My Year of Living Single

2009 was the first year I spent being totally and completely single for all 12 months in many years. It was an interesting experience – online dating was not nearly as popular in 2003, the bars are much less appealing at 28 than at 22 – and I’ve picked up some lessons along the way. Here are my insights as we enter a new decade, sure to be full of both wonderful romance and broken hearts:

· Your gut is your best tool

I used to have a list of qualities in my mind of what I was looking for in someone. That, combined with quizzing my friends about their impressions, thoughts, insights and analysis, contributed a great deal to my decision making process about who to pursue and who to date. I quickly learned that a paper match isn’t necessarily going to bring fantastic chemistry, and that my friends aren’t always the best judges of character (sorry, guys). Dating outside of my type just to do it didn’t work either. My gut, however, is right 99.9% of the time and I think that is true for most people. The key is learning how to listen to it, and follow it.

· It’s in the cards

A friend once gave me a card that read “Just because someone buys you a honey baked ham, doesn’t mean you have to sleep with them”. Truer words have never been spoken. As we watch our friends pair off like animals on Noah’s Ark, it is tempting to grab anyone who likes us. Women, in particular, are often told to be thankful if someone goes out of their way to be sweet to us. Be thankful, yes. But it doesn’t mean you have to settle for something less than what you need or want.

· Screw Dr. Phil, Listen to Maya Angelou

One of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes is “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”. There doesn’t need to be as much mystery and guesswork around this dating thing; people will show you if they are for you or not. If they are rude to the waiter at dinner, don’t be surprised if they are rude to you later on. Those first few dates can show you much of what you need to know; so keep your eyes and ears open.

· Take Chances

It seems like finding someone who you really click with, both on an intellectual and um…more pheromone based level, is rare. If you meet someone who you feel drawn to, have the confidence to do something about it. You might get rejected, but no one ever died of a broken heart. And the chance for a great love story is worth it.

xoxo,
Kitten LeFemme

T-Minus 6 Days......

Alright folks, we are in it to win it! Just 6 more days to either shop or create your perfect holiday gift till the big "C Day." Personally, I always do my shopping last minute because I guess I like a challenge and I have more fun going out when everyone is done with their shopping. This year is a bit different for us in the Mc Cloud/Bolema household because we made most of our gifts for family and friends. To be fair, we had two art/craft shows this month and are giving for gifts what we didn't sell at the shows, which is so helpful for us in the pocketbook. I'm not saying that all of you need to go out and start creating your own Christmas gifts only 6 days before the holiday, however if you are so handily inclined head over to: Wiki How for some fun ideas to whip up something quick for gifting. Don't forget, you have until Dec 21st to get your order in with Love, Lulu Mae to have it shipped to you for the holiday. Lulu is better with shipping than most big chain stores, go Lulu Mae!!

One of my favorite places to go to during the holiday season is the Lush Store over on Armitage. No holiday season is complete without taking this annual trip to the smelliest places on earth- and I mean this in a good way because Lush is a slice of Natural Bath Product Heaven on Earth. They have great little gift sets for pretty good prices and you may find some treats for yourself while you're there! I will be making my annual trip on Wed the 23rd, see you there!!

As per usual "Fashion Fridays with Jess" would not be complete without one of my lists. So without further ado, here is my Personal Guide for Creating and Crafting some great gifts on the cheap:

1. A hand made recipe book would be a good idea. A compilation of old family recipes from your family, and your friends' families.

2. Adopting a polar bear, snow leopard or giant panda in the name of all my friends and family members from World Wildlife Fund.

3. Mini loaves of quick bread. Pumpkin bread, cranberry or whatever you like. Add packets of instant spiced cider, cocoa, or tea, and festive napkins. Tie it up with a raffia bow along with a recipe card for the bread. Et Voila! Tasty Christmas Treats!

4. Handmade writing paper with hand-drawn silly little doodles and hand-folded envelopes for some friends. Go to The Paper Source, or even Joann Fabrics and and purchase paper or card stock, add your own artistic touch, tie a ribbon around it and you're all set with a nice and meaningful AND useful gift

5. Try www.oxfamunwrapped.com. It allows you to send a gift to the 3rd World and depending on your budget you can buy chickens, blankets, radios, right up to a traveling theatre! A couple Christmas' ago my soon to be mother in law purchased animals from Heifer Project. for some villages in our names and it felt great to know we're helping others while enjoying the warmth and kindness of our family.

6. Are you an Artist? Don't be stingy, give those who love you most a piece of yourself. Even if you think your work is a little too "out there" for your most conservative cousin, just gift it. It's a piece of who you are as a person and trust me, they will appreciate it.

7. 01010101010101. Are you a tech savvy Santa?? Give Linux for Christmas! It's free and it works like a charm! These days, distributions include not only the operation system that runs your computer, but applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, picture and sound editing, etc. And give a hand installing it. It's not that it's too difficult, but some people's tech-savvyness is rather limited.

8. Another idea is to write out some nice poetry in calligraphy style and frame it. To avoid buying the frame, you could make it out of driftwood or broken china mosaic, or pebbles.

9. Homemade candles. I turn to http://www.candletech.com/ for assistance in making simple candles that I can embellish later.

10. Got Kids? Look through your (and your kids') old clothes, cut out squares of fabrics they will remember, and make a little wall hanging or pillow or stuffed toy or whatever. Cut out soft pieces of felt and hot glue them on to the pillow to personalize them with messages or make cute faces.

11. Give something you don't use any more. A sweater that you only wore once; a set of drinking glasses you forgot you owned. Clean them up and give them as gifts. This is NOT "re gifting," but more like redistribution of goods. And if someone asks, be truthful and let them know you want them to have something meaningful, not just something quickly bought from a store.

12. Babysitting coupons for the new parents. This is a BIG one as you start to get older and more of your friends and family are having the childrens. Help em out, offer to babysit and make it official with a nice card and "gift certificate" that you can hand make.

13. Give plants. Herbs, in particular make lovely gifts and this is one way to always be present in your loved one's days for a while to come.

14. Buy a used book and in the inside cover explain why you chose the book for that person.

15. Offer a lesson or class.If you are skilled in a particular area share that with your friends and family. Do you teach yoga or Pilate's classes? Give a class. They'll be thankful, trust me.

16. Greatest Generation. For the elderly people in your life, research newspaper and magazine articles from their youth and present in a creative fashion. (I'm giving my favorite aunt a collage of my grandparents, her parents, with some lovely Shakespearean quotes and a special note from me). Just a thought ;-)

17. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We have to keep true to this now more than ever. Wrap gifts in newspaper, maps, scarves or interesting clothing in order to save time shopping for fancy decorating items and our recycle bins from receiving them after the holiday.

18. Fill an old trunk or suitcase with fun clothing, hats and gaudy jewelry for your children to play dress-up. And GO!

19. Paint an empty wine bottle with non-toxic paint and fill with olive oil. Top with an oil pour spout that can be found at a gourmet cooking shop. There's a great place in Andersonville for all your Olive Oil needs

20. Do something exciting and challenging together (e.g., long walk, bike ride, hike, art course). After morning present opening, our family ALWAYS takes a nice long walk outside, no matter what the weather. Then we come back indoors and enjoy the warmth all over again. It's a nice way to break up a day that's usually just all about consuming.

21. Collect meaningful photos for the gift recipient, make color photocopies and create a collage. (Again, I've done this for a gift this year and it made me so happy and excited and thankful for my family)

22. Create a menu of various culinary delights (e.g., Tantalizing Thai, Mexican Fiesta, etc.) and have the gift recipient choose one of the options.

Regardless of what or how you're gifting items this year, remember to take a moment on whatever day you celebrate with your family and enjoy your time with them. Yes, its fun to shop or create cute items for your loved ones, but it's even more fun to sit and enjoy some downtime with them.

Till Two Weeks From Today....
Happy Happy Holidays Everyone!
xoxo
jess

Stuffing the Stocking

~from Kitten Around Town

The holidays are officially upon us! Hanukkah began on Friday, Yule is next Monday and Christmas is in ten days. Where did December go?

One of my favorite things about the winter holidays is that they present the opportunity to spoil your sweetie (not that anyone needs a calendar occasion to do that!). For those who may need some inspiration, here is a list of great holiday gifts for your loved one. I hope that they get you a lovely, er, stocking stuffer in return!

· Box of Love: Everyone needs to be reminded that they are cherished and appreciated, but we sometimes forget to tell our partner, or don’t know when they might need it the most. Purchase or make a lovely box – something that they would be able to put out in their home – and fill it with slips of paper with things you adore about them or romantic memories. Your honey can reach in and pull out a note whenever they need a pick me up!

· Give From the Heart: Donate to a charity that speaks to your lover’s interest or adopt their favorite animal at a local zoo. Most charities will send you a letter you can present in a card stating what organization is being supported in their name, and some zoos will even send a stuffed version of your new adopted friend!

· Time Saver: Is there a chore or task that eats up at your sweetie’s time? Make them a gift certificate to do the dishes or their laundry so that they can get caught up on their novel or knitting project. An extra hour in the day is one of the best gifts you can give.

· Bombshell!: Want to help a lady love embrace her sexy side? A gift certificate for classes at Studio L’Amour or a saucy photo shoot at Vavoom Pinups. Ladies, treat yourself to a class or workshop at the Studio and give your partner a show they will never forget. A book of photos of yourself in pinup attire is the gift that keeps on giving.

· Spa Day: A whole day at a spa is rather pricey, so why not make your apartment into a spa for a day for your sweetheart? Some online research can give you the tools you need to either choose the right body scrubs and lotions at the store or to make your own. The Internet can also guide you in procedure for massage, exfoliation and facials. Whip up a light meal, get some bubbly and you’ll have the coziest and most personal (and hands on!) salon in town.

Until Next Wednesday,
Kitten LeFemme

Bon Voyage!!

This blog is less about any advice or info about happenings around our fairest of Midwestern cities, and more about wishing our fearless leader Ms Lulu Mae herself, Agnes B Miles a wonderful time on her well deserved trip to St Thomas! Bon Voyage Aggie!! Enjoy your trip to the fullest. Don't worry, we will take care of all of Lulu's precious pieces while you're away.

When you have a moment, be sure to check out Crave Chicago's Urban Girl's Manifesto, on sale now and featuring Ms Agnes Miles and Love, Lulu Mae and get your copy now and support the leading ladies in fashion, business, and beauty here in our windy city.

Don't forget- you fabulous Lulu followers about the Le Celebration de Les Femmes at: Steph M's Kitch'n Salon, 2053 W. Division, #3, on Sunday, December 13th, 3:00 - 7:00pm. A fantastic representative from Lulu Mae will be in attendance and offering wonderful wares for your holiday head, as well as myself for PBnJAM with our delicious vintage inspired housewares. Come out and see us, and support local ladies in design, fashion, and beauty. Should be a great time and an event not to miss!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
xox
jess

Mistletoe: How to Survive the Holidays With Your Honey

From Kitten Around Town

The winter holidays are stressful. There is pressure to attend a variety of parties, participate in the mad dash of commerce and spend time with family members that you might rather not see. Doing the holidays as part of a couple can be doubly frustrating, but there are some ways to manage the madness and come out of it feeling full of love and warmth….or at least some delicious hot chocolate!

Family Circus

Established couples have the challenge of deciding what their family of two (or more) will do. New couples may be introducing each other to their families and friends for the first time. Either way, family time doesn’t have to be a headache. For those who are navigating whose home to go to and when, a tried and true method is to alternate holidays, with one side seeing you for Thanksgiving and the other for the winter holidays. If the travel has worn you out, try hosting at your house or booking a vacation for the two of you and escaping for some couple time. If being with your family is crucial to you for the holidays, divide and conquer and make your own holiday celebration when you are back in the same city. There is no rule that holidays have to be celebrated on the calendar day they fall on!

Meeting the family is a tough first step for any couple and is especially tricky at this time of year. If you are bringing a new sweetie into the fold, be sure to prep him or her on any wacky relatives they might want to watch out for. If you are the guest, be sure to bring a little something with you, like a bottle of wine or chocolates (a good rule to follow generally) and offer to help in the kitchen or with dishes if a meal is being served. If you are nervous, don’t try to calm yourself by inhaling the wet bar. Remember that you are making your honey happy, and their loved ones will adore you for it! Make it even easier for them by not getting toasted at their shindig.

Office Parties

The end of the year is generally the time when offices and businesses like to have their company party to blow off some steam and celebrate a year of hard work. These are also occasions when you can bring your partner and make them suffer (or celebrate) along with you. If you choose to bring a date, be sure not to abandon them. You may need to flit about to say hi to Kelly from HR and Steve from IT, but your date will most likely know no one, leaving them stuck by the dip. Sometimes the occasion arises when you will need to mingle and schmooze. In that case, set them up talking with a co-worker with whom they may have something in common so they don’t have to be a wallflower while you play social butterfly.

Santa Stress

My first Christmas in my first grown-up, post-college relationship, I was overwhelmed by the pressure of what to get my beau. I felt that it had to be perfect and wonderful, as if the future of our relationship depended on his holiday gifts.

It didn’t.

I went a little overboard and got him enough so that we could have celebrated Christmas, Hanukkah and the Solstice. He made me mix cds. They were perfect, and drove home the point that holiday gift giving isn’t about running around to stores to find the “perfect” something to wow your partner. Especially in new relationships, over the top gifts can be overwhelming and ruin the fun of your first holiday season together. Homemade gifts, like coupons to do the chores you know they hate (or for naughtier activities!), speak volumes and are easy to get right because you are making them especially for your loved one.

Don’t forget that this is a time to be appreciative of what, and who, you have. Be sure to have time set aside for the two of you to start your own traditions, enjoy some treats and smooch under the mistletoe!

xoxo,
Kitten LeFemme

It's Holiday Jubilee Time!! Take Two

Move over "Cyber Monday" it's time for "Super Sweet Event Tuesday!"

Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity to purchase some great items from select local companies, on the cheap and just in time for the holidays. Being hosted once more by the lovely ladies of Love Lulu Mae and Coco Irene, this year promises to bring you a wonderful collection for all your holiday gift giving needs. Support local independent fashion AND do your Holiday shopping at the same time! As if that weren't enough, we're serving up holiday drinks and snacks to sweeten the deal.


Tuesday December 1st 6pm - 9pm
Theater Building Chicago in the Lobby
1225 W. Belmont


The Vendors
Cheesecake Handmade Beauty - Handmade, natural bath and body products for the pin up in you!

Chic Gems - Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Coco Irene - Intricate accessories made with vintage materials and antique notions. Discontinued clothing on clearance!

Love, Lulu Mae - ARTcessories for the Modern Woman with a Vintage Soul

PB n JAM - Handcrafted home accessories and artwork with a vintage, kitschy, modern slant
Along with Erin Ramierez and her one of a kind artwork, selling at Hanger 18 now in Lincoln Square

Vavoom Pinups - Chicago's premier pinup and boudoir photography studio

xoxo,
Jess

Happy Holidays from Love, Lulu Mae

Love, Lulu Mae is proud to have had such a successful year. We experienced wonderful press coverage this past spring and summer. As a result, LLM was invited to participate in the "Emmy Awards", "Latin Grammy Awards" and "Christmas In Hollywood" Swag/Gift Bags by donating one of a kind "Love, Lulu Mae" merchandise. We are soon to launch a new Couture Bridal Collection on the West Coast in spring 2010 and our Couture Baby Line "xoxo lulu mae" in Fall 2010. You'll be sure to hear from us when we launch. We are overjoyed with the positive response we are receiving and want to share a little "love" from Lulu Mae with you!

To show our appreciation, we are offering one FREE Love, Lulu Mae Signature Feather Clip with orders placed online this Friday ONLY! (Signature Feather Clip was seen in the Latin Grammy Gift Bags, as well as, the Holiday in Hollywood Gift Bags.) If that isn't enough, use coupon code CRAVECHICAGO for an additional 15% off!

A little reminder: All Holiday orders must be placed before Dec.14 for arrival before Dec. 25!

Upcoming Events

ART vs CRAFT Nov. 28th / Milwaukee Kick off your holiday shopping with this fantastic craft show!

2nd Annual Holiday Jubliee Shopping Event Dec. 1st / Chicago Sip on a cocktail and shop for the holidays! Free admission and full of crafty vendors!

Indie Wed January 30th, 2010 / Chicago A Unique Wedding Show and Market. Email if you'd like free tickets!


Have a happy and joyous Holiday Season!
Love, Lulu Mae

The Holiday Zone

A Special Monday edition of Fashion Friday's with Jess (due to the Thanksgiving Holiday)

You're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. You see signs all around you: "Holiday Sale Here" "Shop Smart" "Buy Local" "What Recession? Buy Our Electronics" "Get Going With Groupon" "Black Friday is now on Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday, and Tuesday"" You're confused. You feel lost. Maybe a little tired. Maybe a little hungry. You keep traveling till you see a signpost up ahead...your next stop: The Holiday Zone....

It's the "most wonderful time of the year" right? From now until what- Jan 3rd- we are in the thick of the "Holiday Haze" as I like to call it. I say Jan 3rd because it typically takes a day to recover from the New Years festivities and another day to realize that you can breathe again, because the holidays are finally over. Even if you are one of the most mellow, non-participating holiday persons out there, you still are effected by all the Holiday Hooplah that happens, and seemed to start happening earlier this year than ever. Am I right? Or am I just getting old and cranky?

Of course when I Googled "Holiday Zone" there were over 36 million hits for this and a page of sites with the URL. So to appeal to the curious here is your very special holiday link to THE HOLIDAY ZONE site, so you can get your seasonal celebration on. To be fair it's actually a helpful site for teachers with creative activities, games, guides etc to use in the classroom or home. So if you or someone you know is a teacher, send them to the site, it could be a good resource.

Admittedly, I do love the chance to be able to take at least one day and see what family and friends I can, cook great food, relax, and maybe gift some super fun items to people. I'm finding though, that the older I get, and as friends and family start to add to their friends and family, the appeal of the whole present buying experience actually makes me cringe more than run out and join the millions of other shoppers fighting to get that "next great thing." Perhaps this has to do with my past year of being laid off from a full time day gig, but I think I'm just sticking more to my ideals about being a conscious consumer and purchase items from people, not just big corporations. Once again, I will participate in Buy Nothing Day as a way to do something by not doing something. And really, when it comes down to it I'd rather spend more of my hard earned unemployment check on a special artistic piece- made for someone by someone-and give just one special piece, than try and overload a loved one with as much stuff as I can find for a cheap price.

Don't get me wrong, I am all about going to my favorite shops online and supporting the DIY marketplace. Whilst roaming the internet today I stumbled across THE BEST GIFT for the little human in your life... I bring to you dear reader, Monster Hands. Yes, you could spend the time to draw these characters on your child's hand, because typically kids are so great at sitting still right? Ummm I don't think so. Why not support this smaller company, save time by not having to draw or cleanup, and have fun with your kiddo? And at $6.95, a box of these sweet temp tatts won't make a monster out of your bank account.

Fortunately this week, the folks over at TOC did a decent Holiday Shopping Guide for those of us who need assistance in the local shopping department. It's pretty sweet too because they arranged the guide by different neighborhoods and what you could typically find in the shops there. I would like to add a few of my own stores though, cause I think the TOC people missed the sleigh with a few neighborhoods, including the ENTIRE neighborhood of Logan Square.

My personal additions by neighborhood are:
* Lincoln Square: Hanger 18- (which our sister will be exhibiting her artwork there with an opening reception on Wed Dec 2nd, after doing the Holiday Jubilee with us!) The Dressing Room-don't ask, just go.

* Andersonville: After living in this neighborhood for 2 years, we became quite fond of the fellas over at Scout. Um hellooo, Presence- A great place for sales and the ladies who work there are sweet and very helpful. Go get some clothes or a new Yak Pak already, sheesh. You can get your inner hippy traveler on at Kopi, which is where we go to get our Nag Champa. The Brown Elephant- Yes, you can find great holiday gifts at the thrift AND help others in the process. When up there browsing, don't forget to stop by the Middle Eastern Bakery for some tasty morsels, fresh pita and other breads, or the thorough spice selection. When your done buying supplies, you most likely will be hungry so walk across the street to Taste of Lebanon and get the Lentil Soup (not veggie friendly) and hummus-yum town here you come!

* Hyde Park: Please go visit my good friends and family over at the Seminary Co-op (57th St Books), which also happens to be our President's favorite bookstore.

* Wicker Park/Bucktown: G Boutique-sassy, sexy lingerie. Need I type more? Untitled-this Chicago mainstay is still worth the trip, regardless of the prices. And the staff is tops! Una Mae's-it's marketed as the "freak boutique" just go. Buffalo Exchange-you know them, go in and sell some of your own clothes and then purchase gifts. Brooklyn Industries-Perhaps it's because I just returned from a trip to Brooklyn, but I really like this shop and the way they do things, it's worth the money if you can afford it. Don't forget US #1, another Wick Park/Chicago staple. The end all be all for me is Fluevog. Kyle and the gang at FLuevog always make you feel special when you're there, regardless of purchasing or not. AND they do lay-a-way. Yes, I just typed LAY-A-WAY.

* Pilsen: If someone you know is an aspiring seamstress or fashionista, get them a gift certificate to the Textile Warehouse. Make sure to stop by Cafe Jumping Bean to see what artists are being featured and have a good cup of coffee. It's been a while since I lived in Pilsen and I know the neighborhood has changed just about as dramatically as Wicker Park/Bucktown, so I'm not the expert at shopping in Pilsen but I do know about the bars/restaurants. Don't miss a stop at Simone's for the great beer selection, El Milagro because it's the best dang taqueria anywhere, or the tots at Skylark.

* ***If you're following your TOC with this blog, you"ll see that I am purposefully bi-passing the Lakeview (except for the Threadless shop), Lincoln Park, Streeterville, and Loop neighborhoods, not because I don't want to take the time to add any suggestions, but I think the TOC staff did a great job at picking out some shops. And honestly, you can take a day, head to any one of those neighborhoods and not be disappointed. ***

* Which brings me to Logan Square. I have to say I am quite surprised at the young hip staff of TOC, that they didn't even mention any shop in or near the Square. Perhaps there isn't enough to write about yet? So I feel it's my duty to represent the hardworking folks (some personal friends) of Lincoln Square. Fleur Inc, Provenance, Threads Etc, Wolfbait & B Girls (who btw-sells all local designers just like Renegade Handmade and the lovely ladies make their own line of fabulous shirts, skits, pants etc), Boulevard Bikes, G-Mart for comics, and Touch of Vintage. Of course no trip to Logan Square would be complete without a brunch or dinner stop at Lula Cafe or The Rocking Horse or a drink at The Whistler. Lest we forget the gloriousness that is Mega Mall or the Sal Val if you're in search of some off the radar, cheap and good finds.

Now if you're not too overloaded with suggestions and links, I would like to direct your attention to my 3 favorite Independent Artist/Craft-ist Seller Emporiums for those that would like to let their fingers doing the shopping and not have to get out of their sweat pants or leave their homes. Yes, I'm talking to you dear reader who may not a.) have the time or b.) feel like trekking all over Chicagoland for gifts. For you I present:

1. Etsy. We all know and love this site and if you get on their mailing list you get a heads up of great new products introduced to the indie fashion forum.

2. Cut + Paste. It's basically another Etsy, except there is a different feel and flow to the site so some gals that I know personally prefer this one over Etsy. Hey, the more the merrier right? Especially during the holidays!

3. Shana Logic. This site has been around since 2006 and yet I still find a LOT of crafters and DIY-ers who haven't heard of it. So I feel like it's my duty to pass along the wonderfulness that is Shana Logic w/a nice variety of products and a fun blog to follow. Check it out and support those artists/crafters!

Fortunately, this year my fellow artistic fiance and I are participating in the Holiday Jubilee so pretty much whatever we don't sell will be going to our peeps for presents. Now, that does not mean that if you are one of our peeps you shouldn't come out and support us along with our sister Erin and her amazing artwork. Make sure you head out and see us (PB n JAM) along with the lovely ladies of Lulu Mae and Coco Irene, Cheesecake Handmade, Vavoom Pinups, Chic Gems, and *just added* Sweet Papier. Come out and support your local talent!!

Seeing as how we will be spending all of the next week preparing for the Holiday and the Holiday Jubilee, Fashion Fridays with Jess will not return till Friday, December 4th. To all of you lovely Lulu admirers and followers, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday. Enjoy your time with family and friends and take a moment to be thankful for all that you have and who you are.

Gobble Gobble
Jess

Inside the Male Mind-Thanksgiving Edition

By: Jordan Brandes

The male mind isn’t nearly as complex as most women assume. Truth be told most men are relatively easy to please. There is an old saying that the path to any man’s heart is through his stomach, while many men don’t like to admit it it’s by far the safest route to love.

If this sounds weird let’s not forget that food is in itself an aphrodisiac. There are the obvious ones like chocolate and strawberries but for men it works on many different levels. You would be amazed how effective a steak or lamb chops is in bringing out most men’s natural primal tendencies. This may sound like the wrong reaction at first but let’s be honest, the goal of any good aphrodisiac is finding a way to let your partner explore their primal instincts.

With Thanksgiving on its way remember that even the holidays is a good excuse to explore topics like this. Really good food can be a natural way to bring enjoyment to your partner and truly rev his engine. Think about while you’re passing the cranberry sauce next week.

New York Bound

From Fashion Fridays with Jess

Get ready New York City because you're about to be invaded with the glorious-ness that is me, Jessica (rep for Love, Lulu Mae)! This is the mini-cation for me and a business trip for my traveling buddy, but the 5 days/4 nights are going to be nothing but F-U-N!! We've got tickets to see my close friend in his Off Broadway show Our Town, directed by one of my favorite teachers from Columbia College Chicago-David Cromer. I get to see not one but TWO close guy friends who I haven't seen in years, and I'm just tickled that I get to revisit one of my favorite cities. Every time I've been in NY, it always feels like home. I never feel intimidated or out of place or lost. The sights, smells, sounds, people, places-all of it just makes me feel at ease and liberated. NY to me is like an old friend that I haven't seen in a while and we pick up right where we left off. I can't wait to see my old friend again.

As we all know one of the most important (and annoying) parts of traveling especially to such an active metropolis as NY is packing. And with all the travel restrictions and stupid baggage fees, only makes the packing experience that much more challenging. But this trip I am going to enjoy it. I found the cutest "old man suitcase" at the Unique Thrift and I purposely purchased it because it's a smaller suitcase than I usually travel with so as to make sure I don't over pack. Admittedly, I'm a bad over-packer because I want to make sure I bring enough and "have enough choices." So giving myself this challenge of packing smartly instead of bringing my entire closet is a good step for me. And with the weather both here and NYC being pretty equal right now (thank you Mother Nature) I'm able to get a good idea of what to bring.

Starting with overcoats, I'm bringing two. One which is classic and black and warm, just in case Mother Nature gets feisty and decides to take it out on us. And another overcoat which is a brilliant blue trench that I got in early spring, w/an awesome black long dress like hoodie. I've got my vintage plaid umbrella, which fits perfect for right now seeing as how the early 90's are back and plaid and flannels are all the rage again. The rest of my clothing options will be interchangeable. Couple pairs of pants, a dress, shirts, skirts, A sweater-which I will pair w/accompanying jewelry and will be able to be either dress up or pair down.

The most important part of this packing organization will be the shoes. Yes, I want to take ALL of my shoes with me, but I know that I can't (as much as it pains me deeply to type this). So I will be wearing my awesome new black/burgundy cowboy boots on the way there and in my sweet over sized bag from Spain I will take with me: my one of a kind Chuck T's (which look like black and white bowling shoes-very cute), my gold Mary Janes w/the small owls w/ruby eyes, and the boots that took me a year to pay- off my beautiful Ruby Red Fluevogs. Even just writing this is getting me excited to pack up and fly outta here!

One of the most challenging aspects for me with packing for a trip like this is HOW DO I GET ALL OF MY BATH PRODUCTS AND MAKE UP ON THE PLANE WITHOUT CAUSING A SECURITY BREECH?

The way I see it, I have 2 choices: I can either follow the stupid 3-1-1 Rule and hope for the best as I attempt to bring on two carry-ons or I can check in my old man suitcase and pay the stupid $15 fee and take as many liquids as I want. Here's the thing, I am addicted to bath products. After my bicycle accident the only thing I wanted to do was take a nice bath/shower or both and be whisked away by (not Calgons) the likes of Kiehls, Lush, and Alba. Yes, I admit that I have an addiction to smelling and feeling good and I am not going to apologize for it. The problem is how do I efficiently transport said addiction to NY?

Enter the "travel sizes."

Travel size toiletries are nothing new to me. I have some already and yes, I think they're adorable. They're cute and compact and cheap, what's not to love? So, we've got my love for all things cute mixed with my addiction for bathing et voila-it's a match made in bath product heaven. I did in fact go crazy with my purchasing power at CVS and got all stocked up on the mini-Listerine, the mini-toothpaste (regular and sensodyne), the mini Apricot facial scrub (which I never use but had to purchase), the mini-Q-Tip container, the mini-make up removing toiletries, added to my stock of the mini-face wash from Kiehls, the mini-lavender body wash from Kiehls and the list goes on and on. All my minis have filled up way more than a regulation quart-sized Zip Lock, so.....looks like I'll be checking in a bag and paying the $15 so I can bring my little pieces of relaxation. Hey, I gotta keep it real while I'm in the NYC and I'm REAL addicted to my showers and baths.

Regardless of what or how I pack, I'm just super grateful to be able to travel to such an exciting city, get some good face time in with old friends, eat good foods, walk through Central Park, go to Coffee Shop for Egg's Benedict, go to the Roebling Tea Room again, go to a couple music shops in Soho, sit on my friend's roof and take in the enormity that is NYC and Brooklyn in particular, and maybe just maybe I will finally get to Coney Island on this trip. This is going to be a great trip and I am thankful to be able to share it with you, and who knows maybe I'll come back with some good ideas and gifts for Lulu Mae!

Till next week....
Jess