An Interview, A Giveaway and a Scandal

Oh fun! Today my interview with Amanda McCabe is up over at the Risky Regencies blog to launch her new book Countess of Scandal as Laurel McKee. She's giving away a copy of her book to a lucky commenter so please stop on by and check out the interview here.

And it just so happens that my review of Countess of Scandal is up on Booksquawk so later you can stop on by there and check that out. You'll see I really enjoyed all the scandal. It was a great read.

Once again. Happy Saturday!

Best,

Kwana

West End Girls

A Little Saturday Music for You. Enjoy.


Best,
Kwana

Chill Baby

What's Jack up to? He's still doing the trash sneak thing and it is starting to get on my last nerves. I refuse to get another trash can or put him back in the basement. So Jack is going to just have to learn. Too bad he's trying to learn me. Humph!

So I realized I never posted a pic of myself in my new glasses. I think it's because I'm not entirely happy with them. They are so big. It took a ton of pictures just to get this semi good one. Now I'd I hate to go to to eyeglass store yet again, but whatever. Who knows? I will try and live by the card that PVE gave me here and Keep Calm and Carry On.

I hope you have a calm weekend planned. Me? Not so much. Vrooom!!!

Best,

Kwana

Visualization

For a while now I’ve been visualizing a revamp of my bedroom. One that includes a bit of paint and a little writing space for me and maybe the dreamy possibility of some shelves for some of my many book and piles. Now I’m not sure how I’ll get that to fit in my small space but I have some ideas.

You see I’ve tried writing in other spaces in my house but my bedroom is my sanctuary and I’m my most creative in there (Stop your thinking right there. This blog is family friendly, well, most days)



So here are a few pics that I have been dreaming on.


Speaking of pretty spaces there is a cool competition going on at Apartment Therapy called the Big Window Challenge and blogger and decornista, Eddie Ross is entered. Today is the last day to cast your vote. You can go here and check out Eddie and the rest of the competition. That gorgeous bag on the chair alone deserves a nod don't ya think?


http://bigwindowchallenge.apartmenttherapy.com/




Have fun and what projects are you visualizing today?

Best,
Kwana

Going Gaga for Fashion

What’s Jack up to? Jack has been sneaky lately with getting into the trash on the DL and stealing my laundry, annoying things like that to let me know Jack’s in the house and be on the lookout.

Ms. That’s Not My Age (you can check out her cool blog here) asked me to talk about Lady Gaga's costumes a bit and I’m more than happy to. Her costumes were super fab. As you can imagine they were over the top and in pure Gaga style. Some swallowed her tiny body whole others barely covered her up and I’m speaking about a fiery red bikini that she danced like mad around on the stage in. A particular fave of mine was a gold number that took me back to a movie a loved Flash Gordon, but once again I’m dating myself. I really need to stop doing that.

All the wild fashions were not on the stage either. I wish I had taken pics of the crowd. There was a guy with a jacket made of lights that I was so glad I wasn’t seated behind. Also quite a few women my age (and size) in unitards (not pretty at all) and the coolest and coldest duo were two guys in loincloths and boots and that was it all except the blue body paint ala Avatar. Very fun.

Best,

Kwana

most photos thanks to Socilaite Life

Oops

So this story is like my worst nightmare since it's so Kwana like. I think I may have said here before that in my fashion days one of my nicknames was "Grace" since I'm such a klutz. Constantly tripping over my own feet and getting all sorts of snickers from the more gracefully inclined fashionistas. I can't tell you how many times my DH has chuckled at my stubbing a toe and gotten his head bitten off for it in the middle of the night. "Hey, who moved that bed?!" "Uh, nobody it's been there for years." "Oh, well, shut it!"

Well, when I heard the story about the poor woman who tripped and fell into this Picasso at the Met tearing it my heart just broke for her. There but for the grace of God go me and all that. Read more about it here.








Best,
Kwana

Playing My Position

What's Jack up to? Jack's doing just fine. Getting into bits of trouble here and there but that's just Jack so what's more to say? Happy Monday!



I made it through the Gaga weekend. Though by DD and her friends did lots of fretting over what they were going to wear I decided to play my position and go as, well, me The 40 Year Old Mother in jeans, an olive draped sweater, and my comfy Uggs. Yes, I said it Uggs. Ga-Ga indeed. But my feet didn't hurt. Lordy I am getting old.

But, I've had my days of dress-up and fun way back in the day. Saturday night I was just there to fade in the background and keep and eye on things, make sure the girls weren't snatched up or anything.


Of course I enjoyed the show while I was trying to fade. I did my share of head bobbing and danced a bit when I could sneaked it in without a dirty look sent my way. I particularly liked the opening act, a glam rock band called Semi Precious Weapons that my DD told me I was too old to like as much as I did. Sigh. Whatever. (insert eye roll here)

Here was my tweet on the subject. I was having fun but am afraid the girls were corrupted:

Lead singer just stripped and changed on stage I'm afraid girls are changed forever same as me with Prince the first time. 6:47 PM Jan 23rd from web

Lady Gaga put in a great show. I have to say I liked her before but really like her even more now. She has so much talent and energy and knows how to use it to her advantage. Am I a little monster? Maybe.




All in all a good time, though I could have done without the drinks being thrown down from me from overhead. I'm wayyyy to old for that crap.




Here is a little Semi Precious Weapons for you if you can deal. ***Warning explicit lyrics.*** Not for the faint of heart. Have fun.





Best,
Kwana

Bad Romance

Here's a hint at my planned evening tonight with some 16 year olds. Wish me luck.



Best,
Kwana

Friday Musings

I can’t believe it’s Friday already. ALREADY!! Yeesh. Slow it down there Nelly!

Oh well. The week has flown and I feel I’ve gotten much of nothing done but have been so busy. Yeah, I’m sure there were a few things thrown in here and there, but for the life of me I can’t place them.

Just for fun I’ll share a pic of the Dear Twins birthday cake from their party last week. I decided to embarrass them once more and use the blog pics on their cake. I think it came out so cute and it was delish too. I still can't believe I have 16 year olds but all the teen drama tells me it is so. Sigh.

In other ramblings... are you watching Project Runway? I am but have the hardest time remembering it’s on Lifetime now. It’s so hard to break a habit. Hey, don’t my hips know it?
I thought Amy, Jay and Anthony rocked it this week and to me Amy made that burlap beautiful.

Best,
Kwana

Before and After

What's Jack up to? He's looking like a new dog after his much needed haircut this weekend and I'd swear he has some extra pep in his step. It must be from lugging all that shaggy hair weight.


It was totally my own fault

And seeing how good he looks now I'm just ashamed (Kwana hangs head...until next time).



Sorry Jackster.
Have you ever just let things (like your poor pet or gasp, your own hair) go?



Best,
Kwana

A Long and Bumpy Road

Today is Knit Wednesday when I get to meet with my knitting group and kick back, laugh, joke, eat and knit a bit so I thought I'd share pics of the turtleneck that I FINALLY finished a little over a week ago. It only took me about a year to get this thing done and you can't really call it a turtleneck since I ran out of yarn before I could properly finish the neck.

Oh well... done is done and I am D.O.N.E.

It looks quite handmade and a bit wonky as anything I seem to finish does, but no matter I'm flowing with it.

Oh and please ignore my lumps and bumps too. Blame it on the yarn. Okay? Hmm..Thanks.

My next project is an attempt at an infinity scarf I won't be trying another sweater for a long while. I just hope this doesn't take an infinity to finish.

Best,

Kwana

P.S. old glasses in the pic. Waaa I miss them.

Framed

What's Jack up to? Jack is feeling quite spry since he's sporting a new and very badly needed haircut which he got for the Dear Twins birthday celebration. Of course he was the main greeter and the life of the party, trying his best to get at snacks and cake. I'll have a pic to show you soon.

So I had to get new glasses. Mine just up a broke on me while I was doing nothing but chopping onions. Must have been chopping too hard, who knows because suddenly the handle was just off and could not be repaired so I had to up and get a new pair. Ugh and I loved those glasses.

Now I'm a huge glasses wearer. I have contacts, but never really feel comfortable with them since I've worn classes since about 3rd grade so I feel they are a part of me.

I drag the DH shopping with me and quickly settle on 3 pair although I'm not quite certain and wish I had maybe 100 more to choose from. My glasses are ready in about an hour and I go home. That evening it's another family celebration out and folks say my new glasses look nice but I'm not convinced. I feel like Henry Kissinger in them. They were lovely D&G frames, black, but I think too masculine for me. I felt I needed to be solving a serious missile crises in those glasses and not hanging on my blog talking to you all. I know, weirdo!

So after bugging my DH till about 2am (he growls) I was back at the eyeglass store the next day to exchange them. Thank goodness for 30 day returns. I got a pair that was very similar but tortoise, Ralph Lauren. The only problem is the orange horse on the side, but I'll get over it I'm sure (I love orange). At least that's what my husband hopes so he can get some sleep.

Best,

Kwana

pics thanks to Daily Candy- glasses from NYC's Fabulous Fanny's

Still Climbing

Happy Monday and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day! Dr. King's actual birthday is January 15th which is my Dear Twins birthday and I always felt such a sense of pride with them having that birthday.

This is such an important and hard fought holiday. For all of us the significance can't be forgotten. On the way to church yesterday while listening to the radio with my son we heard Reverend Al Sharpton say we have to make sure this is a Holiday and not a Hollow day and that makes sense. Kids have to know all that has happened to make this day happen in our country.



I also want to send positive thoughts to my own Pastor and many United Black clergy members as they travel with Rev Al to Haiti to help with relief. It is so wonderful how so many good people from all over the world have come together to help during this awful and devastating time.

Yes, there are those twisted few that are not true Christians (though they claim to be) or those that have dark hearts that want to twist this tragedy for their own media fame, but don't that that outweigh all those who truly care. There are so many from all walks of life, color and religions. And these people should be applauded. Thanks.

Best,
Kwana

Sweet 16

While I was sleeping you grew up, seemingly overnight

While I was blinking you grew older and time just passed me by

I don’t know how this happened that 16 years has passed

It really can’t be true

But the calendar says so, thou my heart it fights and says no
I have to give in and face the truth

Happy Birthday my Dear Babies, I will hold on to that right

To call you my Dear Babies with all of my might

You will always be my Dear Babies

Whether you are 16 or 60

Because you are the dearest things in the word forever and always to me

Love,
Mom

This Woman's Work

This gorgeous painting from French painter Martin Drolling in 1815 reminds me of all the work I need to do around the house today. What about you? What's on your agenda today?



Best,
Kwana

What Cha Reading? January edition...

What's Jack up to? Jack us up to his old tricks. He got into the DS's gym bag yesterday and had his way with a granola bar leaving only the wrapping on the couch as evidence.



So What Cha Reading? We are having the hardest time with a book club selection for our mom's night out/ book/ drinks group. We did choose The Lucuna by Barbara Kingsolver but it didn't stick so then a few choices were handed out as to another pic, one being Elizabeth Gilbert's newest Committed which I still want to read since I loved Eat, Pray, Love. Now I know this may not live up to the original but still I'm going in. It also didn't stick with the all members so I'm afriad the Book/drinking/mom's night out group might lose the book part because I am not ready to lose the other parts.

Mom needs a night out!



Either way, right now I'm reading Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee. I just got a change to get into it during the DD's dance class but so far it's a win!



Here is the blurb:

Eliza Blacknall and Will Denton were childhood sweethearts, growing up on neighboring estates in beautiful County Kildare. But adulthood finds them on opposite sides of the monumental and violent struggle of 1798, as Eliza supports the United Irish in their quest for independence, and Will is a major in the British Army, sworn to uphold the Crown. The passion for each other burns hotter than ever—but can it survive as their world crumbles around them?

Check out Laurel's site here.




So what are you reading?



Best,
Kwana

Feeling Better

Let me start off by saying my DH is all sorts of The Man! You can just put a picture of me on the end of these ecstatic folks.





My laptop is fixed and I didn't lose a thing. Whew. I can breathe easier. The only problem I have now is some old (annoying) sticky keys which are now stickier. So The DH thinks I may soon have to send it out for keyboard replacement. Ack! More time without my DLT (dear laptop).



But for now I'm feeling more like myself today with my trusty companion. Thanks for all your good thoughts yesterday.



Best,
Kwana

Ahh Choo!

Happy Monday peeps. I hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was going along swimmingly, that is until I caught a virus.

No, not that kind of virus.

This kind of virus:

And I'm still not cured. I'm typing is on the old computer in my f-f-frezing basement. The DH spent Saturday night and the better part of Sunday trying to fix my laptop with no success while I was alternating between praying,biting my nails, nagging him, rocking and chanting. He plans to come home from work with other tactics to try but is afraid that he may have to wipe out everything I have in order to clear things up. *sob*



This writer chick is not a happy camper. I feel like I'm missing my right arm.
I hope you're doing better than me today.



Best,
Kwana

Booksquawking

Happy Saturday! Please stop over at Booksquawk here and check out my review of The White Queen by Philippa Gregory. And while you're at it leave a comment and become a follower. Lots of great reviews over there by cool writers! Thanks.



Best,
Kwana

Warm Me Up

Happy Friday peeps! It's supposed to be another cold one today and snow too. My kids are wishing with all their might for a snow day and I spent the better part of the evening explaining that doing homework was a a safer bet since I'm praying there is no snow day. Ah, the wish/prayer weather counter clash.

Either way I wish I had this coat to warm me up. Doesn't she look wonderful. I hope it's warm where you are. I'm about tired of freezing.

Pic from the Satorialist

And thanks for your sweet comments on the My Space feature yesterday. You all warm me considerably.



Best,
Kwana

UPDATE: 2 hour school snow delay so both win I guess.

My Space- Check It Out

What's Jack up to? Mr. Jack has been just feeling hot lately. Being snippy and peppy. His most fun this week? Driving me crazy by getting into the trash whenever he can. We have one of those step-on cans that has a slow close lid that doesn't just slam shut so it won't take off a finger or make a ton of noise. Well, Jack is very aware of this and and just lays in wait for a person to throw away some food and then walk away while the lid is still closing so he can make his move. Yeah, Life with Jack is never dull.

So what's up with me? Well, my exciting news is I was featured over at one of my absolute favorite blogs yesterday The Musings of Ondo Lady! I've been a fan of Ronke and her cool British style since I first learned of the blog world and was honored when she interviewed me for one of her My Space pieces. Please stop by here and check it out. Thanks.

Best,

Kwana

Sex vs. Fab

Of course like so many I’m super excited about Sex In The City 2, but I can’t help but have some of the same trepidation about it that I had when 1 was coming out. Could it possibly live up to the first? Have that same spark and excitement?

And come on are the ladies in Marrakesh?


Can they possibly be as funny as these ladies in Marrakesh? I doubt it. It's a tall order.


What do you think?


Best,
Kwana

A Little Blues

I had a great time at Lady Jane's last night. It was my first "night out" since my surgery so it was tiring but well worth it to hear my lovely and talented friend Liz Maverick read.

Along with the super Kathryn Smith. So much fun.

One of my favorite CD's to listen to over and over is Aretha Sings the Blues.
Here's a little Tuesday blues to brighten you day.










Oh and I'd like to welcome my lovely and oh so sweet Sister In Law, Audrey aka The Chaser to the blog world. Stop on over and see this phenomenal woman of god over here and give her a surprise hello. Don't forget to tell her I sent ya. Thanks!

Best,
Kwana

Why You Should Always Check Your Face...proof

I won't go into the long story again you can read it here but this is video proof of why you should always check your face before you leave the house, car or just walk into the hardware store. And this was my New York debut. I got calls from as far as Staten Island and New Jersey. You've been warned. Ugh!!!!

Best,

Kwana

A Fresh Wish for 2010

Happy 2010! Well, we made it here, now what are we gonna do with it? Gah!

A fresh year, a fresh decade to start all over again. And to say goodbye to the old crap that didn’t come to pass. I for one will fight to let those things go and work to embrace the new dreams of today.

The DD had a fine idea of going back to an old tradition that I had made up and forgotten about after we moved to the new house in the new town a few years ago. When the twins were small we always stayed in on New Year’s Eve and we’d blow up paper bags and make a wish in them and then pop them for the New Year. Don’t know where I got the idea or why I forgot it, but I was very happy that it made an impression in the now teen DD and she wanted to go back to it.
It was a tough 2009 and it felt good to go back to the old family traditions and start the year on a fresh wish.

Cheers to you and wishing all our dreams come true this year.

Best,
Kwana