Glamourshoes

My Vitamin List, Facing my Forties!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:23:00 +0000

In an effort to have my 45-year-old physical self feel like my 25-year-old mental self, I have turned to vitamins. My husband is a family practice doctor and I have asked him all of my questions, but frankly, I did not like his answers. The truth is that the current research being approved by the American Medical Association does not address all of my concerns. I found that not only my husband, but also my own female gynecologist and yet another friend who is a gynecologist didn't have any solutions for me. So I decided to do some research of my own. I have read the books, watched the infomercials and waded through the Internet to find some relief for what ails me. The professionals do not approve my results as treatment for any of my ailments, but my husband agrees that there is nothing this combination of vitamins will harm (allowing that he is an M.D., and familiar with my medical history and allergies).

What ails me, you ask? Any number of things! But the big ones, the most irritating ones, I list here:

I am tired, even after I've slept.

I keep gaining weight, even though I am not eating any more (unless you call the vats of red wine I drink, eating) than I ever have.

I forget things all the time, even though I write them down.

I want to say yes to sex, but my body says no. What's that about?

I crave sugar now, where salt has, until now, been my flavor of choice.

My hair is starting to thin, even though all of my life I have been blessed with an overabundance of large frizzy locks.

I am about to be 46, and I assume I am perimenopausal, although all of the traditional tests say I am not. I have had all of my hormone levels checked and all are in the normal range. According to traditional medicine, if I am having regular cycles, I am not perimenopausal. I am definitely aging though, so following some of the anti-aging advice and testing the possibilities of some of the natural remedies available to me, I hope to do so more gracefully, a little thinner, with some hair on my head-brushed when I remember to do so and with a smile on my face.

These are my personal solutions:

Walk five days a week, outside is preferable but the treadmill will do.

Weights, very small and at home for 20 minutes, twice a week.

Drink water and green tea. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and is said to have the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. It is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C. Fruit and vegetables at every meal to combat the garbage that sometimes sits next to them.

Red wine, at least one glass a day.

Avoid artificial sweeteners.
And then the Vitamins:

For Weight Gain and Food cravings:

Diminished levels of serotonin may intensify cravings for carbohydrates and high-glycemic foods.

Take 50-100 mg 5-HTP with 25-100 mg of B-complex to stabilize blood sugar.

Amino acid L-glutamine, Take 500 milligrams of L-glutamine between meals to curb sugar cravings.

For Lower Libido

Lower estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels may dampen sexual desire.

L-arginine: Take 1,000 mg 1-2 times daily in combination with 250 mg of B-5 and 250-350 mg of choline once daily to promote better blood flow to the pelvic organs and tissue.

For an Increased Sense of Well-being, i.e., Memory and learning, anti-depressant, increased cognition

DHEA: Most women and men above 40 years of age would benefit by using 25 to 50 mg per day.

DHA Omega-3: Similar to fish oil, DHA omega-3 comes in a pill form but doesn't have the side effects of fish oil - recommended dose 600mg a day.

Multi-Vitamin: I prefer the liquid version or the liquid gels.

ASHWAGANDHA
Rejuvenates the body; relieves stress and fatigue; know as “Indian (ayurvedic) ginseng”; menopause ally

BLACK COHOSH
Relieves painful menses, irritability, fatigue and nervous indigestion. Bronchial conditions both acute and chronic, relieves coughing. Calms the spirit. Menopause ally: relieves hot flashes, headaches, night sweats, water retention, joint pain, heart palpitations and fatigue. Improves digestion, reduces inflammation, resolves Tinnitus. Calms the spirit.

Hair thinning or loss:

My hair dresser gave me 2 bottles of vitamins that actually say "hair vitamins" and "HSN-hair skin and nail vitamins". After a month, my hair is starting to fill in and my nails are much stronger.

And these are ones I am reading about but haven't tried yet.

KELP
Nourishing; enhances immune potential; harmonizes metabolism; used for fatigue, exhaustion, inability to lose weight and skin conditions; harmonizes the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals; menopause ally.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herb that has a wide and varied history of uses. It is thought to strengthen the nervous system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for exercise, enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function and improve energy levels. It has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural plant substances that increase the body's non-specific resistance and normalise the functions of the body. Rhodiola has a more stimulating effect at lower amounts, and a more sedating effect at higher amounts.

So there you have it! That's what I'm taking. You might try it all or just the ones that are pertinent to your situation. I hope it helps!

5 HTP 50-100mg

B-Complex 25-100mg

L-Glutamine 500 mg btw meals

L-Arginine 1000 mg

B-5 250 mg

Choline 250-350 mg

DHEA 25-50 mg

DHA Omega 3 600 mg

Multi vitamin

Ashwaganda

Rhodiola

Octavia Spencer Wins Golden Globe and Honors Dr. King

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:03:00 +0000

"With regard to domestics in this country, now and then, I think Dr. King said it best: 'All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.' And I thank you for recognizing that with our film," Spencer, 41, said in accepting the award for best supporting actress for her acclaimed performance as a maid in The Help.

We're out of school today in honor of Dr. King, so I'll be back tomorrow with a more thorough post.

Making Time to Meditate

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:36:00 +0000

"Who you are in this moment, therefore, is who you truly are." Marianne Williamson

I haven't stopped in awhile to listen to myself think. It's time. I know I'm looking for some things about my life to change. I'm feeling restless and it's time for some internal dialog to take place. I'm going to attempt meditation. Of course, like in the book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love, my thoughts immediately go to how to decorate my little meditation spot! But that really does rub me the wrong way. Mr. Happy Buddha up there is who greets you when you walk in my front door. He makes me smile every time I walk past him. So, even though it's my entry way, it seems like the perfect spot. I mean, it's got a happy Buddha, a door and a telephone! The means of welcoming communication are already in place. Maybe if I sit here quietly for a few minutes a day, I'll hear what my heart has to say.

HStudio, Contemporary Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

*This was originally posted August 31, 2010, but I still love everything just as much now as I did then, so I decided to re post!

I want this bed! Wow! Isn't this beautiful? Talk about glamour! OMG! Instant love! It's from a company called HStudio that's based in Los Angeles and specializes in the custom acrylic designs. I spotted these over at Urban Flea and fell hard! I love acrylic furniture and am always hoping to find the perfect piece in an antique or thrift store. The prices are usually astronomical for old or new pieces. And the prices of this furniture isn't listed on the website, so I'm guessing they are high, too, but what really special pieces!

The Allison Bed

According to their website, the HStudio Collection began with the sculptures of artist and founder, Shlomi Haziza. Over the years, the collection has grown to include, not only sculptures, but pedestals, furniture, upholstery, lighting, accessories, rugs, waterfalls, and wall sculptures. They use a wide range of materials including metal, wood, fabrics, stone, and more, but their exceptional skill, capabilities, and innovations with acrylic is what sets them apart and makes them a leader in acrylic art and furniture design.

Verona Chair

The Carmen Sofa

Pisa End Table Lamp

Adriano Console Table

The Darcy Rug

The Aries Sculpture

The Lawrence Desk

They do jewelry, too! Look at these! They look like candy for your wrists! I think it would be very hard to decide which color to buy!

Acrylic Cuff

Orange You in Love?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:06:00 +0000

Orange you in love? by fivecrescentdrive featuring a leather shoulder bag

Leather handbag
$398 - anthropologie.com

Tory Burch leather handbag
$465 - toryburch.com

Reed Krakoff leather shoulder bag
$525 - saksfifthavenue.com

Vintage shoulder bag
$170 - modcloth.com

CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL The Fluoro Satchel
£129 - harrods.com

Football and Food in Louisiana Today! Geaux LSU!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

AddInitially created to commemorate the exhibition "Blue Dogs and Cajuns on the River: George Rodrigue from the New Orleans Museum of Art and other collections" at the LSU Museum of Art during the summer of 2011, artist George Rodrigue sponsors a campaign to benefit arts and education in Louisiana.

Presenting:

A Number One Tiger Fan

A Silkscreen Print by Louisiana Artist George Rodrigue
Each print is hand-signed by George Rodrigue
The edition is open, meaning it is not numbered but available only through January 2012
Dimensions: 31" X 22"

It's a big day in Louisiana! The BCS Championship game is tonight! Top ranked LSU vs No. 2 Alabama! The state might as well shut down, because everyone is focused on what's going to happen tonight in the Superdome! The landmark structure just an hour's drive down Interstate 10 from the LSU campus in Baton Rouge is tantamount to a home-field advantage, even though it's supposed to be a neutral venue.We already got past Saturday's Saints game with a win, so the volume is already turned up extremely loud on the roar of the Louisiana fans! It gets REALLY loud in the Superdome, so Alabama better be prepared! We were fortunate enough to be at the Tigers opening game in Cowboys Stadium in a beautiful suite, with everything catered!

Thank you Kirk and Penny!

We won't be at the game tonight, (Although we were offered tickets!) but if you live in Louisiana, you're either throwing a party or attending one! We are attending one. I've gathered a few of the best recipes for a football party from some of my friends around the internet, and while you may not be an LSU fan, or a Saints fan (although, just you wait! We will be at your Superbowl party!) these snacks are great at any gathering!


Okay, beer is just a given!

But what about something a little stronger too, for the gentlemen in your group?

Jack and Coke slushies via Pinterest

Mango Avocado Salsa

Yum! Doesn't that look delicious?


Srircha and Wasabi Deviled Eggs

Seafood Gumbo

The perfect main dish in Louisiana!

Or Chicken and White bean Chilli via Camille Styles

Bittersweet Chocolate-glazed Espresso Brownie-Bites

Or even better, something Purple and Gold!


Blackberry Sorbet

Let Alabama eat Golden Cake!
Geaux LSU!

Glamour Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Charlotte Olympia Masako silk satin pumps

I want a new pair of shoes!

Which doesn't exactly follow my resolution of wanting what I have, but it doesn't hurt to look!

These are so pretty!

Miu Miu Glitter finish leather sandals

A shiny gorgeous shoe just makes me happy.

And in Louisiana, the holidays may be over, but Mardi Gras is just getting started! So bring on the ball gowns, the glittering beads and the masked balls! Maybe I do need a new pair of shoes!

52 Books in 52 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:46:00 +0000


To promote the Read Across America program, the New York Public Library created a 26-ft tall by 40-ft wide display that spelled out the word “Read” using 25,000 Dr. Seuss books.

I have loved to read since I was a very little girl. From Three Little Kittens to Nancy Drew and Little Women. I still love to read, and need to, to fall asleep. However, in the last year, I have found myself watching more television and reading fewer books. So, as I mentioned in my resolutions, I have challenged myself to reading 52 books this year. When I say the number, it doesn't really sound like that many, until I realize that I haven't really determined exactly what that means.

I tend to read long books. I just finished 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami, and it was 925 pages. I like design and decorating books, too, which tend to be more pictures than words. So I guess they will balance each other out. I'm starting to worry, can I do this? But wait, breathe! This is supposed to be fun! And also pull me away from the t.v. garbage I've been ingesting lately!

I'm going to take it one book at a time and just see what happens! Even though I started 1Q84 in 2011, I finished it in 2012, so I'm counting it! My best friend wants to see The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo on Sunday, so I'm speeding through that one, now. I realize I'm late to that party, but c'est la vie! Mary McDonald Interiors and Suzanne Sommers' Sexy Forever are on my bedside table and my daughter gave me Alice Waters' In the Green Kitchen for Christmas. (Should I count cookbooks? I think yes, if I actually read the whole thing!) So my plate is full and I will be on target for January if I do manage to get all of these read. After that, I will be looking for suggestions, so please share your favorite titles!


Now if only I could sit here to read.

That chair is on my dream wish list!

Or I could sit here and sort my books.

But this, is where I actually read!

I'm excited! I should be so much smarter by the end of the month! I'll give book reports as I finish, as well.

A Photo A Day Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000


Lucy, A Photo A Day, January #3 Something I Adore

So, I'm a day late, but what's new? I've decided to do Fatmumslim's Photo a Day Challenge. She's given a list of what to shoot everyday, but you can definitely do your own thing! Today is Day 3 and the challenge is to shoot something I adore. That would be Lucy May Easter Payne! When we moved into our house in 1998, we told our son he could finally get a dog! She was born on Easter, but we didn't get her until May. He just wanted to call her Lucy.

I think, if I can stick to it, it will be fun at the end of the year to see what life looked like! Maybe I will even put it in one of those photo books? I'm usually terrible at following through on these things, but maybe I can do it! It's only one photo a day!

I will be posting the photos on Instagram (@paynefive) and here on the blog. To view photos from somewhere other than your iPhone, you can set up an account on Webstagram. Follow me there, or any of these other places if you like, set up your own account and let's share!

Photo #1 and #2 still have to be taken but I had already eaten breakfast but not put on makeup when I wrote this!
(I'm caught up now, so inserting the first four photos now. )

Welcome 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:04:00 +0000

This year I plan to laugh harder, open my heart wider and want what I have! What are you looking for this year? I also want to scare myself a little, too, by moving toward the things that make me nervous. Making my body stronger by moving it more and filling it with vitamins, minerals and delicious greenery can only bring positive results! Here's my short list, how long is yours?

1. Want What I Have!

2. Laugh Harder

3. Open my Heart Wider

4. Spend More Time With the People I Love

5. Get the Bats Out of the Belfry

-Empty the Closets

-Challenge My Mind

6. Be Green

-Eat More of It

-Consume less of Everything

7. 52 Books in 52 Weeks

-1Q84; complete

-The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo-started

8. Travel Frequently

9. Kiss My Husband Everyday

10. Be Me.

The holidays were amazing and I did get to spend a little bit of time with almost all of my favorite people. My children were all home and it was really nice having their friends back at the house, too. With all the festivities lasting about two weeks, it was wonderful, but exhausting! I spent New Year's Eve lying in a hammock in my backyard watching the neighborhood fireworks-not my normal modus operandi, but really a lovely way to welcome 2012!

Good luck to all of you this year and I hope everyone finds at least a little of what they're looking for and that none of us abandon our resolutions in the first week!

Gift Guide for Him!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

What to get the husband? the boyfriend? the father-in-law? the son?

Levi's 505 Straight Flannel lined jeans are a classic choice.

Tickets to see his favorite band play live is a gift for him AND for you! (If you like the band, too.)

Fill a basket with all the ingredients for a superior gin and tonic and your father in law will be set for all the festivities!

What about the medium Magno Radio for your daughter's boyfriend? It combines the most current MP3 player compatible electronics with sustainably grown woods.

Or maybe this Thomas Paul laptop sleeve would appeal to your college age son?

I know that any of the men in my life would enjoy receiving a box of filet mignon from Niman Ranch! Widely considered to be the ultimate cut of beef, Niman Ranch tenderloins raise the bar even higher. No hormones. No antibiotics. Raised with sustainable ranching practices, Niman Ranch filets are good for you and good for the land. My father in law gets very excited every time I send this gift!

These touchscreen enabled gloves from Muji are great for all the guys (and girls) on my list!

Or how about this guy? Bank in the form of Pig holds up to $10,000 in dollar bills.

This vintage bar set, or something similar, found on Etsy would look great in his study. Very Mad Men, don't you think?

This classic pull down map of United States Vegetation might work for him?

Most of the guys on my list would be pretty happy with any of these gifts. My husband likes to say that buying him nothing is the gift he would enjoy the most. I try really hard to buy useful or memorable gifts for everyone on my list, but it is usually the guys I have the hardest time with! I think I'm on the right track here, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

The Nutcracker

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Dew Drop Fairy

From Thanksgiving through the first week of December our household is consumed by the production of the Nutcracker! My daughter and her fellow dancers devote hundreds of hours to making this a very professional and magical ballet. I'm very proud of all of the girls, the artistic director, the orchestra, the volunteers and the community for supporting us in what was truly a gift for the holiday season!

The Mouse King and her mice!

Please support the arts in your community this season!

Jewelry Junkie Week Five

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:58:00 +0000

A theme emerges in Week 5. It would appear that the colors white and gold are speaking to me this week. Maybe I'm thinking Christmas, already-I'm not sure, but all of these pieces are quite ornamental and each would make a beautiful present.

1. Vintage Bib Necklace, Egyptian Revival, $34 2.Vintage Crown Trifari White Enamel Necklace $25 3. Vintage 80's Modernist Pendant with Tassel $55

These actually would be really pretty as ornaments on a tree or even on top of your packages. It's fun to use brooches as accents to your wrapping because they are gorgeous, inexpensive and very easy to attach!

Gold always works for me, and here's some more beauties!

4. Vintage Florenza Pendant Necklace $38 5. Swirled Pendant Tasseled Necklace $24

Do any of these work for you?

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Don't you think every man should know these definitions? I thought this was really funny when I found it on Pinterest and traced it back to Diary of Little Secrets. I just sent a copy of it to my husband. He hasn't responded yet, I wonder if he thinks it's as funny as I do?

Jewelry Junkie Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:12:00 +0000

I always have to put some green on the list, and this long dangling necklace easily makes the top of my list. I would love to receive this as a gift. Wouldn't you?

This mesh cuff looks very modern, but it's actually from the fifties!

Okay, this is actually a knuckle ring, meaning it fits over two fingers and makes a very bold statement! The seller says it's from the sixties.

These earrings make me wish I had pierced ears!

I actually have a necklace like this and I think designer, Trina Turk, has a reproduction of it in her line. At $32, this is a great find!

And then we have this beautiful brass bracelet from the 1930's that I'm certain many of my girlfriends would love to receive.

There's the goods for this week! Did you see anything you like?

1. Mod Green Necklace $27 2. Mesh Bracelet $20 3. 60's Knuckle Ring $40 4. 70's Bohemian Modernist Earrings $55 5. White and Gold-tone Statement Necklace $32 6. 1930's Coro bracelet $32

Pebble Bowls from Mud Australia or the Lastra Collection by Vietri?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

New dishes for the holiday season would be great!

This is the Lastra collection from Vietri. I love the organic shapes and gray is one of my very favorite colors!

But these Pebble bowls from Mud Australia also call my name, loudly!

I think flatware in gold would be a nice change, too. It's jewelry for the table!

Due Ice Oro

Will you be serving dinner at home, traveling to see relatives or is a fancy brunch your style? All of my kids will be home for Christmas, and I am so excited to have everyone in one place for a few days!

Jen Tracy, Artist Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

'The Clockwork Queen'

I'm feeling inspired today by artist, Jen Tracy, and am so happy that she agreed to a short interview!
I am loving her use of vivid color and bold ink lines.

Jen Tracy the Interview
1. Where do you live?
Currently, I live about ten minutes outside of Atlantic City in New Jersey. Many of my most recent paintings are of cities and towns within driving distance of my home. Philadelphia, New York, Collingswood, and Ocean City are my favorite places to paint.

'Perky' depicts the bright, beautiful Perkins Center for the Arts in downtown Collingswood, New Jersey.

'Down the Shore Store'

"Shop windows in vacation towns are always eye catching. Something about that orange dress demanded to be painted."

2. Tell us about your journey. What’s your background? How did you get into
art as a career?
I've always been an artist. My mother used to paint giant, wooden Halloween decorations. One of my first memories is designing and painting blue rocks at the foot of a witch she drew. It was my intention to work in animation, but once I discovered painting I knew fine art was my calling. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Painting and Art History in 2005.

3. How would you describe your style? Your work feels modern, yet timeless to
me. Where do you find your inspiration? Do you have favorite artists, past
or present, who influence your style?
My main inspiration comes from life. I do not work from photographs unless it is completely necessary. My style is bold and bright. I use traditional watercolor techniques combined with bold ink marks. I think the black lines are remnants from my cartooning days. I love the contrast of bright, loose colors, and sharp, dark line. Some of my favorite artists are Dorothea Tanning, Natasha Allegri, Pierre Bonnard, and James Jean.


'Dribble Dave'

4. I love to know an artist’s process. How does the process work for you? Do
you start with a pencil sketch? Do you have images you look through? How
do you decide what to paint?
I switch back and forth between pen and watercolors. I do not draw with a pencil first. I do not believe in mistakes (or erasers). My process is very forgiving. I embrace every mark. Usually I put down a light color wash of paint. This wash is abstract, and determines the mood of the piece. After that dries, I go back in with pen and sparsely construct the basic composition of the piece. The pen is very important as it is the step that makes sure my perspective and proportions are correct. I then refine large shapes and finish the bulk of the drawing with watercolor. I switch back and forth between pen and paint until I feel satisfied with the painting.

'Eye Contact

"When I’m in the suburbs, I paint tall buildings. When I’m in the city, I paint park scenes. I don’t get it either. This is not my first painting of Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia in late summer makes me smile. "Eye Contact" was painted on sight in that always sunny city of Philly, USA."

I paint what I find inspiring. Urban landscapes are my new passion. Last year, I was very into painting portraits of houses. I can't wait to see what joy next year brings. Outdoor scenes seem to be a reoccurring theme.

'Those Orange Beams' Occupy Wall Street Painting Original Watercolor

"Color speaks louder than words. Those orange beams are quite powerful.

I'm taking in the Occupy Wall Street movement the best way I know how, through painting. While I don't always agree whole heartedly with the rest of the 99%, I acknowledge that I am one of them. If you make less than $350,000 a year, you are as well. "

5. Do you have a favorite piece?
My favorite piece is always changing. Right now I'm quite fond of 'When Honest.' It is an urban landscape of Union Square that I painted on my most recent trip to NYC.

'When Honest' Watercolor and ink on cotton paper. 6" x 5.5" (15.2cm x 14cm)

"Union Square stole my heart. Something about this corner of New York is different. The materialism fades, the cliques meld, and eye contact is made. If I lived near NYC I would paint this park all the time. This was painted on site, looking down Broadway from the steps of Union Square."

6. What has been your most thrilling moment, thus far, in your career as an
artist?
The first time I went to the MoMA. Going to the Museum of Modern Art in New York is spiritually uplifting. It reminds me why I paint. It reminds me that I am not alone in my need to paint. Walking around the MOMA brings me almost to tears. I get sappy just thinking about it.

Photo by Dada Gum

7. Everyone loves to see where an artist creates! Where does your work take
place?
The beautiful thing about watercolors is their portability. My paint set is always in my purse. I work on site, which leaves my home relatively without the look of a traditional art studio. It is rare that I paint at the same location twice.

'City Sketch' - Original ACEO

"Painting in the city is one of the more wonderful ways to spend a Wednesday. This is a small watercolor and ink sketch of a tiny corner in Philadelphia. I painted it while sitting on a park bench in one of Philly's many bustling squares. It was an overcast and breezy afternoon."

8. Where can everyone find you? (Your blog) Where do you sell your work?
How do you market it and which avenue has been most successful?
My blog is jennifertracy.wordpress.com. I sell my work in various galleries, art center, consignment shops, and on Etsy jashme.etsy.com. I also accept commissions through social networking sites like Twitter twitter.com/jenthetracy. The Internet has enabled my success as a professional artist. I don't know what I would do without it.

9. What advice do you wish someone had given you when you began this
journey?
Charge what you are worth. Many artists, including myself, start out practically giving their work away to "get their name out there." There's no such thing as getting your name out there. People will respect and value your work more if it is priced properly. This is your passion, but it is also your job. You deserve to eat.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity to speak about my work. Your blog is beautiful. It's an honor to be featured.

Thank you, Jen! Your work is beautiful and inspiring. 'When Honest' might just be my favorite piece, too, as New York City and Union Square are especially close to my heart. (My daughter lives in Brooklyn and I always try to rent vacation apartments around Union Square when I visit.) It is an honor for me that you have taken the time to share your story on my blog.

Wheat Berry Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:43:00 +0000

This was the most delicious salad I have eaten in a long time! Forgive my photo, please!!! My camera is broken and I am relying on my iPhone at the moment. But this was so good, I had to share! I'm trying to eat healthier; more organic, whole grains and fresh vegetables, but sometimes it is just so boring and tasteless! This was sooooo good! Even my 15 year old loved it! this recipe was suggested to me by a friend and comes from the Pompeian Olive Oil website, although I did not use Pompeian Olive Oil. Is it wrong to use their recipe but not their oil and vinegar? Oh, well!

Serves 6 (3/4-cup servings)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups		water
1/2 cup		dry wheat berries
1/2		of a 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup		frozen, shelled edamame, thawed
1 cup		chopped tomato
1/2 cup		red onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp.		Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar
3 Tbsp.		Pompeian Olive Extra Plus
		Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Combine water and wheat berries in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until wheat berries are just tender. (Follow directions for your type of wheat berries as some are parboiled and cook quickly, others take about 45 minutes)

2. Place in a fine mesh strainer and run under cold water to cool quickly, drain well.

3. Combine the wheat berries with the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 8 hours in advance.

Remarks

Wheat berries are unprocessed wheat kernels and are sold in major supermarkets and health food stores.

I added shrimp to the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound or so of Shrimp

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Dash of Ginger Dressing

Directions

Heat olive oil in pan, add shrimp and ginger dressing. Cook until shrimp are done.

Combine shrimp and salad and enjoy! Serve warm or cold.

Jewelry Junkie Week Three

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:51:00 +0000

I like my clothes simple and my accessories WOW!!! These pieces will do the trick!

Plaza Number Necklace by Lulu Frost at Charm and Chain

Not inexpensive, but this pendant by Lulu Frost calls my name every time I see it! I have three kids so that makes our family number five. Lisa Salzer stumbled into an antique store that had been given the abandoned letters and numbers from the Plaza Hotel's doors, bought the whole collection and had them cast to use in her jewelry collection. Now you can choose your own favorite number!

Dezso by Sara Beltran

Dezso is Latin for desire. Sara Beltran's love for the ocean is evident in the pieces she has cast from actual shells she finds on different beaches around the world. Sounds like a lovely life!

Numinous Trails Bracelet by De Petra at Anthropologie

A cuff like this can make your entire outfit go from boring to wow in a minute!

More Anthropologie.

These earrings would be really pretty with that cuff. A little matchy-matchy, but not too bad. They are gorgeous just for some daily sparkle. I am a sucker for quartz crystals! I like the way they are sparkly and rough at the same time. So pretty!

Ballerina Cuff by Alexis Bittar at MoMA

I love this cuff! I am a dance mom (not the crazy kind like on the show of the same name, although I have been known to have a glass of wine while my daughter competes!) but the very proud kind! And this bracelet is so cool. It's edgy and glamorous at the same time. I envision a black long sleeve ballet neck top with fitted sleeves and one of these on each wrist! Beautiful!

1. Charm and Chain 2. Dezso 3. De Petra 4. De Petra 5. Alexis Bittar

Green and Grey Guest Room Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:19:00 +0000

I am obsessed with this photo. It's the jumping off point for my guest room.

So, I'm thinking I will paint the walls grey and mix in a lot of white and then add green and gold accents.

Via Pinterest

The walls will definitely be grey, but I'm not sure how much black I'm going to use.

Something like this as wall art or a light fixture.

Charlie Headboard, Z Gallerie

I'm thinking this black and white headboard or this grey/black one.

Target

I like this chest of drawers and think I could make something similar out of an Ikea chest of drawers, but I would gold leaf the flower.

Dandelion Chest

I already have the West Elm Parsons desk and it will stay in there.

West Elm Parsons Desk

The perfect green window panels will have to be made. If anyone sees fabric in that color let me know! And one of these chandeliers.


Eclipse chandelier

Murano Glass Chandelier

I realize this post is similar to my earlier post on green, but as I mentioned earlier I am a little obsessed with that top picture!

Jewelry Junkie

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:41:00 +0000

This week's favorite finds!

1970's Gold Tone Pendant

Aquamarine Art Deco Necklace

Gold leaves and rhinestones-a beautiful bracelet for layering.

Modernist Earrings

Cuff Links for a classic white shirt.

1. 1970's Pendant $16 2. Art Deco Necklace $110 3. Leafy Bracelet $5.95 4. Modernist Earrings $15.95 Starting Bid 5. Cuff Links $16

Fright Night Food

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Oh, Holy Horrors!!!

What to serve this evening? Will you be grossing out your guests like me?

Or maybe just some bloody cocktails?!

Mini Break from Blogging for Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Dallas Market Center

I got a call yesterday from my former business partner asking me to go to market with her. Several years ago, we owned a clothing store together. For various reasons, mainly my three children growing up so quickly, I left the business and she continued, but moved to a different state. Well, she's moved back and wants some help buying her inventory. I'm really excited to help. We will be in Dallas for the next three days, so I will not be blogging. But I will be back Monday with highlights from the trip. We also have Halloween parties and Homecoming this weekend, so it's going to be very busy but a lot of fun! Have a great weekend and see you next week!

Jewelry Junkie

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:10:00 +0000

I am a jewelry junkie! Not the fine jewelry kind, honestly, I would rather buy a piece of furniture than a diamond, but it's the costume and vintage beauties that call my name- LOUDLY! Accessories are the easiest, and can be the least expensive way of expressing your personality daily. I need a little glamour everyday and think a gorgeous old rhinestone bracelet can take your ordinary jeans and white shirt from boring to glamorous in a heartbeat! The prices are good and the quality is amazing, as the stones are usually glass and the settings metal. For a few dollars, you can find stunning and unique pieces on the internet, at estate sales, on Etsy and even Goodwill. And as it's highly unlikely that your best friend will have the same piece, vintage jewelry makes a fantastic gift! So every Tuesday, for the eight weeks we have left before Christmas (Yikes!), I will find four beautiful baubles we could give as gifts, or keep for our very glamorous selves, for under $100! Let's start shopping!

1. Etsy $20 2.Etsy 29.99 3.Ebay $59.99 4.Ruby Lane $45

How perfect is that first bracelet for your best friend? I know my mom would love the Wedgwood ring! And well, green is my favorite color! Would any of these work for you or your friends?

The occasional table.

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:37:00 +0000

I need a new table!

I keep seeing these whimsical side tables. I like the high gloss bright colors. I like them in metallic and I like them the way Mr. and Mrs. Eames designed them, in wood. So many good choices! This is what I have, and one of these below is what I think I want. Which one do you like?

West Elm Martini Table

Eames Walnut Stool

Hand Turned Sheesham wood occasional table.

Stone, by Marcel Wanders for Kartell