Rembering 9/11

"America has its faults as a society, as we have ours.

But I think of the Union of America born out of the defeat of slavery.

I think of its Constitution, with its inalienable rights granted to every citizen still a model for the world.

I think of a black man, born in poverty, who became chief of their armed forces and is now secretary of state Colin Powell and I wonder frankly whether such a thing could have happened here.

I think of the Statue of Liberty and how many refugees, migrants and the impoverished passed its light and felt that if not for them, for their children, a new world could indeed be theirs.

I think of a country where people who do well, don't have questions asked about their accent, their class, their beginnings but have admiration for what they have done and the success they've achieved.

I think of those New Yorkers I met, still in shock, but resolute; the fire fighters and police, mourning their comrades but still head held high."

--British Prime Minister Tony Blair

I'm a big fan of:

Calvin Klein - Electric Edge Liquid Liner Marker Pen

LUSH - Godiva Solid Shampoo

Jonathan - Spray Dirt

Someday practice will make perfect...until then

The latest project - a rectangular, monogrammed tablecloth & 8 napkins for my brother & sister-in-law. I bought the fabric last year with them in mind :)

As if soccer wasn't fun enough....

Seattle vs. Toronto...and THE hairdo

(Photo's by Amanda, Aug 2009)

Fall is (nearly) here!

You know what I love the most about Fall? Boots, sweaters, warm beverages, cozy blankets & brisk walks. And hopefully these new boots I just ordered from Endless.


















I'm on the lookout for another pair of boots (flats, leather, over the knee, in gray or tan) to complete my wardrobe. Ahh....how I love Fall ;)

September - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

Better safe, than sorry.

Make prostate cancer something to talk about.

For more info.

There's nothing like checking it off!

It's September 1st and I'm checking off another 2009 goal and arguably the biggest one:

"Pay off ALL debt, except a college loan (maybe the college loan too!)"

Wouldn't you know, I'm even paying off the college loan. All I can say -- God is good! A completely unexpected financial blessing made it possible to pay of all debt in one day. Thankfully, God's finances are not limited by human circumstances (we're in a recession, right?).

Delicious birthday "gifts" (no food involved)

I'll be honest, I judge. It happens pretty often. Thanks to one of my lovely friends I have a better tool for judging & providing my critical assessment to the unsuspecting masses.

Bags you'd sue for.....wait! What?

(photo by Amanda's iPhone - Lake Tahoe - August 2009)

Put your money where your mouth is

From the same people who brought you the film Call+Response, exposing the plight of 27 million individuals who are trafficked world-wide, comes Chain Store Reaction. This site provides a platform for consumers to notify large corporations that WE (as their customers) demand they take responsibility for their supply chain, workers and ensure that they are not assisting willingly or unwillingly in human trafficking. A form letter is already created and it's easy to add your information and submit a letter to over 400 brands. So take a few minutes and let your favorite companies know that you are part of the solution to human trafficking & they can be too!

Visit Chain Store Reaction today!

Click for Call+Response & ways you can get involved in the 21st century abolitionist movement.

Beware your survey questions will find you out!

While searching for good survey questions to determine reading habits I came across a seemingly harmless survey for kids. All was going so well until I got to the last questions:

Is being able to read is important?

Well, is it? ;-) A special thanks to the International Reading Association & the National Council of Teachers of English for that Monday chuckle.

Seattle Street Fashion

Le 21eme Arrondissement - Any potential connection between Seattle and Paris is enough for me. This is the best Seattle street fashion blog I've seen so far. Odd fact: the hair stylist who's friends with my hair stylist is frequently featured (what a small world!).

More to come...unless Summer kidnaps me. Here to hoping! ;)

Family @ Father's Day

June 2009

(Ironically, dad is taking the picture)

Blogger why do you hate me so?

I fail to comprehend why Blogger allows me to write a blog post and then cuts it off on the right side. Umm...wraparound? Microsoft knows how to do that, why don't you? *breathe* Okay, rant completed. On to happier things!

July already?

How time flies! Here's a little catch up...

The Uniform Project

The Uniform Project is a fabulous idea - started by a fashionista who grew up in India. In her own words, "Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir.

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go towards Akanksha's School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in India's slums."