What's for Lunch?

I'm all ears!

I can distinctly remember toting my pearl pink Little Twin Star lunchbox with matching thermos to school, it was the cutest and perfect lunch box ever. All of those school lunch memories resonated as I attended the 50th anniversary for Sanrio. I was a kid again. Little Twin Star was plastered on the walls and Hello Kitty was just as lovely as I had imagined, yet very quiet! Being there made me ponder on how all those packed lunches got me here today? well figuratively speaking. Today, my lunch is still packed by my mother, in my more conservative hot pink lunchbox. Yet, today the Lunchables don't suffice. I'm stuck in a rut.

This year has been one of an emotional learning process and growth for me. I've had my heart broken, I had a reevaluation of my friendships, my life and most importantly that constant question mark that seems to have made quite a home atop my head. The question of whats next? What do I possibly want to do next? Ahh there it is again, ??? questions, questions and very little answers. I've hit a roadblock, and quite frankly lunchboxes and Hello Kitty can't fix this one. Ladies and Gents, I've eaten a huge dose of confusion and it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I use to have a definite plan. My diary was filled with lists, ideas and a few teenage angst entries, but those dreams were vivid and that has all shifted now. While I'm looking forward to 2011 and the new possibilities ahead, I owe 2010 a bow and a cheapish applause, cause however difficult the hump has been I have learned so much. My skin has gotten thicker ( hey, hey now I moisturize! But I've grown a backbone! Hallelujah) My heart has gotten tougher and while I haven't lost sight of my dreams I'm still a ball of CONFUSION. I have embraced every learning ingredient that has composed my life lunch of 2010! I'm still treading forward occasionally looking back to summarize what I've learned, but folks I know I'm not the only one, have any of you ever felt stuck? ( By any of you, I direct to my only two followers :) lol ) What have you done to Un-Elmer glue yourself out of it?

Little Twin Stars!

Until next time happy dining everyone!



Ciao,

Evelyn's Book Club: Eat, Pray, Love

   

     I love OPRAH!! really, who doesn't, and I love to read!! So when Oprah, had writer Elizabeth Gilbert a few years ago on her show talking about her book, I took notice. I was perusing the shelves of the bookstore the other day, and came about the book "Eat, Pray, Love." My thought, if it's good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for me. I purchased the book, and can't quite put it down, my eyes are hurting actually. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm hooked.
       Elizabeth Gilbert, had the seemingly perfect life. A successful writer/journalist, she had the Manhattan Apartment, the New York suburb house, the husband, just about everything. Underneath, however, there was emptiness, she was falling apart on her bathroom floor every night! After a painful divorce, another failed relationship, she went on a year long journey, to Italy, India and Bali. I was so intrigued to see her leave everything behind to start anew. I often find myself wanting to take that leap and move to Italy, and see what becomes of it. Gilbert's language is vivid and colorful, she interjects humor subtly. I am on this journey with her. I can see the streets of Italy come alive, I can see her pain swell the words on the page. Seldom, have I rooted for a character, and rejected them, but Elizabeth isn't a character this is her life journey... She comes across religion and spirituality in an almost refreshing way. So, I'm so excited to find out what's next, so I'm cutting this blog short to continue reading! If you have the chance to pick up this book do so, and tell me what you think!

I ask this question,  how many of you out there every picked up and left? how was your journey?

As I continue reading, I will update this post.


Ciao,

To buy or not to buy?

Ok, I'll admit it, I have one fake handbag!! Gasp! But really, I can't afford the Chloe or Marc Jacobs bag of my dreams... so what do I do until then? Believe me, I've had my chance at back alley hush, hush deals, and a few too many acquaintances pull some bags out of their trunk, but I have resisted the temptation,  because owning the real deal, is so much sweeter. Buying knock offs isn't just a fashion crime, but apparently contributes to real world crime and drug trafficking, ahhh and that is never in fashion!

Check this out.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

So how to spot the fakes next time you're hush hush shopping? 

Spotting a knock-off is more difficult than you may think. Use the tips below as a checklist to avoid buying a fake.

1. Location, Location, Location
First and foremost, purchasing luxury goods at a brand’s boutique, website or authorized dealer is your best bet to insure buying a genuine product. Items at flea markets, home parties, from street vendors, or unauthorized websites are likely to be fake.
2. The Price is Right
Quality and exclusivity account for the high price of luxury goods. Thus, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Construction Sites
Craftsmanship is a main point of distinction with luxury goods. Sloppy stitches in less visible areas—such as the underside of a product or inside pockets—is likely the result of counterfeit production.
4. Package Deal
Luxury retailers meticulously package their products, including tissue paper, authenticity cards, product care information, superior quality boxes, and shopping bags. If you see a plastic wrap covering or a flimsy dust bag, it's probably a fake. For example, counterfeit manufacturers will often wrap the handles of handbags in plastic.
5. Spell-check
Counterfeiters will often misspell designer names. Check for letters that are swapped or a letter that is capitalized that shouldn’t be, and vice versa.
6. Check the Hardware
With most luxury accessories, you will find the logo on all the metal pieces, such as zippers, latches, snaps, and buckles.
7. Read the Label
In a genuine article of luxury clothing, most often the label is stitched in, whereas counterfeit clothes are likely to have a less expensive hangtag. Also, check the country of origin on the label.
8. Timely Tips
Makers of fake watches may not replicate unusual features, such as a helium relief valve. If the feature is available, often times it does not function.


-Harper's Bazaar: http://fakesareneverinfashion.com/fakes_real_deal.asp



Ciao,

Ciao Italia!

La bella Italia! So granted I have a slight obsession with all things Italian.... I stood in front of my of high school English class gripping my collage. A collage that figuratively expressed my life goals, likes and dislikes, with an over abundant embellishment of glue and glitter. The one thing, I can honestly remember fulfilling from that collage was a trip to Italy! I can remember saying how I thought I must have been Italian in my past life, cause quite frankly I had a deep affinity towards the country and its culture; without having stepped foot on its disheveled cobble streets. Years later, when I decided to study abroad in Genova, Italy my humble little dream, turned into a REALITY! I was in Gelato HEAVEN. Hallelujah I can hear the Roman Gods calling my name. I found my niche, my little place in the world where, dramatically I must say, I belonged. So for a slight moment, I lived my dream... I never threw a stone in the Trevi fountain, which guarantees your return to Rome!!! but, I'm doing the impossible one maxed out credit card at a time, well not really but one tax return at a time to go back... until then...

 

 VENICE

 My favorite city in Italy.

Ciao,