Cath Kidston Rocks iPhones...

My computer was giving me some monster trouble signing online, maintaining a consistent signal, and letting me write blog posts or answer emails. I finally made an appointment to go to the Apple store and have a "genius" (that's what they call their techs!) help me figure out what the problem was.

It turned out that my airport card had died and needed to be replaced. While I was waiting for the repair to be effected, I strolled through the store and looked at all their goodies. Tables laden with iPads for people to try; iMacs with HUGE screens; and walls of accessories.

This one was my absolute favorite!

What especially caught my attention was an area that took up about 8' x 10' of pegboard, filled with all sorts of iPhone covers. I started to look for something that might have a sewing/quilting/needlework sort of theme and came across these fabulous Cath Kidston covers.

In case you're not familiar with Cath, you can check out her U.S. webpage here. She's been a favorite in the UK for years, with her wonderful vintage fabric patterns and homemaking accessories.

Great if you're reaching for a star!

I wasn't able to make a choice while I was there yesterday, but I now know which one I want and will make a second trip to procure one. Rule Britannia...pip, pip and all. (giggle)

Flower Power is always a great choice!

If you have an iPhone 4, you just might want to find an Apple store near you to get one of Cath's phone covers for yourself.

By the way, my computer is back up and running at full speed now, so don't be surprised if you finally get an reply to all the wonderful comments you've been leaving for me!




PS. Kelly (Tag's breeder) saw my post about the Katherine's wedding earrings and sent me this link to purchase some knock-offs. I should have guessed that someone would have already copied them. Thanks, Kelly for letting me know!!

A Woman's Crowning Glory...

Me, in all my curly glory.

I'm sure you're heard the term "her crowning glory" in reference to a woman's hair. (If you haven't, don't blame me. I didn't make it up!) It doesn't matter how young or "mature" a woman becomes, she still gauges her appearance by her hair. (We won't talk about weight in this post!) It's really quite interesting how a good or bad hairdo can set your mood for the day!

I told you a while back that I was going to try to grow my hair longer. I've been wearing it in my short crop for nearly ten years, and thought it might be fun to try something different. I've been growing it out since last October, with mixed feelings. There are two things I hadn't considered. 1) That it would be so bloody hot this summer and 2) that my thick hair would be growing back so curly!

The fact that it was growing back as curly as it has wouldn't actually be an issue (women can use blow dryers and other hair tools to compensate for curly), but the heat and humidity cause my hair to revert to it's natural look within minutes of being outside...and having such a thick head of hair makes it feel even hotter.

Curly from the back, too/

So, coming or going, I look like a curly-haired grandma - whether that was the plan for the day or not. ( I love to be a grandma, but not to necessarily look like one. Lord, please forgive my vanity.) So, this happened to be a good look - newly washed and styled - but waking up with this hair first thing in the morning before I have a chance to style it again is a truly frightening sight. This is a high maintenance look for me.

I finally decided to give The Hair Goddess, Nicole a call and schedule an appointment to discuss my options. I walked into the salon, fully expecting that I'd leave with the short-short, easy-care hairdo that I've come to know and love. Heck, put on my glasses with the sparkly rims and I'd look tidy and dressy even before I changed out of my pjs!.

We chatted for a little while after I sat in her chair and she suggested we try an interim cut for a little while. She told me that if I still wanted to go back to the short-short cut, I could come back in and she'd gladly take off the rest of the curls.

My new look. Easy care? We'll see.

So, I planned ahead and asked Handsome to take the "before" photos yesterday morning, and then these "after" photos to share as well. The "afters" were taken straight from the salon. I haven't done anything since getting back home from the salon, and we'll see how it looks tomorrow. I think I like it, though.

Trying to be objective, I think that less hair makes my face look slimmer (no trick photography involved - lol), and I can tell you that it's definitely less hair to wear in this heat.

Still curly, but less hair.

Of course, curly hair still does it's own thing, but heck, so do I! That's something I can live with. I'll try this for a week or two and then decide whether or not to go back to the hairstyle that requires nothing of me except "wash and go" and three-week trims.

Isn't it interesting how a new "do" can change your whole outlook? I feel so much better already.

Tuesdays With Tag - Taggart The Fearless...

When faced with a meadow the size of a football field, Taggart will run toward the unknown. He doesn't require an escort - or a cohort - and will explore to his heart's content. I like to take him to places like this to allow him to blow off some puppy steam and to work on some of our training commands like "heel" or "come", for instance.

If I have the audacity to question his decisions, or request his company on his walks "off-lead", I get one of his now-famous, Robert DeNiro-esque "You talkin' to me?" looks.

 ...right before he disappears into cover that might intimidate a larger dog. My little dog is fearless, I tell you.

When he finally reappears, he strikes a perfect show-dog pose and smiles at me with those laughing, Corgi eyes. My heart melts and all some of his defiance is forgiven for this training session. I know I'm going to have to get more insistent on compliance. We'll work on following the rules again tomorrow.