Spooky!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Courtesy of the neighborhood flavor.

Different Strokes, Different Jokes

I recently moved from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX. Only an hour by distance, but worlds away by the vibe. I thought the best way to illustrate the slight differences were by way of fashion styling. Obviously Fall 2009 has it in big for shiny satin fabrics, bib necklaces, layered chains, detailed belts and pleated, ruched clothing. Although both cities have their own unique wonderful offerings, both are also undergoing unusual growing pains. I couldn't help but poke fun at both.

Austin: "Nice loft. What do you do for a living to afford this kind of lifestyle?"

San Antonio: "If I hold out my purse one direction, it will provide a counter-balance to my sexy flamingo stance."

Austin: "You want to dance with me? I know I'm hot, but I'll look flattered."

San Antonio: "It's a tough job as a secretary, but if I dress right, my boss just might take me out for some shots of Stolichnaya."

Austin: "I think about so many things going on in this world that I forget who I am."

San Antonio: "I have a younger 'hippie' sister who lives in Austin who just doesn't know who she is. At least I know that if I look like a bejeweled Pomeranian, I'll woo everyone at tonight's social soiree."

Show me your city's local magazine fashion shots. Better yet...show them to me with your own sarcastic jokes.
(images via Tribeza & SA Woman magazines)

Pondering the Ensemble

Each year, we contemplate the ensemble for Halloween. Having the opportunity to dress up like someone or something else (with societal approval) gives us a giddy feeling. I'd actually like to dress up on a random day besides Halloween and see the reactions of others. That would be a separate experiment...

After Halloween is said and done, I strangely find that when returning home, I am more than happy to peel out of the costume and return to myself. We seem to look forward to being someone else, only to find that we appreciate who we are after the change was made. Maybe its the temporary feeling of "checking out" that appeals to us so much.

That said, I've been obsessing with the costume choice for this year. In years past, I've always made my own costumes. I hit the thrift stores, search the internet, and re-visit my past memories for that certain ah-ha inspiration.

I found these little costumes on the internet that had me giggling all night. There's something about kids dressed as food that I can't resist.

Sushi and sashimi anyone? (image via marthastewart.com)

I'd like some shrimp on the side, please (image via marthastewart.com)

A cupcake for dessert will satisfy that sweet tooth! (image via craftster.org)

Can't wait until breakfast to devour those waffles! (image via marthastewart.com)

Back off Hoser!

The unruly garden hose. Has a mind of its own. Coil it up on the ground after use and it seems to sprawl across your yard, into your sidewalk, and wrap around the dog. Many retailers offer Hose Holders or Hose Containers, but for a pretty high price just to keep a hose contained.

This dilemma has inspired me to take on Cheapskate Tip #2--a low-cost or free alternative to the norm. We just happened to have this old wheelbarrow, which my significant guy picked up for free near a dumpster.

Anything can be used to make a hose container. When out and about, look for items that are deemed trash by someone else, that would effectively work. It might add more charm to your garden than the cookie-cutter designs on the shelves. Once you find that special something...that hoser better back off.
(first image via www.keetsa.com)

Fashion Renewed

Last week's Project Runway continues to inspire my work. The daring assignment to construct clothing out of newspaper was no doubt challenging, yet some of the contestants created outright wearable and beautiful clothing.

Besides the paper dolls that we gals once played with during our juvenile days, paper clothing made its debut during the mid-1960s and faded away. Great way to think outside the box, but not very long-lasting, eco-friendly, nor practical.

The current fashion market is not all that different. All of the clothing traded around the world is made so cheaply, that the ill effects stem into our environment and local economies (not to mention poor working conditions for most). Environmental Health Perspectives illustrates a perfect picture of fashion industry's results.

Upcycled Jewelry's Electronic Circuit Board Earrings

Recycled Plastic Trashion Biker Jacket by Thimblescratch

Glamarita's Upcycled Necktie Ballgown

There are many local U.S. artists making gorgeous clothing out of recycled materials. Please consider buying handmade, or vintage/used whenever possible. In a world that snowballs so quickly, buying used or handmade just might help out everyone.
(Paper doll image via www.bromer.com. Other images via www.etsy.com)

Revivify!

Yes. Revivify is a word. And that's exactly how I feel about things right now. Significant guy and I flew north last week for a breather from the 50+ days of over 100-degree weather in Texas. I believe our sunken and sullen skin perked up in the drier and cooler mid-west weather of Montana.

I admit I'm a travel addict. Not only do you revivify your life, per se, but it gives you the opportunity to observe the environment and things around you in a new light--as it is outside of your daily mundane realm. Alright, enough of my deep thoughts.

While accruing around 1K miles across the state, we couldn't help but notice the deserted remnants of the pre- and post-war era along the roads and highways of Montana. History frozen in time. Literally, year after year.

Nature Versus Nurture

Take person X and person Y and blend together...numerous possibilities arise. The end product could either be left to nature, or could be controlled entirely by the parental entity:

NATURE-

NURTURE-

NATURE & NURTURE-

(all photos via Art & Facts, copyright)