Tim Gunn

Today I listened to an NPR interview with Tim Gunn and it was so funny and sweet.  I had no idea that he tried to end his life when he was a teen.  He always seems so calm and put together, it surprised me to hear there was a time when he was so unhappy and unsure.  After he attempted suicide he went into intense therapy for over two years.  It's an amazing story and I am so glad that he was able to get help.  I'm hope his story and perspective will help someone out there.

Also, 25 things you don't know about Tim Gunn.  I especially like #1 and #15!

Gift Guide: New Orleans Spirit #1

One of New Orleans' greatest qualities is it's pride.  The people who live here believe it's truly the only place to live.  Especially since Katrina, there have been lots of little businesses popping up giving New Orleanians lots of unique products to express their love of the city.  Here are a few things I love and any New Orleans fan in your life would love too!

I have named this gift guide #1 because I just know there will be more!

This is the Jazzfest poster for 2014.  Doesn't it beautifully capture the spirit of New Orleans?

  

A Dirty Coast t-shirt.  This company started just before Hurricane Katrina hit and has been putting out unique designs ever since.

 

A Jazzfest flag which can only be purchased at the fest.  I love the way the design captures the movement and spirit of the music of New Orleans.

 This beautiful jewelry by Jose Balli.  He has so many wonderful and unique designs, something for everyone!

Anything sold by Two Sprouts.  This little company was started by two wonderful women who wanted to start a business that would allow them to use their unique skills and also spend more time with their families.  Everything they make is adorable and uniquely New Orleans.  The ladder with the beads is something special about Mardi Gras which I will be sharing soon.

A second line umbrella is the most wonderful addition to any occasion.  They are so festive and fun!  They were originally used as part of a funeral procession but have grown in popularity and can be found in just about any New Orleans celebration.

Of course, beignet mix!  Anyone who has been to New Orleans has probably had a beignet and, if you are anything like me, had it multiple times.  You can use this mix to make it at home!

Eye Widening Plastic Surgery

A friend of mine is going to see this adorable Japanese pop sensation in Chicago next month.  Her name is Pamyu Pamyu and she is adorable.  Here she is in one of her music videos (which I love but don't really understand!).

He told me something kind of disturbing, though.  Apparently she had her eyes widened to look more like anime!  I got curious and went looking for more information and found this CNN story about Asian women getting their eyes widened to look more westernized.  Apparently they believe it's more beautiful and that it will help them earn more money and get better jobs.

I find this utterly heartbreaking and yet understandable at the same time.

Sleeping Babies

  

Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby?  I feel lucky that this is how my days end.  Being a parent isn't always glamorous or easy and this makes it all worthwhile.

One Minute Vacation

A friend recently posted her view from the beach at sunset.  It was so beautiful and calming, I could just imagine being out there, feeling the cool breeze gently push my hair back, smelling the salty beach air, feeling the chill of evening cool my warm skin giving me goosebumps. 

I closed my eyes and imagined I was there for a whole minute, taking a little vacation in my mind.  It was just what I needed at that moment to help me relax and refresh.  What a wonderful way to escape, just for a moment, the rush of the day, just slow things down. 

Above is a picture I took on Sanibel Island with my family.  It was our babymoon before baby #2 was born and it was wonderful.  I "vacation" there often...

Moving

We have decided to move.  New Orleans has been such a wonderful place to live for the past six-and-a-half years, I have learned so much living here.  I go back and forth between vague sadness and cautious optimism.  The move makes a lot of sense for our family but as the move date moves closer, I find myself missing this city already.