *

After that conversation and some Facebook feedback, (see below)

I contacted TWC again re: the matter. Here's the transcript from that online chat, dated 10/6/09.

* * * *

user Amanda_ has entered room

analyst Wilson has entered room

Wilson> Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable. We are currently testing our live chat function and appreciate your patience. At the end of our chat you will be given the option of taking a brief survey. Hi! My name is Wilson. Please give me a moment while I access your account.

Wilson> I will assist you with your inquiry about the DVR.

Amanda_> K, right now i have an appt for a cableman to come over and replace my dvr

Amanda_> i hate it

Amanda_> i've asked for a moxi, but you guys can't guarantee it

Amanda_> i've heard the only way i can get a moxi is to go down to the time warner building and get one there

Amanda_> how do i do that?

Amanda_> do i just show up? do i have to bring my old box?

Wilson> Unfotunately, we cannot guarantee any model or brand of box.

Amanda_> i know that, and i'm going to leave Time Warner if I don't get a moxi, but that's besides the point

Wilson> You need to go with your old DVR.

Wilson> With your photo ID.

Amanda_> K, so i have to disconnect it myself?

Wilson> There will be no charge for the exchange.

Wilson> Yes, you need to disconnect it your self.

Amanda_> and bring it, exchange it, and then set it up myself?

Wilson> Correct.

Amanda_> and that's my best shot at getting a moxi, because you guys won't bring me one?

Wilson> It is that we will not deliver one, it is that we cannot guarantee that the technician will take a Moxi box for you.

Amanda_> Why?

Amanda_> Dont' you have computers that can capture data like that?

Wilson> Because, if there is no Moxi boxes at the time you have the schedule the technician will take another brand.

Amanda_> Couldn't we just be contacted and put on a wait list?

Wilson> There is no wait list to get a Moxi box.

Amanda_> But, if I requested a moxi, and you didn't have it in stock, someone could create a wait list, right?

Wilson> I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you. However there is no wait list to get a Moxi box, we cannot create a wait list for it.

Amanda_> No. You can. You will not. Correct?

Wilson> We are not able to make a wait list for it. There is no way for us to contact the warehouse to make a wait list.

Amanda_> None of that makes sense.

Amanda_> There's no way, humanly possible to contact the warehouse

Amanda_> no phone number, no email address

Wilson> I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Amanda_> how do you business with them if you can't contact them?

Wilson> We do not have their phone number, or the e-mail address.

Amanda_> Then how do you do business with them?

Wilson> We place the order, the technician read the order and he goes to the warehouse to get the necessary equipment.

Amanda_> So you do have contact with the warehouse?

Wilson> The technician has contact with the warehouse.

Amanda_ And the technician will not make a wait list, correct?

Wilson> Correct, I am not able for policies reasons, to place and order to make a wait list for a Moxi box.

Amanda_> That's fine. Can you email me that policy?

Wilson> Sorry, they are company policies.

Amanda_> Okay. Well, I hope things work out

Wilson> You want me to find the closest store for you?

Amanda_> I believe it's on Nebraska

Wilson> Okay.

Wilson> Is there anything else I can help you with?

Amanda_> No.Thank you.

* * * *

It's like dealing with a government agency.

* * * *

I even tried reaching out to Moxi via their Facebook fan page to get to the bottom of this.

I didn't get a response. Since I like you and all Moxi, a little social networking for brands 101: Don't set up a two way communication channel if you don't want to participate in the conversation. By ignoring potential advocates, you run the risk of alienating them. FYI.

* * * *

Anyways.........last weekend the TWC technician came out, and he didn't have a box. Sort of half expected. We sent him back, and I told him we were switching to DirecTV. Again, not an empty threat. I don't make them. I've walked home on more than one occasion. In fact, I think I jumped on the computer in front of the technician and looked up DirecTV. Apologetic, the man left. End scene.

Or.....so I thought.......

Low and behold, Tafty gets a call Wednesday from TWC saying they have a box and want to come out Thursday. We schedule for Saturday...and ta da!

Moxi is back in effect....with a slight catch. Time Warner doesn't carry the new sexy boxes.

Super sexy, right? And they connect to the internet and do things like download Netflix movies and import your Flickr photos. Yesssss...I want on so bad.

Instead, we were able to get our hands on an old Moxi, the same Moxi we use to have. Unfortunately, the old boxes don't have the HDMI hook-up. Tafty is telling me it'll be fine. Meaning, he'd rather have me win this Moxi fight and sacrifice a little definition. Just a little. He works in post, so it's kind of important to him.

But so is my happiness.